Cotillion was in full swing. Guests were on the deck dancing to music as more guests came in. Evie, wearing a beautiful blue gown, and Doug, wearing a suit, walked on the red carpet and stopped to have their pictures taken by reporters, "Evie, you look beautiful!" "Thank you so much," Evie said. "Did you design the barrette?" One reporter asked. Evie smiled and answered, "It's beautiful, isn't it? Um, no, it's not my creation. Many of the hair accessories this evening are by a fabulous new designer. Dizzy of the Isle."

Dizzy was watching the Cotilliion coverage on TV and heard Evie say her name. "That's me!" Dizzy squealed. "I made that!" Dizzy heard a thumping from above and her grandmother, Lady Tremaine, shouted, "Knock it off!" "Sorry, Granny," Dizzy said as she quietly squealed and turned back to the TV.

On the deck of the Cotillion boat, Carlos, wearing a black and white jacket with red dress pants, led Jane, wearing a light blue dress with a pink ribbon on it, in and the two smiled at each other. Fairy Godmother, wearing a light blue gown and carrying the magic wand, came over and said, "Jane! There you are, my dear. And everything looks beautiful, my love. But we just need to ladle out the punch before the sherbet melts." Jane stopped her mother and said, "Mom. I have a date." Fairy Godmother gasped, "A date. Really?" She saw Carlos standing next to her and asked, "Do you have a date too?" Carlos looked at Jane and said, "Yeah." "Really?" Fairy Godmother didn't put two and two together until Jane took Carlos' hands and raised them, looking into his eyes. Fairy Godmother finally understood, "Bippity boppity." She quietly walked away as Carlos and Jane stared lovingly at each other. "After you," Carlos said, leading her to the dance floor.

The music and dancing continued for a while. Jay, wearing a suit with his usual colors, led Lonnie, wearing an oriental style dress, in and danced to the music. The music stopped and everyone applauded. Lumiere stood at the top of the stairs and trumpets sounded. "The future Lady Mal," Lumiere announced. Everyone turned to look up, Adam and Belle standing at the bottom of the stairs. Mal walked in wearing the dress Evie made her. Evie trimmed the skirt so that it was a little shorter, and she gave Mal a sheer cape and Mal had her hair braided and off to one shoulder and wearing a small tiara on her head. Lumiere leaned in and whispered, "You work it, girl." Mal chuckled as the audience applauded for Mal. She walked down the steps and Adam stepped forward and took her hand, leading her to him and Belle. "Hey," Adam said. "Ben is almost ready. He's in the King's cabin." Mal nodded as Adam continued, "And you look beautiful." "Oh," Mal said. "Thank you." Belle stepped forward and said, "I know we were shocked at first, but you are exactly what Ben needs." "And lucky for me," Adam added. "She doesn't go by first impressions." Evie then stepped forward and led Mal to the main floor. "How are you?" Evie whispered. "Uh," Mal answered. "I sort of feel like I'm gonna throw up." "OK," Evie replied. "That's OK. Look. We're right here with you, OK?"

Mal nodded as the trumpets blew as Lumiere announced, "King Benjamin!" Everyone started to cheer as Ben walked out to the top of the stairs. Mal stared at Ben with loving eyes as Evie whispered, "Go get him." Mal walked forward as Ben came down the stairs. Ben bowed to her as Mal bowed to him. But when she looked up, she didn't see the spark in his eyes like she usually did. Ben sighed and said, "Mal, I wish I had time to explain." He looked back up at the top of the stairs and Uma walked out, startling everyone, especially Mal. Ben walked up and led Uma down the stairs, as everyone was gasping in shock. Ben met Uma at the bottom and leaned down to kiss her hand, like he always did with Mal. Mal saw that Uma was wearing Ben's ring. She was at a loss of words when Ben led Uma to Mal and said, "Sorry. It all happened so fast. Something happened to me when I was on the Isle with Uma. A connection." Mal couldn't believe what she was hearing. "But, he has a connection with me," Mal thought. She shook her head and asked, "What are you saying?" "I'm saying," Ben started to say as Uma interrupted, "It was love. It was. I realized how alike Ben and I are, you know?" "We are," Ben whispered as Uma giggled. "You're so beautiful," Ben added. "Ben," Mal said. "Did you go back for her?" "He didn't have to," Uma said. "I dove through the barrier before it closed and I'm an excellent swimmer, so…" "You are," Ben said lovingly. "Thank you," Uma told him as she turned to Mal and took her hands, "Listen, Mal. I just really want to thank you. I do. For everything." She then hugged Mal and whispered, "Thank you. Thank you so much." She pulled away as Ben said, "Don't you see, Mal? You never had a connection with me. That's why you never told me that you loved me. So thank you." Mal stood there in shock. "Was he lying?" Mal thought. "All this time? I don't understand what's going on."

Ben led Uma to the dance floor and music started to play and the two started the waltz. Evie pulled Mal toward their friends as they stood there in shock. "Not too thrilled I risked my life for him," Carlos said. Lonnie leaned over and whispered, "We're with you, Mal." Jay walked over and whispered, "Let's get out of here." Mal was in too much of a shock and was suffering from a broken heart and couldn't say anything, so she nodded and let Jay walk her towards the stairs. Adam and Belle stopped her as Belle said, "Honey, we're so sorry. We had no idea." "I'm gonna talk to him," Adam said. "This doesn't make any sense. Because…" But Mal moved to walk away.

Jane realized that something was up as she knew that Ben deeply cared for Mal. She ran up to Lumiere and shouted, "Lumiere, unveil the gift. They need to see it." Lumiere then announced, "And now, for the unveiling of King Ben's masterpiece, designed especially for his lady." Mal and her friends turned to look at the other side of the ship as the stain glass window Ben designed was unveiled. Everyone gasped and clapped. Ben stopped dancing and stared at the masterpiece, feeling some of Uma's spell wearing off. "Ben did that?" Mal asked as she felt her heart mending back together. "Yeah, he did," Evie admitted. Mal started to cry and said, "I knew it. He told me all the time. He's known who I was all along. This just proves that he was right." "He loves the real you, Mal," Evie said as she led Mal back down the stairs. "A true love," Mal realized. "Told you," Carlos said as the group chuckled. Mal then heard a woman's voice in her head saying, "Ben truly loves you, Mal. Help him. Something has taken control of him."

Uma ran over to Lumiere and shouted, "Cover that back up!" "I will not," Lumiere said. Uma then chuckled nervously and told Ben, "Uh, why don't you tell everyone the present you have for me, Ben?" She flashed red eyes at him, getting him under her control again, and Ben shouted, "I have an announcement. Uma will be joining the court tonight as my lady." Adam stepped forward and said, "Son…" "Not now, Dad!" Ben shouted, his eyes flashing red, which Mal noticed. The female voice in her head said, "See? He's not in control of himself. A darkness has taken over." Mal suddenly remembered what Solo told her on the Isle, "There's something here on this Isle that wasn't here six months ago. An object of some kind. I can sense its darkness. It's been absorbing whatever power it can." Ben then said, "Uh, so, as my gift, uh, to her, I'm bringing down the barrier once and for all." Everyone gasped at the announcement.

Over on the Isle, Harry and the rest of the pirates were watching the Cotillion coverage on the TV in Ursula's restaurant. Harry said, "Mateys, we ride with the tide!" The pirates cheered with glee.

Over on the Cotillion boat, Ben looked over at Fairy Godmother and said, "Fairy Godmother. Bring down the barrier." "I most certainly will not," Fairy Godmother replied. Ben's eyes flashed red as he shouted, "I am your King!" "Obey him," Uma added. As Uma moved, Mal noticed that there was an amulet behind her shell necklace with a red gem in its center. She suddenly got a vision of Uma laughing evilly along with the dark creepy voice that was in her head with those nightmares. "Yes," the female voice said in Mal's head. "Now you understand. Only you can save him now. Prove that you are his true love." Mal glared at Uma and said, "It was her. She's the one who sent me those nightmares. She spelled Ben." Uma grabbed Ben's hands and made him look at her to focus back on her. "Uma found your spell book," Evie realized. "No," Mal whispered. "Ben can't be affected by magic. It's that amulet around her neck. That has a different power source apart from magic. I can sense it. That's what she used to spell Ben."

Before Evie could ask about what Mal was talking about, Mal stepped down and walked up to Ben saying, "Ben. Look at me." "No," Uma said. "Look at me. You love me, remember?" "No," Mal interrupted. "You don't." "Yes, you do." Uma said. "Ben," Mal said. "Look at me." "Bring down the barrier now!" Uma shouted to Fairy Godmother. "I do not take orders from you," Fairy Godmother retorted. "Ben," Mal said. "I never told you that I loved you because I thought that I wasn't good enough. And I thought that it was only a matter of time before you realize that yourself. Despite the connection we had. Despite the declaration of love you shared with me that affected your betrothal contract with Audrey. But, Ben, look at that masterpiece. That's me. I'm part Isle and part Auradon. It just took me a while to see that. And, Ben, you've always known who we were and who we can be." "Don't listen to her," Uma whispered, putting more power into the spell, but Mal was winning. "Ben, I know what love feels like now. Ben. Of course I love you. Ben, I've always loved you." She leaned up and gave him their first true love's kiss, causing the crowd to go, "Aww." Mal and Ben felt power come from their kiss and it sent a shockwave of pure magic outwards, shocking the crowd and Uma. Mal pulled away and she saw the red melt from Ben's eyes and saw the spark in them again. He looked at her with loving eyes and whispered, "Mal." Mal smiled as they both leaned their heads together, feeling their connection glow with the love they had for each other. Ben felt the Force spirits in his mind awakening from the spell like he was. "True love's kiss," Evie whispered. "Works every time."

Uma screamed with fury and charged at Fairy Godmother shouting, "Give it to me!" But then Chewie came bounding down the stairs and shoved Uma away from Fairy Godmother and barked loudly at her. "Looks like your spell on Chewie didn't last that long," Ben said as Fairy Godmother shouted, "Guards! Seize her!" Uma ran over to the side of the boat where she got trapped by all the guests, Ben and Mal in the front. Mal glared at her with glowing green eyes and said, "You. All of this was your fault. You put those nightmares into my head to make me doubt myself and go back to the Isle. You put a love spell on Ben. Because of that amulet around your neck!" Ben looked over at Mal and thought, "She figured it out. Smart girl." He turned to Uma and said, "Uma. That amulet is dangerous. Please, give it to me." Uma glared at everyone with red eyes and shouted, "You're going to have to pry it off of me. I know you can." Ben knew that Uma was challenging him to show off his powers in front of everyone, but he didn't take the bait. Mal stepped forward a little and said, "Uma, I know you. I know that you are bent for revenge on me because of how I treated you when we were little. But you are so much more than a villain. And you have to believe me because I've been there. Do not let your pride get in the way of something that you really want." Uma's shell necklace and the amulet both started to glow as Uma sneered, "I know what I want. And that's for you and Auradon to suffer."

She then jumped off the boat into the water below. Everyone looked over the edge to see where Uma went. Suddenly everyone saw a gold and red glow coming from the water as the water started to swirl and rise. Uma emerged from the water in her giant sea witch octopus form, sending a huge splash of water to everyone, soaking them to the bone. Uma laughed evilly and shouted, "True love's kiss won't defeat this. The world will know my name!" Uma used two of her tentacles to rock the boat side to side. She then reached one of her tentacles toward the boat and grabbed Ben, dragging him to her in the air. "Ben!" Mal shouted as the crowd tried to steady themselves on the boat. Ben tried to break free, but Uma's grip was too strong. "She's too strong in this form," Ben thought. He looked over and saw that Mal's eyes were glowing bright green as her anger started to rise. Uma just laughed at her.

Suddenly Mal was surrounded by purple smoke and Ben shouted, "Mal!" Out of the smoke emerged Mal as a dragon, who took off into the sky, starling the guests as they were shocked that Mal turned into a dragon. Dragon Mal leveled herself with Uma and growled at the sea witch. Uma just chuckled and said, "Come on, Mal! Let's finish this once and for all! But be careful not to damage your true love here." She held up Ben, who was starting to fall unconscious, causing Mal to growl loudly. Uma swung a tentacle at Mal to try and hit her, but Mal responded by spitting a fire ball out of her mouth at Uma. The two girls went back and forth attacking each other as Ben thought, "They need to stop fighting. This isn't the way to solve things. I need to get that amulet off of Uma so I can get through to her. I have no choice. I have to astral project myself." "Ben!" Leia shouted in his head. "That would expose your other self to all of Auradon. Are you willing to risk that?" "I am," Ben answered. "I would rather expose myself as Solo than expose myself as Ben having powers. Uma already sensed the connection between Solo and I. I don't want to take her bait. I have to be quick so that I can stop this as King Ben. But Solo can be the one to get the amulet off of Uma. There's no other way." "Then," Luke said in his mind. "Do it. We will be with you. "May the Force be with you," all of the spirits said in his mind as Ben fell unconscious.

Uma noticed that Ben stopped squirming and said, "Looks like that King isn't as tough as I thought. Catch him if you can!" She threw him in the direction of the boat as dragon Mal flapped her wings to try and reach him as the crowd on the boat gasped with shock. Fairy Godmother raised her wand ready to catch him.

But then Ben suddenly stopped in midair. Dragon Mal stopped her flight and looked around, sensing that Solo was here. Uma screamed with fury. Evie, Carlos, and Jay looked around and saw a figure standing on the roof of the boat. "It's Solo!" Carlos shouted. Everyone on the boat turned and saw Solo on the roof and stepped backwards in shock. Solo smirked at Uma and said, "Surprise." Uma didn't understand, yes this was the guardian and she knew it was Ben, but the man in front of her looked nothing like Ben. She heard the voice of her amulet say in her head, "It can't be." Solo guided his body down to the boat and laid it in front of his parents and Chewie. Belle and Adam rushed forward and hugged their son while Chewie sat and stood guard. Adam didn't know what to make of Solo and shouted, "Guards! Seize that man!" "Don't!" Jay shouted. "He's a friend." "He's the protector of Auradon," Evie added. "He helped stop Maleficent and saved Ben during the coronation." Adam sighed as he looked up at Solo and said, "Fine."

Solo glared at Uma and shouted, "You have something that doesn't belong here. Give it to me!" Uma's eyes glowed red as she shouted, "Never!" She swiped her tentacle to try and hit Solo, but Solo jumped into the air and landed on the deck in front of all the guests, shocking them. He stared up at Uma and shouted, "If you won't give me that amulet nicely, then I'll just take it!" He reached his hand out and used the Force to summon the amulet from her neck right into his hand. Uma screamed, trying to get to Solo, but dragon Mal blew more fire at her to stay away from the boat. Solo then said, "This amulet played with your mind, Uma. It took your hurt and anger and amplified your negative emotions. If you wore it any longer, your life would end. "No!" Solo heard the dark voice of the amulet in his head. "How are you here? The dyad died out millennia ago. I know who you are, Kylo Ren. You are no hero. But if you're here, that means your other half…" "It's Ben Solo," Solo interrupted, talking mentally to the amulet. "And I'm here to make sure that no one will get their hands on this amulet ever again." Solo pulled out his lightsaber and ignited it, startling the people around him. He dropped the amulet onto the deck and slammed his lightsaber into it, pouring all of his Force energy into the blow. He heard the voice scream in agony as it died out and the amulet turned to ash and dust before everyone's eyes. Uma felt its power leave her and her mind cleared a little bit.

Solo turned to the crowd and walked over to his parents and Chewie, who were kneeling next to his body. "Don't be afraid," Solo said. "I can help your son heal." Solo raised a hand to his body and healed it of the injuries inflicted by Uma. Before everyone's eyes, they saw color come back to Ben's face. Solo looked at everyone and said, "Evie, Carlos, and Jay are correct. I am a friend of Auradon. I am here to protect all of you. It was time to come into the light. For Ben's sake."

But Uma was still angry at Mal and Solo. She growled at Solo and said, "No! You took away my chance at power! No matter. I can still defeat you like this!" She swung one of her tentacles at Solo, but Solo surprised everyone by flying into the air and hovering above the boat. Uma tried again, but dragon Mal spit another fireball at her and Uma ducked underneath the water to dodge it. When she came back up, waves rocked the boat, causing the guests to try and steady themselves. Solo used this opportunity to disappear and merge back with his body.

Once back into his body, Ben opened his eyes and took some deep breaths as Belle hugged him and said, "You're alright. That protector, Solo, saved you." Ben pretended to be startled and said, "Wait! He was here? Out in the open?" "You knew about him?" Adam asked. Ben nodded as he stood up and said, "I'll talk about that later. Right now, I need to end this."

He looked out and saw dragon Mal and Uma starting their fight back up. He took off his crown and jacket and handed them to Jay. Then he ran and dove off the side of the boat, despite the protests of those around him. "Ben!" Everyone shouted as Ben hit the water. Dragon Mal snarled at Uma as Ben came up from the water and shouted, "Mal! Hold on! Stop! Back down!" Uma just chuckled and said, "What are you gonna do, Ben? Splash me?" She leaned in and whispered so that only he heard, "Surprise me more?" "That's enough!" Ben shouted as dragon Mal growled in the background. "It's got to stop. This isn't the answer. The fighting has got to stop. Nobody wins this way. We have to listen and respect each other. It won't be easy. But let's be bravo enough to try. Uma, I know you want what is best for the Isle. It's time to change. Help me make a difference." Uma felt the passion in Ben's voice as she heard Ben say in her head, "I know that your mind is starting to see more clearly now. Don't let your anger and hate rule you like the amulet wanted. Do what's best for you. And for the Isle. Please." Uma stared down at Ben. She reached on of her tentacles over to Ben and handed him back his ring. Ben looked up and saw tears forming in Uma's eyes. He could sense that she was starting to feel remorse for her actions on him and Mal. Sure her rivalry with Mal was still there, but she understands that she went too far. Uma then looked at Ben and Ben heard her mind say, "I'll keep your secret for now. But if you truly love Mal, then you need to tell her who you really are. I am sorry. For everything." Uma then dove underneath the water and disappeared.

Ben held his ring in his hand as he swam back to the boat. Carlos, Jay, and Doug went over and threw down the ladder for Ben to climb up. Adam held the ladder as Ben grabbed it. "There you go," Adam said as Ben started to climb. Ben grabbed his father's hand and was pulled up and over the railing. "Great job, Ben," Doug said. Everyone started to cheer and congratulate Ben on stopping Uma. Jay handed him back his crown and Jacket and Ben put them both back on.

He heard screeching and looked up to see dragon Mal flying down and landing on the deck next to the stain glass window. Purple smoke surrounded her and she transformed back to her original self, but now she was wearing the same dress as in the stained glass window: purple ballgown with green designs, her purple hair curly, and a new tiara on her head. She looked down and saw that there were parts of her dress on fire and patted herself down to put the fires out. She looked up and saw Ben looking at her with loving eyes and smiled back at him. "She's really amazing," Ben thought. "And I had no idea that she would be able to turn into a dragon." Mal then curtsied to him and Ben bowed to her. Two ushers helped Mal down the steps as the crowd cheered. Evie was waiting for her at the bottom. Mal took a big breath and said, "So, I did not know that I could do that." "Tell me about it," Evie said. "That makes two of us. More things to discuss later." Mal sighed knowing that Evie was right. Evie looked down and saw another part of Mal's dress of fire and blew it out for her. She raised her hand to Mal and asked, "Shall we?" Mal took it and said, "We shall." Evie led her down to Ben and Mal meekly said, "Hi." Ben looked at her and said, "You look beautiful. You look like you." Mal smiled and Ben surprised her by pulling her in and giving her a passionate kiss in front of everyone.

Carlos pulled Ben away saying, "All right, all right, all right, all right." Adam and Belle looked over at Ben and Mal and Adam said, "How about that son of mine?" "Ours," Belle reminded him. "Ours," Adam said. Belle giggled and said, "Yes. How about his girlfriend? I think we're in very good hands here." "Yes," Adam said. "Very good hands. But Ben still has to explain about that Solo character. He seems to know him…" "Adam," Belle interrupted. "Let Ben have his night with Mal. We can talk to him later." Adam sighed and nodded, knowing that his wife was right.

Ben looked at everyone and said, "I owe you guys so much." Everyone around him nodded in agreement. "Got that right," Carlos said. "Just a little bit," Evie added. Ben sighed and said, "If there is anything that you need, or anything that I can do for you…" Evie then raised her hand and said, "Um, actually, there is, Ben. I know a girl who'd really love to come to Auradon. It's Drizella's duaghter, Dizzy. She's like a little sister to me." "Then she should come," Ben said. "But not just her. There's a lot of kids that I think would really love it here in Auradon. Kids like you guys who also deserve a second chance. Kids who shouldn't have to suffer anymore. Maybe you and I can have a meeting soon and create a list." Evie nodded her head enthusiastically and said, "Yes, yes, absolutely. Please." Everyone around them cheered.

One usher stepped forward and said, "Lady Mal, we found your spell book below deck in the King's cabin. Uma had it." "He's right," Ben said. "She showed it to me before she spelled me." The usher handed Mal the spell book. She looked at it and thought, "Even though magic is starting to become more allowed, I shouldn't rely on it to live my life." Ben heard her thoughts and smiled as Mal said, "You know, this seems like the kind of thing that belongs in the hands of Fairy Godmother. Fairy Godmother." "Oh," Fairy Godmother stepped forward and took the book. "That's me. Thank you. Mmm-hmm." "That belongs in the museum," Mal said. "It does, yes," Fairy Godmother agreed. "And I'm gonna take it." "Go ahead," Mal said. Fairy Godmother walked away as Mal looked at Ben and said, "I'm not gonna be needing it anymore." Ben smiled and said, "Magic is a part of who you are, but you're right. You don't need to rely on it to live your life. I am here to help you any way I can." Mal smiled at Ben lovingly.

Ben then said, "Now, I think I owe you a waltz." He held out his hand as the crowd backed away and Mal took it. "Are you sure?" Mal whispered. "I mean, the deck is covered in water and…." "It's OK," Ben said. "Just remember. I'll take the lead. Every turn will be safe with me. Don't be afraid to fall. I'll catch you through it all." Mal smiled as the band started to play and Ben led Mal through the waltz. Everyone was impressed at how good they seemed to be. But Ben and Mal just stared at each other the entire time. It was like it was just the two of them, with no one else around. "This is what I've been waiting for," Ben thought to himself. "Mal in my arms and we each have each other's heart. I wish this moment could last forever. I will never let anyone get between me and Mal ever again." The waltz ended and they bowed to each other as everyone clapped. They walked hand in hand to the steps and looked out at everyone who was applauding them. They looked at each other as they felt a song come into their hearts, and Ben let it as the group started to sing and dance,

(Ben)

Looking back at yesterday

I thought I gave it everything

But still there's so much road ahead of me

(Mal)

When I looked into you eyes

I guess I didn't recognize

Who we are and all that we can be

(Ben and Mal)

Sometimes it's hard to find yourself

But it's worth it in the end

'Cause in your heart is where it all begins

(Everyone)

We gotta be bold, we gotta be brave

We gotta be free

We gotta get loud, making that change

You gotta believe

Whoa

We'll look deep inside

And we'll rise up and shine

We can be bold, we can be brave

Let everyone see

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It's starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

(Evie and Carlos)

There's something special that I've learned

It's together we can change the world

Everybody's got something they can bring

(Mal and Jay)

When you take a look inside yourself

Do you wish that you were something else

But who you are is who you need to be

(Mal and Evie)

Sometimes it's hard to find yourself

But it's worth it in the end

'Cause in your heart is where it all begins

(Everyone)

We gotta be bold, we gotta be brave

We gotta be free

We gotta get loud, making that change

You gotta believe

Whoa

We'll look deep inside

And we'll rise up and shine

We can be bold, we can be brave

Let everyone see

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

(Mal and Evie)

If we all can do our part

We know that it can be the start

To bring about the difference that we need

(Mal, Evie, and Ben)

I promise we can work this out

I promise we can see it through

Don't you know it's up to me

(Everyone)

It's up to me and you

We gotta be bold, we gotta be brave

We gotta be free

We gotta be loud, making that change

You gotta believe

Whoa

We'll look deep inside

And we'll rise up and shine

We can be bold, we can be brave

Let everyone see

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Whoa, whoa, hey

It starts with you and me

Ben and Mal stood at the top of the stairs as the song and dance ended. They were both soaking wet, but they didn't care. As people below them kept dancing, Ben pulled out his ring and slipped it onto Mal's finger. They both leaned their heads in, reveling in their closeness. They looked out and saw all of their friends having a great time. Ben leaned into Mal's ear and whispered, "Can you teleport us to the Enchanted Lake?" Mal looked up at Ben and whispered, "Why?" Ben chuckled and said, "Even though this party is all about you and me, I want to have some one on one time with you. I have a surprise that I want to give you. Without prying eyes." Mal nodded and waved her hand around them, teleporting them away without anyone noticing.

They magically appeared at the gazebo next to the Enchanted Lake and Mal saw that Ben had set up candles everywhere and there was a picnic blanket laid out with strawberries in the center on a plate. "Oh, Ben," Mal said. "You did this for me?" Ben nodded and said, "I had Chip set it up for me. In the hopes that you would stay here with me in Auradon. Do you like it?" Mal nodded as Ben guided her to sit down on the blanket and said, "I have plain and chocolate covered strawberries for us here. Take your pick." Mal reached for a chocolate covered strawberry and took a bite out of it, moaning at the taste of it. "I'll never get tired of these," Mal said. "I'm glad to hear it," Ben said.

Ben then took a deep breath and said, "There is something else I want to give you. I know that a lot has already happened today and we could have lost each other, so I feel that now is the right time to give this to you." Mal tilted her head in confusion and said, "Ben. I know that things today could have gone worse, but true love prevailed. Especially for someone like me to say that is interesting." Ben chuckled and said, "I know that. But something is telling me that it's time to give you this."

He reached under his suit jacket and pulled out the chain that had the other Kyber crystal on it, his crystal was safely in his lightsaber tucked in a secret pocket in his jacket. Mal stared at the crystal in awe and asked, "What is it?" "It's called a Kyber crystal," Ben explained. "It has mystical properties that are far beyond anything of this world." "It's beautiful," Mal said. "But where did you get it?" "Solo gave it to me," Ben lied, not wanting to reveal Agathe yet to Mal. "He said that this was meant for the person I love most. I had to guard it until the time was right. And now is that time." "You've had this on your person this whole time?" Mal asked. "This seems so important to you. I can't accept this." Ben chuckled as he reached in to where he hidden his lightsaber thanks to the Force plus a little magic and pulled out his crystal from within the saber and showed it to Mal, "It's OK. I have my own. It's protected me a lot. So this other one is for you. It will help protect you from those who want to do you harm. I know that you have your magic to protect you, and I know that you won't rely on it as much anymore, even though I am always fine with you using magic, this is just an extra protection. Please, take it."

Mal took the chain from Ben and pulled the crystal out from its glass case and looked at it. She felt its mystical properties and said, "It feels warm. And comforting. Like it was meant for me. But it feels different from magic. Could this have similar power to what Solo has?" "Possibly," Ben lied somewhat. "I don't know. Solo is very mysterious, as you know." Mal chuckled as she looked down at the crystal. It felt familiar to her, but she couldn't figure out why. She put the crystal back in its case and put the chain around her neck and said, "I will have it with me always. Thank you."

Ben smiled and said, "I'm glad to hear that. Mal, I know that there are some things we still need to talk about. But tonight I just want to cherish this moment. And I know that you are about to get some added pressure now that you are officially a Lady of the Court, but I will be with you always to help you. I love you, Mal. And I will do everything in my power to make sure that you are happy and cared for. I don't want anything to get in the way of us. Because you make me a better man, and a better King." Mal felt her heart melt at Ben's admission and said, "Ben. I agree that there are some things we need to talk about. And I know my friends have some things too to talk about, but I also agree that right now, I just want to spend time with you. Whom I love very much. I'm sorry it took me so long to realize that, but I know that you will be with me no matter what. I will also do everything in my power to protect you and make you happy. Just as you have made me happy. My Ben." Ben smiled and pulled Mal in for a passionate kiss, both relishing in the moment. Ben felt the Force spirits in his head wishing their congrats, and heard a comment from Han about Solo men which made Leia smack him in the head. Ben pulled away and leaned his head against Mal's as they looked lovingly into each other's eyes, never wanting the moment to end.

Agathe was hiding amongst the trees surrounding the Enchanted Lake, watching the happy couple. "She did it," Agathe said. "She admitted her love for Ben and they shared their first kiss. It's good to see that she listened to me during the heat of the moment. I intervened just in time. Now Ben's contract with Audrey is broken and he can be with Mal forever. Their future starts today." She then magically disappeared to give the couple time alone.

Near the Isle, Uma rose out of the water looking at her home. "I may not have won today, but I will free people from the Isle. Ben was right, that amulet amplified my negative feelings and used me. I won't let anything or anyone use me again. I'll leave Mal alone for Ben's sake, but she is still my rival through and through. Ben and Solo may be one and the same, but I don't understand why they look different from each other. I'll figure that out in time. But for now, I'll find a way to break the barrier on the Isle. Ben has his way, but my way will be faster. This isn't the end of the story." She then dove back under the water and disappeared.

On the Isle, Hades was in his cave watching repeats of the coverage of Cotillion. He stared at the screen which was showing Mal with King Ben. He chuckled and said, "My baby is finally happy. And an official Lady of the Court. I know that she will find a way to get everyone off this rock. I don't belong here." He held his ember in his hand and said, "That Uma though. She will pay for hurting my daughter. I will make sure of that. No one messes with my sunshine. My Rey."

And that concludes the events from the second movie. "You and Me" is a great song, which I don't own, but it does get repetitive at the end. There will be one or two chapters for the in between of movies 2 and 3. See you later.