#castlecoming

my friend told me this reminds her of the casual mv

You can find

What could’ve happened at Castlecoming Week here (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)

and

What could have happened AFTER the Castlecoming Ball here (Part 1, Part 3)

Ella leaned against Bridget’s door, her heart racing as she tried to process everything that’s happened. The weight of her friend’s pain pressed heavily on her chest. Slowly her back slid down the door until she found herself sitting on the cold floor of the dormitory hallway. She was supposed to be back home by now, but now is not really the time for her to worry about her stepmother. She needed to make things right with Bridget. 

With a deep breath, Ella prepared herself. She couldn’t afford to wallow in guilt; she needed to act. She needed to get her hands dirty. She needed to jump headfirst into this mess, the chaos she had inadvertently triggered. She needed to confront Uliana. 

Ella made her way to Black Lagoon, the air thick with an eerie mist that swirled and enveloped her like a dark cloak. Each step felt heavier as she walked on the jagged rocks, the sounds of water lapping against the shore echoing ominously in the silence.

“ULIANA!” she shouted, her voice cutting through the stillness. “ULIANA! SHOW YOURSELF!”

As if in response, a strange light began to glow from the depths of murky waters. A giant angler fish emerged, its bioluminescent lure casting an otherworldly glow across the lagoon. The fish’s enormous form seemed to part the water, revealing a stone path that led directly to its mouth.

Ella hesitated for a moment, the sight both mesmerizing and terrifying. Memories of Bridget’s tear-streaked face flashed in her mind—the pain, the betrayal in her eyes. She couldn’t let that be the last image she had of her friend. No, she owed it to Bridget to make things right. She prepared herself, and her resolve hardened. She couldn’t turn back now.

The fish opened its massive mouth, and Uliana emerged from its depths, her silhouette framed by the shimmering light as her crew followed her.

“How dare you, a mere peasant, call for me,” Ulaina sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.

Ella squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. “Give it to me. The spellbook. The cursed item. Just give me what you used on Bridget. Do it while I’m asking nicely.”

“Easy, lass. It’s not like you can do anything about it.” Hook interjected, his tone dismissive.

“Don’t get me started with you, Hook. I’ll deal with you later,” Ella shot back, her anger flaring. Her fist clenched at her sides, and she could feel her pulse quicken as the heat of her frustration surged through her.

Uliana cackled, a sound that sent shivers down Ella’s spine. “If I don’t give it to you, what are you gonna do about it?”

“On second thought, Morgie darling, fetch the cookbook,” Uliana commanded. Morgie obediently retrieved it, her tentacles writhing with excitement.

“Why don’t you return this to Principal Merlin’s office, since you’re quite eager to get your hands on it?” Uliana tossed the book towards Ella, who barely caught it, her heart racing.

Ella opened the book and flipped through the pages, desperation clawing at her insides. She scanned each spell, searching for the one that had cursed Bridget. Finally, she found it, but her heart sank as she read the description. She can’t understand it. The spell only changed a person's appearance—nothing about personality or anything internal. 

Ella’s mind raced. This didn’t make sense. Bridget had always been the sweetest, most forgiving person she knew, never holding grudges, even when others mocked her for being too nice. She remembered the times when Bridget would laugh off insults with a lighthearted joke or offer treats to someone who wronged her. Bridget always said, “There’s good in everyone” or “You’ll always get more with sugar than salt.” This newfound anger, this darkness—it was so unlike her.  

Did she really mess it up? But Bridget wasn’t a resentful person before. Was it really just her fault? No, there must be something else. There had to be something more at play, something beyond the simple spell described in the book.

As the VK began to head back into their hideout, Ella murmured, “Where’s the rest of it?”

“Huh? The rest of what?” Morgie piped in, his tone a cutesy mocking one. 

“Where’s the rest of the spell?” She yelled out frantically, heaving loudly as her heart pumped fast.

“There’s nothing else. That’s all you need to bring back that desperate girl to her original form.” Uliana said, her voice laced with mockery.

“This can’t be! She’s already in her human form. You must’ve done something that messed with her head. She’s never mad at me like this!” Ella protested, desperation creeping into her voice.

Uliana turned to her crew, a sour expression crossing her face as she sensed betrayal in the air. She narrowed her eyes, scanning each member with suspicion. Could it be one of them? she thought. Loyalty is a fragile thing, easily swayed by fear or greed. She’s seen it before—those who claim to be allies, only to stab them in the back when it suits them. But she won’t let that happen again. The memory of her past betrayals flickered in her mind, fueling her resolve. They should know by now that crossing me has consequences. 

She then fixed her gaze back on Ella, a smirk playing on her lips, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, peasant. Are you sure it’s not you running off with your prince that messed with her head?”

The crew erupted into mocking laughter, their jeers echoing around the lagoon like a chorus of torment. Ella felt her cheeks flush with anger and humiliation, but she stood her ground. This was about Bridget, not her. 

“Enough!” Ella shouted, her voice steady despite the fear swirling inside her. “You think this is a game? You think you can just toy with people’s lives and get away with it?”

Uliana’s laughter faded, replaced by a cold glare. “Mind you, we’re not here to play games, but to rule.”

She turned back to enter the angler fish while the rest of her crew followed her. “You’ve wasted enough of our time.” 

She blew her shell necklace. In response, their giant angler fish hideout’s mouth started to close. “Good luck with the giant eels,” Uliana said to Ella as the rocks descended with the hideout.

Ella narrowly escaped the eels as she hopped on the descending rocks, tossing the book first before diving onto the shore like a mad woman. She landed hard, her chest heaving as she lay sprawled on the ground, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, her limbs trembling from the exertion. Dirt clung to her sweat-soaked skin, and her muscles ached from the desperate scramble. For a moment, she just lay there, eyes wide, heart pounding in her ears, struggling to process the danger she had just survived.

~~~

While Ella struggled to escape the giant eels above, another struggled beneath the surface of the lagoon.

“WHO DARES TO BREAK BRIDGET’S CURSE?” Uliana yelled angrily at her closest crew.

Each one denied with “I don’t even like her,” or “I wouldn’t do that to you, my goddess,” or “I don’t care,” But one, out of the four, remained silent. Hook processed what he had done, unsure why he had acted. For him, it was really just a spur of the moment, nothing else. Or was it? 

As he stood there, a flashback of their dance at the Castlecoming Ball flooded his mind—the way Bridget had looked at him, her eyes filled with warmth and trust. He remembered the softness of her hand in his, the lightness of her laugh as they moved across the floor. It had been a rare moment where he felt something—something he couldn’t quite name, but it lingered, stirring a part of him he thought long buried.

Was it guilt? Was it something more? Even he himself didn’t know why he had acted, but the memory of Bridget’s smile haunted him, leaving him more conflicted than ever.

“James, would you care to explain.” Uliana smiled with wide eyes that could kill.

Morgie and the couple moved aside as Uliana approached him. “I thought we had already established that you don’t have anything to do with that pesky princess.”

“I don’t.” Hook answered shortly, gulping.

“Then tell me, why in Merlin’s world is she back to her normal self?” She asked, her tentacle brushing his cheeks.

“I don’t kno—” 

“LIES!” Uliana accused firmly.

“There’s only five of us who know how to reverse it.” She paused, scanning the group. “These three,” pointing at Maleficent, Morgie, and Hades, “don’t like her enough to do her a favor.”

“But you, my dear, have been showing a lot of interest in her. Even danced with her during the ball. Was it really all just an act, Hook?”

Hook couldn’t utter a single word, also unsure where his loyalty lay.

Uliana took his silence as a no, "I guess you’ve made your choice.”

She inhaled deeply before she yelled, “THROW HIM TO THE EELS!”

Uliana’s other lackeys started to surround Hook as she blew her shell necklace.

“WAIT! Do we really have to do this, Uli?” Morgie interfered. 

She scoffed before saying, “ Loyalty isn’t gray like people, Morgie. It's black and white. You’re either completely loyal or not loyal at all.” She continued in a bitter tone.

“BUT—”

“NO MORE BUTS! THROW HIM NOW!” 

Maleficent cast a spell on the lackeys, freezing them in place.

“Don’t you dare, Mal!”

“I’m not,” she defended herself. 

“I just thought that we could use him to torment princess weirdo more,” Maleficent suggested, her eyes glowing green, signaling her psychotic tendencies. The thrill of watching Bridget squirm under their manipulation was far more appealing than simply eliminating Hook; it was a game, and she relished the thought of orchestrating chaos from the shadows, savoring every moment of the princess’s despair.

Uliana narrowed her eyes, contemplating Maleficent’s suggestion. Maleficent wasn’t always like this; she never orchestrated a plan, especially something that could harm Hook. Maybe she had a change of heart. Maybe this time, Maleficent had chosen to be more active in ensuing chaos.

“You think you can manipulate him to your advantage? That could work, but it’s a risk.”

“Every plan is a risk,” Maleficent replied smoothly, her expression sly. “But if he’s truly conflicted, we can use that to our benefit. He’ll be our pawn in this game.”

“Fine, but do it properly,” Uliana said to Maleficent as she exited the hideout with Morgie following right behind her.

Hook felt grateful to Maleficent. She always had his back, always diverting the attention from him whenever he needed it. However, he would never guess she would suggest he become their pawn. Their pawn. Maybe it was just his theatrics rubbing off on her.

He approached her. “Thanks for that, Mal. I know that I can count on you,” he said, placing his left hand on her shoulder.

Maleficent looked at the hand as if disgusted by it. Pushing the hand away, she said, “Don’t be ridiculous. There’s no fun in making you eel food. Controlling you would be much, much more thrilling.” Her eyes glowed green again.

“Mal—”

“I already warned you before, so don’t even.” she threatened her ‘friend’, before leaving the hideout with Hades.

Hook couldn’t believe this. A wave of dread washed over him. He had underestimated Uliana’s wrath. He underestimated the depths of Maleficent’s cunningness. Maybe for once, he also needed to take his own advice: Trust no one, because even salt can look like sugar.

~~~

Summary: Dr. Jiminy deals with the chaos that is the Rossi family, the Foulfellows, and manages to get on Hercules and Meg's bad side. Trigger warnings: swearing, fighting, unethical practices (aka this show goes against Jiminy's medical degree), child abandonment, etc.

Quinella belongs to @princessquinnella .

———————-

“He will love this, castlecoming you’re gonna practically kill him from looking too good” Mali said as she finally saw the dress I got from Briget and Ella.

“He better, these corsets and diamonds don’t come cheap” I laughed as Mali started untying my dress.

“Well black don’t come cheap here either, I think I’m the only other person that’s wearing black with you” She smiled at me, something she usually wouldn’t do with anyone.

“You alright Mali, you’re smiling for once” I looked at her skeptically.

“No im good, just invisioning how tomorrow night will be for you and your pirate.” She laughed.

“What about you and Hades? Got anything good for him?” I laughed with her.

“Well I’m usually wearing dramatic clothes, so this time I got a fluffy black dress. You’ll see it tomorrow, we’ll get dressed in my dorm.” I nodded at the witch in front of me.

“Good, get there at 6pm yeah?” I nodded smiling at her.

————————————————————————

“Do you see any of the crew?” I asked Mali, she was next to me in a truely beautiful gown dress.

“Uh there’s Morgie right there, we can hang with him until our boys are here” Mali said, walking already.

“Well I guess I’m following” I smiled.

“Hello ladies” Morgie looked nice, his usual toe was black, fitted with a lovely black shirt and suit pants.

“Hey Morgie, how are you?” I asked.

“I’m doing good, but the crew haven’t arrived yet” he quirked his eyebrow in confusion.

“Well we’re here now so how about some drinks and get the party started” I smiled at him, he already had one in his hand but the person handing out drinks was close by.

“Well why don’t we walk to them before they run out of drinks?” Mali suggested as we looked at the person handing drinks.

“I got you girls, stay here” Morgie said.

“Always the gentleman huh?” He smiled as he walked off. James and Hades arrived right when he left.

“Hey lass, you look beautiful.” I smiled at him, he was at least a foot taller than me.

“You are so late babe” I told him.

“Well I was waiting at your dorm, then i remembered that you said to meet here” His face flushed a little red.

“Aw how romantic of you to try and get me at the dorms” I turned around to face him.

“Well lass, that’s something a good pirate like me should do for his lady” He smiled down at me.

“You are very right, excuse my cunning behaviour for the next formal event” He laughed, whilst I smiled at him.

“Lass your behaviour is something I love about you. Make’s me sure I don’t run into their fields again.” He showed me his hook.

“Oh Peter Pan is a nut case. My family is way better to be around.” I leaned into James.

“Sorry to interrupt your cute moment, but remember why we’re here?” Uli’s voice broke our moment.

“Right yes” I said. A wicked smile on my face.

“Your smile’s really scare me sometimes” Morgie said.

“Well anyway.. who is game enough to go back to the kitchen and poison those cakes?” Uli looked at us all.

“Me and Hades will go. The kitchen isn’t far away and the poison he is able to hide his jacket.

“Well I guess we’ve just volunteered” Hades stood up. Uli handed him a bottle which was growing red.

“Don’t be too long” Uli said.

“Those idiot girls are meant to be handing out the cupcakes so they will be poisoning not only themselves, but everyone in this room” Uli smirked at the three of us that were left.

“So we reject the cupcakes then?” I said.

“Obviously” Uli gave me a look that basically gave anyone the shivers but me.

“Well that’s easy then, grab other food to pretend we’re still eating them” Morgie said, which a sentence like that usually doesn’t come from him.

“Yeahhhh” I said as I grabbed food from a passing lady. She had to stop just for the six of us.

“Easy plan, there’s Mali and Hades now” I saw the two of them looking red in the face.

“We ran into the girls, they’re on the way here with the cupcakes” Hades said.

“Why you so red in the face then?” I looked at the two of them questioning them.

“Had to pretend we were making out as they passed us” Mali answered.

“Well, definitely looked like you did. You’re red in the face, and they just got here” James said. His arm still wrapped around me.

Witnessed as each person changed from a pink on their clothes and violating looking monster. The girls didn’t notice until lights were shown on the opposite side of us.

“Oh god, we are definitely not eating those damn cupcakes” I mumbled.

The girls looked freaked out, checking all the cakes if they were tampered with.

“As funny as this is, should we get out of here?” Hades asked the group.

“I kind of want to see how this ends but surely it will be the talk of the school for a while” Uli said as she got up from a stool she was sitting on.

“Yeah let’s go, it’s looking…ugly” James said behind me. He practically carried me to the door, trying to get out faster.

“Oh my god Jamie” I looked at him once he finally set me down near the steps to the hall.

“Hook, that was entertaining…you’re definitely one uping me in relationships I swear” Hades spoke from behind us.

“Was there any other way” James smirked down at me.

“Okay you two, go outside or to the dorms for whatever you think to do” Uli said to both of us.

“Yes ma’am” I smiled at her and then transported me and James to where my dorm was.

“Safest place to be right now huh?” I looked at him.

“I think so, look outside people are running still” James moved your curtain’s out of the way to see better.

“Is it that bad?” I asked him.

“None of the affected students seem to be out, maybe the teachers and Merlin got them contained before they could get out.” James kept looking outside.

“Do you think what we did this time was too much? Or risky?” I asked.

“Lass, I love being with our friends but you know I have a good heart with you” He moved over to me, leaning on the banister which held one side of purple curtains.

“I know, but I thought we were only effecting Bridget, not like 100 other kids” I looked down to my hands, they hand been fidgety ever since the event.

“Okay, I agree that some of our pranks do screw up and the result is worse than expected. Tonight basically proves that.” James lifted my head gently with his hook. “But I know if anything goes way to far, it’s Uli’s planning without us knowing…”

“You think so?” I looked into he’s eyes.

“Lass, I know so” he hugged me gently.

“Get up here idiot” I patted the empty space next to me.