Special shout-out thanks to twstrsaheadcanons from Tumblr for allowing me to use his Twisted Wonderland OC's. Specifically, they are Royal Sword Academy OC Characters who will be siblings to the Auradon children. Please check out the page if you have a chance.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
He was bleeding.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
He had been in pain. But it was too much and now it was numb.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
His friends were there. Fighting. Trying to save him from the monsters.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
She came…
And…
Present
Carlos sat quietly against the tree with his legs spread out on the grass. The sound of the river flowing by him provided a soothing presence, something he definitely needed after his… ordeal.
He walked very far and wasn't sure where he ended up, however, he wasn't worried. His friends could find him if they needed to, especially now that they had access to magic.
Part of him felt a little bit guilty for leaving Nate like that but after that thing came out, Carlos needed some space.
A little more than a little bit.
Cafeteria
The cafeteria was ripe with activity. The students hurried along to get food and sit with their friends and discuss the day's events among other topics.
They divided up into different groups: Royals, Demigods, Supers, Business, Nerds, Newspaper, Artistic, Normal, and Loners.
The first three were the most popular that excelled at many subjects, sports, and social events. Because of whom their parents were at the top of the (unofficial) hierarchy. However, depending on certain factors, children outside these categories could join, mostly belonging to the business.
The second four were more expressive in the areas they focused on. Usually, they were made up of members of several clubs that had some special relation, or association. They also had some civilian children.
The last two were the outcasts (though no one outright called them that) of the school. They weren't special at all and most of the time people (especially the popular group) pretended they didn't exist. It seemed they preferred that as well.
Today the cafeteria had a group that was a bit of everything.
Evie was the first to enter with Doug and Isabelle. That earned a few glances from those who witnessed her performance. Nothing overly hostile though.
Next was Jay, Herkie, and Theo. They received glares from the jocks at the royal table. Some of the Demigods were confused as to why Herkie was with them.
Finally, Mal and AJ arrived which invoked a slightly bigger reaction. Many looked on in fear, with hushed whispers. Others like Ariana, Audrey, and Chad looked on with disdain. A few, however, looked on with admiration for Mal's previous display.
One thing they all had in common was the sense of uncertainty and nervousness. They all knew the stories, who their parents were, what they had done, and most of all what they were capable of. Another thing, they were confused as to why other students were with them. Shouldn't they have been warier of the arrivals? The absence of the other two VKs was notable also; those who had seen them yesterday were still shocked at Van's resemblance to Sora since it had never been mentioned in history.
The VKs were indifferent to this, having expected such a reaction and suggested that they sit somewhere secluded. What they weren't indifferent to was the food being served. For starters, it was free, which threw them (Jay especially) off because where they came from everything came with a price (mostly). The designs of some of them were weird also, for instance, there were fruits shaped animals. Breakfast surprised them, but this was something else.
Not knowing what to do, they copied their Auradonian colleague's choices and sat down. Mal and Jay selected a meat dish while Evie went with Lasagne.
After a brief introduction, they all sat down.
"Hey, aren't there supposed to be five of you?" AJ enquired.
"Carlos is doing laps with some boy called Nate, and Van is on some field trip," Jay answered swiftly.
"On his first day?" Theo asked surprised.
"Apparently, the other kids had already signed up and they didn't want to leave him out," Mal explained. "I'm sure…" she paused. "I hope he's handling it fine."
Of course, if he was having similar issues to theirs that might not be the case.
"Laps or not, they both would have stopped for lunch," Isabelle pointed out.
"They could just be running late," Herkie suggested quietly. "Coach Jenkins could have stopped them to talk."
"Whatever the case, we'll fill him in later along with Van," Jay declared. "Aside from eating, let's get to why we're here." He glanced at Herkie and Theo. "What is up with this school? And the people who attend it?"
"Yeah, I get that people wouldn't be happy about us attending, but why are there people we need to be wary of?" Mal asked. "And why in general? It's Auradon. Shouldn't you all be you know… good, friendly, and…"
"I think what my friends are trying to say is that the people here aren't quite what we expected them to be," Evie explained.
"Why we're not all buddy-buddy or goody two-shoes?" AJ deadpanned.
"Why we're not perfect?" Doug finished. "Is that what you mean?"
There was an uncertain exchange between the VKs.
"We wouldn't have meant it that way, but go on," Mal urged.
There was an exchange of glances between the students. Doug and Herkie looked uncomfortable. Theo and Isabelle looked unimpressed. And AJ, she rolled her eyes in annoyance.
Though their reactions were different, the VKs knew that look all too well. It belonged to someone who had heard something time and time again.
"Okay, I don't know who told you that but get it out of your head," AJ ordered. "Use a memory wipe spell if you have to. Heck, I'll do it for you. Because perfect is the last thing that we are."
"If anything, it's the opposite. Ever since peace was established, people's standards have… somewhat… um… well, shifted," Herkie tried to explain but fell short.
"Nowadays, a person's status in this country is determined by who their parents are," Isabelle clarified. "Depending on the good deeds they performed, their royal status, or their blood relations, that child will be seen as the top of the chain. And those that aren't, for example, a sidekick's child, or someone whose parent never did anything noteworthy, they're at the bottom." She frowned. "And in your case, well, I'm sure you can figure out the rest."
When put like that, Auradon didn't sound to different from the Isle. There had been a ranking system when it was first formed were the children of the greatest villains were at the top. Unlike here, anyone could move up or down at a moment's notice depending on their actions and who they were aligned with.
Or rather, they had been.
Like Auradon Prep, their ways had somewhat shifted, though not because of peace (like there was any, to begin with) but more of extenuating circumstances.
"Please excuse our assumptions," Jay apologized. "We have little to no contact with Auradon. The closest is the news channel with the rest coming from stories."
"News channel?" Theo repeated. "That can't be the only channel you have access to! And what about Wi-Fi? Can't you use that to learn about the outside world?"
There was an exchange of confused glances between the Isle students.
"Um, Theo. Are you talking about wireless internet?" Jay questioned to which the latter nodded. "We don't have that. The barrier cuts off almost all signals. We've barely got enough for the one channel."
"Not to mention we don't have the right resources," Mal admitted.
Sure, they had access to electricity and some technology, but the things they were talking about were a different story. Mal knew for a fact her brothers Ortho and Idia had worked on the issue when they wanted to bring a little of the outside to the Isle (though in Idia's case he wanted to play new games with some new contenders). Carlos had also made an attempt by punching a hole through the barrier (albeit accidentally) just a little over two months ago. The consequences that followed were what Mal could only describe as (putting it politely) disastrous.
The AK's stared at them flabbergasted. They couldn't imagine living in a world without Wi-Fi.
"What do you do then?" AJ exclaimed.
"Go outside, read books, physical activities, socialize, some play videogames," Evie listed off.
"It probably helps that we've lived without it since birth," Mal suggested.
That was as good an explanation as any. The AKs got the feeling there was more to their activities than that but decided not to stray from the topic.
"Evie, didn't you say the Isle had volunteers living there?" Isabelle asked. "Why not ask them?"
"Volunteers?" Theo asked.
"People who chose to live on the Isle both to monitor the villains and help out in certain areas," she clarified. "And we've tried, but their knowledge only goes as far back as when the Isle was first formed. They've been there so long now that everyone considers them Isle residents."
Nowadays, the remaining Isle barely acknowledged them as volunteers and just viewed them as citizens trapped like them. It probably helped that two had married Isle residents and that they were more involved in its affairs than Auradon.
"I'm surprised you didn't know about them," Evie admitted. "Has History not mentioned them?"
"History barely references the Isle, barring when the villains were banished there," Doug revealed. "And most of the time, the people in charge act as if the Isle doesn't exist. There aren't any books or online sources about it either."
Evie wished she could say she was surprised but if six years ago had taught them anything it was that Auradon did not give a damn about the Isle nor did it want anything to do with it. They had learnt it before that, but the Incident set the lesson in stone.
"It seems we're at a stalemate then," Evie pursed her lips. "Auradon knows nothing about the Isle, and the Isle knows very little about Auradon."
Theo and Herkie exchanged a glance. The Royal Family had some contact with the Isle, or at the very least, had a way to contact them. Ben had gotten the details of the VKs from someone, and they doubted it was from Auradon.
"We're getting off track here," Mal interjected. "Who is it we need to be wary of here? I know Ariana's one?"
"Ariana?" Jay repeated.
"She's Audrey's cousin," Mal saw the looks her friends were giving her. "I know. Apparently, Prince Philip has a brother."
"Maybe it would be easier if we listed them off, and said why," Isabelle interrupted. "Lunch involves a limited amount of time so."
"Pragmatic," Jay agreed before gesturing for them to continue. "Go on."
"Let's keep short and sweet, especially on Ariana," Theo side-eyed AJ. "No need for any loud rants, especially where the people we are discussing can hear us."
AJ huffed annoyedly. "Fine. Mind if I rant to you guys in your room later instead?"
"Depends," Mal said softly. "How long will this rant go on for? A couple of hours? Until night?"
"Hell no," AJ vehemently denied. "Thirty minutes at most. Considering how long lectures from teachers and relatives can go on for I try to keep mine as short as possible."
"Nice!" Evie said.
"I respect that!" Jay declared.
"Oh, thank the Gods!" Mal said exasperatedly. "On the Isle, there are villains, my mother included, who will rant for hours about their pasts, enemies, and failures. The worst of them is Flintheart Glomgold."
There was a collection of groans from the VKs, much to the AK's confusion.
"Seriously?! Even after all this time?" Doug asked.
"A grudge is a grudge is a grudge is a grudge Doug," Evie deadpanned. "A lot of villains don't forgive or forget. And a lot really like to complain about it."
There were exceptions. And in recent years, people were more focused on surviving than on plotting revenge that would never come.
"Isn't Glomgold Scrooge's -?" Doug started.
"We're not getting into him!" Jay firmly interrupted. "Some other time but not today, maybe."
That vengeful duck's rants were the worst. Even Maleficent couldn't stand them.
"Enough," Isabelle said firmly. "Let's just tell them. Chad Charming, son of Cinderella and Kit Charming. The boy isn't the smartest, but he's not a complete idiot. Rich, arrogant, and self-absorbed, he uses his looks and charms to get whatever he wants, including manipulating others into doing tasks for him. He acts like a total big shot even though he isn't. Although the same could be said for many royals."
"You already know who Audrey and Ariana Rose are related to. Both are vain, narcissistic, and self-important. Status is everything to them," AJ started.
"Audrey is much nicer though," Theo defended.
"And I acknowledge that. Ariana is a bully through and through with her own clique to back her up. She always acts as if she's above everyone and believes everyone should adore her. She also treats those she deems the lower class with barely any manners. She's heavily against magic but is somewhat cordial with non-human species. And to top it all off, she has no issue walking over someone to get what she wants, or publicly humiliating them and ruining their reputation if they annoy her," AJ finished.
"Some demigods should be a problem," Herkie admitted. "The Oceania Family, children of Ariels sisters and grandchildren pf Poseidon. They don't have a high opinion of humans, or half-species, though they do respect their deeds and their divine family, excluding Hades. We don't talk much but don't expect them to be polite to you. Adamantia, the daughter of Athena, is very competitive when it comes to intelligence and grades, though she's not as hostile as the others. Harper, son of Hermes, is a prankster and thief though no one can ever prove it's him. His pranks can be quite humiliating, but never too harmful. Deimos and Phobos are actual Gods and children of Ares and Aphrodite and have a reputation for being cruel to students. I don't know how and why they are attending this school, maybe because they are still young for Gods, but they are. I'm not sure any of the others will cause trouble, but only time will tell."
Ares's children were usually considered too violent to attend this school, but Aphrodite being their mother helped ease their case.
Mal was not surprised the Gods and their children did not respect her father. They never had before. The sole exception being her aunt Hestia.
"Moving on to some of the jocks, who are a mixture of everything," Theo continued. "First, there's Li, son of Ling and Ting-Ting and a prince of China. The guy is very egotistical, and whiny, and hates it when someone doesn't give him the respect, he feels he deserves. However, he's an agile fighter and can be an actual prince when the occasion calls for it. Then there's Aziz, son of Aladdin and Jasmine. Unlike the others, he used to be a really nice person, but a certain incident left him very bitter and angry. Emir is his fraternal twin, who isn't much better."
Jay was surprised to learn the boy he had confronted earlier was the son of his father's worst enemy.
"William Weselton is another. Compared to his father, he's built tall and strong and relies on raw power. His father was one of the most vocal about you coming here, along with Queen Leah, so don't expect any pleasantries from him. Akio of Arendelle isn't really a bad guy, and most of his issues are family related. Brendan is the son of business tycoon Alistair Krei, while Miguel I don't know about. They can be hostile, but they don't really act unless someone else does. To be honest, me and Herkie barely speak with them so I can't give you a full picture."
"They have their followers as well who behave similarly," Doug added. "There are some Supers kids who might be a problem, but I don't know which ones. There are also children like Brendan, ones who come from a big business family. If it means securing potentially strong partners inn the future they might be willing to cause you trouble. They keep their heads down more than others."
As the VKs steadily digested the information they realized one thing, most of them they were describing were royals, even the Demigods.
"Geez, are all the royals at this school a bunch of spoilt, self-entitled assholes?" Mal asked.
"A lot are, including non-royals," Doug admitted, with a hint of shame in his voice. "But not all of them."
"A friend of mine, Hope Swan, she isn't," AJ added.
Evie raised an eyebrow. Swan? That sounded familiar.
"Also, Mal," Herkie said softly. "I don't want to be rude but, are you a fae, half-fae I mean?"
Mal raised an eyebrow. "My mother is Maleficent, so yeah. Why?"
Herkie shifted uncomfortably, while the others tensed. "Remember what I said about the Oceania Family? How they dislike half-species? It's not just them. Other people around here won't like you for it."
"Let me guess, they're gonna call me a half-breed behind my back?" the silence that followed was enough of an answer. Mal sighed. "Look, it's fine. I handled racism on the Isle, I can handle it here."
"We all have," Jay supported earning a few looks. "Part Djinn. My father's Jafar, remember?"
Mal and Jay were not human, not even half despite what many believed. Oh sure, Jafar used to be human but after his final wish, that had all been stripped away. Although the Isle depowered most if the villains, their genetics and lineage remained unaltered.
"I will admit, I didn't expect it in Auradon," Mal said quietly. "I expected you all to hate us for who our parents are, but not that or the way everyone behaves in general."
Theo snorted. "Welcome to our world! People are taught how they should be, yet they still act prejudiced. It's one issue that never seems to go away."
It was a sad truth, but an honest one. Times of peace didn't take away conflict, they just toned it down.
"We were told you guys were the embodiment of pure evil just like your parents, but you haven't acted like that. Is anyone from the Isle like that?" Doug asked.
"Pure evil? No," Evie replied. "Unless it's someone like Frollo or Whitehall, I don't think anyone comes close. Chaotic perhaps, but pure evil no. The bar for that was set too high by the grown-ups."
"What about stuck-up assholes then?" AJ suggested. "We have a lot here."
"Excuse me, Miss," Jay said in a proud voice. "A lot of us are assholes, and some are dicks. Stuck-up, however, we are not."
.
.
.
.
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.
.
.
.
Everyone, including the usually stoic Isabelle and quiet Herkie, burst out laughing with the VKs joining in. It attracted the attention of the other cafeteria residents who glared while some stared bizarrely, but none of them cared.
"Okay, okay, thank you for that," AJ stammered. "I can't think of anyone here who would ever admit to that, ever."
"Good thing we're not from here then," Jay retorted with a grin.
The AKs had taken many things from this conversation, but one thing they had all established was that the VKs were far from what everyone described them as. Having them around might not be such a bad thing after all.
"Um, excuse me," a voice interrupted.
Their laughter broke off as they turned heads and saw Nathaniel Barton standing just at the edge of the table. He was alone and looked nervous.
"Sorry to interrupt but," he started.
"Where's Carlos?" Jay promptly interrupted.
"I don't know," Nate answered just as quickly. "We were doing laps when Dude arrived, and Carlos took off. When he sent Dude away, he wandered off into the woods alone."
That sounded… odd. Carlos wasn't the type to do that unless it involved…
"Who, or what is Dude?" Evie asked keeping calm.
"He's the campus mutt I think," Isabelle said.
"Mutt?" Jay said incredulously. "Like a dog?"
"Yeah, he," Nate said.
"Fuck!" Jay swore to get to his feet. "We'd better find him, and fast."
"Jay, wait for a second," Mal ordered. "Let E find him."
"I'm sorry, but what the hell is going on?" AJ asked confused. "What's the big deal?"
She wasn't the only one. everyone present was confused. Dude was just a dog. He was harmless.
"Carlos has a phobia of dogs," Evie explained. "I won't get into all the details, but we have Cruella to thank for that."
"His mother?" Nate asked.
"Not by choice, but yes," Jay answered. "Nate you said, he sent this Dude away. Did you see how?"
"It was a green smoke," Nate said uncertainly. "I don't know whether it was magic or a superpower."
"It was magic," Mal clarified. "Something he got from his mother."
That sent a wave of surprise across everyone. Cruella De Vil having magic was not something that had ever been mentioned before. In fact, it almost seemed weird.
"Her magic isn't really that significant. What she's most famous for are her killings and fashion industry. I doubt her magic would have ever come up. Then again, it's possible people saw her using it but disregarded it as magic. Not everyone believed back then," Mal explained.
The biggest mystery surrounding Cruella's power was where it came from. While it was possible for any human to learn magic, she was restricted to one ability alone. Her power didn't come from an object, and it certainly hadn't come from a God or Demon.
"He said he wanted to be alone, that he needed it," Nate continued.
"Wouldn't be the first time," Mal muttered under her breath. "Whatever the case, check where he is."
If Carlos was in danger, they would know immediately thanks to a little magic.
"I could track him for you," AJ offered. "I'm part werewolf so I can pick up a scent. My family has some tracking spells also."
Magic might have been discouraged, but it was not actually forbidden.
"Thanks for the offer, but I can find him," Evie declined. "I'd better do it in private though. No telling how everyone else will react to the Evil Queen's daughter using magic. So, thank you all for lunch. This has been very insightful and looks forward to attending classes alongside you in the future."
And she meant it. While she had her reservations about Auradon and its people, she liked the ones in front of her. She was committed to her mother's plan and setting a good example.
The others responded similarly and started to get up. Lunch was almost over, meaning classes were to restart.
Later that day
Evie had managed to locate Carlos using her mirror. Once she saw he was okay, her worries were gone. To her surprise, he started walking back to the school. Perhaps he had recovered from his ordeal.
The rest of the day went by uneventfully with each of them attending class and receiving homework. They hadn't made any additional allies or enemies, but it was only the first day, so it was to be expected.
The AKs went to bed that night with their own impressions of their controversial new classmates.
AJ thought they were hilarious and had a bit of spunk.
Isabelle was neutral towards them but would wait to see how things played out.
Doug and Theo had a positive opinion of them because they were not like the other students.
Herkie didn't hate them. Truth be told, he wasn't sure what to think of them. Villainous parents or not, they were not afraid of him and treated him better than most of the kids at this school. For now at least.
Mal was still committed to her mother's plan, but she was looking forward to her days at Auradon Prep more than she had been.
Evie and Jay like the school and some of the people.
Carlos didn't have an opinion. He was quiet when he returned.
Little did any of them realize. Things were only just beginning.
Because in the coming weeks and months, their worlds would be shaken in ways they had never experienced.
Hi there! Been a while since I updated but I've been busy with work.
This chapter concludes the Auradon Prep Arc! The main purpose of this one was to introduce characters and set them up for the future. The VK's new friends will get their time to shine in the future, as will several antagonists.
The following Arc is called the Friends and Acquaintances Arc which sees Van get to know his classmates better, especially Gabriela. There will be a bit more action in this arc as well.
I struggled with coming up with OCs to be against the VKs. However, I didn't want them all to be royalty. They are mostly Disney, however, I want to include some Marvel Descendants who would also be antagonistic. That said, I know exactly who I want to be their friends.
Once again, thank you to twstrsaheadcanons from Tumblr for giving me permission to use his OCs.
Hope you enjoyed it!