It was unbelievable but it seemed that even the Villains got a soul.

At least the kids did. Because the evil isn't born, it's created. And Auradon could have created another row of evil people by letting the Villains procreate.

Thankfully, some souls stayed innocents and didn't seek for revenge even having had a tough life.

But that, Auradon wouldn't have know until King Ben did an encounter.

 

Almost a year passed after the Villains Kids escaped from the Isle of the Lost.

A lot of soulmarks were uncovered and sets of soulmates were created.

For Carlos and Co, they just knew it missed the last piece.

And it came out of nowhere.

The Villains' kids were living a nice life now they're out of the Isle of the Lost. The last remaining of this hell place was like ten months ago. Some people (naming sweet Dizzy) thought about celebrating it and since they could allow some things now they don't have terrible adults to stop them, a bonfire was settled.

They thought about sharing the task, but since Carlos was the inventor who could build them a hell of bonfire, he can't do it with all the woods the kids brought him and they rather not exterminate all the trees of Auradon or they would be caught.

So he went to spot the kind he needs before letting the others amass it.

But he may have wandered too far into the woods because he met someone there. Someone who had a dog.

Panic raised inside him as every words and tales his mother told him came in a rush. Then the animal wagged his tail and he broke it. A scream escaped him while he broke into a run.

The beast yapped and pursued him with the guy calling him after.

He's so doomed.

He's hunted by two strangers, with one who could end his life!

Where were his soulmates when he needed them??

Eventually, his legs abandoned him (and his breath, but he was too scared to notice it) and he tried to climb onto a tree just so he could put some distance with the man eater.

"Wait, dude!" The voice of the guy came up between the barks.

"Are you kidding me? You think I'm going to wait while this monster eat me up? I knew that you Auradonians are all fairy and cheesy but that's just cruel!"

"Uh- Wha-? No, I was just calling the dog..."

"... You call your dog 'Dude'?"

"It's not really my dog, he's the school's mutt. But... Did you say, 'you Auradonians'? Are you not from here?" The guy asked him while kneeling beside the mutt and managed to calm him down.

"Great observation, Sherlock. But don't say I didn't warn you that it could bite you to death! So why are you holding it?"

The end of his sentence ended up in shriek as the guy held up the beast in his arms. The guy just looked sheepishly at him.

"He won't... Dude's not a human eater. Who told you that?"

"My mom!"

"And who's your mom?"

Carlos managed to find his mind before blurting something he'll regret.

He placed himself better against the trunk because he felt his grip lessening. The other noticed it too.

"Why don't you get down? I promise Dude won't bite you."

Maybe it's because of his grip around the beast to maintain its escape or because of his soothing voice, but Carlos trusted him and finally get down. He stayed at few steps a far, though.

"See, he's not dangerous. He was just excited because you started running and he thought you were playing with him. He likes having new playmate."

Now that the threat was under control, it did seem cute.

"Want to pet him?"

Carlos resisted the urge to yell some insanity because the dog was indeed not that menacing with his dangling tongue and buggy eyes, kind of adorable to be honest. But it could be an image.

But the guy seemed to be trustworthy.

And the fur seemed really nice.

He was right, the fur were soft (and he knew for sure after years of taking care of those of his mother's) and the mutt was endearing as he was muzzling him.

But then, he tensed. His forearm was giving warm signal as one of his soulmates wrote something. He checked it.

Is everything alright?

It was Mal, she probably sensed the pick of his heartbeats when he was running out.

Now they were at Auradon, all the magic users developped their power and as a half-fae (and half-goddess), Mal put some link between all her soulmates to know everything's good. Carlos would have answer her if he had a pen with him. But he didn't and then the guy gasped.

When he looked up, he was also looking at his arm but with his own forearm uncovered, with Mal's writing.

Carlos let his jaw fall open and the mutt Dude used the inattention of the two boys to nudge at his shin. If he didn't pay attention, the guy stared right in his eyes.

"I'm Ben."

Carlos couldn't find his voice.

 

Something wasn't right.

Jay could tell.

Well, he didn't have some link of his soulmates' emotions like Mal or Evie's little device to know if one of them are in danger of even Uma's power but he can read between the lines.

Literally.

So, when Mal wrote if they're alright, that meant that's something happened.

Right, as Carlos wrote something unusual.

Dude

Carlos?

Alright, pup?

No answer. And that was enough to answer Harry's question and Jay's wonder.

Something happened to Carlos.

He's not in utter danger as he could still communicate with them however he seemed to have something in hand. Which wasn't that surprising as he said he will heap up woods.

He knew he should have gone with him. But then he was there again.

With someone else. And a dog.

Which was the most surprising part as everyone in the Isle knew that Carlos De Vil couldn't stand dogs as Cruella (being her cruel self) brainwashed her son by selling some fearsome tale about the animal.

Jay ran up to his soulmate to put some distance between the stranger and him.

"Everything's alright?"

Carlos nodded slightly, so small that Jay almost missed it, but then the youngest turned to the stranger and introduced him.

"Everyone, this is Ben, an Auradonian."

Anyone could have made that up, but why was he there?

"Actually, it would be more fitting to say he's the King of Auradon."

Everything went uphill from here.

But Carlos wasnt finished, because he could be a little shit sometime, he added:

"So, be nice."

Seems the preparations for the bonfire would wait.

 

Evie's torn.

On one hand, she's relieved to see Carlos kind of relaxed next to a dog, a species that never ceased to scare her bestfriend, and even being polite with a stranger.

Stranger who happened to be their last soulmate.

But on the other hand, the last soulmate's statue is kind of rubbing them in the face in the wrong way.

He's Auradonian, he's the king of Auradon, for Villains' sake!

But most of all, he's so nice. So why didnt he did anything to help them?

"I tried," he said "when I was first crowned, I wanted to pass a decree to allow Villains' Kids to attend Auradon Prep, to give you a chance because you're not your parents, however..."

Auradon wasn't as nice as Ben.

"So, I tried again when I was officially king, the proclamation passed and everything was ready, Fairy Godmother was opening the barrier magic, messengers were sent, but by then..."

"We already escaped by our own," Mal finished for him.

By her expression, she wasn't a bit touched by the king's thoughts, which could be undertandable in a way but Ben's pitiful face kind of make Evie wanting to reassure him.

"So, now, what?" Uma asked. More like, demand.

Jay took over. "Now, we're at Auradon, you're still gonna make us attend your fancy school? Wouldn't that crush your schoolmates? I bet they were exilarited when they knew that we disappeared from the Isle."

"What if we don't want to go to your fancy school? That we dont want to live with you?" Harry then added.

Ben looked at each one of the boys, totally getting their opinion.

"I won't force you, this is your choice, of course. But rather than living in the woods, Auradon could offer you a new life and better options. And I'd like to know you all better."

Well, Evie was sold. She never really like living in the woods, her cabin was the most well built one thanks to Carlos, but sometimes, she'd really like to live in a four posts bed, with a soft matress and sleek sheets.

Even though it was tough living with her mother, her condition were more bearable than any of her friends.

Of course, she had to discuss it with her soulmates first, because they're package deal, but she really appreciate if they accept too. If not, she could always persuade them.

 

Gil looked at Uma and Harry before watching the others four's expression.

He's not that sharp, but he liked to think he got a good handle about people's feelings. So, when Uma and Harry shared a distruthful look toward the king, as go for Mal and Jay, and Carlos and Evie looked kind of down after witnessing the same thing as him (mostly because Carlos' interests peaked at the school and options part and Evie at new life perspective), he wanted to lift their spirit up.

What's more, he knew from his father that King Ben is the son of the woman who could have been his, so Gil liked to think that him and Ben are siblings. Which was a great ice breaker.

They were invited to met their parents counterpart's offspring.

Let just say, Mal and Uma were the first to disagree.

While Jay was really interested to meet Jasmine and Aladin's son and Genie's daughter. Harry remained silent as neither Peter Pan nor Wendy had any offspring, the same would have gone for Evie too, but meeting Snow White was as stressful as for Carlos meeting Anita and Roger Radcliffe.

Gil just had to introduce his brothers to Ben, although he doubted they would be pleased. They weren't as emotional as himself and barely reacted when Maddy and Ginny were confirmed to be their and Anthony's soulmates.

Speaking of the latter, Ben also said their campment were near the castle where live Cindrella. And if Anthony would be quite difficult, this news could bring Dizzy to utter joy as the bonfire was postponed. Besides, Charming's offspring could probably deliver her more joy as he lived in a castle. And also student at Auradon Prep.

As expected, none of his brothers were much interested of meeting the King nor attending the school full of princes and princesses. Maddy even snorted when Ben told them King Arthur didn't let his son Artie attend Auradon Prep because things were too modern and that magic isn't used anymore there. As she was living almost just with her magic now that she had access, she certainly wouldn't give up on it that soon. Ginny Gothel, though, expressed her desire to meet Rapunzel's daughter, Ruby.

Who just happened to be Chad Charming's soulmate.

Same for Anthony Tremaine, even if he wasn't interested to meet the dashing prince, he ought to accompany his cousin to her soulmates' request (and if Jade and Hadie were too young to rub on him, Diego knew how to bargain).

The others kids who didn't get to meet their soulmates yet either agreed to go to Auradon to possible meet their other part(s) or just starting a new life, promising to be better than the current one.

Gil's quite optimist, if everyone at Auradon's as nice as Ben, they could really live a better life starting now.

 

Harry only agreed to this journey because Uma did.

He's his captain's first mate first and foremost, then soulmate. And if Uma wanted to meet Melody, mermaid Ariel's daughter, Harry will go with her.

It wasn't like he had better thing to do.

Gil was pretty content to chat with Ben and excited to meet Belle and the Beast, former queen and king of Auradon, while princess Evie and little Carlos were getting anxious of the incoming meeting with the Auradonians. Which was funny to him because Evie totally slayed her introduction with Doug, dwarf Dopey's son and Carlos was already attached to Dude, Auradon Prep's mutt. Jay was flirting with both of Chad Charming's soulmates, who did appreciate the attention, while making manly bond with Aziz, Aladin's son, who were all at Cinderella's place because rich friends invited each others to their castle.

Not like the poor villains kids could get it, as would Audrey Rose put it.

Ever had any idea who's daughter she may be? That's right, Aurora and Philip. Mally's counterpart.

They said some of their friends were missing, as not everyone could make it over the summer break, but Harry was already having this much fun.

 

Mal was seething.

She eventually agreed to meet Maleficent's counterpart's offspring, princess Audrey, who just happened to hate her guts, but was a close friend of Ben, her last soulmate.

To make everything worse, queen Leah, Aurora's mother adn Audrey's grandmother, went to retrieve her granddaughter and came to meet her in the way. Things went uphill and she ended up in the wrong for existing. Which was a low blow as her mother made her life hard enough for not being as villainous as herself.

Ben was so sorry but nothing could have prepared them to be lashed out by this old hag and although the new generation didn't have much fuel, the mood was spoilt.

Uma, because she's shrimpy, chose this moment to take her leave and meet the mermaids, quickly followed by Harry. They barely got to wave goodbye before they vanished like her father did.

Evie got even more anxious to meet Snow White and Carlos seemed on the verge of throwing up or fainting, maybe both. Jay patted her shoulder but didn't say anything.

And although she wasn't in the mood, Mal ended up reassuring Evie.

"Believe me, no other villain could be as hated as my mother."

"But you're not your mother."

"The same goes for you, E. I'm sure Snow White will see the difference."

At least, she got a smile.

 

Uma hummed while hopping her way to Ariel's bay or wherever she had to head to meet Ursula's counterpart.

They said Melody didn't attend Auradon Prep, which was logical as not even Fairy Godmother would make exception so the school could be comfortable for mermaids.

Well, half-mermaid, since Melody most likely could take human form, but oh well...

That was the least of her problem, actually.

She only need to take a walk after the explosive encounter with queen Leah of Auroria. Sure, Maleficent was one kind of Villain that could transform into a dragon, but to have this extence of hate was something.

Though, king Triton could probably compete into being the one who keep the most grudge. The old merman did seem to be hot-tempered. Maybe this travel wasn't that much of good idea.

"Hey, Uma, ever think that you're not that different with the fae?"

Did Harry develop telepathy? She send him a look to keep go in on what he had in mind.

"She's half-fae and goddess, thanks to have Hades as father, and Triton is Poseidon's son, like Ursula. You two are descendents of god."

"Take it back, that thought is really disgusting to ever be said aloud."

Her mate only laughed.

But it wasn't that far-fetched, but that also mean the two of them somehow related. In somewhat third-fourth degree.

The same probably goes for Hercules and his offspring but thanks lord they won't be meeting this one so soon. Though, Mount Olympus was said to be on their way.

Maybe Uma didn't need to meet anyone, maybe she could just take ship and sail with Harry right here and now.

Maybe.

 

King Ben let out a sigh.

After a disastrous ending on the part of Audrey and her family, he invited the rest of his soulmates to his own castle as he doubted Chad could take anymore guests.

Besides, he was well raised and would rather treat his own guests.

So, leaving Anthony and Dizzy Tremaine with their step-cousin and his soulmates, Ben lead Carlos, Evie, Gil, Mal and Jay to his parents.

Thanks every deity, his mother was as open-minded as in her young days and tried to see the best in them while trying to understand the lively Gil. No such luck with his father, but the man tried really hard to be a polite host.

The following day, he was glad to introduce them to Fairy Godmother and her daughter Jane, who was quite squirky at first but eventually eased before the Villain Kids. She even introduced them Jordan, Genie's daughter, who hit it up with Jay like fire. Lonnie added herself into the equation and bonded with Gil.

Evie was still grounding herself when Snow White announced her presence and she was encouraged by her two resting soulmates before making her way to the presenter of Auradon.

Mal got herself a good surprise in the presence of one queen Aurora who came to apologize for her mother's behavior. In retaliation, she introduced her Ariana Rose, her cousin Elonwy's daughter, who might be more open-minded than her own daughter.

The latter just chose to rebel as she went to dye her hair in rainbow color. At least, it got some result as Lonnie discovered that her friend Yi-Min happened to have her soulmark in her eye who changed to the same color as Audrey's hair.

Now, it let just Carlos and his meeting with the couple, owners of hundred of dalmatiens.

And it was just the begining of a new better life for them. 

 

(28 mai 2020 to Jay's part -20 mars 2021 because of lack of motivation)