Chapter 3: Weekend at Auradon Prep

EVIE'S POV

Doug led us to our new dorms through the cafeteria and different classrooms. Students kept staring us with their backs pressed against the wall. Their frightened expressions and a small trickle of fear from these four villains brought a smile to each of our faces. Ten minutes later, he led us to the guys' dorms and left them to their devices. Two left turns later, we reached the girls dorms and finally reached our own room. We said thanks to Doug and saw him smiling and staring at me for a little bit. Embarrassed he was caught, he walked away leaving Mal and I to check out the room.

When I opened the door, the entire room was bright, happy…and pink. Portraits of past princesses and heroes covered the walls by the time we entered. Two canopies with light pink fabric made it absolutely perfect in my opinion, but a little too girlie for Mal's tastes. On top of the beds were clean, white towels, a bag of toiletries, and a loofa officially welcoming us here.

"Wow! This place is so amaz-"

"Gross." Mal spoke. She hated everything that had to do with 'prissy, pink, spoiled princesses and princes.'

"I know, right? Amazingly gross…ew." On the inside, I was jumping for joy that I'm actually going to live in Auradon for school. However, Mal was opening her mouth in shock and disgust.

"Ugh…I am going to need some serious sunscreen."

"Yeah." Although I absolutely loved the room, I did agree with her about the room being too bright for my tastes.

"E." Mal pointed her finger at the window and understood her meaning. I grabbed the curtains on one side of the room, while Mal grabbed them from the end of the room. Being on the island has messed up our intake of the sun. Sure we knew the sun was there, but the entire island was covered by a dark cloud all the time, so we can handle the sun for a little bit at a time, until we get used to it.

"Whew! That is MUCH better." Mal commented.

"So, it's Friday and we have two more days of freedom and vacation left before going to school on Monday. What should we do first?" I asked her while picking up my towels and bag from the bed. Placing them on the chair, I faced forward to see what our fearless leader has to say.

"Let's look around our 'temporary' home for the next couple of hours, then regroup to try and plan out the heist for the wand." Mal said.

"Alright. I'm checking out the campus. What about you, Mal?"

"I think I'll go to the woods for a little while. Clear my head about something."

"Is it the dream again?" I asked. A couple of days after our failure in retrieving the Dragon's Eye as well as Mal stopping me from touching it so I could sleep for a thousand years, Mal confided in me about a dream she had the day I came back from being castle-schooled for over ten years by my mother. She told me that a guy was sitting next to her in a beautiful forest surrounded by nature, but was sitting on a stone ruins, having a picnic. He told her that she had been living in Auradon for the last couple of days. And she continued to have that same dream until the day we were summoned to Auradon.

"Yeah. When we were chosen to go, I had a dream where it was the same guy, but the setting was different."

"What did you see?"

"We were riding in a carriage and I was in a glittery, purple dress. I didn't understand it, so I looked down towards my feet, but the person noticed I was sitting next to him, not saying a word. So he asked me what's wrong. When I looked up, I saw it was the same mystery guy, only I have a name to the face: Ben." I looked shocked. Mal's dream guy is the one who brought us here in the first place. The same guy that stood up to his girlfriend about our presence being here attempting for peace. I did not see that coming; not in a million years.

"He then said, 'don't be nervous. All you have to do is sit there and look beautiful; not that you have any problem with that.' I asked him where we were and he said that we were on our way to a special event that was happening in the church. Knowing me, I made a sarcastic remark about attending a wedding, but said that it was a coronation for him." Evie looked a little nervous about that.

"Ben will become King next month, so that's the only thing that I can think of. The ceremony will take place in the capital in the church, but that's about it." I reassured Mal.

"I got a little nervous, now even more so since we're here trying to be stealing the wand, and HE'S THE ONE that chose us."

"What are you saying, M? That he might have the same dream you're having?"

"It could be or the dream is only one-way. Either way, I have to talk to a magic expert about it. Otherwise, I might go insane as to why I have that dream every single day for the past year trying to figure it out or decipher its meaning. " Mal looked through the window, staring at the forest while speaking to me. I know how much this is upsetting her and driving her crazy about it.

"Maybe you're right about the dream being a one-way or we both share the same dream. But, seeing him today was too much for me to handle at this time."

"Okay. I'll tell the guys to meet us at a table to talk. Or do you want to meet up back here?"

"Back here. We have more privacy with a closed door than outside."

"True."

"Alright then. I'll be heading off now. Later E."

"Bye M." As her purple hair is finally out of sight, I began to grab my purse and head out to explore. My mother will want her freedom sooner rather than later to finish what she started a few years before I was born. From Day 1, my mom taught me to be extraordinarily beautiful and marry a prince with a big castle. I can still hear her saying the words drummed into my head when I was five: "Bronzer on the bone, Blush on the cheek." She always kept me fed, but watches my weight. She gives me attention, but checks me over for any beauty flaw she might (or might not) find and rectify it. No matter what I do, she always finds something wrong, even when I couldn't find anything.

My mother may be proud of me to an extent but she is STILL the Evil Queen; a fact that she never fails to remind me. Being on the receiving end of those anger tantrums, it scared me when I was seven and still scares me. Even the thought of what she will do to me terrifies me. When she doesn't get her way, my mother is a force to be reckoned with. While walking aimlessly, I bumped into Doug in the hall.

"I'm sorry."

"No, it's alright."

"Actually, I was hoping to find you. Right now, everyone's off doing their own thing and I'm left by myself, so I decided to check out the campus for a little bit and grab our schedules as well. Maybe you can help me?" I smiled while twirling my hair with a finger. His eyes glazed over seeing me and daydreamed until I shook him awake. Always happens with guys who hang out with me on the island.

"Sorry. What happened?

"You had this far away look in your eyes while asking if you could show me around the campus. I was concerned that something happened."

"Was I? Oh my gosh! I didn't even realize it. But I would be glad to show you around." I smiled in gratitude for his kindness; to show a villain kid around the school is gutsy, but not as gutsy as choosing four villain kids to come to Auradon. We walked down a flight of stairs and into an office.

"I was about to head in here anyway to grab your schedules. I think they're probably done putting in your classes for Monday." As we walked in, the office felt warm and inviting. Wood paneling and marble floors surrounded the entire office. The information desk was royal blue with the school crest in the middle. As we walked up, the receptionist whose nametag said "Joan" was focusing on some paperwork in front of her. Doug cleared his throat to grab her attention, which he did when Joan looked up from her work.

"Doug. It's nice to see you again."

"You too, Joan."

"How can I help you today?"

"Evie is wondering if her and her friends' class schedules are ready for Monday? She wants to get herself acquainted with the campus and where the classes are." He stated. The receptionist looked at Evie with a smile on her face, eager to help.

"Of course. Let me just check the system and print them out for your classmates." She promised Doug. Typing on the computer, she must have found our schedules because the printer was whirring alive. I saw her walking over to the printer in the next room and came right out with warm, printed-paper. We thanked her profoundly and walked back towards the girls' dorms. By the time we reached Mal's dorm, and mine I wrenched the door open and ran right inside. He saw me putting them on top of a blue notebook of mine.

"I'm making sure they're in a safe place." I spoke to Doug while I was folding them up minus mine. Grabbing my bag, I walked out and closed the door. He motioned for me to go first. As we headed out of the dorms to familiarize myself with where the classrooms are, I thought to myself, "maybe this won't be so bad as I originally thought."

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JAY'S POV

Walking around campus to see what's going on is kind of alright. One thing that caught my eye was the field and track. Seeing them playing a sport, running for exercise instead of survival, is a complete luxury that I never understood. The freedom to play and try to make a living out of this is anything but a fairytale. When I was growing up, once again hiding from my father, I found a spot to watch professional tourney games on TV. Granted, no one – not even Mal – knows about this spot to this day. It was the only good thing I have ever wanted, but knew it was unattainable because of who my father was.

Shaking my head from my memories, I kept walking past the track to see what else is there. Someone there to teach, train people, and guide people to achieve what they want right the first time. Sure, there might be some mistakes down the line, but someone will be there to help you out. The grass is a bright green, the sun is bright, and the sky is blue; an Auradon students' paradise. Continuing my exploration of the fields, there were basketball courts, tennis courts, and even a baseball field. Students running, doing jumping jacks, and stretching for their respective sports is a whole new world I want to be a part of.

But it will be a challenge. No one will get even close to us, much less talk to us. Aside from Fairy Godmother, Ben, and Queen Belle, the entire kingdom is going to keep their distance, so they'll know we won't "take retribution" to kill their families, destroy their kingdoms, and finish what our parents started long ago. Mal, Evie, Carlos, and I would never be able to kill for evil or stomach the idea of taking a life. But if our parents decided to choose between getting the wand and killing us or leaving here in chains with their progenies alive, I'm inclined to pick Option A. And that is what terrifies me most of all and hope they never come here for that reason.

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CARLOS' POV

The only thing I was interested in was finding the science labs. Since it was a weekend, there was no one present to look at me. Looking from the windows of the doors, there were actually lab tables, machinery, and the good kind of beakers on display: my virtual Heaven on Earth. On the island, I was the brainiac of the group. And the youngest person by three days. For a while, I felt like I wasn't part of the team, but they have looked out for me so far. I may not be as strong or athletic as Jay, confident or a complete leader like Mal, and being able to still have a semi-parent that treats you with dignity like Evie, but my knowledge in science and tech is the only thing that saved them from being killed by gargoyles last year.

Back on the island, no one really took me seriously. Even the group didn't take me seriously. The only one who did was our AP science teacher who encouraged me to pursue this curiosity about science and technology. Cruella is another story completely: the only people that I could actually talk to were Harry and Jace also known as Harold and Jason: Horace and Jasper's sons. One of the reasons is because we are all terrified of her. Another is that she still treats us like servants to do her bidding. And third, if we don't put up with her…then, no one will want to put up with her.

Mom doesn't even care for her own flesh and blood. The only things she DOES care about are two things: her furs and her "Baby" which is what she calls her car. That's it. Doesn't even consider me as her personal butler and valet, instead of her own child. I have a closet for a bedroom, sleeping on the floor like an animal, and hardly any food to eat. The only things that I DO own are my clothes, my gadgets that I invent and fix, my knowledge of science, my tree house in my backyard, and my blue pillow that Evie gave me when we first met. I hope this place is better than what I had to deal with for the last fifteen years of my life.

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MAL'S POV

The forest was a calming and necessary relaxant towards my thoughts on the plan and meeting Prince Bennyboo. Right in front of me, there was a sturdy oak tree that I can sit under and relax. Being in the school, surrounded by kids of heroes and royalty is more than I can handle. On the one hand, my mother and her words for getting us to do what she wanted is always in the front of our minds, but at the same time listening to her is in the back of our minds. I mean… if anyone has even met my mother, much less TALK to her, they'd wish themselves dead at the first chance they get.

Being the daughter of the Mistress of Evil puts a lot of pressure and expectation to be exactly like her: ruthless, evil, malicious, and cruel towards everything that is good and beautiful in the world, especially in Auradon. Now, living in Auradon, even more so since I have access to my birth magic and succeed in this to finally have what Carlos, Jay, Evie, and I always wanted: our parents' respect and love towards their so called 'disappointments.' She removed any ounce of good in me and if she caught me "being good," she'd punish me accordingly.

The tree provided shade from the harsh glare of the sun's rays so I closed my eyes, breathed in, and relaxed. Before I knew it, I was asleep. Who would have thunk it? I guess the stress of being the leader of three other people to steal Fairy Godmother's wand and get the hell out of dodge and the Royal Family being courteous to all of us…is making my brain to internally implode.

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BEN'S POV

Well…. that went better than I expected. The villain kids arrive and didn't set anything on fire, Mal thought my speech was okay, I stood up to Audrey and broke up with her, and Evie and Mal defended me and my proclamation as well as protected my mom from Audrey. For the first time, I can breathe in a sigh of relief at everything went the way it was supposed to. What made it even better was my father supporting me as well as keeping Mal steady on her feet after that right hook Audrey gave here. I'm surprised she didn't pass out immediately after a blow like that. I stepped into Fairy Godmother's office after leaving them with Doug. Fairy Godmother and my parents were discussing something, but stopped when I entered.

"Hi Mom. Dad. Fairy Godmother." They nodded their heads in greeting. Uh-oh. Something tells me this isn't a social visit. "Is there anything wrong?" I asked them.

"No, Ben. There's nothing wrong."

"Are you lying to me?"

"No." My father said sternly.

"Then, what's going on?"

"We wanted to talk to you about Audrey and those villain kids." I looked at them with a disappointed hurt look on my face, but held my tongue from saying anything.

"Audrey, as you know, we never really tolerated her, since she was a kiss up, self-absorbed and selfish. But after the attack on your mother and what she really thinks of us, has put us on edge. While she may not actually kill someone, however, she might decide to go after your new classmates in retribution." I completely agreed with them on that fact. Audrey is a little unstable and not a flight risk, but will be monitored for the remainder of them being here. "All we are saying: you need to make sure she won't do any kind of damage to anyone here, including the current students."

"Don't worry, I'll be cautious of Audrey and keep an eye on her."

"I know you will." Adam said. Fairy Godmother grinned and cleared her throat to grab our attention. "Now I wanted to talk about the villain kids you brought here. Especially that girl, Mal."

"Why? What's wrong with them?"

"Although, I know why they are here for, they have the capability of choosing what side they're on."

"Are you serious?" my father shocked at this revelation.

"A hundred percent, Your Majesty."

"Why?"

"Firstly, they are children being taught, just like all the children here in Auradon, what is good and what is bad. Secondly, when Audrey pulled their friend-" she looked at me for a name.

"Evie."

"Evie's hair, they had a small moment of fear. As if they have witnessed or experienced this before on the island."

"And Mal?" I couldn't help but interject this.

"Mal is a different story entirely. Yes, she and her friends are experiencing what having a normal life is, but also fighting themselves in giving into this life you have graced them with or following the code set forth to them by their parents. It is a very difficult decision and one they will need to choose very soon." I knew that lesson very well. Trying to be yourself, but not following in your parent's footsteps.

"I can't be too sure since I need to continue observing her to conclude my theory. I believe she will be the ultimate deciding factor in this 'good v. evil' debate. Whatever she decides or realizes herself, her friends will not abandon her for any reason whatsoever. So if you want this to work, you need to help Mal, which will help them by extension." Sitting down on a chair in front of her desk my hand covered my face making me rub my eyes in exhaustion and stress. I didn't feel her coming towards me until her warm hand removed mine.

"Do you think that I'm cut out for this? Being King?" I looked at her with fear and hope. She gave a warm smile and patted my shoulder to calm me down.

"I have no doubt you can do this, Ben."

"Thanks. For everything." I stood up and walked out. Thinking about what Fairy Godmother said made me realize how much I need to change and not just the kingdom, but also my view on everything. All my life, I have had my father drum into my head about the responsibilities and sacrifices I will make when I become King. That no matter what I do, there is going to be something standing in the way of progress, but I have to do it. While I was walking back, I saw someone sitting underneath a tree. Curious about who was the person, I crept closer to investigate. As soon as I could see the person clearly, I saw a girl with purple hair and leather clothes, looking completely at ease. "Mal?" I thought to myself. Quietly coming to her side and noticed her eyes were closed.

"She's asleep," I whispered to myself. "Maybe today must have take a lot out of her." She was lovely. Beautiful even. Her cheeks were pale but had a tiny hint of color, her mouth was set in a stubborn frown, and nose inhaling and exhaling making it wiggle when it tickled. I saw the sun setting and it was getting dark, so I picked her up without jostling her awake and both of us headed back to Auradon Prep. Everyone wondering why I was carrying the daughter of Maleficent, but I didn't care. By the time I reached her dorm, I opened the door and placed her on the bed. If what Fairy Godmother said about her affecting "change" for better or worse, then I want her to make the choice for herself and not by anyone's accord. Turning away to go back to my room, I casted one last glance at the "Sleeping Beauty" lying there before closing the door. Who knows? Maybe she might find a Happily Ever After while being here.

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Since I started my last semester as a English Literature major, uploading the next chapters will be a little bit tougher than I originally thought, but have now fear: I will continue this story and finish it for everyone who reads it. Tell me what you think about it and any other ideas; I'm open for suggestions (after I see how it plays out in my head). Spread the word to your friends, your friends' friends. But, since you guys are so amazing I decided to do something...interesting: If I can get 23 reviews for my story, I'll try to post the next chapter by Friday or Saturday night, instead of posting it on Sunday.

Music:

- Descendants Score Suite (from the Descendants Soundtrack) [Same as Chapter 1 & 2]