"Duchess did this?" Dirk questioned Christina.
"yeah, it was crazy," the hybrid nodded solemnly.
"Are you okay?" Dirk asked Raven.
"Yes"
"Can you fix this, Christina?"
"I'm not sure"
the trio was in Christina's bedroom trying to quietly figure this predicament out while waiting for the arrival of their other friends. Slowly the others arrived, Shaggy settling next to Christina on her bed.
"She can't", Raven rasped. "Duchess cast the curse with Mom's scepter. It's as powerful as Maleficent's staff."
"And Dad's sword", Dirk grumbled, tapping the grip of the Ebony Blade on his hip. "Yeah, nothin' is breakin' that curse; except True Love's Kiss."
"Arthur!", Christina chirped. "But just in case, both fae and vampires age WAY slower than humans. Maybe I could transfer the curse to me."
"Are you, like, sure about doing that?", Shaggy asked nervously.
"Ugh!", a voice scoffed from above. They looked to see Faybelle arrive. "Looks like Duchess went off the deep end. Well, I'M not gonna get blamed for this, or caught up in a curse! I'm gonna grab Kitty and go see my dad. His wand will give ME the edge!"
"I don't know, Faybelle", Christina said dubiously. "Uncle Puck IS powerful, but he's a trickster, not a villain. You might not be able to beat Duchess even with his wand."
"Beat her?! Are you as ditzy as the Blind Mice?! I'm not crazy enough to fight her! I'm just gonna protect myself and make sure I don't get blamed!"
With that, Faybelle flew away as quickly as she came.
"Some help she is," Dirk grumbled, "I thought you texted Arthur to meet us here?"
"I did," Christina tossed Dirk her phone, "He's probably caught up in prince stuff or something like that, I'm sure he'll be here soon but my offer still stands, I'll transfer the curse"
"Christina-" Shaggy began warily only for the words to fail.
"Only if you want to, Christina," Raven said slowly.
"I do"
Shaggy was inwardly panicking.
"I've already sent word to mom, I'm sure she'll be here with Grandmother soon, they'll be able to lift the curse when they get here"
Christina stood, walking to the center of the room she began to chant the spell under her breath, her wand glowing brighter by the second until both she and raven were covered in it. Thunder rumbled and lightning crashed when the light faded Raven fell to the floor, back to normal while Christina now stood in the black peddler's robes, with gray hair and weak eyes.
"Done," Christina declared, "I'd like to be alone now"
Taking the hint, the others filed out of the room to begin anxiously waiting for Alissa and Maleficent.
…...
"Wait," Kitty stopped Faybelle, "This is your Dad's house?"
"Duh, come on, I know where he keeps his wand," Faybelle pulled her inside.
Just as Faybelle thought, the wand was left unguarded the sole object in the room. Faybelle rushed for it.
"What are you doing here?" Puck appeared in front of her, grabbing the wand from its stand.
"I need that," Faybelle deadpanned, "Trouble's brewing"
"What did you do now?"
"It wasn't me! Duchess Swan has gone off the deep end, I need the wand"
"Hm, hold please," Puck smirked.
"Listen, little girl
You're talking to your dad
And I don't wanna hear the drama
Kindness ain't my brand"
Faybelle rolled her eyes at her father's antics, she really didn't have time for an impromptu musical number but if it helped her get the wand so be it.
Oh, I guess that's why you ran
Try being married to your mama!
You stink at being a dad
Oh Faybelle, are you sad?
Not as sad as you without your powers
I didn't come to fight
For once, do something right
I'm a trickster, Sweetie, were you expecting flowers?"
"I only need you 'cause I came here for something"
"I've given you everything, by giving you (me) nothing"
Kitty watched the ongoing argument with interest. The two were circling each other like a standoff,
"I did what I had to do"
"No, you only did what's best for you"
"Well, you could learn a thing or two
When push comes to shove
You do what you gotta do, yeah"
"You were never there
Guess you don't have a phone
You never called to say "I miss you"
"Ha ha ha, are you kidding? Is this a joke?
You need to let it go
You're stronger with those daddy issues"
"Oh! Thank you!"
"Show me some respect
It ain't easy to neglect
My attention would've made you softer"
"Ooh-hoo! Should I be proud?
Don't turn this thing around"
"I guess you are your father's daughter, ha, ha, ha"
"Don't think I need you, I just came here for something"
"I've given you everything, by giving you (me)nothing"
"I did what I had to do
I made it on my own, no thanks to you"
"How 'bout I go with you and we'll spend some time?"
"How 'bout you stay here 'cause you're out of your mind!"
"Let's make new memories, you can show me the town"
"No, you can keep your memories now"
"Get over it!" Puck ordered
"I am over it!" Faybelle snapped with an eye-roll
"I'm over you being over it!" The two cried in unison.
"Let's dance"
"I did what I had to do
No, you only did what's best for you
Well, you could learn a thing or two
When push comes to shove, you do-
When push comes to shove, you do-
When push comes to shove
You do what you gotta do"
"You're only half-trickster", Puck said, twirling his wand. "My wand won't do everything for you that it does for me."
"I'll take my chances", she replied with a smirk.
After an intense stare-down Puck handed over the wand, "Return it when you're done with it" he told her. Then he chuckled proudly under his breath, "That's my girl."
On their way out Faybelle turned once more to her father, "I know Mom's not the easiest to get along with, but she IS still your wife and I know you miss her. Go see her. Soon. And PLEASE, for fairy's sake, drag her into the bedroom! She SERIOUSLY needs to get la..."
"FAYBELLE!", Puck barked, blushing for the first time in centuries!
"What?! It's TRUE!"
With the girls gone, Puck thought about what Faybelle said. It HAS been a while since he was with Lucinda. She was never happy to see him, but ALWAYS happy-and satisfied-after he spent a sleepless night with her. At least for a little while anyway. And 'naughty girl' that she was, he'd be lying if he said he didn't relish those nights as much as she did. He grinned with anticipation.
…...
After a long time with no Alissa or Maleficent Shaggy went to check on Christina. Knocking on her door caused it to creak open. Christina was seated in front of the window with her back to him. Stepping inside, he joined her at the window.
"Are you okay, Christina?"
"I'm worried, what's taking them so long?"
"Like, I'm sure your mother and grandmother are okay Christina," Shaggy reassured her.
"I hope so"
"I like, know this isn't the best time but, but-"
"What, Shaggy? What's wrong?"
"I uh, I'm uh-"
"Shaggy tell me, it's alright"
"Like, from the moment I got here, I-I well, I've been-"
"What?"
"I've been falling in love with you"
"What?" Christina asked in surprise.
"I like, totally understand if you like, don't feel the same way," Shaggy said sadly, backing away from the window.
"Shaggy," Christina caught his arm, "You just surprised me, "I-I just, No one's ever felt that way about me, ever."
Shaggy took a step toward her, "I do, Christina. I can like, only hope you'd feel the same"
Christina who usually kept quiet about such emotions just let go, letting it all out. There was no other way she could have done it.
All those days watching from the windows
All those years outside looking in
All that time never even knowing
Just how blind I've been
Now I'm here blinking in the daylight
Now I'm here suddenly I see
Standing here it's all so clear
I'm where I'm meant to be
And at last I see the light
And it's like the fog has lifted
And at last I see the light
And it's like the sky is new
And it's warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once, everything looks different
Now that I see you.
Shaggy did the same, hoping he could explain himself.
All those days chasing down a daydream
All those years living in a blur
All that time never truly seeing
Things, the way they were
Now You're here shining in the daylight
Now you're here suddenly I know
If you're here it's crystal clear
I'm where I'm meant to go
[Shaggy & Christina]
And at last I see the light
[Shaggy]
And it's like the fog has lifted
[Shaggy & Christina]
And at last I see the light
[Christina]
And it's like the sky is new
[Shaggy & Christina]
And it's warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once, everything is different
Now that I see you
Now that I see you
Before Christina could object. Change her mind, or run away, Shaggy kissed her, fireworks going off in his mind when she returned the gesture.
Fireworks which turned out to be real. When he pulled away he was surprised to find Christina glowing, actually glowing, the glow got brighter and brighter until he had to close his eyes. When he opened them again the curse had been broken.
"Hey, I'm me again!" Christina realized, gleefully.
"Did you ever stop being you?" Shaggy laughed, pulling her close, "Like, let's tell the others"
"Lead the way"
…...
Meanwhile:
The students of Ever After High were drawn outside by the strangely stormy weather, they were shocked to find Duchess Swan in the middle of it all.
"I see everyone forgot me, like always," Duchess sneered, "Don't be expecting Raven to save you, she's not feeling herself," She raised the staff to strike.
"WAIT! WAIT! WAIT!" Sparrow Hood stumbled out of the crowd, "Before you do whatever it is you're going to do, I was wondering if you wanted a lackey, a minion to do your bidding?"
Duchess considered this, "You could be useful, get behind me"
"NOW ALL SHALL SLEEP!"
the sleep-inducing spell filled the sky and swept the land putting all who inhaled it into a deep, dreamless sleep.
…...
"Christina!" the gathered teens stood up in shock when she stepped out of her room, "You broke the curse!"
"Not me," she laughed, "Shaggy"
"I knew it!" clawdeen cheered.
"Uh...what do you mean?" Shaggy asked, "And like, when did you guys get here?" he looked questioningly at the monster royals.
"A few minutes ago," Cleo waved off the question.
"What I mean," Clawdeen smiled, "Is as Alpha I can sense imprints, I knew that first day at Ever After High"
"Whatever happened, "I'm happy" Shaggy smiled, holding tightly to Christina.
"Uh, sorry to interrupt but look outside," Sam brought their attention to the window.
"It's the sleeping curse," Christina declared.
"The what?" Danny asked confusedly.
"Sleeping curse, you know, spinning wheel, only wake with true love's kiss?" Christina repeated, "Is any of this ringing a bell?"
"So where's the spinning wheel?" Danny shrugged.
"That isn't actually needed, it's just a conduit, without it, the curse will knock out anyone and everyone who comes in contact with it"
"But, it's headed right for us," Sam deadpanned.
"It won't get past Mom's wards, she has this place locked tighter than a treasury"
Just as Christina said, the thick fog of the spell hit a barrier and dissipated, going other places. The group, worried by the turn of events moved back to their places and waited. Thankfully, they didn't have to wait for very long as Maleficent and Alissa finally arrived in a burst of fire.
"Well, we know who stole the scepter and crown," Said Alissa with a troubled frown, "It's all over the news-"
"Duchess," the teens finished.
"What did we miss?" Alissa blinked.
"We'll explain later," Duncan promised.
"Duchess has Mom's scepter," Raven reminded them, "It'll keep corrupting her unless we stop her"
"But, the only way we can is um," Danny pushed Christina.
She glared.
Maleficent, however, was a step ahead, handing the staff to a very reluctant Christina.
"But-but-but it's yours, I-I can't control it" Christina tried to give it back.
"Yes, you can, see?" Maleficent stilled Christina's shaking hands, pressing the staff into her grip, watching it go from green to purple.
"The spell's lifting," Radu announced, coming down the stairs, "Rather, the fog is"
"Duchess isn't naturally gifted with magic so maybe some are still awake?" Dirk suggested, "What do you think, Sis?"
"I don't know, that's a lot of ground to cover"
"May I suggest splitting up?" Fred poked his head in, "We do it all the time"
"We can help," Velma added.
"No, thank you but you're still new to this realm and something dangerous is brewing, I don't want you guys to get hurt," Christina said, "Please, I'd feel better if you stayed here"
"We'll go check everything out," Duncan added, "You guys can keep your eyes on the news"
"Who goes where?"
"Dirk, Raven, Shaggy, and I will check Ever After High, Danny and Sam will check bookend, and New Salem, Clawdeen, Duncan, and Cleo can check Monster High, sound good?"
"Great, let's go"
/...
" Raven, Dirk, Check the dorms," Shaggy whispered, "Like, we'll check the classrooms"
"This is creepy" Scooby shivered, looking at all the slumped-over students, passed out on the floors and under desks.
"Agreed," Christina suppressed a shudder,
"Christy? Is that you?"
"Melinda?"
"I'm in the closet"
Shaggy opened the cleaning fairy closet to see Melinda standing in an emerald bubble. Seeing the halls were clear, the bubble dissolved, Melinda rushing to crush Christina.
"I saw the spell coming and created the bubble as fast as I could, looks like I'm the only one," Melinda glanced around the hall, "DALTON!" she tore down the hall toward the music room, the others following.
Dalton like all the other students and faculty was asleep.
"Dalton, Dalton!" Melinda dropped beside the sleeping boy, "C'mon wake up"
Dalton only snored.
"Please, please," Melinda pleaded, shaking him.
"Melinda, he's spelled remember?" Christina said gently, watching from the doorway.
"Can you break it?"
"No, but, you can"
"Oh," Melinda turned pink with realization, "Give us a minute?"
"Of course"
Alone with Dalton, Melinda's thoughts went swirling through her mind. What Christina was suggesting was an impossible thing. Even for the realm of Ever After.
Don't freak out, it's okay
'Cause true love can save the day
And I think we feel the same
But I don't know
When we met, it was sweet
He was oh so into me
Seems like things are meant to be
But I don't know
Does he love me? Or does he love me not?
Do I love him? And is it strong enough?
The young witch, usually bold, upfront with her feelings was having a hard time admitting them to herself. Why would Dalton, sweet, sweet Dalton ever feel the same about her? It hurt to see him like this, under a curse. Sleeping on the floor. But even now there was a smile on his face.
One kiss, one kiss
It all comes down to this
One kiss, one kiss
Oh, oh, oh, oh
One kiss, one kiss
This moment could be it
I, I, I wanna know
So here I go (go)
She leaned in for a kiss but pulled back, nerves spiking. Dalton was so perfect and she was well her. There was no way this would work.
Keep it cool, keep it calm
Think he's loved me all along
But maybe I got it wrong
So I don't know (hey)
He's so good, got my back
But maybe I'm just too bad
Could we be a perfect match?
Now, I don't know
Scrambling to her feet, Melinda paced the room. They were against the clock but for her, the clock was frozen. Everything was frozen until Dalton woke up. She returned to his side, leaning down for a kiss only to change her mind. The voice of doubt yelling inside her mind.
Does he love me? Or does he love me not?
Do I love him? And is it strong enough?
One kiss, one kiss
It all comes down to this
One kiss, one kiss
Oh, oh, oh, oh
One kiss, one kiss
This moment could be it
I, I, I wanna know
So here I go (go)
Yeah, here I go
No, no, no. she couldn't do this. It wouldn't work. Melinda continued to pace.
I feel my heartbeat beating saying "It's gonna work"
But if I'm dream-dream-dreaming, this is gonna hurt
Either I will or I won't
What if I do and he don't?
Is he my Romeo?
Oh, there's only one, one way to really know
Again, she went to Dalton's side, leaning in but pulling away.
One kiss, one kiss
It all comes down to this
One kiss, one kiss
Oh, oh, oh, oh
One kiss, one kiss
This moment could be it
I, I, I wanna know
So here I go (go)
Here I go
Here I go
Here I go
Finally, she squashed her nerves. Swooping in for a kiss before she could chicken out, kissing him softly, sweetly, before pulling away, watching with anticipation.
Dalton didn't stir.
Melinda pulled her knees to her chest, hiding her face.
"Melinda, what's the matter?"
"DALTON!" Melinda flung her arms around the sleepy boy, "You're awake!"
"Thanks to you," Dalton kissed her.
…...
Arthur scratched his head worriedly. A lot of people had fallen asleep, not everyone but enough people that it was worrisome. What was going on? What did Duchess have to do with it? The details were a little foggy.
"Hello, Arthur"
The prince jumped. Duchess swept into the room, a flurry of black swan feathers following like a cloud of doom.
"Duchess?"
"How do you like me now?"
"Why are you doing this?"
"Why, Raven? Did you have a fascination with villain girls? I'm much better than her," Duchess laughed cruelly, "Marry me instead"
"I'm sorry, Duchess, but it was never a choice between you and Raven because I made my choice long before I came to Ever After High. Raven and I have been in love with each other since Nursery Rhyme School."
"WHAT?!", Duchess shrieked angrily. "Are telling me I lost you before we even MET?! To HER?! You lied to EVERYONE! YOU LIED TO ME You let me believe I FINALLY had a chance at a Happily-Ever-After for MONTHS when you were really already with RAVEN?!"
"I'm sorry, Duchess", Arthur said contritely. "We HAD to keep it secret from Grimm. Only our siblings and most trusted friends knew the truth. Please, just give me the scepter, and you can be forgiven."
"Forgive ME?!", Duchess hissed. "I don't think so! SLEEPING IS TOO GOOD FOR YOU!"
Duchess zapped Arthur with the scepter, turning him to stone. However, she cruelly left him fully aware of what was happening around him. She stepped back outside with a grin.
"Sleeping is too good for Ever After!", she decreed, slamming the tip of the scepter down, send a wave of magic through Ever After High, Book End, and the surrounding areas up to the border of New Salem opposite Book End, Darkthorn Woods on one side, and the Enchanted Forest on the other. Everyone in range that had escaped the sleeping curse was turned to stone, including all the teachers of Ever After High.
…...
Bum Bum Bum.
This was fun. I'm loving this D3 arc. I of course had help from my friend, DRAGONDAVE45. I kind of struggled through the love confession scene. The original song was supposed to be Bring Me To Life and let me tell you, every time I hear it I have serious flashbacks to car rides and listening to whatever was on the radio that day. Anyway, I gave it some thought and decided to swap it with one of the sweetest duets in Disney.
Please review!