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

Our Gifts

"Come along now children, we mustn't be late!"

The students of Ever After High trailed closely behind Baba Yaga, ascending a steep hill. Fortunately for her, she could use her magic to levitate in her small chair, while the rest of the students had to walk. Kyle was slightly out of breath trying to keep pace, but at least he wasn't struggling like Cartman, who was so far behind that his wheezing was audible over the classmates' chatter, which was quite amusing.

"Madame Yaga... how much... further do we... have to go..?!" Cartman gasped for air, causing Stan, Kenny, and Kyle to snicker among themselves.

Apple gently patted Kyle's stomach, shaking her head with a raised eyebrow.

"Kyle!" she whispered.

Kyle's laughter echoed as he drew Apple in close, surprising her and a few other students who happened to look their way. He rested one hand on her shoulder and the other on top of her head. She gazed back into his eyes, her ocean eyes shimmering in the sunlight. With a playful grin, Kyle playfully tousled her hair, his hand moving in quick circles, making her jump slightly.

"Lighten up, Apps," Kyle laughed while he gave her an unexpected noogie.

She struggled to escape, flailing like a child until she was free. Kyle regretted doing that, but her reaction was so cute that he couldn't resist.

"K-Kyle!" she stammered, attempting to tame her long, flowing curls back into place.

Madame Yaga finally stopped as the rest of class came to a halt.

"Madame Yaga, what are we doing here in the middle of nowhere?" Kenny asked, not sure what to expect.

She raised her finger towards the sky.

"Oh! That's right Princess McCormick, you and your little friends weren't here when I hexplained this to your other classmates. When the clock strikes noon during Thronecoming, Heritage Hall will appear. Since this is your last chapter here at Ever After High, you are expected to bring a gift for the next generation that will help them aid their story as they follow in your footsteps."

Kyle's face started to sweat as he glanced over and noticed Apple's slight blush, feeling a jab at his arm. Turning back, he saw Kenny and Stan snickering at him. The thought of kids hadn't even crossed Kyle's mind. He and Apple were still young. The idea of kids was nice, but was that their only expectation? To grow up, fulfill their destinies, raise the next generation, and then what? Where was the excitement in settling down without the promise of new adventures after their destinies unfolded?

He loves Apple.

Kyle wouldn't be here if he didn't. Kyle wanted to show her the world before they even think of having kids. He wanted to enjoy each other's company and have them try new things together.

"Is that why you asked us to each bring an item that would help our destinies?" Stan questioned.

Baba Yaga shook her head, appearing slightly irritated.

"Weren't you paying attention, child? Yes," she exhaled heavily.

The clock chimed, striking noon. A bright beam of light glanced off the clock face, unveiling Heritage Hall concealed behind a thicket of trees. The graduating class started their procession inside while Kyle and his friends looked on in amazement. The hall was immense, adorned with banners that told the tales of past generations, each one cascading down the extensive aisle. Kyle's gaze drifted downward, spotting a unique box perched on top a pedestal beneath each banner.

"Today, you will leave your mark. To leave a token to guide the next generation of fairy tales as you take on your given roles," Headmaster Grimm announced.

***

This speech was one that Apple always dreamed of hearing. Knowing that she was that much closer towards her destiny.

But now, she wasn't so sure...

Should Apple embrace her role and Kyle ascend as her king, the fate of their child remains uncertain. Apple harbors concerns about her child being shoved into a predestined life.

Reaching into her purse, she retrieves a present intended for her future child. Holding it tightly against her chest, Apple is filled with fear for both her own destiny and that of her child. She gently sets the gift in the same box where her mother had once placed a present for her.

Ironically, Apple thought it was obvious to everyone and their fairy godmother what her mother had left for her. A handheld mirror that, at the press of a button, reassured her she was the fairest of them all. The mirror was charming, but its charm wore off after some time, even for her younger self. Now, it's merely stowed in a drawer, gathering dust as the days go by.

Apple hoped her gift wouldn't share the same fate. She left behind a token to remind her child to never forget who they were and that they have the power to choose their own path. Whether they aspire to follow in her footsteps as the next Snow White or rise as a formidable warrior like the Elven King, the choice is theirs. And should they decide to write out their own version of 'happily ever after,' they will always have a role model to inspire them.

Apple looked over at her roommate, the epitome of bravery in her eyes. She stood firm in her beliefs, challenging the ingrained norms with grace. Their child, a beacon of hope, had a remarkable role model to look up towards. And for Apple, a better friend was unimaginable.

***

Kyle had been working on this project for some time when Baba Yaga inquired about their gifts. It was intended to be a relic to channel the forest's magic. Unaware that it would be for his future child, Kyle might have included a family picture with the gift. It would serve as a reminder that even when they felt lost, the wind would carry the spirits of their family to guide them.

Kyle glanced over to see Apple standing beneath her banner, gently holding something small enveloped in tissue paper. It resembled a piece of jewelry. Her cheeks were tinged with red, suggesting she was fighting back tears. He longed to approach her, but the crowd, including the headmaster, kept their eyes on them.

Resting his relic against the stand, unable to fit it in the box, Kyle strolled past Apple, wishing he could stop.

'Well, at least it was a good idea that I was working on a backup relic,' Kyle thought to himself.

***

"Must have been hard to pick out a gift for your future brat."

'That tone...' Apple rolls her eyes.

"Not now, Duchess..."

Apple turns the other cheek, proceeding to ignore her.

"One for the role of Snow White, the other... for the Elven King."

Apple's heart sank. She whirled around, her eyes wide with terror, landing on a particular image framed by Duchess's fingers.

"H-how did you...?"

A small chuckle escaped her lips.

"I followed you last night, and wouldn't you know..." Duchess whispered into Apple's ear. "You're dating someone outside of your destiny."

Apple gripped her fists tightly, uncertainty clouding her actions. She shivered, the room swirling around her—all at the mercy of Duchess.

"Duchess... please, I'm begging you..." Apple implored.

Text tones erupted simultaneously, eliciting expressions of shock, glee, and fury from those around.

"Too late."

She slung an arm around Apple's shoulder, bursting into laughter as the show unfolded.

"You've always showed me up, leaving me in the dust in the royal rankings. No one ever caring for the Swan Princess. No one ever stopping to think that the Swan Princess was going to be stuck as a swan forever after. It was always Snow White this or Snow White that. Make sure the food isn't poisoned! Is it safe for our beloved princess? What about ME?!"

Headmaster Grimm brandished his MirrorPhone as Duchess sneered amidst the chaos, "Now, it's your turn to take the fall."

"APPLE WHITE!"