Mal's POV.
The past three weeks passed by in a blur of school work, sickness, wedding planning and dates. I'm now around 10 weeks pregnant (not that I have been counting, obviously) and have a small baby bump now. It's not obvious unless your really looking for it but in a few weeks I certainly won't be able to hide it no matter how much I try. I have taken to wearing slightly baggier clothes when I'm not at the castle so my bump isn't immediately obvious to others. It's currently the weekend and exactly one week until mine and Ben's wedding which is why I finally had some time to myself and was in my art room/office with some music playing from my docking station and iPod. Everything was organised and planned for the wedding now. The dresses and suits were made, The invitations had been sent out two weeks ago, the food and setting was sorted so that only left me one think to work out... Who was going to give me away. Ben told me it was tradition for a close relative or friend to give the bride away on her wedding day but I had no idea who to ask. Jay and Carlos couldn't as they were Ben's grooms men and Evie and the girls were my bridesmaids. That narrows my choices down to Belle and Adam. Unless of course I walk myself down the aisle. To be honest I'm leaning more towards walking myself down the aisle. But I had to make a decision soon. Eventually I just decided to finish working on Belle and Adam's Christmas present. I seemed to make my decisions easier when I wasn't thinking of them.
It wasn't long until I had finished the painting completely, it just needed wrapping after it had dried. I had wanted the wedding planning over with a couple of weeks ago but now I kinda wish I still had some to do, I didn't know what to do with my time now so my mind tended to wander. I sat at my desk and my mind wandered back to my birthday almost three weeks ago. I haven't been able to see inside Maleficent's mind since, nor has she appeared in mine. While the latter is a good thing how I got into her mind that day is still baffling to me and Fairy Godmother. I have tried a few times to do it consciously but it hasn't worked. I shook the thought from my mind. Thinking about that stresses me out and the past couple of weeks have finally been calm and stress free. I don't want to ruin that by over thinking.
Although with the wedding approaching we needed to figure out a plan for if Maleficent actually does try and grab the wand. For all I know she could have changed her mind about her plans but with her wanting the wand so badly I highly doubt that will change. This time at least we have am extra pair of magical hands to help fend her off. One that hopefully Maleficent didn't know about, Jane. I am hoping though that should the need arise some our other friends will help us out. I'm not counting on it but I'm hoping.
It was then I realised the time, 2:50pm. Crap, I'm so late. I'm supposed to meet up with Evie in ten minutes to discuss the next lot of transfer students from the isle. The boys had told us they didn't mind who we brought over as long as we were comfortable although Carlos had asked us to consider Diego. I still hadn't told him Ben had already agreed to have him come over. I had told Evie and she agreed with my idea to keep it as a secret. After turning my iPod off I teleported up to Ben's room to quickly change into a pair of jeans and a loose fitting jumper as oppose to the tight vest top and leggings I currently had in since Evie had text me this morning asking if we could meet in town. After a quick clothes change I put my phone and keys in my jeans pocket along with my bank card and a little loose change and was ready to go. I didn't need to tell Ben, Adam and Belle since I told them at breakfast so I just teleported straight to Evie.
Within seconds I was stood outside the mine and Evie's favourite coffee shop. It was easy to spot my sister sat inside, I mean her hair did really stand out in comparison to the people of Auradon. As I walked into the shop and over to her I noticed she had already ordered me something and thankfully most people were ordering to go so it was relatively empty and quiet. "Hey E," I greeted her as I embraced her.
"Hey M, you okay?" She asked me as I moved away to sit down.
"Yeah, sorry I'm late I got lost in thought." I explained to her. She nodded her acknowledgement but it was clear to see her mind was elsewhere. "Is everything okay?" I questioned. It's not like Evie to be this quiet.
"I guess so, yeah." She answered. I just looked at her with a raised eyebrow causing her to sigh before continuing. "Doug wants me to meet his parents and uncles." She said. Okay now I knew why she was worried but she really didn't need to be. I mean Jesus, one of my best friends mum is the same person my mother cursed and we still get along.
"Personally I don't see the problem. You get along with his cousins why would this worry you?" It was a stupid question to ask her but if she answered it out loud maybe she would realise she was worrying for nothing. The look she shot me quickly made me realise that making her see reason on this would take more then just her admitting why she was worrying thankfully we had all afternoon to talk.
"Of course you wouldn't see the problem Mal. Your not dating someone related to the people you mother tried to kill. Yes I've met some of his cousins but they weren't around when my mother tried to kill Snow White." Evie told me as she started to ramble. I decided for now just to let her continue and see if she got to the point that was actually bothering her. "They know what she did but they weren't there to witness it like Doug's dad and uncles were. I mean were talking about Doug's parents here. Once they find out who I am and who I'm related to all it'll take is one word and Doug will leave me."
My sister stopped her rambling when she started to tear up and I knew if I didn't step in she would surely end up crying, then I would probably start being as hormonal as I am right now. "E, first of all your not giving Doug enough credit. He loves you. He wouldn't leave you just because someone told him to, even if that someone is his dad or one of his uncles." I told her. Okay fingers crossed she doesn't mind the next part. "Second, they already know who you are. Ben told them weeks ago."
I could see she was about to say something so I carried on talking. "Ben is really sorry for it and it was ages ago, when Maleficent first escaped. They were insulting us and Ben defended us but let slip about you and Doug and who your mom is. Yet your still together aren't you?" She nodded to me question before I continued. "Well then, there really isn't any reason to stress is there. I mean they already know and clearly they don't mind or Doug isn't listening to them. Stop worrying because I can guarantee your worrying for nothing."
"I suppose you right." She breathed out with a sigh.
"I'm always right." I informed her rather smugly, gaining the desired effect when she started laughing. I couldn't help but chuckle along with her. I decided to leave it up to Evie as to when she was ready to talk about the isle transfers and I started sipping the hot chocolate she ordered for me.
"So, how many does Ben plan to bring over?" She asked me. Thankfully I had spoken to Ben about this a few days ago so I could answer that question pretty easily.
"Well he would prefer four. Two boys, two girls. But he agreed with Jay and Carlos. Whoever were comfortable with." I told her before we began bouncing ideas around.
"Freddie?" Evie asked me.
"Yeah, she would fit in well. What about Clara?"
"Maybe not when people are still on edge about VK's. What do you think about Harry?"
"Ha! Yeah can you imagine what would happen if he bumped into Ellie, Kristin or Aaron? Holly?"
"She would settle here I think just don't bring Sammy Smee over with her."
"Agreed. Hey E? Don't you have a date tonight?" I asked once I noticed the time. We had been here over an hour and I know how long it takes my sister to get ready for a date.
"Shit! Sorry M, I gotta run." She told me as she got up and gave me a quick hug.
"It's fine, E. Go. Tell Doug I said hi." I said as she turned and practically ran out of the coffee shop. I went to get another hot chocolate before heading out of the shop myself. I had intended to head back to the castle after meeting Evie but surely a little shopping can't hurt right?
I headed down the street ideally looking to get something for Ben off the twins but nothing was catching my eye. Urgh how hard can it be to get someone something off two unborn babies. This is ridiculous. As I passed a few more stores I came across a little shop that sells unique little gifts and decided to take a look in there.
I had just started looking around when I noticed something tucked away in the corner of the store. Walking over I noticed it was pair of gold earring but the rubies were shaped into little apples. They were gorgeous and I'm sure Ben wouldn't mind me getting them for Evie since we had decided to buy her some jewellery for Christmas anyway. I picked them up in the little gift box they were in and went back to look for something for Ben. I needed to find something for him. I just don't understand why this is proving to be so difficult. Eventually having looked around the store twice and finding nothing for Ben I paid for the earrings and left. I checked my phone as I left and found a few missed calls from Ben, Belle, Adam, Evie and even Fairy Godmother. Underneath those were various text messages from them. I didn't know why they were so worried. Evie left me barely two hours ago. I sent Evie's earrings to my room before I read the messages.
From Ben: Where r u, Mal? Evie said she left a while ago? x
From Ben: Mal were r u? I'm getting worried now x
From Ben: Seriously Mal, where r u!?
I just rolled my eyes and put it down to him being overprotective and read some of the others.
From Belle: Text me back when you get this so we know you are okay Mal x
From Adam: Please let us know you are okay, Mal. We are all worried.
From Evie: Where r u? Y didn't u go back 2 the castle?
From Evie: Really, Mal. U need to let 1 of us no ur okay!
Damn, I don't answer my phone for two hours and its bloody chaos. I shrugged it off and read the last message which was from Fairy Godmother.
From FG: Mal, please let someone know where you are. We have an issue. The barrier around the Isle has been breached. We need to know your safe.
That message made me stop in my tracks and just stare at my phone as what Fairy Godmother overheard the night of the Halloween dance came back into my head. They said if you children didn't help them they would release some others from the isle. The only names I heard were Gaston and Diablo.
"Shit!" I cursed under my breath. Now I know why everyone was so worried. Not only was I out and about without someone with me but we have no idea who got off the isle. I was about to transport back to the castle when I heard a child scream. My feet moved of their own accord towards the sound of the scream and the loud "No!" that had followed it. As I turned the corner the sight made my blood run cold. There in the middle of town was Maleficent's goons three of whom had a child cornered. My hand unconsciously brushed over my stomach at the sight of this and after sending a quick text to Fairy Godmother (since hers was the message I had open at the time) telling her I needed a little help and my location I quickly walked towards the child's direction.
I waved my hand at the three goons but only two of them moved. Luckily the one that was left was the furthest away from the terrified little girl. I rushed forward scooping her up and moving away from the goons. I knelt near the girl knowing I only had a few moments before I would have to fight the rest of Maleficent's goons. Thankfully the girls mother came over once she noticed her child was near me. "Thank you, Lady Mal." She said but realising the goons were almost in reach of me I could only nod as I turned and motioned for them to move out of the way.
Seeing all the goons had begun advancing on me I instinctively took a few steps back. After only four steps back my back hit a wall. It wasn't enough time for me to transport myself. By the time I visualised where I wanted to go one or more of them would have caught me, my only way out of this was to fight. I took another quick look around but didn't see anyone I knew. Where the hell is Fairy Godmother. I thought to myself as I lit my hands on fire and began blasting anyone who came to close.
After a few minutes it had got to a point where I was able to take a few steps away from the wall but my energy was quickly beginning to lack. Fighting using my magic on hardly any sleep and being up and about all day carrying twins was certainly not a good idea. With another wave of my hand I sent a few more goons flying, these ones thankfully being knocked out, when I noticed a cloud of blue smoke appear not too far away. I breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of it but I had unknowingly let a goon get too close. I didn't notice until I heard him hit the wall. I turned quickly to find him knocked out near the wall I had previously been cornered against. I turned back to find Fairy Godmother there wand in hand.
As she began walking towards me she, for lack of a better word, threw the goons out of her way with a simple wave of her wand binding them at the same time. By the time she reached where I was stood Fairy Godmother had them all tied/bound and was focused on me. "Mal, are you okay?" she asked me as soon as she reached me. I would have replied when I saw the one thing I really didn't want to see.
There behind Fairy Godmother was a tall man dressed completely in black. He had black hair that was pulled back off of his face and jet black eyes. I could feel the colour and warmth drain from my face as I stared at him. Fairy Godmother noticed this immediately and without me saying anything looked in the direction I was staring. As she took in the sight before us she spun and quickly placed herself fully in front of me. It was then it dawned on me why the goons were here. Maleficent merely tolerated them, she never valued their fighting abilities. They were a distraction while she got who she wanted/needed off the isle and to lure Fairy Godmother into the open with her wand. Plus if Diablo was her Maleficent wasn't far away. She never was. Diablo she did care for in her own twisted way and she wouldn't let him get hurt.
I didn't dare try and tell Fairy Godmother this. Distracting her or refocusing her attention wasn't wise right now. I did however try and find out where Maleficent was hiding. As I began to scan around me I noticed Fairy Godmother had her arms out to a side as she stood in front of me and her wand was nowhere to be seen. I began to panic until I realised Fairy Godmother wasn't fazed by her wand not being in her hand. Hopefully this meant she had sent it somewhere and not that Diablo or worse Maleficent had it.
Before I could try and locate Maleficent Diablo sent a strong magical wave in our direction. Fairy Godmother barely even flinched when it hit her but as it passed her and hit me I stumbled backwards and leant against the wall again. I noticed Fairy Godmother glance back at me, I assume to make sure I was okay, before retaliating with her own magic. Not long after Fairy Godmother began to fight back did I notice Maleficent appear. I knew she wouldn't be able to fight them both and there was no way I could stand here and watch her try. While Fairy Godmother focussed on Diablo, I focussed on Maleficent.
"Are you really going to try and fight me, Mal?" Maleficent asked me. Really!? With the onvious questions. Are you serious right now!?I didn't answer I simply conjured a ball of fire in my hand and threw it in her direction. "Okay, have it you way then." She stated before she threw a fire ball of her own at me which I scarcely managed to avoid.
I immediately started throwing more fire balls at her. I don't even care at this point if she is my birth giver. I have to protect the twins and in a way Fairy Godmother I couldn't afford to risk hesitating and letting Maleficent gain the upper hand. There were too many people at risk. But the fire balls and magic blasts I was throwing in her direction didn't even seem to faze her. It wasn't until Fairy Godmother hit Diablo, making him moan that I was able to gain an opening. While she was looking over at Diablo, with more care then she ever showed for me I might add, I produced the most powerful fireball I could and threw it at her before she could register it. It kind of had the desired effect and made her stumble and groan a little but not as much as I would have liked. They both could have easily got back up and fought but instead they gave each other a look and Maleficent left in a swirl of green smoke with Diablo changing into a raven and leaving as well. Strange. I thought to myself but I shook it off when I heard Fairy Godmother speak.
"Are you okay, Mal? Are you hurt?" She asked as she quickly spun to face me.
"I'm fine." I told her, not really wanting to elaborate on how I actually felt. I felt like I was burning up, I was exhausted and not to mention quite dizzy. I assume this if from using too much magic but that's exactly why I didn't want to tell her. If I told Fairy Godmother that she would have me on magical rest for the remainder of my pregnancy and with Maleficent and Diablo not to mention god only knows who else on the loose I couldn't afford to not use my magic. I noticed her hold her hand out to me and seeing the look on her face I knew there was no way I would be allowed ot transport myself home so reluctantly I took it and let her take me home.
Seconds later I found myself in the familiar confines of Belle's library. Why is it after something stressful happens I always seem to end up here. After a quick glance around, probably to make sure we weren't followed, Fairy Godmother left the room and I walked over to the seating area of the library. I really didn't feel well so I curled up on the nearest couch and was asleep mere seconds later.
No One's POV.
Fairy Godmother returned to the library minutes later with Belle, Beast and Ben in tow. The older fairy had filled them in on what she knew the family just wanted to see Mal and ensure she was safe. Ben immediately spotted his girlfriend asleep on the sofa and motioned for the others to be quiet. Knowing the girl was in safe hands now Fairy Godmother said "I'm sorry to disappear like this but I need to go and check my wand is where it should be."
Belle and Adam nodded their agreement to her and watched her transport from the castle before they turned their attention back to the sleeping teenager. It took seconds for Belle to notice the teenagers flushed appearance causing her to walk towards the couch and press the back of her hand to Mal's forehead.
"Ben go and grab me a bowl of cold water and a face cloth please. Mal is a little warm." Belle told her son who didn't hesitate to go and get what he had been told. A brief look at the girls waist told Belle she was wearing a vest top underneath her jumped so she motioned for Adam to come over and help her. Adam noticed immediately what his wife was intending to do and the idea made him a little uneasy. There was no way he wanted to see his daughter in that state of undress. Belle noticed his unease straight away. "It's fine, Adam. She has a top on underneath her jumper. Just don't let her fall." Belle told him.
Adam nodded as the two coaxed Mal into a sitting position and after manoeuvring her jumper off laid her down on her back. It was seconds after that Ben came back with the face cloth resting in the bowl of water. Belle reached for the cloth and after ringing out the access water and folded it up and placed it onto Mal's forehead.
Once she was sure Mal was comfy Belle moved to sit in her favourite chair which conveniently was right next to the couch Mal had chosen to sleep on. She had ushered a reluctant Ben and Adam off to their meeting and resigned herself to reading alone in her chair until Mal woke up. Belle only moved to check Mal's temperature and dampen the cloth.
After an hour or so of reading Belle's attention was drawn from her book by a groan next to her. Looking over she could easily tell Mal was waking up, despite her body obviously wanting her to go back to sleep. Belle had received an alert on her phone while Mal had been asleep and had been able to piece together what happened before Fairy Godmother had arrived but she needed to hear it from Mal. She sat there patiently while Mal sat up and got comfy. Once it was clear she was somewhat comfy belle decided to talk to the pregnant teen. "So how are you feeling Mal?" She asked the younger girl. She didn't miss the slightly guilty look that crossed the girls face nor the fact that her hands went to rest on her stomach.
"Fine. A bit of a headache and a little warm but I'm fine." She stated. "I guess you want to know what happened earlier right?" She asked. Belle simply nodded her response as she placed her book down on the table between the chair and couch giving Mal her full attention. Mal then proceeded to tell Belle everything from finding the little girl cornered by three of Maleficent's goons to Fairy Godmother fighting Diablo while she fought Maleficent. To say Belle was shocked would be an understatement. She knew the barrier to the isle had been breached but the thought that Maleficent managed to get so many people off the isle in a couple of minutes was worrying. Belle was brought from her thoughts when she heard Mal begin to cry. She quickly moved to sit on the couch to comfort the young girl who immediately curled into her side relishing the motherly comfort coming from Belle.
Before long Mal cried herself hack to sleep again and slid down so her head was resting in Belle's lap. Sensing she needed the rest, I mean she is carrying twins after all, but that she was still a little warm Belle shuffled the girl onto her back and placed the cloth back onto her forehead. She decided to let the girl catch up in her sleep while she picked up her book and continued to read hoping when the girl woke up she would be feeling better.
Author's Note: I apologise for the delay in the update for this chapter. I have had some issues with my computer and have only just got it fixed. I hope you guys like this chapter and that it doesn't feel rushed.