Hi there! Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I was busy with college. I've also been watching the Marvel Netflix series to better understand characters stories and I've got five seasons to go.
I was also watching the new Final Fantasy Remake DLC trailer and it gave me an idea to change the story a bit.
Anyway, here is the chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything other than OC's
Mal
Mal added the finishing touches to her painting. Just a tad more grey and it would be perfect.
Currently, she was in Art where she and her new classmates had been instructed to design a castle of their choice and present it at the end of class. After the enduring torture that was 'Remedial Goodness', this was exactly what she needed to unwind. Mal painted slowly and steadily; any faster would cause her to slip and ruin her portrait. If one looked, they would see a dark castle surrounded by mist and a lake connected to the other side by a drawbridge. She based it a little off her mother's castle, the Forbidden Fortress, but with a few twists.
"Woah. Sick painting," whispered a girl sitting behind her.
Mal turned and saw an impressed look. The girl had long brown hair and eyes; she also wore brown heelless boots, jeans, and a grey sleeveless shirt with an image of a sunset on it.
"Um, thanks," Mal replied unsurely. "And you are?"
"AJ," the girl smirked. "AJ Russo." She then showed Mal her painting of a castle made of food. "Mine is a little more on the edible side."
"Really?" Mal responded amused.
"She never said we had to live in it," AJ retorted.
Mal let out a smirk. She was beginning to like this girl.
"Ugh," one girl let a sound of disgust. "Seriously! Don't you have any standards AJ?"
Mal turned to where the voice was coming from and saw a girl dressed in a pink dress accompanied with white boots and a silver bracelet on her left hand. She possessed beautiful skin, luscious brown hair, nails painted pink and wore red lipstick. What caught Mal's attention was the girl's eyes because she could swear, she knew them from somewhere.
"Don't you Ariana?!" AJ retorted. "What is your castle even made of? Make-up and jewellery?"
"My palace is elegant and perfect, just like it should be," Ariana responded snobbishly. "Not that you would have an idea of what that's like."
Since it was coming from Ariana, AJ didn't even want to know what that was like. Unknowingly, Mal was thinking the exact same thing.
This girl was the very definition of a prissy pink princess, the very thing she hated.
Before either of them could retort, the teacher Ms Barry intervened.
Ms Barry was a dark-skinned woman in her early thirties with grass-green eyes, and long black hair tied back in braids. She wore a daffodil themed dress and teal green heels.
"If you're all chatting then you must be finished," she said sternly. "Am I right?"
"Almost," Mal answered as she applied one last splash of paint. "And I'm done. Do you wanna see or?"
Instead of answering verbally, Ms Barry stood up to inspect the painting herself, only to be surprised by what she saw. The painting was not bad or anything, quite the opposite. Every colour, tone, and shape matched perfectly with the space provided. It was impressive, to say the least, and in her opinion, refreshing. Most students would either go out of their way to make something look colourful or happy but Mal had not followed this direction.
"Impressive," she complimented. "Did you do art in your previous school?"
"It was one of my two favourite subjects," Mal admitted. "My teacher is good at what she does and always encouraged us to paint whatever it was we were feeling or liked most, saying it was an expression of ourselves."
One of the students in the back scoffed but Mal couldn't tell who it was, and neither could the teacher apparently.
Turning on heel Ms Barry walked slowly to the end of the class.
"Tell me something Mal," she said softly. "If you were to enter an art gallery or an art shop for that matter, what would you look for?"
Mal frowned a little confused by the question. "I'm not sure what you mean?"
"Let me rephrase if you wanted something would look for something specific that matched your tastes, like your own painting for instance?" Ms Barry continued. "Would that be the sort of thing you would look for?"
Mal didn't know why, but she felt she was being singled out. AJ noticed it as well and thought it was odd because Ms Barry never did this.
Ariana and a few of the less open-minded students smiled because they thought Maleficent's daughter was getting in trouble.
Unfortunately for them, Mal didn't falter nor give them the satisfaction.
"To answer your question, no I wouldn't. I would look but for anything specific," she said.
"And why is that?" Ms Barry pressed.
"Because art isn't furniture. If I knew exactly what I was looking for then it would be no different than trying to decorate," Mal explained without missing a beat. "Art should speak to a person, move them. If I went to where you are suggesting, I would not look for something specific, I would look until I found a picture that moved me because it shows I appreciate art in general, not only what I like."
Mal had heard those words from the mother of one of her closest friends and believed in them to this day.
Some of the students including AJ were moved by her speech. Others like Ariana were disgusted and believed she wasn't being sincere about it.
Ms Barry stopped at the door and turned to face Mal. A warm smile was spread across her face.
"So it should Ms Draconia, so it should. I could not have put it better myself," she applauded. She then extended her hand to Mal and spoke to everyone. "That is exactly the sort attitude you should all have when it comes to art. Do not see it as merely an object or a pretty picture, but as something far more beautiful."
Ariana couldn't believe it. Was their teacher really telling them to follow a villain's example? Maybe she should speak with Grandmother about the people who work here and arrange for a change.
AJ let out a grin. So that was what Ms Barry wanted.
"Looking forward to having you here this year," the teacher said with a smile.
Mal smiled back. "Same here."
And she actually meant it.
After class
The remainder of Art class was uneventful. Everyone finished their paintings and presented them at the end, which was all to Mal's expectations of Boreadon, excluding AJ. Hers certainly struck out when compared with the rest. Some thought it was amazing while others like Ariana thought it was hideous.
That was their problem though. Mal could not care less about what they thought.
As she walked along the corridors Mal ignored any stares she received from other students. Being the daughter of Maleficent such reactions were expected. Part of her wondered what their reaction would be if they knew who her father was.
'Probably terrified,' she inwardly laughed.
Her thoughts were interrupted by someone running to catch up with her.
"Mal, wait up," AJ called.
"You're in a hurry," Mal said.
"I wanted to talk," AJ admitted. "Is that such a bad thing?"
"Depends, most people would be nervous around Maleficent's daughter," Mal retorted.
"I am not most people," AJ countered. "Your art style really strikes out compared to everyone else, who only tries to do goody-goody paintings. Honestly, it's refreshing."
Mal could not believe what she had just heard.
"You're kidding right?" she asked disbelievingly. "They don't stick to the same material all the time, do they? I know this is Boreadon but even they must have artistic imagination."
"Ugh, I wish," AJ groaned. "I use similar material but at least I mix it up a bit."
Art was her favourite subject at this school, and AJ was not ashamed to admit she admired paintings and drawings done by other artists. However, seeing the same thing done over and over by everyone else was just plain boring.
"And each one looks like it would be better off in the garbage," came a familiar voice neither girl liked.
They turned and saw Ariana and a couple of her "friends" walking towards them.
"Well AJ it appears you lack not only class in art but in people too," Ariana scoffed.
"What do you mean by that Ariana?" AJ in an (as much as she possibly could) polite manner.
"That's Princess Ariana to you," she corrected haughtily. "And who do you think I mean? Don't you know who that girl's mother is? What she's done?"
Mal was liking this girl less and less by the minute. Something about her reminded her of Audrey, yet somehow worse.
"I do actually. And to be perfectly clear, I couldn't give a shit," AJ replied in a faux sweet voice. Mal could sense venom behind it, not that she could blame her. "Don't you remember Prince, soon to be King, Ben's proclamation?"
Ariana scoffed. "How could I not? The announcement was one of the worst moments in this school. I mean seriously, what was Prince Ben thinking inviting them here?"
Mal didn't want to agree but she had wondered that herself. Why after all this time? Publicity? A display of power? Or some other reason she couldn't think of?
Ben had come across too… humble for that sort of thing. Still, looks could be deceiving.
"It's only temporary though," Ariana continued. "Once Ben realizes what a terrible idea this all is he'll rescind it." Her eyes turned to glare at Mal. "You know what they say, the rotten apple never falls far from the tree."
"And some apples are just rotten in general," AJ replied.
Ariana ignored AJ and focused solely on Mal.
"Listen up villain. You and your accomplices don't belong here, and you will never will," she said authoritatively. "Enjoy your stay here for the time being but don't get too comfortable. After all, trash belongs in the trash."
Well, it was official. Mal hated this girl. She hated the way she walked, acted, and how she spoke. As much as she would have liked spelling her right there and then, or at the very least punch her, she held it off because it wouldn't do her any good.
So, she would take a more… civil approach.
"And yet, they let you in here, didn't they?" Mal replied returning the glare.
Ariana's face turned white with rage. 'That little! How dare she! You see Ben this is exactly why you shouldn't have allowed them out of prison! They're just going to behave this way.'
Some of the other students watching the exchange gapped at Mal's insult. Some were worried, others were fearful of how the princess might retaliate, while a few were impressed at her bravery. Only a handful of people talked back to Ariana that way, AJ (who was struggling not to burst out laughing at Ariana's face) being one of them.
"Now if we're done here, AJ and I have a class to get to," Mal said as she turned to leave. "If we're lucky, neither of us will have to look at each other more than necessary. Then again, my luck has never been perfect."
"If I'm lucky you and your fellow convicts will be sent back where you belong," Ariana growled.
"Unfortunately, that's not up to you Ariana," AJ pointed out before turning heel to join Mal. "Later."
Ariana glared at the duo leaving. At that moment, she would have loved nothing more than to slap them both, but she was a princess. Such an act would be unethical in public.
Luckily, she didn't need to do anything. Maleficent's spawn couldn't hide who she was. Sooner or later, she would give into her roots and do something that would prove to everyone she was right.
All she had to do was wait.
"Do I even want to know who or what that was?" Mal asked begrudgingly.
AJ sighed. "Trust me. You don't."
"I'm sensing a "but" along those lines," Mal started.
"But you need to know because she is someone you need to be wary of at this school," AJ finished. "That, was Princess Ariana Rose of Ulstead, Audrey's cousin."
Mal stopped dead in her tracks.
"I'm sorry, what?" she asked not quite believing it. "Cousin? As a child from an aunt or uncle?"
"I don't think I can give you a better definition than that," AJ replied sarcastically. "Her father is Prince Philips brother I think?"
Now that made sense to Mal because Maleficent never mentioned Aurora having a sibling. Then again, she hardly mentioned Aurora at all. The rants were mostly about Sora, Donald, Goofy, Riku, occasionally Aqua and Philip, Xehanort, Vanitas, and Thanos (which was weird since they had never actually met).
It also explained why she seemed familiar. Parts of her resembled Audrey, which led her to another annoying realization.
"Ugh, Audrey was bad enough, now there's two of her," Mal complained. "Could this get any worse?"
"Unfortunately, yes," AJ sighed. "Believe me when I say compared to Ariana, Audrey is tolerable."
"How bad are we talking here?" Mal asked worriedly.
"Let me put it this way. Audrey may be a prissy pink princess, but Ariana, she is a prissy pink bitch princess," AJ explained.
Mal did not like that description.
"Perfect," Mal responded sarcastically. "Just perfect. Still, I've dealt with worse… possibly."
"Possibly?" AJ repeated.
"Where I come from, there are plenty of unsavoury characters, the likes of which would kill you at first chance," she explained much to AJ's interest. "Point being, if I can handle them, I can handle someone like Ariana."
Unsavoury was the polite way of putting it. On the Isle, there were several villains and gangs who would get in a fight if you crossed them the wrong way. Granted, gang activity was not as common as it was years ago, but it was still a thing. Some were more organized and had seized several territories, Mal included though more than likely it would be seized up now that she was gone. She knew for a fact Uma would rush at the chance to take what was hers.
Then there were the pathways to other districts/sectors of the Isle, which were crawling with monsters and Heartless. Funnily enough, Mal had never come across any Nobodies over there. The resurrected Organization XIII members didn't really count considering they were whole again.
Either way, it was safer to travel armed and in numbers, unless you were skilled enough to hold your own like Vanitas and Sephiroth.
"Why possibly though?" AJ interrupted her thoughts.
"Well, I've only known her one day," Mal explained. "And it's kind of hard to place a threat level on someone who hasn't done anything yet."
"Fair enough," AJ replied. "Still, she's going to cause trouble for you and your friends. She and a few others."
"Others?" Mal repeated slowly.
AJ nodded as she looked forward.
"A lot of people weren't happy when you guys got invited, and I mean a lot," she emphasized. "You should have seen the uproar when Ben made the announcement. My ears nearly went deaf from all the screaming and shouting."
Mal rolled her eyes. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't surprised.
The children of the most infamous villains living among the perfect citizens of Auradon. She could only imagine the backlash that came after.
"I bet," Mal commented. "Any chance you'd be willing to give full details?"
"Right now, no. During lunch, yes," AJ retorted. "It's something your friends would want to hear."
Mal didn't deny it as they continued to walk to class.
"I'll tell you one thing. Even though it hurt my ears, it was worth seeing the look on Ariana's face when Ben announced you were coming," AJ chuckled. "She looked like she was having a complete nervous breakdown. She and a couple of other stuck ups."
Mal let out a laugh, joined by AJ.
It was official, she liked this girl. Maybe Boreadon wouldn't be so bad after all.
Unknown to her right now, this would be her first friend here.
Evie
Evie was currently in chemistry jotting down notes from both the board and the teachers (Mr Deley) speech.
It wasn't anything she didn't already know, but it was nice to study the subject in more detail and using books that weren't worn out. Right now, they were ascertaining the atomic weights of certain elements through certain formulas.
Doing the same alongside her was Doug and a girl whose name she heard was Isabelle Hunter. Isabelle was around her age, had brown eyes and long dark brown hair, and wore a dark blue t-shirt covered by a dark blue jacket, jeans, and black shoes. So far, she had given Evie little attention barring a sideways glance, though that didn't bother her.
Doug had briefly offered her help if she struggled with anything before she politely declined. Not that she wasn't grateful or anything, but she wanted to do this herself. It did provide her with a positive opinion of the son of Dopey though. When she was walking to class, she could hear whispers around her while others stared. Of course, she expected this sort of reaction from the student body, but it was still annoying. She had dealt with worse.
"Evelyn," Evie raised an eyebrow at her full name being used. "Perhaps this just a review for you, but could you tell me what the average atomic weight of silver is?"
"107.8682u," she answered without missing a beat. "107.9u if it needs to be rounded off."
Several students in the class (Doug included) turned to look at her with surprised expressions. Mr Deley was no different. He had not expected her to answer that quickly.
"She's not wrong," Isabelle supported holding up a calculator as proof. "I just checked."
"Thank you," Evie said. "Mr Deley I'm sorry. Did you want me to write out the calculations first?"
Mr Deley faltered for a moment before regaining composure.
"Not really, however since you brought it up, would you?" he requested offering out a chalk piece to her.
Evie stood up and accepted the chalk before walking up to the board and writing out the calculations she had done many times in the past while explaining to the class the method behind it. Suffice to say the majority, including Doug and Mr Deley, were impressed while a few others looked on in contempt, believing she had cheated somehow.
'Wow! She's not only pretty but smart too,' Doug thought dreamily. Then he realized what he was doing. 'Get a hold of yourself, Doug! A girl like Evie would never want to be with a guy like you! After all, she's out of my league and… and… perhaps… perhaps I could ask her out just once and if it goes south, I never bring it up again.'
He hoped the rejection would be polite, at the same time, he hoped she wouldn't get together with someone like Chad or Harper. He didn't mind if it was a royal, as long as it was a decent one.
"And that about sums it up," Evie finished.
"How did you reach a conclusion so quickly?" Mr Deley asked curiously.
"As you said, this was a review for me," Evie shrugged. "I've studied this before in Weird Science along with several other formulas and theories."
Mr Deley was about to ask more about that when a student interrupted.
"Weird Science?" Isabelle repeated slowly. "Was that the actual name of the subject?"
Her question caused several students to snicker, much to her annoyance.
"Yes, it was," Evie answered quickly. "I don't know why since there are other science classes like biology. I never really cared since the teacher does a good job."
"And who teaches you exactly?" Mr Deeley questioned.
Evie frowned. "One of the Isle volunteers, Professor Yen Sid."
There were a couple of murmurs among the students who had forgotten (or in some cases unaware) that certain individuals had volunteered to live on the Isle when it was first created. The mere idea of it sounded absurd because who would give up a perfect life in Auradon to live with a deranged group of villains?
"I'm surprised you didn't know sir," Evie admitted. "Did you not receive our school records?"
"Actually, I have not," Mr Deley admitted. "I don't think the other teachers have either. We only received basic information on you five."
"Is that not standard procedure here?" Evie asked genuinely surprised. "When a student transfers school, is it not normal for the new school to receive records of their previous school experiences, including their subjects, who taught them, and their grades?"
"Typically, yes," Mr Deley agreed. "However, for some reason we never received yours."
Evie frowned. As odd as it sounded, she couldn't help but wonder if Maleficent had something to do with it. She had kept the truth hidden from them for a week, it wouldn't surprise her if she kept it all to herself.
It was then she decided to bring it up with Fairy Godmother later. Perhaps they could get in contact with Professor Yen Sid, or Dr Facilier and get the documents. She would never know unless she tried.
After returning the chalk and then her chair Evie ignored all looks sent her way and a note from a blonde guy near her.
"Nice explanation," Doug applauded.
"Thanks, Doug," Evie replied.
"Smart of you not to take that note as well," Isabelle complimented without looking up.
"And why is that?" Evie asked somewhat intrigued. "Because of what it might contain, or who it is from?"
"Both," Isabelle deadpanned. "The person in question is Prince Chad Charming, Cinderella's son."
"Chad inherited their charm, but not a lot of their there if you know what I mean," Doug added.
Evie raised an eyebrow at the word "charm". Combined with the fact he was a prince it didn't take much to put the pieces together.
"Let me guess, he uses his looks and status to get what he wants, flirts with any girl he finds pretty and has the personality of a spoiled brat because things normally go the way he wants. And the note I'm presuming is an invitation," she surmised.
"Right in one go! I'm impressed," Isabelle said still writing down notes. "Charming has a reputation for stringing girls along and getting them to do his homework in exchange for dates. Although, he's not the only one. Some other guys do it along with several girls, princesses included."
Evie frowned. That was a little different from the Auradon she imagined. She wouldn't go so far as to say they were perfect, but she didn't expect any of them, much less a child of a former princess of heart, to behave that way.
"Surely one of the teachers must have noticed. Wouldn't the difference in handwriting be obvious?" Evie pressed.
"If they have, they've opted to let it slide," Isabelle said. "Because no one has ever been called out for it. and nobody ever snitches either, though that's understandable."
Evie wasn't sure how to feel about that. At Dragon Hall, if anybody cheated, they would have been given straight detention and forced to redo the task no questions asked. Dr Facilier was very strict on it.
"Has he ever tried it on you?" Evie asked attempting to make conversation.
This time Isabelle did lookup. Her expression was unreadable.
"A couple of times," she admitted. "And for each one I flat out rejected him. I don't date people who only plan on using me."
"I know a little bit of what that's like," Evie admitted. "On the Isle, I've been asked out by guys who were only interested in my looks or brains to help them with schoolwork. The answer was no every time."
Isabelle didn't react. However, now she was interested. Despite what everyone said, the VK's didn't seem that bad, or at least Evie didn't.
Doug was definitely interested. From what Evie was saying she wasn't interested in guys who only liked her because she was pretty or smart. She was interested in someone who liked her for her.
Maybe he did have a chance after all.
"Is there anyone else in this school I need to be wary of?" Evie asked.
Isabelle thought about it for a minute.
"I can think of several, but now is not the time to discuss them," she responded. "Maybe during lunch."
Perhaps she shouldn't but Isabelle was a little curious about the girl from the Isle.
"I'll probably be sitting with my friends," Evie explained. "Would it be okay if they heard it too?"
Isabelle nodded. "I don't see any issue with that."
"Would you like to join us, Doug?" she asked the other not wanting to exclude him.
"Huh," he responded quite surprised. "Oh, yeah."
He hadn't anticipated being invited by her but he wouldn't pass it up.
And with that they had made plans to meet up before continuing their work.
Jay
Jay walked across the pitch to where the other students were. So far it had been an immensely boring day for him.
The classes were boring (though that wasn't unusual), he was separated from the others (much to his annoyance), and worst of all, he hadn't gotten the chance to steal anything. It was truly a nightmare.
The only highlight of today was PE where they were also doing try-outs for tourney. Even if he couldn't steal, he could at least let loose for a while, mostly.
He checked his right wrist to make sure the bracelet his father gave him was fastened tightly on. The last thing he needed was for anyone to find out to his mother was.
His friend's other parent might surprise or scare some people, but his would downright terrify them. Jafar was one thing, but his mother, she was something else entirely.
Hence the need for the bracelet. It would help keep it a secret.
"You sure you want to wear that?" a voice called. "It might break and fall off."
Jay nearly jumped at the sudden intrusion but kept his calm. Any sign of weakness was something the enemy would take advantage of. Call him paranoid, but he had grown up in an environment where it was a great survival tool.
He looked and saw a boy around his age, dressed in a tourney uniform, who possessed blonde hair with some black highlights and brown eyes.
"I'm fine," Jay answered. "It's secure enough that it won't break or fall off."
"What is it anyway?" the boy asked. "A good luck charm?"
"Sort of a family heirloom," Jay responded. "Very precious. Rarely take it off. That sort of thing."
"Ah, I hear you," the boy admitted. "It's just that tourney is a rough sport."
Jay snorted. "Believe me. I can handle rough."
He doubted it was anything compared to home.
"Is it because you're from the Isle of the Lost?" the boy asked.
Jay eyed him for a moment. There was no contempt or prejudice in his voice, only curiosity.
"You know who I am?" he inquired.
"Not really. I've never seen you around before and the transfers from the Isle arrived yesterday, it wasn't hard to figure out," the boy explained. "I'm assuming you are Jay or Carlos since the files in Bens office only had names and no pictures."
As soon as he said that Jay's interest was piqued. If this guy had access to files in the crown prince's office, then that means he either worked for him or he was a close friend.
"You know Ben?" Jay asked despite knowing it was a stupid question.
"He's a friend," the boy confirmed.
"And you are?" the boy's eyes widened.
"Oh, I'm sorry," he apologised quickly. "My name is Theodore Walsh, but everyone else calls me Theo. What's your name?"
"Jay," he replied.
Before they could continue, Coach Jenkins called them both to get ready. They, along with Ben were offensive while Chad, Carlos, Herkie, and a few others were defensive.
"You know what to do?" Theo asked.
"Get past them, score, win," Jay listed off.
"That is the idea, but we're actually supposed to work together," Theo pointed out. "It's part of the whole team thing."
Jay scoffed. "Trust me. That won't be necessary."
Theo was about to protest when the whistle went off.
The moment he heard it Jay sprang into action.
He dashed across the pitch with incredible speed first taking down Chad who tried blocking him with a shield by literally ramming his shoulder into it. Another tried to block him, but Jay swiftly brought him down by pulling his leg out and causing him to fall.
One of the players began firing projectiles at him.
'Useless,' Jay internally scoffed.
He was in full-on battle mode now. Completely aware of his surroundings and who was and wasn't an enemy. No one could stop him in this form.
As the projectiles were launched, Jay began to repel and dodge the strikes with relative ease. Before anyone registered it, he had made past and was speeding towards Herkie, the last line of defence.
Herkie was the tallest boy on the team standing just a little over Jay. He had a muscular build, lavender eyes, and short dark auburn hair. He looked focused but at the same time nervous.
Carlos was close but he had no intention of getting in the way because unlike the others, he knew it was impossible to stop Jay when he got like this.
Herkie moved towards Jay with his shield raised. He was fast, but Jay was faster.
Without warning, he leapt up into the air and looked as though he would step on his opponent. Herkie instinctively brought up his shield to protect his face.
'Just what I was waiting for,' Jay smirked.
Landing on the shield, Jay launched himself up into the air much to the shock of everyone present. He then threw the ball forward.
Letting out a war cry, Jay smashed the ball with his hurl sending it straight into the goal past the goalkeeper's shocked expression.
For a minute, there was nothing but silence. Then the cheerleaders erupted into cheers and Ben and Theo began applauding Jay.
Individuals like Chad thought Jay was just a thug with the way he behaved. They were hoping the coach would see it too and not put him on the team. Unfortunately, they were about to be disappointed.
"Hey, you!" Coach Jenkins called Jay. "Get over here!" Jay arrived promptly along with the other players. "What do you call that?" Some boys were happy because they believed Jay was in trouble. "I call that raw talent."
Jay smiled with pride. It was nice that someone from Auradon had noticed.
"Stop by later and I'll show you something you've never seen before. It's called a rulebook," Jenkins said enthusiastically. "Welcome to the team son."
Coach Jenkins was ecstatic. With Jay on the team, things would go a lot smoother in games. They would need to work on teamwork, but he wasn't overly worried about that. The other boy, however.
"You ever think about band?" he asked Carlos who let out a sarcastic laugh.
Jay snorted. Carlos in a band! Now that would be a sight to see.
"I'll work with him coach," Ben offered.
"No, you won't. You've already got enough on your plate with the coronation coming up," Jenkins shut down. "Let's see." His eyes scanned through each of the players until he landed on one. "Nate. Would you work with him?"
Jay turned and saw a boy with very short brown hair that was parted slightly on the right side and blue eyes. Judging from his appearance he had to have been around Carlos's age.
"Sure coach," Nate responded softly.
"Okay then. Let's run that again," Jenkins announced. "Nate, you work with Mr De Vil here."
Nate walked off with Carlos trailing behind. Jay and the others returned to their positions where it was the same story over and over again. When switched to defence, there was hardly anyone who could get past Jay. Herkie came close but Jay managed to stop him. It was then that a break was called.
"Dude that was awesome!" Theo exclaimed. "Who taught you how to move like that?"
"I work for my dad on the Isle, a job which requires a lot of freerunning and parkour," Jay explained. "Naturally, I just picked it up along with everyone else."
"Still, it's amazing. There aren't many people who can get past Herkie," Theo said.
The boy in question did not react but appeared to be shying away from the others.
"As if," Chad snorted. "He's all brawn with no speed. Anyone could get past him."
Jay raised an eyebrow. He had been expecting insults but aimed at him.
"He got further than you did when I was defending," Jay pointed out. "Actually, more than any of you now that I think about it."
That was obviously the wrong thing to say because it earned him multiple glares (barring Ben and Theo) while others stared at the ground in shame.
Herkie's cheeks reddened at the praise. However, he managed to hide it before anyone noticed. It would not do him any favours to get ahead of himself.
"He has an unfair advantage," a boy with a high-pitched voice exclaimed. "He's a demigod."
"And Hercules kid to boot," another boy scowled. "The guy has got size and monster strength to back him up."
Herkie flinched at the word "monster". Even though they weren't technically wrong it still hurt to be called that.
Jay's eyes widened. So that's who he was.
Well, what do you know? He'd just met Mal's cousin.
"Guys," Theo warned stepping forward. "Just don't. Not here."
Chad and the other boys turned their attention to Theo.
"Uh, Dude, like why are you talking?" the high-pitched boy asked.
"It's royals only. Not guys who cheated their way into this school," Chad sneered.
"Really Theo if you have to defend someone, could you please restrict it to someone who doesn't break bones, or better yet not a son of Jafar," the third boy spat.
Jay wasn't too bothered by the insult since he'd heard worse. However, he was unnerved by the looks the boys and some other team members were giving Theo, and by extension Herkie.
Their eyes were… filled with disdain.
The reason he found it disturbing was that it was unexpected. These were children of heroes, weren't they? Shouldn't they have been all about goodness and friendship?
"That is enough, from all of you," Ben finally intervened. "Why is it so difficult for you all to get along?"
"We do get along Ben," Chad snorted. "We just prefer it with people in the same group. No outsiders."
He had only known them a short time, but Jay had already decided he hated these guys.
"How princely of you," Jay said sarcastically.
"Like we need your opinion!" the third boy snapped. "Why don't you do us all a favour and go back where you belong?"
"Why don't you and your friends fuck off!" Jay snapped back much to their shock. "You think you're the first person to threaten me? Let me tell you now, you're not! If you want me to go back, you're going to have to drag me back kicking and screaming. And just we're clear, you'll be the ones screaming."
He made certain to place particular emphasis on that last sentence so they understood he was not to be trifled with.
Much to his satisfaction, it had the desired effect and the boys started backing away with fear in their eyes.
"You see Ben. This is exactly why it was a bad idea to invite them," Chad warned. "Already they're threatening to harm us."
Before Ben could even answer, the boys turned on heel and left.
As soon as they were gone, Ben let out a long sigh and turned to face his friends.
"I'm sorry about that, I really am," he started.
"Ben don't," Theo interrupted. "You've got nothing to apologize for. They are who they are and well, I've gotten used to it at this point."
"So… so have I," Herkie said slowly and quietly.
Jay raised an eyebrow. 'Used to what? Bullying? Or is it something else I'm not seeing? That blonde asshole mentioned something about their group. Maybe that has something to do with it.'
"You shouldn't have to though," Ben argued. "I don't care what their reasons are. It doesn't give them the right to treat either of you that way."
Jay wasn't sure why Ben just didn't make them stop himself. Since he was going to be King, didn't he possess some authority over the other royals? Whatever the case, Jay couldn't help but respect the guy a little. Sticking up for your friends is something he would do any day of the week without a second thought.
It also wouldn't be a bad idea to stay close with the boy. After all, the King could help him get Jamil off the Isle, and some of his friend's siblings or friends. Though that depending on how successful their plan for the wand went.
"What are you both doing for lunch?" Ben inquired. "I'd join you but."
"We understand Ben," Theo said simply. "We'll be sitting together, although I was hoping Jay could join us." Jay stared at him surprised, not having expected an invitation. "What?! After that speech, I owe you one. There aren't many at this school who would tell a royal to F off."
Jay smirked beginning to like this guy. "I'm just full of surprises. I was going to sit with my friends but I could always make room for extra."
What? He may not like Auradon that much, but he was open to making it more bearable, especially with new people.
It's what Jamil would do.
His cousin aside, Jay couldn't help but wonder how Carlos was doing.
Carlos
Nate took Carlos to the end of the pitch. He had a stopwatch and whistle provided by Coach Jenkins.
He was a little surprised to be doing this considering he wasn't as active as the others on the team.
"Okay, Carlos," Nate called. "We're going to do some sprints to check your speed and boost stamina. Is that alright?"
The De Vil boy nodded and crouched down into a starting position. As soon as Nate blew the whistle, he started running.
That's when a sandy coloured dog came running up behind him barking.
Carlos's blood froze.
That sound, he would know it anywhere.
Flashback
A younger Carlos ran through the Isle as fast as his legs could carry him.
The monsters hadn't stopped chasing him, and his friends were nowhere in sight.
He was all alone.
And he was being hunted.
He knew it was his fault.
He shouldn't have angered her.
But he did, and now, he was paying the price.
He trips over wood as he tries to escape.
He tries to get back up but the monsters have caught up with him.
They pounce.
The next thing he remembers is.
Pain.
Blood.
But most of all, his screams as they tore into his flesh.
Flashback end
Carlos started running faster than he ever had in his life.
He didn't think about it he just ran.
Even when he passed Nate (who was impressed with his speed) he just kept running on into the forest.
Confused by his actions, Nate followed after Carlos as best he could. They were only doing sprints, not laps, though perhaps he should have specified that at the start.
Carlos continued to run through the forest with speed that would impress Jay. He was panting heavily and his heart was beating faster than normal. Even still he would not stop.
Stopping for even a second would have resulted in death and an excruciating one at that.
So he kept running. Or at least he tried to.
Because he was human, he could tire out due to exhaustion. That thing on the other hand, not so much. It continued to pursue him with great enthusiasm.
Carlos wished he had one of the others with him. They could fight it off or blast it with magic even.
'Wait, magic!' Carlos realized. 'That's it!'
He knew he had it, he had felt it when he arrived at Auradon, but he rarely ever thought about it.
His mother's magic was unique. It only had one purpose. And yet, it was powerful in its own right.
It was his only chance at that moment.
Luckily, he'd gotten the chance to use it a few months ago when he blasted a hole in the barrier.
Turning on heel, Carlos faced the canine rushing straight towards him. Nate was a little behind him, but Carlos didn't need to worry about him getting harmed. The magic only worked on animals after all.
Taking a deep breath, Carlos unleashed a wave of green smoke at the monster, hitting it right in its face and placing it under his thrall. Its eyes were glowing green, though Carlos expected that much.
Nate who had caught up watched in silence. What had Carlos done? Was he enhanced, or did he just do magic? However, the bigger question on Nates mind was, why did he look so scared?
The look on Carlos's face told him a lot. He was terrified of the dog. Why though? Was it his first time seeing one, or was it something else?
"Leave," Carlos commanded. "Now."
No sooner had he said it was the dog trotting back the way it came.
Carlos breathed out a sigh of relief. It was over. He was still alive.
"Um, hey," Nate said slowly. "Are you okay? You looked a little freaked out back there."
Carlos looked at him tiredly. "Better now. I wasn't expecting one of those things to show up."
"You mean dude?" Nate said confusedly. "He's the campus mutt. I don't think he meant any harm, just wanted to play."
Carlos shot him a look of disbelief.
"I seriously doubt it. He's a dog. A vicious rabid pack animal," he said scornfully. "Playing would be the last thing on his mind."
Nate stared at him in shock. This guy couldn't have been serious, could he?
"Have you ever even met a dog?" he asked incredulously.
"Yes, I have," Carlos lamented. "More than I would have liked to."
Nate couldn't help but notice the painful yet sad look in his eyes. What did he mean by that?
Before he could even think about asking, Carlos turned away.
"Nate, I'm sorry but, right now I need some time alone," he said softly. "Could we pick this up another time?"
"Uh, sure," he said not having a reason to refuse. "What do you want me to tell the coach?"
"Whatever you want," Carlos said leaving the boy all alone.
Nate stood there alone in the woods. He didn't know what to make of the VK's when he heard they were coming but this one seemed anxious and scared.
He could relate to a certain extent.
At the same time, he wondered if he should do something. Maybe ask one of Carlos's friends or something.
He'd need to find them at lunch, but he wasn't sure if they would be in the cafeteria. There was a chance they wouldn't want to sit with anyone, though it was the same for others.
Only one way to find out.
Unknown Parts
Staring through the crystal ball, a certain man observed the events with interest and concern.
His job required a lot of monitoring, something which never changed despite the more peaceful times. Just because it was peaceful in certain parts didn't mean it would always stay that way.
There were the occasional Heartless attacks that couldn't be stopped, only halted, as well as threats from other places.
His main focus now was the recent arrivals to Auradon. This time from the Isle of the Lost.
While he was not against Ben's proclamation, he was prone to caution. Their activities at the Museum last night raised alarm bells, both figuratively and literally.
However, their interactions with each other, as well as from today gave him reason to believe they could change.
At the very least they were an interesting bunch.
Two sorceresses (one of which was a Fae hybrid) with skill and power. A djinn warrior. A mage with a tremendous fear of dogs. And a keyblade warrior who resembled Keyblade Master Sora.
Oh yes, an interesting bunch. One that clearly been through some trauma, but interesting, nonetheless.
He would need to speak with them soon. See what he could do to help change some of their paths, while others were set on displaying a good example for more to follow.
Summoning a cup of tea he decided to observe them more. The day was not finished.
However, if he were to speak with one, he decided he would start with Evie since she appeared to be the most reasonable member of the group.
All he had to do was wait. Unless something came up, which undoubtedly it would.
It was part of his job after all.
Being the Sorcerer Supreme was exhausting, but it needed to be done.
Hi there! Well, what did you think of that?
This chapter took me a long time to write because I was working on the interactions and trying to decide who would be prejudiced.
Some of their friends have been introduced to this chapter. You may have figured out who they are but I won't give proper introductions until the next chapter, which will follow lunch and a few discussions.
That aside, I'm sure you are all wondering why Carlos didn't take Dude. It's because in this story, his fear of dogs is deeper and more psychological, and not something that will go away overnight.
Jay's cousin Jamil is the one from Twisted Wonderland. Also, that friend of Mals, some of you may have been able to guess who their parents were based on the quotations. They'll be introduced in later chapters.
Next chapter, I am hoping to conclude the Auradon Prep Arc. The one afterwards is the Friends and Acquaintances Arc.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please review!
One more thing! Here is a list of Van's classmates:
Ven
Princess Melody (daughter of Ariel and Eric)
Gabriela Duncan (daughter of Gabe and Lauren Duncan)
Haru Hamada (son of Hiro and Gogo Hamada)
Prince Eliot Frost (son of Elsa and Jack Frost [Rise of the Guardians])
Kai Hikaru (son of Kairi and Sora)
Rikyu Sekai (son of Riku and Xion)
Darren Parr (son of Dash Parr from Incredibles)
Aaron Helios (son of Apollo)
Prince Vincent von Schweetz (son of Vanellope von Schweetz)
Prince Khuno (son of Kuzco)
Huey Duck (from Ducktales 2017)
Princess Aria (Melody's cousin) Oceania
Paxton Pan (son of Peter Pan)
Primrose Rydinger (daughter of Violet and Tony Rydinger from Incredibles)
Dewey Duck (from Ducktales 2017)
Louie Duck (from Ducktales 2017)
Webby Vanderquack (from Ducktales 2017)
Prince Flynn (son of Rapunzel and Eugene Fitzherbert)
Phoenix Flynn (daughter of Phineas and Isabella Flynn)
Virgil Flynn (son of Ferb and Vanessa Flynn)
Helena (daughter of Hephaestus)
Denzel Strife (adopted son of Cloud and Tifa Strife)
Marlene Wallace (daughter of Barrett Wallace)