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Pairing: Max Hatter x Suyin (Daughter of Shan Yu) / OC

SYPNOSIS: Two VKs. One warrior. One trickster. Suyin and Max couldn't be more different. She's fearless and disciplined; he's chaotic and impossible to predict. They clash at every turn-but when Red, Chloe, and the other HKs and VKs set out to save Wonderland, the two must put their differences aside and fight for a whimsical place worth saving.

Note: Some of its parts are based by Descendants: Wicked Wonderland

AN: This is the first fanfiction I've ever posted, so I hope y'all enjoy it!✨️ Apologies if you come across any grammatical and punctuation errors🥹🙏🏻

♡ Chessboard ♧

"Guys, wake up," Red said as she pushed herself up from the floor.

Suyin's eyes fluttered open. Her vision was blurry at first as she struggled to focus.

The ground beneath her was smooth.

Then she realised her head was resting against Max's chest. Startled, she lightly smacked him awake before quickly pulling away. Max blinked in confusion as they both scrambled to their feet.

Rows of perfectly arranged tiles stretched endlessly beneath them in alternating shades of soft pink and deep green. The polished surface gleamed like glass, reflecting the strange light above in shifting patterns. The board seemed to go on forever, like a giant chessboard built for creatures far larger than themselves.

"Where are we?" Chloe asked, her voice small as she slowly turned around.

Everything around them was enormous. Towering teacups and gigantic chess pieces rose in the distance. Strange oversized plants curled around the edges of the board, twisting and swaying as though they were watching.

Luis shook his head slowly, staring at his hands. "It can't be. I'd never dream myself this small."

"We're definitely gonna play chess, huh?" Suyin said, giving Max a serious look while he was still trying to process everything.

"Oh my hearts! I'm even cuter tiny!" Pink squealed, spinning around in delight as she admired herself.

Before anyone could react, faceless figures began rising from the tiles around them.

Their faces were smooth and blank, their movements stiff and puppet-like.

At the same time, the pink and green tiles beneath their feet flickered to life, glowing faintly from below as though some hidden mechanism had been activated.

"Uh-oh. Looks like you're trapped." The voice made everyone freeze.

"Who's that?" Suyin asked, already holding for her chain whip.

"Chessy..." Pink muttered under her breath.

"Over here." A wide grin and two glowing feline eyes appeared above a giant chess clock.

"You're all pawns in Maddox's game now." Chessy said.

"It's simple. If you ever wanna get off this board, you need to capture the king... unless you're captured first." Her eyes gleamed mischieviously. "Make your move."

"Hey, everyone." Chloe's called them. "He's challenging us to a game of chess. Line up on the squares."

The others exchanged uncertain glances before reluctantly following her instructions. One by one, they stepped onto separate pink and green tiles, positioned like pieces on a giant chessboard.

"Now," Chloe continued, "chess is all about strategy. The classic first move is pawn to E4. So, Robbie, you go to that one."

She pointed toward a glowing tile a few spaces ahead.

All eyes turned to Robbie.

The boy was already trembling, glancing nervously between his friends and the square.

"You've got this," Chloe encouraged him.

Robbie took a deep breath and stepped forward.

His foot touched the tile.

Instantly, the square burst with light.

"Wait, I don't think—" Suyin started, but it was too late.

A powerful force launched Robbie straight into the air. His scream echoed across the board as he was flung out of sight.

"My boy!" Felix shouted, reaching upward helplessly.

"Oh, Chloe... We can't afford to instantly guess our way through this game," Suyin said sternly.

Hazel let out a sharp scoff, "Could you be any more naive?" she snapped. "You think Maddox would ever set up a simple game? Get your head out of your tiara, Princess."

"Okay, it's just the first move." Chloe frowned.

"Come on, Chloe," Red said, stepping forward with a more grounded tone. "She's right. We can't think so straightforward."

"Just—just let me try again."

"Chloe, no. If we're gonna defeat Maddox, we gotta think like a villain." Red suggested.

Chloe's expression faltered, but Red didn't seem to notice.

"If you say so," Suyin said, slashing her whip against the floor.

"Let the games begin." Red fixed her glare on the chess enemies, and the battle began.

The living chess pieces surged forward, forcing everyone into motion. Dancing, dodging, and fighting blended together as they tried to beat their strange opponents.

Then, without warning, Felix was launched into the air and hurled off the chessboard, disappearing with a distant scream.

Pink sprang into action, flipping across the shifting tiles in a series of swift cartwheels. As she crossed paths with two faceless chess pieces, they immediately moved to strike.

Suyin cracked her chain whip through the air, slashing them back before grabbing Max to help deal with the others.

Meanwhile, Squirmy stepped onto a hidden trap.

The floor beneath him vanished, "Why, Smee?!" he cried as he dropped out of sight.

The group barely had time to react before the chessboard itself shifted.

The tiles slid apart, separating them from the enemies they were fighting and pulling everyone back toward their side of the board.

"Oh, what's happening?!" Pink gasped.

More faceless chess figures emerged, while the King slowly rose atop a tall platform.

Luis was suddenly shoved backward and grabbed by three chess pieces.

"No!" Pink shouted.

She ran toward him, only to be seized by another chess piece before she could reach him.

Max charged in to help but was quickly restrained by several more.

Suyin fought desperately against the growing number of enemies, whipping and striking at every opening she could find while trying to free the others. But the pressure was becoming overwhelming.

Then Red grabbed Chloe's arm and pointed toward a dark purple flower near the edge of the board.

"The flower!" Red yelled and she pulled Chloe along as they rushed toward Hazel.

Without warning, Red shoved Chloe toward the edge of the chessboard.

Caught completely off guard, Chloe stumbled forward.

Her eyes widened in shock. Betrayal flashed across her face as the giant flower snapped toward her.

At the last second, Hazel yanked Chloe aside and drove her hook into one of the flower's petals, dragging it down.

Chloe staggered back, breathing hard. She watched Red step onto the lowered petals.

Disbelief filled in Chloe's eyes.

Red leapt forward and shoved the King from its platform, "Yeah!"

The King crashed to the ground in a burst of purple smoke.

Game Over.

Cheers erupted across the chessboard.

Luis whooped and threw his arms into the air.

Max dropped back onto solid ground with a breathless laugh while Suyin helped him to his feet.

Hazel pumped her fist triumphantly.

Pink spun in place, caught up in the excitement of their victory.

But not everyone was celebrating.

Off to the side, Chloe stood apart from the group.

Her arms were wrapped tightly around herself as though she was trying to hold something together.

Her gaze remained fixed on Red.

Sharp. Filled with something far from celebration.

Then Suyin noticed her. "Hey, you alright?" She asked.

"Yeah... just glad it's over," Chloe said quietly.

"You sure—" But before Suyin could finish, Chloe simply walked past her.

But suddenly, the entire chessboard arena trembled violently beneath their feet.

A deep rumbling sound echoed through the enormous chamber, vibrating through the giant chess pieces surrounding them. Cracks of dark magic spread across the floor like veins as the ground shook harder and harder. The sudden movement caught everyone off guard.

"WOAHHHH!" The HKs and VKs shouted simultaneously.

Before they could regain their footing, the floor beneath them disappeared.

♡ Deck of Cards ♧

The group yelped as they dropped through a swirling tunnel of darkness. Wind rushed past them while flashes of strange colours flickered around them. A few seconds later, they landed on a new platform filled with cards arounds.

As everyone slowly stood up, brushing dust from their clothes, they immediately realised they were no longer in the chess arena.

The surroundings were completely different.

Card patterns covered every surface imaginable. The towering walls were decorated with enormous hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Even the floor resembled giant overlapping playing cards stretching far into the distance.

The entire room looked like somebody had taken a deck of cards and built a kingdom out of it.

Suyin looked around for a moment and she dragged a hand down her face.

"Please don't tell me we're gonna play another game. Cards." The words came out sounding exhausted rather than annoyed.

After everything they had already been through, the last thing she wanted was finish the game. Her patience had been running dangerously low ever since they arrived.

The HKs and VKs gathered together instinctively, keeping close while observing their surroundings. Nobody liked how quiet the room felt.

Then an all-too-familiar laugh echoed through the chamber.

"Hehehehehehe..."

The sound bounced from wall to wall.

Nobody could tell where it was coming from.

Red groaned immediately.

Suyin narrowed her eyes while absentmindedly gripping the handle of her chain whip. "Where's that annoying cat?"

Her gaze swept across the room.

Absolutely no signs of Chessy's presence.

Pink sighed. "Chessy just loves hiding. Being invisible. Causing chaos. Manipulating people."

The statement sounded less like an observation and more like a complaint built from personal experience.

A frown settled across Max's face. "What? We successfully completed the chess challenge. Why are we doing another game?" His frustration was understandable.

They had followed the rules.

They had won.

Yet somehow Maddox's tricks still wasn't letting them leave.

Red raised her voice. "Chessy! Let me guess. We're playing cards now? Fine. Let's do it. Where are the life-sized cards?"

For a brief moment, silence followed.

Then Chessy's laughter returned, more amused. "Oh, you all thought you were going to play cards?"

Dark magic suddenly erupted from the floor.

Everyone immediately stepped back.

Massive structures burst from beneath the ground.

Sharp spinning blades rotated at terrifying speeds. Rows of spikes emerged from the walls. Narrow pathways twisted through the centre while giant pendulums swung overhead.

The obstacle course looked less like a game and more like something designed to send people straight to the hospital.

"...More than that."

The entire group stared.

"WHAT?!" The reaction exploded from almost everyone at once.

Shock spread across their faces.

Even Red looked horrified.

Luis looked personally offended.

Only Suyin remained relatively calm. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she examined the obstacle course.

"Since when did Wonderland become that violent?" Her voice carried genuine confusion.

Luis pointed at the obstacle course. "If it was lifting dumbbells or carrying heavy things, I wouldn't mind." He sounded surprisingly serious.

Hazel quickly pointed toward the giant spinning death trap. "That's not fair! We already did the chess and now THIS?!"

Chessy's laughter echoed again. "Oh, come on."

The cat sounded thoroughly entertained. "You all looked so proud after finishing chess."

The spinning blades accelerated.

"So confident."

The spikes extended further.

"So accomplished."

Nobody appreciated the sarcasm.

Then Chessy's tone shifted. "To successfully leave this room, at least one representative must cross the obstacle course and retrieve the Heart Key."

Everyone followed the direction of a floating red glow.

Far beyond the traps stood a pedestal.

Hovering above it was a crimson key.

The Heart Key.

Red exchanged a glance with Chloe. Neither of them had any idea how somebody was supposed to reach that thing alive.

"Tickity tockity."

The invisible voice echoed once more.

The room suddenly felt colder.

"Time is running out."

The spinning blades whirred louder.

"Better hurry."

A pause followed.

"Wouldn't want anything... brutal to happen."

Then Suyin spoke. "Brutal?"

A small grin appeared on her face. "That's one of my terms."

The HKs and VKs immediately recognised that look.

Whenever Suyin smiled like that, somebody's common sense was about to suffer.

Before anyone realised what she was planning, she removed her bag. Then she shoved it against Max's chest.

The action happened so quickly that Max nearly dropped it. "Huh?"

And then she ran.

Straight toward the obstacle course.

"W-Wait, Suyin!" Max's voice immediately rang through the room.

The sudden panic in his tone surprised even him.

His eyes widened as he watched her sprint away. "That's too dangerous!"

But Suyin never slowed down.

"GIRL!" Pink shouted.

"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Luis yelled.

"SUYIN!" Chloe cried.

Even Red looked alarmed.

Yet none of it mattered.

Suyin had already committed.

Hazel simply folded her arms. "Typical Suyin." Despite her words, there was a hint of concern in her expression.

Nobody could deny that the obstacle course looked deadly.

Meanwhile, Max stood frozen. His grip tightened around Suyin's bag. Watching her run directly into danger made his stomach twist unpleasantly.

His father's games were already dangerous enough. Yet somehow Suyin always found a way to throw herself directly into the most reckless part of every challenge.

And somehow that worried him more than he'd like to admit.

His gaze never left her. "I hope she makes it." The words escaped quietly.

Hazel immediately caught it, a knowing smile slowly appeared on her face. "She will."

Max exhaled slightly.

Then Hazel tilted her head. "Are you slowly developing a soft spot for that war freak?"

Max nearly choked as his entire body stiffened. "W-What?! No!"

The answer came so quickly that it only made Hazel grin wider. "Yeah, sure."

Max immediately looked away.

Meanwhile, far ahead, Suyin was already moving.

The first blade came spinning toward her. She slid underneath it effortlessly. The metal sliced through the air above her head. The moment she emerged from the slide, spikes erupted from the floor.

Without hesitation, she planted a hand against the ground and launched herself upward.

Her body twisted through the air. The spikes missed her by inches. Gasps erupted from behind her.

But Suyin remained completely focused.

Years of combat and martial arts training had taught her one thing—always take the risk.

Her body already knew exactly what to do before her mind could process it.

She ducked beneath rotating blades. Leapt over moving barriers. Balanced across narrow platforms. The obstacle course seemed designed to overwhelm people.

But Suyin adapted to every challenge almost immediately.

At one point, a giant pendulum came swinging toward her. Instead of avoiding it, she jumped onto it.

The entire group froze.

For one terrifying second, she balanced on the moving structure. Then she used its momentum to launch herself forward.

"NO WAY!" Luis shouted.

Pink's mouth fell open.

Even Red looked impressed.

The closer she got to the key, the harder the obstacles became.

Yet Suyin never stopped moving.

Sweat glistened along her forehead. Her breathing became slightly heavier. But determination continued burning in her eyes.

Finally, she reached the last section.

She slipped through impossible openings while the blades flashed dangerously close.

Her hand shot forward and she grabbed the Heart Key.

Immediately, every trap stopped.

The room fell silent.

"SHE DID IT!" Pink exclaimed.

Then cheers erupted a the HKs and VKs immediately ran toward her.

Relief washed over the group so quickly that it almost felt tangible. The tension that had been sitting heavily on everyone's shoulders finally disappeared.

Suyin blinked as she watched them approaching.

To her, she had simply done what needed to be done.

Pink reached her first and immediately wrapped her in a hug.

Suyin froze completely since physical affection wasn't something she experienced often.

For a moment, she simply stood there awkwardly. Then she slowly patted Pink's shoulder.

Pink laughed. "You did it!"

Soon Red and Chloe arrived as both of them immediately raised their hands with matching grins on their faces.

A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she lifted both hands and gave them high fives.

The high fives echoed through the room.

"That was insane!" Red laughed, still sounding like she couldn't quite believe what she had just witnessed.

"You literally ran through that death trap like it was nothing." Chloe nodded enthusiastically.

The tension that had been suffocating them moments ago was finally gone, replaced by relief and excitement.

Luis stepped forward next. A huge grin stretched across his face.

"That was awesome." He held out his fist.

Suyin bumped it without hesitation. "Thanks."

Hazel immediately pushed Luis aside. "My turn." And she gave her a fist bomb. "I thought you were gonna get sliced at least three times."

"Three times?" Suyin deadpanned and chuckled softly.

Nearby, the Smees rushed over next. Unlike the others, they looked absolutely starstruck.

"That was the coolest thing ever!"

"You were flying!"

"No, she was flipping!"

"No, she was flying while flipping!"

The argument immediately started.

Suyin blinked and then gave each of them a fist bump anyway.

That seemed to satisfy them.

The Smees instantly celebrated like they had personally completed the obstacle course themselves.

Watching them made Suyin shake her head in amusement.

Then, Max finally approached, "You did great there."

The simple honesty caught Suyin slightly off guard.

A small smile appeared on her face. Softer than her usual confident grin. "Thanks."

Meanwhile, Hazel was already watching from the side with narrowed eyes and internally teasing them.

Max suddenly cleared his throat. Almost as if realising he had been standing there longer than intended.

Then he awkwardly lifted his fist.

Offering a fist bump.

For some reason, that simple gesture made Suyin blink.

The trickster standing there awkwardly waiting for a fist bump.

She couldn't help it, a quiet laugh escaped her.

Max looked mildly offended. "What?"

"Nothing." The smile on her face widened slightly.

Then she raised her own fist.

Their knuckles met.

A simple fist bump.

While high above them, hidden from sight, Chessy watched everything with an amused grin.

"Oh?" The invisible cat chuckled.

Now that was interesting.

Pairing: Max Hatter x Suyin (Daughter of Shan Yu) / OC

SYPNOSIS: Two VKs. One warrior. One trickster. Suyin and Max couldn't be more different. She's fearless and disciplined; he's chaotic and impossible to predict. They clash at every turn-but when Red, Chloe, and the other HKs and VKs set out to save Wonderland, the two must put their differences aside and fight for a whimsical place worth saving.

Note: Some of its parts are based by Descendants: Wicked Wonderland

AN: This is the first fanfiction I've ever posted, so I hope y'all enjoy it!✨️ Apologies if you come across any grammatical and punctuation errors🥹🙏🏻

♡ Lumoria Tree ♧

Night fell much faster than any of them expected.

The strange forest faded into darkness as the last traces of sunlight disappeared behind the twisted trees. Shadows stretched endlessly across the winding paths, and the palace was nowhere to be seen.

Only unfamiliar shapes lurked between the trees.

"There!" Pink pointed ahead without the slightest hint of fear.

A glowing tree shimmered softly in the darkness, its silver-blue light illuminating everything around it.

"That's a Lumoria Tree, Red. It'll keep us safe from Maddox for the night!" Pink informed them.

The HKs and VKs didn't need to be told twice.

They gathered beneath its glowing branches, letting its warm light wash over them.

Pink was already rummaging through her heart bag, somehow pulling out cups, a tiny pot, and packets of tea as if she carried an entire kitchen with her.

"Anyone want tea?" she asked cheerfully.

Hazel grabbed one of the cupcakes instead.

"You're like a tiny Wonderland survivalist," she said, wandering off a few steps while taking a bite.

Meanwhile, Suyin had already claimed a slice of strawberry cake.

She took one bite.

Then another.

Her eyes widened. "Did you bake this?"

Pink beamed proudly."Yeah! Do you love it?"

Suyin didn't even answer.

She simply nodded over and over, too busy absolutely devouring the cake to form words.

Pink giggled before happily pouring tea for everyone else.

Max quietly accepted a cup, but as he took a sip, he couldn't help glancing sideways at Suyin, who was still shamelessly eating the cake.

Eventually...

Both of their eyes landed on the very last red velvet cookie.

They looked at the cookie.

Then at each other.

Then back at the cookie.

Max tries to snatch it but Suyin was faster.

She snatched it right out from under his hand, maintaining unwavering eye contact, popped the entire cookie into her mouth.

Still chewing, she stood up, shot Max one last smug side-eye, then casually strolled over to Pink for a cup of tea as if nothing had happened.

"Warfreak." he muttered, shooting one final glare at Suyin.

A few feet away, Luis sat beside Red, though not nearly as discreetly as he probably thought he was.

"I was thinking... how about you, me, and the other HKs take point tomorrow?" he said. "I don't trust these VKs. What are they really bringing to the table?"

"Um... hello???" Suyin turned around slowly, raising an eyebrow.

Luis immediately pointed at her. "Okay, not you, Suyin. You're the exception."

"Uh-uh. Take that back, Luis."

"I'm serious." He lifted both hands defensively. "No shade toward you. You're already overqualified. Captain of the fencing team, Vice President of the Sports Club—you've got credentials. But the rest of the VKs?" He glanced across the camp. "I think they've got their own agenda."

Suyin tilted her head, her brows knitting together in clear disagreement.

Luis caught the look immediately and frowned.

"So now you're siding with them?" he asked, sounding both surprised and a little offended.

Before Red and Suyin could respond, Hazel joins and brushed the crumbs from her hands.

"Not so fast, Señor Hero," Hazel stepped forward.

"You're going to need a lot more than good hair and a nice smile to pull this off. So why don't you leave the real work to us villains?" She added.

Luis stood up, "a Madrigal never backs down from a challenge."

"Go comb your hair, pretty boy," Hazel snap back, stepping right up to him as the other VKs followed behind her.

Max got up too, slipping to Hazel's side. "What are you going to do?" He added with a smirk. "Smile at us?"

The tension snapped tight.

Suyin remained perfectly still as her eyes flicked between both groups.

"Alright!" Red stepped between them and physically pushed both sides apart. "I've been hearing a lot of talk from both of you—but who actually has what it takes to defeat Maddox? Hmm?"

The challenge hung in the air.

Slowly, the HKs and VKs backed off, though the tension remained thick enough to choke on.

Suyin thought teaming up with the VKs wasn't the quiet smart move. So she was about to walk over to the HKs but when a hand wrapped around her wrist.

She looked down.

Max.

"I thought you considered yourself a VK?" Max raised a question.

"Yeah, and?" Suyin calmly pulled her wrist free.

"Then maybe I should remind you that you're still one of us. Doesn't matter if you've got the most perfect warrior record in school history." He sternly said as he pointed toward the VKs.

"Whatever." Suyin rolled her eyes and followed.

"Listen up," Luis announced, rolling his shoulders. "I don't mean to flex, but let's be honest." A confident smirk spread across his face as he raised his hand, immediately catching the attention of the Smee twins, who rushed over to challenge him. "Out of everyone here? I'm undoubtedly the strongest."

The twins wasted no time grabbing his arm, determined to prove him wrong. They pushed with all their strength, trying to force him down.

But Luis barely moved. Instead, he just grinned, looking completely unfazed.

"I got big villain energy. Been scamming since the cradle." Hazel rolled her shoulder, walking like she's the boss. "From walkin' planks to putting chewing gum under your table."

The competition quickly spiraled into a ridiculous back-and-forth, with everyone trying to prove they were the one who could take down Maddox.

Suyin watched the chaos unfold with a blank expression.

Everyone bragging their own HK and VK representative at the same time?

Really typical HKs + VKs moves in argument.

Suyin quietly sighed and shook her head, "I'm outta here." Crossing her arms, she slipped away from the argument before anyone could pull her into it. She found a quiet spot nearby, sat down, and calmly picked up her tea.

While everyone else fought over who was the biggest threat, Suyin simply watched from the sidelines, taking small sips as if she were enjoying a show.

Did you hear about him?

"I moved a mountain. I saved a castle. With just my charm."

Did you hear about her?

"She ripped the wings off of Tinkerbell, y'all," said Max as he jumped onto the mushroom.

Suyin's calm expression completely slipped.

Her eyes widened slightly but she quickly covered her reaction, returning to her usual stoic look.

Every one of the HKs looked at Hazel in various expressions ranging from horror to disbelief.

"What else do you want?" Red raised a question.

"Truth be told, Tinkerbell can grow her wings back. Okay?" Hazel clarified, trying to reassure everyone.

Pink let out a relieved breath. "Oh! That's good to know."

Meanwhile, Suyin quietly muttered, "Can anyone get any better?" She simply watched them argue, unable to do much to stop the tension between them.

The answer was obvious: Not really.

"No, you can't." Hazel's voice turned sharp the moment she came face-to-face with Luis again.

Hazel struck first, knocking him down.

Luis stared up at her in disbelief as Hazel placed one foot firmly against his chest, keeping him pinned.

Everyone continued dancing and laughing, completely caught up in the celebration, as the tension from earlier slowly faded.

Suyin finally rose from her seat, letting out a small breath of relief now that their heated "debate" had come to an end.

"We can't argue that," Red admitted with a laugh, raising her hands slightly in surrender. "VKs got it."

For a split second, it felt like things might settle. Then Pink's smile dropped completely.

"...Are you kidding me?" she snapped, her voice sharp as she turned toward Red.

"You're siding with them? With him?" Her eyes shifted toward Max, filled with suspicion and distrust.

Suyin tried to intervene, hoping to calm her down.

"No, Suyin!" Pink immediately cut her off, stepping forward. "He could be in on this with his dad, for all we know."

Her frustration grew with every word. "Look, I may be the little sister, but at least I'm brave enough to say what everyone's thinking."

And that was the final straw.

"Okay." Hazel stepped forward, her anger visible as she prepared to confront Pink, but before she could do anything, both Max and Suyin reacted at the same time, quickly stepping in to stop things from getting worse.

"No, Hazel—don't." Suyin said firmly, grabbing her arm while keeping a calm, almost emotionless expression.

"I think that's my cue," Max muttered quietly.

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.

"Wait—Max..." Suyin called after him, but he didn't look back.

Suyin brows furrowed, a mixture of disappointment and concern crossing her face, "You shouldn't have said that."

But Pink didn't show any regret.

She simply walked past Suyin, deliberately bumping her shoulder against hers. The impact was strong enough to make Suyin stumble slightly and feel the sting.

Suyin stumbled slightly, froze in shock and disappointment.

"Suyin..." Red stepped closer, worry clear in her voice.

Suyin quickly shook her head, remain composed. "I'm fine," she said quietly. "I'll just go talk to that nerd while you and Chloe figure out a plan."

Red looked at her for a moment, still concerned, but eventually nodded.

Suyin turned and followed after him.

It didn't take long to find Max. He hadn't gone far—only far enough to put some distance between himself and everyone else. He sat at the edge of the clearing, his gaze fixed on the darkness beyond the warm glow of the tree.

For once, he looked less like someone trying to prove himself and more like someone who was simply tired.

"Hey," Suyin called softly as she approached. She lowered herself beside him, leaving just enough space between them.

Max didn't look at her right away.

"Suyin, if you're here to lecture me, throw insults, or give me some reality check..." His voice was quiet and flat. "I'm really not in the mood."

Suyin stayed silent for a moment. Then, with an unusual softness in her voice, she said, "No, Max. I... I'm sorry about Pink."

She looked away, her expression remaining composed. "She can be... too sensitive sometimes. Or maybe insensitive enough.

Max let out a small, humourless breath. "She doesn't trust me," he said. "Kind of a common theme in my life."

Suyin studied him briefly. She wasn't someone who was good at comforting people, and she definitely wasn't the type to throw around emotional speeches.

But she understood what it felt like to have people judge you based on where you came from.

After a moment, she folded her hands together in her lap.

"...I trust you." Suyin words came out simple. Honest.

Max finally looked at her, slightly caught off guard.

The statement meant more than she probably realized.

"I know that's probably surprising coming from me," she added, her tone returning to its usual calmness. "But you're not exactly like your father."

Max stayed quiet.

"You've already proven that," she continued. "The way you tried to help the Smees... the way you kept checking on others even when no one expected you to."

She glanced toward the forest. "And if we can save the Queen of Hearts... then maybe, just maybe... I think it's not too late to help your dad either."

He looked at her, confused.

"Why would you wanna do that?" Max raised a question?

"Because I still think there's good in him," she said.

Her voice was quiet, almost like she was admitting something she normally wouldn't.

Then she sighed. "Honestly, I can't believe I'm bringing up my father as an example..."

"But I guess I have to." Suyin stared ahead, remembering.

"When my father and I were used to live on the Isle, like yours—he was obsessed with getting the Mulan sword back. Or stealing Fairy Godmother's wand. For revenge, freedom... whatever goal he thought would finally fix everything."

She paused. "But eventually, he realized something."

Her fingers tightened slightly together. "The things he was chasing weren't actually what mattered."

Max listened quietly.

"He realized that he still had family. He still had me." A faint softness crossed her expression— barely noticeable, but there.

"And instead of wasting his life on an obsession, he chose to focus on protecting me. Taught me all kinds of swords. Helping me become stronger."

She shrugged slightly. "It turns out... having someone who believes in you is worth more than holding onto something that only destroys you."

Max looked down. "You're lucky."

Suyin glanced at him.

"You got the kind of life I've always wanted." His voice carried a hint of bitterness.

"...Because my whole life, everyone has told me the opposite."

For a moment, Suyin didn't know what to say.

Then she quietly replied, "I'm sorry, Max."

Max gave a small, tired smile. "It's his own fault."

He looked back toward the darkness. "His obsession with finding this thing he saw back in high school. Like time travel is even real."

Suyin's expression shifted slightly. "Time travel?"

Max nodded. "Yeah. That's why everyone thinks he's a madman."

Suyin frowned slightly, her curiosity breaking through her usual calm expression.

Time travel.

She looked at Max, wondering what exactly his father had discovered...

"So, do you have in mind, Max? What's your next plan?" Suyin asked.

Max went still. For a moment, he simply stared at her. Then something clicked.

His eyes widened slightly so he pushed himself to his feet and Suyin immediately followed.

Together, they hurried back toward the others.

The HKs and VKs looked up as they approached.

"I know how to stop my father. We go after his Oraculum." Max informed.

Luis blinked. "The Oracu-who?"

"Umm, what's an Oraculum?" Suyin asked.

Max exhaled, steadying himself. "His most prized invention. There's nothing he wouldn't do to protect it."

"So we're going to steal it," Red said, stepping forward, "and use it to get Mom back."

The group quickly gathered into a tight circle.

"So here's where we start," Max began, lowering his voice.

But before the plan could go any further details, a purple light suddenly engulfed them.

And then they were magically gone.

⚔️🎩 TO BE CONTINUED...

Pairing: Max Hatter x Suyin (Daughter of Shan Yu) / OC

SYPNOSIS: Two VKs. One warrior. One trickster. Suyin and Max couldn't be more different. She's fearless and disciplined; he's chaotic and impossible to predict. They clash at every turn-but when Red, Chloe, and the other HKs and VKs set out to save Wonderland, the two must put their differences aside and fight for a whimsical place worth saving.

Note: Some of its parts are based by Descendants: Wicked Wonderland

AN: This is the first fanfiction I've ever posted, so I hope y'all enjoy it!✨️ Apologies if you come across any grammatical and punctuation errors + late update because I've been busy with publicity tasks at my school🥹🥹🥹🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

♡ Wonderland’s Croquet Gardens ♧

The HKs and VKs wandered deeper into Wonderland's Croquet Gardens, following the pathways lined with mushrooms, colourful hedges, and flowers that swayed even without the wind. Everything looked straight out of a dream—beautiful, magical... and just a little unsettling.

Pink happily skipped a few steps ahead of everyone, practically glowing with excitement as she proudly acted as their tour guide.

"As you enter Wonderland's Croquet Gardens, please pay special attention to all the magical flora and fauna," Pink informed them proudly.

''And Smees," she added, pointing, "don't eat any of our special friends."

Pink continued enthusiastically yapping about every magical plant they passed.

Meanwhile, Suyin quietly observed everything around her. Her sharp eyes scanned every corner of the gardens instead of simply admiring the view.

Then something caught her attention.

Perched high on the branches of an enormous tree was what looked like a mechanical bird. Its metal wings twitched every few seconds, as if it were watching them.

That's... odd.

Before she could study it any longer—

"I think you would like green-flowered hellebores." Suyin blinked as Pink suddenly appeared in front of her, offering a delicate green flower with an eager smile.

"Umm... thanks," Suyin replied, accepting it politely.

Satisfied, Pink skipped off to show Red another strange plant.

The moment Pink wasn't looking, Suyin quietly slipped the flower into her bag.

Instead, she reached inside and casually pulled out one of her chain whips.

The soft metallic clink immediately caught Max's attention.

"Seriously?" Max scoffed. "We're on a garden and you're already arming yourself? You're such a war freak."

Suyin didn't even spare him a glance. "I'm just being prepared."

She unfolded the chain whip with a quiet flick.

"Besides, we're in Wonderland." She finally glanced his way. "You know... this place that's famously whimsically chaotic."

Max rolled his eyes. "Or maybe you're just addicted to carrying enough weapons to start a war."

Suyin gave him the flattest stare imaginable.

"And just so you know..." she said coolly, "you're associated with Wonderland too."

Max frowned.

"...Because of your father's stupid tricks." She shrugged.

"Like father..."

She tilted her head.

"...like son."

Max's expression instantly darkened. "Excuse me?"

Hazel sighed loudly. "Oh not again."

Max crossed his arms. "Coming from the girl who carries enough weapons to invade a kingdom?"

He gestured toward her bag. "What else are you hiding in there? A cannon?"

Hazel sighed dramatically, rubbing her temples.

"Ugh! Do you guys ever stop fighting?"

She pointed at Suyin with her hook. "You, especially. You're literally the most stoic person I know. I thought you were supposed to be nonchalant."

"What?" Suyin replied with a shrug. "I'm just spitting facts."

Then she glanced sideways at Max. "And apparently nobody else wants to make him shut up."

Max opened his mouth to argue but before another insult could fly...

A thick swirl of purple smoke suddenly twisted through the gardens.

The cheerful atmosphere vanished in an instant.

"Umm... guys?" Chloe asked nervously. "What's happening?"

Everyone immediately looked around as the HKs and VKs instinctively moved closer together.

Hazel turned to Max. "Max, what's this?"

His face had already gone serious. "It's my dad, he knows we're here." His jaw tightened.

Suyin twirled her chain whip once. "As usual," she muttered.

Everyone immediately prepared themselves.

The vibrant flowers drooped. The bright colours faded into eerie shades.

The flamingos that had peacefully wandered the croquet grounds suddenly froze. Their cheerful pink feathers slowly darkened into deep crimson and charcoal.

Their glowing eyes snapped open.

The flamingos released piercing, unnatural shrieks that echoed throughout the gardens.

"RUN!" Red shouted.

Nobody hesitated.

The HKs and VKs sprinted through the gardens as the corrupted flamingos charged after them with terrifying speed.

"Take that!" Suyin spun around mid-run.

Her chain whip cracked through the air with explosive force.

CLANG!

She ducked smoothly, pivoted on one foot, and slashed upward.

The chain tore across its body with ruthless precision before it collapsed into dark smoke.

Nearby, Max and Red grabbed croquet mallets without hesitation.

Working in sync, they swung together just as another flamingo lunged toward the Smees.

THUD!

Feathers exploded into the air as the creature stumbled away with an angry screech.

Not far behind them, Chloe and Pink struggled against another flamingo. Their attacks lacked coordination, but their determination made up for it.

Off to the side, Felix barely ducked behind a tree as a snapping beak missed his head by inches.

Hazel shot him an irritated glare. "You just had to kiss it?" she snapped.

She immediately hooked another flamingo with her pirate hook before using her pirate fighting skills to throw it aside.

Luis charged straight into another one, landing sharp kicks and punches without slowing down.

Robbie gripped his bow, took aim, and let his arrows fly straight toward the evil flamingos.

The Smees swarmed together, wildly hammering every corrupted flamingo that got too close.

Meanwhile, Suyin fought with frightening aggression.

Her chain whip lashed through the battlefield like a living serpent, tearing through one flamingo after another.

The metallic cracks echoed across the gardens. One swing another then another. Each strike was faster than the last.

"Suyin! Watch it!" Max reacted as he ducked just in time as her chain whipped inches past his head before hitting straight through the flamingo behind him.

"Trying to save your life, Nerd!" Suyin shot back without missing another swing.

Before Max could complain again—

A corrupted flamingo was charging straight toward Pink, without knowing.

"Pink, look out!" Suyin's eyes widened. With one powerful snap of her wrist, the chain whip shot forward before violently flinging it away from Pink.

Without wasting another second, Suyin reached into her small bag.

She pulled out a compact metal rod.

With one flick—click.

It extended into a full-length staff.

She tossed it toward her. "Pink! Use this!"

Pink caught it with both hands.

Her eyes lit up. "Thanks!" She smiled before immediately swinging the staff into the nearest flamingo.

WHACK!

"Now that's more like it!"

After barely fending off the evil flamingos, the HKs and VKs kept running for their lives.

Suyin risked a glance over her shoulder. "...You've got to be kidding me."

More evil flamingos burst out from the mist.

Without slowing down, she dug into her small bag and pulled out a smoke bomb.

She hurled it behind them.

BOOM!

A cloud of thick grey smoke exploded.

Chloe ran beside her, panting. "What else do you even have in that bag, Suyin?"

Suyin smirked. "Lets just save them for later."

She adjusted the strap of her bag.

No one argued with that. The group kept running, desperately searching for somewhere—anywhere—to hide.

Then Max suddenly pointed ahead.

"There!" he shouted.

A house stood in the distance.

Without hesitation, everyone dashed towards it

♡ House ♧

"Go! Go! Go!" Max yelled.

He shoved the front door open and ushered everyone inside before slamming it shut with the help of the Smee twins.

The moment the door clicked shut, silence filled the room.

Pink bent over, clutching her knees.

"Can we at least have a brea—" The floor lurched violently.

"WOAH—!" They all exclaimed.

The entire house tilted to one side.

"Run!" Robbie shouted.

They didn't hesitate.

The group burst through the nearest doorway, desperate to outrun the thick fog that slithered after them like it had a mind of its own.

They kept running.

Only when the floor finally levelled out did they dare stop.

Everyone bent over, gasping for air.

Red looked around, trying to make sure everyone had made it. "You guys okay?"

"No." Suyin's answer came instantly, her voice flat and laced with irritation.

Luis let out a tired groan. "Ohhh, not again!"

The entire building tilted once more.

"WOAH!!!" The floor dropped beneath them, forcing everyone to stumble before breaking into another sprint as they were dragged back the way they'd come.

"Keep moving!" Red yelled.

Then the walls moved.

At first, it was almost unnoticeable.

A groan echoed through the house.

The walls slowly slid inward.

"...Guys?" Pink muttered.

The gap between them shrank.

Fast.

The HKs and VKs threw themselves against either wall, straining with everything they had to keep them apart.

But the walls refused to stop. The space grew tighter. Harder to breathe... Harder to think.

The crushing pressure crept closer every second.

"Guys!" Luis suddenly yelled, spotting an opening just ahead and grabs the handle.

The walls were only inches away now.

With a desperate pull, he yanked the door open.

Everyone rushed for the exit.

"Max!" Suyin caught his wrist before he could get trapped.

Max didn't hesitate. His instincts took over before his brain even had the chance to think.

He leapt through the doorway with her.

The group burst outside—

Safe.

...Well.

Mostly.

♡ Forest ♧

They successfully got out of the strange house, some stood frozen, still trying to process what had just happened.

Then they realised...

They'd been separated.

Only Max and Suyin remained together.

Max blinked. His arms were wrapped tightly around Suyin's waist. He'd clung to her without even realising it.

Suyin looked down.

Then her eyes slowly widened.

"..."

She immediately shoved him away.

"Dude! Ew!" she snapped. "Don't you ever hug me! I hate physical touch!"

Max stumbled backwards. "Hey! You were the one who grabbed me first!"

"I was trying to save you, Nerd!"

"I didn't ask to be hugged!"

"I wasn't hugging you!"

"You literally—"

Before Max could finish—

Click.

Something metallic unfolded from Suyin's bag.

With a smooth mechanical snap, her portable weapon transformed into a sleek sword.

She pointed the blade directly at Max's face.

Silence.

Her expression didn't change. Completely stoic.

Max instantly raised both hands. "O-Okay."

He swallowed. "Take it easy... I'll shut up."

A long pause passed.

Satisfied, Suyin lowered the sword.

The blade folded back into its compact form before disappearing into her bag.

"Anyways," she said as if nothing had happened, "let's find the others."

She turned and walked ahead.

Keeping a careful distance this time, he quietly followed.

It wasn't long before Red and Luis arrived, followed by Max and Suyin.

Pink's face instantly lit up. Forgetting all about searching for her missing shoe, she rushed straight toward Red.

"Red!" she squealed, throwing her arms around her in a tight hug.

Nearby, the Smees were perched on top of the oversized fluffy pumpkins, happily throwing them at each other while Hazel stood nearby, keeping a watchful eye on their chaos.

As Max walked over, Hazel leaned closer with a teasing grin. "Are you with her?" she whispered.

Max sighed. "Don't even start."

Luis, however, wasn't paying attention to Hazel.

His eyes were locked on Max.

"You tricked us!" he accused, marching forward with narrowed eyes.

Max straightened slightly, his expression tightening. "I was trying to help," he shot back.

"Luis, not now," Suyin cut in before things could escalate. "He really was trying to help. Besides... he doesn't even know all of his father's tactics."

Luis blinked in surprise.

Suyin... defending Max?

That was unexpected.

Even Max blinked in surprisee too.

She caught the look on their face and immediately frowned.

"Just so you know," she said quickly, folding her arms, "I'm not taking anyone's side."

Luis raised an eyebrow.

"Oh yeah? And where did that get us?"

Before the argument could grow any further, Hazel stepped between them without hesitation.

The curved edge of her hook stopped inches from Luis's face.

"You like to box?" she asked coolly. "Because I've got a killer right hook."

She didn't blink. Protective as ever, Hazel stood her ground—firm, unshaken, and completely ready to swing if she had to.

Just then, Chloe hurried over to Red, already drawing her small dagger. "Well, we've got a bigger problem."

"Whoa! Look, I'm not exactly Hazel's biggest fan either, but let's pull it back," Red whispered, startled.

"No, it's not that." Chloe pointed upward.

"It's that." Red followed her finger.

Perched high on one of the branches sat a mechanical bird, its glowing eyes silently watching them.

"Hey... I saw one of those in the croquet garden," Suyin said, narrowing her eyes. "I'm assume it's one of Maddox's spies."

She turned toward Max. "Nerd, is that one of your dad's?"

Max shot her an irritated glare at the nickname but decided to let it slide. He stepped closer, studying the bird.

"Yeah..." he muttered. "Looks like it." His jaw tightened.

"And if I'm right... it's got a direct line to him." Max looked back at everyone.

"We need to destroy it."

"Or..." Chloe interrupted, stepping forward, "we could try to use it."

Red immediately shook her head. "No. He's right."

She looked back at the bird. "That's way too risky."

"But—"

"I'm on it, Red," Luis interrupted, already charging toward the tree.

"Wait, Luis—!"

"I got it!" He grabbed the trunk with both hands and shook it with all his strength.

Leaves rained down around them as the branches swayed wildly. The mechanical bird didn't move an inch.

"Get a clue—you're extinct!" Luis yelled.

Hazel folded her arms with an unimpressed look while Max watched with barely concealed amusement.

"Do you have a brain," Hazel called out dryly, "or are you just one big bicep?"

Luis shot her an annoyed glare before letting go of the tree with an irritated huff.

"Smees, get to climbing." Hazel ordered.

The twins immediately began climbing on each other.

Hazel's eye twitched. "Not each other! The tree!" She pointed the tree.

Suyin let out a long sigh and buried her face in her hand. "I can't believe all of the happenings..."

Before anyone could try again, the mechanical dodo suddenly jerked.

Its glowing eyes flashed.

Then—

SCREEECH!

A loud metallic cry echoed throughout the forest.

Max winced. "...Yeah." He looked around uneasily. "I think it just called for more dodos."

"Guys, we need to move," Red said quickly, already motioning everyone forward. "Let's cover our tracks. Come on!"

The group immediately fell into step behind her.

The mood shifted from chaotic to urgent in an instant.

Suyin lingered for a brief second before glancing behind them. "...Hold on."

She frowned. "Where's Robbie and Felix?"

Luis stopped walking and looked around. "I thought they were with you."

Hazel frowned back. "I thought they were with you."

The two stared at each other.

Then Hazel simply shrugged. "Nah. They'll catch up." She turned around and continued walking.

⚔️🎩 TO BE CONTINUED...

Pairing: Max Hatter x Suyin (Daughter of Shan Yu) / OC

SYPNOSIS: Two VKs. One warrior. One trickster. Suyin and Max couldn't be more different. She's fearless and disciplined; he's chaotic and impossible to predict. They clash at every turn—but when Red, Chloe, and the other HKs and VKs set out to save Wonderland, the two must put their differences aside and fight for a whimsical place worth saving.

Note: Some of its parts are based by Descendants: Wicked Wonderland

AN: This is the first fanfiction I've ever posted, so I hope y'all enjoy it!✨️ Apologies if you come across any grammatical and punctuation errors🥹🙏🏻

♡ Dorm Hallway ♧

Suyin walked down the dorm hallway at an easy pace after finishing fencing practice. Her sports bag rested comfortably on her shoulder. The halls were quieter than usual, save for the faint echoes of students chatting in the distance.

As she rounded the corner, two familiar voices reached her ears.

She slowed her steps.

Max and Hazel.

Without making a sound, Suyin hides behind the edge of the hallway wall. She wasn't planning to eavesdrop... but curiosity had a funny way of pulling people in. She peeked just enough to catch sight of the two VKs while staying hidden.

"What?" Hazel asked.

"What was he thinking? Kidnapping the Queen?" Max asked in disappointment.

"Well, at least you’re here and he’s in Wonderland." Hazel said softly, hoping her words would offer some comfort.

She paused before adding, "No one can blame you."

"Except they do. I’m tied to him. It doesn’t matter where I am." Max said, his voice heavy with disappointment and worry.

Suyin quietly watched from her hiding spot.

Max Hatter really loathes his dad? She thought, surprised. He always seemed confident... but I guess everyone has something weighing them down.

"I wish there was a way I could change that." Max thought, frustration knotting in his chest.

"Okay, so stop complaining and do something about it." Hazel said sharply.

Something clicked inside Max's head. His eyes lit up almost instantly.

"You're right," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "You're so right!"

"Of course I'm right." Hazel answered with an easy, satisfied smile.

"Okay. Get Felix and the Smees. Meet me at the Rabbit Hole. Yeah?" Without waiting for a response, Max spun on his heel and strode off, energized by his new idea.

"Wait... what?" Hazel blinked.

She watched him disappear, her confusion growing with every step he took.

"No, I didn’t mean right now!" she called after him, but he either didn't hear her or was too excited to care.

She let out a small sigh.

"We haven’t even had lunch yet." Hazel muttered.

Suyin stayed perfectly still, making sure neither of them noticed her presence. She waited patiently until Max disappeared around the corner and Hazel reluctantly followed after him.

Only when the hallway had fallen silent again did she step out from behind the wall.

A small, knowing smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.

The Rabbit Hole, huh? Her curiosity had officially taken over. Whatever Max was planning, it definitely sounded interesting—and possibly troublesome.

"Time to go on a sidequest." Suyin smirked and walks to the dorm.

♡ Rabbit Hole ♧

"What your mom said in there about Maddox on the isle?" Red's voice came out quieter than usual, heavy with realization.

She looked at Chloe, worry clouding her eyes. "That's us." She swallowed hard. "Chloe, we did that."

She let out a shaky sigh, "I finally got the mom I always wanted... And now we put her in danger."

"It’s gonna be okay." Chloe said, her expression warm and steady "We’ll figure it out together."

Red gave her a small nod.

"I hope your plan includes us because we’re coming with you to Wonderland."

The girls turned.

Max stood a few feet away with the rest of the VKs behind him, somehow managed to be both reassuring and quiet irritating.

"Yeah, I don’t think so. Our interests don’t exactly align." Chloe disagreed, "Come on, Red—"

Before Chloe could pull her away, Red lightly caught her wrist, silently asking her to hear him out.

"You need someone who knows how to beat my father at his own game." Max's usual smirk faded into something more serious. "And I can help with that."

"You'd sell out your own dad?" Red asked, unconvinced. "It's not that easy."

"Well, good news, Princess." He said faintly. "Not much of my life has been easy. And I have my dad to thank for that... But I'm not him. And I never want to be."

"Wait for Pink, too!"

Everyone turned again.

Pink jogged toward them with Luis and Robbie right behind her.

Red sighs in exasperation.

"Not to fear, help is here." Luis declared.

"Two merry men reporting for duty." Robbie added proudly.

Pink beamed, "I brought snacks..." Pink beamed as she held into her heart bag before laughing awkwardly. "...Though apparently not enough."

Then her smile slowly disappeared as she noticed the VKs, "What are they doing here?"

Red stared at the same group with the exact same expression, "What are they doing here?" she repeated flatly.

"This is going well," Hazel muttered dryly.

Then she looked at Pink. "What kind of snacks did you bring?"

Max is in disbelief, he lightly threw both hands as he lightly smacked Hazel's arm.

Hazel frowned. "What? I have to feed the Smees every two hours."

And the Smee twins just chuckled.

"Whoa!" Red suddenly froze.

A boomerang sliced cleanly through the air, spinning just inches away from the Rabbit Hole before curving perfectly back toward its owner.

Everyone instinctively looked up.

A girl caught it with effortless precision, as if she'd done it a thousand times.

Suyin.

She twirled the boomerang once before casually slipping it into the small black bag hanging across her shoulder.

"You guys going to Wonderland?" she asked, strolling over like she'd just stumbled into an ordinary conversation.

Robbie stiffened, "A-Are you gonna report—"

"Why would I report that?" She shrugged. "If you guys are going... I'm in."

Max narrowed his eyes, "There's no way a warfreak like you would volunteer for this." He crossed his arms. "And if I'm not mistaken, aren't you supposed to be at the General Athletes' Meeting today?"

A smug smile spread across Suyin's face, "You know my schedule? How flattering." she teased.

Max instantly looked away.

"I got bored. Thought about reschedule it. Then decided to postpone it." She casually adjusted the strap of her bag.

Then she flashed another grin. "Perks of being Vice President of the Sports Club."

Max scoffed, already opening his mouth to fire back. "Oh, please—"

"And yet here you are," Suyin cut in smoothly, folding her arms. "Complaining instead of being useful."

That shut him up for a split second. His eye twitched.

Then they were at it again.

Max folded his arms with a smug grin, "Figures. Shan Yu's daughter just can't resist jumping into someone else's battle."

Suyin let out a dry laugh, "Better than inheriting Maddox Hatter's talent for making everyone's lives miserable. Last time I checked, your dad's the reason the Queen of Hearts went off the rails."

Max's grin vanished. "...Watch it."

Suyin only smiled wider.

"What? I thought we were bringing parents into this."

Max opened his mouth—

...then closed it again.

For once, he had absolutely nothing to say.

"Enough," Pink sighed calmly. "Can we not do this right now?"

Suyin rolled her shoulders before speaking again, this time directing her attention to everyone.

"I'm trying to help, alright? Glad you're gonna help, Max, and I don't have any other comments about it. Besides..." She flashed a confident smile. "You guys need backup weapons. A great sidekick."

Suyin pointed a thumb at herself, "And that could be me."

Pink nodded without hesitation. "Okay... she's right. We do need her."

A beat of silence passed before Red finally gave in. "Fine." She gestured forward, "Come on."

Without another word, Red and Chloe took the lead.

The HKs and VKs followed behind, making their way through the entrance of the Rabbit Hole came into view.

The massive opening stretched endlessly into darkness.

Everyone slowly approached the edge and they looked down. Nothing... Just an endless black void.

Max peeked over the hole, "...Jump?"

"Obviously," Suyin answered sassily.

Max shot her a flat look.

Hazel is staring into the hole with sparkling eyes, "Into the endless void where we can't even see the bottom?" She grinned. "Cool."

"Scared?" Hazel added.

"No." Robbie responded.

"Let's do it," Chloe said confidently.

The group exchanged indistinct chatter as everyone instinctively stepped aside, leaving Red standing alone before the Rabbit Hole.

She turned back to face them.

Max teasing grin, "It's your show, Princess."

Red let out an exasperated sigh, "Will everyone just cool it with that? It's not Princess." She smiled sheepishly. "It's just... Red."

Then... She stepped forward, "WOOOOO!" Red disappeared into the darkness.

Chloe took one deep breath, "Here we go." She jumped after her.

Luis launched himself into the hole, shouting excitedly in Spanish before Robbie followed with an equally dramatic yell.

The VKs chuckled.

Pink chuckled to herself before casually hopping in after them.

Until only Suyin and the rest of the VKs remained.

An uneasy silence settled over them

Max glanced sideways at her.

Suyin caught him looking.

"What?" she asked, giving him a judgmental stare as she walked toward the edge of the Rabbit Hole.

"Ladies first," Max said with an exaggerated gesture, an obvious smug grin tugging at his lips.

Suyin let out a short laugh and looked at him from the corner of her eye.

"Oh? Since when did you become a gentleman?" she asked, eyebrows raised. "Or are you just too scared to go first?"

Max's eye twitched, "Scared? Please. I'm just giving you the honor."

"The honor of testing whether it's safe?" Suyin shot back. "How thoughtful."

"I figured you like being dramatic."

"And I figured you'd finally grow a backbone."

Max scoffed, "Keep talking."

"Okay, whatever!" Suyin exclaimed, throwing him a playful salute as she leaned back and let herself fall into the rabbit hole.

Max stared after her, jaw clenched, "...She's so annoying."

The other VKs immediately burst into laughter.

"Ooh, she got you." Felix teased.

"Can you all shut up already?"

Their teasing only grew louder.

Still laughing, the VKs jumped into the rabbit hole one after another, disappearing into the darkness below.

As they plummeted deeper into the rabbit hole, chaos erupted from every direction.

The Smee twins clinging each other as they shout at full volume.

Luis and Robbie weren't any better. Their panicked yelling echoed through the endless tunnel.

Pink, on the other hand, threw her hands into the air, laughing the entire way down.

Red stayed composed, simply letting herself fall as if she'd done this a hundred times before.

Chloe was frozen in complete disbelief. Every few seconds she gasped, looking around with wide eyes, still trying to process the fact that any of this was actually happening.

Meanwhile, Suyin barely looked bothered.

She attempted a series of effortless-looking parkour moves. For a split second it almost worked—until gravity reminded her there was nowhere to land. She clicked her tongue, gave up on the stunt, and casually folded her arms mid-fall.

The Smee twins suddenly started shoving each other again.

"You slapped me!"

"I did not!"

"Liar!"

"SMEES! CUT IT OUT!" Hazel shouted, her voice cutting through the commotion.

Max kept one hand firmly pressed on his hat, refusing to let the wind steal it no matter how violently they spun through the tunnel.

The end of the rabbit hole finally came into view.

A glowing, heart-shaped portal bloomed with brilliant colours, its edges shimmering as hundreds of luminous butterflies burst from within, swirling around the opening like living confetti.

One by one, they shot through the portal and landed on a smooth twisting slide, racing toward its end before spilling into Wonderland.

♡ Wonderland ♧

The group slowly got to their feet.

Everywhere they looked was alive with impossible colours. Oversized flowers swayed without wind, mushrooms dotted the landscape, and colorful trees stretched into cotton-candy skies. Butterflies drifted lazily through the air.

For a brief moment, everyone simply stared.

"Sick..." Suyin breathed, a grin tugging at her lips. "Okay... this place's actually insane."

"I don't know why you'd ever want to leave a place so wonderful," Chloe said, crossing her arms as she looked at Red.

Red's expression softened, "This isn't the Wonderland I grew up with."

"So where's this palace of yours? I don't exactly see a castle." Hazel asked, scanning the colourful landscape.

"Come on, guys," Red said, already starting down the path. "We've got a long journey ahead."

The others exchanged uncertain looks before following after her.

"Are you sure about this?" Hazel muttered under her breath, leaning closer to Max. "Think we can trust this redhead?"

"Of course not. But this is the only way to stop my dad." Max replied

An uneasy silence settled between them before Suyin, who had clearly been listening, let out a quiet scoff.

"Come on," she whispered, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips. "You still have trust issues even when it's her mother who got captured?"

Max shot her a sharp glare, "Mind your own business," he spat.

"You got something else to say?" Max raised a question.

Suyin smirked, completely unfazed.

"Nah. Watching you overthink and pissed off everything is entertaining enough."

Suyin only shrugged, clearly amused by his reaction. She had gotten exactly what she wanted.

With a smug grin, she walked ahead, leaving the other VKs behind as Max silently fumed.

⚔️🎩 TO BE CONTINUED...

Pairing: Max Hatter x Suyin (Daughter of Shan Yu) / OC

SYPNOSIS: Two VKs. One warrior. One trickster. Suyin and Max couldn't be more different. She's fearless and disciplined; he's chaotic and impossible to predict. They clash at every turn—but when Red, Chloe, and the other HKs and VKs set out to save Wonderland, the two must put their differences aside and fight for a whimsical place worth saving.

Note: Some of its parts are based by Descendants: Wicked Wonderland

AN: This is the first fanfiction I've ever posted, so I hope y'all enjoy it!✨️ Apologies if you come across any grammatical and punctuation errors🥹🙏🏻

♡ Courtyard ♧

"Red, come on, we need to talk," Chloe said as caught her friend's arm and gently tugged her away from the crowd. "Please tell me your morning was at least better than mine."

"I pretty much woke up inside a cupcake," Red huffed.

Chloe gave a weary smile before it quickly faded, "Well, my mom's even stricter than before. I mean, she followed me here to school."

"Yikes", Red grimaced.

Chloe crossed her arms, her voice softening. "You know, when I got to meet my mom as a teenager, I thought I understood her better. But seeing her today, all proper and royal... it's like she's not even the same person. And you were there, Red. You saw who Ella was. I just... don't know how to feel about her anymore."

"I don't know how to feel about anything," Red confessed, stared out toward the courtyard," I mean—look, Max Hatter is a VK now."

They watch Max pull off a flawless hat trick. The hat spun effortlessly through the air before landing neatly back on his hand. In the same seamless motion, his fingers slipped into an unsuspecting student's pocket, lifting their wallet without them noticing a thing.

"I don't get it," Red said, her brows knitting together. "His dad was my mom's adviser. My friend. My only friend. And Max... he wore button-downs and bow ties. How does someone go from that to pick-pocketing?"

"Could be the crew he's with. Hazel's just as ruthless as her father, Captain Hook." Chloe wondered.

They watched as Hazel flicked her hook toward a younger student, silently ordering them away. The poor kid hurried off without a second thought.

"And always bossing around her flunkies, the Smee twins."

Red's gaze drifted to another student nearby, "Who's that dude with the cards?"

"That's Felix. Dr Facilier's son," Chloe answered, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "But the VKs aren't your crew anymore. Hate to break it to you, Red, but you're an HK now."

"Hey, Robbie Hood," Max called, his voice carrying just enough to catch everyone's attention.

The group looked over as he casually flipped a gold coin into the air and Robbie caught it with ease.

"For Sherwood's collection box."

Luis let out a quiet scoff, clearly unconvinced "Drop the act, Max. No one's buying it. No matter how hard you pretend not to be your father."

Max let out an exaggerated "oh," clearly mocking the comment, making him internally pissed off.

Red and Chloe shared a confused glance before both turning to Luis.

"What's wrong with his father?" Red asked.

"You mean one of the villains in all of Auradon after Maleficent?" Luis said.

Chloe and Red went still, exchanging stunned looks as the weight of his words settled over them.

Max didn't say a word. He only shot Luis a hard glare.

"At least I'm not Luisa Jr.," Max smirked, turning back to Luis. "Do they feed you more than hay up on that mountain, Madrigal?"

Luis let out a scoff and closed the distance between them, his jaw tightening. "How about you keep moving, huh, Hatter? I'm sure the Hat Trix needs help lurking somewhere. Get out of here." The last words were laced with irritation as he snapped them in Spanish.

Max's expression darkened and the tension between them thickened, but before anything could escalate, Hazel joins in.

"I know you're not dissing my crew," Hazel snapped, pointing her hook at Luis before roughly pushing both him and Robbie out of her way.

She then turned her focus to the princesses standing behind them, a competitive glare, "We may be back at school, but you're not going to like the lesson the Smees and I will teach you."

She raised the hook toward Chloe as the twins moved into position behind her, backing her up.

Red shot Squeaky a sharp glare before brushing her hand off her shoulder.

"Allow me, Hazel," Felix said with an easy smile, casually leaning against Robbie as if nothing bothered him. "May I suggest a Facilier family speciality?"

"How original," Chloe replied dryly, pushing Hazel's hook away from her face. "A pirate itching to fight."

Before the tension escalate, a stoic Chinese girl walks in, her sharp eyes and unreadable expression enough to make people avoid her gaze. Her long black hair was styled half-up with a silver crown-like hairpiece, while a blonde streak and a dark green streak framed the right side of her face.

She wore a black Chinese-inspired robe with emerald-green dragon embroidery, secured with a matching green waist sash, paired with black shorts beneath an asymmetrical cargo overskirt and heavy black platform boots while black sports bag rested on her shoulder.

Without a word, she stopped in front of Luis, reached into her bag, and handed him a card.

"This is for you."

Luis blinked. "Oh, hey, Captain. Uh... thanks. So does this mean I'm part of the football team?"

Red raised an eyebrow, watching the interaction, "Chloe... who's that?" she whispered.

"That's Suyin. Daughter of Shan Yu. Vice president of the Sports Club and one of the best VK students. Captain in fencing. Stoic Chinese girl. Doesn't care about drama unless it involves sports or martial arts. Honestly? She's probably the only VK we can actually trust," Chloe replied.

Max let out a mocking laugh.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the playing-it-safe, wannabe HK, close-enough perfect princess, our favorite little war freak, Suyin."

Suyin slowly turned, fixing him with a cold glare.

"Oh, we're still doing labels?" she scoffed. "Funny coming from you. Keep pretending you're nothing like Maddox Hatter, huh? But every time you open your mouth, you sound exactly like him. Same ego. Same insecurity. Same disappointment. Guess being his son isn't something you can outrun."

"OHHHH!" The Smee twins erupted and Hazel slapped their shoulders to shut up.

Max's jaw clenched before a smug grin spread across his face.

"Big words coming from the girl who acts like she's above everyone." He shrugged. "Maybe if you weren't so obsessed with being a perfect warrior, you'd actually have friends outside your little fan club. Guess being the 'best VK' gets pretty lonely."

Suyin let out a quiet chuckle, a smirk tugging at her lips.

"Cute. Keep talking." She turned away, clearly done with him.

Luis and Robbie exchanged nervous glances.

"Hey... just leave it," Luis muttered.

"Dude, he's not worth it," Robbie added quietly.

Suyin inhaled slowly... then she opened her sports bag, fingers wrapping around the handle of one of her weapons.

She was one second away from pulling it out but suddenly—a sharp sound of glass shattering.

Gasps and screams rang through the courtyard as a card came flying straight toward them.

Red reacted without thinking and caught it midair.

"Maddox Hatter has captured the Queen. Come quickly!" The card informed.

Suyin's head whipped toward Max, who met her eyes for a split second before glancing at Hazel.

"No. Maddox?" Red said, clearly thrown off.

Before anyone could react, Felix plucked the card from Red's hand with a grin, casually flipping it between his fingers like it was some kind of trick.

"Hey! That's not funny," Suyin snapped as she grabbed her chain whip, raising it just enough to make it clear she wasn't afraid to use it if they didn't knock it off.

The VKs only laughed harder.

Max, though, just stayed silent.

Still smirking, Felix tossed him the card. Max caught it easily and looked it over. The playful look on his face slowly disappeared, replaced by something much more serious.

"You can give it back now," Red said, already fed up with them. Now beside her, Suyin still held her chain whip, waiting to see if they were actually going to return it.

Max didn't respond immediately. He stared at the card for another second before finally handing it back, almost like he didn't want to.

"Oh my hearts!" Pink suddenly shrieked from behind them, startling everyone.

"You've got to stop doing that," Red groaned, while Chloe grabbed at her chest, trying to recover from the scare.

"Oh my hearts! Oh my hearts! Oh my hearts!" Pink gasped again, quickly working herself into a full-blown panic.

Red immediately turned to her.

"Hey, hey—calm down," she said, gently reaching for her. "It's okay. It's going to be okay."

"Mom's been captured!" Pink cried, clutching Luis's arms dramatically before pressing the back of her hand against her forehead and collapsing right into him.

Red let out an exhausted sigh and rolled her eyes. "Great."

A few moments later, Pink blinked awake, looking completely dazed.

"What the fluff?! Did my pumpkins go rogue again?!" Fairy Godmother called from the top of the stairs.

Suyin had officially reached her limit. With one last annoyed eye roll, she turned on her heel and walked out of the courtyard, irritation simmering beneath the surface. At that point, she was beyond done with the HKs and VKs—especially Max.

HKs x VKs = immatures. Suyin thought.

⚔️ 🎩 TO BE CONTINUED...

˙⋆✮ YESUNG X RED

I exhale slowly. “You were the song I never finished writing.”

He leans back, throat tightening. “And you were the chorus I kept repeating—hoping the ending would change.”

“We were never unfinished. Just paused. Painfully.”