Knights of the Otherworld REWRITE

by Ten-Faced Paladin

(REWRITE of KOTO). Destiny has always been a focus to the people of Ever After. However, Destiny is not so easily predicted or controlled. A force outside of Giles Grimm's written pages has forced itself into their world. A meddlesome mage, with the power of Prophecy, sees a solution outside of the context of their stories.

7. Chapter 7

I do not own Kamen Rider Ryuki or Ever After High

Knights of the Otherworld

By Ten-Faced Paladin

Chapter 7: The Stingray Knight and the Rose Princess

We come to another day for the Knights of the Round Table.

Even if the days are peaceful, they keep up their rigorous training to be the best knights they can be.

Um, yeah, but Harry looks like he's having trouble there…

(***)

Book End - Park

Training for the new Knights of the Round Table wasn't just learning the skills of the weapons they wielded in battle. It also wasn't just learning tactics and strategies of the various Mirror Monsters they found themselves up against. It also consisted of physical training to shape up their bodies so they could handle the strain they would be under while fighting the monsters.

When the training for the Knights began, Merlin began physical conditioning. This consisted of jogging laps through the park to help them build up their stamina and help get into better shape so they could move around quickly and for extended periods. The pacing of such events was increasing as all of the knights were getting more used to such physical activity.

…some more than others.

Harry grit his teeth as he tried to keep up with the rest of his friends. Still, they were easily ahead of him by a wide margin. He was sweaty, short on breath, and his legs and chest were burning from all the exertion. Despite the effort, he was putting into it, he was still lagging behind everyone else. He was breathing heavily, trying to keep up but he just seemed to stay consistently behind the others.

"Okay everyone, this is the last lap, give it your all," Merlin called, in his tracksuit again. "Let's see some hustle!"

Harry mentally groaned and pushed to try and run a little faster. He was already huffing and puffing while his body and lungs protested against so much strain. The knights gave their last burst, running around the last corner of the park before stumbling to a stop after passing Merlin. Harry was the last to cross the line, nearly dropping to his knees as he wheezed to get his breath back.

"Well, I see improvements…mostly," Merlin reported, checking his stopwatch. "Okay, go hit the showers and get some breakfast. You all will need to get to school soon." The knights groaned in some cases, but they began heading back to the library so they could get cleaned up. Harry followed, before Merlin's voice stopped him. "Just a moment, Harry."

Harry stopped, already guessing what Merlin wanted to talk about. Turning around, he puffed out, "Yes?"

Merlin stepped forward, his face not so carefree as it usually was, "Harry, I've been noticing that out of everyone here, you seem to have the smallest amounts of improvement when it comes to physical training. You also seem to be consistently struggling. I'm actually starting to worry that you have asthma or something."

"You're not the first," Harry sighed. His gym teachers since high school asked him the same question when they saw how lacking he was in physical fitness, especially when compared to Lance. "Look, sports and things like that have never really been my thing. That was where Lance has the spotlight. I was better at the academic stuff. So I just don't do the usual athletics things aside from what gym class needed me to do."

"I noticed," Merlin nodded. "Well, I don't think I have to remind you that you are trailing behind everyone else. This is training you need to undergo if you want to protect people from the Mirror Monsters."

"I know, I know," Harry sighed. "But I'm not going to get better overnight. Almost everyone else kept in better shape for their own reasons. I just didn't see the need to be so diligent until now."

"Okay. Just making sure you didn't have any health problems," Merlin nodded.

Harry nodded and trekked back in the direction of the library. Once again he was faced with being encouraged to be more athletic and sporty…just like dear old dad. Lance definitely took after their dad, who was a jock himself in school, and wanted to see that legacy of being a popular jock continue. Harry took after their mother, who was a homemaker and not nearly as concerned about sports, only exercising to keep in reasonable shape.

Harry just did not feel the ambition to be part of physical sports. He preferred his books and his academics, finding things like history, literature, and science to be more interesting than football, baseball, or sports statistics.

"Whew," Harry groaned, finally getting his breath back as he got to the doors of the library. "Geez, Mom always did warn me I couldn't get by on my brain alone."

(***)

I would say knights should be in better shape, but I will concede that Harry did not know he had such a prominent destiny waiting for him.

Yeah Mom, how was he supposed to know he would need training as a knight?

Harry is certainly trying and fortunately, the urgent need for this training is not lost on him.

(***)

Ever After High - Science and Sorcery

Science and Sorcery was a class Harry once dreaded taking. The science he was familiar with, but the sorcery portion he feared he would flub and, in some way, expose himself as not a real fairy tale. His worries hadn't been warranted since the class operated mainly on science, using it to create sorcerous effects. It surprised Harry that science could blend into sorcery so easily and it was almost his favorite class.

If it weren't for the teacher.

The class was taught by Rumplestiltskin, a small gnome fellow who wore a green tunic and trousers, not that you could easily tell since his gray beard was so long it covered his front. He also wore a tall, black-furred hat that hid his eyes, enhancing his gnomish image.

For the first few days after the school year started, the gnomish man was a good teacher. He clearly knew how to use magic, which made sense for a fellow who could spin straw into gold. The quality of his lessons certainly wasn't lacking. What was getting Harry's ire about the little man was…

"Wait, a test ranging from chapters one through thirty-four in the textbook?" Raven gasped out at the teacher's announcement.

"Ah hah hah hah hah!" Rumplestiltskin laughed, standing on his desk while he was using a ruler like a wand/cane. "You heard me correctly, Raven Queen."

"But, sir?" Apple stood up with her hand raised. "Isn't that…totally unfair?"

"You can't test us on the entire textbook!" one orange-haired girl called from her seat.

"We've only gotten to chapter two," Dexter added his two cents.

"What better way to ensure you take initiative on studying?" Rumplestiltskin sneered, clearly enjoying their distress. "But don't worry. If you fail, I have plenty of ways for you to make up for it over the year! Ah hah hah hah hah hah!"

Harry scowled at the little gnome, easily seeing how Rumplestiltskin could be so evil as to take a baby as payment for his services. A few more students tried to argue, but Rumplestiltskin just continued to laugh, clearly not listening to them. When the bell rang, many students left the classroom with dejected looks and a heavy proverbial weight on their shoulders.

"There is no way that little gnome is allowed to do this!" Harry hissed. More than the brazenly unfair test it was that smug look on Rumplestilstkin's face that ticked him off. It burned Harry's ire to have a teacher of all people have that look when talking to their students. "Testing us on the whole textbook when we only got to chapter two? That's insane!"

"I know!" the girl walking next to him huffed. "How can he expect any of us to pass if he's testing us on things we've never covered in class?"

The girl next to Harry was, of course, a princess. It was easy to tell by how she dressed and carried herself. She had long brown hair which reached down her back and had pink streaks running through it, part of it styled in a rose-shaped bun. Her dress was rose-like with pink 'petals' and black edges. The shoulders were puffy, with a rose theme, and a black top portion with a pink underlay. She had tan skin and brown eyes with princess-like perfection and pink lipstick. Almost casually perched on top of her head were rose-pink sunglasses which kind of looked like a crown.

This was Briar Beauty, the next Sleeping Beauty and for Science and Sorcery, Harry's lab partner.

In their first class, Briar and Harry were partnered up for lab experiments. Harry learned two things about Briar in the first minutes of class. The first thing was that she loved to party, always planning for some exciting social event, her next party, or just something exciting to try that she had heard about. The other thing was that she had extreme narcolepsy thanks to the residual effects of the sleeping curse on her mother which made her sleep for a hundred years.

Harry could admit that Briar was nice. Very social and outgoing, but he kept finding her falling asleep in class and having to share notes with her when she would either snap awake, or the bell signaling the end of class would wake her up. At first, Harry thought she was just bored, but when he discovered her condition, he grew to be a little more understanding and patient when Briar would suddenly doze off.

"I think he wants us to fail if you ask me," Harry huffed, picking up the textbook in question. It was a thick book and one with plenty of chapters in it to study. "Why else would he give us such a big textbook and then tell us we need to cover everything in it to pass the test?"

"Ugh, what a little toad," Briar huffed.

"Oh, Mr. Rumplestiltskin doesn't just want us to fail," Blondie came up along the two. "He wants us to fail so we'll be begging for extra credit. I heard from other students that if you want extra credit, you have to spin straw into gold for him. He makes his tests extra hard so he can get a lot of students to spin gold for him."

Harry frowned, "Wait, doesn't he already have the power to do that himself? I mean, it's in his story, isn't it?"

Briar scowled, "Why do it himself when he can have all the students do it for him? We can't just let him mess with our grades this way!"

Harry blinked, somewhat surprised by the determination in his lab partner, "What do you suggest we do then? Right now it's either study or try to plea to the headmaster about what he's doing."

"A study party, that's what!" Briar insisted. "We'll need a big space, plenty of material, and we'll go all night if we have to!"

Harry rubbed his chin, "Well, it's the only sensible thing to do. If we can get the class together, we can all go over the material. Everyone focusing and sharing observations might help us all retain the knowledge better."

"What a happily ever awesome idea, Briar!" Blondie beamed. She whipped out her Mirrorphone and began typing, "When and where?"

"My dorm room, tonight. Since Ashlynn and I are roommates and share the class, we won't be bothering each other with our studying!" Briar grinned. She turned to Harry, "You said you live at the public library, right? We can go get a bunch of extra reference materials so everyone can check and double-check everything so Rumplestiltskin can't use some loophole to give us bad marks."

"I can see about the science section," Harry nodded. He was finding himself surprised by how Briar was taking charge. "I can check the references and find us the best ones. Merlin's got a huge collection so there has to be something we can use to help us study."

"Perfect!" Briar breamed. "Then after school, Harry, you and I will go and check out as much as we can. We can also scrounge the school library for extra books too."

"Sounds like a plan," Harry nodded.

(***)

Ever After High - Halls

Harry heaved a sigh as he set his books back in his locker at the end of the school day. He was admittedly worried about Rumplestiltskin's test which put a shadow over his day. Not just because of how massive it was and how much material needed to be covered, but also what might happen if he failed. Harry wasn't sure how he was supposed to spin straw into gold. That required magic and Harry knew that he had none of that kind of ability. If he failed, it would come to the little gnome wanting him to spin straw into gold and Harry would be unable to do it. That would lead to questions about why Harry had no magic and in Harry's paranoid thoughts, might lead to their little story coming unraveled.

"Hey Bro!" Lance came up to him, throwing an arm over his shoulder. "Why looking so grim? Come on, it's the end of the day. Time to relax and have some fun before we have to do any homework."

"Rumplestiltskin pulling his apparently legendary antics," Harry grumbled, grabbing his backpack before shutting his locker. "He's giving us an impossible test hoping we'll fail so we can spin straw into gold for him. The greedy little gnome."

Lance blinked, backing away from his brother, "Really?"

"Really. He assigned the test and laughed at us all the whole time," Harry grumbled.

"Wow, I thought that was just a rumor," Lance grimaced. "So, what are you going to do?"

"Study? What else?" Harry sighed. "My lab partner's organizing a study party. Hopefully, we can get through everything"

"Sounds like you," Lance nodded. "Alright, should I get Merlin to book a study room for your class?"

"No, we're all meeting in her room in the dorms," Harry shook his head. He then caught himself and began to grimace as Lance got a grin on his face.

"Oh? A 'her' is it?" Lance chuckled. "So my little brother's lab partner is a girl and you're going to get a pass into her room?"

"Lance," Harry warned with a frown. "Get your head out of the gutter. This isn't going to be like whatever trashy pick up romance you dream of. We're seriously going to study with the entire class to get back at this little gnome who claims to be a teacher."

"Sure, sure," Lance nodded, clearly having his own line of thought. "So, just who is this girl who happens to be your lab partner and is inviting you up to her room?"

Harry scowled and was about to reply with 'none of your business' when a voice began calling out to him, "Ah, Harry! Found you!"

Harry and Lance turned to see Briar approaching. Lance's jaw dropped in shock at seeing her. Naturally, he knew her. Apple had introduced them when the school year started and she was one of the faces he discovered when he began researching the stories he was familiar with when he arrived in Ever After. Apple may have been the most admired and beautiful princess, but Briar Beauty was easily a close second, and Lance meant a very, very close second.

"Glad I caught you," Briar smiled, coming up to the brothers. "Ready to start getting supplies for our study party?"

"Um…yes?" Harry nodded. "Briar, how did you know where my locker was?"

"Oh, Apple told me," Briar shrugged before she tugged on his arm. "Now let's go. Those books won't check themselves out and we need as many as we can get!"

"Okay, I -woah!" Harry cried before Briar pulled him along, almost weaving through the crowd with Harry stuck on her arm.

Lance blinked at the sight, but then gave a grin, "Ah, you totally are my brother."

(***)

Book End - Library

'This girl has to have caffeine in her blood,' Harry thought to himself as he and Briar came to the front of the library. Briar had pulled him directly out of the school and she was a woman on a mission. She didn't run, but somehow she was moving quickly enough through the various students while Harry struggled to keep from crashing into someone as Briar pulled him to the front doors of the school.

Harry thought it was supposed to be difficult for someone to move fast in high heels like Briar wore, but the next Sleeping Beauty certainly didn't have any trouble. Fortunately, she let him go once they got outside of the school. Harry knew he didn't have the stamina to keep up with her if she moved like that all the time.

"Okay, so the books we should be getting are Science of Sorcery, The Periodic Table of Magical Elements: An In-Depth Summary, Intermediate Science and Sorcery, and The Fool's Guide to Science and Sorcery," Briar read off the titles she compiled for their study party.

"You are amazingly prepared for this," Harry commented. It seemed that Briar had already compiled the supplementary material that everyone would need to help learn everything they were missing and supplement what was in the textbook.

"When it comes to any kind of party, preparation is one of the most important things," Briar smiled as they reached the doors. "So, this is your turf. Which way to the science and sorcery books?"

"Right, this way," Harry gestured for Briar to follow him.

After waving hello to Mira who was manning the front desk, Harry led Briar down the rows of books. Since starting at the library, Harry diligently began learning where the different sections could be found. He knew the more common areas. Fiction, non-fiction, history, and the other major subjects were what most people were after. Science and Sorcery was fortunately one of the areas he knew best.

"Okay, let's first get the exact location," Harry commented, coming to the search area for the library. It was naturally an index of all the books in the library. "List those titles for me again Briar?"

"Right," Briar nodded, checking her phone again.

Harry typed up the titles and got the search going. Fortunately, Merlin's database was up to date and it was easy to understand where the books were located. It was better than the outdated one in Storybrooke which needed experience to understand the long codes which the library filed all of their books under.

"Got it. Let's go," Harry announced, getting the exact location of the books. He and briar quickly set out, moving through the stacks to the appropriate section. Harry immediately began checking the numbers which the books were filed under and perused the shelves.

Only to find nothing.

Not that he couldn't find the books in question. Harry had followed the filing numbers of the books exactly so he knew just where the books he requested would be. By finding nothing, he only saw a gap in the books on the shelves where the exact books he and Briar needed should have been. Not only them, but every book remotely related to science and sorcery, specifically high school students would need, was missing from the shelves. Everything left was for elementary school or higher learning students.

"Uh…Harry, shouldn't the books be here?" asked Briar, a sinking feeling in her stomach.

"Yes," Harry nodded. "There should," Not liking the implications, Harry quickly plotted a course of action. "Let's check with Mira at the front desk. Maybe they haven't been put back yet."

The two hurried back to the front desk where Mira was working on the computer, "Mira, did anyone just check out or return a bunch of science and sorcery books?"

Mira blinked, but she pointed to the entrance of the library, "As is right and fair, someone checked them out over there."

Harry and Briar followed Mira's pointing to see a short figure wheeling out a cart just piled with books. Even from a distance, it was clear to see that they were all science and sorcery books. Worse, the two could easily recognize the short stature and fuzzy hat of Rumplestiltskin. As he got to the door, he spun around and spied his two students. Grinning maliciously, he waved before slipping out the door with his checked-out books.

"Why that little-!" Briar began to seethe.

"I am going to strangle him!" Harry seethed right next to her.

(***)

Ooooh, that foul little toad!

Rumplestilskin's love of gold is quite well-known. He would do just about anything to get it.

I don't see how that will stop someone like Briar or Harry.

I hope so Mom.

(***)

Book End - Hocus Latte

Harry and Briar both sat down at a table, sporting sweet drinks to soothe their tempers. Both were looking especially grim at their circumstances. After Rumplestiltskin ran off with all the useful science and sorcery books from the library, they ran to every bookstore in town to perhaps see if they had any of the kinds of books that they needed. It would be an expense, but Harry had no qualms about spending money for his education and Briar had quite the budget herself for such things.

Their quest ended in abject failure. A few small shops just didn't have the books in stock. Worse, the biggest bookstore in town, Yarns and Noble, had just sold out their stock of the books they had. Worse, the one who bought them? None other than Rumplestiltskin. It was easy to figure out since the annoying gnome was strutting out of the store with bags of books hovering behind him. He laughed at the two students as he passed by them.

"Harry, I've decided something," Briar scowled.

"Yes?" Harry grumped.

"I'm going to learn dark magic," Briar continued. "And then I'm going to curse that little gnome for pulling a stunt like this."

"I'll help you study for that," Harry immediately agreed. "But in the meantime, we'll have to study for our test tomorrow without the extra material."

"That's going to make it harder," Briar huffed. "Have you seen the advanced chapters in that book? It just gets way more complicated and you need a teacher to help you understand it completely. If I didn't study ahead so much, I wouldn't ever understand it."

"Great," Harry groaned, but then blinked and looked at Briar in surprise. "Wait, you know the material and you understand it?"

"Sure. With my sleep schedule, I just spend extra time studying when I'm up late since I slept all day," Briar nodded. She saw Harry's shock and frowned slightly, "What's that look for?"

"Uh…" Harry managed to collect himself. "Well, no offense intended, but with how often you're partying or doing something crazy, you don't strike me as the studious type."

"Oh really?" Briar huffed. She reached and bopped Harry on the shoulder, "Well, don't judge a book by its cover. Since I keep falling asleep, I've had to study by myself a lot to keep up. Eventually, it just got me to get ahead in a lot of my classes."

Harry hummed, "So, you know the material that the gnome wants to try and bury us under?"

"Totally," Briar nodded. "I was going to lead the study party anyway."

Harry stared down at his drink as an idea began to come to him. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his Mirrorphone and began to swipe through screens and pull up websites. Briar watched him suddenly move into action, "Harry, do you have an idea?"

"Rumplestiltskin thinks he can block us on his tests by keeping us from working harder," Harry replied, pulling up search engines. "So that just means we have to work smarter. Briar, do you know the publishers of the books you wanted to grab?"

"Sure. Why? Ordering the books directly would be fine, but even with express delivery there is no way they'd get here in time," Briar answered, her drink now forgotten.

"So we don't go hard copy," Harry answered. "We do it with modern tech. We download PDFs and use those. We can open up specific chapters, use a projector or something, and really lead the class to study all the material so we can really trip up that little gnome."

Briar's eyes lit up in surprise at Harry's idea. How had she not thought of that?! She was so used to using textbooks and paper in class, that she never once thought of the idea of using downloaded E-books and texts to help her study! Tech like the Mirrornet and stuff like that was always kept outside of the classroom.

"And with how Rumplestiltskin is such an old-school fairy tale, there's no way he'd think of trying to block us using the Mirrornet!" In a flash, Briar retrieved her phone and began finding numbers, "Dexter Charming and Humphrey Dumpty are two of the best when it comes to things like this! With them, we can set up everything we need. They have access to the AV equipment too!"

"Great," Harry nodded. "Now let's find those books. Might be pricy though."

"Got it covered," Briar replied, producing her credit card. "I have a budget for party stuff, but Mom and Dad said I can spend whatever I want so long as I can prove it's for school."

Harry nodded, glad that for once, one of the popular girls he had to work with was so prepared to shop, "You really are more than a pretty face" Briar just smirked at him, "Okay, then let's get to work."

(***)

Mirror World - Hocus Latte

In the silent village inside of the Mirror World, the empty streets were almost utterly devoid of life. The only images of any kind of activity came from the view of the Real World. Were a tumbleweed to blow across the street, it would certainly fit in.

Where this world's version of Hocus Latte sat, movement came from the rooftop. It slunk, knowing that a hunter was nearby. Slowly crawling down the side of the building, it stopped at the front window and gazed into the reflective glass.

The hunter sat nearby, ready to be warned if it would attempt to cross the divide. The monster knew better than to make the attempt. Still, its gaze turned to its target.

Its prey had been a delicious discovery. Life energy was vibrant and all but a bright sign to the monster's cyclopean gaze. More energy swirled around the prey, almost like a lingering miasma, appearing like delicious spice to the already tempting meal that its prey represented.

Despite the ravenous growls from its stomach, the monster knew better than to try and grab the prey. A hunter was right next to it, and that would mean a fight. A fight that the monster was not confident in winning just yet. It needed an edge, a time when the prey was separated from the hunter and easy to capture.

Starving, but not losing its caution, the monster remained upside down, watching its ray as its mandibles anticipated the feast it would have.

(***)

Alright, show that gnome who's the boss!

Indeed. Where Lance shows the physicality of knighthood, Harry represents the wisdom of a knight.

A perfect balance between brothers, but a mix of both is needed for then they have to stand on their own…

(***)

Ever After High - Dorms

Briar used her simply breathtaking social network to contact everyone and to get Dexter and Humphrey onboard for the AV equipment. Everyone converged on Briar's room with her roommate, Ashlynn Ella. The dorm was surprisingly spacious, which Harry couldn't help but admire.

"Okay, do you guys have the PDFs?" asked Dexter as he had his laptop connected to the projector. Humphrey was setting up the projection screen. Despite all their nervousness in many things, Humphrey and Dexter were showing a lot of confidence in their work.

"Yup," Harry announced. "Briar, can I send them the data from your Mirrorpad?"

"All yours, Harry," Briar nodded, working to set up seating, snacks, and other things to make sure everyone was comfortable while they were studying. She retrieved her Mirrorpad from her bedside table before tossing it to the next Sir Hector. Harry tapped on it several times, Briar thankfully having unlocked it.

"Here you go," Harry fired off the email to Dexter containing all of the PDFs she had bought.

"Thanks," Dexter nodded the high-speed wireless allowing him to get the email quickly. "Briar lets you into her emails?"

"Emergency access and I don't have a Mirrorpad," Harry answered. If Lance were there, he would start teasing Harry over having gotten a major milestone in wooing Briar. Lance always seemed to think any girl who was talking to Harry was a potential girlfriend. He teased Harry enough about it whenever it happened.

Dexter accepted the reason and unpacked the emails, putting the books into a folder that he opened with the projector and activated it. The light from the projector was bright and nearly blinded Humphrey as he was getting the last details of the screen right. He stumbled out of the way of the light as Dexter began his testing.

Harry left him to it and looked to where Briar was diligently checking her notes after she made sure the snack and beverage table was set up properly, "Briar, do you have a lesson plan?"

"We'll have to be linear since we've only just started on the textbook," Briar answered, looking at her notes. "Once we get past the basics, we can move into the advanced chapters. That's where the other books will help us cover gaps so we don't struggle to understand. Speaking of, are the downloads working?"

"Dexter?" Harry turned to the Charming prince.

"We're good!" Dexter lifted a thumbs-up.

"Perfect," Briar smiled. A chime came from her phone, prompting Harry to toss the device back to her. She tapped on the screen before she read the alert, "Okay, we have confirmation from everyone. They'll be here in a few minutes. Let's get these last details down, people!"

"Yes ma'am!" Dexter and Humphrey saluted.

"What else is left to do?" asked Harry.

Briar tapped her phone as another message came to her phone, "Pick up our pizzas. We're going to be here for the long haul and Little's Johns just arrived."

"I'll grab them," Harry offered.

"No, I ordered them so I have to show I'm picking them up," Briar stood up and grinned at Harry, "But you can come with me."

The two headed out of the dorm and began the long, perhaps ridiculously so, trip down to the bottom floor of the dorms. Fortunately, that was the exact reason that elevators existed. Both loaded on and Harry hit the button for the ground floor.

"You've been a huge help today Harry. Thanks," Briar commented as the elevator began it's descent.

"Well, you admittedly shanghaied me into this but if it's to get back at that little gnome, I'm happy to help," Harry chuckled, earning a giggle from Briar.

Briar eyed Harry for a moment, "You know, I teased you about judging a book by its cover, but you didn't peg me as the type who was so capable. I would have thought you would have wanted to just study by yourself instead of organize something like this."

"You mean you figured I was a shut-in?" Harry asked. "Well, I guess I come off that way. But, most people would be when compared to Lance. I'm just naturally quieter. I picked up studying habits for being alone since I needed it with Lance running around."

"Hm, who would have figured a knight would be so good at studying?" Briar teased.

"We're not all just about charging in and swinging swords," Harry snarked back, earning a laugh from the princess.

The two retrieved the pizzas from the lobby, Harry being the designated carrier as Briar paid for them. Both took a share of the food before heading back to the elevator. A quick ride back to the dorms. By the time they arrived, more of the other students of their Science and Sorcery class were arriving with notebooks in hand.

"Hey everybody!" Briar greeted as they entered the room, bringing the pizzas to the snack table. A chorus of agreements met her, reminding Harry of an old show he once watched. Briar set the pizzas down and turned to her guests, "Alright everyone, let's get this study party going! We're not going to let Rumplestiltskin use us for labor to fill his pockets!"

A resounding cheer came and Briar sat down on a sofa while Dexter stationed himself at his laptop so he could help when needed. Grabbing a book, Briar opened it to the first chapter, "Alright, so let's make sure we have the basics down before we move on to the other stuff we have to cover. The basic elements are…pixie dust..*yawn* …dragon fire…*yaaaawwn*"

As Briar began her lesson, she started wobbling and yawning at the same time. Everyone's faces dropped when the energetic princess suddenly lost all of her energy, falling sideways on the sofa and suddenly using her textbook as a pillow. Soft snoring just cemented the sight much like funeral bells. Briar, the one who actually knew the subject matter, had suddenly fallen asleep…again.

"Uh-oh," Apple winced, recognizing what happened.

"Great," Harry sighed. He stepped next to Briar and shook her shoulder, but she continued snoring. He tried shaking her a little more firmly, but she just mumbled.

"That won't work," Blondie bit her lip in worry. "Since Briar's sleep problems are inherited from her mother, it takes something big to wake her up."

Dexter grimaced, "So, what do we do? I mean, I looked ahead at some of this stuff and I don't get it. I mean, some of the basics, sure, but we're all going to need help to study all this stuff."

"Well, what's the best way to wake her up?" asked Harry. "Her Prince Charming isn't going to show up for a hundred years, right?"

"Well, something really loud," Apple suggested. "Her alarms are always loud to help her wake up when this happens," the next Snow White turned to the next Cinderella. "Ashlynn, where is Briar's alarm clock?"

"She accidentally broke it the other day," Ashlynn winced. "It's at the repair shop. It's specially made for her, so we can't just get another one and all the stores are closed now even if we could!"

"What do we do?" asked Humphrey, biting at his nails in nervousness. He wouldn't last doing Rumplestiltskin's gold spinning! His grades would drop like a rock!

"Uh…uh…I know!" Dexter spoke up. He stacked up several books before he slammed them down on the small table set next to the couch and incidentally, Briar's head. The noise was loud, but Briar didn't move and instead kept snoring.

"Here, let me," Daring stepped up and after checking his face, gave his charming smile which flashed brightly in the room. Everyone else knew to cover their eyes or turn away as the bright flash filled the room. Harry, not used to Daring's smile, grunted and covered his eyes, his vision temporarily lost as Daring's dazzling teeth. Briar mumbled and as Daring made his attempt, her sunglasses slipped over her eyes, protecting her from the dazzling light.

"How the hex are you able to even do that?" Harry grimaced, blinking to try and get his vision back.

Blondie quickly stepped forward for her own attempt, tapping at her Mirrorpad, "Okay, drastic times call for drastic measures! This will wake Briar up!" With another tap, Blondie spun her Mirrorpad around before a holographic bear head came out of the device and roared loudly. Many in the room jumped at the noise, especially Harry since he couldn't see properly yet, but Briar merely mumbled and rolled in her sleep.

"So much for that," Harry sighed, finally getting his vision back.

Dexter groaned, looking worried, "Man…if only she was just as up for studying as she is for partying."

His words had Raven blink when sudden inspiration came to her, "I've got an idea! Let me get my music player!" She turned and began to head out of the room.

"Oh, Raven, we moved it after we moved in!" Apple called, chasing after her roommate.

"Anyone else know what her idea is?" Harry asked, feeling as if he missed a step. He only received shaking heads as a response. Most people settled in and decided to wait for Raven and Apple to return and find out if her plan would wake Briar up from her sudden slumber.

Harry found a seat and picked up his textbook, deciding to recap the first two chapters before they woke Briar up and she could lead the study session. He hoped whatever Raven had in mind, it would work. He did not want to see any bit of satisfaction on that little gnome's face!

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Harry stiffened, eyes widening in shock.

From Briar's vanity table, the glass of the mirror rippled and a length of white silk fired out. It splattered against Briar before a sharp tug lifted her off the couch and pulled her into the glass. No one reacted at first, as the event happened so fast. After that second, people began to scream and panic, all of them realizing a Mirror Monster had just snagged Briar.

"Curses!" Harry cussed. Getting up, he dashed to Briar's vanity table, struggling to get his Advent Deck out of his pocket. "Someone call Arthur or the others! I'll try and get Briar back!"

Harry absently heard the other students shouting, but he was numb to it as he retrieved his Advent Deck and presented the stingray emblem to the mirror's surface. The V-Buckle appeared, wrapping around his waist before settling. Harry pulled his occupied hand back before lifting his other out in front of him, his index and middle fingers raised while the rest were closed towards his palm.

"Henshin!" he called, slapping the Advent Deck into his belt. The gold emblem flashed before the grayscale-colored forms of his suit formed over him. It solidified before filling with magenta color. Gripping his shield, Raia dove into the mirror, vanishing in a small flash of silver.

(***)

Mirror World - Ever After High Dorms

Raia landed on the ground, his eyes quickly darting over the room to try and find where Briar had been taken. He didn't have to search long, finding said monster at the far end of the dorm, rapidly spinning Briar into a cocoon of silk as she was snoring softly.

Its body consisted of pieces of brass and bronze, the abdomen being completely black with a web-like pattern spreading from the middle. Its arms and thighs were decorated with hexagonal plating which was black with white lines, giving the further image of webs. Its legs were covered in bronze plating with white lines running along them, ending in insectoid toes. Its arms had brass plating, ending with three wicked claws extending from their wrists. Its head was strangely shaped, like a cone with more bronze and brass horns. Its face was dominated by a single orb-shaped eye which was black and white web designs on it. It did have a gray mouthplate, but it was small, dwarfed by its cycloptic eye.

This was the monster known as Respider.

"Briar!" Raia roared, starting to run for the beast. The Respider hissed before hefting the partially-covered Briar over its shoulder and dashed out the door to the room. Raia didn't hesitate and followed it into the halls. The spider monster clambered along the walls, leaped short distances, and even swung on a silk strand where there was enough space.

Raia pushed, trying to keep up with the monster. He tried to make tight turns, leap downstairs when the monster ran down stairwells. In the haste to get downstairs, Raia already felt his breath running short and his body starting to struggle to keep running. Even with adrenaline pushing him, Raia's constitution was starting to work against him. Worse, the Respider was starting to pull ahead and he feared that it was going to get away if he didn't do something.

"Come on, come on!" Raia huffed. Grunting, he shoved a door open, realizing he had gotten to the lobby of the dorms. Breathing deeply, he grasped at his deck and drew a card before he slapped it into his Evil Visor.

[Swing Vent!]

Raia lifted his arm and caught the Evilwhip. Grunting, he pushed one more blast of speed to try and close the gap between him and the Respider before it could get outside. He was still practicing with using a whip, but he learned enough to do a few things.

"Ha!" Raia lashed out, the length of the barbed which swinging through the air. The end of the whip caught the leg of the Respider before a sharp yank had it shriek and faceplant into the floor. Briar's cocoon fell from its hands, rolling away from the monster itself.

"Okay *huff* that's far *huff* enough," Raia panted.

The Respider snarled and kicked free of the Evilwhip before getting up to its feet. Its demeanor changed, knowing now it wasn't going to get away without a fight. Turning to face Raia, it sneered and lifted its claws menacingly.

"Not gonna happen, creep," Raia retorted, gripping his whip tightly.

The Respider jumped and fired a web line at the ceiling before swinging and lunging for Raia. The knight lifted his shield as the Respider swung its claws. The claws met the shield with a blast of sparks, but the force made Raia stumble back. Grunting, he hefted his weapon and made a swing, the barbs of the whip cracking through the air, but the close range of the monster made it difficult to strike.

Raia blocked another strike and turned it aside, making the Respider stumble before taking several straps back. Having the space, he cracked the whip several times. The strikes came down, cracking around the Respider, striking its shoulder and torso with small blasts of sparks. The monster shrieked, dashing to try and get out of the way.

"Curses!' Raia hissed, trying to lash out several more times, but missing with his whip. Despite his training, a whip was not exactly an easy weapon to master. He'd been making progress, but mobile targets were still difficult to strike.

Hopping above one strike, the Respider adhered to the wall before looking at Raia. A hiss was the only warning before a stream of silk fired at Raia in a sticky mess. The magenta knight jumped, rolling along the floor awkwardly. Looking up, he barely had time to move again before the spider fired a second time. Raia kept moving, ducking behind a sofa that got webbed up.

"This isn't working!" Raia hissed, tossing the Evilwhip aside. Sitting up, he grabbed another card from his belt and stood up. Making sure the Respider was in view, he slipped the card into the Evil Visor.

[Copy Vent!]

The Respider's head flashed before the light darted to Raia's free hand, solidifying into an armament. It was a gauntlet that seemed to be shaped like the monster's head, using its pointed head as an offensive point. Inside it, Raia felt a hidden mechanism similar to when he used the Drag Claw when he fought next to Arthur.

"Okay now I can use this," Raia nodded.

The Respider's hiss got Raia to snap back into the fight. He yelped as another stream of web. Raia ducked before he got back up and extended his new weapon at the Respider. Hitting the trigger, a stream of webbing fired back. The Respider, not expecting the webbing, got struck in the chest which adhered at the touch.

Raia twisted his arm around the strand and gave a sharp pull. The Respider was pulled clear off the wall where Raia swung hard and had the monster crash into the opposite wall, leaving a crater that had pieces crumbling down around it.

The Respider coughed from the plaster dust rising from the impact, but snarled before cutting the strand. It hissed and clambered up the wall, using its sticking powers to try and get away. Raia fired more strands of web, but the monster was frustratingly agile as it climbed up onto the ceiling, leaving strands of silk hanging in the room.

The Respider darted along the ceiling before dodging another stream. Once it hit, it grabbed the strand, its hands naturally not sticking to the material before it swung down. Raia fired another strand, but the monster cut it down with its claws as it came. Swinging down like Tarzan on a vine, the monster kicked out, striking Raia in the chest in a blast of sparks.

"GUH!" Raia felt the wind being kicked out of his sails as the force sent him sailing backward where he slid across the floor, dropping his improvised weapon. He wheezed, his breath utterly gone as he struggled to breathe. His first instinct of all things was to try and take his helmet off so he could breathe, but he restrained himself…barely.

He tried to get back up, but the Respider leaped the distance and landed hard, straddling him. It snarled and stabbed down with its claws, aiming at Raia's head. The stingray knight grunted and caught its wrsts, struggling from the strength of the monster, made worse as he struggled to get his wind back. The blades were already dangerously close and threatening to come closer.

In moments of high stress and adrenaline, people tended to notice the most inane things with their focus turning intense on whatever was happening near them. In this case, Raia began to hear a hazy hiss coming from nearby. He jerked his gaze, a reflex in case it was another enemy, before seeing the cocoon which had Briar stuck inside of it. Her pink sunglasses were sticking out from the silk, standing out against the pale, gray silk threads.

Pink sunglasses that were giving off a haze of pink, like dust was rising off the plastic.

Briar was dissolving!

Raia felt his heart stop, perhaps even feeling that time had stopped for him. The realization that Briar was going to fade away into dust, and actually die in the Mirror World, caused a spike of absolute fear to run through him like a bolt of lightning. That thought of failing Briar, being unable to rescue her because he was busy with the Respider, made his blood run cold in a way he hadn't thought possible.

Raia suddenly forgot about his short breath, how his body ached from the fight and how out of shape he was for it. He forgot about his pain, he forgot about his straining arms, and he forgot about absolutely everything but getting rid of the Respider and getting Briar out of the Mirror World before she vanished completely.

Raia's visor suddenly began to glow magenta like his armor. Gripping the Repsider's wrists, he pushed back, making the Repsider grunt and begin losing ground. It snarled in confusion, surprised by Raia's burst of strength. Raia then pulled back his leg and kicked at the Respider's chest, "Get outta my way!"

Raia's kick impacted and the Respider was knocked back with a huff, knocking the breath from his own lungs. Raia scrambled to his feet and quickly grabbed another card. Not bothering to see it, Raia slapped it into his Evil Visor to let it activate.

[Advent!]

The front doors of the lobby all but exploded as a large monster broke through them. It soared past the flying glass, revealing it to be a large, flying stingray. It was almost entirely magenta with sharp fins, plated armored back, and yellow accenting on the head and front. Its tail was wickedly barbed, much like Raia's Evil Whip. This was Raia's contracted partner, Evildiver.

Evildiver let off a cry and soared through the air before diving down, crashing into the Respider. A spray of sparks came from the impact and knocked the monster aside as Evildiver soared by. It writhed, a deep gash digging into its armor while Evildiver soared around and hovered next to Raia. The knight glanced at his partner, seeing the light gleam off its wickedly sharp fins.

"Gotta do this fast," Raia muttered as he stood up, taking another card. They were in an enclosed space, but Raia didn't have the time to do it safely. He popped open his Evil Visor and slipped the card inside.

[Final Vent!]

Raia jumped up, landing on Evildiver's back and riding his partner like a flying surfboard. The monster let out a cry before starting to surge toward the Respider. Evildiver soared past the recovering Respider, circling the room and picking up speed. As they got faster, Evildiver's fins seemed to begin cutting the very air, giving off the image of seaspray. The Respider got to its feet, turning to try and find the target, but saw Evildiver with Raia coming in at a high speed. The Respider shrieked, trying to move, but Evildiver had collected too much speed. Evildiver collided with it, the razor-sharp fins easily bisected the monster, eliciting a brief shriek of pain before exploding, sending papers, bits of the floor, and knocking over several decorations.

Raia leaped off his monster partner, tumbling as he hadn't even waited for Evildiver to slow down. He ignored his contracted monster as it soared back to collect the Respider's core.

"Hang on, Briar!" Raia ran to his friend's side, he picked up the cocooned Briar and ran at the doors of the elevators, praying they were reflective enough for him to pass through.

A sharp jump into the doors had Raia and Briar pass through and back to the real world. Raia nearly stumbled with Briar's weight (not that she was heavy, just awkward to carry!), before setting the cocoon down again.

"Okay Briar, let me get you out," Raia gripped at the silk of the cocoon, finding it easy enough to tear it away. Tearing through, he stopped when he found Briar inside…still sleeping. "...of course you're still asleep."

Raia examined Briar properly, but she did not seem wounded. In fact, except for her sunglasses which looked partially melted, the rest of her seemed perfectly fine. Raia wondered if that was why the Respider wrapped her up, to hold off dissolving in the Mirror World before it could eat her someplace without any competition. It was something to bring to Merlin later. Right now, he had to get Briar back to her room.

"Right. Okay, maximum effort," He huffed, picking Briar up in a princess carry. He mentally thanked the higher powers that his suit enhanced his strength, otherwise he would never have the ability to carry Briar with how sapped he was feeling and his less-than-fit musculature.

Grunting, Raia tried to keep his mind off the awkward (not heavy!) load he was carrying as he called down the elevator. To that end, he started whistling a tune he recalled from a very fun game he once played. It was from an RPG about a musical instrument connected to time and the song he whistled was a princess' lullaby if he remembered. He didn't remember much about it, but he recalled the tune itself.

He got through the first part of the song as he hit the buttons to call the elevator when a cute yawn got his attention. Blinking, he looked down at Briar who was rubbing her eyes, "Oooh, did I fall asleep again?" she blearily opened her eyes and yelped, "Wh-who are you?!"

"Briar? You're awake now?!" Rai gasped.

Briar blinked, recognizing the voice, "Harry?" she looked around, seeing them in the lobby of the dorms. "What happened?!"

Raia dropped his head as the elevator doors dinged open, "You fell asleep and a Mirror Monster thought you might make an easy snack."

Briar blinked, shocked, "Wait, you rescued me? And I missed it all?!"

"Yes," Raia nodded as he stepped into the elevator. "So, can I put you down now?"

"Oh, no!" Briar huffed, wrapping her arms around Raia's neck. "I missed out on seeing a dashing rescue, but we're not missing out on the dramatic return!"

Raia blinked, "Seriously?"

"Hey, princesses like me live for stuff like this!" Briar grinned. "Come on Harry, this would be a perfect moment We're totally picture perfect. You even wear pink armor to match me!"

"It's magenta!" Raia retorted hotly.

"Oh don't worry about it so much," Briar laughed, briefly letting him go to press the button for her floor. "Hasn't anyone told you? Only real men wear pink."

"...still magenta…" Raia grumbled.

The door closed and the elevator rose up. Raia kept his grip tight, trying not to accidentally touch someplace he shouldn't, keeping his hands on the small of Briar's back and under her knees. It made him feel rather uncomfortable since this was definitely not a situation he was used to being in with a girl. He could already hear Lance teasing him or offering advice on how to woo Briar and get her to be his girlfriend, no matter how much Raia would say he wasn't looking for romance.

Briar on the other hand seemed to be rather comfortable, enjoying the princess carry and just holding on tight to Raia. She seemed more put out by the fact she missed the rescue than that it happened, more of the fairy tale mindset. Still, she looked at Raia's armored face, "Was it scary?"

"Hm?" Raia glanced at her.

"Fighting the monster. Weren't you scared?" Briar asked.

"To be honest? I was scared more that it would get away with you. I didn't even think about being scared for myself," Raia answered. That honestly surprised him since he had only fought Sheerghosts and always with backup. This was his first time fighting a monster by himself. He should have been more afraid than he was.

Briar's smile only grew before the elevator dinged and opened up to the floor. Raia walked down the hall, turning down some corners before he found Briar's room. As expected, their friends and classmates were milling about, looking worried and unsure of what to do. Some were holding their phones, trying to call others while others seemed lost, unsure of what they should be doing.

Briar grinned and gave a sharp whistle, getting everyone's attention, "Hey everyone! I'm back!"

"BRIAR!" came the cry from several of the other teens as they ran to the two. Many began fretting over Briar, worried if she had been hurt by the monster. Briar just waved them off as she laughed, "It's okay! I'm fine, thanks to Sir Harry the Gallant!"

"'The Gallant'?" Raia blinked, finding himself pondering the name, but then shrugged. It was better than any other name he could have come up with on the fly. Seeing his friends and classmates still in a tizzy, he spoke up, "Okay, okay everyone. Let's give Briar some space so I can set her back down on her feet. We've still got some studying to do."

"How about an interview?" Blondie asked, popping up from the crowd.

"Study first. Interview later," Raia retorted, starting to move through the crowd to bring Briar back to her room.

(***)

Aw, too bad Harry didn't get to introduce himself all dramatic like the others did.

Sir Harry is definitely not one to be flamboyant, especially when a damsel is in danger. He is a more practical knight than some of the others.

A humble mindset and one the Knights of the Round Table will need to remind themselves of what they do battle for.

(***)

Book End - Library

After studying late into the night, somehow the study party turned into a Study Party hosted by Briar, everyone was fresh and ready to take on Rumplestiltskin's test. Oddly, the group actually had an easier time remembering the information they were studying. Harry thought for sure that everyone was going to forget to study once the music started, but Briar was teaching the sorcerous elements to the beat of the music. With everyone having fun with studying, it was much easier for everyone to retain the information, despite the dizzying amount of studying they had to do.

After a long evening of studying and partying, Harry returned to the library to speak with Merlin about something which had been bothering him at the back of his mind when he had time to think about it. So when he returned, he cornered Merlin in his office to have a word with him. Fortunately, Merlin was in his office, dealing with the last of his paperwork for the night. Merlin was at first teasing Harry about spending the evening in Briar's room, but then grew serious when Harry outlined what had happened.

"Merlin, I'm starting to get concerned here," Harry admitted, leaning against the door frame. "You reinforced the barrier after that Sonorabuma got into the school, right?"

"I did," Merlin nodded, tapping his chin. "A Respider isn't all that more powerful than a Sonorabuma. In fact, I'd roughly put them on the same level. It shouldn't have been able to break through as easily as it did."

"Then how was it able to snap up Briar so fast?" Harry pressed. "I barely had time to react before it dragged her into the Mirror World!"

"..." Merlin was silent for a moment. "I can think of only three reasons why it was able to do that. The first, the corrosive atmosphere thinned down the barrier and the Reispider just had a lucky break."

Harry shook his head, "So soon after you reinforced it?"

"Which is why I find it unlikely," Merlin agreed. "The second reason I can think of is that it got help from other monsters, but since there were no other monsters around that reason doesn't work."

"Then what's the third reason?" asked Harry.

Merlin's face grew dark, "...someone…or something, dispelled the barrier and that allowed the Respider to slip in so easily."

Harry blinked, "Someone…? How could anyone dispel the barrier? Wouldn't you have to get into the school to do that?"

"Yes, and with the amount of power I put into the barrier these days, a spell that could dispel it doesn't go unnoticed unless you're really good at the magical arts," Merlin explained. "And a monster certainly couldn't do that."

Harry paled, "Wouldn't that mean…someone else knows about the Mirror World and let the barrier down?"

Merlin didn't vocally reply, but his nod was all the answer Harry needed.

(***)

Ever After High - Science and Sorcery

Rumplestiltskin rubbed his little hands greedily as he used his magic to collect the tests. As they all landed on his desk, he cackled, "Now then, let's see how many of you need to spin straw into gold for me!"

"I think you'll be surprised," Harry muttered under his breath.

Rumplestiltskin gestured for the first of the papers to rise. Rather than check it himself, he cast some kind of spell to flutter around the paper, likely checking the answers quickly so the gnome could get that student an appointment to start spinning gold. "Apple White…" Rumplestiltskin grinned, but then frowned when a bright red 'A' appeared on the parchment. "An A…well, that's expected."

Rumplestiltskin almost tossed the test aside before he brought the next one to check, "Ashlynn Ella…an A."

Rumplestiltskin grumbled some more before he began to move through more of the tests. TO his growing dismay, each and every student managed to score an 'A' on their tests. Harry wouldn't admit it out loud, but seeing the aggravating gnome getting more and more aggravated that so many of his students getting A's on the tests was a simply delicious sense of vindication.

When he started to cry when he had to give an A on all of the tests was just a delicious cherry on top.

"Never underestimate the power of a good Study Party," Briar grinned, feeling the same vindication that Harry did.

"I'm a believer now," Harry nodded while their friends broke out in laughter.

(***)

Huh? Wait, what? Where was it hinted that someone was lowering the barrier?!

Well, now that we know we might be able to read into it.

This certainly took a villainous twist. Who could possibly know about the Mirror World enough to do such a thing? Aside from Merlin, only the Knights and who they told even know the Mirror World exists.

Ooooh! We're heading for a mystery!

To Be Continued…

OMAKE CORNER

The Knight's Armory

Sir Raia, Knight of the Stingry

The armor of Raia is the one wielded by Harry Beauregard. It is sturdier than some of the other armors, being thicker with shoulder plating. This is fortuitous since Harry boasts smaller stamina than the others knights for the time being. With training, this can be overcome and help Harry be one of the more versatile defenders among the knights.

Attached to his left arms is the Evil Visor, a stingray-shaped shield which adds more defense for Raia in the midst of battle. Some may say it is risky to use a visor as a shield, but the Evil Visor is specifically made with this function in mind, making it more solid than a regular visor, which is a sturdy device as it is.

The monster paired with this suit is Evildiver, a Mirror Monster in the form of a stingray. As expected, this monster is able to swim swiftly through the water and able to be stealthy despite its magenta colors. This speed and agility extend to being in the air, which Evildiver can swim through as easily as it can the water. Despite its appearance, Evildiver can boast a not inconsiderable offense with a barbed tail and razor-sharp edges to its fins.

So far, the Advent Deck has shown two cards specific to the contract with Evildiver. The first is the Swing Vent, arming Raia with the Evilwhip, a barbed whip that is modeled after Evildiver's tail. The other card is a Copy Vent, which arms Raia with either a copy of a weapon that a nearby knight is using, or if no knights are nearby, a weapon wielded by a monster or one modeled after a part of the monster as if Raia was contracted with it.

The Final Vent for this suit is Hide Venom attack. When activating this attack, Raia leaps onto Evildiver's back much like he is surfing. Evildiver will then fly at the target after picking up sufficient speed, cutting through the air as if on the surf before colliding with the target. With the sharp edges to Evildiver's fins, it is quite easy to bisect the target for swift destruction.

Beyond the Looking Glass

Respider

A member of the Spider family of Mirror Monsters, it shares some abilities with other monsters such as Solospider. This includes the ability to spin silk threads, adhere to walls, and shares similar tactics in being an ambush predator, using the ability to spin webs to lasso targets and drew them in. These monsters come armed with short claws which extend from their hands. This makes them more close-range fighters than the Solospiders, but they are just as agile as their fellow breed of Spider.