You flexed your hand, annoyed that you had ended up getting a small cut on your palm during your climb back down from the Headmaster Office. Though, you did have your deal with the Evil Queen to show for it. Having to deal with physical pain was annoying but a necessary evil.

This will be nothing compared to the pain all of Ever After will feel once your plan is completed.

Of course, you didn’t entirely trust the Evil Queen. She was, well, the Evil Queen, so you had plans for when she would eventually try to stab you in the back. But your best one had to do with the girl you were watching at the current moment.

Raven Queen herself.

She needed to embrace her mother's magic in order to help you free her. Only her power was enough to break her out of the prison Gildes and Milton Grimm trapped her in. And she was quite the easy target.

You smirked as you formed a fist.

Raven was retrieving her books from her locker when you approached her. You waited for her to turn around to make it seem as if she had bumped into you. The plan worked, and her books fell to the floor.

Raven: Oh! I'm so sorry!

She kneeled down to get her books, but she was already beaten to it. You stood up and held her books towards her with a smile.

Y/N: No worries, Raven. I guess I should've said something.

Raven took her books and you both started walking towards your General Villainy class.

Raven: I'm a bit surpised to see you here. Your locker is in the other hallway.

Y/N: Yeah, but I actually wanted to talk to you. We haven't really had much of a chance to talk since that whole Maddie fiasco.

Raven realized you were right. Besides some quick hellos or occasionally seeing each other, you only really spoke when the school was in danger. Which happened maybe too often for comfort.

The last time was during Thronecoming.

Y/N: Did you ever end up doing your Thronework for Mr. Badwolf?

Raven: N-No. I don't actually think I could.

Y/N: Because you're not evil like your mum.

Raven nodded.

Y/N: Well, I may have a way around it if you're interested.

Raven: Really? What?

Y/N: Well, you don't have to be the one to do the work. Let me do it for you, then you come in and take all the glory.

Raven was shocked that you were even suggesting this. She never took you to be a villian type, save for the small glimpses of how wicked you could really be, but it was quite the inciting offer.

Raven: I don't know....

Y/N: You need to decide now. Just know that the offer is there. But, besides that, I had something I wanted to ask you. About that new movie that just came out.

You both stopped walking.

Y/N: I was gonna go and watch it today. But watching movies alone is a bit depressing, so I was hoping you'd like to go?

Raven: Me? Um, why not Briar or Cerise or....

You sighed. You nearly forgot about them. But, this could work in your favor. You smiled charmingly.

Y/N: This movie doesn't seem like something they'd enjoy. Besides, like I said, we never get to hang out.

Raven couldn't help but feel a bit flattered. Maybe it was the way you were smiling at her like she was a normal girl instead of the Evil Queen's daughter. Maybe it was because you were asking to spend time with her. Just her.

Raven: Okay. Y-Yeah. Sounds like a plan, then.

Y/N: Wicked. I'll swing around your room around 7. Sound good?

Raven: Yeah. Sounds great.

You both smiled to each other and continued with small talk on the way to your class. As you did, however, you were unaware that Kitty had seen the whole thing. She grinned when she found a plan brewing in her head.

You held your book open but you weren't exactly reading anything. You had been staring at the same page for about 6 minutes or so. The words were no more than a scrambled mess in your head.

The weather was starting to warm up from yesterday's rain, but the chill was still present. Even under your coat you could feel the bite of winter, though it should be ending soon.

You were in your usual spot under the large oak tree. Your mind was still racing with questions regarding what happened yesterday with that figure. You haven't sent it today, but you did have odd flashes of a brighter place. Like a different world.

Different people.

Dawn: What do you think you're doing?

You looked up from your book to see Dawn looking down at you with arched brows. Her hands were on her hips and she wore a frown that told you that she was annoyed. A rare look for her.

Y/N: Reading.

Dawn: Out here? In the cold? Shouldn't you be trying to get better?

That was right. You told her that you weren't feeling good yesterday.

Y/N: I feel fine.

Dawn: For now.

Y/N: You don't need to worry about me. Honest. I feel better.

Dawn didn't really believe you, but she also knew you could be stubborn and she didn't want this to turn into a fight. Rather, she had a question for you.

Dawn: Well, if that's the case, will you be going to the movies tonight?

You gave her a look that told her that you had no idea what she was talking about.

Y/N: Why would I?

Dawn: Well, Hunter and Ashlynn will be gogoing. I assumed you knew.

You shook your head.

Dawn: Oh. Well, some of us are going to watch this old film that they're showing. And since Hunter apparently failed to pass on the message, I guess this is me inviting you along.

Well, Hunter was a bit in the slums yesterday.

Dawn: It would be pretty....nice if you could go.

She placed her hands behind her back and waited for your answer. You thought about it for a moment. The movies did sound like a good time. But, also a way to distract yourself for a while.

You had a month before the trip. You didn't want to spend the whole time trying to figure out what was going on. Plus, it seemed like Dawn really wanted you to go. It was better than doing nothing.

Y/N: Yeah. I'll, uh, be there.

Dawn's face lit up. She smiled but tried to hide it by turning her head as if she was looking around.

Dawn: Great! I'll, ah, see you there!

Y/N: Suppose you will.

Dawn stood there for a moment before she pointed towards the school.

Dawn: I should get to class.

You nodded.

Y/N: That would be wise.

Dawn: Yes, it would. You should also not be outside in this weather. So, do something about that.

You smiled a bit.

Y/N: I'll be sure to do that.

Dawn rocked on her heels before she waved and walked off. You watched her, she seemed to be bouncing slightly, before you looked back towards the woods. You felt like you would see the figure again, but it never came.

Dawn was right. You should probably get to class.
---------------
You fixed your collar as you walked towards Raven and Apple's dorm room. You wore a black button down under a black blazer. The only green you actually had on you was the streak in your hair.

You hated this haircut. You preferred it longer and you most definitely did not like the streak.

Green was never your color.

But, that will have to wait. Right now you had a more important thing to do. And that thing was turning Raven Queen evil.

So, you knocked on the door and waited patiently.

The door opened and you found none other than Apple White.

Apple: Oh, hey, Y/N. Raven said she'll be ready in just a moment.

Y/N: Okay. Tell her to take her time. No rush.

Apple: She'll be out in a spell. You two are going to the Multi-Hex Theater to watch a movie, right?

You nodded.

Apple: That's pretty neat.

Raven: I'm done!

You and Apple both looked into the room to see Raven coming out. She was dressed casually like you were, both you did take note that she wore a bit more makeup. Her hair was also styled into a ponytail over her shoulder.

She put in effort in her appearance. That means she clearly saw this has something a bit more than a friendly hangout. Good.

Y/N: Hello, love. You look lovely.

Raven: Really? I just threw this on.

Apple: But you spent half an hour trying to find a nice outfit...

Raven: We should get going! The movie will be starting soon so we should hurry!

She walked past Apple and grabbed your arm. She pulled you along while Apple laughed behind her hand.

Apple: Have fun you two!

But you weren't the only ones heading to the theater. In line to get snacks were Kitty and Lizzie Hearts. The daughter of the Queen of Hearts and a good friend of yours. Well, the real you.

Kitty: I can go for some milk. What about you?

Lizzie: Popcorn. Buttered with a knife.

Kitty just smiled. She looked around the lobby to try and see if you were around. She did finally spot you and Raven enter the building which made her smirk.

Kitty: There you are.

You didn't see her. You just walked towards the concession stand to get some snacks and drinks. However, when you were walking past a mirror, you stopped. You looked at your reflection, but it was off.

It had been a long time since you actually looked at yourself.

You just smiled and waved at yourself before continuing on.
---------------
You and Hunter ended up leaving the school together. The girls would meet you both there, but for now the two of you walked the streets of Booken. You wore your coat to fight off the cold that still lingered in the air.

Hunter: Spring cannot come fast enough, can it?

Y/N: It’s just around the corner, mate. 'Patience is a virtue' as they say.

Hunter: Patience can kiss my bum. Why did they put the school in the coldest village in England?

You did not know the answer to that question. Actually, you honestly didn't know much about the school now that you really thought about it. The entire history of it was lost on you.

You also didn't know much about the town you were in either. You just came here one day on your father's insistence. You and.....your sister.

Your sister.

Y/N: Ruby.

Hunter: Huh?

You realized you had spoken out loud and turned to your friend. You just shook your head.

Y/N: It's nothing.

Hunter didn't bother to push for an answer. You both finally reached the theater where you got to look at the marquee to see what was playing.

You looked at the poster first.

Y/N: 'The Wizard of Oz?'

Hunter: Yeah. I rember watching it when I was younger. It's pretty good.

Your eyes drifted down. 'Biggest sensation since "Snow White".' Snow White. Snow White? Like the Fairy Tale? Fairy Tale........

Dawn: Hey!

You snapped out of your daze as Dawn and Ashlynn approached the theater. How long had you been standing there for? How long have you been staring at this poster?

And where was everyone else?

Ashlynn greeted Hunter while Dawn walked to you.

Dawn: You're looking better than yesterday. You must really feel better.

Y/N: Uh, y-yeah. Should we head in?

Dawn nodded. The four of you started to head inside, but you stopped and looked at the poster again.

The Wizard of Oz. Fairy Tales.
---------------
You and Raven got a seat in the lower rows. The theater itself was actually incredibly nice. Fairies acted as lights while the fireflies acted as the lights showed the film.

It was something you didn't care about. You were more busy tossing peanuts into people's drinks when they weren't paying attention. You were sure one of these brats had an allergy. You just needed to find them.

Who knew the movies could be so boring? What was even the point of watching a movie in a room with a bunch of strangers?

Raven: This is a good movie.

Y/N: Hm? Oh, uh, yeah yeah. Good movie.

You ran out of peanuts and sighed. Now bored, you began to wonder what you could do to make the time fly. You soon found yourself looking at Raven out of the corner of your eye.

You began to grin as you moved a bit closer. You gently touched her hand which caught her off guard. She found her cheeks getting warm as you laced your fingers with hers.

Behind you, Kitty watched closely. She was waiting for the right moment to act, and this was it. She couldn't tell anyone anything, but she can show them.

Kitty: Isn't that Y/N?

Lizzie immediately snapped to attention at your name. She hasn't actually seen you around since you spoke to Apple a few days ago. This was odd for her since you used to have tea with her every afternoon. Or at the very least every other afternoon.

She looked among the crowd before she spotted you and Raven looking at each other, not even paying attention to the movie.

Lizzie couldn't believe what she was seeing. After everything you've done, after everything the two of you have been through together, you were here with Raven? You were here laughing and getting close and touching Raven?

How dare you?

Kitty: Oh, man. That sucks. I mean, what is up with....

Lizzie interrupted her by standing up. Kitty watched as she marched down towards you and Raven.

Kitty smiled as she watched in anticipation as to what will happen. She didn't like seeing her friend hurt, but she knew that Lizzie was the daughter if the Queen of Hearts.

You were so screwed.

As you were about to make a move on Raven, you suddenly flinched when a cold wet liquid was spilt in your head. Raven gasped and everyone turned their attention to you. Lizzie held the now upside cup of soda while the drink itself dripped from your hair.

You dropped your hands and looked up at her, unamuzed. This was all the future Queen of Hearts had? You were actually dissapointed.

Lizzie herself looked down at you with a narrow stare, but her lips were quivering. She didn't even say anything before she turned and ran off, tears ready to fall.

You, however, just smiled behind the napkin that Raven gave you to try and dry yourself off.

One heart broken. Good.
-------------------
The movie was something you had never seen before. The music was bizarre to you. It didn't sound right yet it worked. The colors and the characters seemed familiar.

You didn't even care that you had somehow ended up sitting between Hunter and Dawn rather than on the outside like you had preferred.

Dawn leaned back slightly and made a motion to get her friend's attention. Ashlynn looked her way. Dawn pointed to you and made a begging motion. Ashlynn gestured for her to make a move.

Dawn returned her attention to the movie. She eyed you out of the corner of her eye before she faked a yawn, covering her mouth with her hand. When she pulled it away, she "accidentally" placed it ontop of yours.

You were pulled from your thoughts and looked down at the hands for a quick moment before looking to her. She pretended to not notice.

You were about to say something, but something happened on the screen.

Dorthy: The Emerald City.

Something in your mind suddenly clicked. You turned to the screen and saw it.

The Emerald City.

Your home.

Ever After.

Book End.

It suddenly hit you all at once. Like a wave of fond memories. Like a dream you had forgotten.

Maddie: I must say, you are in for quite the year, Ozzie.

Y/N: Why do you say that? And, um, please don't call me Ozzie.

Maddie: Well, Ozzie...

You sighed.

Maddie: Something tells me that things are gonna change big time. Especially because my friend Raven doesn't want to follow her preset destiny and that might uproot everything and things are gonna go craaaazy, but it'll be absolutely fun.
---------
Y/N: Oh. Nice to meet you?

You held out your hand. Lizzie stood there long enough to make you feel awkward, then she shook your hand.

Lizzie: Likewise.
---------
Dex: So, Y/N, do you have a MirrorNet account?

You sat on the bare bed and nodded your head. You had a Mirror, Ruby insited you get one, but you only had her as a friend in the MirrorNet itself.

Dex: Cool. Here, let me add you.

Hunter: Oh yeah! Me to. We can keep in touch when we aren't together.
----------
Cersie: I’ll go with you.

You nearly yelp in surpise, but you held it in. Cerise quickly retracted and sunk back into her seat.

Cerise: Sorry.

Y/N: No, don’t be.

You quickly sat up and started to reach out towards her. However, you stopped. Maybe you shouldn't do anything to make her uncomfortable. You slowly retreated your hand.

Y/N: Thank you. We’re going to have an amazing time tomorrow.
-----------
You took a step back and reached your arms out. Immediately, you caught the person. It was a girl.

Brair: Oh, hello. How did you know I was going to be here?

You didn't even know who this girl was. Seriously, where did she come from?
----------
Cedar: Aah, woodpecker! Help! Woodpecker! Girl made of wood! Not a good combo!

Hunter: I'll help you!

Brair: Here we go. It’s shirt-ripping time.

She rubbed her hands together with a smirk. And, sure enough, Hunter ripped off his shirt and posed. Invisible horns played a heroic fanfare. Hunter lifted his ax and chased the woodpecker. Which was chasing Cedar.

Cedar: Aah, ax! A woodpecker! And an ax! Aah!
-----------
Lizzie: Friends would be aces.

Briar turned to you for a translation.

Y/N: She means, yes. She would love to be your friend.
------------
Brair: Y/N, no one will abandon you just because you go to reclaim Oz. You still have all of us. Cerise, Maddie, Kitty, Apple, Dex, Raven, Hunter, Ruby......

She trailed off before she laid back down.

Brair: Me.

You looked at her.
--------------
Cerise: I shared a secret with you and, and you didn't tell anyone. I really appreciate it.

You simply shook your head.

Y/N: You don't ever have to hide from me, Cerise. You're my friend.

You felt something travel down your cheek. A tear. A single tear coming from your right eye.

You didn't belong here. You needed to get home. Back to Ever After where your friends were. Where Ruby was. Lizzie and Cerise and Briar. Everyone.

Dawn: Y/N?

You suddenly shot up to your feet and hurried out of the theater as you friends watched. You didn't stop when you got to the lobby. You started to run once you got to the street. Even has the rain began to fall from the dark clouds, you ran.

Soon, the sidewalk ended and the dirt path began. You dashed through the trees, running towards what you had hoped to be an answer. A clue of how to get back. A desperate attempt to go home.

Your footing was suddenly lost when your foot was snagged by a root that poked out from the ground.

You flew forward and hit the edge of a small ledge, rolling down a hill. Mud and water splashed upon your clothes and skin. You came to a stop at the edge of a running stream.

Thunder and lighting clashed overhead as you laid there, face down in the mud. You didn't move at first. You just laid there.

Then, you groaned. You formed a fist and began to push yourself up. You remained on your hands and knees before you slowly lifted your head. The figure was there. Just out of view.

Y/N: How do I get back?

???: The Yellow Brick Road. Find Alice. Continue the story.

You looked up, finally seeing just who the figure was.

Among the darkness was a single figure. Not of a man. A creature. One with pure white fur. Antlers that stood tall.

Kansas. Your White Stag.

Kansas: Come home. You must stop Oswalt.

Y/N/Kansas: The Yellow Brick Road. Find Alice. Continue the story.

You gritted your teeth, green briefly flashing across your right eye. And when you did....

Y/N: I will stop Oswalt.

The End Is Just The Beginning.....