PAIRINGS SHOUT OUT FOR THIS CHAPTER
Guest: For a funny moment with Yao, Ling, and Chien Po. AND for a special moment for Jane and Tarzan. Thanks for the suggestions, they were fun to write - especially Yao, Chien Po, and Ling!
HunterChryss: For the WartxAlice pairing, KuzcoxCharlotte pairing, and for the ElsaxThomas pairing. I had MANNNNY suggestions for Elsa pairings, but finally decided to go with Thomas. Hunter Chryss gave a really good defense for her idea- Elsa (who is afraid to hurt anyone) could be persuaded to go to the ball with someone that was ""kind, understanding, maybe even as timid as herself."" I totally fell in love with her reasoning. Plus, both Thomas and Elsa are not "perfect" characters. Great suggestion. Thanks!
WonderWizard: WonderWizard gave me the obvious and great pairing of HelgaxClayton! WonderWizard also provided my second place pairing of ElsaxQuasimodo, and it was SUPER hard not to chose that pairing! literally spent DAYS deciding and re-writing. Thanks!
Frieda: For the wonderful pairing of WartxAlice! An obvious couple that I never saw coming! Love it! Thanks!
NarikotheShadow: For the sort-of JimxAriel moment here :) More to come, I promise!
Thanks dudes - this chapter was SO much fun to write!
Chapter 67: The Ball
"Well, look what blithering hot mess cleans up nice."
Jim straightened. Quickly, he pressed the magical oven shut as Silver limped across the kitchen.
Silver leaned on his mechanical leg. Massing his opposite hip, the cyborg appraised Jim's formal wear. It wasn't extravagant, black on blacker, but the boy looked older.
Jim rolled his eyes. "Dumb, I know." Embarrassed, Jim pulled at his collar and sleeves. Missing buttons, the sleeves flapped open. "Few damn buttons missing."
Silver considered. "Take out yer earring." Silver finally ordered, removing his own.
Jim reached protectively to his ear. "Yeah, don't think so."
"Take out…" Silver repeated, holding up his golden loop. "…the bloody earring. Makes ye look like a girl anyways. Come on. Out w' it, Lad."
Persuaded only because Silver had taken out his, Jim reluctantly handed over his golden earring.
Grunting, Silver took Jim's earring. Comparing the weights, he muttered. "That'll do." and detached a crucible from his prosthetic kneecap.
Jim frowned as the earrings plunked into the graphine cup. "What are you – hey!"
"Stand back!" Silver grinned, flipping an acetylene torch from his mechanical arm. Restrained only by the 2000 degree flame, Jim watched horrified as Silver melted, molded, and cooled the earrings into two small, round, golden…
"Cufflinks."
Carefully, Silver fastened the cufflinks. Stepping back, he quietly watched as Jim tested the sleeves. The golden studs stood out on the black fabric.
"Not bad ass as an earring." Jim rotated his forearms, watching the cufflinks shine. He looked up at the cyborg. "But pretty cool."
Silver grinned. Jim ran a hand through his hair. "Thanks…I uh…well, thanks."
Morph cooed. Squishing onto Jim's hand, he gnawed the golden cufflink.
"Eh…" Silver grunted, running a hand over his own kerchief, "…it's not a button. But it'll do jus fine."
"Yeah." Jim agreed.
"Besides," Silver proceeded quickly to change the conversation. "Can't have them sleeves flappin' like fish in a stream when ye ask that one lucky lass to dance."
"Yeah…." Reluctantly, Jim followed Silver from the magic oven and across the kitchen. Bubbling on a separate stove top were four massive pots of chocolate fondue. Sliding onto the table top, Jim watched Silver dip strawberries into the gurgling chocolate. "…don't think that's gonna happen."
"Really?" Silver set down a strawberry. Extracting a shaker from his mechanical arm, he doused the strawberry in vanilla sprinkles. "Why so?"
Jim shrugged. He handed Silver another strawberry. "Lost a bet."
"Ahh." Silver rotated the strawberry before dipping it into the pot. Navigating the dripping chocolate, he set the berry down. "Should have fought 'im instead. Fist te fist."
Jim rolled his shoulders. They were still sore from stacking rocks. "Tell me about it."
"Well…" Sprinkling the last chocolate covered strawberry, Silver stacked the tray onto his shoulder and limped to the kitchen door. Jim followed. The hallways sagged with music blaring from the gymnasium. Silver raised his voice to be heard. "All's well that ends well though, Lad."
Jim half laughed. "Oh yeah? Wanna tell me why?"
Silver paused at the gymnasium doors. Then, grinning widely, he pushed Jim through them.
"Because ye finally learned how to pick yer fights a bit more carefully." said the cyborg, giving a good-humored shove, "Enjoy, Lad."
The doors shut. Jim weaved through at the last second. Brushing his black shirt, he looked up.
"Now this…" he said, utterly shocked, "…is a party."
It was like entering a whole new world.
Strobe lights ricocheted across the gymnasium, glittering through seven different colors of glitter, enchanted to float overhead like rainbows of purple pixie dust. Chocolate fondue fountains flowed in every corner, each a different flavor of chocolate, to which one could match dozens of glistening fruits and buttery pastries. Crystal flutes of sparkling beverages exchanged between the hands of a juggling bartender. Two live bands screamed mind-blowing music as students moved over a dance floor that crackled and sparkled with each footprint. Two walls had even been blasted apart and reconstructed into marble balconies for the wall flowers. Scents of lilac and jasmine breezed through the sheer curtains separating the balcony and dance floor, but one could clearly see that even the starlight had decided to turn on extra bright for the occasion.
Jim cross his arms, impressed. Mistress Minnie certainly went above and beyond all expectations. She'd perfectly balanced Once Upon a Dream theme with pop, rock, and….Jim smiled, cocking his ear…heavy metal? Cool.
Looking across the gym, it seemed impossible for anyone to have a bad time. Leaning against the wall, Jim surveyed the dance scene.
Yao, Ling, and Chien Po were leading a line of students in Gangman Style. Young MacGuff, Macintosh, Dingwall, and Merida took over for Cotton Eyed Joe. Merida, who was apparently having the time of her life, whipped around in the most asymmetrical dark blue dress Jim had ever seen. Phoebus, Esmeralda, and Quasimodo were abusing the photo booth, while Facilier and Gaston spiked the punch. Master Merlin was entertaining with an assortment of magic tricks, and Masters Donald, Goofy, and Cogsworth were having a dance- off on the center stage. Mistress Minnie was pink with sheer happiness and Master Mickey was smiling passively as the surrounding jovialities.
And then there were the couples. Ah, the couples. Previously, Jim had no idea why all the girls needed to skip school to prepare for the dance; however, as the couples paraded through the glittering blue-violet arches leading into the gymnasium, he quickly saw why.
Each girl looked like a princess.
First to arrive, exactly on time, were Captain Lee Shang and Mulan. Jim raised his eyebrows, surprised at Mulan's transformation from sporty to stunning. Even more surprising was her dress, which corresponded exactly to Mushu's description – right down to leaving very little to the imagination.
Shyly, Mulan took Shang's arm. The cherry blossoms on her wrist matched the color of her cheeks as the captain escorted her down the steps. Briefly, Mulan spotted Jim. Surprised herself, she raised her eyebrows at Jim's sleek formalwear. Jim made a face, then indicated to her fuchsia dress and four inch heels. Mulan cross her eyes, then coaxed Shang to the dance floor.
After all eyes had feasted on Mulan and her prize, the couples poured into the gymnasium.
Pocahontas arrived with John Smith, clad in an elegant brown gown decorated with bronze sequence.
Rapunzel arrived in a purple and pink gown clutched by a silver paisley corset that made Flynn's mouth drop.
Belle, unrecognizable in a golden-yellow gown, was met by Adam who knelt and offered a single red rose.
Tiana arrived with Naveen, strapped in a satin, jungle green halter that contrasted beautifully with the dark skin slit up her leg.
Aurora arrived with Phillip, wearing an elegant lace v-neck that shifted colors and mesmerized onlookers like a kaleidoscope.
Jasmine arrived wearing very little other than intoxicating perfume, dazzling henna tattoos, and Aladdin's arm around her bare waist.
Snow White arrived with Prince, twirling in a dramatic contrast of ivory tulle and black lace.
Anna arrived with Kristoff, excited beyond belief and hauling him onto the dance floor while grabbing a chocolate strawberry along the way.
Jane arrive alone, but was immediately stopped by a vine and coiled into Tarzan's arms before disappearing with him into the clouds of purple glitter.
Tinkerbell arrived with Terrance, both glittering with pixie dust.
Charlotte bounced into the gymnasium, exceeding the doorway width with her excessive pink skirt and rose bustle. Squealing with delight, she nearly fainted as Kuzco thrust himself up the steps, threw out his hand, and announced in an Elvis impersonation. "Ha! Boom Baby! Come and shake it Sugar Momma!" to which Charlotte replied, "Take me Big Daddy!"
Tigerlily arrived with John Darling, wearing the namesake orange flower in her dark hair. Jim looked beyond John for Wendy, but was disappointed when did not appear behind her brother.
Cinderella was fashionably late with Charming, but compensated with a bursting, full length gown that gleamed soft white and silver.
Kay arrived with Drizzella and Anastasia Tremaine on either arm, Clayton arrived with Helga, Meg arrived with Hercules, Taran arrived with Elionwy, Milo arrived with Kida, Nani arrived with David, and to everyone's "awwwwww"-factor, Elsa shyly arrived with a shyer Thomas, clutched in a dress and transparent train that sparkled over her white body like snowflakes.
Then, the mermaids arrived. Jim held back laughter as they waddled in the gymnasium, tiptoeing in ridiculously tight mermaid dresses. Most ridiculous by far was Lana. She was squeezed into an aquamarine dress clearly several sizes too small. And although she had an amazing figure, it was amusing to watch Peter alternating to catch, carry, and glide Lana down the steps without breaking her nose again.
The only member of the family to enter gracefully was Attina, draped in a dark orange mermaid dress and wearing the Coral Crown in her hair. Patiently, Attina waited at the door before being joined by Kocoum, who could not hold back a soft smile for the eldest Triton girl.
Scanning the mermaids again, Jim focused curiously on Eric. Ariel was not with him. Jim frowned as Eric was approached hopefully – and successfully – by Alana.
As Eric and Alana shared a chocolate strawberry, Jim pushed off the wall, disgusted. He'd lost the bet to Eric for what? Basically nothing. Ariel hadn't even showed up. Whatever, right? He wouldn't have been able to dance with her anyway.
Still, as Jim turned to leave, he knew that no matter how agonizing it would have been to watch Ariel and Eric, he would have stayed. It would have hurt…but watching Ariel…would have made him crave the pain.
Jim shook his head. Fingering the golden cufflinks he turned up the steps.
Suddenly, Jim stopped.
"Holy shit."
Hearing Jim, Peter turned. The glass of sparkling cider slipped from his fingers and smashed against Lana's toes. "Holy...shit."
Floating like a swan in a sky blue strapless chiffon that waved over her slender body, was Wendy. Her hair was pinned low in a single, shinny ringlet that curled from an elegant side braid woven with a long ribbon that ran down her bare back. A sparkle of sequence burst from the fabric hugging her chest like star dust, behind which the silver thimble alluringly hid.
Peter blinked. Looking at Wendy, he left Lana without a word.
Jim beat Peter, meeting Wendy on the steps and taking her hand.
"Wendy. You look – "
Wendy pounced. "—Jim."
Stepping off the bottom step, Jim lifted Wendy slightly as she hugged his neck.
"I'm sorry!" Wendy said. "Jim I am so sorry. You were right. You were right."
Relieved, Jim embraced Wendy. He felt her purse vibrating against his back as the shadow stirred inside. Smiling, he remembered Mulan's rumor that Wendy had beat Peter to a pulp.
"Forget it, Wen." Jim gently released Wendy, careful not to mess her hair. "This time I was the assho – uh – jerk. I'm…I'm sorry. Really."
Wendy grinned. Finally. They were best friends again. At least for this short night, everything was okay. "Jim. I'm so happy you came. You look handsome."
"You too." Holding Wendy's hands, Jim stepped back. "I mean…wow. Look at you."
Wendy blushed. Bashfully, she brushed a curl behind her ear. "…Jim."
"I mean it. Seriously. You look nice, Wen."
Wendy smiled. Pleased, but too modest to accept the compliment, she toyed with her matching clutch. The shadow rustled inside. "You look nice too." she repeated. "Very roguish. Knightly."
Jim laughed. "Wen." he said, taking her arm. "You definitely talk too mu…w…whoa…"
Jim's heart stopped. The music stopped. Time stopped.
Everything stopped.
For, emerging from the doorway, was Ariel.
Ariel was clutched in a dress that looked like it was made of amethysts. It was as if a shooting star had collided into her and sparkled violet crystals over her body. Her hair shimmered down her back like a red waterfall. Her deep blue eyes cast a magical spell the moment Ariel entered the room and drew her gaze on Jim.
She was beautiful. Utterly and purely the most beautiful thing that Jim had ever seen.
Magnetized, Jim stepped towards Ariel.
Suddenly, the music dimmed. Sluggishly, Jim heard Thomas O'Malley the alley cat– leader of the band – cue the students for the next dance.
"Fantasia School for the Magically Skewed…time for the first slow dance of the evening."
Jim slowed. He stopped, unable to break his gaze. Ariel stared down at him, breathless.
"Every gent…" crooned Thomas O'Malley, gesturing across the room. "…find that special lady. And here we go with The King and Queen's Waltz with a little number I like to call…"
The orange tabby band leader closed his eyes. He purred deeply. "….So Close. Gents…pick your lady."
No one budged.
The dance floor waited. Vacant. And empty.
Then, Wart moved. Footsteps echoing, he strode to the middle of the dance floor. Then, with a scared, rattling breath, he held out a hand. He waited, arm trembling as everyone looked at the girl he had invited to dance. Alice.
Alice bit her lip. Curiously, she looked back at Wart. Then, clutching her pale, tea-length gown, she walked onto the dance floor.
"Good show, Boy." Merlin quietly nudged Archimedes. Archimedes rolled his eyes, but smiled sweetly as Alice accepted Wart's hand.
Thomas O'Malley smiled. Fluidly, he cued the instrumentals. As the band twinkled in, the couples padded onto the dance floor, lead by none other than Master Mickey and Mistress Minnie.
Jim's heart broke as Eric approached Ariel, and gently guided her away. For the second time in his life, Jim felt like crying.
Suddenly, Wendy was at his side. "Ask her."
Jim turned. Aggressively, he scraped a wrist across his eyes. "What? What are you – "
"Jim." Wendy took Jim's hand. Gently, she stared into his eyes. "Jim. You have to ask Ariel to dance."
Jim bolstered. "Why? Why the Hell would I –"
"Jim." Wendy's voice was soft. She looked simply at him. "You feel for each other."
Jim lost his voice. He felt as if Wendy had shot him. Unable to speak, he looked at Ariel, wrapped in Eric's arms.
"I…can't." Jim managed to whisper. Tortured, he looked away. "I can't."
Wendy looked. "Why?"
Jim closed his eyes. He took a deep breath. "A bet. I lost it. To Eric. I lost a bet. I tried…but I wasn't…strong enough….I wasn't…" Haggardly, Jim shook his head. The instrumentals pierced his heart. "…I wasn't strong enough. I lost the bet. It's over. He won. I lost."
Wendy regarded Jim. Pensively, she stroked the clutch containing Peter's shadow. Then, she spoke.
"Bowl shit."
Jim's head snapped up. He stared at Wendy. "What did you say?"
Wendy shook her head. "Jim Hawkins. You are the most defiant, unruly, rebellious, mutinous boy in the entire universe." Lovingly, she turned Jim to the dance floor. "Go and take Ariel away for the dance."
Without any more said, Wendy directed Jim toward Ariel and gently disappeared.
sultal's note:
Okay, so I decided to upload the dresses onto my Deviant Art page. I opted not to go with facebook, bc I plan to use facebook if I ever get my original works published (I will still be using sultal as a pen name, but I think it's better to wait).
SO...if you would like to see my collages for the dresses of all the disney ladies I have listed, you can see them on my deviantArt page. My name in deviant art IS NOT sultal.
MY NAME ON DEVIANT ART is gaoithecos (the celtic version of sultal).
If you are having trouble finding me on deviant art and would like to see the dresses, PM me and I will help you find the page :) I can't post the link here bc fanfiction does not allow that, but just PM me and we'll figure it out.
keep writing.