Where Two Worlds Come To Meet

[missrecalled_mods]

For those on the Boat

"Alright," Mal said, nodding. She and Ben had listened to what everyone had to say, and had pulled aside for a quick discussion. "This is the plan. Listen up, though it is subject to change based on what Professor Yen Sid has to say. But as it stands here is what we're going to do. Once we open an entry point in the barrier I will craft us a single use bridge. Everyone who is carrying stuff to the Isle will please carry it across carefully and quickly. Anyone who wants to stay on the boat, can. But once everyone is across the King and I will bring up the rear and close the barrier behind us."

She took a breath and continued. "Anything you need to summon to be prepared, do so before I open the barrier. You won't be able to on the Isle. Magic will not work there. Most tech will not work there. We're planning to stay about an hour. In that time if anyone sees anyone they know, please come and let the King, myself, and Professor Yen Sid know. Your words will carry weight as to if they stay or come back with us, but the final decision is ours. I want everyone to stay close to the shore either way. If we have to leave in a hurry we may not have a chance to wait for stragglers, and the phones won't work here."

"What about..."

Mal blinked then nodded. "We can talk to Professor Yen Sid about that," she agreed. "But I don't know if it is feasible for this trip. We also have to see if we have anyone who is as good with computers and tech as Carlos is...."

Ben nodded. "Alright."

Mal looked at everyone again. "We know that there are at least three confirmed villains on the Isle, or there were. Doctor Facilier, Lady Tremaine, and Mother Gothel. They've been without their powers for over twenty years and it hasn't sweetened their temperaments any. Don't underestimate them just because there is no magic. Be careful. And stay close. If you think someone you know is on the Isle but you don't see them, speak to Professor Yen Sid." Another breath. "Alright, that's about it. Sylvando's going to be staying with the boat, so if anyone doesn't feel comfortable going onto the Isle, you won't be alone if you stay back. Here we go..."

She turned to face the barrier and opened her spell book to the page she had been scribbling on during the boat ride. A deep breath and she cast two spells in rapid succession.

"Reprogram for now
and one time post
This remote to allow
For today and today only
this spot to be its target's host."

Her eyes glowed green as she spoke and a green trail followed her finger as she gestured at the remote. It flared green for a moment then the glow faded. "Done, for today the remote will open the barrier here, not at the bridge. And now..."

Ben nodded. As he clicked the remote, she began casting the second spell, eyes green once more. green finger trail in the air again as she gestured towards the barrier as a small entrance opened.

"Bridge of fate
Bridge of trust
Form quick
Be first rate
Formed of stone that does not rust
grow from this ship to the shore
to remain until the barrier closes once again
A bridge to aid all who are helping King Ben!"


The Queen intoned, her green eyes bright and glowing as a white brick bridge grew while she spoke. And when Mal had finished her spell, the bridge was fully formed connecting the boat and the beach. Well, perhaps 'bridge' was too strong a word; though it seemed to be made of the same sort of material as the magical bridge that sometimes connected the Isle to the mainland, it wasn't nearly as wide. Even if they'd had one, no one could drive a car over this. However, it was still wide enough for three people to comfortably walk abreast and the weight of it once the opposite end reached solid ground served to help steady the boat, making it quite serviceable as an extra-long gangplank.

The white seemed to almost shine against the dark of sea and the darker of the storm covered Isle.

Even from the beach the poor quality of life on the Isle could be seen. A rusting partial building that was some sort of bait shop was the only real structure that wasn't obscured by the thorns, but the damage to it seems to be older than the thorns might imply.

There were remains of what were probably a few small bonfires and broken bits of tools and scraps of trash laying around.

"Be careful on the bridge," Mal said as she led the people who were starting across, spell book at the ready. "On this side there are crocs, gators, and sharks." Then raising her voice to be heard by those on the beach. "IF ANYONE TRIES TO RUSH THIS OPENING TO ESCAPE YOU WILL REGRET IT!" Her eyes flashed green with the threat.

But perhaps it was the tall man with the beard, standing on the beach holding a beeping box with a light on it, perhaps it was his small but firm nod that made clear that she could back up that threat.

Isle Side

Eventually the raised voices on the other side of the barrier died down, and all was quiet. Those standing on the beach waited with varying levels of tension, wariness, and excitement to see what would happen next. It probably wasn't too long of a time, though it likely seemed much longer to many of them. The distorted shapes of people could be seen moving about on the boat's deck, though whether on purpose or simply due to the rough sea it was difficult to tell.

Then, just as some were likely beginning to question whether anything was going to happen... something did. The box that professor Yen Sid held began beeping loudly, the light on it glowing brightly as the barrier parted. Soon there was an opening large enough to drive a car through forming, allowing both those on the Isle and on the boat to see each other clearly for the first time. Then a familiar voice - to both those from Auradon and to some on the Isle - rang out.

"Bridge of fate
Bridge of trust
Form quick
Be first rate
Formed of stone that does not rust
grow from this ship to the shore
to remain until the barrier closes once again
A bridge to aid all who are helping King Ben!"

The Queen intoned, her green eyes bright and glowing as a white brick bridge grew while she spoke. And when Mal had finished her spell, the bridge was fully formed connecting the boat and the beach. Well, perhaps 'bridge' was too strong a word; though it seemed to be made of the same sort of material as the magical bridge that sometimes connected the Isle to the mainland, it wasn't nearly as wide. Even if they'd had one, no one could drive a car over this. However, it was still wide enough for three people to comfortably walk abreast and the weight of it once the opposite end reached solid ground served to help steady the boat, making it quite serviceable as an extra-long gangplank.

The people preparing to leave the boat were well dressed well fed, but tired looking people. They probably looked a little worse for the storms out at sea tossing their hair and soaking their clothes. But even with that... their clothes were clothes. Not scraps. Not stitched together leathers. Okay, so the Queen was in stitched together leathers, but clearly that was aesthetic choice rather than desperation. They were carrying cloth bags, boxes, and in two cases, flower pots in leather slings.


Everything about what little of the boat could seen from the Isle spoke to quality, to luxury. It was clearly well made, well kept, and expensive. It was also very... pastel.

"Be careful on the bridge," Mal said to the people behind her, as she led them across, spell book at the ready. "On this side there are crocs, gators, and sharks." Then raising her voice to be heard by those on the beach. "IF ANYONE TRIES TO RUSH THIS OPENING TO ESCAPE YOU WILL REGRET IT!" Her eyes flashed green with the threat.

But perhaps it was Professor Yen Sid, perhaps it was his small but firm nod that made clear that she could back up that threat.

Where Two Worlds Come To Meet - Both Missrecalled and Misery-called

With boat and beach thus connected, those on the boat began to disembark, most of them carrying some bit of cargo. Stitched leather bags, sturdy cardboard boxes - both of which seemed full of supplies, and two people carried flower pots in leather stitched slings.

Sylvando - the man in the jester costume - who stayed on the boat guarded the top of the gangplank until the last of the people and supplies were moved across. Once the last of everything was on the shore, the king slid his hand into his pocket and the barrier closed, the bridge vanishing as it did.

For those with magic, it felt weaker here, and as the barrier closed rapidly, the sensation increased until it closed and all the magic was gone. The beeping box stopped making sound, its light fading.

For those with fire associated magic the lack would hit extra hard, though with everyone reeling, that might not be obvious.

Mal tucked her spellbook down the front of her jacket. Her eyes scanned everything and everyone, and she didn't seem to miss anything. She looked almost natural here despite being clean and clearly not starving. The king beside her tried to give everyone a warm smile, which almost immediately made him seem out of place.

"Alright," Mal said. "Here is what is going to happen. We are here to drop off supplies. Some of you may be coming back to Auradon with us. We will be talking to the professors, and to some of you. If you agree to come to Auradon, and if you are accepted, you have to be willing and able to follow the rules of Auradon. We want to help those of you who were never meant to be here, but we can't put the people we promised to protect in Auradon in danger either. Don't like that? I'm the one to step to," she said, pushing some wet hair back off her shoulder. "For those that are staying... this isn't the only time we will be coming and not now doesn't mean never. Until then however..."

"We found supplies," Ben said. "And what we have that we can share, we are sharing. We brought food, potato plants, bottled water and juices, and some other supplies. Everything we brought can be eaten as is or cooked over a simple fire."

Mal nodded. "And for those of you who are dark hearts, who are true evil as... Well let's just say that the deal offered to the adults before this all started stands, and extends to all of you who it applies to. Even if you have been evil in your past, even if you are evil now, but are willing to change to live in Auradon, we will consider you. You will have to earn your place in Auradon. Earn your chance to come over. It won't be easy, but one thing I've learned? Good isn't. Easy. But if you can prove yourself good, even here, we will consider that and you may be welcomed in the future under probation."

Ben took over, then. "However, just because you are here does not mean you are evil," he said. He put a hand on Mal's damp but now hair free shoulder. "If you think you should be in Auradon, not here, come and talk to us. Tell us your story."

"We're planning to stick around about an hour," Mal added, her hand over Ben's her fingerless gloves a dark purple leather with a livid green dragon on the back of each. "That should give enough time to talk to everyone. And for you to ask any questions about the supplies that you may have. And one more thing, yes I see you lurking there in the shadows, Shadow man. And you as well," she said, her eyes flicking to the other side of the rusted bait shop from where the Headmaster was watching them all. "Alright. One hour, people. Let's get this going."

"And... we are truly sorry, for those of you not of this world who are trapped here. We promise, we are trying to work on how to get everyone home."

"Yes, yes, happily ever after's all around. That one hour? Starts now," Mal said. Then she rolled her shoulders back and turned to talk to Professor Yen Sid.

(OOC: Please see this post ASAP to let the mods know your plans so we can write the finale! Thank you all so much!))

Comments

Post here to talk to NPCs: Mal, Ben, Yen Sid

[missrecalled_npcs]

Ben and Yen Sid started talking at once as Mal kept herself available to anyone who wanted to come over while directing people where to leave the supplies they had brought from Auradon.

But all three are willing to speak to whomsoever approaches them.

Sylvando- I'm On A Boat! (During And After)

[smilingarmor]

While Ben, Mal, and the others headed through the gateway, Sylvando remained behind. The boat still needed tending to while they conducted their business on the Isle; a ship the size of the Stallion he might have trusted to the anchor alone, but their current vessel was much lighter. The anchor chain was sturdy, so he didn't fear her drifting, but without someone to steady her, a sudden wave might knock her against the barrier. And while the Bobber was a fine little vessel, she was clearly designed more for looks than strength; a few hard knocks like that could see them all stranded here.

Thus he stayed to man the wheel, and keep anyone who'd opted to stay aboard with him entertained. And of course, to be ready to welcome both his returning friends and any new ones aboard when it was time to depart.

NPC: Doc F.

[misery_called_npcs]

Doctor Facilier scowled at having been called out, but he stayed in the shadows. They knew where to find him now, and he suspected some of the newer students would want his read on if the King and Queen were on the up and up. Plus he wanted to see how his two pawns - Louie and Emporio played their parts...

[seacub]

It's strange.

As the bridge came into being, Emporio certainly watched. As people gathered to speak, to debate, he watched. He no doubt even helped carry things about if needed, oversized tatter coat hanging over his shoulders as always.

But when it comes time for people to make their case- to argue their way aboard and off- he isn't there.

Perhaps he overheard conversations from others- well meaning words about a chance, a way out for those who need it.

But somehow the 'shadow man' will find someone curled even farther into a shadow than he is.

Emporio looks...thoughtful? No, there's something else. A strange type of fear that can't be seen in the face of wild beasts, or disaster, but instead something much less tangible.

"...Is it weird...to be scared to go?"

The boy's voice is vulnerable. Quiet, and small.

(Perhaps Facillier is amused by the level of trust the boy has put into him by this point, despite knowing his capabilities and crimes. ....Perhaps, then, maybe not.)

"...I'm not afraid of the people," he adds in anticipated correction. "...Or their...laws. ...It's not like that. ...it's just..."

He swallows.

He hasn't yet looked up.

"...It was so much. ....I grew up in a prison- even here was already more than I ever had. ...being there for even a few moments was..."

So much.

Too much.

(Perhaps for reasons beyond a mere difference in furnishings and resources.)

[misery_called_npcs]

And here he had to play nice. Ugh. A perfect sucker offering himself up, pockets open. But there was a con and there was a con. And the Shadow Man knew how to play the long game.

He knelt beside the boy, considering his words as his long fingers played over the top of his staff.

"There's nothing wrong with some fear, little man. It adds spice to the gumbo of life. But not everyone can handle it. You gotta know your own limits. You don't gotta go, after all." Yes he did, the headmaster's plans hinged on it. But he could work this. "But spicy gumbo is still food, still good for the soul."

Ah, there was his angle.

"But you know what makes big things smaller and safer? Not being alone. And you play your cards right with the king and queen over there and you'll come up aces... Have a full house, if you know what I mean. I'm sure there are some of us here on the Isle you've taken a shine to, yes? People who can help you through the rough transition."

River Song | Doctor Who | Partial OTA (see headers)

[professorsong]

Well now, this was interesting. She was standing there, casual as you please, considering. And then she saw...

Him.

Rory.

And that just changed everything didn't it?

Locked to Foulques
She turned at once to Foulques and hissed in an almost silent whisper. "You don't tell him, or anyone else anything you saw in my memories, is that understood?"

It didn't quite sound like a threat, but oh, it absolutely was.

Locked to Rory
As soon as her hissed conversation with Foulques was over, she made her way over to her father, studying him for a reaction. "I suppose it would be foolish to ask if you know who I am, then?" she asked. She suspected, given how he looked, this was well after Demon's Run, but a girl had to be sure. Especially when her heart - and time itself - were on the line.

OTA
After talking to Rory and Foulques, River was more willing to mingle. Well after she dashed back to the hideout and grabbed all of her stuff. One way or another she was staying with her father and saw no reason to leave, among other things, her space suit behind. It wasn't the NASA suit he'd be familiar with, but possibly close enough to be of concern. She set it with the things going to the boat, because even if she had to break out later, it would be easier to do without having to wear or lug that.

But once it was set with stuff, while waiting to make her case to the royal pair, she was approachable. Well, as much as she ever was. Just be aware there may well be a former plastic Roman Centurion hovering over-protectively. Or maybe not.

Xion | Partial OTA | CW: Angst, abuse mentions possibly, Square Enix nonsense

[nobodys_puppet]

OTA
Seeing the bridge she pulled deeper into what shadows she could, clinging to her Keyblade, still terrified from her encounter with Morgana. But then she saw... "Axel..." she said in a whisper. She was hiding out, trying not to be seen. But as Mal had called her out already, hiding was kind of futile...

Locked to Lea
Once the chaos was in full swing, when she thought she could get to Axel without being seen, she raced towards him. "Axel!"

Four Eggs Double Trouble - a Joint thread for Nadeshiko and Utau - OTA

[nadenagi]

The second Nadeshiko and Utau saw each other, it was like sparks flew between them. It was like someone put two predators in a small cage. Instant fury.

"YOU!" Nadeshiko said.

"Ugh," Utau said, rolling her purple eyes. "If it isn't one of the goody goody Guardians. Even on another world I can't get away from you."

"Well you'll have plenty of time away from us when we go back to Auradon and leave you here."

"You think you can just leave me here?" Utau snapped. "Well think again. We're getting on that boat, and you can't stop us!"

"As Queen's chair, I will protect Auradon from the forces of Evil."

Someone might want to step in and keep them from coming to blows...

[lovebites_sodoi]

Morgana made a bee-line straight for Mal. She "met" the girl once, she had to take the chance she'd remember her - and made a good impression, hopefully. With a hand on her hip and a calm look on her face, she tried to play it cool, as always.

"Well well well. Someone's looking more... fashion-aligned since last we met."

[lovebites_sodoi]

Yikes, it was like watching two hissing cats getting ready to have a scratch-fest. Even if she didn't already like Utau, Morgana felt compelled to put a stop to this just to make sure this wouldn't wreck their chances of getting on the boat.

"Are we going to have to put someone in a time out?" Morgana said as she walked up, cool and calm as always. "I think we need to be on our best behavior for both sides, kiddos. Does anyone really need a headache today?"

[hotheadwarmheart]

Lea had been scanning the beach for a particular small, black-coated form since he'd arrived, but given the general bustle and plentiful shadows hadn't been able to spot her. That was immediately remedied when she shouted and ran towards him though. "Xion!", he called out, jogging over to close the distance between them even faster. "Sorry it took so long to get here; you wouldn't believe the amount of stuff we had to clear out of the way. But better late than never, right?"

[mist_the_point]

"I see the two of you are acquainted," Foulques said dryly as he approached the two bickering girls. "But this is meant to be a parlay, not a brawl. And snarling at each other like a pair of angry coeurls will accomplish naught."

[mist_the_point]

Foulques was slightly confused at first, until he saw a certain man among those who were coming ashore. Ah, so that was the way of it then. Well he hadn't had any intention of revealing what he'd seen before, and still didn't, but perhaps this was the time to insure that his own past was kept private as well. "Such secrets of your past as I know are safe with me, milady," he whispered in return, "provided that mine remain equally so with you. A fair bargain, yes?" He didn't anticipate anyone from his own past arriving here, but having such an assurance was preferable to not.

[mist_the_point]

Foulques approached the young couple, and while neither his armor nor the spear on his back looked especially reassuring, he offered a surprisingly elegant bow to them in greeting. "You are the young King and Queen, I presume?", he said as he straightened back up. "Well met. Or as well as can be in a place such as this. I am Foulques of the Mist."

"You mentioned that you wish to consult the so-called teachers here, but I'm afraid that neither the old virago nor the vain wench have deigned to join us this day. If you wish to speak with them, you must needs seek them out, though I can't imagine that doing so would be worth the effort. The scrawny astrologian, however, is lurking about somewhere. And I imagine that Professor Yen Sid would welcome the chance to speak with you." They may well notice that Yen Sid was the only one of the professors he called by their actual name. And the only one he mentioned without a sneering tone in his voice.

[mal_contented]

"Yeah well, reality never matches up with dreams. So you've been here all along, huh?"

[nadenagi]

"They know I'm a good person," Nadeshiko said. "I'm going back to my brother."

Utau scowled darkly at the purple haired girl. "She's going to make sure I have no chance," she said bitterly to Morgana. "So much for the so called good guys. They're just as bitter and broken as the rest of us."

[nobodys_puppet]

"You showed up!" she said, smiling up at him. "We can get Emporio and leave now, right?" she asked, eyes flicking nervously towards Morgana and Foulques, inching even closer to Lea.

[nadenagi]

"I will not allow someone who has hurt as many children as she has to come back with us," Nadeshiko said, firmly.

Utau crossed her arms and looked away, nose in the air.

[professorsong]

She nodded. "Fair," she agreed. Besides, she was perfectly willing to break her word or lie down the line if needed. But Foulques didn't need to know that if he hadn't figured it out already.

[missrecalled_npcs]

Oh, they noticed. Ben had introduced them in reply, but listened to the rest.

"Guessing that the vain one is Gothel, We spotted Doctor F, hanging out," Mal said, "So... that leaves the first one to be... Lady Tremaine? Can I watch you call her old to her face?" she asked with a wicked twinkle in her eye.

"Mal..." Ben said softly.

"Kidding, of course I'm kidding." She grinned, then looked back to Foulques. "We will speak with the professor as well, but I'm not sure we've met you before this. So, guessing you want to spin your story, Foulques of the Mist?"

[lovebites_sodoi]

"Of course. If I was crashing at your place, you definitely would have heard me." A fanged grin.

"So, is this the part where I beg and plead for a way out of here? Not really fond of groveling where my outfit can get stained, I only have the one." Just a bit of light teasing before they could get to the meat of the matter.

[lovebites_sodoi]

Ugh, she hated having to the "adult" in this situation.

"No one is making anyone do anything." Morgana said after a sigh, for once glad powers weren't available during their stay here - this could have gotten uglier if these two could do what Utau hinted they could. "And, no one's saying we have to hold hands and sing Kumbaya either - if we all want on the boat, we stay away from those who will bug us the most. So, take your spaces and stay there. We cool?"

[seacub]

Emporio feels almost exhausted.

By now he wonders why Facillier holds such a facade talking to him. Does he think he's ever bought it entirely? Does it add a layer of distance instead, an excuse that he can use to say how much he does or doesn't care?

Part of him wishes he knew. For that matter he wishes he could bring himself to say, bluntly, I know you're lying. I've known for a while.

But it's the truth in the words, that keep him silent. Because after all it's still advice...even if it's advice brought forward from a place of manipulation.

It still stings though. Without thinking, he can't help but say-

"...I'm never really alone anymore. ...it's just easier to pretend, here, rather than there."

The boy's eyes are still watery, and he still can't bring himself to look up at the headmaster. "...You remember when we first made this deal?" A pause. A swallow. "...I'm still going to do my part- but you have to meet it halfway to make it stick, in the end."

Even if he gets him over that bridge one day, Facillier still has to keep from getting caught in any villainous act; that much, a mere boy can't save him from after all.

[mist_the_point]

"You condemn her for harming children and yet would harm one yourself by leaving her here to rot," he said. "For make no mistake, though she has a few more summers than you to my eye, she is still a child. One who has harmed none in her time here, whatever sins her past may hold. Bettering oneself is a long and difficult journey, but it is one I feel she must be allowed to begin properly."

[mist_the_point]

He gave Mal a bit of an amused smirk. "Perhaps another time," he said of her suggestion. "Our time is somewhat limited and best used attending to the business at hand."

"And no, we have not met before this, even in that strange dreamworld. I was brought here several moons ago by the same magical happenstance that brought many others. Though unlike them, it was, perhaps, more fortunate than not for myself, for it snatched me from the jaws of death. Were it not for being plucked from my own world when I was, I would be lying broken and unmourned at the base of a cliff, and my body food for wild beasts."

"I tell you this not to seek your pity, for I deserve none; that ignominious death would have been well earned, I assure you. But I felt it necessary that you know before aught else the reason that whatever may betide, I cannot return to the world of my birth; naught but death awaits me there. For worse or for better, this world is now my home. Thus, while I have every intention of putting myself forward for consideration, as you suspected, I feel I must give the matter greater thought than might those who are simply travelers passing through."