"Legacy Day. The day that everyone had either been excited or nervous due to the responsibilities the students would have to follow once they graduate from Ever After High. Each of them preparing for the road ahead as well seeing their parents embrace their own destinies, someone of them were having an issue in discovering them for themselves. Apple White, the future queen of the enchanted kingdom whose destiny lies with Raven Queen, who believes she can avoid becoming the future queen of evil and ruin the chance of herself becoming a queen for good. Prince Adam of Eternos, who had accepted another fate in becoming the champion of Grayskull and been given the duty of preventing the possibility of havoc returning back to Eternia by being wielded by his cousin, Keldor. While the four may have nothing in common with the night approaching them, their paths will eventually meet to a road they will share. Either for the betterment of their kingdoms and Eternia, or to its destruction."
Afternoon-Ever After High
There was much celebration happening around the outside of the school with royal families coming from both kingdoms to see their children. It was also not just royal families but ordinary ones that were celebrating their kids becoming important figures in the near future, especially Krass. Whose parents rushed over and hugged their son as well as cracked his back to their immense strength that he got from the two of them.
"Mom. You're squeezing me too much."
Krass told his mom as his father had half of the strength his wife had as she lets go to still congratulate her boy on writing his name in the storybook of legends. Most of the Eternian's parents were meeting their kids, just as the enchanted kingdom's kids were meeting up with theirs which felt had been ages since they'd last seen them. Adam on the other hand was waiting to see his parents who were running late since they had to finish several things in Eternos before making their way to Ever After High.
"It's quite a collection of parents, don't you think?"
Someone spoke from behind the prince which was Raven, who herself had no one to see due to having her mother imprisoned and a father she didn't know while she was growing up. Adam couldn't help himself but nod to her statement since it was good to see everyone's parents meet each other and congratulate their kids for what was a special occasion.
"I'm sure things will get exciting tonight with their kids signing their names in the book. Speaking of which, have you found out about what's happening with your story?"
He asked if Raven had found a solution that could ease her problem for becoming the future evil queen of the enchanted kingdom. Raven gave Adam a discomforting look of confusion since she didn't know what could happen tonight, especially how she didn't told him about meeting Headmaster Grimm's brother who was living underneath the school.
"What about you and Keldor? Last I heard from Blondie, she wrote about how he might on the path evil with those pranks of his."
She brought up his cousin and his descent into villainy due to his constant use of the ram staff and havoc magic. He didn't tell her that since it would make Raven speculate about him taking her place as a replacement of evil ruler.
"Let's just say that I'm trying my best to stop him before he goes overboard. But I can't find him, when I woke up he was gone. Me and the others have been at it for an hour before we could find him."
Adam answered that Keldor had vanished from out of sight as well being unable to tell the headmaster due to it causing panic amongst the faculty and the students. Raven could understand about hiding away from people since she just did it yesterday with Apple after trying to talk to her. Just as the two had seemed to have told each other their issues, they heard the sound of an incoming vehicle approaching the school grounds. Seeing the incoming vehicle, it was Adam's parents arriving with several royal guards by their side. Landing in front of the school, the two teens soon see king Randor and queen Marlena stepping out to see their son waiting to greet the pair.
"Hi dad, hi mom."
He greeted the two as Adam walked up about to hug them so he could welcome them to Ever After High, he instead was greeted by an unexpected surprise from Cringer who came from behind the two adults and latched onto Adam in a scared manner.
"Cringer didn't want to be alone back at the castle so he sneaked in the shuttle and I had to settle his nerves."
Queen Marlena explained about Adam's companion of being left alone back home and wanting to be around familiar company. It felt seeing Cringer again after some time and missed his scaredy personality, the cat relaxing in Adam's arms noticed Raven who gave the feline a friendly smile which caused the cat to shriek at the sight of her and buried his claws into Adam's back.
"Don't worry Raven. It's not you, Cringer is scared of almost everything when he was just a cub."
Adam told her how she wasn't the reason why his companion was afraid since Raven thought it might have been because the animal knew of her evil heritage. Deciding to show the feline that she wasn't scary or would attempt to hurt him, Raven carefully strokes Cringer's back in a soft manner which caused the cat to pull back his claws of Adam and gently go to the ground as well purrs towards the girl's touch. Randor and Marlena watched this display of affection in a surprised expression since from how headmaster Grimm had told about the daughter of the evil queen attending here, she'd be just as evil as her mother. Yet they were looking at ordinary girl that seemed normal like the people back in their kingdom.
"It's been a while since Cringer had relaxed from touching his back. You must have quite the talent from calming animals like him."
Marlena complimented Raven on her technique in soothing Cringer's frightened nature as it caused the cat to hide behind her which took the girl by surprise on how quickly he enjoyed her company. Raven felt embarrassed by being greeted by a queen and not being intimidated since Grimm might have told them about her.
"Thank you, your majesty. It's a pleasure to meet you both, as well not seeing anyone turn away despite my family's history."
Raven greeted the two with respect and tried to be polite since if Adam seemed to be cool with her, then it could be possible he got it from the both of them. Randor could tell from how Raven was acting that she didn't want to upset them, though he expressed a smile towards her not minding the company.
"From what I've been hearing you're supposed to be a troublemaker. But all I see is just a girl that needs company, possibly someone to keep Adam in check since he'll eventually run Eternos. Maybe even as an advisor."
He suggested which embarrassed Adam on offering Raven the chance to join them at the castle which seemed like a perfect fit for her since it could prove to everyone she could be good. Before continuing with their conversation, they noticed headmaster Grimm walking over towards the royal couple as well as look towards Raven in keeping her distance from the two.
"It's such an honor in seeing one of the well known families of Eternia attending Legacy Day. I assure you that it will be an event for both our kingdoms."
Expressing an enthusiastic tone in being welcomed to Ever After High along assuring them that things would go as plan for the moment. Guiding the two around the school grounds to meet the other's parents of the enchanted kingdom. With his parents gone and relived that they didn't bring up the whereabouts of Keldor. Adam noticed that Raven's eyes were glowing in anger for how Grimm stared at her to keep quiet in front of the two.
"Raven?"
Adam called out her name which broke her moment of anger as she realized that her magic was getting powerful each day. Especially if it involved her emotions going from scared to agitated, as well as having unpredictable outcomes when she used it.
"Almost lost my head for a second. Hopefully that doesn't happen tonight, that's if I can do this."
Raven responded with an unsure tone in her voice about writing her name in the book and taking up her mother's role. It still bothered Raven after meeting Giles Grimm and not knowing what would happen if she signed her name. With the moment settling and looking around to see things relaxing and the parents heading into the school for beverages, the two followed them so they could join with their friends so they could meet their parents and see the excitement of what they'll children will be doing tonight. Meanwhile to no one's attention behind the tree's was Evelyn watching the arrival of the royal families as well as Adam's parents arriving.
"If my dad had the chance to be here. He'd make everyone freak out, but it looks like you can do that better than he could."
She jested towards the person that she was with which was Keldor who was hiding behind the tree to keep himself from being seen. Coming out of hiding, Keldor's blue eyes had changed to red and filled with ambition with Legacy Day happening tonight.
"So many people coming tonight. So many stories being written to help the future of both lands, but it seems like I don't have one since my stay here. Don't you agree?"
Keldor asked Evelyn that their classmates including herself has a story they will be fulling once they write their names in the book. Though he hasn't found his story yet, especially how Adam believed that he could help protect Eternos as well the rest of Eternia from future dark forces that would threaten the peace.
"What do you have in mind then? If I'm curious to ask since you've got a look of starting trouble."
Evelyn questioned the boy as he looked towards his ram staff and saw the top glowing in a wicked manner as Keldor laughed in amusement of an idea coming into his head. In which could benefit himself and others like him who despite growing up around incredible moments in their life, they can have their own story.
"There is something I have in store. But I just need to know if I pull this off, would you be willing to be partners in future endeavors?"
He offered her that of a partnership in the plan he'd do tonight which caught her attention of what could happen with everyone signing the Storybook of Legends. Pulling out her scepter and showing off her own magic, Evelyn was more than willing to cause trouble if it meant getting them whatever she desired. Tapping her orb against the ram's skull to show her interested in whatever he had plan if things went smoothly tonight. Keldor smiled in a sly manner that if what he planned on doing worked, then they could be the ones to control anyone's stories without others telling them what it be. The only thing that could pose troubling would be Adam, hopefully he'll stay out of the way for the good of Eternia.
Night Time-Royal Courtyard
With the day going away quickly and the moon shinning over Ever After High, everyone had been gathered to the courtyard where numerous students and their families were looking at the stage where headmaster Grimm was standing at the podium where he greeted everyone as well ready to announce the start of Legacy Day. There were a set of large mirrors that had been enchanted to hover over the stage as it showed Milton's face as he prepared his speech, he had ready for the occasion.
"For a time in the Enchanted Kingdom. Our stories had shaped the land as well as its inhabitants to learn the morals of right and wrong, to that of helping one another in fighting things that no man nor woman could imagine."
He started off with how things were back in the Enchanted Kingdom. The mirrors above him began to dissolve his face to show images of famous figures of their homeland to people including Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming who all had a hand in shaping the kingdom to becoming what it is again. Everyone applauded to the sight as the audience stopped quickly as the images of the mirrors changed into a face which was the Evil Queen.
"Things changed however when the Evil Queen decided to extend her power to an unknown land we'd never think would exist. A world of its own heroes and villains, in which. Our kingdoms formed a great alliance and vanquished her as well as her forces who wanted to harm the people and land we care for."
Describing how the queen made her arrival to Eternia using the darkest and volatile magic of their kingdom to come here. Only for her and other villains of their kingdom to be stopped by Randor and other families who stood against her tyranny. The people of Eternia accepted the graduate as well being applauded by others from the Enchanted Kingdom for their efforts in fighting a foe that wasn't from their homeland.
"Which is why tonight. Will be the first for Eternia to participate in signing their names in the Storybook of Legends. There, they will shape the world of Eternia. And bring a new generation of stories for everyone to hear and know for centuries to come!"
Headmaster Grimm announced as several fireworks went off to start the ceremony tonight as everyone cheered for the light show they were being given. Meanwhile behind the stage was Adam who had been given a new set of clothing that would make him appear as the king of Eternos. Taking a moment to look over the side of the stage, he saw Teela who was sitting by her dad as well as the rest of his friends that waved at him softly, so they didn't get him in trouble.
"You look amazing in your clothing Adam. Or king Adam when it's over."
He heard a compliment from behind as it was Apple White wearing her own royal garments for tonight as she was a sight to see. Having her own crown over her blonde hair and appearing in a color palette of red and white. Adam could see she'd prepared herself for her future along how'd she appears to her future subjects.
"Same as you Apple, or Queen Apple White since your going be queen when you sign your name in the book."
Adam complimented at her for being ready at the story she'd follow and the responsibilities she'd take once the night was finished. While she thanked him for the kind words, Apple noticed by his side was the sword he'd been carrying around since the first day she'd met him at Ever After High.
"I don't think you'll need to be armed for tonight. Nothing bad happens at these events."
She assured him about nothing terrible happening and things going smoothly with them writing their names in the book. Despite feeling a moment of peace with everyone attending the event, Adam's instinct couldn't let him leave his sword alone due to what it could do to anyone and possibly the need for He Man to make an appearance if anything happens. His thinking came in the form of someone else coming towards the two which was Raven Queen wearing her own custom made dress. It displayed a villainous look that would represent what she'd appear when Raven would right her name in the book, though the look on her face showed a different look of not enjoying the moment.
"Raven! You look incredibly wicked, maybe even better look than your mother. When we finished writing our names in the book, we can celebrate our future stories together."
Apple complimented Raven's look despite how her story would lead her to causing discomfort towards others and eventually poisoning the future queen of the Enchanted Kingdom. Despite that, the princess saw no issue and saw Raven as a friend through and through. Taking a moment to get herself ready, Adam walked over to check on Raven to see if she was doing alright or if she knew if there was any sign of Keldor.
"I haven't been able to find your cousin. But I guess with what he's been doing he doesn't want anyone to see him, I wish I can do the same."
Raven spoke in sadness that it seemed unlikely for her to escape her destiny as well the fate that was ahead of her. While Adam had already been given a destiny by the sorceress to be the champion of Castle Grayskull and Eternia. That didn't change who was on the inside or how others see him despite keeping it a secret from everyone.
"You might think that. But there's always way out of things, even if it's impossible. That's what Orko said about there being other worlds than Eternia, it's a big universe if you decide to travel on your own than just follow someone's directions."
He offered some advice that could help Raven with what was being ready for her and the future ahead. With that being said and hearing the audience quieting down from the headmaster's talking, Milton looked over to the side to start bringing up the students. The three made their way up onto the stage where they saw numerous families and friends cheering for them, mostly for Adam and Apple while Raven received only glares due to what she'll be responsible for once she'd become the new Evil Queen.
"Up first. Apple White."
Headmaster Grimm announced as the girl waved at Raven and Adam to wish them good luck before heading over to wave fairly towards the audience and making her way towards the book. Looking straight forward and smiling in a confident manner, Apple was ready to announce to both kingdoms on who she is and what everyone would expect from her.
"I am Apple White. Daughter of Snow White, and I am ready to pledge my destiny."
She introduced herself towards the crowd and the numerous royal families she'd meet once she became the queen of the Enchanted Kingdom. Looking towards the book, it gave her a key that allowed Apple to unlock its pages and see what awaited her. Opening the cover, Apple saw her life as it showed Raven poisoning her with several apples, this soon led to Daring to kiss her and becoming a couple. It then changes to seeing a future version of herself looking over the kingdom and being seen as a majestic ruler. The images went away to show an inked feather which would allow her to write her name, to which she does so quickly as her name was now written in the Storybook of Legends. Everyone cheered for the future queen as well as the goodness Apple would bring to everyone, with that being settled. Milton Grimm looked over to Adam and Raven to tell who would go next.
"Next, Raven Queen."
He said lowly in the hopes that Raven would follow tradition and write her name in the book to prevent ceasing to exist. The atmospheres went silent when Raven walked up to the podium as well as seeing hundreds of people looking at her with different expressions. Most of them were either afraid or upset that she'd be the one attacking them in the near future. While others were future villains and troublemakers ready to serve under her. Taking one more look at Adam to see the look on his face, the prince only hope for what she thought would be best for her and that of the people around her as she looked back at the crowd.
"I am Raven Queen, Daughter of the Evil Queen. And I am ready, to pledge."
Raven stopped in mid-sentence at the anxiety that was building up from inside of her with what was happening. From the headmaster in staring at her in a serious tone to signing the book to Apple excited in seeing her friend preparing to become the evil queen. Raven saw a key presented before her as she soon opens the book to see what her future had planned out. It showed her poisoning Apple to then being chased out of the kingdom by the people. Soon enough, Raven meets other villains from her kingdom and Eternia as well begin attacking everyone around her. She then sees a reflection of her future self which showed Raven as a dark and terrible woman, just like her mother.
"No."
She thought to herself before seeing the image going away and changing to a feather quill for her to write in the book. Hesitating at accepting her responsibility and to the suffering she'd cause to both kingdoms, it left Raven to turn her shaking hand into a fist before moving away which caused the feather to disappear in front of her.
"I am Raven Queen. And I'm going write my own destiny, my happily ever after starts now!"
Yelling towards the crowd before slamming the cover of the book hard enough to cause the large mirrors above her to shatter instantly at her rejection. Acting without hesitating, Adam ran over to protect her from the falling shards. Though they disappeared on impact just as they were about to land on them. Taking a moment to see how they weren't torn to shreds, Adam realized something before taking a moment to accept what Raven had just done.
"You're not disappearing. Your still here, which means. You lied to us!"
Adam accused the headmaster on if anyone didn't write their name in the book they'd cease to exist and disappear. Before the headmaster could respond to the accusation, it caused an uproar from the royal families when they heard about Grimm lying to them.
"How could you do this?!"
Apple asked Raven at her not signing her name costing her the right to rule the Enchanted Kingdom as half of the crowd started to boo at Raven for what she did. Adam wanted to try and get his parents to help settle the crowd before things went awry, but before anyone could do anything. Raven in anger and frustration felt her body burning at the magic building up from within.
"Hold everything!"
She announced as a purple light blinded everyone along a wave of magic going across from the stage and that the audience as it caused them to freeze in place. Feeling her panic going away and the shouting ceasing, Raven took a moment to look at her hands to see them shaking at the feat that she had done.
"How did you do that?"
Someone asked her as Raven looked to see Adam unaffected by the magic and able to move than everyone else. Unsure of how to answer it, Adam's sword started to make a ringing sound as it seemed his sword had absorbed the wave of magic before it affected him. With it just being the two of them standing at the stage, they heard footsteps coming down the lane as it was Keldor in his own type of clothing showing a royal appearance.
"Bravo. Raven Queen, to possibly the one girl to stand against destiny itself. But you should know better that destiny. Always has something in store for others."
Keldor congratulated her before showing his red eyes towards the two which made them move away at how his magic had started to affect. Even to the point where his skeleton hand started to change his entire arm into a skeleton.
"She did this by accident, what's happening to you is the magic you've been using. It's called Havoc, your parents used it when they served the dark forces centuries ago. No one can control it."
Adam tried to explain to his cousin about what was happening to him which made the boy glare at him for his accusation. Especially looking at his ram staff to see he was correct, and that the magic within him started to change his thoughts as well perspective of things.
"Maybe. But I think it's what my parents wanted for me, to be stronger than everyone. Even to that of the council of elders who vanished off Eternia as well as leaving their artifacts to the sands!"
Keldor shouted as he fired off a bolt at the two as they moved away from being struck by. Surprised at his projectile attack, he smirked madly at his new ability before turning his attention at Raven since he was impressed with what she had done.
"We should work together. You've already a new story, we can make one so that everyone can choose who they'll be and no one objected us. We can rule both worlds."
He offered a deal for Raven since no one could be friends with her on not signing her name and accepting her destiny. Looking over to Apple and seeing that she didn't want this to happen, the girl looked over at Keldor who wouldn't fall for his offer and stood her ground against his mad offer.
"With that your look your giving me, it seems I'm alone. No matter, I'll just take the book and be on my way. Sadly, you both won't be around to see the stories I'll help make."
Stating to them before aiming his ram staff at Raven as he fired off a beam of energy towards the girl. Before she could react, Adam rushed over and blocked the attack with his sword as he could feel the weight of the havoc magic coming down on him. Struggling to stand against his cousin, he had no choice but to change in order to stop his cousin from putting anyone else in danger.
"By the power of Grayskull. I have the power!"
Announcing in the air before deflecting the beam of magic into the air as a bolt of lightning struck down onto Adam. Smoke covered the stage as Raven and Keldor look though it to see He Man standing where Adam was, to which he held his sword at Keldor prepared to handle whatever havoc magic he'd use on them. Keldor on the other hand looked at him in a fit of jealousy and anger for what was in front of him.
"You? You have the powers of the elders? I should be the one to have it!"
Keldor accusing him of being given the blessing of the council as he charges toward He Man with the attempt of taking the sword from him. Having the chance to regain control over her own magic, Raven stopped him as she gave the champion the chance to cut the staff into two. It caused a small implosion to send the three of them at a distant from one another. With Keldor hitting the podium and having the book land on his lap, he looked over to see He Man and Raven standing back up and readying themselves to stop him.
"It's over Keldor. You need help."
Raven offered him a choice in what was happening and the person he was becoming. He Man himself kept his sword aimed at Keldor if he attempted to run off with the book. The boy merely laughs in a mad laughter before grabbing the broken ram staff and putting it back together.
"What I need, is a story. And I'm getting mine this very night!"
He proclaimed before opening the book and using havoc magic to forge his own story. Just as he attempted to write his name in the book, the magic from it reflected onto Keldor and consumed him in his own magic. Yelling in pain at what was happening and a green fog covering him, the two couldn't see his body but that of his red eyes staring at them. With the smoke clearing, Keldor had suddenly vanished as well as leaving the book behind. He Man went off to try and find Keldor if he was around the stage while Raven decided to comfort Apple by removing the spell off her and explain her actions.
"I'm sorry Apple. But I'm not going let anyone tell me who I'm going to be, I want to find that on my own. Everyone can do it, even you."
She explained to what she wanted for herself and how it was possible for everyone in making their own stories. Apple looked at the destroyed stage and that of the warrior that save her friends in the enchanted forest being here.
"But I didn't want to choose, I like what I had. And because what you've done right now? Anything can happen. As well as everyone's stories changing, possibly endangering both kingdoms."
Apple responded that despite what Raven did was to avoid being given a role she didn't want. She had set of a chain of events that could upset the balance of stories to be told and allowing anyone to takeover and be whoever they desire. Raven wanted to assure that it be alright, but Apple refused and ran away to what was happening around her. He Man walked up to the stage to confirm that he couldn't find Keldor while also seeing the future queen of the Enchanted Kingdom running off after what happened.
"I guess whatever happens we have to be ready for it, right?"
He man suggested for the coming weeks ahead will involve her being questioned and despised for standing against destiny. However, Raven knew she wouldn't be alone in this as well have others who would want to make their own stories. The only thing she could hope was that no one would use it for themselves and bring discord to the lands, but they would have to worry about it another day.
Later-Enchanted Forest
Having enough space away from Ever After High and anyone would see her in this moment of distress. Apple had cried for an hour for what had happened and the life she would have been taken away by Raven, despite being supportive of her own story life. She couldn't understand why she did it, let alone if it was to attempt to see if she'd disappear from existence.
"Raven doesn't know what she's done. Even if she'll poison me and possibly be seen as an evil queen, anyone can take her spot and abuse it. She's put everyone in danger."
Apple talking to herself of what her friend had done since the ideal of anyone story's being taken could given any the opportunity to become an evil ruler. Just as the girl continued to contemplate on Raven's actions, there was a groaning sound coming from a near by pond where it came from someone in pain. Walking over to see if they needed help, Apple saw what looked like Keldor due to the clothes he wore being torn and that of his skin turning blue.
"Keldor?"
She asked his name to see if she'd get a response from the wounded boy, but she only earned a faint chuckle as he looked at himself in the reflection of the water in front of him.
"Keldor. Keldor was someone who believed he could take things for himself without consequences, someone who believed that can master the ancient arts of magic at whim. And believed that the stories of old were myth, that Keldor. Is gone."
He spook with a changed voice as it made Apple to step away at what was in front of her as the stranger continued to look at his reflection as he placed over his now bald head a purple hood. His red eyes looked over at his mended ram staff and gripped it tightly at his magic coming back.
"The Storybook of legends, is nothing more than a tool for subjugation! To force those without purpose to follow a path they don't desire. Havoc! On the other hand is so much more."
Renouncing the book that helped generation of people guide themselves to their stories to be false as well meaningless to the magic of havoc. Hitting the bottom end on the grass, he started to twist the changes into horrific shapes and killing the flowers around him to display his new found strength.
"From the fallen forces that failed to takeover ancient Eternia, I will be the one to succeed. To people like the Evil Queen who terrorized the Enchanted Kingdom, I will surpass and assure in an era of brimstone and blight. That will bless the modern age, and all ages to come. With the purity of havoc!"
Proclaiming to be more ruthless and powerful than any of the kingdoms that had dealt with in the past which sent a chill down Apple's spine at how committed he was in becoming this great evil of both lands. Standing up on his feet and giving off a dark presence, Apple couldn't see Keldor as this was someone complete different and dangerous.
"This story has just started Apple White. And the one who started it all, will be called. Skeletor!"
He announced his new name before turning over to Apple and showing his human face gone to now show a yellow skeleton face with the same red eyes he had before. In fear of his new appearance, Apple collapsed on the ground at how this was what happened with Raven refusing to accept her destiny as Evil Queen. Though it was now too late to blame her, because there was someone who would be willing to be become an evil leader for the kingdom. As well as would do whatever he desired to assure his name would be remembered for the ages to come, whether it be in the Enchanted Kingdom or Eternia.