New chapter!! Yay! I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Please let me know how I'm doing with the story below. I hope you all enjoy! SxD
Chapter 4
Her mind is reeling. She can't quite wrap her mind around everything that just unfolded. She's going to be sick, she thinks. Audrey forces herself to take a deep breath to quell the storm brewing in her stomach. Her resolve slips a fraction the moment the villain's kids are out of her sight, but its enough to make her come undone. Why was she like this? They knew it was bad and that the kids brought over would be in bad shape, but knowing something and actually seeing it with her own eyes is completely different. They weren't prepared. She wasn't prepared. No one from Auradon could be prepared. It's difficult to ignore the cries /pride of people when you see them.
They don't have time for this, for her to freak out. She and Ben are still in the company of the clinic staff and she is a royal representing her kingdom, implementing a new and controversial decree. She does not have the luxury of cracking. She refuses to be the reason Ben's program falls through. Ben on the other hand, she isn't too positive about.
Does he even want this program to work? Why in the good lord's name would he bring the child of Maleficent of all people? Or even the Evil Queen or Jafar? These villains are widely feared and hated throughout more than their respective kingdoms. The people of Auradon are already leery of having children from the Isle of the Lost brought over for school, they are definitely going to drop any support they had for the program. These are the descendants of Auradon's worst villains to date, who most have been directly effected by their evil deeds. The people will not forgive this. His parents, her grandmother will not forgive this. He couldn't have picked worse candidates.
Audrey loves Ben. She does with all her heart. She loves this program he is trying to get off the ground and not simply because he came up with it. It's a brilliant idea. It's also the right thing to do. But things like this have to be done right. They have to be done with care. This will not be an easy transition. The kingdoms need to be eased into this. Unfortunately for them, there is no possible way for that now. Their future king went a invited the children of the most famous villains in history to their homes. She asumed Ben would bring over kids from some no-name villains, petty criminals or henchmen, things of that nature. Like many people, she assumed the anonymity of the villain kids was for their protection. Maybe part of it still is, Audrey is sure they'll need it, but she suspects it had more to do with not wanting to insight mass panic and hysteria. Because that is exactly what will happen when the people discover which children he brought over. They would be furious. Royals will never put their support in something like this. Ben's parents, the King and Queen of all of Auradon made it very clear where they stand on the issue when the failed to show up to greet the villain kids this morning. The other kingdoms are sure to follow their lead. Her grandmother– Goodness her grandmother already hated the idea of bringing children from the isle. There will be hell to pay when she learns about Mal. There's absolutely not hope in winning her over now. They have 2 of the largest and most influential kingdoms rooting against the program. 3 if King Charming's concern for their nations' security grows even a fraction. They really are going to fail, aren't they? She needs some fresh air. Audrey hurries out clinic and away from prying eyes. Ben is quick to follow.
"Really? Her of all people?" Audrey snaps at Ben the moment they exit the clinic where they just dropped off Auradon's newest arrivals. "Grandmother is going to have your head once she finds out who you've brought over." She struggles to breathe in enough air to calm her pounding heart.
"They told me who to bring." Ben says dumbly.
The two make their way down a damp pathway that leads to the high-school section of the campus. Neither of them are in any kind of hurry to get there. They've been excused from the morning classes due to the arrival of the new students.
"They who? The council? Your parents?" Audrey pushes. None of it makes sense to her. What was he thinking? Did he want the program to fail? Because she is failing to see the logic behind his choices.
"No. The isle, well Dr. Facilier."
The princess stops walking, causing Ben to have to double back. She looks at him aghast. "And you listened?"
"Well, yeah. Apparently, my original pick of kids would have killed each other the moment they were put in the same car." He really shouldn't be telling her these things. The council made it extremely clear absolutely no one was allowed to speak to anyone who wasn't in the room was discussed. Even still, Ben tells Audrey everything, even if it's just to vent. She hadn't been overly interested in giving advice or even voicing her opinion about previous topics of the council until the villain children came up. "I had to be flexible. I need the best outcome. A gang war or dead children is not one of them. And what about you?" He turns the table on her. Ben continues his walk down the path. Audrey follows without question.
"What about me?" She narrows her eyes at Ben.
"You and Evie?" The prince prompts. "You didn't have to say that to her."
Audrey scoffs. "What would you have had me do, let her walk around Auradon introducing herself as Princess Evelyn? I saved he from embarrassment." And possibly a civil war in Germonia.
"Yes, save her from further embarrassment by embarrassing her now." Ben sasses. It's clear he is bothered by this situation as much as she is.
Audrey rolls her eyes. She accepts her boyfriend's offered hand when they reach the ascending stairs to the side entrance of the high school. Irritated with him or not, she isn't going to risk falling. She doesn't let go when they reach the top. The two continue on their way through the open hallways toward the cafeteria. It isn't her fault that introductions blew up in their face. This isn't the outcome either of them hoped for. They are way out of their depths here, but some had to take the first steps in righting the wrongs of the royal government. This program with these teens is all about trial and error. Mistakes are going to happen; it's how they can improve.
"Okay." The princess sighs. "We both could have done things differently. I mean, you did call Carlos the wrong name."
Ben winces. "And you nearly started a fight a with Mal."
"I didn't mean to. I simply wanted to let her know she doesn't need to worry about me." She squeezes his hand and sighs. She thought she handled that as well as anyone in her place would have. She unexpectedly came face to face with a nearly identical face of the person that left her kingdom ruins they are still recovering from. How was she supposed to react? Ben gave her no warning. Though she can see his point. Saying nothing at all may have been the best option. Her tone may have come off a touch condescending. Especially during a public greeting. "But you're right. It was poor choice in timing. I'm sorry Ben. I hope I haven't messed things up with them." Just because she's dealing with her kingdom's generation trauma gave her no reason to lash out at a girl she doesn't even know.
"Me too. I mean," Ben stops and turns to his girlfriend. He's flushed and begins stumbles over his words. He can't seem to find the right words to match his thoughts. "not that you messed things up. Me. God! I messed things up-"
Audrey shushes him by pulling his head in her hands. She holds him there until he's looking at her. "Hush. I understand."
The young prince crumbles. "Audrey, did you see them? They're so thin. So thin."
She understands his distress. From birth they are raised with everything and anything they can possibly need. They want for nothing. A part of their royal duties are to use their wealth, knowledge, and expertise to them govern and give back to the people. These children are also a part of the people they are to govern and care for. And they failed them. These villain's children, who have committed no crimes to Auradon have lived all their entire lives under the same harsh punishments the vilest creatures to exist in this world do. None of it is fair. It's not fair to Ben that he has to right the wrong of his father as his first act as king. It's not fair to the children on that island that they are treated like criminals.
"I know. I saw."
"Can you imagine how little food they've gotten the past years to look like that?"
"Two of them fainted from the heat. Either that or it was from all the excitement." Audrey sighs. "But I really don't think that was it."
"And what's with the hair?" Ben chuckles humorlessly. They brought the teens to the clinic mostly because Ben is still working out their living arrangements and class schedules with Fairy Godmother. Ben and Audrey never considered they may actually need medical attention. It's alarming how casual they are about all of this, as if this is normal. Is this normal to them? Do they truly not see that there's an issue, multiple issues?
Audrey's attempt at a smile is more of a grimace. She sniffs and brushes the stray tears from his cheeks. "Yeah, I noticed that too." She's at a loss for words. Never in a million years could she have predicted her boyfriend breaking down in such away in front of her, let alone in the middle of their empty school hallway. This is new for both of them. She's never seen such raw emotions from him, ever. Then again neither of them has ever seen other human beings in such disarray.
"What about the other kids on the isle? I need this to work. Audrey I-" The prince chokes on his words. There are more children on that island who need their help.
"It will. It will. Shush shush. It will work. The program will be a success." She reassures him. "Ben take a breath. You're helping them now. You're giving them their best chance. You're doing great, you're helping."
They stay like this for a moment tangled up in each other's arms. Both of them breathing deeply in hopes of calming their emotions. This is a lot of anyone, let alone a teenaged boy. He's attempting the impossible. He has no support from the people. They've been swayed by bad journalism. There's no support from the council or many neighboring kingdoms. It will not be an easy journey, but Audrey sure as hell won't allow Ben to do it on his own. No matter who their parents are or her personal feelings toward them, it's clear these teens need their help. She swears she will do absolutely everything she can in her power to help Ben along the way. Whether it be advise, emotional support, or dragging the kids off that fucking island herself she will. This is a dream that deserves to become a reality. It's such a beautiful dream.
"Actually, there is one last thing that needs to happen before we can see if the program can succeed." Ben confesses after a while. "But I'll need your help."
"Whatever you need."
Ok. Jay really hates this place. The moment the prince dropped the 4 of them off at the clinic, everything goes south. Immediately he and Carlos were separated from the girls and led into a large, blue and white bathroom. It had stalls on one side and showers on the other. They were made to strip and pushed under the cold stream of water. The cold shower and nudity aren't what bothered him. Jay was quite familiar with both back home. If this is Auradon's way of trying to intimidate them, they'd have to try harder. No, what made him uncomfortable was the uncertainty. The odd people dressed in varying colors of pale blues and yellows scrubs with masks covering their face would not tell them what was happening to them. They only made demands.
"Stop here." "Strip." "Get under the water." "Put these on."
He and Carlos tried to fight it, to fight them, but they were prepared and had guards dressed in clothes similar to the nurses ready to detain him. They used a type of shock stick on their wet skin that burns throughout their entire body. It will definitely leave a mark. Neither of them attempted to resist orders again. They were given a new pair of all white clothes to put on. Jay doesn't think he's ever seen or worn clothes this clean before. The smog back home tends to yellow or grey things that are supposed to be white. The clothes fit oddly on him. The pant legs ride too high, and the neck of the shirt hangs too low on him. Carlos is practically swimming in his. None of the nurses seemed to care about this.
Next, he and Carlos were guided into a room spilt in two by some kind of room divider. A bed, table, and chair on the right side and the same on the left. He had hoped their bags would be miraculously returned to them when the entered whatever room they'd be sleeping in, but no such luck. Where are their clothes? Would they get them back?? Why tell them to pack a bag if they were just going to take it all away anyway? All they had were the ill-fitting scrubs the facility forced them into. Well almost all. Jay still had the pocketknife that was hidden in his hair. They hadn't gotten everything.
It's been two days since they were sent to this room. Jay knows it's been two days because he saw the sun rise and set twice. He doesn't sleep the first night in the facility. He laid on the soft bed and talked to Carlos through the divider while tossing his pocketknife around. At first, he thought the other teen was sleeping he was so quiet. But then the heard the sound of sniffing and his constant shuffling. He debated weather or not to say anything. He's positive Carlos was aware that he's awake too. He wasn't exactly quiet on his side of the barrier. But he wasn't sure the teen on the other side is a sharing mood. There could something really wrong with him, at least that what he tells himself when he fights his instincts and speaks.
"Carlos?" He said in a hush to the dark room. The other boy's sniffles stop. He became stiffly quiet. Perhaps Jay wasn't supposed to hear. And he definitely wasn't supposed to acknowledge it. "Ar- are you ok?" He asked anyway.
"I- I'm fine. This isn't anything new." Came a raspy reply. He was definitely crying on the other end. "I just need a moment." His voice cracked as new waves of emotion overcame him.
Jay hesitated again. He's never come face to face, or his case screen to screen, to another crying person. Sure he's seen plenty of crying back home. Often times he is the one who caused it. He on rare occasions has cried himself, though he will die before he admits that to another living soul. Never before had he wanted to do something about it though. He's never wanted to stop someone else's pain before. He can tell himself it's because he wanted quiet to sleep, but who was he kidding? There's no way he's getting any sleep tonight. He hadn't last night or the night before. Neither of them were anywhere near a bed two nights ago. Even when he'd gotten to his apartment in the wee hours of the morning that night, he could not rest easy. Every time he closed his eyes all he could see was sand. There were flashes of Evie and Carlos' heads sinking under the sea of fine sand as the room quickly filled up. He saw himself drowning. Even now he can feel phantom weight on is chest from where the sand built pressure as it took over everything.
He wondered if that's what kept Carlos up. Does he see it too? Does he blame Jay for failing to solve the riddle of the cave of wonders correctly? Hades knows he does. Or maybe it's the broken bridge that kept him up or the steep, muddy hill? There were plenty to choose from that night alone. Or perhaps it's this place. Auradon. This facility and the odd nurses and the test they do. Perhaps it's the idea of what will happen to them if they fail again.
Jay shook the thoughts from his mind. He couldn't harbor in uncertainties, not when they're in this place. They could not let their guards down with these people. They must be ready for anything. And that was why Carlos had stop crying. He had to stay focused and alert. Jay refused to let Carlos' lack of awareness get him harmed.
"This place gives me the creeps too." Jay began. "But so far it doesn't compare to the Forbidden Fortress, and we survived that didn't we?"
"Yeah, I guess we did." There's sluggish shuffling on the other side. He couldn't see what Carlos was doing, but it didn't stop Jay from sitting up and starring at the divider as if he could. It shook a little when Carlos shifted to the floor and rest is back on it. Jay can faintly make out the slight shadow his body creates on the border. Was his bed not comfortable enough? Did he wish to be… to be closer to him? For like comfort? Carlos spoke again, it's barely over a whisper. "But aren't you like, afraid of failing again?"
Jay hopped of his bed to sit with his back to Carlos' on the opposite side of the divider. It's to hear him better he told himself. It's not a complete lie. It was really hard to hear him.
"I mean, if we get caught, we will actually belong on the isle. We'll have to stay there forever."
Jay frowned. What's the problem with that? "Of course, we belong on there. It's our home."
Carlos sighed. "I know it's our home. I mean, I had no desire to ever come to this place, but now that I'm here I'm a bit conflicted. I've got these oppugnant ideas clouding my head."
Jay hated when he uses big words. We get it you're smart. And what could he possibly be so oppugnant about? "Why? This place sucks."
"Don't get me wrong, this place is shit, but so is taking care of my mother."
Well hell, he could understand that. He and Evie helped him with some of the cleaning up after Mal's party along with chores Cruella demanded of him. It was a lot. Jay still couldn't comprehend how Carlos did it all on his own on a regular basis.
"Don't stress." Jay gave the border a tap. "Once we get out of this place, we can nab the wand. We'll be kings when we return. You'll never have to work again a day in your life."
The younger teen chuckled quietly. It turned into a sort of pained choke. Jay sat straighter and turned to face the divider. "Carlos?"
"He should be here."
"Who?" He hesitated to ask. Jay had a feeling he already knew the answer.
"Diego." Carlos snaped. He sniffed immediately after, exposing unwanted emotions. "He did not deserve that. I get it, he's not exactly villain material, neither am I, but he was a decent human being. He does not deserve to be in the hands of prince John. He's madder than Hook."
It didn't matter which Hook he is referring to. They were all known to be a tad unhinged. If anyone could recognize crazy, it's Carlos. "Keep your eyes on the treasure. If we have the wand, we can easily put John in his place and save your cousin." So what, they had a bumpy start and lost a member, they could still pull this off. They just needed to make it past the next few nights and get out of this stupid building.
The second night neither of them spoke. Both of their bodies were exhausted, and they were unwilling taken into the realm of restless slumber.
This place is hell. Jay is certain they are slowly losing their minds. The only time he or Carlos are able to leave is to either go to the bathroom or take some sort of test and be studied on by the creepy doctors and nurses. Other than that, all they do is sit in the room. There is absolutely nothing to do here. They got off the island only to see the inside of a brightly painted room. No exploration of Auradon. No cute girls. No getting the Fairy Godmother's wand. They haven't even been allowed to go to school yet. In any other situation Jay wouldn't care. He's never been a big fan of school, but at this point he'd take on the dark, crummy halls of Dragon Hall any day. Carlos theorizes it's a form of torcher, to have them lower their defenses and slowly descend into insanity. He would know; insanity runs in the family.
The one thing Auradon has going for it is its food.
He never understood why so many of the adults on the isle complained about the food. There was nothing wrong with what he ate. He liked the food on the island. It's all he's ever known. The best place to get food back home would be Ursla's chip shop, but Mal banned him from going there because it's where Uma and her crew hang. If Jay is honest with himself, he always thought unrotten food would make him weak, but if foods on the mainland taste like this, he can understand why people here choose weakness and why the adults complain. Ben, on one of his lunch time visits apologized that his and Carol's first taste of Auradon cuisine was hospital food. Apparently, food gets even better outside of the clinic. Crazy!
.
They are also visited by an old woman in a wheelchair every day for an hour. He's already forgotten her name. She waits until the other boy is conveniently gone to meet with them individually. She'd ask him questions like: "What do you like to do for fun? I simply want to get to know you. There's no wrong answer." Which made him think that there was definitely a wrong answer.
So, he replied smartly. "Dancing at balls."
The woman's eyebrow lifted in intrigue. The rest of her face didn't believe him. "Oh really? You have balls on the isle?"
Realizing he'd been caught in a lie, he back tracks. "Well, no. We uh don't do the suits and frilly dresses shit that you all are so fond of. Our parties are a bit wilder than I think Auradon can handle. Even though Maleficent banned parties and fun."
"Was it because she wasn't invited to Queen Aurora's christening?"
"Nah. Because Mal wasn't invited to Evie's 6th birthday party. We haven't really celebrated birthdays since." He corrected. "Oh, but you should have seen the party Mal through last week. It was a rager!"
The old lady smiled. "A party to defy her mother?"
Jay scoffed. "Nah. Mal hates parties almost as much as her mom. She threw it to get back a Evie, but it didn't really work out."
"I see." She commented. She leaned forward in her chair and tilts her head slightly. "You seem like you enjoy life back home. What was it like for you?"
"Great." Jay didn't hesitate to answer. If this woman was to know one thing, It's that he is not one to be messed with. "I am top dog, right behind Mal. We rule the isle. People were either too afraid of us or wanted to be us. What can I say, I am devilishly handsome."
The woman chuckled. "That you are. If life was so great, why come to Auradon?"
Jay tensed. He realized he may have said too much to her already. Had this been an interrogation? Did they suspect foul play? Were these people on to them and their plan to steal Fairy Godmother's wand? Damn. Auradon plays dirty. This old lady in a wheelchair tricked him into talking. He isn't buying her innocent, friendly act. Nope. No more. She would be getting no more information out of him. "For school. Ain't that why we were invited?"
She nodded. "Yes, but why choose to leave behind your life there for this school?"
Choose. Jay rolled his eyes. As if they had a choice in coming to this stupid school. They had to practically force Carlos into the car. He himself would have rather stayed on the isle. He doesn't tell her any of this. Instead, he said: "I'm done talking."
The woman in the wheelchair sat up. "That's perfectly OK. I'm supposed to stay in here for an hour." She glanced at her small insignificant watch on her wrist. It's an ugly thing, but he wanted it because she seemed to like it. "We have about another 20 minutes. Would you like to play a board game with me?"
He played the stupid board game with her, and he stole her watch on her out the door. Today however, Jay does not plan on falling for her little tricks. When she comes, he isn't going to say a word.
.
A nurse enters their room carrying two trays of food, interrupting Jay's internal dialog. "Good morning fellas!" The chipper nurse greets. Carlos sighs from the other side of the divider. So far, a terrible start to day 3. Jeremy is back. They had been hoping the lady nurse from yesterday would come back, but their luck seems to have been spent. "I hope you've had a good night's sleep. I know I did."
Jay blinks at the man before going back to carving into the desk beside his bed with a pocketknife. It was the only weapon-like thing the clinic let him keep. A plate of food is set in front of him on top of the carving he was making. Jay blinks again at the irritating man.
"That's a very nice sketch, however I am going to have to ask if you would refrain from destroying our property. I can see if I can get to a sketchbook and pins that you can sketch with instead. You've likely never had access to such things before."
"How much longer do you plan to keep us in here?" Jay interrupts the nurse. "We've done all your tests stepped on your stupid scales and answered your questions. We played your board games. Let us go already!" He Jay makes a point of stabbing the pocketknife into the table.
He smiles at the nurse when he flinches. Good. Be afraid. Jay thinks to himself. Only Jeremy doesn't leave. "You have a big day planned today. You and your friends finally able to get your vaccinations. They arrived this morning."
"What's a vaccination? Does that mean we can leave?" Jay narrows his eyes.
The conversation peaks enough of Carols' attention that he joins them on his side of the divider. "A vaccine is a medicine that protects you from certain illnesses." Carlos explains. The younger boy turns his attention to the nurse. "Is this vaccine the sugar cube variety? Because I don't like needles."
"Needles?" Jay repeats dumbly and hops up from his chair in alarm.
"Now boys let's not get ahead of ourselves." Jeremy attempts to guide Jay back into his chair but stumbles back when the teen blocks his advances. He sits once again on his own. "The vaccinations are a requirement to attend classes. Once you have them you will be free to join the other students on campus and actually make something of yourself other than villainy. You'll never be heroes, but at least you won't be wasting your life away. Doesn't that sound great!"
"Sure." Carlos presses his lips together. "When do we get them?"
"Once you finish your oatmeal. You'll need to build your energy so your body can keep up with the new medications being introduced to it." Jeremy hands the other plate on the tray to Carlos. He doesn't bother telling him he needs to remain on his side of the divide. Its best he picks and choose his battles with these teens. They already don't like him. Though he's not going to let their sour attitudes ruin his. "I'll be right back to collect your plates and administer the medications." He smiles brightly at them before exiting.
Jay and Carlos dig into their food. They have foods like oatmeal on the isle. Actually, many foods on the isle looks like oatmeal. This however, does not taste like anything on the isle. It has flavors and a richness he's not had before. And there aren't any lumps or odd surprises in his food. Though, he does miss that part a little. He liked the extra protein. Jay doesn't care what Ben says about hospital food. These are best meals he's eaten in his life.
The teens finish their meal quickly. Back home they had to finish meals quickly to ensure that it remained their food. There is no one here to steal their food and they definitely aren't in short supply here, but old habits die hard. And why would they take a breath from their food when it tastes this good?
True to his word, Jeremy returns to collect their dirty dishes. Once the area is cleaned, he wheels in a cart with various colored vials clinking as he moves toward them. Jay takes note at how Carlos studied each vial in an attempt to dissect it's formula. He'll be sure to ask him his thoughts when there isn't another set of ears in the room.
Jeremy snaps on his rubber gloves and smiles at the teens. "OK who's first?"
"Alright hit me Doc." Jay stands and offers himself. He takes pity on the way Carlos fidgets on the bed in anticipation.
"There are 3 different vaccines. Don't worry it'll only be a pinch." The nurse preps his arm for the first injection.
Despite himself, Jay holds his breath during the first one. He's never gotten a shot before. He has no idea what to expect. The first one goes in easy enough. Jeremy was right, it was only a pinch. He sends the younger teen an encouraging look. "Easy-peasy. You got this dude."
Carlos nods but doesn't speak. He offers his arm to the nurse.
Jay's body tingles, almost burning after the second dose. He is starting to feel the effects. It seems Carlos is too. His eyes became half lidded after his first one. Jeremy said they would. But he hadn't anticipated it would happen so quickly. Once it wears off they would all be able to leave this stupid place and be able go get on with their mission. Jay's world goes dark by the time the third one enters his system.
.
When Jay comes to, he knows something has definitely shifted. His body is heavy and sinks further into the soft mattress beneath him. Had he always been on the bed? He doesn't think so. How had he gotten here? Does he care? Not particularly. He's never experienced something this soft before. Are beds supposed to be this soft? Was it this soft yesterday? Jay forces his eyes open a crack and quickly shuts them. Its bright. He tries again and this time manages to open them fully.
Damn.
They had done it. The Auradonians got the slip on him. He is dead. They killed him. That is the only explanation he can conjure. The lights of the small room dance above him. It burst delicately, separating into tendrils. They float above the room and change colors until the ceiling is nothing more than a rainbow of twirling light. The light from the window mimics the same delicate dance.
Somewhere Jay finds the courage to sit up in the bed. His stomach churns at the action. The room looks the same as it had yesterday, aside from the lights. Colors seem more vibrant than they had just moments before. Everything is alive. Jay shivers— as one would if they were in the presence of a spirit. But if he was a spirit himself, wouldn't he not react in such a physical way. Perhaps he isn't quite dead just yet. He could fight his way back to the land if the living.
Wait.
Does he want to? Yes, he does. He needs to nab the magic wand. They have a mission to complete and on Maleficent's name he would do it.
Jay removes himself from the bed. Carlos isn't on his side of the room. Good. At least the kid isn't in purgatory with him. Unless those Auradonian freaks got the slip on him. It is not difficult to do. He pauses at the sound of laughing. Jay follows the voices through the open door of their confines. Strange. He moves slow and quietly incase it's a trap. He's never left the room alone before, not even to walk to the toilet. There was always a nurse or guard with them and even then, there are plenty of people watching in hallway. The place feels abandoned. He slinks down a dimly lit hallway. He passes the open door of what he deduces is the girls room. Evie's backpack and purse are tidily placed on the desk beside her bed that is neatly made. While the opposite side of the small room has seen the rampage of a caged dark fairy. The sides cannot be more different from the other, yet the room is empty, so Jay moves on.
He continues to follow the voices and laugher to an open room filled with two-seater tables and three long couches that face floor to ceiling windows. He's never seen anything like it. The windows are pushed open at the sides, but not enough for a person to slide through. He suspects that there is a way that they could be turned into makeshift doors should they choose.
Mal, Carlos, Evie and the princess from the other day are scattered in various places around the room. And they are all surrounded by the colorful tendrils of light. It makes them beautiful. Carlos has never looked so carefree as he laughs, surrounded by the swirling lights. The princess Audrey has always held the type of beauty expected from someone from Auradon. She looks in place. He has always recognized that Mal holds a sort of dark beauty to her. She's the near spitting image of her mother. Her sour mood does little to dim the lights floating around her. What takes his breath away is the blue haired princess who sits on the furthest couch from the hall. The tears running down her face and swelling in her eyes reflects the lights causing her to glow. She is bewitching. Ethereal. She looks like someone from one if those old Greek paintings he stole from Hades. With the way they're positioned, all of them do.
Jay blinks to remove himself from whatever spell he's been put under. The image before him remains the same, but now he can focus on the person talking to him.
Carlos pulls him into a tight hug. It's odd for sure. This isn't something they do on the isle. Physical affection of any kind is looked down upon back home. That is, unless you were using it to lull someone into a false security or as a form of payment. "Welcome back to the land of the living sleeping beauty." He says and pulls away from the hug.
Mal and Audrey wince at the careless reference.
Carlos guides Jay to where the rest of them have gathered near the couch and sits on the arm of the chair over Evie. He rests his cheek on her head and lazily lays his arms on her shoulders. They look— cute.
Jay isn't convinced they aren't dead.
No one is acting like themselves. He hadn't punched Carlos before he could be hugged, Carlos' public displays of affection and overall light attitude, Evie weeping openly, and Mal isn't scoffing or cursing at Carlos and Evie for their vulnerable position on the couch. It would make the entire team look bad. So why had they done it? Why aren't they stopping it?
There is something definitely amiss. From the look on Princess Audrey's face, she knows it too. And possibly the reason behind all of their unusual behavior. Jay plans to fine out what. He sits next to her at the table positioned behind the couch and faces the large window. "What do you know? What have they done to us?" It is more of a demand than a question, though both the threat and terror are present in his voice.
"If you're feeling strange, it is likely due to the vaccinations you received this morning." The princess begins. The island children lean in close and give her their undivided attention. "You see, the medicines we make contain small doses of magic. Pixie dust to be specific. But the four of you have never been exposed to it before and took multiple vaccines. You maybe be intoxicated."
"We're high?" Mal asks.
"My highs have never felt like this." Jay adds.
The princess shifts uncomfortably in her seat. "You've also never been exposed to magic before. Even Ben and I have to take a day to recover after a shot. You'll need a couple days to be back to your normal selves."
"When do we leave?" Mal steps closer to Audrey. "We played nice and took your stupid shots. It's time to free us. What happened to attending Auradon Prep or are we just disposable, live guinea pigs for you all to poke at?"
"No. No." Audrey gasps and stands to face Mal. The rest of them stand or sit straighter as well. "Ben has some last-minute things to work out before you can start classes. And it's recommended that the four of you remain here under supervision while the effects of the vaccines wear off."
"Of course, we understand. The crown prince of Auradon is too busy. He stops by for a few days to visit the poor villain kids in an attempt to gain our trust, then send his girlfriend to keep up appearances." Mal starts. "Let me guess, Ben thought 'I'm going to save the poor isle kids and bring them to Auradon.' Did you ever consider we didn't want saving? All you managed to do was bring us from one prison to another. Either let us out or send us back." The young fairy slams her hands on the back of the couch, causing everyone to jump.
"Mal." Evie warns.
Audrey steps up to Mal to respond, but just as she is about to speak a tree just outside the window burst into flames.
"Goodness!" "What in Hades name?" Maleficent!" The group of them exclaim.
"What just happened?" Carlos asks walking toward the window to get a better look at the burning tree.
"It's been happening all day." Evie risks a glance at Mal.
"You did that?" Jay asks in a hushed surprise.
Mal glares at him then at Evie. "It would seem so. I'm not controlling it or anything. It's been happening since you people stabbed us with those stupid vaccines." Her glare lands on Audrey.
The princess frowns and walks to stand next to Carlos at the window. "I don't understand. I've never heard of anyone reacting this way."
"Well you said it yourself, we've been injected with a concentrated does of magic after never been exposed to it before." Carlos begins. "It makes perfect sense that the daughter of the most powerful dark fairy also shows signs of magic when exposed to it on this level."
Audrey turns to address the rest of them. "Have any of you, other than Mal, been feeling or doing things that they normally can't?"
The group of them remain quiet. They all eye one another questioning whether or not anyone would speak up. The look on Mal's face dared them to say something to the princess. It is no secret that she doesn't like her in the slightest. And as it turns out the rules of the isle still apply. Trust no one.
"Come on you all. I can't help if I don't know what the issue is."
Mal steps around the couch to once again come face to face with Audrey. "Like I said earlier you over privileged silk-stocking, we don't need nor want your fucking help. Now, take a hint and leave.
Audrey looks the rest of them to counter what Mal said. She thought she may have had a chance the way Carlos shifts beside her, or the way Evie sends her a look of understanding, but in the end none of them do. She huffs and marches out the room.
"Nice one. You did not have to talk to her like that." Evie scolds.
Mal rolls her eyes. "Shows her. We aren't here to make friends. We have a mission to complete. We cannot afford to fail."
The group of them sigh. It's easy to forget why they were really in Auradon. Especially when they're separated from Mal's constant reminders. They steal Fairy Godmother's wand and bring it to Maleficent. No detours. No excuses.
.
The next days pass nearly uneventfully. The prince Ben makes a return the next lunch hour, as does the old woman in the wheelchair. Pocahontas, Jay learns her name is. She apparently another famous do-gooder that he has never heard of before and has zero interest in learning about. He smirks to himself at the sight of her empty wrist were her watch used to be.
"How have you been since we last met? You all received your vaccinations yesterday and we weren't able to meet. How was that for you?" Pocahontas asks.
An uncontrollable shiver runs through Jay. He frowns when Pocahontas notices. This is the third time it's happened since she arrived, but it's been happening on and off since last night. The stupid shakes kept waking him from his sleep. He doesn't tell her any of this. "It's fine. Can we leave now?"
"You lay feel fine, but the others are still experiencing some symptoms from the vaccinations. All of you will be released at once, together."
The pair sit at one of the small tables in the infirmary break room– the same room they met the princess in just the day before. The windows are opened in a door-like fashion he suspected they could be. In this light Pocahontas appears ageless. He thinks she may have once possibly been pretty when she was younger. Jay curses himself for thinking it. He blames the vaccines. He can't control his mind and emotions like he used to. "How old are you?" Damn it. He hadn't meant to ask that aloud.
The old woman chuckles at his outburst. He seems to have surprised even himself. "I am 111 years old. I'll be 112 this October."
"Damn. I didn't know people could live that long." Jay muses. "I always figured if I didn't die in the streets, I'd live to be about 40 or 50. But 100!" Could he live to be a hundred? How's that even possible? Was it because of magic? Is that something only people on the mainland can do or can people get that old on the isle? He doesn't think he's ever seen anyone that old on the isle. Yen Sid is fairly old, but is he 100 years old? Maybe like eighty-something. And he technically not really an islander.
The old woman shifts in her chair as she thinks it over. "I suppose you could. Living this long is uncommon around these parts, though my tribe is known to live longer than most."
"Why? What's so special about your tribe?"
"Well, we have taught for many generations that the earth- the land we live on should be respected and nurtured the same as any of us... We give to it, and it will give back to us. And it doesn't hurt that we have some of the most naturally and healthily grown food in the nation." She chuckles to herself.
"Food can make you live longer?" Jay thinks aloud. Sure, it is something they all need to live. He's seen first-hand what happens to people without enough to eat. Dying of starvation is the most common way to go on the isle, other than being killed by someone else. But for food to extend a person's lifespan– magic must be involved some way.
"Sure, the right kinds of food." Pocahontas explains. She smiles to herself a little, pleased she is able to pique the interest of the teen in front of her. All of them have been very difficult to get to know. Aside from Jay the first day they met, none of them talk about anything personal. Pocahontas doesn't know nearly enough about life on the isle to gauge a proper assessment on their mental state.
"What are the right kinds of food? Food from Auradon?"
At this, the chieftain pauses. Perhaps a lesson in diet and nutrition is required. They are so well versed in many of their topics of discussion, it's so easy to forget they quite literally lived in a world of their own. They wouldn't know the basics of everyday life here in Auradon. What many consider to be common knowledge isn't as common as they originally thought. "Jay I am so sorry. I've going on about food and various things thinking you'd automatically understand what I'm talking about. Please, let me try again."
Jay doesn't speak. He remains quiet and eyes her with suspicion. Pocahontas takes this as his cue to continue. "Why don't I start with allergies so that you and your friends are aware of certain foods you may want to stay away from." She flips open some of her files. She's quite as she reads through its contents.
Jay subtly leans toward her in hopes to catch a peak at what were in the files. The moment he sees Carlos' name scrawled at the top of a page the old woman looks up. He pushes his body away from her— not too subtly either. "What's it say?" He tries to play it off.
"Well," Pocahontas begins ignoring his failed attempt to see into the folder. "based off the test that were run on the group of you, Carlos is lactose intolerant. Meaning he should avoid milk of dairy products. This doesn't mean he can't have it, but he should be mindful of his intake. Evie has a pollen allergy and an intolerance to apples." She chuckles at that. Jay can see the irony in that. "From the looks of it, neither you nor Mal have any foods to worry over. That being said, I encourage you both to be cautious and look out for any adverse reactions."
She then goes on to explain food. Jay zones out through the majority of her lesson. All food effects your body. Blah blah blah. Something about energy. Food groups. Blah blah blah. He and the rest of the gang are under weight. Whatever that means. He hadn't realized there was a weight requirement to live in Auradon. These people are truly whack.
Pocahontas' entire demeanor shifts. This causes to Jay to fully focus his attention back to her. Everything takes in more serious tone. "Please understand that what I have to say is a serious matter, but there is no need to panic or worry over it. I haven't told the others yet; however, I thought it was important for you to be aware of these things."
"Spit it out already." Jay snaps.
"Have you ever heard of Ernivum?" He shakes his head in the negative. She continues. "It is a rare form of illness magical beings and users get when they have been stripped of their access to magic for an extended period of time. Based off of their charts Mal and Evie both have mild variant of this. In most cases it can be deadly, but the doctors don't feel that will happen here."
The teen's hands fidget in agitation. He hates being backed into a corner like this. Its his own fault really. He told her to go on. How was he supposed to know the information she had would be so valuable? He'd known the people here were slimy, yet he keeps falling for their tricks. Information like this will come at a high price. One he is not willing to pay. Jay doesn't like being in debt, especially anyone from Auradon. "Why are you telling me this? What do you want for this information?"
Pocahontas blinks taken aback. "What? Nothing. I simply want you all to be aware of your health. It's important you know these things. I honestly should have told you sooner."
"There has to be something. Ain't nothing in this world free." Jay pushes himself away the table. He stands so quickly, his chair flips to the tiled floor causing a loud echo throughout the room. Pocahontas flinches. Good. Maybe now he can get some real answers from her. "What do you want? Money? Information? A good time?" He looks her up and down. Not likely given her condition. "Your watch? Is that it? Take it. The thing doesn't even work." Jay reaches into his pocket and tosses the small, ugly watch on the table. It bounced off and lands on the woman's lap.
Damn her. Damn this place. Damn Auradon. Damn them all. Everyone back home was right. Auradon is shit. He balls his hands into fist and paces the room. At least on the isle Jay understood the rules. You fight, you steal, you kill, you live. As long as you're on the top life is good. Don't stray too far from your territory without reason or proper reinforcements. If you get sick on the isle, there is 90% chance you won't live to see next week. Only the strong survive. That's just how it is. Simple as that. Here at Auradon everything is turned upside down. Nothing makes sense. Here, they have magic and royalty and weird ass rules on what they can and cannot eat. Here, they have they have people stab them with needles that cause him to see weird lights. Here, they have magical illnesses that threaten to kill his– friends? His gang.
They could die.
Damn it. This was not a part of the plan.
Jay slams his hands on the small table to get the old woman's attention. There was no need, he already had it. He points a finger at her, but no words come out. Jay lets out a frustrated growl before he begins his pacing once again. He can't seem to get his heart to stop racing. His eyes prick, his nose heats, and his breath comes out in shudders. He recognizes the tell-tale signs that his body will betray him in the most embarrassing way in front of this Auradonian woman. That cannot happen. What is this place doing to him? He needs to get out of here.
"Jay-" The old woman's voice is weak.
It sets him off. "Shut up!" A tear slips from his eye.
In a last stich effort to reclaim some control, Jay grabs his fallen chair and tosses it toward the wall behind him. The chair breaks on impact. It brings the smallest pleasure to see it crumble to the ground. He's wanted to do that since they arrived.
Jay doesn't spare her another glance as he marches past the broken chair and out the door. He stops in the hallway outside of the girls' room. Carlos is in there with them. Jay rests his hand on the doorknob but doesn't push it open. How is he going to tell them they were going to die? There is no way he can break the news to them. He can't. He won't. This will have to be his burden to carry alone. He'd find a way to fix this. They's no way he is going to let them die of some stupid illness like the weak scums from the isle. No, if they die it will be a warrior's death in the battle the Auradon takeover to be remembered forever as legends.