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 32: Declaration of War! The Order of Rogues Assemble!
We return to Ever After High as the lives of the heroes, villains, Rebels, and Royals continue to unfold.
Today, we look at the future villains in Mr. Badwolf's General Villainy class.
And our resident bad boy knight, Max Lefay!
Ever After High - General Villany
For General Villainy, Mr. Badwolf had assigned his students to give a presentation on the type of villain they would like to be. It was Max's turn and he could feel his teacher's critical gaze on him.
"Alright, Mr. Lefay. Show us what you've got," Mr. Badwolf instructed.
"Well, here we go," Max started his presentation. He had rehearsed this and included visual aids which would be projected on a screen in class. A laptop was set up to control the slides. "Now, this is the type of villain I'd like to be: the Gentleman Villain." The first slide showed the typical gentleman villain, well-dressed, nicely groomed, but still with an evil gleam in his eyes. "The Gentleman Villain is described as possessing the 3C's: cunning, charisma, and charm. These traits can make them efficient in getting close to their targets to commit their villainous acts. One of their signature villainous acts is this."
Max went to the next slide showing a princess tied to a train track. "Tying someone to a train track. It's simple, inexpensive, personal, and deadly. But, it also gives the victim a bit of hope. Maybe they'll be able to escape before the train runs them over. That is why the Gentleman Villain also includes this."
The next slide showed three sticks of dynamite wired to an alarm clock.
"The Gentleman Villain would have a timebomb which includes three sticks of dynamite wired to an alarm clock. Now, this is what gives the situation some added tension and peril. Tick, tick, tick, the bomb is about to go off. Tick, tick, tick, the train's coming. Which one would happen first? The train or the bomb? It makes our dear victim desperate to escape and fills them with fear."
Max ended his presentation, "And that is the type of villain I aim to be, the classic Gentleman Villain. Thank you."
He was met with applause, earning looks of admiration from minions, intrigue from the other male villains, and looks of, well, either fangirlism or outright lust from some of the female villains. He wasn't sure. He didn't care either since he was with Ramona anyway.
"Well done, Mr. Lefay. A+ work as usual," Mr. Badwolf approved. "A classic villain archetype and one that shows sophistication and class. We only truly see it in royal villains, although being a knight yourself, you certainly fit the role."
"I just feel that being a villain needs to have a sense of class, sir," Max reasoned. "Just because you're evil, it doesn't mean you can't be a gentleman."
"Well, take your seat. Alright, up next we have..."
Ever After High - Castleteria
Villains were normally seen at outcasts, outliers who lived on the fringe of society. However, at Ever After High, they found a place where they belonged. Despite being a Knight of the Round Table, Max often sat at the villains' table with his classmates in the castleteria. They would chat about the usual things that interested teenagers, maybe plan a prank or two to humiliate the more heroic students.
"So, here's what I was thinking. We grab Daring Charming and tie him up in the Enchanted Forest with a paint bomb," one of Max's classmates, an ogre, suggested. "And we stream it live."
"That does sound fun," Max agreed. It had been a while since he last pranked Daring with his Monsterfication Potion. He got an A+ for that assignment. "But what color should it be?"
The bell rang, ending their lunch period and signaling the return to classes. Max bid his classmates goodbye and went to put his tray away before going to his locker to grab his books.
Max went to his locker and found a sheet of paper taped to it:
"YOU DON'T BELONG"
Max ripped the paper off his locker door and crumpled it up before tossing it in a nearby trash can. It wasn't the first time he was pestered because he was the next Mordred. The legend of Camelot was a big thing in Ever After, especially after their grandfathers left to avoid their eventual destiny. People didn't want to see it ruined and some harassed Max in some stupid attempt to keep it from happening. That or they were jacked up knight-types who didn't think he deserved to be part of the Round Table. One or two left comments under the knighting videos, declaring how they would replace him now that the Round Table was accepting new members. Ever since Deacon and Valentine joined, some were even sending resumes.
"How immature..."
Well, he more than earned his place since he helped save the school. If they had a problem with him then it was their problem, not his.
Ever After High - Halls
Raven was walking with Arthur down the halls like they normally would, but she noticed Arthur had his guard up all day. He had told her about Victor Torgen of the Order of Rogues and that he was building an army. Something like that honestly scared Raven. This Victor wanted to steal Camelot, somehow believing he could since the last King Arthur didn't follow his destiny. Now that Arthur and the others were in Ever After, this Victor seemed ready, willing, and able to use violence to take Camelot by force. That made sense since he was supposed to be the next Vortigern, a warlord. Violence would be his first answer.
Arthur was expecting an attack to come at any moment. Some might believe he was being paranoid, but he was just being cautious. When your enemies could come out of any reflective surface, it was a pretty logical state of mind to enter. Any of the Rogues in the past didn't care all that much about things like collateral damage or school hours. Now that Victor, or Whyte Knight, was getting serious about his intent to recruit more members, who knew what the Order of Rogues was liable to do?
Then there was Vivi and Arthur did not know what to make of her. She was loyal to him and wanted to see Camelot rise. However, she would not tolerate any divergences to destiny. It was only by his orders that she had not made another attempt on Raven's life. Instead, she used any chance she had to try and advise Arthur into taking the right path to his destiny. She was like Headmaster Grimm, except that Vivi was willing to resort to violence to get what she wanted. It made her a bit of a hypocrite though since she intended to ensure that Camelot's fall didn't happen.
"Arthur, you need to relax," Raven sighed, holding his hand.
"A little hard to do with the given situation, Blackbird," Arthur sighed.
"Maybe," Raven admitted. "But you can't let this Victor guy get to you. If you do, then he's won half the fight."
"Right, right," Arthur massaged the bridge of his nose.
Raven smiled and leaned to Arthur's ear, "I know a perfect way to relax. Want to go to the gazebo in the Enchanted Forest? Lots of privacy."
Arthur blinked, blinked again, and then nodded with a smile, "Lead the way."
Raven smiled, tugging Arthur's arm towards one of the exits. And some people said princesses couldn't be the aggressive ones?
Far Far Away High
Far Far Away was a land where the fairy tales of yesterday got to enjoy their celebrity status and the fruits of their adventures. Merlin's comparison hadn't been wrong. If Book End was like Beverly Hills, then Far Far Away was Hollywood. Spellebrities were everywhere and it was a mecca of fashion, trends, movies, and everything in between. Of course, all of the buildings and structures were designed similar to those of Book End, sporting a fantasy village aesthetic and magical beings walked the streets in their latest fashions and trends.
It reflected in Far Far Away High. It looked more like a high-end castle, with white stone, tiled roofs, stained glass windows, all of it with teenagers out and about. Aside from the building itself, the student population wasn't too different from the likes of Ever After High. The heroes and villains of tomorrow were taught and trained there, eager to take hold of their stories and live for the success of those who came before.
Still, like other high schools, there were...problem students.
Inside one of the lower sections of the school was a dungeon. Usually, these rooms were reserved for detentions and the like, but they could be used for other things like private meetings. Inside one room was a large, ornate, gold inlaid round table. It was ostentatious, meant to be seen, and seemed made for a big show than any practical use. There were fourteen chairs around it and someone was seated in each one.
At the head of the table was a young man, clad in a white school uniform with a blue vest. He had his white hair done in a ponytail and icy blue eyes. He stood out, especially in the dim lighting of the dungeons.
This was Victor Torgen, the next Vortigern, and the one believed Camelot was his by right. He was also the Whyte Knight, leader of the Order of Rogues.
"I trust you all have been getting used to your armors and contracts?" he asked the group. He received a round of affirmatives. He wouldn't say he was exactly pleased with the group he had with him, but they would be loyal to him and less likely to betray him provided he gave them what they wanted. "Good, then we begin today. Let us introduce ourselves to our counterparts. Today is the day we make our declaration of war!"
Ever After High
The final bell rang and the students were let out of their classes for the day. As some went back to their dorms to rest and do homework, others went to Book End to relax and enjoy themselves, while many others remained for their after-school clubs and extracurricular activities. Merlin was not expecting his young charges to be back in a couple of hours, giving them some free time to spend with friends and lovers.
While spending time with Raven managed to ease some of his fears, Arthur still kept his guard up. He even asked his fellow Knights to be careful and not to go anywhere alone, fearing they might get ambushed. Victor had already proven he was not above using underhanded means if it granted him victory. There was also no telling whom he might recruit either.
With that kind of shadow on their minds, the Knights all decided they just wanted to spend some time with their precious girlfriends and forget their troubles for a moment. Lance was taking Apple out to grab some drinks at Hocus Latte to unwind from a long day of school.
Gabe and Holly were going into Book End to get some ice cream together. The Rhino Knight was in the mood for a cold and sweet treat to share with his girlfriend.
Rob and Kevin just decided to hang out and bring Faybelle and Nina with them, wanting to see something at the Multi-Hex.
Rex wanted to show something to Ginger. Arthur suspected that it was whatever he had been working on in the small kitchen the library had and banned everyone from so much as tasting it.
Gwen went out with Darling to do some shopping together. Darling may have been a trained fighter, but she was a princess too. That meant power shopping and Gwen would have to carry the bags.
Tristan and Poppy were, well, somewhere. Tristan didn't say where and no one thought to ask. He was being a little secretive about it.
Kyle wanted to spend time with Duchess, so she wished to go to the Red Shoes Dance Club so she could keep showing off that she was official with a Knight of the Round Table. The girl couldn't stop bragging about how she was part of their clique now.
Ben and Meeshell were, like many times, going to the pool to spend time together and have some private time to sing. Arthur had to admit out of all the Knights, those two had the real fairy tale romance.
Ramona took the initiative again and pulled Max into the Enchanted Forest. It was a place with very few mirrors and few chances for the Mirror Monsters, or Rogue Knights, to attack them.
Gawain just went to the stables to take care of the animals with Rosabella, finding solace and peace with them and the girl who understood him so well.
Briar wanted to cheer Harry up from all the gloom, so she dragged him out to do something exciting so he could forget about the situation for a little while. What they were going to do, they didn't know yet since Briar hadn't decided either. She was just improvising.
Lizzie insisted on having a tea party with Darren as the guest of honor. That sounded tame, but Wonderland tea parties were always wild, loud, and cheerful events that anyone else would consider a party.
Arthur himself didn't know what he wanted to do. So Raven decided to just take advantage of it and had Arthur follow her to under one of the trees at the school. Taking a seat, she planted Arthur's head in her lap.
"Just relax," Raven spoke softly, running her hands through his hair. "Don't think about the Rogues or Victor. Just take a breath and think about the here and now. Your girlfriend is trying to have a moment here."
"True," Arthur chuckled. "Just got so much going on."
"Don't make me use my magic to make you relax," Raven warned.
"Yes, my queen," Arthur smiled, trying to relax.
"Good boy," Raven beamed.
Book End - Streets
The actual date had gone well. Faybelle and Nina got along as well, despite one being a dark fey and the other being a nature fairy. The movie was good, although Kevin and Faybelle spent more time quietly making out while Nina and Rob just cuddled and watched the film with a few kisses here and there. They moved outside to find something else to do.
Of course, that was when a pair of Mirror Monsters decided to appear. A Buzzstinger Wasp and Buzzstinger Hornet emerged from the Mirror World to find some food. Kevin and Rob quickly transformed, taking the fight to the two monsters. Oddly, Faybelle and Nina just watched from the sidelines, cheering for their respective boyfriends.
"In the face! Get him in the face!" Faybelle shouted.
"You can do it, Rob! Fight!" Nina cheered.
"3,4,5,6! Go on give those monsters kicks!"
Imperor and Scissors kept their cool, used to fighting monsters by this point. Well placed strikes with their respective weapons sent both monsters stumbling back. With the breathing room, both Knights drew their cards and set them into their Visors.
[Final Vent!]
[Final Vent!]
Volcancer appeared, running behind Scissors while Gigazelle and the herd roared past Imperor. Scissors jumped up before Volcancer sent him tumbling through the air in a ball. Imperor charged alongside his herd, hidden among them. Both struck their respective targets at the same time, destroying both monsters in dual explosions.
"Whoo! Awesome, baby!" Faybelle grinned.
"Yay, Rob!" Nina added.
"Having cheerleaders is nice," Scissors chuckled while Volcancer took its share of the spoils.
"I think Faybelle's just trying to brag about how she has the better boyfriend," Imperor shrugged, but he did have a smile behind his helm. Having a cheerhexer girlfriend was awesome.
After their monsters left for home, Imperor and Scissors moved to rejoin their girlfriends. They were going to remove their armor when they heard voices nearby. Ones that caused the knights to pause.
"Hmmm, these two boys just look delicious. I think I'll keep them. What about you, Brother?"
"I think I'd prefer the ravishing fairy princesses with them, Sister."
Approaching from two side streets, Imperor and Scissors watched as two Rogues walked into the light. Their suits seemed almost identical, save for color, sporting the same black bodysuits with similar bracers and boots like any of the other Knights and Rogues. One was blue while the other was red. The chest armor had layered plating down to their abdomens with gray orbs acting like bolts. Their shoulder armor was likewise plated, looking like the shells of insects. Their helms sported narrow visors, slitted like the others, but broken, looking almost like insect eyes. The sides of their helms were jagged, like chitin, and their silver mouth plates looked like mandibles. They even had antennae falling down the backs of their helmets like hair.
The major differences were a few. The blue one was female. Her boots were in high heels like Femme and she even seemed to have a short skirt of blue plates. Of course, her torso armor accented her curves suggestively. In her hand was what looked like a whip with a beetle-shaped hilt. The one clad in red was male and wielded a cane with the same beetle shaped ornament at the top.
"Oh great, more Rogues," Scissors groaned.
"Hm, a naughty mouth," the girl tittered, running her hand along the length of her whip. "I like naughty ones."
Scissors flinched at her flirtatious tone, "Uh...what? No, sorry. I'm taken."
"That's what my other three boyfriends said," the girl replied. "They didn't complain after I was through with them."
"Hey!" Nina huffed.
"Allow us to introduce ourselves," the male Rogue chuckled at his sister's antics. "I am the Knight of the Red Beetle, the Blade Knight."
"And I am the Lady of the Blue Beetle, the Lash Knight," the girl introduced herself. "And I do believe you two are going to be my new lovers."
Imperor blinked, "Wait, what?"
Faybelle began to scowl, "Stupid girl said what?"
"Or do you prefer 'boy toys'?" Lash Knight giggled. "How about 'love slaves'?"
Scissors shook his head, "All I'm getting is that the girl wants to make us her boyfriends and the guy wants to steal our girlfriends."
"What can we say? We love the attention and affection of the opposite gender," Blade Knight shrugged. "Our reward for aiding Lord Victor is that my sister gains you Knights as her collection of lovers while I may lay claim to the princesses you courted. Quite a tempting deal and one we couldn't resist."
"Oh, so true, Brother of mine," Lash Knight nodded.
Imperor and Scissors looked at each other and then back to the pair. Were they serious? That just sounded so hedonistic. Nina and Faybelle both looked at the pair with grimaces as well. Like they were just going to abandon their boyfriends because this Blade Knight just said a few charming words or something? The way Blade Knight was talking about them, it was like they were trophies.
"Yeah, no," Imperor shook his head. "Pass."
"Yeah. I love Nina," Scissors said. "Sorry, not interested."
"Awww!" Nina blushed, the situation lost on her for a moment. "I love you too, Rob!"
Imperor shook his head at Scissors, "You two are so freaking casual. Are you dating?"
Lash Knight tittered at the sight, "Oh? But I do Insist!" Lash knight drew a card. She tapped a button hidden on her whip's beetle which opened the shell to reveal the card chamber. Sliding the card inside, she hit the button again to close it.
Her brother did the same, drawing a card before he tapped a small piece of his beetle's shell, making it open. Placing his card inside, another tap of the button made it close.
[Advent!]
[Advent!]
Roars came and the two Rogues were suddenly accompanied by a Zenobiter and Terabiter, the male monster going to Lash Knight's side and the female one going to Blade Knight's side.
"Now, Brother, make sure not to bruise them too badly. I wish to play after all this excitement," Lash Knight purred, caressing her weapon.
"Of course, Sister," Blade Knight agreed, lifting his cane like a sword.
Imperor and Scissors looked to each other but knew they weren't getting away without a fight. Drawing their cards, they set them into their Visors.
[Spin Vent!]
[Strike Vent!]
Book End - Beanstalk Bakery
Rex was nervous about showing Ginger what he had made for her but he was still confident that he managed to make them just right. It was up to Ginger to judge his skills.
"I made these for you," Rex said as he opened the tupperware to show Ginger the treats he had made for her.
"You made me brownies?" Ginger gasped, her eyes lighting up at the not just the brownies, but the fact that her boyfriend had made them for her.
"I did, last night. You've always made treats for me so I thought it was my turn to make something for you to thank you. "
Ginger smiled and took a piece before she took a bite. Rex watched nervously, silently, as Ginger savored it with closed eyes and she opened her eyes.
"Rex, it's delicious," Ginger told him with a bright smile.
"Yes!" Rex pumped his fist, feeling vindicated. All those lessons and time he spent practicing had finally paid off.
The two began their date, talking over the brownies and milkshakes from the bakery. Their mood was very good as Rex was pleased he was able to make something sweet for Ginger. Rex's candy princess was just touched that someone worked hard to make a treat for her. She knew Rex worked very hard to learn how to make baked goods from scratch since she was the one who had taught him. Seeing that hard work being used to make a present for her was a very special thing in Ginger's mind.
It was indeed a perfect day.
*Eeeeeeeeee!*
Rex winced and if he was less disciplined, he would have cursed out loud for an interruption to his date. Ginger realized what was happening and looked around with Rex to try and find the source. They didn't have to wait long before a glass window across the street rippled and someone, not something, stepped out.
The Toxic Knight was who emerged and he calmly crossed the street. Approaching the bakery, he stopped not far from Rex and Ginger's table.
"Sir Rex Shephard, Knight of the Phoenix?"
"I am he," Rex frowned.
Toxic Knight nodded, "I am Brendan Hautdesert, Knight of the Scorpion, the Toxic Knight. I am here to challenge you to a duel under the rules of honor and chivalry."
"This is not a good time," Rex narrowed his eyes. "I'm spending the afternoon with my girlfriend."
"And I apologize for that," Toxic Knight said. "However, my King has ordered me to challenge you and I must. I decided to be honest and forthright with my intentions."
"Is there no way we can reschedule our duel?" Rex asked, hoping for a compromise. According to Darren, Toxic Knight was one of the more reasonable Rogues.
Toxic Knight pondered for a moment, no doubt thinking if his orders allowed him any kind of loopholes. Finally, he spoke, "I am afraid not. This is my King's declaration of war and he wishes all of us to battle all of you at the same time."
"Very well. But we shall not duel here. We'll fight in the Mirror World," Rex decided. That way he would not have to hold back.
"Rex...?" Ginger held his hand worriedly.
"I'll be fine," Rex smiled at his candy princess. "I'll be back." He took out his Advent Deck and crossed the street with Toxic Knight following. Standing in front of the window, he held his deck in front of him to transform.
"Henshin!" With the deck inserted, Rex was enveloped in his armor as he crossed his arms across his chest. "Let's go, Toxic Knight."
"Very well," Toxic Knight nodded and both stepped into the Mirror World.
Book End - Dairy Ice Queen
Gabe and Holly were in an ice cream parlor, sharing a large royal sundae. It was four large scoops of vanilla ice cream, covered in chocolate sauce with sprinkles, nuts, whipped cream, and topped with a cherry. With how large it was, it was meant to be eaten by couples.
Gabe was adorable no matter what he did and as he enjoyed the sundae, Holly took a quick snapshot which joined her photo gallery full of pictures of her cherubic boyfriend. There were hundreds of them by now.
However, recently, she had learned something that turned her world upside down. It turned out that Poppy was the one born first, not Holly. That meant Poppy was the one destined to be the next Rapunzel. For years, Holly prepared for her destiny, even growing her hair out to its current length. She did not want to give it up. Poppy likewise didn't have an interest in being Rapunzel either. Therefore, the O'Hair twins decided to keep it their secret.
Still, just the thought that she wasn't destined to be the next Rapunzel worried her. What would her boyfriend think? Would he still love her all the same, or would he be disappointed that she wasn't the princess he thought she was? She was sure Gabriel wouldn't care, but there was always that gnawing doubt in her mind. Finally, she just couldn't take it anymore and had to speak up.
"Gabriel?" Holly asked.
"Hm?" Gabe looked up, some chocolate sauce smeared on the corner of his lips.
Normally Holly would just coo at the sight, but her mind was in turmoil and she wanted to ask her question, "Gabriel, if...if I wasn't the next Rapunzel, would you still want me as your girlfriend?"
Gabe blinked, almost incredulously, "Of course I would. I fell in love with Holly O'Hair, not Rapunzel. I don't care if you're a princess, Rapunzel, or not. You're the girl I love, Holly."
Oh, that was just so sweet of him and she quickly hugged him to give him a peck on the cheek. Maybe, someday, she'd tell him the truth. But for now, she just wanted to enjoy their date and ice cream.
They decided to have a bit of fun and feed each other ice cream when Gabe suddenly dropped his spoon and not because of an ice cream headache.
*Eeeeeeeeeeee!*
That noise always gave him a headache. He was prepared to get up and run to beat up whatever monster was interrupting their date, but a window in the shop rippled. The figure that came out was not a monster.
This figure was a woman in a dark bodysuit that rolled over her curves, drawing the eyes of the other boys and some girls in the shop. Her torso armor was slate gray with green accents with a geometric snake face taking up the front with dark green. Her shoulder armor had two more snarling snakeheads with shoulder sockets in the mouth. Her helmet had a jagged visor over her eyes while the sides of her helmet were decorated with reptilian frills. From the back, numerous strands like snake tails extended like hair. In her V-Buckle was a dark green Advent Deck which had three snarling snake faces as her emblem.
"Well, if you don't care if the little chick is Rapunzel or not, then I'll just take all that pretty hair for myself," she spoke, approaching the pair.
Something about the way the woman spoke made Holly shiver in fright. She could feel the woman's gaze on her and her hair. It made her feel icky and she hated it.
"Oh no you don't," Gabe frowned, sliding out of the booth and facing off against the new Rogue. "No one lays a hand on even one hair of my princess!"
"Sorry, little boy, but your little girlfriend is my key to immortality," the new Rogue announced, "So to get it, I took the mantle of the Knight of the Hydra, the Medusa Knight."
"You're not taking her!" Gabe yelled furiously as he thrust his deck out in front of him and pumped his fist. "Henshin!"
Before his armor even fully formed, he charged at Medusa Knight and threw a punch at her. She quickly reached behind her back, pulling on something in her hair, and took out what looked like a snake-shaped clip while she drew a card. Placing it in the snake's mouth, she let it go where it pulled back into her 'hair' and vanished.
[Guard Vent!]
Gai's fist clanged hard against a round metal shield shaped like a snarling snake face. Grunting, he pulled back while Medusa Knight lowered her shield.
"I came for Immortality. I'm not leaving without it," Medusa Knight said coldly.
"Oh, you'll be leaving, all black and blue on your way to the hospital!" Gai drew a card and tossed it into his shoulder-mounted Visor.
[Strike Vent!]
As a gamer, Gabe's hobby started when his parents introduced him to the Nintendo Entertainment System, the classic 8-Bit system. One game he enjoyed but found challenging was Castlevania. It did have one annoying obstacle, which infuriated him to this day, and it was the flying medusa heads that always killed him by pushing him off a ledge. It was an insta-kill that made the life bar pointless.
And Medusa Knight reminded him of them. Threatening Holly made him determined enough to smash Medusa Knight already. Being reminded of his childhood gaming nemesis was just adding fuel to the fire.
Metal Horn in hand, and not caring for the moment they were in a populated store, Gai charged for the Rogue.
"LEEROY JENKIIIIINS!"
Ever After High - Stables
Gawain and Rosabella were able to get through the few chores that needed to be done. The Beast Training and Care class had been keeping up with the chores lately. This made it much easier to just sit down and watch the horses and unicorns in the open yard play and graze.
"Hey, Gawain?" Rosabella spoke up.
"Hm?" asked Gawain.
"Do...do you want to...come to visit my house, for the next school break?" Rosabella asked shyly. "I mean since we couldn't go during Spring Break and all that."
Gawain blinked, but then smiled softly, "Like that."
Rosabella smiled prettily, leaning against him as they continued to watch the horses. It was a time of peace and both just enjoyed it with their animal friends. This was what being in a fairy tale was all about to Gawain.
"It has been some time, stablehand!"
Gawain stiffened before he and Rosabella turned around. At the far door to the stables stood an armored figure. He wore a black bodysuit, but his armbands and greaves were gold. Even his belt was gold, sporting a black Advent Deck with a gold lion face on it. His torso armor appeared to be white near the abdomen with golden pectorals with black accenting. His shoulder armor appeared like Ryuki and Knight's, but black with gold sockets. His helmet had a wide black visor with gold SLITS and a golden mouth plate lined with fangs. The rest of his helmet was adorned with a golden metal mane. His Visor and the main weapon was a butterfly battleax. A lion head was mounted on the top of the shaft while its mane acted as the blades which had serrated edges.
"Scout," Gawain scowled. "How?"
"My new King, of course! King Vortigern recognized my obvious talent and gifted me with knighthood! He even managed to pull some strings to get me out of reform school and transferred to Far Far Away High!" the armored Scout laughed. "I am now the Knight of the Lion, the true Beast Knight!"
Gawain's scowl deepened, a growl in his throat. Rosabella wasn't far behind, feeling anger. She had been the one to first coin the title for her boyfriend when she knighted him. To hear Scout just steal it insulted not only her pride as a princess but also her love for Gawain.
"And now I am here to claim my proper victory from you, Tiger!" Beast Knight pointed at Gawain. "Now transform and I will show the world my superiority!"
"Gawain, you don't have to fight," Rosabella advised him.
"I must," he said. If Beast Knight was working for Victor, then he was an enemy, and would not stop until he got what he wanted. "No choice."
Rosabella understood. Beast Knight would not give him a choice.
"Very well," Rosabella kissed his cheek. "For good luck."
Nodding, Gawain took his Tiger deck and went to a nearby mirror that was put up on one of the support posts. He held it to the reflective surface and transformed with a clawing motion.
"Henshin!"
Clad in armor and wielding his ax, Kamen Rider Tiger was ready for battle. It was almost like looking in the mirror as their suits were nearly identical save for color and a few aesthetic differences. With roars, the two engaged in battle and sparks flew as their weapons connected. Grabbing Beast Knight, Tiger dragged him out of the stables with him and away from Rosabella.
Once outside, they exchanged blows, sparks flying as their axes collided. The two broke apart and drew their cards before inserting them into their Visors. Tiger's opened from the back, but the lion's head in the middle of Beast Knight's ax opened at the mouth.
[Strike Vent!]
[Strike Vent!]
As Tiger armed himself with his Dest Claws, Beast Knight equipped himself with similar golden clawed gauntlets. The two went back and forth, slashing furiously at each other.
Beast Knight swiped Tiger across the chest, knocking him backward before sending him tumbling with a brutal claw strike. He stalked toward his enemy, scraping his claws together eagerly.
He was going to enjoy ripping him to shreds.
(LINE BREAK)
Enchanted Forest
"Briar, are you sure about this? You know I've never gone dragon-riding before, right?" Harry questioned as he stood on a cliff with her.
"It's fine, Harry. I know what I'm doing and it's easy," Briar insisted. "Just trust me."
Harry adjusted the strap of his parachute and helmet. He was reasonably nervous, of course. His girlfriend wanted him to go ride a dragon with her. On the surface, that sounded like an awesome idea. Who wouldn't want to ride on a dragon? Then he realized some of the implications. Being high up in the air, risk of falling even with a parachute, threatening to go splat on the ground, that kind of thing. It killed some of the enthusiasm one might initially have for the experience. It sure did for Harry.
"Now, as soon as the dragon gets close, we jump," Briar instructed.
"Just jump?" Harry stared incredulously.
"Take a leap of faith," she urged him. "It'll be fun."
"You know, we could still go bungee jumping!"
Briar took his hand and as soon as she saw a dragon coming, she got ready.
"Now!" Briar yelled as she pulled Harry along. He yelped as they both landed on the dragon's back as it continued to fly. "WOOOHOOOOOOO!"
"OH, MY FAIRY GODMOTHEEEEER!" Harry screamed as he clung on for dear life, his eyes screwed shut in fright.
Briar smiled, having done more or less the same thing when she first tried, "Harry! Harry, open your eyes!"
Harry reluctantly opened his eyes and he took in the view of the sky. The fear subsided, replaced by awe as the wind blew past him. The grand view from the sky was one that enchanted people for ages. Everyone wished to fly at some point in their lives, to see the world from high above and realize the majesty of the world. Harry was no different as he just stared out over the magical lands of Ever After.
Briar then snapped him back to reality, "OK, we're over the Enchanted Forest! Now, we jump!"
Harry's gaze snapped back to her, "Jump!? Are you crazy!?"
"YOLO! Geronimo!" Briar jumped off and pulled the string of her parachute. A pink and black parachute heralded her gentle descent.
"Briar, wait for me!" Harry yelled as he jumped after her, pulling the string of his chute moments later.
Briar found a clearing and landed safely. She unhooked her parachute and took off her safety helmet. The thrill of it was always a rush and she enjoyed getting the chance to do it. Sharing it with her boyfriend just made it seem a little more special.
Untangling her hair, Briar looked around, "Harry, where are you?"
"Up here!" Briar looked up and saw that he was stuck in a tree. "Could you help me down?"
Briar snorted in amusement, but she managed to keep from outright laughing at Harry's predicament, "Just unhook the chute!"
"OK," Harry did as told and yelped as he fell in front of her. "Ow."
Briar crouched down, "Wasn't that awesome?"
Harry groaned before Briar helped him stand up, "OK, I admit that was exciting, but how about we do something less likely to give me a heart attack next time? Like an Escape Room."
Briar pretended to think about it, "Well, I've never done one of those before. Sure, why not?"
"Good," Harry sighed, relieved. He was not opposed to a little adventure once in a while, but something relaxing could be fun too. "So, do we just leave the chute?"
"It's fine," Briar yawned. Oh, she was starting to fall asleep. "But lemme take a nap first."
Harry smiled, finally something peaceful, "Fine. Kiss you awake or let you nap?
"Mmm, cuddles in the forest," Briar lay down in the parachute, actually using it as a mattress.
Harry shook his head with a smile, "Fine. You can use my legs as a pillow."
Harry sat down as Briar lay on her improvised blanket, her head resting across his lap. The Enchanted Forest did live up to its name. So beautiful and tranquil, you could just take a nap here and rest peacefully without anything bothering you.
And Briar looked so peaceful, napping in his lap. She could trust him to still be around when she woke up. If she fell asleep when she didn't want to, he'd be there to wake her up so she didn't miss anything important. Harry had promised her that her curse would only last a day if it ever happened, and he intended to live up to it.
Time passed and Harry kept himself amused by surfing the MirrorNet on his phone, somehow getting a signal. Magical WiFi was a wonderful thing. He drifted off to nap a little bit too, but his nap was much shorter than Briar's. It had only been for an hour or two at most, but it was a pretty relaxing time, so it felt longer.
It ended when Briar mumbled, sitting up with a yawn. She could wake up just as abruptly as she needed to sleep, making it hard to tell how long she could sleep for.
"*Yawn*, thanks Harry," Briar mumbled sleepily. She had the most adorable face when she was waking up. "Sorry for doing this to you so many times."
"If I minded, I would have said something," Harry shrugged.
After grabbing their gear, they headed back to Ever After High. Along the way, Harry noticed there were a lot of spider webs stuck to the trees. One or two wasn't strange, but there were a lot of them and some of them were huge like big nets. It unnerved Briar. It just seemed unnatural. They looked like something from the Dark Forest.
"About time you two got up from your nap. Just finished one myself."
Harry and Briar stopped, looking up. Lowering from the branches of a particularly tall tree was the orange-clad form of a new Rogue Knight. He seemed to be lazing around as if he was laying in a hammock. The webs didn't stick to him though as he had his hands behind his head and a leg swinging lazily.
"Not again," Harry frowned. So much for a peaceful afternoon.
"Don't you guys have anything better to do than harass our boyfriends?" Briar frowned.
"Ah lovely Briar Beauty," Weaver Knight paused, swinging in the hammock of silk. He tilted his head, showing he was looking directly at her. "Haven't been cursed yet? I've been counting the days and preparing for my trek to wake you up."
"Do I know you?" Briar frowned as Harry scowled at the Rogue.
"Not personally, no," Weaver Knight answered. "I am merely the Knight of the Spider, the Weaver Knight. I have decided to take my destiny by the horns and be the one who will awaken you from your enchanted sleep."
"That role's been taken," Harry scowled.
"Well, not officially," Weaver Knight shrugged. He slipped from his hammock and landed on the ground. "I'm someone who prefers to get what I want now. Why wait for my princess or fight a dragon or something for them? I'll just wake up Briar and have her be my princess right away instead. She would be the easiest princess to rescue."
"Wait, you just want me to be your princess because you think I'm easy?" Briar scowled. She liked to live life on the edge, but she was in no way easy!
"Well, I am a knight now. Have to do something with it," Weaver Knight shrugged. "So I'd rather take a jaunt in the woods and kiss a sleeping princess than fight my way through some dangerous obstacles. I get an easy Happily Ever After and you wake up 100 years early. Nice deal, huh?"
Briar was seething at the lazy knight's insinuation and Harry wasn't far behind. He stepped forward, holding his Advent Deck, "Buddy, you're asking for trouble talking about my princess that way."
Weaver Knight sighed, shaking his head, "Well, I'm supposed to kick your butt here anyway. So declaring how I want to steal Briar from you makes doing that easier."
"Yeah, you're being so charming right now," Briar rolled her eyes.
"Meh, don't have to be when Destiny does the work for me," Weaver Knight shrugged. "So are we going to fight or what? I don't need Victor breathing down my neck for this little crusade of his."
Ever After High - Hedge Maze
Darren and Lizzie sat at a table together in the middle of the school's hedge maze. This was their favorite spot for tea and it was also special since this was the place where they first met. Hence the perfect place for a tea party. Of course, Lizzie had more for the occasion than a simple tea party for two.
"I got this gift for you, Darren. Happy unbirthday," Lizzie smiled as she handed Darren a gift.
"Lizzie, you shouldn't have," Darren accepted the wrapped box.
"Go on, open it," Lizzie urged.
Darren unwrapped the present and opened the box to find a pocket watch etched with his emblem on the surface. He popped it open and on the back of the watch's cover was a picture of the two of them.
"Lizzie," Darren awed. "This is a wonderlandiful gift. Thanks."
"I wanted to show you how special you are to me," Lizzie claimed. Indeed he was since he made it his duty to always bring joy to her life. Whenever she felt down, he would try to cheer her up.
"Then I should get you something too."
"Oh, but you've given me the gift of love, joy, and laughter."
"OK, then what should I do with this locket?" Hanging from his hand was a heart-shaped locket.
Lizzie gasped, "Is that for me?"
Darren chuckled, "Well, of course. Who else deserves my heart?"
Lizzie accepted the locket and popped it open to see their pictures in it. She blushed. Her beloved twisty knight was always so sweet and thoughtful.
"I'll never take it off," Lizzie promised as she put the locket on. They smiled at each other and he put his hand on hers. This truly was a beautiful moment. Nothing could ruin it now.
*Eeeeeeeee!*
"Oh come on!" Darren groaned as he heard the ringing. "It was just getting good! Brooke, did your parents narrate this?"
"Hmph! Incorrigible creatures!" Lizzie huffed in annoyance. She had dated him long enough to recognize the signs of a Mirror Monster's arrival. "Ruining our private unbirthday party! Darren, I must insist you take this one's head too!"
"That's the idea," Darren nodded, standing up with an uncharacteristically vicious grin. He took out his Advent Deck and held it up to one of the polished tea trays. Naturally, his V-Buckle appeared, "Henshin!"
Once his armor was on, Verde jumped above the hedge walls. A nice trick his armor gave him while enhancing his abilities. After several jumps, he landed outside of the maze and…
"GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTS! GUTS! GUTS! GOTTA HAVE GUTS!"
Verde blinked at the armored figure dancing a jig to 'pump himself up'. He just danced on the spot, flexing, or doing exercise motions all the while singing about having guts to be brave. He didn't even seem to notice Verde there at the mouth of the maze. He just kept dancing on the spot and singing. Maybe it was the Wonderland in him, but Verde had to admit it was making him feel a little pumped too.
The Rogue was dressed in a white bodysuit, but the raised parts of it were black, making him appear to have stripes. His armor was simple, just covering his chest in gray layers with black outlining and a gold collar. His shoulder armor was round with black stripes. His armbands and boots were likewise black with some white. His helmet had a visor which was almost shaped like a horse's head, taking most of his face and the slits angled themselves, following the frame of the face down to his mouthguard. Rising from the top of his helm was a striped mohawk. His Visor was a zebra headpiece of armor on his left knee.
"Ah! Now I am ready!" he declared, ending his weird dance. He pointed at Verde. "Now you face your rival, Chameleon Knight! I am the chivalric Knight of the Zebra, the Stripe Knight!"
"Oh yeah?" Verde crossed his arms. Hey, so far the guy seemed to be just a ham. Verde figured he may as well ham it up himself unless the guy proved to be a bad guy, "Well then my new nemesis, let us do battle. But let's make it quick, I was on a date with my beloved and I don't want to lose the wonderlandiful mood more than I have."
Stripe Knight flinched, "Oooh, sorry! My bad! Bossman wants to declare war and all that so I'll make it quick and you can go back to being all lovey-dovey!"
"Thanks...hey, wait, did you say war?" Verde blinked.
"GUUUUUUTS!" Stripe Knight yelled as he charged at Verde.
Ever After High - Pool
Ben and Meeshell swam in the pool while singing together. This time, they were singing Phil Collins' You'll Be in My Heart.
Meeshell loved Ben so much. They made beautiful music together. Ben also loved his beautiful mermaid princess. She helped to bring him out of his shell. She was also the only person he was comfortable singing around. Meeshell also loved to learn new songs and sing them with him. He had an amazing singing voice and she loved to listen to him sing for her and with her.
One day, soon she hoped, Meeshell wished for her and Ben to sing together where people could see them. It took him a lot of courage that one time he made a recording for Blondie's MirrorCast. Still, it proved he could do it and maybe, one day, she and Ben could share their songs with everyone. She knew that together they could do it and she hoped Ben would find that confidence with so many people cheering for him.
"So this is how you enchanted her."
Ben and Meeshell gasped, spinning around when they heard someone enter the pool. To their shock, it wasn't a student or even one of the faculty. Instead, it was a face that neither Ben nor Meeshell wanted to see again.
"Erik," Ben identified.
"Me," Erik Tidecharm scowled as he approached the mouth of the pool. Meeshell splashed to float behind Ben, clearly afraid of the former Rogue. "Still spewing your lies to my princess are you?"
"Erik we told you, you're the one being fooled," Ben scowled. "Whoever told you about me lying to Meeshell just said it so you would be the Marine Knight!"
"Silence! I know my destiny! I am the destined prince of Meeshell!" He reached into his pocket and produced a familiar sight, a squid-emblem Advent Deck. "I will allow no one to steal her away from me!" He held the deck to the water, which made his V-Buckle appear around his waist, "Henshin!" The monotone image folded over Eric before donning him in the familiar armor of the Marine Knight, "I will avenge my disgrace, Abyss! I swear it as the Knight of the Kraken, the Marine Knight!"
Ben grimaced. His things were in his bag by the pool, which included his Advent Deck.
[Advent!]
Ben looked back to Marine Knight as Bakraken and Wiskraken emerged from the reflections on the walls. Marine Knight chuckled, "And look, your equipment seems to be out of reach. Wiskraken, Bakraken, eliminate him, and retrieve my princess."
The two Kraken-types gave off gurgles before they began approaching the water. Ben grimaced and Meeshell whimpered in fright. Looking at the water, Ben couldn't help but pray, "I need some help here, guys."
*Eeeeeeee!*
Ben nearly yelped when Abysshammer and Abysslasher leaped out the pool and attacked the Krakens to protect their master. Abysshammer fired its gun, keeping Marine Knight and his monsters at bay, while Abysslasher fought Marine Knight, savagely swinging its swords at the Rogue.
"Thanks," Ben said to his Contract Monsters. Meeshell, being the faster swimmer, managed to grab Ben's bag and found his Advent Deck inside.
"Ben! Catch!" Meeshell tossed the item to Ben who caught it in his hand.
"Get out of my way!" Marine Knight shoved both Mirror Monsters away. "Now, how about we-!" He was cut off by a blast of high-pressured water that slammed into him, knocking him off his feet.
Abyss stood before him, armed with his Abyssmash. He then charged at Marine Knight and picked him up before dragging them both into the pool. They did not make a splash as Abyss decided to take their battle into the Mirror World. Abyss' and Marine Knight's monsters also followed to support their master.
"Ben, be careful," Meeshell prayed.
Enchanted Forest
When people learned Ramona had dragged Max out into the Enchanted Forest, they all had a general idea of what she had in mind. Most thought she wanted to bring him along on a hunt or go running together through the woods. Others, namely her father, were sure that they had gone out there to find a place to fool around and do things fathers wouldn't approve of their daughters getting up to. The truth was a lot more humble and somewhat more romantic than that.
Max and Ramona were having a picnic together.
"A picnic, Ramona?" Max questioned, seated on the checkered blanket. "Doesn't exactly seem in character for you."
"Oh, shut up. I love picnics," Ramona snorted, opening the picnic basket. "I asked my mom for help with this." Inside the basket were BLT (Bacon, Lamb, and Turkey) sandwiches and a bottle of sparkling grape juice for them to share. There were even brownies, for dessert.
"Well, it's a nice gesture," he said as he unwrapped a sandwich. The Enchanted Forest was a nice place for a picnic. So beautiful. There weren't a lot of places like this back home since he grew up in the city. There was a park, but it wasn't anything like this.
"Good. You had better appreciate it," Ramona grinned. "It's a Badwolf-Hood family specialty."
The food was very good, with plenty of meat in it considering Ramona's appetite. The pair just enjoyed the sounds of the forest and life around them. They chatted a little, about what was going on with them. Ramona was happy to talk about her mom and what she was up to since she couldn't talk about Red Riding Hood as her mother outside her house. Being able to share that with Max was such a huge relief.
"You know, that presentation you gave in dad's class, I think it helped my dad warm up to you a bit," Ramona remarked.
"Really? How?" asked Max.
"He was smiling. I mean, he might not approve the time bomb idea, but he likes that you take his class seriously," Ramona explained. Having ambitions to be a gentleman villain was a classy thing which villainous parents liked to see.
Max shrugged, "I was raised to be an overachiever. Besides, I enjoy his class. It's one of my favorites. "
Ramona swallowed a mouthful of turkey, "So, a Gentleman Villain, huh? What will that make me? Your Femme Fatale?"
"Why not? You're sexy and dangerous," Max grinned back.
"Good answer," Ramona beamed. Not her usual feral grins, but an honest smile.
*Bzzzzzzzzzzz!*
"Stupid bees," Max groaned, waving around his ear absently. The downside of being in such a full forest was the bugs and other little critters which made just enjoying it a problem. Next to him, Ramona took a whiff of the air before she frowned.
"Those aren't natural bees," she spoke up.
The buzzing increased before several figures emerged from between the trees. They were easily recognizable as Buzzstingers. Not just one or two kinds, but all the breeds of Buzzstingers were encroaching the clearing and armed to the teeth with their respective weapons.
Emerging at the front of it all wasn't another Buzzstinger, but a Rogue Knight. He wore a black bodysuit with raised yellow accents. His torso armor had hexagonal plates running down the middle with gray sections on his sides and more gray portions connecting to his shoulder plates, making it look like a bee was emblazoned on his chest. His armbands and greaves were bright yellow with black accenting. Mounted on his left arm was a large biomechanical bee with an extended stinger. The helmet had a curved visor, not unlike Ryuki's. The mouthplate was marked with black hexagons. On the forehead was a bee head with red eyes and black stripes running along the surface of the yellow helmet.
"Black Knight Ryuga," the Rogue spoke tonelessly.
"Who are you?" Max demanded, standing up with Ramona.
"Someone who adheres to the true purpose of knighthood! It is my duty to defeat you and protect Camelot from your treachery!" the yellow and black knight declared. "So I swear as the Knight of the Hornet, the Sting Knight!"
Max wanted to groan. Great, another jerk who thought he was going to turn evil and betray his teammates just because he was Mordred's grandson. Maybe this was how Raven felt all the time before with people judging her for who her mother was.
"Hey! This is a private moment you're ruining!" Ramona snapped angrily. Whenever she and Max had a chance to go out, he sometimes had to bail because of a Mirror Monster. It ticked her off. "Do you realize how hard it is to get some time alone with my boyfriend?!"
"Then get a new boyfriend. This one is about to fall!" Sting Knight retorted. He pushed the bee on his wrist, spinning it around to have the stinger point over Sting Knight's fist. Under where it had been was an open chamber. Sting Knight drew a card, depicting a pair of short daggers before he slipped the card inside and flipped the bee back over.
[Sword Vent!]
Sting Knight raised his hands before one of the Buzzstingers tossed its short daggers to him. He caught the weapons easily and pointed them at Max.
Max took out his Advent Deck, clenched tightly in his hand. Raising his MirrorPhone in front of him, he used the reflective surface to summon his V-Buckle.
"Henshin."
He inserted the deck and transformed into Kamen Rider Ryuga, the Black Dragon Knight.
[Sword Vent!]
Quickly summoning his Black Drag Saber, he pointed it at Sting Knight.
"I am a Knight of Camelot, and I am going nowhere," he spoke darkly, staring the Rogue in the eye.
Book End - Tower Hair Salon
Tristan was sitting in a chair as Poppy put a sheet over his body. The two of them were in the Tower Hair Salon where Poppy worked part-time as a hairstylist. She had plenty of practice from styling and maintaining her sister's and mother's hair.
"I just need a trim, Poppy," he insisted.
"Please, any old barber can cut hair but I'm an artist. Just trust me, Tristan. You're in good hands," Poppy patted his shoulders.
"OK," Tristan relaxed as Poppy prepared to give her boyfriend a haircut and a new hairstyle.
"Just one quick question, how do you feel about highlights?"
Tristan blinked, "Um, hadn't considered it. I never figured I had the right look for them."
"Oh you have the look alright," Poppy grinned. "You just need the right style to go with it. Now, I think green might work for you, considering your armor. Or maybe some silver."
Tristan considered the suggestion and replied, "Why not a bit of both?"
"Oh, that's my guy!" Poppy grinned. "I have just the style in mind for that! Just hang on since we're about to have some fun!"
"I'm all yours, Poppy"
*Eeeeeeee!*
Before Poppy could even begin, Tristan winced as he heard the call of the Mirror World again. Mentally cursing, he prepared to get up, but he was surprised that the source of the incursion came to him. From the front window of the salon, a humanoid figure stepped through into the shop. Not a Mirror Monster, but another Rogue.
The Rogue simply walked into the building, looking a little dazzling. His bodysuit was a shade of gold rather than plain yellow. His torso armor was gold with steel accenting, almost resembling a tactical jacket. His shoulder armor was likewise blocky, looking like tactical armor than a knightly set. His helmet was gold, his visor looking like a combat helmet's visor, but made like a knight's. The mouthplate was very plain, but on either side of the jaw were metal tusks like a boar. He held what looked like a pump-action shotgun, gold, and steel, with the pump sporting his boar-like emblem.
"Ah!" Poppy gasped in shock while Tristan stood up, tossing the sheet aside.
"Okay pal, what do you want?" Tristan frowned.
"A million gold," the Rogue replied simply.
Tristan blinked almost incredulously at the blunt answer, "Do I look like I have a million gold?"
"You look like you ought to be flipping burgers in some fast-food joint," the Rogue snorted. "But no, you all have bounties on your heads and I intend to collect. So, just call me the Knight of the Boar, the Gold Knight."
Tristan, realizing this guy was here for a fight, took out his Advent Deck and held it to the mirror in front of his chair, summoning his V-Buckle.
"Henshin!" Tristan called, sliding his Advent Deck into his belt. His armor appeared, forming over his body before solidifying. "Sorry, but you won't be collecting anything!"
Book End - Streets
After their lattes, Lance and Apple decided to have some fun and went clothes shopping together. They tried out all kinds of matching outfits for couples and took pictures with their MirrorPhones. Always one to brag about her prince, Apple posted their pictures on Hexagram.
Apple was sporting a red tank top with a white jacket and a ruffled pink skirt. As for Lance, he was wearing a red shirt with a white blazer and matching khaki shorts. Side-by-side, they looked great. Although both would admit they always looked great.
After receiving Snow White's approval and blessing, Lance and Apple were allowed to continue their relationship. While many traditionalists insisted that their future queen should date a prince, Snow White stated that it was her daughter's choice, not theirs, on who she should date. If she wanted to date Sir Lancaster, grandson of Sir Lancelot, then that was it. At least the traditionalists didn't make too much of a fuss when they learned about Lance's heritage.
"Hope you got my good side, Apple Pie," Lance grinned.
"Oh, Lancie. All your sides are good sides," Apple grinned.
The staff of the store watched the couple have fun.
"So, Rosa, Priscilla, and Paulette are gonna be coming for Spring Fairest," Apple informed her boyfriend.
"Cool," Lance smiled. He had hit it off with Apple's cousin and friends. According to her, they attended Far Far Away High, Victor's high school. That made sense. They did seem at home among the rich and famous. Apple went to Ever After High to keep her humble, but also because it was her mother's alma mater when she was a student.
"Now, let's go and pay for these," Apple said as she took out her mom's royal credit card.
"Oh, no way, Apple Pie. Allow me," Lance took out a debit card. Merlin had opened bank accounts for all of his wards and Lance made sure to save his pay so he could treat Apple something special. That outfit, of course, was special.
"Oh, Lancie," Apple giggled. "Always the gentleman."
"I try," Lance shrugged as the cashier rang them up. The attendant seemed to look on in envy at the couple as their outfits were bagged and they left the store.
The couple continued to walk among the stores, looking for where they might go next. Since Apple got to go to the store she wanted to go to, she was willing to let Lance pick the next store he wanted to go to. Despite being a princess who should have been given preferential treatment, Apple was always fair and friendly, which helped make her so popular.
The pair stopped to look at a store for sports equipment when Lance heard it.
*Eeeeeeeee!*
Lance winced, backing from the window and Apple gasped, recognizing the signs. The glass of the store window rippled and a human figure stepped out. This was not a humanoid Mirror Monster though. It was instead an armored person. More shockingly, they recognized it as the armor of Perfect Knight.
"Wait, Rebellious? Is that you?" Lance blinked. How did he get out of his house arrest? How did he even get a new Advent Deck? His comrades thought he was a pinhead according to Darren and his talk with Toxic Knight.
"Hardly," Perfect Knight snorted, his voice different from Rebellious. "No, I am the true wielder of this power, the one it was meant for. I am the Knight of the Stallion, the True Perfect Knight!"
Book End - Red Shoes Dance Club
In the Red Shoes Dance Club, Duchess and Kyle had found a dark corner for a bit of privacy. Holding his Swan Princess in his arms, Kyle kissed her neck. He then surprised her by nibbling on her skin.
"Are you trying to leave a hickey?" Duchess asked. She often wore an outfit that exposed her slender neck. A hickey there would reveal that she and her boyfriend were up to shenanigans already.
"I wanna mark you, Duchess," he whispered, hissing into her ear. "I want everyone to know you're mine." He sounded so possessive and it sent a pleasant shiver up her spine. Now, this was what she wanted in a relationship. His gentle possessiveness and signs that he was wrapped around her finger were what she wanted to show off.
How their relationship could evolve from something rocky into something so loving as it was now was a surprise for both of them. They wouldn't complain at this point though. However, Duchess still couldn't stand the way the girls in school looked at her man. Well, they could only look. He belonged to her and she was not about to let him go.
She had already told her mom about Bartimaeus' kidnapping attempt and that Kyle had saved her. He had not been tricked by an imposter. For once, her mother was stunned silent before insisting to visit the next chance she got. It just made Duchess grin knowing her mother couldn't harp on her for something.
The disco ball in the middle of the room suddenly rippled before bolts of electricity sparked through the air, creating more frightening lighting which made people cry out and back away. From the bottom of the ball, an armored human slipped through, landing on the ground in a crouch.
He wore a yellow bodysuit, equipped with the bracers and greaves of a knight. Around his waist was a V-Buckle with a yellow Advent Deck inserted, marked by a bird with jagged wings. His torso armor had gold talons gripped next to his collar with sleek aerodynamic yellow and white armor. His shoulder armor plating was shaped like wings. His helmet sported jagged wing designs on the sides and a gold beak shadowing his visor which was sharp and oval-shaped with slits. Slung over his shoulder was a short sword with a spread eagle design on the hilt where the wings met, covering the base of the blade.
"Oh, come on," Duchess groaned. "Can't we go anywhere without someone picking a fight with you?"
"Not my fault these guys have a chip on their shoulder," Kyle sighed, untangling himself from Duchess. "I'll wrap this up quickly."
Kyle approached the eagle-like Knight who immediately noticed him.
"So, you're the big bad Snake Knight," the Rogue pondered out loud, revealing he was male. He looked Kyle up and down, unimpressed. "Well, I'm the Knight of the Thunderbird, just call me the Shock Knight."
"Right," Kyle nodded. "Any reason you decided to make a scene like this or were just looking for attention?"
"Making a scene to draw you out actually," Shock Knight answered, lifting his sword in a battle stance. "King's gotten a hair up his butt over you guys blocking his way to Camelot. So if I want to keep this Knighthood, I've gotta bring you down. Doesn't seem like a hard job."
Kyle took a deep breath and exhaled, his breath sounding like a hiss as he rolled his neck.
"How vexing. I was hoping to enjoy some time with my girl but now you put me in a bad mood," Kyle held out his Advent Deck to the disco ball and his V-Buckle dropped from it to wrap around his waist. He performed a swiping motion before sliding his deck into his belt. "Henshin!"
His armor appeared over his body and he yelled to Melody, "DJ! Play us a fight song!"
"Alright! Here's something for you fight fans!" Melody smirked as she switched records to play a hard and fast beat.
Ohja twirled his cane around and rushed at Shock Knight.
Glass Slipper Shoe Store
"OK, whaddya think?" Gwen asked as she showed off the boots she had chosen. They had high heels, which she had gotten used to, and were midnight blue. Plus, they were made out of pretty strong material so they could endure some wear and tear.
"Those look great on you," Darling approved. She was also looking for a couple of new pumps as well.
Gwen nodded, liking the look of the boots too, "Let's check the price tag and - whoa, that is pricey." Gwen was promptly reminded as to another reason why she didn't go after pumps and other trendy things. Designer brands came at designer prices which were too rich for her taste even if she was upper crust herself.
"Oh no, we're buying them," Darling cut off Gwen's refusal. "It's obvious you like them and I think they look fableous on you. So I'm going to buy them for my girlfriend as a good partner should."
"Darling, you know how I feel about you buying things for me so many times," Gwen grimaced. She hated how Darling just kept buying things for her all the time. Big things like birthday or holiday gifts were fine, but Darling insisted on spoiling her. Usually, it was little things, which were nice, but Gwen began to feel guilty when she began buying entire outfits and paying for their dates. It was like she was taking advantage of her rich girlfriend.
"I know, so you can pay for our next date," Darling compromised with her dazzling smile. "This time, it's my turn to pay for our date and all the things I want to spoil you with."
Gwen found herself unable to resist that smile and Daring's gentle voice, "Okay, we can get the boots."
*Eeeeeeeeee!*
Gwen, and surprisingly Darling, stiffened when the sounds of the Mirror World hit their ears. At the back of the store was a full-length mirror for customers who wished to see if the shoes they wanted to match their outfits. The surface rippled and Gwen took out her deck, ready for anything. What emerged, instead of a monster, was a female Rogue Knight.
She was a shapely woman whose curves rolled in all the right places in her green bodysuit. Her torso armor had the faint resemblance to a cheongsam, the purple lines, and peacock feather designs extending down her abdomen and connecting to slitted dress-like garments that hung from her belt. More fabric hung from her shoulders, appearing like sleeves and a metal hand fan, styled like a peacock, was in her hand. Her helmet sported a visor like a domino mask, although larger with a gold circlet on her green helmet matched by a peacock feather headdress. Every step she took, her hips rocked like a seductress, helped by the heels she wore. She even demurely hid part of her helmet behind the fan, as if she was a noblewoman.
"Great," Gwen grimaced. And in the middle of her date too? "And just who are you supposed to be?"
"Who am I? I am the one to be the next queen of Camelot!" the green armored woman announced. "I am the Lady of the Peacock, the Feather Knight!"
Gwen just wanted to roll her eyes and groan. Just what she needed. Another Camelot fanatic, "And lemme guess you want to get me out of the way so you can snag Arthur?"
"Clever girl," the woman nodded from behind her fan. "Now, please be so kind and die, will you? I have a Queen's title to claim."
"How about no?" Gwen raised her deck and summoned her V-Buckle. "Henshin!"
Kamen Rider Femme drew her Blanc Visor, ready for combat.
"Oh, dearie, you don't have a choice!" Feather Knight hissed, flicking her fan. It closed, revealing it had two layers with a card chamber inside. Drawing a card, she placed it inside before snapping her fan open again.
[Sword Vent!]
Suddenly, blades extended from the folds of the fan, looking like peacock feathers. Feather Knight changed her stance, looking for a fight.
"Darling, I'll hold her off," Femme said to her girlfriend. "You run, run as fast as you can."
"No," Darling objected as she grabbed hold of her pendant. "I am a Charming and I fight for my princess." The pendant glowed as she magically summoned her suit of armor, becoming the White Knight.
"How sweet," Feather Knight sneered. "Look like you've chosen to die together."
Ever After High - Library
*Eeeeeeeeeeee!*
Vivi was in the school library doing some after-school studying when she heard the tell-tale ringing of an emergence. That was when she saw the Black Knights appear. Her eyes narrowed at the mechanical minions, "I guess my defection will not go unpunished after all."
Meanwhile, across Book End, Deacon, Jillian, Valentine, Dexter, and Hunter found themselves confronted by the Black Knights as well. Each of them was presented with the small groups of knights and their Psychorogue monsters.
"War Protocols Engaged."
Book End - Catnap Cafe
Arthur and Raven were enjoying some more time together away from thoughts of Rogues and Mirror Monsters, simply enjoying each other's company. It wasn't anyplace special, just a quiet little cafe which catered to a more calm clientele than the hustle and bustle of Hocus Latte and not at all mad like the Mad Hatter's tea shoppe. Overall, a nice and quiet spot to just sit down and enjoy a cup of tea.
"So, Arthur, what are your plans for our next holiday break?" Raven asked curiously.
"Well, hopefully, I'll be able to do something fun," Arthur shrugged. "Since half the others had their turn to go do something during spring break, the rest of us will have first rights to have a real vacation. Why? Have something in mind?"
Raven nodded, "Well, Dad has been interested in meeting you again and I do want to show you around my home."
"Sounds like fun," Arthur nodded. "Although I do have to question some of your intentions. Plan to lock me up in your room until I agree to be yours instead of some other princess?"
Raven smirked, "Well, I am the daughter of the Evil Queen."
The two broke out into light chuckles and continued just chatting, exchanging gossip with each other, and typical teenager news. Both could relax with their most precious person and without the pressures of Rebels, Royals, or Rogues.
But in times such as these, such moments were short indeed.
*Eeeeeeeee!*
Arthur tensed, all his relaxation gone as he looked around for the incursion from the Mirror World. Raven grimaced, her attempt to help Arthur relax now ruined. Neither looked far for the source of the signal. In a window across the road, a white figure stepped out, none other than Whyte Knight himself.
"Arthur…" Raven gasped.
"I see him," Arthur frowned. Getting up from the table as the other customers gasped and fretted, Arthur stepped out into the street. He stood across from Whyte Knight, frowning, "You know Victor, this is getting old really fast."
"So Vivi told you my name after all. I expected that after she stabbed me in the back," Whyte Knight huffed. "A shame. I needed her to reveal to me the location of Excalibur. Now I'll have to take it by force."
"Victor, really, what is this going to get you? Camelot is an ideal, a concept. Just beating someone whose name is attached to it isn't going to make it yours. You can't even live up to that ideal if you plan on using hostages and violence to claim it."
"Silence!" Whyte Knight shouted. "Camelot was raised like any mighty kingdom! Strength! Power! Armies! Your ancestor didn't make his kingdom just by being nice! He had martial might to crush those who opposed him!"
Arthur scowled, "I think you're mixing up our stories. Your ancestor brutalized the country in his conquest. Mine made his kingdom with his lineage, charisma, and proving he was the rightful king with Caliburn. I won't deny they fought battles, wars even, to protect their kingdom, but Camelot didn't scorch the earth to claim the territory!"
"Both stories will be mine soon enough," Whyte Knight retorted. "Just as soon as my knights wipe out yours!"
Arthur stiffened, "What?"
"Right now, your allies and mine are engaged in combat, meaning none of them will be able to come to your aid. It's just you and me now, Arthur," Whyte Knight said to him.
"What have you done, Victor?"
Whyte Knight pointed at Arthur, "We, the Order of the White Dragon declare war on the Knights of the Round Table!"
Arthur frowned, eyes narrowed as he took out his Advent Deck. This was what he feared would happen, he just never expected it to happen so soon.
Book End Library
Back at the library, Mira was showing Merlin everything that was going on through the mirrors.
"This is war," Merlin realized with dread.
I...I can't...Mom, Dad, has this ever happened before?
Not...for a long time. Only in the epic tales.
It seems Arthur's story is unfolding although not in the normal way.
Are they going to be alright?
Not sure, Brooke. We'll just have to keep reading.
All will be revealed in the following chapters.
I hate cliffhangers!
A/N: Now Whyte Knight makes his move to try and bring down the Knights of the Round Table and claim what he believes is rightly his. Rather than a simple scheme, he decides to go all out and declare war on his enemies like another conquest.