I am so sorry this chapter took so damn long to type. I had no time to do so because I was hired to be a full-time sub the day before school started. I had no time to prepare, so the last few weeks have nothing but rush, rush, rush. I have no idea when the next chapter will be up, but I am hoping it will be soon.

I do have a poll on my profile for the next story I do, so please be sure to check it out.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

Finely dressed in a professionally made brown suit, Gil waited for the bedroom door to open, not bothering hiding his surprise when an under dressed princess in her night gown answered the door.

"Good morning, Gil," Audrey greeted with a slight blush on her cheeks. "You look . . . really handsome."

"You look pretty in your pajamas as well," Gil teased, smiling to ease the awkwardness between them. "You need to get dressed though. Family Day starts in thirty minutes. Your family will be upset if you're late. I know mine would be."

Clutching the door frame in nervousness, the princess sighed reluctantly. "Babe, I know I promised you I would go today, but I still don't feel the best. I really just want to rest. Could we have a movie date instead?"

"Harry is expecting me to help with the twins today," Gil informed with a slight stubbornness in his tone. "And your family will worry if you don't show up. Could we go for at least an hour? When the hour is up, and you don't feel like socializing any longer, we can come back to your room and do whatever you like."

A somewhat mischievous gleam appeared in Audrey's eyes at the offer. "Can we. . ."

Trailing off for a second, the princess stood on her tip-toes to whisper her request in his ear. Blushing at the bold suggestion, Gil cleared his throat before mumbling in agreement, "If that's what you want."

Smiling brightly, Audrey cheered, "Great! I'll be ready in ten, fifteen minutes at the most."

Kissing her beloved's cheek, the princess rushed back inside while the brute stayed out in the hall. Cheeks still warm from the request, Gil stood by the wall as he leaned his head back against. The time he spent waiting, he focused on trying to control his blushing due to his girlfriend's sudden promiscuous attitude. He wondered what made her start thinking in such a way.

A few minutes later, he heard the door open once more. Gazing at his princess, Gil couldn't help the painful frown that took over his lips. "Your outfit," he muttered almost incoherently. "Isn't that the dress and sweater I—?"

"It was the first outfit I saw when I opened my closet," Audrey insisted, tugging on her sweater sleave so it would cover her bandages better. "If it makes you uncomfortable seeing me in this, I can change into something else."

"You look beautiful," Gil softly reassured. Holding out his hand, he wondered, "Are you ready for this?"

Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Audrey gladly grasped his hand, mumbling, "I'm as ready for them to find out as I will ever be. I hope they can understand that I love you too."

The eleven Isle children separately arrived at the monthly occasion. The Core Four appeared early with little Dizzy attached to Evie's side as expected. Uma and Harry arrived just as the celebration began. Harry carried the twins in both of his arms while Uma kept a close eye mischievous Celia, since she wanted to play pranks on the Auradonian students. Meanwhile, Gil finally appeared during the middle of the rendition of 'Be Our Guest', holding hands with a happy Audrey, who blushed when the older Isle children congratulated the couple on their relationship.

Anyways, when the song came to an end, Ben walked over to his applauding parents to take a family picture together. "Oh!" he 'suddenly' exclaimed. "I wanted to introduce you to my girlfriend, before I gave her and her friends their surprise."

"You mean that girl that you threatened to step down as king for?" King Beast recalled somewhat sarcastically. "I still can't believe you convinced us to go along with that surprise."

"Dear," Queen Belle scolded through her picture-perfect smile. "Please. Don't ruin this day with hatred. Family Day is supposed to be a happy occasion, even if there are some people that we don't particularly care for."

"I think you will get along with her more than you think." Ben gestured toward a particular direction. "There's Mal now."

When the photographer snapped the photo, Queen Belle gave the same surprised look as before, but this time it was due to the girl's beauty. With King Beast, he stared at the princess in vague recognition. He must have known her, but he couldn't remember where. As she came closer to the family, his head began to throb painfully.

"Hello, my king," Mal greeted with a teasing smile.

"Hello, my queen," Ben greeted, replicating his beloved's tone. Sharing a quick kiss and a loving hug, the 'prince' mumbled, "Are you ready to meet my parents again?"

"No," she admitted simply. "But I am hopeful that it will go better than before, since I get a chance to make a second first impression."

Continuing the walk to the parents, the 'dating' couple paused when they were a respectful distance from the married couple. "This is Mal," Ben introduced softly, "my f—girlfriend and true love from the Isle of the Lost; the daughter of Maleficent and Hades—"

"GAH!"

King Beast clutched his head before the name could be finished. Within that moment, the pain morphed from dull to excruciating. If the pain didn't subside soon—

"Your Majesty?" cooed a soothing, calming voice. "Are you alright?"

As though a magic spell had been casted, the headache vanished. With the king's head cleared, he could finally think again—

And remember.

"I'm fine," King Beast reassured. Straightening himself to full height, he smiled warmly at the Isle princess. "Ben told me about you. I believe you asked if I shed?"

Mal blushed at the question, not noticing her beloved's look of confusion. "To be fair, I heard many stories about you while I lived on the Isle," she reasoned, trying her best to subdue the scarlet color in her cheeks. "I didn't know if any of the stories were true or not."

"I can assure you, I don't shed," King Beast commented before he wagged his eyebrows teasingly at his son. "So yes, my wife does allow me to sit on the couch."

Mal giggled politely at the comment, while Ben wondered how his father knew about that conversation. The prince doesn't mention it for at least a week or so after his coronation to ease the tension between his parents and Mal. How does he . . .

"I thought Mal could join us for lunch," Ben suggested, so he didn't break the routine conversation. "It will have to be after her and her friends' surprise arrive, which will be any minute now."

"Of course!" King Beast agreed much too easily. "I would suggest a game of croquet to pass the time, but I believe Fairy Godmother changed the hour of croquet into thirty minutes of dancing and then thirty minutes of croquet, since she knew I don't particularly care for the game."

"I don't know how to play it," Mal fibbed, though she truly did know. "But I don't think I would like it."

"Then perhaps you and I can talk while the other play," King Beast proposed. His eyes twinkled as he harmlessly commented, "We can talk plans for your cotillion, as Ben loves you so much. If I had to guess, he may propose in a couple years, perhaps a month or so after you've graduated from Auradon Prep? Personally, I think that is too much of a wait for you to become my daughter, but I suppose I will have to be patient."

While Mal was smiling from ear-to-ear at the proposition, Ben's phone alarm, signaling that the surprise. "We—"

"Go," King Beast insisted with a slightly dismissive, but insistent wave. "But I want to speak with him when you return. We need to discuss my . . . remembrance."

After a nod and a departing curtsey, the dating couple walked off with delighted spring in their step. When they were out of hearing range, Queen Belle turned to give her husband an inquisitive eyebrow raise. "What was that about?"

Smiling turning warmer, King Beast claimed, "Let's just say, I remembered everything."

After their 'revealing' conversation with his royal majesty, Ben gathered the remaining ten Isle children together to take them to their next surprise. Gil was the only one reluctant to leave the Family Day event, as he didn't want to leave Audrey alone. After receiving a loving kiss on the cheek from his new girlfriend and a promise that she would be fine while he was gone, Gil agreed to go as long as he was back in a reasonable time frame.

"As I mentioned before, I had many surprises planned for this Family Day," Ben began at the entrance of the school, the same spot they were yesterday. "This final surprise is meant for six, maybe seven of you. It will only last for a couple hours, but I still believe it is something all of you would appreciate."

On cue, a black limousine pulled into the driveway, just as it had the day before. As soon as the vehicle parked, Lumiere stepped out of the driver's door with a polite smile on his face before he proceeded to the back passenger door. His smile growing wider, the family friend opened the car door, allowing the first visitor to step out.

"Daddy!" Celia cheered, running toward her father in delight. Dr. Facilier swallowed his daughter in a massive just as the next visitor stepped out.

While their older cousins had their jaws dropped at the sight of him, the twins jumped out of their arms to run toward their own father. Smee knelt on his knees to give his sons an embrace of his own. When Smee stood, Squeaky and Squirmy were securely in his either of his arms, resting on his hips like it was a normal routine.

"Who's coming out next?" Mal wondered curiously. "Lady Tremaine?"

"Nope!" Dizzy denied with a sugar-sweet grin that reached from ear to ear. "Evie is going to introduce me to Aunt Cinderella and Uncle Charming later instead. The next person is for you."

Scrunching her nose in confusion, Mal questioned, "For me? But why . . ."

The fairy princess trailed off as she watched the last passenger exit the vehicle. Compared to the other two men's attempt at professional attire, this man was dressed head to toe in black leather with blue embellishments. His massive blue hair was styled in a giant mohawk, making him look like a punk rock star.

Eyes wide from complete shock, Mal turned to her beloved for an explanation. "How on earth did you managed to get him here?"

"I'm going to be king tomorrow," Ben reminded teasingly. "No one really can say 'no' to me anymore, especially since I make such good arguments. However, they could only be granted two hours of freedom from the Isle, which started when they left the island. They have the rest of the time to enjoy Family Day, but will be forced to leave as soon as the time ends. It was the only way I could get the Royal Council to agree to it. I know it is not much—"

"It is plenty," Mal reassured, kissing her fiancé's cheek appreciatively. "Thank you."

Without another word, the fairy made the quick stroll to her father, who kissed her forehead before giving her a half-hug. "We don't have much time, Mali," Hades mumbled so the other unknowing fathers' wouldn't hear him. "We need to have somewhat of an idea to what is going on before I have to leave."

"King Beast regained his memories just a little bit ago," Mal informed under her breath. "I think he knew you were coming. He asked to speak with you when we returned."

"His Majesty will have to wait," Hades stubbornly insisted as he fixed a loose strand of purple hair behind his princess's ear. "I want to share at least one dance with my beautiful daughter and my niece before I have to go."

That 'one dance' changed into dancing the entire time. At first, Hades was taking turns dancing with his daughter and niece every few seconds when he noticed another princess watching slightly glumly from the sideline. Not accepting any kind of protest, the god grabbed Evie's hand and tugged her onto the dance floor. For the rest of the allotted thirty minutes, the three girls happily took turns dancing with the gods, as it was one of the most fun things they have done during their 'second try' at Auradon Prep.

All too soon, the dancing came to an end. Everyone paired off to play croquet or to spectate. As previously suggested and requested, Mal strolled with King Beast while having her arm wrapped around her father's. The two kings quietly discussed everything they knew about their current predicament, including the quite disastrous situation involving Audrey.

Speaking of the princess, Audrey couldn't find Gil when the Isle children returned from their last surprise, so she decided to look for her grandmother instead. Audrey didn't bother looking for her parents hopefully, as she had read a letter yesterday that only her grandmother would be able to make it to the occasion.

"Grammy," Audrey greeted politely, though truthfully, she was trying to hold back the distaste in her tone.

Queen Leah didn't bother acknowledging the greeting. Glaring in contempt at a purple-haired girl and her blue-haired father, Leah spat, "How could you allow that girl from the Isle to take Prince Ben from you? You almost had the crown, but you let it slip through your fingers."

"Prince Ben and I weren't a good match, Grammy," Audrey stubbornly insisted, refraining from eyerolling at her grandmother's selfish attitude. "He and his girlfriend are a perfect match for each other. Besides, I have a boyfriend. He is sweet, kind, and on his way to becoming a doctor."

"Is he a prince?" Queen Leah interrogated arrogantly.

Huffing at the question, the princess claimed, "He's—"

"Audrey," called a certain voice. "There you are."

Wrapping an arm around her shoulders and giving her a sweet kiss on her cheek, Gil apologized, "I'm sorry I took so long. Uncle Smee showed up with Celia's and Mal's fathers. Uncle Smee, the twins, and Harry were talking so much that I couldn't find a chance to tell them I had somewhere else to be. The hour is up if you wanted to go—"

"Excuse me," Queen Leah interrupted snidely. "Just who are you?"

"Grammy," Audrey scolded. "Be nice to him. He's my boyfriend I was telling you about. He is Gil, the youngest son of Gaston."

The retired queen scoffed at the introduction. "You chose this foolish oaf over a prince? Where exactly is he going to take you? To bed?"

"Grammy!" Audrey shouted, cheeks flushed in embarrassment and anger. "First, don't call him that! Second, he knew I haven't been feeling well for the past few days, so he offered to take me back to my room when I felt like it. You should be ashamed for thinking we would do such a thing so soon. Actually, it's really none of your business what my boyfriend and I do together."

"You are such a disgrace," Queen Leah spat in disgust. "Your mother could hold on to a prince in her sleep."

That particular phrase seemed to have a negative affect on Audrey for some strange reason. As soon as the words were spoken, the princess's eyes rolled to the back of her head. Gil barely managed to catch the princess when she fainted. Carefully laying her on her back, Gil placed two fingers on the pulse point of her neck before he mumbled a curse under his breath.

"Her pulse is growing weak," Gil informed the nowhere near distressed grandmother. "She was fine just a second ago. What could have possibly . . ."

Trailing off, Gil just happened to catch a glimpse of the princess's sweater. In the inside of the arms, there were what appeared to be large wet patches, like they were coming from—

"Shit!" Gil exclaimed, hurriedly, yet carefully removed the pale-blue sweater from the passed-out girl.

Uma, who just happened to be within range of them, rushed over to help with the situation. "What do you need me to do?"

"Put this on backwards,"—Gil handed her his brown suit jacket to wear—"and use the sleeve to hold her arms up so you don't get anything on you."

While the sea-witch obediently did as she was told, the grandmother marveled in horror at seeing the bandages on her grand-daughter's arms, and the blood that was seeping through it. "What is . . . ?"

"I will explain it to you at another time," Gil insisted forcefully. "Right now, I need to focus on wrapping her arms again."

"'Again'!" Queen Leah repeated incredulously. "You mean you've done this before?"

"Do I need to have Harry or Carlos get more bandages?" Uma interrogated, ignoring the retired queen's questions. "They can be back in a few minutes."

"With how quick she's fading, that's too late," Gil argued with an irritated huff. "I don't want the twins to see this, I'll have to use my shirt sleeve."

Uma paled at the abrasive suggestion. "Gil, that shirt is the nicest one you own. You'll need it for—"

RIIIIIP!

"I don't care about having an outfit for the coronation," Gil claimed, wrapping a torn sleeve around Audrey's arm. "Right now, all I care about is making sure Audrey alright. I don't need to go to the coronation, but I need my true love to live."

As he finished wrapping his beloved's other arm, Gil checked her pulse once more, getting even worse results than before. "Damnit!" he shouted in anger. Those around him flinched at his tone and behavior, having never seen him act that way before. "Her pulse is almost gone. I'm starting compressions."

Placing one hand on top of the other and lacing his fingers, Gil repeatedly pressed on Audrey's chest. After twenty pressed, Gil tilted Audrey's head back and breathed into her mouth, pulled back to catch his breath, and breathed into it her once more. Checking pulse once more, Gil repeated the labor-intensive process once more.

As he continued with the procedure, the audience that began gathering around them could hear a cracking sound coming from Audrey. "Your—"

"Breaking her rib? Yes—" Gil paused to give the breaths before continuing, "That means I am doing it right. A couple broken ribs is worth the price of her life."

Over five minutes later of compressions, with the brute trying to think of any other possible solution, an idea magically appeared in his head. "Hades," Gil panted tirelessly. "Ember."

"Done."

Laying the princess's arms down and shedding the jacket, Uma ran off to find her uncle. Nearly a minute later, the sea witch returned with a god, a king, a prince, and a fairy; much more people than requested.

"Uma told us what happened," Mal informed while her father knelt next to the ailing princess. "How long have you been doing this for?"

"Seven. Minutes." Gil puffed between intakes of breath. "Lost pulse. Four minutes. I thought. The ember."

"It can save her," Hades reassured as he scooted closer to the girl. "Keep going while I—"

"What do you think you're doing?" Queen Leah interrogated with a nasty glare. "I don't want you anywhere near my grand-daughter!"

Sighing in aggravation, Hades reluctantly stood, insisting, "Your Majesty, I'm trying to help her—"

"You will not touch her!" Queen Leah shouted forcefully before he turned to Gil. "End this."

"Queen Leah—"

"This has been going on for over ten minutes," Queen Leah argued stubbornly. "If Audrey was going to wake up, or whatever, she would have done it by now. End it."

"Bull shit!" Gil spat bitterly. "Hades. Still married. To. Maleficent?"

"We are separated, but not divorced," Hades informed before glaring at the retired queen. "Maleficent still considers Aurora to be her god-daughter. It is possible that the ember—"

"Will work," Gil claimed. "She is. Family. So Audrey. Is Family."

Satisfied with the explanation, the god handed the precious ember to the teenager. With the powerful rock in his possession, Gil finally stopped his compressions to carefully place the object in the princess's palm. As though knowing of her current condition, a blue light emerged from the ember, surrounding the princess in a sapphire glow.

By some mystical force and some godly magic, the blood seeped back into the princess as her pale cheeks returned to their natural rosy color. Unconsciously, Audrey arched her back, like her broken ribs were trying to patch themselves together again. When her body laid back down, her chest started moving up and down in a slow rhythm, like she could finally breathe on her own again.

Strangely, something started to change with Audrey's hair. Her luscious brown hair, which typically reached underneath her shoulder blade, suddenly grew in length, down to below her waist. As it grew, the brown color morphed into an ash blonde, with streaks of faded blue and pink highlights.

Slowly, the light surrounding the princess returned to the ember, finished with its task. Checking her beloved's pulse once more, Gil breathed a sigh of relief. "Her pulse is back to normal," he informed the crowd. "She's going to be okay."

Queen Leah nodded solemnly. "Than—"

"Don't you dare 'thank' me," Gil spat bitterly, clenching his fist tighter than before. "You were the one that wanted to give up on her instead of fighting. Not me. Maybe you should worry more about her health, instead of worrying about her finding a prince that she doesn't want."

Standing to his feet, Gil pushed past the crowd as he tried to walk away. Ben stared at the boy in surprise. "Where—"

"To find something to hit," Gil retorted roughly, "because I can't hit a queen. I know if I stay any longer, I will hit the first person I see."

Immediately, the crowd dispersed so the anger man could walk through. They knew of his father's strength, and they did not want to test his.

"I'll go calm him down," Mal informed the prince. "I'll get us VKs together so we can say a final goodbye to our parents. We'll meet you at the entrance in twenty minutes."

Giving him a sweet kiss on the cheek the father and daughter duo quickly rushed off to follow the temperamental teenager.

However, once they were out of the audience's vision, the princess began to stir from her . . . 'slumber'. Eyes slowly opening, the soon-to-be king could see the fear and guilt in them. Forcing herself to sit up, the princess looked around desperately, as though she was looking for someone. Locking eyes with the crown prince, she spoke—

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"I remember."