A/N: Lots of things go on in this one. I'm quite proud of it, actually. Mostly of Uma's speeches that I wrote and Ben and Mal's proclamation, which are some heavy chunks of dialogue.

Special thanks to tyikamicalacai for being the first to leave a review/comment. Hope you all enjoy this chapter!

XOXO,

Infiniginity

Chapter Three: A Proclamation of Doom?

The aftermath of the attack- which was what the Barons were officially calling it- was devastating throughout the Borderlands. Every school in every district was assaulted in some manner. And no grade level was spared from destruction. High schools, elementary schools, middle schools. Even preschools in all fifteen towns weren't spared, the poor babies traumatized. Windows and walls blown out. Fires started randomly. Small earthquakes shook the land. This was different than when little kids are just coming into their magical abilities; there have been cases where kids have shown magnificent displays of magic the first time there powers appear, but this is by no means a show how powerful they'll be as fully trained adults. This was different from that. This was far more violent.

The perpetrator still hasn't been caught.

The silence from Auradon has been stifling.

Baroness Uma gave a speech to the Valley of the Lost in the center of town during the hours immediately following the attack. She spoke with confidence and a grim look, teal hair hung loose at her shoulders.

"I am deeply saddened by the events that have transpired earlier this afternoon. All fifteen Barons have been. By some miracle, there have been no Borderlands casualties, though several were wounded, albeit not too seriously.

"We have already begun furiously searching for evidence regarding this attack, and the individual, or individuals, who have committed these atrocious acts, not only upon our own Borderlands, but against the United States of Auradon, with whom we have been allies for nearly half a century.

"As of right now, I will admit that we, the Barons, have little information on these tragic events, however, given that this attack on our land was widespread and rapid, the Barons feel it is safe to assume that this was an orchestrated assault on our students, educators and education facilities.

"Currently we are requesting that anybody who has any information that may help catch these dangerous criminals, we are asking you to report it to your local Baron Hall immediately.

"The other Barons and I have already attempted to reach out to Auradon in the hopes that we can be of assistance, and that our lands may coincide to resolve this issue. However, our attempts have been rejected on Auradon's end. As magic is banned and frowned upon within their lands, especially after earlier, we have been left with few options of communication with our neighbors. Still, we are hopeful that King Benjamin and Queen Mal of Auradon will attend to our requests and letters of assistance.

"For now we encourage our citizens to carry out their usual activities. We do not ask that you cease using magic, even if magic may be the cause of this grave catastrophe. The Borderlands are a safe haven for magic users and magical beings to practice their gifts free from prejudice or harm from hostile individuals, as this day, Founders' Day, serves to remind us all. That said, we are all aware of, and warned of, the darker impulses of magic that lead to the villains, like my mother, Ursula the Sea Witch, using their talents for Evil. I ask of all of all to practice safely, and to take care of one another. We are in dark times, that the Barons unfortunately believe will lead to tensions between the Borderlands and the United States of Auradon. Please, we urge, take care of your neighbors.

"The Barons, as their duty calls for, will do our best to keep everybody safe, informed and protected. Although we have made a grave lapse in judgement this afternoon in our failure to protect the students of this country, and we sincerely regret our negligence. Today only serves as a reminder that not everybody is Good at heart, and although few, some individuals seek only destruction of what is Pure, Innocent, and Good.

"Ladies, and gentlemen, thank you for your time. Stay safe."

It's been four days since the Baroness's speech, yet Auradon has still not responded. Perhaps they really did forget we even existed, and now the king and queen have to deal with this shitshow. Maybe there were heavy casualties on Auradon's side. What if they decide to treat us like they did the villains? Take away our magic and trap us like mice within a barrier? Not they I've ever been properly outside of the Valley of the Lost at any point in my life, but it's nice to know that, if I felt like it, I could renounce my abilities and go live in Auradon, without them noticing, of course. Now I won't ever if they decided we're too dangerous, all based off of uneducated theories and opinions. Maybe I'm just overanalyzing things again, and they won't hurt us. But there definitely will be some form of consequence, I'm sure.

Although magic had not been strictly restricted in light of the recent event, I notice a lot less magic being performed and practiced out in the open, on the streets. Obviously some people would be afraid to use magic; most were unwilling to be that person who gave magic a bad rep in the eyes of Auradon.

The schools had been repaired easily, but the Barons decided to allow us the next week off to recuperate. Classes will reconvene next Saturday at a more vigorous pace. For now, Itsy, Nico, Zeek and I are sitting around a pool table at a local hangout, Credenza's Cabinet, an establishment that attracted customers that were teenagers and older for a variety of reasons, in the downtown section of town. Downtown is a central for all things in the Valley of the Lost. Most of the better shops settled here, and it's got this hip, cool, edgy sort of vibe to the whole place.

Itsy is chatting to the owners, Phelma and Finley Credenza, about Elemball teams, players, and stats ("No way Nealon will beat out Greta for Windmage"). Vivienne and Cal sit quietly on the edge of a beaten copy of Hamlet that I had placed on a stool next to the pool table. Zeek, an observant and studious boy with curly blonde hair and wire framed glasses, is showing me his newest alchemy theory. Something about dragons and fairies.

Nico is bringing back some drinks, and I'm listening to Zeek explain his findings excitedly while setting up another round of pool, when Bolyee, a friend and Runner, comes bursting in the front door. A majority of the patrons, especially my group (we're all still a little shook after the attacks), swing our heads in her direction. When she steadies her breath, and slides her thick black glasses back up her nose, she looks up, flustered. "Oh umm… I just came to say that Baroness Uma has asked for a town meeting in downtown… which is right… outside…"

"Why, has something happened?" I ask, setting my pool cue on the green table.

"Yes!" Bolyee exclaims, still holding the door open. She drops the door, letting it swing closed. Her eyes dart around, and you can clearly see that she's uncomfortable being in front of so many staring people. She moves to stand behind Zeek, who blushes, and ahe wraps dark arms around her boyfriend. "King Benjamin and Queen Mal have made a proclamation! And the Barons are reading it to their towns at the same time. It's very important, the Runners were told." This sends a murmur through the crowd of people who have been listening to Bolyee's interruption.

"No shit it's important, if it's from the king and queen." Nico says sarcastically, bringing the drinks over and glaring. I put my hand out in warning to him. Despite our days of gang behavior being behind us, Nico still has some of those tendencies that were forced into us out of sheer need to survive amongst the pack. With my gesture, Nico backs down.

"When will the Barons be reading the proclamation?" Zeek asks from my side.

"Soon," Bolyee says. "One fifteen sharp." I look at the clock. 12:47

"Oh, that's pretty soon." I remark.

"Yeah. Baroness required all Runners currently in the Valley of the Lost, even if they weren't originally from here!" Bolyee says excitedly.

"Wonder what the proclamation will bring. I hope it's not too bad. Auradon knows we're innocent, right?" Itsy says.

"I have no clue what Auradon thinks of us," I say honestly. "I mean, they encouraged our ancestors to live here alone because they were frightened of magic. From their perspectives, it's actually a bit understandable, villains and all, but that doesn't mean all magic is evil."

"No, it does not." Cal chimes in from his spot near the pool table. "Just look what magic did to Viv and I. It literally brought us to life. I do not see how that can be evil if we do not mean any harm."

"It's really all relative." Nico says. A hum of agreement passes through our group.

"Well," Bolyee says, "I've got a couple more miles to cover before my quota is reached. Gotta dash, you know? See you at the meeting!" And with that, she gives Zeek a feather light kiss on the cheek, and our lightning fast friend is gone.

"What a girl." Zeek says, a slight dazed look to his eyes.

"Jeez. You wouldn't think the two of you were dating." Nico says.

No comment from Zeek. Poor, chivalrous Zeek.

"Her parents really should have named her Bolbreeze!" I comment.

"How were they supposed to know she'd specialize? In Wind at that!" Itsy laughs.

/

Credenza's Cabinet is still thrumming with the excitement and threat of King Benjamin and Queen Mal's proclamation ten minutes later as Nico, Itsy, Zeek and I leave to attend the meeting in the downtown square.

Outside Credenza's doors, a tight tension buzzes in the air. Almost everybody is on edge for Auradon's annoucement. The square is tightly packed, but that is due to the small size of the square itself, not meant for town gatherings, rather than the population of the town. Less than five thousand people live in the Valley of the Lost at last consensus.

Just outside, though, several kids play a miniature game of Elemball in the street. They play the sport in the classroom version of the game so nobody gets too hurt. A parent must have placed a Dulling spell so the untrained children could play without harm. A little girl squeals in delight as she ducks a boy's Fire maneuver and hits him with a small gust of Earth.

"That looks fun." Vivienne says from my shoulder.

"It is," Itsy grins. "It's a lot more fun, though, when you can get the other mages real good."

As we pass by the kids, Itsy cheers them on. Bless her soul that she can be like this. Free and altogether carefree. Nico and I have seen some shit. Been through some shit.

Coincidentally, we meet up with Birdie. She tells us that she has closed up the workshop for the afternoon to attend this meeting. The Birds gives me a sharp look when she sees the Fullbrights perched on my shoulder, but doesn't say a word. She chewed me out three days ago for animating the couple. ("So irresponsible"… blah blah blah… "Could've done significant damage"... blah blah blah… "expect you to be better than that" blah blah blah. After she chewed me out, Birdie checked out Cal and Vivienne, and she told me she was impressed that I did the spell right and everything was just fine. Hey, I'll take whatever compliments I can get. They're precious metals around these parts.) But overall, Birdie has been quite welcoming of the new guests.

The meeting is a casual affair. Most meetings, barring the one four days ago when Baroness gave her speech, are held in the Baron Hall. Typically the entire town could attend general meetings and only ages seventeen and older could attend ones concerning political matters. However, it had been an atypical week so far. This was probably the only required political meeting ever called in my entire fifteen years. Of course, actual contact with Auradon for once in our forty year existence is a huge occasion.

Baroness Uma stands on a raised podium in the middle of downtown square. She wears a solemn green dress, teal hair pinned back in a neat bun at the back of her head. The Baroness of the Valley of the Lost is an interesting person from a distance. Although every time I've seen Miss Uma she seems content, there always appears to lack something that makes her completely happy. Perhaps she misses her crew from the Isle. I'll never get close enough to know for sure, but there's definitely loneliness as a factor.

Now she stands before her town, a rolled up scroll within her fingers. Tied with a fucking red bow. And stamped with King Benjamin's seal. The fate of the Borderlands held right there in her grasp. Tied oh-so-lovingly with a pretty, red, bow. Of all things. Glad to see that Auradon is cheerful about whatever they have in store for my home. I shake my head in disapprovement, which catches Birdie's gaze. She looks at me questioning, "Nothing," I mouth back.

When Baroness Uma moves to speak, the entire square falls into an eerie silence, including the group of children who were playing Elemball by the shops. I tug on my gloves anxiously.

She clears her throat before speaking, her voice hollow. "I thank all of you for being able to come on such short notice. But, as our Runners have surely informed you all, earlier today we have received contact from King Benjamin and Queen Mal of Auradon. The Barons have read this message ahead of time, so we are aware of the contents contained here. This being said, I will now read the announcement from our neighbors."

Baroness Uma pauses to unroll the scroll.

Bolyee runs up behind us. "Hey, guys."

"Hi." Zeek says, kissing her cheek.

Baroness starts reading from the scroll, the untied red bow still in her hand.

"'In light of recent events near Schwartzvald and Olympus, Their Royal Majesties, King Benjamin and Queen Mal of Auradon, call for five students between the ages of fourteen and eighteen to attend Auradon Prep for the school year. Your Leader may choose whom. '"

There's a mumbling that rushes through the crowd as Baroness Uma recites these words. Invite some of us to go to school in Auradon, of all places? But why? Don't they blame us for the attack? My friends look at each other, not a single one of us isn't confused. Birdie eyes me carefully, then squeezes my hand gently. A hush falls back over the audience.

"'As of now," Baroness continues, "it is unclear at this moment where these attacks originated from. In the interest of keeping relations between the Borderland and the United States of Auradon open, their Majesties and the Council wish to not make hasty decisions and place premature blame on anyone for these tragic events. The Council has agreed upon the action of taking several youths from the Borderlands to Auradon. However, at the Council's request, this will serve as means to assess the conditions of the Borderlands. A car for the students will arrive in three days time just outside the Forbidden Mountains.

"'It is understood that the state between our two lands has been neglected since the founding of our two countries, and Their Majesties wish that relations will improve between the United States of Auradon and the Magic Haven of the Borderlands.

"'Signed, King Benjamin and Queen Mal.'"

The crowd is silent when Miss Uma finally finishes. Everybody is still absorbing this news. From this, it sounds like Auradon wants to work will us to find out who committed the attacks four days ago. But what would bringing kids from the Borderlands over prove, exactly? That we're just like the pretty precious pink princesses who live in Auradon? I mean, teens aren't really the best people to use to represent an entire fucking country with diverse people, places and several different types of magic living within in.

Itsy, Nico, Boylee, Zeek and I share looks with each other, as do most of the crowd. I can tell we're all thinking about the same thing: what the fuck is this supposed to do for anybody?

Baroness clears her throat, and we all snap to attention. "We realize that, in this, there are many ways the Barons could go about selecting the children to send to Auradon. We could choose based on grades, or extracurricular activities, or even just one town to represent. Yet we have decided to allow students within the given ages, fourteen to eighteen, to volunteer if they wish to. Volunteers from every town may sign up for this opportunity at their local Baron Hall. Given the time constraints, anyone who wants to has the rest of today and tomorrow morning to sign up. The Barons will draw the names tomorrow at noon sharp. Further information will be given to those five selected. This is momentous occasion to improve relations for the Borderlands and Auradon."

She pauses, and we wait, breaths held in anticipation.

"Don't blow it."

And with that, she leaves.

/

My friends and I walk home together, Vivienne and Cal have been on my shoulder this entire time, of course,, discussing the king's proclamation.

"I don't know why we should do this," Itsy says. "I mean, for the last forty years, Auradon has pushed us from their minds. The only time in recorded Borderlandian history that they've ever even helped us was almost sixteen years ago during the Magic Drought."

"It's a great opportunity to see things beyond the Borderlands," I argue.

"Yeah, but, those who are picked to go would only be there as amateur ambassadors for the Borderlands," Bolyee chimes in. She's holding Zeek's hand as they walk side-by-side.

"Not to be off topic," I say. "But people often misuse the word 'amateur'. It really just means 'someone who enjoys doing something for their own enjoyment.' They don't do it to be paid. I dunno that just bugged me."

"Nerd Alert," Nico coughs into his fist, and jab him with my elbow. "Ow!" He yells, and I snicker.

"Anyway," Zeek tries to get us back on topic. "I think I'm just going to put my name is for the heck of it. I don't see the real harm in at least putting your name in."

"Do you want to turn around and do it now?" I ask.

"No, I'll do it early tomorrow morning, besides, my house is just down that road."

Zeek and Bolyee say goodbye to us, and break away from the group for the night. Itsy is soon to follow, citing that she needs to work on a Chemistry project that the teacher won't take late even though we won't be in school officially until Saturday.

Now just Birdie, Nico and I are left. We head down to our lane in comfortable silence. Nico and I part at Birdie's workshop; Nico heads across the street to his parent's bakery, which has been in his family since they were exiled here. He wiggles his ears as he walks to his door, knowing that by the street lanterns, I can still see him. Stupid satyr. Even if he's only a quarter.

/

It's passed ten o'clock now. I've placed Vivienne and Cal in their makeshift bed to got to sleep; even if they were made to be an age older than I am, I still feel responsible for their well-being.

Birdie and a sit at the worktable with our own projects. She works on an original project; Birdie is crafting what appears to be a necklace out of silver and some red material. I am fixing a tea kettle for a customer. Most people in the Borderlands try not to use magic for trivial things, and it is understood between most adults that, if they did all the time, our economy would go to shit.

Suddenly I set the tea kettle down onto the worktable. "I know it's late, but I'm going to volunteer to go to Auradon."

"You are?" Birdie asks. She seems delighted.

"Yeah."

/

At almost ten-thirty, the Baron Hall is empty, with the exception of a few custodians and a secretary stuck on the night shift. He's an older man, but not quite as old as Birdie. His hair is just showing signs of aging. If I had a father, this man would probably be about his age.

"Here to volunteer for Auradon Prep?" He asks.

"Yes," I respond.

"It's good that people like you are actually volunteering," He hands me a pen and a slip of paper.

"Why? Are people that hostile?"

"For the most part. There are a few such as yourself who take a good opportunity when they see it. But most still are bitter about Auradon's lack of help over the years. The past is the past, I say," The man rambles. I tune him out.

I write my name on the line the paper tells me to. Kittredge. I'm not sure what to put for my last name, and I consider leaving that spot blank, but then I remember a name that Birdie told me one day. Circe.

Kittredge Circe. That's a good name, I think.

Age: 15 (Roughly. I don't really know my age. But I didn't write that last part.)

Date of Birth: Shit. I just bullshit a date fifteen-ish years ago here.

Grade: 10

Gender: Female

Parent/Guardian's Name: Birdie Circe

The bottom line interests me the most. It asks if there was a particular reason you wanted to volunteer. I think for a minute, while the man at the desk is still rambling. Finally, I write.

I've always wondered if there was something beyond the life I currently have. Some sort of adventure that awaits. I'm not sure, really. I guess I'm searching for my Happy Ending like all those heroes in the books I read.

I sign my name in flowing calligraphy before handing the form to the secretary.

'Thank you," I say, but I'm already out the door and into the warm night before he responds. His "No problem," flutters out on a breeze from the closing door.

/

I climb up the fire escape and tap on Nico's window. He open the window for me to come in. I plop myself down at his desk and spin around in the swivel chair. Nico and I have the unspoken thing between us where we can just sit comfortably in silence with each other until one of us wants to talk. It's never awkward.

After something like twenty minutes, I confess to the dark of Nico's bedroom, "I volunteered to go to Auradon."

He opens up his arms when I fall into them, and we sink together on the mattress. Nico wraps me up in his comforter and pets my hair soothingly. You would never think this tough, muscled boy would ever be as funny and compassionate to his distressed friend, but Nico and I have known each other since we first started school. Since he found me walking the streets with a violent gang when we were just five years old. He fell in with that gang so naturally.

He knows why I did it. Why I want to get away from the Borderlands, even if it is my home.

/

I think we fall asleep together, because, the next thing I know, the sun is beginning to shine through the window. But that's not what woke me. It's the bed groaning, relieved of the pressure of Nico's body. The window slides open almost silently. I open an eye to look at my friend. "Where are you going?"

"I'm not going to let you go alone, even if only one, or neither of us are chosen. You're never alone."

Then he's gone.