Raven Queen's POV

"Well, this day is going to be totally shitty," Essie said, her feet laying on Raven's lap. Raven rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. After meeting her on the last day of Freedom Year, Essie Greenings, the next Princess from Princess and the Pea, declared that they were going to be best friends and she was stuck with Essie either way.

"You don't need to remind me."

"Legacy Day is overemphasized anyhow," Melina Ivory told Raven, patting her shoulder affectionately. Raven let out an exhausted sigh, sitting on the bench in the Legacy Plaza. Just ten hours before I'm back here to sign the Storybook of Legends, she thought hopelessly. "My well-to-do advice is to take a deep breath and dwell on something else for the day," continued, smiling brightly. She always spoke as how an old English professor would, though Riddlish was her first language, so the Wonderlandian accent was there regardless.

"For Grimm's sake, Mel, you sound like Holton Hook with his British accent. 'Hey, pay me fifty golden charms and I won't tell Professor Rumpelstiltskin you cheated on his Chemythstry exam,'" Essie mimicked, huffing. With her head tilted slightly backward, the sunlight gleamed on her short black hair, her green eyes glinting with annoyance. She wore a tight black dress—which she had dress-coded on numerous times already—Essie also sported a golden ring. Raven noticed that selfcare was tattooed on her ring finger in cursive. "Honestly, that stupid pirate needs to shut the hex up."

"That's beside the point, Ess," Raven laughed softly.

Melina tapped her cheek, something she did often. Pale-skinned with arched eyebrows—always making her look as if she heard something questionable—and dyed brown locks cascading down her shoulder. At first glance, most couldn't tell that Melina was the next White Queen, but upon a closer look, there were pure white roots already growing back with a few unbleached streaks. "Signing the Book is not of importance at the moment or whoever this Holton Hook is," she said, looking at Essie pointedly. She stuck out her tongue in return. "But, this is about you. The choice is yours, because when you step on that pedestal, Raven, you must face that crowd alone."

Alone. That was the only part true, because Raven's ending to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs would leave her forever alone, rotting away. She'd be shunned, locked away, and just so alone. My friends, she thought miserably, will be without me. And she without them. "It's just making me so anxious," Raven said at last. "It's never going to be..." My happily ever after.

"Honestly, fuck them all," Essie scowled.

Melina gasped, as if scandalized. "Essie!"

"What? Everyone at Ever After High are vultures! Royal or Rebel, it doesn't matter!" Essie stood up from the bench, hands on her hips. Narrowing her eyes, she let out a tired sigh. "There is more than one side to a story. And everyone has a story, but most of the time it's shit." And just when I thought Essie was going to say something inspiring, Raven thought blandly. "All I'm saying is that the battle between Royal and Rebel doesn't exist, you fools."

"Today is a great morning to be called a fool," Melina chuckled, smiling slightly. Suddenly, the bell rang; classes were going to begin. "Oh dear, I'm going to be as late as the White Rabbit for Storytelling 101! I'll hex you two later!" Melina cried out, standing up from the bench and dashed off. Left alone with Essie, Raven turned to her.

"Is this the right choice?" she asked tiredly. "I'm worried that my destiny will end horribly because it does. Ugh, am I just overthinking everything, Ess?"

Essie gave her a teasing, but worn smile. "Raven, is anything the right choice? Royal or Rebel?" Royal or Rebel? There were other students as Rebels, those who choose to reject their set destiny. Though it was likely they couldn't escape their destiny forever, Legacy Day was coming. Headmaster Milton Grimm was ever so demanding and insistent. If you don't sign, then you and your story goes poof! Those were the words he'd always say. "I know, it's very poetic of me."

"Very." Both of them standing up, they walked towards Ever After High. Sure, they'd be late, but it was Legacy Day, it was to be expected. Raven fiddled with the hem of her skirt as they entered inside the school. Passing by rows of lockers, students of EAH turned quiet once Raven arrived. They were terribly afraid of her, she was intimidating as the next Evil Queen, she guessed. "They're all scared of me." Is this supposed to be my life forever?

Essie glared at everyone who stared at Raven, giving all of them the middle finger. "They're all assholes anyways," she reassured Raven Queen. Linking her arm though Essie's, Raven smiled faintly. They were good friends, even if they didn't know much about each other.

"It's just... What if I vanish?" Poof, poof, Headmaster Grimm's voice entered Raven's head. Ugh. Their stories would cease to exist if they didn't sign, she would cease to exist. Perhaps even Apple White too. And she's my roomate, Raven thought, amiss. Pinching the bridge of her nose, Raven closed her eyes briefly. "For Grimm's sake, this is a hell of a mess."

Trudging onward, Essie and Raven were stopped by Apple White. Honey blond curls bounced with Apple as she happily clapped her fair-skinned hands. "Oh, Raven, I'm so glad I found it when I did! We're all going to have a Legacy Day rehearsal after lunch at the plaza! Ooh, I'm so excited!" Squealing, she jumped up and down. "Oh, oh, I see Winnie! Let's go tell her!" Apple grabbed Raven by the arm, she was taken off-guard, yelping.

"O-Oh, that's great?" Raven angled her head to see a snickering Essie Greenings behind them. "I'll see you after rehearsals, Ess, well, probably!" Essie waved goodbye, unable to contain her cackling laughter as Apple paraded Raven away. This is going to be a long day...

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Dahlia Dopey's POV

"Tonight is the biggest night of our lives," Apple White exclaimed as Dahlia feathered the makeup brush on Apple's left eyelid. Applying some pressure, crimson glitter glided over the corners of her eye, and from the angle, it made Apple's bright blue eyes pop. "It's Legacy Day, Dallie! This is real, this is literally nonfiction!"

"You've only mentioned that like a hundred times today," Vanya said, placing a white bow on her light blond hair. She was next to Apple in front of the vanity mirror, seated at the beauty counter. With the fairy lights of Apple's mirror shedding light on Vanessa Ella's fair complexion, her face glowed, and Dahlia could see soft golden flecks in her eyes. A warm-toned brown would look good on her eyes, Dahlia thought. "Never mind, the bow doesn't look good on my hair. Can someone put a bobby pin right over here?" She set down her bow, pointing to the top of her bun.

"The bow looked fine," Dahlia replied, adding pink cream blush to Apple's cheeks. Ever since they were kids, they were best friends. Dahlia and Apple often stole Snow White's makeup and she would apply eyeshadow, foundation, and lipstick all over Apple's face until they were found by their parents. Those were the golden days before Ever After High. After ordering Apple to blend the blush in a circular motion, she helped with Vanya's hair.

This was Dahlia's kind of peace. Hanging out with her best friends ever after, music playing in the background—the playlist consisted of Faeylor Swift, Katy Fairy, Lady Yaga, One Reflection, etc—and getting ready for an exciting night event. Legacy Day, Dahlia thought wistfully. She was fifteen, in Freedom Year, and only a year away from signing the Book.

"Where's Raven Queen?" Dahlia asked, noting the absence in Raven's side of the dorm.

"Raven's with Essie Greenings, Melina Ivory, and some others," Apple replied as Vanya fussed over her hair. It doesn't have to be perfect, Dahlia wanted to tell her. Apple stood up, clapping her hands happily as she swirled around, the layers of her ruffled gown gliding with her. Apple White was just... divine. Yes, that seemed to be the best word for it. Always and forever divine. Layers of black, red, and white fabric danced along with her, along with her sheer rose-patterned cloak that she wore. "Isn't this hexcellent? Oh, how I can't wait to sign the Storybook of Legends and then I'll become the next Snow White..."

Vanya smiled faintly, but it quickly slipped into a frown. She stared at herself in the mirror, rising from her seat. "I need to fix my dress," she said, changing the subject. Dahlia's eyebrows rose in surprise. "I need to look perfect." The gown itself was one of a kind, designed by Vanya herself; a tea length white dress, sporting a pink corset, and a diamond necklace. Vanya squinted in the mirror. "Should I have gone with blue instead of pink? No, blue doesn't look good on my complexion. But does pink wash me out?"

Dahlia could barely understand the words coming out of Vanya's mouth. "You look stunning," she assured her as Vanya stuck another bobby pin in her hair. For Grimm's sake... Glancing down at her own ratty sweatpants and a Call It A Chapter shirt she's been wearing for three days, she suddenly remembered that she hadn't gotten ready, too busy with helping everyone else. "Oh hex—" She exhaled a deep breath, forcing a smile. Always be happy and silly, Dad pantomimed. Always so unserious and goofy, though it was expected from Dopey. It's your destiny. "Give me a minute to get dressed," she told everyone.

Grabbing a short yellow mini-dress resting on Apple's pristine, neat bed, she hurried into the changing stall, shutting the curtain. Slipping into the dress, she groaned when the laced corset dress didn't completely fit her chest—unfortunately, most clothes needed to be altered since she was too flat-chested. "Vanya, do you have your sewing kit? I need you to alter this dress before we go to the Legacy Plaza," Dahlia called out, steppinging out of the stall.

"Uh, sure." Vanya stuffed a final bobby pin in her hair, that girl probably had already used a thousand, bringing over her scissors and a needle with thread. Making precise snips, she tucked the extra fabric inward, the needle's thread dancing along the sems as Vanya squinted. "This is only a temporary fix, I can come over later if you need it permanently altered—oh for Grimm's sake, it's lopsided."

Dahlia smiled softly. "Vanya, seriously, it's fine. No one can even tell, you did a fabulous job."

"No, no, I need to make it perfect for you—"

Suddenly, two shadowy figures bustled through the dorm's door. "Sorry we're late, I had to finish my Chemythstry exam. Like, what the hex? The professor didn't give us any material!" In the glint of the light, Dahlia noted that it was Lynari Fae and Stella Prince.

"I swear to Grimm, the headmaster needs to fire Professor Rumpelstiltskin," Nari said, shaking her head disappointedly. She slumped over to Apple's bed, falling face-first onto her pillow. "Good Godmothers, I'm exhausted. I'm not even sure if I'll make it through tonight..."

"Headmaster Grimm doesn't do anything," Stella replied bluntly, taking Apple's vacant seat. Automagically, Dahlia grabbed her eyeshadow compact and started applying a rust colour to Stella's eyelids. "Oh, thanks, Dallie."

"He isn't that bad," Apple protested, rolling her eyes. Mostly because of Apple's story—Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs— was a pretty big deal around Ever After. Plus Headmaster Grimm tended to favour her more than others. "He's very compassionate about EAH students signing the Book."

"More like strict," Vanya muttered quietly, but it didn't escape Dahlia's ears.

Apple waved her hand in the air dismissively. "It's going to be alright, we're all signing the Storybook of Legends anyways!" She spun around to face the mirror, smiling brilliantly. "And we're all going to get our happily ever afters and Legacy day will be the best chapter of our lives—"

Vanya stood up suddenly, almost abruptly. "I'm not signing," she blurted out before clamping a hand over her hand, horrified by what she had revealed.

What? Surprised, Dahlia dropped the makeup brush and eyeshadow compact, causing it to spill all over the floor. Hex, she thought, grabbing tissues to clean up the broken eyeshadow pieces. Stella's eyes were wide with shock while Lynari Fae's mouth was open, a small gasp escaping her. "Y-You're not going to sign?" Nari asked fearfully.

Apple had a blank stare on her face, frozen in place. The awkward silence was so loudly palpable. "You're joking, Vanessa Ella," Apple deadpanned, a strained smile forcing. Oh, shit's going down. Apple White only called others' by their full names when she was upset, a bad habit of hers. "You're going to sign the Book, right?" Apple's smile wavered. "Right?"

Vanya played with the white beads on her bracelet, averting her gaze to the other side of Apple's form. Raven Queen's side. "I can't do this," she said, still not meeting Apple's eyes. "But the abuse that I'll have to suffer through?" She gave a weak, humourless laugh.

"What in the world are you talking about?" Apple cried out, her eyes wide with horror. "Cinderella's tale is enchanting and page-turning, Vanessa!" There it is. Vanessa. "It's a staple i-in fairytales, oh my Grimm... Have you lost your crown?"

"No, I haven't lost my mind. I know, I am supposed to sign the Storybook of Legends, yet..." Vanya was fiddling with the bracelet, her light blue eyes flickering up to meet Apple's. "Cinderella is a timeless tale and its ending is unlike any other... But the abuse, Apple. Years and years of torture by the wicked stepmother and stepsisters, how long do I have to wait for the invitation to the prince's ball? Will I even be the same after that?"

"Of course you will!" Apple protested, tears welling her eyes. Perhaps Dahlia should have used waterproof mascara after all. Dahlia's dark brown eyes moved back and forth as Apple and Vanya stared at each other. "It's your destiny to be the next Cinderella! Stop being silly a-and then we'll go down to the Legacy Plaza and..." Apple's eyes narrowed as Vanya didn't speak up. "How could you be so selfish?" she cried out.

Snap. The string of Vanya's bracelet broke, the white fell to the floor, scattered. "I'm not selfish and..." Vanya's voice was as light as a feather, her eyes becoming glossy. She pressed her lips tightly together, turning around, running out of the door. Dahlia tried to stop her, but did so unsuccessfully. That girl can run faster than a wolf, she huffed, casting a glance over her shoulder.

Apple had a shocked and unfathomable expression on her face. "Don't cry, don't cry, oh my Grimm, please don't, Apple." She had spent an hour on Apple's makeup and crying itself was so... Icky? It was foreign to Dahlia. "Hey, it doesn't change anything."

"Yes, yes, I agree with Dallie," Nari agreed hurriedly. "Apple, it's going to be fine—"

"It changes everything," Apple whispered, furiously wiping her tears away. "I-I'll meet you all at Legacy Plaza. Sorry..." She gathered the layers of her skirts, brushing past Dahlia, a sob escaping her. Disappearing into the shadows of the dorm room halls, Dahlia felt numb. Vanya rejected her destiny, she thought. She's a Rebel.

Dahlia walked to Apple's bed, sitting down, dumbfounded. Blinking blankly, she tried to process the bit of information that just happened. "What in the world..." She swallowed hard, hoping that she herself was wearing waterproof mascara too. Don't cry, she told herself. Be happy, be silly, be dopey.

"Well, that was disenchanting," Stella muttered as Nari elbowed her. "I mean, it was obvious that Apple was disappointed." The Royals and Rebels had a strong dislike for each other, it was a life-long battle.

"Estella, this isn't funny," Nari said, crossing her arms. She sighed heavily, her fingers going to her eyes, plucking a few lashes out as she fretted. Her Legacy Day attire consisted of a ruffled white dress to her feet, paired with bow heels—given by Vanya, that girl loved her shoes—and a gemstone headpiece. "I-I mean, if V-Vanya doesn't sign the Book, then Cinderella's story will cease to exist. Like Headmaster Grimm always says, it'll go poof! Good Godmothers, if Vanay doesn't sign, then my fairytale is also gone. What if we both go poof? I don't want to lose my friends," she cried out anxiously.

Dahlia stooped down to the floor, collecting the white beads and cleaning the broken eyeshadow with tissues. "I'm sure it won't come down to that, Riri. Headmaster Grimm is probably lying about the poof thing," she told Nari, "and I am sure that Vanya will come to her senses eventually. I mean... Everyone's fairytales depend on the fact that the next generation signs..."

Nari had a grave expression on her face. "Dahlia... For us fairies, it doesn't work like that, we're not heroes o-or princesses. If Cinderella's tale doesn't happen, then there will be no next Fairy Godmother. Fairies only exist because they're tied to their magical destiny of the story they must serve. If the story's protagonist decides to rebel and not sign, the fairy will vanish. It doesn't matter if Grimm's lying about the poof, poof." Nari's eyes were wide with fear. "If Vanya Ella doesn't sign the Storybook of Legends, I'm going to disappear forever."

A/N: BAHAHAHA, THE VANYA & NARI DRAMA STARTS! Also how it works is that there will be 2 POVs per chapter, hopefully everyone gets at least 1 POV in each chapter <3. Obviously, the main characters will have more chapters, but everyone should have started their opinions by now.