"With tensions growing amongst Raven following in her mother's footsteps and Keldor falling into his family's past in becoming involved in evil antics. Everyone had to keep an eye them to help them be guided onto their proper ways, one to become a menace and the other to help guide their kingdom to a better life. While the people of Ever After High urgently needed Raven to accept her destiny of becoming the Evil Queen, Adam wanted only to save Keldor before Eternia decided to turn on him before becoming succumbed into the magic he had been messing with. However, it would seem that they were content with what they were doing. It still didn't mean that the people that care for the two wouldn't give it a try and help them before Legacy Day arrives and makes their choices for themselves."
Morning-Orko's Classroom
The next day had come to Ever After High and most of the faculty had heard about the recent animal attacks and that of a Shadow Beast appearing near the forest. Having heard made Duncan a sign several men from Randor's castle to keep watch of any more unusual sightings around the school to help keep the children safe. Especially looking into the recent appearance of a sword wielding man who had been around the animal attacks and protecting the students. Right now with no classes happening at the moment, Teela had requested a meeting of her friends to come and meet with Orko to help figure out the recent incident that happened and figure out who the mysterious swordsman was that saved Raven and Cerise back in the forest. Though she was more invested on checking up on why a creature was curious about the future evil queen of the enchanted kingdom.
"Maybe the shadow beast was curious if she'd be like her mom. I mean wouldn't you want to meet your future boss if you were about to work for them?"
Krass asked Teela that it might have been attracted to the scent of Raven having the same aura of magic that her mother had in the past. That was a common thing for certain animals on Eternia that would react to certain people, whether they'd be frightened or that of forced to serve them due to what type of personality the person has. Adam didn't believe it due to how Raven reacted towards the shadow beast when it came to contact with her and Red.
"Well if that's the case and not for that loin cloth guy coming out of nowhere to help out. We could have seen if it thought Raven would be its leader, guess will never know."
Teela responded that it could have help indicate if she'd be possibly an enemy they would have to keep an eye out for with Legacy Day happening tomorrow. With hearing that made Adam shake his head at the content of Teela thinking about Raven becoming another enemy of Eternos that she'd would likely have to face against in the field of battle.
"Whether or not she could become the evil queen, shouldn't we at least give her a chance before we call her that? I mean can you say she would harm anyone?"
Adam detested back at Teela if she believed that Raven would want to follow in her mother's footsteps and attempt to attack the people around her. It was true, when she first saw Raven and heard about not being interested in becoming the new Evil Queen that she could make a difference. Yet that was before seeing her magic at dance class and possibly had her own group of troublemakers, there was a chance she could be wrong.
"I found it!"
Orko's voice interrupted their conversation as the teens got scared at how the Trollan's excited tone caught their attention as they looked at him building out a book about ancient Eternia. Opening up to allow everyone to take a look at it, Orko was able to show them an image of several shadow beasts in a pack that was attacking several villages.
"In ancient times when Eternia was known as hostile world, shadow beasts would only stay in the dark hemisphere. Believed to be created from a count of great magic, these beasts knew no other master. The only possible way for anyone to tame such terrible creatures is to have great power that resembled their creator."
He read the passage which showed an elderly man forming them out of animal bones and clay as well using dark magic to bring them to life. Having heard about anyone wielding great power, it seemed like Raven was the only person to fit the description since the Evil Queen was the one who brought their worlds together. Orius took a look at the text as well see if there was any chance of Raven not being the one that would control the shadow beasts.
"Maybe they just have a thing for people who wear eye liner. Because I'm with Adam on this, just a couple of days ago she helped me out with Geografairy. Did you know that their kingdom has several fairy's that can turn giants into their size?"
Making his stand on whether Raven would be possible of becoming evil since she helped him learn about the enchanted kingdom as well its mystical races. Krass himself was the ball as well since he had trouble trying to find a place where he could avoid breaking anything due to his immense strength. Which left Raven to guide him to the gym's dungeon where only the strongest could work out and learn how to control their strength without breaking anything fragile.
"While Raven may be different from her mother, its impossible for me to agree with. Since her mother started her attack on my parents kingdom, she believed an aerial assault on Eternia was the best way to control the battlefield."
Stratos having his say on the issue since he remembered when the Evil Queen made her first appearance on Eternia. She sent several dragons upon the Avian city where they burned down half of the buildings as well their library which kept most of their origins for centuries. Each of them was children when she came to their world, but most of them didn't know what was happening due to how Randor and his forces were able to stop her with the added help from the Enchanted Kingdom.
"Orko? Despite you being our teacher now, can you give us an opinion on the matter since you've been a part of my family's royal court?"
Adam decided to ask their professor due to him having a response to serious matters with an optimistic point of view. The trollan twirled his fingers about thinking about whether or not Raven would have what it takes to become the future evil queen, despite hearing everyone's response on her and meeting her face to face to run away in fear. He was able to take a chance to meet the young woman and see she waTros an ordinary girl who wanted to live her life.
"Most Trollans have a good understanding on people when they first meet them. Me? I knew when I first met king Randor and all of you, were exciting people as well having good hearts. Raven? Despite her growing up around evil individuals, she's a mystery."
He gave his opinion on Raven since it wasn't his place to say if she would be just like her mother. Teela and Stratos groan at his answer while the rest said nothing due to how in the past, Orko's thoughts on people were split down the middle on whether they were good or bad. With that having been settled and nothing else, they each looked at their phones seeing how each of them had to head to their indvidual classes. Except for Adam and Teela since they had completed most of their class assignments.
"It's always best to never judge someone without learning their entire story. I mean yours have just begun; do you really want to rush to the end and get the answers?"
Orko asked them on him being right they had started the school year and seemed to want to know about if Raven would accept her destiny of becoming the new evil queen. With that being said, the teens made their way out and decided to talk amongst themselves on another matter that seemed important since it involved family. Rather about a cousin that had recently started to get his name known across the school since there were several videos posted of him using magic to mess with people.
"While we can say that Raven is having trouble with learning who she wants to be. Keldor on the other hand might have found himself a role he seems comfortable with."
Teela spoke that when she used to be around the castle and see Keldor trying to fit in amongst the other teens at Eternos. He'd turn them away to keep to himself, despite them being alright with his skeletal hand which marked him for not being able to control magic.
"I'm trying to figure that myself. I mean I've tried to talk to him on multiple occasions but, he just doesn't want to be around him."
Adam responded of how he's tried to communicate with Keldor since they were cousins, but it had changed ever since he's made the ram staff and remain isolated from everyone. Partially everyone since he's decided to hang out with Evelyn, who herself was an upcoming witch and expert on unnatural forms of magic wielding.
"Just promise me you can get things handled before Legacy Day arrives. Despite you thinking I'm going be tougher than my dad when I become captain of your parents army, it'll be uncomfortable fighting someone from your family."
She spoke on Keldor's behalf that she'd didn't want to fight him since he grew up with a rough childhood. With that being said, Adam nods to her request and would try a second attempt in convincing Keldor to stop using his staff before his destiny would eventually lead to a darker path. Seeing Teela go off on her own, the prince suddenly felt a chill going down his spine as if he was being watched by a shadow. Hearing a set of footsteps coming from behind, he turned over to see Keldor with a smile on his face which took Adam by surprise since it looked like he was in a brighter mood.
"Hello Adam, or should I say 'king' Adam. Since Legacy Day is almost upon us."
Keldor greeted him with a compliment since his destiny would be to become king of Eternos as well its protector. While he meant it with good intentions, Adam was still on edge with how Keldor still had the ram staff in his hand.
"I know. Which is why I wanted to ask if you had found your destiny yet."
Replied towards his cousin on whether or not that he found something that wouldn't involve misusing the magic he's recently learned. Keldor noticed how his cousin responded with the question and chuckles slight at how it seemed he was curious about what road he'd walk down when he would write his name in the Storybook of legends.
"Not yet. I've been recently hearing about the drama about Raven possibly not wanting to write her name in the book, especially about how I'm. What was it that everyone's been saying, following in my parents footsteps?"
He brought up about the conversation that Headmaster Grimm had with Adam about what Keldor has been doing which left the prince surprised on hearing about it. While that was being talked about, Adam wanted to explain that he didn't have to do it since he could be different. Before he could say anything, Keldor aimed top of his ram staff at his cousin in an intimidating gesture.
"Whatever destiny I follow; it will be mine to control and no one else. If you want to help cousin, then keep out of my way."
Keldor requested on how he could figure out what type of story he could follow without the need of anyone trying to convince him otherwise. What took Adam off by the request was Keldor's eyes changing, his blue pupils were somewhat fading away and turning into a different color. Suddenly feeling a headache coming over, Keldor decided to leave and try to not draw any attention to the two of them. This left Adam with a look of concern that the magic he was using, the more he was being consumed into it. Having no choice but to seek outside help, he would have to go to the one place where someone could help determine if there was a chance to save his cousin before it was too late. Castle Grayskull."
Later-Mother Goose's Office
While the Eternians were handling their dilemma of trying to save one of their own, the faculty of Ever After High were doing the same with Raven Queen. Which was by having her come to meet with the school's guidance counselor, Mother Goose. Who was called in by Headmaster Grimm to help with Raven's situation of not following her destiny which has caused much commotion in the school.
"Miss Queen. Recently I've been hearing much about you from your peers and teachers that have been concerning, so. Headmaster Grimm has come to me to help make this small meeting, along with several of your friends to help with what's been happening lately."
The goose spoke in a concern tone as the purple haired girl said nothing since despite not trying to start any trouble, that was the issue. Everyone wanted her to be troublesome, rude and above all else, evil. That being said, Mother Goose brought several students here who've been around Raven to help get her back on the wrong path before Legacy Day happens. There was her roommate Apple White who gave everyone her full attention and ready to hell her roommate out, next to her was Cedar Wood. Daughter of Pinocchio and was given a truth spell placed on her which made her tell the truth about anything she'd seen; she was perfect to help with the meeting.
"I still don't see why I have to be here."
Faybelle questioned since she was brought along due to her being a part of the dance sequence Raven displayed back in Card's class. The dark fairy girl crossed her arms since she wasn't fond of Raven, her moment was cut short by a set of cards being shuffled which was coming from Lizzie Hearts. Daughter of the Queen of Hearts, who gave her a menacing glare towards Faybelle since it was a serious matter.
"Because you participated in that dance and that both our mothers feared and respected the Evil Queen. But if she doesn't take the spotlight, it's off with her head."
She explained why she was needed and spoke on how Raven could lose her head if she wasn't up for the task. Before an argument could start, Milton Grimm coughed at the young ladies so that they could get back on the matter of helping Raven. Apple was obliged to go first since she knew her better than anyone in the room.
"Raven. Remember several days ago when you accidentally spilled ink on my dress? And then you apologized to me? You're not supposed to do that. While I was grateful your apologized since it was an accident. You have be evil because of your destiny."
She informed Raven as the girl wanted to respond that she might not want to be evil but was given a look from Grimm that she was to only listen to them and not respond. Next was from Cedar who was nervous about telling the truth since it could either help Raven or make her upset, but she'd have to try since Grimm needed her for the moment.
"While I'm frightened of you becoming Evil Queen since you have an intimidating personality. It's nice that you don't act mean to any of us, but I'm scared that you could go poof if you don't sign your name in the book."
Cedar explained her concern for Raven while bringing up about the possibility of her disappearing out of existence. Before having the chance to respond towards the wooden girl, Faybelle groans loudly at the sincerity that was filling the room.
"If she's not going take the responsibility of being Evil Queen then I can do it! I don't care what I do, I'm more than ready to curse a kingdom if that's what it takes."
The dark fairy announced in a jealous tone of thinking she'd be a perfect choice in taking Raven's spot as evil queen. This started an argument of that not being her destiny and it belong to Raven. The voices grew louder which left the girl to listen to everyone to the point where Raven started to get angry, eventually resulting to her eyes glowing purple before standing up in a fit of frustration.
"Everyone stop it!"
She announced as her voice echoed in the classroom and letting out a spell that was fired upon headmaster Grimm which resulted him into becoming a chicken. Shocked at the sudden display of power that she'd just used, the others merely smiled and applauded for displaying an act of evil to someone important.
"I must say Raven Queen. You've made quite the progress in your cursing, maybe you are ready to be an evil queen. You just need people to bring out your evil side."
Headmaster Grimm congratulated her for cursing him since it wasn't that much of an issue since he knew several magic users that can reverse the spell. Raven on the other hand merely left the room in a huff due to how she didn't want to use her magic. Having seen it and reacting out of concern, Apple followed her to try and speak to her in the hope of calming Raven down before she cursed someone else. Rushing through the hallways to find Maddie Hatter having tea by herself near the windows, she sees her friend running over in need of help."
"Maddie. I need help, everyone's trying to make me sign the book and I need somewhere to hide. Or someone that can help me at the least."
She plead her case to her friend as Maddie took a second to think if there was a way to aid Raven in this predicament. Noticing Apple coming from around the corner trying to look for Raven, Maddie gave an excited grin before grabbing her friend's hand and made a mad dash through the hallways.
"Raven! Wait!"
Apple cried out since despite it being bad for Raven in becoming evil, it was to help the Enchanted Kingdom continue as well as everyone's destiny to move forward. Making their way into the library, Maddie walked over to a nearby door where she knocked several times in codes. Upon the last knock, the two dematerialized and appeared in what seemed like completely different area. Confused by the sudden arrival, Maddie guided Raven down the hall where they saw several lite flames by the walls and old books covered in dusts.
"While everyone was dealing with their own business. I've done a bit of exploring around Ever After High, especially meeting someone that knows the Storybook of Legends better than anyone else."
The tea loving girl explained to Raven how while she was involved in Adam becoming Eternia's hero, everyone excited about their destinies and herself finding an answer to avoid her own. Maddie was doing her own exploration and stumbled upon something that no one might know about after spending their time at the school. Arriving in a living room with a table and mirrors that observed the outside of the school, Maddie got herself ready to introduce Raven's possible savior.
"May I present. Giles Grimm."
Maddie gave him a dramatic introduction as Raven heard the sound of footsteps but stumbling as she saw a man who looked similar to headmaster Grimm. Only having a beard and wooden left leg, along an optimistic smile on his face which made Raven feel welcomed in being here.
"Feathers and friends! Together alone."
He greeted Raven in delight which caught her off guard since she didn't understand what that meant. Luckily Maddie was able to respond to him in the same gibberish that he had just told told.
"He only speaks in riddlish, he was cursed long ago in the Enchanted Kingdom before they came to Eternia. He's saying hello."
She explained why he spoke in an unusual language as Raven accepted it as she wanted to get to the reason why she was here. Giles guided the girls over to a table where he offered them tea and snacks since they were his guests.
"I need help. It's about the Storybook of Legends, if I don't sign. Will I disappear from existence?"
Raven told Maddie for her to ask Giles as she spoke in riddlish to see if he could give an answer to her friends predicament. Giles took a moment to think of a response to help settle Raven's worry about the book but had difficulty due to his curse that was placed on him. He decided on an answer to give to help ease the mood that the girl was dreading about.
"The king who sings with pages of sky, fears too much the dawn that rises with lies."
Giles answered Raven with a foreboding message as it took a moment for Maddie to understand it since riddlish was a difficult language to understand. Having taken a minute to realize the words, Maddie found out what Giles meant by the answer.
"He says there's something off with the book of legends. And that there will be something that'll happen during Legacy Day, along about you disappearing? He doesn't know."
Maddie deciphering the words as it left Raven somewhat relief since there could be a chance that she wouldn't disappear. Though the first part left her worried that something important will happen during the night, which left her to thing if would be about her. Or Adam since he could have his identity as He Man exposed to both the school and royal families that would be attending the event. For the meanwhile, it would be best for her to lie low until tomorrow since things could go differently than what everyone would expect.
Afternoon-Castle Grayskull
Having sneaked out of Ever After High and avoided being noticed by the guards that were placed around the school grounds. Adam was able to make his way to Castle Grayskull to get advice from the Sorceress to help his cousin out on finding a destiny that didn't involve using magic he had seemed to have mastered. Right now he was in the throne room where the woman was taking a moment to think about the young man trying to save a family member.
"Despite your goodness in your heart in helping Keldor. What he is learning might be impossible, even by the powers of Grayskull itself."
The Sorceress spoke in a sadden tone of there being no chance in helping him to avoid Keldor's fate in whatever was involved in. Adam gave a disapproval look at the woman that despite hearing there being no chance in saving him.
"No. I mean I'm able to turn into someone that's supposed to protect all of Eternia and possibly the Enchanted Kingdom. What other power is there that can beat that?"
He asked on the chance there was something that could rival even the power of Grayskull itself. The look on the Sorceress showed that there was such a power that could do so, but at the cost of oneself. Raising her staff in the air help explain what she meant, Adam saw an illusion of what looked like a flashback of the past on what Keldor was messing with.
"Just as Eternia had the council of elders who help forge mystical items and keep the balance of power in check. There was another source of magic that could bring discourse and chaos in its wake. It was called 'Havoc'."
She started her tale of seeing several individuals using the power of havoc to terrorize several tribes and made the environment into a wasteland. Despite it being powerful and capable of doing anything, it corrupted the person to the point of becoming something terrible. It took years into stopping those who wielded such magic at a cost of many lives being taken.
"The elders believed that they'd stop the ones who have mastered it. Yet their knowledge didn't go away as it was sneaked out in books that the council had to believed destroyed."
Explaining that despite having destroyed most of the books that held secrets in learning to use havoc. Hearing that caused Adam to remember the books in Keldor's room, especially the type that weren't from Ever After High nor Eternos. With the realization of it, he looked at the sorceress to see if he could stop him. Though the expression on her face showed of one possibility of stopping it.
"You're saying I have to fight him? But he's family, and despite how he acts that doesn't give me to right to fight him. Either as myself or as He Man."
Adam objected to the ideal of having to engage Keldor in a fight that could result in him hurting his cousin. Despite becoming stronger with his magic, he couldn't fight him due to how he was almost like a brother to him when his father brought Keldor into their home. Seeing the conflict on Adam's face and having no means of helping him, the sorceress looked at the outside of Grayskull towards Ever After High feeling an immense of havoc slowly growing from its structure.
"It is not a choice to make likely, Adam of Eternos. But if you do not stop Keldor, then a great evil will resurface. And endanger the friends you've made, including Raven Queen if he believes she'll be the future queen of evil."
The Sorceress told him how he would have to act quickly if he was to prevent Keldor in being consumed by the dark magic. Otherwise, it would be unleashed onto Eternia again and hurt everyone in its path. Especially those of the Enchanted Kingdom that would revel in its chaos. The prince remained silent on how he couldn't handle it, as well not knowing if he was up to the challenge. Though if there was no chance in saving him, or that of the slightest in getting him to let go of havoc. He would have to fight him in order to protect both kingdoms. family or not.