AN: Y'all!! I'm so sorry. There's no way the last time I updated was in July. I totally thought I posted a new chapter more recently than that. I'm sorry. Well, if you're still here I hope this chapter is good enough to make up for that time. Things are going to be changing for our VKs soon. Feel free to let me know your thoughts. I hope you enjoy!! SD
Chapter 8
Malevola attends the event like any other curious high-class citizen of society. Pocahontas strongly encouraged she be here. Her dear friend has not given her much insight into the children or the program, though she can imagine she's got her hands full with them. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't curious to know who they are. Everyone is. It's the reason why the room is so overly packed only standing room left.She and her granddaughter, Ivy, sit on the middle of the 3rd row behind the reporters and the royals. They wear custom black and white suits in honor of Cruella and Cecil who are trapped on the island as a reminder to the people that the children aren't the only ones wrongfully imprisoned on the isle. Malevola has never been quiet on her stance on the Isle of the Lost and doesn't plan to be until her children are released. She will support these children the way she would her own. Her breath is taken away when he enters the room. Ivy grabs onto her wrist tightly at the sight of him. The skinny black- and white-haired boy's features are a subtle reminder of her daughter, though he has Malevola's complexion. He's beautiful, she thinks. But he is too skinny. It's not the thinness one gets from genetics or starving themselves here and there to fit into a smaller dress. No, this is years, a lifetime of malnutrition and lack of food. All of the children look that way in varying degrees. "To my left are Carlos DeVille son of Cruella DeVille-"All eyes turn towards her. Some shift over to Snow White when Evelyn is introduced, though most remain. Everyone is looking to see what they will do. She wants nothing more than to pluck him from the stage and never let him go. A grandson. Imagine that. She has another grandson. Carlos DeVille. She lets the name imprint itself in her mind. He's only 14 years old. He is so young, yet 14 years is too long to have been trapped on island of the deadliest villains in record history. Malevola and Ivy watch him throughout the interview. She finds it difficult to take her eyes off him for even a brief moment, too afraid that he'll disappear. It all feels like a dream. It's unreal to have another grandson after all these years. He's just as passionate as his mother in how he speaks up for the deaf journalists. Carlos even sounds similar her daughter in the manner in which he speaks. Yes, he has the same dialect as the other isle children, yet there is something very Cruella on top of it all.She gathers that the Isle of the Lost is a place one lives in constant fear. It's confirmed when Carlos essentially says as much. One of them was kidnapped just before arriving and Malevola can't help but feel as if she's already failed them. Their little jokes and comments all come from a honest place of hurt. The public at large won't care to look past their seemingly rude attitudes and use it to justify their imprisonment. She's not new to this type of thing, but the children are. They will need an advocate and she has every intention of being that for them. "Do you plan to reconnect with family while you're here?"One of the girls prepares to speak but is interrupted by Carlos murmuring "what family" into the microphone.Her heart breaks a fraction at his immediate response. What family? The blue haired princess, Evelyn, covered for him well enough, but she heard what he said. Carlos doesn't know he has family outside the isle. Had Cecil and Cruella never told him about her? Doesn't he know he has family in Auradon? He has to know there are people on this side of the boarder that care for him. He has to know he has support in them. Could it be that her children didn't know she is still around.. it has been 20 years. Or perhaps the fracture in her and Cruella's relationship is greater than Malevola realized. She could've done more. She should've done more for Cruella before and after the incident. She should have never sent her to that goddamn facility. Do she and Cecil think she did this to them on purpose? "Well, that includes the Isle program's first royal press conference. Thank you all for attending. Be blessed and travel well." Ben stands and leads the children back to the room they entered from. Malevola forces herself from her troubled thoughts. The children are leaving. Carlos is leaving. She isn't sure when or if she will be granted with the opportunity to see him again. She must act now. "Grammie we can't lose him." Ivy grabs hold onto her arm tightly and is practically out of her seat already. "We won't dear. We won't. Come along now." Madam DeVille pushes her way through the slowly moving reporters and dignitaries exiting the rows of seats. Oh heavens. They are too far to reach him before he enters the door. She moves her legs as fast as they will carry her. Still it's not as fast enough. "Carlos." She calls out instead. It's something she would never even consider doing in normal circumstances, but she's desperate. She cannot loose another member of her family.The room stills. The young teen whips to face them and freezes. Is he in as much awe of them as they are of him? Is he happy to see them? Does he even recognize them? Malevola quickens her pace. Oh, how she longs to hold him in her arms. She wants to love him and protect him and be the grandmother to him that she didn't get to be. "Madam DeVille." The prince gasps in recognition. Malevola and Ivy both give a quick curtsy. "Please, both of you join us. Come in." Prince Ben encourages them to enter the room.One side of the room is decorated as a sitting area with love seats, a coffee table, and refreshments. The other holds racks of clothes, presumably for the children, and places to change into them.Malevola doesn't waste a moment to reach for Carlos and bring him close. "Carlos, my child." It pains her to see the way Carlos flinches before she holds his face in her hands. As he said, he's been through things she can never image. She looks into his eyes. Goodness, this her grandson. Cruella had a baby. So many life experiences she missed out on because of the dome separating them. So much of Carlos' life she missed out on. He can't even bring himself to look back at her. She supposes this must be jarring for him. He has had no idea who she is. It may be wise for an introduction. "My name is Malevola DeVille. I'm your grandmother." Her voice chokes on that last word. Finally, brown eyes meet brown eyes. He's taller than her she notes as she pulls him into a tight, warm embrace. There are no words to describe this absolutely perfect moment. She gets to hold her grandchild for the first time. Through him, she is able to hold a part of her daughter again.The embrace only last for a short while before Carlos becomes uncomfortable and pulls away. She lets him go. She knows this must be a lot for him to take in. It's a lot for her too. He fidgets as he stands before her looking as if he's itching to say something, but can't quite get the words to come out. The rest of the room watches in silent expectation."I'm sorry. I know this must be a lot for you. It is for me too. I'm normally not this emotional." Madam DeVille explains. "I never would have expected either of my children on that godforsaken rock would ever reproduce. A grandson." She says again in amazement. Wow. Madam DeVille wonders if this means she was able to rediscover love. Had her Cruella found someone? She didn't think it possible after everything that happened with Jack. While being locked away on the stupid island will always be horrendous, perhaps some good did come of it. Carlos came from it. And the boy seems to have a good head on his shoulders. She wonders what it was like to grow up for him despite the horrors of the island. Had he had a happy home life? "What about your father? Has your mother found someone?" Malevola asks hopefully.Carlos winces and his ears burned with embarrassment. Even the other children take faux interest in the room to avoid the awkwardness that settles around the conversation.Madam DeVille realizes her mistake. She assumed too much. Her heart breaks for her daughter and grandson. There was no love involved in his conception. All she prays it that it was at least consensual. This is no time to be discussing these topics anyhow. Her granddaughter shuffles where she stands not far from Malevola. She remembers herself. Of course. She isn't the only one itching to introduce herself to Carlos. She clears her throat before motioning for Ivy to come forward. "This is Ivana, your cousin." Malevola steps to the side to let them greet each other."Family and friends mostly refer to me as Ivy." Ivy offers her hand that Carlos accepts. "It's a dream to meet you, Carlos. I can't wait to tell brother all about you. He'll be over the moon.""Wait there's more of you?" Carlos questions. He's stunned by her admission. Ivy chuckles. "Of course. You have an entire family here in Auradon"Their interaction is cut short by a young finely dressed woman announcing that it was time for the program children and the prince to move on to their next scheduled event. A photoshoot. Malevola and Ivy stay to watch. She rightly assumes these will be the official portraits used to promote the program now that their identities are no longer a secret. Carlos is a handsome young man and is surprisingly takes to being in front of the camera quite well. Unsurprisingly, he is photogenic. It's a DeVille trait. All of the children eventually get into a healthy rhythm while taking the portraits. They are clearly used to working together. Watching them work fascinates Malevola. They move likes cogs in a machine with very little verbal communication. While Carlos is her grandson and she finds it very difficult to keep her eyes off of him, Madam DeVille finds it nearly equally as hard to pivot her focus from the dragon girl. Maleficent's daughter. She is clearly the leader of their little group. They have a subtle respect for the girl. Mal is what they call her. A nickname, she assumes. Her presence alone commands such dominance and power. Malevola can guess where she learned such a skill from. And purple hair? Who would have thought? The dress on Evelyn is exquisite. It's clearly custom made. She moves with the grace a poise of any princess born in Auradon. She briefly wonders who made it. They all have such strange clothing. She would have never thought of a leather and multi-textile patchwork. It just isn't done. Though this may be more out of accessibility than fashion. Malevola can't imagine they have an abundance of fabric options on the island. In the end however, her attention once again finds Carlos. The children would be heading back to the school soon. Who knows the next time Malevola will get the chance to see her grandson before they ship him back to the isle. There's no way she will be ok with not seeing Carlos, let alone sending him back to that horrid rock? What are the custody laws regarding the children of those serving time on the isle? Were there any? Could she legally take temporary custody of Carlos? She will definitely try. Perhaps this will lead to the release of Cruella and Cecil. But one step at a time. She can't get ahead of herself here.When it is clear that they have finished all the press work for the program, Malevola makes her way to the children. "Carlos dear, I have a query for you, for all of you I suppose." The elder woman addresses the teens. "I am aware that our time here today is coming to an end, but I am reluctant to let you go. I do not know how the rules of travel work for students at Auradon prep, but I wanted to invite you and your friends to spend the weekend at my home in Charmington. Would that be something you'd be interested in?"Carlos looks to his friends in an open expression of shock. They communicate silently amongst themselves making it difficult for Malevola to gauge which direction they are leaning towards. Perhaps her grandson didn't want the extra company of his friends over the weekend out of country. Somehow, she doesn't suspect that is the case. Carlos seems to prefer their company at the very least to present company. "Sure." Carlos speaks out. He clears his throat before speaking again. "We'd all like to get away from the school for the weekend. If that's a thing we can do." He sends a questioning glance at Ben who's just walked toward their group."I think it's a fantastic idea." The young prince Ben joins the conversation. "You all should have the opportunity to connect with family while you're here. Please take the opportunity to explore all Auradon has to offer." Mal claps her hands once grabbing the attention of the group and to indicate the finality of her words. "Well, now that's settled, let's get out of this God damned castle and back to school. Carlos say your good-byes. We have classes in the morning." The authoritative girl marches toward the exit followed by the other teens, leaving Carlos and Malevola to talk.Ivy chooses to make herself known once again. She stops just shy of pulling Carlos into a hug. "May I hug you?" He nods and Ivy waste no time pulling him into a large but brief hug. "I can't wait to spend some long overdue time with you this weekend."Ivy then steps aside to let Carlos and Malevola have one last moment before the night comes to an end. "Carlos my dear. Please know how much I love you." The old woman takes his hand. "I cannot wait to learn more about you and your friends.""Yeah. Same." He sticks his free hand in his pant pocket and shuffles in the direction of the exit. "I will see you this weekend." He waves at both of them as he leaves. The moment the kids leave through the door, Malevola collapses into a sobbing heap on the ground. Ivy is by her sides in seconds. She guides her to resume her weeping in a nearby chair. How had her life come to this? Had she made better choices regarding her children, especially Cruella, she would have seen the birth of her grandson. He would not have had to grow up on that island. He would have been fed, loved, and well cared for. He would have grown up safe. She doesn't know how Carlos got that terrible scar on his leg, but Malevola promises she will not allow any more harm to fall upon him. If nothing else, Carols will experience the love of family.
"Grandmother please." Audrey fails to calm down her grandmother. "The nerve of that boy. Honestly, what has gotten into him? You need to do a better job of keeping a handle on him." Queen mother Leah continues her rant as she and Audrey maneuver their way through the halls of Beast castle. They're followed closely by their personal guards. Heaven knows they need them. The press after events like this can be quite overwhelming. "Grandmother it's not as if I could influence his decision. I'm just his girlfriend.""Exactly. You're his girlfriend. If he'll listen to anyone, it'd be you." Leah counters. "Though I for the life of me cannot see why he keeps you around with how clueless you seem to be. On top of it all you looked absolutely enormous standing next to them. Good heaven's Audrey. What have they been feeding you at that school?"Audrey remains quiet. How is she to respond that? There's no point. Her grandmother will continue as she pleases. "And why couldn't you have told me about the dragon girl being in Auradon? This is cause for a state of emergency.""I don't see how. Mal isn't even in our state. She holds no threat to us or anyone else." Audrey points out. She may not like the girl, but she is just a girl. There is no need to go into a panic because of who Mal is related to. "Please don't tell me you believe in all this nonsense." Leah scoffs."Grandmother it is not nonsense. The isle of the lost is not suitable for anyone, let alone children to live." "Well, when Ben finds the children let me know."Audrey gasps at her grandmother's behavior, though it really shouldn't surprise her at this point. She's made her stance on the program very clear from the start. She hates to admit her grandmother has a point. Not even a week ago she herself argued with Ben for bringing Mal over. He's now made it nearly impossible to convince even a casual supporter of the program of its importance. "Grandmother they are my age." Audrey tries. "You are not a child. Ben is not a child.""Then why is it you still treat me like one?""You are my heir. It is your 16th year. You are old enough to inherit your kingdom." Her grandmother stops in the middle of the hall and grasps both Audrey's hands in hers. "I am responsible for you. It is my duty to guide to the throne. And as a future queen there are requirements you must achieve to do so." She tightly grabs her granddaughter's chin between her thumb and index finger. "I will not coddle you like they do Ben. It' has clearly led to some terrible decision making. There needs to be at least one sensible monarch on the throne when you marry." And with that, they continue down the hall.Audrey can hear voices and the shutters of cameras before the doors are opened. She will never get used to the rush of anxiety that washes over her and settles in the pit of her stomach every time she is thrust into the hungry eyes of the public. She has however mastered the art of masking her true emotions. Audrey is of her grandmother's making. She is the face of everything a princess should be. With a practiced smile. Audrey waves to the crowd that has gathered to catch a glimpse of royals and nobles exit the castle. Despite all her negative talk towards the program, her grandmother gives nothing away."You aren't staying on campus tonight?" Her grandmother questions at the sight of her mode of transportation for the evening. The escalades are used only for traveling across borders. "No. I am going home. I am to have dinner with my father.""But it's a school night." She says affronted by her granddaughter's choice. It has been clear to Audrey from a young age that her grandmother does not particularly care for her father to act or be seen as a parental figure to her. Her grandmother has no ill will toward him. In fact, she quite likes King Phillip. She thinks him a well capable ruler. She simply does not see how a man can raise a child, a daughter to be an outstanding young woman of decorum and class in society all on his lonesome. It is her mother's duty to see to it, but seeing has how Audrey's mother isn't currently capable, Queen mother Leah took it upon herself to guide Audrey. Audrey is always hesitant to mention her farther around her grandmother. She thinks he made an excellent father when he was allowed to be one. Her grandmother wouldn't hear any of it. She has long since learned what will send her into a long-winded lecture. Audrey also wants to visit her mother. Any mention of her mother is definitely off limits. "I do not have my first period. I will make it to my classes on time. Please grandmother, I need to see him.""Well, since you've already made the arrangements." Leah agrees reluctantly. "It is bad practice for a princess to cancel last minute.""Thank you, grandmother.""Send him my regards."The two monarchs get in to their separate vehicles without another word to one another. Audrey is grateful for a moment of silence. It will take about two hours to reach her father's kingdom. It'll be late for a dinner, but she hasn't seen her father since the start of the semester and they are long overdue for a meeting. She hates leaving him in that large castle all by himself. Of course, he has plenty duties to keep his days occupied, however there is no family there to counter balance the stress that is running a kingdom. Audrey knows all too well how the loneliness can eat at a person. Only a few hours now and she'll be able to relieve him of some of that loneliness.Night has officially fallen upon Auradon. It's beautiful she thinks. She doesn't get the opportunity to enjoy it as often as she'd like. Audrey wonders if there are nights like this on the isle. It was once a part of Auradon. Surely it contains some of its beauty. Despite the horrors the people bring, surely peace can be found in its landscape. Surely the Isle of the Lost allows its inhabitants the temporary relief of a golden sunset. Surely. Audrey heard what the teens mentioned about life in the isle. She read their files. It's no walk in the park. One of their friends were kidnapped for crying out loud. Ben was a blessing to bring over 4 children, but what about the others? How long will it take for the program to be officially up and functioning after this trial period? Who knows if it will even be a success. The program may be shut down before it's fully enacted. Not mention Auradon's lack of support is not going unnoticed by the VKs. They said it themselves tonight, they're simply biding their time until it's time for them to go back to the island. Is the situation on the isle something they could even fix? The reporters brought up some great points. Are they going to send the program children back to the isle during school breaks? They've already established the isle isn't a suitable place for a child to live. What about long term? Will they simply become citizens of Auradon? Their home or not, now that they are here can Ben really ship them back after the trial is up? It's one thing for a kid to be born and trapped on the isle. It's another thing to send children to a prison to indefinitely serve a sentence for a crime that was never committed. She may be in over her head. Ben is definitely reaching for stars. How are any of them expected to handle all of this. She supposes that they aren't. They're expected to fail. And what of the isle children's families? Audrey never thought of it until she watched Snow White scamper from the press room as quickly as she could once it was a respectful time to do so. She had hoped to talk to her about allowing Evie to become an honorary princess of Germonia or something of the sort. Having a royal in the program, in line for the throne or not, will potentially gain more support from the masses. There of course will be people who will be people who reject to legitimacy of Evie's rise in power, including her own grandmother. But it would also give the program the respect and prestige it needs to succeed. She'd have to ask Evie if that's something she even wants first. If so, she'll move on to the more difficult task of asking Snow White to accept her into her courts and potentially, her family. It's a shot in the dark. Audrey knows that if someone asked her to accept Mal as one of their own, she'd likely turn them down. It's truly hypocritical of her to even think so, but perhaps Queen Snow proves to be a better person than her. From the moment Audrey enters South Riding a feeling of peace washes over her. There's a comfort in being in her own state once again. She is aware how lucky she is to have the ability to travel home. Many of the students at Auradon prep transfer from further other states. They can't travel in a 3 hour drive to visit home. It makes her all the more grateful for this reprieve. The palace is just as she remembered it. The staff and guards as welcoming as ever. She's greeted with a flurry of 'Welcome home's. This place truly feels like one even though she's never lived here that long. The staff makes her feel as if she's grown up here her entire life. Something she's grateful for. Her breath catches when she spots her father waiting for her in the Great Hall. He is handsome as ever in his powder blue dining suit that compliments his shinning eyes and chiseled jaw. He's let his beard grow some she notes. It looks good on him. King Phillip rushes forward to wrap his daughter into a strong embrace. He smells of cedar and bergamot just as he did when she was a young child. Tears burn her eyes and threaten to fall. She really missed him. The pair enjoyed their meal in the dining hall. King Phillip sat the head of the table with Audrey adjacent to him. Conversation flowed easily between the two. Their cheerful voices echo throughout the room. It brings a light to the palace and its staff that had been missing. "Would you like to know why there are so many damsels in distress?" Her father asks. "It's because they don't have great nutritional intake. That's why dragons find you all so appealing. You're the perfect toothpick size."Audrey laughs at that. Was this her father's way of telling her he believes her to be too thin? Grandmother will definitely disagree. "No seriously dear. It's true. They'll just swoop right on by and use you to clean its teeth. Damsels don't have enough meat on them to be considered a meal. All the princes have to stop by and save the day."She only laughs harder.It's absolutely ridiculous, but Audrey can't help but laugh at his notation. It feels great to do so. It's been a minute since she allowed herself the freedom of laughter. "Well, if we aren't the meal, what does the dragon eat?""The princes of course. Gods knows we don't stand a chance against a dragon." Phillip winks at her with a laugh waiting to be released. "The princesses are bait.""You fought a dragon and won.""I did." They both sober at that. Her father was able to defeat the dragon fairy causing so much destruction to their kingdom, yet in the end no one got the happily ever after they were expecting. Maleficent had loved ones who mourned her loss. The earth giants lost so many of their brethren in the war. It took years for their kingdom to recover. With much help from the fairies and neighboring kingdoms, they were able to build themselves back up. Grandmother claims they're still feeling the loss."How am I supposed to govern them?" Audrey questions hesitantly. She picks at her food with a fork and risks a glance at her father. "Did you watch the conference?""I did.""So, you know then, my problem. How are we supposed to help them?" Phillip sighs and pries Audrey's hand from her napkin to hold in his. "Learn from them. Let them tell you what is needed most. Know the long-term goal then enact short term projects that will bring your closer to that long-term goal." He speaks and Audrey really listens. "Trust your knowledge, but don't stress yourself over things beyond your control. There will be things you cannot fix and you will need to make peace with that.""Thank you." She squeezes his hand before letting go. "I just don't want helping the children to be something out of my control. How did the kingdoms let it get so bad?""I've never agreed with the less than heroic creation of the isle." Phillip scoffs into his next forkful of dinner. "Its creation was nothing more than a power play disguised under the false pretenses of bringing happy endings for all." Audrey sits straighter at that. "What do you mean?"Philip shakes his head realizing his mistake. "I really shouldn't be speaking like that about him. He is our king, your boyfriend's father, and your future father in law. I apologize.""No, father please speak candidly." She is so tired of how people censored themselves around her. "It's late. We should really turn in for the night. I know you will figure out a way to assist Ben and the villain kids." Her father speaks firmly, putting his fork down to indicate the conclusion of his meal.Audrey sighs in resignation. There's no use in pushing for information now. The promise of happy endings for everyone can be triggering for anyone who for all intents and purposes should have theirs and don't. His heroic journey didn't end with the golden roses and fanfare people usually tell it with. No tells you that happily ever afters don't last forever. Audrey pushes what's left of her meal away from her and stands from the table. Her father catches her before she can leave the room. "Forgive me for my shortness. You do know that I love you, Audrey Rose?" Phillip pulls his daughter into an embrace. "I am truly glad to have you here." Audrey softens. "Of course. I love you too.""You rest well. I will see you in the morning." He kisses the top of her head and the two of them part ways. The walk to her mother's wing of the castle is a short one. She takes her time. It's been months since she's taken the time to visit her mother, she can wait a few moments longer. This wing of the castle is quite. Her mother has no need for constant rotation of staff. Oh, how she misses how alive this section of the castle used to be. Audrey often muses about how she wasn't supposed to be the only one. Her grandfathers gifted her parents with a 40-bedroom castle to fill with children. What would having a sibling feel like? She would always have someone to talk to, who understands her unique situation. Then again, she wouldn't want anyone to have to understand. She wouldn't subjugate someone to this. The life of a royal isn't an easy one. Her actions can affect the lives of thousands for years to come. She knows firsthand the stress that can bring. She hates watching her friends struggle with it too. What would it be like to watch a sibling struggle with it? She doesn't think she could handle it.If the guards outside her mother's door notice how long she stands with her hand on the door handle, they don't mention it. Audrey takes a breath. It's ok. It's just her mother. She can do this. She takes another breath and enters the room. The room is just as she remembered it. The walls are painted a soft pink and lined with golden roses. There's a vanity, wardrobe, and a balcony overlooking the sparkling lake where her parents first met. A room fit for a princess. Audrey passes the two facing sofas at the center to the adjoining room. She pauses in the doorway. Her mother remains breathtaking as ever. It's as if her beauty is frozen in time. She supposes its true, at least partially. "Hi Mama." Audrey smiles at her mother. "I don't know if father told you, but Ben has brought over 4 children from the isle of the lost as his first official proclamation. The press conference to introduce them to the kingdom was just a few hours ago." She sits by Aurora's side and takes hold of her hand. She gives it a small kiss but doesn't let it go after. The young princess didn't realize how much she missed her mother until she was once again sat by her bedside. Even in eternal sleep, her mother's presence brings a soothing calm missing from her life. "I'm sorry you couldn't be there. I know you would have handled things much better than I have." Audrey laughs sadly. "Grandmother seems to think that I could- should have prevented this from happening. I can't. Ben is his own person and even if I had that sort of pull over him I wouldn't do it. This program is too important."The teen drops her mother's hand and stands. She paces briefly at the foot of the bed. "He brought over Maleficent's daughter." She blurts out. "I know it's not Mal's fault. But can't he understand why people are hesitant to help the program? All anyone can think about is the terror those villains caused. Look at what she did to the fairyland, to our kingdom, to y– to you."Audrey takes a much needed breath. She doesn't bother to wipe away the traitorous tears that escape. She insisted, crawls onto the opposite side of the bed and tucks herself into her mother's side. She holds onto the arm she's wrapped around her shoulders. Like this it's so easy to imagine her mother is simply resting with her daughter after a trying day. It's so convincing Audrey can almost hear her mom telling her everything will be alright. And she almost believes her. "Mama, I wish more than anything that you'd wake up. I miss you."
Another day in Auradon means another day to suffer through goodness class. Despite it proving to give her a headache without fail, Mal is positive it will be the easiest class to pass. Honestly, how stupid does Fairy Godmother believe them to be? Just tell them the laws of Auradon without acting as everything is a foreign concept and they can decide for themselves which rules are easiest to break and get away with. It's safe to say that most things encouraged back home is frowned upon here. FG has all but outright said their home is a mess and nothing useful could possibly come from it. How the fuck would she know? It's not like she ever been. She has no idea what the isle is really like. None of these people do.This class has gotten to the point where even Princess Blueberry seems ready to bail or fight. Both of which Mal is down to do. If Fairy Godmother isn't going to teach, she isn't going to listen. 10 minutes into the class she realized she isn't going to get any useful information about Auradon so she redirected her focus to sketching out ideas for her final project in her art class. Not that she's come up with anything useful. She doesn't even know why she's trying so hard on this assignment. What she should be working on is a way to get the wand and out of this goddamn school. "Now who can tell me what they think animals are treated like in Auradon? And remember we don't eat or skin our animal friends for clothes." Fairy Godmother asks the 4 of them.None of them respond. No one even looks in her direction. "May I suggest a short recess?" Pocahontas says from the back of the room. Mal had forgotten she was back there. She'd been so quiet it wasn't a hard thing to do. Pocahontas apparently asked to sit in on a couple of their classes throughout the week to better understand how they are adjusting to the new school. With the help of a cane, the old woman slowly makes her way towards the front where the fairy godmother stands. So, the bitch can walk, Mal notes. She shares a knowing glance with Jay and Carlos across the aisle. They must all share the same thought: this old lady is not to be underestimated. They'd have to keep an eye on her. Keep your enemies close right?"Why? I've only just begun my lesson on animal and magical creatures' safety laws. Can this wait?" FG protest."Truly I apologize for the interruption, but your students aren't engaged." Fairy Godmother looks at her students each partaking in their own miniscule distractions. None of them showed even the slightest acknowledgement that her lesson was interrupted. "Well, we're just going to have to do something about that then, aren't we?"Pocahontas nods. "Yes, may I suggest asking the children what they'd like to learn about life here on Auradon. I remember Jay mentioning something about nutrition when we spoke earlier."At that they all look up.When had Jay spoken to the old lady? Was he doing things behind her back? Stunts like could jeopardize the entire operation. How is she expected to succeed when she cannot trust her second in command?Though masked well, Jay seems nervous and uncomfortable with the attention now on him. Good. He should be. He will regret ever going against Mal. Trusting the enemy. What's wrong with him? It's time she put her foot down with this group. They're getting too comfortable not taking direction. They're becoming lazy, unorganized, and reckless. They cannot afford failure. Mal must take control once again. Plan Z isn't working. They need a true course of action. She is ready to burn this school to the ground. "What are some things you'd like to learn?" The old woman addresses students. The room is quite for a moment. "Auradon laws." Mal says in a low voice. "I mean, you go on and on and right and wrong, but what the actual laws here? Is magic banned or is it just frowned upon? And what does that mean for magical beings and fairies like us?" She directs her questions to the Fairy Godmother completely aware of how uncomfortable the older woman is becoming. She stutters. "I– well I.. uh" "I'd like a typing class or two." Carlos adds. "We have electronics on the isle, but they're pretty useless there. So, my skill isn't to the level I've seen most Auradon students at.""I think these are wonderful topics." Pocahontas smiles."Wait a moment dear." FG steps in. "What about my lessons? I already have the entire lesson plan for the rest of the year.""You're teaching in hopes of changing them without ever actually getting to know them first. May I suggest you try to understand them first?" Pocahontas suggests. Fairy Godmother huffs. "Oh, I understand quite well. They're–" She spares them the quickest glance before stepping closer to Pocahontas to whisper. "Villains." Despite her best efforts, everyone can still hear her. She said it like it was a curse. Are these Auradon freaks afraid that if they say a word that doesn't align with their ridiculous goodness that they will physically combust? From what Mal has seen of the so far, it doesn't seem far off.Pocahontas leans on her cane as if all the years of her age suddenly came crashing down upon her shoulders. "As headmistress, I thought you understood that no matter who someone may be or their background, in the classroom they are your student first."The Fairy Godmother has no response to that. Mal may need to watch out for the old lady because she just earned a point in her book. Perhaps they could use her willingness to help them to their advantage. They need a gang meeting and quick.
After school Mal lays across her bed with her sketchbook, thinking about her next moves for Plan B. They need to get out of this school. It's been a huge hassle to find a time when everyone is available at the same time. She would prefer to hash this out with everyone, but Jay is off doing who-knows-what, and Carlos has that training session with the blonde Prince Evie is so obsessed with, while said Princess is sewing her next outfit on machine on the opposite side of their small room. How she managed to get one of those things for herself, she doesn't know. Perhaps she also made a deal with Ben. These after school engagements are biting into precious plotting time. Mal is brought from her thoughts when the wannabe fairy walks into the room talking as if it were her own. Jane walks right up to Mal's bed and leans her body on the post without pause. She for a moment thinks the girl is confused, that perhaps she mistook this for her own room. But she continues on her rant. "Mom said "if a boy can't see the beauty within, then he's not worth it."" Jane does a surprisingly good impression of her mother. "Can you believe it? What world does she live in?" The young fairy shuffles to the other bed and throws herself on it."Auradon." Mal Mumbles a sarcastic response. So dramatic these Auradon girls. FG clearly fits right in. Though this does put a damper in her Plan B. Mal internally sighs. She currently doesn't have a plan C. They may end up here longer than she was hoping. Damn."Mal, do you like?" Evie holds up the leather dress she's been sewing.She gives it a quick glance before going back to her book. "Yeah. It's cute. It brings out your eyes." She meant for it to sound like a dig at Evie and the dumb Auradon princesses, but it comes off too genuine. What surprises her the most is that she meant it. The dress really will complement Evie's body and showcase her eyes. She glances up again to witness the Princess's proud smile."I know." Evie agrees as she continues to work on the dress."I'll never get a boyfriend." Jane wails.Mal rolls her eyes at the drama of it all. "Boyfriends are overrated." Who has time for boys or girls if she's taking over the world? Once she's at the top, she can have anyone she wants if she chooses."And how would you know, Mal? You've never had one." Evie smirks and places her chin in her palm."It's because I don't need one, E." The two of them stare at each other for a moment before Mal throws the next words over her shoulder towards Jane. "They're a waste of time."Mal watches as a switch clicks and Evie's brain and the girl gasped out in a panic. "I forgot to do Chad's homework!" Evie drops what she's doing at the machine and scurries across the room to grab his backpack. "Oh no! Oh no, no, no.""And that is exactly what I mean." Mal smirks as her point is proven.Jane fixes herself on the bed to sit as proper and uncomfortably as she can, while Evie dumps all of Chad's things on the table. They all pause when there's a knock on the open door. The intruding girl doesn't wait for them to acknowledge her or invite her in before she walks into the room. Mal is really beginning to regret leaving it open. All she wanted was some ventilation. All the windows in the room make it too warm."Lonnie? What are you doing here?" Evie asks as she gets to work on Chad's homework."Hey guys! I'm Lonnie." The girl introduces herself. "My mom's Mulan." She stands in the middle of the room expecting them to recognize her parentage, as does every other student here. When nothing comes of it, she continues. "No? Anyways, I love what you've done with Jane's hair. And I know you hate us and well, you're evil." At that Mal and Evie both look at the girl. "But do you think you could do mine?""Why would I do that for you?" Mal asks appalled and a little impressed by the girl's boldness."I'll pay you $50." Lonnie holds up a bag of coins."Good answer." Evie turns to grab the bag from the girl's hand and stands to get a good look at her, homework forgotten. "I need to buy more materials. Let's see I'm thinking, we'll lose the banks, maybe some layers and some highlights-.""Yeah, yeah, yeah." Lonnie interrupts Evie. "I want it cool, like Mal's.""Really. The split ends, too?"Mal gives the Princess a disapproving look. The girl simply shakes the bag of money. Mal growls in defeat. They do unfortunately need money. They have none here and if they want to get anything done around here, they're gonna need it.The Fae begrudgingly rolls off the bed and grabs her spell book. She doesn't miss the little cheer Evie and Lonnie do. Even Jane moves closer to be a part of the action. Gods let's get this over with. She only has enough patience for one priss and barely any for her.Mal takes a breath. She sees the hair she wants to create in her mind first. It looks a lot like the suggestions Evie made earlier. Then she recites the spell. She changed it ever so slightly from the one she used for Jane. "Beware, forswear, replace the old with cool hair." Mal waves her finger and watches as her green magic takes over and transforms the girl's hair into something of a more natural look for her. It honestly suits her a lot better than the half assed bob she had on her head before.They all step in closer as Lonnie looks over herself in the mirror.Evie wraps her arm around the girl in faux comfort I know. "I know. It looks like a mop on your head." She says to the shocked girl. "You know what? Let's cut it off layer it-""No, no, no, no, no!" Lonnie stops Evie's rant once again. "I love it!""You do?""It's just.." Lonnie trails off before ripping her skirt. They all raise eyebrows at the unexpected action. "Now I'm cool.""Like ice." Mal mocks. Though it seems to go over the girl's head.Jane steps up to the mirror and follows suit ripping her dress. "What did I just do? Mom's gonna kill me."."OK. Carlos, we're gonna do some sprints. You ready?" Chad shouts across the field.Carlos was already in place position to run. They have been going over drills for a little over an hour now and he was beginning to feel it. It's hot and his heart is beating faster than normal. He hurts in places he never knew could hurt before. He's honestly ready for this to be over. He isn't making the team; they both know it.Chad isn't all that bad. He took his time to try and help him. Carlos can appreciate the thought. His heart is in the right place he guesses. Isn't this the same guy Evie is crushing on? She could do worse.Carlos takes a breath and lets the prince know he's ready. Before Chad can start the timer, Carlos is off. He has no idea where the dog came from or why it chose him to chase, but he'll be damned if it catches him.Carlos quickly runs off the field and continues his sprint into the forest. He quickens into his pace when he feels the warm, wet breath of the dog on his ankle. He doesn't stop when he hears his name called. The dog is fast and he's getting tired. If he can't outrun it, maybe he can outsmart it. Carlos climbs into the closest trees and wedges himself in between the trunks to get higher."No, stop!" Carlos yells at the dog. He learned that sometimes they respond to commands like his mother practiced with him, but it doesn't seem to work on this dog. It just keeps barking.Carlos is doing his best not to panic, but he's essentially trapped himself. He can't climb any higher in the tall, straight trees. Even if he attempted to jump down and make a run for it, he's too tired to execute it. The dog doesn't look big or strong enough to outright kill him, however the teeth he's flashing look sharp enough to cause some serious damage.He screams out when he slips a little from the tree. Damn it! He came all this way and survived years of living with Cruella to die by the claws of a dog. His mother always said he would. It's poetic when you think about it. He would rather not think about it. He tries to focus on something other than the barking dog, but the only other thing is his racing heart and how the tree bark is beginning to dig into his back and thighs."Carlos!" Chad's voice calls from down the path."Chad I'm over here! Chad!" The 14-year-old steadies his grip on the tree. "Chad help me. This thing is a killer. It's trying to chase me down to rip my throat. This is a vicious rabbit pack animal." He can see it now. He trips on a raised root and that's when the dog will come in for the kill. He takes a breath when he realizes Chad has pulled the dog away from the tree."Whoa. Who told you that?" The prince questions in confusion. He now has the quiet dog under one arm while the other is stretched out towards Carlos in a placating manner."My mother, the dog expert, you idiot.""Cruella?""She's an expert. A dog yeller. She would know."Chad chuckles. He actually chuckles. The nerve of this guy. Does he not realize how much danger he's in? "Why are you even holding him? He's going to attack you." The dog has better access to the prince's neck this way. Carlos would prefer not to witness his bloody death believe it or not. At the same time, he selflessly doesn't want the dog loose again. "Carlos, you've never actually met a dog, have you?"Met a dog. "What? Of course not.""Dude, meet Carlos." The blonde teen speaks to the dog. "Carlos this is dude. He's the campus mutt."Carlos lets himself slide down the tree but doesn't move any closer to the pair. The dog is bigger than his cat, Bee, back home but its but smaller than any of the dogs he's seen on the aisle. At least he stopped barking."Why don't you give him a pet." Chad holds the dog towards him."No, thank you.""Oh, come on. It's not that bad I promise." The prince grabs hold of Carlos's wrist and holds his hand in front of dude. The moment Carlos feels fur and the wet nose of the dog he quickly pulls his hand away and backs further into the tree."OK, OK. I met your dog." Carlos holds his hand to his chest and mentally starts reciting the periodic table in hopes of stopping the uncontrollable shaking his body is under."I'm sorry man." Chad backs away and keeps the dog on his side furthest from Carlos. "I guess you guys have it pretty rough on the island.""Yeah. Let's just say we don't get a lot of belly rubs.""Good boy. I mean you're a good runner." Chad quickly fixes his blubber. "You... You're fast, you know. Sorry I misspoke.""Oh. Oh, thank you.""Yeah, listen. I'm going to give you some space. Put him away, you know. Come find me when you're ready. I hope you'll consider still joining the team."Carlos nods and watches as they leave. When the Prince is out of sight, he allows himself to cry in relief. He truly thought he was going to die or close to it. Never in a million years did he think he'd ever survive an encounter with a dog. And they just let him roam free? Gods they really need to hurry along with the plan to get the wand.
"I could really use a tough guy like you." Coach Jenkins says. He invited Jay to go over the rules and logistics of the game. They sit outside on the school bleachers. It's a hot day today or perhaps a normal day in Auradon. Either way Jay is still getting used to the increased temperature. He doesn't let it show. He can't have the coach thinking he can't handle a little outside air. Surprisingly enough Jay quite likes the guy. He isn't like the other teachers or guys here. He's not some noble skunk who thinks he's better than everyone else because of where he was born or the family he comes from. Jenkins has seen things. He's almost a real person. Jay can appreciate that. "The team is a bunch of princes, if you know what I mean.""You're telling me. It's all, after you, old chum. Oh? Pardon me, did I bump into you?" Jay mocks. The coach laughed. "Where I come from, it's prepared to die, sucker!" Jay toss is the rule book on the bleacher in front of him and stands. "As my father always says the only way to win is to make sure everyone else loses! You rip-""Jay! Whoa Jay, Jay." Coach interrupts his build up. "Let me explain a team. It's like a family. Coach sits them both down again."Jay scoffs. "You do not want to be at my house at dinner time." He's aware Auradonians have a weird obsession with their families, and they need to be around them all the time. It simply doesn't work like that on the aisle. The less time he spent at home the better chance of him avoiding the air around his father's fist."OK, OK. Um-" Jenkins pivots. "You know how a body has a lot of different parts? The legs, elbows, ears. But they all need each other. Well, that's what a team is. Different players who work together to win. Make any sense?"Jay smiles with a newfound drive. "Can I be the fist?"Coach chuckles and shakes Jays fists he pulls a shirt off his shoulder and holds up the back to show his name printed in large gold letters on top of an even larger number 8. "We'd like you to be a part of our team." He takes the shirt and brushes his hand across the letters. Jay can't fully understand the rush of emotion that comes over him. He's never had something of his own, something new. Of course, he's had plenty of shirts and clothes. Most of it he stole himself or it came straight from Goblin Wharf, and everyone knows all the stuff is used or Auradonian shit. But this, this is new. This is his. No previous owner. His. Made for him. Because they want him on their team.
In a very unlike Jay way, Jay burst excitedly into the girls' room whooping in celebration. It seems even with the door closed it's an open invitation to their room. Not that Mal minds Jay, it's everyone else she takes issue with. By the look of his excitement, he officially made the team. Too bad it's filled with a bunch of sexist pigs. Mal could have just as easily gotten one of those shirts."Look, it even has my name on it." Jay proudly shows off the back of his shirt. Mal scoffs. Of course, it does. Carlos whistles in appreciation. Even Evie takes a moment to look up from Chad's homework to appreciate Jays new fit. He walks over to the group of them and leans on a post of Mal's bed. "Did your plan work with Jane? Are you going over to see the wand?""Do you think I would be going through every single spell in this spell book if I hadn't completely struck out?" Mal snaps."Someone's in a bad mood." Carlos grumbles."My mom's counting on me. I can't let her down." She finishes with a flick to the back of Carlos's head."We can do this!" Jay suddenly says with such conviction it causes them all to pause. With a little less confidence, he continues. "If we stick together."This is beginning to sound a little too much like one of the fairy godmother's lessons and now has had more than enough bubbly goodness for the rest of the week. "And we won't go back until we do." She feels a bit better knowing her subtle threat succeeded. "Because we're rotten.""To the core." They all finish together. It's something they began saying to remind themselves of their purpose, where they came from, and why they're here. There's no time for distractions."Oh yeah." Evie perks up as she just remembered something. "I found out yesterday that fairy godmother blesses Ben with the wand at coronation and we all get to go." She says this far too casually for Mal's liking. "I have nothing to wear of course." She could not be serious. How can someone so smart enough to do two sets of homework every day be so dumb? If she didn't know any better, Mal would think Evie was too stupid to figure out how to get out of bed in the morning.The knocking at the door puts a hold on what she really wants to say to Evie."What?" The Princess Blueberry asked at Mal's dumbfounded expression."Hold that thought." Mall closes her spell book and opens the door to reveal Ben. She did not expect to see him here. What's with all the visits today?"Hey, Mal. I didn't see you guys today." The prince says with a little unsure of himself. Is the Crown Prince of the United States of Auradon intimidated by little ole' me? Good. "I was wondering if you had any questions or anything you needed.""Not that I know of." Mal looks behind her at her crew to check in with them. They all shake their heads."OK. Alright. Well, if you need anything just-""Oh wait". Mal stops Ben before he can leave. She can't believe she almost missed the opportunity to question him in a rush to get him to leave. "Um, is it true that we all get to go to your coronation?""Yeah, the whole school goes.""Wow. That's beyond exciting. Do you think it's a possibility that the four of us could sit in the front row next to fairy godmother, just so we could soak up all that goodness?"Ben smile falters. "I wish I could. Up front it's just me, my folks, and my girlfriend.""And your girlfriend." Mall repeated dumbly."Yeah. I'm sorry."
"OK. Thanks, bye." Mal quickly closes the door on the prince. She's gotten all she needs from him right now. She ignores whatever he says on the other side. She may have just found her plan C. "I think it's time Benny Boo got himself a new girlfriend. And I need a love spell." Mal gestures for Carlos to toss her spell book from the bed. They have a lot of work to do.