Chapter 12
Hadley kicks at empty spray paint cans as she walks to the wharf. Questioning Uma's decisions could end badly for her. And besides, if it gives freedom to the Isle, why should she step in? Wooden boards creak under her feet as she approaches the ship. Spotting the king tied to one of the masts. "So you got Mal doing your dirty work now?" she comments as she crosses the gangplank. The pirates turning to look at her as she approaches Uma and Ben.
"We have to get off the Isle somehow. Hadie told us of your efforts. Ben coming here gifted as an… opportunity to move things along," Uma says from her seat from in front of Ben.
Hadley sits down next to her captain and leans back on her hands. "Well if Mal gets you out, you won."
"You aren't trying to stop me? Didn't Mal send you?" Uma points out as she watches the demigoddess. Harry had spotted her and Elyse reporting back to Mal after returning from the Underworld. The sea witch doesn't blame Hadley for the slight loyalty to Mal. Knowing that Hadley still cared for her sister despite all the betrayals.
"Mal told me to talk to you. However, the barrier needs to be lifted. We aren't our parents, all the kids deserve a chance to be safe, healthy, and to forge their own paths," Hadley says as she closes her eyes. After getting a chance to discover who she is, she wanted to make sure others got the chance. Due to being raised by villains, the VKs are seen as lesser, despite Elsa being believed to be a villain and Cinderella and Snow White both being raised by villains.
"Uma, we can work together to fix things. I can take you off the Isle," Ben offers, seeing how his kidnapper is a passionate leader. Someone who cares about her people. "Hadley has been vouching for you to be in the next group."
"Mal would never agree to have me brought over. I lost my chance when you chose her. Hell, if Hadley wasn't injured, Mal would have left her behind!" Uma exclaims as she stands up. Storming off to the other side of her ship.
"When I selected Mal, Jay, Evie, and Carlos, I didn't think about everyone I didn't choose. I never realized how hard life is here. I will get the council to allow another group," Ben says as Hadley stands up and puts her hands in her pockets.
"If Mal hands over the wand, I won't fight my captain. But I won't fight Mal. Elyse will never forgive herself if I got hurt. For your sake, I hope Mal returns in time," Hadley says before going after Uma. Quickly catching up to her leader.
"You need to be in Auradon to continue fighting for us there. If you can get back and weren't left behind," Uma says to Hadley before the taller teen could speak. Knowing that having a VK working on the council will be necessary if things go south.
"Have Mal test the wand. She may try to trick you. For once she made a smart decision. She didn't tell me her plan," Hadley suggests before leaving the ship as the Core Four and Lonnie show up. Ignoring Mal questioning why she was leaving. Deciding that guarding the limo would be a good way to pass the time. Fifteen minutes later, the others all ran to the limo and piled in. Hadley jumping in last.
"Why didn't you help us?" Mal asks as they cross the bridge. Hand tightly holding onto Ben.
"Don't hold it against her. She was right to stay out of it. Someone has to work on the council if you failed," Ben says as he squeezes Mal's hand. Trying to prevent an argument.
"The council?" Jay asks as he lowers the divider.
"Hadley and Elyse have been trying to get the council to approve another group. So far, the majority of the council are against it," Lonnie calls out from the front next to Jay. Right as they pull into Auradon Prep.
"Why didn't you tell us? We would have helped," Mal says as she looks her sister in the eyes. Wanting to help those on the Isle as well.
"None of you are on the council. At least not yet. Convincing the children won't do anything, it's the parents that need convincing. Oh and don't let anyone know about you running away or Ben being kidnapped. That would make getting others here impossible," Hadley says before getting out of the limo and heading on up to the school.
"She's right. No one can know about this," Ben says as he gets out. "I'll see you guys at the Coalition," he says with a smile before going to find Jane.
That night, they all met up on the boat. Standing together and chatting as they wait for Ben to show up. Trumpets sound as Ben is announced, talking halts as Uma steps out after Ben. Signet ring on her finger. "I have decided to make Uma my Lady of the Court. As a present to her, I will take down the barrier surrounding the Isle. Fairy Godmother," Ben announces as he looks to Fairy Godmother. Waiting for her to take down the barrier.
"I will do no such thing!" the fairy states, a hand over her heart.
"Ben is your king! Do as he says!" Uma shouts as the Core Four goes to leave with Lonnie.
Hadley runs over to Mal and puts a hand on her shoulder. "Ben is spelled. True Loves Kiss can break it," she whispers so Uma can't hear her.
"You really think it could work?" Mal asks her sister, hiding her shock that Hadley is giving her advice.
"Look at the window. Ben fell in love with you. The girl from the Isle, not the polished princes you tried to be. He loves you," Hadley says as she points to the stained glass Ben had made.
Mal smiles at her sister before walking over to Ben and Uma, confidence in her step. "Ben. Ignore her. You love me."
"Ben look at me. You love me, not her," Uma says trying to get his attention back on her.
"Ben, it took losing you to realize how much I love you," Mal says as she gets her True Love to look at her again. Taking this chance to pull him in for a kiss. Breaking the spell Uma held over him.
"No!" Uma screamed out and jumped into the water. Growing to be 10 times her size as tentacles replace her legs. Waves threatening to capsize the ship. Sending those on board to the deck.
Smoke surrounds Mal as she lifts into the air. Scales and wings sprout from her skin. Her body turning into a dragon. Flames shooting from her mouth towards Uma.
Ben jumps into the water and gets between the rivals, his words not being heard by those in the boat trying to stay upright. All the partygoers know is that whatever Ben said worked due to Uma sinking into the water and disappearing.
A/N: And that's the end of the story! I will have one more story to finish off the trilogy, but I'm taking a break from this fandom for a while. I have other stories planned. Peace!