Hi y'all. Sorry it's been forever since my last update; life has been rough and are gonna be a lot tougher for a little while. Things have been pretty busy at jobs the last couple of months, kept deleting everything I wrote down, and other personal stuff. I plan to return to the fanfic and update as much as I can.
For those you want to do commissions with me - I'm flattered but at the moment I can't afford to pay for commissions due to taking a gap year and it's literally after the holidays (and I know most of you are bots) if you want to make fanart I'm cool with it just send links to my fanfic and send me a link so I can see them - Tumblr account and Instagram account can be found on my info/about page.
Well, here's the long-waited chapter (actually this is 3-4 chapters put together), enjoy!
Out of the Fog 2
The fairy tale teens were in a cave after escaping some goblins, they were now eating a dinner of fish soup. It was still hard to believe that all of this madness happened in just a day! The teens were exhausted, hungry, and scarred.
Daring turned to see the newest member of the group. She seemed about their age, skin as pale as white paper, long black wavy hair that curled at the bottom that covered her left eye, wearing a long black dress. She didn't seem familiar to Daring, by now he had memorized all the girls in his fan club at school and in the village. Was she someone visiting for Raven's apology, a student or villager he never noticed, who was she?
"Pardon me, fair maiden." Daring turned towards Brooke. "But who are you?"
"My name is Brooke...Brooke Page" Brooke answered as Maddie's head slowly turned towards her.
"Brooke?" Maddie questioned.
"Hi Maddie." Brooke said shakily as she smiled. "It's wonderful to finally meet you."
"BROOKE!" Maddie cried out as she jumped on Brooke.
"Oh My God!" Cerise gasped.
"Maddie!" Apple bellowed as she attempted to pull Maddie off Brooke. "I'm so sorry."
But Brooke and Maddie only laughed.
" I can't believe it - actually I can! You're here!" Maddie beamed with joy.
" That's right I'm here in Ever After." Brooke nodded.
As happy as Maddie was to finally meet Brooke in person somethings didn't make sense even for her.
"But, how did you get here? I thought Narrators couldn't be in stories. Why haven't you answered my calls? Did you know about Headmaster Grimm poisoning Raven?" Maddie continued to babble.
"Well to answer your first question I fell between the pages when -"
"Wait just a moment!" Hopper interrupted the two. "What on God's green earth are you two going on about?"
"Yeah, Maddie, you seem to know more about Brooke than us and we met her yesterday." Apple pointed out the facts.
" How would Brooke even know the things you're talking about, Maddie?" Cerise question.
"What do you mean by you 'fell between the pages'?" Cedar asked.
"Well-" Maddie squeaked. " You see-"
"I'll explain everything." Brooke said as she stood up. " I'm a Narrator, we are tasked with narrating and sharing stories to others. Maddie and Kitty can hear me, my parents, and the other narrators. I've been following your stories for a while and long story short I had a disagreement with my parents and ended following between the pages and ended up here. "
It was silent for a moment until.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
Everyone (minus Maddie & Brooke) was laughing at what they just heard.
"What's so funny?" Maddie questioned deeply confused.
"I'm so sorry, but that ridicules." Cerise answered as she clutched her sides.
"What's ridicules?" Brooke questioned.
"The whole you being a narrator thing and narrating people's lives." Daring answered.
" I know you talk about the 'narrators' a lot Maddie, but that's not possible." Cedar added.
"Yes, it is." Maddie pouted. "You can even use your revealer rays, Cedar."
"Okay." Cedar reluctantly "But I don't see how - OH MY LORD!"
"What is it, Cedar?" Hopper asked. " Do tell us what you see."
" It's true." Cedar spoke up. " Brooke is a Narrator - see for yourselves!"
Cedar handed the revealer rays to the other teens to their surprise as the blue fairy in the rays revealed the truth.
"I don't believe it." Daring said dumbstruck.
"I guess we owe you both apologizes for not believing you." Cerise began.
"Wait!" Apple exclaimed. " If you're a Narrator Brooke that means you can undo all of this."
"Yes, please young Narrator." Hopper begged. "Free us from this heinous act."
"Yeah, about that -" Brooke began. "When I fell between the pages, I lost my powers. If I had them I would've loved to stop this by now."
Before anyone could respond.
*COUGH, COUGH, COUGH*
"Gordon, are you okay?" Dexter's voice cried out.
This caught the attention of the others as they ran to Gordon, Dexter, and Cupid.
"What's wrong with Gordon?" Apple asked as she knelt beside Cupid.
"His fevers rising again!" Cupid panicked as she removed her hand from Gordon's head.
"Don't worry." Maddie said as she pulled out a teacup full of steaming tea.
"And I got some pills." Cedar pulled out some pills.
Cedar crushed the pills and added them to Maddie's tea, then made Gordon drank it up until he was done coughing. The teens surrounded Gordon as he peacefully slumbered.
"My friends I'm afraid I'm the bearer of very bad news." Hopper said. "Our supplies are dwindling, and we will run out food and water before tomorrow night. And our dear Gordon is in desperate need of medical attention."
"He's right." Cerise agreed. "I can hunt our next couple of meals, but there's not much medical herbs due to the storm."
"And it'll be a matter of time before those goblins come and find us." Cedar admitted.
"Let's agree tomorrow when the rain stops, we'll head out and find a doctor." Apple proclaimed. "Agreed?"
"Agreed." The teens agreed as each took shifts watching Gordon as the rest went to sleep.
Later that Night
Despite the sleepy time tea Maddie supplied the group to curve their adrenaline they had a dreamless night as a million thoughts ran through their heads.
Just a few hours earlier Raven had turned evil, got captured by goblins, found out that the headmaster has been poisoning Raven, and found out that The Narrators (minus Maddie) were REAL!
Maddie was wide awake worried about her father, her friends that were left behind at Ever After High, and Raven.
She should've done more to help Raven, but all she did was stood by the sidelines until it was too late.
She couldn't imagine what everyone was going through, what Raven was going through!
Maddie eyes teared up as she tried to fight them from falling.
*SQUEAK*
Maddie turned to see Earl Grey with a sadden expression as well.
"Come on, Earl Grey." Maddie said as she scooped him up. " Let's get some air."
Maddie got out of her sleeping bag and headed to the mouth of the cave and silently began to weep.
*WHIMPER*
*HICCUP*
*WEEP*
"Are you okay - MADDIE?!"
Maddie turned around to see Dexter behind her with a worried expression on his face.
"Maddie!" Dexter gasped. "What's wrong?"
" The teacup has spillover with sea salt and sorrow." Maddie choked out.
"God, I need to learn Riddlish!" Dexter hissed to himself.
" We're doomed." Maddie hiccuped.
"What? No, we're not!" Dexter said.
"Yes, we are!" Maddie shouted. " First, I lost Wonderland. Second, my dad may have been captured. Third, my best friend is gone!" Maddie cried as Earl Grey sat on her shoulder and patted her head.
Maddie was now no stranger to lose; her homeland was gone cursed by a wicked woman, her father who she loved dearly was gone and most likely in a prison or trapped under rubble, and her best friend poisoned by the headmaster to be who she was not to continue an evil legacy.
Dexter wrapped his arms around Maddie and scooped her up in a warm hug.
The hug Dexter gave her reminded her of the ones her father would give her on a bad day, was warm as the teas he gave her during a chilly Winter day, and as soft as the cotton and fleece of his coats and hats.
"It's okay, Maddie." Dexter softly said as he rubbed circles into her back. "We'll fix this I promise."
"Thanks, Dexter." Maddie thanked Dexter with a yawn as she cuddled up in his chest.
"No problem." Dexter responded. "Ready to go back? Maddie?"
Maddie and Earl Grey didn't respond due to both being fast asleep, Dexter chuckled as he put them back in their sleeping bags before returning to his.
Darling and Cupid witnessed everything and were touched by Dexter's kindness towards Maddie in her hour of need.
It reminded Darling of the times Dexter would comfort her when she was upset about school, their parents, or her destiny.
Flashback
Charming Castle
Night.
A young Darling entered Dexter's room with puppy dog eyes engulfed in tears.
"Dex, I can't sleep. Mother says that something bad is going to happen to me and I'll need to be rescued." Darling cried out.
Dexter was playing the latest version of Troll Quest on his MirrorPad.
"Don't worry," he told her. He patted the bench and she sat next to him. "I'll come to your rescue."
"You will?" she asked. "You promise?"
"Of course I promise. I'm a prince, after all. Why can't I be the one to rescue you?" Dexter answered.
"Thanks," Darling said. "And if you ever need help, I'll rescue you."
"It's a deal." Then, taking turns on his device, they made their way through the Screaming Swamp until they defeated the troll king. And even though she was only five years old, Darling realized that she and her brother made a great team, especially after this.
End Flashback
As Dexter crawled into his sleeping, Darling spoke up.
"You're a good big brother." Darling said.
"What?" Dexter yelped.
"Shh!" Cupid hushed Dexter. "You'll wake the others it's Darling and me, Cupid."
"Oh, you both heard everything?" Dexter asked.
"Yeah, it was sweet." Cupid answered.
"And Maddie truly needed it." Darling added. "Try to get some rest, big bro."
Dexter turned towards the sleeping Maddie and Earl Grey noticing how peaceful they looked in their sleep this was most likely the most peaceful they slept since Raven disappeared.
As the teens slept the storm outside ceased to a gentle rain as the moon and stars above the dark clouds shined bright.
Morning
The teens got up early to make their way back to The Village of Bookend. Sadly, due to the storm and fog the group had lost their bearing.
Breaburn, Legend, Sir Gallopad, and Nevermore carried the teens on their backs as they traveled and trudged through the swamp water, mud, and fog.
"How's Gordon?" Daring asked as he turned to see Dexter holding Gordon.
" He's okay... For now." Dexter answered. "The meds and tea really knocked him out and the new bandages are holding up."
"That's good." Daring kept it short.
Everyone knew the meds and tea wouldn't last long, Gorgon needed medical help!
*Stomachs Growling*
Everyone was still tired from lack of sleep and hungry due to lack of breakfast.
*CHIRPING SOUNDS*
" Breakfast." Cerise purred.
" Do we really have to kill the birdies?" Apple questioned with a squeak in her voice.
Daring put a hand on her shoulder.
" We have no choice, Apple." Daring explained.
" We need to keep our strength, or we'll be useless to Gordon." Hopper said.
Apple nodded understanding what needed to be done.
*Cerise sniffing the air*
"There's a bunch of birds that way." Cerise said pointing at the location.
"Okay, let's go." Apple nodded.
The group hid behind some trees as they saw a flock of ducks, pigeons, and swans.
"Oh, so many birds." Brooke whispered. "The storm must have brought them together."
"Makes it easy for us to hunt." Daring said as he pulled out a bow and arrow.
"Where'd you get that from?" Dexter questioned.
" I made it while everyone was asleep." Daring answered as he pulled on the nocking point.
Before Daring could take aim, a familiar scent entered Cerise's nose - the scent was of sweat, expensive perfume, and lilacs.
" Daring, no!" Cerise shouted as she tackled Daring as the arrow went off.
"Cerise!" Daring yelped.
Daring arrow was shot as all the birds began flying in circles.
*WINGS FLAPPING*
*WET STOMPING NOISES*
"WHO SHOOT THIS DAMN ARROW!"
Everyone turned to see -
"DUCHESS!"
"Fuck, it's you people." Duchess groaned.
Everyone was surprised to see Duchess especially with mascara tears down her cheeks, hair frazzled, and her dress was damp, muddy, and torn in places.
Apple and Maddie ran up to Duchess and hugged her.
"Oh Duchess, I'm surprisingly happy." Apple said.
"Again, who shot this arrow?" Duchess said holding the arrow.
"My apologies, Duchess." Daring apologized.
"Whatever." Duchess said as she snapped the arrow in half. "If you all don't mind you guys can stay on this side of the swamp and I'll stay on mine."
*MAGICAL TRANSFORMATION MUSIC*
*WINGS FLAPPING*
Now in black swan form Duchess flew away leaving the other teens flabegasted.
" Duchess can still turn into a swan?" Hopper croaked.
"She's getting away!" Maddie cried out.
" Not if I can help it." Cerise began to run in Duchess's direction.
" I'll help." Cupid took to the air to follow Duchess as well.
The dark skies made difficult for Cupid to track down Duchess; Cupid prayed that Raven didn't have any spies in the air with her pink attire she'd be a sitting duck.
*HOWL*
*HONK*
Out of nowhere a giant wolf jumped from some trees and onto a black swan as they both plummeted to the ground.
Cupid flew as fast as her wings could go and caught the wolf and swan as they crashed into some moss, weak tree limbs, and swamp water.
*SPLASH*
The rest of the teens ran to where they saw their friends plummeted to see Duchess, Cupid, and Cerise tangled together in vines and moss.
"Get off me!" Duchess honked.
The teens helped Cerise, Cupid, and Duchess up.
"Duchess, can still turn into a swan?" Daring questioned.
"Let me see." Cedar put on her revealer rays. " It seems she wasn't hit by the blast."
"What blast? What are you people talking about?" Duchess demanded.
Everyone looked at each other and back at Duchess.
" We're talking about this." Apple said as she picked up Hopper.
Duchess looked unimpressed. " Hopper's always in toad form, just kiss him and make him a geek again."
"How dare you!" Hopper yelped.
" It won't work." Cupid acknowledged. " I did it several times and it didn't work."
" Tried what?" Duchess was getting impatient.
"This!" Apple said as she kissed Hopper's forehead.
" Or this." Maddie said as she kissed Hopper's left cheek.
" And this." Cedar said as she kissed Hopper's right cheek.
This caused Duchess's eyes to widen in shock at the very sight of Hopper still in his frog form despite being kissed.
"WHAT, WHO, WHEN, WHERE, HOW?" Duchess began sputtering out.
"Duchess, take a deep breath and we'll explain everything." Cupid tried to calm Duchess down.
"AND WHO IS SHE?" Duchess questioned pointing at Brooke.
"Okay." Maddie pulled out a teal, white, and purple picnic blanket with cups of tea laid out as Maddie poured herself a cup. "Let's start at the beginning."
Spongebob's French Narrator
A Few Moments Later
Duchess had the thousand-yard stare after what she just heard.
The headmaster poisoning Raven, the headmaster going missing, Prof. Badwolf gone missing, the Narrators, it was all so much to take in.
"So, Raven's evil now?" The words slipped out of Duchess's mouth.
"Yep." Dexter nodded.
"And your father, King Dr. Charming, really disowned you?" Duchess questioned.
"Yep." Dexter nodded.
" And Prof. Badwolf is your dad?" Duchess questioned.
"Yes." Cerise nodded.
"That explains the 'World's Baddest Dad' mug he carries around." Duchess said.
"He what?" Hopper gasped.
"He told us he stole the wrong mug." Duchess answered.
Everyone sat in silence.
"Alright, enough sitting down." Maddie said as her hat sucked up the picnic blanket and tea set. "We need to head back to Ever After High!"
"Head back?" Duchess gasped. "Tell me you guys aren't planning on going back to Ever After High? I'm doing everything in my power to avoid going back there."
All eyes were on Duchess.
"You mean you where the school is?" Cerise asked.
"Yeah, and where the guards patrolling the swamps and forests are, I've been avoiding them all night. Why do you think I got bags under my eyes? " Duchess questioned pointing at the bags under her eyes.
"Then, we need to go now." Dexter said. " We need to help Raven."
"HELP RAVEN?!" Duchess shrieked. " She's taken over the school! Headmaster Grimm and Madam Baba Yaga couldn't stop her, what makes you think you guys can?"
"We have to or else all of Ever After is doomed." Cedar answered.
"We're already doomed!" Duchess shouted. " Raven's evil now, the headmaster's been exposed as a fraud, and the most powerful people in Ever After can't stop her; again, we're already doomed! It's best if we just give up!"
Apple was shocked at what she just heard! For the two years she's known Duchess she was never a quitter. As much as Duchess was a thorn in Apple's side, she respected that Duchess took pride in her dance, grades, and importantly being a Royal; but now?
"Give up? You never gave up on anything why of all times you choose now to give up?" Apple asked.
"After finding out my whole life has been a big fat FUCKIN' LIE!" Duchess bawled as tears ran down her face. "My whole life I grew up without my parents, was bullied when my swan instincts kicked in during elementary school, got sent to villain classes to replace someone who didn't want to be evil, been told my whole life I'd be turned into a swan forever and lose my prince, and I believed with a small glimmer of hope that I could steal a better destiny. Only to realize I was doomed from the narrative the whole DAMN time, so yes, I give up!"
Duchess collapsed on the floor and began to weep.
Everyone felt bad for Duchess, even Cerise and Dexter who really (really) didn't like her felt bad for her.
Apple felt ashamed this whole time she focused more on those with happily ever afters (mainly herself) but ignored those with downer endings mainly Raven and Duchess.
"Duchess." Apple began. " I know things haven't been fair - I haven't been fair to you. But we need your help."
" Why should I? " Duchess huffed as she wiped away her tears trying to mask her pain.
"Because-" Apple began "When this whole thing is done and over with you can have my destiny."
*GASP*
Everyone gasped at what they just heard. Apple was giving up her destiny!
Duchess was caught off guard and did a double take. "I'm sorry, what?"
"You heard me." Apple said. " The throne, the castle, the prince charming, and the poisoned apple are all yours if you help us."
"Apple?" Daring stepped forward. " Are sure?"
"As sure as I ever been in my whole life." Apple declared.
"This is a trick." Duchess hesitated. "You're Apple FUCKING White, the leader of the Royals, most popular girl in school, and went as far to have the future evil queen as your roommate so you could get your happily ever after. Why should I believe you."
Apple didn't know what to say except she extended her hand.
"Because I Apple White, the leader of the Royals, I promise to step down as the ex- future Snow White, and hand it to you Duchess Swan." Apple stared at Duchess intensely. "Do we have a deal?"
Duchess couldn't believe this. This whole school year she spent trying to steal the promised destinies of her fellow princess only for the future Snow White to hand it to her on a golden platter.
Duchess took Apple's hand and shake it.
"Deal." Duchess agreed.
It had been decided once they freed Raven from her poisoned state Apple would no longer be the heir of the Snow White legacy and Duchess who was known to have a doom story would have her happily ever after.
"I don't believe it. I have a happily ever after now!" Duchess leapt with glee. "And not just any old happily ever after my enemy's happily ever after."
Duchess did a couple more leaps and spins not able to contain her joy.
"All this time I thought I'd have to blackmail, lie, and dig up dirt just to get my happily ever after only for it to be handed to me." Duchess gloated. "I'll be adored by all, have dwarves as butlers, have a prince charming, and -"
*COUGH, COUGH, COUGH*
Everyone turned to Gordon who was hacking up a storm.
"Gordon!" Dexter rushed to Gordon's side.
A sense of dread washed over Duchess as everyone aided Gordon. Duchess couldn't lie; this fella Gordon clearly needed help. Maddie poured some tea down Gordon's throat until the coughing resided.
" We should keep going." Daring said as everyone nodded in agreement.
An Hour Later
"How much farther is it to the school?" Hopper questioned.
"Shut up, I told you Raven had patrol officers." Duchess said. "We're just taking a detour."
Duchess had a point it was better a long safe way than a dangerous short route even in this terrain.
The once wet swamp lands were being replaced by hardened and dust dirt as the land became more walkable and thivker trees surrounded them.
"Wait, I know where we are!" Cerise halted as she began oi sniff the air. " Follow me!"
Everyone did their best to follow Cerise (even the dragons), but she was too fast for them. Somehow, they lost Cerise in the thick woods.
"AHHH"
"That was Cerise!" Apple cried out.
"But, pray tell could she be?" Hopper questioned.
Cedar put on her revealer rays as the blue fairy showed the way. " She went this way."
Cedar lead the way until they found Cerise standing in front of Hood Hollow or what was supposed to be Hood Hollow.
It was just like the broadcast showed; it looked like a mega bomb went off in Hood Hollow as buildings and homes continued to crumble, craters in the ground, and the sky dark.
Cerise didn't say a word and the others understood.
Maddie grabbed Cerise's hand and pulled her away. " I can lead everyone to your house, if you want me to?"
Ceise just nodded.
Maddie lead the way as the group passed many canopy trees as ferns and a few wildflowers to creep out of the dark soil and touched their feet. Ahead was a cottage -Cerise's home!
"We made it." Cupid gave an exhausted sigh.
"Thank God!" Duchess agreed.
*SNIFFLE, WEEP, CRYING*
Everyone turned to see Cerise on her knees crying with her ears flattened, nose dripping, and eyes watered.
" It's okay, Cerise." Cedar wrapped her arms around Cerise.
"We're right here for you." Maddie said as wrapped her arms around Cerise said.
Apple joined in as well to comfort Cerise.
*COUGH, COUGH, COUGH*
Gordon began coughing up again.
"We need to get him inside!" Cerise broke the hug and rushed to Gordon's aid along with Dexter.
*STOMP*
*HOWL*
Everyone turned to see a large wolf with sharp teeth, piercing eyes, dark brown fur with tufts of hair colored white and ruby on its head.
"Ramona?" Cerise questioned.
The wolf began to morph into a teenage wolf girl.
"Cerise?" Ramona gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"This is my house! What are you doing here?" Cerise questioned.
"Ramona!" Humphery, Farrah, Rosabella, and Jillian ran towards Ramona as they noticed their friends.
"You guys escaped!" Jillian and Farrah beamed.
" But, how?" Humphery asked.
"No time, Gordon needs help!" Dexter shouted as he, Darling, Daring, Cerise, and Ramona helped him inside the cabin.
"Set him on the sofa." Cerise demanded as the teens did just that.
The teens did their best to position Gordon on the sofa.
"I'll get some more pillows and blankets." Cerise said as she rushed upstairs.
Farrah placed her hand on Gordon's forehead to check his temperature.
" Oh my godmother!" Farrah gasped as she removed her hand from Gordon's hand. "He's got a fever."
" I saw some meds in the medicine cabinet." Jillian rushed towards the kitchen to retrieve the meds.
Once, Cerise and Jillian returned with the pillows, blankets, and medicine they covered Gordon up as Maddie grinded some meds into some tea and poured it down Gordon's throat until the last drop was gone.
"Gordon's must have more than tea to sustain himself." Hopper pointed out.
"Maybe some soup will do." Cupid suggested. " He won't have to chew and it's easy to swallow."
" I can make some soup." Cerise said.
"I'll help." Apple followed Cerise to the kitchen.
"I can make some more tea." Maddie added as she pulled out her favorite teapot.
The two followed Cerise to the kitchen, leaving the other teens alone.
"What happened to this guy's foot?" Humphery asked.
"Some goblins broke his leg." Dexter sighed as he looked away in shame. "Because Gordon was protecting me."
Brooke placed her hand on Dexter's shoulder. "It's not your fault, Dexter."
"Wait, just a fuckin' second!" Ramona growled as she pointed at Brooke. "Who are you two?"
Brooke gulped. "Well-"
Explaining Time
Ramona, Humphery, Farrah, Rosabella, and Jillian stared in shock after finding out the truth!
"Oh my God!" Farrah cursed.
*GASP*
"Damn, when a goody two-shoes like Farrah curses not once, but two times you know we're in deep shit." Ramona said.
"Soups on, everybody!" Maddie said pushing a cart full of tea, soup, and slices of bread.
Dexter grabbed one of the bowls of soup and began to shake Gordon awake.
"Gordon, wake up please." Dexter begged.
"Wha-aha?" Gordon groggily answered as his eyes blinked open. "Where are we?"
"We're in Cerise's home, Gordon." Dexter answered. "We made it out of the swamp."
"That's good." Gordon said with a wobble weak smile.
"And we got soup." Dexter said holding up the bowl of soup.
Despite the lack of food in his stomach Gordon looked like he was going to vomit and held his hands out. "No, thank you."
" Gordon, we hadn't had breakfast or lunch you need to eat something." Dexter said sternly laced with worried. "Now!"
Gordon nodded and did his best to eat the soup as the others did the same. After the late dinner Gordon took more meds and had his temperature taken.
" The meds, tea Maddie made, and Cerise's herbs seem to be working since Gordon's temperature is lowering." Cedar said looking through her revealer rays. " I'm afraid the leg still looks really bad, and he should really stay off it and get some rest."
"Done and done. Dr. Cedar." Gordon jokingly said with a smile before he felt a shot of pain in his leg. "AGH!"
"Gordon!" Dexter ran to his side. " What's wrong?"
"MY LEG, MY LEG, MY DAMN LEG!" Gordon winced in pain.
Cedar looked at his leg. " Oh, that does look painful!"
"Should we give him more meds?" Brooke asked.
" That's a bad idea; he might accidentally overdose." Humphery answered.
"Agh-hmm!" Gordon bit down on his pillow to hold back his screams of pain.
" I got an idea." Farrah said meekly as all eyes were on her. " But we gotta work quickly and I'll need some help."
"Just say the word." Jillian said.
Farrah instructed everyone to gather all the herbs, spices, jars, measuring cups, pots, pans, and some of the leftover soup.
Farrah waved her wand and the pots and pans turned into a bunsen burner, beakers, hot plate, and googles.
" I can make a healing potion that can ease Gordon's pain, but it won't fix his leg." Farrah began to explain. "So, I need help getting the exact measurements and mixtures correctly."
"I can help with measurements." Apple volunteered.
" I can mix everything." Maddie waved her hand in the air.
"Okay, let's get to work." Farrah said as she pulled some gloves over her hands and put some gloves on.
Farrah began chopping up ingredients, as Apple measured the water and ingredients, then Maddie mixed the items together. Once everything was finished Maddie and Apple poured the potion into some of the jars and leftover soup, Farrah then waved her wand giving the potion a shimmer effect.
Farrah grabbed one of the smaller jars and dabbed it on Gordon's leg.
"How's that?" Farrah questioned.
"Still hurts, but a little better." Gordon winced a little.
"So, what now?" Farrah asked.
" Now we rest and stock up for tomorrow." Apple said as she removed her shoes and placed them near the entrance. "We don't have far to go."
"And maybe a shower." Cedar suggested. "No offense, but we stink."
It did hit everyone that between Raven's rampage, escaping the school, getting caught in the storm, traveling great distances, kidnapped by ogres, traveling through a swamp, and avoiding Raven's army they had stunk to high heaven!
"Gordon should go first due to his leg injury." Dexter said.
" Where is the bathroom?" Brooke asked.
"Gordon can use my parents' bathroom and mines is upstairs to the end of the hallway." Cerise answered.
"I call first dibs on Cerise's shower!" Duchess said as she rushed to the bathroom.
"Save some hot water for the rest of us and the fishes!" Rosabella shouted.
"Anyways, I'll draw the bathwater for Gordon." Cerise said as she went in her parents' room"
Jillian, Rosabella, Apple, and Darling noticed Ramona heading towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Darling asked.
"To survey the area." Ramona answered. " We don't know how close Raven's goons are from here."
" I can come with you." Apple volunteered.
"Bad idea." Ramona shot Apple's offer down. " The second they spot you'll be turned in. Besides I can hide and shapeshift."
"Okay, but be back in an hour or I'll come looking for you." Apple said.
"And me!" Jillian said.
"Also, me." Darling added.
"Me too." Rosabella agreed.
"Pfft, whatever." Ramona chuckled with a grin in her face.
As soon as she stepped out Ramona shifted into her wolf form and ran off as the others locked the front door.
"Bath waters, done." Cerise said as she emerged in the living room.
"How do I get to the bathroom?" Gordon asked.
It was true despite how close the rooms were, it would be difficult for Gordon to travel due to his leg.
"I'm on it." Farrah said as she waved her wand on a nearby chair, and it turned into a luxury wheelchair.
"Thank you, Farrah." Gordon thanked the young fairy godmother as he got in the wheelchair.
" I'll wheel you in Gordon." Dexter said.
"Actually Dexter, I think you should take a break." Daring came between the two.
" What?" Dexter bellowed.
" You've been watching over Gordon this whole time, let someone else look after him so you can rest up a bit." Daring explained.
This infuriated Dexter; how dare Daring tell him what to do!
"Daring's right, Dex." Darling agreed. " While Gordon gets cleaned up, we can watch the animals."
"But - but-" Dexter stuttered.
"No buts, my friend." Hopper agreed. " Daring and I will watch over Gordon."
"I'll be fine Dex, get some fresh air despite how grey it is outside." Gordon said.
"Fine." Dexter sighed in defeat.
"You too, Cerise." Darling wrapped her arm around Cerise's.
"Wha?" Cerise gasped
"You've been running around nonstop since you got home." Rosabella answered. " You're taking a break too."
Cerise didn't protest as she and Dexter were dragged outside.
Backyard.
The six pets were currently eating grass while Drake, Sir Gallopad, and Mr. Cottonhorn were enjoying the grass Nevermore, Legend, and Breabyrn weren't. They would much prefer the chickens that were wandering around the yard but knew it would be in bad taste to upset Cerise and filled up on grass.
Cerise, Darling, Dexter, and Rosabella walked out into the chilly air despite how close they were to Summer.
" We got apples for you guys." Cerise said as she and the others pulled out six apples.
The pets rushed to them and began to nuzzle them all expect for one, Mr. Cottonhorn didn't approach he just stood there. Dexter tried to approach the jackelope only for him to skitter away and thump his back feet.
"You should apologize to him." Darling said as she feed Sir Gallopad the apple.
" You're right." Dexter said as he approached Mr. Cotton horn at a distance.
" I'm sorry, Mr. Cottonhorn." Dexter began his apology. " I never meant to hurt you; I just didn't want you to get involved with my situation. Knowing fath- King Charming, he must have thrown out all my belongings and ripped me out of the family photos by now, if he saw you, he would've kicked you out. I trusted Darling to take care of you if anything bad happened to me. I understand if you don't forgive me."
Dexter expected Mr. Cottonhorn to ignore him or kick him in the shins, what Dexter didn't expect was for Mr. Cottonhorn to jump in his arms, nuzzle his cheeks, and eat the apple.
"Thanks Mr. Cottonhorn." Dexter hugged his pet.
Cerise's bathroom
After a whole night of getting her dress ruined, avoiding Raven's guards, and sleeping in a swamp a simple shower was a luxury for Duchess. Her long black, white, and lilac hair that reached to her ankles once smelt of bog water now smelled like cherries, wood, and musk. Personally, she'd prefer the scent of water lilies, champagne, or rose water shampoo/ body wash, but she didn't complain.
*KNOCK. KNOCK*
"Duchess, it's Rosabella." Rosabella said. " Apple and Farrah on laundry duty so she's collecting our dirty clothes."
"They're next to the door." Duchess said.
The door creaked opened and shut indicating that Rosabelle collected Duchess's dirty clothes.
After a few more minutes Duchess stepped out of the shower to see that her under garments were washed and on top of a white night gown. Duchess dried off, put on the long night gown, and headed downstairs.
Duchess spotted Gordon back on the couch now wearing some extra-large black sweat suit on, leg bandaged and playing a card game with Cupid, Maddie, Daring, Hopper, Darling, and Rosabella. Apple and Farrah were sewing some clothes together. While Jillian, Cedar, Humphry, and Cerise were going over some maps. But Dexter was nowhere to be found.
"Where's Dexter?" Duchess asked.
"In my parents' shower." Cerise answered.
"Well, the upstairs bathroom is free to whoever wants it." Duchess said.
"You should go next, Cerise." Farrah suggested.
"You guys sure?" Cerise asked. "Don't you need anything else."
" No. All we want you to do is relax now." Apple said as the others nodded in agreement.
"Okay, I'll be down in a bit." Cerise said as she walked up the stairs.
" Don't take as long as Duchess!" Rosabella shouted.
" Hey!" Duchess shouted insulted.
Later
Everyone had bathed and were wearing Cerise and her mother's pajamas (well, minus Gordon the guys wore Cerise's sportswear to sleep in) as they were finishing up their dessert of toast with jam and tea.
"So, who sleeps where tonight?" Ramona asked as she sipped her tea.
In all their prep work for tomorrow they didn't think about sleeping arrangements.
" I was thinking Gordon can sleep in my parent's room tonight." Cerise said as she bit into her toast.
"I'm cool sleeping on the couch." Gordon said.
"Gordon, no." Dexter protested. "You're sleeping in an actual bed."
" I can magic up some beds." Farrah suggested.
" Let's not, you should save your when we encounter Raven." Cupid said.
" Speaking of Raven, what's the plan when we get back to school?" Ramona asked.
" All we got is proof that Headmaster Grimm poisoned Raven and did something to Cerise's dad. Other than that we don't have much of a plan for when we see her again." Cedar admitted.
"Would Raven be happy to see us?" Maddie question.
" I don't know." Brooke answered.
Midnight
It was decided that the boys would stay in Cerise's parents' room (Gordon on the bed, Hopper on the nightstand, and the rest on the floor), half the girls in Cerise's room (Cerise, Cedar, Maddie, and Brooke,), and the other girls in the living room (Apple, Farrah, Duchess, Jillian, Ramona, and Rosabella). Everyone was fast asleep despite the loud storm outside with the flashing lightning, the loud thunder, and the pounding of rain on the windows.
*POUND*
Ramona's eyes fluttered open. "Damn storm."
*POUND*
"Let me in! Let me in!"
Ramona's eyes were wide open; someone was trying to break in!
*POUND*
*GLASS BREAK*
A large bulky creature with large horns busted through the window.
"Finally!" The creature cried out.
Ramona pounced on the creature as it roared.
"GET OFF OF ME!"
All the lights in the cabin turned on as everyone rushed into the living room to see Ramona battle the creature.
"GET OFF OF ME!"
The creature managed to push Ramona off it only to reveal it wasn't a creature at all but a blue dark fairy -
"FAYBELLE!"
Yes, Faybelle. Normally Faybelle looked fabulous with her hair in a high ponytail, haughty appearance, and glossy wings. But now her hair was twisted with twigs and vines, had the posture of a drowned rat, and wings gone.
"Oh, ugh, hey guys." Faybelle greeted everyone awkwardly. "Got any food?"
DINNER - TIME!
Everyone watched in astonishment and disgust as Faybelle ate all the food in front of her. Licking her fingers, smacking her lips, tearing food apart like a wild animal, she must've been hungry.
*BELCH*
"Ah!" Faybelle sighed in relief as she slumped over. " That was good eating."
"So how did you get all the way out here?" Apple asked.
" That's known of your business." Faybelle retorted.
" I suggest you answer that in a nicer tone, or I'll kick you out." Cerise threatened.
"Okay, okay, I'll talk!" Faybelle raised her hands defensively. " It all started after Raven stole my wings."
FLASHBACK
In one day Faybelle lost her cheer squad, her reputation, her friends, and her wings. Now all she had was her greatest fear: being alone and unloved.
Faybelle sat on the ground at the trunk of the large tree she just fell out of after going over the contact list on her phone.
*WHOOSH*
A sound came out of nowhere and yet somewhere. It was extremely loud, yet faint. The best way to describe it is the quirt before the storm.
"What was that?" Faybellegasped at what she heard. "What is that?!"
Faybelle watched a huge neon light phasing through the school and look like it was heading her way. Faybelle got up and began to run for her life only to get tangled in vines and twigs. Faybelle ran as far as she could until she was sure she was out of that ray's way.
" Can't get any worse than this." Faybelle whined.
*THUNDER AND LIGHTNING*
"Jinxed my damn self. " Faybelle cursed herself.
The rain drenched Faybelle as she ran under a large tree with thick leaves and branches.
"No matter, I'll just go glamping. I'll need a fire, a yurt, and some Chinese takeout." Faybelle cracked her knuckles as she began her cheer. " With this spell I cast -"
"I smell magic nearby."
Faybelle froze and without thinking started to climb up the tree until see was unseeable. And it was a good thing too, as four guards appeared under the tree.
" I thought you said you smelt magic under here." A guard said.
" I did." The werewolf guard said. "Fairy magic to by accurate."
"Maybe the fairy is hiding." The third guard said.
"Well, let's find em." The fourth guard said.
Faybelle didn't move an inch out of fear that the four guards would find her.
Several Hours Later
"Guess the fairy's gone let's report this to Queen Raven." The werewolf guard said.
As soon as the guards were gone Faybelle passed out from hunger, exhaustion, and paranoia.
Morning
Faybelle woke up disheveled and confused. This wasn't her dorm room! Where was her bed, her cheerleading trophies, her painting of the Thorn family crest in the center of the crest, the motto "Doers of Dark Magic" wrapped around an evil-looking eye that follows the viewer no matter where they stay in the room?
When Faybelle tried to fly she realized she couldn't feel her wings, but felt a shot of pain and it hit her - "OH MY GOD!"
*CREAK/SNAP*
"AAAHHH!"
*THUD*
Faybelle crashed into the ground into a pool of mud.
"OW!" Faybelle hissed.
*TUMMY GRUMBLE*
Faybelle clutched her stomach she hadn't had dinner the previous night after hiding from the guards, so breakfast was her mission.
On a low branch Faybelle noticed some acorns and went to grab them, only for a squirrel to appear and snatch it.
"Gimme that!" Faybelle snatched the acorn from the squirrel. "Get your own breakfast."
Before Faybelle could eat the acorn, Faybelle got hit in the head by an acorn.
"What the hell?" Faybelle looked up to see that she was surrounded by hundreds of squirrels.
"AAAHH!" Fayeblle screamed as she was chased off by the squirrels throwing acorns at her.
The rest of the day was Faybelle running from mosquitos, Raven's guards, and goblins. Faybelle was dirty, sweaty, hungry, and tired!
Out of nowhere Faybelle stumbled upon a cabin and began pounding on the door.
*POUND*
"Let me in! Let me in!"
*POUND*
*GLASS BREAK*
And you know the rest.
END FLASHBACK
"And that's what happened." Faybelle answered before gulping down some tea.
Everyone looked at each other despite her story they didn't trust Faybelle.
" So did you know the headmaster and raven's mom poisoning her?" Apple questioned.
"No, she kept me in the dark!"Faybelle exclaimed. " After all I've done for: kept her in the loop that she was still the top villian, stealing books from The Vault of Lost Tales, going up in that dusty ass attic-"
" Wait!" Cupid gasped. "You've been to The Vault of Lost Tales?"
"Yeah, to steal books for the Evil Queen. During Spring Break I cast a spell on a thronecake to turn Raven evil, but the spell only works on trolls." Faybelle answered smiling fondly at the memory.
"GILES!" Maddie gasped. "IF anyone knows how to reverse an ancient curse it's him, he can help up!"
"Wait, Giles, as in Headmaster Giles Grimm?" Humphry questioned.
" But he's been gone for almost two years." Jillian stated. "Nobody knows what happened to him."
"Well-" Maddie began.
Maddie began to explain how see met Giles in The Vault of Lost Tales, introducing him to Raven the day before Legacy Day, Thronecoming, and their little tea parties.
Everyone minus Cedar, Cupid, Apple, and Cerise (pretend she knew already) had their mouths wide opened in shock.
"Wow, that is a lot of information." Humphry said.
"So, I guess you didn't tell Raven about how the headmaster wanted me to have her destiny?" Duchess questioned.
" No, and honestly, I don't know why he didn't give it to me. Hello! The Evil Queen stole my mom's destiny and had to curse Sleeping Beauty a second time so she wouldn't go poof!" Faybelle answered.
"I guess I owe you an apology, Faybelle." Duchess admitted. " I'm sorry."
Faybelle pondered for a moment. Sure, she didn't have to forgive Duchess. But, after the reveal that she was working with the Evil Quenn and cursed her cheer squad , Faybelle knew she needed a friend.
"You can make it up to me by getting my wings back and a mega-caramel-frappe." Faybelle said with a smirk.
"Whatever." Duchess smirked back.
"So, where do I sleep and where's the bathroom?" Faybelle asked.
" I'm sleeping upstairs." Farrah stomped her way upstairs.
Morning
2:00
After washing their faces and brushing their teeth the group were eating a light breakfast of porridge, tea, with toast & jam.
"Man, you know you're hungry when porridge taste good." Humphry stated.
" I think Hagatha's nine-day old porridge with artificial lumps would taste good right about now." Rosabella joked.
Everyone busted out laughing even Gordon who didn't know Hagatha.
" Where are our clothes?" Duchess asked.
"Right here." Apple said as she handed everyone their clothes.
Long story short Apple and Maddie are in their Dragon Games outfits and everyone is wearing what they would've had on if they participated in Dragon Games.
"So, it's agreed the quickest path to Ever After High is through Hood and Wolf Hollow?" Apple questioned.
"Agreed!" Everyone minus Cerise agreed.
Cedar noticed how uncomfortable Cerise looked at the mere mention of Hood and Wolf Hollow, Cedar put a hand on Cerise's shoulder.
" Cerise, I'm sorry for what happened to Hood and Wolf Hollow." Cedar said.
" I'm not." Cerise bluntly said shocking everyone.
" HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?" Ramona howled. "That was your home."
" No, this is my home!" Cerise spatted out as she gestured throughout the cabin. " After I came out as being half-Wolf my mother and I got shunned by both sides of the hollow. The only person who visited us was grandma! Everyone else can rot in hell for all I care, I just want my mom and dad back!"
" I'm sorry, Cerise." Ramona apologized. " I guess I was bitter about not being the next Big Bad Wolf, I didn't consider how people would react to you and would do that to you."
" You can make it up to me when we rescue Raven and my dad." Cerise said.
Ramona nodded.
" I got some the food and medical supplies packed." Jillian said.
"Some?" Humphry questioned. " Why not all of the supplies."
" In case others come by. " Cerise answered.
"Understood." Humphry nodded.
The storm outside began to ween into a light drizzle, if the group was going to leave now was the perfect time!
"Okay, let's go." Daring said.
Dexter and Maddie hooked Gordon onto Nevermore as everyone else got on Sir Gallopad, Legend, Nevermore, and Breabyrn and began the journey.
The whole journey was quiet due to how tired everyone was, how late it was, and to avoid Raven's guards.
They passed through the ruins of Hood and Wolf Hollow; once was a small village with cabin homes, tall trees, and wildflowers was a wasteland. They began savaging for items that could aid them only to find scrapes and bits of pieces; beggars can't be choosers. Whatever that looked workable was picked up and they continued their journey.
The once dark sky was transiting into a mid grey hinting that it was early morning then a light grey indicating noon.
*GASP!*
Gordon let out a loud painful gasp as he shot up from his slumber.
" Gordon, what's wrong? " Dexter asked as he held onto Gordon.
"IT HURTS! EVERYTHING HURTS!" Gordon screamed out.
" You hear that?"
" Yeah, I do!"
" I think it's this way!"
Gordon's screams of pain had attracted some of Raven's guards.
"Hush him up!" Duchess hissed.
As much as they didn't want to do this they had to keep Gordon quiet. Maddie pulled a pillow out of her hat and stuffed it in Gordon's mouth, only for him to start ripping it apart as feathers began to scatter everywhere.
" We gotta get out of here!" Cupid exclaimed as the teens took off.
*THUNDER AND LIGHTNING*
" You gotta be fucking kidding me." Cerise cursed as it began to rain.
The rain made it difficult for Sir Gallopad, Legend, and Breabyrn to travel and Sir Gallopad got stuck in the mud.
*NEIGH*
"Oh no!" Darling gasped as she and Farrah jumped off of Sir Gallopad. " He's stuck!"
The other teen jumped off Nevermore, Legend, and Breabyrn and tried to pull Sir Gallopad out of the mud only to get stuck themselves.
"THIS WAY!"
" I saw something."
" I smell horse and dragon meat."
" They're coming this way!" Hopper cried out.
The shouts became louder as crunching sounds of stomping wet feet were edging closer, there was no way out!
*ROAR*
Legend let out a loud and ferocious roar as she expanded her wings.
"Legend, what are you doing?" Daring shouted confused as to why she was acting this way especially now.
Legend took one last look at Daring and took to the skies and began breathing fire.
"AAAAAAHHH!"
" DRAGON!"
" RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"
Legend was chasing the guards away from the teens so they could safely escape.
"LEGEND!" Daring cried out as he ran forward only for something to grip his hand.
" Come on, we gotta get outta here!" Ramona began tugging at Daring.
" But Legend-" Daring began.
" No time!" And with one last tug Daring was pulled away by Ramona.
The teens ran deeper into the woods until they were sure they were safe; during all the excitement Gordon passed out and his fever returned, and the medicine did little to help ease his pain even Farrah's magic couldn't fix it. The rain began to pour down harder, they needed shelter or Gordon's condition would escalate to critical!
"God, where are we?" Dexter panicked.
"No clue, I lost my bearings during the run. "Jillian answered.
" For all we know we could've run in circles." Apple said.
" If only we had a clue to - OW!" Farrah exclaimed as she hit her foot on something hard.
"FARRAH!"
"Are you alright?" Maddie asked.
"I'm - ow - fine." Farrah answered. "Just hit my foot on an arrow?"
It was true an arrow was sticking out of the ground like someone purposely shot it there and at the end of it was a small banner.
Farrah picked up the arrow and read the banner.
" Sparrow Hood and the Merry Men: Ned CD 'Stole your Heart & Money' on sell now! " Farrah read.
" Sparrow released that CD last month." Humphry stated. "And as a promotion stunt, he shot arrows around the school."
" I remember that." Jillian groaned.
" He caused a lot of property damage." Apple complained.
"He broke my favorite fifth hand mirror." Daring remembered that tragic day.
" OH MY GOD!" Duchess gasped. " I know where we are!"
"Are you sure Duchess?" Rosabella questioned.
Ramona and Cerise began sniffing the air until their faces scrunched in disgust.
" Wherever we are Sparrow is nearby." Cerise groaned.
" Very nearby." Ramona added.
"How can you tell?" Jillian asked.
"Because the air around here smells like a frat party b.o., cheese poof snacks, and toxic masculinity with two shots of insecurity." Cerise answered.
"Well, lead the way." Jillian said.
Duchess, Cerise, and Ramona lead the way until they were in front of a treehouse like no other.
Perched at the tops of two massive fir trees was a treehouse built from a hodgepodge of materials—old doors and window frames, leftover siding from barns and cabins. There was even a hull from an old boat, wooden staircase that wound around and around one of the trunks, a bow and a quiver of arrows hung from a hook at the entry.
The only difference was that it was covered in even more trash and debris as if it was trying to cover the treehouse.
"Wow, and I thought this place couldn't be more of a dumb." Duchess criticized the treehouse before her expression softened. " I miss this place."
"No time for nostalgia, Gordon needs shelter!" Dexter ordered.
"The entrance to the trunk is block up." Duchess stated.
" I'll fix that!" Farrah said as she waved her wand.
The trash was levitated from the entrance to reveal a double door.
"Wait a second!" Ramona blurted.
" What is it?" Apple questioned.
" There's someone - no, there's people behind this door."
"WHAT?!" Everyone gasped.
"It has to be an ambush or something." Cerise hissed.
" But the school is so far away, and we might get captured." Hopper said.
They were damned if they went in and damned if they didn't. Cedar put on her reveler rays and smiled.
"Don't worry everyone!" Cedar beamed as she approached the door. "We're out of the fog now!"
"Cedar what are you doing?" Rosabella shivered from both the cold and what Cedar was about to do.
"THIS!" Cedar took the kicking stance in front of the door.
"Cedar, no!" Everyone cried out.
"HI-YAH!" Cedar exclaimed as she kicked the door open.
*SLAM*
*BATTLE CRY*
*OTHER BATTLE CRY*
Once the battle cries were over with the teens realized there was no booby traps, guards, or ambush - it was their friends, classmates, teachers, villagers, and those who came for Raven's apology all dirty, clothing ripped and armed with weapons (okay, a few had actual weapons the rest were using spoons and other crap).
"APPLE?"
"BRIAR?"
" KITTY?"
"MADDIE?"
" CEDAR?"
"LIZZIE?"
" DARING?"
"BUNNY?"
"DEXTER?"
"ALISTAIR?"
"CERISE?"
" CUPID?"
"BLONDIE?"
"HOPPER?"
"POPPY?"
"DARLING?"
" ROSABELLA?"
"FARRAH?"
"JILLIAN?"
"HUMPHRY?"
"DUCHESS?"
" RAMONA?"
" FAYBELLE?"
Most of the EAH teens were reunited in the darkest (and awkward) of time.
*TOILET FLUSH*
* RUNNING WATER*
*HANDDRYER*
Sparrow comes out of the nearby bathroom with a cardboard roll in his hands.
"Dudes, chicks, and none of the above, we're out of toilet paper!" Sparrow wailed earning looks for all around him. "What? Did I miss something?"
WOW, that took forever! Anyways I'm back (kinda) and the next update will be up soon. Tell me what you think.
Look I know 2025 had a rough start (seriously, it's only the last day of February and I'm done), but we will get through this!
See y'all soon!