Chapter Eight
A/N: I do not own anything other than my OCs. Everything else belongs to Disney.
*happy trumpet noises* Guys, we've done it! We made it to December-2020's just 29 days away from being over! smh honestly it's been a crazy year but I couldn't have gotten it through without you guys!
Thank you all so much for your continued support! I can't believe we've already made it past 200 reviews in seven chapters! You all are so great and I deeply appreciate you all!
Tracie: Oh thank you-yeah it's sort of a habit of mine, if I turn out a chapter that people don't seem to like, I want to get out a new chapter as fast as possible so that there's a good chapter to get the taste of the old one out of people's mouths.
ashley1985: Honestly, Evie in D2 irritated me just because she was rooming with Mal meaning she should have noticed the changes Mal was going through. That being said, you're right, she didn't deserve the tongue lashing she got
AmethystDragon14: Oh yay! Exactly, Belle and Beast ruled for twenty years and yet they're asking the seventeen year old and not even the seventeen year old they made king! But of course there was a small Bal moment-they may be few and far between in the movie so I'll make my own! Oh and congrats on being my 200th review :D
Arbiter8991: Honestly I've gone on so many rants about that scene, it just didn't make sense to me. Belle and Beast were rulers for twenty years. They should have some idea what to do!
Guest: You're welcome! And oh man, I hope you know I just burst out laughing! You are so right in that the dress she was wearing was probably the most ridiculous outfit she could have worn! Please do not apologize for the rant, I was just about to ask you if we shared a brain because I've subjected my roommate to similar rants (she is not a Descendants fan and yet she knows more about it than she cares to because of my rants.)
Turnabout of the Shadows: Oh thank you! Oh I agree, it's a ridiculous argument and honestly they underpowered Mal in D3 the same way they overpowered Audrey. No matter what, the fact that they made it so Audrey mastered Maleficent's scepter in about an hour of having it screams Mary Sue to me!
twilightgirl587: Oh, well while I'm sorry you couldn't sleep but I'm glad you liked the chapter! Mal definitely was trying to please Belle and Beast. While they are going to be her in-laws, Mal's going to be Queen. She shouldn't be making decisions because she thinks her in-laws will like it.
LeanneJordan: Oh I'm sorry you have to deal with online schooling! One of the best things about being done with school, I don't have to deal with that. I am so glad that you like the series! I can't wait to read your Descendants fic by the way! :D
Sorceress of Magic: Trust me, I hated that too. It just didn't make sense coming from Mal as a character.
TomiOcampo: I don't know if Stefan is alive...I know he can be a character in fanfics because he's available as an option when selecting characters.
Hotgirlow: Oh thank you! I have not seen Maleficent (1 or 2) but I've seen reviews for it. Hope you're staying safe too-bring on 2021!
Bananaboat2009: Oh yay! (ducks the glitter because you can't get rid of it if it gets on you). Trust me, my sarcastic nature comes out more in writing than it does when I'm speaking.
danifan3000: Honestly, you're right. Taking the barrier down permanently was a bad idea because there was nothing set up in case someone commits a crime or you know throws a coup. Bringing the kids off first makes more sense and then Ben and Mal could set up housing, or a legal system in case the adults act up again. Seriously? Fairy Godmother has a sister? Doug has a brother? What I'm hearing is that I need to start reading these books.
Technobabble1: That they are!
TheRanger'sDaughter: Thank you! My problem was that they were asking her what they should do, as if she was the one to make the decision. If it was just a suggestion it would make more sense for them to bring Mal in. But Mal shouldn't have made that decision and if Ben didn't like it, he could say 'no' as king. Thank you! That bothered me so much about Evie in D3-the fact that now she was worried about not seeing her parents when that wasn't a concern the past two movies. Honestly, Jay seemed to have a closer relationship with his dad so maybe if he was the one to say that it'd make a little more sense.
Roxas Itsuka: Thank you! Honestly I can see both sides-Mal was trying to please Belle and Beast while like you said, Evie would have expected Mal to fight the closing of the barrier. I promise, it'll be soon, Harriet yelling at Uma. I hope I did this chapter justice.
ultimatebookworm08: So do I :D
OceanBlueSeaEyes: That is true, Uma can't say she wouldn't have done the same if she'd been the first off in Mal's place.
ObsidianDarkArrow: Oh I'm so glad! That is a pleasing image!
LOST MUSES: 1: Agreed, Chip says what I think sometimes. 2: Yep, he is definitely in hot water. 3: Honestly that's what I enjoy about writing the sisters, they can mess with Chad but they are the only ones to do so. 4: Probably :D 5: Right now, I have no idea if Natalie will become a mint plant...she might, she might not. 6: Agreed, sometimes voices of reason are needed! 7: It will come, I promise!
lilyflower101: It should come, hopefully.
billyandkimfan1994: Yeah I definitely agree on that!
Wolf: Oh I'm so glad! I can definitely work into getting some more father daughter moments but it'll probably be after it's revealed that Hades is Mal's father since Uma/Harry/Gil doesn't know.
Nightshock99: You're preaching to the choir there! Honestly if Maleficent used a sleeping curse instead of freezing everyone, she might have been more successful in taking over.
Guest: Holy cats, I'm honored! Absolutely, please go ahead and get started-I can't wait to see what you do!
marissamtz000: Ask and you'll receive :D
Hope you all enjoy this chapter!
The next day, Evie walked into the kitchen and tossed something to Jay who was packing up picnic baskets.
"Morning. Got the beach towels," Carlos said as he walked in.
"Sorry. Morning," Evie told the two boys.
"How is it she looks flawless no matter what she wears?" Rose asked, shaking her head.
"Why thank you," Evie grinned.
"These," Carlos muttered to himself, ignoring Jay and Evie.
Mal chuckled. "So…Jay, have a little snack?"
"What? No!"
"Then explain the missing piece of cake," the purple haired future queen said with a smirk.
"You don't know it was me!"
"Hey."
"I really think she's gonna like the cake, you guys," Carlos said as Evie tossed apples to Jay, who in turn tossed them into the picnic baskets.
"I'm sure I will," Jane said, gently grabbing Carlos' hand as Lumiere and Fairy Godmother smiled at the sight. "Missing piece and all."
"Oh, yeah?" Jay asked, still catching apples as Evie chuckled slightly.
"You guys are like a well oiled machine," Neal said with a grin.
"Oh, no," Carlos said, noticing the slice missing from the cake. "Okay. Who got into Jane's cake?" Carlos asked as Jay and Evie paused what they were doing to look at him before looking at the cake themselves.
"Process of elimination," Harriet chuckled. "Squeaky and Squirmy are too shy to do something like that without being egged on by a ringleader."
"Also, look for who's missing," Sammy smirked softly as Mr. Smee chuckled.
The scene cut to the outside of Evie's castle where Dizzy and Celia were sitting, enjoying the aforementioned cake.
Evie and Uma softly shook their heads in amusement, the action not noticed by either girl.
"Delicious," Dizzy said, licking some of the frosting from the plate with her finger.
"I especially love the lack of dirt." Celia told her and the red haired girl nodded.
"And the lack of flies," Dizzy added after a minute.
"Dirt? Flies? I thought food was getting better on the Isle?" Ben asked, looking at the girls in concern.
"Oh it is," Dizzy nodded. "But the higher ranked gangs still get most of the good food first while the others still have to get by one what they can grab and sometimes the barges aren't cleaned from the previous month."
"I can get some decent stuff since I'm Uma's sister but I normally give it to the younger kids," Celia added. "For a fee of course. Can't get something for nothing you know."
"Okay, what did I say about quoting my mother?" Uma asked.
"Not to?"
"Exactly."
Celia took a bite of her cake, as if to verify what Dizzy had said, and nodded. She held out her plate to Dizzy, who had cleaned her plate.
"Want some?"
"Thank you," Dizzy said as she took half the cake from Celia's plate. Both girls gave a small giggle as they continued to eat the cake, giving a joyful sigh.
Aurora couldn't help but give a small sigh. Those were just two girls, sitting in the sun and enjoying cake but because of her mother, they spent their childhoods forced to eat food that was covered in dirt and flies.
A small, minuscule part of her wished there could be some way to force her mother to eat the same food that she felt no issue in subjecting the children of the Isle to. Oh, and Natalie too for good measure.
Mal walked outside, dressed in a purple and green shirt, skirt and vest; holding a purple gift bag as she presumably waited for the others.
"…you know that someone has stolen Maleficent's scepter. You know that you're probably a target of said person being the future Queen, and you're outside alone? Ben, she's perfect for you! Neither one of you use the sense you were given!"
"Akiho, what do you think would happen to any guards I might have had?" Mal asked, keeping her voice low as to not be overheard by Audrey. Yes they had been sarcastic before but Mal realized one thing. Acting like nothing had changed was not going to be the way to solve this.
Things had changed. Leah had shown her true colors…and Audrey was paying the price.
Sure, Ben's friends probably wouldn't drop the sarcastic bits—there was no denying the fact that Audrey was throwing a coup after all with wanting to be the Queen.
But Mal had been Audrey once upon a time. To quote Ben from the previous viewing, in the future that would never happen…she was just an angry girl with a bad plan.
As she walked out, Audrey appeared in a clap of lightning and a cloud of pink smoke and began to walk up the path. Mal paused, obviously more than a little shocked.
"Well yeah, if only because the sight of Audrey with Maleficent's scepter would be a little disarming," Rowyn said softly, remembering how she had been taken aback at the sight of Audrey holding Maleficent's scepter and wearing the Queen's crown.
Rachel had held her siblings back, Ruby and Rose looking confused as there had never been a problem with Audrey before. Evan though had understood instantly and didn't put up any fuss about being treated like the youngest sibling.
"I was hoping you were home," Audrey said in a would be friendly voice. Mal couldn't help but give a small chuckle as if she still couldn't take in the sight before her.
"I don't think that was a good idea," Squeaky said softly.
"Is this a joke?" Mal asked and Audrey looked at her in slight alarm, as if she didn't understand why Mal had asked that. "What are you doing with the crown and the scepter?"
Is it just me, or did she almost expect Mal to join forces with her? Harry thought with a small frown. Honestly with how the princess was walking, I half expected a 'hey Malsie' a la the runt.
"Well, I wanted them, so I took them," Audrey told her, her tone of voice implying it should have been obvious to Mal. Mal continued to stare at Audrey in shock, as if still not comprehending what she was seeing. "And you, of all people should understand that, Mal."
Audrey leaned forward, as if she was about to use the scepter; sticking her face close to the jewel.
You honestly look like you're about to kiss the Dragon's Eye, Jay thought, softly shaking his head.
"Wait, Audrey, stop!" Mal cried in alarm, setting the gift bag down on the table. "Don't use that."
"Actually that's good advice," Merryweather nodded. "With how powerful Maleficent's scepter is, we don't know what using it could do to someone who was completely mortal."
"I thought you liked spells," Audrey said flatly.
Mal stared in shock, speechless, as Audrey stared once more at the scepter.
"Okay, Audrey, you're better…"
I'm better huh Mal? Is that the truth or are you just one more person trying to shove what you want me to be on to me? Audrey thought, her fingers curling around the scepter in lieu of turning into a fist.
"Quiet!" Audrey exclaimed and Mal's hands flew to her mouth as Audrey turned, her back to Mal.
"It's not a toy. It's dangerous," Mal tried to explain.
"I want to be dangerous," Audrey snapped, turning back to Mal.
The room was silent upon hearing that line. No one had the heart to make a snarky retort or even a genuine comment. The kids from the Isle knew the importance of appearing dangerous, of having a reputation so powerful that no one could take it from you.
After all…when your mother was Maleficent or the Evil Queen or Ursula, you could get away with a lot more or gain a lot more than if your mother was say Yzma or Mad Madam Mim.
Aurora's heart broke as she realized exactly why her daughter would want to be dangerous.
"Now, now, Audrey, is this anyway for a—"
"Shut up Natalie!" Mal and Audrey snapped, both girls glaring at the blonde.
"My life was perfect until you stole it."
Mal continued to stare at Audrey in shock, as if she had no idea this was what the princess had been feeling the whole time.
"And then Auradon turned its back on me," Audrey continued, her voice soft and menacing before she turned around and walked off.
"…Auradon never turned its back on you, Audrey," Chad said softly.
"I'm sure I didn't include you in that statement Chad," Audrey stated. "You were the only one to actually check in on what was going on."
Aurora sighed and stood up, walking over to Audrey once more. "Look at your phone," the blonde said gently, holding Audrey's phone out to her. " Chad wasn't the only one. Auradon never turned its back on you, my flower."
Audrey scoffed but took her phone from her mother, looking at her phone. She was honestly shocked to see the 99+ missed calls and voicemail box full notification on the screen. Scrolling through, she could see calls from Ben, from Jane…from Lonnie, from some of the guys from the Tourney team. Many of the calls had been from her former squad mates.
There…there was even a call from her brother. One call but in the corners of her heart, some of the pain seemed to melt away.
There wasn't time to check on the voicemails but a small part of Audrey couldn't help but feel lighter. People had checked on her…if her grandmother hadn't had her phone, she would have known.
They could have asked in person, a nasty little voice pointed out in her head. After all, they saw you at graduation.
…Chad did.
"Honestly Aurora, should she really have been rewarded?" Leah scoffed.
"Well Leah, I didn't really see it as a reward and since Audrey is my daughter and not yours, it's not really your decision now is it?" Aurora asked, her voice a faux sweetness that wouldn't have been out of place in her daughter's voice.
"Well, it's time for a little payback."
"Audrey, wait!" Mal called causing Audrey to turn back around and zapped Mal with a blast of pink light.
Harry and Uma tensed, the latter glaring at the pink haired girl. Uma was the only one to go after Mal!
This princess better be grateful this is in the future because otherwise she'd be experiencing a tsunami first hand!
Audrey burst into laughter as the light faded and revealed that Mal was now an old beggar woman, hunched over and still staring at Audrey in shock.
Mal sighed. That hag spell had been in her spell book. That was just confirmation that Audrey had her spell book too. Just because it hadn't been on screen didn't mean it didn't happen.
"You think Ben will love you now, you old hag?" Audrey asked, bending down to Mal's eye level as if to mock her.
"Yes." Emir nodded. "Why wouldn't he? It's Ben."
Aziz sighed and leaned over, lightly whacking his younger brother over the head. "Time and place, Emir. Time and place."
"What? I'm not allowed to make a comment about knowing my best friend?" Emir asked, rubbing his head.
"You'll pay the price of what you did and so will all of Auradon!" Audrey declared as Jay, Carlos, Celia and Evie rushed out of the castle to stare at Audrey in shock.
"So…who allowed Celia to run out toward potential danger?"
Mal shook her head in amusement. "Emma, if you want to try to tell Celia no, be my guest."
Audrey smirked at them "So long, suckers!"
She quickly disappeared in another cloud of pink smoke. Jay turned to Mal before leaning back and letting out a small shout in shock upon seeing her.
Harry snorted in amusement at Jay's reaction. Oh Gods, I wish I had a camera just so I could record that and just replay it at my leisure.
"Whoa! You might wanna think of a spell for that," Jay told her.
"It's Maleficent's scepter," Mal sighed. "Even if I could come up with a spell for it, it wouldn't undo what the scepter did."
"But didn't you—"
"She did that to herself," Mal said, referring to the lizard version of Maleficent living in her room.
"There's no spell that can reverse the curse of the scepter," Mal told him as Evie went to her side, giving Mal as much support as she could.
"True love's kiss?" Chip suggested. "I mean, Ben should probably be made aware of who has the scepter and you know, who's going around cursing people with it. Two birds, one stone."
"Plus it's been known to break Maleficent's spells before," Harriet added.
"Well, that's a shame," Carlos said, looking over at Jay and Celia, who nodded slightly.
"It's not a spell but you know, you're all forgetting about True Love's Kiss!"
"Forget about me," Mal told him.
"Yeah, that's not going to happen," Carlos said with a small shake of his head.
"Carlos is right about that," Ben nodded, holding Mal close to him.
"Audrey's out for revenge. And all of Auradon is in danger."
"What should we do?" Evie asked.
"The only thing more powerful than the scepter...is Hades' ember," Mal said slowly.
"While I'm sure that's true, True Love's Kiss is also very powerful. And a lot closer."
"Is he gonna be like the Arendelle brat was with the Royal Guard last viewing?" Uma asked.
"I have a name you know," Akiho chuckled before pausing. "Actually that's a good point that I'm more than happy to bring up again. Why didn't Mal have a couple of guards, being Ben's fiancee?"
"Because she has magic and can turn into a dragon," Emir said simply. "Also, we're watching the future Akiho."
"Oh!" Jay exclaimed. "Like he's just gonna hand it over, give them back to the Isle."
If my daughter asked for the ember, I'd get her it, Hades thought. There'd be no reason to connect her to the ember otherwise.
"And no one knows where his lair is," Evie added, looking over at the boys.
"Not true," Celia smirked. "I do. I'm his errand rat after all."
Uma looked over at her uncle. When had Celia become his errand rat? Had it been after she'd left the Isle?
Or had it been after Mal had left the Isle? After all, Mal had been his errand rat when they were kids. Uma quickly pushed that back. Thinking about the past didn't help anyone.
"I do," Celia chimed in. "I'm his errand rat. I've got the key at my dad's."
"You are coming," Mal said, pointing at Celia who leaned back, disappointed.
"Oh, are we putting the VKs back on the Isle?"
"She…she doesn't pay attention does she?" Sammy asked, having heard Leah's comment.
"Just ignore her," Phillip Jr. sighed. "It's the only way your sanity will remain intact."
"I'm dating a Hook. I'm pretty sure my sanity left ages ago."
Harriet rolled her eyes. "Love you too Sammy," she teased, kissing her girlfriend's cheek.
Tiana frowned though. "Is it safe? Taking a kid back to the Isle I mean."
"Right now, I hate to say it but the Isle's probably the safest place for the children," Facilier spoke up. "The barrier doesn't allow evil magic to work after all."
Tiana looked over at Facilier, a look of understanding coming to her face as she realized one thing that might happen with Audrey possessing the scepter in the mindset she was in. The thing Maleficent was known for after all.
The Tremaines and the Smee's were not going to be happy if what Tiana thought might happened actually did.
"But I just got here," she groaned.
"Mal?" Dizzy asked, walking to the door. Mal and Evie turned around, causing Dizzy to shriek in alarm and the Smee twins quickly clutched her arms in fear.
"But…it's just Mal," Gil said with a small frown.
"Who's just been transformed," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "For someone like the whelp, not used to magic, that may have been startling."
He hadn't meant to…but he couldn't help but see a bit of the runt in the whelp. After all, they'd be maybe the same age.
"I have a name you know," Dizzy told him.
"Yes but the nickname Harry normally gives you is being used by your cousin," Uma stated.
Dizzy chuckled. "I know you guys call me the 'Tremaine brat'. If it makes it easier, just call me Dizzy."
Uma wasn't going to lie, she hadn't expected that. Then again, maybe she should. Celia was the girl's best friend after all.
"Hang on…I'm not a brat!"
"Hush up Anthony," Ava said, fondly rolling her eyes at her brother.
"Dizzy, stay here to take care of the twins," Evie said quickly, walking over to Dizzy to reassure her.
Ava facepalmed. "Dizzy, if this happens this go around, call me. I can survive missing Jane's party."
"We all can," Kitty said instantly and Alexandria nodded .
"Agreed," Lucy nodded. "I'm sorry Jane but—"
"I understand," Jane said with a small smile. No one saw Lady Tremaine's small scowl. Despite the fact that Dizzy was born of a surrogate and therefore out of wedlock, she was still a princess. A bastard princess but one nonetheless, of the Southern Isles too! To be relegated to babysitter!
"We'll be right back and everything will be just fine. Go inside," she said before walking back to the others. "Guys, go get your stuff."
"Come on, boys, let's go," Dizzy said, leading the twins away as Jay and Celia ran off to grab what they needed. Carlos hung back for a second before leaving as well, Evie standing in front of Mal.
"Thanks for caring Jay. Carlos stayed longer than you did," Mal teased, playfully punching her oldest friend on the shoulder.
"Eh, you were in good hands," Jay chuckled. "Evie wouldn't let anything happen to you."
"How bad is it?" Mal asked, giving Evie a rather gummy smile.
"You now best Yzma for old woman who's also scary beyond all reason," Emir stated.
"Akiho, you can smack him," Ben said, rolling his eyes. "Mal, you look beautiful no matter what."
"Ouch!"
"You have no one to blame for yourself," Emma chuckled as Akiho did as his king commanded.
Evie leaned down and tilted her head slightly, as if searching for the words. "You age beautifully."
"See?!"
"No one doubted you Ben," Beast said with a small chuckle.
Mal nodded, thought whether she was accepting the compliment or realizing Evie was lying to her to spare her feelings was up in the air.
"Now, let's just get you into something fabulous," Evie said.
"Why? Ben obviously doesn't care what she looks like and…and you're going to get the ember and not the more common sense solution of True Love's Kiss and then going to the Isle when you won't be lugging around what looks to be a hundred year old woman, aren't you?"
"Looks that way," Lucas chuckled.
"Now I know why we became best friends," Ben told Akiho. "I was already used to your brand of insanity."
"Okay."
"I'm sorry," Hadie said with a small smile, "but that was the most adorable 'okay' I've ever heard."
Mal rolled her eyes. You are so lucky you're my brother, she thought.
"Come on," Evie said and began to walk off only to pause as she realized that Mal wasn't as fast as she normally was. Quickly walking back, Evie leaned down and gave Mal support.
"And so you're going to go and get Mal all comfortable in bed or something while you guys go and get the ember?" Flora asked with a small frown as she fluttered around. "Getting blasted with magic like that…"
"I'm well familiar with Maleficent's scepter," Mal said flatly. "And I'm not leaving my friends to just sit idly by."
"Okay," Evie whispered before continuing in her normal voice. "Oh, yeah, there we go. Okay. Almost there."
Mal gave Evie a small pat on the hand before the scene cut to a bike whizzing past, before three more followed. The four bikes stopped in the same location from the second viewing as Mal lifted up her goggles and stared out to the Isle.
"Wait, why does Mal need to be driving the bike?" Emir asked. "She's just been turned into an old woman, her reflexes aren't going to be the best."
"First, none of our bikes have side cars," Jay told him. "And getting side cars for them would be time we wouldn't have."
"Secondly, we're not having Celia drive a bike on her own," Carlos added. "And considering she was Mal's pick, it makes sense for Celia to ride with Mal."
"And lastly, Mal's half Fae," Evie chimed in. "She won't have the same reflex issues as you or I would if we were blasted by the scepter."
And half God, Hadie thought but unlike last time he held his tongue.
"Also, Emir, have you tried telling Mal 'no'?" Ben asked, a small chuckle on his lips.
"Noble steed, proud and fair, you shall take us anywhere," Mal said, her eyes lighting up bright green as she read the spell.
Macaria bit her lip as she thought back to the last time that spell had been used. Only, and unless she was mistaken, Mal's eyes hadn't glowed green.
You didn't drain her powers did you Uncle Hades? Macaria thought, looking over at her blue haired uncle. You did something that involved the ember but Mal's eyes never lit up when doing a spell before…unless you count the stare down with Maleficent at Ben's coronation.
Mal put her goggles back on and drove the bike forward, the others following her.
"Carlos, you're gonna miss Jane's birthday!" Dude called, having apparently followed the five VKs.
"And the dog still talks," Uma sighed and shook her head.
"Yeah in all honesty, I'm a little surprised the truth gummy hasn't worn off by now," Mal muttered to herself.