Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

INT. LIVING ROOM. MORNING-A LIFETIME AGO. 

The switch of a button sparks the playing of a vinyl record. The needle runs through the ebony notches filling the room with SOME DAY MY PRINCE WILL COME sung by SNOW. 

SNOW (V.O)

SOMEDAY MY PRINCE WILL COME, SOMEDAY I’LL FIND MY LOVE, AND HOW THRILLING THAT WILL BE! WHEN THE PRINCE OF MY DREAMS COMES TO ME!

Below the record player lies a book titled “The Fairytale of SNOW WHITE,” in glimmering golden letters. A mother grabs the book while her daughter eagerly twirls the golden hem of her classic snow-white dress in the dusty air of their living room. The girl snuggles next to her mother, opening the first page to the phrase “ONCE UPON A TIME!” a grin shoots through her brown cheek. through her cheeks. The girl’s hazel brown eyes flare with excitement, flipping to the next page before her mother even blinks. Her eyes take in the sheer beauty of the book's image of SNOW WHITE singing to a dove on the page. Her fair pale skin was almost the shade of glass and her lips were as crimson as the rose. Simply divine, she thought. Her brown lips curve in excitement revealing a gap tooth. Her fingers slowly caress her brown freckled cheeks. Every time her thumb caresses the pristine image, the light in her eyes goes sour. If only I could be that divine. The notion flickers in her behind before her imagination paints the page into a real scene with depth and life. 

EXT. THE GARDEN’S FOUNTAIN. UNKNOWN TIME.

SNOW sits on the edge of a crumbling fountain in a crimson dress. A black floral vale covers her face but her voice shines through as she continues singing SOME DAY MY PRINCE WILL COME. She twirls a black rose between her fingers and holds it out to a white dove. 

SNOW

He'll whisper, I love you, and steal a kiss or two! 

The dove mesmerized by her voice flies down next to SNOW and cautiously walks toward her. She offers the rose to the dove who blushes at the gesture. 

Though he's far away, I'll find my love someday.

The dove takes the rose and sits on SNOW’s hand. She brings the dove to her masked face and gently pets its feathers. The more she stares at the dove, the more her singing fades from operatic happiness to a melancholy lament. 

 Some day when my dreams come true….Some day I'll find my love.

The rising melancholy in her causes her to drift off for a second. The sounds of footsteps cause SNOW’s body to tense, her fingers wrapping around the dove preventing it from escaping. She becomes consumed in a tall crowned shadow. A hand reaches out to a trembling SNOW demanding the dove. SNOW gulps as the fear surging in her throat only allow her to murmur. 

  Someone to call my own?

CUT TO BLACK. 

FLORA (V.O)

I wasn’t the prince Snow was dreaming of but she wasn’t the Snow White I pictured saving either. Somehow, our stars crossed in the dead of night, and together we rose out of the twilight of Snow White as true princesses.

FADE TO.

INT. A DECAYED HOUSE. THE PRESENT.  

Specks of dust weave through an abandoned living room fabricating an aura of despair in the house. A pair of footsteps walk to the rotted door followed by the sound of playful giggling. 

FLORA (outside)

Do you wanna see something cool?

A beat of silence rolls by until the sound of running, followed by a foot crashing through the bottom of the door shatters the aura. FLORA’s foot remains lodged in the door. 

 Oh damn, it! my foot is stuck, wait-

She repeatedly stabs a red blade through the wooden door, trying to free her leg.

Why won’t you work? 

A growl echoes from outside. 

Wait, wait, wait, I can do this by my-

WILHELM smashes through the door throwing FLORA into the HOUSE. 

Ow.

WILHELM hounds FLORA with a vacant glare. 

Fine, thank you, Wilhelm! Even though I could’ve freed myself.

WILHELM exits while FLORA dusts off her forest green tunic, her brown pants, and her red-feathered cap. 

Let’s see what we got here.

FLORA runs her finger over a desk, picking up dust into the air. She licks her dust-coated finger and gags. 

Ewww, yup we got dust. 

FLORA inspects the desk to discover a drawer knob. Curiosity sparks her to yank on the knob that comes off in a single budge. 

Hmmm.

Without the handle how is FLORA supposed to open it? She snaps her fingers and uses the handle to bash the drawer open.

Ha! I’m a genius! 

She wipes away the bits of wood and finds a book. The cover is ravaged by age, stealing all the letters from the title leaving only the “S” visible. She opens the book and gasps at the image 

of a dark silhouette of a woman in a crimson dress, holding a rose. Her eyes light up in awe and with a quick flick of her wrist, the paper is in her hand. 

A princess?! A real princess!? Wilhelm! 

She bolts out and shows a disinterested WILHELM. 

Check it out! It’s a real princess wow! I didn’t think fairy tales like this still existed! I wonder who it’s about? Hmmm well, I hope Godmother loves it.

She places it on the satchel on WILHELM’s saddle. FLORA’s eyes wander around outside. A green flash of lightning flashes through the grey skies. 

Ok well, I’m gonna scavenge over here. Holler if you find anything. 

A green flash of lightning flashes through the gray skies. FLORA’s eyes aimlessly wander for something to appear in this empty husk of a forest. No blades of grass, no stacks of leaves just dead trees, on an earth ravaged by death. A crunch under her boot draws FLORA to a decayed hair comb. She puts it in her pocket and continues deeper into the forest. Ruined Homes on the tops of trees, wrecked cars in trunks, broken streets, bridges wrapped in branches. The emptiness grows tiresome for FLORA.

How are you supposed to find anything in these ruins?

A black rose floats in the arid wind, the ebony petals steal her focus. She reaches out and catches it, her eyes mesmerized.

Wow, a real rose! Wow, first the fairytale, then this rose! This is perfect! This flower can spruce up that dusty tower of hers! 

FLORA’s attention is caught by the rose glowing in tangent with her rose-themed tattoo. FLORA nods in intrigue and discovers the light fluctuates the closer she moves the rose to her wrist.

What are you?

A twig snaps in the distance eyeing her attention. 

Hello?

Another black rose spins in the wind drawing her down a hill and finding a massive hollow tree tipped over creating a long tunnel through the interior of the tree. A black rose guides FLORA into the entrance, she stands in the darkness trying to study the rose being consumed by shadows. The darkness seems to expand infinitely making the exit on the other side appear like a faint sun, shining in the dead night. She eyes the faint light and shouts through the void. 

HELLO!?

Her shouts bounce through the darkness forming an amusing tune.  

ANYONE HERE!? 

The “here” rings into the echoing tune crafting a melody that makes FLORA smile. She 

AH-HAHAHAHAHA

The chord echoes back.

AH-HAHAHAHAHA

A human silhouette appears in front of the faint exit of the tunnel and matches FLORA’s tempo

SHADOW VOICE

AH-HAHAHAHAHA

The response leaves FLORA silent, is that figure in her head real? 

FLORA

AH-HAHAHAHAHA

Their echoes weave together to complete FLORA’s melody but this only makes her ooze with uneasiness. 

Who are you?!

Her shouts go unanswered as the figure just stands there, their head tilting at FLORA as if studying her. FLORA’s limbs fail to respond to her pleases to run. The shadow kneels to the dark ground and bows to her holding something in their hands. A black rose floats in her gaze and lands in her hair. A whisper grows from the petals.

SHADOW

Go. 

FLORA

What?

SHADOW

NOW! GOOOOO

An ear-piercing unnatural screech ruptures through the tunnel. Two long thin arms rise behind the shadow and slam onto the ground. A second unnatural thin skeleton of a shadow eclipses the light and inflicts FLORA with a sense of dread. Its screech burns FLORA’s eardrums as she bolts out of the tunnel. FLORA stumbles up the hill, the roaring filling FLORA’s ears with panic. She picks herself into a fumbling run as she spots WILHELM. 

FLORA

GO, NOW, NOW! GO! 

WILHELM flings FLORA onto his back and the two hastily bolt through the dead forest. FLORA throws her gaze over her shoulder to see the MONSTER. Its rooting bones dripped green ooze as it runs. Only two green dim flames light in its eyes sockets as it stares down FLORA. Her blood boiled through her veins hoping they outrun it. 

Faster! 

The creature’s lanky legs spring it through the air, and its claw hits FLORA off the saddle sending her tumbling into the ground. Its claw stretches and coils before pinning FLORA to the ground. Bones shoot out of its claw forming a second hand with a black dotted palm. The palm begins to glow a bright green light. FLORA’s limbs begin to go numb, her nerves slowly freezing into place. What is this monster doing to me? Teeth begin to grow out of the monster’s palm forming into a mouth about to consume FLORA whole. However, WILHELM rams right into the monster freeing FLORA and allowing her lungs to replenish her stolen energy. WILHELM pins the monster down with claws, biting and scratching to keep it down and away from FLORA. The monster's bones begin to expand, its height towering over WILHELM as it throws him to the ground. The black rose in FLORA's hair dims with white light. A whisper rolls in with the wind. 

VOICE

Aim for the palms.

FLORA takes a moment to collect herself and to make sure WILHELM is okay. She takes a breath and impulsively throws herself at the monster. It catches her immediately and hovers its palm over her face. FLORA smirks and a fully formed rose-themed sword rises out of her palm. her fingers wrap around the hilt as she drives the blade through the creature's palm. It lets out a screech of pain, and its rooting skin suddenly liquefies and spews all over FLORA’s face. It dissolves into a puddle of flesh and eyes that slowly leak into the ground before completely vanishing. FLORA pants, the green paste dripping into her mouth as she gags. 

FLORA

So disgusting!

FLORA wipes off her face and tosses the black rose away.

Let’s go home. 

The two of them ride off towards HOME as the rose flutters to the ground before landing on the dead earth. Black dagger nails shoot out of the ground, crushing the black rose before forming into a fist. 

EXT. THE THORN TOWER. LATER. 

WILHELM and FLORA ride towards a massive obelisk spire, THE THORN TOWER. FLORA knocks on the glass triggering an entrance for her. FLORA awkwardly takes the satchel from the saddle 

FLORA

Hey, you’re okay, right? 

WILHELM nods. FLORA awkwardly swayed not knowing what to say next. 

Cool, cool, that’s always nice. Um sorry you have to stay out here but I’m sure that monster is dead, so you’ll be fine. 

WILHELM sighs and just falls onto the ground in a passive-aggressive sleep. 

It’s not my fault! She doesn’t like animals! It’s not like I can do anything. 

WILHELM just gives her the silent treatment causing more guilt to bubble up in FLORA. She reaches her hand towards WILHELM but the gesture fizzles out. She enters the darkness, the door shutting her in a glass elevator. The elevator automatically ascends leaving FLORA gazing at four separate reflections of herself. FLORA gazes at the ground but she can’t escape the judgemental gazes from her own eyes. She tries to ignore it but how could she, she can feel herself sneering at the gap in her tooth or her freckled cheeks. The elevator stops, halting the anxiety as FLORA enters GODMOTHER’S MUSEUM OF MIRRORS. The GODMOTHER polishes off a mirror, her wrinkled hand trembling with every slow wipe of the glass. Her trembling lips grow into a smile upon seeing FLORA's entrance. She speaks in a soft trembling voice. 

GODMOTHER

Ah, Rosebud, my huntsman, returned from the latest scavenging with treasures no doubt. 

GODMOTHER notices the black goo staining FLORA’s hair and clothes. She laughs in her disgust. 

Looks like I’ll have to scavenge some new clothes for you. 

FLORA awkwardly chuckles. 

FLORA

Yeah, I just got attacked by a sludge monster, it’s fine but yeah I got treasures from the old world for you! 

She takes her pouch off of the saddle and opens it up. 

I found this book! Half of it was unreadable but some stuff survived! Look! 

FLORA flips to the princess page.

The picture, survived after all this time! I know there’s something good underneath all that dust. 

GODMOTHER’s pink-colored eyes scan the book, warmth slowly leaving her the more she gazes at the picture of the sleeping princess. 

GODMOTHER

Fairytales, huh? 

FLORA

Yeah! Um, my mom used to read them, I know they’re a bit childish but I think they deserve a place in your museum! 

GODMOTHER

And you got attacked by a monster just to scavenge this? 

FLORA cringes and tries to salvage GODMOTHER’s approval of her. 

FLORA 

Also for a comb and a pretty rose.

GODMOTHER’s eyes widen, she pauses for a second as her brain puts pieces together and nods. She swats the black rose out of her hand. 

GODMOTHER

Flora! Why did you bring dark magic in here?!

FLORA

What, no! It’s just a flower to lighten up your museum. It’s not evil!

The rose melts into the ground, sprouting into a vine coiling into the air, each thorn branching into a new rose vine. Rose petals flutter through the entire room. Each petal grows more roses before an entire forest of roses grows in the museum.

GODMOTHER

Looks can be deceiving, Rosebud and these flowers are Hollow Roses, plants filled with despair and grief. They suck the life out of the ground to grow, they’ll destroy my museum. 

FLORA

Oh my god, I’m so sorry! I was just trying to help-

GODMOTHER

I know, I know but luckily you have a magic sword, a bear, and persistence to help you on your quest.

FLORA

But there’s a monster out there-

GODMOTHER

Yes, the Hollow Hunter who just so happens to be the one who grows these flowers out of her despair. The only way to destroy these roses is to cut out the monster’s heart. 

FLORA

Huh, Right, ok, yeah I’m just not sure if I’m ready to fight a “Hollow Hunter.”  

 GODMOTHER

Ignore the fact that is all your fault. This is merely a stumble for you Flora. Whether you make this mistake a learning opportunity or a threat that consumes you, know this!

GODMOTHER takes the fairytale book from FLORA. 

What you need to succeed you won’t find in these worthless pages, you have all that you need here. 

GODMOTHER points to FLORA’s heart.

And I assure you when you conquer this trial. You’ll emerge a Woman! Strong and true! Fully blossomed as your perfect self. 

GODMOTHER’s words become stitched into FLORA’s brain as she nods.

FLORA

My perfect self. I won’t let you down. 

GODMOTHER nods before giving FLORA a hug that turns her unsure smile into a full-heart grin. FLORA heads to the elevator while GODMOTHER picks up the comb and walks to a mirror. She taps the decayed comb on the glass as a reflection of a perfectly refurbished comb appears in the glass. A grin blooms on her wrinkled cheeks from the perfection captured in the image. 

GODMOTHER

You better not let me down, sister. 

She crushes the comb in between her boney fingers and reduces it to dust.  

INSIDE THE ELEVATOR, FLORA gazes at her glaring reflections once more. 

ANXIOUS VOICE 1 

Nice going you destroyed our Godmother’s home, what a failure. 

ANXIOUS VOICE 2

She took you in and this is how you repay her. 

ANXIOUS VOICE 3

You’re not a hero, that Hollow Hunter will eat you alive!

FLORA inhales her anxieties and tries to fight her fears with reason. She summons her rose-themed sword.

FLORA

The sword will guide me and I will make it right! I’m not that shell of a person Godmother found in the waste! I’m Flora and I will destroy this evil! Whatever it takes! I will blossom! 

The elevator door opens, spooking WILHELM awake. FLORA tackles him with a hug and awkwardly hangs off the side of his body. 

FLORA

Ok Wilhelm so good news bad news, inadvertently brought an evil flower into the tower! But now I have a quest! A purpose! And if I succeed, Godmother will be forever grateful!

WILHELM raises an eyebrow. 

The quest is to find the source of the evil magic and cut out its heart. 

WILHELM grimaces at that statement. 

I mean it’s a little dangerous but we got each other? Right? Give me a nod. 

WILHELM rolls its eyes and walks towards the HOLLOW FOREST with storm clouds brewing above it. 

EXT. THE HOLLOW FOREST. LATER . 

A green flash of lightning flashes through the gray skies. The HOLLOW FOREST lies below, with no blades of grass, no stacks of leaves just dead trees, and an even deader earth. The winds grow cold the deeper you. Ruined Homes on the tops of trees, wrecked cars in trunks, broken streets, bridges wrapped in branches. Her gaze drifts back to her pale rosebud tattoo, she clenches her fist. She has no time for sightseeing, she has a mission to complete, and a GODMOTHER to save. FLORA’s gaze is frozen by the sight of the tree tunnel where FLORA met the shadow and the monster, her heart sinking through her chest. 

FLORA

Hey, this is where that monster attacked me but I’m sure it’s gone.

She gulps but the dark tunnel remains silent. Fear oozes through her veins as WILHELM's gaze fills with concern for FLORA. 

I’m fine!

The sword shimmers white as the black roses light up white revealing a path for them. 

Come on, Whilhelm! Heroes don’t let fear stop them. Follow the light.

WILHELM gulps for both of them and continues through the tunnel. Twilight rolls on allowing the darkness in the forest to rise. At night, the HOLLOW FOREST becomes full of shadows all bending and twisting as if something was moving but it’s just her anxious mind, right? There was a monster out there but GODMOTHER said it was fine, she’s fine. No monster, no echoing shadow, it’s fine. FLORA attempts to spark a fire with two sticks but honestly, she never understood how rubbing wood together was supposed to work. Her giggling trembles with the fear she refuses to admit. She opens WILHELM’s eyes. 

So it’s kinda dark, these sticks won’t work for me. So what if we try to find some shelter instead of staying out in the wilderness where anything terrible could happen to us? 

WILHELM puts his paw around FLORA and she immediately pushes him away. 

Hey, I’m not scared! I think it’s more efficient to be in a closed space than outside. 

WILHELM sighs. 

If only some shelter would magically appear-  

A black rose flutters in the wind drawing FLORA’s attention. She follows the rose to the peak of a hill. 

Hey, some shelter! 

At the bottom of the hill lies a dead tree carved in the shadow e of a castle. WILHELM takes one look at it and shakes their head. 

Evil?! It’s an empty building, it has no moral alignment! And besides four walls and a roof are safer than just sleeping in a wasteland outside. 

FLORA hikes down to the castle as WILHELM looks at her with pity and sighs. The darkness stares fear into FLORA insight a gulp from her but fear will not pierce her stubbornness. Her resolve becomes solid as she enters the darkness. The rose blade appears in her hand, the blade igniting as a light source. 

Hello!?

Her voice reverbs through the hallways before being reduced to silence. She turns back to WILHELM and shouts. 

See? it’s fine!

WILHELM groans at that line as FLORA just get a silent, dark hallway for a friend. She takes a step and a crushing sound echoes throughout the hall. FLORA kneels to discover a black rose growing out of the floor. FLORA’s eyes widen and carefully scans the environment. FLORA picks up the rose. These things are destroying her home and yet they still look so pretty. 

Huh, I wonder why they’re not hurting me? They are kind of pretty, can something beautiful be evil? 

Black roses begin to rapidly grow through the hallways, consuming the hallway as FLORA begins trapped in a bed of roses. Rose vines wrap around her limbs binding her to the wall. A GIRL in a white dress with red stripes and a white veil concealing her face steps out of the wall of roses. FLORA shakes her eyes to make sure she’s not hallucinating, she isn’t. 

No, no, please don’t kill me! You look beautiful! You can’t be evil! Please be good. 

The GIRL cocks her head in confusion. Her soft voice flickers with a hint of joy.

GIRL

You think I’m beautiful? 

The question completely throws FLORA for a loop. 

FLORA

Huh

EVIL VOICE

MIRROR! 

GIRL

oh right. I’m sorry.

the GIRL pulls out a hand mirror. 

Gaze into your reflection.

FLORA gazes at the mirror and watches her reflection fade into a skilled woman. In a flash of light FLORA sits in a glass room, every reflection staring her down. The FLORA reflections all move their hand and reach towards FLORA. The second their hands leave the mirror they dissolve into black ooze flooding the room and trapping FLORA in its thickness. A hand with glowing green eyes grabs FLORA’s forehead. FLORA tries to throw off the hand but can deep nails digging into her scalp. 

EVIL VOICE (V.O)

Shhh, hush now sweet princess. 

The hand forces her palm against FLORA’s mouth, she mumbles trying to breathe but struggling with ooze in her mouth. 

You had a good run but your time is up. Your world is gone, your family gone, why dance on a grave? You carry a heavy heart but sorrow and fear are easily forgotten when you surrender. Surrender…surrender. 

FLORA’s lungs struggle to extract air causing her to black out. FLORA phases in and out of consciousness, the damp ceiling of a cave is the only thing that registers to FLORA. Two indistinct voices echo around FLORA as a faint chuckle is heard. 

EVIL VOICE

Poor little rose princess. 

GIRL 

Perhaps, she could prove to be…fun? 

EVIL VOICE

Perhaps. 

EXT. PARADISE GARDEN-ROSEBED. SOMETIME LATER. 

The Dove’s choir calmly part FLORA’s eyelids open, to register she’s awake. She gasps and leaps up ready for action. Checking her body finding she's unharmed. 

FLORA

Ahhh! Was that a dream? Did that happen?

She covers the blinding golden light of the sun allowing her to notice she’s in a pristine forest. Emerald-green lush trees fill the area around her as doves sing a serene song that graces FLORA’s ears . Everything seems perfect except everything is frozen, even the dead trees of the HOLLOW FOREST moved to the wind’s command. But these trees don't, in fact though she can hear animals she doesn’t see any, no birds, just a pristine picture, color, and warmth but no life. FLORA sighs at how strange her day just keeps getting. 

Well, Flora, I guess this is purgatory. 

A soft humming melody weaves its way through the dove’s choir, not just any bird melody, it’s the distinct song of a HUMAN! She bolts towards the music.  

GIRL (Singing)

I’m wishing!

FLORA peaks through a bush to spot a girl with ebony curls, pale skin, and wrapped in a torn pale blue dress with gray patch marks along the hem. She sings into a well. 

GIRL (Singing)

I’m wishing!

The Well echos back, “I’m wishing.” The GIRL chuckles with delight though FLORA can detect a hint of sadness behind her brown eyes. 

GIRL (Singing)

For the one, I love to find me! (to find me) Today (Today) 

FLORA hides behind a bush in complete confusion as her eyes widen in shock. She gazes at the girls' brown irises. She has eyes like me. FLORA blushes. 

FLORA

An actual girl, wow okay Flora. You’ve dreamt of this and it’s finally happening! Your first girl! Just talk to her like a normal person! Oh, bust out the sword! Girls love swords!

GIRL 

Um, excuse me?

FLORA turns to see the girl’s pale cheeks and big brown eyes on her face. FLORA jumps back from being so close to a girl. 

Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to frighten you.

FLORA scoffs and masks her insecurity with a thin vale of confidence. 

FLORA

You didn’t frighten me. I’m just um, having a very insane day.

FLORA attempts to lean on a bush to look cool but only ends up falling to the ground like a complete dork. 

Ow.

FLORA rolls out of the leaves and replaces the vale with a mask of fleeting confidence. 

Anywho, who do I have the kindness in meeting? hehe.

SNOW

Snow and I feel so sorry for scaring the daylights out of you-

FLORA

Not scared.

SNOW offers her hand to SNOW as FLORA kindly moves it away and picks herself up. SNOW gazes at her hand, her eyes briefly flash with deep thought before shining with kindness.

SNOW

Alright, brave knight! I’m just a humble scullery maid who desperately needs your help with something.

FLORA

Ooooo! Yes! This is what I want! What do you need, dragon slaying? Evil bashing?

SNOW

You’re close! I need someone to sing my song.

FLORA

Seriously? 

SNOW

Here-

She hands FLORA a hand mirror with lyrics projected on the glass. Meaning is lost on FLORA as SNOW walks back to the well.  

just read the lyrics and I’ll start from the beginning. 

She sings into the well. 

Today! 

The well echoes the lyric back to SNOW however FLORA is still lost as to what is going on. FLORA just shrugs her trembling nerves and reads the lyrics on the mirror in a shaky singing voice. 

FLORA (Singing) 

TOOOODAYYYY! Now that I found you, hear what I have to sayyyy!

SNOW’s brown eyes dazzle FLORA into blushing which throws her singing off even more. She pushes the words out of her mouth. 

ONE SONG, I have but one song! Only for you! One heart tenderly beating! Ever entreating! Constant and true! 

The shadow spells: “One love! That has possessed me! One love! Thrilling me through!” The words steal the confidence out of FLORA’s voice. The blood begins to fuel a bright red blush blossoming through her brown cheeks. 

I’m sorry, I can’t sing this! 

The mirror burns bright with green letters.“ One love! That has possessed me! One love! Thrilling me through!” FLORA shakes her head, covering her blushing face with her hands. 

It’s too weird! I can’t!

A sigh echoes followed by a gentle touch enveloping FLORA’s hand. SNOW lowers her hand revealing FLORA’s burning pink face. SNOW’s face blooms into a soft grin, reflecting the sun’s golden afterglow. The gentle voice, the light, and the warmth in her eyes all collide into FLORA’s heart being littered with butterflies. 

SNOW

Hey. Your singing was simply divine. I’ve been working myself to death all day and it would just make my cares fade away if you could finish with a smile and a song. 

Her gentle finger pins a black rose into her hair. 

Please my rose.

FLORA gulps as she nervously chuckles, she straightens her hair out as she nervously chuckles.

FLORA (Singing)

One love! That has possessed me! One love! Thrilling me through! One heart tenderly beating! Constant and truuue! One love that has possessed me! One love only for you!

SNOW claps. 

SNOW

Marvelous, marvelous! 

She smiles and nods as her loving gaze melts into an analytical one. 

Your delivery was a little shaky but you got heart I can use.

FLORA

Excuse me? 

SNOW

Yes, let's discuss it back in my room. 

SNOW takes the mirror from FLORA’s hand. 

Mirror, mirror, room, please. 

The entire environment unravels in green flooding into the mirror. FLORA now stands in a decayed kids' room, spiders web filling to the brim as if no one cleaned this room in a century. FLORA walks back into a spider's web and leaps back, her face brimming with disgust. The mirror reveals SNOW’s actual appearance. Her skin was so pale it was almost blue, and her eyes were the color of pure white glass like lifeless marbles. 

That was my stage. Welcome to my room, my feminine scene partner.

FLORA collapses to the ground, panicking. 

FLORA 

Ahhhh! Who are you!? What happened!? Where’s the princess?

SNOW

Don’t worry, I’m still Snow. We were role-playing two characters falling in love. 

FLORA

How did you change your face?

SNOW

Wouldn’t you like to know hehe,

SNOW twirls her hand mirror as she accidentally swings it into her face.  

SNOW 

Anyways, I’m so excited to meet you! I think you and I have great chemistry, would you like to be scene partners with me? 

SNOW offers FLORA her hand FLORA ignores it and dusts the cobwebs off her.  

FLORA

Um, look, creepy girl-

SNOW

Again, it’s Snow. 

FLORA

Whatever, I’ve had a very long day and while being your entertainment is “ fun.” I have a quest and a friend I need to get back to. 

SNOW

A quest?! I love quests! Romance! Conflict! A happy ending! I live for these things! What’s the quest, princess? 

FLORA

First off, my name is Flora. I’m not a princess, secondly! I need to find an evil monster and cut its heart out to save my home! 

SNOW cringes. 

SNOW

Ewww how violent! That’s not right, you’re supposed to quest for love, not violence. 

FLORA

I don’t really care about love! What I care about is completing my transition! and when I return, my Godmother will declare me a true woman! 

SNOW

How does finishing a quest make you a woman? Oh, wait do you mean like in a character arc way?

FLORA

No, I’m not a fictional character! You know what I’m not going to discuss with you. Ok look, do you know anything about black roses?

SNOW

Hmm, black roses?

SNOW scratches her chin and gazes at her reflection and smiles. A black rose appears in the reflection and materializes in SNOW’s hair. SNOW presents the magic rose with a smile.

Tada!

FLORA

What? Wait you make the roses?

SNOW

Yup, not sure how but my mirror does what I want so I don’t question it. 

FLORA’s gaze only fills with confusion. 

FLORA
So you're the evil source of grief and despair that’s destroying my home. 

SNOW

Evil?! Despair?! That’s crazy, do I look like a villain who would do such evil things as destroy your home?

FLORA 

I mean I really don’t know at this point but can you stop making evil roses?

SNOW

They’re not evil! They’re beautiful and they go with my hair.

SNOW gazes at the black rose in FLORA’s messy curly brown hair. 

They really compliment your dark brown hair, my beautiful scene partner!

FLORA awkwardly blushes and holds her arms close to her. She groans. 

FLORA

I’m not your scene partner!
SNOW 

Oh, come on! I need someone to play the prince to my beautiful scullery maiden, you’d be perfect! 

FLORA

I’m literally not a prince!

SNOW

Well yeah not now but you’ll disappear into the role and become the prince! It’s called acting, just gotta turn off your brain, and with a little help from your scene partner-

SNOW aims the mirror at FLORA, her reflection is dressed in a bridge blue cowl, crimson cape, and a feathered cap. 

You’ll blossom!

FLORA grimaces and swipes the rose off her face as her clothes return to normal. FLORA slaps the mirror out of her hand as the illusion on FLORA breaks the moment

FLORA

I don’t want to be anything else! I AM ME SO STOP ASKING!

SNOW immediately collapses into a ball, covering her eyes, her entire body rattling. 

SNOW 

I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to upset you! Don’t punish me! Please! 

FLORA is taken aback by her extreme reaction, all that confidence SNOW just protected just evaporated from a single yell. FLORA picks up the mirror and dusts it off. 

FLORA

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you, I just don’t like to be referred to as a prince.

FLORA gently pats SNOW’s shoulder, she uncurls as FLORA hands her the mirror. SNOW gazes at her panting self. She gulps. 

SNOW

I’m sorry, Flora. I just wanted to have a little fun. I don’t meet people much so, a chance like you doesn’t come around often sorry if I came off too strong.

SNOW smiles as FLORA nod, crisis averted. 

FLORA

It’s ok, I get it, I don’t really meet people either so, you’re new for me too. I’ll try not to yell at you again. 

SNOW

Thank you, Flora.  

SNOW’s infectious smile immediately passes into FLORA, even though this girl is really strange it is nice to actually talk to another human being. SNOW’s smile only gets bigger as the black rose begins to fade white catching FLORA’s attention. 

A sudden knocking against the door echoes throughout SNOW’s room. Evaporating her warm gaze into one of pure terror.

Stepmother .

FLORA

 who?

SNOW 

My Queen! You have to hide please, she’ll kill you if she sees you!

FLORA

Pfft, I’m not scared of no stepmother! I’m sure I can take her. 

FLORA’s sword appears in her hand sending fear into SNOW who tries to shove FLORA into a closet. 

SNOW

No, no, no, nothing can beat her! 

FLORA

Trust me, I’ve fought some nasty-

SNOW

FLORA!

SNOW silences herself and catches her breath. She puts on a smile to hide her stress.  

Please, just let me handle it. 

FLORA

Um sure, fine. 

SNOW shuts FLORA into a closet. FLORA rolls her eyes at hiding like this. She gazes at SNOW through the cracks in the door. SNOW dusts herself off and stands in front of her bedroom door. The doorknob turns to allow a crack to open in the door letting in a presence that eats up every warmth throughout the room. Fear inflames FLORA as her eyes fearfully watch the door slowly open. SNOW stands before the darkness, a low wheezing sound echo from the black. SNOW gulps as STEPMOTHER slowly limp into SNOW’s room, the door shutting behind her. The woman is draped in a fancy black cloak with a bush of green feathers running at the collar all being completed by a red jewel that ties the cloak together. A decayed porcelain mask covers her face, cracks run through the fine white paint as it chips into flakes. SNOW’s eyes remain glued to the floor unable to gaze at the black pits of paint that are supposed to be eyes. The sight of SNOW trembling before this creepy woman twists FLORA’s stomach into knots. She doesn’t know SNOW so why is she reacting so strongly to SNOW’s stress? SNOW puts on a smile to mask her obvious terror.

SNOW

Stepmother! How wonderful to see you…what brings you to my room?

A deep sigh leaves the crimson-painted smile that freezes every pit of happiness and joy inside of her. Her finger caresses SNOW’s cheek leaving a black tar streak on her pale fair skin.

STEPMOTHER

Ahhh Mirror, Mirror. my body grows weak. I need food. 

SNOW nervously nods. 

SNOW

Oh, but I thought I already fed you. You said this was my time to play with my dolls! 

STEPMOTHER

I know I did but my hunger is torture! I need food!

She places a hand on her shoulder.

SNOW

I, um, want to help you, your majesty. But-

STEPMOTHER’s grip begins to tighten on SNOW’s shoulder making her smile flicker with pain. The sight of SNOW suffering makes FLORA’s veins boil with fury. If she can’t help strangers how is she supposed to save GODMOTHER? 

STEPMOTHER

You are my ward, when I need help, you help. Without complaint! 

SNOW
I know, I just I’m in the middle of a scene I like and I want to see where it goes.  

Black goo oozes out of the STEPMOTHER’s fingers the tighter she squeezes on SNOW’s shoulder. The distress snaps a vessel inside FLORA. Common sense leaves her as empathy alone fills her limbs and causes her to run out into the room. It doesn’t matter if I don’t know her, no one deserves to be treated like this. FLORA’s resolve becomes clear, her grip tightens on her rose hilt, and aims the blade at STEPMOTHER. 

FLORA

Get away from her! Villain!

FLORA gets in between SNOW and STEPMOTHER and swipes at the STEPMOTHER’s neck but she dodges just before FLORA’s blade can make contact. SNOW’s face sinks into complete shock and horror as she murmurs.

SNOW

Stop.

FLORA

Don’t worry! I’ll save you, princess! 

FLORA thrusts her blade into the STEPMOTHER’s black mask eyes but before FLORA blinks the STEPMOTHER’s hand is around her wrist and FLORA is trapped in her grip. Her fingers squeeze as FLORA immediately drops the blade and collapses to the ground. 

STEPMOTHER

Oh, Mirror. You need to keep your toys in order. 

With a flick of her wrist STEPMOTHER throws the sword out of FLORA’s hand and across the room. Silence strikes FLORA as SNOW covers her mouth in fear. STEPMOTHER grabs FLORA’s next and lifts her into the air, squirming. 

Perhaps, I will feast on your doll. 

SNOW

No, please! I’ll help you with anything! I’ll do whatever you say! just Spare her! Please

FLORA attempts to slap her wrist but the STEPMOTHER’s grip is too strong to break. SNOW collapses to the STEPMOTHER’s feet, her hands gripping her robe. 

I just…

She whispers. 

I need a friend. 

FLORA’s eyes widen at that statement but her focus is shattered as STEPMOTHER’s nails pierce into FLORA’s skin. The pain seizes her nerves freezing her limbs from getting out of the STEPMOTHER’s grip. Her gaze falls onto SNOW, tears running down her cheeks. She gazes into the teary diamond eyes of SNOW, and she smirks. How weird it would be if you were my first friend but I’m not going to have a friend if this evil woman doesn’t stop gouging her nails into my wrist! FLORA’s eyes widen as energy pushes against the pain boiling in her arm. Her rose tattoo shimmers red as light floods through the veins on her arms and forms into a glowing spear shooting out of her palm and right through the STEPMOTHER’s face causing her to collapse onto the floor. 

Stepmother! 

Instead of rushing to FLORA and tending to her wrist, she bolts to her STEPMOTHER. A monstrous growl emits from STEPMOTHER, her skin begins to bubble like boiling water, something inside of her cloak trying to break out. SNOW’s eyes widen. 

SNOW

Oh no, it’s acting up again. Here, Stepmother. 

SNOW takes the black rose from her hair and hands it to the STEPMOTHER. She immediately swipes out of her hand and clenches the rose in her fist before it vanishes from her hand. STEPMOTHER’s body begins to calm down and she releases a sigh of relief. 

STEPMOTHER

Thank you, for the snack. 

A happy grin stains SNOW’s face as she helps up STEPMOTHER. 

SNOW

Of course! I’m honored to help you.

STEPMOTHER

Flora was it?

STEPMOTHER cracks her neck with a cackle. The white porcelain drips with black goo stains as a faint green glow emits from the hole in her mask. 

You’re just full of surprises. 

STEPMOTHER spots FLORA’s pink rose tattoo and smirks. 

No wonder you’re one of Rose’s princesses. 

FLORA's eyes widen with confusion. 

FLORA

Rose?

STEPMOTHER

Yes, is she not your Godmother? You must not be close enough with her to know her names.

FLORA

How do you know Godmother?

STEPMOTHER

Like you, she was my…teacher you could say. Being a princess under her tutorage was simply life-changing. 

FLORA

Godmother’s never mentioned having other wards before me. 

STEPMOTHER

Well yes, she has her secrets like the rest of us which we can explore at dinner tonight, my treat. Snow, I trust you will be able to prepare our guest for this evening. 

SNOW

Of course, your majesty. 

STEPMOTHER

Excellent, I’ll call you when it’s time. 

STEPMOTHER exits through the door. SNOW sighs with relief and lets her body relax. She lightly slaps FLORA on the arm. 

FLORA

Owwww! What was that for?

SNOW 

I told you, I had it handled why would you risk yourself like that!? 

FLORA

She was hurting you! I couldn’t stand by to watch you in pain! 

SNOW

And now you’re in pain! Good thinking, Flora! Ugh, just next time, listen to me, and don’t be stupid. 

FLORA

Hey, I saved you didn’t I? Isn’t that what you wanted? For me to disappear into the role of the prince?

SNOW raises her finger to object but is silenced by FLORA’s smirk. SNOW groans. SNOW can’t but smile at FLORA’s annoying but accurate comment. 

SNOW

Touche.

CUT TO BLACK

Chapter Text

FLORA stares blankly at an image of a beautiful ball gown in a mirror and shakes her head and swipes left on the mirror. She swipes past another dress and another as SNOW watches in frustration.

SNOW

Ugh! Just pick one!

FLORA

It’s not my fault ballgowns are dumb! Besides, you’re the one who wants me to dress properly! 

SNOW

It’s called etiquette! And every princess needs to have that! 

FLORA

Ugh, see this is why I don’t want to be a princess! They are so shallow.  

FLORA's comment makes SNOW’s eyes twitch with frustration as she struggles to keep her smile stable.

SNOW

They aren’t! And my Stepmother expects proper etiquette for tonight, so PLEASE for my well-being! Pick a dress! Oh gosh!

SNOW lets out a deep sigh, fanning herself as she can feel any moment she’s about to snap from all this pressure. FLORA awkwardly sways, unsure of how to comfort SNOW.

FLORA

Hey, it’ll be ok! I’ll find one! Feminine things are just a little hard for me.

SNOW wipes her tears. 

SNOW 

No, it’s ok. I’m sorry, It’s my fault you got roped into this. I didn’t want to burden you with my family drama, I just…

FLORA

Wanted a scene partner?

SNOW

Yes, but I know you don’t want to be.

FLORA sighs. 

FLORA

I mean….If we survive the dinner, you could help me on my quest as my “scene partner?”

FLORA picks up the red rose that she shoed out of her hair. She gently caresses the petals. 

SNOW

Really?!

FLORA

Yes! But don’t call me a princess!

SNOW 

Ok fine, scene partner. 

SNOW’s smirk dissolves into giggling. SNOW’s infectious energy can’t but paint a smile over FLORA’s stoned frown. If the sun could smile it would smile like SNOW. Only a princess could have a grin so radiate it makes FLORA feel normal. The mirror responds to FLORA’s joy and shines a golden flare of light. Her clothes immediately become consumed in the light reforming into a bright yellow midi dress. Navy stems wrap over FLORA’s chest and weave navy flowers over her chest. 

SNOW

I swear I didn’t put that on your body-

FLORA

No, it’s ok.

A soft smile blossoms as FLORA takes in the way the collar hangs from her chest. The yellow complimented her brown skin, giving her body a nice warm silhouette.  FLORA a youthful glow making her brown skin glow. 

 I actually like it. 

SNOW

Oh cool. you look very…beautiful. 

FLORA

Thank you, Snow. 

SNOW blushes at complimenting FLORA in that gorgeous yellow dress. She nervously chuckles and takes the mirror out of FLORA’s hand.  

SNOW

Ok, let’s go to dinner! 

INT. THE ABANDONED HALLWAY. MOMENTS LATER. 

FLORA and SNOW walk down a decaying hall. SNOW nervously rubs her fingernails, her gaze locked onto the dead floor. FLORA awkwardly pats her back in an attempt to comfort her. 

FLORA

Hey um, it’ll be okay! I’m sure we can overpower your stepmother together! 

SNOW

Oh sure. I wish I knew what she was scheming with this game. 

FLORA

Probably something evil. 

SNOW

She’s not evil. 

FLORA

She oozes tar, Snow! If that doesn’t scream evil, I don’t know what does?! Like why stay with someone like that?! 

SNOW

Because that’s what princesses do! They help! And she's all the family I have left! She’s very sad about my Mother's passing and I need to help my Stepmother with her grief and her….condition. It’s my responsibility as princess.

The questionable logic quirks FLORA’s gaze into confusion but before she can respond the two of them arrive at a door with a flaming rose painted into it. 

We’re here. Oh, don’t look at the faces. 

FLORA

The What?

The door opens revealing a throneroom with a long table in the middle. The walls of the throne room are littered with STEPMOTHER’s faces ranging from animal masks to doll masks, to human faces. One of the eyes of the mask follows FLORA as she walks, She gulps. SNOW bows as SNOW gestures for FLORA to bow, and she does. STEPMOTHER unhooks her broken porcelain mask and places it on a wall. She hooks a clear glass mask to her face as the blue eyes inflame and she pops her glass lips with a sneer. She places her thorn crown on the table.

STEPMOTHER

Ahhh Flora, welcome to my throne room. Please take a seat. 

FLORA

Um, honored to be here, your majesty. 

STEPMOTHER

Ah, you’ve learned some manners. 

SNOW pushes out FLORA’s chair for her and pushes her back in.

FLORA

Thank you, Snow. 

SNOW

Of course.

A simple pleasantry gives SNOW the biggest smile in the world. The STEPMOTHER takes notice of this and studies them as the two sit down.

STEPMOTHER

Excellent work, Snow. You’re truly worthy of your mother’s name. 

SNOW’s smile blooms into a grin from the compliment. THE STEPMOTHER smirks at FLORA, the uneasiness only growing. 

Allow me to present your dinner, princess. 

FLORA nails dig into the hardwood table. STEPMOTHER snaps her fingers as two trays appear in a flash of light both serving bright crimson apples. 

Enjoy.

FLORA's eyes widen with confusion. 

FLORA

I didn’t think apples existed anymore!

SNOW

They’re my favorite!

STEPMOTHER's eyes SNOW for speaking as she eats her apple quietly. 

STEPMOTHER 

Here, we can enjoy all the luxuries of the old world such as fruit. A queen provides for her servants. I'm astonished that Godmother hasn’t provided you with these delicacies that make you feel so small.

FLORA

She provides more than you know, your majesty. 

STEPMOTHER cackles and shakes her head. 

STEPMOTHER

Oh, I know exactly what she provides.

STEPMOTHER sneer oozes discomfort into FLORA as STEPMOTHER breaks the discomfort with a chuckle. 

 Speaking of providing, Snow! Fetch my dinner.

SNOW walks over to bring STEPMOTHER a white dove trapped in a bird cage, trying to fly away. 

I’m surprised your precious Godmother would let you wander this far into the waste, alone. 

FLORA

My rose sword protects me just fine plus I have Wilhelm.

STEPMOTHER

A bear is hardly an admissible companionship. In the Waste, you never know what dangers lurk in the dark.

A green eye bursts open in STEPMOTHER’s wrinkly palm. Her wrinkly fingers wrap around the dove’s white feathers. Her cold breath insights panic into The squirming dove as well as SNOW adverts her gaze. Her fingers begin to close into a fist, the sounds of bones crushing and the dove screeching send FLORA flinching. The dove disappears into her closed fist as the STEPMOTHER moans and smacks her lips. She opens her fist as the green eye returns to a black dot on her palm. her finger melts into the dove’s head as it screeches before STEPMOTHER forcibly turns it back into a finger. FLORA eyes the STEPMOTHER and SNOW with horror. STEPMOTHER sighs with relief. 

Ah, delicious. 

The two girls tremble in their seats the horror of watching the STEPMOTHER somehow draining the life of a dove through her hand was just too disturbing and killed their appetite. The STEPMOTHER cackles at the silence. 

I know it must look cruel to watch me eat an animal like that but I assure you! In the old world, humans did this quite frequently. It’s quite natural to simply eat what's below you on the food chain. 

FLORA

You don’t look very natural. 

STEPMOTHER

Yes well, appearances can be deceiving, Princess. 

FLORA slams her hands on the table causing a jolt from SNOW. STEPMOTHER scoffs at FLORA’s outburst. 

FLORA

I AM NOT A PRINCESS!

A gaze of dread seeps into SNOW as she’s genuinely expecting STEPMOTHER to just kill FLORA on the spot for speaking to her in such a rude tone. The STEPMOTHER’s mask paints a kind understanding smile. 

STEPMOTHER

Snow. Could you please wait for Flora outside? I would like to discuss a… sensitive matter.

SNOW

Stepmother, please! Her emotions got the better of her! don’t punish-

STEPMOTHER raises a single finger as SNOW immediately shuts off her voice without fail. She nods and bows to STEPMOTHER then to FLORA then leaves. STEPMOTHER smiles and nods. 

STEPMOTHER

She’s so dutiful and carries every task without fail no matter how difficult. She embodies what I love about princesses, they make the impossible, possible. Now, why would you take something like that as an insult? 

FLORA’s eyes twitch with rage, her nails edging further and further into the wood. 

FLORA

I am not having this conversation with an evil queen like you. The only reason I’m here is because black roses are destroying our home. Make it stop! 

STEPMOTHER

The roses are dark magic, Godmother is no fool, she-

STEPMOTHER nods. 

Oh you snuck them inside her tower, didn’t you? So that’s what this is? A last-ditch attempt to make her care about you? Pathetic.

FLORA

Shut up. 

STEPMOTHER 

Lucky for you, I’m generous and I can help as I’m sure you’ve deduced, Snow is the source of the Hollow Roses. 

FLORA

She said she doesn’t know how she makes them. 

STEPMOTHER 

That’s because it’s subconscious. The roses are manifestations of her grief and despair. Poor Snow never really dealt with the loss of her mother. And so the roses grow and continue to poison everything around them but luckily there is a solution….True Love’s kiss. 

FLORA

WHAT?!

STEPMOTHER

One kiss and those black roses will become as pure as an angel. 

FLORA
That is utterly ridiculous! I can’t give her true love’s kiss if I just met her! That doesn’t even make any sense! True love doesn't fix your mother dying.

STEPMOTHER 

Well, it’s either true love’s kiss or you kill her. Either way, both will end her suffering.

FLORA

Why should I believe you?

STEPMOTHER

don’t believe me? Fine. It’s not like you have anything to lose if you’re wrong.

The STEPMOTHER’s smirk sends FLORA’s brain boiling with anger, this evil woman is such a bitch. 

How important is pleasing your Godmother to you, I wonder? Is it worth a life? Ah, love such a mystery that makes you do the most insane things. 

FLORA

If you know all this, how come you haven’t tried to break “her grief curse” with “true love.”

STEPMOTHER

Oh, I assure you! I put everything into love and this is the result.

STEPMOTHER gestures to her crumbling, oozing body. 

FLORA

Are you saying it’s Snow's fault that you look like the devil?

STEPMOTHER

I’m saying that love may be a beautiful rose but its thorns can deliver quite the poison if you don’t handle it carefully. Killing her would be a much easier solution. 

FLORA stands up and inhales to bury her rage. 

FLORA

ENOUGH! I know you’re lying and even though I don’t understand anything! I am not going to kill Snow to save my home! I know I can save my home and save Snow from YOU! Somehow?

STEPMOTHER 

Do please “save” my mirror from me, princess. But you’ll find that Snow would rather cut her own heart out than leave me. SNOW!

SNOW enters back immediately almost as if listening into the entire conversation. 

You can take your friend to your room and play with her for as long as you want. 

SNOW

Really!? Thank you, your majesty!

STEPMOTHER 

Have fun you two.

The two exit leaving STEPMOTHER cackling. She catches her breath and scoffs. 

Ha! What a fool. Snow’s perfect.

STEPMOTHER gazes at a ripped portrait of two girls sitting on a fountain. One red hair girl with pigtails looked smug, the other a younger blonde girl with a soft smile and a doll in her hand. The sound of children playfully laughing echoes in the mind of the STEPMOTHER. Whatever memory or feeling this painting brings up only fills the STEPMOTHER with rage. Her talon nails dig into her the flesh of her palms. As the dead eyes of her mask stare blankly at the painting. 

INT. SNOW’S WEBBED ROOM. MOMENTS LATER.

FLORA and SNOW sit on opposite ends of her room. The dinner remained fresh in both of her minds. The STEPMOTHER’s words ring in FLORA’s ear. She loathes her brain for even entertaining the foolish notion of that horrid woman SNOW calls a STEPMOTHER. But FLORA can’t deny it apart of her did believe but even if she did, how is FLORA supposed to get SNOW to fall in love with her? What does true love even mean? If that’s not possible then….A grimace melts on FLORA’s face. No, she’s just an innocent cursed girl. But what about her home? The rosebud brand on her wrist responds with a red flicker. A clean crimson knife materializes in her hand primed for carving. She gasps and drops the blade. SNOW’s pale gaze glares at the blade. She walks over and picks up the knife, calmly twirling the blade and gazing at her red reflection. 

SNOW

Are you magical or human?

FLORA

I’m a human, but this tattoo is magical. My Godmother gave me this to keep me safe and it keeps my body how I want it. Sometimes I wonder if the magic is me or if I’m becoming magic. 

FLORA scoffs at the absurdity of the conversation. 

Sounds crazy, right? 

SNOW sits beside her, carefully running her finger over the blade. 

SNOW

I understand. 

SNOW holds the knife in one hand and the magic mirror in another. 

This mirror shows me images of the old world. Nature, stars, a blue sky. With its magic, I have control, over my environment, animals, and even my face, and my…eyes.

SNOW spots the bags under her pale eyes in the knife’s reflection. With a slow caress, her fingers absorb the repressed stress that caused her fair skin to wrinkle. Her smile begins to waver as she drops the mirror onto the ground.

But no matter how much I change I still feel…hollow. I wish I knew why but I don’t. I don’t know what I’m missing, Flora. I wish I could see my reflection. 

FLORA’s eyes widen with complete understanding. Never has she related so much with the words another person spoke.

FLORA

I know exactly how you feel. I don’t know which reflection I’m supposed to be. 

A difficult truth flies off her chest allowing a deep sigh to leave FLORA.

You know even though my home is being destroyed…I almost feel relieved like if everything is gone then I can start fresh, clean slate! new me! try again with another reflection! Ugh, I sound so crazy. 

SNOW

You don’t. 

FLORA

I can’t believe I failed again.

SNOW

Who says you have to fail?

FLORA

I….don’t think Im strong enough to do what I need to save my home. 

SNOW gulps. A deep sigh leaves her as she masks herself with a smile. 

SNOW

I think you are. You stood up to Stepmother despite how scary she can be. How I wish I could emulate that. 

FLORA blushes at the compliment. SNOW wipes her tears and makes her peace. She offers the hilt with the blade pointed at herself. FLORA gasps at what SNOW is implying.  

My only request is that you don’t forget about me when you write your heroic tale, ok? 

A smile grows as a tear runs down her face. Words escape FLORA at SNOW’s offer. The meaning sets into FLORA, she takes the blade, confused, bewildered. Is SNOW seriously giving me her permission to kill her? A single glance at the blade’s reflection, painting her face red is all she needs. She throws the blade away as it vanishes. 

FLORA

Snow! How could you!

SNOW flinches at FLORA’s yell.

I mean how could you care so little about writing your own story? 

FLORA laughs off the seriousness of what just happened and stumbles through her words. 

Only you can write your story, Snow. So let me help you write it Um, Scene Partner! 

SNOW quirks her face. 

SNOW 

Are you messing with me?

FLORA

Oh no, I take being scene partners very seriously! So come on, what’s your story, Snow? 

FLORA steals SNOW’s voice with her blunt questions. 

SNOW

Uhhhh, aren’t you worried about your home? my Stepmother said-

FLORA

oh, Forget her! Forget your hollow magic and reflections! And just imagine a story that’s you, 

SNOW nervously blushes. 

SNOW

I mean, you’d laugh at me. 

FLORA

I promise I won’t! 

SNOW sighs and gives herself to FLORA’s newfound desire to roleplay. 

SNOW 

Fine. It follows a scullery maiden, who belongs to a princess. She works day and night for her master but she longs for levity and one day on the eve of the ball, she impulsively steals her master’s dress, just to experience a night of freedom…

Her pale cheeks shine red. 

Of love. And as fate would have it she meets a beautiful…um princess from a faraway land. And the two dance and for that brief moment everything goes away and she’s just… a princess. It’s my favorite story. Never gets old.  

FLORA

That was beautiful, Snow. It reminds me of those fairytales my mother used to read me when I was a girl.

The tenderness of those memories curves her brown lips into a soft smile. 

 The princesses were so beautiful! Ugh, I was so jealous, I would’ve killed to be just like them. 

SNOW

Really?! And here I thought you were all about being a strong independent woman?

FLORA

Pfft shut up, I am very strong and very independent and very womanly! I just grew out of it. They’re still dumb but I mean if you really like them, we could entertain the scene, together? if you want. We could rehearse the ballroom dance scene but no magic! Just us! 

SNOW’s mouth drops at that question leaving FLORA’s blattering mouth. 

SNOW

Are you serious?!

FLORA’s limbs answer the question by standing up and offering her trembling hand to SNOW. FLORA’s face melts with nervous blushing, what am I doing? Why can’t I stop?! Damn it, FLORA oh well commit. She blurts out. 

FLORA

YES! I’m…very serious, Princess.

SNOW

Why are you doing this for me? 

FLORA picks up a black rose and places it in SNOW’s ebony hair and smiles. 

FLORA

Can’t kindness just be for kindness' sake? Now come on! get into character. 

SNOW gets up with a chuckle as she expects FLORA to make the first move. FLORA eyes her frozen limbs, where do hands and feet go to create movement? SNOW spots her overthinking and smirks.

SNOW

You don’t know how to dance, do you?

FLORA cringes, she plays off her inexperience with a shrug.

FLORA
I might’ve not thought this through. 

SNOW

You’re charming, Princess. Well, allow me to educate you.

SNOW guides FLORA’s hand to rest on the base of her hip.

 First, place your hand on my hip, not too low!  

That joke nearly makes FLORA explode with nervousness. Their hands entwine outwards as SNOW's fingers rest on FLORA’s forearm. The two slowly begin to sway around the cramped bedroom. FLORA’s nervous gaze darts in between her moving legs, her hands being in the right places and SNOW’s gorgeous smile, her gaze only sniping her confidence into pieces. How is SNOW doing this? 

FLORA

Um, apologies for my rough dancing. Ummmm, This is my first Princess ball.

SNOW

You’re doing lovely. This is my first princess ball as well.

FLORA

Ahh yes, well makes sense for you since you’re a scullery maiden.

SNOW playfully scoffs.

SNOW

Oh! my! How do you know my dark secret?

FLORA

Oh, trust me, I know the eyes of someone being burdened by a dark secret. I promise to keep it safe, but ONLY if you do me the kindness of telling me your name. 

SNOW’s smile only gets bigger the more FLORA commits to the role of “the princess.”

SNOW

My name is…Rosalyn. And what of you? Bestow me your name oh sweet princess.

FLORA

Uhhhh…shoot. My name is….Dawn? Aurora? No! Twilight! Yes, I’m her majesty, Princess Twilight the third! It’s a privilege to meet you, my dear Rosalyn. 

SNOW

As it is with you. 

FLORA

So how does a scullery maiden end up in a high fancy place like this? 

SNOW

Oh, it’s not very interesting. A fairy godmother cast a spell that made me a princess but sadly the spell only lasts for an evening. Tomorrow, I’ll return as a scullery maid and life will return to normal. 

SNOW’s reality with the STEPMOTHER melts the tenderness of her fantasy with FLORA. 

FLORA
Time-sensitive magic is ridiculous well luckily for you! My grace! Princess Twilight has magic of her own! She’ll make you into a princess for as long as you want! 

FLORA’s bluntness gets a laugh out of SNOW.

SNOW

I appreciate the sentiment but…not even a beautiful princess such as yourself could have magic like that.

FLORA 

Well, luckily you have magic of your own, Rosalyn! So combined that with mine and we can easily make your spell permanent. 

FLORA slowly twirls SNOW, causing her smile to grow into a grin.

And everyone knows that magic is powered by believing! And I believe that if you want to be something then you can make yourself into it!

FLORA eases SNOW into a dip, their faces just inches apart, the distance leaving SNOW in silence and FLORA in control. Finally got my confidence in order! 

If you wanna stay a princess Rosalyn then be a princess! I believe in your magic. 

With every breath that caresses SNOW’s cheeks a bright red hue rises. The sentiment warms SNOW’s heart too much beyond her liking. She laughs off this uneasy feeling that FLORA’s romantic gesture is spurring. 

SNOW

 I don’t understand. I’m a stranger to you, why do you say these kind words?

The thought flickers in both of their heads: is this part of the roleplay or is this real? FLORA’s brain falters for a moment. Why is she saying these words? It was supposed to be acting but whatever she was drawing on was deep, deeper than she realized, What is SNOW awakening in her? The answer illudes her but she honestly doesn’t care, all FLORA knows is that she connects with SNOW. Somehow though it makes no sense, she is a stranger but those dazzling moons SNOW has for eyes just make FLORA feel seen. I see my reflection. FLORA shrugs. 

FLORA

I’m a princess. It’s what we do. 

Their breaths begin to harmonize, their gazes fall onto both of their lips. FLORA powers through the nervousness surging through her limbs, I got this, go in for the kiss, it’s not that hard. FLORA leans closer as SNOW shuts her eyes, she can’t bear to watch. Is she really doing this, this is how the story in her head goes. A soft embrace graces both their lips, and FLORA leans out dazzled by SNOW’s white eyes sparkling like diamonds. SNOW lost in thought, a kiss, a real kiss. The black rose in SNOW’s hair begins to wilt catching FLORA’s gaze. 

Is true love’s kiss breaking your curse?

SNOW snaps back to reality. 

SNOW

My what?

SNOW pushes FLORA away, her pale eyes glaring with suspicion. She notices the black petals on the ground and eyes at FLORA. 

Are you kissing me to save your home?

FLORA cringes. 

FLORA
I mean….not exactly? 

SNOW

Ugh! Flora! How could you just-

Tears form in her eyes.

Of course! You were just using me! I’m so stupid for actually believing someone cared about me.

FLORA

I do! I’m trying to save my home! I’m in a difficult situation, ok?! I am not a bad person for wanting to fix a situation you caused! 

SNOW

How is it my fault?! I didn’t even know you existed until today! And my roses aren’t evil! I AM NOT EVIL!

FLORA

I know but it’s your curse, right? The trauma from your mother and your stepmother.

SNOW

How dare you presume my life! 

FLORA

It’s not your fault between your mom dying and your evil stepmother! Anyone would develop a trauma curse, trust me I’ve been there!

SNOW

You have no right to judge! You know nothing! Nothing of my family! Nothing about my responsibility! I will not be demeaned by a two-faced liar like you!

FLORA

Well, I don’t need to be lectured by a child in denial who's stuck in fantasy land. 

SNOW

Fantasy land?! This isn’t a fantasy, Flora! It’s, ugh. This is all I have and you just! Throw it back to me LIKE I MEAN NOTHING! 

SNOW grabs the mirror off her bed and throws it at FLORA who ducks as it flies over her head. The mirror shatters on the wall and stains the wall with a massive blot of black goo. The drops drip and begin to create fractures in the floor. The entire room begins to violently shake. 

FLORA

What did you do?

SNOW

I don’t know! this isn’t me! 

The collapsing floor forces SNOW down as the ground gives way and she plummets into an abyss. 

FLORA

Snow!

FLORA takes a moment to breathe before leaping in after her in the darkness.

CUT TO BLACK

END OF PART 2 MORE COMING SOON! IF YOU ENJOY IT PLEASE LEAVE A KUDOS AND COMMENT AND HAVE A LOVELY DAY! ;)

Chapter Text

INT. THE QUEEN’S CATACOMBS. A FEW MOMENTS LATER. 

SNOW and FLORA smash through a ceiling, tumbling into a mountain of bones, broken mirrors, and decayed swords with rose hilts. They reach the end of the garbage mountain. FLORA dusts her aching limbs off.  

FLORA

Ow!

She looks over to see SNOW knocked out. 

Snow! Wake up! Snow! 

She smacks her face as she wakes up with a searing pain in her head. 

SNOW

Owch, what happened?

FLORA

I think your scream cracked your floor. 

SNOW

Are you going to blame everything on me?

FLORA

I wasn’t blaming you, I was, whatever.

She holds out her hand to SNOW as SNOW slaps it away. 

SNOW

You didn’t have to jump after me! 

FLORA

I wanted to-

SNOW

Don’t say “save me!” I have had enough of your hero garbage today!

FLORA 

Look I know you’re mad but we should try to stick together to get out wherever here is. 

A crinkling under SNOW’s foot draws her attention, it's her broken mirror. Her gaze fills with sadness before she notices green goo leaking out. A twinge of fear sparks through as she drops the mirror handle. Guilt oozes out of her trembling hand. SNOW’s hand rattles as she clenches her fist. She exhales as she takes the wilting rose out of her hair. Her gaze fills with disgust and rests on the rose's thorns. 

SNOW

I think it’d be best if you stayed clear of the cursed maiden. 

FLORA

I wasn’t trying to upset you!

SNOW

Oh well, that fixes everything then! What’s done is done! I don’t, I’m not allowed to open myself up to actual people! And I thought….I thought I was safe with you. 

SNOW closes herself off and sighs.

What am I doing? Expressing this much emotion is so unbecoming.

FLORA

No, no! It isn’t! Uh, Even when covered in snot and tears, your beauty and grace shine through. 

SNOW

See? I can’t tell if you mean it or if you’re just trying to get me to forgive you.

FLORA

I wish I knew too. I’ve never been good with feelings or people. The only friend I have is a bear and I’m not even sure if he likes me. I think he only puts up with me because I saved him when he was a cub. Helping is all I’m good at but I can’t even get that right. I’m sorry, Snow.

That sentiment of only knowing how to help resonates through SNOW’s anger. She sighs. 

SNOW

I’m sorry I yelled and said mean things to you. 

FLORA

So you’re not mad at me?

SNOW

Let's find a way out of my stepmother’s basement.

SNOW places the stem back in the hair. A speck of white grows on the green stem. FLORA nervously follows SNOW as behind them the black goo slithers around the mirror handle before forming into fingers that clench into a black fist. The two walk together with FLORA sticking very close to SNOW.

FLORA

So why does your Stepmother have a creepy basement?

SNOW

Uhh, I don’t know, she likes to hoard? 

A chuckle echoes through the ruins. 

Did you hear that?

Cracking echoes around as the two hear something moving through the trash piles. The laughter echoes again. 

FLORA

Ok, that’s creepy. 

A rumbling through the ground alerts them as WILHELM leaps from a garbage pile and tackles FLORA. FLORA can barely process everything with all the bear saliva in her face. 

FLORA

Ah Wilhelm, how did you find me!! Ugh gross.

SNOW

I assume this is your bear friend?

FLORA

Yes, Wilhelm, this is Snow. Snow, Wilhelm. 

WILHELM gazes suspiciously at SNOW who adverts her gaze.

He doesn’t bite. 

SNOW

I’ll just take your word for it. 

WILHELM growls. 

FLORA

Oh, you found a way out of here. Well, let's get to it!

WILHELM picks up FLORA and throws her onto his back. FLORA offers her hand as SNOW’s puzzled gaze stares between FLORA and this giant creature. 

SNOW

I think I’ll just walk.

FLORA

Snow-

SNOW

It’s fine.

SNOW walks ahead as FLORA sighs. I haven’t fixed everything. 

LATER.

FLORA’s bewildered gaze studies SNOW walking ahead of them. She scratches her chin, this is a pretty deep hole they’ve dug both metaphorically and literally. FLORA’s brain can only do so much if only there was a third party to talk to. FLORA just remembered she’s riding a bear. An eager grin grows from that idea. 

FLORA

Hey Wilhelm, I need your help. 

WILHELM responds with a sarcastic growl and an eye roll. FLORA sighs. 

Yes, I promise I’ll listen. Ok so kind of botched things up with Snow with a kiss and I apologized but I can still tell she’s a little sour about it. How do I fix it?

WILHELM’s answer troubles FLORA.

Be Patient?! We don’t have time to wait for forgiveness! Hmmm, maybe a gift? An apology present! Yeah, but what would she want? She likes princesses, dancing? Fairytales.

WILHELM sighs and growls. 

Check the satchel?

FLORA reaches in and pulls out the decayed princess book.

You’re so smart! You’re seriously my best friend, I’m not even kidding!

FLORA wraps her arms around WILHELM’s back smiling at him. She leaps off of WILHELM and runs in front of SNOW. 

Hey, Snow remember when we were talking about our stories?

SNOW

Uh sure?

FLORA

Well, I want to show you a part of my story!

FLORA eagerly shows her the decayed book. 

SNOW

What is this?

FLORA

It’s a fairytale book-

SNOW

Is this a bribe?

FLORA

No well sort of but just hear me out! 

FLORA inhales and takes a moment to collect herself. 

This is something I was, um, embarrassed about until I met you. But my mother used to read these stories to me and they made me feel so seen, it was honestly life-changing and I hope I can give that to you. Here. 

SNOW takes the book and flips through the pages. She gazes at the decayed picture of the princess sitting at a water fountain. 

SNOW

Huh. 

ONE PRODUCTIVE BOOK READING LATER.

A grin remains frozen on SNOW’s face. Her eyes combing through every page.

SNOW

Wow, this story is incredible! I mean only about half of it is legible. But I love the story! The ball! These gnomes-

FLORA

Dwarves.

SNOW

Dwarves. Although the only thing I’m confused about is where is the true love’s kiss?

FLORA

What do you mean? It’s at the end. 

SNOW

It’s not, the prince just takes her corpse from the gnomes and accidentally wakes her up, I mean it’s just not very romantic,

The two flip through the book. 

FLORA

Huh, I could’ve sworn this princess story had true love’s kiss in it.

SNOW

Yeah, it looks like the two marry and then make the queen dance in red hot iron shoes. Ewww how violent. 

FLORA

Well Princess Rosalyn, luckily I believe you can write your own ending. 

SNOW

You’re right! Thank you, princess. Hmmm, well obviously add true love’s kiss but now that she’s awake and they’re together, how to finish it off?

An idea blooms FLORA’s head causing her to blush with embarrassment. SNOW smirks. 

What?

FLORA

I mean it’s not a princess story without a song.

SNOW

Got a song in mind?

FLORA blushes brighter. 

Come on Flora, get out with it?

FLORA

No, you’ll just ask me to sing it. 

SNOW

Oh, so you actually like to sing too?

FLORA

Damn it. 

SNOW

And here I thought I was the mysterious siren. 

SNOW’s finger lightly entwines FLORA’s collar, she leans in close and hovers over FLORA’s blushing lips. She carefully places the wilted rose stem in FLORA’s hair. The more FLORA blushes the more the rose grows back.

Oh, won’t you please bestow your sweet serenade upon this humble maiden?

SNOW places the wilted rose stem in FLORA’s hair. As FLORA blushes, a white petal grows from the tip of the stem. 

FLORA

Just for you Rosalyn. 

WILHELM's eyes widen upon the prospect of FLORA singing. FLORA’s sigh of defeat turns into a soft melody. 

FLORA (singing) 

Someday my prince will come!

SNOW’s eyes widen at the lyrics. 

 Someday we'll meet again! And away to his castle, we'll go! To be happy forever I know. Som-

SNOW ( singing)

Somewhere waiting for me! There is someone I'm longing to see! Someone I simply can't help but adore. Someone who'll thrill me forever!

FLORA

I’ve never heard that version of the song before. 

SNOW

I like to take creative liberties.

FLORA chuckles. 

FLORA

I like that about you.

A soft smile blooms from SNOW. 

SNOW

and I appreciate you sharing your voice with me. 

She wraps her arms around FLORA and the two begin to sway to each other’s harmonies. 

FLORA (singing)

Someday when spring is here! 

SNOW (singing)

Someday I will find the one-

FLORA (singing)

We’ll find our love anew! 

The dead rose in FLORA’s hair replenishes with saturated white petals. 

SNOW and FLORA (V.O. Singing) 

Someday! When our dreams come trueeeeee!

FLORA’s eyes sparkle like dazzling stones that mesmerize SNOW and spark a realization in her. 

SNOW

Maybe you’re the one I’ve been dreaming of. 

FLORA
Even though I messed up our first kiss? 

SNOW
Maybe we can change it?

Their hands entwine. Their gazes meet as FLORA calmly exhales her stress. She nods, determined to get this right as the two lean in for their true love’s kiss. Suspense blitzes their hearts, will it be good? Will I mess it up, I can’t mess it up, she’ll hate me if I do. A child’s laughter echoes through the CATACOMBS completely evaporating the romantic vibe to ash.  

There’s that sound again. 

FLORA panics trying to restore the vibe so they can resume the kiss.  

FLORA

Uhhh probably the wind? Snow?

The laughter draws SNOW into a pile of broken portraits. The same family in every portrait: a little girl with black hair, the STEPMOTHER, and older women with pink eyes. 

SNOW

Hello?

A child in a clown mask bursts through the head of the portrait. SNOW falls back as the child cackles. 

FLORA

Who is that?

SNOW

I…I don’t know. 

The child keels over, laughing, tears running out of her red glass eyes. FLORA cautiously tries to help up the laughing child only for the child to draw a broken sword with a rose hilt. 

FLORA

Hey, that’s a rose hilt, it’s…just like my sword. But Godmother said my sword is unique.

FLORA gazes at SNOW who gulps at the question and just shrugs it off. The child laughing only gets louder as FLORA. FLORA grabs the child’s arms and yells. 

Where did you get this sword!?

The child’s mindless cackling is the only response as the child points to SNOW. SNOW freezes as FLORA become bewildered. Black goo runs out of the eyes of the clown mask. FLORA’s eyes widen with horror at the tar staining her fingers. The child takes off the clown mask as the bones in her body snap and twist, devolving into a pile of flesh. Skeleton fingers pull out a mirror mask as the pile of flesh condenses into the STEPMOTHER. She places the clown mask in her cape pocket. She lets out a sigh of relief and then a chortle. SNOW’s body trembles and her smile sinks into absolute terror.

STEPMOTHER 

The laughing was too painful in that constraining mask. Forgive me for barging in but I had to see if your white rose could actually get you to fall in love with her. What an amusing performance it was.

FLORA pulls SNOW back behind a growling WILHELM. 

FLORA

Kill her Wilhelm!

WILHELM stands on their legs and bears their claws about to slash an unfazed STEPMOTHER. STEPMOTHER’s hand stretches into a tentacle and grabs SNOW’s wrist pulling her away from FLORA. Her finger sharpens into a dagger that presses against SNOW’s chin. Her eyes trembling at the smirk on her STEPMOTHER’s face. 

STEPMOTHER 

Ah, ah, move and I’ll skewer your precious princess. 

FLORA and WILHELM back down. The smile of the STEPMOTHER gets bigger. She places her hand on the ground as flesh tentacles appear binding WILHELM and FLORA to the ground. 

SNOW

Don’t hurt her, Stepmother! 

STEPMOTHER 

Me? Snow I’m only defending myself, defending us. She tried to sick her wild animal on me, how barbaric. Hmmm, I thought I hunted down all mammals, oh well. Two more faces to add to my collection. 

Her fingers bubble into flesh daggers raising them at FLORA and WILHELM. SNOW stands in front of them. 

SNOW

You promised you’d spare them for me. 

STEPMOTHER

Did you really think I would let you play with them all day? Prey is prey, mirror. I make no exceptions.

FLORA

Play with us? Snow, what is she talking about?

SNOW

I…

STEPMOTHER 

You haven’t figured it out yet, have you? How dense you must be. Here allow me to illuminate.

STEPMOTHER removes her mask revealing her horrid face to FLORA. Black cracks stain her face as if she was a cracked marble sculpture dipped in tar. Rotting flesh had made its home in her nasal cavity making a black upside-down heart, the flesh seems to move in the cavity the more you look at it. Two green embers light up in her rotting flesh covering her eye sockets. Her sigh of relief inflicts fear into the girls. FLORA gasps with realization.  

FLORA

You were that monster that attacked me in the woods.

STEPMOTHER

Yes, I am. “The Hollow hunter” as I assume your Godmother called me when she sent you on a “quest” to save her home. 

FLORA

How do you know that?

STEPMOTHER

Because that’s what happens to all of her princesses who don’t meet my sister’s standards. They become my food, my trophies. 

FLORA

Sisters!? No, no, you’re lying.

STEPMOTHER 

I assure you that hunting humans are a family affair, right Mirror?

A grin oozes from the STEPMOTHER as her eyes at SNOW. FLORA’s eyes widened.

FLORA

Don’t tell me you’re a part of this too. 

SNOW

Flora, I-

STEPMOTHER 

Oh, she is! 

She grabs SNOW’s cheeks in between her finger. The STEPMOTHER’s grin only gets bigger the more she watches the hope drain from FLORA’s eyes.

My perfect little huntsman. Every predator has its special way of hunting. A mantis disguises itself like a flower, an angler fish uses light to lure and Snow well she’s my perfect bait. A perfect innocent helpless girl singing longingly her heart's desire 

FLORA remembers the shadow echoing to her in the forest. 

They never see it coming. 

FLORA

It was you. You were helping her hunt me!? 

SNOW

I mean yes outside but when we’re harmonizing in that tunnel! And then as I was cornering you in the hallway you said I was beautiful and I just knew we were meant to be! She gave me her word that you would be safe! And that we could play together forever! Two princesses in love! A happily ever after! 

FLORA just shakes her head at a desperate SNOW. The love leaves her brown eyes breaking SNOW’s heart. 

I just wanted to be loved. 

She collapses sobbing. STEPMOTHER rolls her eyes. 

STEPMOTHER

Oh, mirror! Love from this creature will only dull your image. She only sees you as a damsel to be saved. Your love would’ve become if not pruned. So you’re welcome.

SNOW

What are you talking about!? Do you like to see me suffer? I do everything you ask and yet you treat me so terribly! I don’t understand, what did I do to you!? Why don’t you love me? 

STEPMOTHER

How could you say something like that? Of course, I love you, mirror.

STEPMOTHER pulls SNOW into a hug, her hand gently patting SNOW’s back. The most affection the STEPMOTHER has ever shown brings SNOW to tears, her body trembling with fear.

You are my heart. The perfect Snow White I always dreamed of creating.

SNOW’s gaze becomes puzzled.

SNOW

Creating? 

STEPMOTHER carefully holds SNOW’s chin, their gazes unbroken as STEPMOTHER reveals the truth. 

STEPMOTHER 

Yes, you are the crown jewel of all Snow White I created over the centuries. Time and time again I tried to make a being worthy of that name but they couldn’t see me, they just saw a monster and well they had to be pruned. 

SNOW

Pruned? Wait, what do you do to my mother? you said my roses killed her, was that just a lie? 

STEPMOTHER

They were simply stories, Mirror. To mold you into a more interesting and obedient servant and it worked. You are the princess I’ve always hoped for. My Snow White. You don’t need a mother or love or anything, that’s why you’re so perfect.

SNOW collapses onto the ground, her fingers tightening into her writhing stomach. SNOW remains silent trying to process all this information dumped onto her. One sentiment echos in her head as she murmurs 

SNOW

Am I even real?

STEPMOTHER ponders the question only to notice the fairytale book on the ground. She recognizes the book and writes the title with black tar. STEPMOTHER hands SNOW the book, her eyes widening at the title. 

STEPMOTHER

You’re a fairytale, Mirror but it’s my reflection that allows you to exist. 

The book that SNOW loved now holds new meaning, the princess she admired was her. SNOW holds onto the book and begins to sob. STEPMOTHER gazes at confusion at SNOW sobbing. FLORA remains silent, torn between her empathy for SNOW and her anger. STEPMOTHER walks to FLORA and WILHELM. 

So sorry true love didn’t work out for you, Flora. First, Godmother then Snow, who will betray you next!? You’ve come all this way just to get your heart broken. To be used and hollowed out by a heartless monster. I feel your pain but don’t worry your pain will soon end. I’ve been waiting to eat you all day. 

STEPMOTHER’s eyes roll into the back of her skull flaring the white at FLORA. Her mouth slinks out of her jaw bearing her maw to FLORA. SNOW’s fingers dig through her dress and tightly clenches her chest. I have to do something, she can’t die! SNOW gulps and blurts. 

SNOW

STOP! Let her go or else!

STEPMOTHER’s mouth rolls back into her skull. Her hunter’s gaze locks in on SNOW. 

STEPMOTHER

Or what? 

SNOW picks up the broken rose sword and holds it to her chest.

SNOW

Or I’ll cut out my own heart! I won’t be so perfect when I’m dead. 

STEPMOTHER

You wouldn’t dare. 

SNOW

I’d do anything for the one I love. 

Their gazes are locked as SNOW’s grip on the sword begins to soften giving STEPMOTHER the chance to swipe the sword away from her. STEPMOTHER sighs and gazes at the fractured metal unable to reflect her hideous face but reflecting SNOW’s terrified gaze.

STEPMOTHER

Such a shame, you’re letting all that perfection go to waste for her . Oh well, I’ve made a hundred Snow White’s I can make a hundred more until I get it right. Goodbye. 

The STEPMOTHER holds out her hand to SNOW’s face. The black dot in her palm glows into a green eye. The light hypnotizes SNOW, her gray pupils becoming devoured by the STEPMOTHER’s green light. FLORA gazes into SNOW’s eyes before their gazes cut off. The green light consumes SNOW’s body and reduces her to a hand mirror, her reflection still banging on the glass to be freed. STEPMOTHER picks up the hand mirror and opens her chest cavity like a cabinet door and places the mirror right where her heart would be. She closes it and sighs. FLORA shakes her head.

FLORA

Why do this? Why make all these Snow Whites just to kill them and why Snow White of all stories?  

STEPMOTHER rolls her eyes at FLORA’s observation.

STEPMOTHER

She was my favorite fairytale growing up. She was truly inspiring in my darkest moments. And besides, the failed attempts don’t feel anything. The mirror just erases their imperfections until they’re blank so I can start again with a new Snow White. 

FLORA

you’re a monster! Snow White would detest you for the evil queen that you are. Snow White represents kindness and love! 

STEPMOTHER cackles. 

STEPMOTHER

Do you know why Snow White’s mother is evil? It isn’t because of her vanity or the evil magic mirror, no what makes her evil is that she’s petty, impatient, and impulsive. These are the things a woman simply cannot be if they want to thrive. But Snow’s she’s patient, dutiful and above all she’s strong. Her mother tries to kill her three times and each time Snow remains strong, humble, and patient. And how is she rewarded? with a prince and a crown and her mother pays the price for her flaws when Snow White forces her to dance to death in red hot iron shoes. “Fairest of them all,” isn't about beauty, it’s about strength! Strength of WILL and that is such an inspiring tale, don’t you think?

FLORA’s eyes tremble upon hearing that perceptive. STEPMOTHER kneels to her.

There is a part of me that does admire your dedication to Snow White but you lack her strength. You aren’t her, you’re just another one of my sister’s puppets that I chew up. You’re nothing. I really do want to kill you but something tells me you’ll do something to yourself far worse if I spare you. You’re welcome. 

STEPMOTHER snaps her fingers and releases WILHELM and FLORA. Her green ember of an eye pierces FLORA one more time. 

Goodbye, princess.

She dissolves into sludge, vanishing into the ground as FLORA and WILHELM are released. A sigh of relief leaves FLORA as the crazy evil monster lady is gone and she has some semblance of safety. But her safety immediately fades into a crippling depression. FLORA tries to move her legs but her nerves are searing. WILHELM picks up FLORA and tosses her on the saddle. FLORA leans back onto the saddle and faints from the stress.

CUT TO BLACK

Chapter Text

INT. THE HOLLOW FOREST-TREE TUNNEL. AN HOUR LATER. 

FLORA gasps awake panting, stress surging through her veins. Fueling her frantic gaze only to notice, nothing, she’s out, she’s away from danger. She relaxes a bit to notice WILHELM laying beside her, resting his head on her lap. He gazes at FLORA with sad eyes, an uneasy smile grows on FLORA. 

FLORA

Hey, you got me out. 

FLORA gazes around at the tunnel, her eyes widening upon relaxing the new meaning of this place. This is where she first met SNOW. They were chanting together almost like…singing. But her delightful serenade was just a lure used to bait FLORA into the clutches of the STEPMOTHER. To be her next meal like that dove was. Is that all she was to SNOW just an innocent dove to lure to their doom? But SNOW seemed so kind, so gentle, and a little rude but she seemed like the typical princess. How could she stand by while her STEPMOTHER devoured innocents, how could she help her take lives? FLORA gazes at her wrist, she summons her rose sword, and gazes at the reflection of a stranger.

FLORA

I’m sorry. I just can’t believe how evil everyone is. Godmother, you and the queen. I can’t believe someone that evil idolizes Snow White as I do is in league with the evil Queen! Maybe Snow White isn’t who I thought she was. Snow definitely wasn’t the innocent princess I thought she was. Was everything a lie? Is anything real?

It clicks in FLORA’s head, that’s what SNOW said to the STEPMOTHER and she responded with: “You’re just a fairytale.” FLORA hits her head. 

I was living in a fairytale. First with Godmother, then Snow. Of course, Nothing mattered, I’m not a princess, or her scene partner, or a hero like I thought I could be, I’m just a fraud. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you, Snow.

FLORA gazes aimlessly into the darkness. Hoping her eyes find some sense of meaning or comfort. 

Now what? Do I just go somewhere else and move on as Snow White did? Who am I kidding? There’s nothing out there but everyone I care about betrayed me so…..

Who is she kidding? How is she supposed to save SNOW? The MOTHERS are too powerful and she’s just a teenager, she can’t fight a demon. A deep sigh leaves her as tears well up in her eyes. 

I wish this was a fairytale, maybe if it were, I could’ve been the person to save you but…I’m not a prince and people like me aren’t heroes so I don’t know what to do. I wish someone give me an answer! Please! Say anything!

A rose with white and black petals falls from her hair. She cradles it, the rose SNOW gave her. Her shaking voice echoes throughout the hollow tree. 

I’m wishing…I’m wishing…I’m wishing.

Every time the darkness repeats “I’m wishing,” It only brings back memories of SNOW. Her infectious smile, her annoying charm, her stubbornness, and her gentleness. 

For the one I love.

You would think SNOW is an angel with how gentle and delicate her touch was even when yanking her collar she barely had force, how does she do that? Despite knowing that SNOW lied to her it doesn’t undercut the memories, it makes them… sadder? Sweeter? Her watery gaze into the rose deepens, and tears run down her cheeks as she murmurs. 

To find me today. 

The echoing “today,” gets slowly crushed by the emptiness. She melts into full-out sobbing. The tears hit on the petals causing the white to shine through the black. The bright light consumes FLORA 

INT. HOME-OUTSIDE OF FLORA’S BEDROOM. YEARS AGO-BEFORE THE END . 

The light fades out as DAISY, FLORA’s MOTHER wraps her arms around a sobbing CHILD FLORA in a classic blue Snow White dress. She gazes at a picture of SNOW WHITE sleeping peacefully in her glass coffin. 

CHILD FLORA

I don’t know what I’m doing wrong mom! I’m really trying to be me but the kids at school said I was a fake princess. They said I was a fraud. Why was I born wrong?

DAISY

Flora! Do not say that!

CHILD FLORA 

I am! Look at Snow White! She was born perfect and a woman! Unlike me, I wasn’t born a princess, how am I supposed to be like her? Look at me.

DAISY gazes at her messy frizzy hair, the gap in her teeth, and her freckled brown skin.

DAISY

Flora, do you know what you are that Snow White isn’t? 

CHILD FLORA

What?

DAISY

You're real! You can do things this character can’t even dream of! She’s only what the author made but you! You can shape your meaning, you can grow and blossom into whatever beautiful thing you grow up to be. You don’t need to be a princess like Snow White just to be the princess you want to be. 

CHILD FLORA hugs DAISY. 

CHILD FLORA

Thank you.

INT. THE HOLLOW FOREST-TREE TUNNEL. SAME MOMENT.

FLORA wakes up back in the tunnel with a glowing rose in her hand. She holds the rose close. 

FLORA

Mom…I miss you. I wish you were here, you would know what to do. 

FLORA remembers the flashback the rose gave her, her mom did FLORA something. 

Be the princess you want to be. 

FLORA gazes at WILHELM

Do you think I should actually try and save her? I mean her Stepmother will probably kill me but…

FLORA remembers something SNOW said, “I appreciate that but even a beautiful princess like you doesn’t have magic like that.”  The sentiment DAISY shared combines to harden FLORA’s resolve. 

Snow is real, she’s not a reflection, she’s a person who deserves a chance to be the princess she wants to be! 

A flash of light ignites from her wrist. The rose tattoo becomes white as it glows in a white red light down her veins. The light consumes the rose as it transforms it into a rose hilt. A shimmering crimson image of FLORA and her mother tenderly hugging, GODMOTHER giving FLORA her rose tattoo, FLORA, and SNOW dancing together and SNOW and FLORA kissing. All these images fuel the pink light surging through her entire body,   empowering her like never before. The light meets at her hand as the hilt of a sword wraps around the rose before extending into a white thorn-like blade made of light. She swings the sword around before a smile of confidence fills her face. 

Thank you for helping mom. 

FLORA mounts WILHELM and the two ride off into the unknown darkness of the tunnel. FLORA stared the unknown down with a determined gaze.

Let’s inspire some magic for Snow. 

INT. THE THORN TOWER-WHITE’S CHAMBER. SAME MOMENT.

The glass walls part as STEPMOTHER walks through GODMOTHER’S GALLERY, the entire gallery covered in black roses dripping with black goo. GODMOTHER sits at her desk, gazing over a tray. She digs her talon nails into her palms as glittering blood drips from her wrinkling hands onto the tray. She takes a single black rose and plucks each petal and lightly dips it into her blood. The petals shimmer and condense into stick-on rose tattoos. The enjoyment is lost on GODMOTHER as she can sense STEPMOTHER behind her. She plucks a rose growing on her wall and amuses at her fading GALLERY.

STEPMOTHER

Awww poor, Big Sis! No matter what maiden she adopts she just can’t find the perfect princess to be her stand-in sister! 

GODMOTHER picks up the trey and places it in a glass crypt. The lack of acknowledgment sends STEPMOTHER fuming through her sly smile. 

Why make more rose brands?! There are no more humans left to make princesses of! I am all the princess that you need! My rose brands prove my worth! I am your sister! 

She bares the black dots on her palms. 

WHY WON’T YOU LOOK AT ME?!

GODMOTHER

I have been looking at you. I’ve watched you obese over ridiculous stories, playing huntsman with your pretend sisters and calling yourself “Snow White, Queen of the Waste” but honestly, Ingrid, I’m just so tired of playing with you. You’re just…dull and emotional and it’s so unbecoming of Angels like us. We’re not humans so stop acting like one and grow up! 

GODMOTHER’s words cut deep into the STEPMOTHER’s stone heart leaking all the pain and love she worked so hard to suppress.

STEPMOTHER

Why must love chain me to a heartless monster like you? 

GODMOTHER 

I ask myself that same question.

Her writhing heart sends pain throughout her entire body. She collapses to the ground while her screams go on unheard by GODMOTHER. Green eyes begin violently opening through her skin. Black goo stains her body as she falls apart into a flesh pile of eyeballs, black hair, and nails. Her flesh condenses into 4 bony wooden limbs. A ribcage forms made of screaming faces. Her shadow grows larger and larger as her body forms covering an annoyed GODMOTHER, who just rolls her eyes. The faces and hands all collide to form a massive skull with long black hair and a pair of glowing green lights in its eye sockets. 

STEPMOTHER

YOU ARE NOT BETTER THAN ME! 

Her arm melts into a bone scythe and aims for GODMOTHER’s forehead to shatter her skull. She brings it down with all the rage and hatred engulfing her heart while GODMOTHER isn’t even phased by this anymore.

EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE THORN TOWER. LATER. 

FLORA gazes outside of the THORN TOWER. Fear trembling out of her body as she tries to get a hold of herself. She gazes at WILHELM.

FLORA

Ok, you wait here. 

WILHELM fiercely shakes his head. FLORA gently holds WILHELM’s face. 

It’s going to get crazy and I just…I can’t lose anyone else. 

FLORA rests her forehead on WILHELM’s as he calms down. FLORA exhales.

This isn’t goodbye, I promise. I’m coming out with Snow. Thank you, old friend. 

The door opens in the tower as FLORA steps into the darkness. She enters the glass elevator completely covered in roses but she makes out her anxiety in the mirror. You’re going to die. The sentiment echoes in her mind. FLORA shakes her head. 

Defeat the queen, inspire Snow. Defeat the queen, inspire Snow. You’re not going to die, you’re not going to DIE

The doors open to the sight of GODMOTHER’S GALLERY in ruins. Claws marks, shattered glass, and crushed earth everywhere. The sounds of GODMOTHER cursing. 

GODMOTHER

Stupid Sister, how dare you damage my face.

FLORA’s sword pokes the back of the GODMOTHER.

FLORA

Don’t move.

GODMOTHER

Ahhh, Rosebud, so good to see you-

GODMOTHER turns around sending horror into FLORA. Where her face would be lies a black empty husk, no brain, no muscles, just a black bit staring into you. Her voice was still crisp. 

What? Oh yes, my face. Ingrid broke my face, again and I can’t repair it since she took all my other faces. 

FLORA

Ingrid?

GODMOTHER

Yes did you not meet her?

GODMOTHER opens a glass crypt cell revealing a sleeping STEPMOTHER lying behind a mirror. 

I had to put her on time-out again. You would not believe the number of times I’ve had to put her in a coffin, she is the worst sister I've ever raised. 

FLORA's eyes widen in horror at this husk of a person she used to live with and follow. 

Anyways glad to see you’re still alive.

Her tone implies she would be smiling if she had lips. 

FLORA

No thanks to you! You sent me to your monster sister! 

GODMOTHER

You wanted to go on a quest, you knew there was danger. 

FLORA

I wanted to prove myself to you! Not die trying!

GODMOTHER

Well, you should’ve thought that before you brought that stupid book before me. 

FLORA

Wait…is that why you did all this? Because I brought a fairytale book to you?!

GODMOTHER

I don’t need another crazy-obsessed princess to look after. I wanted an equal, a real sister and I thought you had that but you’re just like Ingrid, can’t see reality from fiction.  

FLORA

Oh my…god, you’re a monster, I can’t believe I looked up to you! Look I don’t care whatever demonic drama you have going on with your evil sister but you need to help me save Snow right now!

GODMOTHER

Snow? Oh, you mean Ingrid’s mirror. You do know she names them all Snow White right? They’re not real. Can you not see that?

FLORA

I can see just fine! Now help me save her or I’ll kill you.

GODMOTHER

Ugh, fine, you’ll probably die but I’m sure your mirror is alive somewhere inside Ingrid.

FLORA 

What do you mean inside of her?!

GODMOTHER rolls her eyes and slaps FLORA’s into the glass as she gets refracted and bent into light and sent into the STEPMOTHER.

INT. INSIDE INGRID-A GLASS ELEVATOR. SAME MOMENT.

FLORA shoots out of a mirror and collides her face with a glass wall.

FLORA

Where am I?

FLORA spots a picture of a human body with a keypad next to it. Each number is labeled with a body part: Brain, lungs, heart, stomach. 

Hmmm, exit button, brain, lungs-

Her eyes widen. 

Oh no, I really am inside the Queen. Ok, where would the Queen keep Snow? 

Her fingers hover over the buttons as her brain races for a guess. Her eyes widen and remember the STEPMOTHER’s rant towards SNOW “you are my heart.” 

The heart. 

She presses the key as the elevator descends towards the depraved heart of the STEPMOTHER.

INT. THE STEPMOTHER’S HEART-THE PULMONARY ARTERY. SAME MOMENT.  

FLORA takes a single step out of the elevator. The gooey muscle tissue squishes under the weight of FLORA’s boot. The oozing sound nearly makes FLORA hurl. 

FLORA

This is so gross. Focus Flora! 

She summons her rose sword to cast a light through the dark heart surrounding her. 

Snow! Snow! 

FLORA plunges into the darkness, while SNOW sits on the edge of a cliff. Her feet dangling over PULMONARY VALVE as she gazes at the SNOW WHITE BOOK and then emptiness before her. What a perfect reflection.  

FLORA (V.O)

Snow! Answer me! 

The sound of FLORA’s voice draws the attention of an apathetic SNOW, her eyes lighting up at the sound of her voice. 

SNOW

Flora?

FLORA’s ear registers her voice and quickly pinpoint SNOW in the distance. A smile of relief blossoms on her face. She reaches SNOW immediately and greets her with a tackling hug. 

FLORA

Snow! I’m so glad you’re okay. 

SNOW’s eyes move at a million miles per second processing this. 

SNOW

You’re here? I…

Fear consumes the joy in her gaze. 

You can’t be here. If she finds you-

FLORA

I’ll beat her! I don’t care what it takes! I know I can save you! 

SNOW

Flora, you can't-

FLORA

No, it’ll be different, I can-

FLORA’s stubbornness snaps a nerve in SNOW releasing her anger in a shrilled scream. 

SNOW

FLORA! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU I DON’T WANT TO BE SAVED?!

The anger comes down revealing shame in SNOW. She collapses into tears as FLORA kneels to her. Her tears hit the pale image of SNOW WHITE in the book. FLORA sighs.

FLORA

Snow, it’s just a book-

SNOW

You know it isn’t! This is my entire existence! I'm just a copy of HER! Everything! She based me on a stereotype of a princess. She made me into her sick fantasy and the worst part is I liked it. I’m so sorry, I could’ve saved you but instead, I just danced and sang in fantasy land with a stupid smile on my face!

A deep sigh leaves SNOW, she holds her head and gazes at the picture of her perfect self in disgust. 

How selfish am I?! 

FLORA

Snow, it’s more nuanced-

SNOW devolves into uncomfortable laughing, her smile still pushing through despite all the trauma she’s been through. 

SNOW

It’s funny. She based me off this good, sweet, perfect girl, and yet I’m about as far from perfect as you can get. I’m the reflection of the evilest woman ever. Why would you want to save someone that!? 

SNOW’s smile doesn’t waver for a second as a tear runs down her cheek. FLORA sighs. 

FLORA

I can’t. 

SNOW 

What?

FLORA

I can’t save you if you don’t think you deserve to be saved, Snow. I can’t change how you feel, Snow. But I do….

SNOW shrivels into a ball and gazes away. FLORA sighs at her inability to comfort people. 

I sort of understand how you feel. I’m no stranger to an identity crisis. 

She pauses trying to put in the words to articulate her emotions. She glances at the image of the fair, innocent, SNOW WHITE, sleeping peacefully in her coffin. FLORA sighs. 

Look I’ve never been a magical clone before but I know what it's like to think you’re not real. When I was, a kid…princesses just were the only thing that sense, it was like a mirror, I just saw myself in them and one day I decided to dress like Snow White just to feel seen but no one saw me, they just saw a prince playing pretend and yeah. I thought I failed and had to be something else instead of a princess to fit in but I was wrong. We’re not reflections, Snow, we’re deeper than just one image. Because do you know what you are that Snow White isn’t? 

SNOW

What?

FLORA

You’re real. You’re not some image or picture, you’re a real person, and you can grow! I forgot that until I met you. 

FLORA tears the page from the book and begins to fold it. 

You helped me get comfortable in dresses, taught me to dance, and even got me to sing again. I’ve never felt more like myself in all my life. You did that! Not this book, not your Stepmother! You! 

FLORA finishes folding the page into an origami white rose. 

And that is the kindest thing anyone could do for me. So I’m sorry, I’m going to save you, Snow, and not for myself or because it's the right thing to do but because I believe you in you.

She plants a gentle on the paper rose before placing it in her hands. The gesture made SNOW’s eyes water with tears.

I believe in your smile, your kindness, and your invincible heart! I know you can live as you! 

FLORA stands up and offers SNOW her hand. 

So please, Rosalyn, can you just take this princess's hand and live with me?! 

FLORA’s kindness melts SNOW’s heart into tears that run down her blushing cheeks. What did I do to deserve you? The question fuels SNOW’s hand as she reaches for FLORA’s hand. Until suddenly the heart begins to rumble.

STEPMOTHER (V.O)

GET AWAY FROM MY SNOW WHITE!

The walls of the heart tremble to throw SNOW and FLORA down the PULMONARY VALVE OF THE HEART. The paper rose falls out of SNOW’s grip and into the darkness. SNOW reaches for it but FLORA pulls her back as she draws her sword and drives it into the wall to slow down their descent. The blade slows them down enough before the wall runs out and they safely land in THE RIGHT ATRIUM CHAMBER OF THE HEART. FLORA checks on SNOW. 

FLORA

You okay?

Fear sinks into FLORA when she realizes that their exit is on top of a cliff suspended 20 feet in the air. How are we going to get out? 

SNOW

Flora!

SNOW points to a large green eye-opening in the wall of the heart. An arm bathed in tar rips through the green of the iris followed by a blob of creaming melted faces. It sighs as it condenses into the STEPMOTHER, her hair black as ebony, eyes sharp as freshly cut emeralds draped in a black cloak and dark lavender dress. Her red lips ooze into a grin.  

STEPMOTHER

GET OVER HERE, SNOW! SO I CAN KILL HER! AND WE CAN BE ON OUR WAY! 

A dark center in her palm grows into a glowing green, fueling her veins and bulking up her left arm into a giant monster limb riddled with razor nails and eyes. SNOW freezes and steps back, she glances at FLORA and shakes her head. FLORA calmly holds her hand. SNOW’s indecision sends the STEPMOTHER’s green eyes twitching incessantly. The STEPMOTHER’s voice pierces SNOW’s ears like nails on a chalkboard.

YOU THINK YOU CAN LIVE WITHOUT ME?! YOU ONLY EXIST WITH ME!  YOU’RE JUST A PALE IMITATION OF ME! 

FLORA snaps and the energy builds through her legs sending her leaping toward STEPMOTHER.

SNOW

Flora, don’t-

She aims her blinding blade at the STEPMOTHER’s face. She reads the attack and brings her claws to catch the blade between her fingers. A proud smirk oozes from her pale lips. 

STEPMOTHER 

Your moves are painfully easy to read. 

FLORA responds with a smirk of her own. FLORA’s eyes shimmer gold as the energy rises through the blade and burns the STEPMOTHER’s fingers. FLORA frees the blade and slices the STEPMOTHER’s wrist off sending the right arm flying. She screams with pain as her eyes widen, noticing FLORA is gearing up for another attack. STEPMOTHER regains her footing and channels her energy into her fist. Her left-hand dissolves into a skewering blade made of bone. She thrusts her body and hand at FLORA’s face. FLORA’s reflexes pull her head back as the blade slices off bits of her hair. FLORA swaps the sword to her left hand. She drives her sword through the STEPMOTHER’s wrist and into the ground pinning her arm. FLORA twists her body towards the trapped STEPMOTHER, energy surging through her muscles powering her movement. 

FLORA

Ingrid!

STEPMOTHER

I’M A QUEEN! 

STEPMOTHER's eyes widen with anger as FLORA’s fist collides into her face. Her knuckle ruptures her eye as her fist caves into her skull. FLORA’s punch follows through delivering the STEPMOTHER’s head crashing through the ground. The shockwaves ripple through the entire heart, sending fractures through the ceiling. SNOW holds onto the cracking ground trying not to get blown away. Black goo mixed with her crimson blood drips from her knuckles. Her lungs panting, regaining her breath from that short but intense fight. Did I beat her? A cackling rises out of the dust cloud. STEPMOTHER’s skull remains caved in, her symmetrical face, now scared with massive black cracks running towards her chin. FLORA’s fist remains lodged in her shattered eye socket. Her smirk remains unbroken as she cackles. 

STEPMOTHER 

You think you’re so special? I have killed 100s of people like you, Flora. Wannabe heroes who all thought they were better than me! Well, I’m sorry to inform you that in the fairytale! Snow White’s Mother thought she was better than her! That she was just a weak stupid girl! BUT SNOW PROVED HER WRONG!

Green veins pop out of the STEPMOTHER's severed arm. Flesh oozes out of her wound and weaves itself into a hooked bone scythe. FLORA’s eyes widen at the blade’s movement, it edges slowly toward her heart. She’s about to be skewered if she doesn’t act quickly. FLORA draws the sword out of the ground and guards it in front of her chest. Her sword deflects the scythe but the second the blade unpinned her arm. The STEPMOTHER launches into a standing position throwing FLORA off her balance. STEPMOTHER brings the scythe down on FLORA as she details the blade’s aim from her heart. But the bone cuts into FLORA’s shin. The STEPMOTHER’s hook snaps lodged into FLORA’s leg. The broken blade ignited a whirlwind of pain in her leg. FLORA falls to the ground as she catches SNOW’s horrified gaze. SNOW’s eyes widened with horror. STEPMOTHER pants before her gaze falls onto SNOW. She walks up to her. 

STEPMOTHER 

You are not like her, Mirror! We are above these weak humans! We are queens, angels! Who trample any obstacles in our way! Just like Snow White did!

Her glowing emerald gaze shining through her fractured face freezes SNOW to her core. The STEPMOTHER’s severed hand begins to contort on the ground with green veins beginning to burn with light. A green eye-opening in the palm as it explodes into a blob of flesh tendrils. Tentacles filled with nails, eyes, and mouths all stitch themselves together into a massive rising Pillar. A flesh tentacle attaches to the STEPMOTHER’s wrist. She pulls SNOW toward her

SNOW’s panicked gaze catches FLORA collapsed on the ground, their hands reaching out for each other. But STEPMOTHER pulls SNOW along to the top of the rising pillar.

Don’t worry. You don’t need love when you’re perfect like we are. 

The STEPMOTHER's hand rests gently on SNOW’s shoulder. The physical she craved for a long time now makes SNOW sick. Her gaze falls onto FLORA, growing more distant by the second. She’s losing FLORA, what is she to do? How can she overcome the power of her STEPMOTHER? Down on the ground, FLORA’s hazy gaze catches the pillar rising, higher and higher the more time she wastes. The Queen is going to escape with SNOW, I have to save her. She pushes against the ground, trying to move an inch but her leg writhes in agony. Is this it? Is the STEPMOTHER going to win? FLORA's fists tighten with inflaming resolve engulfing her veins in red energy. Evil never wins, it doesn’t matter how powerful she is! I can do this, I can save the woman I love. I just need to stand! Screams leave her mouth, the energy rises in her arms pushing against the fractured ground to stand. The pain in her body burns like a hot rod but it’s nothing. It’s nothing to what SNOW has endured. The Manipulation, the lying, the abuse her so-called loved one put her through for no reason. SNOW is a good person, she deserves real love, she deserves to live and most of all she deserves to smile . Her fingers leave the ground, and her back pulls her up, standing through the blinding pain. She’s standing now she just needs to walk. Taking a simple step sends blood spewing out of her leg. She pushes through with another step. The pain pulls her down but FLORA takes a breath. Come on FLORA! Did Snow White give up when the evil queen stranded her in the dark forest? The crimson energy fills her legs making them lighter, easier to move, and easier to punch through the pain. Come on! Snow White never gives up! She picked herself up! Pushed through the fear and pain! And found a cottage to refuge in. The adrenaline pushes out all her screaming nerves as she breaks into a full-on sprint toward the pillar. Snow White found a family with the dwarves! She made a life and lived despite all she endured! She reaches the base of the pillar, her brown eyes locked onto SNOW and the STEPMOTHER at the top. Come on FLORA, endure to save her so she can smile!! So you can smile together! Her pupils burn with shimmering white light. The crimson light explodes her nerves with raw strength fueling her as she launches into the air. Climbing the pillar and with each Leap, blood spews out of her leg but FLORA refuses to let it slow her down. Her resolve is clear, nothing is stopping FLORA from saving SNOW, not pain, not gravity, not evil, nothing! At the top of the pillar, SNOW spots FLORA leaping towards them. Her mouth drops, and her eyes widen. She’s still going, she’s still trying to save me. The STEPMOTHER groans. 

STEPMOTHER 

How is she still moving?

The question lingers in SNOW’s mind as something flutters past her gaze. It’s FLORA’s origami rose floating above the chaotic battle. The paper flower awakens something deep in SNOW, something she thought the STEPMOTHER crushed with all her horrible acts. Images begin blossoming in SNOW’s mind, dancing with FLORA, their kiss, FLORA giving her the book. All these tender memories flourish the deeper she stares into the paper rose. Something fills SNOW’s arm to reach out toward the rose. THE STEPMOTHER grabs SNOW from her pulling away but she still teaches for the rose. It’s barely within reach if only the STEPMOTHER would let go. She grabs the paper petal of the rose between her fingers. The dry paper caressing SNOW’s fingers unearths the truth buried in her heart. It’s love. FLORA’s unending faith in SNOW, helping SNOW to grow, seeing past her worst moments, this is love. SNOW’s eyes shine in a white light that spreads through her Ebony hair leaving it white and through her body as it burns the STEPMOTHER’s fingers. SNOW grabs the rose inhibited as in her gentle grasp the origami rose blossoms into a beautiful white rose leaving SNOW stunned. Her pale irises were now a crimson red closer to the color of a heart. 

SNOW

It’s real. 

THE STEPMOTHER groans in pain, a white rose burns out of the palm of her hand. 

STEPMOTHER 

What is this!? 

SNOW’s gaze spots FLORA halfway up the pillar, bleeding, beaten but yet she climbs with her hand extended towards SNOW. 

FLORA

Snow! 

With every leap, FLORA can feel her energy depleting but she can’t stop! SNOW isn’t safe yet! She kicks her nerves into overdrive, the energy-burning in her legs but she has to keep going. You can do this, FLORA. You’ve come so far! Like your mother said be the princess you are! And Princesses save people! They save their loved ones no matter how hard it is! 

SNOW!

Her shouts reach SNOW her toes dangling off the edge as she takes a deep inhale to stoke the fear. 

FLORA and SNOW’s gaze lock as SNOW exhales. I may not fully believe in myself but I believe in FLORA and if she believes in me then I have to take this leap with her. Her feet leave the ground, FLORA’s eyes widen and she holds out her arms for SNOW. And amidst the flying specks of debris and droplets of blood, SNOW safety lands in FLORA’s arms. FLORA holds onto SNOW tightly but is unable to enjoy the moment when THE STEPMOTHER angrily smashes her hand into the ground. 

STEPMOTHER 

GIVE HER BACK!!!

The ground splinters into multiple spiked arms all laughing at FLORA and SNOW. The STEPMOTHER leaps after them, the obstacle standing between them and escaping and she’s powerful. FLORA can barely maneuver through the arms in midair while carrying SNOW. No, she’s so powerful, how can I keep SNOW safe from her?! It’s not just about saving her once! Nothing is that simple but I don’t care, I’ll protect you no matter what, no matter how many tears you cry, I will be there for you! Because that’s what you deserve, my love, not her malice. The fumes ignite an inferno that envelopes her limbs, giving her the strength to keep pushing for SNOW. The STEPMOTHER blocks the exit as she falls towards them, her spikes seconds away from skewing both of them. The burning energy pushes FLORA's leg to summon a kick that shatters the spikes with the burst of air pressure alone. A rupture of wind throws the STEPMOTHER into the pillar as it collapses onto her and buries her under the rumble. FLORA is launched into the air over the cliff and onto the PULMONARY ARTERY, the EXIT elevator just a couple of yards away, they’re almost free. FLORA begins to come down from the adrenaline high, she gently lets SNOW down. FLORA pants, her lungs burning up every ounce of oxygen to get them out of there. 

FLORA

Are you okay?

SNOW chuckles. 

SNOW

Of course, You saved me.

Exhaustion hits FLORA’s body turning every nerve into stone, and sending her collapsing into SNOW’s arms.  

Flora!

FLORA

It’s nothing, Snow. I think I just overworked my body a little bit, ugh my leg- 

SNOW notices the blood leaking out of FLORA’s leg. 

SNOW

Oh my god.

FLORA

It’s fine, I just need to get you to the exit! We’re almost home! I’ve come this far, I can-

FLORA tries to stand but immediately keels over in agony. SNOW catches her and picks her up. 

SNOW

Oh no, no, let me finish it.

FLORA

So you’re the heroic princess too? 

SNOW carries FLORA towards the exit. 

Meanwhile, underneath a mountain rumble lies the STEPMOTHER, her lower body pinned by boulders. She struggles to break free but can’t.  

STEPMOTHER

This is not how I end! I AM A QUEEN! I DON’T LOSE TO TEENAGERS! 

She concentrates and expands her body to throw the rumble but as the white roses glimmer, a searing pain grows throughout the STEPMOTHER’s body as she returns to her normal form. More roses begin to bloom up her body, fueling her writhing. She grits her teeth. She frees her arm and plants it on the ground opening a hole in the ground for her to wiggle through. 

Above SNOW carries FLORA to the elevator, closer and closer, a smile grows on her face. I’m almost free. But a massive eye opens up before her. A trembling hand shoots out of the pupil before clenching the ground before her. SNOW steps back in fear as the STEPMOTHER slowly climbs out of the eye, each limb covered in roses trembling, her skin cracking and drying out. The STEPMOTHER’s gaze looks vacant, hopelessly panting as if her body is about to give out. She picks herself up, her shadow still consuming SNOW. SNOW exhales, plants her feet and she breathes in. A vein slinks underneath the STEPMOTHER’s cheek before a stem bursts through her skin. She moans in pain as a white rose blooms eclipsing her gaze. Her nerves manage to activate allowing her arm to be condensed into a thorn-like blade. She raises it towards SNOW about to cut them down. SNOW gasps and immediately shields FLORA with her body. With what may be her last breath she plants a kiss on FLORA’s lips that blooms into a grin on FLORA’s face. But as STEPMOTHER focuses on every cell in her body to kill them in one strike she remains focused. Her eyes are about the only thing able to properly move as they confusingly dart around. Branches rise out of her arm with white roses blooming on the end. Her entire body is condensing into words, her legs go numb bringing her to the ground. STEPMOTHER gasps for air.

STEPMOTHER

What’s…happening?

A tear runs out of her green eye from being swallowed by the buds or a rose. Her lungs harden into the wood, the brochure becoming actual branches, growing and piercing through the remaining skin of her lungs. They harden into wood that bursts through her chest rooting themselves into the ground. Her throat becomes wood silencing her screams, her tongue goes from pink to green as it becomes a stem exiting her mouth. her entire body becomes a tree brimming with white roses. The roses shimmer with a radiant light forcing SNOW to look away. Each shimmer petal begins to wilt from the roses as a white ember emerges out of each pistol. The embers form into little human silhouettes mesmerizing SNOW’s gaze with each flicker of light. SNOW’s eyes widen with realization, the lights, they’re the souls of STEPMOTHER’s victims breaking free through her body. SNOW picks up FLORA before a final rose grows out of the petrified STEPMOTHER. A crimson bud pushes through the stem and expands, the bud growing larger and larger until crimson petals crack through the bud. With each petal that emerges the body of a child falls out of the center of the rose. Their arms move before lifting their head towards SNOW. She recognizes those emerald eyes anywhere it’s the STEPMOTHER or rather what she was before devolving into the worst parent ever. The child takes a breath before grabbing around SNOW’s ankle, their eyes welling up in tears while SNOW only well with confusion. 

STEPMOTHER

Don’t……leave….me. I’ll do anything, I’ll…love like you just please stay…Snow White.

SNOW gazes at the fear in the girl’s trembling green iris. She sighs, a part of her does pity whatever part of her STEPMOTHER this is but that is just her basic empathy. 

SNOW

Goodbye, Snow White.

SNOW breaks from the STEPMOTHER grasp and walks away from her. The flickering soul's phase into the skin around them. Glowing cracks begin to grow as the STEPMOTHER begins to break down sobbing. SNOW and FLORA exit through the mirror leaving the STEPMOTHER alone in a pool of tears. 

INT. THE THORN TOWER-WHITE’S STUDY. SAME MOMENT. 

GODMOTHER playfully whistles to pass the time. A groan leaves her vacant face. A red light bursts into a door in front of STEPMOTHER's coffin. The doors part way revealing SNOW carrying an unconscious FLORA much to GODMOTHER’s surprise. She gazes in awe at SNOW carrying FLORA.

GODMOTHER 

You look so much like her but yet…

She studies SNOW’s newly crimson iris’ and shrugs. 

What are you?

SNOW rolls her eyes and walks off with FLORA. 

Hey! Mirror! Don’t ignore me! Answer the question! 

The black roses begin to light in a twinkling white light, one by one much to GODMOTHER’s confusion.

Huh, what’s this? 

Her gaze falls to the glass coffin, white roses grow from her cheeks and eyes. Stems pushed out of her skin and grew out of the glass wrapping the coffin in a bush of white roses. She groans at her sleeping sister. 

Ugh, sister, what foolish thing did you do this time? 

The white petals wilt and flutter like shimmering tears raining down onto the floor, gathering into a pool of light. The roses die leaving a shimmering orb in place of the pistols. The light bends into fingers and reaches towards the GODMOTHER. All the light begins to grow into pillars of light all surrounding the GODMOTHER. Eyes begin to blink from the light glaring at the GODMOTHER. She nods in acceptance. 

Huh, the souls of all of the humans we ate.

GODMOTHER looks over at SNOW and FLORA and snickers.

Well, congrats you two! You must be something special if you can raise the dead like this. I'm proud of you to call my sisters. 

The SOULS pile onto the GODMOTHER consuming her into a blob of light. The light condenses into limbs and hardens into a wooden skeleton with faces trapped in every limb, screaming. Shimmering pink lights glow from their eye sockets as they glare at SNOW. The SKELTON towers over a trembling SNOW as she firmly guards FLORA. Their screeching voice rattles SNOW’s eardrums.

SKELETON

YOU DECEIVED US! 

SNOW

I’m sorry for helping her kill all of you! I accept whatever punishment you give but please just spare her, I can’t bear-

Its crooked green finger wipes SNOW’s tears. 

SKELETON 

YOU ARE NOT HER SHADOW! 

The fear begins to leave SNOW as its massive horned skull leans towards her. 

Your light, Princess! Freed us from your evil sisters! Now we are free to move on. We hope you can do the same. 

SNOW

Um, okay? Thanks?

THE SKELETON lets out a sigh of relief much to SNOW’s confusion. The creature’s legs root into the ground as shimmering red light pulses from its chest. The red light climbs through the chest up to its neck. A massive red beam of light exits the beast’s mouth. The beam splits into streams of hands and smiles all dancing with glee upon finally being free from the evil queens. The SKELETON’s body morphs into a shimmering tree of light climbing higher and higher. Swirling red lights shoot out of every branch, clustering in a prominence burn. Something is growing out of this burst of light but what? SNOW’s crimson eyes perfectly reflect the weaving colors of crimson radiance. A sense of relief fills her, the light it’s reflecting her feelings, her struggles, and her acceptance. What a heavenly display of beauty. 

CUT TO BLACK. 

THE PRINCESS’S TOWER. A FEW DAYS LATER.

FLORA lies unconscious on a bed of roses. Petals flutter down onto the burns that stretch from her Palm to her shoulder. SNOW’s hand gently dusts the petals off her arm. She carefully wraps FLORA’s arm up in bandages before tying them off with a bow. She whispers a soft serenade.

SNOW (V.O) 

One song that has possessed me! One love thrilling me through! One song my heart keeps singing! But one love only for you! 

She wipes down the open gash in the center of FLORA’s left leg. She tightly wraps her entire leg in bandages then places two branches between her leg acting as braces. She ties the whole thing in another bow bandage. The Cast finished. 

With a song, I come to you like a troubadour with a simple serenade, that and nothing more! I have no room to play, no tinkling guitar, just a song to tell you how sweet to me you are! 

She combs a single strand of hair behind FLORA’s ear before giving FLORA a small kiss on the cheek. 

One song, I have but one song! One song only for you! One heart tenderly beating! Ever and intriguing! Constantly true! 

The song of SNOW’s heart pierces through the darkness of Flora’s unconscious mind, her eyelids begin to stir. The song only grows louder, filling the darkness with a smothering warmth that envelops FLORA to open her eyes. 

FLORA

Snow?

FLORA's eyes open to see WILHELM’s black nose in her face before SNOW’s head drops on WILHELM’s and she greets FLORA with a smile. 

SNOW

Wilhelm missed you and so did I. 

Her warm smile radiates with a grin. 

I’m so glad you’re okay, Princess.

FLORA pauses at SNOW’s new face. Her skin is warm and beige like an actual human, her hair white as snow, and her eyes as red as the rose.

FLORA

Your eyes….what happened!? Where’s your stepmother!? Where’s the Godmother!!

FLORA shoots up into a standing position but her left leg immediately gives way as WILHELM catches FLORA. 

SNOW

Easy Flora you’re still injured.

She pulls FLORA onto the saddle. FLORA’s mouth drops when she absorbs her new surroundings. THE GODMOTHER’s TOWER cold glass tower is now completely overrun by a forest brimming with bright green leaves. A warm breeze cuddled FLORA’s body and all the red roses, pink irises, and emerald grass. Nature has returned to the WASTE.

FLORA

I don’t….is this real? Is this a dream? 

SNOW

It’s a dream made real. Come on. 

As the two of them ride through the forest on WILHELM FLORA notices sleeping faces carved into each tree. The two arrive at a tree with a thousand different sleeping faces. Its branches spread out through the ceiling and covered every inch of the wall and glass. 

SNOW

The souls of her victims overpowered her and the godmother cursed them into um-

At the trunk of the tree lies the GODMOTHER’s petrified body, her arms growing into separate branches. Further down at the base of the tree lies a glass coffin wrapped in roots. Inside lies the body of the STEPMOTHER, completely turned into a wooden doll with a tree growing from her torn chest.

 So yeah now we have a forest. 

FLORA

Hmmm, Godmother never liked nature. 

SNOW

Neither did the queen. But she’s perfect now so I hope that’s enough for her. 

A drop of black goo runs down her wooden cheek. The sight of the tear fills SNOW’s gaze fills with fear. FLORA reaches her hand to SNOW and pulls her out of the prospect of the STEPMOTHER pulling SNOW into a spiral.

FLORA

You okay? I know everything that happened to us is a lot to process.

SNOW

Hmmm? Of course! There’s still stuff to figure out and work through-

She combs her fingers through her white hair as FLORA spots strands of black mixed in with the white. The STEPMOTHER’s crying petrified face burns in her mind but she lets the fear blow away as she calmly exhales.

But I promise I’m okay now. And oooh! I haven’t even shown you the best part. Wilhelm! March!

EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE TOWER. A FEW MOMENTS LATER.

The door to the tower opens letting a bright orange into the tower. The three of them wander through a sea of rose petals dancing in the air. FLORA’s gaze widens, she tries to dismount on WILHELM but the second she stands on her bad leg she collapses to the ground. 

SNOW

Flora!

She rushes to help but FLORA raises her hand. 

FLORA

I don’t need…..

She tries to stand but her bandaged arm fails her. SNOW offers her hand and a smile toward FLORA. The gesture makes FLORA blush. She scoffs. 

This is so embarrassing 

SNOW

It really isn’t.

SNOW helps FLORA back on WILHELM, their hands entwined as FLORA puts to bed her pride and lets SNOW help. The three of them reach the edge of a hill where a view takes FLORA’s attention away. 

FLORA

Is that what I think it is? 

SNOW

Yeah, it’s sunshine. 

The three of them gaze at the stunning twilight tapestry painted before them. The golden setting sun dances in the sky leaving trails of orange and pink weaving into the purple starry night. The colors dazzle FLORA into tears. 

Are you okay?

FLORA

It’s so much at once. 

FLORA gazes at her bandaged arm and tries to bend her fingers into a fist but her nerves fail to respond. SNOW’s hand gently holds it. 

Everything is so different now. What are we going to do?

SNOW 

I don’t know but at least we can face it together.

SNOW wraps her arms around FLORA and pulls her into a hug. The tears continue to run down her cheeks. SNOW searches for an idea until it sparks. She hums a familiar tune. 

One love that has possessed me! One love thrilling me through!

FLORA quirks her face as SNOW smiles. 

Come on Princess Twilight, I know you know this. It’s the one song we share. 

FLORA lays her head on SNOW’s lap and relaxes into her as the forest pillow. 

FLORA 

Oh, Rosalyn.

She sings. 

One love that has possessed me! One love thrilling me through!

The two of them harmonize together as FLORA lets ROSALYN run her fingers through her hair. 

ROSALYN and FLORA

One love thrilling me through! One song my heart keeps singing but one love only for you! I have but one song! One song for you! My song of LOVE! 

ROSALYN

Thank you for changing my life, Twilight. 

The purple hue of the night sky compliments the fading sunlight painting ROSALYN’s smile in a golden hue. Creating the most beautiful thing FLORA has ever seen. SNOW’s words lift up the image to beauty even greater than the natural serenity on display. How curious, her arm and leg barely work, and yet the beautiful smile of this princess makes all the more difference. It actually worked, she made the sunshine for ROSALYN and brightened her life. What an achievement. A smile rises in FLORA as she sighs with relief.  

TWILIGHT

Hmmm, Twilight. Sounds perfect. Thank you, Rosalyn. 

ROSALYN’s fingers cup TWILIGHT’s cheek. Their smiles entwin into a deep kiss erupting pure bliss in both of them. Rose petals sweep into the dazzling light of the night. The stars of the night burn with a fiery passion for not only was true love born on this but two new people, their tunes mixing into a new song.

THE END.

IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR THANK YOU FOR READING AND IF YOU ENJOYED THE STORY GIVE IT A KUDOS AND A COMMENT AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING IT! HAVE A LOVELY DAY ;)

Love Eve