Monster
High

Nevermore skided to a halt on the grassy floor, tucking her wings in as the trees became more plentiful. She lowered down to let Raven off, and then she began to sniff the air fervently.

Raven: We need to find her quickly.

Raven held the crossbow carefully. She glanced down at it before shuddering to herself.

Raven: Why didn't they heal her first? Why didn't they heal her sooner?

She tapped her nail to one of the vials. Her head snaped up as she heard a light growl from Nevermore.

Raven: Did you find her?

Her eyes sharpened as she heard the higher whimper leave Nevermore.

Raven: Did you find her?

Nevermore kept whining and growling to herself, yet she kept her wings fully closed in while lowering her head. She eventually grabbed on the end of Raven's skirt and began to tug her back.

Raven: Nevermore, what...

Raven tugs her skirt out of Nevermore's snout.

Raven: We are not leaving without Apple. I don't care how scary my mom is, even as a zombie. We've faced her before, we can do it again.

She listened to Nevermore's nervous growling and chuffing as the dragon hunkered down.

Raven: We're helping Apple. I have plenty of cure and you're a size-changing dragon. We'll be done with this in no time.

Nevermore seemed to speak again, yet she just noticed the angry look in Raven's eyes. She whined before walking after Raven. Her eyes kept darting around as the two walked further into the woods, and she made quick, simple sniffs before nudging Raven in a new direction. The dragon began to quiet more as they approached a new section of the woods. That told Raven to raise up the crossbow and be ready to shoot anything. As Nevermore took one more step before freezing, Raven kept under her dragon's wing as their eyes search around. Raven's finger shakes on the trigger with every bend and sway of the branches. Nevermore's claws lightly dig into the dirt as her head tenses.

???: Hello? Anyone?

Raven lowered the crossbow.

???: Please help me! I- I don't know where I am!

Apple rushed out from another direction of the woods. The rip in her skirt, the mud on her outfit, and the missing heel horrifically complimented the dirt and dried blood on her pale-cream face. The budding tears didn't help at all.

Apple: Anyone?

Raven: Apple? Apple!

Raven dropped the crossbow and darted towards Apple.

Nevermore growled in worry. She quickly snagged the crossbow and rests it on a thick tree branch before trotting after her owner.

Apple" Raven? Raven!

Her voice cracked, and she doesn't have to step more than a couple feet before being snatched up by Raven in a hug.

Apple: I'm so happy to see you!

Raven: You're okay! I mean, really you're okay!

Raven sobbed as she buried her head in Apple's shoulder.

Raven: I-I thought you were a monster, I thought I had to cure you...

Apple: I don't know what happened. I felt horrible and sick, and then it was like I was in this nightmare! I was acting horrible and everyone was monsters and, and then all of a sudden, I'm in the woods all by myself and I have no idea where I am! Nobody was there but there was blood, and I was scared! I'm so happy to see you, Raven!

The two collapsed onto their knees, each trying their best to keep the other up and stable. Nevermore does whine in sympathy as she heard the two cry. She inched closer and closer, keeping her eyes around the woods before shielding the two with her wings. She let out a quick breath as the warm air brushed over the roommates. She does manage a smile as the sobs start to die down.

Raven: Apple, you have no idea how happy I am to see you.

She takes in a sniffly breath through her nose before sitting up a bit.

Raven: I-okay. We, we need to get you home.

She shuddered as she has to keep Apple from slouching forward.

Apple: I feel so weak.

Raven: I know. Me too. But, hey, Nevermore will fly us. Been awhile since our last Dragon Games tournament, right?

Raven tried to tilt Apple's head up.

Raven: Oh gosh, your dress. Here, let me fix that.

With a swirl of her finger, the muck and grim on Apple was gone along with any ruin to her outfit.

Apple's hand grip on where the tear in her skirt was, yet her arms just move up and hug Raven close by her neck.

Apple: I'm so happy you found me.

Raven: I'm happy that I could. I was really worried about you. I thought- I thought my mom had hurt you.

Apple rests her head on the witch's shoulder.

Raven: But you are okay. Somehow. Guess maybe that virus does wear out of us at some point.

Apple: Virus?

Raven: I'll explain it later. Come on, we-

Nevermore began to loudly click her jaw and make a rattling noise, lowering her form down as her eyes search the forest.

Raven: -really, need to go. Nevermore's nervous, and my mom is probably out here. Do I need to pick you up?

Apple: No.

Yet she doesn't budge as Raven tried to move her up.

Apple: Raven?

Raven: Yeah?

Apple: I'm scared.

Raven frowned, and while she notices Nevermore's anxious steps, she just leaned closer to hug Apple tightly.

Raven: I know you're scared. It's going to all be okay, I swear it. I'm going to be here.

Apple: I need you here.

Raven: I- I will. Maybe we can talk after we go to the Legacy Orchard, or somewhere-

Apple: I don't want to be away from you."

Raven gulped as her face burns red.

Raven: Uhh, Apple?

Apple: Mhmm?

Raven: I, uh, wasn't expecting this.

Apple: What's not to be expected? I always want to be by your side, and you by mine.

Raven: Apple...

She choked on her breath as Apple's lips brush down on her neck.

Raven: Woah.

Apple: Please just say you'll stay with me. Please just say yes.

Raven:...Ye-

Nevermore yanked Raven back by her hair and dress, putting her in the air for a couple seconds before landing hard on her rear. She couldn't yell as Nevermore roared at full volume. The dragon's wings were extended and her teeth were full bared. Her tail smacked the ground as her claws tore the dirt, with warm vapor leaving her snout.

Raven: Nevermore, what the hex!?

Raven rubbed her head. Her face was cooling down as her fingers brushed to where Apple's lips were, and she looks over in worry.

Raven: Apple, I don't know what got into her-

The witch quickly freezes.

Apple: Is she alright? Did she see something?

Apple watched Nevermore and Raven. She managed to stagger up on her own feet.

Raven:...What's going on with your eyes?

Raven began to scoot back, keeping her back on Nevermore's right front leg as the dragon reverted to deep, guttural snarls.

Apple: What do you mean?

Apple placed a hand to her cheek. She couldn't tell that her baby blues were now a pinkish-red.

Raven: Apple, how- how did you get cured?

Apple: Cured? I- I don't know. Raven, I genuinely cannot tell you the last 24 hours in clear detail. I just remember wandering around the school, my mind being a blur, getting poked at some point. And then literally, one moment I'm at the school, the next I am out in these woods, with no one else near me! And- and there was blood on the ground, but it wasn't mine! I've checked myself for cuts and scraps, but nothing! I don't know what's going on! Raven, please, I'm scared.

Raven: I know, I know you're scared. It's just...something else is going on.

Raven gave Apple a wary look. Her eyes dartted over to where she dropped the crossbow, and Nevermore chuffed while nodding her head to the tree.

Raven: Apple, I need you to stay right there.

Apple: I, okay. Okay I'll stay. What are you doing?

Raven: I am going to get something that will cure you, and make your eyes normal.

Raven and Nevermore begin backing up.

Apple: What's wrong with my eyes?

Raven: They are a different color. And you haven't been cured so, you're still infectious.

Apple: Infectious? Infectious of what? Wait, did I hurt anyone?

Raven: No, no I don't think so. Apple, just stay there please.

Apple: I'm staying, I'm staying.

Apple held her temples as she quietly sobs.

Apple: What is going on? Who's blood was that?

Raven: What was Cupid saying about that virus?

Nevermore moved her leg away, letting Raven put her back to the tree. She used her magic to levitate the crossbow down.

Raven: Zombies, immense hunger, superhuman abilities, blah blah... ugh, what makes it different than Ghoulia?

She just plucked a vial from the weapon.

Raven: Okay, Apple? I am going to walk back over, and I am going to poke you with this little cure bottle. Okay?

She started to carefully step forward, yet Nevermore just started walking behind her owner again.

Apple: Okay. Raven, were you, sick too?

Raven: I was. I was sick. A lot of people were sick.

Apple: Did they get hungry?

Raven freezed, and she didn't move as she was a couple yards away from Apple.

Raven: Yes. Are you hungry?

Apple: A bit. I- I feel shaky everywhere, and I can't remember when I last ate before getting sick.

Nevermore let out a nervous growl as she tried to nudge Raven back.

Raven: No, no. She's fine. Apple, we're going to be quick with this before you get more hungry- ow! Nevermore.

Raven hissed as her left hand shot to her right tricep.

Apple: Are you okay?

Raven: Yeah, Nevermore just needs to get her scales filed.

Raven grimaced at the blood beginning to seep from the two-inch long cut.

Raven: That is why we don't skip your appointments.

The dragon's eyes widened before she roared.

Raven: What now, what-

Raven shrieked as Nevermore tugged her away, but both dodged Apple.

Apple skidded on her feet, with her heels digging into the dirt. Her fearful tears were gone as her eyes were more red, and her canines seemed to sharpen to needle-points as she bared her teeth at Raven.

Apple: We need to be together, Raven!

She then sped forward at inhuman speeds.

Raven: Fairy godmother!

Raven screamed as she scrambled onto Nevermore's shoulders, with the dragon quickly launching into the air. She fumbled with the crossbow, putting the vial back into the line-up, before looking down at Apple in horror.

Raven: What is she now?

Apple: Raven, get-

Apple held her temples and seemed to struggle.

Apple: Please, just come back down! I didn't mean to get angry, I'm sorry! I just- I'm hungry, and it hurts, and your blood smells so good.

A maddening grin formed on her face.

Nevermore growlef in terrified confusion, yet her head snapped down to another direction. She roared in fear before it turns into agony. Brilliant dark-purple flames lick against her right side, fully encapsulating her wing and back leg. Raven screams along with Nevermore as the dragon falls down, though Nevermore turns and moves Raven so she wasn't hurt in the impact. The dragon bellows in agony as her skin was crackling from the burn.

Raven: Nevermore, oh writers!

Raven shrieked as she scrambled onto the ground, moving to hold Nevermore's head.

Raven: Who did this?

Apple: Raven, please don't go.

The witch looked over. The princess' eyes were still red and her teeth were sharp, yet there was a softness in her eyes.

Apple: Please, I need you.

Raven: You almost bit me, Apple! And look what happened to Nevermore! Look, I need to cure you, but you need to keep away from me! I don't know what's going on and you're acting psychotic! We just need- stay away from me!

Apple: I don't know what happened! Raven, seriously, I don't know what I did, but I'm sorry! Please, I'm sorry, I just- I just need a little blood, please.

Raven: Apple, just-just stay there, and let me-

Raven's eyes widen before she dodged a blast of magic.

Apple: You need to stay. Stay with me, Raven.

Raven just tried to cower beside Nevermore, though her body ran cold as she sees a lithe figure walking up from Nevermore's back. With long hair dragging behind her like a wedding gown. Her sister's hair was already short, but so much more in comparison. Both retained their normal skin tones now, as well as the deep red eyes and the pointed fangs. The O'Hair twin's presence was accompanied by the emergence of Humphrey, Jillian, Nina, and Helga from the woods. They all looked "cured" with red eyes and sharp teeth.

Raven: Apple?

???: She's quite insistent, isn't she?

Raven and Nevermore quickly glared in the direction of the new voice.

???: Honestly, most of her performance was her own ad-libbing. Couldn't puppet her too much, or you'd see right through me.

The Evil Queen walked from the woods. She looked near the same, and even the red in her eyes didn't seem all that different. It was only the prominent fangs that gave away a similarity to the mutated.

Raven: You.

Evil Queen: Don't even try it, birdie. I've had my patience with you and your antics. Your little rebellion against being evil, turning your powers for good. I was even impressed when you managed to trick me, your own mother! I cut you some slack then! And what do you up and do?...befriend, for your enemy.

Nevermore growled as Raven kept moving to constantly face her mother.

Raven: Apple isn't my enemy.

Evil Queen: No, no. Clearly not. I mean, the way you were practicing that new song of yours about mirrors and gold and forbidden fruits. Raven, you are lucky that girl is as oblivious as you are blind.

Raven: Shut up.

Evil Queen: I will say. Part of me was a little excited when I learned that. Think of the scandals, the headlines! 'Destined Lovers Ruined By The Feats of Raven Queen!' Sounded fantastic actually. But then you kept going on and on about it, and apparently it wasn't a little stunt. It was genuine. That was true love.

The Evil Queen stopped and pokes her staff into the ground.

Evil Queen: You really mean to tell me you fell for the girl you were supposed to poison?

Raven: I was never going to poison her! I was never going to hurt Apple! And you hurt her plenty! I wasn't about to let anything happen to her because of your dumb, arrogant plans of world domination!

The witch just steps forward. She grined.

Raven: Oh, by the way, how was it being a mindless zombie? How was it having your own plan turning on you?

The Evil Queen quirked a brow.

Evil Queen: Quite well, actually. Worked better than I expected.

She snapped her fingers. Raven flinched as all of the mutated, even Apple, snapped their attention onto her.

Raven: What-

Evil Queen: I'll admit I didn't do all of the required reading, but apparently, this special little virus makes one of the infected a leader. I suppose the courtesy of my magic bestowed that power onto me.

Raven: You're controlling them?

Evil Queen: Yes. I. Am. And yet I can't control you. You don't listen to a word I say. You don't follow any plans I make. You want to be nothing like me. And you never will.

Raven kept an eye on the mutated, but she does glance to her mother.

Raven: So you finally admit it?

Evil Queen: Yes I do. Though, considering Apple's story is met, not like there's another princess for you to poison. So you don't have to worry about it. You don't have any destiny to complete. You don't have a purpose.

Rvane: Oh I have plenty of purpose, you self-aggrandizing, narcissistic bi...

The Evil Queen dashed forward and shoves Raven against a tree, with flames searing more of Nevermore's wounds. Raven gagged with her mother's hand against her throat, while Nevermore roared in pain.

Evil Queen: Watch your mouth, Raven.

Her eyes seemed to burn. Dark purple magic formed on Raven's neck and seemed to linger.

Evil Queen: I have had it with you and all this, niceness. So I am going to give you two options. Either you, let me scratch you and you turn into whatever the hex I am, and you help me find all of your little fairytale friends because I am deathly starving. Or...I lose a daughter and these students right here get the honor of tearing apart their own friend. And don't think I'll give you a chance to fight.

Raven could see the weak embers falling from her hands before her arms gave out. The witch stares right at her mother's eyes, and she glances past the obnoxious shoulder pads to see the other students. Her eyes only fell onto Apple, and she could see the tears pouring down the princess' cheeks. Apple's eyes were still red, yet full of agony and grief. Her fingers were trembling as her teeth clattered together. Raven manages to take in a small breath as her heart sinks.

Evil Queen: Well, Raven? What do you say? This is your last chance, I guarantee it.

Y/N: Real mother of the year we got here.

The Evil Queen sneered before dropping Raven onto the ground. She turned around to find you standing there, hands in pickets as you glared at her.

Nevermore growled as she tried to stand up, but she just let out a squeaky roar as magic shrunk her down into her runt form. She still growled and spat out some flames, yet she let Raven carefully pick her up. The two watched as the mutated seem to become more twitchy. Apple lost her tears as her nails sharpened. The Evil Queen looked away with her staff tapping the ground once. The mutated hunker down before launching right at Raven and Nevermore. Raven collected her flames to fire away, yet nothing could happen as the tree's shadows swallowed Nevermore and Raven into the ground. The mutated landed on the ground and snarled in surprise.

The Evil Queen glanced back, and her eyes widen in anger. You let our a sigh of relief. You were asking a lot from Twyla to help you, but Howleen was already treating her like a close friend. Besides, she was the only one who could've gotten in and out like that.

Evil Queen: Where'd she go?!

Y/N: I have to say, I don't think any of us are going to feel bad for what's going to happen next.

You pulled your hands free, revealing a single vial. A whoosh suddenly made the Evil Queen notice that the trees were now filled with hidden shooters, crossbows at the ready to provide the cure for the infected, and a little something special for you.

Evil Queen: You brats! I suppose I just have more blood to go around.

Y/N: That's all pretty monstrous behavior, but uh... let the professionals show you how it's done.

You suddenly drank from the vial and tossed it, getting ready just as the Evil Queen pointed her staff at you. A purple glow grew in size as the shooters began to open fire on the infected. A bright light filled the area and magic erupted. The trees began to move and shake as the Evil Queen smiled, only to find a rather large hand holding onto it.

It was you, but it couldn't be. The Evil Queen didn't understand. How could you have changed into such a strange creature?!

Frankie: Are you sure about this? You've never drank more than one type of blood before.

Y/N: I know, but I've been looking into it. I think I can pull this off.

Frankie looked unsure, but sighed and faced you as the others gathered around.

Frankie: Fine. But, if you do this, your heart could give out. That much energy and power would be too much for it.

You nodded in understanding. Ghoulia sighed and began to gather Frankie, Clawdeen, Draculaura, and Twyla who had had just arrived.

Twyla: Are you sure I can even help?

Y/N: Your power will definitely help us, especially if we're going up against the Evil Queen.

She nodded in understanding and held out her arm for Ghoulia. Deuce placed a hand on your shoulder.

Deuce: Dude, are you sure about this?

Y/N: 100%. Frankie said my heart would explode, but I don't even have one anymore, so...

Deuce: You know what I mean.

You sighed and turned to him.

Y/N: No, I'm not sure. But I have to do this.

You looked back to the mountains, the place that called for you.

Y/N: I still can't explain it, but I can't let her win. I have to protect this place.

Deuce couldn't help but admire your dedication, though he was still uneasy with what was happening.

Y/N: That's why, once you cure whoever else is in there, you have to make sure I stay changed. Don't let me return to normal until I can stop her.

Evil Queen: What the hex are you?!

You just stared at her, your form now complete.

Y/N: Grrrrrrr.

You pulled the staff away, crushing it in your grasp. The Evil Queen then lifted her hand and sent a blast of magic right at your chest, but you didn't even flinch. You suddenly grabbed the Evil Queen by her head and lifted her off the ground. The monsters that you had called for backup began to carry the cured students away while a few remained to help you.

Deuce took charge with Lagoona, Rochelle, Robecca, and Operetta assisting. Their crossbows were at the ready with vials of blood filled.

You began to feel a burning sensation in your hand as the Evil Queen's magic began to glow.

You simply lifted her up a bit higher, then let go. In the brief millisecond that she was in the air, you turned your body, swinging your fist just mere inches from the ground, then punching right into her gut which a shockwave that destroyed nearly every tree around you. You then turned again, slamming your fist into the back of her head.

The Evil Queen slammed right into the ground which managed to crack the ground itself, creating a sort of crater. Before you could continue your assault, the Evil Queen lifted a hand and shot out a spell that immediately sent you flying into the air after a massive explosion. You went limp as your body flew into the air, your fur now burning and the magic poisoning your veins.

Still, you remained conscious even as you fell back to the ground. Luckily, you had some incredible friends.

Robecca managed to slide and shoot you with a blood vial. The sudden resurgence helped you to land on your feet before you charged forward and punched the Queen again. She stumbled back in surpised, touching her nose as it bleed. She wiped her face free of it as you began to stalk towards her.

And that was when the battle truly began. She was smaller in size, but she made up for it with her incredible magic. Another blast struck you, prompting you to charge at her with full strength. You suddenly seemed to vanish into the ground before her very eyes. She looked around before you appeared behind her, punching her in the ribs which sent her into a nearby rock formation.

You dashed towards her and swung again, but she dodged and you instead broke rock. She used her magic to pick you up and toss you away, but you caught yourself on a tree and launched yourself right back at her. Only this time, electricity coated your body as you curled into a ball, making yourself a living cannon.

She leaped up to get away, but you were faster. You slammed into the ground which created a large ball of lighting to spread across the clearing. The Evil Queen flew into a tree and stumbled as she recovered.

Deuce hated watching this. He knew you were pushing yourself, driving yourself to do this. You didn't care if you died, as long as everyone else is saved. You were selfless, but that wasn't always a good thing. You went right back around to being selfish, not caring for what others would feel if you fell.

Still, he gave you his word.

Deuce: I'm sorry.

He pulled the trigger, giving you another boost which helped you stand up again. You turned sharply to the Evil Queen who was already casting another spell. But, you were faster. You vanished in the shadows before you re-emerged, charing right at the Evil Queen.

You grabbed her and began to hold her as you dashed through the forest, leaping up to catch even more speed as you slamed the Evil Queen through many trees until you arrived at a rock wall. You slammed her against it and began to run, dragging her through the stone before you reached the end and launched her back into the woods. You have chase.

You charged through the forest at superhuman speed. The world looking more like a melting painting than a forest. The Evil Queen was once again back in the clearing but had no time to react before you appeared right above her. You slammed your fist down, but she crossed her arms to block with her magic. It worked well enough that only the rock beneath her broke.

She swiped her hand up which sent purple flames right into your face, causing you to cry out and stumble backwards. You held your face as Evil Queen rose to her feet.

Evil Queen: You runt!

The Evil Queen held out her hands and casted a massive spell.

Rochelle: I'm sorry.

The dart hit you just as the massive blast of purple flame engulfed you. However, the Evil Queen watched modified as your figure appeared among the flames, walking as if you were hit with a simple gust of air. Your fur remained lit even as you stepped out of the inferno. You then pulled back your arm.

Lagoona I'm sorry.

The dart hit just as you swung, delivering yet another incredibly strong hit.

The fight continued, but it had become a blur. Your blows, her magic, everything back and forth, insane power being felt even back at the Orchard. But you stayed standing.

Operetta: I'm sorry.

Every dart was a surge of more power.

Deuce: I'm sorry.

You moved faster than you ever have before.

Rochelle: I'm sorry.

You were stronger than ever.

Robecca: I'm sorry.

You were losing your mind.

Lagoona: I'm sorry.

You couldn't recall their faces anymore.

Operetta: I'm sorry.

Were you even yourself anymore?

Deuce: I'm sorry.

The Evil Queen lifted her hand as you struggled to stand. You were vulnerable now. Your friends were rushing to reload their crossbows and the Evil Queen's magic was too great. Purple flames began to shoot from her finger tips, a death wish to any who would have to face it.

And you did. You stood there, ready to take it in full. It was in that moment that everything slowed to a halt.

You loved your friends. You cherished your time at Monster High.

You took a deep breath. When you opened your eyes you found yourself in class. The day had come to an end and only a few souls lingered here. The sun was starting to rise while you sat there. Your friends were talking, making plans to go to the Maul for a shopping trip. You would always go for the food, of course.

You looked over and found Deuce and Cleo being all coupley and stuff. Same with Draculaura and Clawd. You smiled when you spotted Frankie and Ghoulia talking about the homework. You looked forward again, a peace falling over the room. That was when you looked down at your hands.

The fur was dirty and now soaked with blood. Yours or the Queen's, you didn't know. You honestly didn't even care. In the brief moment of humanity that you were able to create, you thought about your friends. You hoped you did enough so that they could finish off the Evil Queen.

As long as they were safe, you could die easy.

At least, that was what should've happened. But you weren't back in your world. Not in a world where the stories didn't have convenient plot armor.

The magic erupted and spread across the area, but not because it hit you. You blinked as you found a boy standing in front of you, having blocked the magic with his sword.

He slowly lifted the sword and pointed it right at the Evil Queen.

Evil Queen: Oh, joy. More brats.

The boy just narrowed his eyes.

???: You attacked our home, our friends and family, and now my little brother. So congratulations. You get to know what it's like to face the wrath of every Ozzian here!

Before she could react, a blast of magic slammed into her, erupting and sending her right through some trees. Something darted in after her, but you couldn't see what.

You were too busy trying not to fall over. You ended up not being successful and stumbled until you fell over.

Deuce: Y/N!

Deuce hurried over to you while the other boy started to. He stopped himself when Deuce knelt beside you. He placed a hand on your arm before lifting what looked to be a syringe, but he hesitated.

Deuce: I....I'm sorry. But hang in there a bit longer, bro.

He then stuck the needle into your vein. Your eyes shot open, as if you just got a second wind before you were immediately back on your feet. You growled as Deuce took a step back. Before you could even do anything, what looked to be a girl passed by overhead as the Evil Queen dashed right towards the boy with the sword. He lifted the sword and blocked her attack, getting lifted off of his feet before she swung from below.

She sent him flying straight into the air, but he appeared fine thanks to catching a flying broom thrown by yet another boy.

He swung his blades as the Queen lifted her hands. The blades collided with her magic but the boy didn't let up. He moved quickly and with purpose as he tried to find an opening. He soon found help when you appeared behind her and swiped at her back.

The Queen shouted as the boy turned and sliced his blades into her, sending her into a nearby tree. You then charged at her and tackled her through the tree, and the next, and then the next. The quickly chased after, following the trail of destruction until he arrived at the O'Hair tower.

There he found you ruthlessly beating down in the Evil Queen, who was seemingly taking the blows with ease. She suddenly placed a hand to your chest and sent you flying a few feet, but the boy was quick to be on her again. He thought quick and began to cut into the stone, using what looked like magic to amplify his blows until the entire tower was being held together by sheer gravity.

He heard a low growl and leaped back as a blast of magic flew right at the tower, causing it to fall right onto the Queen.

The boy landed beside his girl with a large cat while you watched. You rose to your feet and watched as the rubble began to move. The Evil Queen slowly rose to her feet, her crown broken and her hair now half hanging down. Her outfit was torn in several places and it was clear that she was much weaker now.

Evil Queen: And here I thought we were friends, little Oswalt.

The boy, Oswalt's, grip tightened on his swords.

Oswalt: You hurt my friends.

The Evil Queen just smiled wildly.

Evil Queen: Oh? I didn't think you were even capable of love.

Oswalt gritted his teeth as he charged forward. You saw his anger, but you also saw the Evil Queen prepare a spell.

The Evil Queen smiled even wider as she was ready to hex him, but Oswalt was saved by you tackling him away before the magic could reach him. And though the girl wasn't able to protect herself, the boy from before managed to make it in time to catch her and leap out of the way.

The four of you landed as the Evil Queen turned her sights onto the boy.

Evil Queen: Y/N. Or should I call you Ozzie now?

What did she just say? You looked at the boy as he stood there ready for a fight. She called him Ozzie. The guy you looked like. He was here? Now? And the other one was Oswalt. And that was Ruby. Could that mean....no. It wasn't possible. If you really were Oscar, then these three were your siblings.

Evil Queen: Little Ozzie finally all big and tough. The last time we met you were still just a scared little runt.

Ozzie: A lot has happened since.

Evil Queen: Oh, I know. You got your mommy back and you know more magic.

She dramatically wiggled her fingers mockingly. She then turned her hand and began to examine her nails to make sure they were still clean.

Evil Queen: I never did like her, your mother. She was always so childish. So....good. Truly an insult to evil sorceresses everywhere.

Ozzie: Okay, you talked too much.

He leaned forward and held his sword by your side, your other hand acting as a makeshift sheath. It looked like a samurai style that you had once read about. A swordstyle that was lost to time itself. How was he doing it?

His eyes seemed to glow as he began to "draw" his blade as he began to lean forward. His front foot slide forward and he kept low.

Finally, he swung. His blade sliced through the air and the wind that had been forming around his blade flew forward. The Evil Queen was surpised by his attack.

The wind hit the Queen. It didn't finish her off, but it still did enough damage to cause her to stumble, the force having closed inside of her rather than setting on the outside. Blood spewed from her lips as she held her stomach.

Evil Queen: You....damned...brat!

She slowly lifted her head, her eyes now narrowed and filled with hate and rage. She began to lift her hands, gathering whatever magic she could, creating a large ball of magic. The wind around you picked up as the three struggled to stay on their feet.

Evil Queen: You think I'll lose to children again?! I rather use my power to destroy us all. How far are those friends of yours? A mile? Two?! I'll make it ten just to be sure!

The magic she had gathered was already enough for catastrophic damage. You needed to do something to stop her. You looked to the others to see that they were unable to move. Ozzie tried, but he cried out as something seemed to be pulled from him. However, he did drop something.

The Aapep Capsule.

Your eyes grew wide as you rushed over and grabbed it. You turned back to the Queen and began baring your teeth and pointing your arms out as your form began to change before their very eyes. The same eyes that began to grow wide as you now resembled a person.

Helsing: Tell me, have you done your reading on the Hunter Arts?

You sighed. At the age of 14, you found yourself enjoying tea in China after a contract had finished wrapping up. Being an apprentice, you had a lot of learning to do before you could become a full-fledged Monster Hunter.

Y/N: Yeah, I did.

Helsing: Did you? Then I'm sure you wouldn't mind a Pop Quiz.

You groaned.

Helsing: For starters, what is a Hunter Art?

You set your cup down.

Y/N: It's a special hunting technique that only a select few can do. And only certain families even have access to their Art.

Helsing: With ours being one of them.

You nodded.

Y/N: And since it's just me an you, I'm guessing only you know the Helsing Art?

Helsing: That's right. And if you keep doing good, maybe I'll tell you about it. And maybe, just maybe, one day, I'll even let you do it.

He then smiled.

Helsing: You just have to promise me one thing, kid. Promise you'll only use it to protect the people you love.

Y/N: Hunter Art: Bloodline.

The Evil Queen suddenly found the world silent around her. She could see nothing, for she stood in a void space. No matter where she looked, where she turned, where she stepped, there was nothing. Only her. No noise, no smell, not sight, nothing.

Then, there was a flicker. A torch lit, then another, then another. Ten torches were lit, showing a short path to what appeared to be a kind of throne. It was suddenly nighttime in the forest. No. This wasn't the same forest. That was impossible. Her eyes darted around as the fear began to creep in.

Y/N: You're not getting out of this that easily.

Her eyes finally landed on you. Or, what she thought was you. But you weren't you. Not that beast she fought nor the boy she saw before everything went dark.

Y/N: We have something to talk about.

The Evil Queen stumbled backwards when you suddenly appeared in front of her. You tilted your head before the Queen found herself tackled by an unseen force. She felt herself being consumed. Being torn apart from limb to limb. Heard as her skin was being

Y/N: We have something to talk about.

The Evil Queen stood there wide eyed. What was that? How did you do that? She just experienced her own death, and yet, she was here? How? She looked back to you and tried her magic, but nothing happened.

She was suddenly grabbed by something and lifted into the air. She soon found nothing short of a dozen large spiders start to eat away at her. They dug holes in her skin and began to lay their eggs. The Queen tried to scream but she couldn't.

She was looking right at you again. A disgusting feeling crawled kver her body as she hunched over, falling to her knees as she vomited.

Y/N: Death. It is one of the fears that all things are born with. But what if someone was to feel Death countless times? How many times can one die before the second pasts? These are the questions that were asked by the original Helsings long ago, the black sheep's of the clan who practiced in dark magic. What they didn't know was that they would create one of the most powerful Hunter's Arts in modern existence.

You then snapped your fingers. In a flash, The Evil Queen lived a million lifetimes. From her birth, to her journey through childhood, to her teen and young adult years. Her motherhood, her retirement, her ending. Though, some lives didn't end so peacefully.

Most ended soon, suddenly, and brutally. Bloody accidents, burning flesh, dismembered limbs, she saw it all. Every possible way she could have died. But what seemed like an eternity was only a mere blink for you. The Evil Queen stood there, petrified in fear and dread, before you snapped your fingers again.

Silence was all there was as the Queen stood there, eyes wide and mouth hanging open. She couldn't move. She couldn't speak. She couldn't think. All she saw was the countless deaths of herself. Silence filled the forest, until you snapped.

And again. And again. And again.

Every second that passed was another snap. You didn't bother keeping count of how many times you did it. You just kept going, watching as the Evil Queen was allowed a single tear. The only sing that she was conscious during her neverending nightmare.

You did stop, eventually, and looked at the Queen. Drool now leaked from her mouth as she stood there, unresponsive. She was alive, but the amount of trauma, the sheer volume of the horrors that she saw for what felt like eons for her left her in a state of everlasting shock.

You slowly lowered your hand before looked at the trees. The leaves were turning red, meaning you were running out of time. You turned back to the Evil Queen and pulled out the Aapep Capsule and activated it, capturing the Evil Queen behind three different locks that require two separate keys just to loose the metal a bit.

A puzzle box that cannot be solved. You slipped it into your pocket before you looked up again. Everything went silent at that very instant. The air was back to normal, birds sang as if they were never disturbed, and all was calm.

Y/N: Oscar?

You slowly turned around to find the boy staring at you. You blinked, then, you looked into his eyes.

You were running through the great halls of the Ozzian Tower looking for someone. Your mother told you that she had been busy with the treasurer while your father was out serving the people. That meant you got to spend time with your brother.

Oscar: Y/N! Let's play! I wanna play! Let's play Knights!

You watched the stars with your bother. He had snuck you on the roof after your parents said you needed to go to bed. Ozzie didn't care if he got caught, but he wanted to spend more time with you.

Oscar: Look at that star! Isn't that cool?

You laughed as your brother carried you to the kitchen for a snack.

Oscar: I love my big....

Y/N: B-Brother?

Oswalt and Ruby were just as wide eyed. Ozzie took a step forward, but a loud noise made you all turn back to the school. A whoosh from overhead made you all look up at Nevermore.

Raven: We have to hurry! Get back to the Orchard! The doors are closing!

Your eyes grew wide. The doors, but how? And why? You realized that the others were still at camp, meaning you had to hurry or you'll be stuck here with no way back.

You suddenly broke off into a sprint towards the school. Seeing it as urgent, your siblings all began to follow. You moved as fast as your legs could take you.

You all reached the Orchard and found your friends waiting in urgency by a large tree. You hurried over and took a look. The stone, it was cracking.

Y/N: What's happening?

Cupid: The stone. A lot of magic was being drained and the stone began to crack. The doors might close soon and there's no other way back to the Monster World.

You clenched his fists and turned to eveeyone that was gathered there. You took a quick look over to Ozzie before looking back to the door. You had so much you wanted to say, needed to say. How could you have forgotten them? Your siblings. Oswalt, Ruby, Y/N. How could you have forgotten about your home?

No. There was no time for this. The door was closing and you needed to get everyone back.

Y/N: Everyone get through the door! Hurry!

Everyone began to scramble to the doors as the stone further broke apart. You hurried over as well and spoke to Cupid.

Cupid: I'm sorry, but I can't stop it.

You stopped her and placed a hand on her shoulder. You then smiled.

Y/N: It's okay. You...you've done more than enough, Cupid.

She smiled and hugged you. You hugged her back before looking to the others you had helped. You didn't know them too well, but you truly did hope that whatever came next, they were there for each other for it.

Ozzie: Oscar!

You stopped and turned around, once again locking eyes with him. You swallowed before you spoke.

Y/N: You saved me.

He looked confused. Did he not know that it was his magic that sent you to the Monster World? That it was him to got you to Helsing?

Ozzie: You're alive.

You smiled as you nodded.

Y/N: Thanks to you.

You looked down before you stepped forward.

Y/N: Y/N, I....

There was yet another crack, causing the door to start to close. Your eyes grew wide before you turned back to your siblings. You wanted to say something. Anything. But the words were lost on you.

Cupid: It's now or never!

You closed your eyes and clenched your fists. Then you looked back at him. You could stay here. Have a life with the family you lost. Meet more friends, experience a whole new world.

But this wasn't home.

Y/N: I have to go.

You then turned and began to enter the door. Ozzie, Oswalt, even Ruby, all began to reach out for you, but it was too late. You ended up on the floor, back in the halls of Monster High as the door closed behind you. The others had been watching the door, waiting for you to return. You scrambled to your feet and turned back to the door.

No. No, this wasn't right. You just got them back. You couldn't just leave it at that. You.....you just couldn't.

Deuce: Y/N!

You lunged at the door and gripped the handle as hard as you could. You began to cry out as you pulled on what seemed like a solid wall, the magic trying to seal itself from opening again. But you couldn't leave it at that. You need to tell them. You needed to let them now.

Everyone watched as a sparkle of magic appeared your fingers as you manage to slightly pry the door open. You used all the strength that you had left to force the door open, finally seeing the other side.

CRACK

They all looked up in surpise when the door suddenly began to react. Then, with a great blast of magic, the door began to pry open as you struggled. They watched in awe and shock as you grunted due to the strain being put on your body just to defy the universe itself to open the door. Then, you yelled.

Y/N: I'LL COME BACK!

The crackling magic was screaming in your ears, beating against your eardrums, but you just gritted your teeth, dealing with the pain of the burning magic.

Y/N: ONE DAY, I'LL COME BACK FOR YOU ALL! AND WE'LL PLAY KNIGHTS, JUST LIKE WE USED TO! I SWEAR!

You looked up and locked eyes with him, tears building that seemed to cloud your view. He could do nothing, could say nothing. He was caught in place before something you weren't expecting.

He smiled.

Your beloved older brother. How could you have forgotten about him? About Oswalt? About Ruby? Your older siblings, the untouchable titans, your guardians.

You....missed them.

Ozzie: We'll be waiting. Now, go home.

You were surpised by his word's before the door forced itself closed, finally closing for good. You were sent flying back into the wall as the door returned to normal. You quickly hurried over and turned the handle, swinging the door open with ease....only to find a normal janitors closet.

You stood there frozen as your friends watched. You couldn't...what were.....

You felt a sob in your throat. Your shoulder began to shake as you dropped to your knees, unable to hold back the tears that were now burning your eyes. Frankie and Deuce were immediately by your side, holding you as you finally cried. Your sobs were the only noise in the hall as your friends looked away out of respect.

You meant what you said. You would go back someday. You would get to talk to them, learn what kind of people they are. Meet their friends, learn their lives, listen to their stories. But that wasn't now.

For now, you were happy knowing that they were alive.

And right now.....so were you. And your friends where here with you.

So your tears were no longer those of sadness. They were what sealed your vow. One day, you would see them again. And one day, you would be a family again. But, for now, you had to fight for it.

Luckily, you weren't alone.