A Father's Love

Queen Castle

The Good King had just finish paperwork allowing three community gardens to be built before the beginning of Summer. The Good King got up from his throne and stretched as he walked towards his large window that viewed the beach below.

Despite the gray skies, gloomy weather, and waves crashing the Good King smiled at the memories of him and Raven playing on the beach flashed. the two of them making giant sand castles, splashing each other in the water, and eating ice cream cones; he couldn't wait for Summer to come so he could spend time with Raven.

* CELLPHONE NOISES*

"Raven!" The Good King greeted his daughter.

"Hi, dad." Raven said with melancholy in her voice.

"Is everything okay, Raven?" The Good King's cheery demean changed to a worried one.

"Dad, I want you to know that you mean the world to me and I'm sorry." Raven began as tears ran down her face on the other.

"Raven, speak to me my little birdy, is something going on in school?" The Good Kings voice was filled with worried and panic.

" You'll find out soon enough, I just wanted to say thank you for supporting me all these years. I know it wasn't easy for you to raise the future evil queen." Raven whimpered into the mirror phone.

"Raven where are you, did someone do something to you? Raven, answer me? Raven? " The Good King cried into the mirror phone.

"I love you."

"Your call has been disconnected, please try again." A robotic phone voice said on the other line.

"RAVEN!" The Good King's screamed as the other end continued to beep.

Good called Raven back only to be answered by a voice call message. So he called again, and again, and again, but Raven still wouldn't answer.

"Dad, I want you to know that you mean the world to me and I'm sorry."

' What did she mean by that?' Good thought until his thoughts went to a dark place.

"No, she wouldn't!" Good said in disbelief. " Would she?"

The thought of Raven self-harming or committing suicide was no stranger in Good's mind. As Raven got older and reports of her classmates bullying her worried him more, and when Raven refused to sign the Storybook of Legends things escalated.

Calling Raven back was failing so he called the school.

"We're sorry, the number you're trying to contact is busy. Please call back at another time." The robot voice said.

Good furiously threw his mirrorphone across his office making the case shatter. Good ran out of his office in hast if the school wouldn't answer he'd go to the school. He entered his bedroom pulled out a suitcase and started to pack up. Once he was sure he had everything he needed he rushed out of the bedroom.

"Gennady!"

A voice called out Good's real name. He turned around to see Cook and Ooglot the Ogre. Both had sad features on their faces, Cook looked as though she aged a year or two and Ooglot seemed bluer than his blue skin.

"Something bad has happened to Raven." Cook spoke holding back tears.

"What happened to Raven? Is she hurt?" Gennady questioned.

"This'll answer everything." Ooglot pulled out his mirrorpad and showed the news.

"BREAKING NEWS, EVER AFTER HIGH!" Blondie's voice boomed into the microphone. "Not only has Daring Charming's face been assulted, but Raven Queen has left Ever After High! C.A. Cupid and Ramona Wolf were the only ones to witness the event and both are not talking."

Blondie was currently in a crowd in front of the nurse's office with gifts for the injured prince Charming.

"Move out of the way! Stand back! Move!" Baba Yaga shoved students out of her way.

"Baba Yaga!" Blondie shoved her microphone in Baba Yaga's face. " Is Daring's face recovered, is he disfigured, will he ever show his face again?"

"Get that thing out of my face!" Baba Yaga shouted as she swatted the microphone out of her face.

Baba Yaga opened the nurse's office door and quickly slammed the door behind her.

"Rude!" Blondie gasped as she picked up her microphone. "There you have it folks -"

Gennady couldn't believe what he heard it couldn't be true- did Raven actually attack Daring Charming?

Suddenly, more stories popped up on the mirrorpad about the incident that happened and Raven leaving.

Color drained from Gennady's face as he dropped his luggage and fell to his knees. Cook and Ooglot helped him up.

"Where did she go?" Gennady asked looking up at the two.

"We don't know." Ooglot answered.

As if on cue another news segment appeared on the mirrorpad.

The lights began to dim as a lone spotlight was set on a podium where Headmaster Grimm appeared.

"Students and staff of Ever After High, I believe I don't have to tell you why we are all here on this fine Friday afternoon." Headmaster Grimm began.

Boos, hisses, and jeers filled the auditorium by the students even the Rebel ones as hushing from the staff joined in to quiet the student body.

"SILENCE!" Headmaster Grimm shouted into the microphone as the room went quiet.

"Yes, Ms. Queen has indeed left us with another mess to clean up." Headmaster Grimm voiced his opinion.

"But don't be discouraged, I plan to fix this problem." Headmaster Grimm said in a reassuring voice. "Come Tuesday, Raven will be back in school and all will be back to normal... Also, she and every last one of you will sign the Storybook of Legends."

Everyone gasped at the last statement.

"And I know what you all are thinking 'But Headmaster Grimm the Storybook of Legends is a fake and the real one is in Wonderland', and yes all of that is true. But I assure you, I found a way to locate the real Storybook of Legends and your destinies will be secured! That will be all." With that Headmaster Grimm left the stage.

Fury flashed on Gennady's face how dare Headmaster Grimm speak so ill about his daughter. After the Rebel/Royal parties began Headmaster Grimm did everything in his power to antagonize and gang press Raven. Gennady was kicking himself for not taking Raven out of the school, but she insisted that she could handle anything anyone threw at her. But deep down he knew the pressures of being the Rebel leader and future evil queen were taking a toll on her. He should've done more that was his daughter.

"She's gone." Gennedy cried as tears filled his eyes. "And it's all my fault!"

Cook and Ooglot tried to reassure him, but their voices fell on deaf ears.

" Mommy!"

The three adults turned to see Pie and Butternut. They looked sadder than a child who just found out Santa Claus wasn't real on Christmas morning.

"What's wrong my babies?" Cook questioned trying to hide her pain with a smile.

"Some of the village kids said Raven killed Daring Charming." Pie answered.

"And some of the villagers said she ran away from school and joined a cult." Butternut added.

Shit! rumors were already starting.

"It's not true, just a bunch of stupid rumors kids." Gennedy said trying to compose himself.

"Why is Mr. King on the floor?" Butternut asked.

"He just had a bad tumble dearies." Cook said.

"Does he know what happened to Raven?" Pie asked.

"OKAY TIME FOR A SNACK KIDS TO THE KITCHEN!" Cook announced as she grabbed her four-year-old twin's hands and pulled them to the kitchen.

"Let's get you to bed sir." Ooglot said butting his large hand on Gennedy's shoulder.

"That won't be necessary - OOGLOT!" Gennedy yelped as Ooglot carried him and the suitcase to his room.

Ooglot plopped Gennedy on his bed.

"Is there anything else I can do for you sir?" Ooglot asked.

"No, that will be all, Ooglot." Gennedy answered dizzily.

Ooglot complied and closed the door behind him.

Gennedy unpacked his suitcase as he went to his dresser; no point in going to Ever After High if Raven wasn't there. At his dresser he saw the family photos from when he was a student at Ever After High to a photo of him and Raven playing on the beach from last Summer. He picked up the first photo that featured a younger him at Ever After High in white t-shirt, black pants, and a purple flannel shirt, and long black hair. He chuckled at the thought of wondering where his hair went. Beside him were a young Pine Oak, Hopper Croakington (the first), Goldie Loches, and Dashing Charming smiling for the camera. Good frowned when he looked at Dashing Charming now known as King Charming. The next photo featured him, Pink Oak, Ruby Hood, and the Evil Queen, while the others were smiling the Evil Queen had her hood on and was stoic.

'You'll find out soon enough, I just wanted to say thank you for supporting me all these years. I know it wasn't easy for you to raise the future evil queen.'

It was true life wasn't easy for him after he found out he was destined to be the future husband of the future Evil Queen, things went down hill for him. Sure he was still a nice guy and students and teachers respected him, but being the future father of a future villain didn't settle well with a few. Pine Oak stayed by his side no matter what, he became friends with the future Red Riding Hood because she was his future wife's roommate, and Hopper the first and Goldie were still his friends. Sadly, once his destiny was sealed Dashing made it clear they were no longer friends. It still hurt that their friendship ended after something so petty, but that's life.

The next image was of their wedding day with him in a white tuxedo and the Evil Queen in a black dress.

The day was grey with lightning threatening to strike whoever was in its path, but the ceremony was lovely. The dark gothic style church had stone and real gargoyles hanging around, dim candle lights illuminated the room, and everyone silent.

The guest list was composed of family, friends, and all the major villains. Gennedy's parents were there with a few of their servants with stoned expressions on their face, sadly his other family members did not come to his wedding or any other events after. The only members of the Evil Queen that attend were her mother and grandmother who also had stoned expressions on their faces. He tried to get the Charmings and Snow White and her husband to come, in hope of rekindling old friendships and burying the hatchet, but they declined saying they already had plans (AKA THEY DIDN'T WANT TO COME). Hunt Huntsman attend due to being apart of the story due to the future evil queen, but chose to sit next to Gennedy's family. Gennedy knew it was a long shot to invite the Charmings especially after their falling out. He didn't really hold it against Snapdragon not wanting to come after her story was complete, but he did admit to himself before they graduated Snapdragon became a tiny bit bitchy with anything related to the Evil Queen even him. His only friends that showed up were Pine Oak his best man, Rudy Hood who was the maid-of-honor, and Pine Oak's father.

Gennedy stood nervously at the alter in his white suit sweating buckets.

"Man, chill you're doing fine!" Pine Oak said as he patted his friend's forehead with a napkin.

"T-thanks." Gennedy stuttered as he thanked Pine Oak.

Gennedy scanned the room as all eyes were on him. He tried looking at anything else: the floor, the organ, the insanely sharp weapons some of the guest were holding. His eyes went to Ruby who seemed to be starring at Breaker and vise versa. Those two were one of the few that plunged into their story as soon as they graduated. He was glad Breaker wasn't killed, but he did worry about Ruby and him being in the same room. The strangest thing was the two seemed to be smiling at each other.

* Organ Music*

The organ began to play 'Here Comes the Bride', but it sounded more like a funeral march. The guests raised from their seats as a black carpet runner rolled down to the alter. Ravens and crows flew into the church screeching as loud as possible. A couple of flower girls came in throwing dried up blood red, dark purple, and black roses on the floor as a small dragon ring bearer flew down the aisle with two silver wedding rings. Then the moment came as the Evil Queen walked down the aisle. She wore a black wedding dress with purple feathers woven in, black heels that clicked with each step, and a black veil covered her face. Once at the alter Gennedy removed her veil to see his future with the most beautiful woman in all the kingdoms and queendoms of Ever After.

Gennedy put the picture down and picked up the next it was of him, his wife, and their newborn daughter.

Maids and butlers scattered everywhere as they were preparing for the arrival of their future ruler. Bottles cleaned and ready for use, cursed nursey rhymes for storytime, and baby onesies made from the finest of silks.

Gennedy was advised to stay outside the bedroom as his wife gave birth to their child. Gennedy was nervous as hell, he should be besides his wife for the occasion not in the hallway waiting.

"Princess and the pea-butter sandwich, my lord?" Gennedy looked up and saw the new head cook, Cook.

"Thanks, Cook." Gennedy thanked her as he took a bite of the sandwich.

"Nervous?" Cook asked.

"Yeah, it's my first time being a father, I'm nervous as heck." Gennedy answered. "I mean look at my hands, they are shaking!"

"Yeah, those are some shakey hands." Cook agreed.

*UNEARTHLY SCREAM*

"MY WIFE!" Gennedy cried out as he kicked the door and rushed to the Evil Queen's side. "Are you alright my love."

"Am I alright?" The Evil Queen questioned as sweat ran down her face, hair messy, and face red. "Am I alright?!"

The Evil Queen grabbed Gennedy by his collar until they were nose to nose.

"I'm here because of you, you idiot!" The Evil Queen screamed in pain. "I'll see you in Hell! AHH!"

*BABY CRYING*

After, an intense session of labor the baby was born. Both parents relieved the hardest part was over with.

"Congrats you two it's a beautiful baby girl." The doctor said handing the baby over to her parents.

"Of course, she's beautiful, she came from me, you asshole!" The Evil Queen hissed.

Gennedy looked down at the newborn, she was small with greyish purple skin, wisp of black and purple hair on her head, and a pair of beautiful amethyst eyes looked up at him. The baby girl began to giggle as she reached her tiny chubby hands out for him. Once, he held her tiny baby hands she was his forever.

Gennedy placed the photo down and picked up a more recent one. It was of Raven in all her friends: Maddie, Cedar, Cerise, Hunter, Ginger, Apple, Briar, Ashlynn, Blondie, Dexter, Darling, Daring, Hopper, Lizzie, Kitty, Bunny, Alistair, Holly, Poppy, and Rosabella.

He couldn't believe how many friends Raven made this school year, he feared she'd be alone like in elementary and middle school. Now she won Thronecoming Queen, in glee club, yearbook club, and now she was surrounding with loved ones. His smile deflated as he thought she was all alone wherever she was.

SATURDAY

The Good King awoken to the sound of crows cawing and lightning & thunder terrorizing the sky.

' Did I sleep in the clothes I wore yesterday?' Gennedy thought as he looked down at his wrinkled suit.

* BEEP. BEEP. BEEP *

Gennedy picked up his phone to see messages that were about his daughter-

Where she was?

Was she evil?

Why she attacked Daring?

Was she done the rebellion?

Was she turning into her mother?

A scowled formed on his face: how dare these people speak so ill of his daughter!

He was about to chuck the already damaged mirrorphone until a video began to play - It was of the White Family.

Video

Snow White excited out of the limo her signature queen pose and the crowd was eating it up. Gennedy rolled his eyes as he continued to watch the video.

Next, Apple exited the limo next instead of doing her signature princess pose, Apple slowly got unsure of where to go. Usual Apple was model ready for a photo, but now she seemed so small and lost.

Nobody seemed to notice how uncomfortable Apple was even her mother. Gennedy was starting to feel bad for the young princess.

Then a little girl that was dressed like Apple holding a picture, the little girl seemed to be the only solace in the wave of chaos around her. When, the girl handed Apple the picture her smile turned into a frown. Whatever was on the picture had something to do with his daughter and Apple and he were uncomfortable about it. Then, a frenzy of reporters were asking stupid questions about Raven, Gennedy felt his blood was boiling under his skin until -

"ENOUGH!"

Apple's scream that silenced everyone.

"None of you speak ill of Raven ever!" Apple bellowed as she walked to the front of the castle.

Gennedy smiled, he was grateful despite what was going on Apple chose to shut down the ignorant reports and defend Raven.

" 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."

'Of couse, Snapdragon, would say anything to save her reputation.' Gennedy thought.

End Video

Gennedy spent the rest of the day off his phone, TV, computer, anything that would have stories of Raven, the Whites, and the Charmings. But sadly, that made him worry more about Raven.

Cook and Ooglot would ask him simple questions and keep conversations brief and Cook instructed the twins to play in their room all day and not disturb Good King. The villagers did the same; no one spoke about Raven out of respect for Good knowing things weren't easy for him right now.

Gennedy tried countless times trying to get in contact with Raven, only to hear she was unavailable. He left messages asking where she was, was she safe, and he loved her.

SUNDAY

Uusal Gennedy would be sailing enjoying the rough seas, the wind in his sails, and the smell of saltwater. That usually lifted his spirits, but even a favorite hobby would not cure the pain of worrying about a loved one.

Gennedy stayed in his office all day looking out the window until it was noon.

*BOOM*

"That's enough!"

Gennedy turned to see his office door broken in half like a karate board and a furious Cook with a French rolling pin in her hands.

"You need to get some fresh air, I don't want see you moping around or locked up in your office." Cook said while pushing Good out of his office.

"Cook!" Gennedy sputtered "I can't leave, I have paperwork to finish."

"You can do it tomorrow!" Cook countered as she shoved Gennedy out of the castle and locked the door behind him.

"Cook?" Gennedy knocked on the door when it didn't open the first time he pounded rapidly. " Cook let me in!"

"No! I know you're worried about Raven, I'm worried too, but mopping around like a lump on a log ain't gonna make things better. So take a walk or something because you're not allowed back in this castle until suppertime." Shouted from behind the door. "And don't even think about asking Ooglot or the twins to let you in I've bribed them with triple dessert all Summer long."

"Damnit!" Gennedy cursed.

On the Beach

The beach under the castle was owned by the Queen family and private. Or it was until Good King allowed it free to the public after his wife's 'death', still the villagers refused to use the beach due to it being owned for centuries by past evil queens. Ironically, being alone was probably what Gennedy needed right now.

The smell and taste of sea salt, the sound of crashing waves, the cold wind blowing, and the grey sky slowly turning pitch black with diamond stars was what he needed right now, but his thought never detoured of Raven.

His brave little princess out there in the world. Fighting a world that viewed her as wicked, cruel, and evil when what she really was loving, caring, and free. He remembered how brave she was in others doubt her and how she proved them wrong. And when things got tough she didn't back down she bravely fought on and and -

"What am I doing here?" Gennedy said to himself. "Cook's right I shouldn't be here moping around I need to go find my daughter!"

Gennedy gained a wave of confidence as he made his way back to the castle.

Suddenly, Gennedy noticed something in the distance - heading towards him! Gennedy ran out of the way as quickly as he could creating a huge distance from the thing as it collided on the beach.

*CRASH*

The thing that crashed on the beach was a boat that took a huge amount of damage to it. Pieces were scattered everywhere, the sail was cracked in half, and everyone onboard was beyond seasick. Four people crawled their way out of the boat and onto the sandy beach.

"That's not going on the menu!" A dizzy voice stated.

"If I had a stomach I'd be hurling up my guts." A sick voice said.

"Where are we anyway?" Another voice questioned.

"I have no idea." Another voice answered.

"Wait! I hear someone over there!" Another voice said.

Gennedy came running towards them.

"Hello, are you alright?" Gennedy cried out multiply times as he got closer to the group. "Are you alright - Madeline?" The man gasped.

"Hi, Mr. Raven's dad!" Maddie greeted before fainting.

Gennedy scooped Maddie and Earl Grey up as he noticed the other figures approached to see-

"Ruby?" Gennedy cried out.

"Gennedy?" Ruby equally cried out.

"Is Maddie, okay?" Cedar asked with Cerise behind her.

"She's fine, but let's get inside." Gennedy said as he carried Maddie and lead the way to the castle.

Gennedy's blood pumped with every step he took, determination in his eyes, and undying strength in his soul.

'Don't worry Raven, I'll find you and bring you home. No matter what!'

This chapter is dedicated to my uncle who my family lost this last December. He was one of my heroes and I owe a lot to him. He got me into so many fandoms growing up and we would talk about different types of comics and shows growing up. Today is his birthday and I wish he was still here, but I grateful that I got to see him last Thanksgiving and spend time with the rest of my family.

To Uncle B

Son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, friend, fan, and soldier.