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chloe-spade · 22 days

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Sour Apple Chapter 1: Whistle while you work

Once upon a time, there was a princess.

The fairest of them all,

Who defeated a dark evil and went on to live happily ever after.

But what happens when you are no longer the fairest?

What happens when the one thing you attribute your worth to…

is stripped away forever?

🍎

Lorelei walked into her room, after a day of many duties. She cursed the day that tired her out. She watched as the Mirror's face faded in within the dark atmosphere inside.

Her eyes darkened as she saw the mirror and took a breath.

She hated that she needed to ask, but what had become around her needed to be heard.

🍎

My mirror tell me what you see today

What word of those beyond these walls

🍎

"It seems another has taken your place…," The Mirror hummed.

Lorelei could only look in shock, when she heard. She whipped her head back at the mirror, her lips trembling. "No… no… you told me that couldn't happen."

"The fairest can only be fair for so long."

"But it's all I am… it's all I've ever been."

Lorelei refused her life was already going downhill. Ever since she was a young girl and now onto adulthood. A plague was following her, cursing those around her, and she was done. The Mirror saw this and grinned coyly.

"We all grow old, my dear."

🍎

Beauty is power and all you are

You are nothing now

🍎

But you're meant to help me," Lorelei hissed at the mirror, now glaring at it. Her fists were clenched, blood underneath her nails from how hard they were clenched.

🍎

Though there are ways to gain it all back

I can show you how

Apples don't fall far from where the branch has been

But you'll do more than her

🍎

"I'm nothing like her." Loreli scowled coldly, "And I will never be like her."

The mention of her made Lorelei scowl. The pain she has dealt with from that wicked woman was too much for her to remember, and that damn Mirror knew that, as it smiled once again.

"Really?" The Mirror faux a question, "I see so many things that have made you similar."

"Enough."

🍎

Just tell me what spell I need for this to disappear

Make things as they were

All I've ever been

Gone in seconds flat

Pretty as a rose

Was all I ever had

Now I have a chance

To fix what was replaced

To let this kingdom know

I won't take second place

I can't lose to some nobody

(You can't lose)

I won't back down

(Don't back down)

Take what I have earned all these years

(Take what you've earned)

I'll claim my crown

(Claim your crown)

I cannot be beaten when it's all I've had

(You can't be beaten when it's all you had)

🍎

The story starts again anew

Watch as the chaos now ensues…

🍎

"Mirror, Mirror on my wall," Loreli spoke, gulping as she spoke the question, "Who is the fairest of them all?"

"Although, my queen, though fair may be, I see someone that surpassed the beauty of thee."

"Who?" Lorelei demanded, "You have already told me that someone has taken my place, but I demand who dares take my place? After so long."

"The person I see has fair skin that has been blessed by spring, eyes just as beautiful as the cloudless sky above and lovely curly hair that has reminded those of beautuful lavenders."

"Epel," Lorelei growled, rushing towards a nearby window, and opening the curtains.

She saw the young boy she has damned years ago, now 15, almost 16. He was now cleaning the stairwell that leads to the gardens, on the last step. His humming was angelic, lovely doves surrounded him as he did, and he didn't mind it.

It made her sick to her stomach, seeing the boy that destroyed her life, being so peaceful, though his look of annoyance from time to time made her smile ever so little.

"I don't have to be concerned about Epel," Lorelei scoffed, "he's nothing. Just a mere commoner who works for me." She walks away from the window and looks at the mirror one last time before leaving her room.

But on her way down, she looked out a window once again to see Epel, rinsing the stairwell, and running out of water. He groaned softly and walked over to the water well, ready to refill it.

🍎

Epel looks down at the well and sighs to himself as he moves the bucket down.

It was so long that he started to do chores, mainly scrubbing and dusting, but no matter what, he was so annoyed at everything and small things for revenge made things easier for Epel and his newly distressed state. However, he found some odd solace in Vil and a new hunter named Rook, who always found some food to feed him and clean him in private if necessary.

He was grateful for them, he had to admit. Even the accompanying letters from Jack made Epel hopeful for a new day, a day when he could escape from the chains he was bound by.

He just sighed and started to walk back to the well, in the middle of the gardens. Being by the well again reminded him of his departed mother, and her words whenever they are by the well itself. He looked around at the doves around him.

"Hey," he whispered to the doves, "Wanna know a secret?"

The doves cooed in response, though it made Epel feel crazy, talking to birds.

"Promise not to tell?" Epel smiles.

🍎

We are standing by a wishing well

Make a wish into the well

That's all you have to do

And if you hear it echoing

Your wish will soon come true

🍎

Epel could see his mother by the reflection like she always does whenever she is by the well every time. His hands touch the cobblestone as he starts to sing, and the well reflects his voice.

🍎

I'm wishing (I'm wishing)

For the one I love

To find me (To find me)

Today (Today)

I'm hoping (I'm hoping)

And I'm dreaming of

The nice things (The nice things)

He'll say (He'll say)

🍎

Many hear the beautiful song, even some nearby animals. It always reminded those of the previous queen, whom Epel always seemed to mirror at times, even when he was mischievous and stubborn. Regardless, he's still their prince, no matter what he looks like or what he does.

🍎

Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah (Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)

Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah

🍎

From far away, wolf ears perked up from the beautiful song and followed the melody to the wall. Daring to hear the voice once again, he begins to climb the wall, the beautiful voice leading him.

Once he saw Epel, he could only stare and listen.

Epel, however, didn't notice.

🍎

I'm wishing (I'm wishing)

For the one I love

To find me (To find me)

Today (Today)

Today!

🍎

Epel gasped as he saw Prince Jack Howl in the reflection of the water and looked to see Jack across from him. He tripped almost himself from shock, but he managed to keep himself up.

"What are you doing here?" Epel demanded, "You know what will happen if Lorelei finds you. You'll be in big trouble or worse killed."

"Epel,"

Jack's hands held Epel's softly but firmly, stopping Epel from running away.

🍎

Now that I've found you

Hear what I have to say

🍎

Jack held Epel close, as they slowly danced, with Epel tripping from time to time, but he was interested in why Jack was even here in the first place.

🍎

One song, I have but one song

One song, only for you

One heart, tenderly beating

Ever entreating, constant and true

🍎

Epel blushes at Jack's song, feeling his heart beating in love. Epel didn't know how to express it, especially with him being secluded for 3 long years. How to express love when it's completely foreign and forgotten by someone?

Epel just managed to keep in.

The one thing he couldn't keep in was Jack presenting a beautiful scarlet ring to him, putting it on Epel's finger.

🍎

One love that has possessed me

One love, thrilling me through

One song, my heart keeps singing

Of one love, only for you

🍎

Epel looked up at Jack, and then back at the ring. He didn't know what to say, or even how to say it.

Was Jack asking what Epel thought he was? Marriage? Now?

Epel stood in the garden, staring at the ring in his hand. It was a beautiful ring, no doubt, but he couldn't help but feel hesitant about accepting Jack's proposal.

He loved Jack, that much was true. Jack was kind, caring, and always there for him. But the thought of being married, of being tied down to one person for the rest of his life, scared him.

He had always been a free spirit, never wanting to be tied down to anything or anyone. But he knew that Jack was different. He loved him, and he knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with him.

But still, the hesitation lingered.

"Hey," he said, taking Epel's hand in his. "Did you look at the ring?"

Epel nodded, still unsure of what to say. Jack could sense his hesitation, and he pulled him into a tight hug.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly.

Epel took a deep breath before speaking. "I love you, Jack. I really do. But the thought of being married scares me. I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of commitment."

Jack listened patiently, his arms still wrapped around Epel. "I understand," he said. "Marriage is a big step, and it's not something you should do if you're not ready. But just know that I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Whenever you're ready, I'll be here."

Epel smiled, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. "Thank you," he said, leaning in for a kiss. "I do want to spend the rest of my life with you, Jack. I just need some time to think about it."

Jack smiled back, his eyes filled with love. "Take all the time you need," he said. "I'll be here, waiting for you."

Epel smiles and holds onto the hug.

"But why did you propose to me?" Epel pondered.

"I got suspicious when I came to visit you after the party years ago. When we wrote to each other, you wrote that we should meet in secret after, but you never stated why. But every time I saw you, you looked like you had been crying, or just incredibly tired. Sure, you are still just as rowdy, but I knew something else was wrong. So, I asked Vil," Jack looked at Epel with sadness, "Why didn't you tell me that Lorelei was doing such horrible stuff to you?"

"Even if I did," Epel sighs, "I can't do anything about it. She's queen and if I escape, she'll send her best hunter to find me. Even his son too. I can't risk it, even though I just want to do so much to destroy her and tell the people of the horrible things she has done."

Epel's eyes darkened as he looked up at the window, where her bedroom his. "I want her to suffer, even just for a small bit, just for a day…I want her to pay for what she did to me. Sure, pranks can go a long way and I've been doing thousands, but I want something that could just make her learn that I am not someone who will just sit idly! I am the prince and she reduced me to this."

Jack stopped Epel, holding his hands again. Epel's face was full of rage, but a small hint of sadness. He knew Epel kept so much in and now, there was no one he could talk to about it.

"What about Vil?"

"His mother forbade him from even looking at me," Epel explained, "but he always made me some sort of dinner and had his hunter give it to me. Vil…Vil is vain, but not like his mother, and I'm glad I got to see that before all of this."

Jack made another proposal, "What if we ran away together?"

"Run away?"

Jack nodded, "I will make a vow. Epel, I vow to protect you, and I will make sure my kingdom will protect you as well. You can't live like this, Epel, and I decided to make this decision for you. Will you accept?"

Epel looked at what he was doing, cleaning the stairwell, and looked back at the well. He was practically wasting his life here, and even though his memories of his mother and father were there, that has been tarnished by the wicked woman he once affectionally called his stepmother.

He wanted an escape, and he'll get that.

"Yes," Epel answered, "tonight. Meet me here tonight, and we'll leave to your kingdom."

Jack smiled and gave Epel a small but passionate kiss.

"I'll be here."

Epel blushed as Jack leaped over the wall, disappearing from his view. He looks back at the well brings up the pale now full of water and begins scrubbing the stairs again, but with a smile and a song.

🍎

"He has done it, Roi du Poison!" Rook announced in delight, " Monsieur Dur à cuire has pronounced his love with Monsieur Crabapple, and they plan to run away. " Rook swooned with a grin, "It was a very romantic thing to witness."

"Good," Vil spoke, brushing his hair in the mirror, "but this is not over, Rook. You and I both know that."

"Ah, yes, I do know. Père has been keeping an eye on Monsieur Crabapple as well. I do fear that it may result in something bad happening to him, and I would feel immense guilt for it."

Vil looks back at Rook, "Then we should be cautious. Now, go on and leave me be. My mother is very impatient and I hate to be tardy to lunch."

Rook nodded and just like that disappeared off to do who knows what.

Vil could only just take a breath and began his walk to his dining room, now worried for his step-brother. Now he has to figure out how to protect him, even when he is far away.

To Vil's surprise, his mother was not at the dining area, like she was supposed to. She was nowhere to be found, which Vil found suspicious, and not trusting the situation, he went to the throne room. If anything, Lorelei was doing some extra work and forgot the time, it wasn't the first time she had done this.

"I want you to do something for me, my dear huntsman," he heard Lorelei speak, "you are the only person I can trust with this task, and I know you will do this without much hesitation."

"What is that, my queen?"

Vil watched as his mother presented a box, deep red with golden accents around it with a heart as its pin. She held it to the huntsman, her face showing evil intentions.

"You will kill Epel, take his heart, and put it in this box. I do not expect sloppy work from you."

Vil covered his mouth, horrified.

"Your Highness," The huntsman gasped, "Epel is still the prince! You can't just plan to murder him!"

"Enough. If you dare define me, your head might as well be on my stand for everyone to see." Lorelei threatened.

"R-right, your majesty," he gulped.

Vil stepped back and quickly rushed back to the dining area. He was panting, resting by a nearby window. He felt his heart racing, now scared for himself and Epel.

What made the situation worse was that he knew that his mother was not one to kid about something as dark as murder. Plotting murder like it was nothing against Epel, the same person who had lost both parents in such a span that it was upsetting.

He didn't know what to do, other than warn Epel.

Vil jumped as Lorelei and her huntsman walked out. He tried to keep his composure but it was difficult for Vil, knowing his mother's murder plan. So he just sat on the dining table.

He hoped that Rook would come to his aid.

Oh, what a lovely prayer Vil thought as Rook entered, with his usual gradient smile. Vil mentioned him close, so he walked closer and leaned down for Vil to whisper.

"Roi Du Poison, I feel something was amiss so I came right away," Rook spoke. "Now what has happened?

"My mother plans to kill Epel," Vil explained, causing a dramatic gasp from Rook. "She enlisted your father to do the job, and as evidence, he must grab a box and put his heart in it."

"As a prize? Now that is horrible, Roi Du Poison," Rook whispered back, trying to hide his shock.

"I need you to join your father and Epel, protect him. And give him one last message from me." Vil ordered.

"What is that?" Rook asked.

"Run, as far as he could," Vil spoke, "anywhere but not here."

"Of course, your majesty," Rook grinned with a smile, watching his father leave, "I shall depart now, please do wait for me."

Vil smiled as Rook kissed his hand goodbye and followed his father outside.

🍎

Epel found it strange, being outside the palace walls. His hair was combed and dressed in nice princely clothing, something that he didn't exactly miss, but that would've been a lie. Rook even found an old necklace that belonged to his mother before her death, and he wore it proudly as he felt the breeze around him.

Sure, he was still accompanied by Rook and his father, but even they could not stop this new sense of freedom he longed for.

"The air is nice this fine day, Monsioer Crabapple," Rook sighs contently, "such beautiful clouds and magnifique flowers, in such a beautiful spring."

Epel rolled his eyes at Rook and began to walk forward. He might just pick some new flowers for his mother and father, as the ones on their graves have been wilted for years and need replacement. He began to pick some flowers, mainly red roses and white lilies, the kingdom's symbol for their strange but romantic love, both on different ends of social status, and their love made it work.

His thoughts were interrupted by a chirp, a very sad one.

He followed to see a sad baby bluebird, picked it up carefully, and smiled.

"Are you ok?" Epel softly whispered, "What happen to you, little bird?"

Epel looked up and got up, "Ah, you must've felt out of your nest, didn't you?" Epel chuckled, found a nearby rock, and began to climb it to the nest, holding onto the branch as he helped the bird back inside, the bird chirping happily and nuzzling against Epel's cheek in appreciation.

"You are welcome," Epel spoke and climbed down.

Epel backed away carefully and watched the baby bird nuzzle against their parents, making Epel feel happy but a tinge of sadness was there.

Once he turned around, he saw The Hunter brandish a dagger towards Epel with inhuman speed. Epel gasped and ducked to avoid the sudden attack. He grabbed a rock and struck The Hunter in his head, defending himself. This made The Hunter stumble back, trying to recover.

"Monsier Crabapple!" Rook called out and rushed over to Epel.

"What is going on!?" Epel demanded, "Your father was trying to kill me!"

"Oh, I did not wish to tell you this," Rook sighed, "but the Queen has asked my father to harm you, to kill you. That why I am here, to lead you away! Far from here, and to safety!"

"What? But-!"

"Go! Please go!" Rook pleaded, making Epel stop for a moment. "It is for your own safety."

Rook gave Epel a basket of food and a lantern.

Epel didn't need more convincing as he began to run away, disappearing into the woods.

"Damn you, boy!" Rook's father hissed, "Do you realize what you have done!? That woman will have your head!"

"I rather it be mine than Epel's," Rook spoke back, "and I follow my prince, not the queen."

🍎

Epel felt trees grab onto him as he began to run away, the sun now non-existent in the dark woods. His mind felt like everything around him was more monstrous, especially for someone who never left the castle before.

The hoots of owls and the growls of wolves scared him every time he was distracted. He hated how he felt his heart beat with fear, as he continued to walk through.

But the lack of noise when he went further made him hear whispers, insults, or evil laughs.

It made him run and not look back. He suddenly became overwhelmed and the trees began to grab him again, almost falling into a cliff. Well, he did fall into the lake that he thought was alligators and he was hyperventilating.

He ran before he collapsed and covered his ears.

"Leave me alone!" He screamed, "I Don't want to be here!!"

A scared mewl made him stop.

He saw a small rabbit now scared, because of his screams.

He looked around as the clouds moved away, revealing the sunlight and his surroundings. He was surrounded by animals of every kind, birds, rabbits, dears, turtles. They were all afraid because of Epel's screams.

He sighs, now calming down.

"I'm…I'm sorry," Epel sighs, "I didn't mean to scared you. I just happened to have a bad day and I took it badly. You didn't deserve that and I'm so sorry again. I just wanted to scream because I was afraid, and I don't want to be afraid and look what I did. Scaring animals. What do you do when you are scared?"

The baby bird chirped happily and started to whistle towards Epel.

"You sing?"

The baby bird whistled again with Epel singing along, creating a melody with each other. It made Epel happy as he got up, and walked towards the birds, continuing to sing.

🍎

With a smile and a song

Life is just a bright, sunny day

Your cares fade away

And your heart is young

With a smile and a song

All the world seems to waken anew

Rejoicing with you

As the song is sung

There's no use in grumbling

When raindrops come tumbling

Remember, you're the one

Who can fill the world with sunshine

🍎

He lets the animals surround him and lets him pet them. They were relaxed now and were happy to meet a new friend.

🍎

When you smile and you sing

Everything is in tune and it's spring

And life flows along

With a smile and a song

🍎

"I really feel quite happy now," Epel laughed, "I'm sure I'll get along somehow. Everything's going to be alright, but I do need a place to sleep at night."

Epel realized that was a problem for him, as he looked around at the animals.

"I can't sleep in the ground like you, or in a tree the way you do, and I'm sure no nest could possibly be big enough for me. Maybe you know where I can stay? In the woods somewhere?"

The birds tweeted happily and flew around him, pulling on his cape.

"Oh? Are you taking me there?" Epel grins.

Led by the animals, Epel was shown a beautiful old cottage, with flowers of all varieties covering it.

It made everything for Epel.

He rushed towards it and looked around, seeing the window clouded and not cleaned, and a disgusting smell filled his nose which he covered.

"It looks nice, but it does not smell friendly," Epel coughed as opened the door. Everything was around and full of dust, the mess was everywhere and the smell had gotten worse. He sighed as he entered the cottage and looked for some sort of well…anything, food, drinks, clothing but everything was so disorganized and it was disturbing for Epel.

"Seven little chairs? Are we in a childrens' house? Those poor children, they live in this dump."

He looked at the animals and puffed his cheeks.

"Well, we have to clean this messy place if I am gonna stay here," Epel sighed, picking up the broom.'

He started to hum to himself and he began to sweep. He slowly got carried away as he began to sing to himself, which made the animals around him clean.

🍎

Just whistle while you work

And cheerfully together, we can tidy up the place

So hum a merry tune, hmm-mmm

It won't take long when there's a song to help you set the pace

🍎

Epel whistles as he begins to grab some of the dishes and wash them, with the animals providing soap and water. His humming was contagious as squirrels began to sweep the insides and corners of the cottage, and birds and deer helped them with the clothes, washing and hanging them.

Epel swept again, as more of a finishing touch to the floor.

🍎

And as you sweep the room, imagine that the broom

Is someone that you love, and soon

You'll find you're dancing to the tune

🍎

Epel could only imagine him being with Jack once again like that morning, dancing around, actually having fun.

🍎

When hearts are high, the time will fly

So whistle while you work

🍎

Epel happily cleaned everything around, adding some lovely flowers to the dining table, and decided to create some dinner for himself, some hazelnut soup, and a nice meal after cleaning until nighttime arrived. He was feeling safe and now sleepy.

"I wonder what's upstairs?" Epel questioned, climbing up the stairs.

He saw a nice room with seven little beds with names imprinted onto them, but he couldn't see because of how dark it was. He yawns and feels the bed, immediately sinking. He managed to be comfortable and yawned to himself.

He closed his eyes, drifting up to dreamland as the birds covered him with a beautiful blanket. May the gods above protect the prince from all the horribles of the world.

#twisted wonderland #twst #sour apple #epel felmier #jack howl #vil schoenheit #rook hunt #original characters #original work #epeljack #epel x jack #snow white au #yes #this song was snow white villain song from Lydia The Bird #or was it bard?#please do check her out #her music is incredible

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