The morning was cold, but it wasn't too annoying. Though it nipped at any exposed skin, Oz couldn't help but smile as he took a deep breath of the sharp chill. He let out a satisfying sigh as his roommate and best friend watched with slight confusion.

Dracula: Let me guess. A Kansas thing?

Oz smiled.

Oz: Nope! That's just a me thing.

Dracula let out a low sigh. He still had no idea how he allowed himself to be friends with someone who was as odd as Oz was. Then again, he wasn't exactly Prince Charming himself.

No, that would be the boy who was currently being swarmed by a few of the girls who managed to catch him as he left the dorms. Though he clearly looked annoyed, he kept a fake smile as to not disappoint anyone. Oz simply smirked and pointed at the boy.

Oz: Looks like Charles is having a grand ol' time over there, huh?

Dracula avoided looking as to not draw any attention to himself. He didn't like the attention either, though Oz seemed to thrive off of it. The two walked together towards the main building to grab some quick breakfast before class started. They didn't feel like being late to Baba Yaga's class again. Her detention punishments weren't exactly a good time.

Plus it got in the way of the whole "adventure" thing they had planned for the weekend.

Dracula: I wonder what they'll have in the Castleteria.

Oz: Probably the same stuff as usual. You know how consistent they like to be. Milton really likes his routines.

Dracula: Tradition.

Oz: Potato tomato. The point is that it's gonna be the same food.

Dracula gave his friend a look. Though he understood that he came from a different land, a different world really, he didn't particularly enjoy his way of talking. It was improper, but it did have a strange charm that seemed to make people orbit around him.

Dracula: Most likely.

The two entered the school they called home and began to make their way down the hall. Students either greeted them with smiles or quick waves as they walked. The two had gained a reputation that was vastly different then when they first started attending a year ago.

No longer was Dracula seen as a bloodthirsty monster that everyone feared. And Oz had come a long way from being the odd ball that suddenly appeared out of thin air. No, that title went to someone else now. Even then, the two were now dormroom names and stories of their adventures spread quickly.

They entered the Castleteria and immediately grabbed something light before taking a seat at an empty table. While the morning announcements were made by Humpty Dumpty and Goldie Locks, the two ate.

But, across the school, one of their classmates fixed his vest as he walked. His breath visible in the cold air, but he didn't seem bothered. Rather, he seemed to be at home with the snow and the chill.

Badwolf: Where the hex is she?

Badwolf continued to walk for a moment until he had reached the edge of the school grounds near the fields where the Dragon Games were held. He waited for a moment as he sniffed the air. Finally, he caught a whiff of chestnut.

Badwolf: I know you're around, Cheshire. Stop playing games, we're already late.

He watched as a smile formed from thin air ontop of a tree branch. Soon after, the rest of his friend appeared.

Cheshire: Oh, there you are. Sorry, I was just taking a quick cat nap.

She stretched a bit before she hopped down. Her landing caused some snow to kick up and land on Badwolf's boot, slightly annoying him. Cheshire never really had much care for her surroundings, but it wasn't like it was really that out of character for her. Her destiny was to be the one that would have her being mischievous after all.

She placed her hands on her hips while Badwolf kicked off the snow from his foot.

Cheshire: I thought you said you'd be here by 8.

Badwolf: It's 7:56.

Cheshire: Exactly.

Badwolf ignored her and reached into his vest pocket. He pulled out a rolled up piece of paper and showed it to her.

Badwolf: Madam Yaga told us to check this out. Said there was some kind of disturbance in the woods.

Cheshire took the paper and checked it out. There had been some reports about strange creatures that have been spotted around the old Wishing Well. She raised a brow slightly confused.

Cheshire: Why are we being sent to look at it? Why not send one of those goody hero types?

Badwolf: Because no one cares if we skip class.

Cheshire: You know what? Fair enough.

She tossed the paper back to him and immediately turned on her heel to start walking into the forest. Badwolf stuff the paper back into his pocket before he too began to head to the unknown.

Badwolf sniffed the air as he walked. Nothing smelt out of place. After having walked for what was nearly half an hour, he was a bit surpised that he hadn't spotted, heard, or smelt anything out of the usual.

Cheshire kept to the trees, walking along the branches which occasionally dropped some snow near Badwolf. He would have to step out of the way every now and then, but it wasn't much of a bother otherwise.

Deciding she didn't like the silence nor could she pass up a chance to embarrass her friend, Cheshire decided to make some small talk.

Cheshire: You know, I saw Red this morning. She was with Snoozer and Snow.

Badwolf mumbled under his breath. Snoozer was just another name for Sleeping Beauty and Snow was of course the famous Snow White. And Red, well, she was Red Riding Hood. Someone that Badwolf knew well.

Though it was in his story to be her foe, he couldn't help but admire her. Of course, he had to do it from afar as to not ruin their destined stories. Still it was no secret to his friends that he had a bit of a crush on her. It wasn't hard to see why.

Badwolf: So?

Cheshire: She was wearing the silver dress.

Badwolf almost tripped over his own feet at the sudden image of Red in her silver dress. Cheshire simply laughed at him while he hid his blushing face.

Cheshire: You're too easy!

Badwolf shook his head and smirked.

Badwolf: Oh yeah? Well guess who I saw today wearing his red vest?

Cheshire stopped laughing and glared down at the boy.

Cheshire: Don't you dare....

Badwolf: Pied.

Cheshire blushed at the though of Pied Piper wearing his red vest. It fit him well and highlighted his torso perfectly. Now that they had both teased each other, Badwolf went back to sniffing the air. However, this time, he actually caught the scent of something. It was foul, like rotting fruit.

He looked around for a moment before he spotted something a ways away. Cheshire followed his gaze and noticed a looming figure sulking between the trees. A creature of sorts, but not quite.

Cheshire: Wait, is that...

Badwolf: A druid. But what is it doing out here?

Cheshire hopped down and joined Badwolf in watching the undead creature wondering aimlessly through the trees. The rusted armor it wore stuck out against the white snow and it carried a broken sword. Clearly it was a knight during it's life. But why was it alive now? And why so close to the Wishing Well?

Badwolf: We should report it to Madam Yaga.

Cheshire: Fine by me. I don't feel like trying to fight that thing. I just got my nails done.

She smirked as she looked at her perfectly done nails. Badwolf rolled his eyes and started to turn to leave, but he caught a whiff of something else. He froze when he spotted a second Druid that was even closer, slowly making it's way to their left. Cheshire watched for a moment before she spotted a third.

Cheshire: Uh, Druids don't usually run in packs, right?

Badwolf: No, they don't.

The two stood back to back as the three fallen soldiers marched without purpose. They various weapons dragging through the snow as they remained unaware of the two students.

Badwolf: Hey, you've been practicing your vanishing, right?

Cheshire: Yeah, but I still can't make it to the school in one jump.

Badwolf: How fast can you get there?

Cheshire: Honestly? Maybe 5 minutes if I push myself.

Badwolf didn't want to put her in danger, but it was either overdoing it or facing off against three undead knights. Neither had any equipment and though Badwolf could hold his own against one, he would be overpowered with three.

Badwolf: We'll have to sneak away. When we do, you'll need to vanish back to the school and get help.

Cheshire: And you?

Badwolf: I can probably outrun them and hide in the old Spencer Cabin.

Cheshire didn't like that plan, but it was the only one they had. After mentally preparing themselves, the two turned and began to silently walk back the way they came. However, nature was not their friend today. A heap of snow fell from a branch above which caught the attention of the three soldiers. And with that, the two were in their sights.

Without wasting a moment, Cheshire vanished and Badwolf ran as quickly as he could towards where the old cabin would be. The three Druids quickly gave chase, running at inhuman speeds. Badwolf gritted his teeth before changed into his wolf form, running on all fours as fast as he could through the snow.

The undead began to call out as Badwolf ran past a few mounds of snow. From them came even more warriors. Badwolf couldn't believe how many there were. Druids were known to be single in their appearances. But now he had six chasing after him. Were there really that many fallen here?

One of the Druids brought out a bow and began to take aim. Before Badwolf could avoid it, an arrow struck his side causing him to yelp. Still, he didn't stop. He spotted the cabin in the distance and quickly changed into his human form to open the door. After getting inside, he slammed it closed and threw the nearby shelf in front of it.

He took a step back as banging began to echo through the small structure. Looking down, he spotted the arrow that was lodged into his ribs. It didn't feel like it hit anything important, but it stung due to the rust that was now slowly infecting the wound. He kept a hand on it to slow the bleeding.

Badwolf: Curse.

He growled as he looked around. He spotted some torn fabric hanging off a back window and quickly grabbed some of it, tearing it off. He then grabbed the arrow and took a deep breath before ripping it out of his wound. He quickly covered it with the fabric and held it as he looked around for something else that could help.

Cheshire said it would take five minutes to get to the school. It would take even longer for anyone to arrive. He was a sitting wolf until then. He leaned against a wall and slowly sat down as he held his wound. The loud banging continued as well as the inhumane groans and cries.

Badwolf: I guess, I should've talked to Red sooner. Hex, I should've just talked to her in general.

He couldn't help but laugh a bit.

Badwolf: So much for the Big Bad Wolf, huh?

He laid his head against the wall and closed his eyes. That was when he smelt a faint hint of chestnut.

Outside, the Druids were too busy trying to get into the house to notice the two figures approaching. They only stopped when they heard a sharp whistle behind them. Their attention moved to the two boys standing there in the snow.

Oz held his sword with a hand on his hip and a smile on his face while Dracula was fixing his cuff.

Dracula: They smell atrocious.

Oz: And they somehow look worse. Let's get this over with, yeah?

Dracula looked up with blood red eyes and sharp fangs.

Dracula: Let's.

The Druids cried out as they charged, but the two were ready. Dracula dashed forward in a streak of black and grabbed the first creature's face, immediately slamming it down into the snow as Oz leaped over him. He jabbed his sword forward which stabbed into another Druid.

The second fell as Dracula lifted his and threw it towards the others. The one with a spear managed to dodge it and attempted to throw his weapon at the vampire. While it was fast, Dracula was faster. He caught the spear and spun on his heel before throwing it right back with great force. Badwolf flinched when the tip of the spear stabbed through not only the creature, but the door as well.

As it turned to dust, leaving behind only the armor, Oz sliced the second Druid which destroyed the magic holding it together. He heard a whistle and dodged an arrow that was fired at him. Moving quickly, he ducked behind a tree where a second arrow landed. He took a moment to catch his breath before running out and dashing towards the archer. As he drew back his bow, Oz sliced the wood in half, destroying the weapon. Now open, Oz took the chance to stab into the creature.

Dracula rolled out of the way of a mace before kicking it away. With the opening, Dracula reached out and grabbed the Druid. He then turned and threw him over his shoulder which sent it flying into another. The two were open for Oz to stab through, destroying them both. The two boys took a moment to rest, having cleared the area.

Oz: Talk about chump work.

Dracula: At least that was all.

That was, until a seventh Druid suddenly leaped out from the snow behind Oz. Time seemed to slow down as the creature lifted his weapon to attack. Oz slowly turned to try and block the attack while Dracula tried to dash forward to grab him. However, both would be too slow. Luckily, their guardian angel was looking over them.

A staff suddenly flew through the creature and pinned it to the ground. The two boys stared at it for a moment before looking up at one of the trees where a girl was standing.

Braum: I should start charging you every time I have to save your behind, Oscar.

The two boys let out sighs of relief as Braum leaped down. She approached the pinned creature before she grabbed her staff and sliced it's head off, destroying it. She then turned back to the two.

Oz: Your timing is as amazing as always, teach. And, as always, it's appreciated.

Braum mumbled something under her breath as she turned away to hide her blushing face. Dracula kneeled down to check the armor, spotting a familiar crest on the chest plate.

Dracula: Ever After Knights?

Braum: Looks like the older armor. They were from a war before our time.

Badwolf: That's nice and all....

The three looked to the cabin where Badwolf was peeking through a broken window.

Badwolf: But, can you get me out of here? I'm getting dizzy.

Oz and Dracula quickly rushed over and began to help pull their friend free.

Oz: Up you go, big boy.

Dracula: Can't have you dying before you get to ask Red on a date.

Badwolf: I changed my mind. Just leave me here.

Braum continued to examine the armor as Oz and Dracula helped Badwolf walk over.

Oz: Easy there, bud. Don't try and push yourself.

Badwolf: Trust me. I'm trying.

Oz: We'll get you back to school and the nurse will fix ya up real good.

Badwolf: I'm sure she'll quit with how much she has to deal with us.

Oz: Maybe, but she ain't gone yet, buddy.

Braum sighed and rose to her feet. She turned to the three boys and noticed Badwolf's wound. She sighed and lifted a hand. Soon, the four of them were standing in the school's infirmary where the nurse looked up from her paperwork. She let out a tired groan before she pointed to a bed.
--------------
Baba Yaga: Druids? More than one?

The small group, which included Oz, Dracula, Braum, and Cheshire, all gathered in the office of Madam Yaga. They were giving her their report following Badwolf being taken to the infirmary.

Dracula: It was a good thing that you sent us to help when you did. If we waited for Cheshire, Badwolf wouldn't have made it.

Cheshire frowned. She vanished as quickly as she could, but it wasn't fast enough. She was just lucky enough to have found Braum at the edge of Book End, so at least she helped with that.

Braum: And you're lucky I was around. If Ozma didn't send me to check on Oscar, he would be dead.

Oz: Just wounded!

Everyone gave him a look. He quickly lowered his hand and cleared his throat.

Oz: Regardless, I might still be a bit iffy on this magic stuff, but Druids don't usually come in groups, right?

Baba Yaga set her tea down.

Baba Yaga: No, they don't. And they don't rise without help from some magic.

Oz: So, someone created these things? Why?

Dracula: Why else? They want an army.

Oz: Maybe, but why use dead soldiers? Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. They already fought and found their peace. Don't seem right.

Dracula didn't disagree, but he knew that not everyone thought the same way. There was evil in the world, and Oz had seen it first hand. But still, he kept some hope in that big heart of his.

Baba Yaga: It doesn't matter. The situation is that someone is creating them and they're dangerous if they ever reach the town or any other settlements.

She was right. If these creatures reached civilization it could be a disaster. Especially if it was an army of these things.

Cheshire: And since they were by the old Wishing Well, I'm guessing it was a student. The magic felt....dark.

Oz: Well there we go. We got us a whatchamacallit.

Dracula: Necromancer.

Oz: Yeah. One of them neckoman fellers. Or lady. Which ever.

Dracula: So, what now?

Baba Yaga: Now I put the two of you on the case.

Oz gasped as his eyes began to twinkle.

Oz: An investigation?! I get to be Sherlock?!

Dracula raised a brow confused.

Dracula: Who?

Oz looked at his friend and chuckled nervously.

Oz: Right. You don't know who that is. Well, no matter. I'll explain on our way.

He then pointed at the door.

Oz: Onwards, my dear Watson!

Dracula: Your dear what?

Oz just sighed.

Oz: Just get to walkin', bat boy.

Dracula scowled at the nickname but headed off with Oz anyway. The two headed to the halls where they would begin looking for someone clues.

The End Is Just The Beginning.....