Hello everyone! It has been a very long time since I've last posted. At one point, I just hit a writer's block, and I just ended up giving up on writing all together. I guess you could say I'm getting back into writing now, after about 1 to 2 years. For future reference, it may take awhile for new chapters to be uploaded, because I (obviously) suck at updating regularly. I have a lot to juggle around in my life, and it might take me awhile to write, proofread, and upload chapters. However, I will do my best to upload several chapters as soon as I can. Anyways, the chapter you are about to read is not part of story you are reading. This is a prologue to the story, with the purpose of informing you of important backstory and information about the story and characters. You can skip this chapter and move on to the story, but I seriously recommend reading the prologue first, or you will be confused.

Summary:

Who was this odd boy, and why did Jay feel so drawn to him? He didn't understand. Several years of 'secret' friendship later, Jay only knew the answer to one of those questions. Carlos Oscar De Vil would be the death of him, someday. Until that day, he would be satisfied with falling deeper and deeper in love with the boy in secret.

(Or- a complicated soulmate au about two oblivious kids falling in love, because I'm trash.)

The Golden Bond AU

The 'Golden Soulbond' Phenomenon

In this universe, a phenomenon known as 'Soulmate pairs' are known to exist. However, they are also known to be rare occurrences. Less than five hundred soulmate pairs have been known to exist since the beginning of Earth; and so far, all of them have been found scattered across Auradon.

These pairs are only known to exist when two people hold unconditional, unwavering, strong love for each other, and it is equally returned. When this occurs, a rare type of magic, (known as 'Golden' magic), will seek out these two people, and connect them together in an unbreakable, permanent bond. This is the phenomenon known as the "Golden Soulbond".

The type of magical bond formed will vary across soulmate pairs; however, these bonds can be mental, physical, emotional, and/or sometimes spiritual. The closer the soulmates are, and the stronger their love, the stronger the bond will be.

Mental Soulbonds

The first case, mental soulbonds, are exactly as what they sound. This type of bond connects soulmates by forming a permanent mental connection between them. The magic of the bond makes it possible for the soulmates to use a type of telepathy. They will form a telepathic bond through the soulbond, allowing them to read the thoughts of the other, (with permission, although this can be overcome in special cases), sense and feel the emotions of the other, communicate thoughts and emotions, speak to one another mentally, and sync consciousness.

Syncing consciousness is a symptom of the mental bonds soulmates share. In 'Golden' bonds, soulmates act as if two halves of the same whole. In mental bonds, this is especially a common occurrence. Syncing consciousness will cause soulmates to act like one being, often completing the same actions, and speaking the same words. This can also often cause the pair to share the same thoughts and emotions. This symptom is generally inevitable, but it can be caused on purpose.

Another symptom of mental bonds is often a temporary change of appearance. While communicating telepathically, it is not unusual for the soulmates' eyes to sudden glow a vibrant golden color, as this occurs while the bond is being used. On rare occurrences, the pair's bodies may also glow a golden color, generally due to a strong bond connection.

Physical Bonds

Physical bonds, on the other hand, have a couple more rules. Physical bonds are common for soulmates, and are seen most frequently. These types of bonds can cause soulmates to be able to sense when the other is near, and know the other's general location when they are within a two mile radius. They are also able to sense when the other may be danger, and act accordingly.

Stronger physical bonds, however, can often cause the soulmates to feel the physical pain of the other. This type of bond is usually caused as a safety measure to ensure the protection of the soulmates and their bond. (There are bonds that also have more attributes designed to protect them.) These types of bonds work similar to an alarm system, such as a smoke detector; only being causing alarms when alerted to a specific danger. For example, if one soulmate was pinched, or got a papercut, the other would not feel anything. On the other hand, if one soulmate hit his head, or burned his arm, the other would would immediately feel the pain of the injury, and sense that the other was in danger.

The amount of time one soulmate would feel the pain of the other is dependant on the type of danger they were introduced to. For example, if one soulmate burned their hand on a hot pot, and immediately removed their hand, both soulmates would feel the full extent of the pain until it stopped hurting. On the other hand, if one soulmate was being attacked by someone, the other would only feel the full extent of the pain until they were able to discern that the danger was still present. Afterwards, the pain being communicated to them would dull enough for the soulmate to find the other, and remove them from the presence of danger; but would still be present in the back of their minds. During this time, the bond would also heighten their senses, allowing them to find the other faster.

Effects of Separation

Unfortunately, because soulmates are like two halves of one whole, they also cannot survive on their own. Separating soulmates can work as a form of torture for the two, and will effectively kill them if separated for too long. Similarly, the amount of time they can be separated for is dependent on how strong their relationship is, and how much they depend on each other. If they are very close, even a few hours apart will make them quite uncomfortable. After a day, they will be very uncomfortable and have issues with focusing. By the end of a week or two, they will be in a lot of pain, unable to focus or stay still, and will fall into major depression and anxiety. After a month or two, they will either be dead, or dying.

Death

It has already been established that soulmates cannot live without the other. Death of soulmates works almost exactly the same way in all cases, even if the soulmates are not as close. The death of one soulmate will immediately cause the death of the other. Soulmates will be able to sense when the other is nearing death, even if they are very far away from each other. Due to the bond linking the two souls together, the bond ensures that when the heart of one soulmate stops, the heart of the other will seize and collapse in response. This reaction is usually immediate, but in some cases, the death of the second soulmate is prolonged over a few days acting more like a fatal plague. However, it will still kill them.

Strength of the Bond

The most important variable of the "Golden" bond, is how strong each individual bond is. This factor determines what type of bond they have, how it will function, how long they can be apart for, how soon it will take them to die without the other, and the symptoms of their bond.

In strong bonds, even the presence of and/or contact with the other can increase strength, speed, mood, and healing factor in both soulmates.

Soulmates on the Isle

There are no known recorded cases of soulmates on the Isle of the Lost. This surprises no one; Auradonians and Islers alike. Villains are supposed to be evil, after all. There should only be room in their hearts for evil, and nothing else. Love is a weakness, as far as they're concerned. There are no soulmates on the Isle of the Lost, (except, there are.)

Unknown to others, four pairs of soulmates have appeared on the Isle, over the last twenty years. Each of these pairs knew the harsh, unwavering rules of the Isle, and attempted to hide their relationships. Needless to say, they were not able to manage this for very long. Unfortunately, eight soulmates ended up dead soon after. Whether it was from forced separation, or something more cruel, no one knows. No one speaks about soulmates on the Isle, ever.

Jay and Carlos

Jay and Carlos are the fifth and latest pair of soulmates to ever appear on the island. They have been best friends, (as much as they could be on Isle, anyways), since they were young children; and have always looked out for each other. Jay is one year older than Carlos. During the events of Descendants (1), Carlos is 15 years old and Jay is 16 years old.

For the rest, you will have to wait and see.

This story follows the beginning and evolution of the relationship between Jay and Carlos on the Isle of the Lost. There will be a bunch of angst, fluff, and struggle between the two, but it will hopefully be enjoyable for you guys. I will be making a sequel that follows their lives as they transition to Auradon, but for now, I hope you enjoy the story.