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

Victory?

"Daring... if you care about Apple, then let me go. I can save her. We can save her."

Kyle extended his hand.

"Together."

Daring was in a bind. He wanted to trust his roommate, yet ever since that dream, doubts clouded his judgment. In the dream, Kyle was nearly strangling him, taking pleasure in his suffering. The next day, Kyle's grin at the Charmitorium was eerily reminiscent of that horrible nightmare. Daring had every right not to trust him, but this wasn't about him.

It was about Apple.

***

Daring, takes a hold of Kyle's hand, shaking it as the two princes came to a truce.

"I'm only doing this to help Apple. After this, I don't want anything to do with you anymore," he declared, avoiding Kyle's gaze.

"Thank you, Daring."

Kyle spun to face the crowd, a wave of anger suddenly washing over him.

"If I ever find out who did this, it'll be the end of them!" Kyle declared, his voice echoing as the crowd gasped. The Elf King stood apart; his image mirrored in the window. Kyle's eyes blazed with the same crimson glow as they had that morning. Stan placed a hand on his best friend's shoulder, attempting to soothe his rage.

"They're not worth it, Kyle. Let's just go, we're losing time."

***

Apple closed the door behind her and inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh air. She walked confidently down the corridor, basking in the warm morning sunlight streaming through the windows.

'I've never felt more alive, more free.'

***

"If we agree to let them stay, will you promise to fulfill your role?"

Apple crossed her arms, not showing any signs of hesitation. She needed to show that she was serious, no more being pushed around. Apple has gone with society's rules, and it's gotten her nowhere. Now is the time to prove that she was much more than her mother's dreams.

"Only if you let Kyle and I continue our relationship in peace. If we are meant to be, then destiny will let it play out, but I'm following my destiny in my own way," said Apple.

The headmaster and Madame Yaga exchanged a glance before turning their attention back to the Snow White princess. He adjusted his ascot and cleared his throat.

"Very well, Miss White. After a long and hard thinking process, we've come to agree that Kyle Broflovski and his friends can stay here for as long as they desire. But do be warned, they still have that decision to make before graduation."

Apple nodded her head in agreement.

"Thank you, Headmaster Grimm. It really means a lot," Apple politely bowed, seeing herself out the door.

***

This was the first step.

'To do things my way.'

Apple stopped at a nearby window, looking through the glass. Everything seemed clear, not a storm cloud in sight. She wanted to make a promise to herself. Not just any promise, but a vow.

'Everyone deserves their happily ever after. I'll make sure that happens when I become queen.'

"Apple!"

The princess whirled to see Kyle at the far end of the corridor, flanked by Daring and the others. His expression was etched with concern and remorse, his eyes shifting from emerald to a deep crimson. Apple pulled her skirt to her knees and dashed into his embrace.

"Apple... what's going on..?" he stammered, his voice betraying his inner turmoil.

'There's no need to feel broken anymore.'

"We don't need to hide anymore!" Apple exclaimed, resting a hand on his cheek.

'It's going to be alright.'

***

"We're free!"

Tears streamed down her cheeks as Kyle stood frozen, absorbing the weight of her words.

'We can be together...?'

The Elven King pulled his princess near, never wanting to part from her again. He buried his head in her shoulder, releasing his long-held emotions. Kyle sensed her shoulder becoming damp, yet she held on, unwilling to release him.

***

"They truly love each other, don't they?" Daring's voice wavered, coming to terms with the gravity of their situation.

Daring thought by pushing Kyle away, that he was helping Apple. Helping her to focus on making her dreams, her destiny, to come true. When they first began their journey at Ever After High, all she could talk about was how she couldn't wait to become queen. That she wanted to prove that she was more than capable of taking on the throne. He thought he was doing the right thing.... but now...

Witnessing the love between Apple and Kyle enveloped him in a shroud of guilt.

"Uh, no shit, dipshit!" Kenny snapped his fingers, while Stan and Cartman flipped the bird at him.

"Umm, what does that even mean?" Daring question, seeming clueless that he just got ridiculed.

Daring chuckled softly, aware that whatever they implied, he had it coming. He approached the star-crossed lovers and drew them into a consoling embrace. Their collective sobbing was enough to make Cartman gag. As the clock struck four in the afternoon, Daring leapt up.

***

"Oh no! I'm going to be late for the BookBall game!" Daring shouted, as panic began to take hold.

He concluded their group embrace, hurrying down the corridor.

"Good luck at the game, roomie!" Kyle called out.

With a grin stretching from ear to ear, Daring nodded his head as he dashed through the doors.

Our hero is slowly getting things back on track. Now there's only one thing left to do.

Kyle drapes his arm around Apple, tilting slightly to plant a soft kiss on top of her forehead.

"I'll pick you up at seven tomorrow."