I do not own…
Chapter Twenty-five: Mal's new look & back at the Isle.
Vanessa had arrived a few days early for the Cotillion as she needed to get fitted for her Cotillion dress. When she arrived she was surprised at Mal's new appearance. Instead of her usual purple hair she had blonde hair with light purple streaks at the end of it. She was also wearing girly light purple and green dresses that were so not her. Hunter told Vanessa that this new look happened last month. He explained that Mal has been under a lot of stress with the magical lessons, the new royal lessons and how to act like a princess. Hunter has tried to help her but he had his own lessons as well but he, unlike his sister, was able to schedule it out, but it was still stressful.
"Why did you take them?" Vanessa asked
They were walking around the courtyard of Auradon.
"I knew Mal would need some encouragement so I took them too." He said "They're very boring. I see why you hate them."
"They can be very dreadful but not enough for me to want to change who I am." She said "Thank Merlin, you didn't."
"I think she misses how things used to be." He replied "Everyone has loved and gotten used to Auradon. It's like they're different people now. They don't understand or see how Mal is struggling."
"Have you guys tried talking to them?" She asked
"A few times but it goes over their heads." He sighed
Vanessa squeezed his hand and placed her head on his shoulder, wishing that she could help. They turned around a corner and saw Mal being ambushed by reporters. The two were gonna save her but luckily Ben did. When they still wouldn't leave Fairy Godmother came by and shooed the reporters away. Then Evie came by as she needed to fit Mals' dress and was about to take off until she saw Vanessa.
"Vanessa, there you are." Evie said, hurrying over and took her hand too. "Come on, I still need to do some changes for your dress."
With a sigh Vanessa said goodbye to Hunter and followed Evie to her fitting room/dorm room. When they were getting fitted Evie had just finished Vanessa's and was now doing Mal's. Vanessa nearly winced at the sight of the dress.
It was so not Mal.
It was her parents and Bens' royal colors: yellow and royal blue. The colors did not suit her.
"Mal, why aren't you wearing your normal colors?" Vanessa asked
"I thought its' best to change." Mal said before nearly choking when Evie zipped up the dress. "Oh! Okay, Evie, I can't breathe."
"Well you can breathe after the Cotillion." Evie replied
"Well, sincerely doubt that." Mal muttered "I have at least 20 more events directly behind it, and I can't even remember what a single one of them is."
Vanessa noticed that Evie didn't notice or hear her best friends struggle and stress as she was too focused on the dress. Mal tried to talk to Evie again but the evil princess just thought the dark fairy/witch was joking. Then News was one and it showed Mal and Ben on another royal dinner with Aladdin and Jasmine. The report said something that reminded Mal of her other school work that she had to finish soon. So got off the stand and hurried to her bed as she reached for her mothers' spell book and other school books. She used a spell to read fast and to remember everything so she could do her homework. Vanessa felt sorry for her while Evie disapproved of this as she thought it was cheating. Before they could fight Vanessa jumped and told Mal that she'll help her out. Evie went back to work while Mal mouthed a thank you to the witch princess, glad that someone understood.
After a bit, classes started again. When their last class was over Mal, Jay, Carlos, Evie and Hunter walked around the school grounds where a lot of girls were flirting and waving at Jay and Hunter. Jay was the school's famous athlete at Auradon and a heart throbbed with the ladies. Even though he was dating Vanessa the other girls still fell for Hunter's good looks and charm. Hunter would never look their way but Evie, Mal, Jordan, Pandora and their friends were able to shoo them away.
"I understand Hunter. But why do you torture them?" Carlos laughed "Just pick someone to take to Cotillion already."
"I'm going solo." Jay smirked "That way I can dance with all of them."
"Ah! You're the expert." Carlos laughed
"Carlos, don't follow his lead." Hunter huffed
"You're just jealous, Hunter." Jay scoffed "That I get to dance with all these girls."
"Keep thinking that Jay." Hunter rolled his eyes.
"Um, Jay...if you were gonna ask someone, what's the best way to go?" Carlos asked
"Listen, all you gotta do is look like me." Jay braged
Everyone just rolled their eyes at his answers.
Jane came to talk to Mal about the Cotillion decoration and Carlos tried to ask her to the Cotillion. Sadly he chicken out and asked her if she liked the carrot cake from last night. Hunter shook his head and patted his friend's shoulder before leaving for his next class. When Vanessa and Lonnie came by he gave the witch princess a kiss on her cheek before leaving. Evie mentioned to the girls that she had an opening for 3 o'clock and asked who would like to take it. Lonnie was faster than Jane, so Evie took her away to talk about it. When they left Jane continued on asking both Mal and Vanessa more answers for the decorating committee. Vanessa tried to take over, knowing that Mal was under a lot of stress, but Jane continued on asking Mal. That was until Mals' eyes turned emerald green, which worried Jane a little.
"I say pen toppers." Mal said with a force smile.
"Yeah? You won't regret it." Jane smiled
"Okay." Mal nodded
"I can hardly wait to see what your wedding will look like!" Lonnie smiled, when she and Evie came back.
"Me, too." Mal nodded before realizing what she just said. "Wait! What?"
Vanessa groaned, mentally slapped her head but was glad Hunter wasn't here to hear this.
"The Royal Cotillion is like getting engaged to be engaged to be engaged." Jane explained
"Only when they're at married age, guys." Vanessa said "You don't need to worry her or stress her out more."
It was too late though, Mal was in stress mode more, while Jane, Evie and Lonnie were gushing over the idea. She managed to calm down a little when Ben came over. He tried to kiss her but Jane pulled him away to discuss the glass painting of him and Mal. Vanessa had seen the painting and couldn't wait for Mal to see it. It shows that Mal didn't have to change for Ben as he fell in love with her just the way she was.
"Make sure her eyes are green." Ben whispered before turning towards Mal, that was about to leave. "Uh,...see you later."
"Okay." Mal nodded
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In the late afternoon Vanessa and Amara sneaked into the Amphitheater to watch the fun. When she arrived Pandora, Amara and Lonnie told her of their plans of getting girls to join in the Swords and Shield club. The four girls were the best at swords and fighting but they weren't allowed because of the old gender code. Vanessa always hated that rule and tried to find ways around it. Lonnie and Pandora believed that they found a way to get in and took two Sword and Shield uniforms. They were gonna masquerade as one of them and show off their skills. With Jay as captain the new captain the girls believe he could work around that rule. Vanessa and Amara would have joined them but Jay and Aziz already knew her fighting skills since they always beat them. So the girls watched the boys start and just when Jay was getting his groove on two new members appeared. One fought off Jay while the other one fought off Aziz. The one that fought Aziz put up a fight but lost after a few minutes while with Jay they took some time. When Jay stopped as he was impressed by the new members' moves the two removed their mask, revealing Lonnie and Pandora.
"Whoo, go Lonnie. Go Pandora." Vanessa and Amara cheered.
Jane and the other cheerleader joined in the cheering and applauded at the girls action. Even Carlos and Aziz chuckled as they applauded while Chad was dumbstruck.
"Not bad you two." Jay chuckled
"You should put us on the team." Lonnie smiled
Jay seemed to consider it but Chad quickly intervened.
"Hey, w-what? No, no, no." He scoffed "We'll...We'll be the laughing stock of the league. A-And what's gonna happen next? We'll have girls playing tourneys?"
"They fight better than you Chad." Aziz glared "Even Vanessa and my sister."
Chad ignored him.
"I don't see the problem." Jay said
"Uh, so, have you not read the rule book?" Chad scoffed, taking out the pocket rule book from his back pocket. "Section 2, paragraph 3, 11-4. A team will be comprised of a captain and eight men."
He started showing the page off to the girls and the team.
"How much do you want to bet he kept that so he could take over as captain?" Vanessa whispered
Amara nodded in agreement.
It wasn't a secret that Chad was jealous that Jay was named captain instead of him. Not understanding that Jay was skilled and a better team player than the snobbing prince.
"Yeah, but you're down a man. And you could always use a few extra players." Pandora said "I mean, since Ben had to leave to do all that king stuff."
"Exactly. We are down a man." Chad mocked
"Jay." Lonnie pleaded
"Jay, come on. Don't buy into Chad's crap." Vanessa said
"I'm sorry, you guys. Coach trust me." Jay replied "I'm not gonna stay captain if I throw out the rule book."
"If my mother thought that way she would have lost the war." Lonnie glared
Chad scoffed and laughed at this so Pandoras' shadow went to knock him down. He let out a girlish scream when this happened.
"Thanks Jay. We actually thought you were different then these pricks." Pandora glared and walked away.
Jay wanted to apologize but Lonnie followed Pandoras' lead. When he looked up to see Vanessa and Amara he winced in guilt at the looks they were giving before they left too.
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Two days after the Cotillion, Vanessa and Hunter were just about to go on their date until they noticed Mal. She was running to her room, crying. The two hurried after her to see what was wrong. Mal told them about the fight that she and Ben had and doesn't feel like she belonged in Auradon. She wanted to go to the Isle. Being the perfect big brother that is, Hunter couldn't let her go alone, especially without protection.
"I'm sorry Vanessa but…" Hunter said
"I know. I understand." Vanessa nodded
Hunter packed up his thing as he got dressed in his Isle's clothes and headed to Mal's room. She was already dressed and packed as well. The fairy-witch was just making holes for her lizard mom box before they could leave.
"Ready?" He asked
"Yeah." Mal said, placing her mom in the box.
"Us too."
They turned to see Vanessa and Pandora, dressed in Isle clothes as well.
"Where do you think you two are going?" Hunter asked
"Well we still have a date and you did promise me that you'll like to show me around." Vanessa said "And Pandora actually has a boyfriend there that she wanted to see."
"Yeah, I don't mind coming. Besides since you two are staying there I could take Vanessa back home after her date." Pandora shrugged
"Boyfriend? Pandora I thought you were into girls?" Mal asked "What happened with Esme?"
"I've actually found out that I'm Bi. Esme didn't like it when I told her that weeks ago." Pandora said
"Hot." Hunter muttered
Mal nudged him in the stomach while Vanessa slapped his arm.
"Guys if this is some kind of stunt to make me stay its' not…" Mal said
"We know, Mal. This is your choice, we're not going to force you to stay." Vanessa said
"Fine. But the moment you guys are spotted, you two need to leave." Mal warned
She was already feeling guilty about Hunter deciding to come as he was about to go to Hogwarts in a few months. It has been his dream to go and see the school. She had tried to change his mind but he wouldn't budge.
When they were done Mal got on her mobed and Hunter got his motorbike. He helped Vanessa mount his bike behind him before they drove towards the seacliff that was the closest to the Isle. Pandora flew over them and waited for them on the Isle. Mal took out her mothers spellbook and started looking for the spell.
"Noble Steed, proud and fair, you shall take us anywhere." She casted
"Have you guys ever tested this spell out?" Vanessa asked
"Um...no. Not really." Hunter gulped
"If we die, I'm gonna kill you two." Vanessa said
She held onto Hunter for dear life as he and Mal drove their bikes towards the cliffs. When they reached at the end she closed her eyes in fear. She opened them when Hunter let out a humorous chuckle. They were flying their bikes over the sea. Vanessa couldn't help but smile herself as they flew off. But her smile came to a halt when the barrier came into view. To her and everyone's surprise they were able to make it to the Isle without the spell breaking. They landed in the market way before driving towards a few buildings. After a few minutes they stopped by one building that had a sign that says 'Danger: Flying Rocks.
"Where are we?" Vanessa asked
"Our home away from our parents." Hunter smiled "You want to check it out?"
"Hell yeah." She said
After throwing a rock at the sign the gate door opened to some stairs.
"Let me guess Carlos' idea." She smiled
"Oh yeah." He smiled
"I'll meet you guys back here in two hours." Pandora said before heading off.
After showing Vanessa around their home Hunter went to show her all his old hangouts while Mal headed out to Curl Up & dye salon. He had to admit that he was happy to be at the Isle again but at the same time a little embarrassed.
"Hey. I don't care where you came from." Vanessa said
She took his hand into hers and leaned against him. This made Hunter smile and notice their surroundings.
"Wow, we're near dads' place." He muttered
"Your dad is Hades' right." She asked "Do you think it's okay if I meet him?"
"You want to meet my dad, after meeting Maleficent?" He asked in amusement.
"You said that he was more chill than your mom." She said "That he's less…"
"Mad? Menics? Yeah. At times. But still has a bad temper...mostly towards Pain and Panic." He replied with a smirk. "I just don't know how he'll feel towards someone that's related to those that imprison him. As a God he believes that he shouldn't be here. That it's an insult."
"Come on, Hunter, you know I can handle myself." She said
Knowing that she was just as stubborn as he was he sighed in defeat with a small smile. He nodded and took her to his fathers place.
"Well, while we're here I can introduce you to Cerberus. He's dads' three headed dog." He smiled
"You actually have a three headed dog? Why haven't you or Mal told me about him?" Vanessa said
"Well, Mal doesn't know about Cerberus as she doesn't talk to dad or has forgiven him since he walked out on us." He mentioned "And you know I'm more of a snake person."
They got to the gate of the Mine that had a large sign saying, GET LOST.
"Your dad doesn't like company, I see." She muttered
"Not really." Hunter said, taking out a large key from around his neck.
He unlocked the gate and closed it up.
"Keep quiet, the echos get really loud in here." He said
They walked down the tunnel till they reached a two bar bike that had a lot of battery lanterns hooked to it. Hunter turned on two and handed one to Vanessa before continuing on walking. While they got closer they could hear the sounds of guitar echoing the tunnels. After a bit of walking they entered a large tunnel that was like some kind of living room and bedroom mixed together. In the middle of the living room they saw Hades' playing his beat up guitar. He wasn't bad. Sounded very professional. When he was done Hunter and Vanessa both clapped in applause.
"Getting better every time dad." Hunter said as he and Vanessa walked down the steps.
"Hunter? That you?" Hades asked in surprise. "Didn't expect you to be back. Had enough of Auradon."
"Nice seeing you to dad." Hunter smile
The two stared at each other before Hade broke out with a smile and the two hugged.
"Good seeing you, kid. You gotten taller? Well...since you're here I'm guessing your sister is here too." Hades said
"Yeah, she and the so called King had a bit of a fight." Hunter shrugged "Sadly he's still alive."
Vanessa playfully slapped his arm. This got Hades attention and looked at Vanessa with a surprise look. In a way Vanessa felt like she had met him before.
"Dad, this is my girlfriend, Vanessa Potter." Hunter introduced
"Hello Hades, God of the Underworld." She said with a curtsy.
This made Hunter raise a brow. He has never seen Vanessa politely curtsy or bow to anyone. Not even towards the other royal family.
"Love, you okay?" Hunter asked
"Well, he is a God and therefore it would be disrespectful if I don't show any courtesy." Vanessa said
Hades let out a laugh and Hunter eased up knowing that his dad was in a good mood.
"I like her. Not uptight like the rest of those snobs." Hades said and held out a hand. "Much like her mother. Hades, God of the Underworld, how are you doing?"