Chapter Text
Words: 3,595
Flashes of black nails. An emerald orb, twisted charcoal branch trapping it. Brittle old nails biting into skin. One moment it was a blink, the next it was a hazy storm, blurry yet clear all at once. He could see, then he couldn’t.
Cracking, splitting, shattering; glass, skin, bone.
Tiny, tottering sobs. Not his. Never his. He refused to cry, to talk, to answer.
“It’s just me!” Is all he would say, voice hoarse and mouth coating with blood, body aching and burning.
Wrinkled hands, old hands, tugged and pulled at hair.
He feared their malicious eyes.
He woke with a sharp intake of breath, hand shooting out to clutch at the small arm that had indented on his mattress.
“Doug!” Doug stilled, registering the tiny, high-pitched voice. He let her arm go.
“Diz.” Doug sighed, relieved as he sat up in his bed, rubbing the sleep and dried tears from his lids. His hand stayed over his face as he spoke. “What have I told you, Diz. You can’t keep coming to my dorm; it’s boys only after curfew.” His hand fell to his lap, looking at her in slight but fond exasperation.
“I can’t sleep.” Dizzy said, pouty, already making herself comfortable in Doug’s bed.
“I know.” That was her excuse every time. In the past month, Dizzy had snuck in at least a dozen times. Eventually, she’d get caught and banned from his room, even if she was simply a scared child.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, his other arm a pillow for her as she cuddled into him like a baby with a stuffed animal.
“This is the last time.” Doug mumbled, closing his eyes in hopes of sleeping again before school began. He had told Dizzy it was the last time several times, but it seemed even he couldn’t say no to her. He wondered if Dizzy ever went to Evie, Aziz, or Carlos for comfort like she did him.
As he allowed himself to relax, Dizzy hugged him tighter, cautious of his fractured rib.
“…You can’t sleep either.” She whispered, head over his heart. She could probably hear the skip of his heart beat, the answer she already knew so plainly obvious.
He didn’t respond, simply keeping his eyes shut and hoping for no nightmares.
~~~
Ben yawned as flicked through the documents that were slowly covering his entire desk. He’d been up practically every night sorting out everything. He’d been coronated the day before the VK’s arrived to Auradon. A slip his father did on purpose. He probably didn’t want the children of villains at the coronation as not to cause an uproar in the media. The media. He was beginning to hate them.
Every day they were up his rear trying to get more information on the VK’s. He had to save Gil from being bombarded by the media once since he was the son of Gaston at the King’s castle. Just that action had caused at least several rumours, some ranging from harmless ‘Son of Beast Friends with Son of Gaston?’ to him trying to plot the death of his father with the help of Gil.
So many interviews to clear up every rumour they produced and every time, it seemed like he couldn’t satisfy a soul. Whether he lied or told the truth, no one would ever be satisfied with his ideal new way of life where AK’s and VK’s could exist in harmony. Don’t even get him started on the columns they did on Mal and her horns.
So he worked. School work during the day, putting on the perfect Kingly smile, and at night, he rifled through the politics and media updates, trying to save himself and the VK’s from the scorn of their peers. Not every AK was okay with the new kids, but some were slowly warming up to the idea, befriending girls like Evie, Desiree and Dizzy and boys like Jay, Carlos and Gil. The easy-going, cheerful ones that were easy to get along with.
Mal was having a hard time fitting in with her art class, most labelling her art too dark or evil. Her appearance didn’t help her fit in around the school to begin with. Most people were intimidated by Gil. Harry’s manic behaviour terrified people. Uma didn’t seem to be even trying to make friends with anyone but the Stray Five. The crew were labelled too rowdy, and no one liked Jonas’ temper except Aziz.
He only hoped the next batch of VK’s would have an easier transition next month. He’d gotten Uma, Dizzy and Evie to help him make a list of the next group since they would know people from each side of the Isle and the young ones just starting school. He would do four to six each month and slowly integrate them in with the AK’s.
If he didn’t destroy his status by killing a reporter. He could only hope.
“Ben?” Ben snapped his head up, tense, before he noticed it was Mal. His body relaxed, smiling softly at her.
“Hey, Malefic.” He greeted, taking her hand as she walked up to him, kissing her knuckles gently, right over the golden ring he had given her as a welcome gift. Something about her wearing his kingdoms emblem made his chest swell with pride.
“Jeez, you’re a happy camper…” She looked at him more closely. “When you’re sleep deprived.” She sighed, looking down their joined hands and squeezing his. “You’re exhausted, Ben. You should head to bed.”
“I’ll only be ten more minutes, I promise.”
“Your bags are darker than my mother’s polish. Please. Go to sleep.”
“What’re you doing up at this hour, anyway?” Ben questioned, brows furrowing. It was almost midnight and they had school tomorrow.
“I couldn’t sleep knowing you weren’t. You’re turning me into a worry wart.” Mal ran one hand through his sandy brown hair, untangling the knots he had made from pushing it back.
“Don’t worry about me, Mal. Just go back to bed.”
“Only if you do to.”
“Mal, I’m not finished – “
“You’re never finished – “
“Because I have to fix every problem concerning the VK’s, okay?!” Ben snapped, his patience running thin. He cursed his father’s blood. Mal let go of his hand, taking a step back.
“I’m just trying to help, Ben.”
“Well, you can’t, okay? Every day is a new problem, students don’t like joined classes with the VK’s, teachers are biased, sorting out the next bunch of VK’s, taming the media, keeping my grades afloat while constantly having to take leave to do interviews so the news doesn’t go haywire, pleasing my subjects and sorting out civil disputes – I can’t just be finished, alright? I can’t sleep, not until I deal with this paperwork, not until I’ve booked another appointment with Snow White’s news agency, not until I’ve done my homework.” Ben buried his face in his hands. “Please, Mal, just leave me be.”
Mal looked down, guilty but bitter.
“I’m sorry we’re causing you so much trouble, Ben. Maybe we shouldn’t have come to Auradon after all.” Mal turned on her heel and headed for the door.
“Mal – “
“No, no. It’s okay. I get it. You’re busy. But Ben, just remember you’re not alone. It’s your fault if you can’t get over your own pride and ask for help.” Mal closed the door behind her with a quick click, her boots sounding her leave.
Ben sighed, rubbing his eyes.
“It’s not about pride.” He murmured to himself, picking his pen back up. Just a few more pages and then he’s go to sleep.
He had to prove he could do it himself. He couldn’t burden his friends again…
~~~
Jane grinned on the arm of Gil, eyes shining with happiness as they walked the halls.
“How did tourney go?” She questioned, making conversation.
“It was alright. I’m pretty good at sword fighting, so I’m hoping I’ll get in.”
“They call it fencing here, Gil.” Jane reminded.
“Oh, right.” He looked down at her wrist at the bracelet he had given her. “The e’s starting to fade.” He frowned.
“It’s alright. I like wearing it.” Jane assured.
“But we’re in Auradon now. Don’t you want, I don’t know, something less scrappy?” He sounded almost insecure.
“Gil, I don’t care that it’s scrappy. You made it for me, and for that reason alone, I love it.” Jane blushed lightly before she rose on her toes and pressed a soft kiss against his cheek. His frowned stretched into a grin.
“Thanks, Jan.” Jane found herself quite attached to the nickname. He was glad Gil continued to use it. As they passed the lockers, Jane heard two girls talking by an open locker.
“Is she seriously with him? I mean, isn’t he a villain?”
“I know, it’s so weird. I mean, sure, he’s a hunky villain, but she’s just…Plain Jane. How did she even score a guy that good looking?”
“You know what they say about fairies, wicked little tricksters.” She laughed, high pitched and annoying. Jane scowled internally.
“If she wasn’t Fairy Godmother’s daughter, she’d probably have been chucked to the Isle with the rest of them.”
“Maybe that’s why she’s with him. Villains stick together.”
“Hey!” Jane snapped, glaring at the girls. “Why don’t you talk about something else, huh? Princesses should be regaler.” The girls looked away, scoffing slightly as Jane continued down the hall. Jane felt a surge of anxiety under her skin but knew now how to calm the roaring current. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breathe. A blue glow hidden behind her eyelids flashed as she whispered.
“Slip and slick, send these girls on a trip.”
The girls closed the locker and began to walk towards their class. Right on cue, they both gave a yelp and screech as they slipped and tripped over each other, bruising their hands and knees on impact.
“What the hell?! Why didn’t they put up a wet floor sign? Ugh, useless janitor.” They both complained between themselves, Jane’s chest filling with satisfaction. Her magic cooled beneath her skin, content as she rested her head on Gil’s shoulder.
“Huh, déjà vu works quickly.” Gil said, blinking in surprise.
“It’s karma, Gil.” Jane laughed, shaking her head. Gil wasn’t the brightest, but he was the sweetest.
“What’s déjà vu then?” Gil furrowed his brows. Jane grinned, explaining as they walked. Something about standing up to others was giving her a lot more confidence.
~~~
“So…Fencing is essentially sword fighting but you don’t win by stabbing the guy.” Uma clarified as she pulled on the padded fencing vest.
“Basically. Just follow my lead. We’ll get in for sure. I mean, if Gil and Jay can get in, so can we.” Lonnie assured, putting on the fencing mask.
“You rope me into some crazy things, but I guess I can’t deny it’ll be fun to trip up some guys.” Uma grinned slightly as she wrapped her braids up with her fist and tucked it under the mask as she slipped it on.
“Well then, lets get going.” Lonnie was excited to start. They arrived at the try out, faces hidden as Chad led formation, fussing with his hair every time he took off the mask. Lonnie saw Carlos doing his homework from above, likely there to support Jay. Dizzy was besides him, smacking on his shoulder whenever she had a question.
It made Lonnie smile. She even noticed Harry, completely ignoring his homework and instead messing with Dizzy’s space buns and flicking bits of broken rubber at Carlos while simultaneously cheering Gil on, rather bored. Surprisingly, Jane wasn’t there. She probably had a meeting with the decorative committee.
They all seemed rather interested in the practice when they noticed Chad and Jay were being beaten by two other fencers. Uma smirked when she heard Gil compliment her to another boy on the team.
Uma had Chad unarmed by the time she was done with him and Lonnie had Jay practically pinned under a single petite foot.
Uma glanced over to Lonnie who gave her a nod. They both pulled off their masks, Uma’s hair falling around her like the shine of a halo. Lonnie ran a hand through her pixie, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
“That – That was amazing, Lonnie, Uma.” Jay complimented, awed as Harry applauded from above enthusiastically for his goddess. Uma blew him a sarcastic kiss and making the boy grin.
“That was awesome! You guys should be on the team!” Dizzy beamed, Carlos nodding in agreement.
“Ah, ah, ah!” Chad stood up, ruffled as he grabbed a rule book from the bench, flicking through it. “As Captain, I refuse to go against the rules. A team must be comprised of eight men and a captain. Men.” Chad pointed at Uma and Lonnie, ego and pride bruised. “So, according to the rules, they can’t join the team. Sorry, ladies.” He didn’t sound sorry at all. Uma scowled, Lonnie’s lips pursed in injustice.
“Excuse me?” Uma said, hands on her hips. “We just beat you, fair and square. If anything, we’re better then you ‘men’. Back on the Isle, I was one of the most fearsome pirate and swordsmen.”
“Yeah, princey, why don’t ye go pack yerself up and hop in yer wooden onesie? I’d be glad ta help!” Harry called, torso hanging over the railing as he brandished his hook. Fairy Godmother had charmed it harmless, but it was still a terrifying prospect to be hit with it.
“Rules are rules, Hook. And like you said, swordsmen.” Chad said arrogantly. “Come back when you magically become boys.” Jay scowled at Chad.
“Why are you being such a douche about it, Chad? They’re good at what they do.”
“I’m not changing my opinion. Until you become Captain, zip in, genie.” Jay looked ready to punch in Chad’s teeth, so Lonnie placed a hand on his chest, reminding him to rein it in. Gil looked at Uma, questioning silently whether he was allowed to hit Chad, but Uma simply shook her head.
“You’re a terrible Captain!” Dizzy yelled down at Chad childishly. “It’s okay, Lonnie, Uma. We’ll figure something out.” Both girls sighed but gave Dizzy a forced smile.
They’d have to find a way eventually.
“Just so you know, Chad, if my mom thought that way, China would have fell to the Huns.” Lonnie stormed out, and Jay would have followed if not for Chad stopping him and warning him. He didn’t want to leave the tourney…
Outside the arena, Lonnie stood with Jay and Carlos ten minutes later, pacing in front of them as she sulked. She hated the rule book. Since when did her being a girl mean she couldn’t fight?
“This isn’t fair.” Lonnie crossed her arms across her chest. “I mean, if my mom had followed the rules, we would have lost the war. My aunts wouldn’t be with my uncles. This entire thing is – is baloney! I should be able to join the tourney team. I never would have been ignored because of my gender on…on the Isle.” Lonnie’s heart sunk with guilt at the dark looks on Carlos’ and Jay’s faces. “I…I’m sorry, it just slipped out.”
She knew how they felt about the Isle. They barely spoke about it since they got to Auradon.
“It’s okay. We get it, it’s true. The Isle didn’t care about who you were, as long as you were the baddest...” Jay sighed.
“But no one was particularly kind to you either, Lonnie.” Carlos rubbed his arm with his opposite hand, almost hugging himself.
“I know…I know.”
Above the training arena, Uma was having a similar conversation with Harry and Gil.
“I don’t get why Gil gets to join tourney and I don’t! I’m miles better than he is at it, no offence.” Gil shrugged.
“I’m more of a hunter, Ben just suggested it would help me make some friends.”
“I still hate it though.” Uma growled. “I am just as capable as the boys on the team, so why the evil can’t I join them?!” Uma kicked the yellow bench, cushioned like a bean bag. On the Isle would have been cold metal, bent, cracked and dented. “I never would have been excluded for being a girl on the Isle!”
She paused, blinking in surprise at her own words. Why would she say that? It’s not like she wanted to be back on the Isle, but it had been easier joining sport teams. She had been Captain of the swimming club after all. She didn’t even know if Auradon had a swimming club. She’d have to check with Ben.
“At least ye don’t go hungry.” Harry murmured, approaching her cautiously to wrap his arms around her. Somehow, being on the Isle had made things like this easier. Affection was easier to display, even if it was only Gil in the room. “At least ye got a warm bed ta go back ta every night, and ye don’t have ta listen ta yer mothers screechin’.”
Uma slowly calmed in his embrace, not resisting when he turned her around to face him. Uma’s eyes refused to meet his, focusing on the holes of his shirt. He refused to change his style, but at least he had forgone the pirate hat, tucked away in his dorm. He still looked like a raccoon with his eyeliner though.
“At least yer safe, with us.” Uma slowly looked up at him, brown eyes vulnerable under his invasive blues.
“I know. I’m still mad though.”
“And ye have every right ta be. But for now, count yer blessing’s, Uma.” Harry brushed his lips every so lightly against her temples as he drew her into a hug. It felt like heaven when she was there with him, stuck in the moment.
“Group hug!” Harry grunted when Gil wrapped his bulky arms around them both and lifted them off the group ever so slightly. Uma chuckled softly against Harry’s ear before telling Gil to let them go, reprimanding Gil as Harry watched. He could only hope things would work themselves out. If not, they’d have to fight for them like they always did.
~~~
Aziz beat into the boxing bag with all his strength, Jonas holding it still for his boyfriend. Boyfriend. Aziz was still getting used to that word. He never thought he’d have a boyfriend, living in Auradon. He always thought he’d marry a princess, maybe even Lonnie if she would let him, and spent the rest of his life watching men from afar, doing his dutiful work as Sultan.
Pleasing his mother and father and people.
“Woah there, tiger, you’re gonna break the bag.” Jonas strained a laugh, becoming breathless just from Aziz’s strength on the bag.
“Sorry. Thinking.” Aziz kicked the bag hard, the impact making his leg weak for a moment. He hated the rippling effect, but at the same time, it stabilised him in a strange way.
“I hope it’s about the delicious dinner they’re serving tonight. Agrabah special. I heard there will be plenty of Lokma.” Jonas had learnt of his love of the Arabian treat a few days prior when his mother sent him a box of homemade ones. He joked that Aziz loved it more than him. Aziz didn’t deny it. He loved Jonas, but he was not sharing his treats with anyone, not even Lonnie.
“Hades, I’ll need to work this bag hard then or I’ll get fat.” Aziz laughed. He was still trying to unadapt to the Isle slang he had adopted, but he knew it would take some time. People had already given him some strange looks when he said ‘evil’ instead of ‘goodness’ when he messed up his speech for English.
“You could always work something else hard.” Aziz snorted at Jonas’ innuendo, looking at him from around the boxing bag.
“Tempting.” Aziz winked, his laugh dying in his throat when Jonas’ hands slipped into the back pockets of his jeans. He had forgone his shirt during the workout, chest slick with sweat and breath warm with exertion.
“Very.” Jonas looked at him with a certain softness that lacked sensuality compared to his actions. Instead, he just seemed content with Aziz being in his arms. Aziz smiled softly, matching the softness Jonas was giving him. gloves trailing up his arms and laying on his shoulders, Aziz leaned in for a kiss.
The door of the gym opened as voices flooded in. Aziz pushed himself away from Jonas instantaneously, heart pounding as he watching some boys walk by the boxing area towards the lockers to change. Aziz let out a breath, trembling ever so slightly as he tried to calm himself.
For one terrifying moment, he thought he would be found out.
“Jeez, buzz kills.” Jonas grumbled, shrugging it off as he tried to embrace Aziz again, but the boy moved away from him. Aziz ran a gloved hand through his damp hair and smiled awkwardly as he pulled them off. He offered them to Jonas.
“You’re up next.” He said as cheerfully as possible, hoping his tremor was unnoticeable. Jonas looked a little disappointed but took the gloves nonetheless.
“Sure. Hold the bag for me, would you?” Aziz grinned and held the boxing bag in place as Jonas punched away. The rhythmic hits calmed Aziz’s heart, but his mind was still buzzing with fear.
He couldn’t let anyone else know he was with Jonas. Not yet…Maybe not ever.
He was a Sultan-to-be after all, and all Sultans had a princess at their side.
1 GOOD TURNED BAD