Three’s A Crowd: Chapter One

On the morning of a chilly late September, children from Olympus were preparing for their departure to Ever After High.

Carriages pulled by Pegasi made their ways down the mountains and onto the roads of Ever After. From the entrance of one of the mountain caves appeared the dark grey carriage carrying the children from the Underworld. Residents and students alike look upon the newly comers in awe.

The Cenuses were leading the group. Zoe awkwardly waved to the crowd of fairytales, while Zephyr buried her face into Alex’s shoulder.

Naomi Love couldn’t help herself but throw out pieces of sweet berry candy and blow out kisses to the adoring boys cheering. Hey, when a prince sees a beautiful princess, he can’t help but stare. Naomi wasn’t the only one, however, as her sisters felt the gaze of the crowd as well.

“It’s almost a curse being this beautiful, isn’t it, girls?” She giggled, sitting back down.

“I hate this already, and I want to go home.” Bellona groaned, removing her glasses to rub her temples.

“Relax,” Venus nudged the fellow blonde. “You’ll be just fine here. I’m sure you can hide in a janitor’s closet once the tour is done.” She teased.

“Oh, ha ha.” Bellona huffed, putting her glasses back on.

“Hey, any news from Audrina yet?” Venus asked.

“Nothing.” Bellona shook her head.

“I don’t know why she came home solely to with dad, she’ll miss the ceremony. Her loss.” Naomi shrugged.

The grey carriage had Pegasi that were…different from the among the rest. Skeletons of Pegasi drove the Aidoneuses down the streets of Ever After.

“Did you hear that some of the gods are protesting their kids coming here?” Calida looked up from her phone.

“Not surprised. Some of think having us attend school with mortals is a bad decision.” Lorelei replied.

“Shhh, don’t let the big guy hear you. He might throw a temper tantrum if he hears you insult his thinking.” Kai snickered.

“Kai, that is your uncle you’re making fun of.” Lorelei sighed.

“Hey, apparently Hecate’s kid is enrolling here as well.” Calida pointed at her phone, motioning for the others to check.

“You could call Ever After High a bit of a magic school.” Lorelei leaned in to see. “What’s her story?”

“Her name is Sabrina. Hecate was hesitant to let her come here, but apparently dad changed her mind.” Calida replied, setting her phone down. She peaked her head out the window, watching the crowd. “So many people. This school is probably a hive mind or something.”

“I wouldn’t be shocked if there was a queen bee.” Kai said quietly.

“Ooh, it’d be like that one movie. What was it? Wicked girls?” Lorelei raised a brow.

“Nah, I think it was Popular Prissys.” Calida chimed in.

Before they knew it, the gods and goddesses to be had arrived in front of the castle. Many began to step out, either unloading their own bags or having a nymph do it for them. Zephyr groaned as she exited the carriage, placing a hand on her stomach.

“That was a rough ride down.” She mumbled.

One of the winged horses let out a sigh, lowering its head.

“Oh, no! It’s not your fault!” She exclaimed, stroking it from head to mane.

“Dad insults them to no end. They probably think any negative comment is an insult.” Alex put a hand on her hip, watching as Zoe unloaded their luggage.

“That should be it. Enchanted luggage is such a gift.” She sighed, leaning against the side of the carriage. “You can pack so much and still feel like you’re carrying nothing.”

“Woah, this place is BIG.” Alex looked up, having to shield her eyes from the bright sunlight.

“It has to be when there’s a lot of students every year. There’s tons of fairytales, so there’s a ton of student.” Zoe looked up, glancing over at the terrace attached to the school. “Hey, what’s that?”

“I think that’s where you sign the book.” Alexandria replied. “Man, imagine leaping off that thing.”

“Ow.” Zephyr laughed.

“Guys, hey!” Lorelei shouted, exiting her carriage and running towards the group of sisters. “Woah, it’s big.”

“That’s what we just said.” Zoe giggled.

Many of the Olympians alike made their way out of their vehicles and stepped onto school grounds with bags in hand or set by their side. The Heaster had promised to welcome them inside himself once everyone had arrived. Many princes and princesses gave them simple “hellos” and “welcomes” as they ed by the group of new students. However, others did not seem as welcoming. Glares and whispers came their way, making Zephyr want to sink into the ground where she stood.

“Apologies for my late arrival!” Serenity exclaimed from afar. She looked soaked and was in the process of drying herself with her magic. She snapped her fingers, and her hair was suddenly dry. She looked good as new, and nothing like a normal student.

“What’s with the suit? Formal and simplistic isn’t exactly apart of the dress code here.” Kai eyed her outfit. “Little miss perfect is breaking the rules when the day hasn’t even started yet.”

“Where did you come from?” Lorelei asked.

“I may be a princess, but I am a student and a hard worker. I’m going to dress like I’m ready for class, not a tea party.” Serena said a matter-of-factly.

“Riiiight,” Lorelei squinted her eyes, wondering why she didn’t answer her question. “Anyway, why were you late?”

“Father had important things to attend to that I insisted on ing him on.”

“Did he actually need you?” Naomi’s hot pink glossed lips curled into a smirk.

Serena scowled, “Yes, he did.” She gritted her teeth. Who was to say for sure that he did. Serena had a bad habit of inserting her into situations that didn’t involve her.

“Hey, I’m teasing.” Naomi held her hands up in a defensive motion. “Anger isn’t good for the skin, sweetie.”

“This can’t be everyone? I’m sure at least a good chunk of the next generation should be here. Raine and Vulcan said they would be here.” Zephyr looked around curiously.

“Actually,” Calida spoke up. “Some of the gods were a bit hesitant to send their kids here. I think they’ll be coming in within the next day or two since they still have things to prepare for. That, or they may not come at all.”

“Darn.” Zoe huffed. “I was hoping to see Kainda.”

“Where is the old fart?” Kai sighed impatiently. “I want to find my room already and lie down.”

On cue, the large doors opened to reveal a middle aged man with striking green eyes, grey hair, a blue velvet suit with many accessories. He cleared his throat, putting both hands behind his back as a smile appeared on his face.

“Welcome, young gods and goddesses alike, to Ever After High!” He proclaimed, doves appearing on cue to stretch out a custom made banner that read WELCOME TO EVER AFTER HIGH in bold, capital letters.

Some of the children looked up in awe, while others were unamused. They had seen better entrances than that.

“I am Milton Grimm, Heaster and a descendant of the Brothers Grimm. I am here to give you all a chance to show the human world what you have to offer as gods. As you all know, we have our own book to sign. Later this semester, we will give you your own Legacy Day,” he looked back on the staff behind him, taking a deep breath in, and exhaling. Despite his clean appearance, he had been a wreck on the inside since the aftermath of Legacy Day.

“This will also be a chance for those who did not get to sign to be able to. The date is still being worked on, so please keep an eye out for updates. With that being said, we welcome you to our school. Now, please give your attention to our future queen. Apple, if you will?”

“Thank you, sir.”

“This is the popular prissy, I bet.” Calida whispered to the blue haired boy. Kai nodded in agreement.

From behind Milton appeared a student that could give Aphrodite a run for her money. Everything about her just seemed to be so…perfect. Her eyes, her hair, and her voice, it was just so angelic!

“Oh, wow,” Zephyr blushed, finding this Apple girl to be rather alluring

“Aww, is someone in love?” Venus giggled.

“I am Apple White, daughter of Snow White. I am so hexcited to get to know all of you!” She cheered. “I am the leader of the welcoming committee, and we’ll make sure to give everyone a tour once they’re settled in. Please, come in!”

The students made their way inside, bowing or just waving a simple ‘hey’ to the princess. Apple nodded, making sure to give them all a warm smile as they ed by her. However, her gaze fell onto someone she was expecting.

“Hi! You’re Zephyr Cenus, right?”

Zephyr paused, moving to the side to let others by her. She nodded, brushing off her skirt and making sure her posture was straight. If this was the most popular girl here, she had to make good with her as quickly as she could.

“Yeah, it’s nice to meet you. I don’t know a lot about fairytales, but I know your mom is very famous around here.”

“Fairest of them all and queen of the land!” She giggled. “I must say, it is an HONOR to meet you!” She took her hands into her own, grinning from cheek to cheek. She had such a lovely smile that gave her a flustering feeling in her stomach. Her cheeks turned a light red as she laughed nervously.

“Thank you?”

“They’ve been teaching us about the stories from Olympus. Not only is your dad a hero, but the king of the GODS? Y’know, us future queens should stick together.” She linked arms with the girl, giving her a wink.

“Really?” Zephyr asked in disbelief. She already wanted to be her friend? This was such a quick and easier process than she initially though it was!

“Of course! I know it’s not easy bearing the responsibility of an entire kingdom on your shoulders. All of those gods will have to look up to you someday.” Apple gushed. Zephyr tensed up, messing with the hem of her skirt nervously.

“Actually, it’s not just me. I mean, I have some sisters that will also be ruling with me, but the kingdom doesn’t just stop at Olympus. There’s also the sea and the underworld, which will be ruled over by my cousins.” She explained.

“Ooh! It’s a triple monarchy!” She clapped her hands together excitedly.

“Something like that?” Zephyr laughed. “I really appreciate you talking to me. It’ll be fun to get to know you.”

“Hey, why don’t you sit with some of my friends and I at dinner tonight? It’s at the biggest table in the middle of the Castleteria. You won’t miss it.”

“Really?!” Zephyr’s eyes lit up like twinkling diamonds.

“Of course! Like I said, future queens should stick together. Do you need help finding your dorms?”

“Actually,” Zephyr pulled out a piece of paper. “I was only given a name? I don’t see a room number here anywhere.” She handed the sheet of paper to the princess. Apple gently grabbed it, having to squint a bit to see.

“The number is a bit hard to see here, but it’s at the top.” She gasped, “Oh my fairygodmother! You’re rooming with Ophelia!”

“Ophelia?”

“She’s the daughter of Queen Ozma. You’ll LOVE her.”

Apple lead the students into the large and spatial hallway that was connected to the first floor classrooms, gym and castleteria. Students scattered, either going to find friends, lockers, classrooms, and their dorms. Zephyr waved to her cousins and Apple as she made her departure to the higher floors. She never realized so many staircases could even exist.

When she arrived on the dorm floors, she was greeted by a wondrous sight. The hallway to the girls dorms was beautifully decorated with streamers, lights and ‘welcome’ signs. She smiled to herself, her mind racing with excitement as she could already see her highschool life here.

“42B,” she murmured, carefully watching the gold plates change numbers as she continued down the hallway.

“Ah, here we are.” She smiled to herself, opening the door. Inside, she was greeted with a rather…interesting sight. One side of the room was covered in a green, light green and gold color palette. She saw a large canopy bed decorated with a green and gold square pattern, a dresser that was shaped like an emerald, and a large collection of crowns and tiaras set on a wooden shelf, one of the only non-green things in there. She noticed a girl sitting by a desk, who had rotated herself to face Zephyr. She had platinum blonde hair, bright green eyes and an outfit that screamed ‘royalty’ by itself.

“Please, make yourself at home.” She said rather enthusiastically, standing up and approaching Zephyr with a smile on her face. “My name is Ophelia Oz, and you must be Zephyr Cenus. I’m glad to finally have a roommate.”

“Finally? You lived alone before the program was created?” Zephyr asked.

“Yes. Despite there being a good amount of students, there was an uneven number. They gave those with a higher status their own room until they could find someone to room with them. Frankly, this school gets new students all the time.”

“Wow, that’s…fair.” Zephyr laughed half heartedly. “Wait, higher status? What story are you from? Where I’m from, we really don’t study fairytales. We just see everyone as regular humans.”

“I’m actually the Princess of Oz. My story is The Wizard of Oz, and while I’m not the main character, I am the next in line for the throne.” Ophelia walked over to a mini fridge she had near her bed, opening it and grabbing a couple of bottles of a green liquid. She handed her one of the bottles.

Oh…another future queen, of course.

Zephyr thought.

“Would you like some grape juice?”

“Sure, but why is it green?” Zephyr took it, eyeing it curiously.

“Green is sort of our thing. Plus, our grape juice is made with the greenest of grapes.”

Zephyr shrugged, taking a sip. It was very bittersweet, but had a lovely aftertaste. Nothing a bit of sugar couldn’t fix. “Thank you.”

“I was informed my roommate would be the next in line for the throne of Olympus, and I couldn’t wait. It’s so exciting to be rooming with another queen!”

If I hear the word ‘queen’ again, I’m going to have a very public panic attack.

“Aren’t there a lot of future queens as this school?” Zephyr set the bottle down, setting her bag on her bed that she already had brought over a few days prior. It was also a canopy, but it had a different roof shape.

“Technically, yes. However, there are kingdoms, and kingdoms within kingdoms. This kingdom is Ever After, and it’s ruled by Apple White’s mom, Snow White. Within it are the hundreds of kingdoms that are co-ruled by many like Cinderella and Donkeyskin. Then, you have other kingdoms that exist in other parts of the world. Olympus,” she extended her hand to make a gesture at Zephyr. “Wonderland, The land of the Giants, Oz, and many others. It’s a big world out there.”

“Wow,” Zephyr said in awe. “Hey, you’re friends with Apple, right? I ran into her and she told me about you.”

“Yes, we hang out quite regularly.”

“She’s…popular, right?”

“Popular makes her status here seem so minor. She’s the queen of this school. Everyone here adores her, girls and boys alike, which makes sense as she’s going to rule them all one day.” Ophelia sighed, taking a seat on her own bed. “It’ll it, I’m a bit green with envy every time I’m around her. She’s just so…perfect.”

Father is watching. I need to befriend her and get to the top as soon as I can!

“Well, everyone is flawed in their own ways, and I’m sure you’re adored too.” Zephyr smiled.

Ophelia let out a chuckle, “I appreciate it. Sorry, I didn’t mean to vent. So, what’s your story? I mean, not talking about your tale.”

“What do you want to know?”

“Well,” she paused. “Why are you here? I mean, we have fairies, witches, princesses, but definitely not gods. Immortal beings with great power is something a bit too high for fairytale standards.”

“Oh, well, Grimm approached my father about letting the next generation of gods attend this school.” Zephyr laid down, staring at the roof of her canopy bed. It had little clouds decorated across it. “We’re also g the book here too.”

“Wait, Grimm approached your dad? We had an assembly the other day about the program and he made it sound like Zeus practically begged him to let you all attend.”

“Really? My father, begging,” she laughed. “He was pretty hesitant about bringing up not us going to our highschool, so who knows. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had another tantrum that destroyed the building and it’s why we couldn’t go there.”

Both girls laughed, but Ophelia was a bit taken aback by how Zephyr described her father’s anger so causally. Was this how he normally was? Were all the gods like this?

•••

After settling in, finding their classrooms and changing into something more “fairytale causal”, the students made their way towards the Castleteria for their first highschool dinner. The room had trees growing around the walls, benches and windows. There were vending machines scattered everywhere with all sorts of drinks and treats.

Zephyr grabbed a bowl of alfredo pasta, a fruit cup and a large bottle of peach flavored sparkling water. It definitely wasn’t as good compared to ambrosia, but it would have to do. She looked around the castleteria, thinking back to what Apple had said.

“Biggest table…ah!” She saw Apple and a group of students seated by the windows. Collecting herself and swallowing her nervousness, she made her way over to the table with shaky hands and a racing heartbeat.

“H-Hello.”

Some of the students looked up, noticing Zephyr. Apple smiled, scooting aside to make room.

“Hey! I’m glad you could make it!” She exclaimed happily. Zephyr sat down, setting the tray down in front of her.

“Everyone,” Apple cleared her throat. “This is Zephyr Cenus, Princess of Olympus.”

“Woah, you’re the daughter of the big man? How does it feel to be at a school full of mortals?” Briar chuckled, resting her cheek on the palm of her hand.

“It’s really nice here.” Zephyr smiled. “It’s just so roomy and lovely. Plus, the view out of my balcony is amazing!”

“I know, right? My room has one and it’s just so nice to watch the sunset every night. Did you meet Ophelia?” Apple asked.

“I did. She’s very nice, and we talked for at least an hour. I’m looking forward to living with her for the next couple years.” Zephyr replied with cheerful expression.

“Ooh, Zephyr,” Apple patted her shoulder. “Let me introduce you to some of the royals here. Daring Charming, Briar Beauty, Ashlynn Ella, Blondie Lockes, and Lizzie Hearts.”

“Tell me,” Blondie pulled out her mirrorphone, aiming the end towards Zephyr’s mouth. “Why are the gods attending a school that “mortals” attend?” She inquired.

“Blondie, lay off the new girl.” Briar grabbed Blondie’s wrist gently and pushed it away.

“I actually don’t know myself.” Zephyr rubbed the nape of her neck. “My father just announced it out of the blue at my sixteenth birthday party a couple of weeks ago. He didn’t give us any reasoning for it other than he wanted us to sign the book faster.”

“Our book?” Apple raised a brow.

“Sort of? We have our own book, the book of fates. It’s like the storybook, except it’s for myths and allowing us to take on our role as gods. Once we sign, we take on the role of our parents and live out our stories.”

“You’ll sign your book here?” Ashlynn asked.

“Yes. We’ll be having our own Legacy Day soon.” Zephyr nodded.

Apple frowned, looking away. She looked down at her food, poking at the apple fritter she had gotten for desert. It had only been a couple of weeks since Legacy Day, and the incident.

Raven had ripped out her page and created a scene that caused many to scream and panic, shrieking that they were going to die and their stories were to disappear for good. Raven even tried to claim she could still have her happily ever after, even without her.

Without her? What was Apple supposed to do without The Evil Queen, her arch nemesis?! She had no ending without the conflict!

Apple sighed, gaining the attention of Ashlynn, who nudged Zephyr and pulled her close.

“Hey, Legacy Day is a bit of a sensitive topic right now. There was a stir up, and the entire school is unsure of what to do.”

“I heard about something like that, and I’m going to assume that’s why Apple looks disheartened?” She whispered.

“Yes.”

“Maybe it’s why we’re here.” Zephyr mumbled, looking at Apple with a sympathetic look.

“To answer your question,” she turned to Blondie. “It would be to help the mortals and set things back on track.” She placed her hand on Apple’s shoulder, giving her a smile. “Make sure destiny goes in the right direction.”

Apple’s bright red lips smiled, placing her own hand on top of Zephyr’s.

“Thank you.”

“What can we do to help?”

Apple paused, hesitating. “I don’t know if it is your place to do this, but this all happened because of…Raven.”

“Raven?” Zephyr raised a brow.

“Daughter of the Evil Queen. She’s under the impression that she can do whatever she wants, including tearing out her own page from the Storybook.” Daring huffed. “She’s ruined Legacy Day and if we don’t get things back on track, none of us will have our happily ever afters.”

“Raven won’t listen to me, her friend.” Apple sighed. “Zephyr, please, can you and your family help us fix this?”

Zephyr nodded, gently grasping Apple’s hand. “I promise we will help you. It’s our…it’s my destiny.”

•••

That evening, students exited the Castleteria talking amongst each other and bidding friends a good night. Zephyr and Apple were practically linked together as they made their way to the dormitories.

“You have a collection of crowns?” Zephyr gasped.

“I do! And staffs, ballgowns, anything a princess needs.” Apple said gleefully. “If you ever need to borrow a dress or tiara for class, just come to me!”

Zephyr giggled. Suddenly, the two were interrupted by a girl rushing up to them. Zoe was trying to hold back tears, grabbing Zephyr by her wrists.

“Did you do this?!” She pointed a finger to Apple.

“W-What are you talking about?”

“Did something happen?” Zephyr looked around, noticing a group surrounding one of the doors.

“Zephyr!” Bellona waved the girls over, nudging Serena as she noticed Apple right next to her. Serenity, who was fuming, stormed up to Apple with a look of fury in her eye.

“You! Is this your version of a prank here?! How dare you treat one of our own like this!”

“What is going on here?” One of the students exited her dorm, others quickly doing the same as the commotion got louder.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, or why you’re throwing random accusations at me!” Apple exclaimed.

“Whatever it was, it couldn’t have been her!” Zephyr got in front of Apple, defending her from the crowd. “She was with me for the last hour!”

“Hey!” Lorelei got in between the girls, trying to separate everyone. “Zephyr, you need to see this.”

Looking at Apple in confusion, she made her way towards the dorm the crown had stood in front of. Making her way through it, she stopped in her tracks and looked up, her heart dropping.

“W-Who could have done this?” Zephyr covered her mouth.

“One of them, that’s who!” Alexandra nodded over to the students who had come out of their forms.

“We didn’t do anything!” One of the girls shouted.

The bantering continued as Zephyr stared at the door in horror, trying to prevent tears from falling down her pale face. She gripped at her skirt, feeling Apple’s hand on top of hers.

“We’ll find who did this.” Apple said reassuringly. “I-I promise.”

On the wall was rather crude drawings, insults and scratch marks. This was the door to her own dorm, and Ophelia was nowhere to be seen. However, her eyes were glued to the large writing painted across the door in bright pink paint.

YOU’RE NOT WELCOME HERE. GET OUT.