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In the nearest park from Auradon Prep, Sofia is picking flowers for her role-playing presentation with Felicia. When she sat down to look at her checklist, she found a white scarf with black spots.

"Carlos," she guessed.

The boy in question came out from behind a tree.

"Smart girl," he complimented.

"So, did the wand do you any good?" asked Sofia.

"How did you know it was me?" asked Carlos. "Did Lonnie tell you?"

"No," replied Sofia. "I'd give you an A for how well you hid in the shadows, but I only give you a D for your attempt to disguise your voice."

"At least you didn't tell anyone," said Carlos.

"If you didn't want anyone to know you're here, you must have a good reason," said Sofia.

"How did you even get away from those knights?" asked Carlos. "They must be pretty tough to catch Mal."

"Let's just say you should keep your eyes on me at all times," said Sofia in a mysterious manner, giggling.

"Nice to see you, Sof," said Carlos.

"Nice to see you, too," said Sofia. "Why the scarf?"

"It's on your list," answered Carlos.

"Thank you," said Sofia. She checks off "scarf" on her checklist.

"Busy?" asked Carlos.

"An oral report and role-playing on the same day next week," said Sofia. "I need to continue my research on England and finish my costume."

"Sounds like you're tired," noticed Carlos.

"I am," said Sofia. "Not even a goodnight sleep is helping."

"Maybe you should take a break," said Carlos. "Relax and enjoy the beauty of nature."

"Sounds like I'm rubbing off on you," said Sofia.

"What can I say? Almost everything about me is because of my friends," said Carlos.

"But that doesn't mean you aren't your own man," said Sofia. "You have a brilliant mind and a big heart."

"I'm surprised you don't have a boyfriend," said Carlos. "You're going to make someone happy one day."

Sofia smiled. "I think I'd rather wait until adulthood for romance."

"So, the others told me you came back here," mentioned Carlos. "Why?"

"Your friends were in pain, so I came back, but besides that, I love it here," answered Sofia. "But now you and Mal are back. Everyone's really happy."

"It just bugs me I had to come back when we're about to go to another war," said Carlos.

"That seems to be a common thing since you and your friends came here," said Sofia. Realizing how it sounds, she says, "Not that I'm blaming you guys..."

"I know, Sofia," interrupted Carlos. "Auradon hasn't been the same ever since me and my friends showed up, but we're trying our best to keep the kingdom safe."

"This... Order of the White Fire... What are they like?" asked Sofia.

"From what I've heard from the others, their leader wants control over all of Auradon," said Carlos. "Although, Mal has this feeling that there's more to that society than just want-to-be conquerors."

"Stay optimistic. It's a good way to solve your problems," said Sofia.

"No offense, but optimism isn't going to solve 'my' problems," said Carlos.

"What does that mean?" asked Sofia.

"You'll find out one day," said Carlos.

"Keeping secrets isn't a healthy habit, Carlos," said Sofia. "But who am I to say that? Clover once said I'm the very definition of a secret."

"Clover? The rabbit?" asked Carlos.

"Yes," confirmed Sofia.

"And to think, all of us once saw you as an example of perfection," mentioned Carlos. "But I guess you're just like everyone else. You have your own flaws."

"No one is perfect," said Sofia. "That's part of what makes us human beings."

"You're gonna be a great queen one day," complimented Carlos.

"Everyone says that," said Sofia.

"I guess we can't help it," said Carlos. "Even though you're not perfect, there's too much good in you that it completely hides your flaws."

"I've made my own mistakes, Carlos," said Sofia.

"But you learn from them," said Carlos.

"The point is that no matter what I am or what I am destined to be, I'm still just that little girl from the village," said Sofia.

Carlos didn't say anything. He just smiled.

"So, why the Halloween getup?" asked Sofia, noticing Carlos' jacket.

"Oh, actually, it's an early birthday present from Evie," said Carlos.

"Well, we're at war, and no one knows if we'll all be standing when it's over," said Sofia.

Carlos looks away from Sofia.

"Was it something I said?" asked Sofia, noticing Carlos' dropped smile.

"No," said Carlos. "It's just about my little secret."

"Well, I hope you know what you're doing," said Sofia.

"I came back to help you guys," said Carlos. "I think I know what I'm doing."

"Actions speak louder than words," said Sofia. "But if you say so, good luck."

"Do you mind if I join you?" asked Carlos. "I also need some relaxing."

"I don't mind one bit," responded Sofia.

The tech prodigy and the future queen then spend the rest of the morning walking around the park, enjoying each other's company.

Meanwhile, back in the school grounds, Mal is standing by Beast's statue, arms crossed and a stoic look on her face.

"Where are you, snowball?"

As the time passes, Mal changes her waiting pose. One minute, she is sitting down. The next, she is leaning on the statue. One minute later, she is lying down on the grass. She takes out her phone and texts Carlos. After five minutes, she gets a text. However, the message says, "It's Evie. I have Carlos' phone. It was in his old jacket." Mal responds by sighing.

"If I was Carlos, who would I be seeing?"

After seconds of thinking, Mal came to a conclusion.

"Sofia."

She calls Sofia's number and waits for her to respond.

"Hello?" responded Sofia.

"Hey, Sofia," greeted Mal. "Is Carlos with you?"

"Yes, he is," confirmed Sofia.

"Give him the phone," demanded Mal.

"What's the magic word?" asked Sofia.

"Give him the phone... please," sassed Mal.

"Again. This time, without attitude," said Sofia.

Mal sighs. In a sweet tone, she says, "Give him the phone, please."

"Doesn't sound like you mean it," said Sofia.

"Sofia!" yelled Mal.

"Alright. Alright," gave in Sofia. She gives her phone to Carlos.

"Hey, Mal," greeted Carlos.

"When are you coming back?" asked Mal. "I said I needed you for something."

"Can you give me thirty minutes?" asked Carlos.

"My room. Thirty minutes. Not a minute longer," said Mal. Her lips curved into a smirk, then says, "You wouldn't want me to tell Evie that you're cheating on her."

"Mal!" wailed Carlos, exasperated at Mal's threat.

"I'm just kidding," said Mal, laughing. "But seriously, just show up A.S.A.P. We're at war."

"As long as you remember what Evie says. Don't stress yourself," said Carlos. He hangs up.

"Um, Carlos, what did Mal say that made you shout her name?" asked a curious Sofia.

"It's just her sense of humor," said Carlos.

"I've never been a fan of it either," said Sofia.

"No one is, not even Ben," said Carlos.

"Where does she get it from?" asked Sofia.

"Not from her mother, that's for sure," said Carlos. "It's her own."

"By the way, I never got to ask. How are you and Mal?" asked Sofia.

"We're good," answered Carlos. "She actually told me that she thinks of me as a brother."

"Good to know," said Sofia. "Are you still afraid of her now?"

"Of course, I still am," answered Carlos. "She's Mal. Magic or no magic, she'll be your worst nightmare. The difference is that she no longer tolerates me."

"Just focus on the positive side of her," said Sofia. "Unless she tries to kill you with a sword, then be afraid."

Carlos and Sofia both laughed.

"We're never gonna forget that day, aren't we?" questioned Carlos.

"Is there a problem?" asked Sofia.

"I just want to forget that day," said Carlos.

"I suppose there are some things about the past that we can't let go," said Sofia. "But relax. I'm right here, alive."

"I know, but I can still remember the pain," said Carlos.

Not knowing what to say next, Sofia just gives Carlos a hug.

"Better?" she asked.

"That's already my fourth hug in twelve hours," said Carlos. "I guess you can never feel too loved."

"We're all here for you," said Sofia. "Remember what I said in our therapy sessions. The next time you're in pain, ask for help."

"I'll always remember," promised Carlos.

Now that Carlos has met up with his closest friends since returning, the Descendants' war against the secret society can begin. I just need time to think. Please be patient.

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