Hello again. Now as you are about to read about the Tourney game, I just want all of you to know that I am not including, "Did I Mention". This is my least favorite song from the movie and since Ben isn't actually under the love potion since magic doesn't work on him, he wouldn't want to embarrass himself by singing a musical number in front of people like that. Later maybe, but not now. The next song, "If Only", will be in the next chapter, so don't worry. Enjoy!
The next morning, the students were hanging around the school waiting for the Tourney game to start. Several girls that Mal did her hair spell on saw Mal at her locker and waved, as Mal waved back. She felt good inside that she was getting this much attention in a good way. She opened her locker and saw the cookie that she wanted to give to Ben. She was starting to have doubts about going through with it. Should she use magic to make their connection grow and have Ben make a move on her as well as getting a way closer to the wand? Or should she just get the courage herself and ask him out? Jay came up next to her and asked, "Are you feeling kind of weird about this? I mean, it's not so bad here, you know. And Ben's a cool guy. Does he really deserve to go through this?" Mal snuffed down her light and turned to Jay and said, "Are you insane? Long live evil! You're mean! You're awful! You're bad news! Snap out of it!" Jay sighed and said, "Thanks, Mal. I needed that." Mal smirked at Jay as he walked away, Mal silently glad that he bought it. She couldn't let him know that she was having doubts too.
She turned back to her locker as Ben and Audrey walked nearby as Audrey looked at the girls that got new hairdos from Mal. "Do you think they actually paid for those?" Audrey asked. The two royals looked over and saw Jay flirting with the girls. "Hey girls. The name's Jay. You all going to the Tourney game? Keep a lookout for number eight, all right? Scoring the winning goal." Audrey huffed and said, "She did it to Jane's hair, too, and Fairy Godmother's not happy about it." "What's the harm?" Ben asked. "It's not big magic." "But it's gateway magic!" Audrey whispered. "Yeah it's minor now so that she won't be punished because of the law, as she's just doing the hair. Next thing you know it's the lips and the legs and the clothes and then everybody looks good and then where will I be?" Ben sighed and said, "It's not a big deal, Audrey. Mal's using her magic to help others. Isn't that what magic is for?" Mal overheard that comment and that made her blush inside, glad to know that Ben likes her magic. Audrey sighed and said, "I will see you at the game after my dress-fitting for the coronation, OK?" "Actually, Audrey," Ben said. "I haven't actually officially invited you yet. Don't you remember?" Audrey just giggled and said, "Oh, Bennyboo. That rule is silly. We are already together forever so there's no need to officially invite me." Ben glared at her and said, "Yes, I actually have to." Audrey huffed and said, "Fine. Ask me now." "Can't," Ben said. "It has to be in front of witnesses." "Fine," Audrey said. "Ask me with our friends after the game then, OK?" Before Ben could answer, Audrey said, "I have to go. Bye, Bennyboo." She tried to kiss him on the lips, but as always, Ben turned his head and Audrey kissed his cheek. Audrey walked away as Ben sighed to himself in frustration.
He heard Mal's locker close behind him and Mal call out, "Hey, Bennyboo!" Ben turned around and saw Mal holding a bag with a cookie that Ben knew had the love potion in it. He walked up to her as she said, "I just made a batch of cookies. Double chocolate chip, do you want one?" Ben smiled and said, "Normally I don't eat before a big game, but I think I'll make an exception for you." Mal tried to hide her blush as Ben took the bag from her and pulled the cookie out. Ben took a bite out of it and started chewing it, feeling the love potion enter his system and the Force starting to counter it. "How is it?" Mal asked, the other VKs walking toward them. "It's good," Ben said, starting to sweat a little as the Force was burning the love potion out of his system. "It's great! It's amazing! I mean, they're chewy and, you know, they, is that walnuts? I love walnuts. I mean, you know, the chocolate, the chocolate, chocolate chips are…" Ben looked into Mal's eyes and saw that she was waiting for the spell to kick in as he was trying to hide the fact that his body was pushing out the potion.
"Time to make her think it worked," Ben thought. "But not too over the top. I don't want to embarrass myself." He looked deep into Mal's eyes and asked, "Mal, have you always had those little golden flecks in your eyes?" Mal looked into Ben's eyes, glad that the love potion was working, not knowing that Ben was pretending that it was working, but noticed that his eyes had purple flickers every now and then, not knowing that it was the Force at work destroying the love potion he ingested. Jay grabbed Ben's shoulders and asked, "How you feeling, bro?" "I feel," Ben said. "Good. Really good. That cookie was amazing. You're amazing, Mal. Your hair, your eyes, everything about you is amazing. Thank you." Mal giggled with Evie looking at her funny. Ben then took Mal's hand and asked, "Are you going to the game today? I would love it if you were there." Mal nodded and said, "I'll go. For you." Ben grinned and surprised Mal by bringing her hand to his lips and kissed it, like a prince would. Both felt their spark glow brightly leaving Mal with a glowing feeling inside of her. Ben pulled away as Jay said, "Alright. Time to get Princey here to the locker room to start getting ready. Come on, Carlos. Help me with him." Carlos and Jay pulled Ben away leaving the two girls standing there. "So," Evie asked. "It worked?" "I think so," Mal said. "Let's get to the field. I did make a promise, after all."
The game was underway and it was tied 2 to 2, as the announcer said, "It's a nail-biter folks. There's 47 seconds left on the clock. We're all tied up. The Sherwood Falcons, two. The Fighting Knights, two. What a game between Auradon's fiercest rivals." Jay and Carlos were sitting on the bench in their jerseys as Jay shouted, "Get 'em, Chad." Chad looked down at Jay and muttered, "Thanks, Jay." Chad ran in as the announcer said, "The teams are getting into their huddles and taking up positions along the Kill Zone." Coach Jenkins called for a switch of players and he looked back to Jay and said, "You're up!" Jay looked over at Carlos then back at Coach Jenkins and asked, "Coach, how about my buddy here?" Carlos shook his head, "Oh, no." "Not so sure about that," Coach Jenkins said. But Jay persisted, "Coach, he's been practicing with Ben. And you said yourself, a team is made up of a bunch of parts." "Jay, I'm not that good," Carlos tried to make Jay stop. "Well," Jay continued, "He's kind of like my brain." Coach Jenkins sighed as he called another player back and turned to the two boys and said, "Get out there!" Jay turned to Carlos and said, "Don't worry, bro. I got your back." "How about my front?" Carlos asked. Jay pushed Carlos out to the field and ran behind him as the announcer said, "He's bringing that hothead Jay in from the Isle of the Lost and that little guy Carlos who can barely hold a shield." Mal and Evie were in the stands standing next to Lonnie as she smiled at the fact that her friends were going in to play. The cheerleaders, with Audrey in the front, cheered loudly, as their Knight mascot, played by Jane, cheered loudly seeing Carlos go in as her heart fluttered in excitement. Ben smirked seeing Jay and Carlos joining the game as he shouted, "Let's finish this thing!" The rest of the team shouted in agreement as they all shouted, "Break!"
The players from both teams got into position and the ball flew into the center where Jay got it and started running up the field. Carlos got in a big block while Jay passed the ball to Ben, who ran past the defensemen. Ben passed the ball back to Jay who then shot it at the goal, but the goal keeper blocked it. The goalkeeper threw it far but Jay jumped and caught it with his stick. He then grabbed Carlos as both boys dodged through the Kill Zone. Jay passed the ball to Carlos who then tossed the ball into the air and ducked so that Jay could jump on his shield to get the ball. Jay jumped off and passed it high to Ben, who leaped into the air, using some of his Force agility, and shot it at the goal and scored. The crowd cheered as Auradon won the game. Mal smiled but covered her ears at the loud screams next to her. The announcer shouted, "Prince Ben has won it! What an unselfish play by Jay! What a team! Incredible! And it's the new guys, Jay and Carlos, who set up the prince for the winner. What a victory!" An absolutely wonderful end to one of the best games ever! Here they come, folks!" The team ran over to the bleachers where the cheerleaders and fans were.
The announcer saw Ben coming over and the prince whispered, "Can I borrow your microphone for a minute?" The announcer nodded and Ben grabbed the mic and shouted, "Excuse me. Can I have your attention, please? There's something I like to say." The entire crowd went silent as Ben continued, "As you all know, in a couple weeks time, I will be crowned King of Auradon. I am looking forward to seeing all of you there as it will mean a lot to me. You all are what make Auradon great. And I want to invite someone to stand up with me on that special day." Audrey smirked thinking that Ben was about to ask her. But then Ben shocked everyone when he jumped off the stage and ran to the bleachers, stopping right in front of Mal, who blushed at the moment, but remembered that she had Ben eat that love cookie. Ben took a deep breath and said, "Mal, would you go to the coronation with me?" Everyone gasped as Mal smirked and shouted, "Yes!" Ben smiled as the crowd then cheered with Audrey stomping up the stands dragging Chad with her and shouted, "What? You're supposed to invite me." Ben turned back to Audrey and said, "Actually, I can invite anyone I want. And I want to invite Mal. And I did it in front of witnesses. I want to spend that day with her. Understand?" Audrey growled and glared at Mal and said, "I don't know what's going on here, but just know that this means nothing in the end. I'll let Bennyboo have this moment. But this isn't the end of this. So, I am going to go with Chad, Ben, so I don't need your pity date as I see here." She then kissed Chad on the cheek as Evie looked heartbroken at the sight. Audrey dragged Chad away as Ben shrugged and whispered, "It's OK, Mal. Don't worry about her. You're the only girl I care about." Mal blushed as Jay walked up and said, "Come on, Ben. The whole team's waiting for you." Ben grabbed Mal's hand and kissed it again saying, "I'll see you later." Jay dragged Ben down as the crowd cheered, celebrating the victory of the game.
Mal looked over and saw the sad look on Evie's face and said, "I feel really sorry for Audrey." "You do?" Evie asked. Mal nodded secretly knowing that Ben never cared for Audrey but instead said, "I feel like if she were talented like you, and she knew how to sew and knew beauty tips, that she wouldn't need a prince to make herself feel better about herself." Evie chuckled and said, "I guess I am kind of talented." "You are definitely gifted," Mal agreed. "Thanks, M," Evie said as the team cheered on the field as the team voted Jay the MVP and gave him the trophy and hoisted him up into the air as the announcer said, "There he is! Jay, the most valuable player! How do you like that?"
On Monday morning, Ben woke up with a smile on his face. He was glad that he finally had an opportunity to spend time with Mal more often so that they could get to know each other and fall in love. Sure, Mal thought he was under a love potion, but Ben knew that Mal secretly had some feeling for him. He sat up and stretched looking down at Chewie and said, "Ready for a walk?" Chewie barked and leapt off the bed as Ben ran over and threw some clothes on. "So," Ben heard Leia's voice and turned around to see the spirit of his mother standing there. "You two are finally going to spend some time together." "Yes," Ben said. "But Mal thinks I am under a love potion. If that's what it takes for me to spend time with her, then so be it." Then Obi-Wan's spirit appeared and said, "But you can't rely on that forever. You have to think of a way to "break" it without her suspecting anything." "I know," Ben said. "But if I just tell her that I'm immune to magic, how would she react?" Yoda then appeared and said, "Earn her trust, you must. Develop your relationship as nature intends, young Skywalker. I know you must hide certain things from her for now, but let you know that you can be trustworthy. I sense she wants to ask you about Solo." "I think that too," Ben said. "I'm still trying to find a reasonable explanation for that side of myself without revealing everything too early. I know that the Force will return her memories and Force connection when time deems it ready. But I at least want to work her into it a little. Just trust me." Leia sighed and said, "We know, son. Anyway, what about a first date? The Enchanted Lake is always a nice spot." "It is," Ben said. "And if I was under a spell, then me swimming in the lake would wash away the spell. That can be a good back up plan if I need it. Good idea, Mom." Leia smiled as the three Force spirits disappeared back into Ben as Ben left his room to walk Chewie.
Mal woke up groggy again. She had more dreams about Ben at the lake and dreams about Solo, this time him kneeling down in front of a giant ugly creature that Solo called Master. "I am really getting tired of all of these dreams," Mal said. But last night she also started to dream more about the brown haired girl, seeing her in a hot desert scavenging giant metal things for parts that she sold to an ugly creature and trying to survive on her own. Mal felt pity for the girl and felt that she seemed similar to herself in a way. Shaking her head, she got up and threw on some clothes and snuck out of her room and went outside. She sighed to herself thinking, "Why is all of this happening to me?"
"Hey, Mal." Mal turned to see Ben standing there with Chewie at his side. Mal smiled and said, "Hello, Ben. And Chewie." The dog barked and went up to her for a pet, which Mal obliged. Ben smiled and said, "How are you this morning?" "Good," Mal said trying to hide her tiredness, which Ben could sense right away. "I was just getting some fresh air before classes start. I need to go back in to finish getting ready." She turned when Ben asked, "Are you free for lunch today?" Mal turned and asked, "Are you asking me out on a date?" Ben shook his head and said, "Not quite. I actually want to know if you want to have lunch with me everyday this week. We could just talk about each other and get to know each other better." Mal smiled and nodded while Ben continued, "I do also want to ask you if you want to go on a real date with me. Friday after school. My treat." Mal blushed as she thought, "A date? With me? Mal, just relax, this is the love potion talking through Ben. Just play along." Mal looked at Ben and said, "Of course. I would love to." Ben smiled and said, "Great. I'll meet you at your dorm room Friday at 3:00. OK?" Mal nodded as Ben stepped forward and grabbed her hand to kiss the back of that. "I'm looking forward to it. And to seeing you at lunch for the rest of the week." He then called Chewie to him and walked back to his dorm room to change, leaving Mal a blushing mess.
The week went past quickly. The Core 4 were adapting to Auradon much quicker than they realized. Mal and Ben had lunch together everyday as they talked about how their days were and interests. Mal was surprised to hear that he loved sword fighting over Tourney and said that if Jay keeps it up, he would have Jay be the captain instead of himself. Mal always caught glances from Audrey who was sitting with her friends glaring at the two of them, jealous that her Bennyboo was spening quality time with the daughter of her family's enemy. Ben always seemed to notice and redirected Mal's attention towards him. Mal never understood how he always seemed to know what she was thinking, but that smile of his always charmed her. Lunches always were short so they both treasured each minute they had. Mal felt more and more connected with Ben after each meeting and part of her wished that maybe it was the real Ben talking and not the cookie. Carlos was loving his role as guardian of Dude and he joined Ben and Chewie for morning walks. Jay became a favorite among the Tourney team, except Chad, and grew to love the sport.
Thursday was an interesting day for Evie as she was in chemistry class getting ready to take a test and she was looking through her bag for her Magic Mirror which was missing. Mr. Deley noticed and asked, "Looking for something?" He then held up her magic mirror and said, "Thank you, Chad." Evie looked at Chad in horror, realizing that he ratted her out. "Why did I ever have a crush on that prince?" Evie thought. Mr. Deley continued, "It's gratifying to see someone still respects the honor code. It will be my recommendation that you are expelled." "Mr. Deley, I…" Evie started to say when Doug interrupted, "But that isn't fair. Obviously she wasn't cheating since she didn't have that…Whatever it is." He then glared at Evie before she could retort with a look saying, "Don't say anything." He turned back to Mr. Deley and said, "Maybe she needed another pencil. Please." Mr. Deley sighed and said, "Well, if you can pass this test, I'll return your property and let the matter drop." Evie smiled as Mr. Deley walked away and she mouthed to Doug, "Thank you." She then glared at Chad, who glared back, but Doug hit her arm and shook his head. Evie sighed and focused on the test.
The next day, Evie found Doug outside at a table and she snuck up on him and showed that she passed the test with a B+. She smiled and said, "For the first time it's like I'm more than just a pretty face." Doug chuckled and said, "A shocker, huh?" Evie chuckled and sat down next to him and said, "You were pretty great in there." "So were you," Doug replied. Evie looked at the test and said, "I bet I can get an "A" on the next test without the mirror." Doug smiled and said, "Yeah. Well, maybe we can get together and we'll hang out with…" "Yeah," Evie interrupted. "Let's get together." Suddenly Mal came up to them and said, "There you are! I have been looking for you literally everywhere!" "What's wrong?" Evie asked. "Remember," Mal said. "Ben asked me out on…a date." Doug smiled and muttered, "Nice," as Evie said, "We can handle this." She said goodbye to Doug as she walked away with Mal saying, "You're looking a little pale." "Well, yeah, of course," Mal retorted. "But," Evie said. "I can fix that with some gloss and some blush." The girls walked away with Doug smiling to himself, happy that he's finally connecting with Evie.
"Someone's happy." Doug turned to see Ben standing next to him as Doug said, "I don't know how you can sneak up on anybody. You're the Crown Prince." Ben chuckled as he said, "So, you finally got through to Evie. Good for you, man." "Thanks," Doug said. "Chad stole her Magic Mirror and tried to have her expelled, but I stepped in and saved her. Oh, sorry, I shouldn't have said that Evie…" "Doug," Ben stopped Doug. "It's OK. I know about the mirror. She's not going to get in trouble. Don't worry. I'm just happy she realized that she didn't need it." Doug smiled then said, "Wait. Shouldn't you be getting ready for your date with Mal?" Ben chuckled and said, "I was heading back to my room to get ready when I saw you with Evie and I wanted to check in with you. So, I will head out now. See you later, Doug." Ben got up and smiled while walking back to his room. "I hope this date goes perfectly," Ben thought. "Our lunches together never seemed enough. I want this moment to be special." He then ran back to his room, ready for his first date.
