Chapter 8: Almost Spelled

"I'd like to tell her what Royal stuff she can do..." Kelsey mumbled lowly while watching Blondie's latest MirrorCast on one of the school's hallway screens. Currently, she was interviewing Apple White, who was going on and on about what all she was going to do as Student Council President since no one was running against her.

"And what would that be?" Marnin asked from where he stood beside her.

"She can Royally shove it."

Isabella snorted, putting a hand over her mouth as she giggled. She knew Kelsey was serious, but she always had the funniest sarcastic remarks, especially when it came to the biggest stick in the mud as far as those on the Royal side went.

She dismissed herself once the MirrorCast ended, heading in the opposite direction of Kelsey and Marnin, toward her locker. She just needed to grab one of her textbooks, then would meet up with them in the student lounge for a study session.

What she didn't notice as she was getting her Crownculus textbook was the boy approaching her until-

Slam!

Her locker door was slammed shut violently. It startled her, making her jump with a frightened squeak, her back hitting the cold metal of the other lockers.

"So, you're the daughter of Evalyn Chantress, huh?" The boy said while he leaned up against the lockers himself, his hand still upon the door of her locker. He hooked the index finger of his free hand underneath her chin, an unsettling grin on his face as he continued, "You're a lot cuter in person."

Isabella instinctively pressed her back up against the lockers she had found herself trapped against more, clutching her textbook tightly to her chest as if it was an actual piece of armor. The boy's deep blue eyes were cold, much like his touch, and he had extremely pale skin, with a crown that looked to be made of icicles resting upon his head that gave him the appearance of a prince.

Everything about him gave her cold chills. Chills that combined with her sixth sense, alerting her to a deep-rooted, evil nature.

The boy inched closer to her, tilting his head a bit to the side, appearing to examine her more closely.

"What was your name again? Isabella?" He went on despite her not saying anything. "Quite a lovely name for a future Enchantress."

Isabella still didn't say anything, remaining frozen in place.

"Leave her alone, Judas."

Chev appeared behind the boy, placing a hand on his shoulder, literally grabbing his attention as he added, "You're scaring her."

"Am I?" The boy turned his focus back onto Isabella after looking at Chev, his grin somehow becoming even more unsettling. "That's alright. I say she looks even cuter like this. Like a helpless little mouse."

Isabella clutched her textbook even tighter. Had she not of been so unnerved, she would have taken offense to the comment.

"Judas," Chev's tone became even more stern as he tugged at the boy's shoulder. "Back off. Now."

Isabella noticed his eyes as they flashed dangerously, with her swearing that the hallway became slightly darker as well.

Chev tugged on the boy's shoulder again, apparently with more force this time, as the boy was pulled away from her.

"Alright, alright. I'll go." He said calmly - and rather dismissively despite jerking his shoulder from Chev's grasp. He even still held his grin, winking at Isabella as he stated, "I'll catch you later, sweetheart."

He then walked off down the hall.

Isabella heaved a sigh of relief once he was out of sight. She slumped against the lockers, feeling very weak-kneed all of a sudden.

"Isabella!" Chev moved to stand next to her, catching her by the waist just before she collapsed completely. "Are you okay? Do I need to take you to the infirmary?"

"I'm fine. J-Just let me..." Isabella found the strength to stand up straight again, yet Chev pulled her close to him.

"You're shaking like a leaf." He told her as he put his other arm around her.

It was true, Isabella realized once she felt the warmth emanating from Chev's body against her.

"Who w-was th-that?" She stuttered out as she allowed herself to lean on him, seeking more of his warmth.

"Judas Charm." Chev replied while rubbing her arm, a gesture that both warmed her up even more as well as brought comfort. "He's the son of Jadis, the White Witch of Narnia." He put his hands on her shoulders, pushing her back a little, eyes scanning her form. "Did he try doing something to you?"

Isabella shook her head, welcoming another embrace when he pulled her back up against him again.

"Are you sure? What did he say to you?" Chev pressed.

"H-He ... i-it sounded like he was t-trying to flirt with me..." Isabella replied, unsure of how else to describe the encounter.

Chev muttered something in a language unknown to her, then suddenly picked her up off her feet.

"Wh-What're you-" She squeaked in surprise.

"Easy, I'm just gonna take you to see someone. Just to be safe." Chev said reassuringly.

"B-But I-I'm supposed to m-meet Kelsey and Marnin..."

"It can wait. I don't trust Judas to have not done anything."

Isabella felt a blush work its way onto her cheeks, feeling the stares of other students as Chev carried her off.

The person Chev took her to see was a tall, muscular boy that was out on the track field. He came running up upon noticing Chev, his long, wild sandy-blonde hair that resembled a mane flowing in the wind that picked up around him.

"She had an encounter with Judas, didn't she?" He asked in a deep, soothing voice that reminded Isabella of her father's, sounding concerned as he peered at her face.

"Uh-huh." was all Chev said in reply.

The boy placed a large hand on Isabella's still burning cheek despite her still feeling cold. Unlike Judas' touch, his was really warm, comparable to a ray of sunlight shining gently upon her skin. It, like his voice, brought her more comfort.

Then he leaned in close - but not too close - to her face before he blew a single, steady breath from his mouth before moving back.

Immediately, Isabella felt better. She no longer felt cold or shaky, and she felt her shoulders relax from the tense position she didn't realize they had been in.

"What...?" She queried absentmindedly.

"Judas tried putting you under a spell." The boy explained gently.

"I knew it." Chev muttered.

"Settle down, Chev. I'll deal with Judas." The boy told him. "And you can put her down now. She should be fine."

"Oh. Right."

Chev carefully set Isabella back down on her feet, though he stood ready to catch her even as he released her. When she didn't give any indication that she was going to collapse, he let his arms fall to his sides.

"Um ... thank you." Isabella decided to thank the boy despite still having so many questions. "I don't know what you did, but thank you."

The boy smiled warmly, showing off a pair of sharp fangs.

"You needn't thank me." He told her humbly. "I'm just glad Chev found and brought you straight to me. Judas has a habit of trying to put the girls he takes an interest in under his spell and does his best to have them steer clear."

Isabella blinked.

"Why me?" She asked.

"It's often the shy, quiet types of girls he often does that sort of thing to. I suppose it's cause he's hoping they'll blend into the background so I won't take notice." The boy's smile fell as he gave her an explanation.

"Well he picked the wrong one this time." Chev snapped. He looked like he was going to add something else, yet stopped himself.

"I agree." The boy nodded. "I can sense how strong hearted she is. Could be why she didn't immediately fall under his spell."

"Or maybe because of who her mother is?" Chev guessed.

"That could possibly be a factor too. Whatever the case, do be careful if you happen to find him approaching you again, my lady." The boy cautioned Isabella as he turned his attention back to her. "Judas isn't the type to give up easily."

"I'll be sure to do that." Isabella nodded. "I'll be sure to teach him a lesson too. He'll find this girl's not a weak little mouse."

The boy let out a deep, booming laugh that once again reminded her of her father.

"Yes, I can tell you're quite a fighter." He said once he calmed down a little. "It's little wonder why a Keyblade chose you."

Isabella blinked.

"How'd you know that?" She asked.

"Why, Chev told me." The boy gestured to Chev as he answered her. "He, Marnin, and Wally and I are good friends."

"Plus he's my roommate." Chev added.

"Aslan Lions the Second, at your service, my lady." The boy finally introduced himself with a small bow.

Isabella blinked again.

"You're the son of Aslan?" She questioned in surprise.

"I am. Would you like me to take on my lion form as proof?"

"No, no I-I didn't mean it like that!" Isabella felt embarrassed upon realizing she'd likely offended him.

Yet Aslan laughed again.

"Easy, I was just messing with you." He told her. "I know you were surprised, as are all who know of my stories." He smiled even more then. "It's quite an honor that you appear to be familiar with them."

"Well, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is one of my favorite stories..." Isabella mumbled while tugging on her hair, giving a small, timid smile.

"Is it now?"

Isabella nodded, tugging on her hair again. "My father would always read me the Chronicles of Narnia as bedtime stories when I was a child ... whenever he'd actually be home." She looked up at Aslan, adding, "It's funny, you remind me a lot of him, Aslan."

"I do? Curious. Who's your father?" Aslan queried.

"I'm not sure you've heard of him ... he comes from another world." Isabella tugged at her hair again. "But he's known as Ansem the Wise."

Both Chev and Aslan's eyes widened, the two of them reeling back in visible shock.

"Your father is Ansem the Wise?!" Chev gasped.

"Wait, you both know of him?"

"Yeah. Not sure how Aslan knows, but I've heard about him from my father. Said he's supposed to be a great researcher."

"And he is." Isabella confirmed. "How do you know about him, Aslan?"

"I met him once, years ago. When I was still a cub." Aslan replied. "He came to Narnia seeking my father's council for something."

"Do you know what?"

"Unfortunately, I don't remember. I do remember the look in his eyes. They were so full of-" Aslan paused, looking unsure if he should continue.

"Vengeance?" Isabella guessed.

"I wish I could say no." Aslan hung his head. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. He wasn't in a good mental state up until a few years ago. He was so focused on getting revenge on the apprentice that betrayed him. The one that brought darkness and ruin to his ... our home world. One that lost his heart to the very darkness he kept delving deeper and deeper into. Even stole my father's identity just to spite him further." Isabella balled her hands into fists as she spoke of the man that had been responsible for all the suffering he brought not just to her father, but also the many other lives his actions had impacted, including hers, no matter how inadvertently.

She took in a deep breath, then slowly let it out, calming herself.

"Anyway," She continued, forcing herself to perk up. "My father's doing much better now. The apprentice that betrayed him has long been dealt with, and he's reclaimed his throne, and the world that was once a hollow bastion is now the Radiant Garden once again."

"That is good to hear." Aslan smiled once again. "I'd like to see that world one day."

"I'll see if I can make that happen." Isabella smiled back at him.

"In the meantime, do excuse me. I have a White Wizard to scold."

Aslan took a couple steps back as he excused himself, only to pause when Chev spoke up again.

"Hold on a second, Aslan. I'd like a word with Judas as well." He said. "Just let me escort Isabella to where she was to meet up with her roommate and Marnin first."

Aslan appeared to think on it for a moment before he nodded.

"In that case, allow me to accompany you. It'll save us the trouble of having to meet up again."

Chev nodded, then draped an arm around Isabella's shoulders.

"Alright, let's get you to Kelsey and Marnin." He said, leading her away.

"Hey, Chev?" Isabella spoke just before Chev left the student lounge with Aslan.

"Yes, Isabella?" Chev responded while turning back around.

Isabella strode up and hugged him.

"Thanks for the save." She said gratefully.

Chev was still for a moment before returning the hug, replying, "Anytime."

Isabella smiled, lingering for a few seconds more before releasing him. She smiled up at him, seeing his cheeks were slightly pink, wings spread out just a bit from their usual position. He rubbed the back of his neck, clearing his throat.

"I better go. Best not to let Judas think he can get away with what he did." He said after clearing his throat.

"You two sure I can't come along?" Kelsey asked, glancing between Chev and Aslan, who was leaning against the doorframe. She'd been briefed on what happened when they all came walking in. "No one messes with my roomie like that and gets away with it."

"And he won't." Chev said.

"And it'd be best if you stayed here with her." Aslan added, "Just in case Judas comes along looking for her."

"If you say so..." Kelsey relented, letting the matter drop once he and Chev made their exit.

Isabella watched them go.

Author's Note: Regarding the brief moment where Chev spoke another language - it's Slovenian. I did some more digging and found out that Disney based Bald Mountain (the one Chernabog is seen atop in the Fantasia segment A Night on Bald Mountain) on a real one found in Slovenia, so ... yeah. I picture Chev's native language being that and English being his second, learning both at a young age, so he doesn't have an accent when he speaks English. As for what he said in Slovenian - let's just say I wanted to keep this story relatively kid-friendly (he was swearing).

Also ... I just wanted to make some OCs whose story would be The Chronicles of Narnia. That's all.

Credits: Gonna give some credit to the episode Maddie-In-Chief since it was mentioned that Isabella, Kelsey, and Marnin were watching Blondie's MirrorCast interview with Apple at the beginning of the episode.