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 24: Darling's Rival
It was a beautiful night in Ever After High. A perfect night for a romantic rendezvous. With mythterms over and spring break near, the students used this chance to relax.
In the student lounge, adorable Gabriel managed to convince some of the boys to have a video game tournament. He also dominated the competition, showing his skills. His fangirls cheered them on.
Max was playing pool with his classmates for gold. He's got ambition.
And Harry was listening to music, reading a book while Briar slept against him.
Yes, they all found ways to relax.
But what about Gwen and Darling? Let's see what they're up to right now!
Book End Library - Training Room
"Henshin!"
Gwen transformed, adorning herself in the regalia of Kamen Rider Femme. Turning away from the window, she drew her Blanc Visor to face her opponent.
It was the White Knight and they had drawn their two-handed broadsword.
"Hah!" Femme darted forward, striking the White Knight in the chest with her rapier. The White Knight stumbled, taken by surprise, but they recovered quickly to swing their blade at Femme. The Princess Knight flipped backward, avoiding the blade to land gracefully on her feet.
"Beautiful and graceful, my lady," the White Knight praised.
"Flattery will get you nowhere!" Femme retorted as she went on the offensive again. Sparks flew as they went back and forth, their swords connecting but never landing a blow on their opponents. Finally, Femme performed a split then swept the White Knight's feet, knocking them down. Jumping to her feet, Femme hopped onto the White Knight's waist, straddling him then removed their helmet to reveal a girl's face.
"I win this time, Darling," Femme smiled.
"You have," Darling acknowledged. "So, what shall you claim as your prize?"
Gwen removed her Advent Deck and armor before she lay over the White Knight armor to gaze lovingly into Darling's eyes.
"A kiss from my darling princess."
Gwen planted a kiss on Darling's lips, wrapping her arms around the armor's broad shoulders.
Gwen Night was an example of contrasts. She was the granddaughter of the Queen of Camelot, Guinevere. She was born to an upper-class family and raised with ideas of propriety which included the proper roles of boys and girls in life.
Suffocated by this upbringing, Gwen instead broke conventions. She cut her hair short, dyed it with blue streaks, and wore tomboyish clothing while being rambunctious and energetic. She even got herself a guitar and got into rock music. She drove her parents mad with her antics, but at least to their credit, they didn't try to go to extremes to make Gwen conform to their expectations. This allowed Gwen to be reasonable to their important demands, but at any other time, she was a proud black sheep.
Gwen's parents, especially her mom, expected her to behave like a proper lady. Therefore, she got signed up for ballet lessons when she was younger. She did not enjoy a second of it but she did manage to pick up a thing or two which she adopted into her fighting style. Perhaps those lessons had not been a waste of time. They certainly came in handy when she fought Mirror Monsters, Rogue Knights, and winning spars with Darling.
Gwen preferred to just jam on her guitar with her BFFs, Sparrow Hood and Melody Piper. She was also an honorary member of Sparrow's band and would sometimes join him on stage.
While she hated Princessology and despised Damsel-in-Distressing, she enjoyed her time in Ever After High since she had found true friends and a true love. Darling Charming truly was a darling and they had grown even closer since Legacy Day. Fortunately, Darling's family didn't see anything wrong with her dating another girl. Apparently, with the Storybook of Legends making pairings, same-gender couples weren't uncommon now and then. They were just reserving judgment to see if Gwen was enough of a knight for their daughter.
Of course, Darling showed her own influence on her girlfriend. Gwen's wardrobe had changed a lot since she came to EAH. While she allowed Darling to design her wardrobe, Gwen decided to make her outfits both fashionable and functional. She wanted to show her true beauty, grace and strength as a Princess Knight.
She wasn't reluctant to wear skirts or heels anymore, at least more fashionable kinds which could suit her style. She often wore denim skirts with yellow/gold stockings since she hated her legs being completely bared. Often she wore simple t-shirt tops with a white denim jacket sporting a gold Femme insignia. Darling even talked her into wearing some jewelry and makeup which included earrings, although she drew the line at the tiara her grandmother had gifted her. That was only going to be worn on special occasions and only if she was going with Darling. Of course, she kept her hair straightened since the slumber party, liking how it was an easy change to maintain, and also giving her more confidence in her appearance.
She pretty much coined the term as Femme as the first official Princess Knight but that title should have technically been Darling's since she had been training in secret for much longer. Darling was flattered, but she wished to keep her identity as the White Knight a secret so Gwen promised not to say anything about it.
Ever After High - Castleteria
It was lunchtime in the castleteria and Gwen had made a plan with Sparrow. With a silent command, he, the Merry Men and Gwen had pushed some tables together to form a makeshift stage. Then, Melody quickly set up the speakers as Gwen, Sparrow and his band got on stage.
"EVER AFTER HIGH! LET'S ROCK!" Sparrow shouted and both he and Gwen played, supported by his bandmates.
It was just an impulsive decision on Gwen's part but after midterms, the students just needed something to blow off some steam and an impromptu rock concert was just the answer that Gwen came up with. This time, unlike before, Gwen and Sparrow were playing together instead of against each other. Sparrow was still on vocals but Gwen didn't care. She just wanted to jam..
The two rockers made sure not to break any windows this time.
It was a roaring success, proving the prediction Hunter made once upon a time true. When Sparrow and Gwen were competing, their music reached such a high tone, they broke all the surrounding glass. When they were working together, they made a royally rocking show, earning cheers and admiration from many students. The castleteria was soon becoming packed with students who wanted good seats to the show.
Gwen just lost herself in the music, everything else just seeming to fade away.
"WE LOVE YOU, GWEN!" several girls cheered from the audience. Gwen smiled and just kept playing, needing both her hands or else she would have waved to them.
Still, the song wound down and the students cheered. Sparrow and Gwen checked the doorways and saw that Milton and Giles Grim were watching. They were clapping, but the look on Milton's face indicated he would tolerate only the one show and only because it was just after midterms. Giles' influence no doubt.
"Ah, well, hope that blew off some steam for everyone!" Sparrow announced to the crowd, who cheered back. "Congrats for getting through the mythterms! Have an awesome spring break and let's have a rockin' good time before finals!"
The students cheered again and began to leave when they saw the show was over. Milton and Giles left when the Merry Men began to disassemble their gear, proving the show really was done.
"Great job, Gwen," Sparrow praised as Gwen put her guitar away. "It's like you're made for playing on stage."
"Thanks," Gwen grinned. "Ahh, I needed a good jam session to relieve some stress. Thanks for letting me play along, fellas." She got laughs and good-natured replies from the rest of the Merry Men. One joked that they needed a Maid Marion anyway, making Gwen throw a wad of paper at him, earning laughs from everyone else.
(-)
After lunch, Gwen went to her locker to grab her books for her next class. She opened up her locker and an avalanche of letters spilled out. Her locker was stuffed with them.
"What the-?" Gwen blinked, surprised, then picked up an envelope at the top of the pile.
"Looks like fanmail," Darling observed as she came over.
"Hey, Darling. Whaddya think of the show?" Gwen asked her girlfriend.
"It was spelltacular and you managed to get through it without breaking any windows," Darling smiled beautifully.
"Yeah, but I might have to break a few hearts," Gwen said after she finished reading the letter she had opened. It was a sweet love letter confessing affection, but Gwen would have to turn them down. Fortunately, it just seemed like this letter was from someone who just wanted to make their feelings known, aware that Gwen was already in a relationship with Darling.
"Hmm, a date, a date, ooh, this one's steamy!" Darling giggled. "My, who knew I had such a playgirl as my knight?"
"But I only have eyes for you," Gwen beamed, earning a giggle back. "Any advice for what I should do with these? You get confessed to a lot, don't you?"
"Well, since plenty of these seem to just be simple and not forceful or some kind of proposal, just collect them and dispose of them later," Darling answered. She did get her own fanmail, being the daughter of the Charmings and being one of the top princesses in school. "No need to be cruel about them. If they want to meet or offer something, it's best to meet them to turn them down gently."
"True. Confessing is hard," Gwen nodded from experience. The only reason she had been able to confess to Darling was that she had been punch-drunk after the Shear Ghost Attack. She picked another envelope and found it addressed oddly. "'To my goose girl'? Really?"
"Goose girl?" asked Darling, confused.
"Now I've got to read this," Gwen admitted. She was expecting a car wreck of a confession to be honest if the guy (or girl) couldn't even get her partner's species right. Opening the letter, she read it, "Let's see, 'Dear beloved Goose Girl, I am writing this to announce my conviction that you are the hidden princess of my story. Befuddled and turned away from your path, I seek to bring you back to it and towards me. I wish to offer you a life away from the drudgery of violence and into the life of royalty and prestige which comes with it. I await your reply today after school behind the grimmnasium. I am confident you shall know me when you see me. Sincerely yours, Reginald Hornrim'." Gwen blinked and looked to Darling, "You know this guy?"
"Hmm, I believe so. He's one of the highest-scoring students in school. Straight A's and all that," Darling tapped her lips. "I believe his father is the Wise King and his story is called The Goose Girl."
"Never heard of it," Gwen shook her head.
"It's a lesser-known tale," Darling admitted. "I believe the way it goes is that a princess and her maid are traveling so the princess can wed a king. Along the way, the maid used magic to steal the princess' identity and to prevent her from talking. The maid lives as a princess for a time, while the real princess must herd geese as a servant and deal with another goose herder bothering her. The boy complains of magic bothering him every time he tries to work with the true princess so the king spies on her. Through clues and smart thinking, he learns his bride-to-be is an imposter and breaks the spell on the princess, marrying her instead."
"Explains the goose girl but. Think I should ignore this or go and set the record straight?" Gwen asked.
"Well, he looked like he put a lot of effort in writing this letter. It would be rude not to answer his request but that's your call, Gwen," Darling answered, even if she did not like the idea of Gwen meeting someone who had sent her a love letter.
Gwen frowned, folding the letter up with the others, "As much as I want to ignore it, considering the story, he may get it into his head that something's keeping me from him or something. Sounds like he believed it was happening to me. I'd better tell it to him straight. You coming?"
"I think I will ," Darling nodded. That way she could keep an eye out for Reginald trying anything funny with her girlfriend.
Ever After High - Grimmnasium
Gwen steeled herself for the coming confrontation, but she wasn't nervous about it. She was in a good relationship with Darling and this Reggie guy seemed to be a bit full of himself if he thought that Gwen would just leap into his arms once she met him. Of course, it helped that Darling would be with her as well to give support in case Reggie tried to pull something.
The two came around the back of the grimmnasium and Gwen nodded to Darling who waited behind a corner and out of sight. Gwen continued on and soon found someone leaning on another wall, tapping at his MirrorPhone.
Ever After High was home to a lot of students and many of the classic cliques. Despite the cliques, the stereotypes were not very strong. On the other hand, the one in front of Gwen was one of the most preppy students she had ever seen. He wore the actual sweater vest with a tie and white button-up shirt. He wore khaki slacks and nice shoes. He had blonde hair, styled short by perhaps with more product than Daring would use. Freckles painted his face across his nose and he wore a pair of 'smart' spectacles which admittedly made him look clever, as a Wise King should.
"Are you Reggie Hornrim?" Gwen spoke up, catching his attention.
"Ah, why yes I am!" the boy smiled in a charming way as he stood up straight. "I'm glad you managed to find my letter, my princess."
"Yeah," Gwen resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Look, I found your letter but I'm not here to leap in your arms or whatever you expect me to do."
Reggie blinked, already thrown off-kilter by the blatant rejection.
"What? But, Gwen, everything fits perfectly. I mean, you traveled a far distance to get here. You're in a role that no princess would willingly take. You never speak about your past, and you excel at the princess arts despite always saying you aren't one. It all fits!"
"Wait, so you decided I was your princess just because I fit the checklist? Not even because you actually like me?" Gwen shook her head. "Yes, I did travel a long way to get here, but unlike your goose girl, I choose to be a knight. I speak about my past all the time, just to people I trust, not gossip about it to anyone who hears. The only reason I'm doing as well as I am in Princessology and my other classes is because I have a tutor who gets me to try my best no matter how much I hate it."
Darling began to smirk where she waited. While she may have been more sympathetic to someone whose confession was being turned down, it seemed Reggie only confessed because he deduced that Gwen was his goose girl. It didn't even sound like any real feelings were involved, only the belief in destiny like a true Royal. Worse, his confidence in his charm, or his reasoning, was so strong he seemed stunned that Gwen wasn't leaping into his arms like he expected.
"But, but why would any self-respecting princess want to fight those ghastly Mirror Monsters?' Reggie asked. "You have thirteen comrades. Surely they won't miss just you!"
"And abandon my friends and just leave people to rot when a Mirror Monster appears?" Gwen crossed her arms, a sour look on her face. "I took an oath, Reggie. An oath of knighthood. That mean anything to you? Because it does to me. I'm not going to just abandon it because someone is offering me a cushy lifestyle. Besides, I have a girlfriend who I love very much. So I have my princess charming already." Gwen turned to look at Darling, giving her a wink. Looking back at Reggie, she continued, "And Hornrim, I'm a Princess Knight. A title I hold proudly."
"But...my deductions…" Reggie sputtered, clearly on the back foot. It seemed like he wasn't used to being told he was wrong...or perhaps told no.
"You made a mistake then," Gwen shrugged. "I'd be a little gentler about this, but clearly you just decided we were supposed to be together because of destiny instead of any kind of romance. So, sorry to have to be so blunt, but I'm not going to be your goose girl. I do hope you find her if she's waiting for you though." No reason to be rude if he had just made a mistake. Better to leave him with some of his dignity intact. "So, sorry to turn you down, but I am." Gwen finished and spun around to walk away from Reggie. The bespectacled boy sputtered, but then began muttering as he began tapping at his phone again.
"You handled that well," Darling smiled as Gwen reached her again. Gwen took her hand, intertwining their fingers.
"Well, I guess," Gwen shrugged. "Now, let's get out of here. I need some time with my princess."
As the two girls walked away, leaving Reggie. He could only glare at Darling, his trembling hands squeezing his MirrorPhone.
Book End - White Castle
Gwen and Darling went into Book End as the Swan Knight was in the mood for burgers. Darling was too, even if she was raised to be prim and proper, and joined her girlfriend at the White Castle burger joint. The burgers were the same as the ones back home, cute little sliders packing with flavor.
"Hey, Darling. Got any plans for Spring Break?" Gwen asked.
"Well, my family may wish to take a vacation," Darling admitted. "Perhaps we'll go skiing in Winter Wonderland up north or something."
"Oh nuts," Gwen huffed. "Here I was hoping to pull you down to the beach or something."
Darling smiled, "You just want to see my swimsuit again, don't you?"
"I wouldn't say no," Gwen admitted with a grin.
"You know, I could ask my family if you could join us."
"Would that be OK? I mean, it's your family vacation."
"Nonsense, Gwen! My parents already like you. Besides, I'd like to go skiing with you, and snuggle with you by the fire while drinking cups of hot cocoa with marshmallows," Darling smiled, making Gwen heat up at the thought of doing such things. "Dexter's already asked if he could bring Cupid and Daring will be bringing his latest girlfriend. So it's perfectly fair to bring mine along too."
"I guess that's fine. Just so you know I don't have much experience skiing," Gwen confessed. Oh she could already picture Darling dressed like a beautiful snow bunny some shows would promote.
"Oh, I could teach you. That way we could spend a lot of time together."
Ever After High - Locker Hall
Gwen opened her locker again, finding another letter from her not-so-secret admirer. Reading it, she frowned, "Sheesh. This guy does not take a hint!"
"Another letter from Reggie?" Darling asked. For the past several days, Reggie had been leaving letters in Gwen's locker, professing his love, claiming she was his goose girl and one day he would break the spell that blinded her to the truth. It was cute at first but it was getting super annoying now since she turned him down and she was slowly losing her patience with her self-proclaimed suitor. Was she not clear enough the first time?She even walked around Ever After High, hand in hand with Darling, even kissing her in public. That should have been a clear indicator of her preferences and relationship status!
"Yeah, I mean I already turned him down and made it clear I'm not interested! Do I have to makeout with you in front of him until he gets it?!"
"Yes, please!" Darren cried, overhearing.
"Darren, shut up!" Gwen snapped.
"Maybe I should have a talk with him," Darling frowned, almost glaring at the letter Gwen had in her hands. "A princess to a prince. Coming from a Charming, he may not be so quick to dismiss me. "
"But I'm Guinevere's granddaughter and he dismissed my dismissal," Gwen frowned.
"Maybe, but my family is firmly established in Ever After and is ranked higher than his," Darling replied. "As much as I don't like throwing my name around, in this case, it might be the thing to do if he cannot take a hint."
"Oh," Gwen smirked, crossing her arms and leaning against the lockers. "Defending your claim, Princess Charming?"
Darling smiled, caressing Gwen's hair, "Of course, Gwen. You are my Princess Knight after all and he needs to learn that he can't compete with a Charming."
Gwen smiled with a glow in her cheeks. While she definitely did not like to play the damsel-in-distress, she did like it when Darling would defend her. It showed that like Gwen, Darling wasn't in any way ashamed of their relationship either.
"Kiss already!" Darren yelled, popping up randomly.
"Darren, shut up!" Darling and Gwen yelled in stereo.
Ever After High - Behind the Grimmnasium
Reggie waited behind the grimmnasium. Princess Gwen had just left a note in his locker, telling him to meet her here after school. Oh, she was finally coming around.
"Princess?" Reggie asked, hearing someone approaching.
"Not the one you were expecting," Darling announced herself, arms crossed and a frown on her pink lips.
"Darling Charming?" Reggie seemed puzzled. "Where's Princess Gwen? She asked me to meet her here."
"I was the one that left you that note so we could talk, royalty to royalty," Darling's eyes narrowed. "You need to stop, Reggie. Gwen has made her feelings quite clear. She is not your princess and she and I are together. Please respect that."
"Darling, I respect you and your name, but you need to respect the calling of Destiny," Reggie tilted his glasses. "I have deduced that Gwen is indeed my Goose Girl and has gotten turned around, believing that she is supposed to be a knight instead of my Queen."
Darling frowned, "Reggie, Gwen has confirmed lineage to Guinevere. She's chosen to be a knight and we both wanted to be together. I don't know what process you used to figure she's your Goose Girl, but I think you're missing a few details."
Reggie vehemently shook his head, "No, it all fits and when I break the spell and bring out Gwen's true self, she will accept her true destiny and become my Queen."
Darling felt...quite displeased, with Reggie's comment.
"Reggie, I'm doing this for your own good. If you don't stop, I may be forced to do something we'll both regret," Darling warned.
Reggie scoffed, "Darling, you may be a Charming, but you can't just throw your weight around to get what you want."
"And you're delusional if you think Gwen will just agree to be your Goose Girl just because you say so," Darling stepped forward, more cross than before. "Besides, do you know even one thing about her? What she loves to do? Who her friends are? Her favorite food? Do you? Because I do."
"I would learn all those things in time when we get together," Reggie replied casually.
"That. Is. Not. Happening," Darling poked his chest. "So, please, just leave Gwen alone. Do you understand?"
"Do you really think I would give up our destiny?" asked Reggie.
"Your destiny, no," Darling retorted. "But when you have the wrong princess, yes. Now go back to your deductions and try to find a new princess." Without waiting for a response, Darling marched away.
"I don't think so. Not when destiny says otherwise," Reggie muttered, sliding his hand into his pocket.
(-)
"So, how did it go?" Gwen asked as Darling came back.
"I think he understands," Darling said. "Ready to go?"
"OK, but let me grab a drink first, OK? I am parched."
"I'll wait here for you."
Gwen smiled and went into the castleteria to where the vending machines were. Grabbing her drink, she turned her back to the glass window of the machine and popped it open. As she brought it to her lips, she heard the familiar call of the Mirror World.
*Eeeeeeeeeeeee!*
Gwen sighed. Just great, and just when she was about to relax. Well, with the stress Reggie was causing her, she could use this to blow off some steam. As she turned to face the vending machine, she took out her deck when something shot out of the reflection and grabbed her. She let out a scream as she was pulled right into the Mirror World.
"Gwen?" Darling had heard her scream and came into the castleteria. She spotted the white Advent Deck lying on the floor in front of the vending machine. She picked it up. This could not be good. There was no way Gwen would've just left her Advent Deck lying on the floor like that. Something bad must've happened to her.
Gwen was in trouble.
Footsteps alerted her to someone running and she spotted Tristan coming through the castleteria doors, he looked around, likely hearing the Mirror World as well.
"Darling?" Tristan saw her holding Gwen's deck. "Wait, why do you have that? Where's Gwen?"
"Something took her!" Darling stood in front of the vending machine's glass window with narrowed eyes.
"Darling, wait, what are you doing?!" Tristan gasped as Darling raised the Femme Advent Deck to the reflective surface.
"Saving my girlfriend! What are you doing?" Darling retorted as the V-Buckle appeared around her waist. Following the same motions she had seen Gwen use, she slipped the deck into her belt, "Henshin!"
The buckle lit up and the armor formed around Darling, transforming her into Kamen Rider Femme.
"I'm coming, Gwen!" Femme yelled as she entered the Mirror World.
"Wait, I'm coming too!" Tristan decided. If Gwen was in trouble, serious enough that Darling had to use her deck, then he had to help too. He held up his green Zolda Deck and flexed his arm. "Henshin!"
Mirror World - Ever After High
Zolda emerged from the reflection into the Mirror World. A flash of white was all he got of Femme before he ran to follow her. Bursting from the castleteria doors, he turned and spotted Femme kneeling on the ground.
"Find something?" he asked as he approached her.
"Purple feathers," Femme replied, holding up what looked like a down purple feather. "Have you seen a Mirror Monster with these before?"
"No. It must be a new breed or something," Zolda frowned, drawing his Magna Visor for security. "Keep your weapon drawn, just in case."
Zolda did not like what was going on at the moment. Gwen being kidnapped by a new kind of Mirror Monster made him think that it was more than just an average Mirror Monster attack. The only time he or the others ever saw a new breed of Mirror Monster, it was because they were contracted to a Rogue Knight. So it made Zolda suspect that a new Rogue Knight was involved and that frightened him since one got the jump on Gwen. Zolda knew he could fight, but he worried that Darling couldn't. Few princesses ever learned to fight after all.
The two exited Ever After High, trying to pick up the trail.
"We need a clue, a trail, something," Zolda looked around.
"I have a better idea," Femme replied, drawing a card and slipping it into the Blanc Visor.
[Advent!]
A honk announced Blancwing before it appeared. It flew around the new Femme, looking at her with clear suspicion.
"I know I'm not Gwen," Femme admitted. She gazed directly into Blancwing's eyes. "But right now she's in trouble. Someone kidnapped her and we have to find her before something terrible happens!"
Zolda wasn't sure if pleading to Blancwing would work. Sure, princesses seemed to have a gift with animals, but he doubted that it would work on the Mirror Monsters. They tended to be more...predatory, than the squirrels, deer, and birds that princesses seem to gather around themselves.
Blancwing looked down at Femme for a moment. The silence was almost deafening before the metallic swan let off a honk and took to the sky. It made a circle in the air before starting to fly in the direction of Mirror Lake.
"This way! She has something!" Femme chased after the swan.
"Wait, what? How?" Zolda yelled, chasing after her.
Gwen groaned as she regained consciousness. The last thing she remembered was being dragged into the Mirror World and something knocking her out. Opening her eyes, she looked around and saw that she was in some kind of castle chapel room.
While religion didn't seem to have much of a meaning in Ever After, weddings certainly did. Everyone loved a good wedding and they were considered a big deal, an achievement of destiny, especially between a prince and a princess. To that end, a grand chapel was built just outside of Ever After with a spectacular view of Mirror Lake, perfect for any new bride and groom's special day. For most, to be in such a place would inspire ideas of their own weddings. For Gwen, not so much...
"What the hex is all this?" Gwen groaned. She looked down at herself and gaped when she saw she was in a flowing white and gold gown fit for a Disney princess. "WHAT THE HEX IS THIS?!"
"Apologies for the rough treatment," a new voice spoke. "I had the maids dress you appropriately and set you here to recover."
Gwen spun around, spotting a new figure approaching and she paled when she saw a Rogue Knight approaching her from down the aisle. He wore a dark purple bodysuit with silver bracers and greaves lined in white feathers with sockets. His torso armor was dark, almost black, with white down around the collar and resembling a jacket. Either side had a closed bird wing etched on the surface, making it appear to be a bird's crest in the right light. His shoulder plates were styled like a military officer's epaulets, styled more like feathers.
The helmet had a silver mouthplate, although shaped like a jet pilot's mask without the breathing tube and a visor shaped like an aviator's goggles, but with knight-like visor slits. The rest of the helmet held a pair of horns from the sides, like an owl's feather horns and a pair of round circles similar to owl eyes on the forehead with a yellow diamond between them.
Mounted on his left arm was a shield shaped like a classical owl fit for Athena's shield. Naturally, around his waist was a silver V-Buckle with a purple deck in the center with a gold owl emblem on it.
She frantically searched for her Advent Deck and silently cursed when she couldn't find it on her person. Well, she was without her gear but that didn't mean she was helpless.
"OK, creep, I don't know what your deal is but you do know this is kidnapping, right? Now, let me go!"
"Not until I break the spell on you, Goose Girl." the Rogue Knight replied.
"Goose Girl..." Gwen realized who this was as only one prince ever called her that. "Reggie!"
"Ah, you managed to deduce my identity after one sentence. How nice," the knight replied, apparently pleased. "I call myself the Wise Knight in my suit."
"More like 'Stalker Knight'," Gwen growled. "When will it sink in that no means no, creep!?"
"Perhaps if you weren't enchanted to be so anti-princess, I'd believe it, but all of my deductions point to you being my Goose Girl," Wise Knight explained. "I'm never wrong, so the only reason you refuse our destiny together is that you have been enchanted to be a knight."
"Wait, because I'm a tomboy you think I must have a spell on me since I don't act like all the other princesses?" Gwen gaped.
"Why wouldn't you? All princesses act similarly. I know you are Guinevere's granddaughter," Wise Knight answered. "Why else wouldn't you wish to be with a prince like me?"
"You self-absorbed jerk!" Gwen growled. "Besides the fact I'm supposed to be Guinevere's heiress, you think I should act like some stereotype?"
"Ah, if only you weren't so enchanted," Wise Knight shook his head. "Once we are wed, the spell will be broken and you can take up proper princessly hobbies instead of being a brutish knight."
"Kinda hard to get a girl to marry you without a priest or her consent," Gwen scowled.
"Oh, I have the means," Wise Knight shrugged. "I've already sent my maids to collect one and now all I have to do is disrupt the spell enough so you can make the vows. I've already collected a scroll which should disrupt any spell on you and allow your true personality through to make the vows and break the curse."
Gwen had to blink at the sheer audacity that Wise Knight was showing. He really thought he was never wrong when he made his deductions. Now that he was being proven wrong, he was making up excuses for why things weren't working out like he expected them to. It even sounded like he had deluded himself into believing it. It was amazing how dedicated to destiny the Rogue Knight was if he was willing to go into self-delusion in order to claim it.
"Oh duck you," Gwen scowled, preparing to give Wise Knight a fight, with or without her armor!
*Eeeeeeeee!*
"Oh, an interloper?" Wise Knight remarked. If it was a Mirror Monster, then he could show his Goose Girl he was her destined prince.
What came out from the window was a giant, metal swan. Gwen gasped in surprise.
"Blancwing!"
The giant swan rose into the air with a honk, glaring down at Wise Knight. The purple knight reached to his belt, preparing to draw a card. The swan flapped over to Gwen's side before coming down, softly nuzzling Gwen, making her smile as she felt Blancwng's warm metal skin.
"I knew I'd see you again, girl," Gwen smiled, hugging Blancwing's head. "Did you bring the others?"
The windows rippled again before the forms of Femme and Zolda came out of the glass, landing on the stone floor. Femme looked up and gasped, seeing her girlfriend.
"Gwen!"
"Darling?" Gwen gasped as she heard her girlfriend's voice coming from her armor.
"What?" Wise Knight gasped. "Well, I suppose we could have witnesses to our union and the breaking of my bride's curse."
"OK, what?" Zolda blinked.
"Long story short: stalker thinks I'm his destined bride, kidnapped me and wants to force me to marry him," Gwen summarised.
Femme roiled in fury and Zolda let off a low hiss of breath, "Okay, that's just a big no. I'm gonna shoot you a few times in the junk now."
"Not if I don't stab him first!" Femme hissed.
"OK, guess you have dibs," Zolda accepted. "I'll leave this to you but I'll jump in just in case."
"Don't worry," Femme drew her Blanc Visor. "You won't have to." She marched over to Wise Knight and as she passed Gwen, she nodded to her then focused her gaze on the Rogue Knight. "Reginald Hornrim, you have taken that which is mine! I, Darling Charming, demand satisfaction!" Gwen remembered that line. It was a phrase to issue a challenge for a duel between nobles or royalty.
"I accept," Wise Knight replied. "If the swan is to be your second, I insist on bringing out mine!" He drew a card from his deck and the shield spit open in the middle, revealing the card slot. He placed the card, depicting a purple humanoid owl titled 'Nightwise', inside before snapping it shut.
[Advent!]
Another window rippled before a new monster leaped out. It was large and humanoid, covered in dark purple armor. It had armor plating like a humanoid chest, but purple feathers across its chest and collar. It wore what seemed like a fusion of a cloak and wings across its arms and back which ended in razor-sharp feathers. Its face bore a resemblance to large dark goggles and a pilot's mask, complete with a breathing hose which vanished into its collar. It also seemed to be wearing a purple combat helmet marked with silver horn-like ornaments which made it seem more owl-like.
"Draw your weapon," Femme demanded.
"Of course," Wise Knight nodded, slotting a second card into his shield.
[Strike Vent!]
Nightwise let out a shriek before a copy of its wings/cloak appeared, landing on Wise Knight's shoulders, which he spread out to show the blades on the ends.
Femme was silent, but then lifted her blade, "En garde!"
The new Swan Knight charged for Wise Knight, blade raised, Wise Knight began to spin, swinging the blades of his cloak in a flourish. Femme raised her blade, deflecting the Wise Knight's strike before rolling aside in the same direction of the swing to keep from being chopped by the others. Landing in a crouch, Femme swung at Wise Knight, although he blocked it with the thick material of his cape.
"You will not win this duel with such a flimsy weapon!" Wise Knight mocked.
"So true," Femme agreed, leaping back before drawing a card.
[Sword Vent!]
The WIng Slasher landed in Femme's hands and she swung, not only deflecting Wise Knight's Night Cloak, but knocking the purple knight back.
"Wh-what?!" Wise Knight gasped. Since when could a princess hit so hard?
"I may be a princess, but I am also a Charming," Femme stood up. "You think I would neglect that part of my heritage? Ha!" She swung the Wing Slasher again, her sword training giving her the advantage as she struck him across the chest.
Meanwhile, Zolda and Gwen stood on the sidelines, watching the duel.
"So, Gwen. That's a nice dress," Zolda complimented.
"Shut up, Tristan." Gwen's eyes were focused on Femme, her Darling. "C'mon, Darling! You can beat him! Show him why you're a Charming!"
Wise Knight swiped with his cape but was surprised to find Femme dancing around him, slashing wide now that she had more range with the Wing Slasher. Grunting, he stepped back and commanded his monster, "Nightwise, help me!"
The owl monster shrieked and dove into the fray, aiming its talons at Femme. Gwen cried out to warn her girlfriend, but Femme seemed to anticipate it and rolled out of the way before slashing Nightwise across the back, making it shriek in pain.
Dancing away from the monster, Femme opened her Blanc Visor, drew a card and scanned it with the Visor.
[Guard Vent!]
Equipping herself with the Blanc Shield, white feathers rained down from the ceiling. Both Wise Knight and Nightwise rushed Femme at the same time but she suddenly disappeared. Wise Knight stumbled and spun around wildly, searching for her with wild eyes when he got slashed across the chest with the Blanc Visor. Shrieking, Nightwise lunged at her but was intercepted by Blancwing who slashed the owl monster with its wings as it flew by.
Using the rain of feathers as cover, Femme piled on the pressure, preventing Wise Knight from defending himself. Darling's training also aided her as she knew just how much force she needed to apply with each strike. With one final jab, she threw Wise Knight into the pews in the front row and as he tried to get back up, she put her boot on his chest and pointed her rapier at him.
"Do you yield?" Femme asked. When he did not reply, she repeated, "I said, do you yield? Do not make me repeat myself again."
Wise Knight trembled in fear. He could not lose, not when his Goose Girl and destiny were so close. However, he was not in a winning position. He was subdued and so was his Contract Monster as the swan sat on it.
"I..." Wise Knight hesitated. "...I yield."
Satisfied with the answer, Femme removed her foot from Wise Knight and stepped back.
"If you ever come near Gwen or talk about this Goose Girl nonsense again, then you better prepare for a blood feud between our families. Your parents and mine will be informed of this. Now, have a good day."
Wise Knight decided to do the wise thing and dive for the nearest window, fleeing into the Mirror World. His Nightwise followed not long after, once Blancwing got off it. The swan monster honked and returned to the Mirror World too.
"Hey, get back here!" Zolda went after Wise Knight, diving into the Mirror World in hot pursuit.
Darling removed the Advent Deck and the armor vanished, shattering away into fading shards. All of a sudden, Gwen threw herself at Darling who caught her.
"Darling, that was awesome!" Gwen grinned, laughing.
Darling beamed, hugging Gwen back tightly for a moment, "You know, Gwen, that dress does look quite lovely on you."
Gwen laughed but shook her head, "Sorry, but there's no way I'm wearing this ever again. I'd rather see you in it, though."
"Oh, so eager to tie the knot already, my Swan Princess?" Darling teased.
"S-shut up." Gwen blushed, causing Darling to giggle.
Mirror World - Enchanted Forest
Wise Knight collapsed on his hands and knees before he got back on his feet to flee from the chapel. This...this was not a defeat! It was just a tactical retreat! Once he nursed his wounds and got back to fighting shape, then he could try and get his Goose Girl again.
"Hey, are you a Rogue Knight?"
Wise Knight looked up and saw the purple-armored form of Kamen Rider Ohja. It was really pure coincidence that the Snake Knight was even in the area. Ohja was just in that area of the Mirror World to hunt down monsters to feed Venosnaker and hadn't heard any of the recent calls from Mirror Monsters near the chapel.
Wise Knight backed away in fear and turned around, only for his path to be blocked by Zolda.
"Kyle, don't let him get away!" Zolda yelled, keeping his Magna Visor trained on him.
"Hm? And why's that?" Ohja asked, intrigued.
"He kidnapped Gwen and tried to force her to marry him!"
"Because she is my destined Goose Girl!" Wise Knight defended. "My destined, future Queen! I was only trying to break the spell that enchanted her into believing she is a knight! I wanted her to wake up and be her true self!"
"Oh?" Ohja cocked an eyebrow. His voice turned cold, almost deathly so. "You wanted to force our friend Gwen to become your bride? You know, that's not very nice." He popped open his Veno Visor, rolling his neck with a hiss. "I guess you can even say that vexes me." He drew his Final Vent card, placed it in his Visor's card chamber and slammed it shut.
[Final Vent!]
Hissing loudly, Venosnaker slithered into the scene and rose behind Ohja. The Cobra Knight leaped into the air and performed a backflip. As he reached Venosnaker's mouth, the giant cobra reared its head back and spat out a stream of venom that propelled Ohja at Wise Knight. Kicking his legs rapidly, Ohja struck Wise Knight as he delivered his Veno Crash, hitting him with bicycle kicks.
Zolda backed out of the way while the Rogue Knight struggled to run, but to no avail as Ohja came crashing into him. Wise Knight screamed as he was sent flying, crashing to the ground, sparks flying from the impact. As he sank into unconsciousness, the Wise Knight Deck ejected from his belt.
Ohja walked over and picked up the deck as Reggie lay on the ground, injured.
"Let's go," Ohja said to Zolda.
"Wait, we can't just leave him," Zolda said, looking at Reggie. He wouldn't be able to survive long in the Mirror World, especially exposed and without protection.
"He tried to force Gwen to marry him. As far as I'm concerned, he deserves this. You can save him if you want, but don't expect me to," Ohja replied coldly.
Zolda watched Ohja walk away and then went over to Reggie to help him up before the Mirror World disintegrated him.
Book End Library
Tristan took Reggie back to Ever After High. By now, he should be facing his punishment once Darling told the headmasters and her parents about what he attempted to do. Acting more like an Evil King than the Wise King he was supposed to be would likely land Reggie in some serious hot water. The families of good nobility generally took a dim view on villainous acts.
After Tristan dropped Reggie off at the nurse's office, he asked the former Wise Knight where he had gotten the Advent Deck. Reggie answered, truthfully, that he had received his deck in his locker with a note. Another dead end. It seemed the Rogue's mysterious benefactor wanted to remain anonymous, likely to avoid getting caught. Smart, yet annoying.
Now, Tristan was back at the library and he found Kyle sitting in an armchair, reading a book.
"Kyle, what the hex was all that?" demanded Tristain. "Yeah, the guy was a creep, but just leaving him to die?"
Kyle sighed, closing his book, "Look, I take a very dim view on men who try to coerce things out of women. I've seen what the aftereffects can be. They aren't pretty and I will not allow anyone to do it to my friends or loved ones. Guys like him? I say cut them off from the gene pool and we'll all be richer for it."
"I get the sentiment, but who says we can be judge, jury, and executioner?" asked Tristan.
"We're the Knights of the Round Table," Kyle answered. "And recently, I found out that was real and not some lie Merlin made up to let us stay here. Don't you think we should be living up to the name?"
Tristan frowned, "Who says we haven't?"
"Protecting people from monsters, yeah, but that also means protecting people from other things," Kyle answered. "That means protecting them from each other and from the worst which can crawl up to hurt them. Ever After is a great place, but that Reggie creep proved some people are going to abuse their stories or use them as an excuse to take what they want."
"So we stop them," Tristan frowned. "We stop them, but that doesn't give us the right to pass judgment. We aren't in Camelot."
"Yet," Kyle countered. "With what we saw from the book, it's only a matter of time until Arthur and Raven hook up and build it. Maybe not like how the book intends, and maybe not anytime soon, but with everything we're building here, lives and relationships, do you think we aren't already forming what could become a new Camelot?"
"Look, I'm just worried about any of us crossing the line. We've got all this power so we need to be responsible with it. Coz once we've crossed that line, there's no turning back."
Kyle nodded, showing some visible worry with Tristan's point.
"Yeah. So far these Rogue Knights don't seem to be keen on doing that either, but that Calibur Knight chick might be the exception. I pray it won't happen, but I can't help but think it might with her running around."
Tristan scratched his head, "Yeah. And I don't think whoever is handing them out is going to be so merciful either."
Yeesh! What a creep!
Yes, a stain on the good names of princes. Obviously some who believe in the Royal cause have taken it much too far.
Well, now he'll face punishment and his power may be passed on to someone a little more worthy.
Oh yeah. So, enough with the creep! Let's see how Gwen and Darling get along on their spring break!
Winter Wonderland
After the incident with Reggie, Darling all but insisted that Gwen come with her family on their spring break ski trip. Gwen didn't argue, but it did make it easier for her to come along when Cupid was there with Dexter and Daring had brought along another princess, the next pea princess from The Princess and the Pea. Her name was Penelope Pea, a rather sensitive girl who wore her heart on her sleeve.
Traveling by personal car, the group did go up north where everything was soon covered in snow, in a land called Winter Wonderland. It made Gwen wonder if it was home to the snow and winter tales, maybe even Santa Claus.
The Charmings owned an incredible winter cabin which seemed more like a mansion made in the form of a log cabin. Inside was everything one could dream of for a perfect ski vacation.
"Wow, Darling. I knew your family was rich but this is nice. Royally nice," Gwen praised. She was dressed for the cold weather. It consisted of a white wool sweater and black ski pants with white boots Darling recommended for her. Darling, of course, got a matching set in light blue and white.
"But it's better when we can share it," Darling smiled, hugging Gwen's arm. "Now, come on. I'll show you to our room."
"What?!" Gwen gasped.
"Just kidding," Darling giggled. "My brothers will be sharing a room, I'll share a room with Cupid, which leaves you to share a room with Penelope."
"Oh, good," Gwen nodded. As much as she wanted to share a room with Darling, Gwen knew her parents would never go for it. Maybe if they were just friends, but they were a couple and Darling's parents probably did not want any funny business going on.
"Yes. So, let's get changed for the cold weather and I can give you your first ski lesson," Darling beamed, pulling Gwen for the rooms.
(-)
Darling had given her some basic lessons, which helped Gwen make sure that she wouldn't fall over while she was skiing. After doing some small runs and more importantly, learning how to stop, Gwen took the lift to one of the actual hills. Coming to a signpost that pointed to the various hills, Gwen tried to see which one would be the easiest to cut her teeth on.
All of a sudden, a skier came to a stop next to her, spraying her with powder.
"Hey!" Gwen cried, shielding her face from the snow. The skier looked more like a pro skier who could go down the hills at a breakneck pace. He was adorned in top-tier gear with an aerodynamic helmet and a tight suit.
"Oh, it's you, Gwen!" Daring lifted up the visor of his helmet. Well, he needed to protect his good looks.
Gwen looked at his ski-suit. It was skintight, colored white, black and gold. In fact, it was so skintight it was showing the curve of every muscle he had.
"Hey, Daring. Isn't that suit a bit, um, revealing?" Gwen asked. Although she preferred girls, she could still appreciate a nice side of beef when presented to her. That made it worse since it was Darling's brother presenting it.
"Oh, but it's supposed to improve my mobility when I ski and it feels like I'm wearing nothing at all." Daring wiggled his hips but it just showed off the curve of his firm butt. Gwen recoiled and covered her eyes as she began to slide backwards on the slope.
"Curses! Curses! Curses!" Gwen panicked as she turned around while she was going too fast. "Quick, remember what Darling taught you!"
She tried to recall the lesson when Daring's voice echoed in her head.
"Feels like I'm wearing nothing at all...nothing at all...nothing at all..."
"Gah! Stupid sexy Daring! Oh, curses! Tree! Tree! Tree!"
She tried to move out of the way but she was going too fast and she slammed right into a tree. The impact shook the snow covering the leaves loose, burying her in snow.
'The boys can never know about this,' Gwen mentally groaned as she pried herself from the tree. Fighting her way out from the branches, and marveling how she wasn't dead, Gwen began coasting down the hill, focusing on controlling her speed.
(-)
"Are you feeling better now, Gwen?" Darling asked as Gwen rested her bandaged head in Darling's lap. They were back in the cabin and sitting on the couch together. Needless to say, Gwen had gotten bushwhacked something fierce and got a nice bump on her head to show for it by the time she got to the bottom of the hill. Darling, of course, began to fret and pulled her girlfriend back to the cabin. After getting a bandage and some cream to help reduce the swelling, Darling insisted on Gwen resting her head in her lap.
"Best pillow ever," Gwen sighed. "Sorry I took you away from the rest of your family."
"No, don't feel guilty about that," Darling tapped Gwen's nose. "We're here for a week so there is plenty of time to ski. Besides, we have some time to ourselves now."
Gwen began to grin at Darling's smile, "Whatever will we do?"
"I wonder," Darling purred, tracing lines on Gwen's cheek.
(-)
"So, Penelope. You're mom's the princess from the story of the Princess and the Pea, right?" Gwen asked her roommate.
"Oh, yes," Penelope confirmed. "And some of her quirks passed on to me. That's why I have a special mattress and pillow back home and in my dorm."
Penelope was a girl of around the same height as Maddie with long ash-blonde hair and bright green eyes. She had a penchant with the color green, wearing a green sweater with warm brown pants and green snow boots. Another particular thing about her luggage was that she had brought a mattress with her, but thanks to magical luggage, she could carry it easily. As they were getting ready for bed, Penelope had swapped the mattresses, prompting the conversation.
"Oh, custom-made for your condition, right?" Gwen inquired.
"Exactly. It has to be comfortable, with no lumps. Not too hard, not too soft, perfect that I can doze off," Penelope said. She lifted up her mattress to see there were no peas hidden underneath. "Alright, goodnight, Gwen." Penelope put on a sleeping mask and lay down in bed, pulling the covers over herself.
"Goodnight, Penelope."
(-)
In the middle of the night, Gwen was suddenly awoken by a noise similar to a chainsaw. She turned on her bedside lamp and looked around for the source. To her surprise, it was coming from Penelope who was snoring.
"Ugh," Gwen sighed, reaching into her bag for a pair of headphones. They dulled the noise from Penelope, but it felt weird to be wearing them to bed.
"This is going to be some long nights."
Maybe she could conspire with Cupid for nighttime visits with their significant others?
Oooh, that had to hurt!
Indeed, but luckily Gwen has Darling to nurse her back to health. Unfortunately, having Penelope as a roommate will not allow her to have a good night's sleep.
Well, after what she went through, our future Guinevere deserves a break.
Hey, think the guys are having a great spring break?
Well, we'll have to read about that in the next chapter.
A/N: And Darling shows her knightly side, taking Gwen's place as Femme to rescue her girlfriend. Another Rogue also appears, but gets taken down just as fast. Kyle pulls one of Ohja's tricks from the Rider War, his uncanny ability to just appear to crush someone. The Goose Girl is a real fairy tale published by the Brothers Grimm.