Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for reading the finale to not only The Magic of Your Choices but the last chapter in the series The Patching of the Past. I am forever grateful for the wonderful people who have given me kind words (and some criticism) these past three years. It feels like only yesterday I had come up with this plotline and the character of Rose.

Thank you NymhadoraTonks for reviewing throughout this whole story! And thanks to Creator of Magic, who has also shown much support and love for my stories.

This isn't exactly the end. I will have a mini-story about the kids. But, as for Rose's story, it ends here and goes on into the Happily Ever After you imagine for her.

Much love and thanks,

JustAnotherFanGirl2004

keep on dreaming! :)

Everyone was gathering in the castle gardens for the ceremony. It was a gorgeous, warm August day. The flowers were in full bloom on their bushes. Ben was relieved to be outside. He was sweating no matter what, but a least he had fresh air. Rose had told him hundreds of times that he would be fine, but he couldn't help his nerves.

Evie was sitting with Carlos. Even though she was the maid of honor, they had decided she would just sit in the front row with Carlos, Jay, Lonnie, Gil, Uma, Harry, and Rose. Evie sat there, gazing at the new engagement ring on her finger. She hadn't told Mal about it. It didn't feel right to steal Mal's day. She and Carlos had agreed to keep the new engagement a secret until next week after the honeymoon concluded.

Uma and Harry had gotten to the back of the aisle. She gazed out at the many people. Gil was behind them, wondering why they stopped. Uma looked to Harry. They had talked their fight over last night, and Uma made her decision. She grabbed Harry's hand, and he shot her a smile. For the first time as a couple, they walked down the aisle to their seats in the front row. Evie looked at their locked hands and smiled when they took their seats next to Jay and Lonnie.

"I knew you two had something going on," Gil said matter of factly.

"I'm happy for you," Evie said with a smile.

"Me too," Ben said from the other side of Evie. She had forgotten he was there, he was so quiet. He then nudged Evie before whispering to her, "Congratulations on the engagement." How could have Ben known? The engagement ring didn't look that much different than the promise ring she had on earlier.

"Rose?" Evie asked. Ben gave her a sheepish shrug before nodding.

"I didn't tell Mal," Ben said before Dizzy came skipping over.

"Guys! Maleficent's here!" she said in an excited but low voice.

"What?!" Ben whipped his head around, searching for her. Mal would be so happy to know she came.

"Rose took her somewhere," Dizzy explained. "Hades doesn't know yet, I hope there isn't a disturbance."

"There won't be," Evie shook her head. "They wouldn't do that on Mal's wedding day."

"The day after though," Jay shook his head. "Watch out. There may be a duel."

"I'm glad I'll be off to knight by then," Lonnie remarked. Jay slightly tensed at her words. he had almost forgotten that she would be leaving tomorrow. He shook the thoughts out of his mind as Dude came winding through their legs.

"Dizzy! I snagged a look at the cake and it's beautiful!" Dude said as he smacked his furry lips. Dizzy squealed with delight.

"You can have a piece after the ceremony," Carlos instructed. "You don't want to spoil it now." Dizzy nodded and sat down beside him.

"Speaking of the ceremony," Evie turned to Ben. "I think it's about time to take your place, groom."

Mal was standing in the glass bubble of Evie's workshop one final time. All of her bags had been moved into the castle by servants this morning. She was dressed in her white gown with a single blue seam. She fixed Belle's old veil over her curly purple hair. The new dragon gem earring hung from each of her ears. Her green eyes looked down at her mother's necklace Uma had borrowed. She had clutched onto it all night, not letting it slip from her palm.

A million thoughts in my head

Should I let my heart keep listening

'Cause up 'til now I've walked the line

Nothing lost but something missing

She wanted her mother to be there, but she knew she couldn't have everything. Mal had enough. Her dad was waiting to escort her. Evie, Jay, and Carlos were all at the church, making sure everything was right. Ben was waiting for her at the alter. Mal wanted to be there too, and yet she was still standing here in the small bubble. A sudden meow broke her from her thoughts.

Scales was stretching out on the table. Mal thought the cat was secured in the castle., but she was glad she wasn't. She smiled widely at the black cat and picked her up. The cat's green eyes stared into Mal's. "You're sure to get fur on your dress."

Mal turned sharply to see Rose there. She was dressed in a blue dress that matched her perfectly. her hair was in loose curls around her shoulders. "Rose!" Mal gasped. "Aren't you supposed to be with Ben?"

"I was, but then I realized I haven't checked in with the bride yet," Rose reached forward and stroked Scales's back. "And I can tell you are as just as nervous as he is."

"I just can't believe all that's happened," Mal shook her head. In a whole year's time, she had become good, fallen deeply in love, and even became a lady of the court. That was besides uncovering a royal family secret, fighting multiple wars, and befriending the most feared person in Auradon. After today, she would become a wife and the Queen of Auradon. It was a lot to take in when it was reflected upon.

"You won't believe what's about to happen," Rose said quietly. Mal barely opened her mouth before she saw her.

Maleficent.

Her mother.

She was standing in the door, dressed in her darkest purple robes, horns wrapped in black, and her dark lips were curved into a smile. Mal's jaw dropped open. She released her hold on Scales as rose took the cat from her arms. "I believe I should escort the cat to the ceremony," Rose said, but not before she shot Mal a small smile. She then disappeared in a pink puff of smoke.

"Male-mo-" Mal stuttered. She came. She had come back for her. Mal felt her stomach do a small flip as her heart began to beat faster with joy.

"Hello, my dear little dragon," Maleficent finally said. "I believe for the first time in my life, I had received an invitation."

"You did," Mal nodded.

"I must say," Maleficent looked at her daughter. "I'm quite surprised."

"So am I," Mal regained her breath. "I didn't think you would come."

"Well, you surprised me by coming to the Isle to seek me out," Maleficent took a step closer, "I thought I should return the favor. it is the mischievous thing to do."

Mal smiled at her mother. "The most," she said before suddenly throwing her arms around her mother. Maleficent stiffened under the unsolicited embrace, but she slowly and hesitantly held her daughter to her for only a moment, before letting go.

"I must say, you look dreadful darling." Mal knew it was a compliment. White fabrics had never been her mother's favorite, but the small smile on her lips gave it away. "I think we ought to darken it up a bit, perhaps with the necklace in your palm?" Maleficent turned over Mal's hand and took the necklace from within it. Mal turned as her mother clipped in around her neck.

When Mal turned around to face her mother, Maleficent gave an approving nod. "Much better. I thought I ought to see that my necklace be returned. I didn't give the sea witch my whole trust." Mal was speechless. Her mother was still herself, but she was trying to be good, and that was all that Mal could ever ask for. "Now, we don't want to keep them waiting too long. I know dramatically late entrances can be nice, but you must get the timing just right."

Before Mal knew it, they were magically transported into the castle. The wedding was to be held in the garden. They weren't far from it, and a few guests were still being shuffled into their seats. Inside the gift room, Belle jumped at their sudden arrival. "Oh my!" she clapped a hand over her mouth.

"I know," Maleficent placed her hands on her hips. "I'm here. But I'm not here for you, just my daughter." Belle looked utterly speechless. She looked from Mal to Maleficent before nodding.

"Shall I show you to your seat?" Belle asked. Mal could tell her mother was about to retort, so she shot her a small glance.

"Sure, I would be delighted," Maleficent chocked out with a small cough. She gave one more look to Mal before smiling and walking with Belle to the garden.

Once they were gone, Mal gazed at all of the presents surrounding her. There were many cards that were signed To the Happy Couple! or To our Queen! Seeing the word "queen" written on the cards made her feel queasy. It never really sunk in before. She was going to be the queen. There would be no other while she was on the throne. She would have ruled her people.

Was she ready for that? She thought she was, but now she wasn't so sure. Mal was good a being a leader, but was she ready for the responsibility? There was already so much pressure on her shoulders. Mal had thought her mother's presence would've made it better, but now she was thinking it was almost worse. No, she wanted her mother to be there. But did Mal want to be here? Of course, she did. Right?

If only I knew what my heart was telling me

Don't know what I'm feeling

Is this just a dream?

"You're still conflicted after all this time?" Rose asked. Mal felt her shoulders tense for a moment, then relaxed.

"Is it that obvious?" Mal asked.

"Well, I can hear you sing," Rose shrugged.

"I don't know what's wrong with me," Mal shook her head. "My mom's here, my dad's here, there's peace in Auradon, and I can't wait to get married, but-"

"But you're reacting like every bride in history," Rose shrugged. When Mal's nerves didn't calm down, Rose's face softened. "I mean, this is all normal. You've been through a lot, are you sure you're ready?"

"Of course I'm ready," Mal smiled. "I love Ben with all of my heart. I love Auradon with all of my heart."

"Then the conflict is over," Rose smiled. "I think you've been in denial all of this time. Wondering when the conflict would finally be resolved. Now it's here, and you just have to open your eyes. The patching of the past will never be truly mended unless it is recognized." Mal smiled. It was easy. She was finally living the dream she had always wanted, she just needed to accept to see it.

"Okay," Mal nodded before laughing. Tears of joy were springing to her eyes. "Okay! I'm ready!"

"See you out there," Rose scanned over Mal. "You look wonderful."

"Thank you," Mal said before moving to hug Rose, but she hugged her first. Mal was surprised to feel Rose hug her with assurance, but Mal smiled and returned the embrace.

She followed Rose to the room that leads to the garden. Mal took in a sharp breath as Rose slipped through the doors. The music was coming from the garden. She was finally here. Mal was going to get married and become the Queen of Auradon. "Wow," Hades said behind her. "You look..."

"Dreadful?" Mal asked as she turned. Hades smiled with pride.

"Perfect," Hades held out an arm to her, "Shall we?"

"We shall." Mal linked her arm through his and together they turned towards the garden. The doors swung open, and Mal gazed upon Ben. Her heart skipped a beat. And everything seemed to freeze. Mal didn't notice when everything really did stick in time. She had cast a spell without even knowing it. Her eyes were only on Ben, her soon-to-be-husband. the love of her life.

And then everything was clear.

I finally know what my heart was telling me

I know what I'm feeling

Is this just a dream?

I finally can read the signs in front of me

I finally found the way to who I'm meant to be

She gazed at Ben's smiling face. And as the spell wore off, Mal smiled.

My only

Mal was escorted up the rest of the way up the rose-lined aisle. When they reached the alter, Hades placed her hand into Ben's before kissing her cheek. Mal hugged her father before letting him go. He walked down to his seat, next to Maleficent. She had that small mischievous grin on her face that he used to adore. His eyes widened when he saw her, but he slightly smiled as he sat down.

"You're looking good," he said out of the corner of his mouth.

"Your flattery won't work on me, hot head," Maleficent kept her gaze forward. She then looked to him, "But, I will still take the compliment because it's true." Hades winked at her before giving a small chuckle and nudging her. She nudged him back playfully.

The ceremony was beautiful. Mal kept hold of Ben's hand the whole time. Every time his thumb would brush her skin a shiver would go down her spine. Her hands were slightly shaking when it was time for the rings, but Ben had captured her hands and kissed them, making her nerves flush away. As they said their vows to one another, they slipped matching gold bands onto their rings fingers.

Sealing it with a kiss, Mal was married. "That wasn't so hard, was it?" Ben asked.

"It was the easiest thing I've ever done," Mal smiled before kissing him again, pulling him closer to her.

Everyone cheered and clapped, but the ceremony wasn't over yet. Mal got down on one knee as Ben took the golden queen's crown from a pedestal. He raised the crown into the air before gently placing it upon her head. Mal grinned as she rose to her feet. Not as Mal, the daughter of Maleficent, but now the Queen of Auradon. Applause erupted from the crowd as Mal and Ben embraced again.

Maleficent and Hades clapped, exchanging small smiles. Belle and Beast cheered for their son. Bell had even put an arm around Rose. Carlos held Evie close to him as they watched the excitement. Jay felt Lonnie's head press against his shoulder, and he placed his head atop hers. Uma, Gil, Harry, and Dizzy all watched happily, Dude and Scales sitting at their feet. Everything was going to change now, for the better.

At the reception, the music blared. Many had already started dancing after the dinner. Evie didn't need to drag Carlos onto the floor, he just swooped her up into his arms instead and carried her out. They took up most of the floor with their amazing moves. Some just watched in awe, while others took turns with the couple, stealing places turning it into one big and elaborate dance. Dizzy had even got a turn swinging around with Carlos.

When the fanfare strikes up, the music stopped. Fairy Godmother had taken a microphone and stood up on a small platform of the wedding party. Everyone turned to gaze at her. "Presenting for the first time, both the King and Queen of Auradon. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Beast!" Everyone cheered as Ben and Mal made their first appearance of the night.

"Thank you Fairy Godmother," Ben said as he took the mic from her. "I and my wife want to thank you all for coming. We hope that we will grow together as leaders of this kingdom."

"And we give you our promise that we will do everything in our power to keep the peace," Mal added. Another cheer and the newly-wed couple took to the dance floor. Soft violin music came from the speakers. They took their first dance together as husband and wife.

They had arranged a dance, but Mal had forgotten all of the steps after a minute. Not because she didn't know them, but they were no longer in her mind. Everything had melted away when she looked at Ben, her husband and love of her life. She simply stopped dancing and threw her arms around him. He was a little shocked by her movements, but then he held her close to him as they swayed to the music. "I love you," she whispered.

"I love you, too," Ben whispered back. Mal's cheeks burned. She didn't think he had heard her, but she was glad that she did. She closed her eyes and took everything in. One breath at a time.

Hades had been sitting at a table with Maleficent, watching his little girl dance. "She looks happy, doesn't she?" he turned to her. Her green eyes were studying the couple.

"Yes, I suppose so," she grinned slightly. "Where did I go wrong?"

"Where did we go wrong?" Hades corrected. Maleficent laughed.

"Oh yes, because you were so involved in her upbringing." Hades almost retorted in defending himself, but he looked again at Mal, and let his anger dwindle.

"I should have," he said suddenly. This obviously threw off Maleficent, because he stiffened. "I'm...sorry I left without saying anything. I should have at least warned you."

There was a small silence, then Maleficent sighed. "Well, maybe I should've been more considerate when it came to you." It was the closest thing to an apology Hades could ever expect, but it was enough to make him smile.

"Now that I'll be back in the Underworld, and you're free, perhaps you could visit a lonely god once in a while," Hades winked at her. She shifted in her seat before grinning.

"Maybe I will."

He got up from his chair. "Should we show them how it's done?"

Maleficent raised a brow before lifting her skirts and standing. "It would be selfish to upstage the bride. Let's do it." Taking his arm, Maleficent led him to the floor. Mal grinned at the sight of her parents together.

Soon, Belle and Beast strode onto the floor, as did other couples. Uma grabbed Harry's hand again and led him to the floor. Evie and Carlos followed, along with Jay and Lonnie. Gil had asked Jane to dance, which she hesitantly accepted. Dizzy, Celia, and the twins were all with their parents and friends, having a marvelous time. Rose sat in her chair alone and away from the crowd. She liked observing from afar, it made her feel less pressure.

"You didn't expect for me not to request a dance, did you?" a familiar voice came from behind her. She grinned and turned to see Simon was sitting in the chair nearest to her. She hadn't even noticed his presence until he spoke. What was with her senses lately?

"I was hoping only to delay it," Rose looked down with slight embarrassment. "I've never slowed danced before, let alone in front of people."

"Well, who says you have to be on the dance floor to dance?" Simon asked as he stood and held out a hand to her. Rose looked at it. She raised her own hand but stopped short of grazing his fingers. She then took it and rose up.

They went a couple of yards back from where they were. Simon suddenly faced her, taking her other hand in his, and placing one on his shoulder. Pulling her in by the waist, he began to move her into a basic four-step dance. Rose had never danced like this, but it was easy enough to catch on. She trusted Simon, and she let him lead her around to the beats of the music.

"Where did you learn to dance?" Rose asked as he twirled her once. "Or is it just basic prince training to know?"

"You lucked out on not having the dance lessons," Simon shook his head. "Most girls weren't coordinated enough, and the guys lost most of their toes by the end of the lesson."

He twirled her into him again, their faces were close to a kiss. Rose took a hesitant step back, which almost made her fall. He had brought her back to him to steady her. Rose flushed with embarrassment. She shouldn't have receded when they were so close. It wasn't like she never kissed him before. Rose recovered by planting a single kiss on his cheek when he dipped her.

When the song ended, Rose let herself slip her arms around his neck. She embraced him tightly. "Are you alright?" Simon asked after a moment, hugging her back. Rose leaned back.

"Yes, why?"

"You seemed to be hugging me like you would never place your arms around me again," Simon brushed a strand of hair from her forehead and caressed her cheek. She leaned into it before looking up into his eyes.

Perhaps she wasn't going to place her arms around him again.

At least not for a few years.

Rose didn't respond, she only hugged him again. He held her to him, nuzzling his nose in the crook of her neck. His mind still wondered what was going through her mind at that very moment.

Back on the dance floor, Jay had swung Lonnie into his arms. Taking one long look into her brown eyes, he smiled. "Are you excited for tomorrow?" Lonnie seemed surprised by his question.

"I am," Lonnie smiled. "Why are you smiling so much?"

"Because I finally figured out what I"m going to do while you're away," Jay paused. "I'm going to travel with Gil. He said how much he wanted to see the different places in Auradon and in other kingdoms. And I realized that I want to see them too. I haven't been anywhere, and I think now is a perfect time."

"I agree," Lonnie nodded. "But I wish that you send me postcards, and be home for holidays. Holloween included."

"I suppose I can make that work," Jay shrugged slightly. "Someone's got to hold you while watching scary movies." Lonnie's face suddenly got very serious.

"And what do you plan to do after you're done traveling the world?"

"I thought you already knew," Jay cocked a brow. "I'm going to marry you, and then we can go from there." It wasn't the answer Lonnie was searching for, and he knew it. He shrugged again. "Maybe I'll be a coach or something. I do love tourney."

"As long as you think you can handle kids, I think you'll be great," Lonnie encouraged.

"Maybe by then I'll have had plenty of practice with Mal's or Evie's kids," Jay looked around. "I suppose you'll be back for the wedding."

"What wedding?"

"Evie and Carlos's," Jay said simply as if she were to already know.

"They're not engaged."

"Oh, yes they are."

"How do you know?"

"Because I can just sense these things, Carlos has been giddy for days."

Lonnie laughed before leaning his head on his shoulder. "You're very attentive." Jay smiled a little wider as closed his eyes and leaned into her embrace.

Uma and Harry were dancing not far. They hadn't said anything to each other the whole night, they just enjoyed the other's presence. Uma pulled back from their closeness and planted a single kiss on Harry's lips. His closed eyes suddenly popped open in surprise. He looked at her questionably. "What was that for?"

"No reason in particular," Uma's lips turned up. "Just because I love you."

Harry was silent for a moment, he then leaned in and kissed her once. Faces an inch apart, he whispered to her, "I love you too, shrimpy." Uma rolled her eyes at the nickname, but she couldn't have loved the moment more.

Carlos and Evie weren't dancing anymore, but sitting on the edge of the platform together. They just watched as the others danced. Evie slightly swayed to the music while Carlos scratched the backs of Dude's ears. Scales laid beside the dog in silence, watching her owner prance happily with her father. Carlos's free hand rested on Evie's, his thumb brushing over her ring.

"I wish I could tell everyone," Carlos said suddenly.

"Ben and Rose know, isn't that enough?"

"Well, I might have told my mom," Carlos turned his gaze down sheepishly. Evie tried not to think of her mom on the Isle, but she found it wasn't that hard to forget. Her friends were the only family she needed. Evie smiled at her fiance.

"Did you ever think we would make it here?" Evie asked.

Carlos pondered over his answer for a minute. "Yes, I knew we would. How else would little Charolette and Everett come into our lives?"

"I think they would still come, even if we were still on the Isle," Evie thought about finding happiness on the Isle with a closed barrier. It was a happy thought for Evie, that she wasn't as doomed as she thought she was. Her life had been turned around by a single boy, her first friend, the love of her life. "Because I believe there's no other reality than this one." She clutched her red heart necklace before kissing Carlos's cheek.

Later that night, a single glass had been raised and clinked. Everyone turned their attention to the stage again. Belle stood by the microphone with Beast, smiles on both of their faces. "I think it is time to turn our attention to a girl whom all of you may not know, but have definitely heard of. Rose, would you please come up here?" Applause erupted, and Ben got up on the stage.

Rose was nowhere to be found.

"Rose?" Ben called into the mic. There was nothing but silence. Everyone looked around to find. Simon even gave a shrug to Mal when she gazed at him. Ben's hurt expression nearly broke her heart. Mal got up on the stage and placed an arm around her husband.

"She's got to be here," Belle said as she left the stage. "Please, everyone keep celebrating. I'll find her." Before Ben could object, Belle went into the castle. She walked all the way to the rose gardens. It was the only place she thought Rose would go. She wouldn't have gone farther than the castle.

In the dim lights of the moon's light, Belle emerged from the castle and into the gardens. Through the lines of hedges and bushes, Belle finally stopped when she saw Rose. She was no longer in her dress, nor her enchantress robes. She was dressed in her blue leather jacket with the painted rose on its back, with her painted boots to match. Her hair was back in a loose braid falling down her back. Her face was framed by small whisps.

"I thought you would be the one to find me," Rose said before Belle could. She picked a rose from the bush and turned to Belle. "Why didn't you just let me go? All of those years ago, you could've just gotten rid of me. Why didn't you just let me die?"

"Because I love you," Belle said suddenly. Rose's expression didn't change. "A mother's love doesn't change."

"But you never did love me," Rose turned away again. "Or at least that's what I thought before. But you were really trying to help me, weren't you?"

"Of course I was," Belle responded, taking a step towards her. "I admit it I got frustrated and it got the best of me, but I believe that I was truly trying to help you."

"And what do you think would help me now? Now that my heart is once again conflicted, how can I be who I want to be without being tortured in the process?" Rose asked. Belle wasn't exactly sure what she was saying, but she closed the distance between them and turned Rose's face to hers.

"That choice is no longer mine, only yours," Belle whispered. Rose let a single tear fall from her eyes. Belle let her own become watery. "I don't know what you're conflicted with, but I know whatever you choose, I'll still be proud of you."

Rose stared at her. Her mouth dropped a little. Her mother was proud of her. Rose dropped the flower in her hand and hugged Belle close. Belle returned her embrace. So much had traveled between them in so few words. Even if Rose didn't admit it to herself, she would admit to herself that she had forgiven Belle for all that she had done to her.

The patching of the past will never be truly mended unless it is recognized.

And now her choice was clear.

Ben had come stumbling into the garden. He was running so hard that when he saw his mother and sister hugging, he stopped abruptly. When he skidded on his feet, Belle and Rose split apart. Belle looked from her son to her daughter. She then leaned down and picked up the rose laying on the path and handed it to Rose. She strode over to Ben and gave him a small smile before leaving.

His eyes gazed at Rose. She stared at him, rose in hand, dressed in her usual outfit. She looked like herself. "What's all this?" he asked after he caught his breath.

"I told you I made my choice," Rose said as he walked to her. She was silent for a moment. "I was going to stay here in Auradon with you and the others. But..."

"It's not what you want," Ben finished for her. A part of him always knew. Knew that she wasn't going to stay for long.

"It isn't," Rose affirmed.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I was afraid," Rose said quietly. "Afraid that I would hurt you again the way I did the first time."

"No," Ben shook his head. "You could never do that to me again. Because now I know that you will come back."

"You do?"

"You're not the same person you were a year ago," Ben shook his head. "You've grown into your true self. And I know that this real Rose would never turn her back on me again because she treasures her brother's love, and would never lose it. Even if she tried."

"Never?"

"Never."

"But-"

"You've been following other's choices for years, it's time that you make your own. I know that you don't belong here, nor do you want to be here. Well, not yet. But someday you will come back, and I'll be waiting here when you do. All I want is for you to be happy. You deserve nothing but happiness."

"You're serious?" Rose whispered as she turned to him. Ben nodded. More tears fell down her cheeks as she smiled. The siblings hugged each other tightly. Rose felt something change inside of her. Perhaps it was a surge of magic, or maybe it was just love.

The night was at its peak when Ben and Rose came back to the party. Soft music was playing, and Everyone had gathered together. Rose was shocked to see the banner that once read: Congratulations Mal and Ben! now read Goodbye Rose!

Ben had known this whole time. Rose was so touched she could've cried again, but instead, she said her goodbyes to everyone. She hugged both Evie and Carlos. "I'll be back for the wedding," she told them. "I'm guessing sometime next summer?"

"Maybe," Evie smiled with a small blush. She was very happy for them. Their she started was so true It was obvious they were meant for each other.

"We'll save you a seat," Carlos said as he winked. Rose gave him another hug. He was her very first real friend, and that meant everything to her. She gave Dude and Scales a final pet before moving on.

"I hope to see you two make it through," Rose said as she hugged Jay and Lonnie.

"I think the odds are very high," Jay said to her, and she nodded her approval.

Going onto Gil, Harry, and Uma, she took her time embracing them. "Thank you for giving me a second chance," told them all. "Even after our first two plans didn't go so well."

"It all worked out in the end," Uma said as Harry put an arm around her.

"We'll miss you," Gil added. She exchanged smiles with him before turning to Belle and Beast.

They both hugged her. "I'll make sure your room is kept safe," Belle whispered to her. "And the memory of you close." She then handed her the small stuffed bear. Rose put it into her pack before giving her mom another hug. "I'm so proud of you, my not-so-little enchantress."

"I'll see you soon, mom," Rose said in a low voice.

Next, Mal was wiping her tears away. They had been through so much together, it was going to be hard to forget Mal. Rose held her close before pulling away. "Keep my brother safe and happy, okay?"

"I will," Mal vowed. They hugged again.

Then, Simon came from the crowd before she could go back to Ben. Rose gasped. She wished she didn't have to leave him. Rose wanted him to go with her, but she knew that he had a life here. "Oh, Simon, I'm sorry. I didn-"

He silenced her with a hug. "It's not the first time we've been apart. I'll wait forever if I have to." Rose felt herself blush before she kissed his cheek. Reaching inside of her pack, she took out the single rose that she picked.

"I, Enchantress Rose, entrust you with this rose. It shall wilt until my full return. When the final petal falls, I shall return to the ones I love." The rose's red petals glowed as she handed it to him. He stared a the magical flower before meeting her eyes again, a sad smile crossed his lips. He reached out and touched her cheek lovingly before letting her go.

She took a step back, looking at everyone around her. Ben was gone. She was about to search for him, but then she heard the roar of the bike behind her. Her gaze turned to him, sitting on his blue motorbike. "How about a race?" he asked before Rose hugged him one last time. When she took a step back, looked at him with a mischievous grin.

"Sounds...perfect."

That was when the others got on their own bikes. Rose cracked her knuckles as they revved up the engines. The tables had been moved to clear a path through the woods and to the ocean. It will be a decent race. As Ben and Mal's bike came up next to her, Rose winked at him. "You ready?" she asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Ben smiled.

"Then you better be able to catch up," Rose said before lurching forward. She transformed into bear mid-air. When her paws hit the ground she began to sprint. The bikes all surged and chased her. She was going so fast she felt as if she was flying.

Beside her, Evie and Carlos were gaining, so she picked up the pace. Jay and Lonnie were on her other side, but when she turned the corner, she cut them off, putting them back a few yards. She had done the same to Uma and Harry, and Gil and Dizzy. Even Belle and Beast had challenged her. The only ones who remained were Mal and Ben, who were following her closely.

Once the bike came up her side, Rose roared before changing into a pink flame. the ocean was close. The pink flame traveled faster than the wind itself. Ben followed it closely. He wasn't going to lose her. He charged on through the woods as the pink light guided him. He almost lost control, but he regained it and kept racing. When he saw the edge of the terrain, he pushed on the breaks.

The bike skidded to a stop, but it did stop before the cliff. Ben held the bike upright as he and Mal gained their balance. The others were starting to stop around them, all of them gazing up to the starry sky, where the pink fire hovered. It suddenly changed back into Rose. She floated in the air, gazing down at her brother, her friends, her parents, her love, and everyone else from her past.

The patching of the past will never be truly mended unless it is recognized.

Rose gave a final wave of her hand and it began to rain rose petals on the land. Everyone awed at the sight, but Ben kept his eyes on Rose. She gazed back at him, giving him a small nod of her head, a smile on her lips. With a single flash of pink light, the once lost then found princess, new enchantress, and forever his sister, Rose disappeared.

Ben looked up at the stars as the pink flame soared through the sky, a single tear streaking his cheek, and smiled.

END OF THE MAGIC OF YOUR CHOICES

END OF SERIES: THE PATCHING OF THE PAST