I do not own Kamen Rider Ryuki or Ever After High. Those belong to their respective creators and not me. I am not writing this for profit and am only doing it for fun.
Knights of the Otherworld
By Ten-Faced Paladin
Chapter 9: Legacy Day
Ever After High was in chaos. Classrooms were trashed, the halls filled with torn lockers and their ruined contents. No room seemed to have been spared. Mundane or magical, anything which could be torn apart had been savagely ripped up. Worse, the perpetrators were still milling about.
"Whut, whut, whut, whoooo...!"
Moving through the halls, shambling like zombies and chewing on anything remotely magical, were hundreds of humanoid creatures. They all had off-white bodies, making them look like grubs with blocky gauntlets and thick fingers. They had a semi-clear dome covering their heads, save for their mandible-like mouthguards.
These were Sheerghosts, the most numerous and most troublesome Mirror Monsters in the entire Mirror World.
The Sheerghosts were ransacking anything they could get their hands on. It appeared more like they were searching for something. If they found something which had a high enough level of magic, like certain potions, magic books, or the like they would begin absently chewing on them, acting like a swarm of locusts. Once they finished though, they would start searching again and there were enough of them to be everywhere in the school
Fortunately, the school had its defenders.
"RAH!" Ryuki roared, slashing one Sheerghost away with his Drag Saber, knocking it into its comrades and leaving them in a heap. Spinning and rearing his other arm back, he unleashed the flames of his Drag Claw, making the monsters screech before exploding. Above, Dragredder circled, chomping on the orbs as they rose.
Knight huffed, slashing with both his Dark Visor and his Wing Lancer, cutting down the Shereghosts where he could. Sometimes his lance would score a lucky hit and make a Sheerghost explode. Around him, copies of him were fighting more Shereghost courtesy of his Trick Vent.
Raia rode above the fight on Evildiver, conserving his stamina before making dives down into the mess. Evildiver's wings cut through several of the Sheerghosts while he cracked at them with his Evil Whip.
Zolda had his Giga Cannons up and firing, not caring about collateral damage. He didn't need to worry since there were so many Sheerghosts around as he was blowing them away with little damage to the property around him.
[Final Vent!]
"HAAAA!" Gai rode atop Metalgelas, tearing lines through the mob of Sheerghosts. Although, the lines were filling as more Sheerghosts came onto the scene, attracted by the sounds of battle.
Several Sheerghosts seemed to be fighting amongst themselves, clawing each other apart. One rolled away from the chaos before turning silver and shattering. In its place was Verde, huffing as he prepared his Bio Winder for battle.
Imperor was under the least amount of pressure as his Zelle herd was around him, fighting the Sheerghosts with their numbers. Unfortunately, while he had a herd of Zelles, the Sheerghosts were a swarm. Numbers were still on their side.
Ohja roared, cutting down any Sheerghost that got near him. Coiled around him was Venosnaker, spitting venom at the Sheerghosts to melt them, or simply swallowing others that got close.
Femme slashed with her Wing Slasher, dancing around as she dodged them while striking them down. She had a natural grace now which seemed to allow her to dance between the monsters, despite wearing heels.
Odin was just a whirlwind of gold and explosions as he cut down the Sheerghosts. With the power afforded by his contract, Goldphoenix, he was easily the strongest Rider there and his swords alone were destroying the Sheerghosts.
Scissors grunted, backhanding a Sheerghost with his Scissors Pinch before cutting into a second with his Scissors Visor. Two Sheerghosts were crushed under Volcancher's vice grip claws, making them explode before the crab gobbled down their cores.
Abyss fired high pressure water blades from his Abyss Visor while blasting the Sheerghosts with his Abyssmasher. The high pressure water knocked several of the monsters away. Others that could not move with the water were broken by it, exploding. Flanking him were Abyssslaher and Abysshammer, twin shark monsters armed with either swords or a chest-mounted gun.
Ryuga bellowed, creating rings of flame with his dark Drag Claw, pinning several Sheerghosts in place before Dragblacker swooped in and shredded them in blasts of flame.
Tiger was like his namesake, pouncing back and forth in the mess, slashing wildly with his Dest Claws, leaving the Sheerghosts writing on the ground while Destwilder cleaned up any stragglers.
To call this a battle would be putting it likely.
This was war.
Then the entire scene froze.
Alright, so Mom and Dad are letting me narrate this chapter myself. So yeah, it's chaos. Ever After High is under attack as hundreds of these white Shereghost Mirror Monsters have swarmed the place. Luckily for Ever After High, it has its knights, the Kamen Riders to defend it. Anyway, you probably want to know how we got here. Let's rewind back to earlier today.
Ever After High - Legacy Day (12 Hours Earlier)
Since it was Legacy Day, the students were all given the day off to prepare for the evening's events. This was an important milestone for many fairy tales as they signed the Storybook of Legends, inherited the stories of their parents before them, and accepted their destinies.
For some, this was a dream come true, for others it was anything but.
Raven Queen was still nervous. Although Giles Grimm told her that she would not go poof if she did not sign, she was still on edge. After all, even Maddie was not exactly sure if she translated Giles' words correctly. As she said, Riddlish was not an exact language.
She was also receiving pressure from Headmaster Milton Grimm and Apple to sign the book. She understood it from Apple's perspective. The girl was raised to follow her destiny and it was the only life she knew. She just wanted her Happily Ever After. She wanted to have her kingdom, a prince who loved her, and to just be happy. Raven didn't begrudge her of that.
At least Raven had someone she could speak with to help alleviate some of the stress. Since it was their day off, she had asked Arthur to go and have breakfast with her. They stopped at Ginger's stand to grab some treats before sitting down in the courtyard. They sat on a bench and watched as people excitedly went about their day. Very few seemed to share Raven's sentiments.
"Everyone's going nuts for Legacy Day," Arthur observed.
"Yeah. Plenty to look forward to...I guess," Raven sighed.
"Yeah, signing the Storybook of Legends." Arthur guessed. It was impossible to not know what it was all about.
"You're lucky you don't have to sign it this year since you're new." Raven played with the wrapping of her cupcake.
"Headmaster Grimm still wants us to attend," Arthur admitted. "Likely he wants to show how wonderful it is to follow the book's stories."
"Yeah, wonderful," Raven sighed.
"Hey, I didn't say I believed it," Arthur tried to reassure her. "In the end, your destiny is in your hands."
Raven sighed and leaned against Arthur's shoulder, "I want to believe that. I really do. At the same time, it seems like so many people are counting on me. I mean, Apple's Happily Ever After is tied to me, and if I don't sign she won't get it. As the Evil Queen's daughter, I'm supposed to be the best villain and other villain students are depending on me too. Then the other Rebels expect me to lead the charge against signing and...it...it's all so much."
"That's a huge burden on your shoulders," Arthur said sympathetically. That was a huge burden to heap on a girl who just wanted to live her life.
"I just don't know what to do," Raven said morosely.
"Whatever you decide, know that I'm right here with you." He couldn't offer any other helpful advice. All he could do was be there for Raven and support her. Be her rock.
"Even if I become the Evil Queen?" Raven asked.
"I'll just be the Good King to keep you in check," Arthur answered. Raven nibbled on her lip and set her muffin aside before sliding into Arthur's lap to hug him.
"Just hold me for a while?" she asked, sounding more timid than any other time Arthur had heard her speak.
"Sure," Arthur squeezed her tightly.
Apple hummed happily. Today was Legacy Day and she would finally sign the Storybook of Legends. She would be one step closer to her Happily Ever After. It was a little bit of a downer that Lance couldn't sign the book yet, being his first year at the school after all. Still, he would be there by her side when she signed the book and she would be there next year when it was his turn to sign. Oooh, she could already picture waking up to his kiss, and boy could he kiss!
He may not be Daring Charming, but Sir Lance was definitely her Prince Charming. Some may argue he had his own story, but Apple knew his secret. He didn't have a story back home, their mentor just made up the story so the headmaster would let them attend. That meant Lance was free to join any story, like hers!
"Oooh, I'm so hexcited!" Apple trembled in joy.
"Big day huh, Apple Pie?" Lance teased.
"Only the biggest, Lancie!" Apple giggled. She loved the silly little pet names he'd call her now and then. "You need to get ready too. A suit and everything."
"Already got mine picked out," Lance said confidently. He was honestly happy for Apple White. After all, a girl like her who embodied the true virtues of a princess deserved her Happily Ever After. However, he hated the idea of a book having control over someone's destiny and fate. "Hey, Apple."
"Hm, yes, Lance?"
Lance rubbed the back of his neck, "I know this means a lot to you, but have you ever thought about a different destiny? Humor me for a bit."
"Different? Why? I already have the best Happily Ever After," Apple pondered. "What could be better than that?"
"Well, you have a great destiny, but when I imagine you being poisoned and all, I get scared," Lance admitted. "I mean, I'm not a born prince. I'm a knight. What if my kiss doesn't wake you up?"
"Aww," Apple cooed. He was so sweet when he confessed his feelings like that. "It's okay, Lance. I know you're my Prince Charming. I already chose my destiny a little since I picked you. I'm sure once you sign your name in the book, you will be my Prince Charming and no one could argue that."
Lance smiled but he still had his doubts. Apple may have chosen him but what if he really wasn't her destined Prince Charming? What then? He liked her, hex, he could say that he loved her. He didn't want to lose her but if her happiness meant giving her up...could he do it?
Ever After High - Headmaster's office
Milton Grimm sat in his office, fingers steepled. It was finally Legacy Day. He looked at the Storybook of Legends which was protected under a glass cover. Tonight, the students would sign and accept their destinies. Their stories would remain and their world would continue. Unfortunately, the Rebels were going to be a challenge. Granted, there were always some who balked in the face of destiny, but they eventually accepted it. This year though...this year, the Rebels truly had a deep hold with Raven Queen, who was supposed to be the exemplary villainess, as she had spoken out against her destiny.
And then there was Arthur Pendragon who supported her and was even dating her. Now, try as he might, Milton knew he couldn't control his students in their daily lives. He just counted on peer pressure to keep relationships outside their stories from going anywhere. Legacy Day also cut such relations off once the book was signed. Mr. Pendragon, however, didn't seem to see that stigma and Raven was lapping up his affections, encouraged by her Rebel mindset.
The less said about Merlin's meddling and those strange monsters from behind mirrors, the better.
Yes, Milton knew he was in for a difficult year this time. Still, he would persevere and see Legacy Day through. Once the students signed the book, their destinies would be set in stone and all these ripples in the pond would end. Stories would continue and the Grimm legacy would live on, as would their world.
Book End Library
Merlin had gathered his chosen knights. When he first brought them here, they were just kids, but he had seen them grow in Ever After High as they filled in their armor and showed that they were heroes. He had watched them forge bonds with the fairy tales, befriending them and even falling in love. He watched them as they came to care for their new friends and loved one. They would be the key to open a new destiny for everyone.
They may not have been the Knights of the Round Table, but they were definitely Knights of the Realm.
"Today is Legacy Day which means that there's going to be a lot of magic in the air," Merlin said seriously. "That is why you must be on high alert tonight during the signing ceremony. Constant vigilance!"
"Uh...why?" asked Rob. "It's just a book signing."
Merlin sighed, "So much for my dramatic mentor moment." It earned chuckles from the others as he moved to explain. "Legacy Day is likely one of the most tense days for Fairy Tales. They believe that to not sign is to risk the fabric of the world as we know it."
"A little dramatic, don't you think?" asked Gwen.
"It's what they believe and it is that belief that governs their lives." Merlin answered. "So to that end, Milton is going to do everything in his power to make sure everyone signs that book and keeps his precious stories on track."
"Grrr," Kyle scowled, gripping his fists as he thought of Duchess' story.
"So he may try to force Raven and the other Rebels to sign?" asked Arthur.
"Well, not all the Rebels and he can't outright force Raven to sign," Merlin admitted. "But he can pull a lot of strings to encourage her to sign. Then if Raven signs, the Rebel movement will fall apart and they'll toe the line again. All neat and tidy for Milton's perfect little world."
"Apple really wants Raven to sign since their destinies are linked," Lance said.
"And I believe Apple has been made blissfully unaware of what Raven's destiny will end up being," Rex frowned. "I checked the story. It is...not pleasant."
Arthur scowled, giving Kyle a run for his money in terms of sour looks.
"Can't we just rewrite the book though? Just change the endings," suggested Gabe.
"Pft. Good luck getting the book for that," Merlin snorted. "And Milton would flip his crown on you if you even suggested that to him. Doesn't seem to get that if you can change the players, you can change the ending. Nope, has to go exactly the way his ancestors recorded them go."
Kevin decided to speak up, "What about Giles? Is he on board now or is he still stuck in the Vault of Lost Tales?"
"We've been in touch. Say what you like, but Milton can cast a complicated spell," Merlin sighed, lamenting his friend's plight. So many years and Giles was right under his darn nose! "I've been working on breaking it, but it's going to take some key spells. Milton really didn't want his brother interfering."
"But he confirmed fairy tales don't vanish if someone doesn't sign the book, right?" asked Arthur.
"Oh, he's confirmed it. Riddlish may be babble, but I am fluent," Merlin nodded. "The stories are just the foundation. The fairy tales of now just build on them. I don't know the entire purpose of the book, but it doesn't keep fairy tales alive."
"Good," Arthur lay back in his seat.
"Okay, so we what? Play bodyguard to Raven and make sure the headmaster doesn't try anything?" asked Tristan.
"More or less," Merlin shrugged. "Plus, with all the magic Milton puts into the ceremony, all the students there, and the book itself, a Mirror Monster or two are likely to show up. So stay alert!"
Ever After High
As soon as the sun set, the students began to arrive to attend the Legacy Day ceremony. They were dressed in their finest clothes as this was an important event in their lives. The ceremony itself was being held on an elevated stage on a terrace of the school. It overlooked a lot of the Enchanted Forest and its natural beauty.
Noticeably, the students sat divided, one side being the Rebels and the other side being the Royals. Neither side spoke since today would either make or break their beliefs in what was being called the Destiny Conflict. This was also true on the stage as Apple White sat next to Lance on the left and Raven Queen sat with Arthur on the right. Both boys were wearing similar suits with either a red or a blue tie and a pin on their lapels which looked like their emblems.
In the middle on a pedestal and surrounded by four floating mirrors was the Storybook of Legends, the promise of a Happily Ever After or a Bad Ending depending on who one's parents were.
Milton took to the stage first, beginning a blathering speech about the glory of destiny and the heroes of tomorrow. He was very blatantly ignoring the plights of students who would become villains or have a Bad Ending. He was only speaking for the heroes with happy endings like they were the only ones that mattered. It did not escape the notice of the Riders or the Rebels.
"When I call your name, sign your name in the book and accept your destiny," Milton Grimm instructed. He looked specifically to his clearly favorite student. "Apple White."
As the Royals cheered, Apple beamed and waved. She looked to Lance who gave her a kiss on the cheek, making her smile grow. She then stood up and walked to the book, her face showing on the four floating mirrors pointed at the audience.
"I am Apple White, Daughter of Snow White, and I am ready to pledge my destiny."
Magically receiving her key from the book, she inserted it into a lock in the book, which turned the book red with an apple emblem on the cover before it opened. The book flipped open and began showing her pictures of herself being poisoned by Raven, then being woken up by...well, someone, the pictures didn't show who, and then going on to be a spellebrity. The book then flashed, surprising her before a smaller mirror appeared, showing her as an adult in a flowing red dress with a scepter, every bit the regal queen she wished to be. Apple gasped in delight at the sight. The mirror then turned to a feather quill.
Apple quickly took up the quill and the pages moved to the ending of the story. She quickly signed her name, turning the ink golden and pledging her spot in the continuing story of Snow White. Once she finished, the Royal side began to cheer and praise her. The Rebels...were polite.
"And next, Raven Queen."
Lightning flashed as Raven approached the book.
"That's a bad sign," Rob muttered from the audience as Raven reluctantly approached the book.
"I am Raven Queen, daughter of the Evil Queen, and I pledge...uh...I pledge..." Raven hesitated as her key magically appeared. Raven took the key, looked back at Arthur who gave his silent support, and then placed the key in the book. The book turned red, this time with a raven feather in the middle before it opened.
The pictures began to follow, showing Raven poisoning Apple with the poisoned apple. The next picture made her heart sink as she saw an angry mob chasing her. The next has her being arrested on Apple's orders. Finally, it was a picture of her as a homeless bag lady digging through trash.
The mirror appeared in a flash, showing Raven in her mother's regalia, but bound in magical chains and clearly looking to be in pain.
Raven felt her heart sink as horror filled her. This was what she had to look forward to? This was going to be her destiny? Imprisoned, poor, and miserable? All so Apple could live as a spellebrity and queen?!
Raven almost blew her stack then, but then the book did something strange. The mirror did not turn into a quill for her to sign with, but it instead dove back into the book and the pages began to turn again.
"What?" Raven gasped as murmurs spread over the crowd as they too noticed the book showing more images.
"What on earth?" Milton gasped.
The image showed Raven about to poison Apple, but rather than looking sure like before, she instead looked like she had serious doubts. Then the next image showed a red knight taking her hand and kneeling before her while Raven dropped the apple. It then showed her riding on a horse with her knight holding her close while they rode through the countryside. The final picture showed them building up a kingdom together as people flocked to their side.
The mirror appeared again, this time showing her as a regal queen wearing a gorgeous purple gown with silver regalia, only she didn't have any of the spider web motif of her mother's clothing. Instead her hair flowed free and shone with a silver crown inlaid with red stones. Next to her was a figure in a suit of royal armor, crimson and gold, holding her hand as they stood as a king and queen themselves. Behind them, a banner showing a heraldry of a red dragon and a raven on either side of a shield and crown was raised above them in a throne room. Most important of all, the older Raven clearly looked happy.
Raven gasped at the different destiny and Milton's eyes widened in horror. More gasps and cries of shock came from the audience as they too saw the altered fate. The Rebels were certainly more excited than the Royals. Raven could only stare for a moment before she blinked while the mirror turned into a quill.
"Where do I sign for that?" Raven asked.
"No! Raven, you must sign your true destiny!" Milton got to his feet. "Not this drivel!" He stomped up to the book and took the quill away before Raven could sign, earning gasps and shock from the crowd.
"That was a huge faux pas," Harry commented. With all Milton's talk of destiny, actively denying it just because it was different than what he expected just destroyed the foundation of his arguments.
"Why not? It's what the book showed me," Raven argued. "I sign for my destiny. The book showed me two so I should get to choose!"
"Your destiny is to be the villain in Apple's story!" Milton snapped back.
"Um…" Apple began. She looked at Lance who gave her a reassuring smile and held her hand, making her feel a little better. On one hand, she really, really, really did want her Happily Ever After. On the other, well, if the book gave Raven a choice, then maybe it had someone else in mind to be her Evil Queen?
Raven's eyes hardened with resolve as she made her decision.
"If you won't let me sign, then I'll make it happen myself! I am Raven Queen and I am going to write my own destiny! My Happily Ever After starts now!" She slammed the book shut. The echo from the book caused the viewing mirrors to break, spilling glass to the floor, but everyone was too shocked or too busy cheering to care.
"Knew you could do it Blackbird," Arthur whispered, smiling.
"I'm still here! I didn't disappear!" Raven continued, looking at her hands then turning to face Headmaster Grimm with a hardened glare. "The book showed me the way so I'm going to get my Happily Ever After!"
"No, you must sign your true destiny!" Milton insisted. "You must've done something! Enchanted the book to show those lies!" He was grasping at straws, trying to regain control.
"Headmaster Grimm, are you trying to deny Raven the destiny the book showed her?" Arthur asked as he approached to stand beside Raven.
"Mr. Pendragon! Sit down this instant!" Milton ordered.
Arthur thrust his Advent Deck in Milton's face, causing him to back away.
"Make me," Arthur growled.
"Dude…" Lance gasped. Did proper, moral, quiet Arthur Pendragon just threaten someone?
"The Grimmmaster just tickled the sleeping dragon," Darren quipped.
"Let me make one thing clear, Headmaster Grimm," Arthur spoke with cold fury, "Forcing students to accept a destiny that leaves them miserable is not what a good headmaster does. Every single one of us has a right to write our own destinies. If they want to sign the book, fine, but those who don't wish to should not be forced. Like a great man once said, 'Freedom is the right of all sentient beings'."
"Arthur," Raven smiled as the Rebel side gave off louder cheers.
"Did he just quote Optimus Prime?" Kyle asked Max.
"Yeah, he did," Max confirmed. "Perfect timing for the line, but he did."
"But, but what about my Happily Ever After?" sniffled Apple. Admittedly, the tension was getting to her and she was seriously confused, making her upset. Lance stuck close, being her silent support which she felt she really needed at the moment.
"It's right there," Arthur pointed to Lance. "You picked him as your Prince Charming, right? You don't need a poisoned apple to be happy. He's given you love's first kiss the night after the party anyway."
Apple locked eyes with Lance who nodded at her. It was true. She could've just settled for Daring Charming but she instead chose Lance, her knight in shining armor. She actually tried changing her story to fit him into it. Then it landed on her, she was actually trying to change her story so she could pick her Prince Charming instead of waiting for one. Apple wanted to have the happiness and love her parents had and believed following their story would get it. If she already felt happy with Lance and they shared love's first kiss...did she need the story now?
"Mr. Pendragon you will cease such dangerous prattle this instant!" Milton huffed, trying to retake control.
"No, Headmaster Grimm, I will not. If this is the destiny you insist everyone follows, dooming themselves to misery and pain for no reason, then I'll be the one to help break those chains!" Arthur resolved.
Ever After High - Mirror World
Inside the Mirror World version of the school, Merlin's predictions were coming true, but much worse than even he expected.
Milton spared no expense for his Legacy Day celebration. The best magicians helped enchant the mirrors and all sorts of other effects to make it as dramatic as possible. Then nearly all of the students of Ever After High were in attendance, many being young and healthy with magic mixed in. Then there was the Storybook of Legends which was a source of great power in itself.
When Raven slammed the book shut, she may as well have lit up a neon sign stating 'Buffet Right Here'.
Sheerghosts, an army of them, began swarming over the school. Climbing the walls, smashing open doors, getting to the source of the magic and life energy in any way they could. Reaching the stage area, they slipped and poked, looking for any portal through to the other side. Large or small. Finding it in the polished surfaces and broken mirror pieces, they began to push through, breaking the barrier between worlds.
Ever After High - Legacy Day Stage
*EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!*
"AHHH!" "OH GOD!" "THE RINGING!"
Fourteen voices rose above the booing or cheering from the two sides of the Royal and Rebel cause. It caused many to pause and wonder what was wrong with them. They were thrashing in their seats, clutching their ears in obvious pain. On the stage, Arthur and Lance were the same, almost brought to their knees by it.
This was the loudest signal yet which could only mean one thing: a huge incursion was coming through from the Mirror World.
"Mr. Pendragon, control yourself!" Milton frowned, not hearing the tone. Raven and Apple though, they gasped as they recognized what their respective boyfriends were freaking out over.
"GAH! MAKE IT STOP!" Ramona screamed from the audience. Cerise whimpered in her seat, trying to use her hood to block the noise.
Arthur lifted his head, clearly in pain and making Milton pause.
"EVERYONE! GET AWAY FROM THE MIRRORS!" Arthur screamed.
That was when the Shereghosts emerged and all hex broke loose. Every shard, every nearby window, polished length of metal, anything which could remotely cast a reflection had the grubby Shereghosts spilling out or trying to reach someone nearby. Sticky threads flew, trying to catch someone, anyone. The Shereghosts were spoiled for choice as all of Ever After High was collected in one spot.
"RIDERS!" Rex roared over the noise. "GET THE STUDENTS AND FACULTY TO SAFETY!"
A Shereghost tried to grab Meeshell but it was put down by a single punch from Ben.
"Run!" he said and Farrah led the mermaid away. Ben took out his Advent Deck and pointed it at a shard before he transformed. "Henshin!"
The other Riders were helping the rest of the students to safety. They punched, kicked, pushed, and broke the flimsy threads of the Sheerghosts as they tried to keep the Mirror Monsters at bay. Fortunately, the Sheerghosts were dumb and ended up bottlenecking themselves as they all tried to get onto the terrace at once. This gave the Riders the opportunity to get the other students out and prevent the monsters from advancing.
To their credit, many of the students proved capable of fighting the monsters off. If their stories had it in their futures, they trained with swords and shields to one day becoming heroes. Even Daring, surprisingly, proved his lineage as he shoved a Sheerghost away from one of the princesses, knocking it off the terrace in the process.
"Hurry, run," he prompted, helping the downed princess up to her feet.
"Daring!" Lance yelled, helping Apple away from the stage. "Get Apple out of here! Now!" The Charming nodded and helped Apple get away from the monsters.
Gabe tackled into a Sheerghost, headbutting it when it tried to grab Holly.
"Stay away from my Holly! Henshin!" Gabe thrust his Advent Deck in front of him and transformed.
"Gabe!" Holly yelled as Gai fought the Sheerghosts.
"Just go! I'll be okay!" Gai shouted back, slugging a Sheerghost down. Holly tried to argue, but her sister took her by the hand and began to pull her away.
Soon the Riders were all able to transform, which got them into fighting shape, but it did not give the situation any more of an improvement. Sheerghosts were still coming, more discovering other ways to get into the school. The swarm was quickly growing larger and would soon engulf the school.
And that's where you guys came in. There were a lot of emotional ups and downs, but now the knights have to face an army when they're only just fourteen strong! Not to mention, the monsters just keep coming and the students and faculty are stuck in the school with no way out!
It had become something of a running battle as the students ran through the halls to try and keep ahead of the Sheerghosts. Since the monsters weren't all that smart, they didn't think to run ahead of the students, only to follow them and try to pick meals out of the pack. The Riders were quick to follow, keeping the monsters from snagging anyone in the chaos or helping people who got left behind.
"Ahhh!" Ashlynn screamed as a Sheerghost got her by the ankle with its thread. Hunter spun around and gasped, running to her side. As he tried to help her up, Imperor jumped on top of the Sheerghost, kicking it in the head and breaking the thread.
"I'd use those arrows if I were you, Hunter!" Imperor huffed, kicking the monster away.
"B-but I don't shoot at live-!" Hunter sputtered.
"They're not alive! They're constructs! Artificial!" Imperor snapped back. "Now take out your bow and start using it! I can't babysit so it's up to you to protect Ashlynn!"
Hunter gulped but steeled himself. It did help him to know that the Mirror Monsters weren't real animals. At least, it helped him get through the uncertainty in the situation so he could question it later. His bow and arrows were ceremonial for Legacy Day, but they were still usable. Quickly drawing several arrows, he fired, picking off several Sheerghosts, the arrows sticking into their soft grub-like bodies.
"This way!" Ryuki kicked open the Grimmnasium door with Knight and Zolda. The room was large with heavy doors, more than enough room for everyone. Almost everything was painted, even the ductwork, keeping the reflections low. Zolda acted quickly and began shooting the windows, ruining any reflections cast from above.
It was a risk using the room, but they had to. It was the closest emergency exit they had. Once everyone was able to get outside, the monsters wouldn't be able to follow them. Mirror Monsters could only survive in the Real World for so long before they had to return and reflections in the Enchanted Forest were few and far between.
"Keep an eye on the floors too!" Ryuki shouted to Knight and Zolda. "We don't want those suckers to slip underneath us!"
"Right!" the Wing and Bull Knights agreed.
The student and faculty rushed through the Grimmnasium, hitting all the exits they could which would let them outside into the mirror-less outdoors.
"Incoming!" Scissors roared down the hall as the calls of Sheerghosts announced their impending arrival. Explosions followed, making the three Riders turn to face the incoming horde. Zolda immediately moved in front, venting another card.
[Shoot Vent!]
Zolda's Giga Launcher appeared in his hands before he started firing down the hall, blowing the advancing Sheerghosts away and temporarily halting their advance.
"Crap," Ryuki huffed. He glanced back at the students. They managed to get what he hoped was everyone inside. "Alright, when we leave, block the doors! It'll slow them down at least." Merlin once said that objects in the Mirror World reflected that of the Real World. So if the doors were blocked in the Real World, they would be locked in the Mirror World, keeping the Sheerghosts out of the grimmnasium there.
"What?! What about you?" Raven cried, pushing her way to the front.
"Lance, you're staying behind?!" Apple was right behind her
"Sorry, Raven. But we have to hold these things off," Ryuki shook his head.
"What he said, Apple Pie," Knight huffed.
Apple whimpered, able to see the fighting down the hall. She knew that her Knight in Shining Armor had to go fight, no matter how much she didn't want him to. Knowing she couldn't stop him, she instead decided to encourage him. Reaching to her pockets, she pulled out her handkerchief and swiftly tied it around Knight's wrist.
"Uh...Apple Pie?" Knight began.
"It's a reminder to come back to me and for good luck," Apple sniffled. "You're my Prince Charming. You can't lose!"
Knight chuckled, "You got that right."
Raven saw Apple's idea and quickly followed suit. She retrieved a purple handkerchief of her own, one she was saving to stop her tears, and swiftly did the same for Ryuki.
"You come back to me, okay?" Raven's voice wavered. "You're part of my Happily Ever After now."
"I promise," Ryuki whispered. He looked to Knight, who nodded, before they took off to fight the Sheerghosts. Behind them, Mr. Badwolf and Mr. B. Quick slammed the doors shut and braced them with some heavy gym equipment. Once the doors were shut, more people began spilling out of the emergency exits, seeking solace in a place where there weren't any reflections being cast.
Ever After High - Bookball Field
As less and less prey was available, more and more of the Sheerghosts turned their attention to the Riders, spilling out from any reflection they could get to. To help keep the numbers at bay, they moved the battle to the bookball field where they had space, and few reflections for the Sheerghosts to use to try and get them. All of their contracted Mirror Monsters were summoned, swarming the battlefield and attacking anything that was a Sheerghost.
The Riders also executed their Final Vents to try and thin the Sheerghosts' numbers. However, the battle was still not going well in the Riders' favor. Eventually, their partners would have to return to the Mirror World. Constantly devouring monster cores might be extending the timeframe for that, but the Riders weren't counting on that good luck. Relying on luck in battle was never a good idea.
"The numbers aren't thinning!" Verde yelled as he spun his weapon to bash down several Sheerghosts.
"We need to cut these things at the source!" Odin yelled. "Something must be spawning these things!"
"We can't just leave!" Ryuga yelled back. "They'll swarm the place and eat everyone they can get their mitts on!"
"I'll go," Ryuki volunteered.
"Not alone, you're not," Knight said.
"Alright, Ryuki, Knight, go to the Mirror World and find the thing spawning the monsters then destroy it," Odin ordered. "We'll hold these things off while you're gone!"
"Right," Ryuki looked up onto the air. "Dragredder, let's go!"
"Darkwing, follow!" Knight shouted.
The giant bat and the red dragon let off cries before they swooped down low into the field. Ryuki hopped onto Dragredder while Darkwing mounted Knight's back to become his wings before they took off into the air. They soared to the nearest reflective surface, the glass of the announcer's booth, before they vanished into the Mirror World.
Enchanted Forest
The students and teachers fled to the Enchanted Forest, being leery of any possible puddle, pond, and stayed far away from the gazebo which they knew had polished stone in its construction. Everyone was frightened, confused, and in several cases, worried sick about those left behind. Several of the teachers quickly set to work trying to keep people calm and get a headcount to see if anyone had been left behind.
"Gabriel…" Holly whimpered, clutching her sister tightly.
"I know, I know, I'm worried about them too," Poppy tried to reassure her sister.
"You jerk, you'd better not die on me," Ramona snarled, looking more like a caged wolf than anything.
Poor Nina was just trembling like a leaf, being hugged by Rosabella, although both their gazes were aimed back in the direction of the school.
"Boy, when I understate things, I don't go halfway," a new voice spoke.
Many faces turned, several like Mr. Badwolf stepped forward with a scowl to protect the students. Emerging from the forest was Merlin, looking uncharacteristically grim. In one hand was his staff while the other was Mira's mirror. The girl herself stood beside Merlin, looking shocked as to what was going on.
"Mr. Merlin?" Duchess blinked.
"Teachers, students," Merlin nodded. "So my kids are likely in there, fighting those Sheerghosts off?"
"You know what those things are?" Mr. Badwolf growled. "Care to explain what the hex they're doing here then?!"
"Simple, Bigby, they're looking for food," Merlin replied. "Mirror Monsters like to eat life energy, but magical energy works as well since what is magic but the power of the body and spirit. Mix both together in such a huge amount with the Storybook of Legends and all the students in one confined space? Smorgasbord."
"And you didn't think to warn anyone?!" demanded the White Queen, teacher of Princessology.
"Unless I brought a Mirror Monster to show you, would you have believed it?" Merlin asked. "And Milton would have dismissed it entirely since it came from me. Now, where is he?"
"Wait, has anyone seen the Headmaster?" Baba Yaga asked.
Carrying the Storybook of Legends, Milton Grimm ran for his life. The Headmaster was just in shock and was clutching the Storybook of Legends tightly to his chest.
"This was not supposed to happen! Not this!"
He had gotten separated from the students and faculty and was being chased by Sheerghosts. He was surprisingly fast for someone his age and out of shape.
He needed to find someplace to hide and wait this out.
Bookball Field
"Zolda, I'm lifting the ban on your Final Vent!" Odin shouted.
"What? Really?"
"Yes, so do it! Show these pests the End of the World!"
Zolda nodded and threw down his Giga Launcher before running to the endzone where he wouldn't be interrupted. Quickly, he retrieved his Final Vent card and slipped it inside of his Magna Visor.
[Final Vent!]
The glass appeared and Magnugiga rose up with a roar. Zolda quickly inserted his Visor inside of his monster's back. Seeing the green minotaur, the other Riders quickly ran to get out of the way, either flying away, jumping, or just running. It left the Sheerghosts confused as they tried to keep moving.
Zolda pulled the trigger and unleashed hell.
Ever After High - Mirror World
In the Mirror World, Ryuki and Knight, with Dragredder and Darkwing's aid, fought through the Sheerghosts to find the source spawning them. Breaking the mob which was swarming around the bookball field while they waited for a turn to get to the real world, the partners rose into the air, showing the Mirror World version of Ever After High practically covered in Sheerghosts.
"Oh my god," Ryuki gasped. "There are so many…"
"We...the others...they can't fight this many," Knight spoke, breathless.
Ryuki gulped, but urged Dragredder ahead, "The source. We've got to find the source!"
The two flew around the school, but they quickly saw that aside from the school being covered, a moving line was charging up the hill towards the school. Following that line, they saw on the normally idyllic fields and the road towards the school itself, there something downright strange which was there now.
Hovering a few feet above the road was a large single circular pane of reflective glass. It was large enough to reflect a fully grown person and still have room left over. Surrounding it were sheets of white silk that seemed to float and slowly spin around them. Every few moments, a Sheerghost would appear in the reflection before dropping out onto the road, usually in groups of three or four.
"That's what's spawning them? It doesn't even make sense," Knight blinked.
"We're fighting monsters in a mirror world to protect a fairy tale school! Since when did this ever make sense!? Now, come on! We have to destroy it!" Ryuki yelled.
Enchanted Forest
When it became clear that Milton had either gotten separated or abandoned everyone, it put more fear into everyone. Merlin quickly took command and helped calm everyone down again.
"But what if those things come after us? You've got a mirror too!" one student shouted.
"That's my mirror, friend," Mira huffed. "Only I control it in the end!"
"Mira's the daughter of the original Magic Mirror," Merlin answered. "We've tested it. No Mirror Monster can even so much as appear in her mirror unless she allows it. Her magic is much stronger than theirs."
"Can Mira show us what's happening to Arthur?" Raven asked.
"Oh, yes, but you need to ask in a rhyme," Merlin answered.
Raven held back her tears, "Mira Mirror on the wall, can't you show our loves at all?"
Mira blinked, but then nodded and her mirror hovered out of Merlin's grasp to be in front of Mira. The reflection changed and it showed Knight and Ryuki outside the school trying to fight their way to a hovering silk-shrouded round mirror. Some people expressed confusion as they never saw that mirror on the road when they fled the school. Ryuki was in the back of Dragredder and Knight had bat wings, flying towards the mirror.
Somehow, the mirror seemed to have a kind of intellect. It shifted in the air, angling towards them. The silk around it began to spin faster before more Sheerghosts began to be launched out of it rather than dropped. The monsters flailed and made their noises. As they got closer, they began to shoot their threads at the two flying monsters and their knights. One or two threads weren't that strong for monsters like the dragon and the bat. The numbers which began coating them though was a different story. Dragredder and Darkwing began to drop, coming to the ground before they crashed into the ground, separated from their knights. Ryuki and Knight landed in clouds of dust. They managed to get up and just kept charging at the mirror even as more Sheerghosts attacked them. The numbers quickly turned against them as the monsters started to mob them.
A Sheerghost managed to tackle Ryuki to the ground and they began to dogpile him. They were trying to tear him apart and Raven could see that he was losing, badly.
"NO!" Raven cried. She had never felt so powerless before. Arthur was dying in the Mirror World and there was nothing she could do. She could only see his hand with her handkerchief wrapped around his wrist before...
[Survive!]
The pile of Sheerghosts suddenly exploded in a pillar of flame. Not far away, the ones bringing down Knight were shredded by a tornado, suffering the same fate. Apple and Raven gasped, not sure what it was they were seeing. In the middle of both storms, a beacon of red and a beacon of blue began to shine.
Both storms abruptly stopped, but the glowing did not. The forms of Ryuki and Knight could be seen, but their armor was glowing too brightly. They could tell the armor had changed shape, but other than that, there were no details to be seen.
"Wha-what happened to them?" Apple asked.
Mira answered Apple's question, "They have earned your favors and become survivors."
Ever After High - Mirror World
Ryuki lay at the bottom of the Sheerghost pile as they tried to tear off his armor. At the same time, he could feel himself disintegrating due to exposure. The armor might delay the Mirror World's corrosive atmosphere on the Riders, but there was still a time limit before they had to leave lest they disintegrate into nothing.
Nearby, Knight was not doing any better as the Sheerghost surrounded him and they were pressing on him from all directions. He was running out of time too.
Were they...were they going to die here?
Knight reached up to the sky and looked at Apple White's handkerchief that was tied around his wrist for good luck.
At the same time, Ryuki's last thoughts were of Raven Queen.
'Apple...'
'Raven...'
No, they would not die here!
They would survive and see them again!
Their hands where tokens of their princesses were tied started to shine.
[Survive!]
A firestorm and a tornado erupted, ripping the two mobs of Sheerghosts apart. Ryuki and Knight rose up, their armor repairing and transforming to a new state. They were covered in red or blue light, which obscured their appearance. They could feel their Visors, but they had been changed as well. Knight's Visor felt heavier and strapped to his arm while Ryuki's was now gripped in his hand as a weapon.
In front of them, the Sheerghost Spawner warbled and started to hover backward.
"Oh no you don't!" both Riders called. Drawing cards from their decks, they prepared to try and feel where the cards entered their visors, but the cards simply vanished.
[Advent!]
Behind them, where Dragredder and Darkwing were being cocooned by the Sheerghosts, red and blue light erupted from the mess of thread, destroying the nearby Shereghosts in large explosions. They emerged from the cocoons, their features shrouded by red and blue light. Looking at them, one could tell they had gotten larger and had thicker armor, but any other detail than that was obscured out by the light.
Both monsters moved to meet their partners, roaring defiantly at the Sheerghost Spawner. Their Riders simply drew another card each.
[Final Vent!]
The two Mirror Monsters bellowed before they seemed to wrap around their Riders, turning both into a large sphere of red or blue energy. After that, both orbs began to move, shooting with the force of rockets, blasting through the Sheerghosts with ease. The Spawner let off another warble and spewed out more Shereghosts as it tried to rise up into the air. The orbs continued to roar closer before they suddenly changed their angle. Following the stream of Sheerghosts, they burst through all of them before they both crashed into the silver surface of the Spawner.
"SHREEEEEYYYAAAAAAAAAA!" came the screech from the mirror. Blue and red cracks spread over its surface before the orbs crashed through, shattering it into a cloud of diamond dust with a ripple of silver flying away from the explosion.
Ever After High - Bookball Field
Zolda's End of the World bought the RIders some much-needed breathing room. It also gave all of their monsters the chance to absorb much-needed energy so they could remain in the Real World longer. Still, it was a pause in the action as more Sheerghosts shambled into the field to continue the fight.
As Odin stepped to the front, swords ready, he almost gave the order to attack. The order died on his lips when the Sheerghosts stiffened before promptly falling over. After several moments, they merely dissolved into dust and vanished.
"...the hex was that?" asked Ohja.
"I think...they got the source," Raia huffed.
"So, it's over?" Gai asked hopefully.
"I believe it is," Odin nodded. "We won."
Raia fell flat on his back.
"Just let me sleep here and wake me up in the morning," Raia groaned.
Enchanted Forest
"THEY DID IT!" Apple cheered loudly, eliciting massive cheers and sighs of relief from the student body.
Celebration filled the air and, with some caution, the students and faculty emerged from the Enchanted Forest to peer at the school. A column of smoke was rising from the bookball field, so they looked there first. Coming closer, they saw no sign of Sheerghosts and entering the field, aside from the crater in the middle, they saw twelve of the fourteen knights, sans their armor, laying on the ground, groans of exhaustion coming from them.
Darren noticed them first before he lifted his hand for a thumbs-up, "We came, we saw, we kicked butt!" Then he lost his strength and his arm fell. "Baby go night-night now."
Cries of joy came from each Rider's significant other as they dashed into the crater to see how they could help. Briar found herself running to Harry, even if she wasn't entirely sure why, just seeing him so miserable made her miserable herself. Darling was at Gwen's side in a heartbeat, pulling the tomboy's head into her lap.
"Hey," Gwen murmured tiredly. "Wanna be my GFFA?"
"Oh, Gabriel!" Holly hugged Gabe tightly.
"Mf. Soft," Gabe mumbled into Holly's hug.
"Hope we don't need the bookball field for a while," Tristan groaned.
"Oh who cares?" Poppy giggled wetly as she braced him against her.
"I could use one of your cakes after this, Ginger," Rex groaned, looking utterly exhausted.
"I'll make the best one ever!" Ginger cried, hugging Rex tightly. "It'll have multiple layers, and vanilla icing, and rainbow sprinkles, and...uwaaahhh!"
"Sleep my wonderful twisty knight," Lizzie sniffled, resting Darren's head in her lap. "If anyone disturbs you, it'll be off with their heads!"
"Off with their heads," Darren repeated sleepily.
Kevin was sitting up, his legs utterly sore from all the kicks he had to do. His Drive Divider was hard on the knees.
"Ashlynn's over there you know," Faybelle huffed, approaching Kevin with her arms crossed.
"Who cares?" Kevin huffed, pulling the dark faerie down to his level before stealing a kiss. Faybelle gasped, but didn't resist, pushing Kevin down to take the lead.
"OW!" Max cried as Ramona bit his shoulder. "What was that for!?"
"Marking my property!" Ramona snarled, trying to hide her tears. "No one's taking you from me now!"
"As if Mr. Badwolf didn't need more reasons to kill me," the black knight groaned.
Nina just broke out into sobs and hugged Rob tightly, arms and legs both, and refused to let go. He murmured reassuring words to her, although they came off as mumbles since he was too tired to do much more than that.
"Sir Ben! Sir Ben!" Meeshell cried, running to where Ben was on the ground. She tripped and fell, landing on top of him. Ben huffed, but Meeshell didn't mind and just crawled on top of him until she could trap him in her tightest hug.
Gawain remained silent save for a soft snore. Rosabella happily let him rest in her lap, stroking his hair like a large cat. Somehow, Gawain was almost giving off a rumbling purr of his own.
"Still alive," Kyle chuckled weakly as he looked up at Duchess.
"Yes, you are," Duchess replied, her voice tense and on the verge of tears. She sniffled, but then groaned, "Oh hex it!" She dropped to her knees and pulled Kyle close so she could kiss him. She held it for a moment before breaking it. "C-C-Consider that a mark of my favor!"
Apple and Raven watched, looking for their respective lovers. At first they were elated, but that elation turned to worry as they saw that Arthur and Lance weren't among the other knights. Worry turned to fear as after more minutes, no one was reporting where they were.
"Arthur?" Raven murmured. Where was he?
"Lance? Where's Lance?" Apple looked around.
Fear began to fill their eyes with tears, but it stopped when the glass of the announcer's booth began to ripple before figures of blue or red light emerged from its surface and dropped to the ground. Both landed in a crouch before they rose up. They held themselves for a moment before their glowing armor shattered, letting the two teenage boys drop down in groaning heaps of exhaustion.
"Arthur/Lance!" both girls cried, running to their respective knights' sides.
"Hey Apple Pie," Lance groaned. "Ugh, I think I need some TLC."
"I'll give you that and more, my Prince Charming," Apple sniffled.
"I came back," Arthur smiled weakly.
"You did," Raven sniffled, peppering Arthur's face with kisses before hugging him close.
Ever After High - Headmaster's Office
Milton hadn't run very far. In fact, when the people began running away from the Sheerghosts, Milton had grabbed the Storybook of Legends and booked it straight to his office. He had a number of protections there, usually meant to hide a number of important artifacts and keep them safe. Activated the right way, they kept the Shereghosts out and he took the time to break anything which had a reflection, even shattering his own windows.
When the Shereghosts vanished, he finally got out from under his desk and set the book down.
"We have to contain this. We have to set things straight."
Ever After High - Nurse's Office
Ever After High was going to be closed down for at least a week for repairs. While the Sheerghosts hadn't done any structural damage to the school, they ransacked everything and destroyed several magical trinkets or documents. How the library wasn't ruined was a minor miracle. Also, the students were going to need some time to calm down and recover from the trauma from the assault of the Shereghosts.
On the bright side, after a headcount, it was discovered that none of the students or teachers were lost in the attack. The Sheerghosts were so dull-witted and uncoordinated, they found themselves trying to keep up with the evacuating students or caught up with fighting the Riders. This allowed everyone to escape, as amazing as it sounded. Perhaps some of the magic of the world of fairy tales helped, but none of the Riders were going to dare question that kind of good fortune.
"You know, I'm just so proud of you kids," Merlin chuckled. "Saved the day and got the girls. You all should be proud!"
Groans of annoyance or mumbles of 'shut up' and 'go away' met him. It didn't stop him from laughing at his exhausted wards. The infirmary was relatively untouched, save for the potions cupboard, which was emptied by the Sheerghosts. Luckily, all of the Riders just needed some rest and observation. Each of the Riders had their significant others at their bedsides or those who may become their significant others anyway.
"So, how's the aftermath?" Arthur asked. Before now, the monster attacks had only involved one monster at a time, three at most. This was a large scale assault, one the fairy tale world could not brush off or treat as a spellebrity appearance.
"Well, confusion for the most part," Merlin admitted. "The monsters appearing before were considered random, like dragon appearances and the like. This though, this is something else entirely."
"Any idea what this supposed Spawner was or why it attacked?" asked Harry, Briar sleeping next to his bed.
"Well, how such a thing exists, I don't know yet," Merlin shook his head. "As for why it attacked, that's obvious. With the book being let out of its vault, the magic which went into the ceremony, and pretty much everyone in the school collected into one spot? It was just one big beacon. Didn't think it would attract anything...well...like that!"
"Then we need to be prepared for something like that in case it happens again," Rex said. "Which means more training and extra drills." He was met with more despairing groans.
"What we need is a vacation. Someplace far, far away," Lance countered.
"Amen," came many groans from the conscious Riders.
On Legacy Day, everything changed, and not just because Raven Queen chose to write her own destiny but because she discovered there was another destiny in store for her, one where she could indeed have a Happily Ever After. As for our fellowship of knights, they were hailed as heroes. But soon they will face their greatest challenge yet...Time for the knights to meet the parents!
Good job narrating, Brooke!
Oh, thanks, Dad!
But it is strange that the Storybook of Legends showed two destinies for Raven.
Maybe meeting Arthur opened up that possibility, Mom. Hey, if Raven chose to accept that destiny instead of following in the Evil Queen's footsteps, would she still be a Rebel or a Royal?
Good question. Too bad we don't have time to answer.
Huh? Hey, wait-!
A/N: And here is the climax of the first arc of the story. The knights attend Legacy Day, but it seems destiny isn't so solid as Milton would have his students believe. Raven sits at a crossroads and Arthur may have a distinct hand in that. On the other hand, what was that spawner? Why did it choose Legacy Day to appear. Was it as Merlin theorized, or could it be something else? So many questions and so few answers in sight.
EDIT: Found out I was misspelling Sheerghost.