Chapter 4: The Invitation.
"Aren't you tired of living on the margins? While all those fat cats in their fancy cars don't give you so much as a sideways glance?" - Dr. Facilier
Fascienne was in Evil Schemes and Nasty Plots when her father called her into his office. It had to be serious if he called her. Because he never did. When she entered his office he did not look happy. It wasn't as dark as that look he would give her whenever she asked him if he could get spoiled almond milk instead of spoiled regular milk. Or the look he would give Celia whenever she drank the last of spoiled milk. But it was still pretty dark.
"Did I do something good?" Fascienne asked.
"I don't know, did you?" Dr. Facilier asked.
"I don't know why else you would call me here."
Dr. Facilier handed his daughter a scroll. She opens it and reads it.
"His royal majesty Ben of Auradon has cordially invited Fascienne Fontaine Facilier to attend the current year Auradon Prep. We believe you would make a wonderful addition to our school. Please notify the couriers of your response." Fascienne reads. She was speechless.
"You leave tomorrow. I wasn't happy about it, but then I thought of something." He said. Fascienne stayed quiet. "I thought about how this is a golden opportunity. You are going to find a way to break this barrier while you are up there. Enrollment has been getting low ever since some of my students have been getting transferred to Auradon Prep. Once you break the barrier, I will get my students back and have those Auradon kids learn evil. Imagine, turning a generation of heroes into villains. It's poetic evil. The best part is; I'll have my revenge on that moronic prince and that waitress, and I'll become more wealthy and powerful than Eli La Bouff. It's the perfect plan."
"Didn't Maleficent try to get Mal to destroy the barrier?" Fascienne asked.
"Well this is your chance to prove you're worse than Mal, isn't it? One of the worst students in my school and she turns her back on us, and for what? Goodness." He said.
"Why didn't you ask Freddie to do this?" Fascienne asked.
"Because she was conspiring with Yen Sid; and I had sent her those cards. I probably should have given them to you. But at least you can prove you can outdo your older sister as well." Facilier smirks. Fascienne stayed silent.
"So you will not mess up like Mal and your sister by finding a way to get Fairy Godmother's wand and break this barrier. Understood?"
"What do I get out of this?"
"I just said you'll outdo your sister and Mal."
"But that's all?" Fascienne asked.
Facilier smiled evilly. "I raised you right. Well once I become the wealthiest man of all the Bayou I'll be able to give you the life that you deserve. Besides, aren't you tired of you and your little sister eating scraps and wearing rags like all of us?" Her dad was not wrong there. She was tired of it.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the Isle as Fascienne prepared for the night's festivities. As Fascienne adorned herself in a gothic teal dress, black fishnet gloves, and some black worn out heels. She couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts of the dream. The enigmatic girl, the lab-like room, and the inexplicable cure haunted the corners of her mind. She hoped the part will help her forget.
The sound of a knock at the door signaled Johnny's arrival. He stood outside, wearing his usual casual attire – a green shirt, worn jeans with holes, and tattered gray combat boots.
"You look beautiful...Ready to go?" Johnny asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Fascienne nodded, her teal hair reflecting the faint light from the dimly lit street. The Isle's chaotic ambiance became more pronounced as they navigated through the labyrinth of alleyways and crowded streets. The party was already in full swing, with neon lights illuminating the revelry.
The Hearts residence, Queenie Hearts' home, pulsated with music and laughter. As they approached, Fascienne couldn't help but observe the eclectic mix of Isle inhabitants gathered for the occasion. Queenie Hearts herself, daughter of the Queen of Hearts, orchestrated the event with a certain regal flair. The air buzzed with anticipation as the daughter of Facilier and Honest John's son stepped into the lively scene.
Queenie noticed their arrival and beckoned them to join the dance floor. The music throbbed, and the atmosphere was charged with a peculiar energy. Fascienne, unaccustomed to the revelry, hesitated for a moment before Johnny nudged her playfully.
"Come on, Fia. Let's give 'em a show." Johnny grinned, leading her into the rhythmic chaos. As they swayed and moved to the beat, Fascienne found herself surprisingly at ease. Johnny's charisma and her own quiet confidence created an unexpected synergy on the dance floor. The unfamiliar sensation of enjoyment crept in. Amidst the pulsating music and flashing lights, the daughter of Facilier and the son of Honest John shared stolen moments – not of thievery, but of a different kind. The night unfolded, weaving together the threads of an Isle party, dreams, and an unspoken connection that defied the usual boundaries of their partnership.
Sammy Smee was bobbing for apples. His sister Samantha Smee was talking to one of Captain Hook's daughters, Heather Hook. Most of the girls were screaming over how handsome Anthony Tremaine was. Fascienne didn't see the appeal. Anthony seemed cool but nothing special. Queenie was excitedly dancing with him. Fascienne wondered if it was by force. Like her mom Queenie had a temper. One day at school someone made her mad and she yelled "Off with his head!" and nearly cut them. Ever since then, everyone on the Isle knew not to mess with Queenie, and just do what she says.
"I'm so glad you came." Johnny said. "It would be boring without you at a party like this."
"Then why go?" Fascienne asked.
"Because I wanted to dance with you." Johnny admitted. "Also..."
"What?" Fascienne asked, Johnny leaned down and kissed her cheek. This caught Fascienne by surprise. She felt strange too. She wasn't sure what she was feeling. Anxiety? Nervousness? The music changed to a slow ballad. Johnny placed his hands on her hips, Fascienne placed her arms around his neck. Johnny started leaning in closer towards her. Fascienne could feel his breath on her neck. What was he about to do? Fascienne couldn't shake the feeling she felt after that kiss. Is this is what kissing was about? Was it supposed to feel unusual? Or was she just weird about it? Why does everything have to be so complicated?! Johnny continued to draw Fascienne into the dance, the slow ballad weaving around them like a hypnotic spell. His gaze held a mixture of sincerity and uncertainty, mirroring the tumult within Fascienne. As the music enveloped them, the daughter of Facilier couldn't help but feel a strange pull.
They swayed in unison, caught in a dance that went beyond the physical movements. Fascienne grappled with the unfamiliar sensations coursing through her. Johnny's touch, the music, the Isle's chaotic energy, it all blurred into a surreal experience. As Johnny leaned in, Fascienne's mind raced with questions. What did this moment mean? Was she ready for something beyond the familiar dynamics of their partnership? The weight of Johnny's feelings hung in the air, and Fascienne found herself caught between curiosity and apprehension. Johnny then kissed her.
The moment Johnny's lips met Fascienne's, a surge of conflicting emotions coursed through her. The world around them seemed to fade away as the kiss unfolded, leaving only the echo of the slow ballad in the background. Fascienne's heart pounded in her chest, the rhythm of uncertainty and curiosity intertwining. The kiss held a sense of warmth and vulnerability, a stark contrast to the calculated schemes that defined their usual interactions. As Johnny pulled away, the lingering touch of his lips left Fascienne in a daze, her mind racing to make sense of the unexpected twist in their dance.
The air between them crackled with unspoken words, and for a moment, the Isle's chaotic energy seemed to hush, allowing a brief respite in the midst of the party's frenzy. Johnny's expression mirrored a mix of emotions, a silent acknowledgment of the complexity woven into that shared kiss. Fascienne stood there, her thoughts were currently a whirlwind of uncertainty. Was this a moment of connection beyond their thieving endeavors, or did it mark the beginning of a tangled web she wasn't prepared to navigate? Just as the tension reached its peak, Johnny abruptly broke away, a sigh escaping him. The sudden shift left Fascienne standing in the midst of the dance floor, bewildered and grappling with a cascade of emotions.
"Johnny?"
"I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have kissed you." He walked away from her and joined his friends. She stood in shock at what Johnny had just done. Did he like her? She stepped away from the dancefloor and looked around with her mind racing.
"Johnny?" she called out, her voice barely audible above the music. He moved away, joining his friends, leaving Fascienne to navigate the sea of conflicting thoughts.
Feeling lost in the chaotic swirl of the party, a familiar voice reached out to her. Mandie, in her tattered black dress and red heels, appeared beside Fascienne, concern etched on her face.
"You're looking lost, dear. Are you okay?" Mandie inquired, offering a comforting presence.
"I...I think so," Fascienne replied, her gaze still searching for Johnny in the crowd.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Mandie gently suggested.
"No...not right now," Fascienne replied, her mind in turmoil. Mandie respected her decision, understanding the complexity of emotions that often accompanied the tangled web of relationships on the Isle.
"Whenever you're ready, dear. I'll be here," Mandie assured, guiding Fascienne away from the chaotic dance floor, their steps echoing the rhythmic pulse of the Isle's nightlife.
"I've been there before. He was a jerk for doing that."
"What do you mean?" Fascienne asked.
"The dancefloor?"
"Oh. Right. I guess." Fascienne wasn't sure what to feel however. Mandie smiled gently.
"Let me walk you somewhere." She offered and put an arm around Fascienne's waist as she led her outside. As Fascienne and Mandie stepped outside, the night air was cool, and the distant sounds of the party echoed in the background. Fascienne felt a mix of emotions, and Mandie, sensing her unease, continued to offer support. "Sometimes, dear, things get complicated, especially in places like the Isle." Mandie began, her voice carrying a comforting tone. "You're not alone in this. People can be confusing, and emotions even more so."
Fascienne nodded, appreciating Mandie's understanding. "I just didn't expect him to kiss me like that, and then act like it was a mistake."
Mandie sighed knowingly. "Boys can be foolish, especially in a place like this. The Isle breeds its own kind of complexity. But it doesn't define you or your worth." As they walked along the dimly lit streets, Mandie continued, "You've got to remember who you are, not just where you're from. And if someone can't see your worth, well, then they're not worth your time."
"Thanks, Mandie. I guess I just need to figure things out."
Mandie smiled warmly. "We all do, dear. Take your time. You're stronger than you think."
They continued to stroll through the night, the dim streetlights casting shadows around them. Fascienne felt strange being around Mandie. But it was more of a positive feeling. It was similar to being around her pet sea horse Aqua. Were they friends now? That had put Fascienne on edge. As they walked, Mandie shared stories of her own experiences. Some of which were interesting, and others tragic. Mandie talked about how she was raised by her father and how he had taxidermy of wildlife all over the house; and how she didn't know about Carlos until he came to Auradon. Fascienne listened attentively to Mandie's stories. She learned that Mandie loved animals. "My dad gave me a bloodhound as a gift." Mandie added.
"Why a bloodhound?"
"They're the best hunting dogs. My dad likes to hunt, obviously. But I also love them because of their loyalty and spirit. My mom says it'll attack me one day though." She giggles. They walked into the heart of the Isle. She gestured to a small tavern nestled between some houses. "Come on." She urged, opening the door for her, following her inside. There was a low hum of conversations along with the sound of clinking of glasses inside. Despite the tavern's rough exterior, there was a warmth within the tavern that made it a haven for those seeking respite. Mandie found them a quiet corner, away from the lively crowd, and they settled into a couple of chairs. The atmosphere was surprisingly comforting.
"So how did you discover this place?" Fascienne asked, curious about the tavern.
"This is Kronk's restaurant. The only place on the Isle where you can get fresh food. The crazy part is, no one knows how Kronk gets fresh food." Mandie explained.
"How did he pull that off?" Fascienne asked.
"No one knows. Although it's rumored that he's getting his supply from Emperor Kuzco and Empress Malina. Some people claim it involves secret passages and llamas." Mandie explained. Fascienne nodded as she flips through the menu.
"Do you wish you could go to Auradon?" Fascienne asked.
"All the time. It would be nice to open a beauty shop there." Mandie said. After a few minutes of browsing the menu, Mandie pointed out that the meat pie here was quite tasty.
"That sounds nice." Fascienne commented. A waiter takes their order. Then they wait for dinner. Soon the server returned with two drinks in hand, and placed them in front of the girls. Mandie and Fascienne takes their drinks. They sipped on the water. It tasted delicious. The waitress left and returned shortly with a platter of meat pie and vegetables. Mandie took a bite and hummed with enjoyment.
"It's great!" She exclaimed while chewing. Fascienne took a bite and nodded. She wondered if this is what Auradon food tasted like. Her thoughts soon wandered away when she noticed someone approaching their table.
"Greetings my ladies." Said a familiar voice. Fascienne recognized him immediately. It was Carter. Son of the coachman. His eyes were filled with a sense of mischief. "Mind if I join?"
"Weren't you at the party?" Mandie asked.
"Yeah, but I needed the air." Carter took the empty seat next to Mandie. Fascienne hoped he didn't bring Johnny along. If he did, that would make the evening much less comfortable. She wasn't sure how she would take the situation. Carter chuckled, "Don't worry." He said.
"About what?" Fascienne asked.
"Nothing."
"What's the nothing?" Fascienne asked, Carter sighed.
"There are rumors going around that you kissed Johnny."
Fascienne almost choked. "You must be joking!"
Carter shrugged, "Not really. You both looked pretty serious when you were dancing together earlier. Also, Johnny seems upset right now."
"Well we did and he left me on the dancefloor." Fascienne said.
"He didn't know if you liked him. He said you looked scared after the kiss."
"I did not!"
"So you like him?" Carter asked. Fascienne paused, taking a moment to think. Did she like Johnny? Is that why she felt strange when he kissed her? She had to admit that Johnny was kind of cute...she wanted to say yes, but a deep pit formed in her stomach as she thought about it again.
"I'm not sure what to feel honestly. I never had a guy like me before." Fascienne said.
"Then tell him that you like him."
"Why?"
"Johnny isn't all that bad. There are far more worse guys on the Isle." Carter said.
"Or she could just not date him." Mandie said, Carter puts her arm around her making Mandie roll her eyes. Fascienne hesitated, unsure. Should she tell Johnny that? She decided to keep it to herself until she figured out everything first. She should probably ask if things were alright between them later.
"Hey guys, wanna play pool?" One of the boys sitting in the booth nearby said. The boy had brown hair and tan skin; he was tall and muscular like most male pirates. His name was Ryan. He went to Serpent Prepatory School. He was quite the flirt. He and his friend Mark played pool sometimes.
"Sure thing, Ryan." Carter stood up and started walking towards the pool table. Fascienne looked at Mandie.
"You're dating Carter?" She asked.
"No. He wants me to date him though. But he's been going back and forth with Lauren and La Folle." Mandie explained. Lauren is the daughter of King Naveen's former valet Lawrence, and La Folle is Lefou's daughter.
"What happened with Lauren and La Folle?" She inquired.
"He dumped her for one, and goes back to the other and the cycle repeats." Mandie said.
"And they keep going back to him because?"
"I don't know." Mandie admitted. "But Carter likes the attention, he's not interested in anyone seriously." Fascienne nodded and went back to her meat pie and Mandie does the same.
Later that night, Fascienne went home and sat on the side of her bed and contemplated what she just experienced at the party. What if she liked Johnny? It wouldn't matter anyway. She was leaving the next day. Then she thought about Mandie. That was the first friend she ever made aside from Aqua. It felt weird leaving the Isle now. Then she thought about her father's plan. Maybe she won't have to leave Mandie or Johnny. Once the barrier breaks then they can all be in Auradon. Right?