The image on their television was stagnant. It had been that way for several seconds. The self-proclaimed VKs had left with deep bows, leaving the camera fixed on the horrified expression captured on the statue that had been some poor man named Rodger.

"What the shit was that?" Jay was on his feet, shouting at the TV.

"It can't be a VK behind this," Carlos said, voice weak with disbelief, "It can't,"

Dizzy had the dropped the books in her arms, hands over her mouth. Celia was staring at the screen with a blank expression.

"One of us wouldn't do this," Jay said, looking to Carlos first then to Mal and Evie, "This is a set up obviously. Someone's trying to frame us. Someone who wants the program shut down,"

Evie had paled. Her eyes quivered, darting across the screen. Searching for something more. Her fists clenched each other, knuckles so strained and devoid of colour they stood out even against the already lacklustre pallor.

"Ben has to know this couldn't be a VK," Jay continued, pacing in front of the screen now. "Where is he? What's even happening?" He gestured to the TV.

"Everyone is probably spelled," Celia said, voice barely more than a whisper "You all saw the way the news guy dropped,"

"And the way the camera shook before those guys appeared. I think whoever was behind the camera passed out and knocked into it as they went down," Dizzy said grimly, "I don't think anyone in that studio is awake right now. They're all cursed to sleep… or turned to stone,"

Mal gripped the neckline of her shirt, her fingers biting into her skin. Her chest laboured with her breaths, an unseen weight laying on her ribs. Her mother's staff was at the heart of all this. Her mother's. This wouldn't have happened if she was stronger. If she'd been more prepared that morning.

"I need air,"

It was Evie who spoke. She was already walking through the archway. Dizzy took a few steps after her, but Mal caught Dizzy by the shoulder.

"Let me," She said softly. Dizzy nodded, offering a quick smile of encouragement.

Mal didn't need to search for any signs of Evie. She knew where to find her. Stepping out the backdoor she saw Evie standing at the edge of the garden. She stepped into the space next to her, slipping her hand into hers. She didn't prod, knowing Evie would speak when she was ready. The silence stretched between them for longer and longer before she did finally pierce it.

"You can say it now,"

"What am I supposed to say?" Mal asked.

"I told you so," Evie laughed. It was soft and bitter, "You always said it was a matter of time before a VK did this. It finally happened. They kept too much from the Isle and now the retribution is going to come back onto all of us,"

"I never wanted to be right about this. But I still don't think I was right,"

Evie turned to her, eyes fragile with tears, but with a questing forming in the crease of her brow.

"I think Jay's onto something. When they spoke to me, it felt like they were meeting me for the first time. We know every kid who's left the shores of the Isle. I don't think this is one of us. We can't prove that yet, but we can prove who it isn't. I've been keeping tabs on the VKs I trust the least. If they're where I expect them to be we know this isn't them,"

"They still called themselves VKs and Auradonians have a long memory. This isn't going to go down easy for us,"

"No. Probably not. But we're not going down without a fight. First, we're going to stops these guys. Then we handle any fall out that comes after, even if they are VKs,"

Evie crumpled into Mal, dropping her head against her shoulder.

"I got you. I got you," Mal whispered.

"I'm so tired of the fights,"

Mal knew she wasn't talking about the magical foes they'd faced over the years. There was nothing Mal could to think to say. She just held her.

"We're in this together, till the end,"

"We can't lose this,"

"We won't,"

"You can't promise that,"

"I can't. But I can promise I won't stop until I've exhausted every other option. Every single one,"

Evie's hands clung onto Mal.

"Evie," Carlos' voice entered the scene, "Ben's on the phone,"

Evie looked towards him, but Mal turned her face back to her, "I'll talk to him, take the space you need,"

She looked like she wanted to argue.

"I'm not asking to sit out. We all know we couldn't do this without you, but you need to be the on the top of your game. Take a moment for yourself. That's not selfish,"

Evie leaned in to kiss her, "I love you,"

"I love you," Mal echoed softly.

Ben's call was about exactly what Mal expected it to be. Could this truly be VKs? Mal was honest. There was a chance it was, no matter much she didn't want it to be true. But if it wasn't they needed to prove it. She hesitated to tell him of anyone she suspected. She wanted to be able to confirm it herself. It felt like a betrayal to sell out any VKs. But if they'd betrayed them first, then she couldn't waste time on sentiment.

She told him of CJ Hook and Freddie Facilier who had both moved to the southeastern coast and were running their own businesses. 'Business' being very loosely used. CJ, as Mal had learnt, ran alcohol up to a dry county, using a fishing boat as her cover. Freddie had followed in her father's footsteps, playing fortune teller in the back of a pawn shop. She felt ill talking about Freddie when Celia was just a few rooms away. She didn't have a clue how close Celia was to her half-sister. She made a note to find out once things had settled. Maybe the two would want to reconnect.

"Just the two of them?"

"Yes," Mal lied easily. Of course, it wasn't just two. But they were the furthest away right now and the ones Mal had the least chance of tracking down quickly. She had a few more names she could list out, but most were still in or near Auradon City. Several still lived in the manor and she could check on them personally.

"What about Gothtel's daughter?"

Mal sighed. Ginny had been one of the first names to crop up in her mind but, "I don't think this is her style. You heard how they talked, this person idolizes villains. Ginny and her mom… let's just say there's no deep love between them,"

"Anyone else in her crew?"

"No, they care about each other too much. No one would go rouge in that group,"

"You're sure?"

"I really don't think this is a VK at all,"

"How can you be so sure Mal?"

"How can you be so sure it is one?"

"I didn't say that," Ben said, "The best chance we have at stopping these guys is figuring where they're going to hit next and being ready,"

"I'm working on the being ready part," Mal said, "I'm researching magic strong enough to counter the scepter,"

"Fairy Godmother and Jane are doing the same," Ben said, "In the meantime, we're working on distributing gas masks to first responders and protective services,"

"Gas Masks isn't going to do much if they get turned to stone,"

"No. But even if it gives them the faintest bit of hope, isn't that something?"

"Of course it is," Mal said, even if she wasn't feeling very hopeful right now.

"Oh, and I am working on getting a car to pick up Dizzy and Celia. Just things here are…"

"Hectic?"

"Among other things,"

"Ben, you don't need to fix every problem at once. They're safe with us,"

"I have to go. Another call,"

"Hey, before you do, remember you once told me a King has to look after everyone?"

"Yes?"

"You're a person included in everyone,"

Ben chuckled, the first one she'd heard from him in a while, "You're right. Thank you, Mal,"

"Stay safe,"

"You too,"

She found Celia reading one of the magic books she'd brought up from the basement in the living room. Dizzy was on her phone, but Mal caught her shooting glances towards Celia every few seconds. Yet another thing to file away for another time. They both had plates of food in front of them.

"How are you guys holding up?" Mal asked, leaning over the back of the couch Celia had chosen to lounge on.

"Not under a sleeping spell or turned into a garden decoration so things are pretty good, considering," Celia said.

"Is Evie okay?" Dizzy asked.

Mal nodded, "Where's Jay and Carlos?"

"Went up to the tower," Celia said as she turned a page, "Something about keeping an eye out,"

"Are you worried about being targeted again?"

"Honestly. Yes," Mal said, "But that's why I'm looking through these," She tapped the spine of the book Celia was reading, "No magic is invincible. There's something I can do against my mother's scepter. Just need to find it. So I've got good news and bad news,"

"What's the bad news?" Dizzy asked.

"You're stuck here a little longer,"

"That's it. If that's the bad news what's the good?"

"You get to help me read through these books,"

"The good news is you're using us for free labour. I think you got your good and bad mixed up there," Dizzy deadpanned.

Mal snorted, flicking her ear lightly as she grabbed a space on the couch, "It's not free. I'll pay you in food,"

"Food I could take anyway,"

"Alright, maybe it is free labour. We both know you're still going to help anyway,"

Dizzy rolled her eyes as she picked up one of the books.

"I'm not complaining," Celia said, "I'm reading anyway,"

"I'll let you borrow the book, but for now can you read the chapter on powering relics,"

"You still haven't eaten," Dizzy said, poking Mal with her foot as she sat down.

"I'm going to,"

Dizzy glared at her. With a groan, Mal snapped the book she'd just opened closed. Dizzy grinned at her.

"I'm going to uninvite you from my-you-know-what,"

"No you're not," Dizzy said drily, her attentions already zeroing in the book in her hands.

As Mal vanished into the kitchen Celia peered over the top of her book, "You do care about her,"

Dizzy glanced over the top of her glasses, "I wasn't lying about that,"

"So what's her you-know-what,"

Dizzy chuckled, "Oh no, you don't have enough favour with me yet to earn that information,"

"So you're saying I could earn enough favour?" Celia asked, voice dripping with suggestion.

A spark shot up the back of Dizzy's neck. Her book raised higher to hide the building heat in her cheek. Enough time passed where Celia thought she wasn't going to get an answer when she heard…

"I'd never say never,"

A slow grin curled on Celia's lips and she returned to reading.

The hours ticked by slowly and their research bore no fruits. Carlos joined their efforts for a while, but an antsy Jay pulled him away for a walk around the yard. Evie eventually joined them, slipping the book out of an increasingly frustrated Mal's lap. She replaced it with one of Mal's notebooks.

"You haven't gone through your notes from your travels, have you?"

Mal sighed, "I'm starting to believe there's nothing, outside of having a relic as powerful or more powerful,"

"This book talks a lot about how relics could be created, I'm not seeing much on how to stop one," Dizzy supplied.

"Any chance of us being able to make one as powerful as Maleficent's scepter?" Celia asked.

"Sure with a few years and several complicated rituals,"

A sound like suppressed thunder crashed through the house. Mal tensed, one hand hovering in front of Evie the other reaching towards Dizzy and Celia, already snapping to get their attention and get them behind her.

"Where was that from?" Evie had one hand on her charm bracelet.

That's when they heard the scream, echoing from below them. One word. "MOM!"

"That's downstairs," Dizzy said.

"That's Jane," Mal was already bolting to the basement door. She tore down the stairs, grateful she hadn't thought to reseal their magic chambers. She burst into the room, tensed for anything.

Jane was on the floor, a sparkly mist still lingering in the air around. She was heaving, wide-eyed. She was scanning the room, turning over onto her knees. Mal could hear the other's steps behind her.

"No, no. Mom, mom,"

"Jane?" Mal called.

She turned to Mal, but her eyes didn't focus on her.

"Where's mom?"

"Your mom? I don't know. Why are you here?"

"Where is she? Did she… she didn't come," Horror filled her voice, "No. Mom, no. No," And she was trying to get past Mal, "No. We have to get back,"

"Get back? Where?" Mal caught her, trying to hold her in place.

"The vault. We were at the vault," Jane choked, "We went to get the wand,"

Dread started to build inside Mal to match the anguish on Jane's face.

"Jane, what happened?"

"They showed up," Jane chocked out, "Mom proofed me out of there," Tears were spilling down her cheeks now, "They're with her. I need to get back, now,"

"Your estate is miles away,"

"Then I'll proof there,"

"Jane you've never done that successfully," Mal was struggling to hold her in place.

"I don't care. She's alone,"

"Mal could you teleport there?" Evie asked.

"Jane," Mal said firmly, trying to make her focus with the tone of her voice, "Do you have something of your mom's? Or something from the vault?"

The questions seemed to help Jane ground herself, "I… yes. Yes!" She reached into the pocket of her dress, "Yes, the keystone to the vault," She said as she pulled out an octahedron made of a smooth cut brown stone with runes carved into each face, "It sits in the vault door until we have to open it,"

"Perfect, I can use that as the focus," Mal said, grabbing a few jars from the shelves before she found the right one with chalk in it. She started to draw the teleport circle on the floor.

Evie moved to the cupboard "Potions, before we go," She picked up the red vail Dizzy had shown Celia earlier, along with a few others.

Jay and Carlos came bursting to the room, "What happened?" Carlos asked, "Jane? What? How are you here?"

"No time to explain," Mal said, "FG's in trouble, are you coming?"

"You don't even have to ask," Jay said, stepping into the circle without hesitation.

Carlos nodded, stepping in next to him. Celia moved to step in next but Evie put a hand up to stop her, "No. You're staying here,"

"What? Why?"

"You're not putting yourself in danger,"

"But I have magic! I can help,"

"No," Evie said firmly, "You'll stay here, both of you. And you're going to listen to me this time,"

"But,"

"No."

Mal finished the circle, stepping into it, holding her hands out, taking hold of Jane and Evie's hands.

"We're going into the middle of a fight, that isn't the place to test your powers," Mal said.

Celia was seething. Dizzy put a hand on her shoulder.

"We should listen to them this time,"

"Fine, see if I care when something happens to you," She said turning on her heels and storming back up the stairs.

Dizzy winced with her departure.

"D, lock the doors," Mal said, "And don't open them for anyone who isn't us,"

"Got it,"

"Even if they say they're guards sent by Ben. Even if it's Ben himself, you don't leave this house until we're back," Evie said.

Dizzy nodded.

Jane squeezed Mal's hand nervously. Mal understood she was anxious to leave.

"Third time today," She said with forced cheer, "I'm an old pro at this by now," She recited the words for the spell, focusing on the stone in-between her and Jane's hands. The stone grew cold and the runes on the floor flared with light, blinking in sequence.

There was a pull in their guts and a weightless sensation as the colour blinked out around them. A darkness that extended forever then, the ground slammed into their feet from below. They were all sent stumbling, Mal completely collapsing to her knees.

"M!" Evie was at her side.

"I'm fine," She gasped, out of breath, "I'm fine. It just takes a lot of energy,"

Jay and Evie helped her back to her feet. Looking around, they were in the middle of a sprawling lawn. One that wasn't completely unfamiliar. The grand manor rose nearby was Fairy Godmother and Jane's home, one they'd been invited to for the occasional dinners or tea parties. Much closer to them as an understated building, much smaller than anything else on the grounds. It could have passed for a garage or a large storage shed.

Jane had already covered half the distance to the door, Carlos sprinting behind her.

"Jane! Don't go in alone,"

She didn't listen, rushing ahead of them. They heard her cry out moments after she'd vanished from sight. That pushed Mal, Evie and Jay to hurry, despite the quiver in Mal's muscles.

The room, the vault as Fairy Godmother called it, the space she kept her magical things had been torn apart. Shelves were broken, books torn apart and scattered, chests smashed open. Shattered glass everywhere. There were even a few points the wall itself had been broken open. In the center of the chaos stood Fairy Godmother. Or rather stood a petrified version of her.

"Mom," Jane fell in front of her, unable to contain a sob. Carlos sank down to his knees with her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Are they gone?" Jay asked, looking around.

"I think they are," Mal said. Her skin didn't prickle in the same way it had that morning.

"I'm going to look around," Jay said, stepping outside.

"Jay," Evie called to him, tossing a couple potions to him.

"Jane, do you know what they were here for?" Mal asked.

"The wand," She sobbed, "They must have been following us because they showed up moments after we opened the vault. We hadn't even…" Jane trailed off, suddenly pushing herself to her feet. She stepped through the mess of the room to get to the back room. There was a tapestry, half ripped off the wall. Jane grabbed it, pulling. It fell, revealing an intricate geometric etching on the wall behind it.

"Oh, thank god," Jane gasped, her hands brushing over it, "It's still here,"

"What is?" Evie asked, carefully moving closer to her.

"The wand. It's locked behind here,"

"In the wall?" Carlos asked.

"Yes and no. It's sealed in a pocket dimension. Mom didn't carelessly leave it anywhere, given certain events in recent years. She can only summon the wand if she undoes the seal from this spot. If the seal is still here they didn't get it,"

"So we still have the wand?" Carlos said.

"Yes. Mom can get it," She stepped up to her mother, rising on her tiptoes to press a kiss to her stone forehead. After a few seconds, Jane's smile faded, "Wait," She leaned up kissing her forehead again. Nothing happened.

"No. This is meant to work, it's… why isn't it working," The panic returned to her voice in triple fold, "It always works,"

"Why don't we use the wand to undo the curse?" Mal asked.

"We can't. Mom is the only who knows how to undo the seal,"

"So the most powerful magic user and one of the most powerful relics in Auradon are off the board?" Carlos asked. As grim as it sounded everyone in the room knew it was much worse.

Hours later they were all in Ben's office. Jane had a blanket around her, eyes red and swollen from crying. She'd been inconsolable for a while, blaming herself for not having a love that was true enough. Ben had finally calmed her down with soft kind words.

"True love's kiss is the purest love in a physical representation of the connection between two people. But if you're not able to connect directly with the person, with their skin, the connection isn't the same,"

It was the best theory they had for why a kiss didn't work. It was at least marginally more comforting than the alternative. That these people had discovered a curse that wasn't cured with true love.

After searching Jane's home for any sign of the intruders they'd called Ben to give him the bad news. He'd asked them to come for a face to face conversation. They'd been discussing the day's events for close to an hour now, trying to put together what they knew thus far. Mal, Fairy Godmother and the news hadn't been the only targets that day. They'd hit the royal academy, which housed a part portion of the on-duty royal forces. Now most of them were asleep or turned to stone. These people were clearly organised, mare hours after stealing the scepter they'd managed to strike heavy blows to Auradon's defences both magically and physically. Ben was worried that another blow would destroy the county's morale. He'd officially declared a state of emergency and started with closing Auradon prep. Suspecting the wand as a target and assuming they didn't know about the seal on it, they'll go looking for it in other places Fairy Godmother frequently. Top of that list, the school.

"And you can't unlock the wand?" Ben asked.

Jane shook her head, "We call it the vault because it is one, just magical. I don't know the code. The spell itself is complicated and when mom talked about it, we always thought we'd have more time for her to teach me," She choked on a sob again.

Evie rubbed her back comfortingly, "Your mom isn't gone. She's going to be okay,"

Jane nodded numbly.

"Without the wand," Mal said, "We just lost our best weapon against the scepter,"

"Maleficent's scepter isn't the most powerful magical relic out there," Jay said.

"It's one of," Jane said, "The wand was one of the few things as powerful,"

"But there are others," Jay said, "Right?"

"A handful, maybe. I don't know where most are,"

"What are they? We can find them, we have to,"

"I… I don't know," Jane said, "Maybe Olympian relics. Like Zeus' lightning bolt,"

"Cool, we just ask Zeus to borrow it," Jay said.

"One issue with that. No one has heard from Zeus in years. Not even Hercules," Ben said, "The Olympian's are very secretive and distrusting. Even if I knew where he was, I don't know how co-operative he'd be,"

"But he's a good guy,"

Ben pulled a face, "Good is a strong word. Hercules is a good guy. His dad is… his dad isn't an evil guy is the best way I'd put it,"

"So you're saying we have nothing,"

Evie met Mal's eyes.

Mal took a breath, "Maybe not nothing. We know where we can find one Olympian relic,"

"Where?"

"The Isle. Hades' Ember,"

Elsewhere Celia made a delighted yet choked sound "Is this uncooked cookies, in ice cream?" Celia asked, one cheek puffed out from the food in her mouth.

"It's great right!" Squeaky cried happily, opening his mouth wide to shovel more in.

Dizzy laughed. She and Celia were at the manor. After the others had returned from Jane's they'd dropped them there since Auradon Prep had been evacuated of all the students. They'd raided the kitchen for ice cream, a dozen or so kids sprawled out in of the common rooms, introducing Celia and the Smee twins to all the wonderful flavours of ice cream.

"You got to try this one," Dizzy said, holding out a carton of mint chocolate chip.

Celia frowned slightly as she glanced at it, but she took a spoonful. Her eyes went wide and she moaned, head dropping back.

"Is this what heaven tastes like?"

"And that isn't even my favourite flavour,"

"It isn't?!"

They were so busy passing around ice cream and sharing their jokes no one noticed the shadows that moved passed the windows.

We're almost to the Isle, but some things are going to happen first.

Nardragon- until the next page.