As they headed toward the Carnival, Hadrian looked at Melinda. Though he hated to admit it, he knew she didn't share his feelings. He'd started to truly realize it when he'd seen her hanging with Dalton Gale, and how flustered she got around him. Even now, he could see her looking forward to seeing him. Now it reminded him of last night...
...
Hadrian was thinking about the friend who had ALWAYS been there for him like the best 1st-Mate a Pirate Captain could have...Uma. So he opened the heart-shaped crab locket she gave him when they were kids that matched hers, both of which are also music boxes that play the love melody of Davy Jones Music Box. But what he never knew was that the lockets were LINKED; when one was opened and played, its mate did as well! Back on the Isle, hearing it wakes Uma from her sleep aboard the Flying Dutchman...
"Hadrian", Uma breathed, her hand going to her fluttering heart as the other picked up the open silver locket playing the sweet yet sad tune. "Oh, my Love. You're thinking of me..."
"How sweet", a voice giggled darkly. Uma turned quickly, her cutlass drawn. Amora held up her hands placatingly, still smirking. "Easy there, Uma. I'm the one girl on this stinking island that really understands how you feel, remember?"
"*Tch!*What are you doing here? If my parents catch you, they'll filet us both!"
"*Pfft!* They're too busy with each other in their cabin to care, let alone notice I'm here; if you get my drift", the succubus winked naughtily.
"EW! TMI! I did NOT need that image in my head!", Uma cursed. "Why are you here at this insanely evil hour?"
"It's my nature, remember? I sensed a spike of such longing that I had to investigate. My powers may be seriously limited, but your desire for Hook matches my own for Duncan."
"At least Duncan KNOWS you want him", Uma sniped. "Hadrian Hook is just so...so...UGH! Ever since we were KIDS! How could he not see how I feel about him?! We RULED the docks together growing up! We're PERFECT for each other! But NO! He goes and falls for that stupid little witch who can't even get wet without burning herself! IT'S NOT FAIR! HADRIAN HOOK IS MINE!"
After listening to the haunting, sweet tune for a bit, Hook closed the locket.
...
"So is the 'Barnacle' ready for the regata, Captain Hadrian", Duncan asked, bringing Hook back to the present.
"You mean the 'Wraith', Mate", Hadrian smirked. "The rest of the yahting club 'welcomed' me, sure, but I was on my own to find and crew a ship. Hence the derelict Barnacle. But I took on all the lads and lasses the others rejected for my crew and a talented shipwright ta help me turn her into the finest yaht in the school fleet. Ha! The arrogant Redd and the others ignored my shipwright before, just because she was a girl!"
"Idiots", Melinda huffed.
"Aye", Hadrian agreed. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got ta go and hoist the colors; Skull & crossed Hook&Pike."
"Good luck", Clawdeen called after the young pirate. She was pulling one rack of clothes she'd designed and made while pushing another with Duncan's help while he carried a box full of jars containing his Dragon-Fire Pineapple Salsa.
"Your clothes look great", Christina told her. "I bet you'll be sold out and have lots of orders long before the stage show."
"Thanks, Christy", the wolf-girl smiled. "What are you going to make for the baking contest with all those ingredients?"
"Mom's cherrry pie"
"If it's anything like the little pies from yesterday you're going to win hands down," Melinda smiled.
"Oh, I don't know about that"
"I do, I was your taste-tester after all"
"If you say so"
"Miss West?", Fairy Godmother called from nearby. "Could I speak with you for a moment, please?"
"Um, sure. I catch up with you guys later, ok?", she said to her friends, who nodded and moved on as she walked over to the Headmistress of the school. "Yes, Ma'am?"
"Miss West, an...unexpected visitor has arrived for Family Weekend who has requested to meet with you", she replied, a bit nervously. "But I insisted upon asking you first given to potential, emotional turmoil it might cause you. If you choose not to see him, he will leave without issue."
"Huh? Who is it?", Melinda asked, confused.
"Your..*ahem* father, my dear", she said gently, "the Wizard."
Melinda paled, stunned silent for several moments, then, "WHAT?!"
Her head was starting to spin, a headache forming quickly. The freaking Wizard of Oz was her father? The human con man who had crashed into Oz all those years before? She felt like throwing up.
"I-I need to think about it, he doesn't have to go but-"
"I understand, I'll let him know"
Once the headmistress had walked away Melinda ran for a quiet thought before her skull could tear itself in two.
Meanwhile, Christina had arrived at her station for the baking contest and began her prep work.
"Ew, what are you doing here? You aren't allowed in this area!" Googie snipped upon seeing her.
"I am," Christina replied, "I signed up"
"Your name isn't on the list!"
"I used my middle name, Rose"
"That's against the rules!"
"Like, actually, Googie it isn't," Shaggy smirked as he arrived, setting up in the station next to Christina's, "And if you have such a problem with it you're like, more than welcome to drop out"
"No thank you," Googie snidely replied.
The area was soon filled with wonderful, mouth-watering smells that drew in crowds to sample the goods presented on small plates. Much to Googie's shock most flocked to Christina's table, their apprehension washed away by the enticing pie she was offering. The moans of delight started to drive the princess batty. Christina had clearly hexed the pie but with Shaggy glaring daggers at her, she knew better than to cause a scene. Christina wasn't worth it anyway. Freak that she was.
All too soon the tables were cleared, the votes cast, and as Melinda predicted Christina was awarded a shiny blue ribbon for her hard work.
"Like, congratulations," Shaggy smiled, presenting Christina with her prize, "I like, don't suppose you have any left?"
"Just one slice," she handed him the little paper plate and a plastic fork, "It's all yours"
"Thank you, come on, let's go see how Duncan does in his contest"
...
Redd and his sister Scarlet were setting up her display of strawberry, cherry, and red raspberry preserves and jams that she was entering in the pickling contest when Redd saw Duncan arrive carrying a large box over to another table for the contest!
"What are YOU doing here, VILLIAIN KID?!", Redd huffed as Duncan began to calmly set up his jars.
"What's it look like I'm doing, Redd?", Duncan replied simply, with an edge of sarcasm. "I'm entering my salsa in the contest. You got a problem with that?"
"I got a problem with you, PERIOD, dragon-boy!", Redd sneered. "You and those other creeps shouldn't even BE here!"
"Prince Shaggy disagrees with you", Duncan smirked. "And so far the only one I see causing trouble is you, so back off."
"WHY YOU FILTHY...!"
"Easy, Bro", Scarlet urged, placing a calm, restraining hand on her brother's shoulder. "We don't have to stoop to their level. We can beat them where it counts, and by the rules."
"Good luck, Scarlet", Duncan said earnestly, surprising the girl as they walked away.
Like the Baking Contest, the Pickling Contest judging consisted of points awarded by the judges AND by votes cast by the carnival-goers who tasted each entry in each division, plus 'best-in-show'.
Gillian Beanstalk took the blue ribbon for her dill pickles. Scarlett Herring got the blue for her cherry jam. And to the surprise of all, Duncan won best-in-show for the "perfect balance of zesty flavor, opening with tropical sweet and finishing with the fantastic heat of his Dragon-Fire Pineapple Salsa"! Redd was fuming that Duncan had edged out his sister in her best event! Their father and uncle, the Duke and Commodore Herring, were equally livid but could do nothing without causing a scene.
"You did it, Hot-Stuff!", Clawdeen cheered, hugging him.
"Yeah", he said, amazed. "I guess it's even more amazing when I can make it with the best ingredients, not like on the Isle. But what about your clothes?"
"Sold-out an hour after I set up", she smiled. "They really like my styles here!"
"I never doubted it, my sexy she-wolf", he said, kissing her.
"Hey, you two", Christina called, breaking the moment.
"We, like, hate you ruin the moment, but the stage-shows are gonna start soon", Prince Shaggy reminded them.
"Ah jeez, we gotta get over there and get ready!", Duncan said.
"Thanks, guys!", Clawdeen said as they rushed off.
...
he curtains open, the stage was set with a 'forest' background. Duncan walked onstage wearing a red hoodie with his usual cargo pants and backpack, strolling past Clawdeen who was filing her claws, leaning against a fake tree until she 'noticed' him. Cue the music!)
*AWOOOO~!*
Who's that I see walkin' in these woods?
Why, it's Lil' Red Riding Hood~
starts walking beside him)
Hey there, Lil' Red Riding Hood
You sure are looking good~
You're everything a big bad wolf could want
Listen to me~!
Lil' Red Riding Hood
I don't think that a cute boy should
Go walkin' in these spooky old woods alone
(wraps her arms around one of his seductively)
What big eyes you have~
The kind of eyes that drive wolves mad~
So just to see that you don't get chased
I think I ought to walk with you for a ways
(lovingly leans her head on his shoulder)
What full lips you have~
They're sure to lure someone bad
So until you get to grandma's place
I think you ought to walk with me and be safe
(looks conspiratorially to the audience)
I'm gonna keep my sheep suit on(tugs lightly on the sheep-fleece collar of her jacket)
Until I'm sure that you've been shown
That I can be trusted walking with you alone
*sexy: "awoo~"*
Lil' Red Riding Hood
I'd like to hold you if I could~
But you might think I'm a big bad wolf so I won't
Redd was furious that they had DARED, while Scarlett was shocked yet fascinated. They had heard rumors that the Wolf had written a song about his encounter with their mother, but had not expected THIS! The implications were...scandalous, to say the least!
What a big heart I have
The better to love you with~
Lil' Red Riding Hood
Even bad wolves can be good
I'll try to be satisfied
Just to walk close by your side
Maybe you'll see things my way
Before we get to grandma's place~
Lil' Red Riding Hood
You sure are looking good
You're everything that a big bad wolf could want~
*AWOOOOOOO!*
I mean baa
Baa
Baaaa-the heck with it! MMMMMMUAH!(PASSIONATE KISS!)
The audience clapped and cheered! Clawdeen had a great singing voice, who knew? But after they left the stage, they were accosted by Redd Herring, with his sister and their father the Duke looking on.
"How DARE you two make such a mockery of our mother?!", Redd snarled, grabbing Duncan by his hoodie.
"BACK OFF, REDD!", Duncan snarled, shoving the young noble back, whose grip ripped the left sleeve of the hoodie, exposing Duncan's shoulder. "Who do you think you're pushing?!"
"The monster son of the monster that tried to ruin my father!"
While Duke Herring watched his son with pride, he saw a certain birthmark on Duncan's scaly shoulder...a birthmark exactly like the one on the same shoulder of his betrothed stolen by the boy's father the Dragon Lord Belloc! But the monster devoured her! It HAD too! It could not possibly...! Then remembered hearing Duncan speaking fondly of his very loving MOTHER and how his father fell in love with her courage! Then upon glaring at him...that bone structure...that SMIRK!
NO THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE
The Duke stumbled back in shock causing Red to stop his tirade.
"Father?" Scarlet grabbed the man's arm, "You look unwell, come, let's get you a cool glass of water and a shady seat, Redd don't you have to ready your ship?"
"I'm not finished with you, Redd snarled before stomping away.
...
The EAH Yachting Club 'fleet' was assembling their ships for the Family Weekend Regata; a race from the harbor, around the Isle of the Lost, and back to the harbor. The five assembled, with their captains and crews proudly displaying their uniforms, were waiting for the final entry to arrive. They and the crowd heard them before they saw them, as the crew of the Wraith were singing
We pillage, we plunder, we rifle and loot
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me
(Captain Hadrian Hook and his 'crew' were all dressed in "respectable" versions of various pirate garb; swinging and dancing about the ship as they sang, manning their ship with a deceptive ease of efficiency.)
We extort, we pilfer, we filch and sack
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho
Maraud and embezzle, and even high-jack
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me
Most of the crowd was confused or had mixed feelings. The parents of Hadrian's Crew were on the one hand proud that they had finally 'made the cut' but on the other were wary of this "pirate" theme. But one man in the crowd, wearing the clothes of a noble as a disguise, with a little grey now shooting through his dark hair and beard, could not be prouder of his nephew getting his first command and keeping to The Code
We kindle and char, inflame and ignite
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho
We burn up the city, we're really a fright
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me
We're rascals, scoundrels, villains, and knaves
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho
We're devils and black sheep, really bad eggs
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me
We're beggars and blighters, never-do-well cads
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho
Aye, but we're loved by our mommies and dads
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for meeee!
"Once a pirate, always a pirate!", 'Captain' Redd Herring yelled over at his rival. "So I'm not surprised you went this route! Well, you and your crew of losers are gonna suck my spray just like the rest! There's no way that old piece junk can hope to keep up with the Hurricane! My uncle helped design some special modifications himself!"
Shaggy stood on the dock, Scooby on one side of him and Christina on the other. After getting the nod of approval the trio waved the large green starting flag. Much to the surprise of almost the entire crowd, Hadrian and his crew quickly took first place, Redd and his crew just behind.
"Oh dear," Scarlet fretted back on shore, "Oh dear"
"Look at them go," Christina shielded her eyes from the sun.
Redd ground his teeth in annoyance. No matter what he tried, he just COULDN'T get ahead of Hadrian and his floating junk heap. With the Isle quickly approaching he was losing his chance. With the flip of a switch, he increased speed tenfold. His yacht rocketed forward, nearly smashing into his competition but the wraith was a smaller more nimble craft and was able to veer to the side giving Redd the lead..for a moment. The Hurricane hit a small wave, almost being blown from the water. The crew shrieked like babies as Redd overcorrected, hitting the barrier of the isle, and breaking a hole in the side of the ship.
"We're going down!"
"Man the life boats!"
"NO"
But, the crew wasn't listening.
Redd snarled. The harbor was still a ways away but they were making good time albeit behind the wraith. The deck started to tip, Redd swung the wheel harshly.
"Oh, no!" Scarlet gasped watching her brother's yacht capsize.
One beat of silence. Then another. One by one, Redd and his crew popped above the water, swimming for the lifeboat bobbing nearby. Hadrian and his crew, however, cleared the finish line. Hadrian was being carried from his ship on the shoulders of his crew to the applause of the crowd.
"FANGTASTIC!" Christina smiled at her friend, presenting the trophy.
"You're the best pirate on the island," Duncan agreed.
"And beyond!" Clawdeen added.
The noble parents of Hook's crew members all congratulated their children, and most thanked Hadrian for giving their son/daughter a chance. Though Hook basked in the victory, it began to feel hollow as they left the docks to join the rest of the Carnival festivities with their families.
"A word, Captain Hadrian Hook?", a voice called. Hook turned to see a rather foppish-looking noble with a bottle and two cups. "Wonderful race! A toast to your victory, Sir?"
"Sure why not, Mate?", Hadrian accepted a cup, and the man poured, filling both.
"To your victory, and to the only truly free place in the world: the Sea", the man toasted, tapping the cups together. They drank, and Hadrian had to stop himself from choking! It was RUM!
"By your look, I'd say that's your first dram, Mate", the 'foppish noble' said, dropping his aristocratic air and gaining a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Good. I always hoped I'd be the one to give you your first taste of the good life."
"Do-do I know you?"
"Last I saw you, you were just a babe in your mum's arms", he said with a wink. "I had just saved your dad's life."
"UNCLE JACK?!"
"SSHHHHH! Aye, Mate", the infamous captain grinned. "Now, I wish I could stay longer but it's too risky. But you'll always remember this as the day you finally met your famous uncle; Captain Jack Sparrow! Until we meet again, keep to the Code."
...
"There you are, Melinda!"
Startled, the young witch looked up finding Dalton with Ghost purring on his shoulder.
"Hi"
"You're missin' all the fun hiding over here, what's the matter?"
"I don't want to talk about it"
"That's okay, I was just on my way to get a funnel cake, wanna join me?"
"What's a funnel cake?"
"Deep-fried heaven, c'mon," Dalton pulled Melinda to her feet.
Melinda had half a mind to object but Dalton was so genuinely excited to spend time with her that she couldn't bring herself to say no. On their way to the food stalls, they passed Duncan and Clawdeen, each with coffees in hand as they shared a comically large chocolate cookie. Shaggy and Christina weren't too far away. Shaggy handed Christina a large ice cream topped with sprinkles, seemingly pleased with the deliriously happy smile and excited squeal she made.
"Here you go," Dalton handed her a peculiar-looking treat on a paper plate.
Melinda took a small, hesitant bite only for her eyes to grow wide at the sheer sweetness, "Yum"
"I thought you might like it," Dalton said in between bites of his own funnel cake.
"Soo good"
"The best part of the carnival"
Melinda wasn't really listening at that point she was cramming her mouth full of delicious sweetness.
"C'mon," Dalton grabbed her free hand, "There's more to do and see"
"Like what?"
...
"Like, your choice, Christina," Shaggy smiled, "Hall of mirrors or Ferris Wheel"
"Shaggy, I have no idea what either of those things are," Christina replied, wiping off her hands.
"Oh, right.." Shaggy took her by the hand, "Let's go to the ferris wheel first then"
"Still don't know what that is"
"Over there, see the wheel in the center?"
Christina looked where he was pointing, above the crowds. A large wheel with seats kept going in a continuous slow cycle round and round, stopping every few minutes to let people on or off.
"I like, know it doesn't look like much because you can fly but it's one of my favorite rides, you can like, see the whole carnival from the top"
"It looks fun"
It did, kind of. The exciting feeling of experiencing something new washed over her as they walked closer. Joining the line of kids and couples that went surprisingly quickly for its size. Soon enough, they were being loaded into a shiny red seat, buckled in, and the heavy bar set across their laps. They went backward as every spot was filled. Then the ride began, the carnival shrinking below them, the sky growing closer. One circle then two, on the third, the ride stopped as they reached the very top.
"What happened?"
"They like, always stop it for me so I can like, take in the view"
"It is very pretty"
"You think so?" Shaggy had to bite his cheek to keep from telling Christina how Googie had disliked it. Christina thought he was still under a spell so he had to be careful with what he said or did around her.
I don't want to scare her off.
"I do, look," she pointed, "You can see the Isle from up here"
"What do you like, think your family's doing now?"
"My cousins should be at school, Mom's trying to clean, Daddy's doing the shopping with Uncle Dracula, my aunts and grandmother are cooking lunch, it's very much the same routine every day and from the time I was big enough to see over the counter I was always trying to help, what were your days like?"
"If I wasn't like, in school I liked to follow the chefs around the kitchen, I love to cook. Mom was unsure of it at first but she realized how much fun I thought it was so she let me be. Other times I would play with Sugie when she was little, we'd go out to the garden and play fetch with Scooby. When my parents were done working for the day we would gather in the parlor, Mom would read us stories until we were tired, including Dad"
"You must have had great fun"
"I did, did you?"
"Yes"
Now the ride started again, letting out the riders one by one, Shaggy helped her out with that same heart-melting smile. He's under a spell, Christina mentally kicked herself, I hate this! Pushing her feelings of anguish down she allowed Shaggy to whisk her around the carnival grounds, showing her all his favorite, rides, games, and food. Scooby following. The Dane who'd been so scared of her weeks ago now sought out her attention when Shaggy was busy with coronation prep, curling on her lap while she read a book or did her homework. He'd even warmed up to Shade often bringing an apple or some other piece of fruit to share. Now, he switched from Shaggy's side to hers, leaning against her leg as if he could tell she was sad. Numbly, she scratched his ears.
"What's the matter, Christina?"
"Nothing," she hadn't realized she'd begun to cry a little.
"Thinking about your family?"
"Yeah," she wiped hopelessly at her eyes, "I miss them,"
"Like, I understand, especially with the big family picnic tomrrow"
"That's tomrrow?"
"Yep"
"Oh.."
"Christina, do you want to talk about it?"
"No, I'm sorry, I'm ruining all your fun-"
"No," he grabbed her by the shoulders, "You and your feelings are more important than carnival games, like, let's find a quiet spot and take a break"
Before she could protest he was already showing her to a shaded bench.
...
"Can we do that again?" Melinda asked excitedly as they were let out of the rollercoaster.
"We've gone three times in a row, I'm startin to regret that funnel cake," Dalton replied, clutching his stomach, "How about we go through the maze instead?"
"Okay, lead the way"
On the way to the hedge maze, they passed the stage making Melinda pause with confusion.
"There's going to be a dance this evening," Dalton explained noticing what had caught her attention, "Ariel's oldest daughter Melody is preforming this year, they say she has a voice that rivals her mom's"
"Meshell has a sister?"
"Melody graduated two years ago, she spends most time under the sea helping King Trition"
"Ah, what's a dance like? Is it like the balls in the storybooks?"
"Yes but much less formal, you'll like it and if you get tired of dancing we can always sneak off to the rides, that is, if we can find our way out of the maze"
"Whoa," Melinda gawked at the size of the sprawling hedge maze before them, "Are you sure we won't get lost in there?"
"That's part of the fun, come on!"
...
"Oh, look at this one!" Clawdeen giggled.
Duncan and Clawdeen were having fun laughing at all the silly mirrors. Currently, Clawdeen stood in front of one that made her nose look ginormous.
"You should see this one," Duncan's made him look stretched flat, hands past his knees.
"I'm surprised they don't crack,"
Glancing over their shoulders the couple spotted Googie sneering at them, rolling their eyes the two returned to their fun. Googie and Redd had been following them somewhat trying to rile them up. Choosing them because Hadrian was still surrounded by his celebrating crew, Melinda was too quick to catch and Christina was with Shaggy.
From the hall of mirrors, they went to the game booths. Trying each one, taking turns, and winning all much to the astonishment of the people running the booths and their fellow carnival goers. By the time they played the ring toss, the last game, Clawdeen's arms were weighed down with ginormous stuffed animals of all kinds.
Behind them, Redd was still trying to win Googie a prize and failing miserably.
"Need help there, Clawdeen?" Sugie bounced over, eyes wide.
"I got it, thanks, Sugie" Clawdeen's voice was muffled, face hidden in the prize pile, she relied on Duncan to keep her from crashing into anyone.
"Only thing I ever win at those games are itty bitty toys, they're just not my thing I guess"
"Here, you can have it," Duncan plucked a large stuffed cat off the top of the pile, handing it to the princess, "We've got too many" he glanced at his collection.
"Really?" Sugie's face lit up, "Thank you!" she hugged the cat close.
"You're welcome"
Seeing, or hearing in Clawdeen's case, gave them an idea. The couple sat on a bench outside the game area and started to give away their prizes to the other students and the families who accepted them after only a moment's hesitation. When all was done, the couple each had a reasonably sized teddy bear for themselves.
"Look at the smiles!" it warmed Clawdeen's heart.
"I wish we could do something like this on the Isle, there really aren't things for kids"
"Yeah"
"Should we do it again?"
"YES"
...
"FINALLY!" Melinda cheered, "I thought we'd never get out of there"
"Longest fifteen minutes of my life," Dalton agreed, "Wanna try the bumper cars now?"
"Is that the one we passed where they keep crashing into each other?"
"Yeah, it's fun"
"Okay, let's try it!"
...
"Feel better now?"
"Mm-hum," Christina nodded.
"Let's get a lemonade and go for a walk until you like, feel up to another ride"
"I don't like lemonade, it's too bitter"
"You've only ever had it on the isle, right?"
"Yes"
"Then I like, think you'll like it much better here"
"If you say so"
First, Shaggy gave her a small paper cup to try it from. Christina eyed the yellow liquid skeptically for a moment before steeling herself to down it in one gulp. Much to her surprise, it was good. Nothing like the bitter, sour, salty drink she was used to. This was sweeter and didn't make her gag.
"Want some more?"
"Yes, please"
...
Like the rollercoaster Melinda wanted to go again and again and again on the bumper cars, shrieking with laughter in a way she had never been able to on the isle. While her laughter did have a witchy quality to it that made others pause in shock Dalton loved hearing it. Just like, Shaggy, Dalton was beginning to see all the negative impacts the isle had on all the children there. How they were forced to live in terrible conditions, scavenging for the bare necessities and stealing just to eat. Melinda who lived in a loveless house with a mother who claimed to be repentant with her every breath but didn't care to check in on her only child was a prime example.
Perhaps, in the summer when the other students returned home, he could invite Melinda to stay with them. Their humble farm was bound to be better than the isle.
Just maybe she'd say yes?
...
"Now what?" Duncan laughed, "We have to leave some prizes"
"I'll race you to the roller coster!"
"You're on!"
On their way there they spotted Hadrian and his crew taking turns at the darts game. The darts were dull, bouncing off the balloons making Hadrian grit his teeth.
"Oh, come on, another try?" the attendant pressed.
"Fine but I'm doing it my way!"
The attendant yelped with surprise as Hadrian's hook went whizzing past his ear, to pop a cluster of balloons.
"I win"
Numbly, the attendant handed over one of the remaining large plushes, a bright green seahorse, along with the hook.
"It's good to see him having fun," Clawdeen whispered.
"And not moping over Melinda," Duncan agreed.
...
As the sun was setting, colors streaking across the sky the students all ran for the stage area. The stage had been made over to resemble the sparkling waters of the ocean and Ariel's eldest daughter, Melody had already begun to sing. Clawdeen and Duncan as well as Melinda and Dalton were already caught up in the music but Shaggy had stopped short, looking at the sky with barely conceled worry.
"What's the matter?" Christina looked up, trying to see what had captured his attention.
"I like, forgot tonight's a full moon"
"Those are the prettiest nights," seeing he looked no better she joked, "You aren't going to turn into a pumpkin are you?"
"No..not anything like that.."
Onstage Melody started another song.
Shaking himself out of it, Shaggy took Christina's hand, "May I have this dance?"
Christina nodded, heart beating so loud it was a wonder no one else heard. The music began, and Christina couldn't help but feel right at home in Prince Shaggy's arms as they started to dance.
Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly
She looked up into his brown eyes, and he shrugged a little, smiling sheepishly as they began to turn a golden amber, while sideburns grew to connect to his thin beard, and his ear grew to points! She gasped slightly, noticing his skin now had velvet-like fur similar to Clawdeen's, and his fingernails had become claws. His eyes seemed to plead with her not to be frightened...or repulsed.
Just a little change
Small, to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast
Understanding dawned on Christina; Shaggy's dad was the legendary Beast. So of course Shaggy would be like him. She smiled sweetly at him and leaned back into his chest to dance closer still, much to his relief.
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
How did I not realize this before?', Christina asked herself. 'Maybe he's not so different from us after all? Maybe he could really love...? NO! He's just spelled! It's just the potion! And we have a mission to expose the Truth!'
Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
'And once we do, I have to release him. It would be wrong to keep him under my spell when this is over.'
Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast
I HAVE to let him go, Christina agonized inside as she embraced Prince Shaggy dancing, 'no matter how I feel about him.'
"Thanks, Everyone!", Princess Melody bowed with a sweet smile. "Now I'm going to hand... err, claw the mic over to an old family friend for the next song. Couples only! and give it up for Sebastion du Krabbe!"
Applause sounded as the daughter of Queen Ariel lowered the mic-stand level with a tabletop upon which a large, red-orange crab scuttled over to the mic.
"T'ank you! T'ank you, Princess!", he bowed to the crowd and her with his Carribean accent. Then he began to call for the music from the band:
"Percussion! Strings! Winds! Words..."
There you see her
Sitting there across the way
She don't got a lot to say
But there's something about her
And you don't know why, but you're dying to try
You wanna kiss the girl
Yes, you want her
Look at her, you know ya do
It's possible she wants you too
There is one way to ask her
It don't take a word, not a single word
Go on and kiss the girl (Kiss the girl)
Looking in each other's eyes as they danced close Shaggy leaned in, Christina reflexively reached up, but he lost his nerve at the last moment and backed off sheepishly.
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, my, oh my
Looks like the boy's too shy
Ain't gonna kiss the girl
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, ain't that sad?
It's such a shame, too bad
You're gonna miss the girl
Go on and kiss the girl (Kiss the girl)
Without realizing it, they had started dancing even closer together; embracing almost like lifelong lovers.
Now's your moment
Floating in a blue lagoon
Boy, you better do it soon
No time will be better
She don't say a word and she won't say a word
Until you kiss the girl (Kiss the girl)
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, my, oh my
Looks like the boy's too shy
Ain't gonna kiss the girl
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, ain't that sad?
It's such a shame, too bad
You're gonna miss the girl
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, don't be scared
You better be prepared
Go on and kiss the girl
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, don't stop now
Don't try to hide it how
You wanna kiss the girl
Go on and kiss the girl (Kiss the girl)
Oh (Kiss the girl)
(Kiss the girl)
"For someone who's never danced 'like this' before you, like, do it beautifully", Shaggy told her with a warm smile.
"R-really?", Christina stammered.
"As if you were born to it", he assured her. "Like the Fae Princess you are. And I happy you're, like, having fun with me tonight."
"Yeah", she smiled sweetly. "Me, too."
"You're like, so beautiful, Christina", Shaggy said breathlessly. "I could stare into those amethyst eyes for, like, the rest of my life."
"Oh, Shaggy", she breathed, closing her eyes.
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Go on and kiss the girl (Kiss the girl)
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Go on and kiss the girl
Shaggy gulped and steeled himself. this was it. Was he really ready to do this?
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, my, oh my
Looks like the boy's too shy
Ain't gonna kiss the girl
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, ain't that sad?
It's such a shame, too bad
You're gonna miss the girl
Shaggy closed his eyes and started to lean down towards Christina's waiting lips...
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Go on and kiss the girl (Go on and kiss the girl)
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Go on and kiss the girl
Feeling his approach, Christina tilted her head back and started to pucker her lips...
Closer...closer!
Go on and kiss the girl
Kiss the girl (Kiss the girl)
Go on and kiss the girrrrrllllll
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! THAT'S DISGUSTING!", Googie screamed.
"What?! WHOA!", Shaggy and Christina, shocked by the sudden screech; he tripped and fell backward, pulling Christina down with him. The result became the source gossip of for years to come and a near conniption from Princess Googie; Christina landed on top of Prince Shaggy, in his arms, KISSING him full on the lips! The two were surprised by their sudden lip-lock, but they then melted into it for a good thirty seconds before breaking it to get back to their feet.
"Was that, like, your first kiss?", he asked gently.
"Yeah, kinda", she blushed.
"I'm, like, sorry it wasn't mine("HEY!", Googie squawked.)", he said. "But it was definitely the BEST."
"WHAT?!", Googie screamed. "HOW DARE YOU!"
Googie shoved through the crowd of dancers, eyes narrowed and hands outstretched, ready to strangle. She made a grab for Christina causing the hybrid to stumble back. Shaggy easily caught her with one arm, holding her protectively close.
"Like, don't you dare touch her," he growled in warning before pulling Christina away. Out of the gawking crowd to a much quieter spot, "Are you okay?"
"mm," Christina couldn't bring herself to speak, mentally beating flashbacks away before they could overtake her.
"C'mon, I'll like, walk you to the dorm"
Leaving the bright lights and cheerful noises of the carnival behind them the couple crept into the shadowy quiet school, so empty at the moment their steps echoed back at them. Christina, shivering with the pain of memories, snuggled close to Shaggy the whole way to her dorm, internally kicking herself.
"Are you going to be okay by yourself, Christina?"
"Yeah, I'm really tired so I'll just go to sleep"
"Come to the picnic tomorrow?"
"I-I don't think I should..."
"Please? Just for like, a few hours? I have to like, be there all day, I'll miss you"
"Just for a little while"
"Then I'll see you tomorrow, goodnight," he kissed her again.
"Goodnight, Shaggy"
Christina waited until Shaggy's footsteps had faded away before she crumpled to the floor overcome with tears, "I've fallen in love with him," she told Shade perched nearby, "And he's under a spell..."
What am I going to do?
,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Bright and early the following morning, Christina was tying a gauzy bow at the end of her long plait braid trying to remain as normal as possible while Melinda crashed about the room behind her.
"This one, okay?" Melinda shoved a plain dress in front of Christina.
"Mm-hum," Christina nodded shoving the dress away.
"Did you even look at it?"
"Nothing to look at, maybe try the one with the mesh sleeves?"
"Okay, you look nice"
"Thanks," Christina glanced at the purple sundress and dragon-themed sandals she'd chosen.
"You okay?"
"Yeah"
"Sure?"
"Yeah"
Melinda didn't buy it but Christina wouldn't be receptive to an interrogation so she dropped the matter for now. Besides, she had somewhere to be and someone to meet.
...
Melinda nervously waited in a quiet, empty classroom, her back to the sunlight streaming through the windows, eyes locked on the door. She bit her lip when the handle started to turn. Maybe this hadn't been the best idea but it was too late to back out now. The door opened revealing a man in a crisp suit, his brown hair was flecked with gray as was his mustache but his eyes twinkled with youthful joy, his mouth curling into a pleasant smile.
"Melinda?" he asked, stepping into the room and closing the door with a soft click.
"Hello," she managed, shocked by the sudden lump in her throat.
"I was surprised when Fairy Godmother told me you wanted to meet, after yesterday I was sure you didn't-"
"I just needed time to think," Melinda sat at the nearest desk, the wizard sitting beside her, "Mom, she never told me who my dad was and I knew better than to ask her, was, was she always-"
"No, she was a good witch when I met her but we were both so young, I was a foolish, ego-manic and she was so, so trusting, I regret stringing her along as I did and I understand I can never be forgiven for my actions. Anyway, I set off to explore the land without telling her I was going and your aunt-"
"I know, the monkeys told me"
"I didn't know she was with child when I-foolishly-sent Dorothy to deal with her and I didn't learn about you until she was on the isle, I wanted to fight for you but I was still scared to reveal what had happened between us so I kept my mouth shut and when I heard you'd come to the school.."
Melinda laid her hand over his with a weak smile, "I understand and I forgive you"
The relief that filled the man's eyes shook Melinda to her core. Her mother had certainly never looked at her that way.
"Please, join me for the picnic today, you and I have a lot of catching up to do and you have sisters who are eager to meet you"
"Sisters?"
"You're the oldest, then there's Nora and Olivia"
"I'd like to meet them"
"May I?" he opened his arms for a hug.
Melinda tightly embraced him.
...
Clawdeen sat on a stool next to her fashion booth. She was still doing good business, certainly enough to buy the last-minute embellishments for the coronation outfits that waited half-finished in her dorm but it was nowhere near as busy as the day prior, giving her plenty of time to sketch design ideas.
"I want to talk to you."
Clawdeen turned to see Scarlett Herring standing there; sister of Redd, daughter of Duke Vermillion, niece of Commadore Crimson; all of the "Most Noble Family" of Herring. "Look, it was just a stage show", the wolf rolled her eyes. "Havin' a little fun with my Lifemate, that's all. We didn't mean to upset anyone, despite what your brother thinks."
"This isn't about that", the red-hooded girl said. "Not directly, anyway. I want to ask you about your dad... and my Mom."
Clawdeen sighed as if expecting, and dreading, this moment. "I don't think you can handle the truth."
"Please", Scarlett urged. "Tell me."
"I'm really not sure you're ready for this, but ok", Clawdeen breathed. "I heard that your family was... fairly 'well-off' with your grandparents being merchants?(Scarlett nodded) Were you aware that 'nobles' like your father, made it a punishable offence for the peasantry to hunt deer, elk, and boar in 'their' forests? Just so they could selfishly keep them to themselves?"
"What does that have to do...?"
"Hush! I'm gettin' there", Clawdeen cut her off impatiently, as relaying this rather personal history was painful as she remembered seeing the eyes of her father as he told it to her as a pup. "Because of this, the poorer peasants that needed to hunt to get enough to eat had to hunt all the small game; the same animals that we wolves mostly fed on. Sure, our packs brought down something bigger sometimes, but it was always old and/or sick and dying anyway. But the greed of the nobles upset the balance of things! With fewer small animals to hunt, we had no choice but to go after bigger game: the deer and boar and stuff. Well, the nobles just couldn't have that, could they? So they blames US for the shortage of game caused by humans and posted a bounty on us! And YOUR DAD led the crusade! He paid the highest rewards for wolf-pelts to hunters!"
"That can't be true!", Scarlett gasped. "I would remember!"
"Would you, though?", Clawdeen asked gently, shaking her head. "By the time you or I were born, my parents and what was left of our pack were already on the Isle of the Lost, so the Hunt was over, girlfriend. You want proof? That red-fur mane on the red cloak your dad wears so proudly? That was my Uncle Lobo. He sacrificed himself protecting his sister-my mom-from a hunter wearing your dad's banner, so she could escape."
Scarlett was speechless for a moment. She had never heard any of this, not even in the history books. Then she asked, "What about my mom?"
"My dad was never gonna hurt her", Clawdeen scoffed gently. "He and what was left of the pack was starving, though, I will grant that. Dad DID break into her granny's house and locked the old lady in the closet in order to steal some of her food and livestock, but then your mom arrived unexpectedly. Pretending to be her granny prooobably was not his smartest idea, but it was the best he could come up with quickly so as to hopefully not raise an alarm. It didn't work out. Your mom screamed before Dad could gag her and put her in the closet with her granny. So he ran with her basket and what little else he could carry."
"*Hmph*Some 'Big Bad Wolf'. Why didn't he try to fight...?"
Try to fight the woodsman?", Clawdeen gave her a sarcastic look. "Because, first of all, it wasn't a woodsman, the guy was a HUNTER. My mom had to take two arrows out of Dad's back that night. Secondly, my dad was in no shape for a fight. All of them were half-starved, remember? That's why he was driven to steal food in the first place. I can only guess that when that hunter brought your mom to report the incident that Duke Herring was instantly smitten with her."
"He isn't anymore," Scarlett mumbled, rubbing her arm uncomfortably, "Thank you..for telling me"
Clawdeen nodded.
"I have to get back, they'll be looking for me"
...
Shaggy embraced his parents with a wide smile. Both were dressed in causal picnicking attire but they still drew attention from the other attendees and the photographers circling the event.
"May I get a picture, your majesties?" one bolder photographer asked, sideling up with his camera.
"Sure," his dad replied warmly, "A new family photo for the mantle is just what the castle needs,"
"Daddy.." Sugie punched him in the arm, "You say that every year"
"It's true every year," Sam replied as the family got in their usual position, Stacy to his right, Shaggy to the left, and Sugie in front of them, Stacy's hands resting on her shoulders.
Stacy looked around, confusedly.
"On three," The photographer motioned with his hand.
"I have a new girlfriend," Shaggy happily announced to his parents.
"Really?" Stacy was delighted by the idea that Googie wouldn't weasel her way into this year's photo, "Do we know her?"
"Uh, kind of-Christina over here!"
The picture would go on to be one of the prince's favorites. Heedless of his parent's comically shocked faces he lovingly embraced the hybrid who shuffled over nervously.
"You look beautiful," Shaggy smiled, hugging her close as they walked over to the gobsmacked adults, "Christina these are my parents"
"Your Majesties," she curtsied just like her mother had taught her, "It's a pleasure to meet you"
Stacy looked at Sam, unable to mask her shock at how polite and well-mannered Christina seemed to be. Realizing that their son was waiting for them to respond however Stacy snapped back to reality.
"It's nice to meet you too, Christina," she smiled weakly.
"I was like, hoping Christina could join us for lunch?"
"Of-of course," Sam finally spoke, "The more the merrier"
"Oh, no, I don't want to impose," the hybrid shook her head, "This is supposed to be a family event, I-"
"Please stay for lunch?" Shaggy softly asked.
"Shaggy-"
"Please?"
"You win," her shoulders slumped.
"Christina," Sugie tugged on her arm to get her attention, "Do you think you think you can show me how you made that pie yesterday? It was really good"
"I'd be happy to show you"
"Pie?" Stacy questioned.
"She won the baking contest," Sugie beamed, "It was a really good pie"
"I'm sure Googie took that well," Sam chuckled under his breath.
"Nope," Sugie replied.
"Sugie," her mother chided.
"Just telling the truth Mom"
Just as the group was about to sit down to eat a shrill shriek caught their attention. Unnoticed, the crows and ravens had swooped into the event and were now circling the nearest fruit trees looking for a meal.
"I thought we rid the grounds of those pests?" Stacy wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"They're just hungry," Christina smiled, "I'll take care of them, excuse me"
"She feeds them every day," Shaggy explained watching Christina hurry over, "They've like, kept out of the gardens since she started"
"She's tamed them?"
"Only one and I like, don't think he's completely tamed but they like her"
...
Christina ushered the birds back into the woods with a bag full of conjured fruit, promising to visit later, content that they wouldn't bother anyone else, she headed back through the grounds only to have someone tap her shoulder. Flinching from surprise she turned to find someone she recognized from her storybook, Queen Leah, years older but no less beautiful, her golden hair beginning to gray the only indication of her age.
"My apologies, I didn't mean to startle you,"
"Your Majesty,"
"You are Maleficent's granddaughter, aren't you?"
"Yes"
"You look remarkably like her," Leah smiled softly, "I-I wanted to apologize for the christening all those years ago, I wanted to invite Maleficent but the council and my husband they're very set in their ways-"
"GET AWY FROM HER!"
Christina was roughly pushed back by a fierce-looking man, King Steffan. His shouts drew the attention of everyone bringing Redd and Googie charging over.
"Did she hurt you Grammy?" Googie pushed Leah farther away.
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?" Steffan demanded harshly.
"Steffan, please-" Leah tried to intervene but her voice was drowned out by the angry trio.
Christina began to shake, "N-Nothing, I-I-I-"
"IS IT NOT ENOUGH THAT YOU INVADE OUR SCHOOL?" Googie shrieked, "YOU HAVE TO ATTACK MY FAMILY?"
"WHY ARE YOU EVEN HERE, VILLIN SCUM?" Redd demanded.
Christina backed right up into Shaggy who'd come running with his parents and sister.
"I invited her," he growled.
"Invited her to do what? POISION US, CURSE US?" Steffan yelled.
Redd continued to advance, the trio closing in that it all happened so fast.
"To sleep!" the magic-laced words knocked Redd flat on his back.
Breaking from Shaggy's grip Christina fled as fast as her wings could carry her into the woods as far s she could get from the screams that pierced the air.
"I feared this would happen," Sam shook his head with a scowl as Stacy expertly worked to calm everyone down, convincing them to return to their meals.
"This isn't her fault!" Shaggy yelled, "It's theirs," he added quietly indicating where Steffan was walking Googie back to her mother while Redd was taken to the nurse.
"Shaggy, face it-"
"Excuse me," Leah tapped the king on his shoulder as Stacy returned to join in the scolding, "I approached her, we were simply talking, the prince is right, my husband and granddaughter are the ones at fault"
"How can you-"
"Did you not notice how scared she became? She cast that spell because they were crowding her"
"Christina thought they were going to strike her," Sugie realized.
"She might have been ganged up on before," Stacy's anger flowed out of her, replaced by sadness, "Sam..."
Even the king was stricken. How had they not seen the way she cowered?
"Like. I've got to find her"
...
"Oh, Butterfly what happned to you?"
"They attacked me when school let out"
"Who?"
"I-I don't know they all had masks on"
...
"They tried to drown me" Christina coughed up water, falling onto her knees, "I went under but-but I grabbed the ladder-"
...
"He hit you?"
"I just said I didn't see him that way"
...
Christina, sitting in the branches of the crow tree, sobbed. She could still hear the frightened screams. They rang in her ears mixing with the accusations and the ghosts of her past until it was all a horrendous heartbreaking noise. Her limbs shook so badly she felt she would fall out of the tree but where else could she go? This was the only place in all of Auradon where she felt truly safe. The animals of the forest knew her, they didn't see what she looked like or where she'd been raised. They saw the girl who fed them, loved on them, and tended their injuries with her magic. If only people could be that simple.
"Christina!"
"Christina!"
"Where are you?"
Shaggy was looking for her? To kick her out of the school no doubt. She would be sent back to the isle and her friends would have to carry on the mission without her.
"There you are"
Through tear-filled eyes, she saw Shaggy standing below her. Christina tried to speak but only a strangled sob came out, her grip on the tree faltered and she fell right into Shaggy's waiting arms.
"Are you okay?" he wiped her tears away, sitting down, still holding on to her.
All Christina could do was shake her head.
"It's not your fault," Shaggy assured, "You aren't in any trouble, I promise"
"B-B-"
"It's not your fault. Did they hurt you?"
"No...I-I-I-"
"Shh"
It was so hard to breathe! Her body seemingly tried to expel all the water through her tears until she was nothing but a shriveled husk. What had she done? What had she done? Oh, there was no going back from something like this! Not in a school full of peers who were raised to loathe the isle and all its residents. Shaggy was only with her now because of the potion. Once that spell was broken he would hate her too. More than the other students. More than the parents. More than anyone. The thought only broke her already broken heart further.
Eventually, through some miracle, the tears stopped flowing, and the body-shaking sobs stopped happening. All was mournfully quiet in the forest now.
"Feel better?" Shaggy wiped the last of her tears away.
"No..."
"You will after we like, eat"
"I can't go back there"
"Trust me, it's like, better if you face them with your head held high or they'll like only gossip more"
"I'm not sure I should..."
"I'll be right beside you, it'll all be okay," he pulled her to her feet, "Come on"
...
Shaggy held tightly to the slightly trembling hybrid as they stepped out of the trees. Instantly, all eyes were on them but he pretended not to notice, walking Christina to the picnic table where the rest of his family waited. He made sure they sat with their backs to the crowd. As soon as they were seated, Scooby left his spot to curl up beside Christina, resting his head in her lap.
"We're sorry, Christina," Sugie spoke quietly for her family, "We should have interviened quicker"
Christina remained silent, her eyes on her food, one trembling hand petting Scooby behind the ears while she slipped him bites of her macaroni and cheese. His mother tactfully turned the conversation to the coronation tomorrow in an effort to ignore the earlier incident for which Shaggy was thankful. His father even managed to coax Christina into the conversation although she didn't seem up to much talking. Once she was finished eating, Shaggy walked her back to the dorm.
"You're okay," he squeezed her hand reassuringly, "You're not at fault. I have to like, stay at the picnic but I'll see you tomrrow, alright?"
"mm"
...
Christina stayed curled on top of her bed for the next several hours, listening ruefully to the peals of laughter that drifted up from the courtyard. When the sun started to set and it was clear the festivities were far from over she rose from the bed and crept to the kitchen with her spellbook tucked under her arm. It was time to make the antidote. As she worked making a deceptively normal cupcake she mourned what she was losing. None of it had been real. Shaggy was under a spell and yet there was no denying the feelings that had blossomed in her heart. How his smile made her melt or the way his joy was infectious.
It hurt to think about.
"A million thoughts in my head
Should I let my heart keep listening?
I know it's time to say goodbye
So hard to let go"
So focused on her task was she that she didn't see the prince watching from the shadows with a loving smile
She does love me.
Wow, okay, that was a huge chapter. A huge thank you to my friend, DRAGONDAVE45 for all of his help. he wrote the best parts of this chapter.