24. I stay with you
Evie's P.O.V.
Everything in me contracted. Our parents ... were on the way to Auradon?! Carlos' hand closed tightly on mine and I could understand his reaction. He had been abused by her for years and it was terrible for him to see her again. Jay looked pretty angry and I ... I was scared. They certainly didn't come to see us because they missed us. They sure wanted revenge. Revenge for not stealing the wand. Revenge for turning Maleficent into a lizard. Revenge for leaving them on the island. And revenge for choosing the good and betraying them. I swallowed hard.
"What do we want to do against it?", Jay asked in a tight voice. His hands were clenched into fists and his posture revealed how angry he was. Ben sighed and rubbed his face in despair.
"I'm afraid nothing. We won't be able to avoid a fight." I tensed up. That would probably not end well. I didn't know how far Auradon could defend himself against the villains. Jay snorted angrily.
"And how are we supposed to do THIS? The villains are damn dangerous! They know something about fighting!" Mal went to him and put a hand on his shoulder.
"I said that too. But a lot of people in Auradon have magic and can use weapons. And we're still there." Jay didn't look convinced, but then I thought of something.
"But Carlos can't fight." Next to me I heard an indignant snort and turned to the boy.
"Immediately forget that I will stay here and leave you alone! I certainly won't do that!" Ben looked at Carlos worriedly.
"Thank you, Carlos, but you really should rest." Carlos now seemed really pissed off and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I won't leave you alone! And honestly, I'd rather die by your side earlier than lying in bed forever and slowly." Tears came to my eyes. My heart burned when he said that. I noticed from the corner of my eye that Mal reached for Ben's hand and Jay visibly tensed. Then Mal and Jay came to the bed and hugged me and Carlos tightly.
"We'll stay with you until the end," Mal whispered.
"And beyond," I breathed, letting the tears flow. Carlos swallowed and seemed to be fighting tears as well.
"I know. And I will stay with you. Even after my death." And at that moment all the dams broke. We all started to cry at the same time and gave each other support. It hurt so much, but their embrace and the knowledge that they were with me gave me the strength which I needed. Finally, we calmed down and looked at each other. It was like making a silent promise. We would always stay together no matter what happened. Ben looked at us sadly.
"I'm sorry, Carlos. I wish I could help you in some way." Carlos smiled sadly.
"It's okay. I know you would if you could." I still couldn't believe that we would soon lose this great person. Ben sighed. Carlos looked determinedly. "There are enough weapons here, right?" Jay sighed desperately.
"Carlos, do you really want to do this?" The boy with the black and white hair nodded resolutely and I had to smile sadly. If he had decided on something, he would go through with it. He had always been like that.
"But take care of yourself," I whispered, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. I didn't know why I did it. Carlos blushed slightly and the others grinned at us knowingly.
"Okay, it's best to stay here. I'll get you swords." With these words, Ben disappeared. Mal sighed.
"Do you really think that's a good idea?" Carlos wanted to say something but was interrupted by a loud shout from outside.
"The villains are coming!"
