True Love's Kiss

BeccaTurner1892 (also KingdomHearts1892 on Quotev)

Author's Note: I do not own The School for Good and Evil. All rights to the film belong to Netflix and the book belongs to Soman Chainani. The only things that I own are this story and my OCs. Additionally, I will be posting chapters on Quotev first and the first few chapters include images of what I think that the characters should look like.

4

Ever Boys Are Menaces

Both of the schools have its own entrance to the Theater of Tales, which is split into two halves. The west doors are the side that Good students come in and it's decorated in a tacky, cliche manner with glass bouquets of flowers. The east doors are where I see Sophie come in and I eagerly point her out to Agatha, who slightly smiles back. The benches for Evil are horrifying and make me want to vomit due to sludge coating the seats. Benches for Good are decorated with cushions on the seats, further illustrating the differences between the two schools. Meanwhile, I see the wolves and fairies guarding the silver marble aisle between both of the schools- probably to avoid fights or pandemonium.

Sophie doesn't even flinch when we sneak around and tackle her in a group hug. Instead, Sophie stares at Agatha's dress and starts demanding that Agatha switch clothes with her. In fact, when Agatha states that none of us could stay here because we're in danger, Sophie grins and says that they could solve all of our issues by switching clothes and schools. Unfortunately, the dismissal of her warning hurts Agatha's feelings and she refuses to part with her dress just to appease Sophie. Meanwhile, I stand off to the side like a useless potato and decide to sit down since the girls can't seem to stop squabbling- with Sophie fittingly on the attack and Agatha on the defensive.

Suddenly, Sophie darts off when horns start blowing and I get dragged along by Agatha to make sure that Sophie doesn't get hurt. Loud, heavy footsteps echo the hall and I groan when I realize what's caught Sophie's attention. And so, I stand up to move back to the Good side when Agatha and Sophie grab my arms forcing me back down. Then, the boys move in a synchronized fight that makes me cringe. The cheesiest part is definitely when the boys take roses out of their shirts and throw roses to the girls who catch their eyes with a cry of "Milady!"

Agatha watches all of the festivities looking a little green until a rose lands on her lap from a bashful ginger boy. Then, I look to my right and see how much Sophie longs for a rose of her own.

Of course, the Nevers can't stand being upstaged and start goading the Evers, acting like visitors at a Homecoming game. Thankfully, the Ever boys just mock the Nevers and prepare to sit down for the Opening Ceremony; however, one last boy had to make a special appearance.

I have to admit that I was expecting a brunet to come sweeping in on a rope like the Tedros that I knew in the movie, especially since the idea would fit the cliche dream that I'm having at the moment.

Unfortunately, I end up bearing witness to a golden blonde, with eyes as blue and clear as a summer day's sky, tan skin like he'd been training his whole life for this very moment, skin glistening like diamonds due to how much he's sweating, and a dour look on his face. The strange prince takes in the equally serious looks on the sword-armed boys, pulling out his own gleaming sword... and his serious expression transforms into a bright yet feral grin.

If this truly is Tedros, then I wish poor Agatha and Sophie good luck. This boy is not one to be trifled with. Why is this dream so different from the movie? Nothing is going in the correct order and things have happened that definitely didn't happen in the movie. Although, I had heard rumors that something similar to this did happen in the books. Maybe my dream is building stuff based on the rumors and not only the movie. Either way, I'd really like to wake up now.

So preoccupied in my thoughts, I barely notice getting up and moving when Sophie gets up. All I know is that my lungs are suffering from overexertion and Sophie's long blonde hair waving while she's bolting. Sophie darts through aisles, leaps over the pews, and lunges for a rose that goes flying only to find a wolf instead. Meanwhile, the rose continues soaring through the air and smacks me in the face as I skid to a stop. Its arid scent wafts up into my nose making me sneeze and stare at the flower in shock. At this point, tremors are starting but all I can think is, It's just a dream. It's just a dream. Regardless of how realistic things may feel, it's just a dream. It's just a dream. Unfortunately, the velvety petals confirm my worst fears, this is not a dream. Ringing noises fill my ears and shaking my head does nothing except make me feel dizzy. An icy hand guiding me into a seat snaps me out of my funk and Agatha's searching gaze relaxes me as I focus on reality. Then, a blob resembling Sophie trying to escape but getting dragged over to Evil catches my attention. Meanwhile, the blob that I'm sure is this world's version of "Tedros" seems like he's rooted to where he's at, but I'm not sure exactly what his deal is.

Soon, my eyes start focusing again and a warm feeling erupts in my chest as Sophie desperately tries to catch Tedros's attention. The poor dude still looks flummoxed by the entire situation, and I decide right then and there that sunshine boy deserves better than constantly getting stringed along by Agatha and Sophie. How to protect the future king of Camelot is the question I ponder until I realize that Agatha has been trying to snap me out of my daze for a few minutes now.

"Sorry that I worried you," I whisper because I don't want us to get into trouble during orientation since it appears that the teachers are almost ready to start.

"It's okay," Agatha whispers back. She hurries to add, "Are you alright now though?"

That warm feeling that I was talking about earlier. It's bubbling up even more now and a smile even appears before I tell Agatha, "Yeah. Thanks to you. Where would I be without you?"

"Probably would've fainted like a proper princess," Agatha teases me kindly with a nudge to my arm. "Now, let's try to get Sophie on board with finding a way home."

Then, Agatha turns to where Sophie is gawking at Tedros and glares until she catches Sophie's gaze.

Once caught, Agatha clearly mouths, "We're going home."

Boom, boom, boom. A giant two-headed dog tromps on the stage catching everyone off-guard. One head has a tame mane and looks like a puppy, while the other looks like a lion disguised as a dog with a gnarled mane and foam frothing at the edges of his mouth. The puppy side has a relaxed demeanor and a giant grin on his face that makes him look like he's about ready to break out into a song. Meanwhile, the lion side has a grimace and his side raised like he's prepared to fight anyone that gets on his bad side. Altogether, the two-headed dog is odd but endearing since it seems like both sides take the job presented to them seriously.

Where is Professor Dovey and Lady Lesso though? I thought that the two Deans were supposed to be there for the Welcoming Ceremony. Hmm... I guess I'll have to wait and see. If this is a dream, then where was this sort of imagination when I was playing with my youngest cousins the other day? Also, I wonder if these guys are related to Cerberus, guardian of the Underworld. Would be an interesting connection to Greek mythology and would make more sense for my brain to imagine Disney-like characters in a fantasy realm.

"Welcome to the School for Good and Evil," a sweet, high-pitched voice greets us, and I can already tell that I'm going to have a hard time taking the tame side seriously. "I'm Pollux, Welcoming Leader."

Isn't Pollux one of the teachers that I have? If so, I'm going to have a hard time concentrating in his class. I can just see myself now, laughingstock of the class just because I can't take this teacher seriously.

"-ACTS LIKE A FOOLISH DONKEY," the rabid one booms startling me out of my thoughts.

Geez, I need to get a handle on myself if I'm going to survive around here. Can't start spacing out in the middle of lessons and end up failing three times.

Then, I glance around to see everyone staring at the snarling side fearfully, including the villains. Now that I think about it, that is actually quite the feat since villains aren't afraid of much.

"Thank you, Castor," Pollux calmly says. "So, allow me to remind you of why you are all here. All people are born with souls that are either Good or Evil. Some souls are purer than others-"

"AND SOME SOULS ARE CRAP!" Castor bellows making the ground shake and Agatha grab onto me fearfully.

"Yes. Thank you, Castor," Pollux hisses a little, "some souls are purer than others, but all are fundamentally Good or Evil. No one can switch how their soul was designed-"

"SO DON'T TRY TO SWITCH SIDES JUST BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE IN THE WRONG SCHOOL," sneers Castor while glaring at Sophie and Agatha in particular.

"Once again," Pollux emphasizes, "those who are Evil cannot be Good and those who are Good cannot be Evil, no matter how hard you may try. Now, sometimes you may feel stirrings of both, but don't mistake that for being in the wrong school. Rest assured that we will rid you of your stirrings, your confusion, and we shall endeavor to make you as pure as possible-"

"IF YOU SHOULD FAIL, THEN BE PREPARED FOR SOMETHING SO BAD THAT EVEN I CAN'T SAY AND KNOW THAT IT INVOLVES YOU NEVER BEING SEEN AGAIN!"

At that, flashes of the taxidermized animals, beanstalks, and pumpkin carriages go through my mind. I begin envisioning any of the students around me being turned into animals and the onsets of panic creep in. My throat grows tight, sweat begins to drip down my forehead, and tremors begin anew as worst-case scenarios rummage through my brain. Thankfully, Agatha lends a helping hand by grabbing my hand and squeezing it a little. I snap out of the daze just in time for Pollux to mention that the School Master chose us for a reason. From there, chaos erupts as the children stare at me, Agatha, and Sophie.

Then, the kids get mean about us Readers not belonging where we've been placed. A rude boy that looks like a dark elf points out that Sophie doesn't act like how proper Evil students do. Another boy points out me and Agatha and starts complaining about how we don't act like proper Good students either. Then, things get worse as the Evers and Nevers point out the oddities that they've found from both sides. In all of the disruption, I find myself feeling more uncomfortable by the minute as the complaints get more and more targeted.

"Ours smells like flowers!" yelled one of Evil's students. At least someone has good hygiene practices. What? You think that you can't get sick just because you're Evil? Look at Captain Hook as an example and take care of yourself.

"Ours ate a fairy!"

"Hey!" I interject, "That same fairy kept flying all over her and biting Agatha! Also, she didn't eat the fairy intentionally! The fairy flew into her mouth while she was trying to get it to leave her alone!"

"Ours smiles too much!"

"And? You should try it sometime! You might learn something from it," I counter.

"Ours farted in our faces," a princess challenges me.

"Yeah, because you guys were bullying her! Don't think that I didn't see what you ladies were doing! Did you ever stop to think that she might've been looking for an escape route?" I challenge back burning since I had seen the so-called princesses' actions in the Entrance Hall.

Still, I see Sophie staring at Agatha aghast, which really serves to peeve me off since Agatha's just trying to get home.

"Every class, we bring two Readers here from Woods Beyond," Pollux declared. "They may know our world from pictures and books, but they know our rules just as well as you. They have the same talents and goals, the same potential for glory. And they too have been some of our finest students."

"Then, why are there three this year?" Someone from the back asks, raising an excellent point.

"One of them was chosen by the Storian itself this year and the other two were already chosen so all three were brought here," Pollux informs us all, which nearly gives me a heart attack, because I know that I'm the one that the Storian chose.

And, judging by the looks on Agatha and Sophie's face, they're just as aware of who the Storian chose.

All three of us snap out of our dumbfounded states when one of the oily villain's cracks, "They look different than the rest of us."

"Haven't you ever heard the saying, 'Don't judge a book by its cover'?" I retort.

Students from both schools look down in shame at that. Meanwhile, Sophie stares Agatha down like everyone's confusion could be solved by a wardrobe change.

"Do not question the School Master's [or the Storian's] selections," said Pollux. "All of you will respect each other, whether you're Good or Evil, whether you're from a famous fairy tale family or a failed one, whether you're a sired prince or a Reader. All of you are chosen to protect the balance between Good and Evil. For once that balance is compromised. . ." His face darken[s]. "Our world will perish."

My nose scrunches up and entire disposition becomes most unladylike while I truly take in everyone around me. After all, the last thing anyone needs is for the world that makes fairy tales to die. Sometimes, delving into a good fantasy novel is all that someone can do to avoid a mental breakdown.

Whilst I'm wrapped up in these thoughts, a commotion erupts yet again, and I find myself observing all of the discontent with a nonchalant attitude. I'm pretty sure that it was Castor who started the entire mess but, man he sure stirred up a hornet's nest. All of a sudden, Nevers pelt us with whatever they can get their hands on until Pollux finally explodes. Pollux goes on a tangent about Evil students being unable to defeat their Nemesis's and stupid villains.

Then, to add salt to a wound, Pollux adds, "No wonder Readers come here confused! No wonder they want to be Good."

Both sides send Sophie sympathetic glances plain as day in their eyes and, even from this distance, I see Sophie turn scarlet in embarrassment.

Finally, Pollux takes our attention back by saying, " Students, all of you should be concerned with one thing. Do the best work you can. The finest of you shall become princes and warlocks, knights and witches, queens and sorcerers-"

"OR A HOBGOBLIN OR FROG IF YOU CROAK!" Castor spits incensed.

Tension rises faster than fizz in a soda as the truth about the school sinks in; then, it turns as thick as molasses.

"So, if there are no further interruptions," Pollux says, glowering at Castor, "let's review the rules."

"Rule thirteen. Halfway Bridge and tower roofs are forbidden to students," Pollux lectures onstage. "The Stymphalian birds have orders to detain intruders and send them to the Endless Woods-"

How are Agatha, Sophie, and I still able to remain on campus then? Maybe they had different orders when everyone first arrived, because they figured that someone would be curious about the other side. If so, I bet that the Stymphalian birds were originally tasked with protecting the School Master, but Rafal found it to be more prudent to prevent Agatha and I from interacting with Sophie. Also, I really hope that we receive a physical copy of the Student Handbook.

A nudge from a bony elbow into my stomach brings me back to reality and I spot Sophie staring at Tedros with Beatrix. The hungry look in Sophie's eye scares me to be quite frank. The discomfort Tedros is experiencing is plain as day and he has the fakest smile I've ever seen smacked onto his face. Poor guy can't seem to catch a break.

A shriek that I recognize anywhere erupts from Evil's side and a decapitated bird is lying innocently on Sophie's lap. I give Agatha a slightly judgmental look and she shrugs with a blank look present on her face. A giggle escapes my lips without my permission and Agatha grins in response. Meanwhile, we ignore Sophie jumping up and down like she's on fire.

Finally, Pollux must tire of Sophie's dramatic antics since he testily says, "As I was saying before we were rudely interrupted."

Sophie's eyes drill holes into Agatha's head as she mouths, "What!"

To which, Agatha mouths back, "We need to meet."

"My clothes," Sophie mouths, acting like they could trick the schools by doing a wardrobe change.

I look back and forth from Sophie to Agatha and say, "That'll make it easier for us to make allies in Evil and rescue Sophie. Good thinking, Agatha."

Agatha flushes a becoming shade of red and says, "That's not why I sent the decapitated bird but thank you. It was the only thing that I had in my pockets."

"-three major tests: the Trial by Tale, the Circus of Talents, and the Snow Ball," Castor growls making me think to myself, 'Wasn't the Trial by Tale just to see if Tedros and Sophie were meant to be? There are so many things that aren't quite right according to what I knew.'

My thoughts start to spiral even more (one of the issues with being ADD) and I muse, 'I wonder what would've happened if everything went according to the original books and movies. Were Tedros, Agatha, and Sophie happy in the end or did they dream of achieving more than they accomplished?

"Now, as to how we determine your future tracks, we do not give 'marks' here at the School for Good and Evil," says Pollux sending relief straight from my head down to the tips of my toes. "Instead, you will be ranked within your classes, so you know exactly where you stand."

Relief exits my body as soon as it enters and I find myself enraged, because that's exactly what 'marks' are, even if they use a different name.

"I must add that anyone who receives three twenties, or twenty-ones in the case of the classes with the Storian, will immediately be failed," Pollux adds gravely. "As I said, given the exceptional incompetence required to earn three straight last-place ranks, I am confident that this rule will never apply to any of you."

"Next, your swan crest will be visible on your heart at all times," Pollux continues. "Any attempt to conceal, disguise, or remove it will likely result in injury or embarrassment, so please refrain."

"Well, that puts a whole new spin on 'wearing your heart on your sleeve'" I quietly joke with Agatha.

Agatha quietly snickers along with someone who I don't even bother to face. Instead, I watch students on both sides foolishly attempt to conceal their silver swans and even snort at some of the attempts. I cross one leg over the other and hold up my head with my palm as I wait for the next tidbit of information boredly.

"Furthermore, as the Theater of Tales is in Good this year, Nevers will be escorted here for all joint functions," says Pollux. "Otherwise, you must remain in your schools."

"Why is the Theater in Good," a female villain with a chunk of chocolate (I presume that's Dot) questions.

Pollux raises his nose in a haughty manner. "Whoever wins the Circus of Talents gets the Theater in their school."

"And Good hasn't lost a Circus or Trial by Tale or, now that I think about it, any competition for the last two hundred years," Castor harrumphed. The villains start up again and I think to myself, 'Man, Castor enjoys stirring up some strife. Though, Castor does raise some good points.'

This time, Pollux soldiers on like Castor didn't say anything and starts droning on about curfew, lulling half of us to sleep. Of course, that's when Reena raises her hand, receives permission to ask her question, and asks, "Are the Groom Rooms open yet?"

The Evers-aside from me and Agatha- all listen attentively.

"Well, I wasn't planning to discuss the Groom Rooms until later-"

"Is it true that only certain kids can use them?" Millicent interrupts.

Pollux sighs. "Groom Rooms in the Good Towers are only available to upper half ranking Evers on any given day. Rankings will be posted on the Groom Room doors and throughout the castle. Please do not abuse Albemarle-the custodian in charge of updating the listing- if he's behind on posting them. Now, as to curfew rules-"

It doesn't seem very Good for students to abuse a faculty member. Why doesn't that demote someone's rank? Maybe I should ask Pollux and Castor once the ceremony's over and done with. I don't want to ask while everyone's pestering Pollux and Castor for answers. Maybe I could suggest saving some time by making a Student Handbook too? Then again, what's the likelihood that the Evil students wouldn't use the handbook for bonfire materials and that students would actually read the handbook? As it is, I feel like Agatha, and I could get into big trouble if people knew what we were planning.

"After the Trial by Tale, the top-ranked students in each school will be named Class Captain. These two students will have special privileges, including private study with select faculty, field trips into the Endless Woods, and the chance to train with renowned heroes and villains. As you know, our Captains have gone on to become some of the greatest legends in the Endless Woods," Pollux mentions catching my attention again.

"This year, you will have six required classes in your individual schools," Pollux goes on to say. "The seventh class, Surviving Fairy Tales, will include both Good and Evil, and takes place in the Blue Forest behind the schools."

The fact that Surviving Fairy Tales is a class that will have both Good and Evil students' kind of stumps me for a moment. Then, I remember that everything doesn't have to go according to the movie. Who knows, maybe it was from the books, and it'll most likely allow Agatha and Sophie to figure out how to get home.

I'm stunned out of my mind when Agatha turns to the girl next to her that's applying makeup and shakily asks, "Can I borrow your lipstick?"

The girl with her narrow brown eyes and short hair, examines Agatha's ashy, cracked lips and thrust it at her with a brief, "Keep it."

On the other side of me, a finger tapping me on the shoulder catches me off-guard and I turn to find Beatrix has moved from her spot next to Tedros. Beatrix examines my lips much like the girl that looked at Agatha's and smiles before giving me a pretty mauve colored lipstick with a quiet, "Keep it."

My mouth opens to thank Beatrix, but Beatrix moves back to her previous perch before I can say a word. A smile grows on my lips, and I slip the newly acquired lipstick into my pocket so that I can use it later.

"Breakfast and dinner will be in your school's halls, but you'll all eat together in the Clearing for lunch," Castor grunts, looking like he swallowed a lemon.

Honestly, Castor sounds like he's challenging someone to act out during lunch. Sophie's already starting to plot, and I can tell that based on the look on her face. Why didn't the movie show Beatrix's half-decent side? She was pretty nice to me earlier. Also, why did the movie take out a lot of Sophie's most negative traits that she's displayed thus far. It seems like Sophie's been manipulating Agatha for quite some time and Agatha went along with it because she wanted a friend. I'm going to have my hands full this year if this truly isn't a dream.

"-let me remind you of the most important rule of all. One that will cost you your lives if you fail to obey," Pollux cautions.

I put on my listening ears along with every student here.

"Never go into the Woods alone after dark," Pollux warns. Then, like a switch flipped, Pollux's normal cuddly smile returns, and he cheerfully says, "You may return to your schools! Supper is at seven o'clock sharp!"

I remain seated to avoid getting stampeded over so that I have a front row seat when Agatha decides to ask the burning question that I'd also been wondering.

"How do we see the School Master?"

An eerie silence coats the atmosphere in the hall as everyone turns to stare at Agatha in shock.

I stand with Agatha, looking at Pollux and Castor inquisitively.

The twin-headed dog leaps off the stage and lands a foot in front of us, splashing us with drool. Both heads glare into Agatha's eyes, though I do spot Pollux glancing at me curiously. For the first time, it was impossible to differentiate between the two sides.

"No students are allowed to," they growled.

Fairies come to whisk me and Agatha away, but I request that they stop for a moment since I have some questions that I want to ask.

"I swear, I'm not asking anything about the School Master. The questions that I have pertain to Pollux and Castor," I emphasize with a wink in the two-headed dogs' direction.

"She may stay. I'm curious to hear what the other Reader wants to know," Pollux admits causing me to cheer and Castor to huff.

Before she leaves, I spot Agatha trying to give Sophie a message on a rose petal; however, Sophie's attention is lost due to her interest in Tedros.

"If you two would like, it might be a better idea to wait until everyone leaves," I admit quietly.

"Sure, please don't make us late for dinner though," Castor growls with a vaguely amused look in his eyes.

Once everyone leaves, Castor and Pollux appear to be much more receptive to my questions. In fact, the two-headed dog even sits down on their hindlegs, making me miss my own dogs.

"Now, what are you wanting to discuss that you had to wait until everyone left before you asked," an exasperated Pollux questions.

"Well, I wasn't sure if this would be a sensitive topic for the two of you or not," I explain and then ask, "Are the two of you descendants of the guardian of the Underworld, Cerberus? If so, could he split into three individuals too or was he stuck in his three-headed dog form? If not, were the two of you twin students that failed and were transformed into the figure that you are now?"

Both Pollux and Castor burst into barking fits of laughter and Castor even admits, "I think that this is the first Good student that I've liked in some time."

"I know, right," Pollux adds. "I can see why the Storian chose this one."

"You can tell that I was the one chosen by the Storian?" I ask astonished and slightly panicked.

"Don't worry, little one. We won't tell anyone," Pollux assures me. "We actually are descendants of Cerberus so kudos to you for figuring that out and waiting 'til everyone else had left to ask. I'm not sure if our great-great grandfather could split, but I suppose that we'll never know."

"Who are you, little Reader?" Castor asks with an almost fond tone.

"My name is Lucy of Woods Beyond," I introduce myself with a curtsy.

Pollux chuckles warmly and says, "Well, Lucy of Woods Beyond. We all ought to get ready for dinner. Come along now."