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Descendants (Kingdom Hearts AU

AN: Part of my Quadruplets AU. I have a collection of oneshots I post on AO3 with Vanitas, Sora, Ventus, and Roxas being quadruplets. This particular story, the four aren't related by blood, but have a brotherly bond.

Enjoy!

Once upon a time, a long time ago- only like 20 years ago- Belle married her beast in front of 6,000 of their closest friends.

But, instead of going on their honeymoon, Beast got himself elected king of the United States of Auradon. In doing so, he rounded up all the villains, the sidekicks- basically all the really interesting people- and he booted them off to the Isle of the Lost, with a magical barrier to keep them there.

This is our playground.

No magic.

No Wi-Fi.

No way out.

Or... so we thought.

Oh, but, hang on! First, you have to know what all led to this!

***

The prince stood atop an elevated platform as his measurements were taken, unable to stop himself from glancing out his window, where the Isle of the Lost was.

"How is it possible you are going to be crowned king next month?" His father teased, "You're still just a baby!"

The prince chuckled a bit, "Dad-"

"He's turning eighteen, dear!" His mother jokingly reminded.

"Mom-"

"Eighteen! That's far too young! I didn't make a good decision until I was at least 42!"

"Excuse me? You married me at 28!"

"It was either you or a teapot."

The woman playfully hit his shoulder as the three chuckled.

"Mom, Dad." The prince said again, "I've chosen my first official proclamation!"

The two stared at the prince.

"I would like the children of the Isle of the Lost be given a chance to live here, in Auradon."

The two widened their eyes.

"Every time I look to the isle, I feel like they've been abandoned!"

"The children of our sworn enemies? Living here? Among us?"

"We start out with a few at first, only the ones who really need our help or could use it. In fact, I've already chosen them!"

"Have you?"

***

"Why, thank you! That's mine!" The brunette boldly took the small crown out of the shopkeeper's hand.

"Hey! Hey, you!" The man went to run after the brunette, "You can't just-"

"I can't just what?" The brunette stopped, facing him, "Take it?"

"That costs more than you steal in a day, give it back right this instant-"

A blonde holding a golden hook put it to the shopkeeper's throat, "Or what? What will you do?"

The shopkeeper stopped, eyes widening.

"That's what I thought." The blonde snickered before the two began walking off, "Also, you shouldn't turn your back so blatantly on your shop!" In his other hand, he held up a bag. He shook it, the sound of coins clinking together was easily heard.

"HEY!"

The two laughed as they ran off. They made their way up a ladder and onto the roof, running across it as the shopkeeper followed. Once they made it to where the laundry mat was, the brunette jumped on the blonde's back, who used his hook to zipline down the clothes line, the two not caring that they ruined a bunch of clothes as they went down. Once on the next building, they hopped down and continued on their way.

"How much you got?" The brunette asked as he put the crown on his head.

The blonde counted, "...Ooooh, the guy did good for us~! I got here 40 silver!"

"Yaaaaaay~!"

They continued down their way before waiting outside a shop.

Another blonde walked out, holding a couple of different items.

"Hey! You street rat, you can't-"

As the shopkeeper came outside, a bucket of nasty, muddy water filled with worms and bugs fell on his head. The culprit, a boy with raven black hair, laughed hysterically with the two blondes and the brunette. The four then made their way down the road again, the raven snatching a lollipop from some kid as he then plopped it into his mouth.

"Honestly, you'd think they'd learn by now!"

"But that would take brains!"

"Yeah, and no one uses those here!"

"Besides us!"

The four chuckled.

"Ah, there you four are."

They stopped as someone approached them.

One of the blondes sighed, "Hello, Father."

"Hi Jafar." The other three greeted with a roll of their eyes.

"Yes, yes, hello to all of you." The man said, still holding his golden scepter, even if it didn't work, "Roxas, what did you get?"

His son, Roxas, motioned to the things in his hands, "This. This. And that. Oh, and-" He reached under his shirt and took out a "magic" lamp, "-this."

Jafar gasped and approached, taking it, "Ah, now that's a beauty! You know, these things used to have genies in them and they would grant any of your desires."

Roxas nodded, giving a very clearly forced smile, as he's heard this many times before.

"Ah, I almost forgot! The four of you, follow me. We have much to discuss!"

They all looked at each other, confused.

They all followed Jafar into a building, onto the second floor, which was sort of used as a conference room for all the villains when they wished to reminisce on the good old days.

"Ah, there's my darling Sora!"

The brunette strutted over to his mother, smiling as he removed the crown from his head, "Look, what I got, Mother!"

"Oh, that is wonderful! You should have had a crown long before as the Prince of Hearts!" She took the crown and began wiping it as best as she could, "But this darn thing needs to be polished! Princes deserve only the best!"

Sora smiled triumphantly.

"Ventus! You better not have lost that hook!"

"I didn't, Dad!" Said blonde sat next to the man, "It's very precious to me! Besides, I use it to get things like this!" He held the small coin bag with the golden hook.

"Now there's a smart boy! That's why you're Captain Hook's son and not a Smee!"

"Vanitas! You are filthy!"

The raven sat beside the man, chuckling, "Well, I was collecting some bugs to dump on people."

His father chuckled, holding up a pair of dice, "Call it."

"Doubles." Vanitas said as the man threw the dice down.

They rolled and both dice held a single dot.

"Snake eyes!" Both yelled out.

"Now that's how you gamble like Oogie Boogie! Ha!"

"Enough!" Jafar called out, Roxas sitting down as the man began circling the room and the people, "Now, the reason you four have been brought back and away from your scheming is because we have received some letters. Letters from Auradon."

The four immediately narrowed their eyes at just the name.

"Auradon University has officially invited you four to attend their lovely school and live in the dorm rooms."

"What? No way!" Roxas immediately said.

"Agreed, no way!" Ventus agreed, "I'm not going to a school filled with glitter and happy songs!"

"Wait, Auradon has real snakes, right? I'm in!" Vanitas exclaimed.

"They have dogs, too." Oogie Boogie said.

"I'm out!"

Sora crossed his legs, shaking his head, "Unless I'm living in a castle, I'm not going!"

"You could marry a princess and get yourself a nice castle." His mother encouraged.

"Ugh, but Mother, those princesses are all goody-two-shoes, prim and proper ladies!" The brunette cringed, "They would never punish any insolence like us!"

"Enough! You four are not going for the schooling!" Jafar rolled his eyes, "You will go, you will find the Fairy Godmother, and you will bring back her magic wand!"

"The magic wand? Why?" Roxas asked.

"Because that wand is what's keeping us here on the Isle of the Lost!" He turned to his son, cupping his chin, "Imagine this, Roxas. Being free from this dirt and grime, getting ahold of a real magic lamp, and asking for infinite riches! Not only that, once we're released, our magic will return to us! I'll have my scepter that will finally punish those who kept us locked away, bend their wills and minds to ensure that we make up for lost time. The time you and I should have been treated as a sultan and prince." He stepped away, looking at the other three, "Of course, with that, the Queen of Hearts and Prince of Hearts will finally be able to go back to Wonderland and rule the kingdom as the rightful rulers, castle and all. Captain Hook and Captain Ventus will once again be the feared masters of the sea, striking fear into anyone who dares enter your waters. And Oogie Boogie and Vanitas will have all the little pawns to play with in their little gambling lair."

Everyone let the words and ideas set in.

"Now, tell me, how does that sound?"

***

The four dressed the best they could.

Sora wore a half black, half red sweater cardigan over a white button up shirt, as well as half red and half black leggings. On the red side of his leggings, there was a black club and black spade decorating them, while the black side had a red diamond and red heart. He also wore black heeled boots, the heel golden. On his cheeks right under his blue eyes, he had birthmarks of the card suites; a red heart, black spade, red diamond, and black club.

Ventus wore a white button up and with a long red leather jacket, different pirate pins resting on the front of it. It was beat up and dirty, the red looking a bit off due to sun exposure, but no one seemed to care. He also wore black pants with lots of zipper and pouch pockets, black boots on his feet as well. He was going to bring a captain's hat, but his father told him no. Besides, he had his golden hook, so he wasn't too upset.

Roxas had a black beanie on his head, wearing a black hoodie over a red shirt, the hood having a golden cobra design on the back of it, the cobra standing up straight and baring its fangs. He also wore black ripped skinny jeans with a golden paint splatter design decorating them, along with red and black sneakers in case he needed to run.

Finally, Vanitas looked the most different. Normally, he would just wear a burlap sack he had made into a long hoodie that fell to his ankles, similar to his father. However, because they were told they had to look somewhat nice, he wore a black shirt that had a white cobweb design on them along with black skinny jeans. He did, however, have a long sleeved hoodie with no buttons or zipper that he made from a burlap sack, the hood covering half his face when he put it on, eyeholes cut out so he could see. Finally, he wore black shoes with mismatching socks.

"This is for you, dear." The Queen of Hearts gave Sora a card deck.

Sora tilted his head, confused.

"On Auradon, magic is allowed. Trust me, you'll need and want these."

Sora took the cards out and began flipping through them. He widened his eyes before smiling, nodding, understanding perfectly.

"For you, my boy!" Oogie Boogie gave Vanitas a small bag of dice, "Just like Heart Head said, magic is allowed! So make sure to roll high!"

"Oh, I will." He chuckled.

"If you see that blasted Peter Pan or his fairy, make sure to put them in their place!" Captain Hook told Ventus.

Ventus twisted and played with the golden hook in his hand, "They won't see what's coming. I've got a killer right hook."

Jafar dusted off Roxas's shoulder, "Don't forget your main objective."

"I know, I know, get the magic wand, free the isle, we got it." Roxas nodded.

"Good. And, before I forget-" He offered the blonde a red gemstone, similar to the eyes of the cobra in his scepter, "-for you."

Roxas widened his eyes, "...Father, it's beautiful."

"And yours." Jafar carefully pinned it to his beanie, "Be sure to wear it at all times. It's very valuable, the most valuable thing I have in this isle." He then cupped his chin, "If you lose it, you won't get another one."

"Of course. I won't." Roxas reassured.

Jafar nodded before dramatically turning, "Come along, now, everyone! Before they arrive and get suspicious!"

The four watched their parents leave before standing at the broken bridge that led to Auradon. Silence surrounded the four, all feeling a bit awkward, nervous, and yet... somewhat relieved to get away from their parents...

"I didn't know you had shoes." Ventus teased, breaking the silence, blue eyes looking Vanitas up and down.

Vanitas rolled his yellow eyes, "Don't think these are staying on all the time."

Roxas tapped his foot impatiently, blue eyes looking to Sora, "What do you think is taking so long?"

Sora was too busy playing with his cards, giggling like a kid in the candy store.

"Sora!"

"Whaaaaat?!" Sora whined playfully, "Do you know what these are?"

"Cards?"

"Not just any cards! They're-"

A limo suddenly appeared in front of them, the window rolling down. The driver looked between the four.

"Sons of the Queen of Hearts, Jafar, Oogie Boogie, and Captain Hook? Step inside."

Vanitas moved to the trunk, him and Roxas putting all of their bags in it as the other two go in the back seats. Once they closed the trunk, they also squeezed into the back. All four stared in shock at the candy and treats that were laid out in front of them.

"...Are these real?" Roxas grabbed a chocolate bar and took a bite, letting out an excited hum, "IT'S REAL CHOCOLATE!"

"Wait, these are real candies?!" Sora grabbed a handful of colorful candy drops, "MMMMM!"

Ventus grabbed some gummy candy sharks, "THIS IS AWESOME!

Vanitas took some of the caramel popcorn, "IT'S SO GOOD!"

As the four happily ate the treats as the driver got them through the magic barrier and across the ocean towards Auradon. All four were in awe at how bright and colorful everything was, staring in shock. It took about twenty minutes before they finally arrived at the school, where other students were waving, holding up signs that welcomed them, the band was even playing for them.

The limo was parked and the driver got out, opening the door for them.

Sora was the closest and held out his hand.

The driver stared.

"Aren't you going to help me out?" Sora said expectantly.

The driver sighed, but took his hand as Sora stepped out.

"Honestly..." He rolled his eyes, continuing to play with his cards, "Manners."

The driver also helped the other three out, Vanitas and Roxas grabbing all of their bags and setting them down at their feet as three people approached them. One was a platinum blonde boy with teal eyes, wearing a dark navy blue suit with a white button up and yellow tie. Another was a girl with short red hair and dark blue eyes, wearing a light pink sundress with a white sweater cardigan. Finally, there was a woman wearing a periwinkle dress and jacket with a pink bow in the middle.

"Welcome to Auradon University!" The woman said, "I am Fairy Godmother, the headmistress, and we are all so happy to have you here."

"Wait, you're the Fairy Godmother?" Roxas questioned, "Like, bibbidi-bobbidi-boo?"

"Yes, bibbidi-bobbidi-boo. You know it."

"Wow, that's amazing!" He lied, smiling brightly, innocently, "I mean, that must've been so magical for Miss Cinderella! Seeing you appear with your sparkly wand and warm smile and loving presence!"

"Yes, well, that was a long time ago. Now, I always say, 'don't focus on the past or you'll miss the future.'"

Roxas nodded, doing his best not to cringe.

"It's so nice to meet you all." The platinum blonde stepped forward, offering his hand to Sora, "I'm Riku, son of Belle and Beast. This here is Kairi."

The redhead girl smiled and waved, "I'm the daughter of Princess Ariel and Prince Eric. It's an honor to have you here."

Sora stopped playing with his cards for a moment. He put his hand in Riku's hand, "Ah, so a fellow royal I see. My name is Sora, son of the Queen of Hearts."

"I, uh, do apologize, but the Queen of Hearts has no, um, royal status here." Kairi gently corrected.

"Oh, but that can't be true." Sora unfolded his cards like a fan, "After all, if that were the case, I wouldn't be able to do this."

He threw a couple of cards up and everyone watched as the cards turned into people wearing red armor.

Fairy Godmother gasped, "What're you-"

"Oh, relax." Sora folded the remaining cards up, "They are merely here to carry mine and my friends bags." He looked at the guards who nodded, bowing their heads and grabbing said bags. He then looked at Riku, his hand still in the platinum blonde's. He let out an, "A-hem."

Riku stared at him for just a moment before letting out a, "Oh-!" He then brought Sora's palm to his lips, placing a gentle kiss before stepping back.

"There." Sora retracted his hands as the other three held back laughter, "Honestly, you would think royals would know how to act."

"ANYWAYS-!" Fairy Godmother interrupted, "Riku and Kairi will show you four around and I'll see you tomorrow."

She then began to walk away, along with everyone else.

"Here, follow us, it's a lovely building!" Kairi exclaimed, "We'll show you the dorms and then show you around the classes and, of course, if you have any questions, feel free to ask us."

The four followed after them, the card guards carrying their bags.

***

The next day, the four were sitting in a classroom on their own, taking the 'Remedial Goodness 101' course. An apparent requirement for the four of them.

"If someone hands you a crying baby, do you, a, curse it? B, lock it in a tower? C, give it a bottle? Or d, carve out its heart?" Fairy Godmother asked, looking at the four.

Sora had his legs crossed, holding a small compact mirror open to make sure his birthmarks didn't look weird, Vanitas was leaning into the back of his chair, ready to doze off, Roxas had his elbow on the table, holding his face up with an annoyed and tired expression, and Ventus's head was on the table, eyes closed, ready to fall asleep.

"...Anyone?"

"Look, lady, we get that we're evil or whatever, but we're not infants." Vanitas groaned, "It's B."

Ventus looked up, "And your next question, 'you find a vial of poison. What do you do?' It's C, turn it over to the proper authorities."

"Well, I-"

"Eeeep!"

The four turned and watched as a girl with blonde hair walked past their desks, walking up to the woman.

"Hello, dear one!" Fairy Godmother cooed, smiling.

"You need to sign off on early dismissals for the coronation!" The blonde girl offered some papers to Fairy Godmother.

"Everyone, this is my daughter, Naminé." Fairy Godmother introduced as she signed some papers.

The girl faced the four and gave a shy, awkward, and intimated wave.

Roxas stared at her for a moment before holding back a smirk. He instead smiled and waved at her.

"Alright, there you are." Fairy Godmother handed the papers back to the girl.

"Nice to, um, meet you all!" Naminé quickly said as she left.

Roxas raised his hand.

"Yes, Roxas?"

"May I use the restroom?"

"Oh, of course, go ahead."

Roxas quickly stood and left the classroom. Instead of going to the bathroom, he followed Naminé.

"Hey, Naminé, excuse me!"

She turned, clearly nervous.

"Hey, i, uh, can I ask you something?" Roxas asked, biting his bottom lip.

"O-Of course!"

"I, uh..." He sighed and took out a small coin pouch he had stolen, "I-I found this and have been meaning to turn it into Fairy Godmother but I..." He sighed, looking away, "I-I know who my father is and I know I-I'm not exactly anyone's favorite... I-I'm just nervous if I turn this in, I will be accused of stealing and... Look, I know words mean nothing but we're trying our best and I don't-"

"Hey, hey. It's okay." Naminé smiled softly, genuinely. She offered her hand, "I can turn it in for you."

"R-Really?! Oh, thank you, I-" He sighed in relief and smiled brightly as he gave it to her, "I owe you big time! Tell me, what can I do to make up for it?!"

"N-No, no, you don't owe me at all!" She reassured, "It's not a big deal, honest!"

"Oh, but, if there's one thing my father taught me is that every debt shall be repayed." He cringed, "Granted, usually that was for idiots who decided to make an enemy of him, but if I'm going to be good, than I need to do better than him, right?"

She chuckled, "I appreciate the sentiment, Roxas, and that is more than enough. I don't need any repayment."

Roxas shrugged, "Well, if you're sure. Actually, while you're here, can I ask you something?" She nodded, "Do you know why Fairy Godmother doesn't use her wand? I-I see small bits of magic here and there and yet... not from her." He shrugged, leaning back into the lockers behind him, "Guess I'm just curious."

"Oh, my mother doesn't believe in using her wand anymore. All the magic comes from books, as she says. Oh, but, not the magic books. History books and such."

"Pffft, that's a bit ridiculous. But, I guess when you're surrounded by this stuff, you get used to it, huh?" He took out a piece of candy from his pocket, staring at it longingly, "...The isle doesn't have this stuff. Just sugar-free, artificial, wax candy. But being here? You get real chocolate and gummies and actual sugar everywhere you go." He looked at her, "Being here truly is magical."

Naminé stared at him with slightly widened eyes, in slight awe.

Roxas gasped, "Oh, I'm so sorry, I-I should go, I've taken up too much of your time!" He went to offer a handshake then stepped back and gave a small bow, awkward, "So sorry, I-I'll leave, I-"

"Roxas, would you like to go to the coronation ceremony with me?"

The boy widened his eyes, pointing to himself, "...Me?"

"Yes, I think it would be good! You would stand by me and my mother and near Riku and Kairi! It'll be good for everyone to see that you and your friends are taking this seriously!"

"I-I would be honored but are you sure?"

"Positive." She chuckled, "Besides, you'd be able to see my mother's magic and wand up close to truly see how magical this place is! She'll use it to officially crown Riku as the new king!"

Roxas smiled brightly, "Well, Naminé, I guess I owe you double! Thank you so much!"

"Oh, but you don't-"

"Nope, I'll hear none of it! I am forever indebted to you!" He teased, bowing properly before waving, "See you later!"

"B-Bye!" Naminé called with a chuckle.

Roxas got back to the classroom, a smirk on his face. Once the stupid class was over, he grabbed the other three and pulled them towards his locker, whispering.

"One of us needs to get up close to the prince if we want that wand." Roxas whispered.

"What're you talking about?" Vanitas asked.

"I followed Naminé, thinking if I get close to her, we could nab it. But, she said Fairy G doesn't use her magic much." He smirked, "But she will use it during coronation! She's going to use it to crown Riku."

"So, what you're saying is we just need someone who's really pretty, can pull off the nice card better than all of us, and bonus points for already technically being a royal, to seduce the guy?" Ventus asked.

Sora narrowed his eyes, "No. No way. Not it!"

"Sora, did you see the way the guy looked at you? He clearly is impressed!"

"Who isn't?" Sora shrugged, "But no! I'm not doing it!"

"I'll steal you the biggest, shiniest, and prettiest crown for when our parents rule again." Roxas offered.

"...Deal."

"Hold on, as much as I agree that Sora is our best option, we need to ensure this actually works." Vanitas butted in.

"What are you thinking?"

"We can make potions here. So, why not give Sora a little boost?"

"Alright, but first? We have other classes."

***

Vanitas and Ventus walked outside to the field, both a bit annoyed they were forced to take a gym class. Ventus played with his hook in his hand as the two walked to stand in front of the coach.

"Ah, hello, you two!" The man gave an awkward smile, "I-It's a pleasure to meet you two! W-We're so happy to have you both!"

"Uh huh." They both said in a monotone voice.

"Um, Mr. Ventus, c-could you please, uh, put your hook away?"

"Why?" Ventus asked, Vanitas biting his bottom lip to hide a smile, "Does it scare you?"

"Well, uh-"

"We can take care of this, sir."

The two turned around, seeing a girl with blue hair and a brunette boy behind them, each having fencing swords attacked to their hips.

"Hi there, my name is Aqua, and this is Terra. We're juniors here." The girl explained.

"Upperclassmen." Vanitas said.

"Yes, and we want to help make sure you both are comfortable." The brunette offered a long staff with a net at the top to Ventus, "Why don't you replace that hook with this so we can teach you how to play Tourney?"

Ventus narrowed his eyes, stopping his twirling of the hook in his hand, "...I feel more comfortable with it in my hands than laying it somewhere on the ground for someone to throw away."

"Nobody would-"

"'Nobody would do that.' Please." Vanitas rolled his eyes, both he and Ventus looking at each other, "They think we don't know how untrustworthy we are!"

"And how others might want to take their anger out on the villain kids."

"That's not-"

"Okay, you can hold it."

Everyone looked at the girl.

Aqua smiled and took out a long thread from her pocket, holding it up in one hand. With the other, she wrapped her fingers around it and moved her fingers down the string, Vanitas and Ventus watching in awe as it was turned to gold.

She then stepped forward, offering it to Ventus, "Here. You can thread the needle through your hook and attach it to somewhere you'd like. Until I undo the magic, it'll be safe."

Ventus hesitantly took the thread, "...I thought that was a Rumplestiltskin thing? Turning straw into gold?"

Aqua chuckled, "My mother is the woman he tried to trick. She had learned the trick from him and passed it on to me."

Ventus nodded. He wrapped the thread around the hook before tying it tightly around his bag. Once he finished, Aqua leaned forward and pressed the golden thread once more. The golden thread seemed to melt together, as if being molded and cauterized together.

"There, see?"

".....Thanks." Was all he said.

The two were then given some mesh colored jerseys, putting their bags down on the bleachers. Once they changed, Aqua and Terra led them towards the rest of the class as they explained.

"The goal of Tourney is simple." Terra said, "Two teams of 7 attempt to get a Tourney ball into the opposing team's net, whoever has the highest score after the end of the match wins. What makes it different than other games is that other players are free to tackle or strike their opponents, knock them to the ground, etc. No only that, you see that red area with the white lines?" The brunette pointed towards the field, the two nodding, "That's called the 'Kill Zone.' Basically, if you're in there, the person manning the cannon can shoot projectiles at you to slow or knock you down."

"You can only move the ball with the Tourney Stick, that's why it has a net here." Aqua explained, "You have to use the stick to pass, catch, and score. Using bare hands is not allowed. There are also people who take the role of Defender, where they carry a large shield to help protect the Forwards."

"So, we're basically just fighting each other, but with fancy sticks, shields, and canons?" Vanitas said.

Terra spoke up, "It's not that we're fighting to hurt anyone, this is all in good fun. It's a sport to enjoy and maybe make some friends, you know? It's all about teamwork and fun."

Vanitas and Ventus looked at each other.

"...Have you never done something like this before?"

"Teamwork is not really a thing where we come from." Ventus said, "You only have yourself to rely on. That was the first lesson my dad taught me."

"'No one else should be calling your shots. If you do, you're no longer in control, and what's the point in that?'" Vanitas repeated his dad's words.

"Sounds like a pretty lonely life, if you only have yourself." Terra said without thinking, Aqua hitting his stomach.

Both were silent.

"Well, I haven't let myself down yet." Ventus shrugged before playfully nudging Vanitas, "And neither have the people my instincts told me I can trust."

Vanitas chuckled, "It's cause I'm always right." He then moved towards the field, "Come on, let's get this show on the road."

The two joined in on the game, running around and passing and overall having a good time. Everyone was impressed with the two villains, but neither were really focused on the game too much. They were more focused on trying to outplay each other, running around, scoring, and overall having a lot more fun then they expected.

"HA! How was that, Ven?!" Vanitas smirked after making another goal.

"You cheated!" Ventus hissed, "You took the ball from my stick!"

"I didn't use my bare hands, so it's not cheating!"

"You assh-"

"BARK, BARK, BARK!

Vanitas paled, the two turning and seeing a dog running over. He screamed and jumped up, Ventus catching him as he ran to their bags. He grabbed at his hook, but it was still connected to his bag by the gold string. Despite this, he still held it up threateningly, Vanitas in his arms, hugging him tightly.

The dog ran up to them, Ventus holding out his hook as he glared.

"GET IT AWAY, GET IT AWAY!"

"BACK, GET BACK! STUPID MUTT!"

"Woah, woah, easy, easy!" Terra ran over, Aqua behind him. He picked up the dog, "It's okay, this is just-"

"A VICIOUS BEAST WHO EATS BUGS AND SNAKES!" Vanitas screeched, hugging Ventus more.

The blonde readjusted his hold on the other as he held out his hook, "Get that thing away from my friend!"

Aqua let out a small chuckle as Terra held the dog in his hands.

The brunette chuckled, "I promise you, Chirithy here is harmless!"

"Then why is it barking?!"

"AND CHASING ME?!"

"He just wanted to meet you!" Aqua reassured, "He wouldn't hurt anyone!"

"YEAH RIGHT! DOGS EATS BUGS AND SNAKES AND, IN CASE YOU FORGOT, THAT'S SORTA MY THING!"

"Not to mention they're vicious pack animals!" Ventus hissed.

"Who told you that?" Terra asked.

"MY DAD!" "Oogie Boogie!"

Aqua and Terra looked at each other, the brunette still holding the dog in his arms as he whined and panted. He then slowly put the dog down, Ventus stepping back as Vanitas whined. The dog sniffed the air towards them before sitting down at Terra's feet. Vanitas and Ventus stared, slowly relaxing their shoulders, Ventus slowly lowering his hook (which was still attached to his bag).

"...Okay, maybe it's not some vicious pack animal..."

"But it could still eat bugs and snakes!"

"The only thing Chirithy here is eating is kibble with maybe some probiotics sprinkled in because he sometimes has some stomach problems." Aqua reassured, kneeling down and petting the dog, "I promise. He's really friendly."

"He's sort of the school's pet dog." Terra also knelt down, petting him, "He was a stray that wandered onto campus and just wanted to play. The whole school pretty much adopted him from there."

"Y-You promise it- he doesn't eat bugs or snakes?" Vanitas asked as Ventus slowly put him down, the raven still hugging him tightly just in case.

"He couldn't catch a fly even if it was sitting in front of his face." Terra chuckled, petting the dog right behind the ears, "No offense, lil' guy."

The dog barked in response.

Vanitas jumped and Ventus stiffened.

The dog bowed his head, as if to apologize.

"Here, let me see your hand?" Aqua held out her hand.

Vanitas hesitated but gave it to her. She then gently pulled his hand to rest a couple inches away from Chirithy's snout. The dog leaned forward, sniffing his hand before giving a gentle lick.

Vanitas's eyes widened before he knelt down in front of the dog, "...Okay, you don't... seem so bad."

Terra stood up, "How about you and Chirithy get to know each other? Sometimes, he likes to run around with the team and we'd hate for you to get scared or nervous anytime you entered the field."

Ventus put his bag back on the bleachers, "You okay with that?"

"Y-Yeah, yeah, I think so..." Vanitas reassured, petting the dog behind the ears, "Push comes to shove, your hook is there."

"Don't ruin it."

"I won't."

Vanitas sat on the bleachers, the dog resting on his lap as the boy chuckled and pet him, as the other three went back to continue playing Tourney.

"You guys must be really close." Aqua said, "The way you immediately, no questions asked, protected him."

"Yeah, well, us villain kids only had each other." The blonde shrugged, "He's part of my crew, and captains look out for their crew."

"Well, maybe one day we can be part of your crew too." Terra chuckled.

Ventus widened his eyes, staring at him, "...Why would you want that?"

"What do you mean?"

"You forget who I am? Who my dad is?"

"That doesn't matter to me- to us. What we just saw wasn't Captain Hook, or Captain Hook's son." Terra shrugged, "What we saw was a good friend. And I'd love a friend like you by my side."

Ventus's eyes widened more before he shrugged, "...Well, then, feel free to call me Ven. My friends call me that."

***

Sora and Roxas sat in their science class together, Sora holding out his compact mirror.

"They're fine, Sor."

"I just have to make sure. A prince is-"

"Always perfect, I know, I know."

"You know, you could learn a thing or two, seeing as your father-"

"Was a royal advisor, nothing more."

"He was a king for like two seconds."

"Great, so my two seconds of being a prince is over." Roxas rolled his eyes.

Sora wrapped an arm around Roxas, holding the mirror in front of both of them, "Roxy, you, Vani, and Ven are as much royal as I am~!"

Roxas chuckled, rolling his eyes, "You're the only one with a title."

"I'll make sure to change that." Sora chuckled, letting him go, "But seriously, you-"

"Alright, class, as you know, we have our two new students joining us." The teacher motioned towards the brunette and blonde, "And perhaps this is just review for you two, but could either of you tell me the average atomic weight of silver?"

Kairi, who was sitting behind them, raised her hand, "Uh, sir, maybe we should-"

"It's alright." Sora stood up. He walked to the front, grabbing a piece of chalk as he began writing on the board, "So, that would be 106.905 times 0.5200, plus 108.905 times 0.4800, which would then give us 107.9 atomic mass unit." He turned to face the teacher, "So, how was that?"

"F-Forgive me, I shouldn't have underestimated-"

"A prince? Yes, I thought you would have known that by now."

"...I more meant a villain."

"Oh, that too." Sora shrugged, gently putting the chalk down, "So then why would you underestimate someone who's both? Best not make that mistake again."

"Or it's off with your head!" Roxas snickered, Sora laughing as he moved to sit back down.

The brunette sat beside him, snickering, "You're an idiot."

"Hey, um, Sora?"

The boy turned, facing Kairi. She smiled, "I, um, really struggle with this class. You seem to really know your stuff, would you be willing to help me?"

"Kairi, what are you-"

"Oh, hush!" The redhead said to the girl next to her, "They're here for a second chance and it's our job to make them feel welcomed! They're not their parents!"

Roxas and Sora widened their eyes.

Kairi then looked back at Sora, "Of course, if you don't want to, I totally understand and-"

"I don't mind."

She smiled, "Really?"

"Sure." Sora shrugged, "It could be fun."

Roxas faced her, "Oh, actually, this is perfect since Sora's been wanting to do some baking!"

"I have?" "He has?"

Roxas looked at Sora with a face that said 'play along', "Yeah, don't you remember? Since we're in Auradon, you mentioned you'd love to bake some Wonderland inspired treats."

Sora looked back at Kairi and nodded, "That's right, I must've forgotten with all the craziness of moving here! Do you know where I could find some books on baking?"

"Oh, actually-!" Kairi reached into her bag and offered him a book, "I was going to return this today, but if you're looking into baking, please! Take it!"

Sora did and smiled innocently, "Thanks so much~!" He moved closer to her desk, blocking Roxas from view, "Could you help me look through it? I want to make something really good and since sweets weren't a thing on the isle, I have no idea what to do!"

"Of course, here, let me-"

Roxas turned back around as Sora distracted Kairi. He grabbed the book that had a ton of potion recipes they were suppose to use for studying, one that wasn't suppose to leave the classroom. He slipped it underneath his shirt easily, making sure it looked natural, as any professional thief would.

"-and my favorite are the cupcakes! If you're looking for Wonderland like treats, I would totally do a tea-cake! They're-"

"Alright, everyone face the front."

Sora smiled again at Kairi, "Thanks again."

"Of course!" She giggled, "Oh, and Sora?"

He hummed.

"You're really pretty. I'm a bit jealous!" Kairi giggled.

Sora widened his eyes. His fingers instinctively reached up to his birthmarks, "...You... You think so?"

She nodded.

"...Thank... Thank you."

Sora turned back around.

"Why're you being weird? We tell you that all the time!"

"It's different hearing it from a stranger."

Roxas chuckled, "She's not wrong."

Sora just let out a small huff.

***

"Alright, the most important ingredient! A tear!" Roxas exclaimed.

"I can cut some onions-"

"No, it has to be a natural tear." He interrupted Ventus, "A natural tear has more protein based hormones than a reflex tear, which is what we need if our prince is trying to bag a king."

Vanitas looked at Ventus, "Cut me with your hook, I'm sure I can squeeze a tear out."

"Okay, no. That's not happening." Sora hissed, "You are not hurting yourself for this."

"That's why Ventus would be doing it."

"No one is hurting you for this!" The other three said in unison.

Vanitas lifted his hands, "Meh meh meh."

The other three chuckled and rolled their eyes.

"Maybe we can-"

"I was wondering what was going on." The door opened, Sora quickly covering the spell book with a towel as Naminé walked in, "And I was actually looking for you, Roxas."

Roxas smiled innocently, "Sorry, are we being too loud?"

"No, no. But I did want to talk about the coronation- oooh, those look good, what're you making?" She asked.

"Cookies. We've just-"

Naminé reached out and took a small scoop, tasting it. All four stiffened and cringed.

"It tastes really good!"

"Does it maybe taste like it's missing something?" Roxas gave an awkward smile.

"Do you feel any different?" Ventus piped, Vanitas nudging him.

"Hmm... you know what's always good? Chocolate chips!"

"Chocolate chips?" Sora repeated as Naminé went to the fridge, "They have chipped sized chocolates?"

Naminé chuckled, offering a small bag to Roxas, "No, no. They're just little bits of chocolate. They always the best part! Haven't you ever had them?"

All four were silent.

"...Wait, you've never... had chocolate chip cookies?"

...Silence.

"Never? When you're feeling sad or lonely and just need a hug and... a warm cookie helps warm you?"

"Things are different where we're from." Vanitas said.

"I-I know, I-I just..." She gave an awkward smile, "I-I mean, your mom and dads must love you too, right?"

.....Silence as the four looked away.

"O-Oh..." Naminé looked away, "I-I'm so sorry, that's so sad..."

A tear rested on the edge of her eye.

Roxas reached out, using his finger to wipe it away before subtly throwing it into the bowl. She turned to look at him and Roxas gently took the chocolate chip bag out of her hands.

He gave a sad smile to her, "...Thank you. For the help. Not just tonight, but... for everything."

Naminé looked at him and smiled back, "Of course. D-Do you all need anything?"

"I think we're going to get these in the oven and probably head to bed!" Sora said, gently grabbing her, leading her out the door, "We'll have our first ever warm chocolate chip cookies made with real chocolate, so we'll probably look like dorks and you do not want to see how crazy we can get! Have a good night!"

"O-Oh, yes, bye! Goodnight!"

Once she was out the door, Sora locked it behind her and looked at the other three, "Let's finish up."

"Yep!" All three agreed, moving to do what they needed to do.

***

"Sora, just the person I was looking for!"

The brunette turned and smiled, "Ah, Prince Riku, I'm so happy you're here!"

"Please, just 'Riku' is fine." The platinum blonde chuckled, nodding a bit, "I wanted to ask how you were adapting? Everything been okay?"

Sora shrugged, looking back into his locker, "Well, despite the lack of red everywhere, it has been quite fine." He rummaged around and sighed, taking out a card and throwing it behind him, a guard forming, "I left my book in my last class, get it for me."

"Right away, your highness!" The guard bowed and began running off.

Sora smiled, "That never gets old."

"You... truly enjoy the prince treatment, don't you?"

Sora paused, turning to look at Riku, who had watched the guard quickly run off. He then looked back inside his locker.

"...I suppose I enjoy it now that I have it."

Riku looked back at him, "What do you mean?"

"Well, as your friend had so delicately said, villains don't have royal status." Sora opened his compact mirror, looking over his cheeks, tracing them with his fingers, "My mother is- rather was- a queen. But we had no powers, no magic, no kingdom. All my life, I was told how I was the Prince of Hearts, that I would have my own kingdom once we got off the Isle of the Lost, that I would have servants at my beck and call, wanting to serve and take care of me, as they would for any good prince." He looked at Riku, "Obviously, it was all fantasy. Even if we were to get off the isle, there is no way we would be able to get back to Wonderland and be welcomed with open arms."

The guard came back, holding Sora's book.

"Thank you." He snapped, the guard turning back into a card and flying back into his deck. His blue eyes scanned Riku's face, who was taking in every word. He looked away and put the book back into his locker.

"I suppose I just wish to indulge the fantasy a bit more."

"There's nothing wrong with that."

The brunette looked at him, "...You think?"

"As long as you're not hurting anyone, there's no harm, right?"

Sora smiled a bit before he gasped, "Oh, actually, you have splendid timing! I made cookies!" He pulled out a bag, "Chocolate chip! Try one!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'd love to, but I'm not much of a sweets person."

"Oh... No, no, that's okay." Sora closed his locker, "I mean, I get it."

"Get what?"

"I mean, I am a villain, so, I get it."

"N-No, no, that's not it-"

"It's okay, you're cautious, cautious is good."

"That's really not-"

"Same thing on the isle, have to watch your back. It's okay, you don't trust me-"

Riku, without thinking, grabbed one of the cookies and took a bite. Sora watched, turning his body to face the other.

"See, I trust you." Riku said, reassuringly, "Totally trust you."

Sora nodded, hand going to his hip, "Yeah? How are they?"

"They're good. They're great, amazing!"

"Yeah?" The brunette prodded as Vanitas, Ventus, and Roxas came up from behind the platinum blonde.

"Yep. They're chewy and, um, sweet, and warm and... and..." He trailed off, staring at Sora more intensely, "S-Sorry, I, um...." He cleared his throat, "...Sora, have I ever told you how much your eyes remind me of the ocean? And how much I love the ocean?"

Sora snatched the rest of the cookie out of Riku's hand, putting it back in the plastic bag the rest were in.

Vanitas wrapped his arm around Riku's shoulders, "How you feeling, your majesty?"

"I feel... I feel..." Riku blinked rapidly a couple of times before grabbing Sora's hands, "Sora, are you going to the Tourney game?!"

"Uh, yeah, yes-"

"I'll have a seat saved for you, with lots of red and hearts and cards and whatever else you want and-"

"That's okay, I-I will just stand on the bleachers with the rest." Sora quickly said, face turning a light red.

"Okay, if that's what you'd prefer! Please, be there, I have a very important question to ask after the game!" He lifted Sora's hands and gently kissed his palms before walking off quickly.

Once they were alone, Sora's face was hot as he glared at Roxas, the other three snickering, "That worked way too well! What did you put in that?!"

"You saw everything we put in there!" Roxas took the cookies, "Come on, let's dispose of these and get to the game."

"See you two later!" Vanitas and Ventus called.

Sora and Roxas made sure to throw the cookies away in the furtherest trash can they could find before going to the bleachers. They found a spot, where they could see Vanitas and Ventus.

Roxas gasped, "Sora!" He pointed towards the field, "Dog!"

Sora looked and gasped, yelling, "VANI!"

Said boy turned, waving at them.

"DOG!" Both yelled, pointing behind him.

Vanitas turned around and ran over to the dog.

"No, you-!"

They watched as Vanitas picked the dog up and ran towards them. He quickly climbed up the bleachers, smiling.

"...You're not scared?" Roxas asked.

"Chirithy and I have become good friends!"

Sora cooed, "Well, he is a cutie. You sure you'll be okay?"

"Trust me, this little guy will help me win it all!"

Roxas chuckled, "Good luck then!"

Vanitas waved as he went back down and joined the rest of the team.

Sora watched, "...Do you think... we could stay?"

Roxas looked at him, "...What?"

"It's just... we're happier here, right...? Why should we..."

"Sor, you and I both know that we-" Roxas stopped, "...We're happier anywhere without them. But this is only temporary."

"...Yeah, you're right."

"Course I am." Roxas teased, Sora playfully nudging him.

They watched the game with everyone, cheering and clapping, mainly for their other two friends. They watched as the game progressed and the two worked really well together, no shocker there. But they also worked well with the team, making sure to call out, strategize, and not just brute force their way through the game.

It ended with Riku scoring the winning goal after an amazing set up from Vanitas and Ventus. Everyone cheered and clapped as the announcer congratulated the team.

Suddenly, Riku took the microphone, "Excuse me, but I have something to say!"

Everyone quieted down, staring at him.

"I have a very important question for a very special person." Riku took the microphone with him as he moved towards the bleachers.

Towards Sora.

"...Roxas, what the fuck were in those cookies?!"

Riku knelt on one knee as he took Sora's hand in his, "Sora, the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew things would forever change for me. You are unlike anyone I have ever met and you truly inspire me. I love you, I truly do. Would you do me the honor and be my date to the coronation?"

Sora's entire face was red, completely and utterly embarrassed as Roxas held back laughter beside him.

However, he put a confident smile on his face and said, "I suppose I could~!"

Riku stood up and hugged the brunette, "HE SAID YES!" He called into the microphone, everyone around them cheering.

Riku left back down the bleachers with the rest of the team as everyone cheered and clapped.

"Sora!" Kairi came over, smiling brightly. She wrapped her arms around him with a bright smile, "Oh, thank goodness!"

"'Thank goodness?'" He repeated.

Kairi stepped back and nodded, "Belle and Beast have been trying to set Riku and I up for ages, but we're both just friends. In fact, I like girls and he likes boys, but they don't know that. We were suppose to go to the coronation together, but I'm so happy he's found someone he feels so comfortable with to be able to express his true self!" She then looked towards the team, "Though, that is crazy! So unlike him! But I guess when you love someone, you'd do crazy things, huh?"

"Yeah, guess so." Sora smiled awkwardly.

***

Roxas, Ventus, and Vanitas sat in their dorm, doing homework or studying for a test.

Sora came barging in, "WE HAVE A PROBLEM!"

"What're you talking about?" Vanitas didn't look away as Sora shut the door.

"Riku just asked me on a date, like, an actual one!"

"Okay, how is that a problem?" Ventus turned away from his books.

Sora stomped his foot, and looked away.

"...You've never been on a date?!" Roxas guessed.

"You don't have to say it like that!"

"Well, you're the one who would tell your mom about the boys and girls fawning over you!"

"Yeah, well, I lied!" Sora began pacing, "After all, a perfect prince needs a ton of suitors and 'If you're not getting any, Sora, then clearly you're not putting in the effort and you need-'"

"Okaaaaay, snap out of it!" Ventus stood up, grabbing Sora's shoulders and snapping in front of his face, "Pull yourself together! We'll get you looking handsome in the span of a few minutes! But first, go change into something you either, a, always wanted to wear but haven't had the chance to or, b, something cute."

Sora took a deep breath, nodding, "Okay! Be right back!" He quickly went next door, the connected dorm where he and Ventus slept.

"...Anyone else shocked he really hasn't been on any dates?" Vanitas asked.

"Well, he was probably told he had to look perfectly pretty, but also needed to find the perfect guy or girl." Roxas mocked.

"Right." Vanitas rolled his eyes, "The guy is literally the prettiest guy out there and yet is told constantly he could be better because his mother's a-"

"Vani." Ventus interrupted him.

Vanitas shut his mouth.

"...All of them are trash, and we can complain later. Let's focus on getting Sora dolled up."

After a few minutes, Sora came out, smiling as he did. He wore a half white, half black crop top sweater cardigan, the sleeves black with red diamonds in a checkerboard like design, the sleeves white and cuffed at the wrist with red hearts. He also had black skinny jeans and black heeled boots.

"How's this?" Sora asked, "I've had this top forever and just have never worn it!"

The other three let out playful wolf whistles as Sora laughed, playfully bowing.

"Come here, beautiful!" Ventus cooed, taking Sora's hands and sitting him down in a chair, "Now, I can either do just a natural look for you, or, if you want, I can surprise you."

"Surprise me."

"Atta boy!" Ventus snapped, "Vani, Rox, bring me the necessities!"

"Aye, aye, captain!" The two called out, causing Sora to laugh.

Roxas and Vanitas handed Ventus his makeup kit, the blonde then getting to work. He told Sora to close his eyes, and began his work. He was gentle and precise, making sure Sora looked absolutely amazing.

"Done." Ventus determined, Sora opened his eyes. The blonde then held up a mirror, "How's that?"

Sora gasped, "...Ven, this is gorgeous!"

"I know." Ventus teased, chuckling.

"You know, you three are the best!" Sora smiled brightly.

"Don't cry, don't ruin his masterpiece!" Roxas joked.

"I won't, I won't!" Sora giggled, "What do you guys really think?"

Vanitas hugged Sora, "Our little prince is is the fairest prince of them all~!"

"Shut uuuuuup!" The brunette laughed more.

There was a knock on the door.

Vanitas let Sora go as the brunette moved to the door. He opened it and Riku was dressed in a grey v-neck under a black leather jacket, dark blue joggers, and black sneakers. Riku stared for a moment, eyes widened.

"...Well?" Sora prodded.

"I-I'm sorry, I-" Riku chuckled, offering his hand to the other, "You're beauty has truly left me speechless."

Sora smiled, taking his hand, "Thank you."

Riku kissed his palm before pulling him along, "Come on, I can't wait to show you."

Sora closed the door behind them as they left.

The other three stood in the room for a moment.

"...Okay, let's go!" Roxas said, "Grab your things, we're following!"

***

"Where are you leading me?" Sora laughed as Riku kept his eyes covered.

"We're almost there, I swear!" Riku reassured, "Just down these steps-! Oh, careful, careful! Okay, here we are, ready?"

Sora nodded.

Riku uncovered his eyes and the brunette looked out. He gasped, seeing an outdoor gazebo resting beside a small river, a blanket with a picnic basket and an array of food laid out around it.

"Oh, it's-" He was in awe, "It's lovely!"

"Here." Riku took his hand, leading him towards the picnic.

They sat down on the blanket and Riku poured them some lemonade as Sora looked around at the food. He reached out to something soft and tender in the shape of a ball with white powder on it. He took a bite and it had some sort of grape filling. He let out a happy hum and put the rest in his mouth.

"Is this your first time?" Riku chuckled, offering him a glass.

Sora swallowed the treat in his mouth before taking the glass, "Well, uh, we don't really date much on the isle. It's more like gang activity."

The platinum blonde chuckled, "No, I meant, is this your first time eating a jelly donut?"

"Oh, is that what it was?"

"I'll take that as a yes." He reached out and gently wiped Sora's lips, "You just got a little messy."

Sora felt his face turn hot as he looked away, "S-Sorry, that's super improper, I'll be more careful-"

"No, no, it's okay." Riku cupped his chin, turning the brunette to face him, "I like this version of you."

"...Excuse me?"

"Let me rephrase." He pulled his hand away, "I like how confident and determined you are and how you take no nonsense from anyone. But I also really like you just being... natural, I guess?" He shrugged, smiling, "You don't have to be perfect around me, Sora."

Sora stared for a moment.

"...Well, I'll... I'll try not to be." The brunette gave an awkward smile, "My mother... always wants me to be perfect. I've only ever felt not perfect around Vani, Rox, and Ven. And I enjoy not being perfect. A lot easier to manage." He teased, "...But hard to... unlearn what I've been taught."

"I understand. I mean-" Riku motioned around them, "-look at where we are! Everyone on Auradon are taught to fear the villains and their children." His eyes met Sora's, "But I always wanted to get to know you guys. We're not our parents, none of us are." He let out a sigh, "I'm not... I'm not my parents."

The brunette hummed, "Your parents are the king and queen of Auradon! Isn't that something to aspire to be?"

"It's a lot of pressure, pressure to be... well, you know, perfect. I mean, my father literally changed his whole view on the world, turned from a beast to a man after finding true love! My mother went from a kind, inventive, and intelligent woman to a queen overnight! And everything they've done, they've done to protect Auradon and everyone expects me to... to do the same." The platinum blonde sighed again, "...But... What is there for me to do? How can I live up to them? Protect a kingdom when there's nothing to protect them from?"

Sora was silent.

"That's one of the reasons I asked to bring you and your friends." Riku took his hands, "Because... how is it fair that we get to live in the safety of our little bubble, but leave you all behind when it's your parents to blame? We aren't automatically them. We get to choose who we want to be. Staring into your eyes, I don't see evil. I just see... you."

The brunette blinked, truly having no words. This... can't all just be because of the love spell, right?

"Enough about me and this bummer talk." The platinum blonde squeezed his hands, "Can you tell me a bit about yourself? I want to know everything about you."

"Well, um, I'm 17. I turn 18 in March." Sora said awkwardly, "I, um, I'm an only child, and I've only ever lived in one place."

"Well, besides the actual birthday, we have a lot in common."

The brunette chuckled.

"Come on, give me more. Please?"

Sora let out a puff of air, looking upwards, "Ummm... Oh, I really like red. Which, I know, kinda obvious, but I don't just like it because it's a Queen of Hearts thing." He looked down at their intertwined hands, "On the isle, we don't have a lot of color. Lots of blacks, grays, browns, beiges, but nothing like Auradon. There's a little bit of blues or purples or greens." He looked up at Riku, "But red? Red is such a hard color to come by on the isle. It's special, it's unique, and I love that. My mother told me that Wonderland was surrounded in red, and I kinda... I don't know. I don't know if I like that idea." Sora let go of Riku's hands and hugged himself a bit, hands running over the red bits of his top, "I love how sparse it can be. Because then it feels like my color."

"Red is your color." Riku agreed.

Sora chuckled before asking, "What's your favorite color? Wait, no-! Don't tell me!" Riku chuckled as the brunette thought about it, "Blue?"

Riku nodded, "Blue."

"Because of the ocean?"

"Yeah. When I was younger, before all the talk of ruling a kingdom became the norm, my mother and father would always take me to the beach and I loved it. The water is always so beautiful and warm and a lot of fun. Speaking of-" Riku stood up, "-let's go for a swim."

Sora paled but laughed, shaking his head, "No, no, no way!"

"It'll be fun, come on!"

"No, this top is really expensive and Ventus worked so hard on my makeup, no way!" The brunette played it off, "Why don't I watch you?"

"You sure?"

"Yeah, yeah! I'm going to stay back and try a strawberry!" Sora grabbed one, "I've literally never had one before!"

"Alright, well, I'm going to swim a bit. And at any time, join me, please!"

Sora nodded as he bit into the strawberry.

Riku removed his shirt and joggers, wearing swim trunks underneath as he then moved to climb up the rocks, to jump into the river. Sora watched as the platinum blonde, chuckling a bit.

...This is all just fake. Sora frowned, Just the love potion. Don't get your hopes up.

As if anyone could ever love you when you're not perfect.

A splash sounded, snapping the brunette out of his thoughts. He looked up, back to where Riku was suppose to be. He sighed in relief, figuring the other jumped in. He waited a few moments, expecting to hear smaller splashes from the other as he swam.

...But he didn't.

"Riku?" Sora called, standing up, "...Riku?!"

"Sora!"

The brunette turned and saw Roxas, Ventus, and Vanitas.

"What-!" He quieted down, hissing so only the three could hear, "What are you three doing?! You trying to blow our cover?!"

"You think we're going to let goody-two-shoes take you on a date and not supervise?" Vanitas rolled his eyes, "We need to make sure you're okay!"

"Seems like you guys are having fun!" Ventus smiled, encouragingly, "You enjoying yourself?"

Sora stomped his foot, blushing, "Shut up!"

"Awww, he's embarrassed~!"

"SHUT-"

"Guys, do you hear any splashing?" Roxas asked.

They all widened their eyes, Sora looking back at the water.

"RIKU!" He called, looking down at the water.

He took a deep breath and carefully stepped into it.

"SORA!" The three called.

"Stay up there!" He hissed at them as he carefully walked through the water, "RIKU!"

He continued walking through the water, getting into it until it reached his chest. He cringed and whined as he tried to step forward. His heel must've slipped out from under him as his face hit the water, the brunette screeching and stumbling and flailing. Before he could fully fall back into the water, arms scooped him up, carrying him bridal style out of the water. He looked up and it was none other than the platinum blonde he was looking for. Sora desperately tried to get the water out of his face and hair, coughing a bit as Riku set him back down on the gazebo.

Once he was safe, he hissed and slapped Riku's chest, "You scared me!"

"You can't swim?" Riku asked.

"NO!"

"You live on an island?"

"Surrounded by a magical barrier and killer sharks! The only one who can swim is Ven and not-" He stopped himself and just huffed, looking away.

"...You can't swim and you still came in to save me?"

"Well, yeah! Ugh, and this top is ruined! It was my one chance to wear it and it was expensive as hell!" Sora stood up and began waving his arms around to dry himself off, "Now I'm all cold and wet! And my makeup is probably ruined! UGH!"

Riku followed him, grabbing his leather jacket and a towel. He wrapped the towel around Sora's chest and waist, tying it so it didn't fall down before putting the leather jacket on his shoulders. He then stared at Sora, gently wiping his thumb across his cheek.

"...Hey, Sora?"

"Yes?" Sora asked, a bit annoyed.

"I... told you I love you, but... what about you?"

Sora widened his eyes, "...I..." He looked away, honestly answering, "I don't know what love feels like."

"That's okay." Riku let his face go, grabbing Sora's hand and kissing his palm, "Maybe I can teach you."

Sora's face turned hot as Riku knelt down, beginning to pack up the picnic. He looked at his three friends, all four sharing the same look.

Is this real?

***

"Alright, Roxas, Sora, Vanitas, and Ventus, as you four know, today is Family Day at Auradon University and, well, obviously, your parents can't be here-"

"Oh, that's okay, we'll be fine." Vanitas, who was holding Chirithy, reassured Fairy Godmother, the four sitting in their seats.

Naminé, Terra, Aqua, and Riku were all off to the side, giving awkward chuckles as Fairy Godmother continued.

"Well, we've actually arranged something special for you!" Fairy Godmother then turned on the computer behind her and stepped out of the way of the camera.

The four boys paled as they saw their parents appear on the screen, the adults struggling with the camera on their side. The four stood up and walked towards the screen, right as their parents finally seemed to get it to work on their side.

"Ah, there we go, it's on-"

"Oh, Sora! There he is!"

Sora smiled awkwardly and gave a small wave, "Hello, Mother."

"Oh, who's that old hag on the screen?" Oogie Boogie asked.

"Dad, this is Fairy Godmother!" Vanitas quickly said, leaning towards the woman, "He didn't mean that!"

"He did." Fairy Godmother rolled her eyes.

Vanitas cringed, muttering to himself, "Yeah, yeah, he did."

"Ah, is she still doing tricks with eggplants and hamsters?" Captain Hook mocked as the other three laughed.

"I turned a pumpkin into a beautiful carriage and they were mice, not hamsters-"

Roxas grabbed her shoulders, "Fairy Godmother, why don't you-?"

Naminé stepped forward, "Mother, let's-"

"Yeah, thank you." "Of course. Mother, come here-" "They were mice, how dare-!"

Roxas gently led the woman off screen towards the others before standing besides his friends, "Hello, dad."

"ROXAS!" Jafar exclaimed, "Oh, how I miss yoooou." He cooed, sickening sweet and fake, "Tell me, boy, how long must I wait to see you?"

Roxas gave a strained smile, "There's, um, a big coronation coming up? It'll be sometime after that."

"When?"

"Literally tomorrow. At ten. In the morning."

"You sure I can't see you before that? I'm not sure what I'll do if I can't get my hands on that w- that adorable face!"

Roxas cringed more but nodded, his smile turning more strained, "No, I-I get it, I understand. But it really can't be any sooner. But it will be soon, I promise."

"You better." Jafar demanded, dropping all pretense.

Roxas's face fell as he turned ice cold, clenching his fists.

Sora grabbed his hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

"Sora! What are you wearing?!"

The brunette was confused, looking down at himself. He wanted to go casual today, so he wore a red hoodie over a white shirt and black jeans.

"...I'm not sure what you mean, Mother-"

"Those clothes! They're hideous!"

Sora's face fell.

"Where are the hearts?! The sparkles?! The uniqueness?! You look like just another commoner, not my perfect prince at all!"

"...I'll go change right now." Sora gave a forced smile before turning around, beginning to leave.

"Sor-" Vanitas called.

"VANITAS! IS THAT A DOG IN YOUR ARMS?!"

Vanitas looked back at the monitor.

"THOSE THINGS EAT BUGS, YOU KNOW!"

"His name is Chirithy and he doesn't eat bugs or snakes and is not at all a rapid beast!" Vanitas hissed, "In fact, I've asked all the flies, beetles, mosquitos, and any other little bug if Chirithy does, and they all said no! He's a great pet and friend, so give it a rest!"

"Careful there, Vanitas." Oogie Boogie cackled, "Don't forget what you are~!"

"Vani-"

Vanitas handed Chirithy to Aqua and Terra off screen as he then followed Sora, stomping off.

"Vani!" Ventus tried again.

"Ventus! Where is that hook?! You better not have lost it or so help me-!"

"It's in my bag, dad!" Ventus groaned.

"Why don't you have it on you?! What if someone steals it?! That hook is a-"

"A valued Hook Family heirloom, yeah, I know." The blonde hissed, "Trust me, you tell me every second you can, I get it. That hook has more value to you than me!"

"That hook is solid gold! Of course it's more valuable."

Ventus took a deep breath in through his nose before turning around, walking off without a word.

"Ugh, kids these days, so rude and temperamental." Jafar mocked, "It's a good thing you're not like that, Roxas."

Roxas stepped forward, "See you later, dad." He ended the call.

"Roxas-" Naminé stepped forward, hugging him apologetically.

He hugged back. When they pulled away, he looked at Fairy Godmother and gave a sad smile, "Thank you, Fairy Godmother."

"I-I'm sorry, had I known-"

"It's not your fault." Roxas reassured, "We'll see you all during Family Day. We just need a bit to ourselves." He began to walk away.

"Hey, Roxas?"

He turned, facing Riku.

"...We're really sorry."

Roxas shrugged, "It's fine." He turned back around.

He met up with the other three in their dorm, Sora having changed into something nicer.

"Sora, you didn't-"

"I wanted to." Sora responded on instinct.

Roxas looked at Ventus and Vanitas, who each shook their head.

He sighed, "Okay, well... let's just get ready and get this over with."

They all got ready for the Family Day before they left their dorm room, going outside towards the courtyard, where food and tables were set out, games left out, and everyone mingling.

"Sora!"

The brunette turned and smiled, "Riku!"

The platinum blonde gently took his hands, face fallen, "Sora, you... you didn't have to change, you looked pretty-"

"I wanted to." Sora responded, once again on instinct.

Riku went to say something and notice Roxas, Ventus, and Vanitas shaking their heads behind Sora. He held back a sigh, smiling at Sora, "Well, come with me, I'd love to introduce you to my parents."

"O-Oh, me? Really?"

"Of course, come on!" Riku offered his arm.

Sora wrapped himself around the other, "Alright, sure!"

The two then walked away.

"Vanitas, Ventus!"

The three turned as Aqua and Terra ran over, Chirithy by their side. Vanitas knelt down, smiling brightly as he began to pet him.

"Hey! Sorry about earlier." Ventus said.

"Don't, it's not your fault." Aqua reassured.

"We wanted to give you guys something special, but..." Terra trailed off.

"Just our parents doing what they do best." Vanitas picked Chirithy up, "We're us-"

"Fine." Roxas interrupted, "We're fine."

Sora and Riku came back over, both smiling as the platinum blonde spoke for them, "Hey, Vanitas, Ventus, Roxas! My parents invited all of you to play a game of croquet and then we can all have lunch together. If you'd like?"

"We've, uh, never...?"

"I'll teach you!"

"Mind if we join in?" Aqua asked.

"Of course not, come on!"

The group moved to where croquet was set up, Naminé also running over to join in with them. Aqua and Terra took the liberty in teaching Ventus and Vanitas, though the raven seemed more focus on playing with Chirithy, and no one stopped him. Naminé taught Roxas and Riku taught Sora. Eventually, when the four (three, really) learned the rules, they began to play against each other.

Sora chuckled, standing back as he watched Roxas score, Riku and Naminé cheering for him, Ventus, Aqua, and Terra playing their own game elsewhere.

"Hello there."

Sora turned, seeing a woman with long blonde hair, dressed in blue summer dress and blue heels walk to stand beside him.

The brunette smiled, "Hi."

"Now, have we met?"

"I-I don't believe so. I'm sort of, like, a transfer student."

"Oh, well, it's a pleasure to have you here. How are you liking it?"

"It's very nice, very... comforting." Sora nodded.

The blonde stared at him, "Those designs on your cheeks... are you a fan of Wonderland, perhaps?"

Sora instinctively touched his birthmarks, "Oh, these? They're birthmarks."

"Birthmarks..." She repeated, staring at Sora more intensely, "...But you're not from Wonderland..." Her eyes widened as she stepped back, "YOU!"

"M-Me?!" Sora stepped away from her.

She pointed a finger in his face, "How are you here?! Why are you here-"

"Queen Alice!" Riku ran over, quickly wrapping an arm around Sora's waist and pulling him into his side.

"Alice?" Sora repeated, eyes widening.

"This is Sora, he-"

"The son of the Queen of Hearts! The woman who tried to destroy Wonderland-"

"Your majesty, I made a proclamation!" Riku quickly interrupted as Roxas with Naminé, Ventus and Vanitas with Aqua and Terra, also ran over, "I wanted to give the new generation a chance-"

"A chance to what? Cut off all our heads? Feed us poison apples or wreck us with curses?!" Alice glared daggers at Sora, "Your mother nearly caused a genocide, just to keep people under her thumb! Just because she wanted everything to be perfect!"

Sora flinched at the word.

Vanitas stepped forward, "Hey, maybe back off-"

"You back off!" Another student approached, "Get away from her!"

"Hey, that's enough-" Riku tried to step in.

"With all disrespect, Riku, they were raised by their parents! What do you think villains teach their kids? Kindness? Fair play? This is all just a farce to trick us and hurt us!"

Vanitas clenched his fists, putting Chirithy down.

"Vani-" Roxas called.

"You know what, you're so right." Vanitas mocked, "Ha! You figured us all out! You're right, our parents didn't teach us kindness or love or respect! You know what they did teach us?!" His face fell as he took a step forward, "Some of parents taught us that the only good thing about you is your father, because you're nothing more than a street rat, a riff raff, a scoundrel, a little toy that can easily be disposed of if you don't do exactly as your told because, remember, there's nothing good about you! No redeeming quality, except who your father is!"

Roxas cringed, looking down. Naminé reached out to him, but he gently pushed her away.

Vanitas took another step forward, "Some of our parents threw us into the water surrounding the island, the water that's murky and hard to see through, that's infested with crocodiles and sharks and diseases, because you can't trust anyone, not even your own parents, so you better learn how to swim, or you'll sink!"

Ventus crossed his arms over his chest to hug himself. Aqua and Terra were at his side, trying to calm him down.

He took another step, "Some of our parents constantly told us that all we were was a pretty face, so you better make sure you're perfect all the time! You're not a person, you're a doll, you're beauty is all that matters, and you need to ensure it's constantly perfect, otherwise you're nothing and no one, not even your own mother, will love you if you're not!"

Sora pulled away from Riku. Riku went to cup his cheeks but Sora looked away, tears forming in his eyes.

He took one more step, face to face with the student, "And some of our parents taught us that we're nothing more than a bug that is constantly on the verge of being squashed, so you need to learn how to fight! In fact, they wanted to push that lesson so far into your skull, that they made you sleep on the ground, in mud that was covered in leaves, broken sticks, littered with cockroaches and maggots and worms, because that's all you are! A bug!"

Silence fell as everyone stared at them.

Vanitas scoffed, "So yeah, you're right, our parents didn't teach us kindness, they taught us how to survive. Survive against a world that wants to destroy every good thing in your life." He stepped back, "And what did your parents teach you? Huh?! That's right, nothing. They taught you absolutely nothing because you had everything handed to you on a silver fucking platter while we got your scraps!" He turned around, "Let's go, guys."

The other three nodded and they began to walk away, Vanitas intentionally shoulder bumping Riku on the way out.

"Sora!" Riku called, going to run after them.

Chirithy barked, running after them.

"Stay." Vanitas hissed, facing the dog, "Don't follow me."

Chirithy's ears lowered as he whined, sitting down.

Vanitas continued walking.

"Ven!" Aqua called.

"Ven, wait!" Terra tried.

"It's Ventus." The blonde hissed, taking out his hook. He intentionally ran it across a table, creating a mark, "Only my friends call me Ven."

"Sora, wait-!"

Roxas easily pickpocketed a couple people they passed, throwing their coins and bills on the floor, causing them to scramble on the ground to pick it up, stopping Riku from approaching them.

They found a table away from the disaster and sat down, Ventus playing with his hook as Sora shuffled his cards.

"...I'm sorry, guys, I shouldn't-"

"Don't be." Roxas grabbed Vanitas's hand, "It's about time someone put those prim and proper princes and princesses in their place."

"I shouldn't have revealed all of your guys' trauma and shit." Vanitas squeezed the blonde's hand, "That was not okay of me."

"Don't worry about it." Ventus shrugged, "Maybe we can use it as an excuse for when we blow this place up tomorrow."

The four chuckled.

"Don't get near them!" "Yeah, didn't you hear?" "They're just like their parents!" "They ruined Family Day!" "Well, what did you expect?" "Ahahaha!"

Vanitas clenched his fists, glaring at the group of people who were purposely standing close enough to mock them.

"Don't." Roxas told him.

Sora unfanned his cards.

"Sora, what're you doing?"

"Playing my favorite game." Sora turned around, facing the group, "War."

He threw a couple of his cards up, a ton of knights in red armor appearing and grabbing the group. They screamed as they were brought to their knees in front of Sora.

He stood up, shuffling the few cards remaining in his hands as he smirked, "You're right, I am just like my mother. And, as my mother always said-" He threw another card up, this time an executioner dressed in red appearing, "-off with their heads!"

Sora stomped his foot and the guards let go, the group shaking in fear.

"Ten. Nine. Eight-"

They began to run off.

"Run, rabbits, run!" Sora called after them with a cackle. He recalled his cards as he sat back down, sighing, "...You know, that felt kinda good."

"Yeah, well, good. We'll need it for tomorrow."

The four nodded in agreement.

***

For the coronation, Roxas, Ventus, and Vanitas were already waiting in the building where the ceremony would take place. Vanitas and Ventus were off to the side, ignoring everyone, just standing close and holding one another's hands reassuringly. Roxas stood by Naminé, by Fairy Godmother, the blonde girl trying to cheer him up from yesterday as he just shook his head and told her he was fine.

Meanwhile, Sora and Riku road in a carriage together as they began to approach the building.

Sora was stiff, a red box with a yellow bow resting in his lap.

"Hey, don't be nervous." Riku took his hand, "You just have to sit there and be pretty, as you always are."

Sora gave a small nod.

"...Hey, Sora? Could you wear my ring?" Riku went to take it off.

"M-Me? No, no, I shouldn't. Not now." Sora waved his hand, "I-It'd probably fall right off. A-Actually, I, uh, got you something!" He offered the box.

Riku opened it, revealing some chocolate chip cookies.

"Just something when you need strength. To keep your energy up. A-And, I know you don't like sweets, so I used dark chocolate chips."

"Always thinking." Riku chuckled.

"They're for later."

"Yeah, well, I can't wait."

"No-!" Sora cringed as the other took a bite out of the cookie.

"Mmm, this is really good." Riku nodded.

Sora gave an awkward smile, "Ha, I-I'm glad... H-How are you feeling?"

"Not sure. Let's give the anti-love potion a few minutes to take effect and I'll let you know."

The brunette blinked, "...YOU KNEW?!"

Riku laughed, looking away.

"You-!" The brunette playfully hit his chest, "Asshole!"

The platinum blonde laughed more.

"...How long... have you known?"

"Since our first date, actually. The lake is enchanted, so the spell washed away."

Sora fiddled with his hands, looking down at his lap, "...So then you've been faking all this time?" Of course he has, what did you expect? You're-

Riku took Sora's right hand, slipping his family ring on the brunette's index finger. Sora looked at him as the platinum blonde then kissed his palm.

"I haven't been faking anything." Riku reassured, smiling genuinely, "Everything I said after the lake has been true."

Sora's face turned a bright red.

"Red really is your color."

Sora looked away, blushing more but smiling brightly.

They arrived at the ceremony, Riku stepping out and offering his hand to Sora, helping the brunette step out of the carriage. They walked in, Sora wrapped around Riku's arm. They made it to the middle of the room, where Beast and Belle were beside the magic wand, Fairy Godmother, Roxas, and Naminé behind the glass case. Sora moved to stand beside Roxas, the two intertwining their hands.

Roxas let out a soft groan.

"You okay?" Sora whispered.

"Head's killing me."

They were silent as they watched Fairy Godmother lay a crown on Riku's head.

"...Are we doing this?" Sora whispered.

Roxas watched as the glass case holding the wand was lifted.

"...No. No we're not."

"...Good. I don't want to either."

Belle took out the magic hand, handing it to Fairy Godmother.

Roxas's other hand moved to his head, holding it up as he groaned.

"Roxas?" Naminé asked, "Roxas, are you okay?"

"I-I don't-"

Fairy Godmother held out the wand, "Do you solemnly swear to govern the peoples of Auradon with justice and mercy, so long as you shall rein?"

Roxas groaned more, nearly collapsing on his knees.

"Roxas!" Naminé exclaimed, her and Sora holding him up.

"Then it is my honor, to bless-"

Sora's eyes then caught the red gem, the one Jafar had given Roxas when they first left, that was pinned to his chest like a brooch.

It was glowing.

Sora's eyes widened, "Roxas, take off that gem!" He yelled, hand reaching out for it.

Roxas grabbed his hand. The blonde threw Sora back, the brunette yelping as his back hit the ground.

"Roxas!" Naminé cried.

The blonde stood up straight, his eyes glowing red. He moved quickly, running over and grabbing the wand.

"Roxas, NO!" Ventus and Vanitas screamed, the two getting out of the crowd, trying to stop him.

"GET THAT GEM OFF HIM!" Sora yelled, "HE'S BEING CONTROLLED BY JAFAR!"

Before anyone could get too close, Roxas lifted the wand, a beam shooting out of it.

"ROXAS!" Vanitas threw down some dice, "ODD!"

The dice landed at Roxas's feet, rope coming out of them and wrapping around Roxas's arms and chest. Ventus quickly ran over and grabbed the red gem, throwing it on the ground and stomping on it as Sora ran and grabbed the wand. Roxas went limp, eyes falling closed, Ventus catching him as Vanitas made the ropes disappear.

"Rox! Rox!" Ventus gently lowered them to the ground, "Roxas, hey!"

Roxas let out a gasping breath as he began to cough, shaking.

"Hey, hey, it's okay, you're okay!" Ventus hugged him tightly.

Roxas let out shuttering breaths as he hugged Ventus just as tight, if not tighter, "I-It was b-black a-and you a-and Sor a-and Vani-"

"It was just an illusion, your okay-"

"-y-you were h-hurt a-and I-I was there a-and I couldn't-"

"It was fake, Roxas, we're all okay, it's okay."

Sora, holding the magic wand, turned around. Riku, Belle, Beast, Fairy Godmother, and Naminé were all staring at them in shock. He quickly offered it, bowing his head.

"W-We didn't know, we swear we didn't know!" Sora said, voice quick and sharp, speaking faster than he could think, "R-Rox has never been given a gift from his father s-so we all thought it was just a gift, we didn't know it would do that a-a-and-"

"Sora, it's okay." Riku stepped forward, having him raise his head.

Tears came to Sora's eyes, "W-We didn't know-"

"I know." Riku reassured, reaching up and wiping a tear away from his eyes, "I believe you."

"Y-You do?"

"I do."

The brunette smiled a bit before he held out the wand once more.

Before Riku could take it, a clash of lightening forced the two to step away from each other. Sora stumped away, Vanitas catching him as they all looked up.

"Oh hahahahaha! I am finally here!" The villain exclaimed.

"Dad-!" Roxas yelled, standing up quickly.

Jafar slowly faced the four, eyes landing on Roxas, holding his golden scepter, the red gems in the eyes glowing a bright red.

It was full of magic.

"Get away-!"

"Stop." Jafar tapped his golden scepter on the ground, forcing everyone to freeze in their places. Everyone besides the four in front of him.

"You-! You used me! You tricked me!" Roxas yelled.

"Well, that wouldn't have happened if you didn't grow soft on me, boy." He then looked at Sora, "Now, wand. Give it here."

Sora stepped back, hugging it to his chest.

"That's all you care about?" Roxas scoffed, "That stupid wand? Your stupid revenge?"

"It is not stupid! They put us on an island-"

"They put you on an island, I just had the misfortune of being your son!" The blonde clicked his tongue, "Tsk, I thought you actually loved me."

"I do, Roxas, my boy-"

"No, you don't!" Roxas stepped forward, "You love using me as you see fit. Whether that be stealing whatever you ask, putting people in their place for disrespecting you, or controlling me to enact revenge on innocent people! I'm just a tool, not your son!"

Jafar crossed the distance separating the two in an instance, the speed forcing the other three to stumble back. He grabbed Roxas's chin, nails digging into his skin.

"Did you forget the way they forced us to live?!" Jafar hissed out, the blonde whining, "How they forced us to live of moldy bread?! How they forced us in the slums and dumpsters?! You think just because you've been here for a couple of weeks, they'll accept you here?! Absolutely not! You are nothing but a street rat." He cooed, "The only good thing about you is who your father is."

Roxas nodded, Jafar easing his grip, "You're right... my father is the only good thing about me."

Jafar let him go, standing up straight.

"Which is why I'm able to take this." Roxas held up one of the red gems that had been in the scepter.

Jafar widened his eyes and went to grab it, Roxas quickly ducking and running behind him. Sora stepped back, using one of his cards to trap the wand as Ventus took out his hook, getting in front of him.

Vanitas took out two Joker Playing Cards, throwing them out. They fell at Jafar's feet, summoning two Jack-in-the-Boxes that wrapped around Jafar's body. Jafar laughed as he turned to look at Roxas.

"How foolish! Did you forget the stories I told you?"

Under his jacket, Jafar took out a black magic lamp.

"ROXAS!" Vanitas went to run forward.

Jafar transformed into a giant red genie, holding his golden scepter in his hand still. Once he was transformed into a genie, he reached out and grabbed Roxas, lifting him off the ground by the neck.

"ROX!"

"Sor!"

The brunette turned, seeing Ventus had stepped away. The blonde pointed towards the balcony, "Get me up there! Vani!"

The raven turned.

"Get me a zip line!"

"Right!"

Sora threw some cards, enlarging them to create makeshift steps. Vanitas looked around, seeing a small spider crawling around on the floor. He knelt down, offering his hand to it.

"Can you help me out?" He asked, the spider nodding. He set the spider in front of him and carefully rolled dice, "High."

Once the dice landed, the spider grew to about Vanitas's hips.

"Use your webs, create a zip line! Think you can do that?"

The spider nodded.

Meanwhile, Ventus ran down the aisle then climbed up the makeshift stairs and onto the balcony. By the time he got up there, the spider had created a zip line. With his hook resting on the web, he kicked off the balcony and began going towards Jafar.

"HEY, ASSHOLE!"

Jafar turned.

Just in time to get a kick in the face from Ventus.

He yelled out, dropping Roxas and his scepter, Ventus unhooking his hook.

Vanitas looked at the spider, "Catch them!"

It quickly created two webs that eased the two's landing. Roxas coughed a bit, but quickly stood up. He ran over, running towards the staff. Jafar looked down, going to stop him.

"HEY, JAFAR! WANT THE WAND?!" Sora unfanned all his cards before throwing them up, "COME GET IT!"

Jafar gasped and began grabbing all the cards as the four boys all ran towards each other.

Reaching out, Jafar grabbed the card containing the wand, "AHA!"

He spun the it around, but the face wasn't the wand.

"Joker!" Sora giggled, red sparkles and hearts spraying at Jafar.

The man groaned and turned around.

He stopped in his tracks when he saw Roxas holding his staff, the red gem he had taken from the eye back in its place.

"Now, Roxas, let's-"

"Freeze." Roxas simply said, causing Jafar to stop, freezing in his spot. He then tapped the scepter against the floor, "And release."

Everyone else began to move, gasping and staring in shock. Riku ran over and hugged Sora tightly, Aqua and Terra running to check on Vanitas and Ventus. Roxas walked over and grabbed the cursed lamp, rubbing it.

His father rematerialized, still as a genie, in front of him. He narrowed his eyes, "Roxas-"

"For my first and only wish, I wish for you to no longer be a genie and for this lamp to be destroyed." Roxas smiled innocently, "And since I rubbed the lamp, I am your master, and you must do as I say."

Jafar glared daggers into Roxas but put his hands together, "As. You. Wish." He hissed out.

Red smoke surrounded Jafar as he transformed back into a human, the black lamp breaking in Roxas's hands.

"Are you proud of yourself?"

"Not yet." Roxas lifted the golden scepter.

"ROXAS, NO-"

He slammed it against the ground, destroying it.

"ROXAS, YOU-! YOU-!"

The blonde let go of the now broken scepter, "Now I'm proud of myself."

Jafar went to step forward, but a couple of guards grabbed him before he could reach the blonde. Naminé ran over to him and hugged him.

"Are you okay?!"

Roxas chuckled, hugging her back, "Better than okay."

They pulled back and she giggled, "Looks like you repaid your debt after all."

Roxas widened his eyes and laughed.

Vanitas and Ventus shared a fist bump before the raven looked at the spider. He gently pet its head before rolling his dice.

"Low."

The spider turned back to his normal size, Vanitas holding his hand out for it to crawl onto.

"Thank you for the help."

The spider made a small squeak, moving to rest on Vanitas's shoulders.

Then, he heard a bark. He turned and smiled, kneeling down.

"Chirithy!" He opened his arms and picked the dog up, "Oh, hey buddy! I'm sorry for leaving you! You forgive me?"

He got a lick in response, making him laugh.

"Ven, are you okay?" Aqua asked.

"I'm fine!"

"That zip line was dangerous!" Terra exclaimed.

"Trust me, I did that stuff all the time on the isle, I knew what I was doing!"

Sora and Riku pulled away from each other, smiling. The brunette then took out the real card that held the magic wand and released it. He then turned around and handed it to Fairy Godmother.

The woman smiled and had the other three walk over, "You four have earned an A in Goodness Class." She cooed, the four chuckling, "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!" She waved her wand around and everything was turned back to normal.

Riku took Sora's hands in his, the brunette smiling a bit.

"You were incredible." He complimented.

Sora smiled, "Well, I... had someone worth fighting for."

Riku turned a light pink.

"I think this is the part where you kiss him?" Roxas nudged Sora.

Sora turned red and nudged him back, "Shut up."

"Well-" Beast walked over, "-I think, Riku, your proclamation definitely proved your belief. And I think, if the four of you would like, we're more than happy to keep you all in Auradon."

The four smiled.

Ventus spoke though, "I can't speak for them, but I'll have to decline."

"What?" "Ven!"

"There are more kids like us on the isle who are trapped there, living awfully. As grateful and honored as I am, I can't stay here knowing they're suffering." Ventus said.

Sora looked at Riku, "Can't the children come here? With us?"

Riku opened his mouth to answer.

"We would love to, but we wouldn't have enough places to house them." Beast quickly said.

Riku frowned, "...He's right."

"I can make some!" Sora took out his cards, allowing them to float around, "They would be card houses, temporary, but it could be enough!"

"Or, if I may?"

Everyone turned around, seeing Alice walking over.

She stared at Sora and bowed at him, the brunette returning it. She smiled as she stood back up, "After what I witnessed today, I fear I judged you far too quickly. Sora, was it?"

The brunette nodded.

"Well, Sora, if you'd like, I'd love for you to move into Wonderland." Alice offered.

"Oh, that would be nice-"

"Hold on, allow me to finish." She chuckled, "I had to take the place of your mother when I was but a young girl, barely an adult. Everything I've learned, I've had to experience trial and error head on. But, Wonderland will need a ruler once I'm unable to rule myself."

"Hold on." Sora widened his eyes, "Are you saying you want to teach me? To be the next ruler?"

Alice nodded, smiling. She took his hands and pulled him forward, "I have no heirs, nor do I wish to have any. So I've been searching for someone I think would be suitable to take my place. After seeing how you used your powers, how you protected and supported everyone, even at the cost of your safety... I was wrong about you, Sora. I apologize for what I said." She squeezed his hands, "I would be honored if you would join me and be the prince of Wonderland."

The brunette's eyes widened, sparkling at the idea, before he looked down, "I-I'm honored, but I-"

"If he won't do it, I will!" Vanitas teased.

"HEY!" Sora looked at him, "I DIDN'T SAY I WOULDN'T DO IT!" He huffed, "I just... well, what about you guys?"

"Look, I'm sure not all the kids will want to stay in Wonderland." Vanitas waved it off, "So, I'll be up here, with the kids who want to be little gambling pranksters! Make sure they play their cards right, in a good way."

"I'll be here ensuring the kids of the sea enjoy their time in the water!" Ventus twisting his hook around in his hand, smiling, "Maybe you can convince your newly kinged boyfriend to get me my own ship!"

Roxas nodded, "And I'll be here, helping the kids who don't have powers or magic or anything seemingly special, realize how amazing they are, with or without." He smiled at the brunette, "Sora, this is a once and a lifetime opportunity. Take it."

"Even if you're literally in another realm, we'll always be together." Ventus reassured.

"Besides, it's about time you get something actually good in your life. You are our little prince, about time everyone sees it!" Vanitas teased.

Sora rolled his eyes at that before looking at Alice. He squeezed her hands and smiled, "I-I would love to."

Alice smiled brightly and pulled him into a hug, "I'm honored to have you by my side."

Sora hugged back.

"Well, Dad, Mom?" Riku looked at his parents, "I believe it's been decided."

"It appears it has." Belle chuckled, "We'll get started on that right away, alright?"

"You're making big decisions as the king already." Beast gently pat Riku's shoulders, "Big decisions, but good ones."

"And I'd like to make one more, before the after party." Riku turned and took Sora's hand, kissing his palm, "Sora, would you do me the honor in giving me your hand? I would be truly blessed to have you as my boyfriend."

Sora smiled, bowing as his face turned red, "It'd be my honor, your majesty." He teased.

Riku stood up and pulled the brunette into his chest, wrapping his arms around his waist, the brunette giggling.

"You truly are perfect, Sora. Without even trying."

The brunette blushed.

"...So, about that ship-"

"Ventus!" Sora huffed.

"God forbid a man ask!"

Everyone chuckled.

"I say we get this after party started!" Roxas yelled out, everyone cheering.

***

Yep, that's the story!

The story of how the children of the villains were able to cross over to Auradon and truly live, not just survive under their parents rein.

Roxas had the most children to help, showing those who didn't inherit magical abilities or have special artifacts how to love themselves for who they were. Their parents didn't make them special, they already were.

Ventus did get a ship. Granted, it wasn't his own, it was still owned by Belle and Beast, but he didn't mind. He got to help those who thrived in, on, or around the water, he taught them how to swim rather than forced them to make it work, proving they could put their trust in him.

Vanitas had the trouble makers, but he didn't mind. He was- is, really- always down for a bit of gambling mischief, so he has lots of fun. However, he taught the children that life wasn't always just rolling highs or lows, it wasn't just keeping cards close to your chest. You could take risks without the fear that someone was going to squash you, you could enjoy life's pleasures without feeling like everyone was out to get you.

And me? Well, me and the children I helped would go to school in Auradon, but would come back to Wonderland during breaks. There, Alice showed me how to rule like a benevolent leader, and the Wonderland locals accepted me- albeit with a bit of nervous fear. Regardless, I taught those children that life isn't about perfection. They don't need to be perfect, because if everyone was perfect, where would the uniqueness be?

We taught these lessons, because these were the lessons we were taught. We told these kids these things, because it was the advice we needed to hear. And most of all, we gave these kids something none of our parents gave to us.

Love.

Speaking of which, yes, Riku and I are still extremely happy together, despite how our relationship may have started.

In fact, after nearly five years, I got to add another ring to my hand.

But that's a story for another day~!

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