Hey everybody! Glad to be starting this whole new chapter? Well, I hope so, because we're diving in. Hopefully you'll all like the direction I'm taking it, since it will end in a bit of a big way. I honestly can't wait to get to it.

Either way, I'll see you all at the end of the chapter!

The events after the taking in of Lord Stoker and the crowning of Vampire Queen Elissabat were… surprising to say the least.

While the kids did make it home fairly quickly after the encounter was over, word spread faster. Though there were some actions taken to suppress their identities, the internet made it fruitless to keep the events under wraps as the arrest of a world leader caught the supernatural communities attention. This led to only a few concrete details to surface.

Stoker was under arrest for charges of fraud, embezzlement, assault, and myriad of others that would make sure he wouldn't get out of jail for a long time. And that he'd most likely spend the maximum amount of it for years.

A bunch of teenagers were able to take them down. No one is able to discern how they did this, or even how they knew the fraud took place, but the fact that it was kids who did it and not the vampire council made up of vampire adults was a worrying thing.

Queen Elissabat, otherwise known as Veronica Von Vamp, was planning on making sweeping changes to the old system with an old friend. And she had a lot to thank when it came to the people that helped take her uncle down.

It was after that that things would get foggy. Descriptions changed on where those kids were before they did this, what they did to take down Stoker, or even how many there were. Though, some people did know, but where much too afraid to say…

"Why is everyone looking at us like that?"

"Ed, we basically stopped a dictator. You know why they're staring at us."

Ed did his best not to catch the eyes of the people in the hallways, keeping them forward. None of the other people were doing the same, which was kind of rude. The whispering wasn't helping either.

Ghoulia took it in stride, having expected the reaction. The rest of the supernatural world may still be in the dark about their identities thanks to the help of Bloodgood (who'd only unleash that information if they pleased), but that didn't mean the others wouldn't be suspicious. And if they weren't, that was because they already knew.

"Yeah, but I didn't think it would be this big of a deal." Ed rubbed the back of his neck, ignoring the buzz of his iCoffin. It'd been ringing every so often due to a text from Nazz, who he was starting to regret giving his number too. "People won't stop staring at me like they want to know if we did it or something. It's weird."

"We did do it, so it's not like it's unwarranted." Ghoulia looked at her own phone, going through the sea of messages before frowning. "Well, that's disappointing. I was hoping they'd make it this year."

"Who would make it to what this year?" Ed desperately, and unsubtly, moved towards the change in subject. "Is there something coming up?"

"Parent's Week. Since a good many students at Monster High have to live at the school when it starts, this means that they usually have to be away from their parents." Ghoulia put the phone away, relieved that the change in subject worked. Now she's got him. "So, they're allowed to visit on Parent's Week, so they aren't totally homesick. Mine can't make it this year, but they promise to make an official visit soon."

"Oh. I guess that makes sense." Ed moved back. He really hoped those invitations weren't automatic. "That's cool. I'm a little disappointed that I won't get to meet yours, though."

Ghoulia had to ignore the phrasing on that. Even if that was a scenario that ran through her head a time or two.

"I'm sure they'd like you well enough. Though, I do wonder how they feel about my activities as of late." Ghoulia mentally calculated what she should say next. "What about your parents? Have they said anything to you about it?"

The zombie hated doing this, but Cleo was right that maybe they should stop treating the issue of the Ed's past with apathy like they had been doing. She knew only the few things that Ed told her, along with whatever details the others were able to get. It didn't paint a very great picture.

"Nope, haven't heard anything from them." Ed let the question roll off of him like water. He didn't look her in the eyes, though, if only for the briefest of seconds. "Nazz is going to break my phone, though. Maybe I should start answering."

Ghoulia sighed. In a rare burst of movement, she was able to get in front of Ed, stopping them both in their tracks. She put a hand on his chest to make sure he actually looked at her directly.

"Ed, I think we need to have a serious talk," The alarm on his face caused her to backpedal, though she remained firm. "You're not in trouble. There's just something I think I've been putting off for way too long."

"If this is about the thing in Mad Science last week, I made sure to stop it from getting out. The teacher even double checked that all samples were burned." Ed waved his hands in front of his face. "Honest, I swear!"

"Ed, I'm not talking about that," Ghoulia put a finger to his lips, shutting him up. "I'm talking about you. I've known you- and the others- for months now and there's one thing me and the girls have realized; we don't know much about you at all."

"Well…" Ed tried starting the sentence, only realizing too late that he had no idea what he was actually going to say. "…that's true, but it's not like anyone's got a lot of time to ask. We've been pretty busy with everything, haven't we?"

"You have a point, but there's also the fact that sometimes you happen to engineer some of those situations. Or, at the very least, get us involved with fixing some." Ghoulia stopped for a second. It would be a bit underhanded, but maybe… "Ed, we're close, right? Maybe not like you are with Eddy and Double D, but at least somewhat?"

"Yeah. I think we're definitely close. I don't usually get to talk to people a lot about stuff I like, and you're willing to listen." Ed wasn't sure where this was going. This all felt weird to him. "We work well together too, even if I just have to be the muscle."

"I've been wanting to be… closer for a while now. I'm not sure if that's the right way to say it, but that's how I feel." The zombie paused, noting the reaction. He seemed to understand, but not fully. "The only reason I'm not doing anything about it is because I know you're hiding some stuff from me. And it's obviously effecting you and your friends."

Ed actually took a step back at the mention of that, face twisting. The zombie felt her heart drop, wondering if she'd overstepped. Or maybe this wasn't the right time to confess something like this.

"Ghoulia, it's not that- it's not like," Ed took a very deep breath when he stopped. "I never thought about that kind of thing before, but I can- well, I wouldn't mind that. With you. But the things you're talking about aren't just my things."

"Then can you, maybe, try and talk it out with your friends?" Ghoulia felt a bit relieved, even elated, before remembering the exact stipulations of it. "I understand, but please. If not for that, then for the rest of our friends?"

Ed gulped, not looking her in the eye as he nodded. He turned around then, putting his hands his pockets as he sped away fast enough so she wouldn't try to catch up, but slow enough not to catch attention.

Ghoulia sighed as she watched him leave. That was a victory, in a way, with confirmation that one of them would like to talk. And a point that he wasn't averse to the idea of dating. But she still felt like it wasn't going to happen as soon as she wanted. She'd tell it to the others about this and keep the latter part to herself if she could.

Meanwhile, as Ed walked away, a storm of feelings fluttered in his chest and thoughts a whirlwind in his mind. That confrontation had surprised him, and he didn't know how to deal with it. So many things at once made him anxious and he didn't want to think about at it.

And with a deep breath, and count to three, he shut his emotions down before moving on like he's done many different times before. He had work to do, anyway.

Double D was having an eventful day today, and he quite honestly hoping that would stop sometime soon. However, since he had to start it by finding out that the Wi-Fi was down and figured out it was purposefully taken down by a teacher, it wasn't going to happen.

At least Mr. Rumpelstiltskin was being fired for it. Watching the sadistic dwarf being dragged off the school premises was very satisfying.

"You can't do this to me! I have tenure!" Rumpelstiltskin was literally being dragged and was doing everything in his power to prevent it from happening. His hands caught on every brick he could find, only stopping to point an accusing finger at Double D. "You're standing in the way of results, boy! How well do you think people will do without me here?"

"They'll probably get a lot more sleep and not have an anxiety attack whenever the words pop quiz come out of anyone's mouth." Double D didn't have any sympathy for him. There was pushing people to work hard, and then there was actively wrecking their education. "Have fun with all of the lawsuits I'm sure the parents will start sending."

The ex-teacher kept throwing insults around in his embarrassing mental breakdown that was frankly embarrassing. Some people might've been crying in joy as he left, which frankly said much more than any accusation that was coming his way now.

"Why is everyone celebrating so much?" Clawdeen was just plain confused at the sight of all of these people weeping. "They're acting like they just had their wishes come true and it was paid in full."

"Rumpelstiltskin is finally out of office and people may be getting emotional about it." Double D rolled his eyes as someone nearly fainted. Now that was just dramatic. "I may have found him destroying our Wi-Fi and may have lectured him long enough to make him cry. It's honestly a long story."

"I would love to hear it if I didn't desperately need your help right now." Clawdeen went behind him, putting her hands on his shoulders and pushing him away. "I need your help with my parents. They're here and I do not want them to embarrass me too much."

"Your parents are here? Why- Oh. It must be Parent's Week." Double D sighed, just going along with the pushing. He was always curious what kind of people his friends had for parents. "I honestly forgot about that. I'm guessing they're the gushing type."

"Yeah. But they're also kinda," Clawdeen looked around him for a second, wincing. "The overprotective type."

Double D was able to get a glimpse at Clawdeen's parents, who were actively chatting with Maddie's father. He could honestly see the relation just by appearances alone, and the fact they shared the same perplexed expression their daughter had when Maddie said something particularly strange. Maddie seemed to be enjoying this as Cerise, by herself, just watched with some horrified curiosity.

"…Okay, maybe I can help. At the very least I can make sure Maddie's father doesn't scare them off." Double D gave the werewolf a rest and actually decided to use his feet for once. He could hear what the Mad Hatter was talking about but didn't understand a word. "Or he might drive them mad. Whatever happens first."

The others saw them coming, both waving them down as they came close. Maddie seemed excited, though Cerise's reaction was a bit muted.

"Hey, guys! How's it going?" Maddie dashed forward, giving them both a hug before stepping back. "My dad's been having a really good conversation with your parents, Clawdeen. I'm surprised they've talked this long without needing our help."

"I'm pretty sure your dad is doing most of it, but they do seem to be paying attention." Cerise didn't seem to be making heads or tails of it either, judging from by her reaction. "I think they're just surprised how your dad so… energetic."

"I know, isn't it wonderful!" Maddie hugged Cerise too, much to the hooded girl's embarrassment. Guess she was in an affectionate mood today. "It's been hard for him to make any adult friends. Maybe this Parent's Week he can actually get to work outside of the Tea Shoppe."

"You really need to stop talking like you're his parent." Cerise patted the girls back before giving them a pleading look. "Mind introducing yourself? I don't know if the Wolf's can take it much longer."

Double D rolled his eyes, finding that all bit hyperbolic. He did move with the others near the trio of parents. The Hatter's eyes caught their movement easily and somehow his smile got even bigger.

"Ah, kids! It's been way too long. Or has it not been long enough?" The Hatter laughed at the joke that he only he understood, putting his hand out there. "I'm not sure if we've been properly introduced. Mad Hatter, at your service."

"Mr. Hatter, we've met several times already. We've been to your shop lots of times." Clawdeen was not willing to explain she practically developed a caffeine addiction because of it in front of her parents. "You also helped out with those parties in the beginning of the year."

"Ah, but I was never shown directly. I was more implied." The Hatter took off his hat, putting it over his chest with a sigh. "Unfortunately, it took hundreds of thousands of words for me to actually appear. I'd be sad if this wasn't because I wasn't the main focus."

No one had any idea what he was talking about, but the fact that it made sense in some dark part of their minds scared them. Double D turned to the Wolf's, deciding to change the subject.

"And you must be Clawdeen's mother and father. Sorry that we haven't been able to meet sooner, but things have been a little nuts." Double D really hoped that they didn't know about the political maneuvering they did not that long ago. "You know how it is, most likely."

"So," Clawdeen's dad narrowed his eyes a little bit, grabbing onto the boy's hand forcefully. "You're the kid that made my daughter a weapon?"

Well, Double D's hopes were short lived.

"Howltzer, what did I say about lecturing the first boy you see talking to our daughter? Even if he happens to be a arms dealer." Clawdeen's mother flicked her husband's nose, eliciting a whine. She shook his hand next with a slightly nicer tone. "I'm Harriet. Sorry, my husband has been a little concerned about the fact our daughter can probably bench lift his car now without a thought."

"Hey, I only did that one time, and that's because I was curious." Clawdeen leaned back at the deadpan look her parents gave her. "…The fact that I dropped it was Howleen's fault. She shouldn't have tried to beg me for my friends' autographs to sell online."

"People want our autographs?" Cerise frowned, that fact sending a shiver down her spine. "Dear god, please tell me you didn't give her any."

"It's not like she would've gotten far, considering the suspension got screwed over." Howltzer mumbled. It looks like his previous aggression was more of an act, judging from the sigh he gave. "Then again, we were going to need a bigger car anyway. We're done having kids, but that doesn't mean any of the older ones know how to drive."

"I don't either, but that's because they banned me from getting behind the wheel for a year." Maddie narrowed her eyes and pointed a finger in the air. "Which is really rude, as I only did one flip during my driving test."

"…I worry about you Mads. I really do." Clawdeen wasn't sure if this was going well or not. At least Double D made a good first impression. "Maybe we can go to the Shoppe? If it's open, I mean."

"Oh, it's always open! I actually really should lock up the place sometimes, but the place almost has a mind of its own." Mr. Hatter didn't bother explaining what that meant. "I've been meaning to test out a few flavors anyway. Hope you like the taste of a fresh summers day, because I've failed at it every time so far!"

The group followed him, some reluctantly, other excitedly. Double D smiled at the quirkiness of the situation and how close everyone was, but something decidedly felt… off to him. Something twisted in his chest, and he wasn't sure why.

"Everything okay, dude?"

Double D blinked, snapping out of his funk. He wasn't sure how long he was standing there.

"Sorry about that, Cerise. Not sure what took hold of me there." Double D did his best to smile, realizing he had been… it wasn't important. "I'll make sure that doesn't happen again."

"It better not. Unfortunately, my mom wants to meet. And my sister too." Cerise punched the boy in the arm before following the others. "And trust me, she isn't happy about anything right now, even if she's out of that juvenile school."

…Great. Looks like his day was only going to be more hectic.

Eddy frowned at as he did his best to navigate through all the hoity-toity people dressed to the nines in a school cafeteria. God, did no one here understand casual clothing? Did they sleep in ball gowns around here?

He wasn't asking these questions because he felt underdressed, no sir. He was just raising a good point as he had to find his friends.

He really hated Parent's Week.

Eddy finally caught sight of Raven, Apple, and Cleo as they talked calmly. He could see another, older mummy that he noted was probably Nefera, and a woman who looked more like Snow White than Apple did.

"Oh thank god- Eddy, over here!" Raven never looked more desperate than she did now, and that almost made him turn tail and run. "We were just having a fascinating conversation."

"If you can call talking about kingdom management fascinating." Cleo sipped her drink with barely concealed irritation. "Even though one of them isn't even on the throne yet…"

"Cleo, please hold off on fighting your sister. I really want this to be a good first impression for my mom." Apple elbowed the mummy slightly as she said this, keeping her voice low. "That goes for you too, Eddy."

"I'm not going to promise anything without a formal contract in front of me." Eddy smirked, glad to have his humor back. Guess he really was bouncing back from that episode earlier. "Get me one and I might consider it before burning it up."

Eddy saw Cleo roll her eyes, which amused him greatly. Looks like he was back for good now. He turned towards the older women, smiling crookedly as he looked them over.

"I'm gonna guess you two are Nefera and Queen White." Eddy wasn't sure what to make of the two. The mummy somehow looked more stuck up than Cleo was at the beginning of the year, and White looked off to him. "I've heard plenty of things about you."

"Of course you have. I'd be surprised that you haven't." Nefera started, and oh, Eddy was already targeting her in his mind. "I'm guessing you're the gremlin that seems to have latched onto my sister's heel."

"…Sister, you haven't watched the news at all, have you?" Cleo asked that before shaking her head. "No, wait, that wouldn't work with you. You never watch anything that isn't related to you at all."

"Excuse you, I also watch the stock market when it comes to daddy's company." Nefera barely touched Eddy's hand, giving it a limp shake. She was acting like he was diseased. "Considering I'm next in line for my father's throne, I'm sure you're charmed to meet me."

"Not really, no." Eddy raised an eyebrow before going for the smarmy remark. "And isn't that title not even real since your dad doesn't run a kingdom and is immortal, meaning you won't ever get it through succession?"

"…Huh?"

"Nothing." Eddy decided to grab onto Snow White's hand instead, who was just watching this all with an intrigued look. "And you're Apple's mother, I'm guessing?"

"Why, yes. The family resemblance is strong between us, isn't it?" Snow White gave a side hug to her daughter, which Apple seemed eager to return. Something about it spoke desperate. "I'm sometimes told we look like sisters."

"I'm sure you are." Eddy fought back the urge to roll his eyes. "If you don't mind, can I borrow these three for a little bit? Grimm wanted me to talk to them about something."

"Oh, that's quite alright. I'll make sure to get out of your hair." Snow White took Nefera by the shoulder, leading the girl away. "Let's go, dear, I was hoping to talk to your father about some business deals. And Apple, make sure to stay away from the carbohydrates!"

"I will!" Apple sighed as soon as her mother left, giving Eddy and impressed look. "I'm surprised you behaved that long. I was almost afraid you'd say something to offend her."

"Well, I can't exactly ask her why she seems to be a living Barbie doll, can I?" Eddy ignored the sound of Apple choking on her drink turning to the others. "Apparently our beloved headmaster wants to talk to you at some point. I think we both know what it is."

"Oh god, not again. I'm really starting to get tired of going to his office. I swear, I came in early one time, and he was playing with some plastic unicorns." Raven zipped Eddy's mouth up with magic. "And no, I'm not going to let you use that as blackmail at some point. He'll know it was me who told you and he'd probably congratulate me."

"What is it he wanted to talk about to the rest of us, anyway?" Cleo was pretty glad that Nefera wasn't close by anymore, if only for a moment. "If it keeps me away from my family, I'm all for it."

"Oh, wait, is it about Thronecoming? I almost forgot about that!" Apple clapped her hands, bouncing on her feet. "I've been waiting all year for it! You know I'm in the committee planning for it, right?"

"You're literally involved in every club or committee, Princess. I don't even know how you have free time." Eddy felt something drop when he actually thought about the name. "Is that a dance or something? It's a homecoming dance. Of course it's also a pun."

"Isn't it also when you all have a 'second chance' to sign that book again?" At Raven and Eddy's groans, Cloe nodded to herself. "Looks like I was correct. Planning on signing your soul away, Raven?"

"No, and don't give me that look, Apple." Raven put her hand up in front of her roommates face before she could talk. "And don't try and start with that disappearing story thing. I had to hear about it from your mom already and I don't want a repeat."

"You know, you haven't really told us your story yet, Eddy. This is a perfect time for you to sign up too." Cleo raised an eyebrow. It was something that she realized not long after swearing to find out more about the Ed's. "Do you at least have an idea?"

"Eh, I never said I'd sign the book. Nobody's given me a good enough argument." Eddy swiftly dodged the question, deciding to change the subject. "Not that I particularly care, but how's Charmless doing? I haven't heard from him in a while."

"Oh, he's trying to join some local competitions, especially with his father coming to town. Not sure what he's going to be competing in." Apple leaned in, frowning gently. "I think you're stealing his thunder a bit. People haven't talked about him as much as you are lately."

"Good. No offense, but your 'fiancée' really needs to get some time off as top dog." Raven shrugged. "Hopefully, he doesn't try doing something too stupid."

Apple laughed, though it came out a little high as she mulled that thought over. Maye she should check up on him soon. They hadn't talked in a while despite being destined for each other, and that wasn't exactly good if she wanted to keep her story together at this rate.

And she really, really needed to make it look like it was with her mother around.

In a deep part of the castle that was Ever After High, a man scurried around a workspace, moving from place to place in a frantic rush. A mirror pulsed as he did so, giving him only the barest hints of light as he tried gathering scattered pages littering the floor.

The man didn't know what was going to happen next, but the hex placed on the mirror told him something was happening soon. Someone was planning something, and they were moving forward with it after waiting for a long time. The man could only keep mumbling to himself, gathering his research for a meeting he was expecting to come sooner than he would've liked.

And, if anyone had been there, and if they had been listening closely, they would've heard that he was speaking in riddles.

It's not an exciting start, but I think I've given you guys plenty to start with. It's all going to get crazier from here and I hope you're prepared for it. Hopefully you'll enjoy it anyway.

Thank you and I'll see you next chapter.