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

A Promise

'Great! Now that she's gotten the memo, I can finally ask her. Question is, how the hex am I going to do it?'

Kyle paced the hallway, back and forth. He would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous.

Our hero felt lost. If only the guys were here, he could ask them about their opinions.

"Kyle!"

'Well than, that was a huge coincidence,' Kyle tilted his head on the perfect timing.

Stan was gasping for air, with Kenny right beside him. Not too far behind, Cartman was struggling to catch up, his breaths coming in wheezes with each step he took.

"Stan?"

Bent over, Stan leaned on his knees, attempting to catch his breath.

"I need to talk to you, it's important!"

"Not as important as what I have to discuss," an assertive tone caused the group to shift their attention. "You four in my office, now."

***
The clock's ticking echoed in the silence of the headmaster's office. The four boys sat before the desk as Headmaster Grimm, with arms crossed behind him, gazed out his window.

"Can I get you gentlemen anything, tea perhaps?" Headmaster Grimm offered.

They shook their heads, declining his offer while he pulled out his chair from his desk, taking a seat.

It felt like they were in trouble with all this silence floating around, but Kyle knew they didn't do anything. At least he knew that he didn't! ...That is... if you don't include the whole secret relationship with Apple.

"Headmaster Grimm, can we cut to the chase please? I'm a very busy man you see."

"Cartman!" Kyle smacked his shoulder.

"He's right, Mr. Broflovski. I called you four here because I wanted to check in. To see how you are adjusting here in Ever After."

'Good, that means he suspects nothing.'

"I'm doing quite well sir, thank you very much for asking," said Kyle.

He looked at the others as they all nodded their heads in sync.

"Very good," said the headmaster.

Headmaster Grimm's calm demeanor was unusual. Kyle recalled that Grimm was typically stern with Raven, in contrast to his treatment of Apple. But then, Apple was a top student, naturally garnering favoritism. So where does that leave them?

"I couldn't help but notice the more each day passes, the stronger your bond grows to this world. The other day I received a call from the Magical Community that two separate kingdoms have emerged out of nowhere. One hidden deep within the enchanted forest, the other slightly past the Village of Book End. It seems that the Storybook of Legends is writing your destinies down as we speak."

Stan was fidgeting in his seat, he looked like he was about to vomit.

"With Thronecoming approaching, it is tradition that we all dress up in our finest, showing off your destiny. Since you are literally writing down your paths, it is up to you to show our world how you will each represent yourselves."

'This is my chance! To show everyone that I can be the perfect prince. That everyone can look up to me as an amazing future king. That I am worthy enough to become Apple's prince charming!' beamed Kyle.

"You must be ready with your floats by the time the parade starts. Now, off you go."

The headmaster shooed the boys out of his office. The four of them were out in the middle of the empty hallway.

"Did you hear that, guys? That means I can show off my awesomeness and have everyone bow down at my presence during the parade!" beamed Cartman.

Kenny turns to Cartman.

"Since you and I are from the same Kingdom, we can combine our floats. The front can be your area and I'll take the other half," Kenny suggested.

The boys high five each other, dashing away with excitement.

"Cartman actually wanting to do something? Now that's a miracle," Kyle chuckled.

Stan stayed silent, not responding to his best friend's jest.

"Hey dude, are you alright?" Kyle inquired, showing concern for his friend.

***

Stan was at a loss for words. How could he reveal to his best friend that he was destined to transform into a monster, a damned Elven King? Drow elves were considered evil, wicked beings that only care for themselves. Full of anger, full of hate, swallowed up in complete darkness.

And even worse, they were driven by possession and obsession...

They couldn't love...

What would that mean for his king and his princess? If he couldn't muster the courage to reveal the truth to Kyle, perhaps he could coax a promise out of him. If Kyle could uphold that promise, maybe the Storybook of Legends would overlook that part of his destiny, allowing him to become the hero he always aspired to be.

"Kyle, promise me one thing," he began.

***

Stan was shaking the same way he was while in the headmaster's office. Kyle places his hand on his shoulder, giving him some sort of comfort so that way he could speak.

"Don't you dare let the darkness win."