Hello, everyone! After months of editing and rereading the Ever After High books I can get the new chapter is up. I hope the wait wasn't too long for ya'll. Well, enjoy!
Raven's Reign Part 1
"Wha?"
The Evil Queen questioned unladylike.
"WHERE IS YOUR DAUGHTER?" Headmaster Grimm shouted again in fury. "Not only has she attacked Daring Charming, but she has also left the school grounds, and has left me a huge mess to clean up."
"She attacked the Charming Boy?" The Evil Queen gasped raising a hand to her lips in shock until it turned into an evil grin. "HAHAHAH! I'm so proud of her."
"DAMN IT, WOMAN!" Grimm slammed his fist on his table.
Grimm took deep breathes as he stared back at the Evil Queen. He never looked like such a mess in all his life: hair disheveled, sweat running down his face, and clothing wrinkled and stained from his sweat.
" My job, my reputation, and my life's work are coming undone because of how you raised you're bratty, ungrateful, rebellious daughter!"
"SILENCE!"
The Evil Queen's voice boomed loud enough to cause Grimm to fall on his ass.
" It seems you've forgotten If anyone is to blame for Raven's goody-two-shoes behavior it's my husband and Raven is way better than any of your dim-witted princesses. Face it, Grimm, you need her just like a daisy needs the Sun's rays. No evil queen, no comatose princess, no fairy tale."
Grimm hated to admit it, but she was right. Even with putting Duchess in villain classes or monitoring Faybelle, Raven was fit to be the one to poison Apple and continue the Snow White story.
"You're right and I apologize." Grimm apologized as he got up. "But surely you must have a clue to where she might be hiding."
"Way ahead of you." The Evil Queen said," I promise come - what day did you say Raven would be back?"
"Tuesday." Grimm answered.
"Come Tuesday morning Raven will be back at Ever After High, safe and sound...in fact bring some news crews." The Evil Queen added.
"A news crews, For what?" Grimm questioned deeply confused.
The Evil Queen rolled her eyes at the stupid question.
"By the time Raven comes back the curse we put on those apples will be in full effect and this little rebellion she started will fall." The Evil Queen ended as her hand formed a deadly fist.
Headmaster Grimm's faced lit up at the sound of that. The Rebel party destroyed and everything back to the way things were before and under his control.
"I'll start making some calls now!" Grimm pulled out his mirrorphone.
The Evil Queen gave an evil smirk as her image disappeared in the mirror.
" Mrs. Trollsworth, I need you to call every mirriorvision station in Ever After, I have great news!" Grimm said as he spoke into the phone.
Headmaster Grimm stretched comfortable in his office chair as he lends back as he poured himself a glass of red wine into a wine glass. Headmaster Grimm enjoyed the view as the briar thorn walls that almost eclipsed the moon. He smiled to himself as he knew in a few days after all his plans, schemes, and tricks this one would succeed...or so he thinks.
Kitty and Maddie's Room
The girls waited on Kitty's bed above (Kitty's bed is on some raised platform thing as shown on Thronecoming) staring at the two-way-book to see if Cerise's dad left a message.
"What's taking him so long, why hasn't he called back, where's my dad?!" Cerise howled.
"Cerise, shh!" Cedar hushed her friend.
" I can't the last thing dad said was going to see Headmaster Grimm." Cerise hugged herself. " I have a bad feeling the headmaster did something to him."
Maddie, Cedar, Earl Grey, and Kitty could only give Cerise looks of sympathy, it pained them to see their friend worry about her missing father.
GRIMM SENT HIM TO MIRROR PRISION
"WHAT?!" Maddie shrieked.
"What the hell, Brooke?" Kitty cried out rubbing her ears.
"Who are you guys talking to?" Cedar questioned.
"SHH!" Maddie hushed.
"Brooke, where is Mr. Badwolf ?" Maddie questioned.
"I can't explain everything Maddie incase my parents overhear me, but Headmaster Grimm sent Mr. Badwolf to Mirror Prison."
"That rat's ass!" Kitty cursed.
"Brooke, do you know where Raven is?" Maddie question with urgency and worry in her voice
"Yes that's easy, she's-"
"Brooke!'
"OH NO!" Maddie gasped.
Mom, dad, I can explain-
"Not another word, young lady."
BUT-
'You heard your father; you can't keep interfering with the story Brooke.'
But, my friends, they need our help!
'They'll figure things out on their own, and you must do your duty and tell the story.'
NO WAIT-
"Brooke, Brooke, she's gone." Maddie said as Earl Grey squeaked.
" Horse apples!" Kitty cursed. " Of all the times for them keep quiet they choose now?"
"What just happened?" Kitty and Maddie turned to see a confused Cedar and Cerise.
"No time to explain, we gotta go!" Maddie said as she jumped off Kitty's bed ran down the stairs and swung open the doors.
Before Maddie could run out the door see was greeted by-
"Briar!"
"Hello, Maddie." Briar was in her pink romper with rose and thorn patterns on it, pink robe and eye mask on. Her arms were folded, and she had a very serious expression on her face. " Can we talk?"
" Afraid not, Briar, we got something very important to do." Maddie stated trying to get around Briar.
" This 'important' thing wouldn't happen to do with, where Raven is, and someone named Brooke would it?" Briar questioned.
"You heard that in your sleep, didn't you?" Maddie countered.
"Yep." Briar answered.
"OW! Ashlynn your stepped on my foot." A voice hissed.
"Sorry, Blondie." Another voice apologized.
"Be quiet you two!" A third voice said.
"Too late they heard us." A fourth voice added.
Earl Grey pulled out Maddie's mirrorphone and aimed it down the corner of the hallway to reveal.
"Blondie, Bunny, Cupid, Ashlynn? What are you three doing here?"
" Briar woke me up when she jumped out of her bed." Ashlynn answered.
"I could smell something important was happening and I wanted to be the first to get details." Blondie admitted.
" I thought about rooming with you and Kitty for the weekend after what happened to Raven." Bunny answered carrying her backpack and suitcase.
" I really just came from the bathroom." Cupid blurted out.
"So, what's this about, Raven, and someone named Brooke?" Briar questioned with her hands on her hips.
" Headmaster Grimm has been poisoning Raven with poison apples which is why she's been out-of-character lately and we told Mr. Badwolf. So, he went to confront Headmaster and we haven't seen him since this afternoon. Then, Maddie and Kitty were shouting at the ceiling! And now we're here, right now, and that's all I know! " Cedar blurted out then cupped her mouth preventing her from saying more.
The girls were now staring at Cedar not believing what they were hearing.
"WOAH!" Briar said.
"Hey!" Everyone turned to see Duchess in her nightgown, hair in curlers, with a purple clay mud mask on with cucumber slices on her eyes. "Some of us are trying to get our eight hours of beauty sleep!"
With that Duchess slammed the door behind her.
"I would go for nine hours." Cedar spoke up earning a giggle from Kitty, Maddie, and Cerise.
"Let's take this inside." Cedar said as the girls went back inside Maddie and Kitty's dorm.
The group explained what they've learned to Briar, Bunny, Cupid, Lizzie, and Blondie.
" Let me get this straight - You guys found all this info and haven't told anyone else?" Briar questioned in disbelief.
"We tried telling the other teachers. But-" Kitty stated.
FLASHBACK
Baba Yaga
After escaping 's office the girls headed the most (and probably only) trusted teacher in the school Baba Yaga. Sure, she would spray students for misbehaving or questioning destiny, but she was understanding and cared more about the student well-being than Headmaster Grimm did. The bad news was she was sometimes hard to reach due to her office being a small house with chicken legs that ran all over the school grounds.
"Over there!" Cedar pointed at Baba Yaga's hut.
On cue the chicken legged hut took off running.
"After that chicken hut!" Maddie cried out as the girls began chasing it.
The hut gave the girls a good chase as it ran, jumped, and flew in every direction avoiding capture. Cerise used her wolf speed to rush towards the hut, jumped on its leg, and climbed up to the hut part and pounded on the door causing the hut to stop and collapse to the ground.
" Oh, thank goodness, no more running." Cedar sighed in relief.
As the door to Baba Yaga's hut opened they saw she was busy on both her mirrorphone and crystal balls.
"Yes, this Baba Yaga from Ever After High! No, I don't know where Ms. Queen is! No, I don't want carriage insurance I don't even own a carriage!" Baba Yaga was answering multiple calls.
"Madam Yaga," Cerise spoke " -we need your help!"
"Not now girls I'm busy - Hello, yes Mr. Charming is fine, he's in the Nurse's Office." Baba Yaga got distracted by a call.
"It's about, Raven, she's in trouble!" Maddie cried out trying to make Baba Yaga understand how important this was.
"Of course, she's in trouble, she attacked another student and ran off!" Baba Yaga stated as she grabbed another crystal ball. " No, I do not want to give a private interview about the Evil Queen or her daughter!"
"But, Baba Yaga!" Cedar snatched the crystal ball out of the teacher's hand. " Headmaster Grimm-"
"Enough!" Baba Yaga shouted silencing the girls and the ringing of her phone and crystal balls.
"Get out, now!" Baba Yaga shouted at the girls as she pulled out her water bottle spraying the girls with water.
As soon as the girls ran out the hut it started to run away earning a hiss from Kitty.
"That has got to be illegal." Cedar said wringing her damp her out.
"Okay, Baba Yaga's busy... So, any other reliable adults we can trust?" Maddie question.
Jack B. Nimble
The girls were in Jack B. Nimble's classroom only to see it filled with crates, boxes of nails, and piles of wood.
"Sorry girls, I can't help right now." Jack B. Nimble said as he was leaping back and forth with nails, wood, and candlesticks in his hands.
"What's the nails, wood, and candlesticks for?" Cedar asked.
"Oh, you know, just in case the paparazzies become an angry mob and we need to barricade the school." Jack B. Nimble answered. "Anyone knows where I can get a hammer?"
Rumpelstiltskin
The girls were in Rumplestiltskin's classroom standing in front of his desk as Rumpelstiltskin spinned his chair around like an old-school mafia boss.
"If you want me to help you with problem, you must spin straw into gold for me." Rumpelstiltskin said.
"Are we really that desperate?" Kitty whispered behind her hand to her friends.
Hagatha
The girls were in the kitchen with Hagatha currently cutting the heads off fish/es with a butcher knife.
"If I hear one more thing about these mandatory apples, I swear to God I'm gonna scream!" Hagatha screamed as she used her butcher knife and cut the fish in half.
The fish head was hit smack dab in the middle of the wall slowly sliding down as its blood and guts smeared the wall.
"Anybody gonna eat that?" Kitty questioned only to earn glares from her friends. "What?"
End Flashback
"WOW!" Was all Briar could say in disbelief.
"Yep." Cerise agreed in disbelief.
"So, no one would listen to you?" Bunny questioned.
"Yeah, they were too busy with the news going on." Maddie answered.
"It's true, I've been trying to get answers all day and Cupid was no help either." Blondie complained as she turned to face Cupid.
"For the last time Blondie whatever happened between Raven and Daring was...difficult." Cupid stated.
The girls remained silent it was obvious Cupid didn't want to talk about what happened.
"So, what's the plan to find Raven and Mr. Badwolf, expose Headmaster Grimm, and save the day?" Maddie jumped from her seat.
"We have a plan?" Cerise questioned as she raised an eyebrow.
"Of course, we save Raven and Mr. Badwolf, expose Headmaster Grimm, and save the day, duh." Maddie repeated with the same enthusiasm as before.
"Maddie, that's not a plan that's a grocery list." Cerise said.
" I was thinking more like a to do list." Cedar spoke.
"A bumper sticker." Kitty added.
"Good call back from the first book, Kitty." Maddie gave Kitty a thumbs up.
"Girls seriously, we need a plan." Ashlynn spoke.
"And I have a plan for you ladies." A mysterious voice said out of nowhere.
Cerise sniffed the air recognizing the scent. "Ramona."
"What up?" Ramona said as she emerged from the shadows in a torn navy-blue tank top, red night shorts, and opened toe socks.
"What are you doing here and how much did you hear?" Cerise said inching closer to Ramona. "That goes for you too Lizzie, Ginger, Alistair, Hopper, and Hunter."
The other five teens emerged from the shadows revealing Lizzie in her red nightgown with white heart prints, Alistair in blue t-shirt with blue pajama bottoms with yellow question marks on them, Ginger wearing a pink nightgown with yellow candy prints, Hopper in a light green onesie with frog prints, and Hunter shirtless with green pajama pants with leaf designs on them.
"Just the: save Raven and Mr. Badwolf, expose Headmaster Grimm, and save the day, part." Hopper answered.
"I'm gonna have to explain everything again, aren't I?" Cerise gave an annoyed groan.
After explaining everything again.
"WHAT?!" The other teens screamed at what they heard.
*BANG. BANG. BANG.*
" Be quiet!" Duchess shouted on the other side of the door as her fists banged on the door.
"So, Ramona about that plan of yours?" Bunny asked.
" We first things first we need to find Raven and my uncle, that's our main priority. Next, we need evidence of not just the footage, we need a couple of those apples to prove their poisonous. Finally, we expose Headmaster Grimm." Ramona finished.
"That sounds like a more detailed plan of my plan!" Maddie bellowed.
"Mine had more detail to it." Ramona countered.
"True, but surely someone will notice all of us gone." Lizzie said.
"Maybe everyone doesn't have to go just a few." Ginger added.
"But who?" Ashylnn asked.
"Oh, I know who'll be just right for our little mission-" Blondie began. " Cedar, Cerise, and Maddie, of course."
"Are you sure, Blondie?" Cedar questioned as she nervously played with her fingers. "Wouldn't it be better if I stayed behind."
"Of course, if you stay behind you'll accidently tell the truth." Blondie said.
Everyone murmured and nodded in agreement, making Cedar embarrassed as she stared at her feet. Suddenly, Cedar felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Besides you three are Raven's closets friends you know her: likes, dislikes, and taste in music. You're just the right group to find wherever she is." Blondie continued.
Everyone agreed again.
" But still, won't it be suspicious if we leave, being Raven's friends and all?" Maddie said.
This left another pickle for the group to deal with. If anyone found out if the girls closet to Raven were gone things would take a turn for the worse. Soon everyone was shouting their idea seeing which one was better. Ramona scanned Cedar and Cerise's dorm room until she spotted one of Cerise's hoods.
" I got an idea." Ramona said earning everyone's attention as she grabbed one of Cerise's hoods.
"Hey, that's mine!" Cerise growled at Ramona.
"Take a chill pill you have like millions of these." Ramona said as she put the hood on and stood next to Cerise. "TADA!"
"Wow, Ramona looks just like Cerise!" Hopper said in amazement.
"Yeah, she does. How strange?" Alistair said as he looked at the two closely.
OH NO! Was Alistar about to find out the two were related? Cerise, Ramona, Cedar, Kitty, and Maddie held their breathes.
" Almost, Cerise has nude lipstick on and a streak of white in her hair. Someone might notice if they look too close." Alistair stated.
" I have a ton of makeup that can fix that." Briar said pulling out her compact mirror.
"And I'll help make sure Ramona looks like the spitting image of Cerise." Blondie said.
"Wonderful." Ramona said dryly.
"But how are we gonna solve Maddie and Cedar not being in school?" Cupid asked.
"Wait! Saturdays and Sundays are the Wonderland Haberdashery & Tea Shoppe busiest days. Us Wonderlanders, Cerise, Ginger, Cedar, and Raven would help out it's the perfect aliabi!" Bunny said.
"Terrific idea, Bunny!" Maddie agreed.
"But that'll solve the day problem, not the night one when they check our rooms." Hunter spoke.
"True, and I highly doubt Headmaster Grimm will let us stay at my dad's shoppe for the weekend." Maddie added.
" If only there was a was a way to trick everyone into thinking we're at one place at a time." Maddie spoke.
"Me too, Maddie." Maddie agreed with - "Hey! I'm Maddie!"
Everyone turned to the second Maddie's voice to see Kitty grinning widely.
"I truly believe we got the voices covered." Kitty said in Cedar's voice as she pulled out two pieces of paper from her dresser. "And the physical parts, just in case."
Hopper took one of the papers and started to read it.
"This nurse slip excuses 'insert name here' from class." Hopper finished reading.
"How many nurse slips do you have?" Lizzie questioned.
"Enough." Kitty answered with a large grin.
"Okay." Lizzie shrugged.
"But what about Mr. Badwolf, we have no idea where he is?" Alistair questioned.
"There's only person who would know where he is -." Cerise began.
"The Marsh King, Blue Beard, Rumpelstiltskin?" Maddie listed.
" My mom." Cerise finished.
"Darn, that was my fourth guess." Maddie pouted.
"How on earth would your mom know where he is?" Hunter asked.
"Well, it's because-"
"It's a Hood vs Wolf rivalry thing, every Red Riding Hood and Big Bad Wolf always keep an eye on each other. How do you think me and Cerise always know what the other is doing?" Ramona said.
" I guess that makes sense." Hopper said.
They went over the plan; the girls would spend the weekend looking for Raven and Mr. Badwolf, while the others gathered evidence of Headmaster Grimm poisoning Raven and making sure no one noticed Maddie, Cerise, and Cedar were gone.
"So, it's settled then tomorrow morning we head out and find Raven." Maddie said.
"Maddie, it's 1:00." Ginger said.
"After, breakfast then?" Maddie questioned.
Everyone agreed to set the plan in motion after breakfast.
"All hands on three for Raven!" Maddie said as she had her hand out and the others joined in.
"1.2.3. FOR RAVEN!" The Group shouted at the top of their lungs in determination to save their friend.
" SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Duchess shouted.
Charming's Limo
Dexter looked out the window watching as they drove past the Village of Bookend and the Enchanted Forest, it would only be a matter of time until they reached the mountains, and he would be back home in Charming Castle. God, did he hate the idea of going home.
"You alright there, Dex?" Dexter turned to see the half ogre/ half human Gordon driving the limo.
"I'm gort, Gordan." Dexter answered with a heavy sigh.
Dexter was actually happy to see Gordon again. The two met at the Charming Family Ball while Gordon was serving snacks and Dexter was being a wallflower. The two talked about how their families had high expectations for them and being outcasts. What Dexter liked about Gordon the most was that he treated Dex as a person, not a second-rate Charming or a high prince but a person.
"Actually, not so gort." Dexter said as he stroked a sleeping Mr. Cottonhorn.
"Well talk I'm all ears, and not because my ears are huge." Gordan joked as he tugged one of his ogre ears.
Dexter chuckled at the joke. "You see it's about a girl-"
"Oh my God!" Gordan gasped.
"Let me finish!" Dexter sassed. "There's this girl at school that I've liked since the first year of high school. She's cool, magical, but mainly misunderstood."
"Go on." Gordan said.
"I finally summoned up the courage to tell her how I feel and maybe ask her out to the movies." Dexter's voice was filled with love, his eyes were soft, and heart beating fast, then it went cold. "Then Daring happened."
"What? He took her from you?" Gordon inquired.
"Worse." Dexter hissed.
Dexter spent the next hour telling Gordon what happened. How Daring was trying to turn him into some sort of Daring copy, Daring telling the mystery girl Dexter liked her (minus the part where the mystery girl clawed Darings face), and how humiliating Dexter felt.
"WOW!" Gordon blurted out.
"WOW, indeed!" Dexter agreed. "She'll never want to see to me now after all this."
A wave of sadness hit Dexter, of course Raven would never want to see him again. Why would someone of enchanting as her want with someone as basic as him? Dexter then felt a warm, yet moist, hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, give yourself some credit man. You're a good guy, I mean how many other royalties would sit up front with the driver?" Gordon questioned.
"Not anyone I know actually." Dexter answered.
"And who would mingle with someone a half ogre/ half human like me?" Gordon questioned.
Dexter didn't answer. It was sad how prejudice the fairy tale community still was against those who weren't up to human beauty standards.
"And how many are brave enough to tell someone they love them?" Gordan questioned.
Dexter blushed at that last question.
"Look, I don't understand the pressure of royalty, but I remember the pressures of being a teenage boy in love." Gordon began. " What Daring did was dumb, but you confessing your love for someone isn't. You're opened minded and willing to see somebody beyond their story. I won't lie she may not accept you, but if she's really a girl wort fighting for it's a risk worth taking."
Dexter felt teary-eyed at how much faith Gordon had for him.
"T-thank you Gordon." Dexter said rubbing his eyes.
"Anytime, Dexter, anytime." Gordon said. "Also, there's this lovely new device called a cond -"
"OHMYGODSHUTUP!" Dexter bellowed as his face turned red. He knew Gordon was joking, but still.
"Sorry, couldn't pass that joke up. But I do suggest meeting her folks, seeing if she's interested in having kids, what flavor the wedding cake should be, no means no, etc- " Gordon continued.
Dexter listened to Gordon as he continued to babble on it almost made him forget the dread he would soon face.
White's Limo
Apple didn't sleep a wink she spent the whole limo ride playing games on her mirrorpad, listening to music on her mirrorphone, or reading (squinting) her favorite rom-com novels.
After, beating her high score twenty times Apple looked up to see everyone was asleep including her mother. Even, in sleep Snow White looked regal with excellent posture, pursed lips, and eyes gentle closed. Apple wondered if this is what she looked like after she bit into the poisoned Apple; did she looked like she was plagued with nightmares or was blissful unaware of the horrors that surrounded her. She did her best to push back only to be plagued by thoughts of Raven.
Apple would give anything to be back at Ever After High with her friends and more importantly knowing Raven was safe.
The scent of cherry blossoms, cinnamon, and apples wafered Apple's nose meaning that -
"We're here." Snow White announced as she snapped her fingers. "Alright everyone we need someone on our hair, coffee, and breath mints."
On cue the Dwarves servants began fixing Snow White and Apple's hair, used travel sized toothbrushes to brush their teeth, and a cup of apple cider coffee to wake them up.
As the scent of her queendom got stronger the more people Apple saw into there was a crowd of them holding banners saying 'WELCOME HOME' on them. When they were at the entrance of the castle the crowd went crazy.
"Show time, everyone!" Snow White announced as she stepped out of the limo and did her signature queen pose of birds perched on her arms.
Apple exited the limo next instead of doing her signature princess pose, Apple slowly got unsure of where to go.
The crowd was eating it up as flashes from cameras were taken, screams shouted, and villagers climbing on top of each other.
"Apple, Apple, over here!" A photographer shouted trying to get her attention.
"No, over here!" A fan shouted.
"No, this way, I got questions!" A reporter shouted.
Apple was surrounded by fans, photographers, and reporters all taking her photos and asking her questions. Usually, Apple loved being the center of attention, but this overwhelmed her. Suddenly, Apple felt a tug on her dress, when she looked down she saw a little girl. The little girl had red hair in a ponytail, in a red dress, holding a picture.
"Hi there little one." Apple spoke. " What do you have there?"
The girl handed Apple the picture. It was a crayon drawing of her in a bright red dress and lipstick and blonde hair with a giant crown, she was surrounded by red apples and hearts. It was just like the many other fanart from younger fans, neither the less Apple loved them. Apple looked at the other side of the picture to see a thin figure covered in black scribbles, purple lines, and what appeared to be an apple.
"Um, what's this, sweetie?" Apple questioned.
"It's you and the Evil Queen's daughter." The little girl giggled as if Apple asked a silly questioned before skipping off. "Bye, Miss Future Snow White."
Apple couldn't believe it; was this who the world viewed Raven?
"Speaking of the Evil Queen's daughter-" Apple heard a reporter behind her. "Is it true that you rearranged your living arrangements so you and here could be roommates?"
The crowd went crazy asking Apple a dozen of questions.
" Are you crazy trying to room with the future Evil Queen?"
" Is this a political move to complete your destiny early?"
"Does the Evil Queen's daughter eat dreams or nightmares?"
"Did she ever tried to raid your closet of your fabulous clothes?"
"Does she drink blood or rat poison?"
"Did she used magic to cheat to win being Thronecoming Queen?"
"Did she set the school on fire during the Dragon Games?"
The questions ranged from crazy to stupid. Everything they said was full of hate and spite towards Raven just because of what happened. They were wrong; Raven was nice, smart, and sweet nothing like the rumors her people were saying. None of this was true!
"ENOUGH!"
Apple's scream echoed throuhout the queendom and silenced everyone and everything.
"None of you speak ill of Raven ever!" Apple bellowed as she walked to the front of the castle.
Her head was high, heels clicked, and eyes dead set on going inside. Apple slammed the elegant golden door as loud as she could making it clear she was furious.
Everyone couldn't believe what they had witness. Did their future Snow White, Apple White, defend the future Evil Queen?
" Isn't that just like my daughter?" Snow White spoke gaining everyone's attention. " Even after all that Raven Queen has done, my daughter tries to see the good in everyone."
It was a quick save that apparently worked, of course Apple saw the good in everyone even someone as loathsome as an evil queen.
"But I'm afraid it is late everyone and after such a traumatic day we must slumber." Snow White added.
The crowd continued to praise the Snow White as she made it to the steps of her castle; she was going to have a word with Apple.
Once, inside the walls Apple used as defenses came crashing down. She hugged her knees to her chest as tears ran down her face.
Within seconds maids, butlers, and Dwarves servants surrounded her asking if she was heart.
"Apple, my dear, what's wrong?" The voice of her father asked.
Apple looked up to see her father on his knees with a worried expression on his face.
"Oh, daddy!" Apple cried as she wrapped her arms around her father. "It was awful, they were saying such awful things about Raven."
King White scooped Apple up into a bridal style and hugged her tight, it pained him to see his daughter so upset.
"I know dumpling, I know." King White said as he wiped a tear from Apple's cheek.
" What is going on here?" Everyone turned to see a confused Snow White.
"Apple, isn't feeling well." King White answered. " I think it's best to let her rest."
"Very well." Was All Snow White said as she went to her chambers.
Apple's room
It was just as she left it: pink silk curtains, an elegant canopy bed, vases filled with beautiful flowers, and many other elegant decors. King White carried Apple in with the servants behind them.
"Will you be all right in your room by yourself tonight?" King White asked.
"Of course, dad." Apple answered. " I just need my rest."
" Very well," King White said. " If you need anything at all just call."
The father and daughter said good night to each other along with the servants as they left Apple's bedroom. Once, Apple was in her room by herself she realized she never felt so alone. She would call Briar, Ashlynn, Blondie, or her other friends at school, but it was late at night, and they were probably asleep. After, a hot bubble bath Apple put on her favorite pajamas and snuggled deep in her silk comforter, sleep finally took her as she had a dreamless night.
White Parent's Bedroom
The bedroom of Queen and King White was as humongous as it was luxurious with an elegant canopy, grand mirrors, and fancy rugs the room took the space of three or four master bedrooms. Both queen and king were in bed in their silky red pajamas as King White was finishing a book and Snow White was on her mirrorpad.
"Oh, thank goodness we're still in good public standing." Snow White dramatically gasped.
"This wouldn't have to do with why Apple was upset earlier was it?" King Charming questioned.
"Apple got a little frazzled at what some villagers were saying about that Queen girl." Snow White answered not looking away from her mirrorpad.
"You mean Raven?" King Charming questioned.
"It was horrible; Apple was defending her of all people! After what her mother did to Wonderland, Sweet Briar Rose and Darcy's Sleeping Beauty legacy, enslaved many kingdoms and queendoms, and what she did to us, why was Apple defending Raven?" Snow White shrieked.
"Snapdragon!" King White snapped.
"Look, Aubin, I'm just looking out for Apple. It's bad enough The Evil Queen left us a huge mess to clean up then her daughter caused some movement without a cause. I'm just trying to get things back on trace and it's late let's go to bed." Snow White dismissed as she took off her glasses, turned off her mirrorpad, turned her back to her husband and went to sleep.
"Good night, Snow White." King White said dryly as he turned his back to her and went to sleep.
Charming Castle
Dexter groaned as he rubbed his eyes, he must've fallen asleep during the drive without realizing it.
"Hey Gordon, how much longer until we're at Charming Castle?" Dexter questioned.
Gordon did not respond.
"Gordon?" Dexter asked again and realized her wasn't wearing his glasses.
Dexter started grabbing in every direction for his missing spectacles, until he realized he wasn't in the limo - carriage, he was in a bed. He reached further and felt the flat surface of a nightstand then he felt -
"My glasses!" Dexter yelped as he quickly put them on and realized he was in his bedroom at Charming Castle,
The walls had navy blue wallpaper on them, a canopy bed, a huge bookshelf with hundreds of books, and a large tv with an elegant game chair. Dexter had no memory of how he got here, the servants must've brought him here. Dexter got out of bed and noticed he wasn't wearing the clothes he wore yesterday, instead he had on navy blue pajama set with golden buttons, ugh, he didn't know what he hated more the over fancy pajamas or the fact the servants dressed him in his sleep. As Dexter got off the bed his feet hit something soft and warm. Dexter heard a small squeak recognizing it anywhere.
"Sorry, Mr. Cottonhorn." Dexter apologized as he scooped his jackelope friend up.
Dexter put on his silk robe and headed out of his room. Once, out Dexter noticed dim quiet the corridor was, the only lights being the candles. Dexter regretted not checking his mirrorphone to see what time it was, no one would be up now.
"Up a little early, aren't we?" A voice said out of nowhere.
Dexter spun around ready to fight the owner of the voice until -
"Grandpa Auspicious, Grandma Alluring, what are you doing here?" Dexter asked.
Auspicious Charming was an elderly many while in his prime he inherited the Siegfried tale and passed it on to his youngest son. He stood tall and board with a tremendous white beard, and dull blue eyes. He wore a decorative orange suit that was outdated, but still looked amazing. Alluring charming wore the palest of peach silks as her dress too was dated, but still looked amazing. Her white hair braided around her head, steel grey eyes, and baby soft skin.
"When you age gracefully as us dear, you want to begin your days as early as possible." Grandma Alluring answered.
"And as soon as we heard the news that you and your siblings were returning home we came as soon as we possibly could; why are you awake so early, young man?" Grandpa Auspicious questioned.
"I-I couldn't sleep." Dexter answered.
"Well, no use in going back to bed, after you are properly dressed meet us for an early breakfast." Grandma Alluring said.
"Yes, ma'am." Dexter answered.
Before, Dexter could leave he felt a strong grip on his shoulder, he looked up to see Grandpa Auspicious give him a kind smile.
"It's wonderful to see you again, Dexterous." Grandpa Auspicious spoke.
"Likewise, sir." Dexter smiled back as he headed to his room to get dressed.
Ever After High
Our favorite fairytale teens woke up early and headed cafeteria for breakfast. Not many students and staff were there which was fine for them. No huge crowds, no angry glares, and no one would notice them.
"So, you guys got everything packed?" Briar said.
" I believe so." Cedar answered.
"I gave you guys enough maps and shortcuts in case you get in a tight pinch." Kitty said.
"The ropes, axes, and tent are in good shape." Hunter added.
"I'm sure we have all our supplies in check." Cerise added.
"YOU!" Everyone turned to see a furious Duchess with eyes were blood shot, hair slightly a mess, and fist bawled up.
Duchess's outburst caused all eyes to look in their direction.
"Do you have any idea how much sleep I lost last night because of you?" Duchess hissed.
"Not now, Duchess." Briar hissed.
"Yes, now!" Duchess hissed back.
"You guys kept me up all night with your chatting!" Duchess honked.
"Sorry about that, Duchess, but now is not a good time." Ashlynn spoke.
" Oh really, and why not?" Duchess honked.
Duchess gaze turned towards Cedar. Cedar panicked, what is she accidently blurted out.
"Because were grieving that Raven's gone!"
Everyone turned to see Maddie standing all despite her petite stature glaring daggers up at Duchess despite how tall she was.
"My best friend is being accused of something awful and ran away from school; and you couldn't give me a moment to grieve her absence?" Maddie bellowed as her face turned red.
This shocked everyone, never have they ever seen Maddie Hater so angry in their life. This even left Duchess shocked.
"Fine." Duchess scoffed. "You're lucky I'm not jerk enough to mess with someone grieving."
With that Duchess stomped away as the cafeteria seemed to quiet down.
"Duchess just stains my tea kettle sometimes." Maddie said as she sat back down.
" Stains your tea kettle?" Blondie questioned.
"It's the Wonderland equivalent as 'getting under one's skin'." Bunny answered as Lizzie, Kitty, and Alistair nodded their hands in agreement.
"So, are we ready to set our plan into motion?" Hopper asked.
"I believe so." Cerise answered.
everyone got up and dumped their trays leaving the cafeteria to the Village of Bookend, unaware a certain fairy had her eye on them.
Troll bridge
Apparently, it was too early even for paparazzies as the group made their way to the bridge that united Ever After High to the Village of Bookend only to be stopped by the Bridge Troll. Despite the briar thorn walls were long gone, apparently the headmaster put up a red force field preventing the paparazzi from entering and students from leaving.
"State your name and business of leaving." The Troll growled.
"We're: Hopper, Lizzie, Blondie, Maddie, Cedar, Cerise, Bunny, Kitty, Blondie, Alistair, Ginger, Briar, Ashylnn, Hunter, and Cupid; and our state of business is to go to the Village of Bookend." Cupid answered.
"Why?" The Troll growled again.
"We have to go to work at the Glass Slipper and Wonderland Haberdashery and Tea Shoppe." Ginger answered.
The Troll looked down at his clipboard checking the names of the teens.
" Everything checks out; pay the toll and you may proceed, also be back by dinner time. "The Troll said with his hand out as the teens handed him a coin each.
The Troll pressed a button on some weird remote and the barrier was lifted off the bridge as the teens headed off. On cue Faybelle appeared and tried to follow them before the barrier closed behind them only for her wings to get caught by the Troll.
"State your name and business of leaving." The Troll growled.
"Ugh get your nasty troll fingers off me, do you know who I am?" Faybelle shouted.
"No." The Troll answered. "And I don't care -"
"I am, Faybelle Thorn, daughter of the Dark Fairy the baddest fairy to ever exist!" Faybelle announced.
"Didn't the Evil Queen steal her destiny and she was only able to curse Sleeping Beauty for a hundred days so she wouldn't disappear?" The Troll questioned.
Faybelle's blue skin turned red as she glared at the troll; how dare he brought that up!
"Again, state your name and business of leaving." The Troll growled.
"I just told you, I'm Faybelle Thorn, and I gotta follow those guys!" Faybelle said.
The Troll put Faybelle down as he looked at his clipboard checking her name.
"Ah, here we are, Faybelle Thorn." The Troll said.
"Yes, finally!" Faybelle cheered.
"You're not allowed to leave the school grounds until your detention is served." The Troll said bluntly.
"What?" Faybelle bellowed.
"You heard me, now shoo." The Troll said.
"This ain't the last you've heard of me!" Faybelle shouted as she flew away.
Wonderland Haberdashery and Tea Shoppe
"So let me get this straight as I possibly can -" The Mad Hatter began as he was balancing teacups on top of each other. " The headmaster has poisoned Raven with poisoned apples and has done something horrific to Mr. Badwolf. Now Raven's gone because she did something to Daring and both Apple, Darling, Dexter and he have left school too."
"Yep." Maddie answered.
"Wow, just wow." The Mad Hatter said as his hand combed through his teal and grey hair.
" So, will you help us?" Cerise asked.
"Of course, I'll help!" The Mad Hatter said triumphally. "I won't let the headmaster get away for poisoning a student, especially if that student is a dear friend of my daughter."
"Aw, daddy." Maddie blushed.
"We're back." Everyone turned to see Blondie, Ashylnn, and Hunter carrying shopping bags from the Glass Slipper and other clothing stores.
"These shoes should help you travel far." Ashlynn said as she handed Maddie, Cerise, and Cedar each a pair of hiking boots and tennis shoes.
"And I picked just the right clothes for you to travel in." Blondie added.
When the girls looked at the clothing articles, they realized they were plain, boring, and uninteresting.
"Where's the stripes, polka dots, and 1980s patterns?" Maddie asked.
"If you guys are going to search for Raven it's best the no one can be able to identify you." Alistair answered.
"But-" Maddie began.
"No buts, if someone was to notice we were not at school or at two places at once the whole plan will be ruined." Cerise agreed.
"Okay." Maddie sighed in defeat.
"I know how you feel, Maddie." Ceda said putting a hand on Maddie's shoulder. "Once we fix everything you can wear as many patterns as you want."
Maddie nodded in agreement.
Ginger, Hunter, and Lizzie were double checking to make sure the girls had everything while they changed.
"You think they'll be okay?" Lizzie asked as she puts emergency kits in each sack.
"Of course, if anyone can find Raven it's them." Ginger stated as she added extra snacks for them.
"True." Hunter nodded as he added more wilderness survival items.
"We're ready."
Everyone turned to see Maddie, Cedar, and Cerise wearing tan pants, black hiking boots, off white peasant shirts, black hoods, and their hair in ponytails. It was off seeing them dressed that way, but it was for the sake of the mission.
"Our first stop is my mom's she's excepting us." Cerise said.
"Good luck girls!" The Mad Hatter said as he wrapped the three in a group hug. " Be safe."
"We will." Maddie said as she kissed her father's cheek.
Everyone got in on the group hug before the girls went on their way.
"Wait!" Everyone turned to Cupid as she pulled something from her purse.
In Cupid's hand was a small vile with tiny gold wings inside it were three white feathers with gold at the tips.
"Feathers?" Cerise question.
"These feathers belonged to my cousin, Hermes the god of travel, these feathers are used to send you to any location in the world." Cupid said.
"If they can travel anywhere in the world, why didn't you use them to find Raven?" Maddie asked.
"I tried that, but for some reason it didn't work." Cupid said as she reached into her pocket and pulled out two burnt to a crisp feather with gold at the tip.
"How is that possible?" Blondie asked.
"I don't know, Hermes told me once his feathers are off him their still powerful, but if a level 30 magical used them it be useless. So only us them as soon as you find Raven and "
"Thank you, Cupid." Maddie said as she put the feathers in her bag.
The group did one last group hug before the girls snuck out the back door to the Dark Forest to meet Red Riding Hood. The girls knew the journey wouldn't be easy, but the reward would be worth it.
?
"Ugh, my head!"
Mr. Badwolf hissed as his head throbbed, his throat dry, and eyes dizzy, the last time he felt this way was his first frat party in college. As soon as his eyes adjusted, he realized he was in a dark place with no light. Even, with his advanced wolf abilities he couldn't hear, see, taste, smell, or touch anything.
'Grimm must've put a coma spell on me.' Mr. Badwolf thought.
Suddenly, a bright light appeared behind him, an exit maybe? ran on all fours towards the light until he saw-
"Cerise?" He cried out. "Cerise, it's me your father!"
Cerise didn't respond. Mr. Badwolf took a closer look at what Cerise was doing and realized Maddie and Cedar were besides her wearing the plainest of clothing. Cerise looked said as she put her signature red hood in a sack and replaced it with a black one.
"Don't worry, Cerise, you'll have your red hood back on in no time." Cedar said.
"Thanks, Cedar." Cerise said with a smile.
realized Cerise was in a bathroom as she and her friends left. Suddenly, another light appeared, and Mr. Badwolf saw Daring Charming with bandages on the left side of his face.
"Ah, it stings!" Daring cried out as nurses and doctors surrounded him with ointments and potions.
Then, another light appeared, and another, and another, until was surrounded by countless mirrors. Each one reflecting what the person was doing.
"Where am I?" Mt. Badwolf questioned.
"You're in Mirror Prison."
A chill went down Mr. Badwolf's spine that made his fur stiff and bones cold. That voice it couldn't be, he hadn't heard it in years, and she's supposed to be dead. Shadows began appearing out of nowhere hiding behind each mirror one at a time making it bright one second and dark the next, it was like someone flikering the lights on and off causing a huge sensory overload.
" No, I'm just having a bad dream by whatever spell the headmaster put on me. Yeah, any moment now I'll wake up and kick Grimm's sorry ass!" Mr. Badwolf told himself as he fell to his knees and closed his eyes shut.
"This is not a bad dream my friend, and as much as I would love to see dear Uncle Grimmy get his ass handed to him, it simply isn't so." The voice spoke again and repeated the same line again and again.
covered his fluffy ears, only to hear the same voice over and over again. The temperture of wherever he was continued to drop causing him to freeze. The noise, sights, and touch were too much, and as a last kick in the balls the taste of apples filled his mouth instead of bad dog breathe, and a scent he hadn't smelled in years hit his nostrials.
"The Evil Queen." Mr. Badwolf spoke as the sensory overload ended, but he was still trapped in the world of mirrors.
A figure appeared right in front of him pale grey-purplish skin, wearing an elegant black and purple gown, purple hair in a ponytail, and a crown shaped like a decaying bird.
"Breaker Badwolf," The Evil Queen spoke. "It's good to see you again."
Red Riding Hood's Cottage
Ruby aka Red Riding Hood lived on the edge of the Dark Forest a good distance away from the Hoods and Wolfs, and she was fine with that. After the reveal that Cerise was not only half-Wolf, but was the daughter of the Bad Wolf the Hoods shunned both her and her daughter. The only family member who visited her now was her grandmother, but due to her old age and keeping peace between the Hoods and Wolfs their time spent together was minimum. The only other interactions she had were Cerise, Candy Witch, and her husband.
Red Riding Hood was currently in her garden picking berries to make into jams. Soon, it would be Summer, and she could spend all her time with Cerise and her husband, no hiding or fear, just the three as a family.
"Mom!" Red looked up to see Cerise and two hooded girls behind her.
"Cerise!" Red cried out as she dropped her basket full of berries and ran to her daughter.
Both daughter and mother met in the middle with a huge warm hug.
"Cerise, I didn't know you were visiting today." Red spoke as she stroked her daughter's cheek.
"Mom, we need your help!" Cerise spoke with ergency in voice and eyes.
Red felt a sense of danger when Cerise said that. When she looked up, she saw Cedar and Maddie, but no Raven.
"Where's Raven." She questioned.
"That's why we need your help." Cerise answered.
Once inside the cottage the girls explained everything to Red.
"HE DID WHAT?" Red barked.
"It's true, now we're trying to Raven and Mr. Badwolf." Maddie said as she took a sip of her tea.
" I knew Headmaster Grimm was sneaky, but I never guessed he'd do something this drastic." Red muttered.
"So, you really haven't seen dad?" Cerise asked.
"No and since you have his two-way book, I'm guessing the headmaster has him somewhere in the school." Red answered.
"We actually looked all over the school for him, but my revealer rays didn't see him anywhere. If Headmaster Grimm has him, he's holding him somewhere very secretive." Cedar sadly spoke.
"So, what do you girls plan to do now?" Red questioned as she took a sip of her tea.
" We think Raven maybe back home, so we plan to use the feathers Cupid gave us to head to Queen Castle. Explain everything to her and her dad, bring her and Mr. Badwolf back, expose Headmaster Grimm, and save the day." Maddie said triumphantly.
"Well, I guess that's kind of a plan." Red admitted.
"Thanks for everything mom; come on girls lets go." Cerise said as she got up from her seat.
"Wait just a second!" Red commanded as she stood tall, firm, and strict like an alpha to her pack.
"But, mom-"
"'But, mom' nothing!" Red snapped. "You and your friends are not going backpacking around all Ever After to go to Queen castle. One of the dangerous kingdoms there are just to prove Headmaster Grimm is a load of shit, and to rescue your father, the wolfman I love, and to save your friend all by yourselves."
This scared the girls was the gig up before it started? Was Red Riding Hood going to send them back to Ever After High?
"Without me." Red gleamed with courage and pride.
"Y-you're going to help us?" Cerise asked.
"Of course, after everything Raven has done for us I want to repay the favor. Plus, I refuse to stand by and let the headmaster get away from poisoning a student." Red said. "Just give me a second to pack somethings."
An Hour Later
"Emergency Kit, bacon jerky, a weeks' worth of clothes and hoods, moist wipes, bacon jerky, extra hiking boots, a loaf of bread, sewing needles, three types of jam, my wallet with I.D., and most importantly granola bars and bacon jerky." Red read her list twice and but everything in a large travel bag.
"Okay, so we're ready to go?" Maddie asked holding one of the golden tip feathers.
"Ready!" Cedar said with determination in her voice.
Both Red and Cerise nodded.
Maddie clutched the feather tight as it began to glow a bright gold. The gold light encased the four as magical sparkles swirled around them and lifted them in the air. "To Queen Castle!"
They were lifted higher into the air as the magical sparkles was working!
*PHBT*
Then all four of them came crashing down in a large thud.
"What just happened?" Red asked as she helped Cerise up.
" I don't know?" Cedar said as she picked herself up.
Earl Grey popped up wearing a black hood as well started to squeak.
"Earl Grey, is right!" Maddie gasped. " If Cupid couldn't use the feathers to find Raven, maybe Queen castle's magic is too strong for the feathers."
"So, we basically wasted a good travel feather; there's got to be another way to get to Queen castle!" Cerise groaned.
"My home." Cedar spoke and all attention was on her. " Whenever, Raven and her dad visited it would take them two days to travel to my sea-side home."
"Then, let's go." Maddie said as she pulled out another feather. "To-"
"No!" Cerise dashed as she snatched the feather from Maddie's fingertips in a flash. "We can't waste these."
"Then how are we supposed to get to Cedar's village?" Maddie questioned.
"The wishing well." Red spoke. "We'll take the wishing well to Cedar's village then we'll take a boat to Queen Castle."
"Sounds like a plan, but the nearest wishing well in my village is an hour away." Cedar spoke.
"That's not a problem." Red spoke. "Let's go."
The four made their way to the wishing well to Cedar's village.
White Castle
Apple was in her family's library, it was not as huge as the one at Ever After High, but it was just as grand. Huge windows that blocked the outside world, marble flooring, comfy chairs, and large bookcases filled with books. Apple had finished another cookbook on apple desserts and placed it next to the pile of other books. It's not like Apple didn't enjoy reading from books being the studious student she was, but she would be on her mirrorphone, but her mother had forbid her from being on her phone for the time being. It was probably for the best since most of the news would be about her, the Charmings, or Raven. Not that she would look up recent events, she would text her friends and hope that Raven might call her.
Gala snuggled in Apple's lap as she sighed sadly as she looked out the window to a nothingness world. The unseeable windows were recently new as of yesterday when news of Raven's escape happened. Apple missed seeing the apple and cherry blossom trees outside, it was a better view than the paparazzi. Apple was used to people watching her and she loved the praise, but as of recent events it felt exhausting.
She would do anything to be back at Ever After High, the Village of Bookend, and her friends. What she wouldn't give to see them all royal, rebel, in-between, it didn't matter she missed them all. She would
"Princess Apple?" Apple turned to see Frank the dwarf. " Your mother has requested your presence for lunch."
"Thank you, Pouty." Apple thanked Frank as picked Gala up and headed to the dining room.
"It's Frank." Frank said flatly.
Apple slowly made her way to the dining room not really having an appetite, the only thing she was looking forward to was Tuesday where she'd be back at Ever After High and so would Raven.
Ever After High
Faybelle was munching on an apple as she made her way up the tower to where the Evil Queen would be. She couldn't wait to tell her that Raven had attacked Daring and made a run for it. Faybelle smile almost rivaled Kitty's as she imagined how angry the Evil Queen would be at her daughter. The Evil Queen would disown Raven from her destiny and realize that Faybelle was the evilest and give her Raven's destiny and return the Dark Fairy destiny to her proving to everyone that Faybelle was the best ever! As Faybelle turned the knob to enter it didn't open, she turned it again and nothing.
'What gives?' Faybelle thought as she kept twisting the knob.
Faybelle then heard the sound of things being moved around from the otherside of the door, but that was impossible. Faybelle pressed her ear to the door and heard -
" It's almost time."
"What?" Faybelle jolted as she fell forward and smashed into the ground.
Faybelle's face hurt, but nothing a small healing spell couldn't cure. But, when Faybelle looked up the room was exactly how she left it: the floor covered in dust, paint cans, boxes, shelves with boring books, and the Evil Queen's mirror. Faybelle activated the mirror.
"What do you want, Faybelle?" The Evil Queen spatted.
"Mrs. Evil Queen, I got the greatest news you'll ever hear." Faybelle gleamed ear to ear.
Faybelle went into great detail on how Raven attacked Daring and leaving Ever After High, the media storm going on at school, the Charmings and Apple being gone, the extra security at school, and how Headmaster Grimm planned to have Raven back by Tuesday.
"Raven, did all that?" The Evil Queen questioned in disbelief.
"Yes, ma'am." Faybelle answered.
The Evil Queen was silent for a moment until-
"HAHAHAH, THAT'S MY GIRL!" The Evil Queens chackle filled the room leaving Faybelle in disbelief.
"What!" Faybelle bellowed. " After all she's done, you're proud of her?"
"SILENCE!" The Evil Queen shouted at Faybelle. "Raven has finally ditched her goody two shoes phase and has accepted her rightful place as the future evil queen. She didn't just attack a charming prince she attacked Daring Charming of the main Charmings and Apple's future prince, she caused an uproar in the system, and cause so much trouble Headmaster Grimm is losing ways of covering things up, and you will respect that, got it?"
"Yes, ma'am." Faybelle begrudgingly agreed.
"Good." The Evil Queen spatted. "And you did say that Grimm plans to have Raven back on Tuesday, correct?"
"Yes, ma'am." Faybelle answered.
"When, that happens make sure that all the parents of future villains are watching including your mother." The Evil Queen said.
"Really, why?" Faybelle questioned.
"Because when Raven returns it'll be a historical moment which the world of Ever After has never seen before, Plus, it'll give you an excuse to make your mother proud." The Evil Queen answered.
"Make. My. Mother. Proud. Of. Me?" Faybelle parroted in disbelief.
"Yes." The Evil Queen answered bluntly.
Faybelle's face lit up as she fluttered off the ground.
"I'll go alert everyone in villain club!" Faybelle cried out in excitement as she flew out the tower.
Faybelle was so excited; in just a few days she'd prove to be the greatest villain Ever After has ever seen and it was all because Raven Queen majorly screwed up.
The Evil Queen watched as Faybelle gleefully fluttered out of the room like a fly who had just eaten sugar.
"Is she gone?"
"Yes, she's gone." The Evil Queen answered.
Cedar's Seaside Village
The girls had made to Cedar's seaside Village as the scent of sea salt hit their noses, the sound of crashing rays, and the sun shing bright. This would be the perfect day to be out and about shopping, eating the local cuisines, and soaking up rays, but no one was out to enjoy it.
"This is very strange; this would be a perfect day to be out." Cedar said as they walked into the entrance of the village.
"Let's count it as a blessing, it'll make it easy to find your father and grandfather." Red said following behind.
The closer the four got to the main square of the village stores were boarded up, closed signs everywhere, and nobody in sight.
"What is going on here?" Cedar said.
As if on cue a piece of paper smacked Maddie in the face, Earl Grey removed the paper and started squeaking.
"What's that Earl Grey?" Maddie questioned as Earl Grey handed her the paper and began to read it. "Attention citizens of Seaside Village. Due to the escape of the Evil Queen's daughter residents and visitors are asked to either take shelter in their homes or evacuate immediately until this coming Tuesday. That is all. "
Maddie growled as she crumbled the paper.
"What the heck? Everyone's met Raven before, they know what she's like!" Cedar shouted as stomped her foot on the ground.
Cedar started to shake as though she was crying, but only the sound of whimpers exited her lips.
"Cedar." Mddie said as she placed a hand on Cedar's shoulder. "It's going to be okay."
Cedar gave a sad smile and nodded as they made it to her home. Cedar's cottage was white with puppets and dolls in the window, but what it had that the other cottages didn't have was a sign saying, 'We're Open!' on it.
The four entered the cottage as the bell attached to the door chimed to see stacks of wood along the walls, tables filled with half-finished projects and the floor is carpeted with wood shavings, projects, the ceilings dangling puppets, dolls, flutes, wind chimes, and dozens of other carved wooden creations.
"Coming!" A voice said from upstairs as footsteps were heard.
Once, downstairs a man with dark skin, with an afro, brown eyes, and orange overalls with a white shirt.
"Welcome to - Cedar?" The man spoke.
"Daddy!" Cedar lunged into her father's chest and hugged him tightly.
"Pine Oak!" Red cried out.
"Red?" Pine Oak cried out not believe his old friend was there.
"Maddie!" Maddie squealed.
"Maddie!" Everyone shouted.
"Pine Oak, what's with all that noise." An older man who resembled Pine Oak wearing lilac overalls came down the stairs.
"Grandpa!" Cedar cried and hugged him tightly too.
"Cedar? What are you doing here?" Her grandfather asked.
"It's a long story." Cedar said.
"What's with all the huffing and puffing down here?" Everyone turned to see Woodrow Wolf, Queen Titania, and King Oberon.
"Let's talk about this upstairs." Pine Oak said.
Upstairs Cedar, Maddie, Cerise and Red explained to Pine Oak, Geppeto, Woodrow, King Oberon, and Queen Titania over willow sap tea.
"He did what?!" Geppetto shouted as he banged his fist on the table almost knocking down his tea.
"It's true." Cedar spoke.
"And we believe Raven went back home. So, we need the next ferry to Queen castle." Cerise added.
"That might be a problem." Queen Titania spoke.
"How come?" Cedar asked.
" The ferry has been busy since news of your friend leaving Ever After High. And they have a very strict schedule, rules, and you must order your tickets in advance to board now." King Oberon answer.
"That won't be a problem, I'll order the tickets now!" Cerise said as she pulled out her mirrorphone.
"No dice, kid." Woodrow said. "I was trying to order tickets to go to Neverland, the Land of Mist, that place my cousin and his husband went on their honeymoon, or the Top of the World as a last resort, but they were sold out. So, I got stuck watching the Blue Haired Fairy and She's houses until they get back."
It was true when Cerise looked at her phone for tickets everything said sold out on it.
"There must be something we can do." Red said.
"Wait, I got an idea!" Maddie cheered as everyone looked at her. " Geppetto, King Oberon, Queen Titania, why don't you three request to go to Queen castle."
"What?" Everyone said.
"Let me finish, say that it's a political thing and you must see Raven's dad at once. We get a ferry to Queen Castle, find Raven and Mr. Badwolf, expose Headmaster Grimm, and save the day." Maddie finished huffing and puffing.
" You know that might be crazy enough to work!" Geppetto agreed.
"Then let's go!" Cedar said.
The Ferry
The line to the ferry was extremely long and crowded. Luggage and boxes were being put on the ferry as people waited for their ride to leave the seaside village.
"Attention, everyone!" A voice from the intercom said. "The last ferry to Gingerbread land, the Sea Kingdom, and Land of the Gold Sand are now boarding. Please have your ids and tickets ready."
People scrambled to their docks with their tickets in hand hoping where they were going the Evil Queen's daughter wasn't there.
Suddenly the air smelt like a bottle of perfume exploded and tiny pixies flew through the air announcing the arrival of King Oberon, Queen Titania, Geppetto, Pine Oak, and Red (with Cedar, Cerise, and Maddie in disguise behind them).
Everyone was starstruck at the sight of them asking for pictures and autographs as they made their way to the ticket counter. The ticket collector was an elderly sea nymph who was starstruck like everyone else.
"H-how may I-I-I help you four today?" She asked barely keeping it together.
"We need eight tickets to Queen Queendom." Pine Oak answered.
Everyone stopped what they were doing when they heard what Pine Oak said. Was it true someone wanted to go to Queen Queendom? Suddenly, everyone was laughing as if he told the most hilarious joke they've ever heard. As the laughter died down everyone noticed how serious the four celebrities were.
"Wait, you're serious? Why on earth would you want to go to Queen Queendom?" The ticket collector asked.
All eyes were on them (main Pink Oak) for an answer. Pine Oak didn't know what to say after he became human, he swore to be honest to the point he asked the Blue Haired Fairy to curse Cedar to tell the truth. Could he lie about something so important?
"Because we are friends with the Good King." Red answered as the attention went to her. "With his daughter missing he needs as much support as possible."
"And because she's gone, we need to talk about important royal matters." Queen Titania added.
"As an important figure in the fairy tale community, I must attend to bring peace to the situation at hand." Geppetto answered.
Everyone was at awe at them for doing something so brave and noble.
"As much as I see the importance of your trip, I'm afraid there are no ferries to Queen Kingdom." The ticket collector answered.
"WHAT?" Maddie shouted as she made her way to the glass dividing her from the ticket collector. "Why?"
"Well, despite how close Queen Kingdom is to us it was never really an ideal place to travel seeing as it is ruled by evil queens, the last time anyone traveled there was hundreds of years ago. Plus, due to recent events Queen Queendom has been closed up, nobody can go in or out. " The ticket collector answered.
The group was dejected as they headed back to the cottage.
"I can't believe this after all our had work we're back to zero." Cedar said in a sorrowful voice.
"What do we do now?" Maddie questioned.
"We'll think of something, there's got to be another way to Queen Queendom." Pine Oak said.
*GASP*
Maddie paused without the others knowing she was having another vision.
VISION
Raven was at the Legacy Plaza at the podium with where many people surrounded her with cameras, microphones, and mirrorphones. Raven stood tall with hatred in her eyes as she spoke, despite her mouth moving Maddie couldn't hear a thing, but by looking at the crowd she could tell it was frightening.
The next scene was of an angry mob with torches, pitchforks, and rotten tomatoes to throw. The locations they were heading were White, Charming, and the Wood family cottage. The next image was Pine Oak holding Geppetto tightly as an angry mob advanced on them.
Another scene was the Village of Bookend abandoned and destroyed with citizens running away from an unknown terror.
End Vision
When Maddie came to, she realized someone was shaking her.
"Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, what's wrong?" Cedar panicked while shaking Maddie.
"We need to leave, now!" Maddie answered. "I had another vision."
Maddie explained to everyone about Raven, the angry mobs, and the Woods being attacked.
"Are you sure that's what you saw, Maddie?" Cerise asked.
" I know what I saw." Maddie confirmed.
"If that's true, we need to get to Queen castle ASAP." Red said.
"But, how?" Geppetto questioned.
"I know how." Everyone turned to see Woodrow. "Follow me."
The Beach
In front of them was a wooden boat that with a sail that was anchored. It wasn't fancy or anything, but the craftmanship was amazing. Below on the right was a small bathroom, on the right a small gallery with a mini fridge, and above was a huge sail.
"Wait, is this the boat we were doing last summer?" Cedar asked.
"It sure is." Pine Oak confirmed.
"Woodrow paid a pretty penny for it." Geppetto said.
" I was hoping to go sailing this summer with it, but it seems you need it now more than I do." Woodrow said.
"You're not going with us?" Cerise asked.
"We built the boat to hold four people, so it seems you four will be leaving us." Geppetto said.
"But we don't know how to sail this thing." Red said.
"Don't worry dad and Mr. Good King taught Raven and I last summer, I'm kinda good at it." Cedar confirmed as her father nodded.
" I packed up while you guys were gone first-aid is in the bathroom, food that won't spoil and will last a week, and a couple of sleeping bags." Woodrow said.
"Thank you." Red hugged him, if anyone from Hood Hollow saw that it would cause a scene.
"Cerise?" Woodrow whispered to her. "Is Ramona okay?"
"Last time I saw her yes, and she helped us escape. When we get back I'll tell her you said hi." Cerise whispered back.
"Thanks." Woodrow thanked his niece.
"Pine Oak you and your father can stay with us. We'll have Puck and the others pack your belongings." Queen Titania said.
"Thank you." Pine Oak thanked the two.
Despite being the owners of 'Oberon and Titania's Flower Market' the king and queen actually lived five hours away only staying at the sea-side village during the summer months to relax and make sure business was running smoothly.
Cedar took her father and grandfather and hugged them tightly.
"I'll miss you both so much." Cedar whimpered and shake as if she were really crying.
"Be careful my most helpful girl," Her father called her.
"We'll miss you, my sapling, my acorn, my treasure." Her grandfather told her.
As much as Cedar didn't want the hug the end she let go and hopped back on the boat with Red, Cerise, and Maddie behind her. The waters to Queen castle would be rough and it would take two days to get there so they had to hurry. Geppetto, Pine Oak, Oberon, Titania, and Woodrow watched as the four disappeared into the sunset hoping for safe travel
Charming Castle
There were many Charmings in the fairy tale world, but none were as charming as the main Charming family! They were the first true royal Charming family that dated back centuries ago. The Charming family were about to have dinner as they took their seats as butlers and maids pushed them in.
The thing about the main Charming family was that there was so many of them the only reason anyone could remember who was who was by the colors they wore. The older generation such as Grandpa Auspicious and Grandma Alluring who wore orange and peach, the Charming's with A's in their names wore shades of yellow, Charming's with B's in their names wore shades of violets, Charming's with C's in their names wore shades of red, Charming's with D's in their names wore shades of blue, Charming's with E's in their names wore shades of violet, Charming's F's in their names with wore shades of indigos, and Charming's with G's in their names wore shades of green, they were one huge rainbow colored family (see what I did there? ROY G BIV).
" Attention, everyone." All eyes turned to King Charming in his royal blue suit with gold tie, groomed blonde hair, and dark blue eyes. "In honor of Daring's slow recovery from the hands of the Evil Queen's loathsome daughter, for tonight's dinner we'll be dining on his favorite foods: wagyu steak, lobster, greek salad, beef wellington, and for dessert an assortment of thronecakes."
The Charming family members cheered as the staff brought out the glorious foods. The food items made mouths water, eyes as large as their dinner plates, and the scents attacked their noses, it was only a matter of time until they could taste the meals and fill their bellies.
Despite the praises he was receiving Daring felt sick to his stomach he didn't deserve a feast and Raven didn't deserve to be talked down to. When, Daring looked up he saw Dexter wasn't even looking at him, he was expecting a glare or cold look from him, but nothing.
Dexter only took a few small bites of his Greek salad until he pushed it away.
"May I be excused?" Dexter requested.
All eyes that were previously on Daring or the meal were now on Dexter.
"Is something wrong with your meal, Dexterous?" Queen Charming answered.
"No, mother." Dexter answered.
"Is the steak too rare for you?" Cousin Gallant asked.
"No." Dexter answered.
"Is the crust of the beef wellington not flakey enough?" Cousin Gutsy asked.
"No." Dexter answered.
"Is your salad wilted?" Cousin Fragile asked.
"It's not about the food!" Dexter yelled, a big mistake on his part.
"Young man," King Charming rose from his seat. " a Charming does not yell especially at the dinner table!"
"Yes, sir. I'm sorry." Dexter apologized.
"You better be." King Charming scowled.
Whatever feeling in the dining room was gone and filled with awkward tension. The room was silent if one didn't count the sound of crackle from the candelabras, the once warm meals were becoming lukewarm, and a couple of servants were shaking in fear, but they were trained to look as stiff as possible. King Charming always made Dexter feel two inches small, anytime he would speak to Dexter it would be negative. At this point Dexter wished to either run away or throw himself on the side of his balcony.
"If I may interrupt-" Everyone turned to Daring. " Is it quite all right if we have some music playing?"
"Why, of course. Music." King Charming said as he snapped his fingers.
On cue violinists, drummers, and pianists came out playing dinner music.
"And Dexterous," King Charming spoke as Dexter looked up. "You're excused."
The dining room went silent again as the musicians stopped what they were doing, family members stopped chatting, and the flames were silent. Dexter pushed his chair, walked out the room, and never looked back. If he did, he would've seen the sympathetic looks from Darling, Charity, and Daring, and the disappointed looks from Grandpa Auspicious, Grandma Alluring, and Queen Charming that were aimed at King Charming.
Dexter laid on his bed as was beside him eating his dinner of hay and lettuce. He felt so humiliated as he covered his red face with his hands, and his dad looked so angry at him.
* KNOCK. KNOCK*
"Come in!" Dexter shouted.
"Room service?" Dexter rose up to see Gordan with a cart.
"Gordan!" Dexter said.
"That's the name kid, don't wear it out." Gordan said as he rolled the cart in and removed the cover to reveal the wagyu steak, lobster, greek salad, beef wellington, and thronecake he didn't finish, oddly it was still warm.
"Want some, Gordon? I don't have much of an appetite." Dexter said.
"Don't mind if I do." Gordan said as he sat by Dexter's side.
Gordon took a knife and fork and started to carve into the waygu steak finding it difficult to cut.
"Here." Dexter said handing Gordon a knife. " The dinner knife is better than a butter knife."
Gordon took the knife and started cutting the steak with ease now.
" You won't tell the other's I'm eating beef wellington with a salad fork, will you?" Dexter asked.
"As long as you don't talk about me using a butter knife for steak." Gordan joked earning a laugh from Dexter.
The two finished the rest of the meal as Mr. Cottonhorn ate the rest of the Greek salad.
"So, why'd you leave dinner so early?" Gordon asked.
" I - my dad was praising Daring and he was speaking bad about - a classmate of mine." Dexter explained.
"Oh, you mean Raven Queen?" Gordon said.
"Y-you know?" Dexter stumbled on his words.
"Who hasn't heard?" Gordon questioned back.
"What do you think of her and the whole Rebel movement thing?" Dexter asked.
"Honestly, I don't blame her for not wanting to be evil like her mother or at all." Gordon spoke.
"Really, why?" Dexter proded.
"Two years ago when the Evil Queen began her reign everybody suffered." Gordon gave a heavy sigh as he continued. "You didn't hear it from me but the Evil Queen taking over the Dark Fairy's destiny from Sleeping Beauty, trying to take over Wonderland, and trying to take over other stories weren't only things she did."
Dexter made and audible gulp.
"She destroyed villages with her army, left many to starve or join her. Children were left orphaned, so many goddamn orphans. Unknown kingdoms and queendoms taken over. And so much blood spread all because of her." Gordon said as his tone turned dark.
Dexter wrapped his arms tightly around Mr. Cottonhorn , both to comfort himself and the jackalope.
"When she was finally captured and... executed, things didn't go back to normal. Her army was disbanded many ended up and jail, lives were still ruin, and the world became darker for those who are viewed as not good." Gordon finished.
Suddenly, Gordon's feeling of doom and gloom turned hopeful.
"Then, on Legacy Day when Raven took to the Podium and said she didn't want to be like her mother, scribbled on her page, and tore it out of the Storybook of Legends, she gave people like me a chance." Gordon smiled.
"A chance?" Dexter questioned.
"Yeah, she gave us losers, creeps, and weirdos a chance to prove we're more than what we've been told. That we can make a difference, that we deserve to be treated fairly, that we matter. That's why I look up to her." Gordon concluded.
"Yeah, she is amazing." Dexter said as his face turned pink and he felt warm.
* KNOCK. KNOCK*
Gordon and Dexter jumped off the bed straightening themselves up to resemble a respectable prince and a dutiful butler.
"Come in." Dexter announced.
The door opened to reveal Darling and Charity.
"Are you alright, Dexter, you missed out on playing damsels- and - rescuers the board game edition?" Darling asked.
"Lucky." Charity mumbled under her breathe.
"Are you sure, you left before finishing supper, we can get you something?" Darling question.
" I delivered the rest of Prince Dexter's meal, Princess Darling, nothing to fret about." Gordon said in a very regal tone.
Dexter was shocked by that he acted so casual around around him.
"It's okay, Gordon, you can relax around Darling and Charity. They hate being uptight as much as you do." Dexter said.
" It's true, just don't interrupt me while I read." Charity said as she took out a book to read.
"Oh, thank God." Gordon said.
The rest of the evening was of the four talking, until it was time to go to bed.
Livingroom
The Charming livingroom was filled with elegant furniture, paintings of the family, and a large fireplace that warmed the whole room. The cousins was currently playing dragon slayers and knights, Daring's favorite boardgame. It would've been more fun if they weren't let Daring win because of his injury.
"Congrats Daring, this is your tenth win in a row." Cousin Elegant said as the other Charmings clapped for him.
"Thank you for the lovely night everyone, but I think I'll turn in for the night." Daring said.
"Don't ya want to play some more?" Cousin Good-Enough questioned.
Even though he didn't win a single game the five-year-old didn't want another cousin to leave.
"I'm afraid so, doctors' orders. Goodnight!" Daring waved his cousins goodbye and they did the same.
As soon as everyone was out of sight Daring let his guard down, his shoulder slouched, head down, and a frown so low it would hit the floor. He didn't know if it was guilt eating away at his stomach or the third steak, he had but Daring felt awful. Because of him Raven, Cupid, Darling, Apple, and Dexter were in trouble because of his actions.
All day everyone was talking about how awful Raven and he couldn't defend her without outing Dexter's crush on her and because Cupid was a witness she was probably being questioned, now his siblings and Apple were sent home because of his actions.
"You really did it this time, Daring." Daring scowled himself.
"You were too hard on Dexter." Daring heard his brother's name.
Daring noticed a crack in the door where his parents and grandparents were talking. He knew it wasn't Charming to easedrop, but he just needed to hear what was going on.
"He was being rude, disobedient, everything a Charming is not." King Charming stated.
"Dashing, that is enough!" Grandma Alluring spoke up. "You've always been hard on Dexterous, and don't think we've haven't noticed."
" I'm raising him just fine, it's him who refuses to get with the program and act second best to Daring." King Charming said.
"Second best? When, have we ever raised you or your siblings to be second best?" Grandpa Auspicious questioned.
Soon an argument broke out between them as Queen Charming just stayed on the sides.
The argument was getting too intense for Daring to handle so he walked back to his room.
Daring's room
Like his side of the dorm room in Ever After High Daring's room had countless mirrors that covered a navy-blue wall. Daring went to his male-vanity that was clutttered in beauty products that mostly had his face on it, but he instead grabbed a cream that was prescribed by the doctor to put on his scar. As Daring undid the bandage to put the cream on he dropped the bottle and jumped from his seat causing his other beauty products to fall to the floor. Not only was there a scar on his face it was glowing bright purple.
"WHAT THE HELL?" Daring shouted.
Done with part 1 and part 2 will be up soon. I was originally gonna add part 2, but the chapter was getting too long, and I needed a break! Hope ya'll enjoyed, bye now!