AN: last chapter before the finale! *sob* Enjoy!
NymhadoraTonks: I'm just as sad as you are! It's been fun, but I think it's time to move on. Plus, I'll do a mini-story about the kids! But as for Rose, she is very conflicted on what to do. She's fought so hard to get where she is, and she doesn't want to mess things up. Uma and Harry's fight just kinda separated them for a bit. Or at least till Uma makes a decision.
I really wanted to show Evie and Carlos' engagement before the end of the series. It especially shows the growth of their relationship over the summer alone. Because at the beginning Evie was skeptical of the promise ring. But now, she was the one getting down on her knees and asking Carlos to marry her. Just some irony for ya ;)
Thank you!
The wedding was tomorrow. Everyone in the kingdom had been invited. Many guests from overseas, Wonderland, and even Neverland had received invitations. It was to be the largest party since Auradon's birth. Everyone seemed to anticipate the even. Not only was the king to be married to the woman he loved, but it would be the reinstatement of Princess Rose.
"I'm here in the crowd as guests are arriving at the castle," Snow White's high-pitched voice made Rose's ears twitch. "Everyone seems so excited to be in attendance of the wedding of the century. And, everyone wants to see the newly released convict, Rose. But she will no longer be a convict, but to be re-crown back into the royal family once and for all." She kept reporting on the television but Rose cut her off.
"I'm a convict now," she said amused. "No wonder you haven't told her about me."
"Yes, that's the reason," Simon said lazily, taking his arm from around her shoulders to rub his temples and adjust his glasses. They weren't in the castle but in Evie's place. It was good to escape for Rose while everything was going on. Everyone else was either at their own homes or helping with the chaos in the castle.
"She's still ignoring you?" Rose asked.
"Well, that's not fair," Simon's tone change to slightly sarcastic. "Surely, there is no time to check on her son when there's plenty of things to gossip about."
"You should speak to her if you feel so discomforted," Rose nudged him a little.
"I've gotten used to it," Simon shrugged. "Besides, why would I need her to listen when I've got a girl who cares about me?" Rose grinned, the tips of her ears turning pink. She did care about him. And he knew it.
His delicate gaze stayed on the screen, so Rose followed his eyes. Just at that moment, Snow White got flattened by a rush of Wonderland guards. Rose clapped a hand from her mouth to keep herself from laughing. Simon hollered with laughter, so Rose let out the laugh she was holding in. "She deserves that for being nosey," Simon shook his head. "How are you feeling about your small ceremony tomorrow?"
"There won't be a ceremony," Rose shook her head. Only yesterday was it sprung upon her that she needed to be sworn back in under the crown. Rose didn't think of herself as a princess anymore. She was an enchantress. But if she were going to stay in Auradon, Belle had insisted that she had a proper homecoming.
But that was the tricky part, Rose didn't know if she was going to stay in Auradon. She had expressed to Simon her difficulties with this situation. Rose wanted to be here, she did. But there was still some part of her that felt unfulfilled. Why should she be tied down to one place anyway? Rose was going to turn 17 soon, her life had barely started, and yet she felt like it would be over if she stayed here.
Ben had talked little about her going back to school, but she knew she probably would. She doesn't need school, with her magic she could support herself. She would never rule a kingdom because Ben would surely sire an heir before he died. if she were to rule, it would be with Simon, but she didn't want to get ahead of herself on anything.
So what was truly keeping her back? Ben. That was it. Rose didn't truly care if she had to break things off with Simon. Well, she did care, a lot, but she would move on. Her newly-repaired relationship with Belle was only influenced by Ben. Rose could easily break that off too. She hadn't known the VKs that long, surely cutting ties wouldn't be the hardest thing to do. But when it came to Ben, that was the one tie she could never break.
"What do you mean no ceremony?" Simon raised a dark brow.
"I mean it's just going to be a small thing during the reception," Rose shrugged. "It's not a big ordeal."
"Of course it is," Simon took one of her hands. "You should be celebrated too. You've been put in the shadows for too long." Rose grinned before leaning forward and pressing her lips gently to Simon's. The exchange was short but filled with tenderness. Rose was grateful to have him in her life, but she still couldn't get the doubts out of her mind.
In her cell, Audrey stared at the wall. She wished she could see what the others were doing. All she could watch was Snow White's gossip station and a few other programs. Her favorite thing to watch was the magical wall of landscapes. It made her feel a little less enclosed and caged. She deserved what she got, she knew that, but anything to help her feel less like an animal was always appreciated.
That was when pink flames erupted from the corner of the room. Before the trial, Audrey wouldn't be surprised to be visited by Rose, but now it was very odd. She stood from the bed as Rose materialized in the flesh. She was dressed in her leather jacket, her hair tied back in a braid. "What do you want?" Audrey asked, a little colder than she intended.
"Hello to you too." Rose unzipped her jacket to reveal a black she underneath. She then pressed her hand to her forehead. Audrey was confused. She looked pale.
"Are you alright?" Audrey asked.
"I don't think so," Rose shook her head. "I'm utterly conflicted to my core and I can't talk to anyone about it."
"So you've come to me?" Audrey raised a brow.
"Yes," Rose nodded. "I thought since I helped you reduce your sentence, that you would help me."
"You reduced my sentence?" Audrey asked. She was going to rot in there for three years the last time she knew.
"Yes, by a half year," Rose nodded. "It took a little magic, but I got them to do it. Since you were strictly under Maleficent's scepter curse. As an Enchantress, I have some authority over magical objects."
"Thank you," Audrey said. "What is your problem?" Rose gazed at her for a moment. Audrey could tell that she was debating what to tell and what not to tell. Rose then frustratingly there her arms in the air.
"I don't want to be here!" Rose then let out a shaky breath and closed her eyes. She whispered. "There I said it. I don't want to be in Auradon." There was a long silence.
"Are you serious?" Audrey asked.
"Yes," Rose nodded. "I don't know what is wrong with me. I lived in the castle for twelve years, I leave for four, then I come back for a year, and now I want to leave again? How does that make sense?"
"Even when you escaped you felt tied," Audrey put together. "When I was gone last summer I was stilled tied to my shame of losing your brother. You can tell where that got me." Rose gave her a small nod to continue. "Back then, you were tied to all of the memories of your past. Now, you're free."
"What is freedom anyway?" Rose shrugged. "Surely it isn't what I feel inside."
"Maybe it's because you haven't let go of the past yet," Audrey suggested. "You keep getting reminded here. Every day when you see your mom, dad, and Ben. Your mind hasn't been freed from the shackles your memories have on you. Perhaps you should run. Spend time on yourself again, without the influence of others and the memories they contain."
"I thought that my four years was enough," Rose shook her head. "But I still told myself of my hatred every day. I should've never come back."
"But look what you have now," Audrey cut in. "You've cured Ben of his heartache. You helped those kids get off the Isle. I would've won the war, which would've been terrible for the kingdom. If you had never come back, we would still be chasing our own tails."
Rose seemed shocked at Audrey's words. The truth was, Aurora's daughter had thought it over plenty of times. She knew that if she had won, the world would've been in forever chaos. "Rose, you have the most powerful magic of all." Rose raised a brow. She didn't recall. "The magic of your choices. You've used it for others for the last year, I think it is time for you to decide for yourself. If you wish to be free and leave this place, all you have to do is decide."
"It's not that simple," Rose said after a period of silence. "Ben-"
"If he truly loved you," Audrey cut her off. "He'll understand. And if he doesn't that's his choice, not yours." Audrey knew that Ben would understand, all that Rose had to do was tell him. Tell him her choice and let him accept that.
They stood there for a long moment.
"Thank you," Rose said with a bow. "If I don't come back the day after the wedding, know that my plan has been successful."
"Thank you, Rose," Audrey said bowing back. Rose then disappeared from the room in a pink flame, and Audrey was left with a small smile on her lips. Her attention was turned back towards the wall, which had turned to show the Enchanted Lake in real-time. It was no longer the basic landscapes. Rose had changed it for her. And that made Audrey's smile widen.
The sun was settling down on the horizon. Rose had thought a lot about what Audrey had said. She sat in her room contemplating the words. The magic of your choices. A small phrase with a big impact. Rose knew how heavy they were. She was the one that first told Audrey about them back before the trial. Rose wished she had talked to Audrey sooner, but it all made sense now.
Rose had made plenty of choices in the past. Some good, some bad, and some that were just normal ones. Rose knew whatever she decided to do next would affect the rest of her life in some way. She knew what she had to do, but didn't know if she had the strength to do it. Thinking of how the enchantress saved her life, Rose concluded that because of her choice, Rose was able to live on.
Everything affected everything.
So Rose got off of her bed and went out the door. Except when she opened it, she didn't expect to see Ben. Rose nearly jumped back ten feet in surprise. Usually, she could sense these things, but today her powers ran short. "Sorry, I was about to knock," Ben smiled as he took a step in.
"I thought you would be in your study," Rose let her heart moderate its beating. "Or with the guys for a bachelor party?"
"We had already done some things this afternoon," Ben shrugged. "I was actually hoping you were here. I was thinking, maybe we should go for a run."
"A run?" Rose raised an eyebrow before smirking. "It's a little late to lose weight for the wedding. But I guess if you want to drop maybe three pounds before tomorrow afternoon, I guess we could give it a try."
Ben laughed. "No, I meant like in the woods, we could transform. What do you say?" Rose had almost forgotten Ben could transform into a creature too. Rose remembered back when she first turned into a bear. She had urges to go for many runs and jogs through the woods herself.
"Sure," Rose agreed. "I haven't gotten a good run in about a year." Ben laughed again as they walked out of the room together. As the siblings walked out into the hall, they were greeted by the noises of distant crowds. it would be dinner time in the castle. Rose took the initiative and snapped her fingers. They were suddenly at the edge of the castle grounds.
Rose put all of her concentration away from her thoughts. She then transformed into her bear-wolf form. Shaking out her coat, she turned her head towards Ben, who looked surprised. She probably scared him a bit, even though he knew she would never hurt him. He then let out a howl and jumped forward. In mid-air, Ben grew brown fur and completely changed into a more wolf than bear.
Together they ran through the forest. They challenged each other in races, played little games on the way, and just ran. Rose was surprised how good Ben was in taking control of his animal form. It was like it was always a part of him, it just hadn't been realized yet. She wanted to ponder what life would've been like if he could've changed when they were younger. But she silenced her thoughts. It was no use to dream when you already knew the reality.
They stopped running once they arrived at the enchanted lake. Rose was about to change back when Ben lunged forward into the water. Rose ran down to the banks, changing into human form as she went. Ben made a splash in the water and stayed under for a while. Rose was about to be concerned, but then the wolf resurfaced and swam towards her.
Once out of the water, Ben shook his fur, giving rose a small shower. "Ugh, Ben,!" Rose chided him. "I would prefer you to be less of a dog."
At that, Ben transformed back. His hair was still wet, but otherwise, he appeared dry. He smiled slightly. "You don't have to be such a bear."
"Ha. Ha." Rose rolled her eyes. The siblings stayed there at the lake. They sat in silence on the edge of the water when Rose finally asked, "Ben, what would you have done if I really left when you got into that spat?"
Ben took a long time before giving his answer. "I wouldn't know what I would've done. Fell guilty, I suppose. Then I would go looking for you."
"You wouldn't have given up?"
"Never," Ben shook his head. "That's why I'm so glad we'll be reinstating you into the kingdom. We can finally be a family again. Isn't that what you've always wanted? Was to be accepted?"
Rose stared at the water. It was what she wanted, and yet it wasn't enough. Why was there this conflict inside her? It was destroying her from the inside out. Rose wanted to stay, but she didn't want to miss this chance of seeing the world and getting to find herself. Get away from these memories and ties for a bit. Do some healing, study magic, and be who she wanted to be. Rose always wished to be free, but how could she be without hurting anyone? She thought of Audrey's words again. If Ben truly loved her, he would understand.
She looked at Ben, ready to say what she truly wanted. But when she saw his face, she froze. He was looking at her like the day that she left five years ago. An expression mixed with confusion, suttle sadness, and hurt. Rose blinked, and the young Ben's face went away. The present Ben was looking at her with an expectant gaze.
Rose couldn't break his heart.
Not ever again.
And that was the choice she made.
"Yes."
"I told you guys not to get me any gifts!" Mal exclaimed. She was surrounded by Evie, Uma, Lonnie, and Belle. They were all sitting in the living room of Evie's place. She couldn't believe that she was going to be married at this time tomorrow.
"Well, it's nothing really special," Belle said humbly. Mal took the gift bag from her soon-to-be mother-in-law. She tried to keep her thoughts away from her real mother, but it was hard not to wonder. Had she received the invitation? Would she attend? Or would her pride get the best of her and would she refuse? Mal wish she knew for sure, and perhaps she did, but she didn't want to admit it to herself.
She reached inside of the yellow bag to pull out two purple gem earrings wrapped with small silver dragons. "Oh, they're beautiful!" Mal looked down at them in awe.
"It'll be your something new!" Lonnie smiled.
"Of course, my veil is something old," Belle added.
"Your something blue is a single seam on the dress," Evie smiled.
"But the something borrowed, that's what you're missing," Uma uncrossed her arms and grabbed another bag. "I went to the Isle, and I got something from...your mother."
Mal almost gasped, but she was too shocked to make a sound. She reached for the bag hesitantly. Gazing inside, Mal did gasp. She reached in and pulled out her mother's famous dragon's eye necklace. It was a small green pendant that hung from a silver chain. "I-" Mal breathed out. She was so shocked and was just grateful that Uma did this for her. "I'm speechless."
"It wasn't much," Uma shrugged. Mal was about to say something when the boys came in. Carlos, Jay, Harry, and Gil walked into the living room with cheers.
"That was a great tourney match," Carlos laughed before he plopped down on the couch next to Evie. Jay went to Lonnie.
"You guys played tourney?" Evie raised a brow.
"With Harry playing, I hope Ben's still in one piece," Uma said, crossing her arms. Harry shot her a sort of longing look. Mal was a little confused by it.
"Well, I suppose I'll go check," Belle stood and smoothed her skirts. "It's getting late and the bride ought to be getting to rest. I shall see you all tomorrow morning." She gave Mal a quick hug before leaving.
Harry kept trying to capture Uma's eye, but she didn't look at him. He suddenly took Gil by the arm. "Come on, we ought to check on the bikes."
"But we just- ow! Okay," Gil went along with him. Jay and Carlos were both telling their girlfriends about their day. Uma sat for a moment before getting up and going upstairs. Mal watched her, then decided to follow. She went up to Uma's room and knocked on the door softly.
"Harry?" Uma called, her voice cracking. Mal opened the door to reveal herself, and Uma quickly wiped her eyes and sniffed. "I wasn't expecting you. Me and Harry..."
"Did you ever tell him about the kiss?" Mal asked.
"Yes," Uma folded her arms. "And...it went well for a while but now he wants to come out into public."
"You haven't told anyone all summer?" Mal raised a brow. She wasn't even aware of the relationship, but she had a small inkling there was something between them.
"Well, Evie knows, but that's just because she caught us," Uma hugged herself. "We had a small fight about it. I know it shouldn't be that big of a deal to go public, but I'm scared. I'm not experienced in love, nor did I ever think I would fall in love."
"You love him?" Mal asked. Uma stiffened as if realizing what she had said. She then nodded.
"I think I do," Uma nodded. "But I'm still scared."
"Sometimes it is scary," Mal took a step forward, "but that shouldn't stop you from being with Harry. If you love him, and he loves you, that's all that matters. I was scared when Ben and I were first dating. I didn't know how to be in the public eye in a good way, but you help each other through it. If you're worried about how we're going to react, don't be. All I want is for you to be happy Uma."
"Really?" Uma questioned.
"Of course," Mal laughed a little. "You did an amazing thing, going to the Isle to get my mother's necklace. You're one of my best friends, why would I want anything else for you?"
"I hope you'll be happy with Ben," Uma smiled.
"I know I will be," Mal hugged her. Uma was stiff at the embrace, but she did hug back. Once they pulled away, Mal nudged her. "Now, go get your true love." Uma nodded and took a deep breath. Before she could leave the room, Uma looked back.
"Thanks." Mal shooed her away. Once Uma was sent to find Harry, Mal took it upon herself to go for a night walk. She needed to clear her head a bit before going to bed. Mal loved the slight chill in the air. She stopped short of the trail though, she was planning to go the Enchanted Lake, but she didn't think she could ignore her feelings for that long.
At the final stair that led down from the front door, Mal sat with the dragon necklace clutched in her palm. When she opened it, her eyes began to well with tears. Why was she crying? It was the eve of her wedding, she should be crying happy tears if anything. And yet, she was crying over all of the feelings she has pent up for the past year.
There was a sudden touch on her shoulder. She expected it to be Evie, but she turned her face to see Jay. He took off his beanie before sitting next to her. They said nothing as Mal cried on his shoulder. He had always been an older brother to her. They understand each other in a way that Mal could never put into words. All of the years on the Isle together had made one of the strongest bonds Mal would ever know.
"She's not coming," Mal shook her head. "I thought that-that-"
"Sometimes you can't change people," Jay whispered. "Even without your mother you still have me."
"And us," Evie added. She and Carlos sat on Mal's other side. She was thankful for them. She loved them all with her whole heart. They were the only family she had for a long time. Now, Ben would be her family. Rose, Belle, and Beast would be her family. Her father was her family. But it all started with Maleficent's cruelty and the four hearts bonding together in friendship.
The strength of evil is good as non when stands before four hearts as one.
On the Isle of the Lost, Maleficent looked at herself in the mirror. She felt almost naked without her dragon's eye necklace. Ursula's daughter had been very persuasive with her leading it out to Mal for the wedding. She felt it would be a small reminder of her even though she was sure Mal remembered her mother every day.
She had refrained from cursing the object. it would've been an easy way to cause mischief, but before she could bring herself to cast the spell, she just unhooked it from her neck and gave it to Uma. She hated these feelings that were poisoning her mind and heart. Why would Mal do this other? Make her feel empathy and guilt for how she had treated her daughter in the past.
What had set it over the edge was receiving the invitation to the wedding last week. She had stared at it for hours, pondering what Mal was playing at. She could've sent it out of spite, to make her angry. Or perhaps she did it just out of courtesy. Or the one she had most suspected: Mal wanted her to be at the wedding, just as she wanted her to come back to Auradon.
Maleficent had wanted to come back, so she could rise to power. But she had to admit, she was getting too old for this constant uphill battle against the kingdom. It would take years of endless preparations for her to finally gain enough power to win. Mal would be the best defender for the kingdom, and with Hades on her side, Maleficent would surely never win.
But even if they were powerless against her, Maleficent still didn't feel the drive to rise up. Seeing Mal come to her and present her with this chance was something Maleficent never expected. She thought Mal would be cold towards her. Not even wanting anything to do with her. After all, Mal brought her and left her as a lizard on the Isle.
But now, Maleficent looked down at the invitation on the vanity. She picked it up and gazed at the picture of her daughter and the king. Her green eyes looked as luminescent on the card as they did in real life. She looked very happy with him, and even though Maleficent would never admit it, she thought it was good for Mal to be happy. At the top of the card of the information, in violet ink, Mal had written: Dear Mom. She didn't need to write it. The letter was already addressed to: respected guest. It made the corner of Maleficent's mouth turn up slightly.