Descendants: Hearts of time.

chapter 5

Ruby stood in the grand hall of Auradon Prep, her heart pounding like the incessant beat of a drum. The air was thick with anticipation, but beneath it all, she felt an undercurrent of dread. Her mother’s voice, smooth and commanding, echoed in her mind. *“We’re more alike than you know.”* Ruby shivered, though the room was far from cold. She didn’t want to be like her mother, not even a little bit.

The hall was abuzz with murmurs as Fairy Godmother took the stage, her regal presence commanding attention. The familiar, soothing chime of her wand resonated through the room, silencing the crowd. “Attention, please,” Fairy Godmother began, her voice gentle yet firm. “Parents and students, it has been a great privilege to serve you. But the time has come for another to take my place.”

Ruby exchanged a quick glance with Red, her fraternal twin sister. Red’s eyes were wide, a mixture of excitement and worry swirling within them. This wasn’t just any announcement; it was the beginning of something new, something potentially dangerous.

“So please join me in welcoming Auradon Prep’s new principal,” Fairy Godmother continued, her smile as warm as the sunrise.

A hush fell over the crowd as the new principal stepped forward. Ruby’s breath caught in her throat as she recognized the figure. *Uma?* The air crackled with energy, a mix of shock, awe, and curiosity. Uma’s presence was unmistakable, her aura one of fierce determination and unapologetic power.

The room erupted into a chant, the chorus of voices ringing out loud and clear. “Uma, Uma! Uma, Uma! Uma-ah-ah-ah!”

Uma stood tall, her eyes scanning the crowd like a predator sizing up its prey. “This is all hands on deck,” she sang, her voice cutting through the air with the sharpness of a blade. “Calling out to lost boys and girls. I’m gettin’ tired of the disrespect. We won’t stop till we rule the world.”

Ruby found herself nodding along with the rhythm, caught up in the infectious energy. *She’s powerful,* Ruby thought, unable to deny the magnetic pull of Uma’s charisma.

“It’s our time, we up next,” Uma continued, her voice rising with every word. “Our sail’s about to be set. They ain’t seen nothing yet. Tell ’em who’s in charge so they don’t forget.”

“What’s my name?” Uma’s voice was a challenge, daring anyone to answer.

The crowd roared back, “Uma!” The sound was deafening, a testament to the sway she held over them.

Ruby clenched her fists, trying to focus, trying to remember why she was here, why this mattered. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts, but one thing was clear—Uma was a force to be reckoned with. And now, she was in charge of Auradon Prep.

As the song faded, Uma stood tall, her smirk unmistakable. “That’s Principal Uma to you,” she declared, her voice dripping with authority. “And you better get it straight, or you’ll be walking the plank.”

The crowd burst into laughter, but Ruby noticed the steel in Uma’s eyes. *She’s not really kidding, is she?*

Fairy Godmother attempted to ease the tension, laughing nervously. “She’s just kidding,” she reassured the crowd, though even she didn’t sound entirely convinced.

Uma’s gaze swept the room, settling on Ruby and Red. A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes as she announced, “Now, I never got the chance to go to Auradon Prep. But as its captain, I’m proud to be charting a new course into a bright future, beyond the old ways of heroes and villains.”

*Beyond the old ways,* Ruby repeated in her mind, the words lingering. What did that mean? Could it be true, or was it just another game?

“In that spirit,” Uma continued, her voice smooth as silk, “I’d like to welcome Princess Ruby and red of Wonderland.”

The cheers erupted again, but Ruby couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in her gut. Something as about to happen

Ruby glanced over at her mother and noticed her playing with her card and apparently Uma seemed to notice as well, her expression darkening slightly as she looked at the queen of hearts.

“Excuse me,” Uma said, her tone polite but firm. “Do you mind?”

The Queen of Hearts looked up, her grin widening. “I do, actually.”

“Mom, what are you doing?” Ruby asked

“Why, playing my favorite game,” she  replied, her voice lilting with glee. “War.”

Ruby’s eyes widened in horror as a low rumble of thunder echoed through the hall, seemingly summoned by her mother’s malevolent joy. The Queen of Hearts’ laughter grew louder, more unhinged, as if she was savoring the chaos she was about to unleash.

“Mom, stop,” Red pleaded, her voice trembling. She knew her mother’s games all too well, and they never ended well for anyone but her.

The twins watched as their mother threw her cards and this said cards became soldiers

"Everybody, it’s going to be okay." Fairy godmother said giving theses people false hope as our mother laughed

"Citizens, remain in the courtyard." Jack of diamonds said

"Oh, my God! Mom, yours staging a coup Ruby said realizing her mom's true intentions

Hey sorry for the late chapter. I hope you like this chapter. If you have ideas for should happen next comment down below.