Fire crackled. The heat of the flames danced against Oswalt's bare skin. The fire picking at him like hands trying to pull him into it's embrace. His vision was blurry but he could make out shapes that lead him to where he needed to go. He struggled to walk as he pulled Ruby along to get her to safety. He began to cough as the smoke filled his lungs.

He looked up to see part of the roof had been caved in. Beyond the fire was the moon, shining as brilliantly as ever. That was the last thing he saw as himself. The rest became a blur until he came to realize he was no longer in control of his own body. His soul watching what you did to try and take care of Ruby.

Still, he remembers the moon. The fire. Like rows of sharp teeth ready to consume.

He was a bit thankful that he was seemingly restrained when he woke up. His vision was of your dorm roof with a bit of a hazy feeling in his mind. His hair, though now shorter, spread on his pillow as he began to look up at what was holding his arm in place.

He found a leather cuff around his wrist which was attached to a chain that was attached to the head of his bed. A restraint one would use to keep an insane man from attacking a nurse. Oswalt narrowed his eyes before he looked down to the culprit.

Curled up on his chest was none other than Kitty Cheshire. His partner. She was wearing her sleepwear and seemed to be deep in her dreams. He then looked over to your bed but found that you were actually gone. Judging by the sunlight peeking through the window, Oswalt figured it was well into morning.

He returned his attention to the girl that was using him as a bed and gently placed his free hand onto her head. He began to brush her hair. Though his arm may be fake, he still felt every strain. It was soft, smooth. It reminded him of a sheep. Resting at their feet was Toto, peacefully sleeping until his boy was ready to start the day. For now, he dreamt of playing with Omby, Shuffle, and Carmine. He tried to play with Kitty's caterpillar once but he wasn't really into it.

Oswalt stared at the roof as he allowed himself to think. The same dream, every night. It would be nice to have a good one for once.

Oswalt: Why am I restrained?

Kitty opened one eye, annoyed that her peace was now ruined. She lifted her head and rested her chin on her hand. Her elbow began to stab into Oswalt's chest.

Kitty: You couldn't pretend to sleep for 5 more minutes?

Oswalt: As lovely as that would be, I'd rather not be cuffed to my own bed.

Kitty puffed her cheeks but turned her hand seemingly making a key appear. She then reached a bit above his head, leaving Oswalt to have to bury his face into Kitty's collarbone.

Kitty: It was to make sure you didn't leave before I was done with you.

Oswalt: When did you even do it?

Kitty: Oh, a few hours ago.

His hand became free. He immediately used it to hold Kitty. Toto had woken up by this point as well and hopped off the bed. He stretched before turning to watch his boy.

Oswalt: As much as I would love to stay here with you all day....

Kitty: It's okay. It's Friday anyway. I'll get to have you all to myself for the weekend.

Oswalt: Not quite.

Kitty's head suddenly shot up.

Kitty: Oh yeah! I forgot about Ruby's Birthday thing!

That was right. It was Ruby's birthday this weekend, and to spellebrate, Holly, Poppy, Brair, and Apple were planning some dinner party. Oswalt didn't know too much about what would be happening, but he was happy to be able to be there for his sister. The first birthday the three of you have been able to spend together since the Fall.

Oswalt: But, after that, I'm yours.

Kitty smirked. She quickly stole a kiss before she winked.

Kitty: See you in class, lover.

She vanished which left a sort of empty feeling on Oswalt's body. With her bodyweight missing he felt a bit colder. Still, he sat up and ran a hand through his hair. He then looked to Toto.

Oswalt: Let's get the day started.

Wicked: Boil boil, rise the flames. Let the fire stroke the pot as you stir. Throw in some Sunroot and just a dash of Owl lashes. Stir stir! Now a pinch of toad warts.

Wicked stired her potion as you all watched. Your peers watching a bit...too closely. The liquid began to turn purple before Wicked took a glass bottle, dipping it into the pot to fill it with the potion. She then brought the bottle to her lips and took a sip. She let out a satisfied sigh before her eyes moved back to her students.

Wicked: Who wants a taste?

Literally everyone's hand but yours went up. You groaned and dropped your head onto the desk as the bell rang.

Wicked: Oh is that all? Well, I suppose we can finish this next week when you all will get a chance to make your own potions. Class dismissed and be safe out there, my pretties.

She suddenly vanished in a puff of green smoke which caused many to groan since they wanted to talk to her some more. Chances were she went back to Oz, or was hiding in the storage closet in the back of the room again.

Cerise: Why is your mom so hot?

Y/N: Dude.

Raven: She is super hot and I don't think she even tries.

You groaned.

Apple: I can see why your dad fell hard for her.

Y/N: Okay everyone can shut up now.

Your friends started to laugh at your expense, but your eyes ended up landing on Lizzie who happened to be passing by the classroom. You smiled at the thought of seeing her later for when you picked up your outfit for this weekend. Brair and Holly had planned something really neat for Ruby's birthday and you couldn't wait.

Raven: So, you guys hexcited for later?

Apple: Absolutely! I have everything packed and arranged for pickup at lunch. It'll be set up by the time we arrive.

Cerise: Wow. Guess there really is still benefits to being the estranged daughter of the Queen.

Raven: Careful, Cerise. You're technically royalty now to.

Cerise growled at the reminder. Since Badwolf and Red took leadership of the Hallow, both had been rather busy. Badwolf had to cut back his hours at Ever After High to just the morning classes. Red had pretty much moved to the Hallow. She had finally finished cleaning out Granny's house with the help of Hunter's dad and Badwolf who had began to form something resembling a friendship. Still, not being able to see her parents as much like before her secret was public made her feel....nostalgic. The bad kind.

Cerise: Yeah. It doesn't matter anyway. Come after school we'll just be a normal group of teenagers. No crazy Wonderland curses, no dragon games, no kingdom games, and no Jadis.

Y/N: Normal? Do we still use that word?

Maddie: I have never used that word once!

Maddie hopped onto your back with a gleeful squeal. You were able to take the surpise attack pretty well so she was able to hold on and hang off of your back like some kind of cape.

Raven: Morning, Maddie. Where's Kitty? Don't you guys have this class next.

Suddenly, a voice came from the storage closet.

???: She better not miss another class. I swear that girl may be my future daughter in law but she still needs to graduate.

You all stared at the door for a moment in silence before Apple stuttered.

Apple: I-I-I mean how long have you been listening to us?

Silence was the response. After a bit, you all decided to take this conversation elsewhere. Just outside the classroom...

Y/N: I'm sorry about my mum.

Maddie: Sorry about what? That she's so gorgeous?

Y/N: You too?! And why are you still holding onto me.

Maddie: You're warm.

The other three girls all nodded and mumbled in agreement.

Y/N: Okay, you may continue.

Maddie: Thank you, my lord! And to answer the question previously asked, I haven't seen Kitty all day.

That was weird. Sounds just like her. No need for concern. Before further speculation or otherwise could occur, Ruby and Poppy approched your group. Though you were happy to see them, it appeared that the two of them were....were they even awake?

Ruby: Cooooooffffeeee.

Poppy: Beeeeeeeeeed.

Raven: Is anyone else having really bad flashbacks right now?

Apple, Cerise, and Maddie all shuddered at an event you were barely there for. The first time you had seen your brother, Oscar, since his "death" back during the Fall. It was also the last time.

Y/N: What happened to you two? You look like you didn't sleep.

Ruby: I didn't. I was so hexcited for the party that I didn't sleep a wink.

Poppy: And Holly was up all night making last minute preparations that I was up til Dutchess' stupid goose started screaming.

Dutchess, who happened to be walking by at the very moment, turned and scoffed at Poppy. Poppy, in turn, jumped at her which made Dutchess flinch and run off. You needed to get this girl a bed or some strong coffee ASAP. You didn't feel like fighting anything or anyone today. Especially one of the O'Hair twins.

Apple: Maybe take a nap at lunch?

Maddie: Yeah! No one likes a grouch at a party. Especially a birthday party!

Ruby looked to the short Wonderlandian on your back and raised a brow.

Ruby: Why are you...

Maddie: He's warm.

Rather than ask further questions, Ruby instead allowed herself to fall forward into your side. Poppy followed suit and now you were in an iron madden made of people.

Y/N: Okay. I'm starting to get a bit too warm now. Can you...hey can...can you get off now? H-Hey, Cerise! I can't move. Okay one was fine but six is too much! Help. Help! HELP!
---------
Holly: Thank you again for this. It's been a massive help.

Oswalt: It's alright. I only had morning classes today anyway.

Oswalt pinned the decoration onto the wall and moved a bit to the left to get Holly's opinion. She gave a thumbs up and Oswalt began to descend on his broomstick. He hopped off and caught the stick in his hand and sighed.

Oswalt: It'd be more a massive help if Brair would just let me use magic to set everything up.

Brair: Not a chance, Oswalton!

Brair came storming into the room at the mere mention of magic being used. She was moving so fast that she actually had to hold her skirt up a bit as to not tear it or trip herself. Her hair bounced as she approached the two.

Oswalt: I-Don't call me that!

Brair: This manor is over 500 years old. I am not going to let you cause so much as a scratch with your crazy Ozzian fire magic stuff!

Oswalt: I know other spells. And I'm not my careless brother. I actually pay attention.

Brair: Oh yeah? Cause I heard that you burnt your bagel the other day trying to do a simple warmup spell.

Oswalt was absolutely flabbergasted.

Oswalt: Why do you know so many secrets about me?

Brair: I can hear really well when I'm asleep. NO MAGIC. Besides, you're already doing just fine without it.

True, most of the decorations were up and the hired dwarves were almost done with setting up the DJ booth for Melody. The lights were good to go, the food was being prepared by Ginger, and that bridge Troll should have been paid off by now. Or, taken care of if it wasn't.

Oswalt: Fine. No magic.

Brair: That includes the Broom.

Oswalt: Seriously?

Brair gave him a pretty serious glare so Oswalt decided not to use the broom. Instead he stuck to the good ol safe hammer and nails. And the designated spots that Brair approved. Oswalt picked up one of the now empty boxes to put away, but instead found himself suddenly being pulled back by some soft force around his neck.

Kitty: Before you go that way, take this to?

Kitty slipped some plastic wrap into the box for Oswalt to dispose of. After lunch had passed, Oswalt was able to join Brair and Holly to the manor to get to work on setting up. Kitty, she still had classes. He had no idea why she came along.

Kitty: I wanted to watch you work~

Brair: FLIRT LATER!

The two immediately hurried to get back to work.

But while they got back to work, George the Drawf was starting his break. He stepped out back and brought our his finely crafted wooden pipe and began to pack it with tobacco. As he lit a match to smoke, he heard something overhead.

He looked up in time to catch the tail end of a massive creature disappearing over the distant hills. A flying creature by the looks of it.

George groaned and headed back inside.
-----------
You patted your coat once again before checking the leather gloves that Lizzie had crafted for you. She even made the green button up that oddly reminded you of an old shirt you lost a while back. Best not think about it too much.

Lizzie: What do you think?

You looked back to your girlfriend and smirked as you tipped the flat cap on your head.

Y/N: I feel very dapper. And cozy.

Apple: These are incredible, Lizzie. You really outdid yourself.

You were all gathered in yours and Oswalt's room to get dressed for the event. Classes were now out and the outfits were perfect. You were now waiting for the bad news that was inevitable.

Lizzie: I decided to try a new pattern to replicate the pictures Mrs. Ozymandias lent to me. Who knew the Reader World has such fashion?

Y/N: Right. Mum said this was from the prohibit Era or something. Definitely different from the stuff they were wearing when I was there.

Lizzie: Yes, and we don't need to ever talk about your time there ever again.

Y/N: But-

Lizzie: Ever again.

Y/N: Yes, ma'am.

Yeah she....wasn't a fan of a certain Apple lookalike who was certainly fond of you. Plus, your time there was when Oswalt was still trying to hurt everyone in the worse ways possible, and he certainly did that to Lizzie. So, yeah. Sore topic.

But the reason for the costume change is due to Ruby finding some of your dad's old photos from before he came to Oz. Pictures of the "Old World" that showed grand buildings filled with people cheering, dancing, laughing. Their faces had a certain tiredness to them, but their joy radiated from those single moments captured in a simple picture.

So, using those pictures, Lizzie and Ashlynn were able to replicate some of the clothing and Brair and Holly were able to make decorations. Even the Manor Brair was able to find looked a bit like one of the buildings in picture.

Lizzie: Oh, before I forget...

You all looked at the short girl as she stood there looking back.

Lizzie: Too late. Where is my tea cup?!

Maddie's hand appeared from just outside your vision and held out a tea cup and saucer for Lizzie to take. She took a sip satisfied with her work.

Due to the pictures being black and white, the girls did take some liberties in the colour of the clothing. Lizzie, for example, wore what your mum called a "Flipper Dress" or "Flapping Dress" or something. But the colour of the dress itself was a mix of her usual reds, golds, and black. The outfit she made for Brair looked similar but with shades of pink and some gloves that you could tell were personally crafted. Lizzie must've spent hours on them.

Raven: You know, I don't mean to be mean, but does Ozzie's outfit stick out a bit?

Poppy: Now that you mention it, his does seem a lot less....I dunno. Grand?

You took another glance at yourself in the mirror and admittedly you did look a bit off from the others. Their outfits had a sense of air of wealth and power. Yours seemed like a more commonplace outfit. Still, it looked good and you felt great so you didn't care one way or another.

Ruby: OH MY GODMOTHER!

Ruby rushed in now in her own costume. Her outfit was a green dress of sorts as well as a black hat that had a green rose as decoration. She wore a pair of black gloves with green heels. Looked just like one of the girls from the pictures.

Ruby: THESE ARE PERFECT!

She ran over and hugged Lizzie, having grown taller than her over the last year, giggling in glee.

Ruby: YOU'RE INCREDIBLE, LIZZIE! PLEASE HURRY UP AND MARRY MY BROTHER SO WE CAN BE SISTERS!

You and Lizzie both found your faces warming up at the thought of marriage. Cause thinking about that also made you think about...other things. Like...living together and sharing a bed. Then it'll be starting a family and growing old and your heart can't take the thought of such things! It was already racing.

Y/N: Rue, please.

Ruby just laughed as she hugged your now blushing girlfriend. You felt your mirrorphone go off and looked at the cracked screen to see that Ashlynn had messaged you. She was able to provide the transport and to make sure everyone got there safely, the Fellowship would be acting as guards. So, yes, you would have your weapon, but you wouldn't be using it tonight unless you had to.

You swore you didn't have an attachment issue. It's just business.

Y/N: The rides are here. Everyone ready?

Ruby: Wait! Take a picture of us!

The girls all hurried and huddled together as you turned on the camera on your mirrorphone. You aimed it and smiled.

Y/N: Saaaaaay, Bunny and Cid!

Ruby: I thought it was Bonnie.

Y/N: I dunno.

Click
--------------
Ruby: This feels like the real thing!

Ruby looked out the window as the trail of horse drawn carriages traveled up the paved trail heading to the Manor. You, Ruby, Lizzie, and Darling ended up getting a carrage together on Ruby's request. Course the girl of the hour had to be protected, but Ruby actually picked Darling to be her assigned protector, not you.

If that didn't tell you she was growing up, you don't know what will. Maybe she just did it to give you the night off? Or, maybe because it was Darling.

You didn't care either way. You could focus on having fun.

It wasn't long before the carriages began to stop and drop off the guests. Ruby pretty much invited the entire school. Literally everyone was invited and while most did decide to come, there was a good amount who stayed back for one reason or another. You couldn't really blame them with your track record.

Soon it became your turn to emerge. You stepped out first to give Lizzie a hand. A literal hand, as you held it out as Lizzie stepped down. Once she was good to go, you joined the others in watching Darling help Ruby. Everyone immediately began to shout their birthday wishes to Ruby as Darling escorted her inside. Ruby, who was basking in the attention, seemed to already be pretty satisfied with her birthday.

You were about to follow everyone inside, but you found your arm being grabbed.

Oswalt: A moment, please.

Lizzie sighed and patted your arm, walking ahead with the girls instead. You turned to Oswalt, Brair, and Holly who all looked...worried.

Y/N: Seriously?

Brair: Hey, we're not exactly hexcited about this either. This was supposed to be the night without problems.

You rolled your eyes.

Y/N: Whatever. What is it this time?

Oswalt: We aren't sure yet.

Holly: One of the Dwarves said that something big was flying around. Something like....well, like a dragon.

A dragon? It couldn't be Legend, could it?

Y/N: I thought the dragons were in the stables back at Ever After High.

Oswalt: Yes, your dragons are back at the stables.

Your eyes grew wide when you remembered about the other dragons. The ones that were corrupted by the Evil Queen's magic. How was she still a problem? She probably wasn't even in this world anymore!

Y/N: Oh. So, what do you want to do?

Brair: George said that it was over the hills when he saw it. They have no reason to come here and as long as we don't set it off, it should stay away.

Oswalt: So we'll also me skipping the fireworks.

Y/N: Mulan might be upset about it, but I'm sure she'll understand. We'll just have to keep an eye on things.

The three nodded in agreement and you all headed inside. You were unaware, however, of the massive shadow in the distance.
-----------
Lizzie laughed as you spun her around on the dance floor, trying to replicate the dance your mum had taught you. You didn't know if you were doing it right, but you didn't really care. You were having a blast and Lizzie was looking especially cute tonight.

Ruby was dancing with her friends while Oswalt and Kitty had mysteriously vanished somewhere unseen. Everything was going well and you were just trusting that it would stay that way. You hoped it would, seeing as everyone was having a grand time. It really did look like one of those parties from the photos.

Lizzie: This is a rather nice party.

Y/N: Yeah, trust Brair to be able to pull something like this off. This is amazing.

Holly: Y/N?

You sighed, already knowing you'll be pulled away for something. You stopped dancing and turned to Holly who gestured for the kitchen door. You dropped your head but Lizzie just gently pushed you towards Holly who practically dragged you into the kitchen. Inside was already Oswalt, Kitty, and Brair.

Oswalt: We have an issue.

Y/N: Yeah yeah. What is it?

Kitty: Well, first, good news! We found the dragon!

Oh, that was actually good news. Is this what they were doing this whole time?

Kitty: Nope! We were making out upstairs.

Oswalt: Katherine...

Y/N: Yeah, I didn't need to know th.....wait. If you were upstairs making out, how exactly did you find the dragon.

Brair: That's the bad news.

Suddenly the whole manor shook from something flying overhead. It didn't sound like there was any panic in the ball room, the music, lights, and decorations probably diverting everyone's attention from it. The four of you looked up at the roof as some pieces of plaster began to fall and the lights flickered a bit.

Y/N: It's here?!

Oswalt: No one else knows, so we can keep it on the low. That being said, we need to deal with this now so it doesn't become a problem later.

Brair: Preferably without scaring the guests. Me and Kitty can keep them distracted, but you and Oswalt need to handle the dragon.

Holly: I will also be lending a hand. I'm the only dragon rider here, after all. You guys are only really used to Legend, right?

That's right, Holly and her sister helped Ruby take care of the dragon pups when they hatched. Before the Evil Queen and Oswalt turned them EEEEEEVIL!

So, it sounded like a pretty solid plan. The problem now was the execution.
-------------
Ruby petted her feline friend, Omby, as Apple retold a story that happened in Advanced Kingdom Management. The party was going well and she couldn't be happier. The only thing that would make this better is if she had her brothers here. Where did they even run off to...

Brair: HEY!

The girls began to cheer as Brair approched the table. She quickly gave a birthday hug to Ruby, having not actually gotten a chance due to...well the current situation, before she sat down.

Brair: So, what's new? Did I miss anything in class?

Raven: Do you ever?

Darling: You know, now that you mention it, it has been pretty quiet lately hasn't it?

Brair's eyes darted around to find a way to change the topic.

Brair: R-Y-Well how are the new classes going, Ruby?

Ruby: They're pretty much the same, right? But I will say my magic has been improving a lot ever since Raven started giving me those study sessions.

Raven smiled proudly, thankful that she could help a fellow young sorceress. Darling watched Ruby and even she had to admit that she was making leaps and bounds. She didn't know how long it took for you and Oswalt to "master" your magic, but Ruby seemed projected to surpass you soon enough.

Brair: Well that's lovely to hear. So, now for the real question, are you two here as birthday girl and guard, or as a date~

The girls immediately latched to the subject which put Darling and Ruby in their cross hairs. This ended up being perfect since you, Oswalt, and Holly all snuck past Kitty pouring....something into the punch bowl.

You now had your sword and shield and were making your ways upstairs. Oswalt lead you to where he was when he had spotted the dragon which ended up being a window near one of the closets. You looked out at the grey skies above, a storm seemingly ready to hit at any moment. You knew one was coming, but this did still stand to complicate things a bit.

Holly: Hey, I've actually been meaning to ask. You two are both okay with water, right?

You and Oswalt turned to her confused.

Holly: Well it's just...didn't water melt your mother?

And now, you were surpised.

Y/N: Wait, are you for real?

Holly: Y-Yeah? Isn't that what happened?

Oswalt: Not exactly, no. Our mother never had any weakness towards water, and neither do we.

Y/N: Yeah, haven't you seen me swim before?

Holly: Well, yeah but that was when you were still in Oswalt's body. I didn't know if that still applied.

Y/N: No, I'm still a great swimmer. Don't you remember when I went to the underwater to-wait you weren't there for that. Well, what about that time I went to the island for Brair to get those-you weren't for that either. Mh.

You tried to think of a time Holly would've seen you swim after you got your body back, but honestly nothing came to mind. Not that it really mattered though cause the real problem was once again, shaking the house.

All three of you looked out the window just in time to see a massive, scaly creature fly by once again. Thunder suddenly echoed through the house as the first drop of rain landed on the glass. Then another, then a downpour.

Oswalt: That'll be a slight issue.

Then, the power went out.

Oswalt: Make that two slight issues.
------------
The students all stood around the darkness, a few magical spells offering light where their mirrorphones could not. They would still be dancing if not for the lack of music. Melody, who was now sitting with Ruby's group since she had nothing else to do, scrolled through her phone.

Melody: Says here that the rain should stop in an hour or so. We'll get this party back up and running in no time.

Brair offered a sympathetic smile to the birthday girl.

Brair: Sorry, Rue.

Ruby, however, was unphased by all of this.

Ruby: It's not your fault, Brair. Besides, what I really wanted was just to spend time with you guys. Seems like all we do now is go to class and run around on crazy adventures.

The others couldn't really disagree. As Humphrey stumbled by holding a glass of punch, some good punch, Apple sat up.

Apple: I mean, it still has to beat last year right? I don't even remember a party.

Brair: I didn't throw one.

Ruby: It's cause I didn't have one.

This was a bit of a surpise for everyone.

Apple: What did you do instead?

Ruby: Well, my brother baked me a cake and we celebrated in Rapunzel's Tower. It was just us two. Like we did it every year after the Fall.

Brair: Wait, is this your first birthday since you were like...4?!

Ruby: 5 actually.

Brair hugged the younger girl tightly as she began to cry.

Brair: I'M SO SORRY FOR LETTING YOU DOWN!

Ruby: A-Air!
-------------
The three of you stood in a small space looking out at the rain slamming against the roof. The same roof you would need to cross to proceed forward. The window glass was all that was keeping you safe from Nature's wrath. Holly looked at her mirrorphone again and back up.

Holly: There should be a hallway here. Where is it?

Y/N: Call me crazy, but it doesn't even look like there was ever a hall here.

Oswalt checked Holly's phone as well. She wasn't reading the layout wrong, there was supposed to be a hall here. There was also supposed to be a room behind you, but all there was was an old wall with peeling wallpaper. You crossed your arms and leaned back, but by doing so you ended up pushing your shield, which was strapped to your back, against a candle stick. There was suddenly a click, and the three of you were suddenly surrounded by the sounds of ticking and the sight of moving walls.

The entire manor shook as the hallway you had entered from vanished. The wall that once was a window began to lower as a hallway infact rose from the roof. You found the wall behind you suddenly gone, making you fall back with a yelp into the previously hidden room.

Back in the ballroom, the guests began to panic at the sudden shifting of the floors, roof, and walls. Outside, the dragon watched as the entire building shifted and changed to something entirely new. Darling guarded Ruby, but failed to notice that the floor Ruby stood on was already switching. Your sister was suddenly dragged away and blocked by a wall before she could even scream. Groups of people were caught up in the manor's movements and separated.

You let out a groan while Oswalt and Holly looked around in surpise and confusion. Your brother turned to you with a frown.

Oswalt: Y/N, you imbecile! What did you do?!

You sat up and pointed at him.

Y/N: Don't just blame this on me!

Holly: Guys!

Oswalt turned in time to see a massive black shape heading right towards you all with a murderous intent. Your brother quickly grabbed Holly and dove out of the way to narrowly avoided being swiped by the dragon's wing. The three of you were now exposed to the rain, separated from the hallway, and now stuck in the hidden room.

The massive beast began to fly up for a dive attack, and with the three of you now a tangled mess of limbs, it would surely be a fatal blow.

It was in this moment that Kitty, who had been trapped with a group consisting of Poppy, Apple, Farrah, Cerise, and Daring began to look around for a way to hel-

Stop cheating!

Kitty: Oh, shut it and tell me what I need to do to save my fiancé. Do you know how hard it is to replace those things?

Fiiiiiine.

She noticed a bookshelf and by using her Wonderlandian knowledge of the whimsical and not because she is a consistent violator of the narration laws, found the fake book and pulled on it. This activated the house's mechanisms once more, only changing a few other details. One such detail was a trapped door that opened underneath the three of you that then sent you down an old laundry chute that got you out of the way of the Dragon's claws just in time.

Good job, Kitty. Now stop listening to me.

No, I'm not taking that 20. Oh. 50? Well, okay, just this once.
---------
Ruby wondered around the dark halls of the manor alone. She had tried to keep an ear out for anyone, but she couldn't even hear through the walls. They were so thick that any sound she made seemed to just bounce right back to her.

She had created an orb of light to help her and Omby was in Panther mode to keep her safe, so she wasn't necessarily scared. If anything, she was confused. What had happened to make the manor change so much? And the storm, the power cutting out, it was all too mysterious. And that was when it hit her.

Ruby: Oh my godmother.....THEY BUILT A MYSTERY MANOR FOR MY BIRTHDAY?!

She began to squeal and hop around in hexcitment. She had been talking to Alistar about his clockwork stuff and Wicked had been mentioning those old ghost stories from your dad's world. The ones that featured people like in the world Oscar was in. Was this a way of making it feel like all four of you were together this year?

Ruby: Oh, Brair really outdid herself this year.

Omby just stared at his owner. Ruby hurried ahead to explore some more. But what she came across was actually not ghostly at all. It was Hunter and Dexter.

Ruby: Hey hey!

The two boys turned around with wide eyes that soon turned to relief at the sight of your sister. They hurried to meet her halfway to make sure she was alright.

Ruby: I see you guys got thrown here to. Have you found anyone else?

Dexter: Just you.

Hunter: Darling's not with you?

Ruby shook her head. Oh, Brair must've arranged it so that she would always have one of the Fellowship with her. Smart planning.

Ruby: We got seperated. Guess you're my bodyguard now.

Hunter stood proudly.

Hunter: Yes, ma'am. But right now I think we should look for others. There's no telling if and when the manor will change again.

Ruby: Lead the way!
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The three of you groaned as you once again laid in a pile on the floor. This time, however, you could all actually get up without worry of a massive dragon slamming into you. Oswalt rose to his feet and rubbed his head while Holly popped her back. You took a moment to catch your breath, thankful that your shield was able to protect you from major chute burn.

Looking around, you realized you were in a study of some kind. Once you had gathered yourself, you got to your feet and began to walk around. You noticed a map on the wall and began to examine it. You then took a picture of it just in case you managed to get seperated from Holly. It was then that you realized that you had no signal.

Y/N: Looks like calling the others is out of the question. I thought there was a Mirrornet tower nearby.

Oswalt: Storm must be affecting it. We're on our own for now.

Holly: I can't believe the manor changed like that. It didn't feel like magic. Was it that stuff that Alistar does?

Oswalt: A clockwork manor with the dark cloud of a dragon hovering overhead. Now this is a situation.

Yeah, you should've known better than to think you would be getting a night off from all of this stuff. You just hoped everyone else was okay. The problem now was that you just didn't know where you were. Holly checked her map and learned that you had actually been shot down into the basement.

Holly: Well, we're lower than where we started.

Y/N: Okay, we did some serious backtracking. But, at least we can look for people on our way back up. I doubt we can hide that something is wrong now.

Oswalt: As much as I would like to, our priority should be the dragon. If it attacks any stragglers....

Y/N: We need to round people up and keep them calm. They're less likely to run off on their own if they understand what's happening.

Oswalt: If we deal with the problem, we won't need to calm them down. Let's just head straight for the danger.

Y/N: We don't even know how this place works and you want to "just head straight for the danger"?

Oswalt: I do not sound like that.

Y/N: No, you sound more condescending!

Oswalt: At least I sound my age! When are the voice cracks gonna stop, Y/N?! When?!

Y/N: You know I have no control over that!

Holly: HEY!

You and your twin stopped your bickering and looked to the annoyed girl. She held up her phone as if to remind you of the real problem at hand.

Holly: Look, both things should be a priority. We can do both. If we run into anyone along the way, we'll point them to safety. The basement seems like a safe place for now and it looks like there's multiple ways to escape, so they won't get trapped or anything.

She then pointed upwards.

Holly: We'll head straight up to deal with the dragon. I think I can calm it if I can get close enough.

Y/N: Wait, really? Wouldn't that be like super dangerous?

Holly: Yes, but I've also been studying dragons a lot recently. With the Dragon Games coming up, I figured it was about time to refresh my memory on them.

Oswalt: Alright. If we come across anyone, point them to the basement. Our goal is to get Holly to that dragon.

Y/N: And try not to change the manor on our way there. Sounds easy enough.
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Ruby rode on Omby as the small group wondered the halls of the Manor. Ruby examined most of the pictures and paintings she came across. Most of them were of people she had never seen before. Probably families that had lived here in the past. This whole place did feel very old.

???: Hunter?

The trio stopped as three figures emerged from the darkness. Lizzie, Brair, and Poppy looked relieved to find others.

Brair: Aren't you a sight for sore eyes. We were just wondering if we would even find anyone.

Poppy: This place turned into a maze.

Ruby: Well, mazes are meant to be solved, right?

Hunter: At least we seem to be alone in terms of danger as well. There doesn't seem to be any traces of any beast or creature or anything.

Brair: Wellllllll...

Suddenly the house began to shake again. What was truly odd, however, was the fact that nothing changed.

Dexter: What was that?!

Brair: Okay, no one panic, but there's a dragon outside.

Hunter, Dexter, and Ruby all looked at her in immediate panic.

Hunter: THERE'S A DRAGON OUTSIDE?!

Ruby: Wait, where are my brothers?

Lizzie: They went with Holly to deal with the dragon. Where they are now, we do not know.

Well, this definitely destroys the surpise idea. Ruby was now worried and hoping that you three were okay and safe and...

Y/N: Hey, gang!

Everyone turned down the other hall to see the three of you walking their way.

Y/N: Funny running into you here. So, the manor is a clockwork manor and we don't know what switches do what, so for now just head to the basement. We'll deal with the dragon. Tootles~

The three of you walked down the hall where Brair's group just came from and disappeared back into the darkness. The group could do nothing but watch speechless.
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You all hurried up the steps to get back to the third floor. So far the manor hadn't changed again, so you were hoping that everyone managed to make it to the basement safely. Especially since Kitty and Maddie were helping get people there because they know the plan, right?

Kitty: Yeah yeah.

Maddie: I'm just happy to help!

Good girls. Now back to you bozos.

You managed to get back to the right floor throughout trial and error, but a harsh realization hit when you came back to where you previously were. The layout had changed, so you couldn't go the way you did before.

Oswalt: We need a new route.

Holly: Or a way to change the manor back.

Y/N: Both are good and bad ideas. Finding a new route would kill time we don't if we can spare. But changing the manor back could trap any students not in the basement.

You hummed.

Y/N: Actually, I have a pretty simple solution.

Oswalt: We are not destroying the manor.

Y/N: Not the entire thing! Just, like, a wall or a roof.

Oswalt: Brair informed me that any harm to the manor will be met with...righteous fury.

You all looked out the window at the destroyed part of the manor. Oswalt sighed.

Holly: Well, maybe we can do all three.

Holly knelt down and ran her fingers along the wall. She felt something and smiled. The edge of the wall was sticking out just enough to leave a small gap.

Holly: Alright, I'm gonna need my two strong men for this one! We're gonna pry the hallway up and force the clockwork to activate. My theory is if we do this, it'll only change the hall and not the manor.

Oswalt: Bold theory. Not like we have many other options, though.

You drew your sword and planted it into the small gap. Oswalt walked over and with your combined strength, you managed to force the hall to activate, bringing it up and not changing anything else.

Holly: So that's what it is.

Oswalt: Of course. I see now.

You looked at the two of them and kindly gestured to yourself.

Holly: Sorry. My theory was based on Alistar's designs. See, clockwork works like a clock. The gears moving are what makes the magic happen.

Oswalt: The manor appears to be built in sections. The manor itself is clockwork, yes, but it's separated into smaller pockets. That's why we can mess with the hall without changing the whole manor. The same with that trapdoor, however that was pulled.

You slow blinked having followed none of that, but accepted the answer anyway. You didn't need to take point here, so why bother trying to understand any of this?

You pulled out your phone and raised a brow. Was it upside down? You definitely knew how to read a map. Why did this look wrong?

Oswalt took the lead with Holly going second. You kept your sword drawn incase of another attack and proceeded with caution. You managed to reached the destroyed room and hurried into the hall to get to where you were heading before. However, it seemed that your friend never really left.

A roar grabbed your attention as the three of you ran. When you looked, you spotted the Dragon flipping around and heading right back towards you. Oswalt pulled Holly to safety and you dove to avoid being swooped. Once again, the massive creature crashed through the house.

Oswalt: STOP DOING THAT! BRAIR IS GOING TO KILL ME!

Holly: We have bigger problems!

Indeed you did. The dragon was already circling again for another attack. This time, however, it wasn't going to ram into the manor. Judging by the purple flames starting to gather in it's throat, you needed to get ready for some heat. You lifted your shield and used your magic to expand it's protection.

Purple and green flames collided as you struggled to hold the fire back with Oswalt and Holly behind you. Oswalt acted as a secondary shield to Holly who was examining the dragon to see if there was something she could do to help.

Holly: Can one of you do a sleep spell?!

Oswalt: I might be able to!

Holly: Good. It doesn't need to be perfect, just needs to stun it long enough for me to get close!

Y/N: I'll distract it. Keep each other safe.

The two nodded. Once the flames died down from the attack, Oswalt and Holly hurried out of the way as you rushed forward. You dodged some falling debris from the fire that was now slowly being put out by the rain. You leaped up on part of the roof and started to run up, but slipped from the lack of grip. You stumbled, but caught yourself just as the dragon swiped.

You managed to lift your sword to block it, but the hit broke the piece of wood you were holding onto and sent you falling down. You landed on a balcony below with a groan. Seems like you could REALLY USE SOME HELP RIGHT ABOUT NOW.

Kitty: Hiss!

Kitty and Maddie continued to look around the dark room that they totally found by themselves and not because they happened to have bribed the narrator. Kitty popped up and noticed a button. She then pressed it which turned on several old screens that revealed several locations around the manor.

Kitty: Found it!

Her and Maddie looked at the screens and saw the state of your quest. Maddie tapped her fingers as she looked at all the buttons. She pressed one just as the dragon began to dive straight for you. You were ready to take the hit, but to your surpise the house began to react. A roof began to slide out over the balcony which seemed to scare the dragon into stopping.

Maddie: Ooooooooo. Buttons!

She then proceeded to hit EVERY BUTTON MADDIE WHAT ARE YOU DOING!

You screamed as the floor below you started to move, sliding you to the side to reveal a pool full of dirty water. You almost fell in, if not for the floor then folding upwards. You quickly hurried to your feet and ran up, jumping to avoid being crushed.

Up top, Oswalt and Holly held onto the walls to avoid being flung off the house as the roof began to open and spin sporadically. Maddie hummed as she hit the buttons, only for Kitty to smack her hands away with an unamused look. She then proceeded to DO THE SAME THING WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU TWO?!

You avoided another moving floor and noticed the side of the wall shifting. Moving quickly, you ran up the wall by using the moving bricks as steps. You leaped to make the last gap and landed back on the roof. However, you ended up onto of the storage area, which was now more like a jaw of sharp garden tools. You fell and quickly grabbed onto the edge of the roof, dropping your shield into the myriad of sharp objects all pointing right at you.

You always knew it'd be gardening tools. You just kinda figured it'd be Lizzie on the other end of it.

Oswalt: Y/N!

You looked up just as Holly and Oswalt reached you. Oswalt took your sword and set it aside before helping you up. The three of you then hurried to cover now that the two PARASITES were tied up by Lizzie who was informed of their misdoings.

Lizzie: Thank you, Ms. Narrator!

Of course.

Brair: This place had a control room? I could've done so much with this.

Ruby: Let's save it for next year. Right now we need to help them.

Poppy examined the map for a moment before she realized it was a different layout. She pulled out her phone and took a picture of it, overlaying it onto the one her sister had sent her. Sure enough, it was the same map but the difference was the layout of the rooms.

Poppy: Hey, check this out.

She showed the others and Brair rubbed her chin. She looked back to the control panel and thought for a moment.

Brair: Well, I think I can figure this out. Let's get this party started!

Back on the roof. The three of you peeked out at the dragon waiting across the way. It was perched ontop of what remained of the first room, snarling at the shadows.

Brair: WHAT UP, PARTY CIT-Y?!

You all jumped as the dragon let out a roar.

Brair: Uh-oh, we got a tough crowd.

Holly: Brair?!

Brair: I hope you guys can hear me clearly enough. We found the old intercom system, but it looks like it's only one way. We have eyes on the dragon and we can change the manor whenever.

Y/N: Our eye in the sky, huh? That should make this easier.

Brair: You should have two maps. Overlay them on your phones to figure out the layout of the changes. Once you're ready, give us a signal.

Two maps? That was why you couldn't figure out yours. You pulled out your phone but you...couldn't send it....because of the....lack of signal.

Y/N: Nothing in life will ever be easy, will it.

Oswalt: Welcome to reality. Looks like we'll have to wing it.

Y/N: Never stopped me before. Holly, keep your head down.

Holly nodded as Oswalt summoned his two blades. You lifted your sword but sighed with the lack of shield. As soon as you were ready you lifted your arm.

Brair: Alright. Good luck, boys!

The wall dropped and you and Oswalt rushed forward. You ran across the roof as the dragon rose from it's position. It took a deep breath and once again let out a stream of hellish flames that brought a disgusting warmth to your body. A nostalgic nightmare that you had turned into your own strength.

You turned, coating your blade in flames before spinning back around to throw the slice of flames towards the dragon. The attack curved and sturck the dragon in it's side before you rolled out of the way of a wall being lifted. The platform the dragon stood on began to move to the left, repositioning just over where Oswalt was. He slammed the two blades together and thrusted them upwards which destroyed the floor above.

The dragon took off into the air, now flapping it's wings in annoyance and anger. Perfect. It began to dive towards Oswalt who prepped himself. A roof did move to protect him, but Oswalt still rolled out of the way when the Dragon crashed through it.

Brair: I'm not getting that down deposit back.

You ran through the hall as Oswalt kept the dragon's attention on him. You then grinned when you saw the storage room coming up. You rushed in, grabbed your shield, hurried out, and leaped over the changing hall, once again landing on the roof.

Y/N: Walt!

You threw your shield up towards the dragon. Oswalt smirked and leaped up, landing on the shield for a brief moment. It was quick, but it was just enough to give him time to launch himself off of the shield and towards the dragon. With a perfect attack, Oswalt was able to slam the beast back into the roof. It was there that he landed and quickly casted the sleep spell. The dragon seemed to calm a bit as the walls changed to block him in.

Oswalt: Holly!

Holly: On it!

Holly hurried forward and slide beside the creature. Oswalt felt the spell break just as Holly reached into the creature's mouth.

Y/N/Oswalt/Brair: HOLLY!

You looked away from the horror. Or, what you thought was horror. You didn't hear any flesh tear, nor bone crush, or even a scream. When you looked back, you instead found Holly standing there, holding a bone.

Holly: Wow. Talk about a terrible tooth ache.

The dragon slowly began to rise, shaking a bit as if it was just waking up from a long nap. However, it wasn't aggressive this time. As the house was reshaped around it, it stood there looking around like it had just realized where it was.

Oswalt: Wait, this was all over something stuck in it's tooth?

Holly: Well, I didn't know for sure, but when it let out it's fire before I noticed that the flames were a bit shaky so I reasoned something was wrong with it's mouth.

Y/N: This is why we pay to you take care of the Dragons, Holly.

You let out a breath and hunched over.

Y/N: My body is never not sore anymore.

Oswalt: Tell me about it.
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Good news, with the situation fixed and most of the guests not really knowing what happened, you were able to explain everything away pretty easily and the party was able to get back into full swing.

Bad news, Brair definitely lost that deposit.

Ruby: Awww, it just as a bit of tooth pain. Poor baby.

Ruby petted the now peaceful dragon that had settled outside once the storm had passed.

Oswalt: I already contact Headmaster Grimm and he agreed to let the dragon stay in the stables. He even suggested you start training for Dragon Game tryouts.

Ruby turned in surpise.

Ruby: Wait, for real?!

You and Oswalt shared a look.

Y/N: Yeah, we felt bad that your birthday didn't really, go as planned. We figured this could be our gift to you to make it up.

Ruby smiled, before she pulled you both into a hug.

Ruby: You two both being here was all I really wanted. And then you go and save my birthday AND get me a new dragon?! Best brothers ever!

You and Oswalt looked to each other, and smiled. You both hugged your sister back as the other watched. They weren't the only ones, however.

For far off in an unknown land, a figure watched alone in a ruined throne room.

Jadis: I hope you enjoyed my present, my little roo. Happy birthday.

She smirked, then began to laugh. A laugh that seemed to only grow louder and more menacing.

Soon, she will make her move.

The End Is Just The Beginning...