The Aftermath

Ch 13: Barrels and Drawn Swords

Barrels and Drawn Swords

Uma felt anything but merry. In fact she felt tense and anxious. Perhaps even angry. Gil had gotten them into an alarming deal and Uma was afraid for the results. They had two choices and one of them wasn't a real option. The crew would have to go to Auradon Prep within the end of the week to file their registrations. Uma was a bossy person and she knew it. On the Isle she had hated school, all of the careless teachers, the impatient students and their nasty habits. She did not see forward to having to experience that kind of hell again. But on Auradon Prep it would be worse and Uma knew it. Even though the school was labelled as excellent and fantastic in every folder she read, Uma knew better. The crew would have a tough time fitting in at a school ruled by the Purple faery and her Blueberry princess. Uma could stand Carlos and Jay wasn't the worst but the girls... she truly despised them.

In Gil's life there had been moments he wanted to last as long as possible. There had been moments he had wanted to accelerate. He was a joyful guy, beneficial for helping his friends and making them laugh. He loved that about his life but sometimes it pained him as well. He was never taken seriously and he always tried to prove his intelligence but no one seemed to pay attention. Gil was pleased with the deal, hoping that they would get some education that was actually helpful. He know Uma didn't appreciate the deal and every time she would cry out his name he was scared just a teeny tiny bit. Uma was known for her temper and the crew usually scurried off as quickly as possible when she had a bad day. But today seemed different. Harry had strutted up to Uma, swaying his hips as he walked and Gil would swear he heard the girls swoon. He started talking animatedly to Uma, using his hands and waving around. The crew new to back off but desperately tried to figure out what they were talking about as Uma started to giggle. It was almost an out of this world performance to make an angry Uma with an icky temper laugh, let alone giggle. Soon all the anger was gone from Uma's face as her boyfriend continued to flirt with her and the rest of the crew released the breath they didn't know they were holding.

Uma had been brooding in the corner as she felt woebegone. She was scared that in the end the sweet sounding promise of school would come to crush everything she dreamed off. She didn't notice Harry studying her expression. She only noticed him when he started swaggering towards her swaying with his hips and grinning sneakily at her. Oh, what was he deviously handsome and what are his sky blue eyes intriguing. And as he came strutting towards her she realised she was lost. Lost in a love with her very own pirate. As he came even closer Uma could feel her stomach flutter. "Me darlin', some off the crew, the darned rottin' worms, are startin' to talk 'bout your mood. I told them ye're just deep in thought but ya gotta work with me." He then gave her an overdramatic wink and flashed a seducing smile at her. Uma couldn't help herself and started to laugh. Harry looked very pleased with himself which caused Uma to laugh even harder. "You're one crazy pirate, Hook. I'd throw you out of the crew if you weren't mine." "Yours..." "Yes, mine. My handsome pirate. Mine only and I don't have to share you with anybody else." Harry looked as flustered as Uma had ever seen him before he quickly recovered and gave her a suave kiss on her hand. But then he looked over her shoulder and his look quickly became darker. "Did we invite them to the party, luv?" When Uma turned around she saw Mal, as arrogant as ever, with her three companions. Uma could feel herself tense up once again before responding. "We did not." Harry looked into her eyes, noticed the tenseness and silently slid an arm around her waist without commenting. They looked on as Gil saw their old enemies, grabbed Blue by her arm and mumbled something towards the girl, and then started walking towards his best friends as Blue walked towards the kids. "Guys, what now? They don't look to friendly. Blue and I will collect the children and keep them away from the fight."

Carlos hadn't been too enthusiastic about Mal's newest plan. He had been chilling with his girlfriend when Mal had asked to borrow him. But longs to be an loyal friend so he agreed and walked with her as she explained her plan. She wanted to confront Uma and her crew. Carlos didn't really understand her though. Since the Cotillion Mal had been acting a bit weird. They didn't know what it is but it was like Mal was desperately trying to protect something. She had been furious when she found out that Uma and crew would come to Auradon Prep. To be fair, the Wharf Rats had hated Mal and her gang since the day Mal hurt Uma. Carlos understood them but didn't like the fact they would act out to Evie, Jay and him as well even though they hadn't done a thing. And he was in fact a bit scared of Uma and Harry and wasn't looking forward to face them again. But Mal was like his sister so he went with them. As they approached the area where the Wharf Rats were rumoured to be Carlos heard giggling and laughing. He didn't trust it but Mal continued walking so he kept walking as well. He saw Evie's glance and understood that she felt the same. The Wharf Rats never giggled. They were purely focused on surviving or that was at least what they knew. But as they walked into the open field the Wharf Rats were indeed there. Carlos felt a bit anxious upon seeing his old foes once again but then he noticed the source of the giggling. There was a group of small children running around, messing with Uma's crew. It didn't appear Mal had noticed as she was busy glaring at Uma and Harry. Evie took a step closer towards Carlos and whispered: "I recognise these kids. Some of them fell under our territory on the Isle. Why are they here with Uma's crew? I thought the Wharf Rats hated everything that was from our side of the Isle." Carlos nodded and was about to respond when he accidently looked straight into Gil's eyes. Gil quickly looked away and stormed towards a girl. "Well Evie, some of these kids definitely lived on our side. See, that's Mufasa." He went on to inspect the Wharf Rats. But suddenly the girl turned around and called for the children. He recognised her. He felt Evie get even closer. "Carlos, is that--." "It is! It is Fabienne." Jay joined into their conversation. "But I thought we killed her, you know, on accident." Mal turned around, her eyes glowing green. "Apparently not. I'm going to talk to Uma. Stay here." Mal swaggered off towards Uma. "Uhm guys, do you get the idea they think of us as dangerous? I certainly do." Evie asked. Jay shrugged and replied. "Well, they are rounding up the kids to keep them close so go figure." Evie looked shocked. "But that's terrible. We wouldn't do a thing!" Carlos sighed. "But do they know that?" He asked her. Evie just shook her head in denial.

Blue was busy with gathering the children in one spot with Gil when she suddenly noticed why she had to do so. She saw Mal with glowing eyes, glaring in her direction. She quickly turned around to talk to Gil. "Gil! That are --." "I know." He interrupted. "I know, sunshine. But I'm sure they'll leave the children alone." She laughed full of irony. "That's not why I'm afraid. They nearly killed me, Gil." Gil didn't know how to respond. "They what?" "Well, it's a long story. But here is the summary; I and Evie had a bit of a competition over fashion, as we both loved to design. We were friendly until her mother found out Evie had a rival. She started to force Evie into working harder. I stepped up my game as well. Evie wasn't really affected but Mal was, wanting to protect her friend. She challenged me to a sword fight, which I was about to win when her eyes started to glow. She lost control and drove me into a corner. I thought she was going to kill me but Evie helped me by raising her sword as well. Instead of hitting me, Mal hit a cord which supported a load of stones and barrels. As it lost its support they came raining down. It should've killed me but I was able to protect my head with my bag full of books. I was stuck under all the barrels and rocks, badly hurt. I guess they assumed they had killed me and left. It was days before someone found me. I barely survived." Gil was incoherent about the grotesque story. He was really shocked and didn't know how to react. He suddenly noticed Mal walking towards Uma and Harry. But if Mal was going to talk to her... His train of thoughts seemed to be correct as the other three walked over to him and Blue. Evie started the conversation. "Fabienne! Is that really you?" But before she could respond Gil answered for her. "Actually, it is Blue nowadays. Fabienne had some bad memories attached to it so we changed it." "Bad memories?" Jay asked. Blue looked at him intensely and answered. "Nearly getting killed, being left behind, having no friends, you get the idea I suppose." Carlos quickly spoke up. "I'm so... uhm, we are so sorry, Blue." Blue knew this issue should stay in the past. "And I forgive you guys. But this isn't the most important issue right now." She turned around and pointed at Mal and Uma. Mal had drawn her sword and Uma looked like she was about to do the same. Jay commented: "Oh shit" before running towards them. The others quickly followed.

Huma edit is not mine but it's from the amazing Raven Black Productions on youtube.