I do not own Kamen Rider Ryuki or Ever After High. They belong to their respective creators and not me. I am not writing this for profit, only for fun.

Knights of the Otherworld

By Ten-Faced Paladin

Chapter 14: True Hearts Day Part 1

Welcome to spring at Ever After High. A time where true hearts start to shine and love becomes the only thing on the mind.

Once love might be between Royals with Royals and Rebels with Rebels, but with the inclusion of a certain Fellowship of Knights, those boundaries are not so solid.

Villains paired with heroes, the bad falling for the good, it's all so fableous!

Ever After High - Library

Love was indeed in the air for Ever After High and none were more aware of this than C.A. Cupid, the adopted daughter of Eros. As one who helped spread love for everyone, she was intimately aware of who was falling in love, or who so dearly needed her help to get there. All the princes, princesses, the goats, and even that troll living under the bridge out front had needed her help from time to time. Recently though, she got to see some great love bloom.

Ever since the fourteen Knights of the Round Table arrived in Ever After High, she watched as many of her classmates and friends paired up with their chosen knights. Destinies weren't considered in their pairings and even the ones who should have been staunch supporters of destiny instead sided immediately with love. From how they met to how they officially became couples, it was just so romantic that it made Cupid feel euphoric.

Ironically, while Cupid was talented in helping others find love, she was unlucky in love herself as she had an unrequited crush on a certain boy.

Speaking of Cupid, she was sitting alone in the library just doodling in her notebook. Of course, her doodles consisted of hearts with initials in them and sketches of her crush. She had to be quiet even though all she wanted to do was wax poetry about her crush. The wicked step-librarians were on duty, always mean, always scowling, as they would shut down any conversation to maintain the library's silence.

Usually, Cupid could only dream of Dexter returning her feelings as, for a long time now, he had a crush on Raven Queen. However, as mentioned before, many of her friends and classmates had become romantically involved with the new knights of Ever After High, which included Raven Queen.

Honestly, Cupid was happy that Raven had found her love and she could find no better love than Arthur Pendragon who would one day become the next King Arthur. If their connection was so strong that the Storybook of Legends was offering them a destiny together, then Cupid just knew they were meant to be.

"Ah~!" Cupid sighed. "Cupid and Dexter Charming. Cupie and Dextie." Cupid giggled but was immediately shushed by the librarians. However, she would not let their mean attitude bring her down. She actually had a chance to win Dexter's heart now that Raven was no longer available. She just needed to make her feelings known. Still, that would be the hard part. Why was it so easy to help others confess their love, but so hard for her to do it herself?

That was when Dexter Charming came to her table with a tall stack of books. Unlike his more popular brother, Dexter was a bit of a nerd. He wasn't very athletic nor a ladies' man like his brother but he had his own special virtues like his kindness, his intelligence and also his friendliness. All these, and more, were why Cupid had a crush on him. Plus, he was cute in her eyes.

"Hey, Cupid. Is this seat taken?" he asked. In Cupid's eyes, Dexter just sparkled in the sunlight.

"Oh, yes," Cupid answered dreamily, but then caught herself. "I mean, no! It's not taken! Nobody's sitting there! You can sit there, I mean!"

"Quiet in the library!" the librarians snapped in unison.

"The wicked step-librarians are so mean," Cupid whispered as Dexter took a seat. If they would just lighten up, she'd help them find love just like she had the students. Sadly, their bitterness over their stepsister Cinderella ruined any chance of Cupid's arrows working on them.

"I know," Dexter agreed. "Last week they made me re-catalog the entire forbidden book section. And look what I found."

Dexter showed Cupid a book that made her gasp.

"'The History of True Hearts Day'? Dex, you're such a sweet-!"

The librarians shushed them both again, slapping their table with rulers.

Ever After High - Charmitorium

True Hearts Day was a special holiday in the world of Fairy Tales which celebrated love and the freedom to fall in love with whoever one desired. On Earth, it would be called Valentine's Day for those who would see the similarities. As such, a day celebrating her father and extended family in the business, Cupid immediately jumped onto an idea. With all the love being spread around so freely, and the day itself coming up, why not host a celebration?

Cupid normally may have tried to ask for permission to throw the party, but knew that Headmaster Grimm would never approve of True Hearts Day since he strictly believed that students must follow their destinies. Since the knights showed up, he had to watch as many fairy tales diverged from their correct path. Instead of Daring Charming, Apple White was now dating Lance Baeuregard, the next Lancelot. Even worse (or better in Cupid's opinion), Raven Queen was dating Arthur Pendragon and somehow the Storybook of Legends showed her an alternate destiny, one where she did not have to follow in her mother's evil footsteps.

Therefore, informing Headmaster Grimm was not a good idea. So, she went to the one person she knew who could help her plan and celebrate this loveliest of holidays.

Cupid did not have to look far as she found Briar and Harry sitting alone in the charmitorium together for one reason or another. She didn't know why, just that they were there when she asked around. The two had been spending a lot of time together since the knights were given their awards. Cupid of course could tell what was happening, but she'd let them savor the buildup.

"Briar! Harry!" Cupid ran up to the couple. "I have some fantastic news!" She showed them both the book.

"'History of True Heart's Day'?" Harry read the title. "Is that like Valentine's Day or something?"

"Oh, it's more than that!" Cupid smiled brightly. "It's the most fairest holiday ever!"

"Well, if it's a holiday about love, you'd definitely be hexcited about it," Briar remarked.

"Yeah, but we know Headmaster Grimm won't want me to tell anyone about it," Cupid frowned. "But I still want to hold a secret underground dance to spellabrate it and I know how much you love to throw parties, Briar! Your last one was a blast!"

"A party?" Briar smiled. "Well, you've come to the right princess!"

"We'll have to be careful if we don't want Headmaster Grimm catching us," Harry cautioned. Grimm was really pushing for destinies now that he calmed down from Legacy Day. He couldn't enforce them, but he could punish people he caught not following them, citing some little rules they technically broke. It was making him, if anything, more unbearable than ever.

"Don't worry. He won't find out," Cupid promised.

"Then let's get to work!" Briar decided.

"Yay! We're having a secret True Hearts Day dance!" Cupid declared, her voice actually echoing throughout the school. A cupid in her element was certainly a powerful thing.

"Um...I think the point of a secret dance is that it's supposed to be secret, Cupid," Harry commented.

"Whoops. Sorry," Cupid apologized.

"Alright, so we're going to need party supplies," Briar looked down at her phone and dialed a number. "Fortunately, I know a place that can give us a good deal."

"And for treats, we can go to Ginger. I'm sure she'd love to make something for us," Harry added. Since the knights had been advocating Ginger's pastries and she showed them off at Briar's last party, she had gotten quite a lineup at school whenever she brought them.

"Thanks. You're both the best," Cupid smiled as Briar talked to someone on the phone about party supplies.

"Maybe this will finally be your chance to confess to Dexter," Harry said and Cupid blushed right.

"W-w-what!?" Cupid stammered. "I don't have a crush on Dex!"

Harry chuckled, "Cupid, anybody with a working brain cell can figure out you like him. Hex, the guys and I are taking bets on when you finally become a couple."

Cupid pouted, "You're taking bets?"

"Don't change the subject. Cupid, I have seen you bring couples together. Why is it so hard to tell Dexter how you feel?"

Cupid took a seat in the empty chair beside Harry.

"To be honest, I've never felt this way before. It's always been my duty to spread love but then I met Dexter and he's the first guy that made my heart pound. I've tried to tell him so many times but, I guess, I don't know how. I've tried flirting, but..."

"Dex is too thickheaded to pick up on the signs."

"Yeah. How a guy like him can be so smart yet so dumb is a mystery to me. I just wish I could just tell him."

A snore cut in and Briar leaned against Harry, fast asleep. Harry shook his head and took her phone to continue the order, "You still there? Okay, I assume Briar managed to get what she needed for the party? She did? Okay. Does she have a normal delivery spot? She does? Wow, okay. Then you know what to do."

"Do that often?" Cupid smiled. Oh she could see the cute dynamics of their relationship already playing out. Briar would fall asleep, but Harry would be able to finish her conversations before waking her up. Probably in a cute way like a kiss on the cheek or even on the lips. Oooh, this is what she lived for!

"Yeah, I've gotten used to it. You know, before I met Sleeping Beauty, I never realized I had feelings for Briar," Harry confessed. "Then I thought about her destiny, the 100-year sleep, and it scares me that I'll lose her since only her Prince Charming can break the spell."

Cupid smiled warmly, "Who said it was Prince Charming that could wake her up? I recall it was True Love's Kiss that did that."

Now it was Harry's turn to blush. He and Briar had not even had their first kiss yet, much less a real date to plan one, "Well, just waiting for the perfect moment. A first kiss has to be special, according to some books I've read."

Cupid shook her head, "Books are helpful, but don't disregard what you feel in your heart," Cupid poked Harry's chest. "Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. When you feel it's the right time in your heart of hearts, it'll be time."

"Well, hope you know when the right time to confess to Dexter will be. How about the dance? It should have the right atmosphere."

"O-oooh!" Cupid blushed, already imagining the thought. Her train of thought derailed and Harry smirked at turning the tables on her. So he settled back, feeling Briar wrap her arms around him again. It seemed he would be stuck for a while.

Well, he had nowhere to be.

Ever After High - Stables

As part of the classes on how to raise magical animals, there were stables for the various horse or horse-like animals that the class would raise, be used for school functions, or would come as part of an exhibition. As such, the stables were as much part of the 'classroom' as it was part of the class.

Gawain and Rosabella spent much of their time in the stables, volunteering their time to help take care of the horses if no students had detention or there were a number of horses beyond the few the school kept around. Sometimes their time there was limited with Gawain's patrols, or tending to the wounded wildlife. So far, there were few incursions of note, allowing Gawain's grove to be free of patients and the couple could focus their attention on the horses.

Gawain once told Rosabella that he dreamed of being a veterinarian even if his family had been farmers for generations. Animals were always more interesting to him than growing plants.

"Hm," Gawain murmured, brushing down a unicorn. The mythical creature gave the odd snort, but was clearly enjoying the attention.

"You know, I think you are one of the only boys I know a unicorn will let near them," Rosabella claimed as she brought carrots for the other horses.

"Just honest with them," Gawain replied modestly. Unicorns were able to sense intent and if your intent was not pure, they would reject you. Gawain had also saved a unicorn foal once, earning their blessing. It wasn't as overt as the curse said to be put on someone who would harm one, but somehow, Gawain's fortunes just seemed to turn out on the better side of things. Also, according to legend, unicorns were friendlier with virgins, allowing them to ride them. Gawain never tried, believing himself not pure since he killed Mirror Monsters, but he dreamed of it once or twice.

Once he finished brushing the unicorn, he returned it to its stall. Once it was closed, he heard the telltale clops of an approaching horse. He turned to see who was coming and let off a huff of displeasure when he saw someone on horseback approaching.

The horse was completely normal. White with brown splotches. It was the rider that Gawain disliked. He was a broad-shouldered and strong-framed individual. Muscle and athleticism were clear on his body. He wore a green tunic with a leather vest and black trousers with leather boots. Worse, all of the leather clothing was clearly homemade, which the young man bragged about hunting the animals for. He had chiseled features with dashing good looks and teeth as bright as Daring's. His hair was jet black, tied in a short ponytail, and clearly styled to perfection.

His name was Scout Huntsman and, at first glance, he resembled the antagonist Gaston from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Gawain would know as he, like many of his generation, were raised on Disney. The resemblance was strong and it didn't help that Scout's attitude was almost a match for the character. How someone like him could be related to someone like the more agreeable Hunter was beyond Gawain's comprehension.

"Stablehand, tend to my horse," Scout commanded Gawain as he dismounted. The Beast Knight scowled, wishing to tell him no, but the horse clearly looked like it was run ragged and needed rest.

Gawain and Rosabella had the displeasure of meeting Scout Huntsman when he first enrolled in Ever After High and joined their class. He was a Huntsman, related to Hunter but they were so different. Hunter would never hurt a fly. Scout, on the other hand, often bragged about the many animals he had hunted for sport, collecting many trophies too. He even took pictures of himself with them and showed them off, which aggravated Gawain even more. He also considered himself a ladies man. Worse, plenty of the princesses in the school fawned after him like they did Daring. Even if Scout wasn't a prince, he sure acted like it.

"Ah, dear Rosabella," Scout greeted her.

"Scout," Rosabella greeted neutrally, pointedly keeping her focus on the horse she was tending to.

"I really don't understand why you demean yourself in this dusty place," Scout sighed, clearly trying to act up some role. "You are a dainty princess after all. You should be off in a high tower, waiting for your dashing hero to come to your rescue and make a family of three or four strapping sons."

Gawain all but snarled, almost channeling Destwilder as he gripped the horse's reins to lead it to an empty stall.

"I may be a princess but that doesn't mean I need to act like a dainty prisoner," Rosabella frowned. She didn't have anything against her fellow princesses who wanted to be damsels and wait for their princes, but Rosabella was an activist at heart. She went out and made things happen. Scout's description just made it sound like all a lady was good for was being a damsel and marrying her hero.

"Oh, clearly not. Energetic and adoring of other creatures," Scout chuckled. "Still, you do take such good care of my horse. I'd love to be able to take you out on a night around the town. Maybe show off some of my trophies at the local hunting lodge."

It took all Rosabella had not to smack Scout. The nerve. He dared to invite her to gawk at his trophies when she knew he didn't need to hunt those poor animals. He just loved the thrill of the hunt. They weren't hurting anyone and he didn't even use them for food like his relatives did. He just took the parts that he could display as trophies and got rid of the rest. It was cruel and the animal lover was appalled by his behavior.

"I'm busy," Rosabella answered curtly.

"Taking care of these pretty ponies?" Scout scoffed. "Oh, dear Rosabella, surely you can take one night off. Your fellow stablehand there can surely handle himself for one night."

"My boyfriend and I are busy tonight," Rosabella repeated, emphasizing who Gawain was.

"Wait, you and the stablehand?" Scout looked over to Gawain who just removed the horse's saddle after bringing it to a stall. "Since when? Surely you can do better than that!"

"Since before you got here. And he's not a stablehand. He's one of the knights that Queen Snow White awarded with a medal of valor," Rosabella told him. "Do you have a medal of valor, Scout?"

"Bah! I could earn one in my sleep once some dastardly animal tries making trouble," Scout scoffed. "All one bear, wolf, or other dirty thing has to do is set one claw out of line and I'll cut it down."

*CRACK!*

Gawain had heard enough and turned to face Scout. Gripped in his hand was his Dest Visor, manifesting with his strong emotions as its blade was on the ground, cracking the floor. It was a feature he discovered by accident when he tripped down a gully. As a rapid means of self-defense, he could manifest his Visor for a short time. It was mostly to fight off a Mirror Monster long enough to transform, but it was a handy trick.

Funny how Merlin never mentioned it.

"Oh-ho, know how to use that, stablehand?" Scout smirked, unitimidated by the show of force. "Looks like a fine hunter's weapon. A little out of place in your animal-loving hands."

"Do business. Or leave," Gawain growled. "Rosabella taken. My girlfriend. Back off."

"Yes, Scout," Rosabella agreed. "If you have no other business here in the stables, please leave us to do our work."

Scout chuckled, shrugging his shoulders, "Alright, alright, I can tell when I've overstayed my welcome. Just remember my offer is still open, Rosabella. You should experience a real hero instead of some costumed fool."

Scout left the stables and Gawain was tempted to stick his axe into the conceited jerk's back. He remembered jerks like them. He had one childhood bully who would make fun of the way he spoke, calling him slow and retarded. Then Gawain built up some muscle from working on the farm and the bully was no longer a problem.

"I am amazed he can say that when you fought in the Shereghost Attack while he skipped Legacy Day to go hunting," Rosabella scowled. She walked to Gawain's side and took his arm that was holding his Dest Visor. "It's okay, Gawain. Calm down."

"A bully. Hurts everyone. Hunts animals. No reason," Gawain gritted his teeth. He hated hunters who only did it for sport and acted like it was some kind of social gathering. Hunting for food and taking trophies as a side benefit was fine. Nature was like that. To hunt animals just to take parts to show off and dump their bodies like trash was an insult to Gawain, nearly a crime in his mind.

"I know, I know," Rosabella nodded, speaking soothingly. Gawain's patience was usually as strong as iron, nearly unbreakable. Yet, despite that, Scout was able to get his temper flaring just by bragging about some new animal he bagged, or flirting with Rosabella and ignoring her repeated reminders that she was in a relationship. Each time she told him, it was like he heard it for the first time. "He's all talk, Gawain. Compared to him, you're a real hero."

Gawain sighed and closed his eyes. His Dest Visor soon dissolved into particles which vanished. After a moment and a deep breath, Gawain got his composure back.

"Sorry. Too close."

"I know. He's been getting worse," Rosabella agreed. "I honestly don't know why he's fixated on me. Did he get bored with the others chasing him around all the time?"

"Hard to get. Challenge. Like a hunt," Gawain answered.

"Well, that figures. He sees anything he can't get as a challenge," Rosabella rolled her eyes. "Well, come on. Let's see the poor horse and maybe give it a little TLC."

"Right," Gawain nodded. Scout always liked to ride hard and fast once he got on the trail of something. He put Scout out of his mind and focused on his work with Rosabella keeping him company. Once Scout was long gone, Cerise stuck her head inside,

"Hey, guys," Cerise waved as she entered the stables. She had seen the huntsman riding in on his horse, keeping her distance until he left before she came to meet her friends. Hunter was fine, even if he was a Huntsman, but Scout fave off all the bed vibes her dad warned her about huntsmen.

"Hi, Cerise," Rosabella smiled. Gawain offered a smile and nod of his own. After Scout, it was nice to see a friendly face.

"Have you heard the news?" Cerise asked as she held her phone. "We're gonna have a True Hearts Day dance."

"I haven't heard anything about that," said Rosabella, puzzled. She quickly retrieved her own phone to see if she had gotten a notice.

"That's because it's not an official event," Cerise whispered. "Cupid's the one who started it and the Headmaster's not supposed to know about it."

"Secret," Gawain summarized.

Ever After High - Front Walk

After Briar woke up, she and Cupid went off to continue organizing for the event. She even gave Harry a kiss on the cheek for helping get her order straightened out, which just made Cupid beam. Seeing affections and love shared always put her in a great mood. Harry volunteered to get Ginger on board while they put the rest of the details together, which Briar accepted. So Harry went out front and found Ginger at her usual table, sharing treats she had made that day. Of course, Rex was there too, wanting to spend time with his girlfriend.

"Treats for True Hearts Day?" Ginger smiled as Harry explained their plan. "Of course I'll make them!"

"That's great," Harry smiled. He knew he could count on Ginger to make the treats, especially if it was for a beautiful celebration of love.

"I'll help as well," Rex offered. "I can't allow my Candy Princess to do all the work by herself."

"Just remember, you two, that this needs to be a secret. We can't let Headmaster Grimm catch us doing this or he'll shut us down and give us detention." The headmaster would not dare expel the knights after they earned their medals of valor. It would be a scandal for him. That wouldn't protect them from any other in-school punishment though.

"If this is supposed to be a secret, then how are you going to spread the word about it?" Rex asked.

"Don't worry. Briar's got a network to tell people about her parties," Harry answered reassuringly. "Anyway, I have to go now. We're expecting party supplies to come via goose-mail."

As Harry walked away from the table, Rex did not question him when he mentioned goose-mail. After spending so much time in this fairy tale world, they had gotten used to its quirks and its lexicon, using the local slang and terminology naturally.

"Oh, True Hearts Day!" Ginger gushed as she held her cheeks. "How romantic!"

"So, everything has to be pink and heart-shaped, I assume?" Rex questioned.

"Well, that is the theme, after all," Ginger agreed. "We've got lots to make like cookies, tarts, cupcakes and pies."

"Sounds like a tall order."

"We'll use the kitchen back at the dorms. It has everything we need."

Enchanted Forest

With love in the air, Hunter and Ashlynn decided that it was a perfect time for a date of their own. So Hunter scouted out a perfect spot, a picturesque little area around the willow trees where he and Ashlynn could have a romantic moment together. He had set it all up beforehand and planned everything out.

When they arrived, Hunter used his magic touch with wood carving to create a cozy table and chairs for both of them to sit at. Ashlynn, despite being a princess, always appreciated it when someone put their own hard work into something instead of just giving it to her. Then once they were having lunch, Hunter fired an arrow at some flower lanyards he strung up, letting one land on her head as a crown of flowers. Her smile and the light in her eyes certainly made Hunter's day.

Everything was just perfect.

"Well, well, well! Little cousin, how charming is all this?"

So much for a perfect date.

Hunter's blood went cold and he spun around. Leaning on a nearby tree and clearly recording their date was one of the very last people Hunter wanted to see.

"Scout," Hunter said with a frown.

"You don't look too happy to see me," Scout remarked. "But I gotta say I am impressed. Cinderella's daughter? It seems like you finally took some of my advice on how to catch a lady's eye. Very ambitious of you. What did Auntie and Uncle have to say about your new relationship?"

Ashlynn looked on in worry, clearly seeing this boy was not the friendly type, "Hunter, who is this?"

"Scout Huntsman. My cousin, twice removed," Hunter frowned. "He came over twice and my parents removed him from the premises."

"Oh, you joker," Scout chuckled, finally lowering his phone. "Well I can't really bust your chops over dating a girl outside of your story since I do it all the time...oh wait, I don't have the Huntsman destiny. I wonder what your parents and the school would think if this got out?"

Hunter scowled and Ashlynn paled. While the Royals and Rebels had cooled the Destiny Conflict, there were plenty of diehards on both sides. No one would argue against Arthur and the knights since they saved the entire school, but Hunter and Ashlynn didn't have that protection. Hunter was no knight and plenty still believed that Kevin was supposed to be Ashlynn's prince. If word got out that they were dating, then the Royals would definitely raise a stink. Headmaster Grimm might even start in on them with his pro-destiny antics lately. As for their parents...neither wanted to think how they might react.

"You would do that," Hunter scowled.

"You know, you could still date Cinderella's daughter but you'll have to give your destiny up, Hunter. I've always been the better Huntsman, after all." Scout smirked as Hunter and Ashlynn gasped. "I'm not afraid to hunt the furry little beasts to keep them in line and I certainly don't get squeamish at a little red meat on my plate. How do you think I got as buff as I am?" He flexed his arm to show off and like a complete douche kissed his bicep.

"You-!" Hunter growled, but Ashlynn caught his arm.

"You don't have to decide right now. I know it's such a hard decision. Your destiny or your girlfriend," Scout smirked as he turned and started walking away. "But the longer you wait, the more likely this information gets out. Better call me up soon, beansprout."

Scout whistled as he walked away from successfully ruining Hunter and Ashlynn's little lunch date.

A long time ago, as children, Hunter and Scout used to be close. Almost like brothers. However, things changed once Hunter was chosen to be the next Huntsman and not Scout. That wasn't what broke their bond, but it was the start. Later Hunter had to be trained on how to hunt and trap, quickly losing his stomach for it and turning vegan while actually sabotaging his father's traps where he could. Scout quickly showed his disdain and began working himself hard, hunting more and more while bulking up with red meat and constant workouts to try and be the charming huntsman that should hold the destiny. Needless to say, their relationship soured quickly as Scout tried to outshine him and beat him at everything related to their family's destiny.

Now Scout had ammo he could use to ruin both Hunter and Ashlynn. What were they supposed to do?

Ever After High - Halls

In the halls of Ever After High, Dexter was at his locker, watching Raven and Arthur part ways as they headed to their respective classes. He felt the pangs of envy at watching them, but he knew he really didn't have any room to be upset when he had been too nervous to really say anything more than hello to Raven. All of Cupid's talk about a True Hearts Day celebration just kind of made him aware of how single he was and the girl he had his eye on was with someone else.

"Ha..." Dexter sighed, closing his locker.

"Hey, Dex," Harry approached and greeted his friend. "Why the long face?"

"It's nothing," Dexter lied. "So, have you heard about the party?"

"Yeah, Cupid and Briar are going to throw it," Harry answered. "I was there when Cupid pitched the idea and it all went from there."

"That's nice. I suppose Briar will be your date then?"

Harry nodded, "What about you?"

Dexter shook his head, "I had a girl in mind but she's taken."

That made the Stingray Knight wince, "Sorry to hear that, Dexter. But there's always plenty of fish in the sea."

"I don't know. She was pretty special. I don't know if I'll ever find someone else like her. Maybe if I was a knight like you then talking to girls wouldn't be so hard." It was a feeling Dexter was familiar with. Girls he was interested in were always hard to talk to, but people with more confidence like his brother made it seem so easy.

Harry snorted in amusement, "Dexter, I still don't know how to talk to girls. I'm still surprised that Briar chose me. I don't even know why. My brother's always been the one that's confident and popular and the one the girls fall for, not me."

Speaking of Lance, both he and Apple were walking down the halls as he escorted her to her next class. As the top Royal couple, they had all the attention. Once upon a time, it would've been Daring who Apple would be walking with. At the same time, Daring was passing by from another hallway and flashed his smile at a couple of girls who swooned and fainted.

"Your brother and Daring make it look so easy," Dexter remarked.

"Yeah, they do," Harry agreed. He looked to his friend and steeled himself...and maybe try to earn his win of the pot his friends had put together. "Dexter, there is someone out there for you. I guarantee it. Maybe it's someone pretty close to you already."

"Like who?"

Harry had to shake his head. Dexter was kind of thick, but considering his brother it may have run in the family. Anyone who knew her could tell Cupid was crushing on the second Charming prince.

"Well, what about Cupid?"

Dexter blinked, confused, "Cupid? She's like my best friend."

"Is that all she is?"

Now very confused, Dexter nodded, "Well, yeah."

Harry nodded, pocketing his hands, "OK, Dex. Let's do an exercise. I want you to close your eyes and imagine your life without Cupid."

"Why would I-?"

Harry interrupted, "Just do it, Dexter. Trust me. It'll help."

Dexter was skeptical but he followed Harry's instruction as he closed his eyes and imagined what his life would be without Cupid. Harry watched as Dexter's face twisted into a grimace like the idea of it was painful. Finally, Dexter opened his eyes and gasped as he collapsed against his locker in shock.

"Dexter, are you OK?" Harry asked, worried.

"Oh, my Godmother!" Dexter realized. "That was terrible!"

"OK, what did you see?" Harry wondered, not expecting such a severe reaction.

"I imagined my life without Cupid and it was horrible," Dexter said. "My life felt so empty. I mean, she's been such a huge supporter since she showed up. Then when I thought about her, I remembered all the times we spoke, how she spoke to me."

"Did you finally pick up on something?" Harry asked.

Dexter nodded. How Cupid would get shy or nervous around him, how she'd sigh dreamingly sometimes if he asked her a question, how she'd always leap up to help him when he asked for a favor. Dexter knew all the signs since he'd seen so many girls do the same towards Daring. Somehow, he never recognized them when they were pointed at him.

"How could I be so blind?" Dexter questioned Harry and himself. Guess it was true what they say that you did not realize how precious something was until it was gone.

"Well, you had your eyes set on Raven Queen for a long time that you didn't notice," Harry shrugged.

"OK, so Cupid has a crush on me? Me? Why?" Dexter never, never had a girl crush on him before. It was always his older brother that got that kind of attention. He had no experience with this kind of situation!

"You're smart, you're friendly, you're kind," Harry listed.

Dexter wilted slightly, "But I'm nothing like Daring."

Harry looked to where Daring was flirting with three girls at once...and they were eating it up, "I think that's a good thing here."

"OK, so what should I do?"

"The girl's been crushing on you for the longest time. You should give her an answer and stop leading her on," Harry advised.

"I don't know if I can," Dexter wiped the sweat off his brow. "I know, how about I leave her a poem?"

"Fine, you do you. Just make it clear it came from you or else Cupid might think someone else sent it. Anyway, I have to go. Briar needs me to help organize the party." Hopefully, she wouldn't ask him to do any heavy lifting.

Book End - The Glass Slipper

As much as Ashlynn wanted to either try to salvage her date, or talk to Hunter to figure out what they were going to do, their time together had come to an end. Ashlynn had to go to her part-time job at the Glass Slipper.

The Glass Slipper was Book End's best shoe store and, as expected, Ashlynn's mother owned it since glass slippers were kind of her thing. Ashlynn didn't use her connections to get a job though as her mother raised her to not shy away from hard work. The daughter of Cinderella loved working there since shoes were kind of her hobby fashion-wise. When it wasn't busy, she could hang out with her friends there and help update their style.

Right now though, not even top designer shoes could cheer Ashlynn up.

"Hey, Ashlynn!" Apple came in through the door. "Have you heard about True Hearts Day? Aren't you hexcited about such a spelltacular spellebration?"

"That's nice,"Ashlynn sighed.

Apple, noticing her friend's dour mood, sat down beside her.

"What's wrong, sweetie? C'mon, you can tell me." Apple tried to help.

"I'm not sure you'd understand," Ashlynn replied.

"Oh come on, try me. Is it boy trouble?" Apple teased. Ashylnn's eyes widened as Apple unknowingly hit the nail on the head.

To keep herself from blurting something out, Ashylnn leaped to her feet, "Wow, you know, I'm suddenly thirsty. How about I hop over to Hocus Latte and get us something to drink? You like foam and extra apple caramel right?" Before Apple could answer, Ashlynn was out the door in a flash.

"Hm. I guess it must be boy trouble after all," Apple smiled. It seemed the season was finally giving Ashlynn her turn at love.

Book End Library

"So, Cupid and Briar are throwing a secret True Hearts Day dance," Harry informed his fellow knights.

"Ah, True Hearts Day," Merlin smiled nostalgically. "I haven't heard that holiday in a long time."

"A dance? I'm there! I've got some moves I want to show off!" Darren said excitedly.

"Is it anything like Valentine's Day?" Arthur asked.

"Kind of," Harry said. "I mean, it's what I got from what Cupid told me."

"Well, I have a copy of the book of its history right here," Merlin said as he put the tome in the middle of the table. "I could tell you all about it."

"Merlin, no offense, but I don't want to learn about a new holiday when I know there's going to be a dance," Lance said as he took out her phone. "I better call Apple and tell her about it."

"Yes, you all want to ask your girlfriends to the secret True Hearts Dance," Merlin sighed. "Ah, I wish I was your age again. To be so young and in love."

"You seem like the playboy type to me," Gwen snarked. "You'd fall in love every other week."

"Ouch, so cruel yet somewhat true," Merlin laughed.

While his friend's made banter, Kevin's phone sent him a text alert and he read the message.

"Guys, I need to drop by Hocus Latte for a minute."

Hocus Latte

Kevin entered the coffee shop and spotted Ashlynn. She was fiddling with her cup and clearly looked upset about something.

"I got your hext message, Ashlynn," Kevin said as he took a seat across from her. "So, what's up?"

"You know about the dance, right?" Ashlynn asked, cutting to the chase.

"You mean the secret True Hearts Day dance that Cupid and Briar are throwing that we must not let Headmaster Grimm find out? Yeah, I do."

"Hey," Hunter spoke from the seat behind Ashlynn. Kevin peered over to see Hunter wearing a pair of Groucho glasses and a baseball cap.

"Hunter?" Kevin cocked an eyebrow.

"No, it's Gunther. Gunther Guntsman."

"...OK?"

"Kevin, right now you're the only one who knows about me and Hunter," Ashlynn said. "Well, besides Cedar...and Scout."

"How did Cedar find out?" Kevin asked. "And who's Scout?"

"Let's just say we need to find a new secret dating spot," Ashlynn answered. She didn't want to bring up the blackmail. Not yet. "Look, Kevin, it's about this dance. I want to go with my boyfriend but I don't know how everyone's going to react." Ashlynn Ella was Cinderella's daughter and she was expected to fall in love with her Prince Charming and not the Huntsman.

"Ash," Kevin sighed. "I don't think it's as much of a big deal as you think anymore. Even Apple decided to choose Lance instead of Daring and you know how pro-destiny she is. If she's really your best friend, then she'll understand."

"Will she?" Ashlynn asked doubtfully.

"Apple White might get obsessed about her destiny but I think that she'll accept who you choose to be your Prince Charming. She picked hers after all," Kevin reasoned.

"Thanks, Kevin," Ashlynn said gratefully.

"And you should definitely bring your boyfriend to the dance. Just tell him to leave the glasses."

"I got an order for a 'Gunther Guntsman'?" the barista called.

"Here!" 'Gunther' raised his hand.

Book End - Streets

Scout walked down the roads of Book End, cocky as he always was. Many girls admired him and he gave them winks and smiles, sending them into giggling fits. Of course, Scout was in a spectacular mood. He managed to find dirt on his beansprout cousin to either force him to fork over the Huntsman destiny, or give up his pretty little girlfriend. Either way, it would teach Hunter a bit of a lesson and if it got Scout the destiny he felt he deserved, then all the better!

It always rankled Scout that someone like Hunter, who couldn't hunt an animal to save his life, and even helped the little beasts escape from traps, could be destined as the next Hunstman. The Huntsman had to be a brave and dashing figure who wasn't afraid to do what had to be done. If that meant standing up to an Evil Queen or killing a wolf that threatened old ladies and little girls, then so be it. Hunter couldn't do either of that, the spineless beansprout. Scout, on the other hand, could and had done such things and had the trophies to prove it!

Feeling good about being closer to claiming his rightful destiny, Scout had that extra swagger in his step. All that could make it better was the thrill of a great hunt!

Ask and ye shall receive. In the reflection of one of the Glass Slipper's windows, was something not casting a reflection. It was a bronze and red humanoid monster. Its most prominent feature was four horns growing out from its torso to make something akin to a battering ram. Snarling, the monster eyed the numerous potential meals before starting to emerge from the Mirror World.

It was a stroke of luck for Scout Huntsman when he encountered his first Mirror Monster. It emerged from the reflection cast by the Glass Slipper shoe store, sending people fleeing at the sight of it. Hah, cowards. Scout Huntsman was not afraid.

"Foul beast!" Scout declared, pointing his hunting axe (where he was hiding it was a secret) at the monster. It somewhat reminded him of a wild boar. "You will fall by my axe today!" He made sure people were watching and filming with their MirrorPhones before he engaged the monster.

The Wildboarder saw him coming and when Scout swung, it raised its forearm to block, the thick armor absorbing the blow as sparks came off. Other than those sparks, the monster showed no sign the blow did anything. Scout was stunned by this before he had the wind knocked out of him when the monster punched him in the gut, sending him flying.

Scout landed on his back with a grunt, his whole body in pain as the Wildboarder prepared to blast him with the laser tusks it had mounted on its body. As it charged up its weapon, Scout felt someone grab him by his vest and pull him to safety before the laser hit the spot where he lay, blowing chunks out of cobblestone and concrete.

Scout found himself on the sidewalk when he saw who had saved him and he gaped. It was the stablehand from school. What was his name? Scout didn't bother to remember.

Gawain glared at the Wildboarder as it started to go on a rampage, blasting at everything and everyone in Book End, sending them all running. Digging into his pocket, he ran to the closest window and pulled out his blue Tiger Advent Deck. He held it out in front of him and His V-Buckle appeared around his waist. He pulled his arm back while raising the other, his fingers curled like claws in front of him.

"Henshin."

Gawain slid the deck into his belt and his armor appeared on him, becoming Kamen Rider Tiger. Wielding his Dest Visor, he turned around and charged at the Wildboarder with a roar. The monster took notice of him and fired its laser but Tiger deflected with his axe before he closed the gap and struck it across its torso, ripping sparks off on impact and causing it to backpedal.

"It's the Beast Knight, Sir Tiger!"

"Yeah, get him, Tiger!"

"You're our hero!"

Scout heard the cheers coming from the bystanders and narrowed his eyes in envy.

Tiger knocked the Wildboarder away with his Dest Visor before he opened the card chamber and slid a card in.

[Strike Vent!]

Summoning his Dest Claws, Tiger went on the attack again, swinging his claws as he slashed the monster rapidly, giving it no chance to fight back. Tiger landed a brutal uppercut slash that sent the Wildboarder tumbling. Fearing for its life, the Wildboarder got up and tried to escape but Tiger was not going to let it go anywhere lest it tries to attack again. Dismissing the Dest Claws, he popped open his Dest Visor's card chamber and slid his Final Vent card in.

[Final Vent!]

The Wildboarder was about to dive back into the Mirror World when Destwilder lunged out of the window and grabbed it with its claws. It slammed the Wildboarder down then dragged it across the street toward Tiger who stood ready with his Dest Claws again. With a roar, Destwilder threw the Wildboarder at Tiger who caught and impaled it on his right Dest Claw. Tiger raised his arm victoriously and flash froze the Wildboarder before shattering it to pieces. The cheers grew louder as Tiger defeated the monster while Destwilder lunged at the floating energy sphere, gobbling it up before leaping back into the Mirror World.

Cheers continued to erupt from the bystanders as the battle concluded. Tiger looked around and gave a small wave to the bystanders before he turned and began walking away.

Scout watched in shock and no small amount of envy. That stablehand was able to beat that creature in only a short time while he, the future Huntsman, couldn't even scratch it?! What was worse, he wasn't even going to take his due reward? He had all this fame and glory staring right at him and he was just walking away from it?! No, he would not let this stand!

"Don't you walk away from me!" Scout huffed, getting up. Tiger turned his head and spotted Scout stomping towards him. "That was my quarry, you thief! How dare you interrupt my hunt!"

"Not hunting. Protecting," Tiger retorted. "Not a game. Not a sport. Lives matter."

"Hunting is the ultimate sport! You just waltzed in and stole my quarry!" Scout retorted.

"Don't care. You lost. I protect others," Tiger replied. "Fight over."

"It's not over! I demand you pay for this insult!" Scout hissed.

Tiger huffed in agitation and promptly ignored Scout. When the arrogant hunter wouldn't leave him alone, he merely dove into the glass of a nearby carriage. The Mirror World was one place Scout couldn't follow, incensing him further.

"Don't you run away from me!" Scout shouted, slapping the window angrily. "Come back here and face me!"

People would later catch him on video being chewed out by the carriage's owner for vandalizing their property.

Oh, that is just so sweet! Scout just got humiliated! Big jerk deserves it!

It proves that doing unto others has it done unto you. Still, this tale is far from finished.

Indeed. Another chapter for this particular story is about to unfold.

Argh! I hate cliffhangers!

A/N: And we have the beginning of True Hearts Day. Cupid may have a true chance at Dexter now, but Ashlynn and Hunter still have to deal with their relationship being exposed. Since Duchess was chilling out now she knows she can try for a new Destiny, I needed someone else to keep this sub-plot going. So I made Scout, another Huntsman whose destiny would be more generic than Hunters, forming their rivalry.