Hiya Descendants Fam,
Sorry we've fallen behind on posting, life has gotten hectic this month with so many birthdays and events, not to mention the couple of illnesses we've been dealing with.
Anyway, I know I missed two posts, so getting everyone up to date today as I also work on my baby niece's 1st birthday.
I will also do my best to get the next chapter out to you as soon as I can, but this Friday is my birthday, so I don't know when I'll be next to a computer.
Lots of love!
-Dark-
He closes his eyes as he grips the fabric of his pants under the table while taking a deep breath.
He was surrounded by bigoted idiots.
Or as Mal had started referring to them, fucking big-idots.
He opens his eyes, grateful for the small smile at the thought.
There.
That helped.
Thinking about her.
About her and why he was doing this.
Who he was doing it for.
Why it was worth it.
All the kids Deez had written about.
Was writing about.
Their right to live instead of survive.
Their right to not live in fear.
Their right to freedom.
Why couldn't the council see how ridiculous they were being?
How ignorant.
Were they really that afraid of kids?
Did they seriously have so little empathy for the hardships teens and children were facing on the Isle?
The terror?
"I am sorry, Prince Benjamin, but with the news of villains escaping from the Isle, the people are scared and worried. Right now is simply not the right time to talk of messing around with the barrier again." Queen Leah sighs as she sits back in her seat, "None of us here on this council are against your idea to slowly introduce more of these children to this side of the barrier. I will admit I still have concerns, but you have well stated your case. And it is clear that the children you brought over are more than capable of goodness."
It was the tone he hated most.
The pacifying pat on the head while you're being scolded.
The tone of trying to politely say 'go fuck yourself'.
His grip on his pants tightens.
"Then when would be the right time?" He asks, doing his best to keep his tone in mind.
His temper.
"There are a few things we would need to provide the public, your majesty." King Hubert explains softly.
"Such as?"
Circles, hoops, and an abundance of red tape.
That's all this was.
They were speaking in circles.
Making him jump through hoops.
Both of which bound his hands with red tape.
"Well, in the interest of protecting the public, we would need to verify the location of the three villains who are suspected of escaping with Maleficent." King Hubert shakes his head as he rubs his fingers around his white goatee, "The attacks on three children, four when we include the original attack at your swearing-in ceremony, is nothing to overlook."
"We currently have some of the world's finest dedicated to locating and apprehending the villains responsible for the attacks against Carlos, Evie, and Jay."
"That's very good to hear, your majesty." King Hubert smiles, "That would be this list here, correct?" He flips through the meeting notes, "Fairy Godmother, King and Queen Nolan, Cobra Bubbles, Hiro Hamada, and Generals Li and Li?"
"Correct." He nods, noting Leah's face flicker with frustration at Hiro's name.
Good.
"I know from experience that the Generals will stop at nothing. And Fairy Godmother is tenacious in her own right, so hopefully this will be solved soon. I'm not as familiar with Hiro Hamada," King Hubert's eyes flick to Queen Leah and back before he continues, "and I know nothing of Cobra Bubbles except his name is very unusual."
"I assure you both Mister Hamada and Mister Bubbles are more than up to task in this endeavor. Mister Hamada is the top leader in his field, and Mister Bubbles' background is currently only privy to The King himself."
"Oh, well, with credentials like that-" King Hubert nods, "it sounds like it won't be long at all before we can proceed with your vision, your Majesty. Once the people are assured that they are safe we can once again garner support for opening the barrier to retrieve another group, as you've requested."
The reminder was like a slap in the face.
Instead of pushing forward, they'd been knocked several steps back.
"We are a nation of all that is good and righteous, are we not?"
"Yes, Prince Ben." King Hubert's brow furrows as he nods, "Of course we are."
"Noble and true?" He continues.
Queen Leah smiles, "Yes, Prince Ben, we are, and we are also a nation of people who are scared for their safety like they have not been in twenty years."
"So, we are to let children suffer because our people are scared of what-ifs? Instead of showing them the true courage this kingdom was built upon?"
King Hubert strokes his goatee, "Your Majesty does-"
Queen Leah clears her throat, "Prince Ben, we are doing everything we can to assist you. But we do have the welfare and safety of Auradon to consider first. In all things, we must first consider the effects actions will have on the people of Auradon."
"I understand that Queen Leah," He smiles pleasantly, "But it is coming to the point where our ally nations are starting to question the way we are handling this situation."
"These allied nations you speak of have never dealt with magic or villains who have magical means." Queen Leah points out sternly, "We United Kingdoms of Auradon have a history rife with the horror of what magic can do when it is not used for goodness."
"I concede that point, but if we can't stand up for the rights of children, then what credence does that speak to our goodness? If we're not willing to stand up for children who have lived under the tyranny of the very villains our people fear? If we can't even protect those who are left defenseless due to our past actions?"
Many of the others gathered at the table begin to softly speak to their aid teams.
"Prince Ben. I know how much this means to you."
Did she?
This, these arguments were why he was hesitant to bring Mal to these meetings. If he was getting this irate…
Mal would be breathing fire.
He was relieved she needed time to build herself up to it.
"I believe Queen Leah, that you don't know and can not even begin to fathom it due to the unfortunate circumstances of your daughter's curse. I understand your hesitance and fear completely, however this matter takes place in the present, something I am not sure you've completely come to terms with."
Queen Leah takes a deep breath and slowly shakes her head, "Prince Ben, you were born into a land of peace and unity. And it is the world we of my generation and your father's generation worked so hard-"
At her abrupt stop and wide eyes, he can't help but turn to the opening doors.
What was his father doing here?
This wasn't part of the plan they spoke of.
And what was he carrying under his arm?
But it was the expression that gave him pause.
"Prince Benjamin," Kind Adam nods to him as soon as he's five feet in the room.
According to proper decorum.
"My apologies for interrupting your meeting with no summons or notification."
He blinks, Prince Benjamin? It wasn't often his father called him by his title, let alone his full name. And the apology?
As his new friends would say, 'what the fuck' was happening?
"By all means, your Majesty, please proceed."
"Thank you." He nods before walking further into the room, approaching the only current empty chair at the table.
As if he were no more than anyone else here in the room.
Just another member of the council.
It was more than slightly disquieting.
"I have a few questions to ask of this council, with your leave Prince Benjamin."
"Of course, your Majesty, the floor is yours." He responds carefully to keep the curiosity from coloring his tone.
Adam nods once more before he sits. "Members of the council, I have come to request an update on the welfare of the Isle."
Queen Leah's eyes narrow slightly, "An update on the welfare of the Isle, your Majesty?"
"Yes. I understand your current confusion as an update on the Isle's welfare hasn't been submitted in many years, but by law, there should be bi-yearly reports submitted to the crown. Since none have been filed for my review, I'm here to request the update in person."
He keeps his face neutral.
That was news to him.
And, if his father's expression meant anything-
He wasn't the only one.
However, what update could they possibly have to give?
His eyes narrow by a fraction. What had he learned?
Queen Leah closes her eyes before she turns to look around the table.
He frowns at the befuddled expressions now surrounding the table.
"Your Majesty-" One young aid sitting with King Henry speaks up softly, "May I request clarification of the request?"
His father's tight smile is nothing short of forced, "You need clarification of perhaps how this council should go about checking in on the welfare of the Isle? Is that the point of confusion?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"I see." King Adam nods before he pulls the file out from under his arm and sets it on the table, "Well, according to records from Nineteen years ago, 'We have observed that the Isle had begun to self govern with Maleficent as the appointed leader. While crimes happen, the number of deaths resulting from such incidents have decreased. There are still thefts, assaults, and other crimes, but they seem to be establishing their own hierarchy."
"When reached out to, Maleficent was more than willing to negotiate terms of services and payment rendered for such services. We've also noted that many children were brought over by those who followed the villains in banishment. A few villains also seem to be bearing children as well. So far as we can see, there is no reason to believe the villains will be unable to care for their offspring. We do request a raise in budget to allow for further medical supplies to be sent, as well as we believe a commissary would be beneficial. Maleficent has offered her goblins as workers for such an endeavor. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.'"
What.
The.
Fuck.
He stares at his father for several moments.
The whole room was silent.
Still.
They had surveillance on the-
His chest rumbles with force as he swallows his growl.
His knuckles whiten with the-
His eyes widen.
Shreds?
He was currently holding shreds of fabric in his fists.
He takes several deep breaths.
Don't react.
Don't react.
Don't react.
It was nothing.
The sensation in his mouth was nothing.
The urge to flip the table?
Rake his nails-
Nothing.
It was nothing.
This was fine.
Nothing to look down at.
Nothing to run his tongue over.
Just, pure unadulterated rage he needed to swallow.
That was all.
Queen Leah nods suddenly in understanding, "You are speaking of the cameras."
CAMERAS!
There were fucking cameras!?
Cameras.
On the Isle?
Cameras?
For nineteen fucking years?
He takes several deep breaths.
Don't react.
Don't react.
Don't react.
Ignore the warmth.
Ignore the sudden bite of pain that had him wanting to curse.
Bite your-
Don't bite your tongue.
Don't open your mouth.
It was nothing.
Swallow it.
Just swallow it.
Breathe.
Just breathe.
In through your nose.
Out through your-
Nose.
What the fuck was happening?
He clenches his jaw.
Nothing.
To him.
Right now.
In this instant.
This ever so pivotal instant.
King Adam slowly nods, "Indeed I am. I am also officially stating an inquiry." He taps one finger to the table, accenting each word, "How goes the welfare of the Isle?"
Queen Lean turns to one of her aids before an ancient-looking laptop is placed in front of her. Her fingers clack across the keys before King Hubert looks down at his phone.
"Queen Leah has sent me the notes taken over the years during observations as she pulls up the cameras and recorded data." He explains before he looks up, grimaces, and then looks down at his phone again, "Over the years many of the cameras have suffered damage. And while they are remarkably well hidden, many have been, we believe graffitied over, judging by the sounds before the picture was blocked."
Careful countenance.
Careful countenance.
Careful countenance.
Careful countenance.
Just like his mother had taught him.
"Equipment degradation is to be expected." King Adam nods, "Please, continue."
"Well, um." King Hubert blinks, "Let's see-"
"Your Majesty," Queen Leah interrupts, her head tilted slightly to the side in a strange mix of confusion and what almost looked like concern, "it would seem what cameras survived the earthquake-"
Earthquake? He clears his throat, "What!?" He demands gruffly.
Do.
Not.
Stand.
Up.
Do not slam hands on the table.
Do.
Not.
Stand.
Up.
Do not slam hands on the table.
Keep it cool.
It was fine.
He clenches his jaw.
Nothing was happening.
To him.
Right now.
Queen Leah takes a breath before she levels her gaze at him. "From the footage recovered, when Maleficent escaped there was a magical backlash that caused a storm on the Isle and affected the very land itself. Several cameras seem to have been lost. And the rest have gone offline during the lastest lightning storm."
Latest?
Careful countenance.
His eyes narrow a nd his chest rumbles as he swallows another growl.
"It would seem, your Majesty, that we are unable to give you the update you are requesting." Queen Leah turns the laptop towards the rest of the table, showing the black or static boxes filling its screen, "We no longer have eyes on the Isle."
"What about past logs." He demands tightly.
"I can have the reserved data downloaded and compiled. The video feeds are saved for a month before they're deleted."
His eyes narrow, "No. You will give the data to Mister Hamada." He dismisses her between clenched teeth, "As you-"
Decorum.
Decorum.
Decorum.
Decorum.
The word quickly repeats like a litany as he stops himself short, "Have little knowledge of technology.'
"I have aids to deal with this," Queen Leah bristles, " And Mister Hamada-"
"Has the crown's blessing to oversee this matter as he is a world leader on the subject of technology in general and computer science specifically." King Adam interrupts.
He nods curtly.
Fucking.
Bitch.
Queen Leah closes her eyes and takes a breath, "Very well, I have a team of aids deliver the laptop to Mister Hamada-"
"Mister Hamada will join us and pick up the laptop." He corrects as he pulls out his phone.
Ignore it.
Ignore it.
Ignore it.
He really needed to trim his nails.
How had he missed that?
Evie was going to kill him when she saw them.
If he couldn't take care of them first.
"And I trust that he will be able to remain objective as a new father." Queen Leah continues, "The new father of one of the children removed from the Isle."
This-
"As you have so clearly remained objective on the topic?" He questions. "You were tasked with surveying the Isle. How many reports did this counsel submit? Why have you never mentioned having access to such information? Why did no one report the damage to the cameras? And are just now informing us that they are offline. Did I miss anything, Queen Leah, or would you care to continue?"
"Prince Ben, there-"
"Benjamin. Prince Benjamin, and you should mind addressing me as such."
Queen Leah's eyes narrow at the slight.
King Adam clears his throat, "Perhaps it's time the cameras were updated?" He suggests to the table before he turns to stare at him.
"Wonderful proposal, your Majesty." He bows his head before he looks at the council, "Any objections?" He states in a tone that dared them to argue.
Queen Leah looks around the table once before she nods, "Proposal passes. We can create the budget and will begin to request bids from contractors."
"As this was your oversight, you will be the one to create them and see that it is done before the end of this week." He corrects her again.
"Of course, Prince Benjamin." Queen Leah bows her head, "Shall we adjourn so I may begin?"
He nods curtly, just wanting the woman out of his sight. "Wait by the entrance, it should not take me long to collect Mister Hamada."
An aid passes a folded sheet of paper to Queen Leah as she stands. "The laptop and all the codes necessary to access the footage will be left with you, Prince Benjamin. I would rather not stall Mister Hamada's work with another loud debate."
"That is acceptable." He smiles tightly, "And Queen Leah, I expect a full month of footage, if there is so much as a time stamp missing, please expect a call so we can figure out the discrepancies."
Queen Leah nods somberly before she leaves with her team of aids surrounding her.
"Would this be meeting adjourned then, Prince Benjamin?" King Adam asks when no one else moves to follow.
"My apologies," He clears his throat, "Meeting adjourned, please, excuse me for being remiss. I look forward to our next meeting."
After brief parting remarks and nods the rest of the council members shuffle from the room, leaving just him and his father behind.
His head hits the back of his chair as he lets out a deep breath.
"I'm sorry for springing that on you." He hears his father, who suddenly sounded closer, say.
He takes a deep breath before he notes his father in the seat next to him, "Don't be," He shakes his head, "I understand I stumbled, but I appreciate you for coming in like you did."
"I'm very proud of the way you navigated that. You seem to recover well from shock, though you were incredibly tense for over half of that debate." Adam's brow furrows in concern before he reaches out and rests a hand on his shoulder.
He runs his tongue over his smooth teeth and sighs. "I was, taken off guard." His eyes narrow. "Cameras. There've been f-cameras. Cameras. The entire time. Cameras she had access to, clearly up to recently," He gestures to the laptop, "It was all I could do to keep my temper."
Adam nods, "I'm so sorry. It completely slipped my mind. I haven't even thought about the cameras since you were one."
He can't stop his jaw from clenching.
Slipped his-
He'd been working on this for years.
Had been receiving Deez's letters for years.
Cameras.
"It's no excuse," Adam sighs as he pulls his hand away, "and I fully understand that you are angry with me."
He takes a deep breath, "You are a busy man being King of so many Kingdoms. And, they were just contained villains. And their chil-'' He stops himself before he can continue with a tangent he'd regret. "We're all human, and I appreciate your help in this."
Adam sighs as he leans his arms against the table and clasps his hands together tightly, "I chose poor priorities Ben, you can say it,"
"And their children weren't worth your time or thought."
"And I was wrong." Adam nods as he stares at his hands, "I was wrong to listen to the council instead of my own heart. Your mother has always warned me, and every time I have not listened I have regretted it." He sits up straighter, "At this point, my only hope is that you will take the lessons of my mistakes and be a better King than I have been."
He studies his father for a moment, not sure he'd ever seen him ashamed.
He lets out a heavy sigh. "Out of sight, out of mind." He rubs his temple, "You trusted the wrong people. People who are stonewalling me at every turn. If it wasn't for Deez, if it wasn't for her dedication and hundreds of letters, there's no reason to say I wouldn't have been just as remiss."
"I'm sure you would have acted on this once you discovered it," Adam smiles sadly as he pats his hand, "since that's exactly what you did."
Dudez. Just Dudez.
The fuck?
Are you fucking serious? Like for fucking real? Fucking camera's you've had-
This is straight fucking bullshit right here.
Can you believe the council's audacity?
The sheer fucking nerve?
Me and Dark discussed this topic ad nauseam.
Like so fucking much yo. And we both agreed, that with the circumstances being what they are/were, of course the fucking court would have access to the Isle. To watch and monitor the going ons of the Villains, and to make sure magic stayed neutralized.
Unfortunately, it definitely has Adam backsliding back to Douche territory. Sorry Dark, I know you've been doing your best- But Ben's right, what a fucking dick move.
You should feel ashamed Adam. You've been ridiculously remiss with this whole situation.
Way to fucking go you ass hat.
1 month of footage? This is going to take forever for Hiro to figure shit out.
Dudez.
The fuck was happening with Ben btw?
Kidz never gotten that pissed before- Talk about raging.
Any idea what the fuck is going on in that end?
How pissed are you guys about finding out there's footage of what's going down on the Isle right now?
How pissed are you that the council has been keeping it from Ben.
Surely that couldn't have been an oversight on their part.
Like seriously, you had like one fucking job.
If I was Ben I would've flipped the fucking table and fucking threw chairs at ppl.
Dark told me Ben wouldn't do that though… So this was the best I could do, sorry guys.
Still, 3 working fucking camera's outta fuck only knows how many? And not one person mentioning it - Yeah, I know I've already said that, but I'm pissed on Ben's behalf. I'd be pimp slapping cuntz all over the place.
*Shakes head* Douche bags.
*Takes deep breathe and exhales slowly*
Any ways, to sum this up-
Thoughts and feelings on the cameras?
Theories on wtf is happening to Ben?
Think Hiro will be able to get more than a month off the cameras?
How pissed do you think Hiro's gonna be when he finds out they've had cameras this whole time?
Fave Quote:
"Prince Ben, there-"
"Benjamin. Prince Benjamin, and you should mind addressing me as such."
-Ben interrupting Leah
What was yours?
Much love and shit,
-Twisted