"This place is unreal," Duncan remarked as he took in the school, "Venus would approve,"
"You like, went to school here?" Shaggy asked Christina as they headed for the castleteria.
"Sure did," Christina smiled.
"Why are the halls so empty?" Clawdeen asked noticing the lack of students.
"Lunch,"
"Here we are," Giles announced as he opened the doors to the castleteria.
"Contain yourselves, boys," Christina laughed, noticing Shaggy and Scooby's excited faces.
Her eyes swept over the room before landing on Raven who was in the very back of the castleteria with her brother, Arthur, Maddie and, Darling. Christina smiled slyly, mischief alight in her eyes. She placed a finger to her lips before disappearing in a puff of smoke, only to reappear at Raven's table. Of course, the others were so engaged in their conversation that they failed to notice her at first.
"Daring still can't beat my record," Dirk informed them.
"Oh, really?," Christina smirked, chin in hands, "Tell me more,"
"Hey, Christina," Dirk greeted preparing to launch into his story, "As I was saying-"
"CHRISTINA?"
Christina found herself crushed in a group hug as everyone else in the castleteria surrounded them, Blondie at the forefront asking a dozen questions.
"Hello everyone," Christina smiled when she was finally released.
"OH, MY FAIRY GODMOTHER! What the hex are YOU doing back here, Cousin? AND SINCE WHEN DO YOU HAVE HORNS LIKE GRAMMY?!" Faybelle cried, pushing her way through the crowd.
Christina rolled her eyes, "How do you think I got horns? Did you fall asleep in Villainy class that day?"
"Cousin?" Shaggy asked Christina confusedly. Christina had never mentioned a cousin.
"Yeah, this is my younger cousin, Faybelle Thorn,"
As Christina made introductions, Duncan noticed something out of the corner of his eye. Were those flying monkeys in the rafters? And what were they holding?
…...
"D'uh, why're we doin' this again, Dingbat?", Numbskull asked.
"I told you before, Numbskull!", Dingbat huffed at his dim-witted fellow flying monkey. "The boss ordered us to pull pranks on people here! You don't wanna make her mad, do ya?"
"D'UH, NO WAY!", he shuddered. "But what for?"
"Because since we're Mistress Melinda's minions, she'll get blamed for what we do", Dingbat explained. "And if everyone thinks she's evil, then they'll treat her like she's evil, and maybe she'll start being evil."
"D'uh, but I don't wanna get her in trouble", Numbskull pouted. "Even when she's mad, she's a lot nicer to us than the boss."
"Yeah, I know", Dingbat sighed with regret. "But orders are orders."
"But...?"
"No buts! Who's the brains of this outfit?", Dingbat huffed.
"Uuuuuhh..."
"My point exactly! Now get ready ta..."
"Hey, guys! What's in the bucket?", a cocky voice behind them. They turned to see the scaly guy hovering with a pair of wings he didn't have a minute ago holding the pretty new wolf-girl with one arm. She gave them a hard look.
"Hand it over", she growled. Trembling, they did as she said. Then with her other hand, she grabbed Numbskull by his collar, while Duncan did the same to Dingbat, and they all lowered gently to the ground. Duncan then took Numbskull from Clawdeen and headed toward the nearest trashcan.
"I don't know why you two were about to dump that stuff on us, but you need to be taught some manners!", Duncan growled.
Before he could cram the trouble-making monkeys inside, however...
"DINGBAT! NUMBSKULL! ARE YOU TWO MAKING TROUBLE AGAIN?!", a green-skinned goth-biker babe screamed as she stormed into the castleteria, making the monkeys in question gulp nervously. "I SWEAR I'M GONNA BURN YOUR BANANA STASH TO ASHES IF...Christina? Is that you?!", the young witch cried happily, her color returning to normal and glowing like her smile.
"WITCH!" Scooby cried jumping into Shaggy's arms.
"ZOINKS NOT AGAIN," Shaggy added, jumping into Christina's arms.
Christina sighed as the others laughed at Shaggy and Scooby's antics. She kissed Shaggy's cheek before she dropped them unceremoniously to the ground with a deadpan look.
"Shaggy, you know I love you and Scooby to death, but that was uncalled for", she told them, rolling her eyes.
"B-b-b-but she's a witch!", Shaggy stammered.
"And one of my best friends ever after", Christina told them, hugging her old friend. "Hey, Melinda! How have you been? Still 'wicked' cool?"
"Oh, very funny! It's so good to see you! Who are your friends?"
Christina repeated introductions, finishing by saying:
"And this cutie-pie werewolf is Shaggy; my boyfriend, and his best friend Scooby-Doo."
"Like, sorry for how we reacted, Melinda", Shaggy said sheepishly. "Scoob and I have had some scary run-ins with witches; both real and fake."
"Reah", Scooby added. "Sorry."
"It's cool", Melinda said easily. "I get it. My mom IS the Wicked Witch of the West after all, so I'm used to that reaction. This is Dingbat and Numbskull; my 'minions' that Mom sent here with me. Don't mind them. They're idiotic pranksters, but they CAN be sweet and occasionally helpful."
The two monkeys waved sheepishly.
"Like, not to interrupt this reunion but, can we eat now?" Shaggy said eyeing the buffet spread before them.
"Yes boys, but normal portions only,"
"Race ya Scoob!" Shaggy challenged.
Christina smiled as the two dashed two made a mad dash for the food while she and the others walked behind them at a more leisurely pace at Giles request, the crowd had dispersed so that they could talk. Save for Melinda and Faybelle who joined them at the table upon hearing why Christina was there. Melinda wanted to help because Alissa had been like a second mother to her. Always there for her as if she were her own child. Alissa had thrown birthday parties for her, allowed her to sleepover whenever she wanted and was always ready to listen. Faybelle stayed because she was curious and as she later told Christina:
"I don't like you, Christina I never have but you're my cousin and I c-care about you so I'll help,"
So, they gathered around to hear Giles tell his tale
…...
Many years ago.
Giles smiled as Alissa rushed into his classroom, her jacket hanging off of her flapping behind her as she rushed to her seat mumbling her apologies.
"What took you so long little sister? Off searching for bunny rabbits?" Lucinda sneered.
Alissa glared at her sister, "No,"
"Then what were you doing?"
A dragon popped out of Alissa's bag,
"I was taking care of Spitfire" Alissa explained lifting the gold-orange dragon out of her bag.
…...
"Wait, Mom had a DRAGON?" Christina asked.
"He was her fairy tale companion," Giles grinned, "She loved that dragon more than anything,"
"Where is he?"
"I don't know. He disappeared. Now, where was I?"
…...
"It's okay, Alissa, just turn to page 102 and we'll continue our discussion-"
"I don't want to learn about my story! I want to live it already!" Lucinda cried.
"I know but it is my job to prepare you,"
Lucinda huffed but otherwise stayed quiet.
All throughout the lecture, Giles kept his eye on Alissa. She was a quiet sort with her head bent over the textbook but he could tell her thoughts were elsewhere as she kept twisting the dragon ring she constantly wore. Spitfire stayed curled up at her feet, batting a penny back and forth between his claws. Giles didn't mind the dragon as long as he wasn't a distraction and besides, he seemed to keep Alissa calm. As class drew to a close Giles requested Alissa stay behind for a moment. This caused Lucinda to laugh it was about time Alissa got in trouble!
However, as Alissa learned that was not the reason she had to stay.
"Alissa, I'm aware of how you feel about your pre-determined destiny", Giles said sympathetically once they were alone. "You don't feel that it's in you to be evil or commit evil acts in the name of destiny. My brother, the Headmaster, would not want me to tell you this; but you are not alone. Many Fairy-Tale children have felt the same over the years and generations, and not just the children of 'villains'. There have been cases where the Princess or damsel wanted to be the hero rather than wait to be saved or the hero or damsel of a story fell in love with someone they were not 'destined' for..Just ask your friend, Miss Hood about that."
"Is this really true?", Alissa asked in amazement.
"Yes", Giles said dejectedly. "But my brother is convinced that the stories must be preserved as they are, or our world will be destroyed. He will do ANYTHING to ensure that our students follow in their parent's fairy-tale footsteps. I believe that it is possible for pages to be signed by anyone willing to fill the role, and for those unwilling to do so to write their own 'Happily-Ever-Afters'."
"So you think if I don't want to sign my page in the Storybook of Legends, that someone else - like my sister - could sign in my place?"
"Yes", Giles replied. "It has had to be done before, to prevent those too closely related from becoming couples. If it can be done for that reason, why not this as well? But my brother won't hear of it."
…...
"Your mother left for her next class then, looking very deep in thought. It was shortly after this that my brother cursed me with a Babble-spell and locked me in the Vault of Lost Tales", Giles Grimm concluded.
Christina was rendered silent. Hearing about her mother. Hearing about what she was like during high school. It was very emotional for her. Luckily, she had Shaggy to help her keep calm.
"I suggest speaking with some of your mother's friends,"
"We'll start with the ones here at the school and go from there," Christina decided.
"That's like, gonna take a while," Shaggy replied.
"Yes, but it will be worth it," Clawdeen stated.
The group finished their meal and started to leave the castleteria with the intent to speak with Professor Badwolf, only to be stopped by Raven.
"Christina, I've been keeping something for you," she said, "It's in my dorm,"
"What is it?"
"Come see, then after that, we'll go to the dragon stables,"
"Okay, as long as-"
"We'll be quick I promise,"
"I'm coming too!" Dirk declared, jogging to catch up with them.
They slipped into Apple and Raven's dorm quietly. Christina smiled to herself. It was very much the same as it had always been. She could tell Apple had decorated Raven's side of the room, trying to appeal to her 'inner evil' but that hadn't worked. Christina watched as Raven dug through her desk drawers before presenting her with a long slender box. She lifted the top to reveal a beautifully handcrafted wand inside.
"It's from your mother, Christy," Raven explained, "I found it in Heritage Hall,"
Christina gently lifted the wand from the box turning it over in her hands as her magic brought it to life. Just by looking at it she could tell this had taken a long time.
"Thank you for keeping it safe, Raven,"
"You're welcome, Christina. Now, who wants to see the dragon stables?"
"We do!"
"Come on then,"
...
The dragon stables smelt of fresh hay and oats with a bit of smoke. Many of the dragons were sleeping in their stalls when Christina and company arrived. The dark dragons were huddled in one stall in the very far corner where the sun couldn't reach them. They hissed as the strangers neared them. The only social interactions they had was when Faybelle and the Evil Queen used them as slaves.
While everyone else stayed away from these dragons Christina was inexplicably drawn to them and they seemed equally drawn to her as well. As they neared her Christina realized that not all the dragons in the stall were black. One was a shimmering golden orange. This dragon seemed out of place. Like it didn't really belong there and when Christina drew Raven's attention to the slumbering dragon she confirmed that she had never seen it before. As they watched it the dragon awoke and that's when things got really interesting.
The dragon locked eyes with Christina bounding forward and nuzzling her hand.
Christina studied the dragon noticing the tears in its wings and the worn collar around its neck The collar wasn't one someone would give a beloved pet no this one buzzed with magic. Meant to restrain and control and from the looks of it, the dragon just barely got away from whoever was holding them captive.
So why was it so attached to her?
Then it clicked.
"My mother's dragon!"
That was the only explanation she could think of that made sense.
"What's his name?" Dirk asked.
Christina tried to think. She had only just learned her mother owned a dragon. Perhaps there was something in one of her mother's many, many journals or sketchbooks. Christina had looked through them all, numerous times and she couldn't seem to recall mention of a dragon but then again maybe just maybe her mother had written about the dragon. She closed her eyes and thought really hard.
Little Spitfire.
Little Spitfire had been a drawing in one of her mother's earlier sketchbooks. A simple sketch of a dragon blowing a stream of fire. At the time, Christina had taken the title to be a pun but...
"Spitfire?"
The dragon licked her.
It was at this moment Shaggy tried to approach only for Spitfire to snarl and bare his very sharp teeth.
"Like, what's his problem?" Shaggy asked, backing away slowly.
"Dragons can be protective and in most cases, won't let anyone near something valuable" Christina explained, "And it seems Spitfire's been for lack of a better term, enslaved"
Shaggy watched quietly as Christina climbed onto the dragon and carefully took off the collar that had been around its neck before destroying it.
"Come here, Shaggy," Christina said, dismounting the dragon.
"Like, no way!"
"Dragons are like big dogs. Let him see you aren't a threat and he'll relax,"
"How do you like, know so much about dragons?"
Christina nodded to where Nevermore was sleeping.
"Ah,"
As Christina had said, Spitfire was just fine after getting a chance to inspect Shaggy.
Christina was confused as to where Spitfire had been. Where did he come from? What happened? All were very good questions that could be answered later. For now, Christina coaxed the dragon back to sleep before slipping quietly out of the stables so they could continue their investigation.
…...
They went from the stables to the cauldron room where General Villainy was taught by Professor Badwolf. As it was near the end of his lunch break there weren't any students around to bother them. Christina pushed open the heavy door and waved the others inside as Professor Badwolf snarled at the interruption.
"I'm still eating my lunch!", Prof. Badwolf snarled. "Get out of here or I'LL HUFF! AND I'LL PUFF! AND I'LL...! Christina?! Is that you?"
"Yeah, Uncle Bigs", she smiled warmly.
He rushed over to look at her and gave her a few sniffs. Then he smiled in delight as he hugged her.
"It IS you! Ha-ha-ha! We've missed you in the Hollow, Little Pup! How are Fluffy and Thunder?"
"Rambunctious as always. Thunder likes to steal my food when I'm not looking," Christina laughed.
Professor Badwolf laughed, "Who are your friends?"
Christina repeated the introductions as Professor Badwolf shook hands with the gang.
"We were hoping you could tell us about when Mom went to school here," Christina explained.
"Take a seat,"
…...
The castleteria was bursting with activity. Excited student chatter, games, and gossip but one fairy hung back. Nestled at the corner table out of the way Alissa sat. textbooks surrounded her but she didn't read them. She was staring absently into space, completely zoned out as was normal.
"Earth to Alissa!"
she blinked, shaking her head and refocused her attention.
"Hi, Bigs. I thought you had lunch detention for terrorizing the three little pigs,?"
"Nah," Bigs replied sliding into the bench opposite to her, "Have you seen Red today?"
"She's gone on a walk," Alissa smirked, "She said you were welcome to join her,"
"R-really?"
Alissa nodded.
"I thought you were studying?"
"I'm supposed to be," Alissa sighed, "I just can't seem to focus,"
"What did your sister do now?"
"Kicked Spitfire across the room. Yelled at me for being mother's favorite. Lit my notes on fire-"
"I thought she wasn't-"
"She used a lighter,"
"Oh,"
"She's also saying you have fleas,"
"I MOST CERTAINLY DO NOT! WHY, I'LL HUFF AND PUFF AND-"
"Whoa, Bigs. Calm down will you? You wouldn't wanna lose your temper in front of Red,"
"I know, I know, but I don't-"
"I know you don't have fleas. They're too scared to mess with you!"
Bigs smiled, "You got that right,"
"Now, go join Red before lunch ends,"
"You sure you're okay here?"
"I'll be fine,"
…...
"Your mother was a great friend to everyone who would give her a chance. She was the only one at our wedding after high school. We stuck close ever since,"
"Thank you, Uncle Bigs," Christina grinned.
"You're welcome kiddo. I know she would be proud of you,"
"You think so?"
"Most definitely,"
…...
"Like, do we have to climb this many stairs?" Shaggy huffed as the group continued their ascent into the tallest tower at Ever After High.
"Yes, Shaggy," Christina replied, marching forward without complaint.
"Like, do we have enough Scooby Snacks for this,"
"Oh, stop being so dramatic,"
"What's up here anyway?"
"The Evil Queen,"
"Otherwise known as Mom," Raven added.
"D-do we have to?"
"Yes,"
The tower room was small and a tad cramped with everyone there at once. Shaggy stood nervously shaking beside Christina.
"Stop that" she gently ordered.
"M-may I be like, excused?" he whimpered, "p-please?"
"No, Shaggy,"
"B-but she-she's scary!"
"This isn't a Disney film, Shaggy,"
"You're not making me feel better!" Shaggy whined, "She's like, one of the worst villains of all time!"
"Why thank you, Shaggy. I do try," the Evil Queen laughed as she appeared in the mirror, "I would've come sooner but it was so much fun watching you shake with fear,"
"Now, isn't the time, Mom, we're here-"
"I know why you're here, Birdie, you've all come to interview me and ask me about Alissa,"
"How did you-"
"I must say I am honored. The Alpha of all Werewolves, the Kaiju Prince. I welcome you all, Especially you, Christina. You are the very image of your mother. Except for your eyes and smile. No, those are most definitely from your father. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Milton was SSSSOOOOOOO upset after meeting Lord Radu! He went on and on for days!"
"Now, is not the time for games, Mom," Dirk growled, "Get to talking!"
"Why should I help you?", she replied. "I AM evil, after all. What's in it for me?"
"Because my mom was one of the few REAL friends you had here at Ever After High when you were both students", Christina replied with a small smile. "And her death was basically swept under the rug. Anything you tell us could help her find peace...and justice. If you won't do it for us, then do it for HER."
"Very well,"
…...
"Why are you coddling that dragon, Alissa?"
"He's just a baby!" Alissa huffed in response to the pointed question.
"Feed him a growth formula then you'll have a powerful beast to do your bidding,"
"No way! He's so Cute like this!"
"Of course you'd think that,"
"Well, just look at his little face!" Alissa squealed.
"Okay, okay, he is cute! Regina sighed.
"Guys, did you hear?" Red asked as she ran to join them, Bigs strolling along behind her.
"Hear what?"
"There's a new student coming today!"
"Who, Red, details, details," Alissa prompted.
"Look! Here he comes now!" Red replied pointing to the doors of the school.
They all turned to look on in shock as the new student entered.
"Oh my is that..." Regina started.
"It is! Sir Daken, the future Black Knight!" Alissa whispered.
The five watched as Daken made his way down the hall to the headmaster's office. The students parted giving him a wide walkway. Fellow future villains looked at him with fear, loathing, and curiosity. Future heroes, especially the Princes looked at him with only a deep loathing.
"Regina! Regina!" Alissa tried desperately to get her friend's attention, "You're staring!"
"Huh? What?"
"You were staring!"
"Can you blame me? Look at him!" Regina urgently whispered, "He's hot!"
"Don't let the headmaster hear you say that" Red chuckled.
"Look at him though!"
Daken was fit and handsome with dark auburn hair and blue eyes. Dressed in black from head to toe. The five friends watched as he confidently strode into the headmaster's office without knocking.
"I smell trouble," Bigs huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.
Alissa could tell that Bigs only said that because he was hurting. He had a crush on Regina. Feelings that she didn't reciprocate but he had held out hope. Seeing her smitten with the new student obviously hurt far more than the blade of the hunters' ax or the boiling water in the brick house.
As the bell chimed for class, Alissa knew what to do.
"Red, can you wait a minute?"
…...
"Our friendship strained as the year went on but your mother's kindness was so boundless that we managed to reconcile."
"And?" Dirk challenged, "There's more Mom. What are you not telling us?"
"Your father and I went to visit Alissa after high school. Her story had already played out and I wanted to see how she was holding up,"
…...
"I thought she would live in a castle," Daken admitted as Alissa's home came into view.
"Alissa used to live in a castle. I think she's trying to distance herself from her mother," Regina replied as they dismounted their horses.
A castle it was not. Alissa had made her home in a cottage on the edge of the forest. It was a quaint place with a large oak tree in the yard with rose gardens lining the house. They hadn't reached the door when it opened. Alissa stepped out with a watering can which she promptly dropped when she saw them approaching. She rushed to greet them smiling from ear to ear.
"Oh my goodness, Daken, Regina I didn't expect to see you guys anytime soon! I thought you were planning world domination or something,"
"Well, we heard that your story played out and I wanted to see how you were doing. Evil I may be but you are my friend," Regina explained.
"Well, at least someone cares," Alissa said as she led them into the house.
"So your mother-"
Alissa shook her head before brightening, "There's someone I want to meet. Go ahead and take a seat. I'll be right back,"
The duo sat down on the worn sofa and looked around while awaiting their friend. The walls were painted a soft orange with bright white trimming. The floors were a polished hardwood. There was a stone fireplace across from them, an easel with a half-finished painting sat near one of the large picture windows. Two red armchairs sat opposite to them with a small glass coffee table separating them/
Alissa swept into the room once again. With her, she brought an extremely well-dressed man.
"This is my husband, Radu." Alissa smiled as they stared in shock, "Radu, these are my friends from school, Regina and Daken,"
"Pleasure to meet you both," Radu smiled, his fangs glinting in the sunlight.
"You're a vampire!" Regina cried in surprise.
"Indeed,"
"But-but how?" Daken stammered.
"I came through her magic mirror," Radu explained "It vas love at first sight,"
"How long have you been married?"
"A few weeks now," Alissa grinned as they sat down.
"Does your mother-"
"Yes," Alissa growled.
Daken shuddered, "She doesn't approve?"
"She doesn't care! She doesn't even care! All she could talk about was unlocking my full power or some other nonsense-"
Radu grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. The love between them was palpable.
"And Hopper?" Regina redirected.
"Happily human married to his destined Princess,"
"What about your sister?"
"Her story is playing out. Last time we spoke she was stark raving mad about not receiving an invitation to some village event,"
It was then that Regina got a perfectly evil idea.
…...
"A few months and evil schemes later, I learned I was pregnant with you, my dear Dirk. Then shortly after you were born, I met Raven's father, and tearfully left to follow my 'Destiny'. It broke Daken's heart, but he understood. It broke my heart to leave both of you, and I always hoped to reunite with YOU at least, my son, especially with you as well, Raven, when you were both old enough."
"I was old enough to remember a few times he left me with my governess to go on 'missions'. He was helping you in some of your evil plans, wasn't he? Leading your other minions?", Dirk asked rhetorically. "Because I remember he retired completely at about the same time you were imprisoned in that mirror."
"It's true. He was but-"
"I can't believe you, Mom," Dirk growled.
"I wanted to reunite with you but I never got a chance between giving Christina's Aunt her just desserts and taking over Wonderland there was never any time,"
Dirk and Raven silently fumed.
"Come on guys, we've got more interviews to do," Christina prompted turning to leave hoping the two would get the hint.
The gang followed behind Christina without a word
"Consider this, children; if Alissa'a death was not accidental, then who had the most to gain from her death?" the queen called after them.
Who indeed?
...
Well, that took forever and a day! I hope you enjoyed! Review!