Hey guys! Hope I haven't kept you waiting too long. I have to say I am really blown away by the amount of responses I've gotten in the form of reviews, favorites and follows! I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to do this story and the original author justice, but I'm glad to see that so far I'm succeeding. :)
To my reviews! (Again, feel free to skip to my Author's Note)
Forever-Furuba: Thank you for pointing that out, as I did realize I didn't do a great job addressing that. My head-canon is that typical magical spells, curses, and even enchanted items are rendered useless on the Isle, and though a magical potion may be brewed, it wouldn't be as effective as if it were brewed in a place where there is magic. I will be exploring the 'incident' where Evie used it on the Isle, but for now, I hope that explanation makes sense. Also, I'm glad you like the signing and I will continue adding descriptions.
140: Thank you for the kind words! I hope you will continue to read and enjoy.
Delta Orchid: I don't think you're rude, just passionate about what you are interested in. :) Although I am currently typing this up a la the style of the Headless Horseman, which is a little awkward, so...yeah.
anonimo: Voy a seguir escribiendo, gracias por el estímulo. Espero que continúe leyendo y disfrutando.
Guest2: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. The next one is coming soon.
13fb01: Thank your for the review, and the suggestion! I am incorporating it into the next chapter, and I'll make sure you receive an honorable mention. :)
keirstinpaige: You're very welcome, I'm glad you love it!
Guest1: You'll be finding out what happens now, don't worry. :)
huskielover94: I'm glad you think it's great! Hope you continue to enjoy.
dancergymnast2003: Thank you for the wonderful review and kind words, as well as your correction. I made sure to clean up the dialogue a bit and make things clearer. I appreciate that, I always work to improve my writing. Feel free to point things out that you notice in this chapter as well! :)
Tiredandlazy: Aw, thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to review. It wasn't rambly at all, and I always leave a sort of farewell at the end of my reviews, too. It just feels right. ;)
Guest3: Thank you for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying this story. :)
Whew, ok! Here we go with the notes: To my Guest reviewers, I feel bad not having some sort of individual name to call you, so if you wouldn't mind leaving some kind of nickname or something you want to go by so I can address you personally, I'd love to be able to do that. :)
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter contains a lot more signing, and also some cursing, including cursing in sign, so be warned! I did say it was high T for language, and I'm exploiting that a bit. This chapter also contains some brief mentions of abuse, nothing explicit, but it is there.
There's also some shameless Disney references, so have fun picking those out. (They're kind of obvious, but enjoy anyway.)
Note 2: I'm including a link to the site I've been using to learn sign language below, in case anyone wanted to be able to see the signs for themselves to get an idea of what they look like. Forgive the weird format, it was the only way I could type the website.
(Three w's) lifeprint (and the standard dot com)
(Not the cursing, though, that was sheer Google, and PLEASE! I can't state this enough, do not replicate these signs in respectable company! I would say at all, but I know better.)
Anyway, without further ado, the next chapter of It's Only True in the Stories! I hope you all enjoy and I look forward to hearing what you think!
-Raven
Carlos
There was never a dull moment with school on the Isle of the Lost. Something was always burning, or being broken, or stolen, or…lost. Lessons and classes were as informal as they could get, and usually centered on various methods of killing, stealing, and spying, in no particular order. Plots of revenge weren't always being shoved down his throat, and it was easy enough to get swept up in the chaos of a mass of youthful villains; full of bad blood and hormones.
It was one the reasons Carlos had loved it. Being the son of one of the more evil villains on the Isle, and with the reputation his mother had for being less than stable, he was usually given a wide berth. Especially if he was with Mal and Jay and Evie. He could keep his head down, do the work required of him and survive.
For the most part, anyway. Given his heritage, it was also expected of him to be just as particularly evil, and that was where he'd run into problems. And when it was discovered just why he'd never really 'participated' in class, well…it all went downhill from there. The teachers were especially ruthless, refusing to tolerate even the slightest slip on his part, and he'd barely managed to scrape through as each term just got worse and worse.
So the idea of school in Auradon, where everyone is so sickeningly perfect, is enough to tie his stomach in knots. Who knew what sort of standards they had? The halls are practically empty when they finally reach the classroom, but he'd been ambushed enough times in seemingly abandoned places to know to tread lightly. He's almost grateful when he finally squeezes his way into the room behind Jay, and hears Mal closing the door firmly behind them.
It doesn't last long, however, as he finally takes in the classroom. It was huge, large enough to fit at least three of the classrooms back on the Isle. A raised platform stood at the head of the room, with a giant stained glass window behind it, tinted with the blue and yellow colors of Auradon. A blank chalk board stood atop the platform, just beside an empty podium, and the room itself was filled with small wooden desks; all lined in neat little rows and just big enough for two.
But it's the back wall that has him worried, namely, that there is none. The 'wall' is divided into three sections: two ornate open windows on either side, with a large glass door between them. The glass was wide open, allowing Carlos a view of another hallway, and an open sort of antechamber filled with computers and plush chairs. The hall was full of bustling students, and he could even see a few more Auradon kids in the open room beyond.
It was by far the worst thing he could have imagined about class, and he began scanning the rest of the room on instinct, trying to find places to hide; anywhere that could be defended. There was nothing, the room itself confining by nature, and he draws a sharp breath, trembling as he grabs desperately at Jay's arm.
The taller boy turns quickly, taking one look at Carlos' face and instantly stopping. He reaches out, patting the air in front of him twice with both hands, palms down and fingers slightly spread.
[Calm down.]
Carlos shakes his head, trying to point and show Jay what he means. He holds his hands up, palms out and with both pointer fingers pressed together. Then he moves his left hand, breaking it away from the right and turning it to face his right hand before bringing it back against his right hand.
[Door.]
"The door?" Jay repeats, frowning, but he looks when Carlos points, and his expression clears. "Oh."
"What?" Mal had come up behind them, while Evie is hovering just in front of the first row of desks.
Carlos repeats his sign and points, shaking his head frantically. [No door.]
Mal frowns, her eyes narrowing as she surveys the glass, then she raises her head and scans the rest of the classroom.
"Too vulnerable," she mutters.
Carlos taps her shoulder, his eyebrows furrowing and then lifting as he signs; shaking his pointer finger, and then tapping the front of his left shoulder before bringing his finger across to tap the front of his right.
[Where do we…?]
And he only just starts to form the sign for 'sit,' when a low hollow noise echoes through the room, and a door he hadn't noticed behind the platform opens, and a small but stern looking woman striding out.
Evie stiffens, and Carlos shrinks behind Jay, Mal moving forward and coming to stand just beside him. The woman pauses when she sees them, and he bites his lip hard, bracing himself for an outburst.
"Oh," she says, and she seems almost as startled as they are. "There you all are."
She smiles, and it lifts her entire face, banishing her stern expression from earlier. "Well we haven't got all day; just pick a seat and we can get started."
She seems good natured enough, and Carlos supposes it would be given, considering where they are. But there was something off about her smile, and the way she was watching them-almost like she was waiting for them to burst into flames; made him uneasy.
They shuffle obediently to the center of the room, far enough from the woman to be out of range, but still close enough to the door they'd entered through. Evie and Mal choose one table, while Jay and Carlos take the one just beside them, the aisle seeming too wide a divide as he settles anxiously into place.
"That's better," the woman says. "Before we begin, I believe introductions are in order." She waves with a slight flourish of her hand before gesturing to herself. "I am Fairy Godmother."
Carlos sees Mal straighten out of the corner of his eye, and he does too, out of instinct.
"The Fairy Godmother?" she repeats, and there's something weird about her face, like she was trying to be sincere. "Like, bibbity, boppity, boo?" She even waves her hand like it's a wand, and Carlos grimaces at how unnatural a 'good' Mal looked.
"Bibbity boppity you know it!" The Fairy Godmother says, chuckling at Mal's wand waving.
"Wow," Mal sighs, and Jay gags beside him. Carlos feels his lips twitch. Even Jay got it. "You know, I'd always wondered what it must have been like for Cinderella; the way you just appeared out of nowhere with that magic wand, and sparkly gown. And the magic wand."
Carlos coughs pointedly, but is ignored as the Fairy Godmother clasps her hands together in an all too perfect and proper gesture.
"Well," she says warmly. "That was a long time ago, and as I always say 'Don't focus on the past, or you'll miss the future.'"
"Kill me now," Jay mutters, and Carlos can't help but agree. This lady is almost as flamboyant and dramatic as Maleficent sometimes, though he doesn't think either women would appreciate the comparison.
Fairy Godmother turns and begins writing out a lesson plan on the board, and Carlos uses the opportunity to pull a sheet of paper from his bag, scrawling on it hastily before reaching across the Isle and kicking Mal's shoe with his foot. She lifts her head, and though she didn't noticeably turn it from the board, he knows she's watching. He flashes the paper, smirking at her before tucking it away again as Fairy Godmother turns back around.
Laying it on thick, Mal?
She doesn't get a chance to respond, but if the subtle clenching of her jaw was any sign, she didn't find it as humorous as he had.
"Now then, before we begin," Fairy Godmother continues. "Carlos."
He freezes, and he sees the others do too. He has to fight to keep the fear off his face, but he's certain he's failed because the woman's expression falters. He nods carefully, making sure to keep his eyes on her so she knows he's listening.
"I know you don't talk, dear," and her voice is still kind, but hesitant. "And so I just wanted to be sure that you and I were on the same page with class. How would you like to go about this?"
He stares, completely caught off guard. Never, not once had anyone tried to accommodate him; especially not a teacher. Most of the teachers on the Isle didn't have the patience to wait for him to write his responses, and they all had their own creative ways of 'helping' him whenever he slipped and stuttered while speaking.
He looks to the rest of the gang, but they're just as stunned as he is, and he realizes that Fairy Godmother is still waiting for him. He blushes, pulling out his notepad.
I can write.
She nods, smiling. "That will do just fine."
He breathes a soft sigh of relief, sitting back in his chair. Maybe he could survive this, after all. Then he catches sight of the questions on the board, and he suddenly isn't so sure. He nudges Jay, who scowls at him, but Carlos jerks his head to the chalkboard, eyes wide as Fairy Godmother begins speaking. A long thin stylus appears in her hand, and she points to each word with it as she talks.
"You find a magic lamp…," she begins, and Jay is frowning in a different way now, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Do you: A) Seal it in a cave? B) Use it to gain unlimited power? C) Trick the genie into giving you more wishes? Or D) Use the lamp's powers for good?"
Jay is silent a moment, his head cocked slightly in that 'thinking' thing he does; where he tries to decide what the best way to rob you is. He scans the board, then searches Fairy Godmother's face before finally shakes his slowly.
"Is this a trick?"
The way the Fairy Godmother's smile falls off her face is almost comical, and Carlos even hears Mal give a breathy sort of cough; the kind she does when she wants to laugh but knows it would be dangerous to show her amusement. Jay is clenching and unclenching his fist under the table, and Carlos feels a whimper rising in his throat as he waits for the inevitable explosion.
"I'm sorry?" Fairy Godmother asks carefully, and Jay snorts, his eyes hard as he gestures to the board.
"'If I find a magic lamp,'" he repeats derisively. "As if every waking moment of my life I haven't been looking for one. Now, suddenly, somehow, I find one, and you want to know what I'd do with it?"
"Jay," Mal hisses sharply, and he instantly falls silent, but his expression is still a steely mask as he crosses his arms across his chest.
"Jay," Fairy Godmother repeats carefully. "The question is not a trick. It's merely…an exercise, to test your abilities to determine right from wrong."
Jay laughs, but it's harsh and bitter, and both Carlos and Fairy Godmother flinch to hear it. "Well, in that case," Jay mumbles darkly. "If I found a magic lamp, I'd seal it in a cave where no one could find it. Especially not my father."
"I, oh…," Fairy Godmother blinks, seemingly caught off guard by his answer, and Carlos thinks that might be the only thing saving Jay from being punished. "Well," she finally continues. "I suppose…that is still an admirable thing, Jay. Well done."
Jay scoffs, rolling his eyes, and Carlos knows this isn't something he'll be letting go of anytime soon. Fairy Godmother clears her throat anxiously, then taps the board with her stylus again.
"Next question," she says, recovering her wits and winning smile. "You are given an adorable puppy…."
Carlos flinches, the blood draining from his face and leaving him feeling cold and then hot in turns.
"Do you: A) Skin its fur for a coat, or B) Give it a treat?" Fairy Godmother finishes with a very direct smile at him. "Carlos?"
He swallows, shaking his head hard. For the second time this class, Fairy Godmother blinks in surprise, and he writes quickly in his notepad, hearing Jay chuckle beside him as he reads over his shoulder. He shrugs off the other boy's prying gaze and holds up the pad with trembling fingers.
C) Drop the dog and run.
"I'm sorry?" Fairy Godmother says, faltering as she takes in his response. "Run?"
He nods earnestly, tapping the word again. Run.
Jay is chuckling openly now, and Carlos shoots him a glare, elbowing him hard in the ribs to shut him up.
"I see…" Fairy Godmother drawls, in a way that Carlos knows she really doesn't. "And why would you run, Carlos?"
It's his turn to stare, blinking in disbelief before quickly scribbling his response.
Dogs are evil.
The woman is rendered entirely speechless by that statement, while Jay is still breathlessly laughing beside him. Fairy Godmother stares at Carlos, like she's trying to decide if that's all his words are: a joke. But finally she nods slowly, pursing her lips and turning back to the board, taking in the remaining questions. She looks back to them, specifically Mal and Evie this time, and seems to come to a decision.
"Right. I believe we'll tackle the rest on your next lesson, tomorrow morning. Let's move on to a bit of history, shall we?"
When the bell finally rings an hour later, Carlos shoots out of his seat, but he's grateful this time. He's so fast that he's just behind Mal; who'd somehow anticipated the ring and risen a second earlier, and right before Jay; who grumbles as he gets up from his own seat. Evie stands slowly, swinging her handbag onto her shoulder and then wincing, but manages to recover gracefully.
"I suppose that concludes our introductory lesson for today."
Those words are some of the best ones Carlos has heard all day, after that lesson. A whole hour of being taught the basic rules and history of Auradon life, and just exactly what it means to be 'good,' was even more mind numbing that brushing his mother's fur coats. He falls into place behind Jay as they make to leave the classroom, but the Fairy Godmother's voice stops them yet again.
"Children," she calls.
Mal scowls, muttering a curse under her breath as well as the words 'I am not a child,' before turning back with an open expression. Carlos turns back as well, and instantly feels dread at the expression on the woman's face. It's that slightly pained motherly look that always meant something bad was going to happen. Cruella often sported that look just before doling out a punishment, usually along with the promise that it hurt her more than it hurt him.
"Before you go, it has come to my attention that some of you are injured, and so I have been asked to examine you for your well-being."
There had never been a more dangerous phrase than 'for your own good,' and Carlos barely manages to contain his shivering. He wedges himself further behind Jay, who was about as stiff as the gargoyles on top of Maleficent's castle. Mal herself moves to the front of the group, frowning as she repeats: "Examine?"
She must have heard the hint of danger in Mal's tone, because the Fairy Godmother blanches slightly before hurriedly explaining. "Nothing invasive, of course! Just a simple magic spell, to check for any injuries and heal them if necessary."
"Thank you," Mal says, and though the words come easier to her than the rest of them, they still sound stiff and too polite. "But that won't be necessary."
She smiles, and Carlos shivers to see it because it looks just like Maleficent's. It doesn't seem to affect the Fairy Godmother as much, or maybe she's just magically protected herself from being influenced by evil. Carlos thinks it might be the latter, given the way she still seems to be expecting something from them. He inches his hand over and tugs at the edge of Mal's leather shirt. He starts to sign, but Evie stiffens suddenly, her eyes flickering as she draws a quick breath.
"Mal," she whispers, and Carlos looks up with Mal to see Evie, pale as she leans one handedly against the desk beside them.
It would be a casual pose, if it weren't for the pain he can see etched in the lines around her eyes. He knows Mal sees it too because she grimaces, and sighs in resignation as she turns back to the Fairy Godmother.
"Alright," she concedes, and Carlos feels a deep pang of fear as he takes in that motherly smile.
"Evie, dear," Fairy Godmother says gently. "If you would follow me?"
She gestures towards the hidden door behind the podium that she had entered through, and Evie glances back at Mal. Mal nods once, her eyes sharp and calculating as she watches the Fairy Godmother lead her away. Only once they've both left the room does the long awaited explosion start. Jay slams his hand down against the nearest desk, cursing furiously. Carlos cringes back from the anger he's radiating, retreating closer to Mal, who drops all pretenses of the cold and fearless leader and begins pacing, eyes bright as she watches the door.
"What the hell was that, Mal?" Jay growls, his own eyes dark and fierce.
Carlos backs away another step, itching to run, but keeping his eyes on Mal. She paces a few more feet, ignoring Jay. He doesn't take kindly to the silence, and he crosses the space and forces himself into Mal's path. She jerks her head up sharply, and Carlos shrinks even further as her eyes flicker with green light.
"What. The Hell. Mal." Jay repeats lowly.
"Jay," Carlos whispers anxiously, but Mal holds up a hand, and he winces, falling silent.
"She wouldn't have made it," Mal says simply, and though her voice is casual, her eyes are still sharp.
"Bull!" Jay snaps, and Carlos shuffles anxiously, his eyes darting to the door.
"Jay," he whispers again, desperately trying to derail things before it escalated.
"Carlos," Mal says, and he knows from her tone that his input was not wanted in this conversation. He bites the inside of his lip hard and backs away quickly, watching nervously from a few desks away. He knows Jay's anger is more about the lesson than actual anger at Mal, but he also knows first-hand that Jay's temper is nothing to be trifled with. Then again, neither was Mal's.
"Jay," Mal continues once Carlos was out of the way. "You know as well as I do that Evie wouldn't have lasted any longer, and even though we're trying to fit in, our ultimate goal is getting that wand. And we can't do that if we're hurt."
"Picking off the weakest link, then?" Jay challenges bitterly.
Something dangerous lights in Mal's eyes then, and Carlos is just beginning to debate diving under a desk for shelter, when the back door opens and footsteps echo. Mal and Jay both straighten, though Mal glares sharply at Jay, making a loose fist shape with her hand; her fingers folded over her palm and her thumb pressed tightly to the side of her index finger. She brushes her thumb along the underside of her chin, shaking her head once before opening her hands and placing them in front of her, palms up and facing her. She then twists her hands once in a short motion before dropping them quickly to her sides as Evie and Fairy Godmother make their appearance.
[Not over.]
Jay nods stiffly, his own eyes narrowed before he brings his attention back to Evie. Fairy Godmother pauses, seeming to take in the collective tension before she notices Carlos's position near the back half of the room. He freezes, praying she doesn't pick him next, but she turns to Jay, and he brushes past Mal before following the teacher out of the room.
Evie was still slightly pale, and breathless as she sits back down at a desk, but the pain is gone from her eyes, and her soft smile is genuine. At least, until she notices the scowl on Mal's face.
"What happened?" Evie asks, and Carlos isn't quite sure who she's asking, but Mal answers anyway, saving him the effort.
"Nothing. How did it go?"
Evie falters at Mal's short tone, and raises an eyebrow at Carlos. He shakes his head, silently warning her not to ask, and she turns back to Mal.
"It was ok," she says slowly. "It didn't hurt or anything, but…." She drops her eyes to the table top, and both Carlos and Mal straighten, Carlos hurrying forward so he was closer to hear.
"But?" Mal presses, and Evie purses her lips.
"She kept asking questions," Evie continues quietly. "Wondering how it happened, and what sort of things happened on the Isle to cause it."
"Oh." Mal's voice is dangerously blank, and Evie grimaces as she looks up at them.
"I didn't say anything, Mal; I'm not stupid. And she gave up when I didn't answer after a while. But I think she suspects-"
Evie's words are cut short when the door opens again, and Jay comes out, scowl still in place. It softens when he sees Evie, but instantly hardens when he catches Mal's eye. The Fairy Godmother is a little pale herself, but she composes herself and smiles…at Carlos.
"Carlos, dear," she says, and Evie stands abruptly, both Mal and Jay instinctively shifting closer to him.
The look on Fairy Godmother's face is a mix of confusion and concern at their actions, and although Carlos is grateful for their help, he knows it will raise even more questions, none of which he could answer. He taps Mal on the shoulder and silently mouths, 'It's ok,' when she looks at him. She doesn't look happy, but she lets him go, and he makes his way across the room towards the Fairy Godmother.
The walk to the back room is the longest he's ever made, and he has a horrible flashback to a different place; a different time and a different person; but the similarities were there, and he has to fight the swell of panic that threatens to drown him in the memories of pain.
The room is small, and only has one wooden desk along the back wall. The rest of the space is filled with books, and the walls are decorated in the Auradon colors, and littered with what he assumes are supposed to be inspirational quotes and posters. He focuses on one: a sky blue background, with the picture of a lion cub hanging precariously from a dead tree branch. The cub is smiling, and the words Hang in there! are written just below him.
It's a disturbing picture, Carlos thinks. The cub should be screaming for help, given the stampede of deer below him. Maybe he was, and his situation had just been twisted around to provide some sort of entertainment. He shivers, feeling like he was going through the same thing; that his place here in Auradon was just one small twisted piece in a much larger plan.
The door clicks closed behind him and he flinches, jarred from his thoughts. He turns to face Fairy Godmother, but she's already walking towards him, and he turns back quickly, dropping his gaze to the floor out of instinct.
"Alright Carlos," she says, and he can imagine the smile on her face even without seeing it. "I promise this won't hurt a bit."
He's heard that before, but he doesn't dare lift his head. He can hear her moving somewhere in front of him, and then he feels a slight tickle, like tiny invisible fingers are brushing along his body. He shivers again, grimacing at the uncomfortable feeling. Instantly the feeling stops, and the Fairy Godmother speaks up.
"Does that hurt?"
It's so strange to be asked, and in a way that seems genuine and not just a sadistic way to determine how much more pain he could stand. He's so surprised by it that he almost blurts out an audible response, and he only just manages to contain himself, shaking his head and fiddling with his dog tail nervously.
"Let me know if it does start to hurt, alright dear?" She says, and he nods shakily.
The tiny hands resume their strange poking, and Carlos distracts himself by scanning the other posters. There's one with a crab that says 'The seaweed is always greener in someone else's lake.' He doesn't understand it at all, and he frowns, staring at another that just has a cloud on it and says 'Reach for the sky!' He's not sure if it's meant to be a threat, or an actual goal to be reached for. He'd just started reading one about life being better with smiles and songs when the tickling feeling stops, and he blinks, tearing his eyes away from the disturbing pictures.
"Well, Carlos," he hears at last. "You're good to go."
He feels an amused smile pull at his lips, and he keeps his head firmly lowered to avoid detection. He was far from 'good,' but he supposes it could have gone worse.
"I'm pleased to say that I didn't find any obvious injuries," the Fairy Godmother continues, and something in her voice makes him tense. "Although I did notice several older ones that might not have healed quite right."
He doesn't dare to breathe, every muscle taut and ready for some kind of fight or flight reaction. He knows exactly what she's referring to, and he has to remind himself that she thinks he's mute, that he doesn't have to worry about questions and answering them.
"I can't help but wonder….."
He pales, debating if he should just run now, but then she catches herself, and he hears the door open behind him.
"Never mind, dear," she says, and he gasps softly in relief, practically running past her and back to his group, free of the confines of the smaller space.
Jay and Evie stand when he appears, and Mal stops pacing, relief evident in all of their faces. He makes his way through the desks and wedges himself firmly between Jay and Evie, and only then does he let himself fully relax. Jay frowns down at him, an eyebrow lifting in curiosity.
"You ok?" Jay mutters, and he nods.
He makes a 'five' shape with his hands, touching his thumb to his chest before continuing; making a 'C' shape with his left hand close to his cheek, then bringing it against the upright palm of his right hand; finishing by lifting his left hand in a 'C' shape, then bringing his hand down in front of his face until it was level with his chest and the 'C' was now facing the ground.
[Fine. Pictures are strange/freaky.]
"Aw, poor pup," Jay laughs, hooking his arm around Carlos' neck and pinning him to his chest, viciously ruffling his hair with his fist. "Did all those horribly cheerful pictures scare you?"
Carlos flounders helplessly, his protests choked by Jay's biceps. He can vaguely see Evie, shaking her head and trying to pretend they don't exist, but Mal is giving them both a death glare, and Carlos struggles even harder to free himself. Jay is relentless, but Carlos finally succeeds in elbowing the larger boy hard in his ribs, and Jay pulls away, shoving Carlos for good measure.
Carlos scowls, panting as he catches his breath, his cheeks flushed as he tries to fix his hair. Jay was still doubled over laughing, and Carlos growls, kicking Jay's chair out from under him. He falls with a very satisfying crash, and it's Carlos' turn to laugh as he gains the upper hand.
Jay looks up at him, a positively evil glower on his face as he signs; his index finger and thumb pressed together in a circular shape, and his remaining three fingers straight out, pressed tightly against each other, the 'circle' part of his hand facing Carlos.
[Asshole.]
Carlos smirks, still snickering as he signs back; his index and middle finger in an inverted 'k' shape, with his thumb just visible between the two. He taps the tip of his middle finger against the tip of his nose before bringing his hand out into a modified version of Jay's sign; his thumb and index finger in a circle, but with the other three fingers separated from each other.
[Piss/Fuck off.]
Jay launches himself up from the floor, and Carlos is certain he's about to die when the Fairy Godmother clears her throat sharply from the front of the room.
"Gentlemen," she says, and Carlos turns to see her frowning in disapproval at both of them. "I do not appreciate that kind of language in my classroom."
They all freeze, and Carlos can feel the collective gazes of the group, but he can't help but stare at the Fairy Godmother, his mouth open in shock. He blinks, and then signs; pointing first to her, then bringing his hand up close to his temple in a fist, palm back. He then quickly lifts his index finger; like an 'ah ha!' moment, before lowering his hand and pointing at himself.
[You understand me?]
He feels a strange twisting rush in his stomach that he thinks might be panic, but then morphs into a kind of elation. He signs again; pointing to her, then repeating the 'ah ha' sign; ending by gesturing with his index fingers pointed towards each other at a slight angle, backpedaling them over each other a few times.
[You understand sign language?]
"Yes, Carlos," she says with another patient smile, but he can see the tightness around her eyes that tells him it might not be so patient if she's pushed any further. "I do know sign language, to be able to reach all of my students. And if you prefer to sign in class rather than write, I see no reason why you shouldn't; and I will be sure to inform the other teachers as well so they are prepared."
They're all a bit speechless, though he can see Mal narrowing her eyes, and Jay too is staring with a frown. He knows he should probably consider as well, that nothing came for free and he should figure out what this will cost him before accepting. But he finds himself nodding, face flushing slightly as he signs; pressing the tips of his fingers to his lips with his palm facing him, and pushing out towards the Fairy Godmother.
[Thank you.]
"You're very welcome, dear," she says. "Though I don't want to see language like that again, is that understood?"
He nods again, holding his right hand in a fist at about waist level, index finger extended; he then makes the same hand shape with his raised left hand, and brings his left hand down onto his right, fingers at an angle to each other.
[Right.]
Satisfied that order had been restored, Fairy Godmother leads Mal off to the other room, and it's Jay's turn to pace in her absence. Carlos just sits with Evie, still a little mystified by everything that had happened so far, and wondering just what else they would face in a world where everything was made to be perfect. It's a strange sort of hope, but he can't help but think that maybe this could be a chance for something different. Something...good, if he dares to wish it. Of course, having thought that, he should have been better prepared for being proven wrong.
Ben
Watching the Villain Kids enter Fairy Godmother's classroom was like watching Audrey enter a store for a sale; nerve wracking, terrifying and chaotic, as he wondered if he'd ever see her alive again. He can't help but feel like he's sending them to their doom, and he has to tear himself away and focus on his own classes. But it's hard, his thoughts constantly drifting to the new arrivals, rethinking and analyzing every bit of information he's gleaned.
They were close, a very obvious and solid bond between them. It's a strange idea that villains could form more than just temporary alliances. When he'd chosen them, Ben had noted from their folders that they weren't often seen separate from each other; which was part of his reasons for choosing them. He had hoped that with their established bond, and if he kept them together, there would be a greater chance for them to be open to the ways of Auradon; if they could face it as a team rather than individuals with nothing in common.
And yet, he'd been so unprepared for what his decree had brought, and he finds himself thinking that maybe his father had been right and he was taking on more than he could handle. But he had made his decision-promised the Villain Kids a chance, and if his mother could see good in a hopeless situation, then so could he. He hoped so, anyway.
When the bell rings at the end of class, he's one of the first out of his seat, and he quickly makes his way down the hall towards Fairy Godmother's class. The door to the room bursts open before he quite reaches it, and the Villain Kids stride out; Mal in the lead, then Evie, followed by Carlos, and with Jay bringing up the rear. Jay is laughing about something, teasing Carlos, but they all quiet when he approaches. He notices with no slight displeasure that Jay is once again the only one to meet his gaze head on, the others all lowering their heads as if the floor is more interesting than his face.
"Hi," Ben says awkwardly, and Jay lifts his chin in a short nod.
"Hey," he says, and again Ben feels its resemblance to a challenge.
"So," Ben drawls. "What did you think of your first class?"
"Oh it was great," Jay says, nodding enthusiastically, and Ben gets the feeling he's not enthusiastic about it at all. "I especially enjoyed learning all the various methods of smiling politely."
To demonstrate, he grins broadly at Ben, who shuffles anxiously, suspecting that he's missed something in this conversation and the other boy is in fact, threatening him. He's saved by Mal, who snorts quietly at the ground, a smirk playing on her lips as she chimes in.
"It could have gone worse."
The rest of the kids all nod at that, even Carlos, and Ben feels a bit of excitement, thinking that maybe there's hope for getting the boy to open up after all. He smiles at them, allowing himself an amused chuckle.
"Well, I suppose that's all we can really hope for," he teases, and he thinks he catches Mal smirk at him this time, but he doesn't dare turn his head to confirm and ruin the moment.
"The schedule will probably be a little different tomorrow," he adds. "You'll have Goodness class first in the morning and then continue with the rest of your classes. We've divided you up, but you'll be in pairs for some of them; Mal and Evie will have a chemistry lab in the afternoon while Jay and Carlos have biology."
"I'm guessing that's where you want us to go next?" Jay says, rolling his eyes, and Ben nods, pleased that he picked up on it despite the attitude. He's about to show them the way when the classroom door opens behind them, and Fairy Godmother steps out into the hall.
"Oh Ben, there you are," she gasps. "I'd like to speak with you if you have a moment." She glances towards the Villain Kids, and he nods his understanding.
"Sure," he agrees quickly, turning back to the kids. "Sciences are on the next level," Ben directs, motioning towards a board at the opposite end of the hall. "The map there can give you specific directions, and I'll catch up with you in a bit, ok?"
"Ok," Jay drawls, and the others nod, departing quickly and quietly, almost in unison.
Ben shakes his head at the strange formation they seem to be making, before bracing himself and entering Fairy Godmother's classroom. The Headmistress herself is erasing the chalkboard atop her platform, and he catches a partial glimpse of one of the questions; using something for good, before it's gone in an ashy smear. Fairy Godmother looks up as the door closes behind him, and although she smiles, he knows this is going to be a 'serious' conversation.
"Thank you for meeting with me, Ben," Fairy Godmother acknowledges, and he instinctively adopts a more formal tone himself.
"Of course," he says, inclining his head. "I take it this is about our new arrivals?"
She nods, and gestures him towards a seat. He moves forward and sits, and she joins him at the table, folding her hands on top of the desk.
"How did they do?" he asks worriedly. "They didn't cause any trouble, did they?" Ironic, he thinks briefly.
"Oh no, they did remarkably well," she assures. "I did however want to address some...concerns I had."
He purses his lips, but nods for her to continue.
"I did a brief magical examination, as requested, and I noticed there were several varying injuries, all of them older, but a lot of broken bones."
He frowns, his brow furrowing. He doesn't want to jump to conclusions, but the idea is still there; that something wasn't quite right. "Life on the Isle must be rough compared to ours," he offers instead, and Fairy Godmother nods, pursing her lips.
"But their behavior was very strange," she says. "I only managed to make it through half of my questions for them, and their answers were interesting, to say the least. Jay became upset when asked about a magic lamp. He made a remark about searching for a lamp his whole life, but said that if he ever did find one, he would hide it."
"To use for himself?" Ben guesses, but Fairy Godmother shakes her head.
"So no one could use it, including his father."
Ben raises his eyebrows, surprised. "And Carlos?" He prompts.
"He seemed of the belief that dogs are evil," she replies.
"That...is interesting," he says, and Fairy Godmother hums her own agreement.
"There was some rough housing from the boys," she offers. "Though I did expect some kind of ruckus. Although, I did discover that Carlos knows sign language."
"Really?" That caught Ben off guard, and he leans forward intently.
"I've told him he is free to sign in class if he wishes, and I've been informing the other teachers and members of staff, so they can be better prepared to incorporate him in class."
Ben nods his approval, then sits back in his chair with a sigh, puzzling over all this information. "Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of them," he admits. "They're not quite at all how I expected them to be."
"I have the feeling we have a lot to learn about these children," Fairy Godmother says. "Time will only tell just what that will entail."
"Yeah," Ben mutters. "We will see."
"Oh, don't look so worried, dear," she chides. "I think it's an admirable thing you're trying to do, and remember 'Success isn't final, and failure isn't fatal. It's the courage that matters.'"
He thanks her for the advice and hurries to catch up to the Villain Kids as the first bell for the next class rings above. He had plenty of courage; a combination of his 'beastly' heritage and his mother's sheer force of will- or so he'd been told. He only hoped that would be enough, though he couldn't help but feel that even if his failure wasn't fatal, he owed it to the Villain Kids to show them that they could be more than just villains. For their sake, and maybe, even, for the entire kingdom.