An: Jonnie, and going back to the Isle. Next Chapter will contain Maleficent, Cruella, and the Evil Queen. I thought this chapter needed to build up what was going to happen for the others. This is Jay's highlight. Enjoy!
NymhadoraTonks: As an Enchantress, Rose will need to learn the basics of other magic, hence her pact with Hades. I probably won't write much about it, but I wanted you to see them as a bit of a team since they healed Audrey together. More of Hades and Mal in this chapter.
The next story, What Reality Could've Been is going to follow the kids of the VKs. In these next two chapters, they'll be talking to their parents, trying to get them to turn a new leaf.
And Yes! Rose and Simon will have more time in the future chapters. But I shall not reveal where the ship will lead...
Thank you!
In the morning, Jay found himself standing in front of a bus. The other had already said their goodbyes to her at Evie's. The R.O.A.R team had already filed in. Lonnie was the only one left standing. Her eyes staring directly into his. It pained him to look at her and think that he wouldn't see her again until possibly the wedding. Then, the day right after, she would be shipped off again to knight school for two years.
He thought of last night. Things were so simple back then. They were just a couple without a care in the world.
...
Jay took Lonnie's hand and lead her through the dark woods. They walked until the music wasn't audible anymore. Jay just wanted to get away from it all. Lonnie was quiet beside him. She had been all night. It was probably the thoughts of tomorrow that stifled her voice. She ran her hand across his arm multiple times as he led her. Not to stop him, but just to comfort him.
They eventually made it to the Enchanted Lake. The hum of the waterfall was soothing to Jay's ears. Quietly walking down to the gazebo, Lonnie had finally stopped him. "Jay, what are we doing?" she asked. He took a deep breath before turning to her.
"This is the place," he said simply. Lonnie raised an eyebrow. She looked beautiful in the rising moonlight. Jay fought the urge to kiss her right then. He took another breath. "This is the place I'm going to propose to you."
"Jay, I-" Lonnie stopped.
"I don't want anyone else, I realize that now," Jay grabbed her hands. "There's no one else in this world who can understand me the way you do, Lonnie. You're amazing, smart, competitive, brave, beautiful...you're... you. And that's all I need." He had never declared his heart like this before, but it just felt right for the moment. "I just want you to know that I'm still here."
"Of course I know you're still here," Lonnie put a hand on his cheek. "I'm ready to be put through this challenge as much as you are. The night on the roof was enough. I'll always remember what you said. It would take a million years at least to make me forget you. I love you."
"I love you too," Jay squeezed her hand. "I just feel like tonight is just about us. Not the Isle, not about Rose. You and me." Lonnie wrapped her arms around his neck as they swayed to nothing but the lake. Jay took in every sense of Lonnie he could.
"I'll never let go," Lonnie whispered to him and for the last time that night, he smiled.
...
They were hugging now, but Jay wasn't smiling. He pulled away slightly and pressed his lips against hers. When they parted Jay held her hands and kissed the tops of them. "Farewell, my love," Jay said in a mock English accent. Lonnie grinned.
"I shall write you every day, love," Lonnie responded. They hugged once more. Lonnie picked up her bag with a free hand and slowly pulled away from Jay. His arm outstretched until her fingers left his palm. He could feel his heart fall away with her touch. He watched her until the doors closed. Jay sighed, waving at the team through the window, Jay crossed the street back to the castle.
But when the bus left, Jay couldn't help but look back. He gasped at the sight. Lonnie was standing there on the other side of the road. Her bag in her hand. The bus had gone on without her. She looked at him with a small smile. Jay was shocked. He blinked a few times. Was this real? He rubbed his eyes, but she was still standing there. Lonnie laughed before running across the path between them.
He wrapped his arms around her as he jumped on top of him. "What are you doing?" Jay asked. He put her down. Her eyes were wide but filled with joy.
"I couldn't leave," Lonnie took his face in her hands. "I just got you back. I'm not going to leave you here all summer. Especially with everything that has happened."
"But the team," Jay put his hands on hers.
"My team is here," Lonnie motioned to the castle. "Mal, Evie, Carlos, Ben, Rose, the other VKs, and...you, of course." Jay's heart pounded happily as he pulled her in for a kiss. They stayed that way for a while. Just the two of them together again. As they held each other tightly Lonnie whispered. "Besides, my second is just as good of a coach as me. They'll do fine at the competition."
Jay chuckled as he squeezed her to him. Even if he didn't find his dad today, at least he had Lonnie. He knew he would always have her. And that thought alone made his heart fill with joy.
They gave their parents most of the afternoon, but none of the other parents had crossed the bridge to Auradon. Some part of Mal wanted to just stay in Auradon, and not go looking for her mother. She had spent a nice day with her father. He had his own home for now until Rose helped him get the Underworld running again. He seemed generally happy to be with his daughter.
"I heard you're going back to the Isle," Hades said as he took a bite of an apple. Mal froze in his tiny kitchen. How did he know?
"Where did you hear that?" Mal asked.
"I didn't," Hades admitted. "But your face just said it all. I had a hunch you would go to find your mother. There's no way you would just be happy with just me." He knew her well. Too well.
"Of course I am," Mal touched his arm. "I just...need to see if she wants a fresh start too."
"She's a lizard, of course she does," Hades laughed to himself as he took another bite of the fruit.
"Yeah, but perhaps she wants a chance to be good," Mal shrugged. Hades opened his mouth to say something, but he closed it. He sighed.
"I hope that works out." Mal smiled at her father before leaving for her mission.
Once she got to the house, Mal was surprised to hear chatter from the inside. She thought many would be at the castle today or at least exploring their new country. Masl walked in to see everyone was there. Evie, Carlos, Jay, Lonnie, Uma, Harry, Gil, Celia, Dizzy, and Rose. The only one missing was Ben. Mal let out a small gasp as she entered the room. Everyone's eyes turned to her. The room was suddenly silent.
"Uh..." Mal stayed in place. "Evie, what's going on?"
"We found out about your lizard hunt," Uma folded her arms. "We want in." Mal raised an eyebrow. Who told them? Surely, non of the VK's wouldn't have. Mal's green eyes narrowed to Rose. The girl met her eye and grinned slightly.
Rose only put her hands up and smiled. "Enchantress. We mess with people's lives." She wiggled her fingers in a mock-mysterious way. Mal tried not to smile, but her lips curved slightly. She would be annoyed, but she was more relieved. Glad she didn't have to do this alone. Well, she was never alone. But now she was sure.
"I'm just glad someone told me," Ben's voice came from behind her. Mal blushed before turning on her heel. Ben was in his leather jacket Evie had made him almost a year ago. She smiled as she ran her fingers along the zipper on the front of his jacket.
"I should've, but you know, I thought you would be busy," Mal looked down, embarrassed.
Ben's finger lifted her chin so their eyes met. "Anything for you." Mal smiled before she leaned in and kissed him.
They all rode bikes to the Isle. It was much easier to enter the Isle when the barrier was down. Mal looked up to the sky. They would only have a few hours until the night was in full bloom. It should be just enough time to locate her mother. After all, Mal did know most hiding places on this small island. She felt hope beginning to rise within her. She tried to stifle it. Best not to get her hopes up.
They split up. Ben, Mal, Uma, Harry, and Celia would look for Maleficent. Jay, Lonnie, Gil, and Rose would look for Jafar. Carlos, Evie, and Dizzy for Cruella and the Evil Queen. Mal almost didn't feel comfortable splitting up, but she kept her mouth shut and held Ben's hand as they started the scavenge for their parents. Celia kept close to them.
Uma and Harry were whispering to each other behind the trio. Occasionally, Uma would laugh and Harry would snicker. It made Mal quite uneasy. This was a serious mission. Her mother could possibly be out here waiting for them, and they were laughing? When it happened again, Mal swiftly whipped around. "What's so funny?" she snapped. She could feel Ben's eyes on her, full of concern.
Uma and Harry straightened. Their faces had gone blank. That was when Mal noticed they had let their hands drop to their sides. Was there something going on between them? Mal thought Uma hadn't told Harry about the kiss, but maybe she had. It would be strange if they kept their relationship secret, but Mal had to respect their decision.
Before either could say anything, Mal let out her breath. "I'm sorry. I'm just nervous." Uma gave her a reassuring nod and Mal returned it. They continued to search the paths as they went along, but there was no one even around. Mal figured most had fled as soon as they had the chance.
It was when they approached Mal's old house did she tense up. Somehow, she thought they wouldn't have to look here. Surely, she was just kidding herself. The dark paint on the broken building was chipping off. It had been for years. The small raven statue still resided on a pedestal next to the door. This was the infamous home of the devil herself. Maleficent.
Mal breathed deeply. It had been the moment she had been dreading and looking forward to since the day she had turned her mother into a lizard. Ben squeezed her hand, turning her gaze to him. His kind eyes were laid only on her, which made her body feel calm. "Hey, we're all here for you."
"I have to go in alone," Mal swallowed. "It's just something I have to do. I'm sorry."
"We understand," Uma chimed in.
"We'll wait out here," Harry added.
"Besides, I got a new card trick to practice," Celia shuffled her deck as she eyed Ben. Ben kissed the top of Mal's hand before letting go. The daughter of Maleficent and Hades faced the old shabby house. Without any more hesitation, Mal pushed through the double doors.
"This place is a ghost town," Gil picked up a small spoon. "Usually, there are loads of people buying things in here." They were in one of the rugged warehouses where most of the Isle's trade would take place.
"They all went to Auradon, where everything's in bulk," Rose used a levitation spell on the rest of the silverware. With a flick of her wrist, they all threw themselves at the wall. Each utensil stabbed into the wall, making an outline of a rose. Rose chuckled to herself. Gil had wide eyes.
"Nice," Gil looked down to the Enchantress. Rose folded her arms and looked at her work.
"Yeah, but it's not complete," Rose took the spoon from Gil's hand. She threw the spoon without any magic. It stuck straight into the middle of the flower, truly completing the image. "That's better."
Jay picked up a small silver gravy boat on one of the many broken tables. He ran his fingers across the engravings. Instinctively, Jay rubbed it. "You know that's not actually a lamp, right?" Lonnie asked, laughing.
He stopped at her words and laughed. "Old habit. My father used to send me out to find anything that looked like a lamp. He prayed every night that he would find one with a genie in it. It was a little tradition of ours I guess. I would steal as many I could find, then we would go through them, and see if we could find the hidden genies."
Jay laughed against as he looked down at the lamp. His expression softened. Remembering all of those nights with Jafar brought a certain sadness to him. He ran his fingers over the gravy boat again. Lonnie wrapped her arms tightly around his middle, comforting him. He put down the 'lamp' and placed one hand around her shoulder and sighed.
He desperately wished he could find his father. Jay recalled how he had found him in here only a week ago. Jafar had inspired him to get back out there and fight for what he felt was right. Jay should've taken him back with him right then and there. Then, they wouldn't be on this crazy witch hunt right now. Looking at all of these items made him sick to his stomach.
"Hang on," Rose said quietly. "Someone's here." Before Jay could call out his father's name, Rose uses another levitation spell. A long table lifted into the air. Jafar was trying to scurry away, but his hands were full of "lamps" that were more teapots, gravy boats, and other things similar to lamps. The man fell on his front and sighed.
"I'm getting too old for this," Jafar moaned as he picked himself up. He held out his hands. "Go on, arrest me."
"Dad," Jay walked to his father. Surprisingly, his body didn't tense up.
"Son," Jafar called as Jay helped him to his feet. "I didn't recognize the voices. Then I heard all these bangs in the side of the warehouse and-" Jafar suddenly looked up. Jay met his gaze to see the table was in mid-air. He looked to rose, she didn't even seem to notice.
"Whoops," Rose said as she glanced to the levitating table. "Sorry." She lower her hand and the table went crashing into another one. Rose winced and tried to fix it, but then it hit another one.
"I think we should go," Gil placed a hand on her shoulder. Rose flinched but obeyed the motion. Lonnie tried to move out of the house with them, but Jay hesitated. He had grabbed her hand for her to stay. She squeezed his hand before letting go. She was right, he did need to do this alone.
He watched them all leave, then Jay turned back to his father. "That girl still hasn't paid me." He was talking about Rose. She had stolen from him to survive on the short time they were here on the Isle. Jay managed a small grin before his face turned cold once again.
"Dad," Jay took in a deep breath. "I want you to come back to Auradon."
"Is that where everyone went?" Jafar scratched his beard. "I was wondering why this was so abandoned."
"The Isle is free, didn't you hear?" Jay raised an eyebrow.
"I pawned off the TV for more lamps about a fortnight ago," Jafar shrugged. "Who needs it anyway. The thing never worked right. Maleficent was terribly mad. I've been living here for the past week."
Jay almost laughed. His father never changed. It wasn't exactly a bad thing. Compared to the other three in the group, Jay felt he had the best relationship with his parent. His father always wanted him to succeed, even though the methods weren't exactly what Jay wanted for himself. Jafar had never criticized him like the way the Evil Queen did on Evie, or how Maleficent picked on Mal's badness.
"Well, now you don't have to live here anymore, you can come back to Auradon," Jay paused. "Come back with me."
Jafar pondered this for a moment but then smiled. "You suppose there are lamps in Auradon?"
Jay nodded. "They're not gravy boats either."
"Then I shall pack my things," Jafar whisked away. That was surprisingly easy. He let out the breath he was holding and smiled. It was all he could manage to do at the moment.
Evie was especially scared to go to her mother's castle. It was much small than the one in Auradon, but it still had the same feeling. Evie remembered spending many of her years looking out the window in the north tower. She had been home-schooled for most of her life. It was when Evie finally went back to school did she realize what she had been missing. Friends.
At least Carlos was there for her then, just like he was now. Evie could see the castle in the distance, but Hell Hall was closer to where the group was walking. She felt Carlos' hand squeeze tighter around hers. She knew he had been dreading this moment. Even after the plan had been set, he didn't seem excited. Luckily, Tremaine's old hair shop wasn't far from the DeVil home.
"Dizzy, are you sure you packed absolutely everything from your grandma's shop?" Evie asked. She was hoping the girl would go.
"Grandma said she packed everything for me," Dizzy skipped along.
"Are you sure?" Evie narrowed her eyes at the girl. She seemed to get the message.
"I suppose I should give it another look," Dizzy shrugged. "I might've left some hair ribbons." She skipped away and Evie sighed.
"I know what you're doing, Eves," Carlos murmured.
"Yeah?" Evie played with her heart necklace with her free hand.
"I didn't think Dizzy should witness this either," Carlos filled the gap for her. He then grabbed her other hand and turned her towards him. "I don't want you in there either."
"Yes, you do," Evie nodded her head. "Carlos, you don't have to hide this from me. It's me and you. Always has been."
"Always will be," Carlos ran his thumb across the ruby ring on her finger. He looked down and sighed. "I love you."
"I love you," Evie said quietly. He pulled his arms around her. Evie hugged as much courage into him as she could. This would be the most difficult day of their lives. Patching the past was never an easy feat, but it had to be done. Evie just hoped it would break the love of her life.