Wicked ¹ ✓

1.01

Chapter 1: Ben's Proclamation

Prince Ben stared out his window at the Isle. The place, only 20 years ago, his dad gathered up all the villains and left them there. He couldn't help but think about all the people on the island. Technically, they're his people too.

"How's it possible that you're going to be crowned king next month? You're just a baby." His dad strutted into his room, his mother not too far behind.

"He's turning 16, dear." His mom said, picking up some of the stray clothes that were scattered across the room.

"Hey, pops." Ben smiled at his father.

"Gosh, 16!? That's far too young to be crowned king. I didn't make a good decision until I was at least 42." His father joked, giving him a wink.

"Uh, you decided to marry me at 28." His mother gave his father a disapproving look.

"It was either you or the teapot... Kidding, I'm only kidding."

"Mom, Dad..." Ben started, he tried walking off the small stand only to be stopped by Lumiere, who was working on tailoring the new suit for the boy's coronation. He stood back in place, though slightly annoyed.

"I've chosen my first official proclamation." His parents looked back and forth at each other, seemingly impressed. "I've decided that the children on the Isle of the Lost be given a chance to live here in Auradon."

His parents' faces fell, it was definitely not what they were expecting to hear. This time he did step down from the pedestal and closer to his parents, much to Lumiere's annoyance.

"Every time I look out to the island, I feel like they've been abandoned." He explained.

"The children of our sworn enemies? Living among us?" His dad repeated, desperately trying not to lose his temper.

"We start out with a few at first, only the ones who need our help the most. I've already chosen them."

"Have you?" His Dad questioned, almost challenging his son.

"I gave you a second chance." His mom reminded his dad, "Who are their parents?" She asked, trying to get her Beast of a husband to back down.

"Cruella de Vil... Jafar... Evil Queen..." His parents didn't seem impressed so far, their faces falling more and more with each name mentioned. "Scar... and Maleficent."

A yelp came from behind him, from Lumiere. Scar and Maleficent were considered the most feared villains for a reason. Who knows what kind of havoc and chaos their children could bring.

"Scar! Maleficent! They are the worst villains in the land!" His dad exploded.

"Dad, just hear me out here!" Ben pleaded.

"I won't hear of it. They are guilty of unspeakable crimes."

"Dad, their children are innocent. Don't you think they deserve a shot at a normal life? Dad?" Ben and Belle both looked desperately a the King while he thought it over in his head.

"I suppose their children are innocent." He finally agreed, lightening up a bit. His dad walked over towards the door, ready to leave.

"Well done." His mom said to him before turning towards her husband. "Shall we?" The two linked arms and left Ben's room together.

Now that he was alone he could go back to his thoughts. Particularly the ones about the Isle. He let his thoughts run wild, thinking about what life must be like there. Was everything as terrible as his parents made it out to be? How were the children treated by their parents? But one question in his mind stuck out in particular, why the heck was he so drawn to the place?