REFERENCES TO SEXUAL ABUSE, THOUGH NOTHING TOO EXPICIT
Audrey instinctively shivered as she looked across the choppy see at the isle of the Lost. It cut an imposing figure, with a barrier shimming around it and bruise-coloured clouds knitted about it and spewing sheets of rain and streaks of thunder down below. The entire place reeked of evil intent and for the first time she began this whole thing, Audrey had doubts. This was against everything her parents stood for, for goodness's sake, she was working with the woman who put her mother in a coma. Sure, she still stood by her reasons, but the thoughts chipped away at her mind like the sea chips away at a cliff.
Before she could think too much harder, lizard Maleficent as Audrey privately dubbed her scuttled up her pocked and climbed her dress to her shoulder. She had found a spell to make her speak after seeing Carlos make his mangey mutt speak, and part of her regretted it, her mind conjuring images of her taking over by herself.
"Are you done staring yet?" Maleficent asked, a chill to her tone telling Aubrey she better only have one answer.
Audrey pulled her shoulders back and offered the lizard her patented princess smile. "Of course. Now, how do we get across?"
Maleficent muttered something Audrey decided she didn't want to hear under her breath. "You have my sceptre. Just fly you dimwitt."
Audrey frowned, not liking her tone. Didn't she know who she was? She was the Queen of Mean and the Princess of Auroria, the name changed after her dad ruled in in honour of his queen. Still, she needed Maleficent, for now, so she raised the sceptre without complaint. Immediately her feet lifted off the ground and she flew directly to the eye of the storm.
Thanks to her spell, the weather was storming, as if the elements themselves were angry. The wind whipped at her hair and outfit, the bite holding a chill that seeped through to her skin. The sea leapt up to meet her, covering her in a haze of sea foam and salt that stung her eyes. Finally, she reached the first barrier. Why they thought there's only be one is beyond her. The heroes were terrified of these people, of course they'd have assurances.
She pulled out Fairy godmothers wand and waved it in the motion she'd seen her use. She felt no spark, being non magical, but she saw the shield ripple before blinking out of existence. She flew in and waved it again, forcing the barrier back up. Maleficent and her had agreed they didn't want everyone escaping, though for different reasons. Audrey flew over to the second barrier, and with a smaller flick of the and, she made a hole appear in the glass-like structure. She flew in and immediately touched down on the wharf the raced out to meet her, the barrier cutting off the magic. Audrey was grateful they chose that place, seeing as she had no desire to take a swim. She had heard crocodiles, electric eels and sharks infested these waters, and she had no desire to test the theory.
She strolled over the rickety wharf, expertly dodging places where the wood was rotted, she sighed in relief when she made it to the end without falling into the turbulent sea below. Maleficent scuttled up and glowered at her, as much as she could as a lizard.
"What are you waiting for you ridiculous child, get moving."
Aubrey bit her tongue to stop herself from snapping on the old Queen. She looked around, finding an open port covered in crumbling concrete. Along the waterfront were crumbling wood and concrete buildings, and a few ships were docked with a larger one she knew as the jolly Rodger down the way. Shivering at the thought of being caught by the Captain, she hurried into the shadow cast by the building and started walking with Maleficent guiding her.
The entire island was derelict, with broken being the norm. Audrey's eyes widened when she saw three kids hiding in a torn red tent, the fabric blowing in the chilled wind that ran though your clothes without care. She forced her eyes away, knowing she was supposed to be evil. She had to keep her eyes on the prize. She squared her shoulders and sauntered away from the kids, despite the voice in her head that sounded like her mothers reprimanding her.
They entered into a square of some kind filled with shabby stalls. She glanced up and saw Bargain Castle, one of the only decent structures in the place.
"Hurry up brat,"
Audrey glanced at her companion. "What if they aren't there?"
"Oh, they will be, and if not, there will be someone who can help regardless. Now hurry up."
Audrey scowled at the vagueness but did as she was told. She walked up the stairs she found tucked in the side till she reached a large platform with a door. She went to knock, when Maleficent sneered.
"This is my house, you brat. Open the door."
Audrey did as she was told and slipped inside. The inside wasn't much but the spray paint on the inside wall drew attention away from the crumbling interior. They walked through the place before hiding behind a wall when they heard voices. At Maleficent urging she showed herself, drawing the attention of the villains. The Evil Queen Ravenna was lounging in the throne with a bored look on her face and Jafar was seated across from her as he looked through a pile of lamps. Cruella was surprisingly missing but Dr Facilier lounged in the room as well.
The Evil Queen met her eyes, and Audrey was struck by the coldness in the other woman's gaze. She didn't even say anything, though her eyes widened when she saw Maleficent's sceptre in the girls' hands.
"Pardon the intrusion in what I am sure is a buys schedule," she jeered, though she clutched the sceptre tighter and concealed her shaking free hand. "But I have brought someone here who will likely be of use to you."
"Would you sleep in my grave as quick, EQ?" Maleficent sneered, drawing attention to Audrey's shoulder.
"Only if it was satin lined," was the Queen's cool response. "What are you doing here, Maleficent. You have a lot of nerve showing your face here."
Maleficent huffed. "This girl here is Audrey, she has been helping me. We have encased everyone in marble in Auradon and have even dealt with our meddling children. I now have a deal to make with you two…and Facilier I suppose." Maleficent said, not really caring who was here.
Ravenna narrowed her eyes and leant forward. "What kind of deal?"
Knowing she had her interest, Maleficent continued. "The kind where the four of us get out of here and take over Auradon."
Carlos gnawed on his lower lip and he looked around the room. Was it even a room? He didn't know but he looked around the space regardless. Uma was splayed on the ground, her head resting in Gil's lap as the boy gently stroked her dreadloc's keeping them out of her face. His touch was tender and brought a smile to Carlo's face. Gil was a decent guy, a bit dumb, by decent, and someone like Uma could help him become smarter and take advantage of the education provided. The pirate had potential, though right now it looked like he only had Uma on the mind.
He looked over at Ben, who was cradling Mal. His forehead was pressed against hers as he muttered sentences laced with fear and desperation. Carlos's heart squeezed seeing the girl so vulnerable. She was his leader and a demifaery, this was not what she should be reduced to. Still, Carlos knew she was strong, and knew she would force herself awake if she had to. A small smile teased at his lips as he imagined Mal wrestling with a sleep demon, forcing it to let her wake up. The image was definitely something she'd do, he smirked.
His gaze left her silently and landed on the final girl of their trio, and the one he privately thought would eventually become their leader after the knight fiasco. Evie was flat on the ground, her head on Jay's lap and her legs resting in Hook's. it was a bizarre sight, but he supposed Evie and Hook connected at the library. The pirates did have a softer spot for Evie on the isle, as much as they could afford to, to maybe that was just a transfer of that? Carlos watched intently, making sure the pirates stroking didn't go above her knee. Everyone knew of the pirates' bad boys ways. He had dated Mal, Gianna Gothel, Isabelle Heart and countless others, so Carlos didn't want Evie to be sucked into that web. Right now though he seemed like the perfect gentlemen as he stroked her leg soothingly, his gaze flickering up to watch as Jay stroked her cheek gently every few moments.
Carlos still had no idea what happened to Evie to make her so upset, but he knew he'd get it out of her eventually. Carlos was incredibly close to the bluenette, even more than he was with Jay. They'd often get coffee together or go for strolls to clear their heads. All h wanted was for her to be happy, his own heart hurting as he could practically hear her crying out for help.
He was about to go make his rounds when Jane appeared. She was playing with her hands and averting her gaze as she stood in front of him. Carlos sighed and looked at her, his own heart still sore from her callous announcement.
"What do you want, Jane?" he asked, his voice betraying no emotion.
Carlos sighed, a heavy sigh that was filled with tension. "Jane, you said some things that really hurt me and my friends before. You're just lucky that Mal and Uma didn't hear. I do love you, but right now I want some space to sort out my own feelings."
Jane's eyes widened before she huffed and crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing into slits. "What about me, Carlos? I'm terrified about my mother, who is a statute by the way. At least you know where your mother is and in what condition she is in."
Carlos squeezed his hands shut and glared at her. "Please stop talking about my mother."
Jane flinched at the intensity of the look but otherwise didn't back down. "Why? We never talk about her. None of you ever talk about any of your parents. We have the right-"
Carlos let out a cold laugh and puffed out his chest, his eyes turning black as rage simmered though him. "You have a right to know about our parents and our lives there? Do you really think that? Well newsflash you don't. each of us went through our own personal brand of hell over there and we have no intention of reliving it. Our parents aren't like yours so don't confuse them or try understanding us. The worst thing you've experienced is you've gotten grounded. Well, the worst things people experienced on the Isle will give you nightmares for the rest of your life-"
"Like what Carlos? I can take it. I'm not a weak little girl who needs protecting!" Her voice was shrill, and she got in Carlos's space.
He narrowed his eyes, and the rage overtook him. He was about to snap and let loose about all the sexual assaults, the beatings, the lack of medical care, the neglect and murders, all of it, but he was brought out of it by a hand on his shoulder. He whirled around, intending to give whoever touched him a piece of his mind when he saw Ben standing there, an understanding expression on his face.
"Carlos, can you please sit with Mal for me? I'll talk with Jane."
Carlos wanted to shout back but he bit back his irritation and gave a terse nod. He had no idea where this left his relationship with Jane, but she was showing sides of herself he wasn't sure he like. He stormed over to Mal and sat down, placing her head in his lap. He gently combed through her hair, knowing it calmed from Evie doing that when he work up from nightmares. He could dimly hear Ben berating Jane, but he ignored them both. How dare she say those things. How dare she imply they were weak from what they experienced. Mal was forced to try different concoctions made by her mother that made her violently ill and was beaten regularly and belittled every chance her mother got. Jay slept in a closet at home without food and water and had to put himself in dangerous situations to get items for his dad, not to mention was ruthlessly beaten if he didn't bring back something good. He himself was a salve to his mother and was covered in scars, emotional and physical that's never heal. He was a human ashtray for his mother and was constantly exhausted and terrified of what she'd do to him next. Evie…his heart broke for Evie. She was starved, forced to exercise till she dropped, was her mother slave and was constantly belittled till her self-worth was crushed like glass. Not to mention what her mother would let happen to her if a man paid enough as long as no marks were left on her. It was disgusting, even for a villain. None of them were weak, and Jane certainly wouldn't be able to cope with hearing it, as much as she thinks she could.
"Gil?" a soft voice said to his left, and he glanced over to see Uma awake.
"You're awake!" he cheered loudly, a huge smile on his face.
Uma chuckled and winced in pain. "Yes, I'm awake," she said back in the softest voice he'd heard from her.
Carlos turned away from the pair and looked back to Mal only to meet a pair of eyes he knew so well. He smiled and gently threaded his hands through her hair again, making her hum lowly in contentment. "When did you wake up?" he asked, his voice soft.
"Just now. My head is aching, and I just wanted to rest a few moments before I alerted everyone else," she said.
Carlos nodded distractedly which made mal frown, then wince as the pain registered. "C, what's wrong?"
Carlos sighed and shook his head. "I'll tell you later, you wanted to rest, remember," he said back in a teasing tone.
Male frowned, well aware of what she said but still concerned for one of her best friends. He looked at her pleadingly, and she decided to drop it, for now.
They fell into silence and Carlos looked over to see Evie stirring. Jay and Harry were whispering to her in hushed voices, their concern making Carlos smile. Mal heard the voices to and she groaned and pushed herself up, flopping back against Carlos as dizziness disorientated her. He held her steady, giving her time to collect herself. Seeing she was awake, Ben raced over, getting to his knees next to his fiancé.
"Mal! You're awake," he said, relief colouring his tone.
Mal gave him a loving smile and nodded. "Seems to the case. What's going on? Where are we?"
Ben and Carlos shared a look before ben looked at her seriously. "I'll tell you when we are all together. I gotta check on Evie first."
Mal sat up straight, alarm in her eyes. "E? what's wrong with Evie?" she demanded, her protective instincts rising.
"M? I'm over here," Evie called out, and all three looked over to see her.
She was leaning against Jay's chest, her eyes full of exhaustion. Harry had her legs on his lap and was gently stroking them, her heels taken off. The sight made the three smile, glad to see Evie being cared for.
"Alright ya'll, where are we and what the fuck happened?" Uma demanded, drawing all eyes to her.
She was also leaning against Gil's chest, though she was starting to right herself. His arm was loosely wrapped around her waist.
"Come on, let's get together and sort this out," Ben said, gently scooping up Mal and carrying her over to Evie.
Celia and Jane walked over, and Gil carried Uma, much to her vocal protest. Jay moved himself so he was facing inward, with Evie between his legs. Harry sat next to them with his hand clutching Evie's subtly. Carlos sat next to Jay and Evie, with Mal and Ben next to him, Jane next to Ben, Celia next to her and Gil and Uma between Gil and harry, though Gil and Harry both had an arm around her to steady her.
"So who's starting?" Carlos asked, looking around the group.
"I guess I will," Jane said. "Our group had checked out her dorm, finding nothing of use and then we heard sounds and investigated. Dude transformed into Audrey and sucked us into the crystal after flirting with Carlos," she said, huffing at the last part.
Carlos rolled his eyes, not in the mood to address that. Mal senses it and hurried told them about meeting up with the others at the library and being sucked in.
The group fell into silence, no one really knowing what to say. Ben senses that everyone was down and jumped in. "it's okay guys we'll get out of this one just like all the others."
"How? It's not like we have magic," Uma drawled, her irritation palpable.
"I may have an idea," Evie said, drawing all eyes to her. "Mal, what has your mother told you about the sceptre?"
Mal shrugged and looked at her friends curiously. "Lots of things, but nothing really important."
"Okay Mal, I want you to think about the things she has told you, go through every conversation you've had with her. Do you have your sketchbook?"
Mal nodded and pulled out a smaller version she had in her pocket.
"Good, write down anything important in there. The rest of us will split into groups and check out the rest of this place. Scouting. Checking to see if we can find an end"
"What then, princess?" Uma asked, curious as to where the girl was going.
"We can look out through the crystal hopefully and get a sense of what is going on."
"What's phase two?" mal asked, already knowing Evie had other plans.
"Mal, you are your mother's daughter, so you should be able to harness the magic here and let us out. If that's not possible, we go to plan B."
"What's plan B?" Jay asked.
Evie turned to him, an uncharacteristic smirk on her face. "You."
Sorry it's been so long guys, but I hope this chapter makes it up to you. I really enjoyed writing this drama and showing a bit of Jane's more selfish and judgmental personality. I never really liked her in the movies and wanted to show that not all Auradonian people were good. A little but of Gilma in there as well as Bal and Havay as I'm calling HarryxEviexJay. This will increase as chapters go. Also, a little Mal and Carlos and Evie and Carlos friendship.
