Milton Grimm Pov:
"Whenever I look at the Storybook of Legends I think about how its stories have helped everyone be inspired to become either great heroes or terrible villains. Or to avoid the mistakes that people like myself had made in the past, which included leading my brother through a secret passage that caused him to be cursed with speaking in Riddlish. I spent my days to find a way to cure it, but before I could find a solution. The Evil Queen had made her way to Eternia which left me to lose my brother during the war. Since then, I've used all of my power and my knowledge to ensure no one else would make any mistakes and follow in their paths. Though now it seems impossible for me to gain the trust of my school to that of the other kingdoms since the book is gone! None of the teachers can find it as well as the fairies that I'd request for assistance. The only one who might know of its whereabouts. Is the same person I locked away many years ago, Raven's mother."
Ever After High-Morning
There was much fallout from Eternia as well as the rest of the land since the havoc magic that Skeletor used had terrorized the environment that would have reached the boundaries of the Enchanted Kingdom. Luckily, the efforts of Eternos's heroes were able to fend off the Shadow Beast army before they could harm any innocents. While the fight went on, the school had become a fort to help protect the children as well as the staff who stayed behind to keep an eye out if any beasts made their way to the school. While the fight had been settled, there was the matter of what happened to the Storybook of Legends. Within his office stared at an enchanted mirror that was standing in front of him, the frame was dark with thorns around the side showing no reflection but only a shadow.
"I'll only ask you this once. Where, is, the book."
Milton questioned the mirror he didn't see a response as it remained still and quiet. Keeping his calm and reframing from hitting the class, the headmaster looked at the false book as it was filled with numerous pages filled with magazines and pages that were about the defeat of the Evil Queen.
"I know you switched the book on the day your armies were beaten. During the commotion, you did something to the real book. The only question is why? You of all people would want Raven to continue your heritage of evil."
He brought up how the woman was devoted to making her daughter the fiercest leader of all villainy and would make both worlds fear her name. Again, he wasn't given a response which left the headmaster to yell in frustration about what the queen had done to the book. Continuing to hold in his emotions, Milton didn't notice a small violet glow coming from the mirror as it showed that the queen had been listening to him and his questioning.
"Poor Milton Grimm. Scared of losing control again? It's not surprising since you've blamed yourself constantly for losing your brother due to your curiosity."
The mirror responded to the Headmaster as he looked around to see the reflection of the mirror changing to show a flashback of two young boys walking down a path as they were discussing stories they wanted to write together. Sure enough, Milton got tired and wanted to get home quickly as he found a tunnel that would take him and his brother home quickly. Just as the headmaster watched the moving reflection, it suddenly stopped to show the violet light appearing and laughing at how invested Milton was by the memory he was revisiting.
"Just as I thought. The memory hasn't left you, much like the dark magic that boy used to almost overthrow the kingdoms. Sadly, it's not his destiny. That is for my daughter to embrace."
She responded that while Skeletor's havoc was devastating and was able to dominate most of the land. It wasn't his fate to rule the kingdoms, it was Raven's. The headmaster took a moment to think about what she meant by that as the realization made him look at the reflection of the queen's dark aura.
"You want her to look for it. To make her sign it herself."
He summarized why she hid the book away from everyone, it was to leave Raven curious about where the book was and piece together now she's meant to follow in her footsteps. Seeing no response from the mirror, he was right. The one thing that Milton could hear was laughter at how she hid the book for Raven to find it and sign it for herself of her own free will without the pressure of thousands of people looking at her.
"Everyone has their destiny. Along have to walk their path with no one interfering or giving it away. Much like you've been doing to the children, they have to accept their destinies by themselves. Otherwise, their stories won't come true."
Responding that on Legacy Day when Apple White wrote in the book, it wouldn't come true due to the enchanted that was placed on the fake book. This means she as well as the rest of Ever After High will have to embrace their stories by themselves and not by people who force their responsibilities on them. Just as she'd answered his statement, the aura suddenly vanished leaving Milton in anger and frustration at how it was his fault all over again. It left the headmaster to start tearing the book apart so he could let out his anger at how if there was no Storybook of Legends, then everyone's stories wouldn't come true and there'd be more unpredictable moments that would happen across the land without the right people to keep things as they were.
"Always acting up whenever you don't have your way. Eh, brother?"
A voice interrupted Milton's tantrum as the headmaster looked over to see a sight that shocked him to the core. It was his brother, Gilles Grimm. Who was speaking in normal sentences and not in Riddlish, he was speechless at seeing him after all this time as he walked over to see if this wasn't a trick or something that Skeletor had made at the last minute of his newfound power.
"How, how is this possible?"
He asked out of fear and curiosity about how Gilles was even here since there was no sign of him after the great war. Chuckling at seeing Milton speechless, he pulled out a small mirror from his pocket that showed him the events that had happened at school to seeing his brother scaring the teenagers into following their destinies. It then showed an image of Skeletor coming to see Gilles and taking away the curse that was placed on him many years ago.
"Despite what we were both told growing up. Anyone can be good and evil. Happy and sad. Royal, and Rebel. It only matters when a person decides to choose their role, especially how Keldor could have left me to speak Riddlish. But he took it away, not knowing he allowed me to speak again."
Explaining to Milton that Skeletor finding him was an attempt to search for the Storybook of Legends, he took away his curse. This means that while he had become a new villain for both kingdoms, there was a chance of goodness to come out from even the most dreadful of people. Milton lowered his head in sadness for not thinking about that to him thinking how long he'd miss the wisdom from Gilles since he was the only one he would listen to.
"It seems that I've lost my path on what my story was supposed to be. Maybe it was because I didn't want the children to get hurt."
Milton suggested that his paranoia and fear have left the school as well as his fellow teachers to not trust in him. Gilles sighed at how difficult it had been since he had left him to handle things on his own to that of watching things from the shadow since he seemed unsure how he could help with him being cursed. With that being said, the two looked over at the school of how everyone was cleaning up around the place to welcome back the others who had returned from Eternos.
"The only thing we can do is keep trying. As well as ask for help since it'll be difficult to have several heroes of Grayskull attending classes now. Including Raven Queen who helped during the battle."
His brother brought up how things wouldn't be the same as what both kingdoms had witnessed. From the daughter of one of its greatest villains in foiling the plan of a would-be conqueror, two Eternians defied their destinies to become future protectors of Eternia. In addition of tried to locate the Storybook of Legends to try and help everyone who desired their stories and wanted to continue their family duties. In the meanwhile, the one thing that the two could work on was making a makeup party for what happened during the Thronecoming parade and making it up to the students who were unable to enjoy it properly.
Later-Briar and Ashlynn's Dorm room
When Skeletor took the sword of Grayskull and became a god in front of them. Several of the students returned to the school due to how it was fortified and could ward off the Shadow Beasts that attempted to attack the school. Briar was one of the students who returned to Ever After alone worried about what had happened to her friends, she'd spent hours during the night waiting for any text messages from Apple or any of her friends that were left back at Eternos. It left the girl to pass out and fall asleep during the duration of the battle. Coming into the room was Ashlynn who saw her friend asleep and attempted to wake her up, the response was Briar rising in a panic manner and looking confused as the hours passed.
"Is everyone okay? How long have I been asleep?"
She asked nervously toward Ashlynn as she felt like she'd fallen asleep just like her mother and might have slept for several years. Noticing the fear in her eyes and calming Briar down, she pulled out her phone to show several photos of their friends being safe during the battle being won.
"They won. With the help of Kitty of all people who wasn't a fan of Skeletor's plan of taking over the kingdom. He and the rest of his cronies are being locked away and will be home-schooled in Eternos. All in all, everything's okay."
Ashlynn informed her that the danger had passed along how Skeletor's forces had been handled without any lives taken. While it was a good thing to hear that no one was harmed, Briar expressed how she was the one who was hurt as she stood up and walked over to the window. There she saw half of the land being destroyed after the Shadow Beasts had run rampant. Along with seeing her friends helping out and cleaning up the mess.
"Is this what it's gonna be like when I sleep for a hundred years? I'm gonna miss out on important things that'll affect my friends. Especially if everyone is gone and I couldn't do anything about it?"
Questioning her destiny and if this is what it would be like due to how when she would properly fall asleep. Years would go by, and everything would change from the environment, and kingdoms as well as not being able to see her friends again. Ashlynn didn't say anything since she had denounced herself as a royal to become a rebel to be with Hunter on True Hearts Day, though it didn't mean she'd forget her friends and hang out with the rebels all the time.
"Briar, you wouldn't be the first person to question your destiny. I've thought of it every day after Hunter, and I made our relationship official. Not thinking how it would affect our stories."
She spoke her mind about whether what she and Hunter did could affect their lives as well as others who were connected to them. Briar was left confronted if she'd rebel and go against her story to avoid falling asleep for a hundred years. Before she could respond to Ashlynn, her name was called out by Blondie about news being announced by the headmaster.
"Maybe you should check it out. I just need some time to myself."
Briar told Ashlynn how she should see what was happening while she would take a moment to herself if she would remain to her story or not follow it. With her friend leaving and letting the daughter of Sleeping Beauty be by herself, Briar decided to lie down and look at the ceiling to try and calm herself. Just as she was about to walk, Briar accidentally tripped on the floor as she felt like she had broken the floor.
"What the heck?"
Questioning how she tripped Briar noticed something off from the floor there was a small spot that looked like a keyhole. Confused by it and wanting to know what it was underneath the floor, Briar pulled out a small hairpin and began to pick the keyhole. Just as she unlocked it, a small door opened to reveal a book covered in dust and webs. Taking it out and cleaning the book so Briar could get a better look at it, her eyes widened that it had a mirror that glowed majestically and had a title that took her breath away.
"The Storybook of Legends."
Muttering the words at this was the real book that Skeletor was looking for. Startled at how she was holding her future in her hands and thinking of doing something to avoid sleeping for a hundred years, it was interrupted by footsteps coming to her room she quickly put the book back in its spot before standing up to see Ashlynn returning to the room.
"You'll never believe what Blondie just said. The headmaster's brother has returned and is hosting a celebration party to welcome him back! We're going have our Thronecoming party!"
Shouting in excitement as she hugged Briar in excitement at how things were looking up for everyone since this could mean Milton wouldn't be aggressive with the school. Briar put on a smile for her friend to hide away the face she'd uncovered the book that everyone had been looking for. She'd have to plan on spending enough time with everyone before figuring out what she'd do with the book since nobody knows where the real one is, meaning for everyone's safety. Briar would have to get rid of the book for good.
Night Time-Ever After High
With everything cleaned up and Eternia's kingdoms now settling after handling Skeletor's forces. The school had announced a celebration to enjoy the victory the students had gotten from defeating the havoc user to that of the return of Gilles Grimm, the headmaster's long-lost brother. Everyone was wearing their Thronecoming outfits and enjoying the positive atmosphere that was around them, walking through the entrance was Adam along with his friends who revised many applauding for how he had prevailed in beating Skeletor.
"I think you should start beating up more bad guys in the future. Because getting this type of attention feels awesome."
Krass spoke since he along with Mekaneck assisted on the battlefield when they were outside of Castle Grayskull and got to display his immense strength in front of King Randor and his gym teacher Man-at-Arms. Adam didn't respond since during his fight with his cousin, Teela was the one who used her magic to give him the time to knock Skeletor out and send him falling to the ground.
"I'm sure you'll get a chance to be the hero Krass. Just have to wait for the right moment."
Assuring his friend that he'll get a chance that help him stand out from He-Man's various deeds of bravery. Continuing to walk past them along with the other students, they looked behind them to see what seemed like an important entrance they saw the lights aimed near the doorways which showed the girls wearing gallant and incredible gowns that were each unique. Leading the group were Apple and Raven who each waved to everyone who saw them coming in, it was a sight to see as the last one to enter was Teela. Who appeared in her gown that was styled to represent her new occupation as Sorceress of Grayskull.
"Now that's a makeover if I'd ever seen one. Might have to keep an eye out for the princes that'll ask her out."
Daring Charming told Teela's brother DJ as the boy merely grumbled at how he'd be one of the boys to ask her out. With the girls coming in to join their friends, they walked over toward the stage where they saw Headmaster Grimm along with his brother Gilles Grimm who wanted to announce the students of Ever After High.
"It has been an unpredictable term for each of us. We lost people we cared for, to learning about ourselves. This is what Thronecoming is about, remembering the past of what your parents had accomplished through hardships. To that of honoring their deeds. As well as preparing for what's to come."
Milton started the talk as he requested the faculty to reveal several portraits that showed the parents of the Enchanted Kingdom who were ordinary people before becoming famous individuals who inspired hundreds with their stories. Everyone applauded the kings and queens of the land, whether they were good or evil. Each of them had a role that helped shape the lands that they lived in.
"That doesn't mean you shouldn't be afraid. Because fear is an emotion that can be helpful in times of need and can bring out the best of us. Even when we believe don't have it."
Gilles offered advice on whether they were afraid of embracing their stories or rebelling against them. It would eventually bring out a side that will help everyone in the darkest hour, which was the example of several of the students who became Eternos's heroes with what they had done against Skeletor. The students applauded them such as Adam, Raven, Apple, and Teela who had a hand in turning the tide of saving Eternos and the rest of the kingdoms. With that being said, they heard music playing from a balcony which showed Melody Pipper and Roboto by the DJ station where they were in charge of the music.
"So how about we celebrate the first win of Ever After High with some Eternian and Enchanted tunes!"
Melody announced as she used her laptop and hooked them up to Roboto's wiring he let out music which made the entire room feel excited and rush to the dance floor to show off their moves. Each of the students displayed their form as there was an air dance battle between Stratos and Buzz Off to Krass cautiously dancing with Cedar who wanted to thank her for helping him out with his parade float.
"This synchronized music is fantastic, shame that my boyfriend couldn't attend it. He's always serious whenever we face talk, but not when we have virtual tea time."
Maddie told Cerise and Blondie who were by her side since they didn't have anyone to dance with and preferred to be with her friends since they didn't have anyone to dance with. On the side was Adam who was staring at Raven who was talking with Apple who was curious about asking Daring to dance.
"If you want to dance with her, then do it ya dork."
A voice interrupted his train of thought as it came from Teela who could tell how he wanted to ask her out, despite what they'd been through and knowing about his secret identity. It is right that he'd ask her out to dance. Deciding to take her friend's suggestion, he walked over and asked Raven out as the pair made their way to the dance floor to enjoy the music that was being played. Teela, who was keeping to herself smiled at the sight along took a look at the staff that she received from her mother as she looked over back at Adam and Raven.
"You should tell him how you feel is, you never know when something might happen. Especially since your the new sorceress woman of Castle Grayskull. Which makes me the royal captain of Eternos's army, sweet."
DJ told her as he went to check up on how Roboto's systems were doing and ask Melody out to dance. Teela thought about what her brother said since she didn't know why it bothered her that Adam asked Raven out to dance due to her seeing him as a friend. Whether it was jealousy or because it was her duty to help him learn about the secrets of Grayskull as well as its secrets that needed to be discovered, the one thing Teela could do was enjoy herself and focus on the safety of her friends and brother. Going off to the dance floor to show off her moves, the students and the teachers participated in the dancing to celebrate the beating of evil and the start of something new.
Later-Enchanted Forest
While everyone was attending the Thronecoming party and avoided being seen by her friends. Briar left the school grounds and traveled to the darkest parts of the forest where she wouldn't be seen by anyone, even the wolves that lived within the caves. However, she was on a mission that could either help her and others find their destinies or liberate them from a story they wouldn't enjoy. Finding a nearby fireplace and lighting up a small fire, Briar looked at the Storybook of Legends as well as her reflection as she noticed within it was her future self who was sleeping on her bed.
"This is for the best."
Briar told herself as she dropped the book into the fire and hoped that it be able to burn the hardcover as well as the pages within it. Waiting to see it become charred and burnt, the fire couldn't destroy it. What it did do was make the fire go away as the book was protected by ancient magic as well as couldn't be harmed by any natural means.
"Powerful, isn't it?"
A voice spoke from the shadows Briar was frightened at who was watching her she quickly took the book since it would be bad for anyone to see her burning a historical book. Coming out was a hooded figure who kept their face covered protectively so Brair didn't see who was underneath it.
"There have been legends that revolve around the book. Wherever it went, the pages would tell of anyone's stories. Whether it was from its own world to another, the book knows and always be protected."
Informing the girl about how powerful it was Briar kept the book close to the stranger as they seemed invested in the Storybook of Legends. Though with the bad luck there had been with hooded people, she didn't want to take the chance and planned to make a run for it.
"As well as to help someone's people who are lost."
The stranger stated it took Briar by surprise since the book has always told everyone about what their future stories would be or what adventures they embark on. There was never a story about someone saving people who mysteriously vanished as it wasn't from Eternos or the Enchanted Kingdom.
"Who are you? And be warned, I can call the Eternian guards in a heartbeat on my phone."
Briar warned him if he attempted anything sinister or evil, he wouldn't make it far with several Eternian guards that were posted at Ever After High. Lifting his head slowly, the stranger showed a pair of reptilian eyes before removing his hood to show a snake face which made Briar frightened due to how scared she was of snakes.
"My name is Kahn. The last survivor of my people, who have told me that my destiny is to locate an ancient book that could help me embrace it and be able to find them again."
Hissing her and explaining how vital it was for him to find the Storybook of Legends to help him write his destiny within it to find his people. While his cause sounded honest and truthful due to how weak he appeared, Briar still didn't trust him since he watched her burn the book and said nothing.
"How can I trust you? Or rather why I shouldn't leave?"
She questioned Kahn about his intentions and if he was telling the truth. The weakened snake boy sighed at how there was distrust coming from her, as well as the notion it might be because he appeared like a monster. What he did know was how Briar wanted to be rid of the book and would try another method to destroy it.
"Because I can promise that you will never have to write within its pages. And that you won't have to lose your friends, you have my word."
He promised her that he'd take the book away from the school as well as from her friends since it could help end the rivalry between royals and royals. While she was tempted to take the book away and continue finding a way to be rid of it, Kahn needed it more than just to have a Happily Ever After. Walking over to hand the scaley boy the book, Briar still felt nervous about giving the book away.
"Just be careful who you help with their stories. Not all of them are good."
Briar warned him as she made her way back to Ever After High to rejoin her friends so they didn't worry about her. Just as the princess left Kahn with the book, he smiled with his fangs showing as he opened the book that showed him his destiny in finding his people. With a feather pen floating in front of him, Kahn wrote his name within it as he felt a surge of magic flourish through him as his broken scales and wounds started to heal. Removing the cloak to show off his hidden armor along the symbol of a snake, Kahn lets out a hiss of victory of becoming strong again.
"Ssoon my king. I will find you again, and our people will have their revenge. On both worlds."
The Cobra announced before running back into the forest where the book had informed him where his journey would start. Moving with blinding speed and making it near a vine up well, Kahn used his newfound strength to remove the branches and everything else before making an opening big enough to let him enter. Looking at back the forest as well as the school, he chuckled in amusement at what he'd bring when he found his people. Jumping into the well and disappearing in a bright light, this left the opening of a new threat to come onto the Enchanted Kingdom and Eternia. The only thing that needed to be asked was if there would be enough time to uncover this plot before it was too late.