Two weeks had passed since the cast meeting. Now was the day of the play. The audience was taking their seats in the Charmitorium. Headmaster Grimm sat in the front row with a grin of victory. From what the headmaster heard from the whispers of teachers and students, the cast was giving it their all to make this play a success.
The headmaster was so proud that his plan had worked, he decided to make it a family affair. He invited the students' parents to watch the play as well.
Many prominent parents were in attendance. But one parent in particular caught the attention of many.
Sitting in a private section within the front row, guarded by security dwarves was Apple's mother and the queen of Ever After herself, Snow White. The queen sat poised and regal as she watched with eyes filled with excitement as one of her dwarf guards had a camera ready to film the whole play.
"Snowy! Good to see you!" Sleeping Beauty greeted Snow White as she approached with her daughter, Briar. Sleeping Beauty was the spitting image of Briar. She had long, brown hair, bright eyes, and a flowing pink dress that oddly resembled a nightgown. Peeking from beneath her dress were fuzzy slippers that matched her dress.
Snow White smiled at her fellow queen. "It's good to see you too, Sleepy. You look comfortable as always."
Sleeping Beauty smiled. "Yep! You never know when I'm going to fall asleep. So, I have to dress appropriately, just to be safe."
Briar couldn't help but roll her eyes. She was often annoyed by how carefree her mother was. Sleeping Beauty often fell asleep at random times just like Briar. And when she was awake, she was fully rested without a single care.
Sleeping Beauty spotted another familiar face. "Look! There's Madame Thorn and her daughter!" She took Briar's hand. "Come on, sweetie. Let's go say hello!"
"Uh, Mom, do we really have to go talk to Mrs. Thorn?" Briar questioned.
"Of course, dear! After all, we wouldn't have such a memorable story without a memorable villain like Madame Thorn!" Sleeping Beauty explained. She and Briar walked to the far left section of the audience where Faybelle sat with her mother, the Dark Fairy, also known as Madame Thorn.
Many onlookers were stunned that Sleeping Beauty of all people, would willingly approach her nemesis and one of the most powerful fairies in history with a fearless and friendly smile. "Hey, Thorny!" she said with a wave.
Several gasps were heard. You would be pretty nuts to greet a dangerously dark fairy in such a manner.
Faybelle, who sat in her seat with her feet resting on the seat in front of her, sneered at Sleeping Beauty's warm greeting. Madame Thorn, who sat upright with her feet on the floor, didn't smile back. "Hello, Beauty." Her blue eyes were cold as ice magic. She had pale grey skin and platinum blonde hair that was pulled into a bun. She wore a silver pantsuit adorned with embroidered black, thorny vines and black high heels.
"It's been so long since we've seen each other!" said Sleeping Beauty. "And Faybelle! You've grown so beautiful!"
Faybelle rolled her eyes. "Whatever-after."
Briar frowned at Faybelle's rudeness. But her mother was still happy as a whistle. "I'm so glad to see you two! I was afraid you wouldn't come at all!"
"Well, we almost didn't come at all if Faybelle hadn't informed me of the play." Madame Thorn said.
"Informed? Didn't you receive an invitation?"
Madame Thorn stood up. Her eyes flashed as she unfurled her magnificent wings. Several people jumped back in fear. She hovered over to Sleeping Beauty until she was inches to the queen's face. "We didn't receive an invitation. It's our curse. Remember?" The dark fairy's voice was so menacing, even Briar got goosebumps.
Sleeping Beauty blinked in surprise. "Oh! Right!" She laughed. "I keep forgetting about your little curse thing! Sorry!"
Everyone was blown away by Sleeping Beauty's aloofness. It's like nothing fazed her at all.
Briar pulled her mother away from the dark fairy. "Well, it's been nice chatting with you, Madame. But we better take our seats!" She took her mother by the arm and hurried away.
"Buh-bye!" Sleeping Beauty waved as she was being yanked by her daughter.
Madame Thorn just shook her head at the two royals and returned to her seat. "Well, that conversation brought me closer to death. Hopefully, this play will be more enjoyable."
"I soooo can't wait for this!" Faybelle's wings fluttered with so much anticipation, she nearly lifted out of her seat. "It's about time Headmaster Grimm stuck it to that rebel queen Raven by making her act like a villain!"
Faybelle, like everyone else at school, knew that this play was not only a punishment for trouble-makers, but also a ruse to have Raven Queen play out her evil destiny.
"I just can't believe he would put Amber in a play." said Faybelle. "She's not good at anything."
But the Dark Fairy remained cool as ice magic. "Maybe, maybe not." she said calmly.
Faybelle looked at her mother, perplexed. "What do you mean? Amber's a total loser compared to us."
"Perhaps. But just because someone is not as fortunate as us, doesn't mean we should underestimate them." Madame Thorn warned.
Before Faybelle said anything else, music played and the audience went silent. A spotlight shined to the center of the stage to reveal Cedar Wood holding a microphone. The living puppet was cast as the narrator of the play. Cedar tapped the microphone before speaking to the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Ever After High's play of 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarves'. Starring Apple White and Raven Queen. Written and directed by Justine Dancer."
The audience clapped as Cedar walked over to the far left of the stage and stood behind a podium. She placed the microphone on a stand and continued to narrate. "Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far, away..."
The curtains pulled back and everyone could see the silhouette of an ominous figure sitting upon a mighty throne. The figure sat still and silent, but their presence gave a menacing aura. Gasps and murmurs echoed amongst the crowd.
Headmaster Grimm smiled with glee. 'Brilliance!' he thought. 'Such a display of regal poise and dark elegance! The way she invokes fear just by sitting still! Now that's talent! Raven Queen is literally playing her destiny!'
"Deep within a royal castle, lived a vain yet beautiful queen." Cedar continued. "But she was no mere queen, she was the most feared and powerful ruler of them all...the Evil Queen!"
A spotlight finally shined upon the menacing figure. A collective gasp of shock came from the audience.
It wasn't Raven Queen sitting upon the throne playing the villain. It was Apple White! Apple remained stone faced. Her usual warm, sparkling eyes were now dark and sinister. She gracefully pulled herself up, allowing the stunned crowd to behold her transformation. Upon her head was a regal black crown adorned with purple jewels. Her blonde hair was no longer curled, but straightened. Her gown was the deepest black silk with black and silver beading ending with a mermaid train. Attached to her shoulders was a purple cape to match her shoes.
The crowd was speechless. Especially Headmaster Grimm. How could this be?! Raven was supposed to play the Evil Queen! Not Apple! He stood up and before he could say anything, he received a slap upside the head. He turned and saw Snow White holding a fan with a frown upon her face. "Headmaster Grimm, please sit down!" the queen of Ever After ordered. "That's my daughter up there and you're blocking my view!"
As stunned as the headmaster was, he wouldn't dare want to inconvenience Snow White in any way, so he silently returned to his seat and continued watching.
"The Evil Queen was a sorceress whose power was matched with her incredible beauty." Cedar narrated. "Every day, she would consult her all-knowing magic mirror to ensure that she was the fairest in the land."
Apple glided to the large, ornate mirror that hung on a wall beside her throne. She stood before the mirror in a mighty stance with her purple manicured hands on her hips. "Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?"
The crowd was even more stunned. Not only did Apple look the part, she acted the part too! The magic mirror swirled with teal colored magic and a pair of large, amber colored eyes flashed! Those evil looking eyes caused the audience to jump back with alarm.
Those eyes belonged to Amber Spite. The dark fairy was behind the mirror and with a little magic, cast her eyes to be seen in the glass. "Thou art a vision of beauty, Majesty." Amber said in an echoey voice. "But alas, I see a maiden more fair than thee."
With a look of outrage, Apple threw her tightened fists to her sides. "Reveal her identity at once!" she commanded in a powerful voice.
"I see blood red lips. Hair black as ebony. Skin white as snow...the maiden's name is...Snow White!"
Apple gasped in shock. And the curtain fell to change the scene as Cedar narrated.
"The Evil Queen knew Snow White all too well. She was the queen's kind and lovely stepchild. The Evil Queen feared Snow White's beauty would surpass her own."
The curtain pulled away and on her knees scrubbing the floor with a rag was Raven Queen dressed as a scullery maid! Her black hair was pulled back in a ponytail as she wore a raggedy dress and dirty shoes. But Raven wore red lipstick to sell the illusion that she was playing Snow White.
It was truly remarkable how Raven resembled Snow White so well. Even Snow White herself was impressed.
"To prevent Snow White's beauty to show, the queen forced Snow White to wear rags and spend her days working as a servant. But that didn't break Snow White's fine spirit. She gladly did her chores as the dutiful child that she is to please her dark and unhappy stepmother. She would sing songs of romance, passion and the beauty of nature while she worked."
Then Raven opened her mouth and began to sing a cheerful ballad. The audience was amazed by her beautiful voice. Backstage, Apple watched in amazement. She had no idea Raven could sing! Normally, good princesses were the natural-born singers.
Suddenly, Raven's phone chimed. She paused her singing and looked at the hext message she received. "It's from the Huntsman." said Raven. "I have been summoned to pick up a Hocus Latte for the Evil Queen." Raven looked puzzled. "That's odd." She tapped her chin. "Usually, she commands me in a cruel and unusual voice when she wants something." She shrugged. "Oh, well. I better get changed before I head out. As a servant for the Evil Queen, I must look presentable."
A dressing screen was pushed onto the stage by a couple of deer. A flock of birds flew in carrying a dress as two adorable bunnies brought in the shoes. Raven stood behind the screen and with the help of the woodland creatures, Raven's transformation was complete.
Raven stepped away from the screen. She was truly a sight to behold. Her black hair was curled just like Apple's was usually curled and accessorized by a gold tiara. Her clothing was a glittery, royal red dress with butterfly sleeves and a high-low skirt. Her shoes were a pair of golden heeled boots with red embellishments at the ankles.
Everyone's breath was taken away by Raven's look of goodness. To say that Headmaster Grimm was stunned would be an understatement.
Once she was dressed, Raven pretend-walked as the backdrop rolled from a castle scene to an outdoor scene. "Finally! I arrived at the edge of the castle grounds!" She pretended to wipe sweat from her brow. "Whew! That was a long walk!"
Just then, a figure jumped out from behind a cardboard tree. It was Geoff Gingerbreadman playing the Huntsman. His white frosting hair was spiked. He wore a green camouflage vest, black cargo shorts, and black socks. "Snow White!" he said, "You have to run away! The Evil Queen wants to do you in!"
Raven let out a surprised gasp. "Are you sure?! Really?!"
Geoff nodded. "Yes, really! She just found out that you're prettier than her! Also, she's had it with the constant singing and the cutesy animal friends and your goody-goody attitude and what-not! She wants you gone!"
Just then, a goblin, an actual goblin, jumped from backstage onto the scene wielding a plastic dagger. "DIE, SNOW WHITE!" he shrieked. The goblin charged at Raven. But with lightning speed, Geoff ran towards the goblin. He kicked the knife out of his hand and knocked him off his feet with a judo sweep. Then he pinned the goblin with his body, grabbed his arm and held it back.
"GYAAAAAHHHH! IT HURTS!" screamed the goblin. "SPARE ME, HUNTSMAN! SPARE ME!"
The audience was caught off guard by the living cookie's fighting skills, but they applauded nonetheless.
"Snow White! As a Huntsman, sworn to protect the innocent, I order you to run! Run! As fast as you can!" Geoff ordered.
Raven nodded. "I will! Thanks for the warning!"
The curtain dropped and Cedar continued.
"Heeding the warning of the brave Huntsman, Snow White needed to flee. Her life was in danger. So, she decided to hide in the one place no one, not even the Evil Queen would find her in; the Dark Forest."
The curtain opened and Raven was seen in a spooky forest setting. Ghostly fog filled the stage as the temperature seemed to drop in the theater. Raven pretended to be scared as she looked around. An owl hoot was heard. A wolf's bone-chilling howl echoed.
And suddenly, a flock of live bats swopped in! Screams were heard as the frightful creatures screeched, flying around Raven as she acted scared and panicky.
The curtain rolled in. Cedar continued.
"And so, Snow White ran through the terrors of the Dark Forest. She fought through snagging branches, sticky spider webs, and the dreadful fear of impending doom. Words cannot describe the dread the young princess felt. The struggle for survival began taking its toll on Snow White and everything went black."
The curtain opened and Raven laid on the stage. Her hair was a tangled mess with twigs and spider webs in it. Some people in the audience started to feel...bad for Raven. She just laid there, out cold and helpless.
"And just when all seemed lost, the sun shined upon the fair princess."
A spotlight shined on Raven and the stage was lit, revealing the scenery has changed to a beautiful clearing and a small cottage.
Raven staggered to her feet and beheld her new surroundings. "Where am I? What is this place?"
Greenly Pea walked onto the stage. He was dressed as a dwarf. She wore a green velvet flat hat and a green long sleeve dress. "You're on our front lawn, young lady! Isn't that lovely?"
"Who are you?" asked Raven.
"I'm Spunky the dwarf." Greenly answered. "And I live here with my siblings..." She took a deep breath. "Hexley, Pretty, Cutie, Tricky, Wacky, and Dudley."
The other dwarves arrived on the scene. Amber, Prudence, Charlotte, and surprisingly, Ian Crywolf, Maddie Hatter, and Dave Quixote. They all wore different medieval hats and clothing.
"Oh! How simply dandy! We have a visitor!" Dave, aka Dudley said.
Maddie, aka Wacky, pulled out a tea pot and cup from her hat. She poured some warm tea into the cup and offered it to Raven. "How about some tea for a tired traveler?"
Raven smiled. "Why, thank you!"
Amber, playing Hexley, raised her hands and gathered magic in her hands. "And let's get you all cleaned up!" She flicked her hands at Raven and with a poof! She was sparkly clean!
As the play continued, everyone kept watching with intrigue. Especially with Raven and Apple's performances. But the headmaster was not pleased at all.
Finally, they arrived at the climax scene, where Raven was 'poisoned' into an enchanted sleep resting in a glass coffin, surrounded by beautiful flowers. The students playing the dwarves were mourning in sadness.
"Poor, poor, Snow White." Greenly said, despondent. "She was the nicest person ever. She cleaned our house took care of us and sang us songs."
"The Evil Queen is gone for good. But what's the point?" Charlotte said.
"Without Snow White, the world has lost all its color." Dave said.
And then, appearing on stage was Raoul Sapphire on horseback! He was playing Prince Charming! His blue hair was pulled back. He wore a black tank top, white pants with a sword at his hip, and black boots. But he still wore his key necklace.
"Fret not, my friends." Raoul performed, strangely well. "I have come to break the spell upon Snow White." He hopped off his horse and approached Raven. He leaned in and graced her lips with a kiss.
Greenly was a little concerned about having her boyfriend kiss another girl. But it's just a performance. Plus, the kiss wasn't even a long one. It was short and simple.
And then, appearing on stage was Raoul Sapphire on horseback! He was playing Prince Charming! His blue hair was pulled back. He wore a black tank top, white pants with a sword at his hip, and black boots. But he still wore his key necklace.
Raoul scooped Raven into his muscular arms and smiled. "Thank goodness you're alright, the fairest one of them all. Let us spellebrate the return of our dear princess!"
"And spellebrate they did." Cedar narrated. "Snow White and the prince were married and became the fairest and kindest kingdom in all the land. And they all lived happily ever after. The End." Cedar concluded. She smiled as she watched the whole cast gather on stage as the crowd cheered and applauded.
"Hey, Wood." Ian said as he slapped Cedar on the back. "You're part of the show too. Get up there." He smiled.
"Oh, no! I couldn't!" Cedar shook her head.
But Ian took her hand anyway. "Come on, Cedar. You've got stage presence too, y'know."
"Really?" If Cedar's cheeks were flesh and blood, she'd be blushing.
Ian nodded. He and Cedar walked together and joined the rest of the cast. They all held hands and took a bow together.