Chapter 6: Unexpected Connections
"Let your conscience be your guide." -Jiminy Cricket
The crisp air filled the Auradon as Fascienne and Puppetta made their way outside to the courtyard made. Puppetta was giving Fascienne the tour of the school. She leads her to the tourney field. "This is the tourney field. This is where practices and games are held. R.O.A.R is in the gym." Puppetta explained.
"What's R.O.A.R?" Fascienne asked.
"I forgot what it stands for, but it's basically fencing but more extreme." Puppetta said. A young man with fair skin sporting a friendly smile, came up to Fascienne. His brown hair was neatly styled, his blue eyes gazed at her with curiosity. He extended a hand in greeting.
"I never seen you before. I'm Adrian." He said. Fascienne shook his hand.
"Fascienne. You can also say Fia." She said.
"Fascienne...pretty name." He said, Fascienne studied him for a moment, her instincts alert. Adrian's demeanor was welcoming, lacking the guarded edge she was accustomed to on the Isle. Adrian turned to Puppetta. "Puppetta right? Finn talks about you."
Puppetta tries to his her blush. "Really?"
"Yeah, he says you're nice." Adrian said, Puppetta responded with a timid smile. "Well, I gotta get back to practicing. Hope I'll see you around Fia." Adrian went back to the field.
"He seems kind..." Fascienne commented.
"Yeah I think he likes you!" Puppetta laughed.
Fascienne tilted her head, her amusement evident. "Likes me? We just met."
Puppetta giggled, nudging Fascienne playfully. "You Isle folks are so clueless about these things. Trust me, he's interested." They watched Adrian engaged in a practice match on the tourney field. His movements were graceful, showcasing both skill and finesse. Fascienne observed silently. Adrian's eyes met hers briefly during a break between bouts, and he flashed a friendly smile. Puppetta nudged Fascienne again, teasingly. "See? He's totally into you!" A small smile tugged at Fascienne's lips. The thought of someone like Adrian showing interest in her was a foreign concept. In the Isle, alliances were forged out of necessity, and trust was a rare commodity.
Puppetta continued on with the tour, they explored various parts of Auradon Prep, they stopped at the art room. "This is where we have art club. I'm in it." Puppetta said. Fascienne's eyes lit up with curiosity as they entered the art room. The walls were adorned with vibrant paintings and sculptures, a testament to the creative spirit thriving within Auradon Prep. Students scattered across the room, engrossed in their artistic pursuits. Puppetta gestured towards a group huddled around a large canvas, brushes in hand. "Art Club is a pretty big deal here. Students express themselves through various forms of art. You should join, Fia. I bet you'd create something amazing."
Fascienne considered the idea, her gaze wandering across the room. The atmosphere was different from anything she had experienced on the Isle. The students here seemed to revel in the freedom to express themselves, a stark contrast to the confined existence she was used to. The soft sounds of conversation echoed throughout the large classroom, the students' cheerful tone mingling with the tinkling music playing from an old radio in the corner.
"What do you think? Are you going to?" Puppetta asked.
Fascienne nodded, "I would like that Puppetta." The girl smiled at her response.
"We could create something together!" She said with excitment. The tour continued with Puppetta sharing more insights into Auradon Prep and Auradon life in general. The girl then brought her to her class. "Because you're a VK, you'll have to take remedial goodness. It's a requirement." Puppetta explained to her. The girl then proceeded with explaining about the rest of the classes. Fascienne listened attentively as Puppetta explained the intricacies of Auradon Prep's classes, including the mandatory "remedial goodness" for VKs. The contrast between the classes Auradon Prep and the rough, survival-centric education on Dragon Hall was staggering. Each revelation about Auradon's culture and educational system left Fascienne in a state of wonder.
As they strolled through the pristine hallways of Auradon Prep, Puppetta shared more stories of her life in Villaggio, the quaint Italian village where her father ran a workshop. The day unfolded with a mix of classes, introductions to various students, and glimpses into the daily life of Auradon Prep. Puppetta, with her infectious enthusiasm, guided Fascienne through the challenges of navigating this unfamiliar environment. The students they encountered were mostly welcoming, though some werte not too happy about a new VK in their midst.
As the day progressed, Fascienne's initial wariness began to wane. The classes, the art room, the friendly faces; all of it was a stark contrast to the harsh reality of the Isle. As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Puppetta turned to Fascienne with a smile.
"Well, Fia, how was your first day in Auradon Prep?"
Fascienne hesitated, a mixture of emotions playing on her face. "It's... different. I never thought I'd be in a place like this."
Puppetta grinned. "Different is good! And you'll get used to it. Just remember, you're not alone here. I've got your back." Puppetta said she hugs Fascienne, causing the daughter of Facilier to tense up feeling a mixture of surprise and tension from the embrace of Pinocchio's daughter. Physical displays of affection were not common on the Isle, and the sudden gesture caught her off guard. Fascienne stood still for a moment, uncertain of how to respond. Eventually, she tentatively returned the hug, her movements awkward and unfamiliar with this level of closeness.
Puppetta, seemingly oblivious to Fascienne's discomfort, squeezed her tighter. "See, Fia? You're not alone. We're going to make great memories together!" Fascienne cracked a small smile. Puppetta's sincerity and warmth were starting to chip away at the walls she had built around herself. As they parted from the hug, Puppetta maintained her infectious grin. "Come on, I'll show you the best spot to stargaze. It's one of my favorite things to do here." The two girls made their way through the serene campus, the sun setting on the horizon, casting a warm glow over Auradon Prep. Fascienne watches the sun slowly setting thinking about the plan her father wants her to do. She looked over at Puppetta who was smiling at the sunset. The girl seemed hesitant to talk when she asked about the bullying and her curse. Those were the two areas that she needed to prod at to get closer to her. But for the time being it was best to wait until she gains the girl's trust.
"Fia?" Puppetta asked.
"Yes?"
Puppetta was about the speak until a voice interrupted their conversation.
"Hey Puppetta." They saw a boy with fair skin, green eyes, and brown hair walk up to them. He had a charming yet mischievous smile to him. Puppetta immediately blushed and turned shy.
"Oh uh...hi Finn."
"Who is your friend?" He asked.
"This is Fascienne. She just started this semester. She's from the Isle." Puppetta said.
"Oh. Nice to meet you Fascienne." Finn extended his hand. Fascienne shook it.
"You can also say Fia." She said.
"My name is Finn." He introduced himself.
"Nice to meet you." Fascienne said. She noticed Puppetta trying to hide behind her hair. "Is there something wrong Puppetta?"
Puppetta shook her head. "No nothing, I'm fine." She kept hiding her face.
"Okay...if you're sure."
Finn chuckled, his gaze switching between Puppetta and Fascienne. "Don't mind her, she gets a bit shy sometimes. Anyway, if you need help with anything, just let me know. I've been around Auradon Prep for a while, so I know the ropes."
Fascienne nodded. "Puppetta has been showing me around, and it's been helpful."
Finn's mischievous grin widened. "Oh, I'm sure she has. Puppetta is known for her sweetness. Well, I'll leave you two to your stargazing adventure. See you around, Fia." With a friendly wave, Finn walked away, leaving Puppetta still blushing and avoiding eye contact. Fascienne couldn't help but find the interaction amusing. She turned to Puppetta with a teasing smirk.
"Seems like Finn has a soft spot for you, Puppetta."
Puppetta's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red. "N-no, he's just a friend." She still kept her face hidden.
"You know he left right?" Fascienne asked.
"I know." Puppetta answered. Facsienne tried getting Puppetta to move her hands away from her face but Puppetta slapped her hands away.
"I'm fine, I promise." She said.
"You're covering your face." Fascienne said, Puppetta did not respond. "Can I ask why?"
"Promise you won't laugh at me."
"Why would I laugh?"
"Just promise."
"Okay. I promise." Fascienne said to Puppetta. Puppetta lifted her head and pushed her hair back. He nose was long.
"Remember when I said I was cursed? It grew when you asked if there was something wrong. There is something wrong. I like Finn and I get shy around him. I can't lie. My nose will grow if I do." Puppetta's nose shrank back to size as she explained. Her cheeks turned a bright red color as her hands fell down into her lap. She waited for Fascienne to laugh at her, but it didn't happen.
Fascienne, rather than laughing, sat there in thoughtful silence. "That's... unusual," Fascienne remarked, her voice devoid of mockery. "But everyone has their quirks and challenges. It doesn't change who you are, Puppetta." Puppetta looked up, meeting Fascienne's eyes. The understanding in Fascienne's expression surprised her. It wasn't the reaction she had expected, and it touched a chord within her. She hugged Fascienne again.
"Promise you won't tell anyone that I like Finn?"
"Of course."
"Thank you." Puppetta lets go of the hug. "I get bullied for my nose. I'm worried about Finn knowing. I'm scared he'll think it's weird."
Fascienne leaned back, propping herself up on her arms. "Weird is subjective. In the Isle, being weird means survival. I've seen far stranger things than a growing nose. If anything, it makes you more interesting."
Puppetta's smile widened, and she let out a relieved giggle. "You're not like the others, Fia; and I mean that in a good way."
As the night sky darkened and the stars became more pronounced, the two girls continued their stargazing. Fascienne had never seen a sight quite like it. The barrier always covered up the stars.
"I never thought I'd find someone I could share this with." Puppetta said, her gaze fixed on the constellations. "Stargazing has always been my escape, you know? It's where I feel the most connected to the world."
Fascienne nodded. "My father taught me how to read fortunes in the stars. I couldn't actually do it though since there wasn't any stars on the Isle."
Puppetta's eyes widen. "Really? No stars?"
"No stars." Fascienne said.
"This must be fascinating for you then. It's like discovering a whole new world." Puppetta remarked, her eyes still fixed on the twinkling lights above. The night air carried a sense of tranquility, a stark contrast to the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Isle.
"It is." Fascienne agreed. "Back on the Isle, the only shimmering lights we saw were from the neon signs of shops. It's unbelievable how there's so much more out here."
Puppetta shifted her gaze from the stars to Fascienne. "Tell me more about the Isle. I've heard bits and pieces, but I want to know your story."
Fascienne hesitated for a moment, contemplating how much to reveal. But then she thought about her father's plan. She had to open up if was going to use her to destroy the barrier. "The Isle is a place forgotten by time. It's a twisted, desolate land where children of villains are banished to live out their days. Survival is the only rule. You either adapt or get swept away by the currents of cruelty. My father, Dr. Facilier, he taught me the art of illusion and deception. It was the only way to stay one step ahead."
Puppetta listened intently, her eyes reflecting a mix of empathy and curiosity. "That sounds... harsh. But you're different, Fia. You've got this strength in you."
Fascienne's lips curled into a faint smile. "Strength on the Isle is about survival. It's not about kindness or trust. But being here, it's like stepping into a different world. Your world."
Puppetta scooted closer. "And you're a part of it now, Fia. You're not defined by the Isle. You can be whoever you want to be here." The words lingered in the air, and Fascienne felt a twinge of uncertainty. Could she truly break free from the shackles of her past? The Isle had left its mark on her, and she couldn't shake off the fear that it might always define her.
"You're not alone anymore, Fia." Puppetta said, as if reading her thoughts. "We'll navigate this together. And who knows, maybe we'll discover a whole new constellation of possibilities."
Fascienne looked at Puppetta, feeling the unusual feeling. It was similar to the times she was around Mandie. Was this trust? Perhaps, just perhaps, Auradon could be a chance to redefine herself. But what about Mandie? Doesn't she deserve a chance? As they continued to gaze at the stars, the night held the promise of unexpected connections and the potential for a different kind of story to unfold in the vast expanse of Auradon. The night was still young, and the adventures that awaited Fascienne were as vast and unpredictable as the stars above.