The digital clock on his nightstand still reads 4:40 AM when Alex looks back at it.
The cursed thing seemed to be mocking him, not even showing the seconds that passed since the last time he checked. And on top of all that, the bloody thing was gold – because of course it was.
A growl escaped him before he could do anything about it and for what seemed like the millionth time that night, he froze and listened.
A room over (a stadium of a room, but a room nonetheless) Ben was still making the same half-snore half-growl noise he made for the past five hours.
Another gigantic room over, the King was making the same noise and the Queen was still sound asleep.
He could hear the two guards posted five stories under his window, one of them yawning (yawning – while he was supposed to be working – if Alex had done that on the job, he would have been executed).
Ridiculous.
This was just ridiculous. And he wanted to rage and scream and roar and break something at the very least.
He was wearing the dark blue pajamas Evie made for him a while ago – before this whole mess started. If anyone came in while he was distracted, he could dive under the covers and fake sleep in three seconds.
He still had most of his weapons on him. The essentials at least: the knives, two daggers, four ninja stars, the metal wire.
But by the fires.
He wanted his normal clothes – scratch that – he wanted his best clothes.
The ones that hid a few of his weapons and showed off most of them. The dark double layered leather with specks of dried blood on it. The stolen tacky rings. The boots with spikes on, that were perfect when you were in a brawl, but that were still two sizes too big for him, and he couldn't risk his landing or his fighting for something as pathetic as style, so they were stashed and waiting for him with Dizzy.
He wanted the clothes that made even the people from the Isle scramble to run away from him. He wanted to go back to feeling powerful, dangerous, deadly, in control.
He wanted to lean over his window and spit on the helmets of the bucketheads that were yawning down below.
But every single time he made one step towards the window he stopped, paralyzed at the thought of getting spotted.
4:45
Stupid.
Stupid.
No one is catching him if he doesn't want to be caught.
He could go out the window, climb down to the room below him and sneak into his friends' room without anyone being the wiser.
Or at least he could if he could just get his useless feet to move.
Forward preferably, instead of the circles he's been running around the entire night, again and again, like a lion in a cage.
Why?
Because he was an idiot.
Because that bubbling fool just had to go on with his training lessons, like Alex wouldn't eat any Auradonian trainer alive if they so much as looked his way.
Alex got angry. Like an amateur.
He knew how powerful anger was. How it can make and break depending on its usage.
Growing up anger had been his closest companion in his short hard life. Anger got him where he was today. Anger got him noticed. By Clopin. By Arobynn. By Mal. By everyone.
In a fight it meant the difference between life and death. Use it right and anger made you strong. Undefeated. Anger gives you power. It makes the edges of your vision go red and the blood in your veins grow hot and suddenly his punches are stronger, his jumps higher and his bruises hurt less and he's faster and deadlier and he's winning.
Use it wrong and anger makes you stupid. And stupid gets you killed.
The Auradonians separated him and his friends into different rooms, most likely so they wouldn't be able to plot anything during the night. And they put all his friends exactly one floor beneath him.
4:48
Mal signaled him.
If they were to stay together it would be safer for them to come to him and not the other way around.
She asked him if he wanted them to come and he – like a moron – signaled back that he would be fine. He was 's got this.
Alex was a moron.
That's why he spent an entire night just stupidly getting angry at everything. (Not a first in his life, but he kinda hoped it wouldn't happen in Auradon of all places.)
The stupid room was too big – he hated small places even more, but this was ridiculous. And all of the furniture was fancy and decorated with delicate gold details he would give anything to smash. It was exactly the kind of room Arobynn would appreciate which made Alex want to set it on fire even more.
The bed was too… something.
Too big. Too high. Too fluffy. Too warm. Too empty.
The beds from their dorms at Auradon High were too comfortable too which was why all five of them slept on the floor the first two days, just one blanket each. (Not seven like his bed here had.) Even Mal and Evie, who grew up sleeping on a bed (lumpy, dirty, rigid beds, but beds nonetheless) couldn't sleep on this Auradonian fluffiness. They finally got used to the beds in their dorms, as long as they cramped together on one bed and got rid of most blankets and pillows.
And now he was alone.
4:50
He'd tried to at the very least rest on the floor, but the fancy carpet was too comfy compared to what he was used to. Stupid carpet.
The light - That one wasn't that big of a problem, Alex had always detested the dark, even after he got used to working in it. But that didn't mean it didn't have its drawbacks. With the curtains drawn back, and without a magic barrier, even without his bracelet, it was almost enough light to call it day on the Isle.
Which meant he got to see his reflection in the fancy mirror a little too good.
The bags under his eyes where back. Nowhere near as bad as they were when they first came to Auradon, but they were noticeable again. His face was too pale. Not when compared to the Isle folk, but it was a stark contrast when next to an Auradonian. Coupled with the manic look in his eyes, the wavy locks of hair on his head that once looked like wildfire, now just made him look like he lost a fight.
He gritted his teeth.
How did he got back to being such a disaster?
4:52
Assuming the same rules from school applied here too, then everything after five in the morning was early and everything before was 'after curfew' and therefore 'not to be considered'.
4:53
Just a little more. Then he was out of this bloody room at the very least.
Just a little more…
4:55
He started rummaging through his backpack, finally finding a pair of black cargo pants with specks of colorful hair dye and dried blood on them, and an old camouflage shirt with three tears on one of the shoulders from an old fight with one of Scar's kids. It was the darkest set of clothes he wore since that first day in Auradon.
He was going to buy Evie forty pairs of shoes.
4:59
He's hiding his bag under the bed and rechecking that his weapons are in place.
5:00 AM - he's out the door.
Through the long corridor and down the stairs. As silent as a shadow.
Mal is waiting for him at the base of the stairs, looking just as ready for a fight as he was. Clad in leather and anger. Green fire burning in her eyes.
DES
8:00 AM
Ben comes down the stairs yawning and stills as he spots Mal lounging on one of the sofas, a book in her hands, her combat boots perched on one of the expensive pillows.
Events of the last few days rush to him as he straightens, more alert now.
"Good mo-"
"Wake him up and I'll kill you." Mal snarls back, eyes flashing green in a I dare you way with so much rage, Ben almost tripped on the last step.
But then his eyes fell on the little figure on the sofa, that was glued to Mal's side, with her leather jacket draped over him, camouflaging him.
Ben perked up, amazed at how Alex could somehow look even younger while he was asleep. One of his hands gripping Mal's shirt, his hair dropping on his face and in every direction, almost like a halo.
'Okay.' He mouthed back, making Mal frown in a displeased Are you stupid? look that he's seen Audrey make when the royal Chef used the wrong shade of pink on the cookie glaze.
His train of thought halted in place when Mal stilled then scrunched her nose. He blinked and her hand suddenly snapped up and covered Alex's mouth, startling him awake. In the time it took Ben to open his mouth, Alex had thrusted an elbow to her stomach in half-awake instinct. She caught it right before it could make contact and rolled over, throwing him to the floor.
Instead of splattering himself on the floor like Ben expected, Alex landed silently on the floor like a cat, ripping himself away from Mal and crouching down, looking ready to pounce.
The moment the two Isle kids made eye contact however, the tenseness in Alex's shoulder evaporated. The kid blew a strand if hair out of his face, looking a bit annoyed at being woken up, but not angry.
Ben remembered to close his mouth just a moment before his mom and dad entered the room, and quickly thought of any kind of conversation starter.
"So, uh, usually I do my jogging in the mornings – not on the weekends, but I wanted to ask if any of you were interested in maybe coming along next time?" he asked, making sure to look both in the eye.
Mal clicked her tongued disinterested. "Yeah, I think I'm gonna pass."
"May I ask why?" Ben asked, not necessary out of politeness, but curiosity. Mal looked like someone who exercised.
"It goes against my religion."
Ben blinked. "Your religion?"
"I don't actually believe in exercise." She deadpanned.
Alex snorted.
"And you?" Ben asked him, already planning the schedule and maybe some ice cream afterwards.
Alex looked amused at the idea. "Oh, honey. I'm doing you a favor by saying no. I saw your guards training. If you tried to keep up with me, you'd pass out before halftime."
Ben opened his mouth to dispute that but memories of the last few turney practices flashed before his eyes.
He closed his mouth.
Maybe he could show Alex the family library…
DES
The four of them made they way down the corridors towards the dinning room and stopped to wait at the base of the stairs when they noticed Evie coming down.
"Am I late?" she asked even though she hadn't hurried down.
"No." Ben assured her.
"Perfect timing." Alex corrected. "And perfect everything." He added, nodding appreciatory at her. Contrary to popular belief, Alex couldn't care less about fashion, but he knew because of her mother, Evie lived for the compliments.
Evie grinned. "Oh? Do tell more."
He was rather good at compliments – flirting, actually. He'd needed a more day-to-day way of letting Dizzy know how important she was, so he got a couple of tips and lessons from Gomez Addams.
A successful compliment must be designed around the specific person you are talking to. Simple words copied and retold were pathetic and without power. And of course, you had to sell it with the grin and gestures and focus on the eyes.
So, he put a hand over his heart, head bowing just slightly enough, grinned conspicuously, and made sure to look her in the eyes.
"With eyes as dark as the night sky and skin as smooth as ice, no one could paint a more breathtaking picture of danger and grace." And for added effect he raised a hand to help her the last few steps down the stairs.
Ben blinked. The Queen opened and closed her mouth a couple of times like she wasn't quite sure what she thought.
Evie's delighted grin stayed in place. "You like my eyes?"
"I think they're as dark as magic and as sweet as a poisoned apple." He said sincerely, making Evie laugh and the King startle.
"Aren't you a charmer." She commented and pulled a strand of his hair behind his ear, her sharp nails almost cutting it off entirely.
"Didn't know we kept you around for flirting." Mal commented dryly, but Alex could tell she was amused at the whole show.
"Please. Everyone knows you keep me around because I'm your favorite." Alex stated with a satisfied smirk.
Ben couldn't help but smile.
Mal didn't even turn in his direction. "Your death would be a minor inconvenience."
The statement startled the royal family, but it made Alex straighten his shoulders, an excited glint in his eyes.
"You'd notice if I died?" he laughed, looking delighted.
Ben blinked. It did not sound like a joke…
"How sentimental." Alex remarked, now grinning ear to ear. "What would your mother say if she heard you speak like that."
Mal inclined her head.
"What mother doesn't know, won't make her want to kill us." She finally admitted, making Alex's grin widen even further. "Now zip it, before I get bored and decide to turn you into a housecat."
Ben would have laughed if her eyes hadn't flashed green when she said that.
Alex looked amused, the delighted glint in his eyes still shining.
"There's the Mal we adore so much." He laughed.
Ben wasn't sure how much of that was meant as a joke.
DES
As far as mornings go, the Isle kids definitely had worse. At least so far.
But then the King reached for Alex. Most likely in an attempt to steer him a bit farther away from the vks.
In the polished furniture on his left, Alex could see the outline of a hand making a move to grab him, making his mind switch into survival mode (also known as the default setting).
He'll have to time it right. He'll turn halfway to the right and grab the fingers, preferably the middle and the ring fingers – twist left to dislocate then grab the wrist with his other hand to break it. Don't release – pull closer and apply punch upwards breaking the ninth and tents ribs on the right side, also knocking the air out of his lungs. Release hand. Stomp on left foot with the heel of his boot then smack his elbow into the attacker's face when he doubles down. Left hook to the face – aiming to be decided depending on height, either to the jaw or the temple. Take out dagger and prepare for retaliation –
The reflection glistered from the gold ring on the Kings hand.
Gold.
Auradon.
Shit.
That wasn't right. He couldn't do that in Auradon. Lucifer knew what would happen to him and his friends then.
But what was the opposite of that? What other option did he have?
'Death.' His Isle side snarled at him.
'Shut up.' He thought to his subconscious.
The hand was getting closer and closer. Fingers almost brushing on his hoodie, just a hair away.
He could feel goosebumps under his forearm guards.
Then another hand landed on his left sleeved and pulled.
Not the King's.
These fingers were cold even through the thick material of his shirt, and hard as steel. Unyielding and determinate long nails that could cut someone's throat right out, almost pierced through his sleeve as he got dragged forcefully until his back slammed into a familiar stomach.
Mal.
Her fingers glided delicately over his face and under his jaw, putting on a show.
Alex had exactly two seconds to notice how hard the King was clenching his jaw when the fingers too close to his neck turned cold and cruel as Mal gripped his jaw to make him look up to her.
She knew Alex hated it.
It reminded him too much of Arobynn. Of how he would grab his chin in front of the trainers to remind him that he didn't have a choice. He had orders to follow.
When he got better in training it didn't happen as often, but Arobynn still did it in private. To mess with his head. It always succeeded.
But he knew Mal didn't mean it like that.
Her grip wasn't even that hard. Arobynn used to draw blood almost every time.
Mal was doing it now for show.
And this time he didn't just accept it, he preferred it. It kept him anchored. For the first time in forever, he had no idea what to do and how to act. Mal was giving him orders. Silent and unspoken and he hated orders, but now they might actually be helping him.
Alex let her move his face upwards so they can look each other in the eye.
From that position she could have snapped his neck before anyone could even think to stop her.
"Go wake up Jay." Mal ordered. "Throw him out the window if you need to. Carlos is most likely up already."
Alex gave a short nod – as much as his position allowed – and detangled from her. He was halfway up the stairs before any of the Auradonians were able to get their bearings back.
AN:
ANNOUNCEMENT:
FIRST:
So, I still have like a chapter or two before I come back to the events of the canon, but I really want to know your opinion on something:
I have two ideas of what to do about Dizzy – either she comes in before Family Day or after it.
Before – and this is the one I think I will probably do first – would mean that on Family Day I would center around Dizzy and Alex.
After – would mean on Family Day I would do something with like the Rotten Five and the villains and twitch a bit that video call scene.
I will probably end up doing both and posting the second one somewhere else as an AU, but I would love to hear what you all would be more interested in reading first.
SECOND:
I have a sort of AU/Side-story for 'The Lost Prince' somewhat written. It would take place about a year before Ben's proclamation and basically Auradon would watch events centered around Alex AFTER Ben's coronation.
I will probably post that before posting a new chapter here so keep your eyes open because I am quite excited about that.
LASTLY:
As always, I would really love to hear what you thought of this story and any suggestion or remarks you have, and I thank you for reading.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Frostbite out