Spawn of the Wicked

Posters On The Wall

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dystopia

/dɪsˈtəʊpɪə/

noun

an imagined state or society in which there is great suffering or injustice, typically one that is totalitarian or post-apocalyptic.

The sky was its typical Ash grey, thick, heavy, and dense. It cloaked the so-called streets like a mask, restricting breathing. A stench of chimney smoke burned my nose, mixing with other unpleasant smells; the rotting dead, the sewage, the misery. Screeches, shouts, screams of fear and swears in various languages filled the air.

Welcome to the Isle of the Lost.

I guess it all started when the guards from Auradon were sent over. Lots of big men in blue, gold and white uniforms reluctantly shipped to the Isle, parading the streets and pinning up bright posters similar to the King Beast properganda. Many Villains and Villain Kids scurried like rats at the sight of them, not stupid enough to get in their way. I would have too, but the idea of returning to Hell Hall made me shiver involuntarily.

Mal, Evie and Jay were stood with me, not wanting to go home either - which is understandable; psychopaths, corrupt advisers and vain monarchs didn't have a parental instinct. We hid in an alleyway between two huts, watching the guards from a safe distance.

As the swarm of guards finally left the Isle, we made our way to our hideout, Jay tearing down a poster on the way. Our hideout was one of the few brick buildings, paint flaking off the walls and the ceiling, bare floorboards creaking with every step. It gave off a musty smell, but was a lot better than what was outside. Windows were cracked mournfully, the doors hung off their hinges and the electrics and plumbing worked when puppies fly. It was more like home to me than Hell Hall.

"Cawos?" came a voice from one of the upper rooms. I immediately rushed to the source and opened the door carefully. My little brother was sat on a lumpy mattress, looking absolutely petrified. Soon, he saw me. "Cawos!"
I pulled him into a hug. "I'm here. You're safe with me," I reassured him. He gets scared when he's left alone, and I hadn't realised how long we had been.
"I was scared, Cawos!"
"It's okay, I'm here now. Hey, why don't we see if we can find Mal and Evie?"
"Okay."

I loved being around him, his innocence could even make Mal soften. He was only around four years old and was the most adorable child you could ever imagine; eyes that were big and onyx-coloured, lots of freckles that covered his entire body and curly black hair with flecks of white. As he was so young, it was safer for him and me to stay in the hideout than at Hell Hall. When I returned to Hell Hall to do a round of chores, he stayed with Evie, so I'm not sure if he knew about Cruella.

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Mal, Jay and I sat down in one of the downstairs rooms as Carlos ran upstairs to find his brother. Immediately I checked my cracked compact mirror and fixed my makeup. It doesn't matter, I'll never be perfect, I thought to myself. But the attempt was necessary. I was never pretty enough for mother, I doubted I would find this amazing 'Prince Charming' mother wanted me to get. Well, I'd rather have a princess, but that's besides the point.

In the corner of the room furthest from the door, Jay had pulled out his score and added it to his collection. I didn't know what half the stuff was and I doubt Jay knew either.

The fairy sat on the arm of the threadbare green sofa, scanning the poster that Jay had taken. Her eggplant-coloured hair fell into her striking jade eyes as her face scrunched up in confusion.
"What is it?" I asked, snapping my mirror shut.
"Dunno - I can't read it."

"That's 'cause none of us can fuckin' read - 'cept Carlos," Jay smirked. Mal glared at him, her eyes glowing a vibrant green. "Okay, okay! I'll stop!"
I rolled my eyes at them.

"Evie!" yelled an excited voice from the door. Carlos's brother was racing towards me, and nearly knocked me over as he tackled me in a hug.
"Hey, little Prince," I smiled.
"I'm not a pwince today," he pouted, pulling out of the hug.
"Oh? Then what are we today?"
"A piwot!"

"What's that?" I asked... I genuinely had no idea.
"A someone who fwies in the sky in a big metal bird!" explained the boy excitedly. "Cawos showed me a pictwure!"
I gave Carlos a questioning look, only receiving a shrug in reply.

As I played with the four year old, Mal and Carlos were talking about the poster. Eventually, Carlos got the hint and scanned it.
"In o-honour of Prince Ben... Benjamin's Coronation, the Prince has made an ana... announcement stating that the children of eight Villains will rek... receive an invitation to attend Auradon Prep. His Majesty will be collecting the children himself," Carlos read out shakily. The room fell silent.