Long ago, long before the class of classics, before their grandparents, before even their grandparents, there was a tradition. A show of good fate between the kingdoms in an attempt to keep peace. Each Royal Family would pick three champions to compete in a series of games to show their might. This was the beginning of the Kingdom Games.

Y/N: Wow. Didn't know it ran that deep.

You closed the book that Braum gave you and looked up to see the other teams gathered around, discussing plans and stretching while you and your team hung back. Everyone was locked in right now, mentally preparing themselves for what was to come.

You spotted Hunter, Cerise, and Dadling. You smiled over the prospect of going against them in a challenge.

And while you all waited in the mock arena, Ruby waited with the others in the field where many of the students and guests gathered.

Lizzie: It should be starting soon.

Ruby looked around. Where are the games being held? There was nothing but the open sea in front of them. A few boats were anchored a ways out, but that was it. Raven just put a hand on her shoulder and pointed to the water. Ruby looked, and suddenly felt a slight surge of magic.

The ground began to shake slightly before the water began to bubble. The crowd watched as from below the waves emerged a large stone structure. A coliseum of massive size began to rise from it's watery grave for it's tri-yearly visit. Horns were sound and the Royal Guards began to usher people into the stadium.

As Ruby entered the stadium, she noticed that some people were noticeably missing.

Namely, the heads of the Royal Family.

Wicked took a sip from her coffee mug while a familiar figure smiled with a hum.

Cheshire: I have to say, I'm rather hexcited to see how this all goes.

Wicked looked to her old friend who was present to be a sort of moderator for what was to come. Though slightly surpised to see Wicked, she had already heard the news from her daughter. She herself had a cup of tea.

Cheshire: You must be super nervous. Talking to the people responsible for so much stuff that happened to Oz.

Wicked: Yes. I would be lying if I said I wasn't. But, they called the meeting and I must attend as acting head of the family.

Cheshire was a bit surpised by this as well. But, no one got to question it much before the doors opened and Wicked watched as many of her former peers entered. The Queen of Hearts spotted Wicked and offered a wave, which Wicked gleefully returned. The others, however, weren't greeted so warmly.

Besides Cheshire, Badwolf was also called in to help should things get out of hand. But Snow White and King Charles Charming were also present. Peter Pan flew in and immediately found a place to lay down and lounge, only here because he needed to be. Wicked kept her eyes on the heads of the Royal Family, already regretting the things that would be need to said.

Snow: I believe this is everyone. Thank you all for coming, especially at such short notice.

Everyone took a seat as Snow took the stand.

Snow: Once again, the Kingdom Games are upon us. As always, we will remain cordial and we will cheer on our champions.

Many of the heads agreed while Wicked kept quiet. Badwolf even grunted.

Snow: However, this year is a special one. For the first time in years, Oz will once again be participating.

The room fell into an awkward silence. The knowledge of why Oz had been absent was a sad one. One that many people here were responsible for. Still, Snow continued, gesturing to Wicked.

Snow: Our old friend, Wicked, now joins us. Her two sons were picked as two of the Champions for Oz. Y/N and Oswalt.

Cheshire: Bit surprising, isn't it?

Everyone looked to her. Wicked smiled a bit, knowing what was about to happen.

Snow: What do you mean?

Cheshire checked her nails with a shrug.

Cheshire: Oh, you know. Just surprising that you're not talking about the obvious elephant in the room. You know, about how Oswalt was about to wage a war against you all because you all had a hand in the Fall of Oz.

Charles: Cheshire...

Wicked: Yes, I would like to discuss that for a moment.

All eyes were now on her. Snow cleared her throat, clearly trying to get a handle on things.

Snow: Now, this is about the games. Let's not.....

Wicked: You killed my love and now you refuse my voice?

Snow stopped and looked to your mum. She stood up and began to walk to the window.

Wicked: I just want to ask a question, that is all.

Snow sighed. There was no fighting this.

Snow: Very well.

Wicked: Thank you.

She reached the window and looked out at the school grounds. The arena now in clear view near where the old library used to be.

Wicked: Oz, he did a lot, for all of us. When he first arrived here, he stopped you from being kidnapped and held for ransom, Snow. Charles, he not only saved you from your father, but he's also the reason you were placed on the throne. Beyond such things, he supported us, praised us, cheered us on as a friend. In some cases, like a brother. Even as a lover.

Charles and Snow both frowned. Everyone in the room had nothing but good memories with the man formerly known as Oz. He was nothing but kind, brave, sometimes intelligent, but always loyal. He was truly a great man.

Charles: You say it like we ever had a choice.

Badwolf: You always have a choice.

Charles turned to Badwolf who was standing, arms crossed, head down. He never cared for politics, but this went beyond that. His personal stake was the loss of a friend. Here, now, he stood as their equals, able to speak his mind.

Snow: It was always going to happen. It was destined.....

Wicked: I think our children have proven that the word "destiny" holds no weight. Try again.

The room fell to a sudden silence. Wicked had turned back to glare at Snow, her magic clearly present in the room now. Snow flinched, but Charles stepped up.

Charles: Jadis tricked us. We all thought she was Glynda.

Wicked blinked and was suddenly looking to the tallest adult.

Wicked: And what was it she said that warranted such action? What word did she whisper into your ear to lead you to kill my husband and son?

Charles narrowed his eyes.

Charles: That he was losing his mind. That he was getting desperate in his attempts to bring you back. She told us that he was looking to preform a ritual that would've lead to massive losses. If we didn't stop him....

Wicked: So instead of investigating these events yourself, you decided to act.

Charles stopped talking. He began to look away.

Cheshire: Oh. I get it now. You were scared of him.

Wicked watched their reactions. They told her the truth.

Winter: Your actions were not only morally wrong, but you disrespected this council.

Everyone looked to see the Winter King himself standing there. He must've just arrived. He entered the room and turned to Wicked, bowing his head in respect.

Winter: Miss Wicked. It's an honor to finally meet you. You may not know me, but Oz once saved my life.

Wicked smiled sweetly.

Wicked: The boy from the Winter Kingdom. He told me all about you.

The large man seemed to be honored. He then turned to King Charming and Snow White. The others who had a hand in the Fall of Oz were trying to avoid any wrath to be pointed their way.

Winter: The Royal Familes gathered, but not once were any calls given to me or my kingdom. Asi, Neverland, even Wonderland were left in the shadows. You acted completely on your own.

Snow narrowed her eyes. She just wanted to welcome Oz back to the games. She wasn't expecting for things to fall this much out of control.

Wicked turned back to the window and sighed.

Wicked: You know, before my fate, I always had hope that we would all get to gather in a room one day.

She closed her eyes. She could see it so vividly. Her, Oz, Snow, Charles, Dracula, Mulan, Cheshire, Badwolf, Pinocchio, Pied, Sleeping, Cinder, everyone. All together as they were when they were students. All smiling, laughing, in some cases brooding. All so lively. The love in the air was clear and all was well.

But when she opened her eyes, she could only see Oz's killers. Your killers. It was easy to forget that you were killed during the fall too. And now they were here, trying to find a way to justify what happened.

Jadis was truly the one to blame. She could've used magic to help manipulate them into helping her. But, it didn't change that they still did it. She couldn't just forgive them so casually. She turned to Charles.

Wicked: Braum doesn't know that you killed him. For your sake, you better hope she never does.

Charles: Braum? What does she have to do with anything?

Wicked smirked.

Wicked: You didn't hear? We needed a trio to enter the champions.

Snow: Well, yes, but we assumed it would've been Y/N, Oswalt, and Ruby.

Badwolf: Ruby? She's a lover, not a fighter.

Wicked smiled as she looked back to arena.

Wicked: The Kingdom Games are for the children. Let's not ruin it with our personal vendettas.
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Y/N: Wow. This place is huge!

You looked around the massive arena as the countless spectators cheered on for their own teams. A few of the Champions waved to friends and fans, but you were in complete awe of everything.

Lizzie: Ozzie!

You looked around before you spotted your friends in the stands. A few held some Ever After flags and clothing, but the others were wearing and representing Oz. The green and purple colours mixed well with only a single spot of red. That red being Lizzie, since she is the next Queen of Hearts.

You smiled and waved to her while Oswalt watched. It was still weird having so many people see him as something more than just "the guy who tried to take over Ever After that one time". Braum, on the other hand, was absolutely soaking up the attention while playing it cool.

Hunter: Looks like we have a lot of people to impress.

Your group looked over to see Hunter and Cerise walking over. Not only them, but Cedar also joined them as their third. A choice that absolutely shocked you and probably everyone else. Then again, she did win the Tiara-athon.

Their uniforms looked more modern with them being a red and purple vest with the school's crest sewed onto their left breast.  They also had leather fingerless gloves and braces.

Cedar: I like the outfits. Very old school.

You all groaned as you tried to cover your exposed parts. It felt very much like you were wearing nothing besides your underwear.

Braum: Thanks.

Alistair: They let you guys enter?

Soon, Team Wonderland joined your little group. Chase, Alistair, and.....

Maddie: ME!

She jumped onto you for a hug. The Wonderland uniforms were a bit like the Ever After ones, but they were red and gold and they each had their own personalized hats.

Oswalt and Alistair did their little handshake while Chase eyed Braum. Had they met before?

Y/N: Looks like we have our work cut out for us after all.

The crowd continued to roar as the heads of the Royal Families emerged from the grand viewing area just above the arena's main floor. They took their seats and Snow approached the head.

Snow: It seems like you're all very hexcited. In that case, we will not make you wait any further. Let the games BEGIN!

The End Is Just The Beginning...