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

Crying Wolf

"I've gone through so many of these books, I'm starting to get paper cuts on top of paper cuts!"

Stan spent the entire day lost in research, eager to learn all he could about his friend's elven lineage.

"Stan, you're pushing yourself too hard. You should take a break," a girl with long, sleek midnight hair placed an arm on his back.

"I can't do it, Wendy... what if he's in trouble?" Stan said in a panic.

Closing the book with a thud, Stan massaged his temples. He'd spent the entire afternoon in the South Park High library, scouring for any clue. Moving to a nearby computer, he continued his search, flipping through page after page. His was growing restless. He needed to defend his king, rescue his friend. Kyle hadn't abandoned him when the Evil Queen captured him, so he couldn't just give up now.

"Have the others found anything?" Wendy asked.

Stan just shook his head.

"Apple says that there's nothing about elves in her world. Only a tale about the Elves and the Shoemaker..."

Stan retrieves a sheet of paper from his notes, rereading the contents Cartman had scribbled in an old school folder.

I Eric Cartman aka The Grand Wizard King was so undeniably cool, but his powers alone were no match for the wicked Drow army. Kyle-the leader and king of the Elven Army claims that he has magical powers too but as an elf, lame.

"That's all he could really remember. It's been forever since we last fully played that game. The last time we had an all-out war was about a few weeks before Kyle's family had that accident," said Stan.

Wendy wrapped her arms around him from behind, planting a gentle kiss on his cheek as a token of appreciation for everything he had done.

"You should get some rest, Stan. If you need anything, call me."

Stan was the library's only company. The sun was setting and it was getting dark, fast.

'Perhaps I should head out. It's creepy as hell when it gets dark in here,' Stan thought.

As he hastily packed his backpack, a paper escaped from Cartman's folder. Stan retrieved it, revealing an old sketch of a crudely drawn monster.

"He always was a bad artist," chuckled Stan.

The sketch depicted the monster in a dramatic pose, seemingly about to cast a spell on an unsuspecting victim. Adorned with robes and a crown, it asserted its royal status. The beast's skin was a dull grey, with piercing red eyes, snow-white hair, and fangs menacing enough to terrify any child.

Stan peered closer, noticing some writing in the lower corner of the page.

SWORN ENEMY OF THE KINGDOM OF THE KUPPA KEEP: THE HIGH ELF KING KYLE OF THE DROW ELVES.

***

"Hey Kyle, could you please pass me that garland? The one with lights wrapped around."

Kyle follows instructions, handing the garland over to his secret love.

"Thank you very much," Apple says with a smile, reciprocating the gesture.

As Apple decorates the higher reaches of the grimmnasium, Kyle steadies the ladder for her, his protective nature on full display. Each time she approaches a ladder, he's right there, ensuring its safety for her. They may not be able to engage in typical couple activities while assisting the decorating committee, but they still find joy in stealing glances at one another during the task.

***

"Looks like little miss goody-two-shoes is flirting it up with that new kid again. She must be using her charm to have help with the decorating committee," said Faybelle Thorn-daughter of the dark fairy.

Duchess rolled her eyes.

"It makes me sick. Batting her eyes so she can manipulate anyone to do her bidding. If she could manipulate anyone she wanted, why does she keep using that nobody prince?" Duchess crossed her arms.

"It's like he's the reason why Apple isn't as involved in her princess duties," Faybelle added.

Duchess remained still at the thought of Faybelle's theory. Those two were practically inseparable since he first arrived at Ever After High.

"What if Kyle and Apple are secretly dating?" Duchess speculated.

Faybelle let a handful of ribbons fall, the ones she was using to decorate with balloons.

"Do you really think that's possible?" She leaned closer.

Duchess cupped her hand over Faybelle's ear.

"Look at them! They keep blushing at each other every ten seconds."

Their focus turned to the clandestine couple. Kyle assisted Apple off the ladder, receiving her gratitude. They faced away from each other next, with Kyle sweeping and Apple arranging table flowers. Faybelle glanced at her best friend, raising an eyebrow in skepticism.

"That didn't prove anything. All he did was help her down the ladder. You're just crying wolf," Faybelle muttered.

Duchess let out a sigh in defeat. Maybe she was letting desperation get the best of her. Always trying to outdo her rival, she would take anything she saw and ran with it.

***

"Good job with that little distraction, Darkstar," Apple said with a grin.

Kyle turned his head slightly, giving Apple a wink that made her heart skip a beat.

"Hey," he whispered, still facing away from any prying eyes that might be watching.

"Meet me at midnight. You know where."

Kyle set the broom down and left the grimmnasium.

'He wants me to meet him tonight?' questioned Apple. 'What about curfew, or what if Daring sees him sneaking out again? It must be really important if Kyle wants us to sneak out that late at night.'