Hooks and Hearts
Chapter 1 - Tick Tock
Summary: It's one thing to fall in love with your secret friend, but to fall in love with your enemies? That's a whole other story.
(A/N) I'm baaaaaack~* Welcome to Hooks and Hearts! This is the sequel to Hooks and Poison Apples. If you haven't read that story this one may not make much sense. For those of you who have been waiting for this story thank you for your patience and I hope you enjoy it!
This chapter was edited by the lovely AsharaLynn. Many thanks!
Disclaimer: I do not own Descendants or any of the characters or any of the songs.
Tick... tock...
Panic and fear, that was all he could feel.
Evie was submerged in water, her hair and clothes floating around her. Something was coiled around her ankle, holding her tight to the bottom of the lagoon. Her hands frantically tried to free her foot from the thing clutching her, but no matter how hard she pulled, kicked or tried to swim away she couldn't break free. Her cheeks were flushed, slightly puffed out with the air she was holding. The longer she stayed under the water, the more frenzied she became. Her air was running out...
Tick... tock... tick... tock...
Evie's head snapped up at the distant, fuzzy sound. Through half-lidded eyes, barely able to open them under the water, Evie saw a dark shadow up ahead, swaying through the water towards her. She let out a gasp, air bubbles racing to the surface. Her attempts to free herself became more frantic. She had to get free. She had to get free now!
Tick tock. Tick tock. Tick Tock.
A dark shadow fell over the frightened girl. Evie looked up and screamed, the last of her air escaping, leaving her behind to the fate of-
"EVIE!"
The King shot up in bed, sweat racing down his face. He put a hand to his head, choking as he tried to regain his breath. Ben took in his surroundings, realizing he was in his bedroom at Auradon Prep, sitting up in bed, alone in the darkness. It was still late, not a hint of the morning sunlight peeking through his curtains.
With a relieved sigh, Ben flopped back down, staring at his canopy drapes.
Had that simply been a bad dream, brought on by all the stress of school and his kingly duties? Or was it another vision?
I have an essay due in next week for the History of Witches and Wizards. Ten questions left on my Physics homework. I have a report due in three days for my Dangers of Woods and Enchanted Forests class. And I have cheerleading practice today after class!
Evie let out a sigh. Auradon Prep was exhausting, it was so different from high schools back on the Isle of the Lost. Never in a thousand and one years would a teacher at an Isle school even humour the idea of giving out homework - that always resulted in teachers mysteriously disappearing.
It's a shame that isn't an option for some Auradon teachers.
Evie tucked away the thought, scolding herself.
Behave, she chided. Auradonians don't have such mean thoughts about their teachers - even if some of them deserve it. Let's see, what class do I have next?
Since it was a new semester, Evie was still getting used to her new timetable and classes. Her next class was Artefacts of Heroes and Villains , a class dedicated to studying the various powerful artefacts used in the battles between good and evil over the centuries. The class was held in the West Wing of the castle, an area she wasn't very familiar with.
She hurried along and after several wrong turns and being distracted by the school's stunning library, Evie found her way into the West Wing. Proudly adorning the intricately decorated walls were paintings of artefacts, many of which she was very familiar with. Jafar's sceptre, Excalibur, a feather used by Dumbo to fly, the magic carpet, and many more. Eventually, she came across a small glass cabinet, filled with smaller relics placed and positioned carefully on red velvet cushions.
Evie paused to look them over.
There was a pair of diver's goggles with the words 'p Sherman 42 wallaby way Sydney' written on them, a cowboy doll with the name 'Andy' sketched on its boot, a replica of Captain Hook's clock, Mulan's hairpin, a-
Wait a minute.
Evie's eyes darted back to the clock. It was a wooden alarm clock, much like the one that had been swallowed by the notorious Tick Tock the crocodile, the beastly creature that had devoured Captain Hook's hand after being given it by Peter Pan. Evie stared at it in awe.
Rather suddenly, tears tickled her eyes, lining them with a trembling veil. She caught herself in the reflection of the glass and gasped, hurriedly wiping the tears away before they could cause her mascara and eyeliner to run.
Why am I crying?
Her eyes strayed back to the clock, memories of what seemed like decades ago, memories she had tried so hard to forget, racing through her mind.
She remembered a haughty, wild boy who knew nothing of personal boundaries. She recalled those intense sky-blue eyes of his, the mop of messy, dark hair that irked her to no ends, his signature red jacket and silver hook that always glinted threateningly in the light. She couldn't help but think back on his passionate kisses that left her breathless, his gentle caresses that filled her with longing, their witty banter, playful fights and the looks of utter adoration that he gave her.
How they had parted was nothing short of vicious. For so many weeks after that fateful night Evie had felt nothing but fury for the boy, hurt by what she could only describe as a betrayal. He had pushed her into a situation where she had been forced to choose between two people she cherished, he had allowed his friend to try and manipulate her in order to destroy the VKs and he had played a role in it.
Now that nearly a year had passed since then, she couldn't muster up any hatred for the boy.
They say time healed all wounds, but that was something that Evie never quite believed. How could she? She had been raised on an isle filled with bitter villains, who even two decades later, hadn't let go of their vendettas. No, they had let their hatred for their enemies' fester into something dark and insidious.
Yet for Evie, time had allowed her to heal. Her anger had drained. Her stubbornness melted away. All that was left was regret for what could have been and longing for that old bond she had shared with the pirate to be rekindled. She supposed that had a lot to do with where she was and who she was.
Here in Auradon, she had an easier and safer life. She was always provided for and was now able to provide for herself. She had a safe, comfortable and clean environment to live in. She was surrounded by good, honest and happy people who provided a stable and healthy network of support should she need it. She didn't have to constantly look over her back, fear upsetting her mother's wrath, or worry about being the victim of someone's malicious prank. With her being in such a wonderful paradise, it gave her all the time and security she needed to heal at her own pace.
She wondered if the villains on the Isle had the same security that she did, would they have been able to heal with time? Stuck in the dismal place that they were, she couldn't blame them for holding their grudges.
What also helped was she was never one to hold a grudge. She had been on the receiving end of a grudge for over a decade and all it had brought her was suffering and misery. She didn't want to bring that onto someone else. Grudges were too energy draining and just as costly to the person holding them as the one who bore it. How many beautiful friendships and relationships had been forever broken and allowed to fade away because of grudges?
She knew of one in particular...
Evie sighed, placing her hand on the glass, above where the watch laid.
Perhaps they could have worked it out, considering they had overcome so many hardships before; petty thievery, walking off planks, nearly drowning one another, ruined art, wrecked ships and sabotaged parties.
But Evie knew that even if she had been able to forgive him then the circumstances still wouldn't have allowed for them to be together, not while their friends were at war with one another. As much as she treasured Harry, she couldn't give up her friends. They were just as important to her as he was. It was a cruel truth, but unless their friends had gotten along, there was no way they could have been together.
Her heart stung, tears threatening to slip from her eyes again.
After all this time trying to forget, of doing so well of forgetting, everything was coming back to her. She had tried so hard to put everything about the Isle behind her. She had wanted a fresh start, a clean slate. She wanted to fit in in Auradon and enjoy the comfortable life she had been offered, one where she could live her dreams and be who she was without the threat of her mother and her expectations looming over her. She had wanted it so badly. And she had never wanted to remember her time on the Isle, ashamed of what she had been.
But now thanks to that silly little clock, the memories were relentlessly flooding her mind, unforgiving in their torment of her heart.
There weren't many fond memories she had one the Isle, making the precious few that she had stand out brightly against the darker ones.
As much as it hurt her to remember, a lot of those good times had been with Harry. The thought made her heart ache. She missed him. She missed him a lot more than she was willing to admit. There was so many things left unsaid between them, so many things that should have been said.
But it was too late now. She was an Auradon girl now. And he was the boy from the Isle.
A loud bell rung, signally the start of the class.
Startled, Evie began running in the direction of her class, resigned to the fact that she was late.
Great, late for my first class. Perfect way to make a good impression on the teacher, Evie thought sarcastically.
She imagined Harry would be pleased that even without him being here, he had been the reason for her lateness.
"Evie, are you going to bed anytime soon?" Mal's tired voice asked from her bed. "It's nearly midnight. Normally I wouldn't mind, but Audrey's new routine is killer on the muscles."
"Just give me a few more minutes," Evie mumbled, glancing over at her friend from her place at the window seat. "I just need to think right now."
Mal sat up, looking worriedly over to the other girl. "Is everything okay?"
Evie nodded, continuing to write on the notepad resting against her knees. She had been at it for a few hours now, more often than note scratching out the words that she had penned. Mal hadn't thought anything of it, thinking she had been working on her class assignments. It was only now that she realised that something was bothering the girl, and it wasn't mind-boggling physics equations.
"If you need to talk-"
"I'm fine, Mal," Evie said quietly, giving her a reassuring smile. "Just writing down a few notes for chemistry."
Mal knew a lie when she heard one, but she decided to give her friend the space she seemed to want. She would ask again tomorrow. There were hardly any secrets between the girls now, both having grown closer since coming to Auradon. Mal knew that when Evie was ready, she would open up to her. Until then, she would leave her be.
"Alright. Night, Evie."
Mal turned away, snuggling into her quilt.
Evie returned her stare to her notepad. It was a mess of attempts to write a letter, a very overdue letter that never should have waited this long to be written. Yet even now, quill in the tips of her finger and precious memories begging her to do this, she still couldn't find the words to write.
What was she supposed to say? What words could she say to someone who she knew must feel like she had abandoned them?
Evie winced, closing her eyes.
No, I did abandon him and he'll never forgive me for it.
She knew how he felt about Auradon and everyone who lived there, it was a feeling she had once shared. Like everyone on the Isle, he detested Auradon and everything it stood for. They were their enemies, the ones who had locked them away from their homes, their worlds, their magic and possessions. They had humiliated them, beaten and punished them. Everyone on the Isle had unsettled scores to finish, each craving revenge against the heroes who had led them to that wretched place. With every passing day that loathing simmered.
Harry yearned to be free of the Isle, to return to Neverland and seek revenge for his father.
From the first day that they'd met he had always told her that they would be free. Little did she know how right he would be and how wrong. She was free, but he was still trapped on the Isle.
Surely the news of all that had transpired would have reached him somehow. He had to know that she was here and that she, Mal, Carlos and Jay had betrayed their parents, turned their backs on evil and decided to make a life here in Auradon.
As far as he would be concerned, she had betrayed him. She had left him there to rot, despite knowing how much he yearned for freedom. Stars above, he must despise her now. All she could see was the image of his face twisted in anger and hurt, glaring at her with those soul-searing eyes of his. The idea of him hating her hurt her to the core.
Evie opened her eyes, the pain in her chest growing too intense.
I need some air.
Aimlessly, Evie wandered around the grand and finely decorated corridors of the school, her heels lightly tapping off the marble floors. Eventually, she found herself out in one of the balconies overlooking the gardens. It was too dark to see any of the luscious greenery, sparkling fountains, blooming flowers, or statutes. In the darkness, even with the moonlight and the scant lights still on in the school, everything appeared as sharp, dark shapes, standing out slightly against a black backdrop.
Evie leaned against the stone balcony, staring up in wonder at the dazzling night sky, filled to the brim with stars even with the light pollution from the city.
Harry would love this, Evie thought with a small smile.
She bet he could point out every constellation to her, tell her every story of each star, and sing her every song about them. She remembered one song he had taught her while they had lain together under a twilight sky like this one, nestled beside one another on a dingy boat with periwinkle lights and fluffy pillows and blankets.
She began singing the song with the same gentleness that he had, but her voice held a sweetness Harry could never compete with.
"And any star I choose
Watches over me
So I know I'm not alone
When I'm here on my own
Isn't that a wonder?
When you're alone
You're not alone."
Evie smiled softly, looking at one star in particular; the second star to the right. To her, that would always be Harry's star. One of the brightest in the heavens. If she could pick any star to watch over her, to be her silent protector and companion, it would be that one.
A small round of applause drew her attention to behind her. Ben stood at the doorway, smiling and lightly applauding her song. Evie felt heat rush to her cheeks and ducked her head down, mortified that Ben had caught her singing.
Oh stars, if she could vanish on the spot right now that would be grand.
"Oops, I didn't realize I had an audience," Evie said with a nervous laugh, tucking her hair behind her ear
"Sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you," Ben said with a chuckle. "What are you doing up this late? Can't sleep?"
Evie shook her head, watching as Ben walked over to her. He rested his arms on the railing beside her, looking out into the dark garden.
She couldn't help but noticed how worn out the young king looked. His usual crisp and clean clothes were dishevelled, his tidy hair now mussed as though he had just gotten out of bed. There were dark bags weighing under his tired eyes, making her feel exhausted just looking at them.
"Me neither," Ben admitted. "That was a really pretty song that you were singing. I've never heard it before. Is it a song from the Isle?"
"It's from a bit further than the Isle," Evie smiled wistfully, pointing up to the twilight sky, "it's a song of the stars. My... friend taught me it. He knew all their songs. Sometimes he'd sing them for me when it was just the two of us."
"Do you still keep in contact with him?" Ben asked innocently.
"He's from the Isle, so... no," Evie murmured.
She knew that Ben was aware that the VKs had not kept in contact with anyone from the Isle. There were too many reasons not to. They were fearful of the repercussions that would befall them for turning against evil, they were ashamed for their past misdeeds, and there wasn't anyone there who wanted to associate with them now that they considered themselves a part of Auradon.
"Ah," Ben winced, realizing his mistake. "Sorry, I should have realized."
"It's fine. I wasn't really on talking terms with him when I left the Isle anyway. We had a bit of a falling out," Evie sighed. "Our friends never got along. It all went down a couple of weeks before we came to Auradon. I never got the chance to set things right between us."
"Would you have liked to?" Ben asked.
She didn't hesitate in her answer.
"Yes."
If she could fix things with Harry then she would do so in a heartbeat.
Even though she was not as passionately furious about what had happened as she once had been, she was still hurt by what he had done. But even then, she still valued and cherished the relationship she had once had with Harry more than holding a grudge. They had both done things that they regretted, of that she was sure. She wasn't completely innocent in the whole affair either. If she had told her friends the truth about her and Harry sooner, everything wouldn't have escalated to the point that it had.
"I don't know if you've heard yet, but I'm planning on selecting a new group of children from the Isle to come over to Auradon," Ben said suddenly. "I see no reason why you couldn't invite this... former friend of yours. Maybe you could even work things out."
Evie's turned to look at Ben in surprise, her eyes lighting up. Ben would let her bring Harry here, to Auradon? She felt hope flutter about in her chest. It was a chance to see him again, a chance to set right everything between them. The question was, would Harry even want to come to Auradon?
"Auradon, that's where most of us want to be, isn't it?"
"Isn't that where you want to be?" Evie asked lightly.
"Nah," Harry shrugged. "I never did fancy the snob's life."
No. Coming to Auradon to start a new life wasn't what Harry wanted. He wanted freedom. Freedom from the Isle, to sail the seas, to go off on daring adventures and be the pirate he felt he was born to be. He also wanted more than that. He wanted revenge. Revenge for his father against the hero who had slighted him. If Harry was freed from the Isle one of the first places he would go was Neverland.
Evie bit her lip. The VKs had wanted that too when they had first come to Auradon, the chance to get vengeance against their parent's enemies. After they had spent some time here and had seen the opportunity for a better life, a better them, that thirst for vengeance had dried up like a pond in the desert. If Harry came here... maybe the same thing would happen to him? He'd realize everything Auradon and goodness had to offer him.
Evie nearly snorted at the thought.
Then again, this was Harry Hook she was thinking of. And Harry Hook was, if anything, unpredictable. Even those closest to him could never be sure of how he would react to a situation. But maybe, just maybe, she could convince him. He deserved a chance, didn't he? A chance at a decent, good and honest life. A life away from that disgusting island and all its evil.
"Do you really mean it?" Evie asked, staring at Ben intently.
"Of course," Ben said with a smile.
"Harry... might need a little persuading though," Evie admitted hesitantly.
"Oh," Ben looked thoughtful for a few moments. "Well, maybe you should be the one to ask him. If you're up for it, we could always head over to the Isle tomorrow and you can ask him personally. I know that seems pretty soon, but the new semesters already started, so the sooner the better."
The thought of returning to the Isle made Evie's stomach churn.
Ben must have noticed the look of horror on her face and quickly added, "or you could be the one to send him an invite. There's no need for you to go back if you don't want to, Evie."
"No," Evie said quickly. "I think it'd be best if I went. I was actually going to send him a letter, to try and mend bridges but I think it would be better if I went to see him in person."
"Well, I'll go look at the paperwork the now and have everything sorted in the morning. If everything goes according to plan, we should be able to head over to the Isle by about three o'clock," Ben replied, looking at his watch. "Oh, before I forget, who are his parents?"
"He's the son of Captain Hook."
Something flickered on Ben's face, something that was gone too quickly for her to analysis. When he looked at her again, he had a small smile on his face, one she couldn't help but feel was forced.
"Harry Hook," Ben said. "Right, that's fine. I'll go get the paperwork started. You try and get some sleep, Evie. You've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow."
Evie couldn't help the wide smile that blossomed on her face. "Thank you, Ben."
"No problem."
"Oh! Before I forget, if Harry does come to Auradon, it might take a while for him to settle in. He's..." Evie struggled to find the right word to describe Harry's... nature. How could she put it delicately and in a way that didn't make Ben reconsider his proposal? "Going to be a bit of a challenge."
"No worries. He'll have you and everyone else at Auradon to help with his transition to Auradon life. Give him enough time and I'm sure he'll settle," Ben said reassuringly.
Evie wasn't quite so sure of that. In fact, she still wasn't one hundred percent convinced that he would come. He wanted off the Isle, but would he come under these circumstances?
"Well, goodnight, Evie," Ben said.
He turned away and left, leaving Evie alone once more with the stars as her companions.
Evie glanced up at the second star to the right, a rush of nerves putting her on edge. Tomorrow, she would once again find herself face to face with Harry Hook, whether she was ready or not.
For so long she had tried to forget everything about her life on the Isle and now she was throwing herself headfirst into that life again. She would go back to the Isle that haunted her nightmares and she would be reunited with the pirate she hadn't seen in a year. A pirate she had never been sure of exactly what she felt for him.
But what if she went there tomorrow... and he refused to come?
What's worse what if he refused simply because it was her asking?
Evie didn't think she could bear to leave him behind in that forsaken Isle again, especially knowing what a terrible life she was condemning him to. He deserved better than what the Isle had to offer.
No, she refused to leave him there. And she would not let his own stubbornness keep him from a better life!
Evie came to a decision in that moment, one hastily formed from pure intentions and desperation. It was a decision she would later regret. When she had time to let her emotions calm down she would look back at this moment and realize that perhaps it was a bit too rash and really not the wisest thing she could have done.
Determination driving her onwards, Evie hurried back inside, making her way to the kitchen. She began rummaging through the pantry and cupboards, pulling out all the ingredients she would need. She put on the oven and placed a pot on the hob. Once it was heated, she began pouring in the ingredients.
What she was doing was underhanded and certainly not written in any Goodness 101 books. In fact, it was a page right out her mother's book - literally, but desperate times called for desperate measures. This was a small evil for a greater good. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to this, but she had to be prepared. She was sure Harry would thank her for it in the future - probably the very, very, very distant future, but he would thank her nonetheless.
Evie stirred away at her brew, knowing exactly what to do. Her mother had hammered this potion into her head since she was a little girl. She left out a few key ingredients, ingredients which would have a nasty effect should they be left in. Finally finished, Evie grabbed one last thing. She picked up the last ingredient and dipped it into the pot for a few moments before pulling it out. She looked at it with a wicked smile.
It was beautiful, shining, red apple.
Ben was exhausted. It was nearly three o'clock and he had only just finished off the last of the necessary paperwork for Auradon's new arrivals. He would have finished sooner had it not been for constant interruptions, but alas, the duties of a king called. There was a slight issue with rooming, but that was hardly surprising given the short notice. He would have it all sorted out in a week's tops, provided nothing else cropped up.
He was just about to get ready to leave to meet Evie when he heard thunderous footsteps echoing down the corridor outside his office. He heard cries of surprise from outside, people yelping and things crashing to the floor.
"You can't be serious?"
Ben winced as Mal burst through his office door, slamming it against the wall. He watched as his girlfriend stomped towards him, her eyes ablaze, hands clenched and a furious snarl on her lips. She looked like a disgruntled dragon on a warpath, and he was the one standing in her way.
This couldn't be good.
"You're letting Harry Hook come to Auradon? Do you know how much of a bad idea that is?" Mal snapped loudly.
Ah, so she had found out about that. He had hoped to tell her himself when he got the chance, but he supposed news of new villain kids coming to Auradon wouldn't remain quiet for long. Gossip spread quickly in this place.
Ben rose from his seat, his hands gesturing for her to calm down. He instantly regretted the action, seeing Mal's eyes dart down to his hands and narrow. He had a feeling that had he angered her to this level a year ago, he probably would have lost his hands for that.
"Mal, you knew I was going to be bringing more villain children over from the Isle. Harry is-"
"Nuts!" Mal cut in. "He's completely unhinged and dangerous! You can't bring him here!"
"Mal, he deserves a chance, just like you got," Ben said softly, his voice soothing and calm, which only seemed to infuriate Mal more. "Evie's already highlighted that his character might take a while to adjust to Auradon, but I'm sure with time he'll-"
"Evie's the one who asked for him to be brought here?" Mal shrieked, causing Ben to cringe at the pitch.
Mal's eyes widened in disbelief, her breath leaving her in harsh puffs - Ben half expected her to the blow the castle down. She began pacing up and down his office, seemingly stunned by the revelation.
"I should have known! That's why she's been acting weird since yesterday! A year later and still she- Ughh!" Mal tossed her arms in the air in frustration.
"Mal, what's gotten into you?" Ben asked, making his way over to her. He placed his hands on her shoulders, bringing her to a halt. "Why is this working you up so much?"
"Harry is bad news, Ben," Mal sighed. "I don't want him anywhere near Evie."
"What exactly happened between those two?" Ben asked curiously.
"It's not my story to tell," Mal replied. "All I can say is that he hurt and used her and I don't want him to have the opportunity to do it again."
"Look, Mal. I'm the one who suggested it," Ben said carefully, "Evie seemed really excited about giving him the same chance that she got. I think it's important to Evie that she's given the chance to mend that bridge with him. Let her try."
"But that's the thing," Mal replied, "there is no bridge to mend. It was never there. It was just a trick!"
Mal pulled away from Ben, scoffing in irritation. She marched over to the door, not at all appeased. Before she left she paused, looking over her shoulder. Her eyes flared green in warning.
"I can't stop you from bringing Harry here, but if he so much as steps a toe out of line you can be sure that I will stop him from hurting Evie. Whatever the cost."
Ben winced as Mal shut the door with a booming bang. He heard more startled shouts from outside as Mal no doubt pushed her way through anyone who got in her way.
Well, that went... well.
He sorta wished Evie had given him a warning about Mal's... dislike... towards Harry. He couldn't help but dread how the other VKs would react.
Evie was not ready see Harry Hook. Not by a long shot.
She had been preparing for the meeting all day, even having skipped some of her classes. She had wracked her brain all night and all day on what she would say to him when she saw him, but after continuously coming up blank, she decided it was best just to wait and see what happened. She had no idea how Harry would react, and with his unpredictability, there was no real way to prepare for it.
Instead, she had focused on other things.
She made sure she looked her best. Her royal blue hair fell in their usual ringlets with a braid atop her head that looked like a mini tiara. She had even added a cherry red, apple jewel clip to it, which stood out brightly against her dark hair and matched her ruby red lipstick.
Since she was going back to the Isle, she had to dress appropriately. She had donned her blue leather jacket and matching leather skirt, forest tights and jewel bedazzled, high-heeled boots. She knew she looked perfect, her confidence only bolstered with the many compliments she had gotten as she made her way to meet Ben.
Her stunning and flawless fashion made her look fearless and bold on the outside.
However, inside she was a mess, her nerves making her feel queasy and tense beyond belief. As she waited for Ben to arrive, she couldn't stop fidgeting with her apple purse strap and found herself unable to stay still, pacing about in front of the limo, earning her odd looks from the driver.
Anyone who looked at her now would know she was a ball of nerves, even with her killer outfit.
Dear goodness, give her the strength to be able to hide it when she encountered Harry. She needed to be on the top of her game to deal with him. If he caught even the tiniest hint of weakness she was done for!
Harry's intensity and habit of encroaching in people's personal spaces, made him intimidating and difficult to deal with. Even Evie found herself wilting at times when she was the subject of his attention. The pirate was skilled at unnerving people, and he thrived off it.
A scratchy, static sound made her turn to the driver. He was a tall man dressed in a black suit, white, freshly ironed shirt, black tie and black sunglasses. He was whispering an affirmative into a small communicator pinned to his blazer.
"Miss, the King will be arriving momentarily. If you please enter the vehicle, we can be on our way," the driver said.
Evie nodded and slipped into the limo, the driver opening and closing the door for her. She waited tensely, her nerves spiking.
This is it. I'm really going back to the Isle.
The door beside her opened, Ben sliding into the seat across from her.
"Hey, Evie. Sorry, I'm late. I got um... held up," Ben said, not elaborating further. "Alright, Bill. We're good to go."
The driver took his seat at the wheel, buckling his seatbelt. He started the engine and pulled out the driveway, heading for the golden gates that would lead out of the school grounds.
Evie watched as the scenery rolled by, her thoughts consumed by the pirate in red she would soon be reunited with. The more they drew closer, the more her stomach did flips and her heart ached. She thought her heart might break free from her chest when she saw the ocean come into the view, the pillars that would lead them to the magic road - once activated - following after it.
Evie held her breath as she watched the driver press a button on the roof of the limo. In a glimmer of sparkling gold and rainbow swirls, the bridge to The Isle of The Lost appeared.
It was time to go back to the Isle... and back to Harry Hook.
(A/N) Evie, you're villain side is showing.
Let me know what you think! I'd love to hear your theories, thoughts, opinions and such :D Also, sorry for the lack of Harry in this chapter. After this though it'll be hard to get rid of him. I felt that Evie would have healed over the last year, seeing as she's not one to hold a grudge and she's in a really stable and healthy environment that allows for her to heal (though don't be mistaken, she ain't letting Harry get off the hook so easy). Harry, however...
The song lyrics are from the song 'When You're Alone' in Hook (1991). I thought it would be fitting to start this story with a song about the stars, seeing as Hooks and Poison Apples first chapter did the same. The song in chapter 1 of HAPA and the song in this chapter are also both from Peter Pan movies. And Harry taught her the song T-T It was during their long conversation in the boat about anything and everything.
Reviews from chapter 14 of Hooks and Hearts replies:
StoryWriting1414: Sorry for the delay with this chapter. I can't wait to share their reunion with you! It'll certainly be intense. Even though Evie's cooled down about it, she's still hurt about it all, and Harry maaaay end up giving her new reasons to be angry once more. Harry, on the other hand, is still livid. For him, this is still a fresh wound that hasn't healed. And as much as he loves Evie, he still angry at her and wants to get even.
AtaDaughterofPoseidon: It broke my heart but it had to happen T-T Even before this story became a multi-chapter, I was planning on having the one-shot sorta lead up to that happening. But, on the plus side, it means we have drama for this story! I'm glad you liked the chapter! And even though they aren't together the now... there's plenty of time for things to happen ^_- *wink wink* Thank you for your wonderful review!
Genie For Your Wish: I almost didn't want to upload the last chapter as it meant it was over, but I'm excited about exploring this new story and continuing the journey of these two treasures!
I was so worried that the title would give it away straight away, but I seemed to have caught a few people off guard till half way when they realized what was going to happen haha XD I'm so glad you enjoyed Hooks and Poison Apples though, and I hope you enjoy Hooks and Hearts! :D
Honestly, it was a pleasure to write and share that story. I'm so glad so many people enjoyed it. Makes it worth all the writer struggles and banging my head off the keyboard lol. Thank you so much for your lovely words and amazing review, and for all your support with my fanfics! It's greatly appreciated!
I didn't want to tare the VKs apart, they have such a beautiful friendship. It's a shame Harry and Evie never got to say goodbye, but circumstances wouldn't allow for it. Well, mostly their friends wouldn't allow it. Uma's plan may not have worked this time, but she may have some tricks up her sleeve yet. I was actually going to write an alternative ending was Uma's plan did work in the long run, sorta. Mal, Carlos and Jay would have been the ones to go to Auradon but Evie was left behind. She would have been tasked with watching territory until they got back but after the coronation and the VKs switched side, Evie would have found herself all alone, with Uma and her crew stealing the territory. Eventually, Harry would convince her to join their side.
Ah, the shell scene :3 I was so excited when I thought of that scene. It came in sorta out of the blue. The fate of the hat will be revealed soon XD
Guest: Bonjour mon ami! :D I'm so glad you liked the chapter! Sorry about the heartbreaking! It broke my heart writing about it T-T Annnnd sorry about the torture... there may be more in the future, so sorry in advance, but there's also fluff! And jealous Harry, possibly ^_-
Evie won't be dating Doug, so rest easy there. This story will take place after Descendants 1 but will happen instead of Descendants 2, though elements of that film may appear in the story. Harry's getting off the Isle via invite... how will the others get out, if at all, we'll have to wait and see. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for taking the time to write a review! Greatly appreciated! :D
J'adore: I'm so glad you liked their friendship here! I adore their friendship so much! We got to see some more of protective Mal in this chapter XD Poor Harry better stay clear unless he wants to deal with a literal dragon protecting the princess lol. Thank you for the lovely review and lovely comments!
TG: Too late... the encounter has already been written XD We'll probs see that in chapter 3.
Titanfire999: Thank you. Glad you like it! :D
Pinklizardqueen: Thank you! And I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Moth Lilie: I'm so glad you liked the ending. I was really nervous about it lol. Hope you enjoy the sequel!
Kikicm4: Glad you loved it! :D Hope you enjoy the sequel!
T. F. Crosby: I am so sorry for the heartbreaking... there may be more to come. I'm so glad you liked the chapter though! And I'm glad ur not too mad at Jay now XD The hat had to make a comeback, and Carlos giving it too Evie just seemed like the perfect oppounity for those two to bond and come to peace with the whole situation. I feel so sorry for Carlos and Gil, they're so chill and understanding about the whole thing whereas everyone else is up in arms about it lol. Glad you liked Hoist The Colors too! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! And thank you for all your support in Hooks and Poison Apples!
acetwolf94: Glad you loved it! Thank you for the review!
Spoiler for chapter 2:
"Well, split ma infinities. Princess, Princess, Princess," Harry drawled lowly. "Whatever are ye doin back in a place like this? Lookin for another shell? Afraid we're fresh out."
"Would you believe me if I said I wanted to see you?" she asked lightly, batting those big eye lashes.
He ignored the way his heart twisted at her words.
"Maybe... once upon a time," he couldn't stop his eyes dropping to her lips, "but not anymore."