Chapter 9: Erasing Memories
Hey Fanfiction- ites! How you be tonight! And yes I say tonight because I post late on Tuesday Nights/Mornings as a rule. Why? If you don't know by now, then you need to re- read about half my stories to know that inspiration is at it's best after midnight. But… you're not here to read about my erratic writing habits, you're here to read the newest chapter, which I have to warn you is very sad. But hey, there had to be one Disney movie that made you tear up!
Ashley: No
April: Yeah right
Julia: You're kidding right? Julia Mason doesn't cry
Me: You positive about that?
(pauses)
Ashley: BAMBI! (runs out of room)
April: MUFASA! (follows her)
Julia: JACK! THE KRACKEN! (runs out, then runs back in, grabs rum bottle, and bolts)
Me: Ok. Case closed
Anyway, now that that random moment is over, on to my favorite part! YOUR COMMENTS! I love you guys!
LadyOfSlytherin101: Thank you, I love editing! Jack needs to be muzzled, but you'd have to catch him first. and he's proved numerous times that he is perfectly fine with falling off of high cliffs to escape capture. Thanks you again!
Fangirling37: Thank you! I'm just glad I can please you all, though credit also goes to LadySly! Your comment seriously made my day last week! And when it comes to writing, if you don't have passion, you shouldn't bother. Hope you like this chapter too! (Get your tissues now!)
TheDisnerd: I know! It's sad! Ding ding ding, we have a winner! Please get your tissues now if Disney movies have made you tear up, and if they have, then you have your answer of how this chapter is going to go down!
Solaria daughter of Apollo: Yeah! Breaking news, Rainlily216 sends readers on an emotional rollercoaster. Readers don't know whether to laugh or cry! You can thank LadySly for making it tamer, but she just sent me an idea that might make you laugh or shock you. Either way, it'll be good! Thank you, and I'm ecstatic for your new chapter!
So, get your tissues and dramatic music ready, for this chapter is a real tearjerker. You can also thank LadySly, who did a great editing job for me, so kudos and virtual cookies for her. So please, sit back, and enjoy. Or cry. I don't care. I'm just the writer!
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All P.O.V.
The party had broken up quickly after the firework incident. Everyone left to go back to their families, everyone calling their love interests to tell them the awful news. Then everyone hurried to their respective homes, keeping their phones on one of each others speed dials just in case, as Mori and Syrena went back to the parks. Mori said she would call in a favor to Fairy Godmother to rewind the last few hours of the day, so the girls could have proper dinners with their families before….. you know. Each one of the girls had a difficult task ahead, with different ways to, for lack of a better word, poison their parents minds, but they would all end in exactly the same. Or at least, most of them would be.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Carly's P.O.V.
"Carly, it's time for dinner sweetie!" came my mom's voice.
"Be down in a second mom," I answered, trying very hard not to let my voice shake. The vial of liquid that Mickey had given me feeling cold and heavy in my hand. I bit back tears, I couldn't cry now. I had to be strong. This was for my parents, to keep them safe. It just hurt me to think that I might never see them again. I took a few deep breaths, and pulled myself together. I looked in the mirror and practiced a smile. If I didn't do it know I never would.
Trying to keep my legs from shaking, I made my way downstairs. Walking into the dining room suddenly felt like such a special thing. "Oh there you are honey. Are you alright?" she asked, her face creasing in worry when she saw my expression. Damn.
"I'm fine. Just saw a sad story on the news," I said, the lie burning my tongue as I said it. My mom just nodded and led me towards the table; my dad giving me a smile as we all sat down together, and only I knew it would be the last time for a long while.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Ivy's P.O.V.
"Hey sweetie, can you go get the drinks? I seem to have left them in the kitchen," my mom said, she and my dad smiling at me from the table, their smiles making me want to break down and cry. Mom had even made my favorite dinner, lasagna, and the way I would thank her for it was erasing her memory of me. I swallowed, but masked my sadness. Everyone was here to night, Dad, Mom and even Gavin, who had come over to celebrate my "summer job".
We also had Emily, and her sister Cara come over. This night just got more depressing. Emily looked pretty depressed too, and we hugged each other tightly when she walked in the door. Somehow, it made it just a little easier knowing that that we weren't alone in this, and could help each other get through it. We all sat down around 8, and for the first few minutes I simply looked at them, burning the faces of my family as they were into my memory. As I was about to take away theirs.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
April's P.O.V.
I carried out the basket of bread, the rolls feeling like weights. Tonight was the night and I couldn't be more anxious. I was a little envious because when I called Ivy and Emily to wish them luck, I found out their families were having dinner together. Great. Though Carly was in the same boat, I still felt so alone in what I had to do.
"Sweetie you coming? Your food's gonna get cold and I know you don't like cold spaghetti. You used to call it worms if it wasn't hot enough remember," said my mom from around the corner, my dad laughing as he sat down.
I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time, and whipped away tears. The best way to get through this was to have a great dinner and spend some much-needed time with my family. I can get through this, I could get through this, I thought before I rounded the corner, and saw both my parents smiling up at me. I can't do this.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Carly's P.O.V.
I pushed the thick beef stew we were having for dinner around in my bowl, the savory soup for once not making me hungry.
"Honey, are you sure you're feeling ok?" my dad asked, his look of concern making me want to tear up.
"I'm just a little nervous I guess. I'm starting my new job tomorrow," I said, cringing at yet another lie. Even though they wouldn't remember tomorrow, I would.
"But honey, everyone is going to love you," my mom said, reaching over and giving my hand a squeeze.
"Besides, you have a lot of your friends with you, so you know you'll have them to talk to," said my dad, smiling at me reassuringly.
"It's just, I'm going to miss you guys," I said, both of them nodding in understanding. You see part of our "summer jobs" would entitle us to live at the park. My parents, though at first skeptical, had been happy for me, and promised to see me on the weekends. At least, that's what they thought. I thought about this as both of them held my hands.
"We'll miss you too, sweetie, but this will be a great opportunity for you. And we'll see each other a lot. I promise," said my mom, both of them smiling softly as I wiped away hot tears.
"Thanks Mom and Dad. Since it's my last night here for a while, I thought you might like something to celebrate," I said, getting up and walking quickly to the kitchen.
I felt sick as I removed a bottle of blackberry wine from the pantry and from my pocket, the memory serum. Something so innocent looking on the outside while so powerful on the inside. My hand shook as I poured the gold liquid into the wine glasses, the potion bottle feeling like ice in my hand. The liquid settled in both cups, the golden color sparkling before blending into the wine. Turning around, I put on a stage smile as I walked back into the dining room, feeling like I was delivering poison.
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Ivy's P.O.V.
"Emily, where's your mom?" I whispered as we poured the drinks, berry smoothies, both of us turning away as we added the serum. Emily didn't answer, and when I looked at her she was crying. "Em?" I asked, surprised when she suddenly spoke.
"She's gone. We had a big fight last night, and I slipped in the potion. She was gone when I woke up this morning," she said, her voice angry and hurt. "She was yelling at me that I wasn't good enough, that I'd never be good enough, and that it was my fault my dad left her!" she said, sinking down against the floor. Her body was shaking as she held back sobs, no doubt wanting to keep quiet so everyone in the other room wouldn't hear. I knelt next to her, my arms around her as I listened to her.
"She was drunk when she did it, but…she hit me, and….. I just couldn't take it anymore," she sobbed, moving back her curtain of dark blond hair to reveal a darkening bruise.
I had no words, only hugged her tighter. I had known she was hiding something from me, but I just thought she needed some time to deal with her father's sudden departure from her life. But this.. it made me feel sick to realize how blind and stupid I had been. But, even though this situation it was hard on all of us, it held a little bit of a blessing in disguise for Emily.
"Em, I'm so sorry. I should have realized sooner," I said, pulling her close to me, feeling a few tears slip past my forced façade.
"You weren't supposed to. It wasn't your burden to bear," she said quietly, looking shocked when I grasped her shoulders and forced her to look at me.
"Em, even before our siblings fell in love, we became family. All of us. And we help our family get through whatever is going on" I said, a strong feeling of love and family filling my chest as she gave me a small smile,
"We'll talk about it later when you're ready, and we've recovered a bit. It will just be between us until you feel ready to tell the others. But, in the meantime we have to do this. No matter how much we don't want to" I said, gesturing to the smoothies. She nodded and gulped back her tears, as I quickly wiped the ones in my eyes. We needed clear heads for this.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Emily's P.O.V.
"Oh girls you shouldn't have! I love fruit smoothies!" said Cara, smiling when we walked through the door.
I forced a smile, not wanting my sister to see I was upset, while also taking care to keep my hair covering my bruised skin. Though it felt less painful now that Ivy knew, I groaned inwardly, knowing the others would all be giving me their two cents when they knew. Ashley, Carmen, Mori. Jim…. No, can't think about this right now. We placed their "special drinks" in front of them and tried to smile as they beamed at us, the two of us sitting down in our seats, holding each other's hands tightly under the table.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Carly's P.O.V.
"Blackberry Wine! Thank you Carly!" my mom gushed when I handed her and dad the wine glasses.
"What's the occasion?" my dad asked, looking at me with an amused expression.
"Call it a parting gift," I said, my throat feeling tight as I spoke.
"Well since it is such a special night, would you like a bit?" my mom asked, and I fought back tears as I shook my head.
"Love to, but I have work tomorrow. Besides, this is just for you and dad," I said, wanting to tell them so much what I had done.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
April's P.O.V.
"Oh sweetie, this is lovely!" said my mom, as I brought out three Arnold Palmers. Two in wine glasses and one in a mug for me.
"Just thought we deserved a treat," I said, forcing my hand not to tremble as I set the wine glasses in front of them.
"Well a drink this special deserves an equally as special toast," said my dad, my heart pounding as he raised his glass to me. This was it, it was actually happening.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Ivy's P.O.V.
"We should have a toast, to our girls," said Gavin, raising his smoothie, my parents and Cara following suit.
I let myself tear up, knowing my parents would think I was happy. Emily's grip tightened on mine. I saw her shoulders start to shake. Mine were probably doing the same thing, but I suddenly felt so numb that I couldn't tell what I was doing. Why, why was I doing this? Why were we doing this?
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Carly's P.O.V.
"A toast, to our beautiful daughter, on her new job. We love you so much sweetie," my mom said, raising her glass to me, followed by my dad.
I felt tears roll down my cheeks. "I love you guys too, so much," I said, my hands shaking as I raised my water glass. A tear fell into it, shattering it's calm surface. Like my tears were threatening to do to my forced mask.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
April's P.O.V.
"We love you so much honey. We know that you'll do great!" said my mom, all of us raising our glasses.
"I love guys too. Thank you for never giving up on me," I said, feeling a lump grow in my throat as they brought the glasses to their lips. I wanted to scream no, don't do it, but I felt like it I had just swallowed an ice cube, cutting off any attempt at speaking.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Emily's P.O.V.
"You two are going to do wonderfully, and anyone who stand in your way will be flattened," said my sister, Ivy's parents and her brother raising their smoothies in a toast to Ivy and me.
"Give em hell girls! We'll back you up all the way!" said Gavin, my parents giving him light slaps.
"He's trying to say he loves you. As do we," said Ivy's parents, and we nodded.
"I love you guys too, and I'll miss you," said Ivy to her family, while I looked at my sister.
"Love you sis," I said, smiling through my tears as they raised their smoothies to their lips.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
All P.O.V.
And they drank. For a second they looked confused, their eyes slightly crossed, then they all slumped back against their chairs, falling into a deep slumber. What had we done?
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Ivy's P.O.V.
I felt my heart thud to a near standstill when they all fell asleep. My life here was over. My heart felt like it was ripping in two, and tears rolled down my cheeks in rivers. Emily was sobbing, and I pulled her close and the two of us cried together. We were interrupted, however, when a soft blue light lit up the room, surrounding the sleeping bodies of our loved ones, gently lifted them up.
"What's happening?" gulped Emily, watching as our family were floated out the dining room door.
"I think Mickey's helping us out," I breathed, wiping away tears as I stood up. We watched in sad silence as the peaceful forms of our families were slowly pulled out of the room and up the stairs, where they were deposited gently in their beds.
"I need to go get my stuff," I said, Emily nodding but holding up a hand to make me wait.
"When I stepped out of my room, it disappeared, so make sure you get everything you need," she said, shakily getting up from the table. We held hands as we walked up the stairs to my room with heavy feet and hearts, neither of us wanting to let go.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
April's P.O.V.
I cried as my parents were levitated out of the room. I had done it. I had basically poisoned my parents. I felt so awful, more like I had killed them instead of just erasing their memories. After a few minutes I pulled myself up from the table, and walked out to the hall, where I had hidden my bags in the closet.
My room had disappeared when I had taken my stuff out of it, so I had no reason to go back upstairs. And as my parents room was before mine, and by going up there I was probably not going to be able to come back down. I picked up my stuff and walked out the door, not looking back, as fresh tears rolled down my face. I had to move forward, and to protect my parents. When all I really wanted to do was race up the stairs and be in my parents arms.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Carly's P.O.V.
I walked over to my parents, resting my head on their shoulders as I sobbed. It hurt so much, and already I was homesick. I kissed both of them gently as a blue glow lit up the room, picking them up and taking them down the hall to their room. I wiped away tears as I trudged up the stairs, going to grab my stuff. When I got to my bed, however, my legs gave out and I collapsed, sobbing on the pillows, my world feeling like it was disintegrating all around me.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Ivy's P.O.V.
We had picked up the last of my stuff, and were about to leave when the phone next to my bed started ringing.
"Better get that," I said, hoping that it wasn't one of my parents friends. I didn't want to lie anymore.
"Ivy!" I heard the person yell on the other side, letting out a cry of pain as it the caller's loud voice shook my eardrums.
"Yes, and who's this?" I asked, listening to the person on the other end breath heavily.
"It's Jeremy. You guys need to get to over to the Coronado right now," he said quickly, the fear and sadness in his voice loud and clear.
"Jeremy what happened? Are Ashley and Anna all right?" I asked, worry for them filling my chest.
"No, no they're fine. But something happened to her parents. She needs you here right now!" he cried, hanging up right after that.
I leaped to my feet, Emily looking at me in confusion.
"It's Ashley's parents! Something happened to them and we need to get to the Coronado!" I said, grabbing my bags. Another thing I grabbed was my cat carrier, which held my black cat Violet, selfish of me, but I couldn't leave her behind. "Em, text the girls and tell them to meet us there!" I cried, both of us racing down the stairs and out the door, my room disappearing behind us. Emily quickly dropped my stuff in my car, before jumping into hers, her fingers already on the buttons. I jumped in and gunned the engine, my car jumping down the driveway, Emily right on my tail.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
April's P.O.V.
I was sitting in my car, not having the heart to drive away just yet, when I felt my phone vibrate. I looked at the screen, and felt the blood drain from my face. The text had said to come to the Coronado Resort because something had happened. Though I didn't know what it was, I knew it was bad, and I needed to get there fast. But before I got the key in the ignition, bright headlights flashed across my windshield, followed by an extremely loud beep, and after my eyes adjusted, I realized it was Carly's car. How did she get here so quickly?
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Carly's P.O.V.
I had been driving when I got the text from Emily, while simultaneously realizing I was driving past April's neighborhood. I turned into it, hoping she hadn't left yet. I drove up her driveway and honked, hoping if she was here that she'd hear me. That's when I saw her sitting in her car, red faced and crying.
"How'd you get here so fast?" she asked, sticking her head out the window.
"Was driving when I got the text. Come with me, we'll get there faster, and we'll come back for your car later," I said, watching as she scrambled to transfer her bags to my car.
"What do you think happened, what if Ashley or Anna….," she began, but I shushed her, not wanting to think about what if's.
"Don't think that! We just need to get there first before we make any assumptions, and I know some shortcuts that can get us there in less than an hour," I said, raising an eyebrow as April let out a laugh.
"It doesn't involve anything illegal does it?" she asked, and I gave her a small smile.
"And if I said yes?" I replied, this little bit of humor giving me a small respite from the fear and sadness I felt.
"In this situation, I'd just say put the pedal to the metal," she said, and I slammed my foot on the gas, my car wising along the dark roads.
We're coming Ash, we're coming.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Desmoira's P.O.V.
John and I were peacefully sleeping, resting after our 'activities' when my phone began playing Under the Sea, Emily's ringtone, telling me I either had a text or she was calling me. I groaned and buried my face in John's chest, trying to ignore the music. I normally loved the song, but I was tired and my energy was spent. The phone stopped playing and I sighed, ready to go back to sleep when it began playing again. I growled softly as John's arms tightened around my waist before I heard his sleepy voice through the darkness.
"Moira, isn't that your phone? Aren't you going to answer it?"
"No. Too tired and warm. Don't wanna move!" I mumbled, snuggling into him further. The music played again and I growled as I sat up to answer the blasted thing. I knew the girls were at home with their families having dinner with them, so I had no clue why Emily was texting or calling me. Perhaps Emily needed something. I reluctantly slid out of John's grasp and attempted to climb out of bed, only to trip over something and land on the floor with a yelp.
"Moira? Are you alright?" John asked in alarm as I heard him sit up in bed.
"I'm fine. I think I tripped over a piece of clothing. Don't ask me who's. I don't know." I said as I picked up the piece of clothing. From what I could tell it was John's shirt so I slipped it on and continued my search for my phone, as it played the song again, when I finally located it in the pocket of my discarded nightdress.
"Well we weren't exactly neat about it were we?" John teased from the bed. "Please hurry back, I'm starting to feel cold and lonely without you here." He said, chuckling as I blushed a deep red.
"Hush!' I giggled, before unlocking my phone and answering the call. "Em, what's up!" I asked, my smirk fading from my face as my eyes grew wide in horror.
"Mori, something's wrong. We got a call from Jeremy, saying to get to the Coronado. I think something really bad has happened.
"No. No, please tell me that everything's all right!" I asked, my voice getting panicky as I listened to Emily's reply.
"No, no! He says they're all right, but other than that we don't know what's happened. We're on our way to the hotel now, and we'll get more details.
"Thank god they're ok, but just.. give me a minute and I'll" I began, before Emily spoke again.
"Mori. I'm really scared right now, and… I just want to know that everyone else is alright. Could you please set what's left of my sanity at ease and re- group with the others, Carmen, Zoey, Kim and Chloe?"
"But Em, I want to help, I feel useless just sitting here while all you guys are out there!" I said, jumping when I heard her yell.
"Mori! I know you're older and more experienced, but right now I need you listen to me. If something did happen to her parents, then I need the rest of you safe. I can't lose anymore of the people I love tonight!"
I nodded, even though she couldn't see. " All right Em. I make sure the others are safe. Just… tell Ash and Anna I love them," I said, feeling myself start to cry.
"Thank you, and I will. I'll call when we figure out what's happened. I love you Mori"
"Love you too," I said, before the line went dead. I immediately started to get ready to go. I got dressed and I ended up wearing John's shirt and my jeans and boots. It was the first thing I grabbed and I didn't have time to change. A candle sputtered to life lending more light to the room as I grabbed my bag and tied a scarf around my waist to cinch in the shirt. Sure it was hanging off one shoulder and my hair was a complete mess, more so than usual. I looked like I threw on whatever I had on hand, which I did, but I didn't care and I didn't have the time.
"Moira, where are you going?" John questioned as he slipped on his robe.
"It's Ashley. Something happened at the Coronado. Ash and Anna are alright but something happened to their parents!" I said, making sure I has grabbed everything. "I know the Villains had something to do with whatever it is, just like they had something to do with my parent's death and I wouldn't put it past Amber not to wait and strike when we least expected it. Probably got one of the Villains to do it, and I just hope this isn't the case with Ash! And I need to get Syrena and get to the park to make sure the others are all right!" I said as I frantically made sure I had my bag and everything I needed.
"Moria, breath. Do you want me to come with you?" John said as he wisely stayed out of my way as I ran around the room like a tornado. "No. I need you to stay here and look after Ani. At least wait till morning if I don't come back tonight. Stay safe." I said as I stood on my tiptoes to kiss my lover goodbye.
"Stay safe my love. I'll await your return" John said as he kissed me back.
A blue light filled the room as a portal appeared, most likely to take me to the Court of Miracles where Syrena would be with Clopin. That place had horrible reception so there was a good chance she hadn't gotten the text or a call. At least I hoped she didn't.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Syrena's P.O.V.
Clopin and I were snuggling in his tent on his bed made of pillows and blankets as he told me another one of his famous stories. I sighed happily as I looked up at him. When I arrived back early, Clopin immediately knew something was up. He was furious when I told him about what had happened. He knew who Amber was and he was furious when I told him she was back and was seeking revenge on Mori. He really did see Mori as his little sister and was fiercely protective of her. He took me back to our shared tent and held me close in an attempt to calm me down.
It worked and I was content in his arms, the worries of the outside world melting away as he held me in his arms. He said he'd be joining us for training, and I already was trying to come up with the exchanges he, Ashley and Julia would have. Better have my camera with me on those occasions.
If you told me 3 years ago that I'd be cuddling with the love of my life in his tent, I would have thought you were crazy. But here I was, in love with him and him with me. It was perfect! Nothing could ruin this moment. But when you think nothing can go wrong it does. I truly hate the irony you experience in a cartoon world.
"Syrena!" A familiar voice called from outside the tent.
I dearly loved Mori but right now I didn't want to see her.
She didn't wait for one of us to tell her to come in before she burst in through the curtain that served as the door. She was breathing heavily and her hair was a mess even more than usual, and she looked like she threw on whatever she could. Oddly enough she liked tired and she was holding herself in a way like she was sore. Now that I thought about it, that shirt looked just like….
I gaped at my friend in shock before breaking into a grin. Looks like someone had a very good time tonight. For John's sake I hoped Clopin didn't find out or else he'd be having a few words with John. But the expression on Mori's face wiped the smile off my face. I stood quickly with Clopin at my side as we approached her.
"Mori, what's wrong? What's happened?" I asked my friend desperate for answers.
"Something happened at the Coronado. I don't know what but Ash and Anna are fine but something happened to her parents. Emily called she needs to have us go and see if the others are all right. Now!"
At her words I grabbed my bag and turned to Clopin. "Wait for me my Gypsy King?" I asked him, looking at him.
"Always my Gypsy Queen!' he said before he gently kissed my hands, his dark eyes staring deeply into mine. "Come back to me safe." I nodded.
"I promise." was all I said before slipping out of the tent and joined Mori's side as we waited for our portal.
"So… you and John huh? You sure didn't waste time!" I joked trying to lighten the air. The frown never left her lips as her brow creased in worry.
"Syrena not now. Just please not now."
I nodded in understanding. She was right. The girls and Ashley needed us. "I still want the details later though. You know Clopin is probably going to kill John if he finds out."
She huffed but I could see a light smile on her face. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. And of course you want the details. Remind me, why are we friends?" I grinned as I slung an arm over her shoulder as the portal appeared.
"Because we're a couple of misfits, not a couple of nitwits!" I quoted as we stepped into the portal." Don't I know it…." She muttered.
Well that's what it is, and will find out what happens with Ashley next week! Until then, have a great rest of the week, and don't do anything I wouldn't do!
Julia: God, don't corrupt them! There are children and impressionable teenagers out there
Me: Interesting words for a pirate. Does Jack know you stole his Rum
Jack: JULIA! WHY IS THE RUM GONE!
Julia: He does now. If he asks, the monkey did it. (Runs off)
Me: Why me?
