Chapter Text
Ben and Neil were in the latter's room. The future King of Auradon had just shared his very first royal proclamation: he wanted to bring the children of villains to study in Auradon, giving them the opportunities they had never had while growing up on the Isle.
"So... what do you think?" Ben asked, looking at his friend.
Neil was sitting on his bed while Ben leaned casually against the wall.
Neil was one of the few students at Auradon Prep with a room of his own. Being one of Ben's closest friends definitely came with its perks. His bedroom was filled with action figures, paintings and blank canvases, scattered art supplies, hundreds of books, and wide-open windows that flooded the room with sunlight.
"I don't know why you're asking for my opinion," Neil muttered as Flynn climbed onto his head. The little animal nodded, staring at Ben. "You're going to do it anyway. But... who are their parents?"
"Jafar, Cruella de Vil, and... Maleficent."
At the last name, Flynn's eyes widened.
Flynn was a chameleon, a gift from Neil's mother ever since he could remember —literally. In every memory the boy had, the tiny green reptile was there beside him. His name, "Flynn," had been chosen in honor of the nickname Neil's father once used.
"Interesting choices," Neil admitted. "All right. They deserve a chance. They're not their parents."
Ben nodded and opened his mouth to add something.
"One more thing. I'd like you to choose one more student. Only if you want to."
A smile spread across Neil's face. He already knew exactly who he wanted.
"The Evil Queen's daughter."
Flynn looked at Neil in disbelief, while Ben simply smiled.
"And... thanks for thinking of me."
"How could I not?" Ben replied. "You're like the brother I never had, Neil."
Ben held out a fist, and Neil bumped it with his own.
"I'm going to tell my parents. Wish me luck."
"You won't need it, Bennyboo."
Neil teased him with the nickname, earning a laugh from Ben before he headed out the door.
Neil smiled after him, then stood up and stepped onto his balcony, where he had a perfect view of the Isle of the Lost.
They had accepted Ben's proposal—or rather, they hadn't really had much choice, considering he was the future king.
Today was the day the children of the villains would finally arrive in Auradon.
Neil waited inside Auradon Prep while everyone else welcomed the newcomers. He and Doug —Dopey's son— had been assigned to help the new students settle in. Ben had spent hours convincing Neil to help, insisting that, as the school's top student, he was the perfect choice. After plenty of persuasion —and several books as bribery— Neil had finally agreed.
A few minutes later, Doug arrived.
"Hey, Neil."
Neil waved with a smile.
"So? What's your first impression? Are they nice?" Neil asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
"They are."
Neil nodded, and Doug walked away.
Not long after, Ben arrived with Audrey and the four new students.
"So... do you guys have a lot of magic here in Auradon?" asked a purple-haired girl —the daughter of Maleficent. "Like... wands and stuff?"
Neil had been standing on the staircase, quietly listening.
"Of course magic exists," Ben answered, Audrey linked to his arm. "But nobody really uses it anymore. Most of us are just ordinary people."
"Except you're all kings and queens."
"True. Our royal bloodline goes back centuries."
Audrey slipped Ben's arm around her shoulders.
Even from where he stood, Neil noticed the sudden tension. Spotting Doug nearby, he decided to head downstairs.
"Guys!" Ben called to the newcomers. "Come over here."
He walked over to Neil and casually wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Mal couldn't help noticing Audrey's obvious annoyance.
"These are Doug and Neil," Ben introduced. "They'll help you with your schedules and show you where you'll be staying."
He smiled at the newcomers before ruffling Neil's blond hair.
"I'll see you later," Ben said, glancing at Mal. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call..."
"Neil," Audrey interrupted.
After an awkward round of forced laughter, Ben and Audrey left.
"Hi, everyone. I'm Dopey's son. Remember him? Dopey... Bashful, Happy, Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Doc..." Doug rambled nervously, completely losing his train of thought when he looked at Evie.
"I'm Neil Fitzherbert, son of Rapunzel and Eugene." He smiled warmly at the group.
After Evie introduced herself to the boys in a rather unusual way, Doug handed out everyone's class schedules.
"Come on. Let's see the dorms," Mal said.
The group immediately headed for the stairs.
"Actually, the dorms are this way," Neil corrected, pointing in the opposite direction. "Doug will take the boys. I'll show the girls theirs."
Neil walked down the hallway with Evie and Mal toward the girls' dormitory.
"So... you're Rapunzel's son," Mal said.
"That would be me."
"Did you inherit any of her powers or...?" Neil glanced back at her. She was absentmindedly touching her own hair, clearly referring to his blond hair.
"Nope. I'm just normal. A regular mortal."
He kept walking.
"So tell me, Prince Fitzherbert..." Mal continued. "Do you really think Auradon is a place for people like us?"
Neil stopped in front of a door and unlocked it with a key. "Neil. Just Neil."
He opened the door.
"And... if you really try, I think you could get used to it. Although... you might miss the adventure. The freedom. People in Auradon can be pretty boring."
He shrugged with a small grin.
"Or maybe that's just me. Might explain why I don't really have many friends."
Mal and Evie stepped inside.
Evie was immediately captivated by the room.
Mal, however, looked less than impressed.
"You and Ben seem really close."
"We are." Neil leaned against the doorframe. "We're basically brothers."
"Audrey doesn't seem to like that very much."
"Audrey is... Audrey." He chuckled. "She's kind of... jealous, I guess. She really likes Ben, so she's afraid of losing him."
He smiled one last time before turning to leave.
"He's charming, isn't he?" Evie asked, watching Neil walk away.
Mal rolled her eyes.
"He's just another perfect little prince, Evie."
She looked around the room again with a grimace.
"And this place is way too pink."