AN: Just a heads up that the dots break up into the trial testimonies. I was going to do two chapters, (one engagement party, one trial) but I think it was better to combine. It jumps back and forth with each character. Hopefully I don't confuse you with the sudden breaks, but I think you all will understand as you read.

NymhadoraTonks: No, this isn't the last chapter. I think it'll be almost ten chapters till the end. Rose's speech was more wrapping up the battle and the events of Descendants 3. Now, we are moving into the time of adjustment that'll hopefully lead to peace. The Wedding will be the final chapter, and I plan to have some more character development before this series really comes to close. Don't worry there's more to come.

Thank you! Enjoy!

The engagement party had begun. The royal couple was watching as the servants were finishing the decorations. Blue and yellow streamers were hanging over the archway of entry. Mal wouldn't have had it any other way. With the bird song, the strawberries, and the wonderful sun, Mal couldn't have been happier. Her only wish was that her dad could be there to visit her and finally meet Ben not as an enemy, but as her fiancé.

"You nervous?" Ben asked as they began to walk through the garden together.

"Maybe," Mal said, gripping his arm. "I guess having an engagement party for a VK when tomorrow I'll be questioned."

"Well, we all will," Ben admitted. "I'll of course have to give my testimony in your favor."

"Isn't that a conflict of interest?" Mal asked. "With you being king and all."

"Not the way I see it," Ben looked to her. They stopped walking. "I would have testified for you either way." The king smiled kindly. Mal placed a hand on his cheek before she kissed him.

...

"I'm not being biased, Mrs. Lumi," Ben said to the lawyer. He knew her from his childhood. The wife of Lumiere, a close friend of his father's/ She was just the voice and interrogator for the people. There was not battle with this one. It was only judgement of the people of Auradon.

"You are engaged to Mal Maleficent, " Mrs. Lumi stepped forward. "Isn't that a conflict of interest."

"I was the one who degreed the VKs came off the Isle," Ben reminded. "I don't see any conflict. I want all of the children to be given a fair chance. Now, if we let the barrier down, we can do that. And even give the parents a second chance to turn from their evil ways. Of course, if something is pulled again and breaks the law, they will be sent to a prison, rather than isolated on an island."

"You seem to have this all figured out."

"It's only been my dream since I was fifteen," Ben said, closing his statement.

...

Mal was now standing at the entrance, meeting with all of the guests. Her arm linked with Ben's as the first hour passed. The garden was buzzing with many guests. It felt great to get back to the fun parties Mal usually despised. Here, it seemed everything was normal. Mal felt like herself. Evie and Carlos walked in together with Dizzy following them. They really did look like a family.

"Your Royal Purpleness!" Carlos bowed to Mal. Mal shot him a look as Evie tried her best to stifle a laugh.

"How lovely to see my subjects," Mal curtsied as she mocked a fancy accent.

"We would have brought you a gift," Evie said as Carlos straightened. "But I think living for free in my house and getting free dresses almost weekly should cover it."

"I thought that was just a perk of being your best friend?" Mal raised an eyebrow with a smile.

"You're right," Evie admitted.

"Here's the gift!" Dizzy said suddenly. "I'm so excited for you to open it!"

Mal looked at the small box. It opened to reveal two golden bracelets. One, had a beast carved into it. The other, a dragon.

"I made the design and Carlos printed it," Dizzy said excitedly. "It's a little VK style for your Auradon outfits."

...

"Don't don't deny your heritage, Lady Mal," the lawyer spoke. Mal looked down at her golden bracelet. Had it really only been a day ago she was calmly celebrating her engagement with her friends? It felt so long ago now. She was sitting up in front of many Auradon people. She could see her friends sitting on the side. She breathed deeply as her eyes met Ben's. She then turned to give her response.

"Why would I?" Mal asked. "I lived there for almost seventeen years of my life. Would you deny your heritage of being raised in Auradon?"

"It's not something we truly have to mention," the lawyer shrugged. Mal recognized her, she had seen her someplace at a party. She had never known her name. Even now, she didn't exactly know. It was just Mrs. Lumi.

"Because it's not relevant to you as it is to me," Mal said with a blank expression. Anger began to muster in her. "Just because we're from the Isle seems to give us a label of being a villain. My friends and I have been here for over a year and we still haven't earned your trust. I've been protecting Auradon since I set foot here. What more do you want? I've only save you from Maleficent, Uma, and now Audrey. What more do we have to do before we seek your approval?"

"That's enough," the judge said calmly. Mal could feel the anger burning inside her. "Next witness call please."

...

Mal smiled at the gift Dizzy had presented to her. "Thank you." She embraced each friend. The trio then walked into the garden. People were buzzing around. Chatting to others. The three got a few glances as they crossed the garden. Evie still held unto Carlos' arm as they went to the chocolate fountain. Dude came running to Dizzy.

"Hey, I've been looking for you guys forever," Dude panted as Dizzy picked him up. "There's some really good ice cream here, if you want some." Dizzy squealed and hurried off with the dog. Evie and Carlos both laughed as they dipped strawberries into the melted chocolate.

"People keep staring," Evie said in a hushed voice. Carlos didn't look up.

"Yeah, I know," Carlos ate a berry.

"Do you think I'll have to talk about...you know?" Evie gazed at him. She was talking about her possession and how she fled back to the Isle. Tomorrow's hearing would be for the freedom of the Isle. Rose and Audrey's would be the day after. It was all pretty nerve racking.

Carlos' brown eyes met hers. "If you do, don't say anything about Rose. Say how you were possessed by the mirror, like you had originally thought." Evie tucked a blue lock of hair behind her ear. Carlos suddenly grabbed her hand. "If you get nervous, look at me. Pretend like you're talking to me.

...

"Evie Queen," Mrs. Lumi stood. "You were the start of this chaos?"

"I wouldn't say the start," Evie said. "Maleficent and Uma were before me."

"Yes, but in the recent files of the case," she spoke sharply. "It says here you brain washed students as well made clones of your friends to help you take over Auradon."

"I didn't take over Auradon," Evie shook her head. "In my mind's state, back then, it was to send a message to the others. That I was not defenseless." She was slightly shaking, but she tried her best not to show it.

"So, you claim that your attack was a message, not a take over?"

"Yes," Evie nodded. "The students were not brainwashed for long. Only a matter of minutes. They helped trash the school. I and my clones went back to my hiding place."

"You also stated that in your state of mind back then was very different than it is now, please elaborate." Evie swallowed nervously. What was she to say? She could fell all of the eyes in the room on her. She searched until she met Carlos' eye. He nodded slightly, and she took a deep breath.

"Back then, I was possessed by the small magic mirror my mother had given to me," Evie explained. "It used my current emotions of heartbreak and manipulated me to do the things I did. Now I realize that it was a waste of time. I've done numerous good deeds since." Carlos grinned.

"You do not posses that magic of the mirror now?"

"No, I do not," Evie shook her head. "I had given the mirror back to the museum, and my magic had been taken away."

"And you confirm your good involvement in the capture of Rose Beast and Audrey Beauty?"

"Yes."

"Thank you," Mrs. Lumi finished her interrogation.

...

Jay and Lonnie were the next ones to join the party. Half his hair tied up into a bun, while Lonnie's was pushed over one shoulder. It was well in the afternoon. Mal and Ben were chatting with some guests, so they went to the refreshments. "Lovely day, isn't it?" Jay said to Lonnie. It was a warm, June day. Without a response, Jay looked to his girlfriend. He nudged her slightly. She snapped out of the daze she seemed to have and looked at him. "Hey, is anyone home?"

"Oh" Lonnie grinned sheepishly as she tucked her hair behind her ear. "Sorry, I was just thinking about...tomorrow."

"It is pretty nerve wracking," Jay admitted. "I don't think I'll be called to witness though. Mal and Evie are the most involved in this thing. Me and Carlos have blended in well since we got here."

Lonnie nudged him a little. "You didn't blend in that much." Jay smiled as he pulled her into him by the waist. Lonnie looked dazed again after a moment. He moved her around in his hands, to shake her awake.

"What are you worried about?" Jay asked. "I know you've got something going on in that beautiful mind of yours." Her grinned, but it slowly disappeared.

"What if I have to testify tomorrow?" Lonnie asked. Jay never thought about it before. She was tied closely to them all. Lonnie had been involved in all of the battles. She was trusted well around Auradon. There was no doubt she would be called up.

...

"Is it true you've been involved with the villain kids since their arrival?" Mrs. Lumi had called Lonnie up to the stand after Mal. It was as if her worst fear had been realized. But, if Lonnie had learned anything from her mother and father, it was that fear makes you stronger.

"Yes, I've been friends with them from the start," Lonnie said in a collected voice.

"But haven't they dragged you into many conflicts and battles of theirs?"

"No, well yes, I was involved in battles. But that wa-"

"You see, now you're contradicting yourself. Were you involved in the wars caused by them?"

"Yes." Lonnie breathed heavily. "But I had gone in on my own will of a warrior."

"What kind of will possesses a girl to fight for those of a different kind of kingdom."

"It doesn't matter where they're from, peace and justice should always be served to those who deserve it." Lonnie stared down Mrs. Lumi, who shifted her weight uncomfortably.

"That is, a good point," Mrs. Lumi walked a few steps closer to the stand. "But, you aren't just involved with the Isle kids as a whole, are you?" Lonnie looked nervously to Jay, who had a straight face.

"No," Lonnie admitted. "I've been seeing Jay Jafar for almost a year now, but that doesn't-"

"Would you say you were fighting for them because of your romantic interest in the son of Jafar?"

"Yes, it was an influence," Lonnie said, connecting with Jay's eyes again.

"Than this proves the bad influence the kids have brought to this country." What? That's not what she was saying.

"It proves that they are capable of love," Lonnie defended. "We just have to let them show it to us. We have to give them a chance." Lonnie looked to Mrs. Lumi, who had a smirk on her face. She then gazed to Jay. The man she loved. He smiled before winking, and she let a small blush creep onto her checks.

...

Mal was surprised when she saw Harry, Uma, Gil, the Smee twins, and Celia all come through. Each was dressed in Auradon apparel. Uma hardly looked like her usual self. Harry wasn't even wearing his hook. "Are you guys alright?" Mal asked, taking in the sight.

"Just because we look nice automatically means that we're sick?" Uma raised and eyebrow, but then it fell. "Because you are probably right." They both laughed before embracing each other.

"I'm glad you could come," Mal said.

"Evie hooked us up with the new fits," Celia tugged at the red dress she was wearing. "I wish it had more zippers."

"I heard Dizzy was over at the ice cream table if you guys didn't mind joining her," Mal instructed Celia and the Smee twins.

"Ice cream!" Gil said excitedly. "Do you have grapes too?" Mal nodded. With a squeal of excitement, Gil and the other three kids hurried away for the food. Mal, Ben, Harry, and Uma all laughed.

"So," Uma folded her arms, "You ready for tomorrow?"

"I could asked you the same question," Mal grinned.

"Don't worry," Uma looked to Harry, then back to Mal, "I'm not going to let them take me away."

"Like I said," Ben cut in, "I always knew you would be part of the solution.

...

"Uma Ursula," Mrs. Lumi rose from her chair.

"That's my name," Uma leaned back in her chair.

"You claim you speak for all the children on the Isle, why?"

"I've worked at my mother's restaurant for all my life," Uma said simply. "I've heard it all. I even was captain of my own ship. Believe me, I know everyone wants to get off that rock. They don't deserve to be on it."

"What can you prove of that statement?"

"I tried to take over Auradon multiple times, but then I ended up saving it twice," Uma shrugged. "If I didn't want to live here in peace do you really think I would help my worst enemy, now friend, save the country I don't live in? Everyone wanted VK day before anyway, what's different about it now?"

...

"Belle, how lovely to see you," Mal greeted her future mother in law. She hugged the small woman. Ben was talking to Beast next to her. "Thank you for planning this wonderful party."

"It's my duty as your future mother in law," Belle smiled. Mal thought she had a different glow to her today. It was nice.

...

"As a queen, how do you view this situation?"

"I think it would be something new to try." Belle avoided the question.

"As a mother, what would you think of opening the barrier for good?"

"I would be concerned, not for the kids, but for the parents. Letting out these old rivals might start more chaos," Belle didn't look out into the crowd.

"Now, with your person relationship to the future queen, how do you think her father will be handled?"

"He shouldn't be handled," Belle protested. "He healed Audrey instead of using his ember to escape. I believe that is something to be taken into account. Even the most feared people can turn a new leaf. I of all people, know that best."

...

The couple continued to talk with Ben's parents. It was mostly all light topics, until Bell's face dropped. "Is Rose coming today?" Mal could feel Ben teasing up next to her.

"I told her, with the trial happening soon, maybe t was better to keep a low profile," Ben said, looking down.

"And I decided against it," Rose said as she came through the archway. She wasn't wearing her enchantress robes, but a royal blue dress that landed just above the knee. Her leather jacket was worn over it, and the sleeves rolled up to reveal her tattoos. Her painted boots were clearly shown with blue socks peeking above them.

"Rose," Ben raised his eyebrows. "You look..."

"Not like me," Rose finished his sentence. "I know, but I wanted to show everyone that I can clean up if I want to. Belle, Beast, lovely day to you." Rose nodded her head at her parents before giving Ben a hug. Ben gladly accepted the embrace. Mal smiled a the siblings.

"I'm glad you came," Ben said as he let her go. "Even though I told you that you shouldn't."

"It might tip the scale for some," Rose said in a hushed voice. "To see me all cleaned up and being nice." It was a smart move. Mal didn't think of it that way before. She glanced around seeing all of the eyes on them. Some faces even had small smiles on them. Rose was right, she would tip the scale in her favor.

"Check this out," Rose took a step back. She then held out her hands. Belle gasped. Mal was concerned about what she was going to do. She almost stopped the girl, but it was too late. Rose waved her hands. Instead of fire, sparkles swirled around the couple. It only lasted for a moment, then the sparkles disappeared. Mal looked to Ben, wondering what she did to them.

"Your lapel," Mal spotted a bloomed rose pinned to his coat. She looked down to see she had a purple one on her own dress.

"I'm really good at conjuring flowers," Rose shrugged. "Roses especially. Who would've thought?" She snapped her fingers again. The archway was suddenly covered in colored roses. Mal's jaw dropped. They were nothing like she had ever seen before.

"They're beautiful," Ben said, astonished.

"Amazing," Beast added.

"That's a wonderful talent, Rose- I mean, Enchantress Rose." Belle said from behind her. Mal was worried what could've happened. The last time Belle and Rose were face to face, she told Rose she should go to trial for her actions.

Instead of a smart remark, Rose turned and managed a small grin. Without moving her hand or snapping her fingers, a single yellow rose appeared in Rose's hand. She held it out to Belle. Her mother studied the flower with her hazel eyes before she looked back up at her daughter. She then accepted the gesture. "Thank you."

Mal watched Ben as he smiled at his family. This was what he always wanted. Peace, harmony, and love. Even though the bond between Rose and Belle was just a small seed, it could bloom into something wonderful, as long as they let it grow.

...

"After consideration of the jury," the judge said in a sincere voice. "A decision has been made." Mal held onto both Ben and Evie's hands. She had been waiting for this moment for two days. They had all gathered back in the courtroom for the last time for the case of the Isle.

"Auradon has decided to go through with the plans to open the barrier...for good." Everyone cheered. Mal kissed Ben in excitement, she then hugged Evie.

"Everyone's going to be free!" Evie exclaimed.

"I get to see my dad again!" Mal smiled so widely. As everyone settled down, the judge tapped the gavel.

"The court case of Audrey Beauty and Princess Rose Beast will commence in two days before the barrier has been taken down. Dismissed." With another tap of the gavel, mix feelings were produced. They had made it through one trial, but could they make it through another? Mal looked to Rose, who was sitting with her head down. She would have to prove herself, but not just to her family and friends, to all of Auradon.

...