I'm back, and here is the new story. Enjoy. Leave a review.
A Puzzle
It has been two weeks since the banishment of Mal and her friends from Auradon. While the four ex-villains keep each other company for the rest of their lives, things at Auradon Prep aren't going well. It is mainly, or entirely, because of the new villain kids quartet - Katherine, Uri, Fernando, and Garth. They have been causing mischief and mayhem, just for their own pleasure.
They are now in Fairy God Mother's office with King Ben, his friends, and his parents.
"36 complaints about bullying, 27 counts of vandalism, 24 reports about pranks, and indescribable disrespect towards their teachers," enumerated Fairy God Mother.
"Don't forget. 3 food fights and giving Nathaniel a wedgie," said Katherine.
"You four have no regard for order," said Fairy God Mother.
"They're even worse than our last VK party," commented Audrey.
"Hey! At least we're not trying to steal a magic wand or anything. We're just enjoying our freedom," defended Garth.
"And you do that by sticking to your rotten juvenile ways?" questioned Lonnie.
"You may have turned Harley into a softy, but that won't happen to us," said Uri.
"The worst of your generation went soft," reminded Chad.
"Uh, she killed someone," retorted Fernando.
"Mal's no softy. She's just in love with a king. That's all," added Katie.
"Ahem! We're talking about your behavior. Not Mal," intervened Fairy God Mother.
"Well, what are gonna do? Give us detention?" responded Katie with disrespect.
"Actually, I was gonna let our beloved king here decide your punishment," said Fairy God Mother.
"Actually, I'm not punishing them," said Ben.
"What?!" responded everyone in the room, including the villain kids, surprised.
"Did I ever punish Mal and her friends when they did something bad?" pointed out Ben.
"You were under a love spell," said Audrey.
"The Family Day fiasco was 'after' my swim in the Enchanted Lake," corrected Ben, emphasizing "after."
"Then what are you gonna do?" asked Doug.
"I'm assigning them some people to watch over each one of them," answered Ben.
"And who do you think are qualified to babysit these brats?" asked Audrey, clearly doubting his plan.
"You guys," answered Ben.
"What?!" exclaimed everyone, again.
"Audrey, you'll watch over Katie. Chad, you'll watch over Garth. Lonnie, you'll watch over Uri. Doug, you'll watch over Fernando," said Ben.
"Whew," reacted Jane, relieved that she didn't get assigned.
"Ben, this is a bad idea," said Audrey.
"You can't jump to conclusions right away, Audrey," said Ben. "Just give it one day." He turns to Jane and said, "And by the way, Jane. If one of them is occupied, you're taking their place."
"Oh, dear," reacted Jane.
In the Isle of the Lost, a blue-haired narcissist and a white-haired tech prodigy are having a kissing session in an alley, trying not to capture any unwanted attention. Evie and Carlos have been locking their lips for a pretty long time. They stopped when they heard a beep. Carlos looks at his phone and saw that the timer has reached 0.
"Looks like we made it to 10 minutes," said Carlos.
"Wanna try for 20?" suggested Evie.
"Absolutely," replied Carlos.
Carlos sets the timer on his phone for twenty minutes and starts it. He and Evie reunite their lips. However, their twenty-minute session was cut short by a familiar voice.
"Guys."
The two stopped kissing and saw Mal.
"Sorry for interrupting your lovers affair, but I need you guys at my house. Right now," said Mal.
"Well, okay," said Evie. "But before we go, let me get my makeup kit."
Evie kisses Carlos on the cheek before walking back to her house. As soon as Evie was at distance, Mal decided to have a word with Carlos.
"You finally did it," started Mal.
"Yeah, I did," said Carlos.
"Did you tell those 'words?'" asked Mal.
"Yeah," answered Carlos. "And... she said them to me, too."
"I'm proud of you," said Mal.
"Thank you," said Carlos. "For everything."
Carlos started stuttering and hesitating. Mal knew what he wanted. A hug. She threw her arms around him and hugged him. Carlos hugged her back.
"If you want a hug, don't hold back. We're friends," said Mal as she retreated.
"I owe you a lot," said Carlos.
"That's not necessary," said Mal. "It's great to see you two happy."
"This won't be happening right now if it wasn't for you," stated Carlos.
"I know. You're so grateful that you want to give me a hug and do me a big favor in the future when I ask for one," interrupted Mal. "But seeing you finally with the woman you love is enough."
"You know. I never got to ask you. Have you ever talked to Evie about this?" asked Carlos.
"No, not really," answered Mal. "I never discussed with her about her feelings for you. I just tease her about them. Basically, the one who motivated her to confess is not me, it's her heart."
"She listened to her own heart while I needed advice from others. I feel silly," said Carlos.
"Don't. She was ignoring her feelings and you were trying to build up the courage to tell the truth," said Mal.
"To think that of all the people I ask for love advice, it's someone who's heart is tainted with black blood," said Carlos.
"Don't go there, Carlos," warned Mal.
"Sorry," apologized Carlos.
"Believe me. I'm as surprised as you about being a love expert," said Mal. "But I guess I'm out of the job. You're finally hooked."
"So, why do you need us to go to your house?" asked Carlos.
"Let's just say there's something about the Isle of the Lost we don't know about," said Mal, staying mysterious.
Later, all the four ex-villains gathered in Mal's house. She locked the doors and every window, trying to make sure no one will eavesdrop on their meeting. The four sit down on the dining table and Mal immediately puts the fragment on the table.
"What is it?" asked Carlos.
"I don't know, but from what I can tell, it's magical," said Mal.
"Are you sure? The barrier neutralizes magic," replied Jay.
"I'm as sure as my blood is black," responded Mal. "But that's not all. It's a fragment."
"So, there's more of this?" asked Evie.
"Yeah," confirmed Mal. "I've been staying up late every night for the past couple of weeks looking for more, but I got nothing."
"Why is this even important?" asked Jay.
"Read this message," said Mal, giving Jay the note that was attached to the fragment.
Jay read it. "So, what?"
"Someone intentionally left these fragment here. Call me crazy, but I think they were put away on this island before it became the Isle of the Lost," said Mal, emphasizing "before."
"You want us to help you find them," guessed Evie.
"This is big, guys. We need to know what this is and why it's here," said Mal.
"Okay, we're in," said Jay.
"Carlos?" Mal turns to the white-haired boy.
"I think I've seen one of these before," said Carlos, taking a close look at the fragment.
"Let me guess. In your hideout?" asked Mal.
"Not exactly," said Carlos. "In the forest."
"The Isle has a forest?" asked Jay, confused.
The others looked at him, surprised he never knew.
"What?" asked a confused Jay.
"Never mind," said Mal. "Carlos, take us there, now."
Twenty minutes later...
Carlos leads his friends into the forest.
"Sixteen years in the Isle and I never knew this was here," said Jay.
"Shut up, Jay," said Mal.
"How often do you come here?" asked Evie.
"I don't hang out in my hideout all the time. Sometimes, I spend my time here," answered Carlos.
"Aren't you afraid of getting lost?" wondered Mal.
"Don't worry. I've been here dozens of times. I always find my way back," said Carlos.
"Maybe you can build another hideout here," suggested Evie.
"Since we're stuck here forever, I don't see why not," agreed Carlos.
"What is it with you and hideouts?" criticized Jay.
"Everyone's different, Jay," said Carlos.
"What does that have to do with anything?" questioned Jay.
"Here we are," said Carlos, deliberately trying to escape the conversation.
Carlos led them to an open sport in the forest. Mal, Evie, and Jay saw a harmonica and a backpack next to a boulder.
"Tell me that isn't what I think it is?" begged Jay, recognizing the instrument that annoys him.
"A harmonica? Yes," confirmed Carlos. He picks it up and started playing. His friends covered their ears in annoyance.
"Carlos!" they yelled.
"Alright, alright," said Carlos, putting down the instrument.
"So, where's the fragment?" asked Mal.
Carlos walks behind the boulder and shows it to Mal. She immediately takes it from him. From the material, the design, and the green glow, she is definite it is the same as the other fragment she found.
"Well done, Carlos," said Mal.
"Did you just... compliment me?" asked Carlos, a little shocked.
"Yup," confirmed Mal.
"Well, two down, who-knows-how-many-more to go," said Evie. "You do know how many are there, right?"
"No, not really," said Mal. "We'll just have to keep looking until we complete the puzzle."
"Well, at least we have a new mission," said Evie.
"You think this'll be entertaining?" asked Jay.
"Hey, it's a lot better than going through our usual routines every day," said Evie.
"Bet you wish you could punch someone in the face," predicted Mal.
"Perhaps, but not every mission is like that," said Evie.
"Evie, every mission we've had in Auradon involves punching someone in the face. My mom. Queen of Hearts' knights. Me," commented Mal.
"So this is our first mission without a fight." Evie corrected herself.
"It doesn't matter if we get to break a nose or not," said Mal. "I don't know what these fragments are, but I know it's big. Whatever magic they possess, we have to keep it out of the wrong hands."
"And you think we're not the wrong hands?" questioned Carlos.
"Don't let your heart turn black, snowflake. Of course, we're not," responded Mal. "But we're not the right hands either. We have to find the one who owns these."
"But if what you said is right, that if these fragments were here before the Isle of the Lost was created, then our mystery person is in Auradon," said Evie.
"I know, E, but we have to put the pieces together. Literally," said Mal. "We can't just leave them here where a dark soul can possess them."
"They've been hidden for twenty years and no one found them, so why bother?" pointed out Carlos.
"Carlos!" yelled his friends again.
"I'm just saying," defended Carlos.
"So, dude, found any more of this stuff?" asked Jay.
"I'm afraid not," answered Carlos.
"Then meet at midnight," said Mal.
"You want me to waste my beauty sleep so I can go scavenger hunting?" questioned Evie. "Why are you so stressed about this?"
Mal refused to answer. "Fine, if you guys aren't in the mood for all-nighters, then don't bother helping me." She walks away.
"So, do you guys wanna stay and listen to some tunes?" asked Carlos, picking up his harmonica.
"I think you know the answer to that," said Jay as he walked away, too.
"Perhaps another time," said Evie as she left as well.
"Oh, well," said Carlos. He started playing the harmonica.
Back in Auradon, Audrey decided to start her day with Katherine shopping.
"Seriously? Shopping? This is your idea of 'hanging out?'" complained Katie.
"Well, I figured we could start by getting used to each other's interests," said Audrey. "Look on the bright side. Once we're finished, we can do something you like."
Some time later, Audrey and Katie started trying out what they chose. Audrey emerged from her changing room in an apple green top with a white skirt. Katherine emerged from the changing room wearing mostly red and black.
"You are a disaster," criticized Audrey.
"At least I don't dress like a clown," retorted Katie.
"How dare you use that language," reacted Audrey.
"Can we go home now?" asked Katie.
"Not until you get the fashion fever," replied Audrey.
"Your king is an idiot," insulted Katie.
"If Ben can change the first four, what makes you think he can't do it again?" retorted Audrey.
"Because we're not like the first four," said Katie. "Or Harley."
"Believe me. If I was queen, I would have just sent you back to the Isle after the whole Mal crisis," started Audrey. "But believe it or not, a part of me is willing to try to make this work."
"I've only known you a short time, and I already know you're a self-centered pretty princess," insulted Katie.
"I may not be perfect, but even I am trying to change," said Audrey.
"And why on Earth would you want to give up being a perfect little princess?" teased Katie.
"Sometimes, old habits never die, but changing myself from self-centered to selfless is what I'm trying to accomplish," said Audrey. "What about you? You're bad, you're rotten, and you love to use a sword. Think about changing one of those qualities?"
"In your dreams," retorted Katie.
"You really don't want to change, don't you?" questioned Audrey.
"Just like Garth said. We're just enjoying our freedom," said Katie. She looks at Audrey in the eye and tells her, "Mal and her friends became softies because of love, but do you see me and my colleagues falling in love with any heroes kids?"
"Well, let me tell you something," said Audrey and really looked Katie in the eye to make her point clear. "You and I are gonna friends. You just have to learn to adjust to your life here. I'm going to help you."
...
Chad decided to introduce Garth to the game of Tourney. Coach Jenkins and the other Auradon Knights were there as well. Ben, however, was absent because he has to attend to his duties as king.
"This is what you call fun?" questioned Garth.
"If it makes you feel any better, you get to hit others," said Chad.
"Actually, it does," said Garth.
"Just don't do it in a brutal fashion," said Chad. "I'm guessing Jay isn't the only one who likes to hit people."
"Every villain kid on the Isle likes it," said Garth.
"Well, you got the attitude. Let's see if you have the skill," said Chad as he puts his helmet on.
The Knights play a scrimmage. Starters vs. Bench. Garth, of course, is on the bench team. Coach Jenkins shouts out motivations, trying to get his team to give it all they got. Chad, as always, was playing the best among all the players. He was running left and right, dodging tackles, making the right pass, and scoring goals. Garth was too busy hitting others that he can't focus. The starters scored the first three goals.
"C'mon! If this bench is gonna help us win another championship, you have to show what you've got!" shouted Jenkins.
The scrimmage continues. Garth looks like he has a clear path to the goal, but Chad tackles him. Chad holds out his hand and Garth takes it.
"Physicality isn't all you need play this game. You need agility. You need skill. You need a sharp mind," said Chad.
"Why am I at this tryout?" complained Garth.
"Two reasons. One, Ben told me to babysit you. Two, we need a new player on the team," said Chad.
"It's been two weeks. Didn't you guys already replace Jay and Carlos' spots on the team?" asked Garth.
"We did, but Paul's mom made him drop out of the team because of he broke leg in a skateboard accident," explained Chad. "Trust me. If you can get this, you're gonna love it. Everyone loves an athlete."
"Well, when you put it that way..." Garth puts his helmet back on.
The scrimmage continues. This time, Garth listened to the bench players, learning cooperation and skill. Seeing Garth passing and scoring efficiently made Coach Jenkins smile. He feels that Garth could make a great player.
After thirty minutes of playing, the score was tied 4-4.
"Break!" said Jenkins.
Chad takes Garth to Coach Jenkins.
"So, what do you say?" Chad asked his coach.
"I'm not saying probably," said Jenkins, which sort of frightens both his plays. "Because I'm saying yes. Congratulations, son. You made the team."
Chad and Garth fist-bump in celebration.
...
Lonnie and Uri are having a sparring match in the school gym. Lonnie was impressed with Uri's fighting skills. She remembers Mal telling her about her fights with Uri back in the Isle. She said Uri was a deadly hand-to-hand combatant and she can see why. The sparring match ends with Lonnie tripping Uri by wrapping her legs with her own.
"You're a natural," complimented Lonnie, despite the contempt in her voice.
"We may not be friends, but I have to admit. I can see why you're Mulan's daughter," said Uri with the same level of contempt.
Lonnie helps Uri up.
"Mr. Yong is gonna love you," said Mulan.
"I don't think I'm going to care," said Uri.
"You should," said Mulan. "You may have taught yourself well, but you can always do better. Mr. Yong will make sure of that. Just show up for self-defense classes."
"And if I don't, what are you gonna do?" questioned Uri. "Call my mommy one me? Ha!"
"You're unbelievable," said Lonnie, full of scorn.
"Still upset about the food fight yesterday?" guessed Uri.
"You threw a bowl of soup at my face," reminded Lonnie.
"So what?" questioned Uri, not seeing the point.
"The bowl hit me in the face, not the soup!" yelled Lonnie, pointing to the bandage on her forehead.
Uri started laughing. Aggravated, Lonnie punches her in the face.
"Something tells me hanging out with Mal has taken its toll," said Uri.
"Perhaps, but I don't care," said Lonnie. "Mal is my friend. She maybe a bad influence, but she's a good person."
"She killed your roommate," reminded Uri. "How can you just forgive her like that?"
"Because if I hold a grudge, I won't be any better than she is," said Lonnie. "She's my friend. Period."
"Then why were you against her at the trial?" retorted Uri with a sadistic smile.
Lonnie resists the urge to punch her in the face. Instead, she said, "Want to go for another round?"
Uri gave out a smile as a response. The two went back to fighting stances.
...
Doug and Fernando are studying physics. Fernando, however, was not interested in reading about chemical formulas. He started snoozing on the book just two minutes after starting. He was woken up by Doug gently tapping his shoulder.
"Hey, wake up," said Doug, still tapping. "If you want to pass, you have to read."
"Who says I want to pass?" retorted Fernando.
"What do you do on your spare time? Besides causing trouble?" questioned Doug.
"Practicing shadow magic," answered Fernando.
"Just because you're free doesn't mean you can do whatever you want," said Doug. "Okay, scratch that. You are always free to do what you want, but you also have to focus on school. Otherwise, you can't have a good future."
"I think me and my friends already have a future in mind," said Fernando.
"Becoming criminals?" guessed Doug.
"What benefit do we have of becoming heroes?" questioned Fernando.
"You get to be loved by everyone. You will feel better about yourselves," said Doug.
"I think not being locked up makes me feel better," said Fernando.
Doug was starting to give up.
"Maybe I don't like to study, but you have a problem too. You study too much," said Fernando.
"Not true. I hang out with my friends," defended Doug.
"Prove it. Meet me at the arcade in thirty minutes," said Fernando as he left right away.
It was almost midnight in the Isle of the Lost. Everyone was asleep, which means Mal can sneak out and look for the fragments uninterrupted. She decided to return to the forest since she found no fragments in the town. Also, because she needed a place to search where she's not worried about waking up anyone. She returned to Carlos' spot in the forest when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She immediately turns around and swings an arm. Her victim was Evie, now clutching her face in pain.
"Oh, sorry, E," apologized Mal.
"That's okay. I've had worse," said Evie.
Mal also saw Jay and Carlos with Evie.
"What are you doing here? I thought you wanted to get some beauty sleep," she questioned.
"We did, but then we remembered that... you never leave a friend behind in a time of need," said Evie.
"If finding these fragments are important to you, then we're here to support you," said Jay.
"So, what's our play?" asked Carlos.
"We split up. E, search West of the forest. Jay, Carlos, you guys go back to the town. Try not to wake anyone up," ordered Mal.
"You can count on us," said Carlos.
"I'm serious, Carlos. Don't mess this up," warned Mal, pointing a finger at him.
"Tell that to my face when I get you a fragment," retorted Carlos as he left the forest.
"I'll keep an eye on him." Jay said to Mal before following the dog lover.
"You really think he's gonna mess this up?" Evie asked Mal.
"It's Carlos. He makes a lot of mistakes," said Mal. "One of those mistakes is not bringing backup when confronting me."
"Do you have to remind me of that?" questioned Evie.
"Sorry, E, but that's my point. Carlos is a good friend, but sometimes it's hard to rely on him," said Mal.
"Perhaps, but he always tries his best," defended Evie.
"Of course you're so defensive of him. He's your boyfriend," said Mal with a smirk.
"Not true," said Evie. "I defend him regardless. When he blamed himself for what happened to... her... and backed out on us, I tried to make him see why he's important to us, but he only thought I tried to make him feel better."
"But you weren't?" guessed Mal.
"I was, but I was also trying to knock some sense into him," said Evie.
"You should've punched him," joked Mal.
"That would just make him feel worse," said Evie.
"I understand, Evie. Carlos is special. With his brains and his big heart, he's someone you can really rely on," admitted Mal.
"Then why doesn't it seem like you believe it?" asked Evie.
"I'm looking for a reason to believe it," answered Mal.
"Well, let's get started," said Evie before departing West.
Meanwhile, back in town, Carlos and Jay are looking for fragments in every barrel and every crate they can open, but found nothing. Jay can see Carlos working effortlessly to find something. He was going so fast, Jay couldn't keep up.
"Hey, slow down, man," said Jay.
"I can't. We have to find those fragments," said Carlos.
"We will, but if you keep running around like this, you're gonna wake someone up," said Jay.
"And that's why you're with me? To make sure I won't?" accused Carlos.
"Yeah," answered Jay after a little hesitation.
"I know I'm not the most reliable person anyone can have, but I try my best to do something for my friends," said Carlos.
"Is that what you're trying to prove?" asked Jay.
"Pretty much. Yes," answered Carlos. "But that doesn't mean I'm not doing this for Mal. Helping her is the reason I'm here."
"We can debate about this all night, but I'm still keeping an eye on you," said Jay.
"Go ahead, Mr. Ex-thief," responded Carlos.
"That's some rotten attitude you got there," pointed out Jay.
"Everyone has a dark side. Mine hasn't fully shown itself yet," said Carlos.
"You still think Mal is right?" asked Jay.
"She is, but you don't have to worry. Love keeps me in the light," said Carlos before continuing.
The four ex-villains have been searching for over an hour, but still found nothing. Mal was beginning to lose her patience. She decided to sit down on Carlos' boulder. She found his harmonica and decided to give it a try. She started playing and, even though she needs lessons, she was actually enjoying it.
"I can see why you love this, snowflake," she said.
She continues playing. The noise attracts someone. It was Evie. She was covering her ears as she walked towards Mal.
"You're actually playing that?!" she yelled.
Mal stopped. "It's actually fun when you try it." She gives it to her. "Go ahead. Try it."
Evie refused.
"C'mon, E. Carlos will be happy to see that you share his interests," said Mal, trying to bait her.
"Very funny," responded Evie with sarcasm. "I thought you were searching for fragments."
"I just thought I need to cool down for a moment," said Mal. "C'mon, try it."
Evie reluctantly takes the harmonica. She started playing. After a few seconds, she actually couldn't stop playing. She played music for seconds. Mal was a little irritated with the horrible notes, but she knows she also couldn't play the harmonica. After a minute, Evie stopped.
"You're right, it is fun," said Evie.
"You found something?" asked Mal.
"I'm afraid not," answered Evie.
"That's okay. There's no point rushing," said Mal.
"Nice to know this thing calmed your mind," said Evie.
"So, how are you and Carlos?" asked Mal.
"Great," answered Evie. "Now that we've stopped hiding our love for each other, we can focus on getting ready for the future."
"A future? Here on the Isle of the Lost, where you lived pretty much your entire life?" questioned Mal.
"We're still talking about it," said Evie.
"Well, at least you have someone special," said Mal sadly.
Evie sits down next to her and gives her friend a hug. "I know you miss him. We all miss him."
"You don't have to feel bad for me, Evie. There's nothing I can do," said Mal, escaping the hug.
"Don't lose hope, Mal. Ben can't keep his promise forever, especially since his promise involves never seeing you again," said Evie.
"You all keep saying that," said Mal. "Anyways, I'm going back out there. I'll go North. You go South."
Before they could leave, Jay and Carlos showed up.
"Did you guys find anything?" asked Mal.
"As a matter of fact..." Carlos takes his hand out of his back and shows a fragment. "... we did."
"He did, actually," corrected Jay, pointing at Carlos.
"Where did you find it?" asked Evie.
"You don't want to know," said Carlos.
"In the garbage," said Jay.
"Gross," said Mal and Evie at the same time.
"Had to wash my hands before coming here," said Carlos. "Anyways, here you go." Carlos tosses the fragment to Mal. She can see that it's the real deal.
"Good job again, snowball," said Mal.
"Well, that's three," said Evie. "Let's keep going."
The four separated again. Mal went to the North side of the forest, Evie went South, Jay checked the beach, and Carlos went back to town.
Carlos was, once again, relentlessly going through every crate and can to find another fragment. When his eye caught the sight of an open window at Dr. Facilier's shop, he saw a fragment. Since Facilier is asleep, Carlos thought getting it was no problem. He quietly enters the shop and walks towards the fragment. However, he tripped on a trip wire, causing a bunch of metal cans to fall on him.
"Fernando," he guessed. He knew Fernando loved to punk customers. He sets traps in the shop.
The sound of the metal, however, woke up Dr. Facilier. Carlos grabs the fragment and runs out of the shop. The sight of the trip wire and the metal cans told Facilier that someone has broken in. The empty spot on the table told him that the certain someone stole something.
"Come back here, whoever you are!" he yelled, looking out the window.
Carlos was running as fast as he can. He looks back to see if Facilier is following, not noticing the pile of crates he's about to run into. By the time he turns back to what's in front of him, he smacks into the crates. He clutches his stomach in pain. Hearing Facilier coming, he hides behind the crates. He saw that a few people have woken up due to Facilier's outburst. Carlos continues running.
Evie found nothing in the South side of the forest. She was soon greeted a giant wall of leaves. She pushes through it, but as she came out of the the other side, she ends up tumbling down a slope. She crashes into the sand. She spits out a few that got in her mouth.
"Need a hand?" asked Jay, offering a hand.
Evie takes his hand and Jay helps her up.
"I bet that was funny to you," said Evie.
"It kinda is," said Jay.
"So, did you find a fragment?" asked Evie.
"Nope," answered Jay. "You?"
"Nothing," answered Evie.
"It's like looking for a needle in haystack," said Jay.
"Or looking for a tack in a needle stack," said Evie.
"I suppose that makes it sound harder," said Jay. "These fragment better be worth it."
"You heard Mal. These fragments form something magical," reminded Evie. "Of course it's worth it. Especially if it means keeping it out of the wrong hands." Evie started yawning. "Let's go see Mal and ask her if we can turn in for the night. I'm tired."
"Same here," said Jay.
Mal was still searching. She went through every tree and every bush of the North side of the forest, but found no rock that is identical to the fragments. She was losing her patience again. She then heard someone in the bushes. It was Carlos. He stopped near her, exhausted from running.
"You found a fragment," said Mal, noticing the rock on his hand. He gives it to her. "Why're you out of breath?"
Before Carlos could answer, Evie and Jay show up.
"Any luck?" Mal asked them. They nodded "no."
Mal turns back to Carlos, still waiting for an answer to her question.
"I found the fragment in Dr. Facilier's shop," said Carlos.
"So, why were you running?" asked Mal. "Let me guess. You woke him up didn't you?"
"Yes," admitted Carlos.
"Carlos!" yelled the three.
"I knew that was coming," said Carlos. "But look on the bright side, I found one."
"Yeah, and aroused suspicion," added Mal. "Facilier knows he's been robbed."
"Pretty soon the entire town will know," added Jay.
"Sorry," apologized Carlos.
"Can we go to bed now, Mal? I'm tired," asked Evie.
"Fine," responded Mal. "We found four anyway."
The four walked back to the village, separately, hoping it would lessen suspicion if anyone saw them.
The next morning, in Auradon Prep, Jane is chatting with Harley on her way to the classroom.
"Garth made the team?" asked Jane.
"Sure did," confirmed Harley. "I guess this means Chad did well."
"I hope the others did," said Jane.
"You just happy you're not babysitting, aren't you?" guessed Harley.
"You know why I wouldn't enjoy it," said Jane.
"Well, I'm gonna ask Ben if you can babysit Fernando next time. Heard Doug had trouble with him," said Harley.
"You're mean," replied Jane.
"Still the same girl from the Isle. Just a little nice," said Harley. "Well, I gotta meet up with the others. Catch ya later."
Jane enters the classroom to see Chad shaking Doug, who was asleep, Lonnie was rubbing a bag of ice on her shoulder, and Audrey had a bandage on her arm. Chad slapped Doug gently and finally woke him up.
"Why're you tired?" asked Chad. "Didn't you get sleep?"
"Fernando was in the arcade all night," explained Doug. "What about you guys?"
"Bought Katie a new outfit," said Audrey.
"Uri and I sparred," said Lonnie.
"Garth made the team," said Chad with a smile.
"Nice to know you had fun with your VK buddy," said Audrey.
"Um, Audrey, what's the bandage for?" asked Jane.
"I played swords with Katie. Take a guess," answered Audrey sarcastically.
Ben comes in.
"I heard about everything that happened," said Ben. "Sorry."
"You don't need to be sorry to me. Things worked out with Garth," said Chad.
"Don't worry. I'll work things out," said Ben. "I just want to say I'm proud of you no matter what."
His friends smiled.
Back in the Isle of the Lost, in Bargain Castle, Mal was piecing the fragments together. They seem to fit. From what she can tell, they formed something that shaped like an pentagon. She could tell despite the lack of pieces.
"Whoever you are, what have you been hiding?"
Mal held a piece up, trying to examine it closely. Suddenly, the corner of her eye caught something on the mantelpiece. It was a rock with glyphs. She compares it with the fragment and realizes that it's the same.
"Mother," she guessed. "If she knows, then we're in trouble."
She takes the fragment and puts it with the rest. If she has kept a fragment in her own hole, she knows Maleficent knows that it's a magical object. Spending twenty years trying to find a way to escape the Isle was enough to convince Mal that her mother has searched for them as well, hoping it would be an escape tool. She fears taking these fragments to Ben once she found them all. Even though she doesn't know what the artifact does, she knows that if her mother gets her hands on it, it would be catastrophic.
"What am I gonna do?"
Done. Hope it was a decent story. Let me know what you think.
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