A Rose in Wonderland (Descendants ROR Reader Insert)
Summary: When you and your cousin Red of Hearts are given the opportunity to attend Auradon Prep, the Queen of Hearts and your mother, the White Queen, are all for it. But when the Queen of Hearts stages a coup and sentences Cinderella to a beheading for treason, it's up to you, Red, and Chloe Charming to prevent the Queen of Hearts from becoming evil in the first place.
WC: 1.5k
Prologue | One | Two | Three |
Prologue: Morning in Wonderland
Beep! B-beep! Beep! B-bee–
You blink groggily at your alarm, fumbling to smack the off button before rolling over with a groan, pulling your comforter with you and back over your head.
You’re warm. Your bed is warm. And the tea party from your dream is waiting for you…
“Good morning!”
You startle violently, letting out a shriek as your older brother practically materializes in front of you. You let out a dramatic groan, glaring at him from beneath the covers.
“Would it kill you to not do that every morning?” you whine, pouting. “Ugh, go away, Rook.”
“Nope.” He plops down at the end of your bed, unfazed by your protests. “Today’s the welcome day ceremony. You don’t want to miss that, do you?”
You answer by grumbling and pulling the blanket higher over your nose.
Rook chuckles. “Mom made biscuits.”
One eye peeks open. “...With strawberry jam?”
He nods, a knowing grin spreading across his face.
“Give me fifteen minutes.”
“Hurry or I’ll eat all of them.” Rook teases as he stands.
“You wouldn’t dare.” You gasp dramatically.
He cocks his head with a glint in his eye and a smirk on his lips.
With one last teasing grin, he slips out into the hallway, finally leaving you alone.
You roll your eyes good-naturedly before throwing your blankets aside and sitting up. A yawn escapes your lips, and you instinctively cover it with one hand while the other stretches high above your head.
With a small gasp, you shake off the last traces of sleep and wander over to the window.
Wonderland was always awake before you were.
White roses sway gently beneath your window, and somewhere in the gardens, you could hear the faint chatter of flamingos. A smile tugs at your lips.
“Good morning, Wonderland.”
You linger in the warm sunlight for just a moment before getting ready for your orientation at Auradon Prep.
Hanging neatly on the back of your closet door was the outfit you'd picked out the night before—something simple but elegant in your favorite color, with a touch of white and silver to represent both yourself and your family.
After brushing your hair, your teeth, and doing your makeup, you smooth the blankets across your freshly made bed and glance at your clock.
Fifteen minutes, right on schedule.
Satisfied, you step into the hallway and head downstairs toward the kitchen, where Rook's laughter mixes with the soft, familiar voice of your mother: the White Queen, Mirana.
They were already seated at the table, your mother poised and elegant as always, while your brother bounces one knee beneath his chair, unable to sit completely still.
“Good morning, Mama.” You greet your mother with a hug, wrapping your arms around her shoulders from behind.
“Oh! Good morning, darling.” One of her hands comes to rest over yours, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Did you sleep well?”
You sighed wistfully, “I was…until Rook woke me up.”
Your glare holds no real heat, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips.
“Then I suppose I owe your brother my thanks.” Your mother fails to hide her smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Mama!”
She gives you a knowing look. “Oh, don’t look so betrayed. I did ask him to make sure you were awake.”
Rook beams, preening under the praise. “Besides, with how dead to the world you were, you were going to end up sleeping through your first day.”
You stick your tongue out at him before sliding into the seat next to him.
As soon as you settle into your chair, a nearby teapot floats gracefully toward you, tilting itself to pour a steaming cup of tea.
You lift your cup with a polite smile.
“Thank you.”
Almost immediately, the sugar bowl hops across the table, depositing three sugar cubes into your tea before giving a satisfied little wiggle.
You couldn’t help but smile as you gently pat its handle.
“And thank you, too.”
Your mother and brother watch you fondly, reminiscing about when you were much smaller. Despite being older, some things never changed.
“So, pawn,” your brother says, pulling your attention to him. “Nervous? Excited? How’re you feeling?”
You let out a long breath, slumping heavily in your chair. “Both?”
Your fingers absently twirl a strand of hair around themselves.
“I’m very grateful Principal Uma is letting me attend, but Wonderland’s been cut off from everyone else for so long.” You glance at Rook. “I mean, you were the exception, you got to attend with Queen Mal and the original VKs!”
A small smile flickers across your face before fading. “I guess…” you hesitate. “I’m worried about Red.”
The room grows a little quieter at your words. “Aunt Bridget loves her, I know she does.” You swallow. “But she’s still the Queen of Hearts. We’re only as close as we are because we’re family.”
You look down at your teacup. “I worry about her…stuck in that big castle with just her mom. I wish she had a little more freedom is all.”
Your mother reaches across the table, gently taking your hand in hers.
“Bridget has lost her way in many respects,” she admits softly. “But beneath the crown, she is still my sister. And she has always loved two people more than anything in this world. Red…” she smiles at you, “and you, my little rose.”
You blink rapidly, sniffling once before returning her smile.
“I cannot speak for my sister’s choices,” she says, lifting your chin until your eyes meet hers. Her thumb brushes gently across your cheek. “But I do know this.”
She smiles with quiet certainty. “Out of every place in Wonderland, Red has always been safest beside the woman who loves her most.”
You frown slightly. “Even if Aunt Bridget has forgotten how to show that love?”
Your mother tilts her head with a bittersweet smile, “Love can become buried beneath grief, fear, and pride.” She squeezes your hand again. “But it is very rarely lost forever. Perhaps Auradon will remind her of that love.”
You nod, taking a shaky breath. Her thumb wipes the tears from your face as she gathers you into a hug. It reminds you of every scraped knee, every nightmare, every time you had run into her arms as a child—whether in tears or bursting with excitement. Somehow, her hugs had always made the world feel a little smaller and a little safer. “I hope so, Mama.”
She presses a kiss to the crown of your head. “I hope so too, my little rose. I hope so too.”
Outside the window, a white rose blooms just a little wider, as if agreeing with her.
You pull back from her embrace with a watery laugh. “High emotions this morning, huh?”
Your mother sighs dramatically, placing the back of her hand against her forehead.
“Can you blame me?” she asks. “Today my daughter ventures beyond Wonderland. It feels like only yesterday I was teaching you to walk through the palace gardens.”
Rook snorts. “Mom, she's going to school. Not sailing off the edge of the world.”
Mirana looks at him with perfect composure. “To a mother, there is very little difference. First your brother, and now you. One by one, my children insist on leaving me.”
Rook smiles sheepishly. “We do come back, you know.”
“Yes,” Mirana agrees with a fond smile. “But you always come back a little taller.”
“Not me!” you chirp, “I’m already as tall as I’m gonna get, Mama.”
“Hm, perhaps.” She sips her tea, “But that doesn’t mean you don’t change.”
Before you can come up with a response, the chiming of a clock startles you.
“Nevermind all of that, it’s time for you to get to school.” She stands from her chair, holding her arms out in invitation.
You launch into her arms, nuzzling against her and breathing in her rose-scented perfume. “Goodbye Mama, promise I’ll tell you all about it when we get back.”
She smooths your hair, pressing a kiss to your head, “I know you will. Now, off you go.”
As you pull away to grab your bag, you spot Rook hugging your mother just as tightly as you had been.
“Take care of your sister, and if you see your cousin, watch out for her too.”
Rook nods at her, smiling. “Will do. We’ll see you tomorrow!”
“Bye Mama! Bye everyone!” You call from the front entrance. “I’ll return soon!”
“Be safe, my loves! Let me know immediately if anything happens.”
You wave as you walk backward to the car. “We will!”
A simple white Beetle waits for you outside. You slide into the passenger seat, smoothing out your skirt.
“Ready?” Rook asks.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
You wave one last time to your mother, who stands at the gate surrounded by the various workers of the castle, sending you off with a smile and a wave of her own. As her hand moves, a burst of magic causes a white rose to appear in your hair. “Thanks Mama.”
With a cheerful putter, the enchanted car rolls down the palace drive, carrying you toward Auradon–and a future none of you could have imagined.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the prologue of my Descendants fic! Let me know if you would like to be tagged for any other parts. My requests are open! The poll results will be for one shots instead of a complete fic.
this is part 2, recommended you read part 1 first! (to avoid confusion)
pairing: james hook x fem!reader (requested)
(note: reader is ariel's daughter and a mermaid)
SUMMARY: as an enemy of the infamous pirate captain starts making advances on you, you are caught between the waves of your lover and the beaming rays of light given to you by another.
GENRE: yandere, quite a bit of angst, comforting fluff at the end, a touch of spice
CW: a bit of cursing, mentions of violence (sword fight, small injuries, threats), mentions of blood (just a few cuts), lots of hurt moments (from arguing), reader gets harassed, jealousy, possessiveness, suggestive material at the end, also uses of the word 'lover' instead of boyfriend or girlfriend because it fit the setting more
WC: 5.5k (did I go overboard? ...maybe)
A/N: me? obsessed with this man? yes, yes I am. the things I felt when writing this...ahhh we love ourselves a jealous man. shoutout to everyone who read and supported part 1, I really didn't think people would actually enjoy reading my writing loll. I know this one is kinda long, so please bear with me. also thanks once again to the anon who requested this, this was a super fun idea to do! all feedback and suggestions are highly appreciated, I'd love to know your thoughts!
“…and then, out of nowhere, BAM! The entire thing explodes!” cries a boy not much older than you, with ginger hair and dressed in a simple green button-up shirt.
Your entire table erupts in laughter, with you sparing a small giggle. It is early morning, and you are sitting with your usual group in the dining hall. You’re only close friends with a few of them, and merely friendly acquaintances with the others. After all, you aren’t really the extroverted, talkative type. Not like the boy retelling the story of how he pranked the headmaster last quarter, somehow with the same enthusiasm as the first ten times he told it.
Peter Pan is one of the members of your large group that you aren’t really close with. Although he is considered to be on the “good” side of the hero-villain spectrum, he sure has his mischievous side.
He is also incredibly extroverted, chatting up anyone he lays his eyes on. Which is why you've always chalked up his attempts to start a conversation with you to his gregarious personality, and nothing more.
Still, you try your best not to get too close to him. Although James has never directly said anything about him to you, you can sense that there’s some…tension between them. Although he tries to act discreet, you’ve still caught on to the way James glowers at Pan whenever you’re with your group—although he doesn’t take much action, as villains and heroes don’t really mix. How he slips his arm around your waist and pulls you in tight whenever he catches sight of Pan, and even the few times he’s used his hook to pull you into a kiss right in front of the person who appears to be his enemy. Not to mention how he always happens to find you with some urgent matter or other that desperately needs your attention whenever you and Pan are having—or trying to have—a conversation. Although, now that you think about it, James does do that quite often whenever you speak to any guy besides him.
Pan catches your eye from across the table, and you can tell he’s waiting for some sort of reaction for his latest joke. You give a polite smile, not really knowing what they had been talking about anyways, and turn away to chat with one of your friends. Whatever’s going on between those two, you don’t care, and you sure don’t want to ruffle any feathers.
Your morning class this semester is Potions and Elixirs 101, in which you happen, by some cruel stroke of fate, to be seated next to the one and only Peter Pan. What is especially annoying about this class—or rather, about your table partner—is that you always end up doing most of the work yourself, being the only one out of your duo that actually listens to instructions.
The teacher explains how today, your class will be making Shanty Serum, an anti-seasickness remedy. After he goes over the requirements a dozen times, you finally set off on the mission of brewing the potion, which is always done in a pair with your table mate.
Everything is going fine, of course; you crush the siren teeth into a fine powder, and Pan, following your careful instructions, manages to brew the kraken saliva until it comes to a soft boil. Just as you reach the final steps, you crinkle your nose as a strange smoky odor fills your senses. You look up from your textbook to see your potion, which you worked so hard on, bubbling and overflowing from the cauldron.
“Ah, I’m so sorry professor! I could have sworn I only put in two unicorn hairs!” Pan cries, jumping back to avoid getting purple goo all over himself. You shoot him a glare, and he adds on, “And I’m sorry to you too, Y/N! I really am!”
You sigh and shake your head, flipping through your textbook to find the page where it explains how to counter excess unicorn hair. Through a bit of luck and a decent amount of skill, you manage to save your potion and not get a terrible grade on it, either.
The last few minutes of class, Pan walks up to you. “Look, Y/N, I’m really sorry about earlier. I know you tried really hard to get the potion right, and I just messed it up. God, I’m such a clutz.” He scratches the back of his head as he looks down at his shoes sheepishly. “Hey, but if you’ll let me, I can make it up to you! Say, you got any plans Friday night?”
His eyes light up as he looks at you with a puppy-dog gaze, and your heart melts a little at his attempt for redemption. But then again, you did promise yourself to keep a good distance from him…
“I-I’m, uhm, well, I was planning to study that night,” you say, which isn’t really much of a lie. “I mean, with midterms coming up and whatnot,” you tack on with a bit of an awkward laugh.
“Saturday night?” Pan pushes, eyes still alight with hope.
“No, I’m sorry, I’m, uh, I’m going out with friends that night. But maybe some other time?” you flash him an apologetic smile, guilt gnawing at your insides as a result of pushing him away. Honestly, you don’t know why James has it out for the poor guy. He seems like the friendly sort to you.
You quickly duck away and move to the other side of the classroom, deciding to meet up with some friends to get away from the stifling silence between the two of you. Deep down, you knew you wouldn't be able to resist Pan’s offer if you had stayed behind to see the disappointed, rejected look on his face. Still, you couldn’t help but glance back at his direction, feeling endlessly shameful for your cold actions.
You thought that would be the end of that, but little did you realize, in that moment, how wrong you were.
School finally lets out and the afternoon rolls around again, which means you stand patiently waiting in the courtyard again for James. You pace around the water fountain, fingers lightly tracing along the rim, humming a tune under your breath.
This fountain has always reminded you of the sea, the rolling waves of the ocean, how the cold water brushes against your skin while it hugs you in a tight embrace. Just thinking about swimming makes your legs ache to morph back into a tail and take off into the blue depths. The worst part about going to the Academy, in your opinion, is that it’s so far from any bodies of water that the only times you get to finally enjoy yourself in your mermaid form is when you’re off for the holidays.
Just as you make your way halfway around the fountain, you see something move on the other side of the water out of the corner of your eye. “Y/N?” a voice calls out.
You walk back around the fountain to be met with… “Pan?” you ask, surprised. “What are you doing here?”
“Well, I saw you come this way after school, and um, I’ve been feeling really bad the whole day for how I screwed up in P&E earlier,” he explains earnestly. “And so, I was thinking, I really want to make sure that I don’t mess up like that again. For both your sake, and my grades’.” He gives a little chuckle at his joke, before straightening his face out again.
“So, uhm, I was wondering, would you be willing to help me out? You don’t have to fully tutor me or anything, but maybe help me study and give me a few tips?”
There it is again. That spark of hope in his eyes. And honestly, how could you turn him down twice? After how sincerely he apologized earlier, and now with how he’s still thinking of you and trying to prevent himself from causing more trouble. You may have your priorities when it comes to relationships, but you still have morals, too. And there is absolutely no way you can reject him again, especially when he’s so desperate to improve.
“Well…yeah, all right. I’ll help you out,” you say, trying to force a smile on your face.
Pan beams, excitement lighting up his features. “Wow, really? Thanks so much, Y/N! You won’t regret it, I swea—”
Pan’s eyes quickly dart to a point above your head, perhaps catching a glimpse of something behind you. Whatever the cause, he stops dead in the middle of his sentence, face dropping. He goes pale for a second, before morphing his features into a hard and cold gaze. Shocked, you turn around to see what could have caused such a sudden change in his demeanor.
And lo and behold, behind you stands a dark, glowering James, still half-concealed by the shadows behind him. He holds Pan’s cold gaze menacingly with a dark, furious, yet somehow misleadingly calm look of his own. Then, with no warning, he stomps towards you, ensnaring your arm within his hook as he drags you away. You barely catch his grumbled “Come on, we’re leaving” as you stumble backwards from his tug, practically running to keep up with his wide strides.
He leads you down a number of empty corridors and doesn’t let you go until you finally reach a deserted staircase. The second he stops hauling you away from the courtyard, you yank your arm back to your side, panting from the difficulty of keeping up with him.
James spins sharply on his heel, angry glare locked with your confused, half-mad, half-hurt gaze.
“Care to tell me what the hell all that was about, love?” he snarls. Darkness swirls around in his vicious eyes, deep and unrelenting like the crashing waves of the ocean, and equally as violent.
“I was just about to ask you the same thing,” you spit back.
“What the hell does Peter Pan want to do with you?”
“First of all, he’s my partner in Potions,” you reply heatedly, trying your best to hold back the angry tears you can feel already forming in your eyes. “And he was asking if I could help him study. As an apology for messing up earlier today. What’s so wrong with that?”
James laughs darkly, muttering, “Damn it, that bastard,” under his breath. He rocks his head back and forth, pairing it with a wicked, twisted smile that sends cold chills down your spine.
“I don’t understand what’s so wrong with that!” you cry out, feeling hot tears already start to trickle down your face.
“Don’t you see?” spits James, taking a step towards you and waving his hook wildly in some form of gesture. “He’s trying to steal you from me!”
At this, you recoil, blinking slowly. You can feel the emotions simmering in you, deep down. The calm before the storm.
“Steal me? From you? Steal me?” you ask, the emotions and fury building inside you like a rising wave. You take a step back from him, your voice rising.
“Look, Pan and I may not be mates, but I know him well,” James snaps, clearly pissed. “And I can tell you right now that he doesn’t have any good intentions towards you.”
“Steal me? Like I’m some sort of treasure to be claimed? Like I’m an object?” you cry out, exasperated and relentless.
Something flashes across James’s eyes for a split second, some emotion or thought that is rather undecipherable. His features soften slightly, reminiscent of how he was when you sang for him under the moonlight not so long ago. As if his rational mind is finally catching up to his emotional words, his face falls, furrowed brows loosen a bit, and the cold anger in his eyes gives way to a more tender side of him. Maybe if you looked hard enough, you could also see a hint of regret laced in there.
“No, I’m sorry Y/N. I didn’t mean it like that,” he calls out after you. But it’s too late; you’re already running down the empty hall, away from James. Away from all your problems.
You’re half-asleep when you show up to Potions and Elixirs 101 the next morning. After your fight yesterday with James, you simply couldn’t catch a wink of sleep. It’s the first time you two fought like this, and you honestly don’t know what to do or how to feel. Sure, you’re still angry at him for the way he acted, but at the same time, you miss his comforting embrace, his soft laughs, the touch of his skin against yours.
You sit down at your assigned table, trying your best to ignore the ginger next to you. Today, you’re taking notes on a lecture the teacher is giving, so you thankfully won’t have to do much talking to Pan.
You make sure to listen as intently as possible to the professor, wanting to fill your mind with something other than thoughts of your argument earlier. You pay attention to taking notes so closely that you nearly forget all about your problems. That is, until you’re reminded again at the end of class, as you’re putting your things away alongside everyone else.
“Hey, Y/N?” Pan asks from beside you.
“Yeah?” you reply, feigning nonchalance. You make sure to keep your head down as you stuff your notebook into your bag. Oh, please let this be about the homework we were just assigned and nothing else.
“I wanted to talk to you about what happened yesterday.”
Well, damn it.
You think about giving a quick response to end the conversation, but in all honesty, you don’t really know if he expects you to accept his apology, or give one of your own. You aren't quite sure who is in the wrong here, but you are sure of one thing: saying the wrong thing will not do you any favors in solving your problems.
“What about yesterday?” You try to keep your tone light, as if it’s all water under the bridge, but you can’t help the apprehensiveness that leaks into your voice.
“Well, I wanted to apologize if I was interrupting something between you two back there,” Pan starts.
You give him a small, apologetic smile, “No, don’t worry, you weren’t interrupting anything,”
“In that case…” Pan runs a hand through his hair as he lets out a quick exhale, before locking eyes with you and asking, “Why are you still with him?”
His blunt question startles you, sending your mind reeling for a response. “I-I don’t know…I just am,” you say, wishing this conversation would be over already. You had never been a big fan of difficult questions that made you doubt everything you knew, or thought you knew, about yourself.
“He treats you terribly. I’ve seen the way he acts. He’s a terrible lover, Y/N.”
You turn to face Pan directly, a defensive glint in your eye at his accusatory tone. “No, he’s not!” You turn away again as you mumble a small, “And he’s not my lover.”
At this, Pan quirks an eyebrow and gives you a look with a very obvious meaning behind it. “Oh please, have you never seen how he is around you? Of course he’s your lover.” Without missing a beat, Pan tacks on, “And a shitty one at that.”
You huff angrily, but you can’t think of anything to shoot back at him besides blatant denials. Pan must have taken this as an offer to continue, because he steps forward and places a gentle hand on your upper arm.
“I’m saying this because I care about you, Y/N. You deserve someone a lot better than the likes of James Hook. Someone who will treat you right, take you out on dates whenever you want, and proudly walk around in public with your hand in theirs. Not someone who only meets up with you after school so nobody sees and acts like you don’t exist half the time.”
Your anger only grows at his words, knowing that his accusations aren’t true and that James does care about you…right? Because underneath the part of you that is always ready to defend James entirely and completely, is a part of you that doubts it, doubts him. It’s always been there, lingering in the back of your mind ever since your unusual relationship started to blossom. And now, with a new layer of hurt and confusion having been peeled back during your fight last night, that part of you wondered, deep down, if Pan was right.
“You need a better lover, Y/N,” Pan continues. “Someone who truly cares about you. Someone…someone like me.”
Your eyes blow wide at his revelation as your mouth parts slightly in shock. You take a step backwards, shrugging off Pan’s hand as you stumble away from him.
“Wait, please, just hear me out,” he pleads. “Just give me one chance. One chance to prove myself to you. You gave Hook a chance when you started trusting him, didn’t you? And he’s a villain. So why can’t you give me a chance? You won’t regret it, I promise.” He moves closer to you and you keep inching away, until your back collides with a wall and you realize that you have nowhere to run.
Pan continues forward, your fear skyrocketing at his increasing proximity. “Please?” he begs. “I could treat you right. So much better than Hook.”
He finally reaches you, standing far closer than you would have normally let him, or anyone else, for that matter, as he cups your cheek with his left hand. Truth be told, it feels nice to sense warm flesh on your skin instead of the cold, harsh metal of James’s hook. But you shake that thought away almost instantly, chastising yourself for, even for a moment, putting Pan above James.
Pan places his free hand on the wall next to your head and leans in even closer. “Please?” he whispers, his warm breath fanning across your cheek.
The feeling of his exhale, paired with his natural scent that you only smell now when he’s this close, takes you back to that day when you first met James. He had leaned in too, whispering in your ear. You had felt his breath on your skin, breathed in his scent.
You feel an odd sense of deja vu, but for some reason, this interaction causes your heart to race out of pure fear, rather than the exhilarating rush you felt when you were with James. The realization causes you to snap out of your trance and go into full-on panic mode. “N-no, I’m sorry, I…”
Pan growls, not backing away. “Come one! How come you gave a villain a chance and you won’t give me one? That’s not fair!”
Your breathing quickens in pace, the panic settling over you and dragging you deep under like a wave at sea. Your palms start sweating profusely, and you can hear your heart racing a thousand miles a minute. You’re pretty sure this is what people mean when they mention one’s fight or flight response.
“No! Just, just leave me alone!” you cry, ducking under his arm and rushing away from him just as the bell rings. You run into the hallway, trying to put as much distance between you and him as possible.
You finally make it to the dining hall, plopping down at a table far away from your usual spot. You don’t care if you have to eat alone; anything to get away from Pan. Your mind is already wandering to thoughts of how to convince your Potions and Elixirs teacher to let you switch seats when you notice a lot of commotion next to the entrance of the dining hall.
People have started crowding around the doors and murmuring to each other. Curious, you get up from your seat, wandering over to see what’s causing the commotion. As you near, you hear distant shouting and the sound of metallic clinking. You move even closer still, and finally catch snippets of people’s conversations.
“...fighting…”
“over…girl…”
“Wait, who’s winning?”
“...did you see that?”
“Oh my god…he’s gonna kill him!”
You try to stand up straight to get a look at what's causing the commotion, but the large crowd that has amassed blocks everything from view. “What’s going on?” you ask, not really to anyone in particular.
“Didn’t you hear?” a short, round boy, with big glasses to match his wide eyes answers. You recognize him as Smee from some of your classes. “James Hook is fighting a duel against Peter Pan!”
James…fighting…what? You blink in absolute disbelief. There is no way this is happening right now.
You manage to push your way to the front of the crowd, albeit not without many disgruntled mumbles thrown your way, until you get a clear view of the corridor in front of the dining hall.
You stand there, petrified, as you watch. Hell, it is really happening. James and Pan each have their swords unsheathed and are violently swinging them at each other’s heads, parrying the other’s attacks with deafening clashes of steel.
“You bastard!” James yells, taking another swing at Pan.
Pan jumps back, floating a few feet in the air as he does so, with a laugh. “Oh please, all I wanted to do was treat her right. Unlike you.”
James grits his teeth, countering Pan’s blow with one of his own. “You tried to steal my girl!”
Pan rolls his eyes, continuing the back-and-forth between their swords. “Your girl? As she said herself, you’re not even her lover.”
James ducks down to avoid Pan’s latest attack. “Ha, how amusing indeed.” A dark glint shines in his eye as he lets out a cold and malicious laugh, before charging forward once again. “Of course I’m her lover, you bilge-sucking scoundrel! She belongs to me!”
Your eyes grow impossibly wider at those words. It shouldn’t come as much of a shock to you as it does; after all, it’s not like you and James haven’t been acting like a couple for the past few months. But still, you had managed to convince yourself that it was nothing serious, since he had never once directly talked about what you were. And hearing him say it out loud…declaring to the whole school that you were his…it made your heart feel unspeakable things.
“Well, you sure as hell don’t act that way,” Pan bites back, nicking James’s cheek. James recoils for a second, raising his hook to his face and wiping at the gash. He looks down at it, and from your front-row seat you can see the blood smeared against the glistening metal.
James looks back up at Pan, raises his cutlass, and resumes the fight with a new vigor. Every hit more violent than the last, every offensive move aiming at a critical point. “I’m gonna kill you!” James yells as he lands a blow on Pan’s right arm.
This gash seems rather deep—far deeper than the one previously inflicted on James—the blood already leaking out and staining Pan’s sleeve. He winces and steps back, but continues the fight.
You stand there, motionless, too afraid to do anything. Maybe a braver person than you would step in, tell them to stop fighting. But your feet remain planted to the floor, your jaw aching from being clenched so hard as you pray for no one to get seriously hurt.
Pan parries one of James’s attacks and does a quick spin, rapidly gaining momentum with his sword as he turns around and aims the blade…
…directly at James’s head.
A small whimper escapes your throat as the roar of metal hitting metal echoes through the hall. You gasp, heart in your hands, as your eyes take a moment to register the scene in front of you.
James has caught Pan’s blade in the curve of his hook, holding it just inches away from his head. Their arms tremble with strain, with Pan trying to break James’s defense and slash through his neck, and James fighting to prevent him from doing so. They lock eyes, an endless, unspoken conversation passing between them in that moment. Pan’s sword inches closer to James’s head, whose back is bent as he struggles to hang on.
With a sudden swoosh, James yanks his hook in a downward motion, spinning Pan’s sword inside of its arch. A terrible screech sounds at the rubbing of metal against metal as the sword gets wriggled free from Pan's grasp. James jerks his hook backwards, and the sword launches out of his opponent's hands.
The entire audience lets out a collective gasp as Pan’s sword lands with a clang! against the rough marble floors, off to the side. Everyone is dead silent, holding their breaths with anticipation of what’s to come.
You watch as the realization of his defeat dawns upon Pan, the fear blossoming in his eyes as James extends his cutlass to Pan’s throat. He presses the sharp tip into his neck, lightly enough not to break skin, but still firmly so no one, not even Pan, doubts his opponent's defeat.
“Apologize,” James demands, voice booming across the corridor, tone rather befitting for the captain of a ship.
“I-I’m sorry!” Pan pleas, just now aware of what a dangerous predicament he had gotten himself into.
“Not to me, you moron. To her.” James jerks his head backwards to where you’re standing, in the front of the audience, eyes blown wide.
Pan turns to face you, eyes locking with yours amidst the crowd. “I’m sorry! Truly, I am! Please, forgive me!” he cries.
James snarls, pulling his sword back, poised to strike a lethal blow. He thrusts his hand forward, straight towards Pan’s chest…
…but doesn’t ever reach it.
Everyone watches, confused—James more so than anyone else—as his hand remains suspended in midair. A soft blue force field shimmers around his arm, just as loud footsteps and an old, yet assertive, voice fills the hall.
“Fighting on school grounds is strictly against school policy, you know.” The headmaster, Merlin, walks in from the opposite side of the hall. His steps echo loudly against the high ceilings, filling the otherwise dead-silent area. “Boys, you come with me. The rest of you, get to your classes.”
The crowd slowly disperses as Merlin whisks James and Pan away. You still stand there, feet glued to the floor, watching their backs until they disappear from sight.
You didn’t see neither James nor Pan in your classes for the rest of the day, and you assumed you wouldn’t be seeing them for a while. The headmaster was generally a kind soul, but he was strict when it came to breaking rules. You didn’t know what punishment he had come up with for them, but whatever it was, it couldn’t be good.
Which is why you’re rather surprised when you open your locker at the end of the day to find a note flutter out and land at your feet. Curious, you pick it up and read it. “Meet me at our spot after school. -J.”
A small grin makes its way across your face, although you try your best to help it. You don’t know why, but reading James’s little notes always brings you joy, even if you are in a tight spot with him.
You make your way to the courtyard, where James is waiting for you by the water fountain once again.
“Y/N,” he says, voice back to being gentle and soft. You open your mouth to respond, but he puts his hook against your lips, quieting you. “I need to get this out first before you yell at me.”
“I wanted to see you to apologize for my actions. After hearing what Pan said…” His eyes wander down to the ground as a grimace spreads across his features. “I’ve come to the realization that he’s right, love.”
You raise your eyebrows at his statement, shocked at the confession. Cocking you head to the side, you wait for him to continue.
“I haven’t been treating you the way I should. And that is going to change, starting today. I also have to ask for your forgiveness for my actions earlier…it was wrong for me to get upset at you for speaking to Pan. But seeing you act so kindly to my enemy…it really struck something inside of me.”
“James,” you breathe, lifting his hook up to your cheek and placing your hand on top of it. “It’s fine, I forgive you.”
“Even for dueling Pan?”
You let out a small giggle. “Yes, that too. Although, I must admit, I did find you fighting for me to be kind of attractive.”
“Oh?” James asks with an intrigued smile dancing on his lips. He uses his free hand to wrap around your waist, pulling you into him. “Then I suppose I’ll have to start more fights then.”
You giggle again, happy to finally be in your lover’s arms. Truth be told, you had mentally forgiven him long ago. Ever since the night of your argument, you had just wished it would all end, that you two would go back to the way things were.
“Why...why did you start that fight with Pan?” you ask, the question having been on your mind for a while.
James slowly lets out a breath before responding. “Let’s just say, a little birdie told me of how he harassed you in class earlier today. The thought of him putting his hands on you…making you uncomfortable…it was just unbearable, love. I don't care what it cost me; he had to pay for what he did.”
You process this, giving a small nod. Although you don’t quite agree with his methods, you still find his protectiveness endearing.
“I have something to ask you, as well, darling,” James inquires. You meet his gaze, signaling for him to go on. “Did you really say that I wasn’t your lover?”
“I, well, uh…” your voice trails off. You were hoping that he hadn't quite caught that when Pan said it, but apparently he had. Glancing back up at James’s face, you wish you didn’t see the pain etched into his features, all but hidden by the mask he always puts up.
“Well…” you start. “You never said anything about us officially dating, and I didn’t want to presume…” You look down at your shoes, avoiding his burning stare.
James removes his hook from your cheek and slips it under your chin, gently tilting your head upwards towards him. “And here I thought that it was so obvious, I didn’t even need to mention it to you, my little mermaid.”
You give a small grin, finally at peace within your lover’s arms. “You can never be too sure,” you whisper, leaning in and intertwining your lips with his in a passionate kiss, the intensity building around the two of you.
James takes a few steps backwards as you lean into him, still locked in your embrace, his leg hitting the stone of the water fountain you two love to meet at. He maneuvers his way down and sits on the rim, pulling you on his lap.
You wrap your arms around his torso, straddling his thighs. James puts his good hand on your waist, using his hook to pull you in by the collar of your shirt. You moan softly, the sound melodious as your rampant emotions spark the magical abilities inside you, one hand leaving his back and creeping inside his loose shirt.
You open your mouth as he slips his tongue inside, gently rocking on his legs. A groan escapes his lips as you rub your fingertips along the bare skin of his chest, moving lower to trace his rather well-defined abs. He moves his good hand down to your leg, gripping it tightly as he continues kissing you with a deep fervor. Everywhere he touches, he leaves a trail of fire on your skin. Your body ignites at even the slightest of brushes, a blaze consuming you inside and out.
Which is why when he raises his hook and brushes your cheek with the cold metal, the feeling is all-too welcomed. You nearly melt as your mind completely blanks, your senses overwhelmed. James doesn’t quite understand why his small gesture elicits such a reaction from you—you were now kissing him and moving with much more rigor than before—but he revels in the way you make him feel. You, on the other hand, get lost in the sharp contrast the coolness of his hook provides to your burning cheek, the inferno that swells around you ever-growing as you continue to have a passionate night with your lover.
The moon has its cycles, coming and going. When it disappears at the first rays of dawn, the tides yearn for its alluring and familiar presence yet again. And although it may seem like an eternity away, nightfall always comes, bringing with it the gentle serenity of being with the one you belong with.
You think back to the question you asked yourself not so long ago, If you could go back, would you change what happened, that fateful day you met James? In that moment, you decide, no, you wouldn’t. Because the life you have right now is the only one your heart will ever yearn for.
end x
<- back to part 1
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Summary: Descendants; Ben/Chubby GN reader; Reader is the fifth kid chosen to go to the isle
“So Y/N really? Them?” Jay laughs and you scowl letting your magic fizzle; while you can’t actually do magic on the Isle you’ve gotten good at alchemy. Which means for now everyone thinks you can do magic; the fizzles and sparks from the alchemical reactions you create. Jay is still not impressed, you know he has first had experience with Maleficent; you all do; one of the reasons Mal isn’t impressed that all of you were there. She knew you were her friends; but she also knew that all of you knew what her mother was capable of; and what would happen if you failed to get the wand. Your father; LeFou wasn’t exactly dangerous; but your mother; Madam Mim was a force to be reckoned with and you knew Maleficent was weary of her gaining her magic back simply because she, and you by default of benign her child, were unpredictable. You knew Mal was thankful that your anxieties had kept you in the shadows and books that the isle had; that you weren’t a threat to her.
“Mom said they could help; well the prince requested them specifically.” Mal shrugs watching you; you can tell she’s reevaluating you as a threat. You wonder what you score in the tally she has in her mind with how she pulls Evie a little closer.
Ben is grinning at everyone and you wonder if his parents are making him recite whatever speech he’s almost robotically talking through. Mal makes a joke; something about him trying too hard and his laugh sounds a little strained; but Audrey seems annoyed; clearly she can’t tell the tone has changed.
“And you’re LeFou’s child...”
“I wanted to uh; be the first to extend an apology to you and your… family because.. Of … You know…” You try to shrug a little and Ben just nods before Audrey appears trying to pull him back from all of you.
“Madam Mim’s child actually…” Evie interrupts and you know she was trying to be helpful; that all VK’s knew to answer with the most powerful parent they had. Ben’s smile doesn’t falter, until Audrey gives a sharp tug on his shoulder.
“We need to love spell him!” Mal grins and you wrinkle your nose avoiding saying anything; it would be easier to just swap the fake wand out by lowering the security systems with a couple of alchemical reactions you know but they never asked for your input.
-You’re hiding behind Evie when Lonnie walks in, poking your head between Mal and her smiling when Lonnie waves to you.
“Chocolate chips are the key; a warm chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven is the best; with your mom, it really puts things into perspective you know?” Lonnie grins looking slightly confused at everyone else's faces you know they’re confused by her description of a mother and you and Jay share a look that you know hides the question of, what is it like to have a mother.
“I just thought that even villains would love their kids.” Lonnie looks hurt and you watch her gaze fall over all of you; Mal and Evie hesitate but you shrink backwards when her brow crinkles.
“That’s so horrible, I’m so sorry all of you have to deal with that.” You can see her tear and you move your finger to catch it.
“It’s alright, can’t miss what you never had.” You try to placate her but she just looks more upset.
All you manage to catch from Evie is that Mal and Ben went swimming; and then Mal had said something about not being in love and Ben had confessed he knew about the spell. That the lake washed it off; and you wonder how any of you survived on the Isle if you never thought to research if the enchanted lake had powers. You don’t think too heavily about it; in fact you’re too distracted because the next thing you hear is Carlos grumbling about how Ben and been talking to him on the Tourney field about you.
“I don’t understand what Ben see’s in any of them; at least he made the right decision and left Maleficent's spawn in the dust; wonder if she’ll go full villain after the break up; Evil queen’s daughter is too stuck up to go for Ben and that one is far too chunky for him to be able to do anything with.” It’s Chad who’s making the comment’s Audrey laughing along. You almost wish Mal would use her magic; but you can see the way she’s glaring; and if you happen to slip a page of alchemical recipes in front of her to dye Chad’s hair, or color all of audrey’s pink clothes green; well it’s no one’s fault when it actually happens; everyone knows Mal is useless at Alchemy and you’ve only read about it in books; there’s no way your magic could do anything anyway.
Ben’s smiling a little at you and you want to say something but you also don’t know what to actually say.
“Are you alright?” You don’t know why you’re asking; he’s the one who broke up with Mal as far as she’s said.
“Alright in general or alright specifically because of the breakup?”
“Both?”
“I am ; but I was wondering if you wanted to go out?”
“I’m no ones rebound and I get you’re just asking me out because I’m sure Chad made some joke about it or-”
“No Y/N it’s not because of that; I really do like you.. I just; Mal made me realize it; the lake helped wash the spell off; but I think it didn’t work because of you…”
“You’re telling me I messed with the spell?”
“No; not on purpose..” You wait for him to explain but he just leans forward and kisses you.
Prompt: Ben + “Good luck explaining your new fangs to the dentist.”
A/N: This was the twelfth prompt for my 2021 Halloween event! The next piece will be posted on Wednesday, October 27th.
-----
While you had always known that Audrey was a bit of a bitch you’d never expected her to actually turn evil, let alone for her to be able to command Maleficent's scepter and take over the school. You’d been with Mal, Evie, and Uma when Audrey had trapped you inside, and you had known that you were in a dangerous situation, but you couldn’t help but worry more about what was happening to Ben; after all, you hadn’t seen your boyfriend since this whole mess had started.
You supposed that was why you felt such a rush of relief when the girls broke the spell on the cottage and Celia looked out the window, turning to face you with a grin, “Hey,” she’d said, “It’s your bae!”
You’d rushed out of the cabin without a second thought, hurrying to embrace him. “Oh god, I was so worried about you,” you murmured, wrapping your arms around him and holding him close. “I wasn’t sure what she would do to you and I-” you trailed off, arms tightening around Ben’s waist reflexively.
“I’m okay,” he replied softly, hugging you back and tucking his face against your shoulder. “She- um, she turned me into a beast. Like my dad. I’m only okay because Jane and Carlos had water from the Enchanted Lake.” He took a shaky breath, and the movement made you notice the odd texture of his jaw against your skin- like he hadn’t shaved in a few days.
You pulled back to look at him, eyes widening as you took in his altered appearance. You took his face in your hands, remaining quiet for a long moment as you studied him. “It’s kind of a good look for you,” you said eventually, trying to coax a smile out of the forlorn brunet.
It worked, and the sight of his amused grin was enough to help ease the tension in your chest.
“What about those?” Uma asked from behind you, gesturing to the newly revealed fangs protruding from your boyfriend’s lips.
You paused, a little stunned at the new additions, “Well, those are new.”
Ben’s grin widened and he bared his fangs at you playfully, “I kinda like them. I’m sure we could put ‘em to good use.”
“Good luck explaining your new fangs to the dentist,” you teased with a roll of your eyes, but you leaned in to press a light kiss to his cheek.
Ben just laughed, tucking himself comfortably against your side and grinning up at you. He knew that your teasing was just your way of showing that you loved him, and that you were relieved that he was safe. He really couldn't fault you for that though; with you he was finally home, safe and sound.
A/N: If you’re a massive Mal stan and hate anyone saying anything bad about her character, then don’t read this fic. It’s not overall positive about her character... sorry not sorry
The night is cool as you find yourself wandering the Isle's many alleyways. Ever since your girlfriend left that's all you ever seem to do. Your girlfriend, Mal, who since relocating to Auradon has made herself a picture-perfect life and has seemingly forgotten all about you. So much so, that she has already found someone to replace you with: a prince who is soon to become king.
Which is just perfect.
In fact, wandering the kaleidoscope of alleyways is the only thing that seems to take your mind off of her. They are the only places to go where there are no ramshackle TVs to display the happy, smiling faces of the couple. Also, there's usually no people in the alleyways to sneer at your misfortune.
Perhaps that's the worst thing, the public humiliation of it all. Everyone on the Isle knew of your relationship with Mal - it made you feared and respected. Yet, now people only avoid you to avoid being on the receiving end of worsening temperament. You're not feared, you're pitied. People have come to see you as the embodiment of everyone else left behind - as if you're some kind of martyr.
Uma, once your rival, had even let bygones be bygones and offered a place within her crew. But you weren't that desperate to accept that offer - not yet. While you do appreciate the extended truce, there's still a part of you that is waiting for Mal to come back. Still clinging on to the hope that her happy life without you is all a facade, a plan to overthrow - she has always been good at playing the long game and maybe this is just a really, really long game.
Turning down another corner, you continue in your storming walk. Roughly, your shoulder jostles against a figure staring vehemently at the poster outside Mal's old hangout. The poster which brands all the core VKs, your former friends, as traitors to the Isle. You don't bother to look back at the person you slammed into.
"Maybe you should watch out where you're going."
You recognise that voice. A lifted voice that is used to holding some form of power and attention. The girl who has always been Mal's number one: Evie. A person you didn't expect to see on your daily storm through the Isle's alleyways.
Turning on your heel, you pan back to the returned heroes. All three of them. Carlos, Jay and Evie. In fact, there's even one more, someone replacing the figure of your ex-girlfriend. And it only takes a one over to see who it is, despite the disguise.
"You really didn't try with the disguise. did you?" You deadpan.
"Hello, Y/N." Evie smiles, a smile you don't return. In the slightest.
"Evie, Carlos, Jay... King Ben." You greet them, your frown darkening as you look at each one.
The VKs look at each other in nervousness, their disguise seen through in almost two seconds flat. Sensing this, Ben scrambles forwards; with a hand outstretched for you to shake. Instead, you merely look down at it - as you would a piece of gum of your shoe.
"Y/N, child of Yzma?" His face is unguarded, open in the hope of getting to know another villain child. Anything to make him look like a better ruler.
With a look of disgust, you turn away from him. Instead, meeting the nervous gaze of Evie, who is so obviously in command. "You should keep your dog on a leash."
Before Evie can reply, Mal's head peaks over the railing of their old hideout. Her hair is lighter, sure, but her irritated face at her friend's antics are still the same. Her eyes meet your own and she waves you towards her with a simple: "Come up, Y/N".
You look up at her. She's so certain that you'll do as she says, just as you always have. But you know how she feels about you know - she doesn't care, not really, otherwise she would have found her way back to you sooner.
"No." You simply say, turning away from the aptly branded traitors.
Vaguely, you hear Mal scrambling down the stairs after you. But you don't stop walking - in fact, you increase your pace; turning away from the returned VKs and their king and into the next alleyway. All until you feel a hand grasp your wrist.
"Don't run away from me." Mal says.
"Why not?"
"Because I want to talk to you." She intones gently.
"Like you've talked to me for the past six months? All those long, detailed letters I received from you. Is this another one of those?" You reply, sarcasm laced with every single word.
Her hand falls away from your wrist and it's then that you realise you're both alone with each other in the alleyway. Looking her over, you can see that she definitely has changed. Not just the new hair, or the lipstick, but she looks fuller - missing the hungry leanness she had when she was on the Isle. But that cruel, hungry gaze she developed in her youth hasn't softened one bit.
You can only imagine how you look to her after the luxury of Auradon. Thin, malnourished and with an almost crazed look in your eyes. A perfect looking villain. The thought alone makes you glower even more.
"I couldn't write." She murmurs, looking at you with hopeful eyes.
"Couldn't or wouldn't?"
She pauses. "Couldn't. Auradon confiscated my letters. Even Evie's letters to Dizzy."
"You have magic, Mal; ways to get in contact. But you didn't try."
"I-"
You cut her off, not willing to hear any more of her excuses. "Instead you tried making a love potion."
"Why are you giving me such a hard time about this?" She asks incredulously "It was all part of my plan. You know that."
"You left me. Alone." Your voice is accusatory as you sneer at the girl you once loved. "Then I was forced to watch while you made goo-goo eyes at Prince Boring and settle into a new life without me."
"It's all part of my plan - you know that." Mal splurts, taking another step towards you.
You step backwards, "Plan? Oh please, your mother can't make you do that anymore. Own up to it Mal, you left me. You're not evil - you like Auradon too much."
"Y/N please don't be like this."
Crossing your arms, you continue your angry tirade. "Do you know what, Mal? Compared to everyone else on the Isle, you've always been given everything on a platter. Just because your mum is Maleficent - you've never proved yourself. You live our dream, just because Benny-boo has a thing for girls with purple hair. Face it, you're more Auradon than Isle."
"That's not true, Y/N." She seethes.
"It's not? Then why haven't you tried to get anyone else over to Auradon? Maybe that's how you take after your mother: hoarding anything of worth to yourself. Am I wrong?"
She says nothing. Merely staring at you in shock.
"Go back to where you belong Mal: Auradon. No one wants you here."
You turn away; leaving her alone in the alleyway, thinking over your words. Turning, the next corner you bump into yet another person. Thankfully, it's the sunshine child of Uma's pirate crew: Gil.
"Hi Y/N." He says cheerfully, not even mentioning the bump.
"Hey Gil, did you know Mal is back?"
"Mal?" He looks at you with a blank stare.
"Yep. Mal, Evie, Carlos; Jay and King Ben." You smirk, "You might wanna tell Uma."
A Rose in Wonderland (Descendants ROR Reader Insert)
Summary: When you and your cousin Red of Hearts are given the opportunity to attend Auradon Prep, the Queen of Hearts and your mother, the White Queen, are all for it. But when the Queen of Hearts stages a coup and sentences Cinderella to a beheading for treason, it's up to you, Red, and Chloe Charming to prevent the Queen of Hearts from becoming evil in the first place.
WC: 4.5k
Warning: Depictions of the start of a panic attack.
Prologue | One | Two | Three |
Chapter One: Auradon Prep (Welcome Day Ceremony)
Outside the car windows, Marmoreal’s pale pink trees drift past gently, their branches swaying as though waving goodbye. You watch as the White Palace slowly disappears into the distance, its ivory towers growing smaller with every turn in the road.
You could already feel homesickness creeping in.
“Aw, cheer up, pawn.” Rook glances over from the driver’s seat before returning his attention to the road. “We’ll be back tomorrow.”
“I know.” You lean further into your seat, watching Wonderland’s familiar gardens give way to winding forest paths.
“Do you think Aunt Bridget will let Red go to Auradon?”
Rook is quiet for a moment, his lips pursed. His fingers tap thoughtfully against the steering wheel. “I think…” he chooses his words carefully, “if she does, it’ll be because it benefits her somehow.”
You tear your gaze away from the window, turning to look at him with a furrow in your brow.
Your brother had always been a little more wary of your aunt and her tyranny. As the White Queen’s son–and Bridget’s nephew–he was privy to a little more protection than the average Wonderlandian, but that favor could disappear in an instant if she decided it.
And the Queen of Hearts was as unpredictable as Wonderland itself.
“When we get there,” Rook continues, his voice gentler now, “if she and Red are already there…” he meets your eyes for a moment, “I want you to stay close to me.”
Rook reaches across the console and gently takes your hand before you could pick at the skin there. “It’s true she has a soft spot for family, but she’s changed a lot from when she and Mom were our age.”
You nod slowly, worrying your bottom lip between your teeth. “I know.” But knowing didn’t make it any easier.
“Hey,” he says, giving your hand a squeeze. “Why don’t we focus on something else? There’s got to be something at school you’re excited for.”
You slip your hand from his hold, no longer feeling the urge to pick at your skin. “Well…” you smile thoughtfully. “I suppose I’m pretty excited to meet the other students. It gets a little lonely in Wonderland.”
“What, I’m not good enough company for you?” Rook teases.
You roll your eyes, unable to hide a fond grin. “Yeah, actually. You’re the worst company ever.”
One of his hands lifts from the steering wheel and comes to rest over his heart. “That hurts, pawn.” He lets out an exaggerated sniffle. “I thought we were friends.”
You can’t help but giggle. “We’re much more than that.”
“Oh?”
“We’re siblings.” Your smile softens. “You’re my brother.”
His teasing grin relaxes into something more genuine. The hand resting over his heart comes to rest on your shoulder instead. He gives it a reassuring squeeze before returning both hands to the wheel.
“I’m glad you’re going.”
You glance at him. “Even though I’ll be far away?”
Rook smiles. “Not too far away. You’re just a quick trip down the rabbit hole.”
He nods toward the road ahead. “Which, speaking of…” a mischievous grin spreads across his face once more. “We are approaching in 5…4…3…2…”
His fingers tighten on the steering wheel. “Hold on!”
Rook flicks his wrist toward the windshield.
Silver-white magic spirals from his fingertips, weaving through the air like ribbons. In front of you, a gigantic tree with a boarded up hole looms. The boards covering the tree groan and begin to rattle one by one.
Thunk. Thunk. Thunk.
Each plank pulls free as though invisible hands were carefully removing them, revealing the darkness hidden inside the trunk.
The hollow isn’t empty.
It’s impossibly deep.
A spiraling tunnel stretches beyond the tree, paved with a black-and-white checkerboard path that twists through impossible angles. Thick roots crawl across the walls and ceiling, making it difficult to tell which way up was.
“Finally.” Rook mutters with a satisfied grin.
You stare at the looming rabbit hole. “Rook…”
He flashes you a grin. “...Trust me.”
“I’m trying!”
The moment the tires cross the threshold, gravity forgets how to behave. Your stomach lurches into your throat.
The car tips forward before jolting sharply to the right. A moment later, the world flips upside down, only for the tunnel to twist again as if it couldn’t decide which direction was meant to be forward. You latch onto the dashboard with a squeak.
“Rook!”
“I said hold on!”
Floating teacups drift alongside the Beetle before sweeping away into the golden current. Playing cards flutter past like birds, followed closely by white roses that blossom in midair before scattering into petals. The tunnel twists once more. Then—
Everything straightens and sunlight bursts through the windshield. The Beetle rolls neatly onto a smooth stone road as though nothing had happened. You blink.
“...I think I might be sick.” Your hand presses against your stomach as you take in several deep breaths.
Rook laughs. “Happened to me the first time, too. You’ll get used to it.”
He tips his head toward the windshield. “Look.”
Ahead, banners bearing Auradon's crest flutter in the breeze. A tall castle rises above the mountain it sits upon, its gleaming towers sparkling in the sun. Auradon Prep.
“Wow…” you breathe, unable to tear your eyes away.
“Breathtaking isn’t it?” Rook asks with a knowing smile.
You nod slowly, watching the stone towers of the school stretch into the sky. The Beetle continues up the winding mountain roads, carrying you closer to the school you’d only ever heard stories about.
Near the top of the hill, the car rolls to a gentle stop. Four guards stand in front of a set of barriers, checking each vehicle before allowing it onto campus.
Rook rolls down the driver’s side window with an easy smile. “Morning!” he greets, “Looks like orientation’s keeping everyone busy.”
One of the guards chuckles. “You could say that.”
Rook nods toward the line of arriving students. “Thank you for all of your hard work.”
The guard returns the smile before glancing into the car. “Names?”
“Prince Rook of Marmoreal.” He gestures toward you, “And my little sister, Princess Y/n of Marmoreal.”
Your hand comes up in a short wave, a polite smile gracing your lips just as your mother had taught you. “It’s my first day.”
The guard scans his checklist before his expression brightens in recognition. “Right. Welcome to Auradon Prep, Prince Rook, Princess Y/n. Enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you sir. Here’s hoping orientation stays uneventful.”
The guard chuckles. “With this many teenagers? We can dream.”
They share one last laugh before the guard signals to the other guards with a wave of his hand. They slide the gates open, allowing your car up the drive and into campus.
Continuing up the drive, Rook guides the Beetle into an open parking spot and switches off the engine. The tension in his shoulders releases as he exhales, stretching his arms overhead. “Ready?”
“Yeah.” You unbuckle your seatbelt and step out, grabbing your purse as you close the door behind you.
The air is cooler than in Wonderland, carrying the sounds of laughter, chatter, and students making their way across the courtyard. Everywhere you look, unfamiliar faces walk past in clothing of every color imaginable.
Students hurry between buildings, laughing with friends they've only just met. Somewhere nearby, someone is playing music while another group compares schedules. It feels loud. It feels alive.
You've never seen so many people your own age in one place.
“It’s so…colorful!” You clasp your hands together in excitement, your eyes darting in every direction. “I can’t believe it!”
Rook laughs from behind you, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. “Believe it, pawn. Welcome to Auradon Prep.”
“Oh my hearts, how many times am I going to hear that today.” You roll your eyes, groaning slightly. “You’re so cheesy.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He gently steered you toward the main courtyard. “C’mon, there’s someone I want you to meet. Principal Uma wanted to say hello before everything starts.”
You let him guide you through the bustling campus, trying–and failing–not to stare at everything around you. Your eyes wander from student to student, fascinated by the sheer variety.
Royals from kingdoms you’ve only ever read about laugh beside VKs with patched jackets and brightly dyed hair. A girl with bright blue hair catches your eye and you wave at her. She smiles at you and waves back.
Rook notices your expression and nudges your shoulder. “Making friends already?”
You’re too excited to care, “Yeah actually. She looks cool.”
He follows your gaze to the blue haired girl. “If kingdom training hasn’t failed me, I do believe that’s Chloe Charming, daughter of one Prince Charming and Cinderella.”
You gasp, hitting his arm. “Shut up! Cinderella is only my favorite princess ever! She’s so cool!”
Rook breaks into laughter, leaning away from your playful hits. “Hey! Don’t hit the messenger!”
You smile sheepishly. “Sorry.”
“You can idolize her later.” He grabs your shoulders, guiding you farther into the courtyard. “For now, we’ve got a principal to introduce you to.”
Rook leads you to the administration’s area, greeting students and teachers along the way. Eventually, he stops outside a set of frosted glass doors where he stops and knocks three times rhythmically on the door.
The doors magically open by themselves, guided by Fairy Godmother’s magic. You smooth your skirt nervously, taking a deep breath. Rook squeezes your shoulder reassuringly. “I’ll be right here the whole time.”
You smile weakly before turning back to the doors where a woman has appeared with long turquoise braids, dressed in leather pirate garb decorated with tassels. She greets you with a smirk on her lips.
“What’s my name?” She cocks her head at your brother, who grins at her and bows his head.
“Uma. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
“I know that’s right. Come in, come in.” she gestures to you to follow behind her.
You share a glance with your brother, who has slightly pink cheeks. Internally, you make a note to tease him later.
Uma lounges comfortably in the chair behind her desk, her boots propped on the wood. “So,” she says, looking you over with an amused smile. “This must be Y/n. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Your eyes widen. “Good things, I hope?”
Uma laughs. “Mostly.” She shoots Rook a playful look. “Though your brother here might’ve mentioned that you’re capable of putting away an entire plate of biscuits before anyone else gets one.”
You feel heat rush to your cheeks, turning to your brother with a glare.
“Traitor.”
“I told the truth!”
“You told too much.”
Uma watches you with amusement, shaking her head. “Relax. Anybody who appreciates good food is alright in my book.”
You smile shyly at her, feeling some of the nervousness in your shoulders melt away. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Principal Uma.”
“Likewise.” She leans forward, resting her elbows on the desk. “And, between you and me? Just call me Uma. I’ve known Wonderboy here long before anybody started calling me ‘Principal.’”
You blink, “...Really?”
“Really.”
You nod in understanding, a smile playing on your lips. “Okay…Uma.”
“Much better.” She studies you for a moment, thoughtful.
“I know today probably feels overwhelming. New kingdom. New people. New school.”
“Maybe just a little.”
“But Auradon’s different.” She folds her arms comfortably. “Doesn’t matter where you come from. Wonderland. Camelot. The Isle. Doesn’t matter. If you’re here, it’s because you belong here.” Her smile is steady and warm.
“...Thank you.”
She nods once. “And if anybody gives you trouble…” A mischievous grin returns to her face. “You let me know.”
Your brother rests a hand on your shoulder, “And me. I know I’ll be in Wonderland, but I can always drop in from time to time.”
Warmth settles in your chest. “Thank you. Truly. It means a lot.”
Uma smiles at you and Rook, standing up. “Well, the Welcome Day Ceremony is about to start. I’d better go and welcome our newest students.”
“We’ll see you there.” Rook says as Uma walks with you to the door. She rests a hand on your arm. “Good luck today, Y/n.”
“Thank you.”
You follow your brother out, but before you get very far, Uma calls out to him.
“Hey, Wonderboy.” He turns to look back at her. “...Don’t let your sister get lost.”
Rook’s face breaks into a grin, “Will do, captain.”
She hums in approval before disappearing back into her office. You grin at your brother.
He sighs. “Not. A. Word.”
You giggle and follow him back down to the courtyard.
Once again, your attention drifts to the heroes, villains, and sidekicks all around you.
“Think I could get Cinderella’s autograph?”
Rook snorts, shaking his head at you.
“Maybe. But you might wanna tone down the fangirling.”
You let out an offended gasp, “I am not fangirling! I am simply expressing my admiration for her!”
“Whatever you say, pawn. Whatever you say.”
Before you can come up with a retort, the deep rumble of an engine interrupts you.
Conversations quiet down. Heads turn toward the entrance.
Then, faintly, a familiar, authoritative voice carries across the campus.
“Out of my way, pleebs! Blah, blah, blah.”
Rook’s smile disappears, his eyes narrowing. His hand finds your shoulder, gently but firmly guiding you behind him.
You peek over his shoulder just as a crimson and black jeep screeches to a stop in the middle of the road.
“She’s here.” he murmurs.
Your stomach tightens. “...Aunt Bridget.”
“Bags, please.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
You watch as your aunt steps out first, regal and imposing in crimson, black, and gold. Red follows a moment later, lingering just behind her mother with an expression that makes your chest ache.
She looks…overwhelmed.
Before you can stop yourself, you call out, “Red!”
Her head snaps over to where you have moved out from behind your brother. Her expression shifts into a small smile, the corners of her lips just barely lifting. For just a second, the uncertainty disappears. “Y/n.”
You bound over to her, slowing as you close in. Your aunt watches you closely, unmoving, her expression impossible to read.
Your smile falters for a millisecond before reappearing. You drop into a deep curtsy, “Your Majesty.”
“...You may rise, white rose.” She nods approvingly. “See, Red? Your cousin understands how a princess ought to present herself.”
You wince at her words, watching Red’s expression turn blank.
Before you can say anything, Rook steps forward, bowing respectfully.
“Ah, if it isn’t my nephew. Hello, white knight. You may rise.” The Queen of Hearts gives a dismissive wave of her hand.
Rook straightens up, his posture rigid. “It’s good to see you again, Aunt Bridget. Does this mean you’re allowing Red to attend Auradon Prep?”
The Queen of Hearts hums. “Indeed. I have accepted for my daughter to attend this school. Time will tell if she is to remain.”
“Come.” She turns sharply and strides away, head held high as she approaches the sign-in table.
You stick close to Red, taking her hand in yours. “I’m so happy to see you!” You beam at her.
She glances down at your joined hands before a small, uncertain smile tugs at her lips. “Same. This is weird…right?”
You shrug one shoulder. “I’m trying not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Whatever reason Aunt Bridget has for letting you come here…maybe it won’t be so bad?”
Red fixes you with a deadpan look. You wince, smile sheepish.
“Right. I heard it as soon as I said it.”
That earns the tiniest snort from her. You reach the check-in table where a kind looking woman sits behind several stacks of paper. It appears your aunt has bypassed the nearby line of waiting students and their parents.
“Name, please.”
The Queen of Hearts sighs at her, annoyed. “You know who we are.”
Before the woman can answer, a new voice cuts in.
“Bridget?” You look over with Red as a blue haired woman in a pale blue gown greets your Aunt.
Cinderella.
“I didn’t expect to see you here.” Her smile is warm and genuinely surprised.
“Ella.” Something flickers across your aunt’s face. Recognition. Something sad. Then it’s gone, a mask slipping back over her features.
From beside you. Red scans the woman, confused as to how she knows her mother.
“It’s Your Royal Highness now.”
A flash of understanding comes over Cinderella’s expression. “Of course. You must be very proud.”
While the two women regard each other, a subtle tension grows.
Across from you, Cinderella’s daughter introduces herself. “Um, hi! I’m Chloe Charming. You must be Princess Red of Wonderland and Princess Y/n of Marmoreal!”
She nudges your shoulder, making a pun. “I’ve always wondered what it’s like over there.”
You can’t help the laugh that bubbles up. “That was terrible.”
She grins at you. Red’s not as amused, her smile has turned sickly sweet.
“You should come by sometime. I’ll introduce you to the Jabberwocky.”
Your jaw drops and you smack her arm. “Red.” you scold.
“Fun! What’s a Jabberwocky?”
“A monster that eats annoying girls.” Red’s smile drops and she stalks away, dragging you with her.
“She doesn’t mean it! It was nice to meet you!” you call back to Chloe, trying to not seem insane. “Red!”
“So, you knew her?” Red asks her mother, gesturing toward Cinderella and Chloe a few feet behind you.
Bridget doesn’t even look back. “I saw through her. Cinderella and I were classmates.”
Your eyebrows shot up. “No way.”
“I spent way too much time in this place,” Bridget continues coolly. “So I had to escape.”
Red exchanges a quick glance with you before looking back at her mother. “Okay…”
Bridget gestures with two fingers. “The people here might smile, but they’re two-faced and too fake.”
You can’t help but glance back at Cinderella. She didn’t seem fake. If anything, she’d been nothing but kind.
Red looks shocked. “Wait…you went to Auradon Prep?”
“Nope, wasn’t even called that yet.”
Your lips form a silent oh. Leaning over, you lower your voice so only Red could hear. “Merlin Academy,” you whisper. “Mom used to tell me stories about it.”
The Queen of Hearts throws open her arms as she enters the courtyard, shooing bystanders away. “Stand aside, The Queen’s arrived.”
She scans the room with disdain. “Look at them so innocent. Can’t believe they let us in. Watch ‘em pay the consequence for being so dang insolent. Can’t you smell their cowardice? Soak it up, devour it.”
Red and you meet the stares of various parents and children around you before being distracted by a table of sweets. Red picks up a delicious looking pink macaron and tries to eat it but Bridget plucks it from her fingers before she can take a bite, tossing it carelessly over her shoulder.
“Treats are for the weak.” Her lips curl into disdain. “Let me show you what real power is.”
She sweeps an arm across the courtyard as though Auradon already belongs to her. “Quick, Red, you gotta follow along. One day you’ll both be on the throne. Automatic. Just how I planned it.” Her eyes gleam with certainty, already picturing a future only she can see.
You stiffen, feeling a wave of surprise wash over you. Both?
“What about what we want?” Red asks.
Bridget’s head snaps to look at her before guiding her forward. “They gon’ fall like parachutes, They gon’ crawl to me on all fours.”
“What did they ever do to you?” Red gestures to the various people around you.
“Red, what are you arguing for?”
Red huffs, refusing to answer.
“Love ain’t it.” The Queen of Hearts watches Cinderella enter the courtyard before turning away and gesturing for the two of you to look into a heart-shaped pocket mirror. Brown and e/c eyes go wide at the reflection it reveals.
“Look into the mirror, it’s our destiny.”
Bridget sits upon an elaborate heart-shaped throne, dressed in a magnificent gown shaped like layered roses. Beside her sits Red, wearing a matching crown and gripping a jeweled scepter in her right hand. She looks…empty.
“Rule a million years with two right next to me.”
Red should look proud, maybe even victorious, but she’s not. Her posture is stiff, her smile absent, her eyes hollow.
But the most chilling part…is you.
You stand just behind Red, one hand on her shoulder. Dressed in white silk stained with crimson roses, a silver crown resting on top of your head. Your expression scares you the most.
You don’t frown or smile, just staring ahead with the same hollowness as Red.
“Swimming in their tears, won’t they taste so sweet?”
You meet Red’s eyes with matching distress.
“There’s a new dawn in Auradon. I’m gonna take the crown and then put it on. I’m gonna take the crowd and do what I want. You’re gonna make me proud when you take that throne.”
She gestures toward the front row, silently ordering both of you to take a seat in one of the golden chairs. “Love ain’t it.”
The pocket mirror remains in her hold, she runs a finger over the casing delicately.
“That’s…” Red starts.
“The Looking Glass. Yes. It shows the future. Where the three of us will rule together side-by-side. You…white rose…and me.”
Red pushes the glass away and the image vanishes. Your breath catches, heart pounding against your ribs.
Without thinking, your fingers find Red’s. She grips your hand just as tightly.
“But I don’t want that. I don’t wanna be anything like you.”
Bridget freezes. For the briefest moment, hurt flashes across her face. Then it hardens into something colder. Anger.
“You don’t…!” She pauses, turning to look at Cinderella who is looking at her with concern.
Bridget leans closer to Red, “You don’t have a choice. We’re more alike than you know.” She huffs, shoving the mirror back into her purse and facing forward. Red stares at her in disbelief.
“Attention, please.”
Fairy Godmother stands in front of the room, a warm smile gracing her lips.
You feel like you’re going to be sick.
Your eyes dart around the courtyard. The Looking Glass showed your aunt. It showed Red. It showed you.
But no matter how hard you search the memory, there was only one person missing.
Where was Rook?
Your breathing turns shallow.
Beside you, Red catches your gaze out of the corner of her eye. She gives your hand a gentle squeeze, silently asking, You okay?
You barely manage a tiny shake of your head.
Where was Rook? Why hadn’t you stayed next to him? Why wasn’t he next to you? He promised he would stay with you the whole time…so where was he? Why wasn’t he in the vision? What happened to your brother in that future?
The courtyard fades into a blur around you. You can barely hear Fairy Godmother’s voice over the blood rushing in your ears.
A warm hand slips into yours, fingers intertwining with your own.
You jolt.
Looking up, you find Rook watching you with quiet concern. He offers a worried smile.
“Hey.” He whispers softly. “I’m right here.”
He glances toward the front before giving your hand another reassuring squeeze. “Sorry, I got caught up talking to a few friends.”
The tightness in your chest eases, if only a little. Somehow he always knew just how to soothe your fears.
You inhale shakily and rub quickly at your eyes before anyone else can notice. “Okay…”
Rook settles into the seat beside you without letting go of your hand. “Just focus on breathing, pawn.” he murmurs. “I’ll catch you up.”
You nod minutely, letting your other hand find Red’s again.
She squeezes once.
You squeeze back.
I’m okay.
Out of the corner of your eye, you can see her shoulders relax.
You take one slow breath. Then another. Gradually, the pounding in your head fades, replaced by Fairy Godmother’s voice as it comes back into focus.
“...So please join me in welcoming Auradon Prep’s new principal.”
Entering through the various doorways, Uma’s pirate crew flips into the room. Music begins as they gather onto the stage. Uma steps into the center.
“This is all hands on deck. Calling out to lost boys and girls. I’m gettin’ tired of the disrespect. We won’t stop till we rule the world. It’s our time, we're up next. Our sail’s about to be set. They ain’t seen nothing yet. Tell ‘em who’s in charge so they don’t forget.”
She and her crew break into choreography.
“What’s my name, what’s my name,”
“Uma.”
“Say it louder. What’s my name, what’s my name?”
Red nods her head to the song, admiration in her eyes.
“Uma.”
“Feel the power. No one’s gonna stop us, soon the world will be ours.”
Across from your family, Chloe is bobbing her head to the music while Cinderella watches her with a loving grin.
“What’s my name? What’s my name? What’s it? What’s it? Say it, say it.”
She ends the song with a laugh, turning and walking to the center of the stage.
“What’s my name?”
“Uma!”
The room explodes in applause and you hear Rook let out a whistle.
Everyone claps except for your aunt, who looks like this whole thing is beneath her.
“That’s Principal Uma to you. And you better get it straight, or you’ll be walking the plank.”
Uma crosses her arms over her chest, a teasing grin on her lips.
“She’s just kidding.” Fairy Godmother interjects with a nervous laugh. “She’s kidding.”
“Now, I never got the chance to go to Auradon Prep.” Uma starts her speech.
Next to you, the Queen of Hearts removes her deck of cards from her purse, beginning to twist them into various shapes and patterns.
Red side eyes her actions.
“But as its captain, I’m proud to be charting a new course into a bright future, beyond the old ways of heroes and villains.”
Uma meets Red’s gaze specifically, then sends you a wink. Bridget gazes at her daughter out of the corner of her eye.
“So, in that spirit I’d like to welcome Princess Red of Wonderland and Princess Y/n of Marmoreal.”
The cards in the Queen of Hearts’ hands flutter back and forth as the crowd lets out scattered claps and cheers. Rook squeezes your hand.
Red turns to her mother with an incredulous look as the Queen flips a couple cards through her fingers.
“Excuse me.”
The Queen of Hearts slowly looks to Uma.
“Hi.” Uma smiles at her before it slowly drops, “Do you mind?”
“I do, actually. Hmm.” Bridget places her cards into one hand, standing up.
Rook’s eyes narrow and he leans over to whisper, “Stay. Close.”
“Mom, what are you doing?” Red urgently asks.
“Why, playing my favorite game.” she smiles at Red.
She shuffles her cards between her hands, walking to the center of the aisle with a wicked laugh.
“War.”
A/N: First chapter! Thank you everyone for reading, this is my first fanfic and I'm so grateful for the likes. Once again, let me know if you would like to be tagged in the next parts. My requests are OPEN, just send me a DM. See you in the next one!
A Rose in Wonderland (Descendants ROR Reader Insert)
Summary: When you and your cousin Red of Hearts are given the opportunity to attend Auradon Prep, the Queen of Hearts and your mother, the White Queen, are all for it. But when the Queen of Hearts stages a coup and sentences Cinderella to a beheading for treason, it's up to you, Red, and Chloe Charming to prevent the Queen of Hearts from becoming evil in the first place.
WC: 5k
Warning: Bullying, threats, fantasy violence, humiliation, emotional distress, family trauma, and mild insults
Prologue | One | Two | Three | Four |
Chapter Three: Back to the Beginning
You, Red, and Chloe walk down the main pathway. Chloe beams while Red remains stone-faced. You walk beside Red, hands clasped behind you as you survey your surroundings.
The main campus of Merlin Academy is bustling with various students, presumably heading to class. The clock tower chimes twice in a cute little melody that you catch yourself humming along to.
A student in a purple hat waves to Chloe, greeting her politely. Chloe’s princess training kicks in, and she begins to introduce herself.
“Hey, I’m Chloe…”
Red shoves her hand down, glaring at her, but Chloe’s cheerful mood refuses to be dampened as she continues to smile at other students.
A couple of feet later, Chloe spots the sign to the entrance of the school: The Merlin Academy.
“Of course!” She skips over to it. “Merlin Academy. That’s what Auradon Prep used to be called. Before Beast united the kingdoms to create Auradon.”
You and Red walk up beside her, looking at the sign. “I wonder why they changed the name…”
“How do you know all this?” Red asks.
“Well, I love history! Don’t you?” Chloe beams, turning to Red.
Red shakes her head, “Uh-uh.”
“I like Wonderland history,” you raise your hand, “did you know Wonderland used to be called Underland before Frabjous Day?”
Chloe looks at you excitedly. “I didn’t! Why did they change it?”
You continue walking as you explain, “When Alice first visited Underland, she called it Wonderland, so to honor her slaying the Jabberwocky, the name was changed.”
“Wow.” Chloe gasps, “That’s really cool.”
You grin, “Mhm.”
The three of you enter the main hall where various students sit on couches and mill about. Red takes the lead while you and Chloe trail behind her.
“No way.” Chloe breathes, spotting a poster on the wall, “Castlecoming. That’s where my parents fell in love. It’s like the biggest event of the year.”
“Sorry, I’m busy changing history.” Red says, disregarding her words.
“Okay, remember what your mom said about being humiliated at her first dance?” Chloe stared at the poster. “This must be what she meant.”
“And if someone did some horrible prank to her…”
“Maybe that’s what turned her into a terrible dictator?”
“How awful was that prank?” You mutter.
Red steps closer to the poster, scoffing. “That must be why the watch sent us back to this moment in time. It’s before my mom turns into…My mom.”
“Great. Now, how do we stop that?”
Red thinks for a moment. “By figuring out who’s gonna do the prank that ruins her life.”
The bell rings twice more. A warning bell perhaps?
The loitering students quickly disperse through the halls. The three of you walk into the main stairway, a little lost.
“Late for class, ladies?” A voice calls from above. “Stay right there.”
You all look up to see a man in dark robes. Chloe gasps in excitement. “Oh, my gosh, it’s Merlin.” She whispers to you, grinning.
Red gives her a judging look.
The man appears from a doorway nearby, walking toward your little trio.
Chloe steps forward, clapping her hands together. “Actually, we’re not students. I mean, well, we are, but we think that we’ve been sent–”
Red interrupts her.
“Sent from another place.” Her smile and her cheery tone are forced as she makes wide eyes at Chloe. She laughs fakely. “We’re transfer students.”
“Well, I’m Principal Merlin, so I should have received papers.” The man begins to check his various coat pockets for your definitely real and not-at-all-made-up papers.
“Now, yes, is it that one? No. This one?” He pulls out a scroll and reads it quietly. “‘Dear Mum,’ No, that’s…that’s not it.” He tosses it aside, and it disappears somewhere.
“Um, uh,” He continues to check his coat, where a frog croaks and a chicken crows, before pulling out a lit candle.
Your eyes widen, and you grin as Merlin continues pulling increasingly impossible objects from his coat. Leaning toward Red, you whisper with a quiet laugh.
“He’s delightfully mad.” You sigh wistfully. “Aunt Alice always says the best people usually are.”
Red gives you an incredulous look. “You are way too okay with this.”
You simply shrug, a smirk tugging at your lips.
“Ooh, ooh! Ah. That’s…That’s not safe.” He passes the candle to his other hand. “It’s not safe at all. Ooh.”
He tosses it aside into another plane of existence. Red stares at where it disappeared.
“Eh…Um…” Merlin shrugs his shoulders, giving up on his search. For now. “I’m sure it’ll turn up eventually.”
“I founded this Academy to be an educational institution for all.” He gestures with his hands before once again reaching into his pocket; this time he reveals a wand, which he points at Chloe. “But you must know that we have a no-swords policy in the classroom.”
In a flash of purple light, Chloe’s sword disappears. Despite her weapon being taken who-knows-where, Chloe beams at him.
“I’ve transported it to the Stardust Room, which will be your dormitory.” Well, that answers that question. “I’ll settle you in after school, but first let’s get you to class. I teach Honors Alchemy in my office. Right this way.”
Merlin takes off, guiding you through the halls to his classroom/office.
You whisper to Red and Chloe. “What an odd man.”
“No, that’s…Sorry, it’s this way. This way.” He turns around immediately, pointing in the opposite direction. “Follow me!”
You giggle, skipping after him.
“The marble in these archways…” He rambles about the school, giving you a short tour.
“What was that?” Chloe asks, “The Auradon Code of Conduct forbids lying. Especially to teachers.”
“Good thing this isn’t Auradon yet.” Red remarks as Chloe sighs.
“I don’t think he’d believe us either if we told him we were from the future…” You rest a hand on Chloe’s shoulder, smiling apologetically. “Maybe if we were in Wonderland. But not here.”
“...There are no swords in these stones.” Merlin continues.
Merlin guides you to a room lined with paintings where the door to his office is. “Here we are.” He pauses. “Um, key, key. Where’s the key?” He mumbles to himself before recognition crosses his face and he pulls the key out from behind his ear. “Ah. Yeah.”
He leans over and unlocks the classroom doors, which open automatically. “Let’s do alchemy!”
A stream of students enters behind your little group as Merlin mumbles to himself about the state of his classroom. “So, plants are still alive…nothing’s…flasks are bubbling…bubbling, bubbling.”
He stops at the front of the room, gathering a clipboard full of papers before addressing the students. “All right, class, let’s get started. We have two new transfers here today, so let’s at least pretend that this is an Honors class.”
You observe the various plants and ingredients around the room, captivated.
“Um, Bridget and Ella, split up and help these three get sorted, won’t you?” Your gaze drifts to the two people he’s approached, eyes locking on the pink-haired girl.
She’s smiling at her friend, talking quietly before Merlin interrupts. She turns to you and Red with a friendly smile, picking up her assignment paper.
Chloe stares at the blue-haired girl as Red and you approach the pink-haired girl.
“Bridget?” You approach first, smiling at her as Red follows.
“Yeah.” She affirms, looking over the table of ingredients.
“Mom?” Chloe is still staring at Ella, who gives her a weirded-out look. You wince, feeling embarrassed on her behalf.
“Um…I mean, uh, Ella, hi.” Chloe stammers over her words, “Nice…Nice to meet you.”
“Okay, new girl, let’s dive in.” Ella looks right at home in this class, confidently grabbing the ingredients she needs.
You settle on Bridget’s right side, introducing yourself. “I’m Y/n, and this is my cousin, Red.”
“Hi, Y/n, Red!” She beams as she places her jacket under her seat. “I’m Bridget, but you already know that.”
You giggle together, smiling. Her eyes linger on you for a moment.
“...I like the rose in your hair.”
Your hand reaches for the white rose your mother had conjured before you left, still tucked in your hair, somehow perfectly in bloom. Home wasn’t too far away here.
“Thank you! My Mama gave it to me.” You trace the petals gently, missing home.
Bridget’s eyes light up.
“My little sister loves white roses!” She pours a vial of purple liquid into the cauldron. “Her name’s Mirana. She always says they look elegant.”
Bridget smiles to herself. “I think she’d really like you.”
You smile weakly. “I’m sure she would.”
If only you knew.
Before you can continue, Red lets out a disbelieving laugh. “So, wait. You’re Bridget?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“Bridget from Wonderland?” Red asks again.
“Yup. That’s me.” Her smile never leaves her face. “Could you pass me the griffin-claw, please? I gotta stir this up.” She points to a stirrer on Red’s left.
Your gaze drifts between them.
Red looks as though the world has tilted beneath her feet.
Bridget remains perfectly content, blissfully unaware that the girls standing beside her are her future daughter and niece.
“I love your outfit, by the way.” Bridget compliments Red.
“Why are you talking like that?” Red blurts.
“Red…” you nudge her gently beneath the table.
“Like what?”
“Uh, you just sound different.” Red pours a vial of something glittery into the cauldron.
“I’m not quite sure I…” Bridget stirs the liquid.
“No, it’s me!” Red interrupts. “I’m…You’re…This is all just a lot.”
“How many kids were at your old school?”
Red hesitates. “Uh…one.”
Bridget’s face lightens. “I was homeschooled too! Until I came here. So, you know, don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” She reassures Red.
You perk up. “Me too.”
Bridget looks delighted. “Really?”
“My Mom taught me. My brother was homeschooled too until he was old enough for Au–Merlin Academy.”
“You have a brother?” Bridget exclaims.
You laugh softly. “Yeah. He’s older than me, so he doesn’t spend much time at school anymore.”
Bridget nods in understanding.
Red, who has been listening quietly, finally speaks.
“I wasn’t homeschooled because my mom thought it was best. She just…didn’t trust anyone else.”
Bridget’s smile softens. “I’m sorry.”
Red shrugs, trying to brush it off. “It is what it is.”
“Do you want a hug?” She opens her arms, approaching Red, who backs away just as fast.
“Uh. Not really a hugger.” Red holds her hands up in defense.
“I’d like a hug.” You say tentatively, feeling a little shy.
Bridget turns to you and wraps you in an embrace, one that you melt into. You hold her back just as tightly. “Thanks, Bridget.”
Red watches the hug for a moment before looking away, something unreadable flickering across her face.
“Any time!” Bridget nods before turning back to the table. She’s quiet for a moment before she speaks again. “I’ve got the perfect thing to make you feel better, Red.”
She squeals. “I made ‘em this morning.” She leans over and retrieves something from her backpack.
“Keep those flasks bubbling, please,” Merlin shouts from the front.
Bridget pulls out a golden platter covered by a cloche, which she quickly removes. “Fabulous Flamingo-Feather Cupcakes.”
You and Red look down at the pink cupcakes decorated with flamingo feathers.
“Flamingo feathers?” Red asks.
“Don’t worry. They don’t bite. Not like those gingerbread men I made last spring.” Bridget giggles at the memory. “I won’t be using that cookbook again. Try one.”
You both take a cupcake, Red more warily, and bite into them. Red’s eyes light up, and her nails turn bright pink. You hum at the sweet taste and notice the accents of your outfit change to a pastel pink.
“Oh, how lovely!”
“Whoa. These are fabulous.” Red goes to take a second cupcake.
“Ah, ah, ah.” Bridget holds them out of reach. “Just one, or there can be…side effects.” She places the cloche back over the platter and puts it back in her bag.
Red eyes the cupcake in her hand, placing it on the table instead of finishing it.
You shrug and continue to eat your cupcake, enjoying the sweet treat.
“Now, ready to tackle the assignment?” Bridget turns to you and Red.
“Why are you so nice?” Red asks quietly.
Bridget laughs nervously before touching Red’s arm. “You get more with sugar than salt.” She smiles sadly. “Come on.” She returns to stirring the potion.
Once class ends, the five of you exit the classroom with Bridget leading. Ella wheels a serving cart piled high with Bridget’s cupcakes in front of her.
“It’s really not a secret recipe.” Bridget looks over her shoulder at Red, Chloe, and you. “A little butter, flour, sugar, and a lot of positivity.”
You step alongside the cart, watching students weave through the courtyard between classes.
“Honestly, it always works for me. That’s why I got enough to go around, for everyone I see.”
As Bridget offers cupcakes to passing students, you find yourself helping without thinking, handing one to a shy-looking girl. “Bridget made them for everyone. You should try one!” She takes it with a quiet “thank you!” before hurrying away.
Red watches you for a moment before looking away. “...Figures,” she mutters under her breath.
Before long, you aren’t just handing out cupcakes anymore–you’re laughing with students, pointing them to Bridget whenever they ask who made them, and smiling every time another splash of pink appears somewhere in the crowd. For a little while, it feels nice to forget why you came here in the first place.
“Sometimes I make mistakes, and sometimes I burn the cake, but I still believe it all will be okay.” Bridget’s tray has one remaining cupcake.
“Cause the sun shines a little more brightly, when you take things a little more lightly. It’s all gonna turn out nicely with just a taste of your heart.”
You grin as someone’s pants turn pink, and another’s hat and shoes change color while Bridget replenishes her emptied plate from the cart. You reach for the next tray before Bridget can, earning an appreciative look from her.
“It’s likely you’ll fall into something spicy. Just mix it up, you'll keep finding that life is sweeter when you are.”
A few more students take the cupcakes before you arrive in front of the girl that you met when you arrived–Fairy Godmother.
“Hey, Fay!” Bridget greets her, offering the tray to her. You smile politely. “Hi, again.”
Fay brightens in recognition. “Oh! You’re the girls from this morning.” Her smile dips into a frown once more. “Guess I’m here for a spell, even though it never really works out well for me…” She sighs sadly. “One wave of my wand and it’s ‘whoopsie’!” She takes a cupcake with a friendly smile, biting into it. Her wand turns bright pink.
Bridget glances to her left, spotting a boy and a girl walking and holding hands. “It’s Jasmine and Aladdin!”
“Call us Jaladdin.” They speak in unison before Aladdin rubs the back of his head.
You rest your forehead against Red’s shoulder to hide your laugh. “Oh my hearts.”
“He’s like a magnet.” Jasmine leans her forehead against Aladdin’s. “She’s so attractive.”
They spin around, stopping in front of your group. “It’s all fantastic ‘cause we’re flying high together on a magic carpet ride.” They end with their hands in a heart before they each take a cupcake and wander off.
Your eyes meet Red’s behind Bridget. The two of you last not even two seconds before both of you have to look away, trying–and failing–not to laugh.
“Charming!” A boy riding a skateboard soars into the courtyard, taking a cupcake from the plate and staring at Ella. You watch the exchange knowingly, nudging Chloe.
“That’s just the name people know me by, crowned prince isn’t the way I ride. If you wanna roll together, it could be a vibe.” He takes a bite and kickflips, his skateboard changing to pink.
Red looks him up and down as he leaves. “Okay.”
Chloe looks uncomfortable. “That’s my dad.”
Red’s face immediately changes to disgust. “Oh...”
You laugh quietly behind her, resting your head on her shoulder.
Red shoves your head off of her shoulder without even looking at you.
“The sun shines a little more brightly when you take things a little more lightly. It’s all gonna turn out nicely with just a taste of your heart!” The whole courtyard has turned pink with the amount of students having eaten a cupcake.
“It’s likely you’ll fall into something spicy, just mix it up, you’ll keep finding that life is sweeter when you are.” Bridget skips around with her tray of cupcakes, offering one to anyone and everyone.
“So, you’re friends with everyone?” Red asks her incredulously.
“Oh, gosh, no.” Bridget smiles sadly.
Your smile falters. “Really?”
Bridget shrugs. “My only friend is Ella.” She turns to the blue-haired girl beside her, who grins.
“But, with time…and a few more treats, they will be.” Bridget nods self-assuredly.
You step closer without thinking. “Well, I think you’ve got three new friends right here.”
Bridget grins so brightly that it’s almost impossible not to smile back. “Really? Oh, how wonderful!”
“I think you mean, Wonderlandiful–” before you can finish your pun, you’re interrupted by a group of random students bursting out from behind a tree. They cackle as other students scramble away.
“What in the world–!”
“Look for a hand, find a golden hook. Captain of the seas, I got ‘em all shook.” A boy in a long, red coat appears, followed quickly by another boy in green.
“Son of Morgana, serpentine. Morgie’s the name, better run and hide.” His eyes flash yellow before he slides a hand over them and they turn a more natural shade.
“Hades here from the fiery depths.” The God of the Underworld lights a blue flame in his hand.
“Sharp as a thorn, I’m Maleficent.” The Dark Fairy sends a flash of green magic your way.
Morgie speaks again, “Now for the hottest, the goddess of darkness. Here she comes.”
“Uliana.” Morgie and Hook harmonize.
The remaining students watch in shock and mild annoyance (Ella) as the group introduces themselves. A pair of tentacles shove Hook and Morgie out of the way, revealing a pirate-looking girl with an evil grin.
“I’m not your everyday villain. I’m taking souls for a living. Got a torturous mind full of evil designs, I could grind up your bones in a minute.” Her crew glares from behind her, standing menacingly.
“Down in the darkest depths of the sea. The scariest things are scared of me.” Uliana retracts her tentacles in a flash. “Say Uliana and watch them flee!”
You stare at the dramatic entrance for a moment. “...Did they rehearse that?”
Bridget leans closer to the three of you, lowering her voice. “She’s Ursula’s baby sister.”
Red scans Uliana up and down. “Okay.”
Chloe blinks once, thoroughly weirded out.
You nod slowly. “That…explains a lot, actually.”
Bridget continues as though nothing has changed. “The sun shines a little more brightly.”
The VKs stride forward aggressively. “The dark is a little enticing.”
“It’s all gonna turn out nicely with just a taste of your heart. It’s likely–”
“We’ll make it all much more frightening.”
You find yourself stepping a little closer to your friends without even realizing it.
“Just mix it up, you’ll keep finding that life is sweeter when you are.” The AKs naturally gather around Bridget while the VKs close in from the opposite side.
“Seeing things brightly when you take things a little more lightly. Just mix it up, you’ll keep finding that life is sweeter when you are.” One by one, the VKs pair off with an AK, Uliana standing in front of Bridget.
Red and Ella glare at Uliana with open distrust. Chloe watches from behind Red while you step beside Bridget.
Bridget giggles sweetly as Uliana carefully takes a cupcake from the tray. “Thanks.”
You don’t trust her.
“Oh, sure.” Bridget nods. “Of course. Happy to…”
“For all of them.” Uliana interrupts, one of her tentacles snatching the entire plate from Bridget’s hands. “I mean, flamingo feathers are like, super rare, right?”
“Hey!” Ella steps in before you can. “Give that back to her!”
Uliana interrupts once again. Loudly. “I’m sorry. I don’t speak peasant girl.”
“I love your outfit by the way. It is just so…” One of her tentacles rips a piece of Ella’s sleeve away. “...put together.”
“That was wicked, Uli! You said, ‘put together’ ‘cause it’s not.”
“My name’s Bridget, and I have to bribe people with treats to be my friend because I’m such a loner.” Uliana mocks while her cronies laugh.
Your eyes narrow as you step in front of Bridget and Ella. “Mocking people doesn’t make you impressive. It just makes you look childish.” You cross your arms. “Now, return Bridget’s cupcakes.”
Uliana blinks once before scoffing. “Or what?”
Chloe wields a hockey stick at her. “Hey! The Code of Conduct prohibits theft and bullying!”
Hook casually knocks her makeshift weapon away. “Easy, lass. I dunno where you come from, but here we don’t fight until after school. Meet me then.”
Chloe shoves him away from her face. “You wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Red pushes past Chloe as the villains simply laugh. “Listen, squid-face. Give the cupcakes back, or I’ll rip that magic tongue out of your throat.”
“Oh, girl.” Uliana sneers. “I only wanted the feathers. You can have the rest.” She slams the plate onto the ground, sending shards of glass across the tile.
Uliana lowers the feathers to her mouth, preparing to ingest them all at once.
“Wait!” Bridget shouts. “That’s too many!”
“Seriously, it has some intense side effects!” You add.
Uliana ignores you both with a dark chuckle, eating them anyway. She hums happily, snapping her fingers.
Bridget looks at her worriedly. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
Uliana scoffs, pulling out a pocket mirror. “I’m sorry. You are just jealous of my fabulosity, okay?” She checks her reflection, running a hand over her braids. “You can’t handle my–squawk!”
A burst of pink feathers escapes her mouth as she honks and gasps. Her eyelashes have turned pink as she stares at Bridget in horror.
“Squawk!” She gasps again, looking at herself. “What was–” She begins to shriek, dropping her mirror as she backs away.
“You all right, Uli?” Hook asks. “You’re looking a little…pink.” He chuckles like he made a hilarious joke.
“Shut up!” Uliana screams. Her hair is turning pink now, and she squawks again, her hands flying to her lips.
Bridget covers her mouth in horror as Uliana freaks out.
“What’s happening to me?” She shrieks as her hair continues to change color. She squawks and falls to the floor.
“Someone help her!” Fay yells.
“Yeah, someone should help her.” Hades echoes before Maleficent hits his arm.
“Uliana…” You take an instinctive step forward before Red catches your wrist.
“Y/n.”
“She needs help.”
“She just threatened Ella like five seconds ago.”
Morgie rushes over, trying to help her up, but he only manages to remove her jacket. Uliana’s head has become that of a flamingo’s. You feel sick for her.
“Uli, I…” Bridget starts.
Uliana squawks in outrage before she locks onto Bridget and Ella. Bridget gasps, and Ella stares in shock.
Uliana rushes at them, and they sprint away.
“Uhm…we…okay. Thanks.” Chloe hands the hockey stick back to its owner and takes off after Bridget and Ella.
“Yeah.” You and Red follow quickly behind her. “Wait.”
“Uli!” Hook shouts, meandering after. The courtyard follows behind everyone while Hades and Maleficent hold hands and walk with no sense of urgency.
Bridget and Ella are heading toward the inside of the school. “Okay, okay, we’re almost there,” Ella reassures Bridget before they are quickly stopped by Hook and Maleficent.
“Hey there, darling.” He looms over them as Maleficent cackles.
“I’m sorry. Sorry, sorry.” Bridget yelps as she veers away.
Maleficent prevents Ella from following her. “What? I just want to have a little chat with your friend.”
Bridget is once again prevented from escaping by Morgie and Hades. “I’m sorry. I told you to be careful!” She yelps as Uliana chases her. She climbs onto the fountain’s edge.
Ella spots Uliana about to shove Bridget into the fountain and runs over. “Hey! Bridget! Watch out!” She pulls her off the edge, knocking Uliana off balance.
Uliana flails her arms as she tries to regain her footing before inevitably falling into the water behind her with a squawk.
Her ‘friends’ watch her fall.
Ella drags Bridget inside the Academy, shoving past people. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Bridget apologizes profusely.
“Come on.”
Uliana has returned to normal, coughing and sputtering in the water.
You lean over to Red and Chloe. “Y’know for someone who’s part fish, she sure can’t swim.”
Uliana whirls around to look at her surroundings. Various students begin to laugh and point at her as she stands. “Where’s Bridget?!” She shrieks.
The three of you stare at her. “So, pretty sure we just found out who’s gonna do the prank.” Red mutters.
“I don’t know, maybe that wasn’t so bad?” Chloe tries.
“I will destroy her!” Uliana screams.
You wince. “Pretty sure it’s her.”
Uliana huffs and stalks away. “Tell Bridget this isn’t over!”
Maleficent hisses as the rest of the VKs leave.
The remaining students begin to laugh as the three of you leave to find Ella and Bridget.
“How’s Uli doing? I feel terrible.” Bridget is berating herself. “I should go apologize.”
Bridget looks to you hopefully, as though expecting you to agree with her.
You shake your head gently, taking her hands. “You already warned her twice. This isn’t your fault.”
“She did it to herself.” Ella continues. “And it serves her right. She’s always bullying us.” She explains.
“Ella, yo, that was amazing.” Charming suddenly appears.
Ella beams at him.
“You ladies bested Uliana!” he compliments. “I don’t think anyone’s ever done that before. And that makes you braver than I am. And I’m a prince.”
Chloe watches her parents interact with wide eyes.
“Though I don’t really like to push the royal angle.”
Red widens her eyes at him.
“Yet you always find a way.” Ella deadpans.
“You’re the new girls, right? I’m Charming.”
“That’s debatable,” Ella says bluntly.
“And you guys picked the right time to show up because it’s Castlecoming week!”
Bridget giggles excitedly as the three of you look at each other.
“Castlecoming is an outdated, elitist tradition,” Ella informs you.
“Wait, so does that mean you’re not…” Charming looks a little disappointed.
“Squeezing into a super-expensive dress and painful shoes?” Ella scoffs. “No thanks.”
Charming huffs a short laugh. “Well, if you happen to change your mind,” he flicks his hair out of his eyes. “I’ll see you there.”
“Hey, Ella.” Chloe starts with a slight smirk. “He seemed pretty interested in your plans for the festival. Was I sensing some chemistry?”
“Uh,” Ella snorts. “No.” She says unconvincingly.
Bridget gives her a knowing look.
“Okay, yeah, everyone loves him.” Ella smiles. “And sure, he’s gorgeous, and he seems nice, but you know how royalty is. Well, except for you, B. You’re different.”
Bridget has her arms crossed, looking at Ella fondly. “I just wish someone was that interested in going with me. Everyone already has plans, so…”
Red looks at her mother sadly.
Ella’s eyes spark with an idea. “Bridget,” She takes Bridget’s hands, “will you go to Castlecoming with me?”
“But you just said…” Bridget looks to where Charming had disappeared.
“Yeah, I despise everything it stands for.” Ella chuckles. “But if we go as friends, maybe it won’t be totally awful.”
Bridget squeals in excitement, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “We have to try on dresses right now!” She twirls into Ella’s arms. “We only have two days.”
You look at Red and Chloe, smirking.
“I can’t, I have to get back home. But maybe later.”
“Okay.”
Bridget hugs Ella tightly, giggling excitedly. “See you later.”
She turns to you, Red, and Chloe. “Bye!”
Ella waves at her. “Bye.”
“Gonna find the perfect dress.” Bridget squeals as she leaves.
“She’s exactly like Mom said she was.” You murmur.
Red looks over at you. “What?”
“Nothing.”
Ella turns and leaves shortly after. “I better get home.”
The three of you walk after her, entering another common room where you can’t be overheard.
“Two days until my mom gets pranked.” Red starts.
“It’s not enough time,” Chloe says.
“It’s gonna have to be.” Red sighs. “I just…I can’t believe my mom was so…sweet.” She runs a hand over an organ, a slight look of disgust on her face.
Chloe presses her hands on the keys to stop the sound. “Tell me about it. My mom’s supposed to be the most perfect, gracious queen ever.”
Red holds a tambourine with no jingles.
“Ella seems like she can’t even stand royalty.”
“Yeah, you know, the craziest thing of it all…”
“They were best friends…” You finish for them.
Red and Chloe look at each other before glancing away quickly.
“Okay, well, now the question is, how do we stop Uliana before Castlecoming?” Chloe ponders aloud.
You settle onto a nearby chair with a lyre harp in your hands. You strum the strings quietly as Chloe and Red brainstorm.
“First, we have to figure out what she’s planning. Bugs in Bridget’s dress? Or…Or something with snakes?” Red walks around the room. “So many good options.” She drags her fingers through some chimes.
Chloe clasps her hands over the chimes, preventing the vibrations. “So, let’s find out more about Uliana. You think my mom might know?”
Red now has a drum mallet in her hands that she tosses back and forth.
“Maybe. Plus she’s closest to Bridget. So, she’ll know her weaknesses and exactly how to stab her in the back.” Red slams the drum mallet on the drum.
Chloe slams her hand over the top, stopping the sound.
“You have some serious intimacy issues.”
“Hmm.” Red cocks her head in thought.
A/N: Apologies for the wait! I'm visiting my grandparents, so I haven't had a lot of time to write. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist.
A Rose in Wonderland (Descendants ROR Reader Insert)
Summary: When you and your cousin Red of Hearts are given the opportunity to attend Auradon Prep, the Queen of Hearts and your mother, the White Queen, are all for it. But when the Queen of Hearts stages a coup and sentences Cinderella to a beheading for treason, it's up to you, Red, and Chloe Charming to prevent the Queen of Hearts from becoming evil in the first place.
WC: 3.3k
Warning: Canon typical violence. Death sentence.
Prologue | One | Two | Three | Four |
Chapter Two: The Fall of Auradon
A storm brews as the Queen of Hearts laughs wickedly.
She has thrown her deck of cards into the sky, conjuring an army of the Wonderland guard.
The Welcome Day Ceremony has officially descended into chaos.
Lightning strikes the air like a viper’s tongue, the courtyard lighting up in bursts of red light.
Most stare at the sky in horror while others sprint toward the exits.
Fairy Godmother is desperate to retain control over the situation. “Everybody, it’s going to be okay!”
Your brother has grabbed both you and Red, placing himself between you and the Queen of Hearts.
She is giggling, pointing toward where the guards drop. She claps and spins, watching the crowd be corralled inward.
Uma shouts in anger.
“Citizens, remain in the courtyard.” They order, holding up swords and shields.
“Oh my goodness!” Fairy Godmother yelps as pirates battle against the guards around her.
Red pushes out from behind Rook, desperately trying to get her mother to listen. “Mom, stop!”
The Queen of Hearts ignores her, grinning at the chaos she has caused.
You can faintly hear Chloe urging people to run, “Quick!”
The Queen laughs before flicking a set of cards toward the exits. “Not so fast.”
Each and every doorway is blocked by two giant cards, preventing anyone from leaving.
Uma is fighting the guards on the stage, thrusting and parrying against multiple at a time. It’s an admirable effort, but you know better.
The Queen of Hearts cannot be stopped.
Red watches the chaos in horror.
You clutch your brother’s shoulders, preventing him from doing anything rash. He looks at you.
You shake your head fearfully.
The Queen conducts her hands before Fairy Godmother catches her attention.
“Bibbidi-bobbidi—”
“No.”
With one word, a card slices Fairy Godmother’s wand in half, effectively preventing any sort of counterspell that she was going to conjure.
Almost immediately, a sword is at her throat.
A grunt and yelling catches your ear. “Let go of me!”
Uma has been captured.
A couple of guards have come to surround you and your brother, blocking you from moving.
You make eye contact with Red.
She looks terrified.
You refuse to let go of your brother’s sleeve. Every few seconds your eyes flick over him, searching for injuries that aren’t there.
Stay where I can see you, you silently plead.
“Calm down, you’re all acting like you’ve never seen a coup before.” The Queen of Hearts gathers her skirts and ascends the steps to the stage.
Thunder rumbles in the distance as she laughs.
“Mom, this is crazy.” Red gestures emphatically. “Even for you.”
“Crazy that it’s taken this long.” She lets out a short huff, turning to Fairy Godmother and Uma. “I have been waiting years to be invited back into Auradon.”
Red runs up the stairs to her mother.
“So, thank you, Red. You finally did something useful.”
“I should’ve known this was never about me.”
“Everything I do is for you.”
“That was my invitation. My school. My life.”
“Someday, you’ll thank me.”
“Oh! And we’ve already seen the ending.” She gasps in excitement. “Spoiler alert…” She smiles broadly. “We win.”
She laughs, clapping her hands together with childish delight before her gaze drifts over the courtyard.
It settles on you and Rook.
“White rose.” Her voice softens.
Your stomach drops.
“Come here.”
Instinctively, Rook steps farther in front of you, shielding you from her.
The Queen tilts her head, amused more than annoyed.
“I wasn’t speaking to you, white knight.”
Silence hangs between them.
“Rook…” you whisper, your fingers curling around his sleeve.
He doesn’t look away from the Queen.
Instead, he straightens to his full height, keeping one arm protectively in front of you.
“With all due respect, Your Majesty…” His voice is calm. “No.”
For just a moment, she simply stares at him.
Then she sighs dramatically.
“Honestly.” She clicks her tongue. “Must you always play the hero, white knight? I suppose I should have expected such stubbornness from my sister’s son.”
“I’m exactly where I should be.” Rook replies evenly.
Her light brown eyes shift to you.
“Y/n.” Her tone hardens. “Come to your family.”
You hesitate. You look at Rook, then Red.
Rook still isn’t looking at you when he murmurs, “Go.”
You stare at him. “What?”
“She won’t hurt me if you go.”
“You don’t know that.”
“No.” His expression softens. “But I know she’ll hurt me if you don’t.”
Your hand trembles in his.
“Now.” The Queen’s voice rings across the courtyard. “Must I ask twice?”
You can feel tears well in your eyes.
Rook nods once at you, gently pushing you forward. He smiles weakly. “Go on. I’ll be alright.”
The instant that you clear the guards, they move. Iron grips seize Rook’s arms before he can react. His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t struggle, knowing that would only make it worse.
“Don’t hurt him!” You almost run back to him, but you stop when you meet his eyes.
He widens them slightly, glancing at your cousin and aunt.
You nod imperceptively and force your feet to move.
Each step feels heavier than the last.
Only when you’re standing beside Red does The Queen’s smile widen.
“There.” She clasps her hands together. “That wasn’t so hard, now was it?”
You swallow thickly.
“Stop it, Bridget! You’re better than this.”
Cinderella interrupts her, trying to approach before she is stopped by two guards crossing their halberds.
“Let her through.”
The guards retract their weapons but remain at attention.
“This is too far. Look, I know that what happened was hard for you, but that was ages ago.”
They hold eye contact, silent.
“It feels like yesterday to me.”
“It was a stupid prank.” Cinderella’s voice wavers.
“Stupid, I could forgive.” The Queen of Hearts voice trembles slightly. “Humiliating a girl at her first dance, turning me into a monster in front of everyone. Now, that’s just cruel.”
“You’re right.” Cinderella agrees.
The Queen of Hearts doesn’t believe her, shaking her head in disbelief. “You didn’t care then. You were off with your prince. Ooh, but you will now.”
Her voice increases in volume. “You will all show me the respect I deserve!”
It’s clear that made the crowd restless. The soldiers become even more defensive. “Get back!”
The Queen raises her hand to Cinderella, gesturing for her to bow. “Now, kneel.”
Cinderella keeps her head held high, shaking it.
“I will never kneel to a tyrant.”
The crowd breaks into gasps and murmurs.
You can spot Chloe’s eyes widen in alarm.
“She’s denied a royal order. What do we do about that, darlings?” The Queen turns to you and Red.
You meet Red’s eyes before she turns to address Cinderella.
“Look, all you have to do is swear allegiance. Is that so hard?”
She’s trying to prevent a beheading.
Cinderella makes her way up the stairs.
“If it means compromising everything I stand for, yes.”
The Queen of Hearts nods as Red’s expression crumbles.
“Who are you loyal to, Red? These strangers…”
Red turns to meet her mother’s eyes.
“Or your mother?” she whispers. “Hmm?”
The Queen’s hand comes up and caresses Red’s cheek. “Now make me proud. For once.”
You can see Chloe shaking her head frantically.
Red’s eyes flick toward Chloe. Then to you.
Your fingers curl helplessly at your sides. If you do anything, something will happen to Rook.
If you don’t…
Chloe loses her mother.
You’re stuck.
“Come on, Bridget.” Cinderella interrupts again, “Even your daughter knows it’s wrong. She can’t do it.”
Her words seem to flip something in Red. She stares at Cinderella blankly.
Red meets her mother’s gaze for a moment, her jaw setting.
Then, she stalks toward Cinderella.
“Treason.”
Thunder booms.
The crowd gasps.
“She’s guilty of treason.”
You feel the blood drain from your face.
Red’s voice cracks around the words, like they don’t fit quite right.
“Exactly right, my dear.” The Queen is grinning now, coming up behind Red. “And that means, off with her head!”
Lightning flashes and thunder booms once more, panic ripples through the crowd.
Chloe gasps.
Cinderella stares at the Queen in disbelief. The Queen stares back with a smirk. It drops quickly.
“Shoo.” She waves her hand and the guards carry Cinderella off.
She goes willingly.
“Mom?”
“It’s gonna be okay, Chloe. I love you.”
Cinderella tries to comfort her daughter, reaching to hold her one last time.
The guards don’t let her.
“Mom? Mom!”
“It’s gonna be okay.”
“Mom!”
“Be brave, Chloe.”
Chloe is restrained by a single guard. She stares after her mother in anguish.
“Mom? No. No!”
“I knew you had it in you.” The Queen holds her daughter.
Chloe looks heartbroken, staring after her mother. “Let her go!”
Red stares at Chloe, unmoving.
“You’ll be a great queen, after all.” The Queen of Hearts leans over and presses a kiss to Red’s cheek.
Thunder rumbles again, and the vision from the Looking Glass flashes like lightning through your mind.
Red.
The exact same mark on her cheek.
This is it.
The future has already begun.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
“Look at her. She’s enjoying this.”
“Like mother, like daughter.”
Red wipes the mark from her cheek, scanning the crowd with a heavy breath.
Chloe mirrors her breathing.
Cinderella is finally escorted out of the room.
Red stares at the guards taking her.
She reaches into her pocket and something metallic catches the light for only a moment. You can’t make out what it is.
“Red?” you step toward her, curious.
“Hey, that’s not fair. Let her go!” Chloe’s voice is strained, holding back tears.
“Oh, bless your heart.” The Red Queen mocks her, clasping her hands to her chest.
“Let her go!”
Red starts forward.
Chloe moves to pull out her sword.
You look frantically between them.
“Wait!’ Chloe yelps as Red shoves the sword back into its holster.
They struggle against each other.
“Red!”
The Queen’s eyes widen.
A quiet click resounds and warm, golden light spills from between her fingers.
Your brows knit together.
“...Red?”
The glow intensifies.
You panic.
“Red!”
Instinct takes over. You don’t think–you just reach.
You lunge after your cousin, catching hold of her sleeve just as the light engulfs your vision.
Golden magic erupts around the three of you, swallowing everything.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
A clock chimes.
The world folds in on itself.
Time travel.
When the light dissipates, you stumble, disoriented.
“Red?” you clutch your head, blinking.
“Y/n!”
She grabs your arms, scanning you over. “What–why are you here?”
“I grabbed you when that…light appeared.” You shake your head, clutching her forearms. “What…what was that?”
Red’s mouth parts to provide an answer, but Chloe beats her to it.
“What just happened? Where did everybody go?” She spins around, scanning the now empty courtyard.
Leaves scattered across the stone beneath your feet. The courtyard was…empty. The soldiers were gone. The banners hanging from the walls weren’t Auradon’s royal crest anymore. Instead, they were green, gold, and blue.
Ivy crawled across the walls where polished stone had stood only moments before.
Red looks down at her hand. A pocket watch rests there.
“Whoa.” She stares at it in disbelief. “It works.”
You peer at the golden object. “Did Maddox make that? Or…Max?”
Red glances at you, smirking slightly. “You would ask that.”
Heat rushes to your cheeks and you smack her arm. “Shut up.”
“What works? Where are we?”
Chloe keeps one hand on her sword, scanning around her defensively.
“Not where.” Red remains still. “When.”
“Bibbidi…Bobbidi…Boo.”
The three of you turn to see a girl sitting on a bench in the corner. Her hair is done up in a bun and she holds a wand and a book in her hands.
“She looks like Fairy Godmother.” You whisper to Red.
The girl sighs annoyedly before trying her spell again. “Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo.”
She gasps as the book flies from her hands in a flash of golden sparkles.
She scrambles to stand up, huffing as she goes to collect her book. “No. I wanted to speed-read, not for my reading to speed off…” She trails off as she spots you, Chloe, and Red.
“Hi. Excuse me, where did everybody go?”
“Every-who?” The girl looks confused.
“All the royal families of Auradon. They were just here.” Chloe is still stuck on the past—well the future, now.
“What’s Auradon?”
The girl-who-looks-like-Fairy-Godmother’s book flies from her hands again and she gasps.
“I gotta go catch my homework.” She rushes away. “Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!”
“Everybody’s heard of Auradon.” Chloe’s brows furrow. “And the only person who says Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo is Fairy Godmother.”
“Maybe she’s not a godmother yet?” Red suggests.
“What do you mean?” Chloe asks incredulously.
Red’s getting annoyed.
“Look around you.” She gestures after the girl. “Fairy Godmother sucks at magic. Auradon doesn’t exist, which means…”
Red turns to Chloe expectantly, waiting for her to figure it out.
Chloe looks at her anxiously.
“Really? I thought you were smart.”
Chloe scoffs, looking back at where Fairy Godmother disappeared.
“We’re back in time.” You pipe up.
“No.” Chloe denies, then looks around once more. “Wait. No.” Her gaze settles on a banner showing the Merlin Academy crest. “How?”
Red holds up the pocket watch. “This, is a time machine.”
Chloe scoffs, looking at it. “You’re joking.”
“Does it look like I’m joking?” Red asks rhetorically.
“Why would you take us back in time?”
“I didn’t take you.” She glares at Chloe. “And I definitely didn’t take this one.” She points at you.
You give Chloe an awkward little wave.
“Hi, Y/n of Marmoreal. Nice to…meet you again?” You wince slightly as the words come out. “This is my cousin Red, you’ve met. Let’s just take some deep breaths, shall we?”
They ignore you.
“You just grabby-grabbed your way in.” Red walks away. “And this, is not what I had in mind.”
Chloe cocks her head.
“I just wanted to stop my mom.” Red sighs. You rub her shoulder, frowning.
“What about my mom? You sentenced her to death.” Chloe snaps.
“Maybe not my finest moment,” Red starts, “but I’m gonna fix it.”
“How?”
“I thought the watch would take me back a couple minutes so that I could steal my mom’s deck of cards. Not a couple decades.” Red emphasizes.
“Well, we need to go back and save my mom.” Chloe orders.
“No, the watch sent us to this time for a reason.”
You can hear the watch tick faintly.
Chloe looks at it for a moment and then lunges.
“Give me that.”
Red evades her attack, holding it out of her reach.
“I don’t need the help of some princess goody two shoes.” They begin to circle each other. “I’ll handle this myself.”
“Guys…” You warn. Neither of them were listening. “Guys.”
Red ducked around Chloe as Chloe reached for the watch again.
You stepped between them before either could shove the other. “Both of your moms are in danger.” You looked from Chloe to Red.
“Listen to yourselves a minute, we’re losing sight of why we’re here.” you offer your hand to Chloe. “If we keep pulling in different directions, we’ll only make the future disappear.”
“Arguing over whose problem comes first isn’t going to save either of them.” You meet Chloe’s eyes with hope.
Chloe backs away, circling around you and lunging at Red. “I’ll tell it to you straight to your face. There isn’t any time left to waste.” Red rolls her eyes.
“My kingdom back home needs to be saved.” Chloe surveys Red, scanning her up and down. “Give me the pocket watch or you’re getting slayed.” She lunges after Red, managing to grab the watch. “You best behave.”
“Give me that watch.” The two are locked in a game of tug-of-war.
“You’re out of your league, Princess.” Red flips over Chloe, pulling the watch free.
“I’m running out of hope, running out of time.” They vault over the nearby tables, running around the courtyard.
“I’ll do what it takes just to change your mind.”
“Or we’ll cross swords, hope not to die.”
“We’re on opposite sides, in the fight of our lives.” Chloe has unsheathed her sword, intercepting Red as she runs into a hallway.
“What’re you gonna do now? Run me through and steal my watch?” Red taunts Chloe, holding the watch up. “I think there’s a word for that, actually. It starts with a V…Oh, right. Villain.”
Chloe twists her sword and slides the blade through the chain of the watch, stealing it from Red’s hand and running off.
“Please just hear what I’m trying to say, we all agree we gotta make a change.” You leap onto a nearby table, meeting Chloe’s eyes.
“I know you wanna go back home, but you’re not the only one.” you look at Red. “If we stop the Queen before it’s too late, maybe we can rewrite fate.”
You step down to their level. “We all have someone left to save. For past, present, and future’s sake…wait.”
Red sighs at your words, “Got too much at stake to go home.”
“That’s not true.” Chloe interjects.
“Guess we’re gonna do it on our own.”
“I’m here too.”
They’re circling each other again. You groan.
“You’re not gonna catch me if I fail. Got me runnin’ on these walls. Dippin’, flippin’ somersaults. ‘Bout to risk it all.” Red grabs a flag pole from its mount before thrusting it at Chloe.
“I don’t need your help ‘cause the watch is mine. If you hear me out then you’ll change your mind. Let’s not cross swords, hope not to die ‘cause. We’re on opposite sides in the fight of our lives.” They hold their own against each other quite well, running up onto the terrace.
“Change the future in the past. We gotta move forward where we’re at. The moment is now, but it won’t last. If we’re on opposite sides in the fight of our lives.” A well-aimed hit sends the watch flying. It lands in your outstretched hand below. You hold it close, glaring at the two.
“I’m not above violence. Work it out.” You make an I’m watching you gesture.
Chloe sighs, still on her guard. “Let me ask you something. Why should I trust you? Your mom just staged a violent coup. For all I know, you're gonna stab me in the back too.”
“Think what you want to, boo. I'm nothing like my mom.” Red drops her weapon as Chloe sheaths her sword. “Her power trip was way too strong, I knew that she was wrong.”
“Well, maybe we'll get along, maybe we're not that different. Maybe we need each other to complete the same mission.” Chloe moves closer.
“I'm glad you put your pride aside to make the right decision.” Red smirks in triumph.
“We'll work together until history is rewritten.” They meet in the middle, pressing their foreheads together.
“Gay.” you cough into your hand, grinning. “We might not be a team, but we gotta try.” You run to meet them in the middle of the courtyard, offering your hand to Chloe.
“Did you change your heart or just change your mind?”
“So cross our swords, hope not to die.” Chloe eyes your hand for a second before finally taking it. Instead of shaking it, you pull her into a quick hug.
“I'm kinda surprised, are we on the same side?” You glance at Red. She rolls her eyes, but the corner of her lips twitches upward.
“Fight of our lives. The fight of our lives. We're on the same side.” You hand the pocket watch to Red.
“So, you really wanna stop your mom?” Chloe asks as the three of you walk toward the exit.
“Yeah. I do.”
“Why?” Chloe questions, “If she takes over, you’ll be the next Princess of Auradon.”
“And if I’m the next Princess of Auradon, it’s only a matter of time before she tries to turn me into her mini-me.” Red sighs. “I’m not gonna let that happen.”
“Okay, I accept your mission.” Chloe walks ahead.
“‘Mission’?” Red glances at you.
You shrug, linking your arm through hers as the three of you head toward the academy’s entrance.
