Chapter 29. So This is Love
Hercules Olympus
Hercules and Rapunzel followed Hades down to the underworld. Through a deep chasm they journeyed down into the depths to the River Styx. The river glowed green and sickly and the spirits of thousands moaned in the water.
Hercules shuddered at the sickly feeling that seemed to leach the life out of him.
"There you go, there's schmoopsie-pie." Hades pointed to the river.
Deep within the churning waters Hercules could see a ghost that faintly looked like Meg drifting along mournfully.
He prepared to dive in but Rapunzel grabbed his shoulder.
"Wait, I have an idea." She tied her golden hair around his waist. "Now dive in."
"Hey, wait a second, no fair." Hades whined.
But Rapunzel started to sing and her hair started to glow. Hercules dove into the River Styx. He could feel the light from the hair warming him even as the river drained his lifeforce. He reached for Meg's spirit and grabbed on to her ghostly hand. Rapunzel pulled her hair up and Hercules swam to the surface, Meg's soul in hand.
They broke the surface of the waters and Hercules walked ashore, holding Meg in his arms.
"Hold on, just a minute. Her soul belongs to me." Hades stood in Hercules' way.
"You made a deal with me. I spare you, I get Meg. And we did. Have fun rotting in Hell alone." Hercules spat and journeyed with Rapunzel to Pegasus.
They flew out of the Underworld up through the chasm towards a devastated Waltville.
Pegasus landed in a destroyed square, where right outside Mudka's Meat Hut, lay Meg's body.
Hercules leapt off Pegasus and gently laid Meg's soul back into her body.
"Meg, are you alright?" Hercules asked as she blinked awake.
"I guess, people do crazy things, when they're in love." Meg smiled.
Ariel Triton
Ariel held Briar Rose's hands as the dawn filled the world with sorely missed light.
Right next to them, emerging from the waters, Triton arose. The crown on his head and golden trident in his hand.
"Daddy!" Ariel shouted and hugged him. "I love you daddy." She began to cry.
"I love you too Ariel." Triton hugged her close. "And I owe you an apology. In trying to keep you safe, I lost what it meant to be a father and I hurt you."
"And I'm sorry too." Ariel wept. "For running away and not talking to you."
"It's all in the past now." Triton sighed. "And it looks like you're a mermaid now."
"I know. I made a bad deal." Ariel sighed.
"No matter land or sea, you will always be my daughter." Triton smiled.
Ariel sniffled. She turned to Briar Rose.
"I don't think I can bear to say goodbye again."
"We won't have to. Because I'll always be with you." Briar leaned forward and kissed Ariel's tear-stained cheek.
Suddenly the water began to sparkle gold and pink. And it rose like a strange wave and surrounded Ariel. She arose, a light infused within her. When the water fell away she was in a sparkly purple gown and she had legs! Legs! And she felt a strong light inside of her. Her human soul! She got it back.
"Ariel!" Briar hugged her. "You're human again."
"She gained a soul, through a kiss of True Love. The sacred bond between two friends." Triton smiled.
Briar and Ariel both cried for joy and embraced.
Triton swam them over to the shore before taking on human form again himself.
On the sandy beach, Eric was waiting for them.
"Ariel!" He ran to her and picked her up twirling her in the air. "I'm so glad you're okay."
"You came to save me." Ariel looked up at his clear blue eyes.
"Of course. I love you." Eric said sheepishly.
Ariel kissed him. His lips were sweet and salty and refreshing.
The Princess Aurora
All across town people were reuniting with loved ones, making sure they were okay, or taking people to the hospital.
Aurora went looking for Philip. She saw Hercules flying in with Meg and Rapunzel on Pegasus. She ran towards the church, past skeletal bodies of warriors collapsed on the ground. She approached the ruined church. She saw Phoebus and Esmeralda and Quasimodo leaving.
"Philip." She gasped and ran inside.
She saw him talking to her aunts. He looked like he had been through hell and back, yet he was still handsome as ever. His brown hair was swept back. There was ash and cuts on his face. His armor was dented. He looked up and met her gaze. His face lit up. He ran to her.
They kissed and though his lips were dry and bloody, it felt like ecstasy.
"I'm so glad, you're okay, Philip."
"I'm so glad you're okay." He held her close. "Maleficent is defeated, she can't hurt you or your family anymore."
"Awe, you two are so sweet." Aunt Fauna cooed.
Aurora looked up and smiled at her aunts. "And you three are still such dears."
The three Faeries ran up and hugged their ward. It was a sweet reunion.
"Aurora." A stern voice declared.
It was King Stefan and Queen Leah standing in the ruined doorway of the church.
"Your mother convinced me that this Philip boy makes you happy. I'm just glad you're both okay."
Aurora smiled at her royal parents and ran towards them, embracing her mother. Her father gently stroked her hair.
Cinderella Tremaine
Mayor Queen and Mrs. Tremaine both fled the scene after Chernabog was defeated. Charles and Ella followed Mrs. Tremaine back to the old Tremaine house.
They found the door open.
Ella walked in followed by Charles.
"Cinderella, there you are!" Anastasia screeched. "We've been a mess without you."
"Did you see? Bald Mountain turned into a demon. And there were giant monsters. We thought we were going to die." Drizella moaned. "And mom was gone the whole time."
"She didn't even say hi to us when she got back. She just stormed upstairs." Anastasia whined.
"Well, I'm glad you're both okay." Ella nodded. "I'll talk to you in a minute.
She turned away from them and headed up the stairs.
"And where did you get that ridiculous white gown?" Drizella sniffed.
"Oh, hey Charming." Anastasia batted her eyes.
Charles gave a meek wave and followed Ella.
Ella found the door to her Stepmother's room open. She slowly stepped in.
Mrs. Tremaine was pulling documents out of her vanity when she saw Ella in the mirror reflection.
"What are you doing here?" She startled.
"This is my family home. I have a right to be here." Ella said firmly.
"No you don't you little goodie-goodie. Not after you ruined everything." She tossed the papers in the air when she threw her hands up in exasperation. "Damn." She spat.
Ella didn't do anything. Neither did her Stepmother.
"Aren't you going to pick those up?" Mrs. Tremaine asked.
"No." Ella said calmly.
Charles stepped into the room behind her and picked one up. "This looks like a will."
Mrs. Tremaine's face went ashen. "Give me that."
Charles handed it to Ella. She quickly scanned it. Her blue eyes widened at the contents of the document.
"He left everything to me. The house, the money, everything." Ella gasped.
Mrs. Tremaine stared at her with horror.
"So you lied to me all these years? Treated me like a servant, when in reality this house was mine." Ella stepped towards her Stepmother.
"What did you expect me to do? Embrace you as if you were my own?" Mrs. Tremaine sneered.
"That's what I wanted. But I suppose you are right, there was no room in your heart for me, or anyone." Ella said sadly.
"I won't sit here and be preached at. What would you have done with a house?" She glared at Ella.
"I would have made it a home." Ella turned to Charles, "Though I suppose I didn't need a house to find my home." She took his hand.
Charles smiled back at her.
"Well, you can have it. Grimhilde and I are leaving this accursed place. Good luck trying to find me." Mrs. Tremaine grabbed a bag and went to exit the bedroom.
Ella and Charles stood in her way. Ella stepped aside. Charles did too but his glare was like daggers.
Mrs. Tremaine stormed past them. Ella knew in her heart that she had to let her go and let go of all the pain she had caused her.
"I forgive you." Ella said calmly.
Her Stepmother turned to her aghast. Her lip quivered and she turned away.
She left the house without so much as a word to her daughters and disappeared with Grimhilde Queen. Neither of them were ever seen again.
Anna Arendelle
Anna knocked on the door to Jasmine's palatial house, dress and make-up in tow.
Moana answered the door. "Hey, you're the last one here! Everyone else is upstairs."
It was Prom night. The town was still healing from the attack which was the source of disbelief and discourse across the globe. No one was ready to accept that magic was real so all kinds of reasons were made for the dark day. The Waltville kids knew though. Magic was real but the greatest magic of all was Love.
Life had somewhat returned to normal, though a better normal. Anna and Elsa were close again and that made the world of difference. The school had a new Principal named Merlin and he thought that Prom was necessary to make everyone feel normal again.
Anna had picked out a long evergreen dress for prom and the girls were all getting ready at Jasmine's place because she had the most bathroom space. Moana was in a red-orange short dress and had some flowers to put in her hair. She was going with Quasimodo. Moana led Anna upstairs to Jasmine's room.
Rapunzel had short brown hair again. Her golden hair had disappeared overnight after she helped Hercules defeat Hades. She wore a short pink dress with a sweetheart neckline. She was zipping Jasmine up into a tight purple dress that hung off her shoulders.
Briar Rose was in a pink dress with pointed shoulders and was taking a picture of Ariel in a purple sparkly dress.
"Omg, Anna, you're finally here." Ariel lit up. "We gotta get you ready."
Anna felt so welcome and warm as all her friends swarmed around her to help her get ready for Prom. It was hard to believe that starting this year she was the New Girl because right now she felt like she truly belonged.
Ella Tremaine
Ella got ready for prom with Belle and Snow White. Anastasia and Drizella could be heard getting ready in the other room. Ella had moved back into her family home and Snow White had joined her. It was nice to reclaim a bit of her family heritage.
"Your dress is so lovely." Belle smiled at the silver-blue ball gown that Ella had made.
"We all look great tonight." Ella pulled a lock of Belle's brown hair over her shoulder.
Belle was in a warm yellow ball gown and Snow White wore a white dress with gold sparkles.
"We've been through so much this year." Snow grabbed her two best friend's hands. "And here we are, still an iconic trio."
"I never could have made it this far, if it wasn't for you girls." Ella teared up a little.
"Don't cry, you'll ruin your make-up and it's sooo good." Snow cooed.
"I'm just so happy to have had you. Your friendship saved me." Ella hugged her best friends close.
Philip Prince
Philip fussed with his pink tie in the bathroom.
Charles walked by the open door. "We have 10 minutes till we have to be at Jasmine's, where are your pants?"
"I like to put them on last so I don't have to shove my shirt in to tuck it in, you know. I just like put them over the bottom of my shirt." Philip pointed to where his pants sat at his ankles.
"Fine. I just didn't feel like knowing that your briefs matched your tie." Charles rolled his eyes.
"Isn't it adorable?" Philip smiled.
"That's a word for it." Charles laughed.
There was a rush of footsteps up the stairs.
"Looks like the boys are here." Charles smirked.
Phoebus, Kristoff and Kenai appeared in the doorway.
"I told you Philip would match his underwear to his outfit." Kenai nudged Kristoff.
"Fine, I could have sworn he would wear those red briefs that he wears all the time." Kristoff shrugged.
"Glad you're enjoying the show." Philip winked and pulled his pants up.
"Come on guys, let's get to Prom!" Phoebus dragged Philip out of the bathroom.
Philip grabbed his jacket on the way out as Phoebus pulled him along.
Ariel Triton
Jasmine had rented a huge limo for prom. There were a ton of couples going in their group. She and Eric, Aurora and Philip, Jasmine and Aladdin, Rapunzel and Flynn, Anna and Kristoff, Mulan and Kenai, Moana and Quasimodo, Hans and Jim, Elsa and Pocahontas, Esmeralda and Phoebus, Cinderella and Charles, Adam and Belle and Snow White and Ferdinand.
There were all taking pictures in Jasmine's beautiful gardens.
Ariel posed with Eric by the large peacock fountain.
Her dad fumbled with his phone.
"Daddy, the lighting is perfect. Take the picture." Ariel giggled.
"I just want to capture this moment." He grinned.
"Your dad's sweet." Eric smiled.
"I know." Ariel posed for the camera again and her dad snapped the picture.
Here they were together. Eric and her dad. She could hardly believe it.
Flynn Rider
Flynn put the corsage on Rapunzel's wrist. It was a white rose with some faint pink in the petals and baby's breath. There was a light green ribbon to match her eyes. He had picked it out himself and was really proud of it.
"Oh Eugene, it's beautiful." Rapunzel smiled.
Her parents snapped pictures as Rapunzel gave him a peck on the lips.
"You both look so beautiful." Rapunzel's mom gushed as they took pictures. "I'd never thought we'd have this moment." She began to tear up.
"Oh, mom." Rapunzel gave a loving sigh.
Flynn held Rapunzel close as they took pictures, realizing he finally felt like he had a family.
Cinderella Tremaine
Cinderella stepped out of the limo, glass slippers sparkling in the starlight. She took Charles' hand and walked into the country club where prom was being held. Super Bass by Nicki Minaj was blaring and there was a sea of colorful dresses and suits dancing on the dance floor.
Ella breathed it all in. The lights, the sounds, the smell of sweat and perfume. This was the smell of youth, of fun, of all the things she could look forward to now that she was free. She breathed it all in, squeezed her date's hand, and dragged him to the dance floor to celebrate saving the world.
Flynn Rider
Flynn danced with Rapunzel to Super Bass.
"I have no idea what this song is but it's so fun!" Rapunzel jammed along.
She was so awkward and so carefree. It made Flynn happy to see how free she was after seeing how caged and skittish she used to be.
And the way she looked at him, it made him feel like a hero.
Rapunzel twirled into his arms. "Eugene, I'm so glad I met you."
"I'm glad I met you too, Rapunzel." He smiled softly.
After the song was over, he went to get some punch. Aladdin joined him.
Aladdin put his arm around Flynn "Look at us, we started the year as total jerks and losers and look at us now."
"I'm much happier with who I am now." Flynn grinned and waved back at Rapunzel who paused from dancing with her friends to smile at him. "And part of that is thanks to you, for calling me out on my bullshit."
Aladdin handed Flynn a cup of punch and clinked it with his own. "That's what best friends are for."
"Love you man." Flynn ruffled Aladdin's hair and took a sip of his punch.
Eric came over to join them. "Don't toast without me."
"We won't forget you bro." Flynn grinned. "You clean up nice."
"Thanks, I'm just glad Ariel's dad doesn't want to murder me. I mean I'd want to murder me." Eric played with his collar.
"Hey man, you've grown a lot this year. Be proud of that." Flynn punched him in the shoulder.
"Yeah, we all have." Eric smiled thoughtfully. "Here's to finishing out our Junior year as better men and finding love with beautiful women." Eric raised his glass.
"Cheers to that." Flynn smiled.
Maybe next year he would start going by Eugene.
Aladdin Ata
Aladdin danced and lip sanc to Backstreet Boys Everybody while Jasmine laughed.
"You're so cute." She smiled with her almond eyes.
Aladdin just kept dancing and Jasmine put her hands around his waist. She leaned in close. Aladdin began to whisper the lyrics to her.
"OMG, you're so hot." Jasmine whispered.
They kissed, wet and sloppy, on the dance floor.
"Thanks for reminding me how to have fun." She smiled.
"Thanks for loving someone like me." Aladdin blushed.
"Someone like you? If you mean a one in a million man then yes, that's you."
Aladdin kissed her again and held her close. She was the girl of his dreams.
Pocahontas Powhatan
Pocahontas slow danced with Elsa to Ed Sheeran's Perfect. Pocahontas wore a short white dress while Elsa wore a long white dress that hung off her shoulders with faintly colored diamonds.
"Everyone is looking at me." Elsa looked around nervously.
"Because you look stunning and because no one has seen you with your hair down." Pocahontas smiled. "You can relax now, it's all over."
"I'm so glad I have you, Pocahontas." Elsa put her head down on her shoulder.
Pocahontas felt her heart beat fast. She knew Elsa was her destiny. The path that had been calling her.
"I'm glad I have you too Elsa." Pocahontas kissed Elsa's forehead.
There was a thought that was nagging her though. What to do after graduation? Well to be honest she had an idea, she was just nervous what Elsa would think.
"Elsa?" She asked.
"Pocahontas?"
"Would you want to go with me to the Amazon to fight deforestation?"
"What about college?" Elsa looked up at her.
"College will be there. But I want to do something to help this planet. I feel like the spirits are calling me to take action." Pocahontas felt this to be true with her whole being.
"Saving the world once wasn't enough for you?" Elsa smiled. "Sure, why not. I've been blessed with money. I should use that privilege to help people."
"Looks like it's time to save the world again." Pocahontas smiled.
Anna Arendelle
"What is this about Anna?" Elsa asked nervously as Anna dragged her into the girls bathroom.
"It's girl tradition to take selfies with your girlfriends whenever you get dressed up and go out. And we're sisters so we're the ultimate girlfriends." Anna grabbed Elsa's hand.
"Well how can I say no to that?" Elsa grinned.
Anna snapped some selfies with her cheeks pressed close to her sister's. It felt so good to finally be so close with the sister she loved so much.
They grinned and laughed in a variety of poses. Anna had never seen Elsa so happy.
"Pocahontas makes you really happy, doesn't she?" Anna brushed Elsa's hair out of her face.
"She does." Elsa smiled. "And you do too. You're my heroine. You saved me."
"Oh Elsa." Anna thought she could cry.
Moana stepped out of the stall to wash her hands. "You two are adorable."
"Thanks Moana." Anna smiled.
Moana looked up and listened to the music. "Is that Katy Perry's Firework playing?"
"I love that song." Anna grinned.
"Well what are you waiting for?" Elsa pushed Moana and Anna to the door.
"You're a great friend." Anna said to Moana as they ran out to the dance floor. "And not just because you also love Katy Perry."
"You are too." Moana grinned. "Baby you're a firework."
The friends rocked out to one of their favorite songs. Anna went to grab some water at the drinking fountain afterwards.
Hans was there drinking.
"Oh, hi Anna." He blushed.
"Hi Hans." Anna gave a meek smile.
"You know I can never apologize enough for what I did to you. I was really lost but that doesn't justify it." Hans itched the back of his head.
"Yeah, you were a real jerk." Anna said matter-of-factly. "But I believe that you're sorry."
"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" Hans asked.
"No." Anna shook her head. "But promise me this. Never hurt anyone like that again."
"I promise." Hans nodded.
Kristoff approached them. "There you are."
Anna took his hand. "Hey Kristoff."
"I was wondering if you wanted to dance. They're playing Taylor Swift's Wildest Dreams." He gestured with his head to the dance floor.
"I'd love to." Anna smiled.
They danced to the song and Anna put her head on Kristoff's broad chest.
"I'm so happy, I could kiss you." Kristoff whispered.
Anna looked up at him.
"I mean can I kiss you? May I kiss you?" He mumbled nervously.
"You may." Anna smiled.
Kristoff kissed her. His lips were warm and wet and they made Anna's heart flutter. In his arms she felt safe and warm and loved.
Ariel Triton
Ariel took a seat next to Jim.
"Hey stranger."
"Sup, Ariel." Jim smirked.
"Having a good prom?"
"Yeah, Hans and I are having fun. You and Eric?"
"Back together, officially." Ariel smiled. "I just wanted to thank you, for letting me crash at your place when I was going through stuff."
"Of course. I mean my dad leaving fucked me up, I can't imagine having two warring sea deities as parents." Jim shrugged.
"Yeah, it's weird." Ariel sighed. "All things considered we're doing pretty well for ourselves."
"Yeah. I think we are." Jim smiled.
Briar Rose came running over. "Ariel! They're playing Lady Gaga's Rain On Me. We have to dance to this."
"I mean yes, we do." Ariel took her best friend's hand and waved goodbye to Jim.
Ariel and Aurora sang along to their favorite song hand in hand, twirling to the music. Briar looked so beautiful, the lights dancing in her golden hair, her pink dress swaying. Ariel admired the sparkling of her own dress. This was truly a perfect night. Suddenly Briar stopped.
"Look." Briar pointed to where Vanessa was standing by herself in the corner, in a black and purple dress. "We should invite her to dance. She did help us defeat your mom."
Ariel nodded.
Hand in hand, Briar and Ariel came over to where Vanessa was standing.
"Want to dance?" Ariel asked. "This song is too good to sit out."
"Are you sure you want to dance with me?" Vanessa raised her eyebrows.
"Positive." Briar grabbed her hand.
"Alright." Vanessa smiled and let them drag her onto the dance floor.
Together the three girls danced to Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande and had a blast.
After the song ended Vanessa hugged them. "Thank you girls."
She smiled and headed off to the snack table.
Anna, Rapunzel, Moana and Jasmine ran over to them as Shania Twain's Man, I Feel LIke Woman began to play.
"Girls, we HAVE to dance to this." Jasmine shrieked.
Ariel took Jasmine by the hand and began to dance. Their whole squad of friends danced till their feet hurt.
"Girls, I have something to tell you." Aurora said after the song finished.
They headed over to a group of chairs in the lobby.
"What is it, Briar?" Asked Rapunzel. "You look sad."
"Well, I have mixed emotions about this." Briar Rose paced while her friends sat down.
"You see." Briar took a deep breath. "Next fall I'm moving with my parents to Europe to attend school in Liechtenstein."
Ariel's heart sank. "You're leaving?"
"But don't worry, I'll come to visit and we'll still stay in touch and talk all the time. I love you girls. We've been through so much together and no distance can weaken our bond." Aurora looked like she was holding back tears.
"I suppose I can always swim the Atlantic to see you." Ariel did her best to smile and ran up and hugged her best friend.
All the girls got up to hug Briar Rose and they held each other tight.
"What about Philip?" Anna asked.
"Well there's something I have to tell you about that." Aurora smiled.
"Ariel! There you are." Eric strode into the lobby. "They're playing John Legend's All of Me. I know you love that song."
"It's so romantic." Ariel grinned and took Eric's hand.
With the touch of his hand she instantly felt lighter.
They swayed slowly on the dance floor.
"Eric?" Ariel asked, "You're happy with me right? I know I'm a little weird-"
"Don't say that." Eric interrupted her. "You're fun and goofy and heartfelt and kind and loving and curious. I love all those sides of you. Don't sell yourself short. I love you."
"Oh Eric." Ariel sighed and kissed him.
The lights above them sparkled and Ariel felt like they were up in the stars. She was so in love and so happy.
Adam Prince
Adam awkwardly drank punch while Belle went to the bathroom.
"Enjoying prom, big bro?" Philip sidled up next to him.
"Yeah, it's nice to be human again." Adam smiled.
"Yeah, I was starting to get used to you as a Beast." Philip shrugged. "But I'm like glad you're back to being human."
"Thanks for helping keep my secret." Adam took a sip.
"Anytime brother." Philip patted Adam on the back.
Adam felt bad for all those years he misjudged Philip as a preppy clueless jock. He was really caring and someone you could rely on.
"Don't hog all the punch, Prince boys." Megera shimmied over to the punch bowl. "Sporty Prince, Beastly" She winked.
"Nice to see you, Meg." Adam smiled.
"Isn't it nice we're both free from working for the god of death." Meg laughed.
Philip choked on his punch a little.
"Yeah it's good to be free." Adam laughed.
"If we're ever co-workers again, Beastly, I hope we have a better boss." Meg slapped Adam on the butt.
"Is someone harassing my date?" Belle asked playfully as she returned from the bathroom.
"I harass everyone." Meg laughed.
Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer started to play. Belle walked up to Adam and got on her tiptoes to kiss him. It was a short and sweet kiss.
"Dance with me?" Belle smiled.
"Of course." Adam handed Philip his punch.
They cuddled closely on the dance floor.
"You saved me, Belle." Adam whispered.
"I just know that when I'm with you, I feel like home." Belle put her head on his chest.
Adam felt filled with light. That old warring darkness was gone, everything was as golden as Belle's dress. With Belle he had everything he could ever wish for.
"I love you, Belle." He kissed her forehead.
Snow White
Snow White and Ferdinand slowly danced to Thousand Years by Christina Perri. She felt so safe in his arms. Her Stepmother was finally out of her life and she had faced death and come back to felt a spring breeze when someone opened the door and it filled her with life and energy.
"Ferdy?" She looked up at him so gentle and handsome. "You're my wish come true."
"You're my one love." Ferdinand smiled and kissed her.
Snow White was the happiest she had ever been, she had filled her world with sunshine.
Fa Mulan
Mulan fidgeted with her green and yellow dress, uncomfortable.
"You look beautiful." Kenai took a seat next to her.
"Thanks." Mulan smiled. "You know I only see you as a friend, right?"
Kenai sighed. "I thought so. I asked you out to Homecoming and then Prom and I never got the vibe that you were into me."
"I did ride you though." Mulan laughed.
Kenai gave a playful bear-like growl.
"I guess, I've always liked you, Mulan, you're an amazing, the most amazing, girl, but if you wanna just be friends, I'm okay with that." Kenai nodded.
"Thanks." Mulan took his hand. "Because I think you're my best friend."
Taran Prydain
This was Taran's first school dance. He had faced an undead horde but still somehow he was really nervous. Eilonwy squeezed his hand.
"It's just a dance, no need to shake." Eilonwy smiled.
He relaxed a little. "I just feel so weird in a suit."
"You look so handsome." Eilonwy brushed off his shoulders.
Wart was running around getting snacks and drinks for his high maintenance date Tinkerbelle and Alice and Mowglie were awkwardly dancing to Miley Cyrus's It's a Party in the USA.
"Should we join our friends on the dance floor?" Eilonwy grabbed his hand.
"No, I don't dance." Taran shook his head.
"Oh really?" She kissed him on the cheek.
"Okay, maybe." Taran gave in and let Eilonwy drag him onto the dance floor.
Peter Pan
"Dancing is for dorks." Peter leaned against the wall.
Wendy crossed her arms at him. "Are you too insecure to be seen dancing by your friends?"
"Can't we just go flying?" Peter whined.
"No. I want to dance with my friends." Wedny huffed, picked up her teal dress and ran over to wear Alice and Eilonwy were dancing the Cupid Shuffle.
Peter sighed. He looked around for Flynn and Aladdin and Eric. They were all dancing with their dates. Maybe dancing wasn't totally lame.
Peter shuffled over to the dance floor and tried to learn the dance. He bumped into Taran.
"You really don't know this one?" Taran laughed.
"Don't make fun of me." Peter pushed him.
"Peter, calm down. It goes like this." Wendy showed him the dance.
Peter shuffled along trying to learn it but he was kinda having fun. At least more fun than leaning up against the wall.
Tiana Orleans
Tiana was doing the Wobble with Naveen and Charlotte and Charlotte's date, John Smith.
"You said you had news for me?" Naveen asked as they danced.
Tiana lit up. "Yes, I got into culinary school!"
"Darling, that is so wonderful." Naveen broke from the dance to hug and kiss her.
Charlotte ran over to her and hugged her. "Tiana, you deserve this, you work so hard. I'm so proud of you."
"Great job, Tiana." John Smith gave a thumbs up. God, was he boring.
"Where is the culinary school?" Naveen asked.
"New Orleans!" Tiana grinned. "The most unique culinary place in the States."
"I guess, I'm going to LSU then." Naveen shrugged.
"But Naveen, you can't pick a school because of me." Tiana blushed.
"Why not? I love you." Naveen grinned.
He had never said that before.
"Oh my stars, how romantic." Charlotte swooned.
At that moment Tiana knew what to say. "Well, I love you too."
Hercules Olympus
Hercules and Meg danced to Something Just Like This by Coldplay and the Chainsmokers.
"How does it feel having saved the universe?" Meg asked.
"I feel happier that I saved you." Hercules looked down at his beautiful date.
"Come on Wonder-boy, you're going to make me blush and ruin my tough-girl rep." Meg sighed.
"Oh we all know, you've gone soft." Esmeralda interjected from her dance with Phoebus.
"My own best friend turned against me." Meg feigned hurt.
"Don't worry. All the best people are soft." Hercules grinned.
"Fine thing for you to say, Mr. Rock-Hard abs." Meg felt his abs.
Hercules smiled at her. His life finally felt full.
Quasimodo Frollo
Moana was off dancing with her friends and Quasimodo was snacking on some pretzels when Esmeralda sat next to him.
"What do you think of Phoebus?" She asked. "He's had some trouble but I think I'm really falling for him. He's grown a lot since this Fall."
True, he had grown. Quasimodo used to hate Phoebus as a fuckboi but he had seen Phoebus fight off those undead to save the world.
"I think he's grown and if he makes you happy, you should go for it." Quasimodo smiled.
"Thank you. You're such a good friend, Quasimodo. You mean the world to me." She squeezed his hand.
"As do you. You're my hero." Quasimodo squeezed her hand back.
"And you're mine." She smiled.
"You two talking about me?" Phoebus walked over, hands in his pockets.
"Yes. You got the Quasimodo stamp of approval." Esmeralda stood up and kissed Phoebus.
"Well, thank you, man." Phoebus gave Quasimodo a thumbs up between kisses.
"There you are Quasimodo." Moana joined him. "Did you save some pretzels for me?"
Philip Prince
Mr. Brightside by The Killers, an absolute banger, was blaring. Philip was dancing with Phoebus singing along.
"It was only a kiss! It was only a kiss!"
Phoebus sang along with him dramatically. It was good to have his best friend back. Well one of his best friends. Him and Phoebus had kind of drifted apart over the last year but he was glad they had made up and were at least kind of close again. It was funny how friendships grow and change overtime.
As the song ended Phoebus enveloped Philip in a hug. "That song is fucking sick bro."
"You know it, bro." Philip hugged him back. "You sweat like a mofo."
"Yeah, it's hot in here." Phoebus adjusted his red tie. "I'm going to go find Esmeralda. Nice dancing with you man."
"Anytime." Philip fixed Phoebus' tie. "There you go."
"Thanks." Phoebus smiled as he walked off.
He felt a hand spank his ass. "I hear you matched your underwear."
Philip turned to see Aladdin smirking at him. "You sure own a lot of bright colors." Al grinned.
"Ha ha. What can I say? I like to express myself through colors." Philip smiled back.
"Honestly man, I wish I looked as good as you." Aladdin shrugged.
"Dude you look amazing. Especially with those soulful eyes of yours." Philip ruffled Aladdin's hair. "You've been a great friend to me this year and I'm super grateful that I got to know a kind and sexy guy like you."
"Don't get sappy on me. You'll make me cry." Aladdin leapt up to ruffle Philip's hair.
"Hey, I gelled this." Philip stepped back.
"I know." Aladdin winked.
"Hey brother." Eric waved as he and Flynn joined Aladdin. "Have you seen our dates?"
"I think the girls went to take pictures in the bathroom."
"Again." Flynn rolled his eyes.
"Um, we should take our own pictures. Philip snap a pic." Eric smiled and licked Flynn's face as Philip took a picture with his phone.
"Oh come on, man." Flynn pushed him away.
"Now Al, take one of me and my bro." Eric put his arm around Philip.
Aladdin snapped a pic.
"Sorry I've been such a jerk to you." Eric patted Philip on the back.
"Hey, we're brothers. I love you no matter what. But thank you." Philip smiled.
Eric gave him a big hug. Philip then left Aladdin, Eric and Flynn and went to the bathrooms. When he left he saw Kristoff waiting on a couch.
"Waiting for Anna?" Philip took a seat next to him.
"Yeah, she's taking pics in the bathroom." Kristoff sighed.
"How are things going with you two?" Philip asked.
Kristoff lit up. "Really, really well. She let me kiss her."
"That's lit man!" Philip pounded Kristoff on the back. "I'm so proud of you. Showing emotions and all that."
"Thanks." Kristoff smiled. "Speaking of which, I'm going to miss you next year."
"Same to you, man." Philip sighed. "You're kinda my best friend."
"Same man, same." Kristoff looked glum.
"But don't be sad hot stuff." Philip grinned. "We'll stay in touch, we're best friends."
"Yeah, we will." Kristoff smiled.
Hans came out of the men's room. "Hey guys."
Philip and Kristoff both nodded.
"Did you talk to Anna like we discussed?" Philip asked.
"Yeah." Hans shrugged. "I sorta feel like I can start redeeming myself."
"Good." Philip smiled. "It's a process."
"Sometimes a long one." Kristoff added.
"Thanks for encouraging me to talk to her. It felt good, kind of." Hans gave a small smile.
"Good now, go find Jim. He's probably sulking without you." Philip smiled.
Philip turned to Kristoff. "Wanna dance while we wait?"
Next thing Philip knew he and Kristoff were dancing around and fake grinding to Kesha's Raising Hell.
Charles and Ella came over and joined them dancing. Charles did some ballet moves.
"Quit being a show off." Ella teased.
"Yeah, don't show us all up." Philip laughed.
"I can't help it." Charles shrugged.
"You're already the handsome one, you don't have to be the best dancer." Philip nudged his brother.
"Oh please." Charles rolled his eyes.
Ferdinand and Snow came over.
"OMG the triplets together. We need a pic." Snow gushed.
Philip pulled Ferdinand and Charles close for a picture. It was good to have them by his side.
Snow showed Ferdinand the picture while Philip looked at Charles.
"Thanks bro, I don't think I would have been able to get through this year if it wasn't for you."
Charles put a hand on Philip's shoulder. "I'll always be here for you."
"I never noticed how much you look alike." Ella mused while watching them.
"We are triplets." Philip shrugged.
"Maybe the vastly different personalities made it hard to recognize." Ella grinned.
"You take good care of my brother now, Ella. He may seem tough but he's delicate." Philip play wagged his finger at her.
"I will. I think I've proven myself trustworthy." She nudged him.
"I suppose helping me defeat an evil fairy and then save the world means you're pretty reliable." Philip laughed.
Ariel and Aurora joined their group.
"We're finally back from pictures." Briar said in a deadpan voice.
"Hey, we had to make sure we had enough to commemorate tonight." Ariel nudged her.
"Isn't my best friend gorgeous?" Ariel looked at Philip.
Philip took in her golden hair, her lilac eyes, her soft smile. "Stunning."
"What about me?" Ariel posed for him.
"A vision." Philip grinned.
"Right response." Ariel laughed.
Daylight by Taylor Swift started to play.
"Oh, I love this song." Briar sighed.
"Why don't we dance then?" Philip offered her his hand.
Ariel grabbed him by his arm. "Never hurt her. Stay the hero you've always been."
"I'll try to do my best to deserve her." Philip nodded seriously.
Briar blushed. Philip took her into his arms. She was light and graceful. They glided across the dance floor. She rested her head on his chest. Philip smelled her sweet strawberry scented hair.
"You're my sunshine." Philip whispered in her ears.
"And you're my knight in shining armor." Aurora replied.
"You, you're the one person that kept me going through all this. You were the hope I needed to keep facing the evil and darkness." Philip went on.
"Your love rescued me from death." Aurora looked up at him. "It gives me breath. I love you Philip Prince, forever and always."
"Forever and always Briar Rose." Philip replied.
They spent a moment just swaying to the romantic music and taking each other in.
"When do you leave for Liechtenstein?" Philip asked.
"June." Aurora rested her head on his chest.
"I'll be headed there to join the Football Club in July." Philip replied.
"You think my father will give us any more trouble?" Aurora looked up at him. "A princess and a rookie professional football player is a strange union."
"Since when have we settled for normal." Philip smiled at his lovely girlfriend. "We fought the Mistress of All Evil and won, we can handle a king."
She grinned. "That's that Sporty Prince optimism. I like it."
"We'll make it work no matter what. True Love Conquers All." Philip said with utter conviction.
Aurora looked up at him with gentle violet eyes. Philip leaned in to kiss her sweet strawberry lips. They kissed with love and passion, two souls meeting in True Love.
Cinderella Tremaine
Cinderella took a break from dancing.
"Hey, Cinderella." A nasally voice called.
She turned to be face to face with Anastasia and Drizella.
"Hey, we just wanted to thank you for letting us stay in the house." Anastasia fidgeted.
"And ask for your forgiveness." Drizella bowed her head. "We've always been awful to you."
Ella took their hands. "Thank you. And of course I forgive you. Let the past be the past. Hopefully we can have a new future as sisters."
"Thank you." Anastasia sniffed.
"You don't deserve her." Belle sighed as she walked past.
"What?" Drizella raised her eyebrows.
"You were awful and abusive and Ella may forgive you but I have my eye on you. One step out of line and I'll sic the Beast on you." Belle crossed her arms.
"Belle!" Ella exclaimed. "Everyone deserves forgiveness."
"Forgiveness and trust are two different things. Trust me, I'm only looking out for you." Belle said.
Ella turned to her two worried Stepsisters. "You always have a sister in me. Let's try and move forward in a positive way."
They nodded and ran off, scared of Belle.
"You didn't have to do that." Ella raised her eyebrow at Belle.
"They've been monsters and I just wanted to let them know they can't treat you like shit anymore." Belle shrugged.
"Thank you for always looking out for me." Ella hugged Belle.
"Of course." Belle held her tight. "We're best friends."
Belle went off to dance with Adam and Ella went outside for some air.
She found Snow looking out from the balcony onto the woods.
"I love the springtime." She turned to Ella. "And I love this town. It's beautiful and magical."
"You've seen it at its darkest and you still love it?" Ella stood next to her.
"I saw it's beauty and light as much as I saw it's evil." Snow said softly.
"You're an inspiration Snow White." Ella smiled.
"So are you. You believed in your dreams and they came true." Snow took her hand.
"I'll always believe in dreams, no matter what." Ella put her head on Snow's shoulder. "It helps when I have friends like you."
"You know we may be sister-in-laws someday." Snow said with a giggle.
Ella laughed.
The girls went back inside. Aurora stepped off the dance floor and grabbed Ella's hand. "Come on and dance with us."
Britney Spears' Hold it Against Me was blaring and Aurora led her over to wear Philip and Charles were dancing.
The two blondes spun around, pink and blue dresses twirling on the dance floor. Two friends from way back celebrating surviving all the darkness the world had to offer.
"We survived." Aurora laughed. "Now let's live!"
"Preach girl." Ella replied. "I'm ready to see the world. I mean you're going to Europe."
"I know it's going to be so different and I'll miss Waltville but I'm also really excited and nervous. Do you think I'll make a good princess?"
Ella hugged Aurora. "You'll make a perfect princess."
26 by Paramore started playing.
Philip offered Ella his hand. "Charles and I thought we could do a date trade for this song, if you're down."
"I'd love to dance with you, Philip." Ella took his hand.
They swayed to the music.
"We really saved the world together didn't we?" Philip smiled.
"Just a couple of dreamers taking on all the powers of Hell." Ella laughed.
"We did it though." Philip spun her.
"We did. I'm so glad I had you." Ella smiled.
"Waltville and I were lucky to have you and your heart full of dreams, Ella." Philip said softly.
"Thank you." Ella blushed.
As the song ended, Ella realized she had found an unexpected friend.
The DJ announced the final song of the night. It was Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis.
Ella turned to find Charles standing next to her. He put his arm around her waist and they glided across the floor.
"You're the love of my life, Ella." Charles whispered. "And I want all of your dreams to come true."
"I think they have already." Ella said softly, leaning her head on Charle's chest.
They danced in silence.
In his arms, Ella felt like she was home for the first time since she lost her parents. Everything seemed so certain and she had no fears about the future. Charles was so good and she hoped things could stay like this forever.
Here she was surrounded by friends and loved ones. There was a feeling of warmth, sacrifice and joy.
"So This is Love." Ella thought.
"I'm yours, Charles." Ella kissed him.
"As am I." Charles kissed her back with his soft and gentle lips.
Ella was perfectly, blissfully happy. As she lay her head on his chest she saw the Wishing Star shining in the night sky, through the window.
"Thank you, Godmother." She whispered.
The star seemed to blink in response and Ella's whole gown shimmered.
A/N: The second to last chapter is done! I can't believe we're almost done with this story. I hope you're enjoying the conclusion. I tried to provide a wrap up for every character relationship. Please let me know what you think!