The Apple of My Eye: Book Two (An Ever After High Crossover)

True Nature

Apple had been down here once or twice before, yet the dungeon's grimness never ceased to unsettle her. The walls were draped with spiderwebs, making her almost envious of Kyle's unconscious state. The group paused as Cerise knocked twice on the cauldron room's door, pausing for a moment before adding two more knocks for security. As the door groaned open, a vast shadow loomed forth.

"Cerise!"

Mr. Badwolf hugged his daughter, feeling as if it had been ages since the last embrace.

"We need to catch up. How has it been my-"

Mr. Badwolf swiftly moved Cerise aside, his growl deepening at the sight of a Royal.

"What's Apple White doing here?" he snarled, seeking an explanation.

"Dad, it's alright. She's just like you," Cerise reassured him soothingly.

Mr. Badwolf then shifted from his wolf form to his human form, folding his arms.

"She's the daughter of Snow White. How can you expect me to believe she's anything like me?" he questioned with one eyebrow arched.

Apple stepped away from the boys, striving to appear calm and confident.

"I apologize, Mr. Badwolf, but I really need your help," she started.

He scoffed, amused by her request.

"Princesses don't ask for help from their enemies. Leave now, or I'll blow you away!" he threatened.

Cerise attempted to touch her father's shoulder, but he shrugged her off completely. It isn't princess-like to lose one's composure, yet Apple was running out of time. Glancing back, she saw Kyle over Kenny's shoulder.

'I'm not leaving him like this, my Darkstar needs me.'

"Now listen sir, you are right. We are nothing alike, but we do have one thing in common. How we would do anything to protect those we love. This boy here is stuck in between a possible metamorphosis and you are the only one that can help!"

Cartman and Stan exchanged a look of satisfaction, while Kenny nodded in agreement. Mr. Badwolf looked back at his daughter, remembering on how he would do anything for her. He then observed the princess and her friends, particularly the boy slung over their shoulder. If her declarations of love for this boy were true, could they be the key to liberating the land of Ever After? Raven Queen started the revolution, but can her friend sustain it?

"Come inside, we can't risk being seen," Mr. Badwolf urged.

Heeding his warning, the group hurried inside, with Cartman securing the door. Kenny gently rested Kyle on Mr. Badwolf's desk, carefully checking him over.

"This state reminds me of when a wolf pup is about to transform into its human form for the first time."

Mr. Badwolf kept his gaze fixed on the boy.

"But Kyle is not a wolf. He's the next Elven King," Stan interjected.

At those words, Mr. Badwolf halted suddenly, as though he had sensed a predator and was cautious not to draw its attention.

"Human, elf, whatever he is... he's dangerous, I can sense it... Did you happen to see anything before he ended up this way?"

His daughter nods her head.

"His skin was grey, and his hair was turning white. His presence...felt sinister...like the same vibes you get when you approach the Evil Queen," admitted Cerise.

No...

That couldn't be... Apple wouldn't believe it. Kyle was far from sinister, he's the most loving and caring person she ever came across.

"Kyle is nothing like that queen! He cares for his friends, he loves his family, he protects me. A sinister person would never put anyone else above themselves," defended Apple.

Kenny places his hand on the grieving princess.

"I just want him back..."

***

Everything appeared hazy. Kyle's sight was overwhelmed by a glaring brightness. He lifted his sore body off the hard surface, wiping his eyes as he attempted to clear his vision. Feeling the solid ground beneath his feet, he realized he was no longer in the forest. Narrowing his eyes, the scene gradually came into focus, revealing Apple weeping in Kenny's embrace.

"Why is she crying?!" demanded Kyle.

All eyes shifted immediately on the Elf Prince. Apple quickly brushes Kenny away retreating back into his arms.

"Kyle! You're okay! I was so worried..." Apple cried, fighting back her tears.

Kyle wrapped his arms around Apple, resting his head gently on hers.

"Seems you are back to normal," a deep voice cut through the silence, reaching Kyle's ears.

A man stood there, clad in a heavy coat, his shaggy hair and beard giving him the air of a lumberjack from the old stories, just without the axe.

"I wasn't normal. The last thing I remember, I was meditating, then I saw the moon, and after that... nothing," Kyle recounted his experience.

The lumberjack stood with his arms folded behind him, facing the chalkboard.

"It appears that your heritage may play a role, but it's the moon's cycle that will reveal your true nature," he explained.

"My true nature? Is he talking about my powers?" Kyle thought to himself.

Kyle lowers his hands, examining them.

'Whatever this power is, I will use it to protect everyone, including Apple.'