The Fandump Box

That was the problem with buying a hotel so far into the woods. You thought it would be smart for those who like to get away in the quiet areas of Florida. The problem is that everyone wants to go to Disney World, which is too far from your place.

Your eyes lazily follow the screen of your computer as you open the next chapter of your fanfic. The mouse makes a slight clicking sound as you scroll down the page.

Minutes pass with nothing happening, and the temptation to lock up grows.

Just as you mentally bookmark the page you're on, you close the tabs and spin in your chair facing the back wall. A few photos of your family sit on the small table. Some with your friends, others with your siblings.

One with your parents catches your eye. The love they had for you was strong, and they supported your interests no matter what. However, the fear of letting them down hangs heavy over your head.

You poured so much time and money into this, and you can't get a single customer. You weren't able to share your worries with anyone either. Since you had moved, you lost contact with a lot of friends.

Man, you really wished you had someone to talk to.

Just as you rub your eyes, ready to call it a night, the sliding doors can be heard opening. They seem to have had a habit of opening for a passing animal. However, the sounds of heels make your head snap in that direction.

Standing there in the doorway with a few bags is the Evil Queen herself.

A scowl rests on her face as she glances you up and down. The crown on her head catches the fluorescent lights. The cape drags behind her, soaking wet on the bottom. Her nails are perfectly manicured as she points at you.

"You there! Remove my drenched cape and bring me your finest room," she orders, moving her hands to rest on her hips. Her poster is straight and imposing.

"Um... May I have a name?" you ask, opening a tab on the computer to see the rooms. Not knowing what to do, you follow the check-in routine.

She scoffs again. "Queen Grimhilde."

Searching the rooms, you finally assign her one and get the key card set up. You can't help but keep glancing up to make sure it's actually her. Did you hit your head accidentally?

"Right? May I ask what brings you here?" you ask, looking back up, noticing how she's moved to look at herself in a decorative mirror.

"A getaway from royal duties," she comments, tucking some fallen hair back into her cowl.

"Ooo, self-care. I can respect that," you say, nodding as you help to remove the heavy, soaked cape.

The queen glances at you before nodding.

"But... what brought you to Florida?"

She lets out a sharp laugh. "Florida? No, this is Toontown," she corrects you.

"This Florida, which is in America, not Toontown," you try to explain, moving closer to grab a cart for her bags. "In the 20th century."

Slowly, she turns to you. "You... you must have used some magic to summon me, did you not!" she accuses angrily.

"I don't have magic, ma'am,"

"Oh? Were the doors opening on their own, not you?"

Shaking your head, you grab her bags and load them onto the cart. Heading down the hall, you lead her to the room you've assigned.

"No, they run on a sensor system that makes them open when someone steps within the area," you explain, testing the key and opening the door.

You step aside to let her in first and quickly push the cart, setting the bags on the bed. "I take it you don't know how long you'll be staying, do you?"

"I was only supposed to be gone a week, but seeing as how you don't even know how I got here, I suppose it'll be longer."

"...fair," you mutter as if her being here was your fault. "Well then, if you need anything, just head to the front desk."

"Very well then... (Reader)?" she questions, reading your name tag.

"That's me!" you chirp, trying to become positive.

As she turns away, you take that as your cue to leave and quickly make your way to the door, taking the cart with you. Halfway down the hall, you hear the front desk bell ringing frantically.

"Coming!" you call out, rushing down the hall with the cart and coming to a stop as you turn the corner. "Hi! I'm so sorry, I was just helping another-," you pause.

There at the desk was Pain and Panic, both taking turns ringing the bell. Behind them stood Hades, who was busy trying, and failing, to hit on Maleficent, who looked like she'd rather be anywhere but here. Diablo glares at the god before noticing you and cawing.

Spotting you as well, Hades steps back and smiles. "Hey, about time we got some service!"

Nodding, you scoot behind the counter. "Names, please?"

"Hades, and this lovely lady is Maleficent."

"Separate rooms," Mal comments sharply, looking down as you set up the room for them. She watches as you gently handle Diablo, who keeps hopping around on top of the computer, trying to see the screen.

"(Reader) how do you work the stupid bath- Maleficent?" Grimhidle asks, turning the corner.

"Ah, Grimhidle, so lovely to see you," the two greet each other, hugging slightly.

Handing Hades the key, you start getting Mal's set up. "You two know each other?" you ask.

"Why wouldn't they?" Hades asks.

"Well cause you all are from separate movies with separate timelines," you explain. "Then again, I suppose some movies do cross over as well as the whole Mouse of House."

"What are they rambling about?" Maleficent asks Grimhilde.

"It appears that this isn't our universe and instead somewhere called Florida."

"How in the Underworld did we end up here then? You can't do magic, can you?" Hades asks, turning to you.

Shaking your head, you slip past and start to load their bags onto separate carts. Noticing this, Hades waves his hands at Pain and Panic to move and help you.

"It appears they don't," Grimhidles answers for you.

"How do they know of us then?" Maleficent questions watching you as Diablo perches on the top pole of the carts, watching you.

"You all are from movies in my universe."

"Movies?"

"Yeah! If you want, I can put them on for you all tomorrow as I make breakfast," you say, leaning a bit on the cart. The villains glance around before nodding in agreement to your offer.

Pushing the cart full of Mal's suitcases, you head down the hall as the two women follow, chatting. "I put your rooms next to each other if that's alright?" you ask, testing the key card and opening the door for Maleficent.

"Thank you," Maleficent nods as you finish unloading her bag for her.

Quickly, you help get Hades to his own room, letting Pain and Panic ride on the cart, ignoring how they stare at you and whisper back and forth a bit.

Opening the door, you're a bit surprised when Hades motions for you to go first instead. You unload the bags and set them down on the ground, laughing gently as Pain and Panic jump onto the bed.

"This is softer than any rock," Pain sighs, wiggling farther into the pillow.

"I-indeed," Panic agrees before scabbering off the bed as Hades glares down at them.

"Um, you know what, let me fetch you some extra pillows," you offer, taking the cart with you.

Walking down the hall, you try to think of what could have caused this to happen. Looking down, you fail to notice as the Evil Queen opens her door.

"(Reader)."

"Ah! Damn it, don'-... don't do that," you say, taking a deep breath to calm your racing heart. You see her raised brow and sigh softly. "Apologies, how can I help?"

"The tub," she reminds you of her earlier request.

"Oh yes! What seems to be the problem?" you ask, stepping into the room and heading to the bathroom.

"How do I get the warm water?"

Test the nozzle by turning it to the left, running the water, and testing it with your hand. Gimhidle steps close to test the water herself, not realizing how close she is to you.

"Left for warm, right for cold," you explain, making her look over. The gap between you two is small, making you see almost every detail of her face.

"You're like... really pretty," you spit out, noticing her vibrant green eyes.

Grimhidle pauses, staring at you as well, her hand still under the water. She felt warm now, but figuring it was just from the water, she removed her hand and stepped back. "Thank you," she nods.

"I should go now," you awkwardly say before leaving the bathroom and rushing the cart back to the front of the hotel. Grabbing two extra pillows, you drop them off for Hades.

Seeing no new villains in the lobby, you lock up and head to your own room behind the counter. Changing and flopping down your signs softly.

"What is going on?" you mutter before shutting off the lights.

Grabbing two more movies, you make your way to the dining area. Taking a seat between Grimhilde and Maleficent, you set the case on the table.

"What's that?" Maleficent asks, pausing a sip of her tea to look at the covers. Grimhidle leans closer as well to take a peek while Hades walks up behind you, leaning over the back of your chair to see.

"The movies I mentioned last night. This is how I know of you all, even though you are from a different reality or universe," you explain. "It's your stories, or part of them at least."

"And we're all in this?" Hades questions.

"No, you all have your own movies," you add, showing the two other movies hidden under neither Sleeping Beauty.

"Interesting," Grimhidle hums before taking a bite of her Greek yogurt with berries you made for her.

Nodding, you lean back, accidentally bumping your head on Hades chest as he continues to lean over, looking at the Hercules case. Your eyes burn into the table, trying to avoid looking up.

"So when do we get to watch them?" Pain asked, standing atop Panic, who was struggling to hold him up.

"I can get them set up while you all finish eating."

Grabbing some food, you head back to the lounge area with the DVDs in your hands. Putting in the first disc, you look up to see Diablo staring down at you from his spot on the fireplace mantle.

Tilting his head, you mimic the action. As he tilts his head the other way, you do too. He hops around excitedly on the mental.

"What are you doing?"

"Ah!" Both of you squack, startled as Maleficent walks into the room, staring at the two of you.

Straightening up, you only stare for a moment, trying to find the right words to say before clearing your throat and smiling. "I was setting up the movie... got a little distracted," you explain.

She hums and takes a spot on one of the couches. "Diablo can be a bit mischievous," she adds as the raven lands on her shoulder. She watched you move around even as the other villains joined her on the couch.

You couldn't seem to sit still, as if you were scared of them. You reminded her a bit of a mouse always busy scurrying around; it was oddly adorable to her.

Would the others think the same? Maleficent knew that she had a bit more grace than some of these other villains, so would they take advantage of your kindness and crush it?

No, no, no, that wouldn't sit well with Maleficent.

She had to keep you safe.

₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚

Halfway through the first movie, Hades glanced away boredly as Snow White started to sing again about cleaning. Through the massive doorway to the dining area, Hades notices you wiping down the tables.

The faint sound of you humming along reaches him. It was a bit odd since a lot of the others are usually more aggressive, envious, and crooked.

Not you.

It was almost relaxing to just watch you work. The repeating motion as you drag the cloth along the table, removing any leftover crumbs from breakfast.

It was refreshing to have this quiet calm you bring, even amid the chaos. This couldn't have been easy, and it was just you running this joint, yet you carried it surprisingly well. However, if more villains start showing up, it'll definitely become more stressful for you, and if he wants to protect it, you'll need help.

Looking down, Hades notices Pain and Panic sitting on the floor watching the movie. Kicking both of them, Hades jerks his thumb to the dining area as a silent demand to go help.

"Excuse me," you hear the gravely voice of Pain speak. Looking down, you lean slightly on one leg to see the two small imps waiting in front of you with their hands behind their back.

"Yes?" you question, confused, setting the cloth and spray bottle down.

"We were ordered- ehm, here to help!"

Jumping onto the table with some struggle, you watch as they grab the bottle and rag. Before you can protest, the sliding doors open as the shuffle of shoes on carpet follows.

"Ehh! Jaffy!" Hades exclaims, hugging his villainous friend. "Oh? And Caption Cod, how fun, was wanting more guys around here."

Stepping out of the dining hall, you wipe your hands on your pant leg. Standing in the entrance is Jafar, who was clearly not enjoying the side hug Hades is giving him.

To the left, Captain Hook was trying to escape the headlock. While Smee was trying and failing to remove the god's arm from around his captain's neck.

"Hello," you finally greet, moving behind the desk, making the two new villains look over.

Putting in their names, you assign them rooms. Hearing the grunts, you look up to see Mr. Smee has moved on to dragging the Captain's bags in. You grab the keys and rush over to help.

"Here, let me," you say, pulling a cart and helping Smee load up the bags, before moving to add Jaraf's bag to his own cart.

"Oh! Thank you, dear," he stumbles slightly, taken aback by the assistance, but grateful nevertheless.

Picking up a bird cage, you fail to notice how Iago tries to snap at your fingers. Quickly, Diablo flies as the two birds get into a slight scuffle. Quickly, you set the cage and scoop up Diablo, holding him like a burger.

"(Reader), can you put Jafar near my room?" Hades asks, already leading Jafar to the couch where Mal is busy comforting a seething Grimhidle.

"One step ahead!" you call out, motioning for Smee to follow. Gently, you set Diablo down on the desk and smooth his feathers down.

"You gotta love them," Hades can be heard saying to Jafar as they settle for the ending of Snow White.

Heading down the hall, you push Jafar's cart with Iago, who was busy seething in the cage at being forgotten by Jafar. Smee followed, after looking at the few paintings and pictures lining the wall.

Stopping in front of a room, you pull out a key card that has "Hook" written across the top in your handwriting. Tapping the card, you hear the lock click and the door open.

Behind you, Smee gasp softly, watching as the once locked door opens so easily with just a small thing.

"It's mostly just magnets and locks," you explain.

"Then you didn't bring us here, did you?" Iago asks, accusingly, from the cage, finally speaking.

"Correct."

After helping to show Smee how the card works, you unload both his and Hook's bags in their separate rooms.

Making sure to drop off Jafar's bags in his own room, you open the golden cage. You watch as Iago flies out, zooming around the room.

"Like it?" you ask, setting down the last bag.

"No dust, no sand, open room, comfy pillows."

"And you get your own fruit bowl, no crackers," you add.

Gaspign Iago flies over and perches on your shoulder. "No crackers?" he asks, holding your cheeks in his wings staring into your eyes.

"Only if you want them-,"

"NO!"

"Then yes, there will be no crackers for you."

You and Smee walk to the lobby, pushing the carts and making small talk as you answer his questions and he listens to you explain the hotel a bit more. Iago stays perched on top of the cart, munching on some grapes.

Before turning the corner, Grimhidle rushes past, clearly on the verge of crying. Nervously, you glance back as she slams her door.

"Did the movie end?" you ask, pushing the cart in its spot as you enter the lobby.

"Yes, a horrible way to go as well," Maleficent nods, confirming your suspicions.

Removing the disc, you swap it out for "Sleeping Beauty". You walk over and hand Jafar his key card with his name.

"Put you across from Hades. He'll help show you how to use the key," you state. "Anyways, I'm (Reader)," you introduce, holding out a hand to the ex-advisor.

Eyeing you up and down, he offers a grin, but refuses to reciprocate your gesture. Swiftly Hook grabs your hand and shakes it back. The other villains look confused, but recognize the slight admiration in the captain's eyes.

"Thank you, lass/laddy!" he says a little too loudly and quickly clears his throat. Ignoring the slight blush on his cheeks, you nod and smile back.

"Well, it's great to meet you as well, Captain," you greet back, smiling. "I should probably give you a brief rundown. I don't have magic, I don't know why you're here, and I only know of you because in my world, you're cartoon characters from movies."

"Did I miss anything?" you question, handing Hook his own key.

"Think you got it, kiddo," Hades says, flashing you a thumbs-up which you copy right back at him.

Cute.

"Oh! The hotel is open for you all to explore. There are a few activity rooms, at least two pools. Each room has its own mini kitchen and a balcony looking out to the pond. Feel free to explore around the woods as well, just don't go too far."

Nodding, you scurry off back to the dining hall and grab a few things for Grimhidle. Noticing Pain and Panic still cleaning a stubborn spot, you scoop them up and carry them back to the living room.

"Think you two have done enough for today. Don't forget you both are on vacation too."

Setting them in the loddy you leave for Grimhilde's room.

"Ring the bell if you need anything," you call out back.

₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚

Knocking you shifts the weight of the items in your arms. "Um... Miss Grimhidle," you softly call out, unsure of what to say.

"Leave me be!" she cries out from within.

"I just have a few things for you, I swear I'll leave you be right after."

"I don't want your pity!"

"It's not pity," you correct.

Finally, she opens the door swiftly. Some hair falls out of her cowel, and her makeup is smudged, hinting that she was crying into her pillow. She shifts slightly under your gaze, not used to people seeing her so weak.

"Well, are you just going to stare or will you give me the 'things' you spoke of?" she snaps, crossing her arms.

Nodding swiftly, you hold up some tissues as well as a small bag of chocolates you had left over. You also carry a (favorite scent) candle under your arm.

"I wasn't sure what to get someone who saw themselves die, but I read chocolate, tissues, and candles are some good mourning gifts..."

"..."

"But I'll also listen if you wanna talk."

Taking the few gifts, she raises a brow, confused, but nods. "Very well," she mutters, still confused at the act of kindness. It reminded her of Snow White, the unnecessary kindness.

However, it was less annoying when it was from you. Lost in thought, Grimhidle doesn't hear the sound of the front bell ringing and your footsteps fading.

Only when you turn the corner to the lobby does she shut the door, holding the items close to her chest. Why was it warm? Was she falling sick?

That had to be the case.