Whumptober 2021

#26) Sink or Swim- Descendants

Prompt number #26- you will go down with this ship. Descendants 2 set when Ben is captured by Uma.

When Ben had woken up that morning, he had no idea the day would end in his current predicament- sneaking onto the Isle of the Lost, pleading with Mal ( the love of his life but possible ex-girlfriend) to return to Auradon, only to fail miserably and be told by Mal she didn't plan to come back. Ever.

The other three VK kids didn't take it much better than he did.

Evie frowned in concern as Ben relayed Mal's decision. "I'll talk with her." Brushing past the boys, she hurried up the stairs to the hideout.

Ben made to follow her, but Carlos barred his way. "Mal needs to figure it out. You've said what you need to."

"Anything more and she'll run the other way on principle." Jay muttered.

Gritting his teeth, Ben relented. The last twenty-four hours had shown how much Mal hadn't told him, even after dating a year and a half.

"I'm going for a walk."

Carlos opened his mouth but Ben glared at the younger boy, causing him to take a step back.

"This isn't Auradon."

"I know Jay."

Jay shrugged, but his expression turned cold. "Watch your back."

Not sure if it was a threat or a warning, Ben stalked off down the alley. 'What do I do now?' If Mal continued to flat out refuse Ben's appeal, he couldn't force her to come back. She'd only hate him more. But to stay again on the Isle...

Ben looked around, taking in the broken windows, rotted doors, holey roofs, and piles of garbage sitting in the street. From what little he'd seen this wasn't an isolated run down area. The whole Isle had more in common with a trash dump than Auradon's cities. No one should have to live like that, let alone all the kids who'd been condemned to a life of poverty because of their parents' choices. Nausea churned in Ben's gut as he realized how bad life had to be for everyone on the Isle.

So lost in thought, Ben didn't hear footsteps approaching from behind.

"Well, well, well, what 'ave we 'ere?" Ben jumped, spinning on his heel to face the boy who'd spoken. "Ye must be lost, or else very stupid to wander so openly down 'ere."

Ben tried to figure out how to respond. Shadows shrouded the figure, but Ben could just make out a tricorn hat and long coat. That coupled with the accent screamed pirate.

"Well? Nothin' to say?"

Scrambling to remember Evie's advice, Ben shrugged as nonchalantly as he could manage. "Didn't see any names on the street."

"Hoo-hoo. Funny boy this one." The figure strode forward at a leisurely pace, but each step conveyed complete confidence. "Everyone knows this area belongs to Uma. Unless..."

He was close enough that, even in the dim light, Ben could make out his facial features. After a couple seconds the other boy's eyebrows shot up to his forehead. A vicious grin spread across his face.

"I must say King Benjamin, yer a long way from 'ome. And I thought Mally bein' back would top my day."

Alarm bells rang through Ben's head. He took a subconscious step backward, acutely aware he had no guards, friends, or even a weapon on his person. The pirate laughed coldly.

"It's dangerous on these streets. Best be comin' off them."

Ben finally managed to unstick his tongue and drew himself upward despite his pounding heart. "I'd already come to that conclusion so if you'll excuse me. . ." He made a move toward another alley when a tall, brawny shape blocked his way.