Warnings: Physical abuse and prostitution- implied rape.
Sometimes he swore they were alive. They writhed on the page, changing from a fluid motion that reminded him of the sea on a calm day, into a jarring, erratic motion that left his head spinning. They mocked him, flipping around and switching places right as he wrangled them into some form of sense. He could feel his frustration rising, his inherited temper swelling inside him and overpowering any common sense he had. Not that it really mattered. He knew his dad and twin older brothers would be home soon, and he really did not want to face his dad's temper when he saw the book. They were the matches to his temper, igniting it into a destructive inferno. They reminded him of everything he could've had, of the woman whom he loathed and coveted in equal measure.
Hearing his dad's booming voice, Gil quickly slammed the book shut and pushed it under the thin mattress resting on the broken bed frame. He was lucky he did, as his door opened, the door slamming against the spray painted wall. He spun around and faced his dad, who was flanked by the twisted grins of his brothers.
His dad hadn't lost his handsomeness in his older age. He still wore his hair in a low ponytail, his face weathered from the wild weather on the island. His icy blue eyes curdled with years of hatred. He still tried to dress nicely, his leather hunting jacket hugging his frame. Gil glanced at his brothers, standing like bookends with matching smirks on their faces.
"Gil, where were you today? You missed training." He demanded, glaring at his son, "You had an opportunity that everyone dreams of. No one teaches like Gaston!" Gaston boasted, taking up the entire room with his broad frame.
His twin sons cheered, mimicking their dad's movements. They quickly stopped when Gaston looked back at them, glaring angrily at them for taking his spotlight. They muttered a quick sorry, before crossing their arms and glaring angrily at their younger brother.
"I know dad, no one does anything like Gaston-" He said, standing up to face his dad.
Gaston's fist slammed into his face with a crack, making his son recoil and fly into the bed. Gil knew better than to react; his dad's temper was fearsome, one of the worst on the isle. He blinked away the blur, trying to make the dads merge back into one being instead of the three he currently saw. He knew his brothers were smirking, enjoying his torment. He didn't need to see their faces properly to know that; it was as certain as the gloom that covered the Isle like a dark shroud. They were always the favourites, the ones that people, especially his father, admired. He was nothing but the scrawny runt, the one that his brother's hatred and his father's disappointment transformed into a glorified punching bag. Even his mothers, all three of them, preferred the Gaston twins. The fact they were mini versions of Gaston making them all three of their favourites.
"If you dare miss another of my training sessions, you will regret it. Make no mistake about that," Gaston hissed, aiming another punch at his son's head. Gil saw stars, pain spider webbing through his system.
"Come ma boys, let's go see what the little women have cooked up and I'll tell you stories about my glory days. No one tells stories like Gaston!" he boomed, putting an arm over both his twin's shoulders.
The two boys cheered and sent another smug look at their brother. The three left, Gaston Sr in the lead after he retracted his meaty arms and the sons following; leaving the youngest groaning on his bed, waiting for the pain to ebb.
"Jana!" Jadis the White Queen snarled, her voice as cold as her blocked powers.
Jana stiffened upon hearing her voice, a shiver sliding down her spine. She rigidly placed her brush back on her grubby vanity, standing up and pushing her chair in. Jana smoothed down her pale blue and white patchwork leather dress, her dirty white fur shawl wrapped around her. He hurried out the room, taking two steps at a time to get to her mother's chamber faster.
"Mother, Empress, you called for me?" Jana said as soon as she got within sight of her mother, bowing respectfully to her.
"I have no time for flattery Jana, I assume you noticed that stupid flea ridden cat that has been hanging out around our home lately?" The ex-queen asked rhetorically, her eyes piercing her daughter, daring her to object as her face twisted at the thought of the black-maned lion.
"Yes, I did mother." she said, still looking at her mother's feet.
"Why did you not get rid of it, my pet?" The witch asked, using a slender finger to make her daughter look her in the eyes.
"I tried to make him move, but he did this," she said, moving her shawl to show the deep oozing slices in her arm, the gashes turning an ugly purple.
"Tell me, Jana. Are you deaf?" The woman said, her voice deceptively calm, like a snow dusted mountain before the avalanche.
"No mother,"
"Are you unintelligent?" She asked again, slightly leaning forward in her grand chair.
"No mother,"
"Then how dare you give me excuses!" she roared, springing up from her chair to slam the back of her hand against her daughter's cheek. Although the barrier was up, she was still stronger than a normal woman, the result making her daughter fly across the room and roll on the dirty floor.
Jana weakly tried to push herself up, but slumped back to the floor. Jadis growled and stormed across the floor to tower over her daughter, her eyes flinty. She growled, seeing the pathetic state Jana was in, and drew her foot back, slamming it hard into the girl's ribs. Jana gasped as the air escaped her lungs, as if it was trying to escape the wrath of the old queen.
Jana stifled her tears as her mother kicked her around the room, as if she was a soccer ball and not a living being. Pain splintered through her body, creeping into her consciousness and making her entire body ache. She shut her eyes and took each strike, trying to not let the whimper when she slammed into the unrelenting stone. Eventually her mother likely got bored with harming her herself, the heeled shoe being replaced by rancid breath in her face.
Jana shut her eyes and tried to breathe, her ribs groaning in protest. She felt the claws slicing through her clothing, taking layers of skin with it. She felt her pale blue blood well up, knowing from experience how it would contrast against her blinding white skin. She felt the teeth sinking into her shoulder, slicing through muscle and bone. She couldn't help the strangled cry escaping her throat, especially as the world became off kilter as the wolf shook her like a rag doll. Every movement made her ribs protest, every shake made the teeth slice more skin off. She could feel the blood seeping into her clothes, sticking them to her body like macabre glue.
She lost count of how long this went on for; the world and blackness slipping over each other in front of her eyes. Her mother must have gotten bored eventually because with a high-pitched whistle the wolf stopped attacking, instead stalking back to her side. Jana just stayed splayed against the cold ground, praying for the pain to dissipate. She had to get up and clean, it would be worse for her if anything stained. Grunting, she pushed herself up onto her arm, moaning when ribbons of pain flared from the movement. She looked up through her hazy eyes to her mother, who just sat on the self-made throne, stroking the wolf who maimed her like he was her most prized possession.
"Next time make sure that stupid lion is off my property. Am I clear?" Jadis hissed, her eyes promising more pain if she dared disagree.
"Yes, mother," Jana said, swallowing the blood that tinged her throat.
"Good. Your father will be here soon. We can't have him seeing this mess, now can we?" she said, standing up and sauntering out the room, her wolf glaring at her once before following his master.
Jay kept his face impassive, even as he heard the screams morph from pleasure to pain. He had been doing this long enough to know the rules. Don't ask questions, just keep your face clear of emotion and radiate intimation. He kept repeating his role to himself in his mind, hoping that the familiarity would wash away the lingering desire to go help the woman. As usual, it didn't work, so he just kept breathing through his mouth, trying to ignore the reek of stale sex that soiled the air.
Eventually the sounds stopped and the man, whom he recognised as Judge Frollo, exited the room. He had a twisted imitation of a smile on his face as he fumbled with his belt buckle. Jay just looked him in the eye, his face morphing into a replica of the one his father used on him. Frollo tried to glare back but eventually made his way over to the old rotting table they used as a counter, giving the tip to Gale.
"Please come again." Gale said, smirking at his little pun.
The old judge just smirked, not bothering to reply. On his way out Jay bumped his shoulder against him, smoothly sliding his hand into the man's pocket to procure the old beaded necklace he had eyed when the man came in.
"Watch it, Gypsy," he sneered, pulling his tattered robes closer as she strode out the brothel, his head held high.
Jay just scoffed and crossed his arms, pocketing his trophy. At least he had something to show for his shift for his father; he might actually get to sleep in his room tonight. His back still felt stiff from that cramped mouldy closet, and the gashes stung from his time sleeping on broken glass. He could feel Gale looking at him, so he gave him a glare, which immediately made him avert his gaze as he did not want to anger him. His mother may be Mother Gothel, or Gretchen, but not only was Jay's father Jafar, but his Aunt Nasira owned this brothel. It wouldn't be his wisest move to anger him in his own turf.
The door opened and the Stabbington Brothers walked in, smug grins on their faces. They eyed the dark red walls of the brothel, eyeing up the gold and black decorations that added a touch of seduction to the crumbling room. They looked at Jay but he just glared at them, his expression daring them to speak to him. Considering Jafar was their 'boss', just below Maleficent, they decided not to push the guy; Jafar's temper was not as bad as Captain Hook's but still nothing to scoff at.
"Hello men, what whore do you want tonight?" Gale asked, leaning back with his arms crossed behind his head.
"Kiki tonight, she can take it rough," Sideburns said, making his brother chuckle darkly beside him.
"Sure thing, gentleman, she is in Room 8. Any requests for her tonight?" He asked, and when they shook their heads, took them to the room.
Jay shoved the pity that sprung up inside him when he heard them request Kiki, knowing the poor girl would be in for a world of hurt. The brothers like to use knives with their girls, and although there was the rule that no one could be killed or hurt enough to put them out of commission for the night, he still pitied the poor girl for the bloodshed she'd undoubtedly suffer.
Once again he pushed the thoughts out of his mind, knowing if he said anything he'd end up taking her place. There had been interest in Jay, both from the males and females of the Isle, so Jay didn't want to tempt fate. Instead, he looked blankly out the window and cleared his mind, knowing it was the only way to survive the shit show that was the Isle.
Even though Ben had been to council meetings before, he still felt the familiar swarm of butterflies fluttering in his stomach. It was a knee jerk reaction, after all some of the most heroic people surrounded him, pleasant smiles adorning their faces as if this was just an afternoon chat, not a serious meeting. He especially had respect for Sultana Jasmine and High Queen Elsa. The two women were firm in their ideals, and he hoped that would be an asset to him tonight. Neither backed down from a challenge and were vocal in their opinions, even though they sometimes rubbed others the wrong way.
Elsa gave him a regal nod and a smile when she noticed him staring at her, while Jasmine raised an eyebrow teasingly at him. He fought back the blush and smiled back, quickly averting his eyes. The table was enormous, big enough to fit the entire council, plus his father and himself comfortably. The room was grand, dripping with finery, even though no one except the occupants ever saw it. He often thought it was ostentatious and unnecessary, but he never voiced his opinion, knowing that he was lucky to be there.
"King Adam and Queen Belle, are you going to inform us why you called us here, because as much fun as this is, I have a sailboat calling my name…" King Eric said, trailing off and giving them a lopsided smile. "Also, good to see you Adam, kinda surprised to see you hare since you aren't part of the council this year," he added, still smiling good-naturedly.
"I am just here today because of my son's initiative," Adam said, smiling.
A few tutted at Eric's uncouthness, but a few, like Jasmine and Elsa, who were familiar with the man's behaviour just chuckled, knowing that this was just Eric being Eric.
"Of course Eric, so as everyone knows my son is turning 16 soon and he can declare his 16th year proclamation," King Adam explained, despite everyone already being familiar with this. "He has chosen his proclamation, however, because of the… delicate nature of it he requires the council to sign off on it," he finished, struggling to find the right words.
Chatter immediately erupted amongst the group until Queen Consort Tiana settled everyone. "Continue," she said simply, looking at the King of Beudona expectantly.
"Thank you Queen Tiana, my son will take over as it was his idea and his initiative," Adam said, gesturing for his son to speak up.
Ben shook off his nerves and gave the group his most charming smile, though he didn't think he succeeded as a few faces grinned at him in amusement at his bravado. "I have made these booklets detailing my plan. It is controversial and I warn you, it may be upsetting. However, I urge you to read the entire booklet before asking questions, it will explain to you my reasonings and the basis of my initiative," Ben said, trying to make sure his voice didn't waver.
No one replied, just nodded as they passed the booklets around. He held his breath as he watched Jane Porter open her book; her glasses perched on her nose. Eric and his sister-in-law Queen Attina were sharing one, or more accurately Queen Attina was reading it and Eric was skimming over her shoulder. Jasmine and Elsa were scrutinising the book, as was Tiana, their eyes flickering over each word.
It took a while, but eventually everyone got through it, though there were some unhappy grumblings. His respect for the group flourished as he saw their effort. They wanted to respect him as a fellow royal and wanted to give him a chance before voicing their concerns. There was an awkward silence until Li Shang, the head of the Wei Army, slammed his fist on the table, his temper flaring.
"This is ridiculous. I respect that you are attempting to give these children a chance, but the risk is too great. The children may be innocent, but they grew up under these dishonourable creatures' tutelage. It is likely they share the same values and you want to bring them here?" he asked, his famous temper rising with each word.
"Why don't we find a middle ground and w provide them with extra supplies instead?" Jane Porter added, getting a few nods.
"That would be a good middle ground, I think. Everyone deserves a second chance, but these children have experienced both villainous nature and nurture. I don't think we can save them," The Blue Fairy added, giving Ben an apologetic look.
"We could even include a stricter curriculum for them and see if any of them respond before bringing them here to further their education. I understand them being in poverty and we need to uplift them, but their parents are conniving and vicious, and since we strive to mould out children in our ideals, they will do the same," Tiana added, getting a few nods for her speech.
Ben internally groaned, seeing that he was losing them. He knew it would be a hard sell, heck even an impossible one, but he hoped they would be more receptive. His mother shot him an apologetic look, trying to comfort her son, though being careful since they had to be strong for their audience. He mustered a watery smile back, his mind ticking to figure out a way to convince them.
"Something that I learnt through my experiences is that when we look at people, we sometimes only see how they are different from us, but if you look hard enough, you can see how we are all alike," Jasmine said, smiling softly but her eyes blazing with determination and wisdom.
"Are you trying to compare us to the villains, Jasmine?" King Phillip asked, screwing up his face like the word had left a bitter taste on his tongue.
"We are speaking out of fear, not reason." Elsa interjected before Jasmine could, regarding everyone with her most regal expression. "I feel what you all feel, and your feelings are valid. I fear for my sister if Han's children come here, I fear that they hate her and want revenge for saving me. But fear is what cannot be trusted, it is the true enemy. We cannot live afraid of what might happen, we need to live in the present. They might hurt us, or they could surprise us and differ completely from their parents. We need to give them a chance. I wish we could just release them all, but we need to do the next best thing and try to balance their needs and our kingdoms, which I think Prince Ben captures perfectly in his proposal," she finished, looking at every member in the eye after her speech.
"Why don't we ask Ben some more questions first before we decide," Queen snow added, ignoring the incredulous look her husband gave her.
"Ben, I saw you said that the royals would volunteer to look after them. Why specifically royals?" King Arthur asked, flipping through the book.
"Royals are the one who have access to the greatest resources such as armies. They are in the best position to look after and keep the children in line, and have the ability and resources to assign guards to keep an eye on the Villain's children," Ben calmly responded, still cursing himself for not adding that in the proposal.
"What do you judge success on and what do they have to do before you decide they should return to the Isle?" Shang asked, folding his arms across his chest and glaring.
"If we get word of them threatening, harming or plotting, we return them. We will need to understand that they may have aggressive tendencies, as who knows what the system is like over there, but we will be firm. We can, as a group, set up guidelines for them to follow with strict instructions that they will be sent back if they break them," Ben answered, though Shang still didn't look convinced.
"I'm still uncertain if we should allow them around the other kids, especially when they just arrive," Phoebus added, getting a few nods. "They might be a negative influence,"
"Well, if it would make you more comfortable, we could send for them a couple of weeks early, or at least a week, to settle them in before the school year starts." Ben proposed. "It will give us a chance to go over rules and expectations with them as well," Ben replied, getting a nod from Phoebus.
"Some of the children you suggested will have access to magic. How do we control that?" Queen Rapunzel asked, knowing that her own healing magic sometimes acted up and she grew up with it.
"I do not have experience with magic, those who do so, perhaps we could arrange a plan together to best tackle it. I don't want to eliminate people based on their magic, that feels discriminatory." Ben said, making the dirty blonde-haired girl nod, her now elbow length hair shaking from her movement.
"If Adam and I can tolerate their presence, you both can. Do not forget the son of our enemy will be here too," Belle reminded them, making Jasmine and a few others nod.
"I suppose we should get to the decisions now, Ladies first," King Arthur said, smiling roguishly at the ladies who shook their heads at his antics.
"It should come as no surprise that I support this motion," Queen Belle said, smiling at her son.
"Seconded, everyone deserves a second chance," Jasmine said thinking of Aladdin and how, despite his lies, she forgave him.
" I third this motion," Elsa said nodding.
"I vote against this motion." Attina said, making Eric look at her with surprise. "One Of them is Ursula's daughter, and I cannot risk my kingdom," she said, looking ahead firmly. "Not to mention what her sister, Morgana did." A few people looked at her with confusion, so she elaborated. "She tried to kidnap my younger sister Alana's child, Melody, when she was a baby which forced me to send Melody to live with Ariel above land and denying Mel of her heritage." She explained, getting a few upset looks at the end of her story.
"You are telling Ariel that you used Mel as a reason to decline, who she thinks of as a daughter, not me," Eric whispered to her, making Attina give him a look of annoyance.
Rapunzel and The Blue Fairy also voted yes, making Ben smile. What shocked everyone, especially Florian, was that Snow White voted yes. When he demanded why, she shot him a look that practically screamed that she'd explain later. The women's votes ended with Jane and Tiana voting no, much to the satisfaction of Shang.
"I am voting no," Shang said, not one for big speeches.
"Surprising," Elsa scoffed under her breath, getting a grin from Jasmine and Eric who heard her.
"I second Shang," Phoebus said, making Shang give him a nod of respect.
Finally, both Eric and Arthur said yes, gaining Eric a glare from Attina. Eroc just shrugged sheepishly, making the mermaid sigh in frustration.
"With the final votes counted, there are 8 yeses and 7 noes, meaning the motion will go forth," Adam said formally. Those who said yes smiled, and those who said no, especially Shang, frowned at the result. "My son will make the necessary arrangements regarding the times for their pickup and the magic issue, before asking the various royals if they would look after the children."
"Provided their parents agree, of course," Belle added, getting a nod from her husband.
"Is that all?" Shang said stiffly, his face impassive.
They nodded, giving them a warning glare. He got up and stormed over to the door, not bothering to say goodbye. He slammed the door shut behind him, his non-verbal warning hanging in the air like an angry fog. Ben swallowed his apprehension, knowing this was a good thing. Sure, this could end badly, but nothing good is ever easy. The people surrounding him taught him that. And no matter what the adversity is, you need to fight for what you believe in. That is what being a hero meant, and what he planned his reign to stand for,this was only the start.
Hey everyone! Long chapter. We only have Mal and Carlos left to look at before they head to the royals homes. Who do you think will take which child? Keep in mind there is no requirement for the couple to say yes and they are not expected to take a child of their arch nemesis. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Gil had Dyslexia which was why he struggled with schooling. I didn't think he as stupid, so wanted to add this into the story and it will play a major part later on. His mothers are clearly the triplets from Beauty and the Beast who followed Gaston there. Nine of them know who their birth mother is, as the sisters didn't want the kids to view the others as anything other than their mother.
I couldn't help but slip some references from the characters' movies, most noticeably, The White Witch, Elsa, Jasmine and Shang. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up and I'll most likely do that in later chapters.
I'm not sure when I will update next, I have a few other stories I have been neglecting for this. But I really hope you enjoyed it and stay tuned for the next chapter!