Chapter Forty Nine

A/N: I do not own anything other than my OCs when they come out to play. Everything else belongs to either Disney or the Greek Myths.

Guys, can you believe the next chapter is the 50th? I can't believe how far this story has gotten—and how far we still have to go! Just three more chapters until the reading of Choosing Family is finished—and then to reading Choosing Love!

Urmimala Hazra: No worries! And I'm glad you liked the chapter!

Marcus Emrys: Hmm, that's a good question and one I'll have to ponder while I write this. But to answer your other question, yes there are other pirate captains who got caught. After all, Claudine's the daughter of Red Jessica.

JaclynnM: It'll bee a little like WAL but without the break stories in-between. :D

danifan3000: You know that is the one thing that irritated me about Descendants (or one of the things). They could have taken the opportunity to give Beast a canonical name!

preciouslittletoonette: Yes, that chapter is going to appear though whether or not they stop is still up in the air.

a-person-on-the-internet-75: Of course you can work in a plot point with alternate universes! :D

DS Rider: I think the person who created Ben's blazer was color blind honestly.

AmethystDragon14: Yay! Yep, typical dad Hades and yeah Audrey definitely deserved that. I don't think it's sunk in for Leah to know that's what Audrey was heartbroken over.

LOST MUSES: Hmm, I mean if it was the animated Kit Charming. LA Kit Charming joined the search himself. I don't know if Audie has a pic of Ben in Isle garb.

DeathCrawler: Thank you, glad you liked it!

JudiAndTheFandoms: Oh thank you! Yeah sometimes it gets confusing but it helps that they're all the same people technically. Just at different points in their lives.

twilightgirl587: Estelle's the best pupper and deserves all the squirrels to chase! Technically no one knows Beast's name. 'Adam' is just what the fans came up with because Disney never gave him a name. Oh man Family Day's just around the corner!

ahmad. kay2: Oh I'm so glad you're enjoying the fic!

Hope you all enjoy the chapter! Let me know what you think! :D

Rapunzel grabbed a scroll and unfurled it, eager to see what was in store for them this time.

Mal made her way over to Ben's office, hoping beyond hope that he hadn't gotten changed back into his suits.

"Ah Mal, ye of little faith," Akiho smirked. "If I know my future self as well as I think I do, along with Emir's future self, we've hidden them so Ben'll never find them."

"…you know this is why I worry about you at times," Ben told him.

"I'm just following Emir's life motto. Being normal is vastly overrated," Akiho grinned.

Inwardly cursing her newfound attraction to Ben, Mal couldn't help but smile slightly as she saw that Ben was in fact in his office.

"…where else would he be?" Emma asked.

Of course, she wasn't sure where else she'd expect him to be what with the Tourney season over but that was neither here nor there.

"Hey!" Ben exclaimed. "I could be in the library!"

"That is actually a valid point," Chip chuckled. "We've got Mr. Bookworm here."

"Hey, I forgot you had something in common with Hadie," Malinda said, looking over at Benji and giving him a playful nudge. "What am I going to do with all these bookworms?"

"Love us?" Benji said with a smile.

"Always," Malinda said, resting her forehead on his.

"Hey Mal," Ben said as he looked up at her with a small smile.

"Hey," Mal said as she walked in and closed the door. Don't stare, dear gods don't stare, she thought.

"You need to not care…uh you need to not stare, you need a whole lotta help…you need to not be your self. You wanna be cool, let me show you how," Audie sang under her breath. That song was going to be stuck in her head for the rest of the day!

It didn't help that Ben's pectoral muscles were much more defined in that short sleeved shirt than they ever were in the suits.

Meg chuckled as she leaned against Hercules. "So they give you a name along with all of those rippling pectorals?"

"Come on Mom!" Hyllus shook his head. "Teasing dad like that at home is one thing but in public?"

"I think it's nice!" Herkie said.

"You okay?" Ben asked gently.

"What are you working on?" Mal asked, leaning against the desk to see.

Ben smiled. "I'm trying to figure out the best way to sneak onto the Isle," he joked before shaking his head.

"That's not funny," Beast muttered under his breath. Yes he knew the Isle would need to be checked out in person but he didn't like the idea of Ben sneaking onto said Isle. What if he got hurt?

"Nah, it's just more coronation paperwork. The fun never stops."

"You and I have a different definition of fun," Emir said, shaking his head.

"You know, the best way to sneak onto the Isle would be for Jay and I to take you," Mal said matter of fact as she looked at the paperwork, not noticing Ben stop and stare at her.

"Mal….what did I say about bringing the son of persona non grata onto the Isle?" Uma asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Really?"

"Well yeah I mean it's still risky but as long as you stayed away from Angel or Caster territory, you shouldn't have a problem," Mal told him, still looking at the paperwork.

"If he avoided going to the Isle all together, he also wouldn't have a problem," Chip noted.

"Oh and of course stay out of Maleficent's territory but that's half the Isle so you shouldn't have an issue there."

"Plus Mal has the giant tags of Maleficent and Jafar sprayed everywhere," Jay pointed out. "Easy to know who's territory's who's that way."

"Not going to lie, my favorite of those that I did was the one that said 'the dragon will rise again'," Malinda chuckled. "Knowing what I know now, it in no way was a reference to Maleficent."

After all…Maleficent wasn't the only one who could turn into a dragon.

If she kept her eyes on the paperwork then she wouldn't be staring openly at Ben. After all, Tourney had definitely been kind in terms of Ben's muscle definition.

Abby chuckled as Ben flushed slightly. "Hey Benji, take off your blazer and show off those muscles," she teased.

"I'd rather not," Ben muttered.

"Abby, be nice," Chip said, shaking his head.

He wasn't bulky like Jay or Harry but at the same time, that honestly wasn't a problem. He looked good.

Ben couldn't help but smile slightly as he heard that.

Honestly I think I prefer this to the 'bulky' definition of Jerkules or Jay or Harry, Mal thought. Just enough muscle definition to know it's there.

"Every one has their preference," Rose muttered, glancing over at Harry's bare arms and flushing slightly. Make it illegal for the VKs to wear sleeves Ben!

Okay I really don't need to think about my cousin going gooey over a guy!

Uma! Honestly, do you lurk on the mental link?!

"Hey, I'm just happy I didn't end up hearing that somehow if Mal can't keep her thoughts off of the link," Hadie said.

"So am I," Hades muttered to himself.

Well yeah, there's nothing good on TV. Now, who's got the muscle definition that seemed to finally catch my cousin's eye?

"Wha-you-you're just as single as I am!" Mal exclaimed, looking over at Uma.

…Ben

I'm sorry, Beastie Jr?!

Shut up!

"Mal!" Persephone warned.

Uma chuckled. "What? Mal's spent sixteen years not mentioning a guys's looks, let alone his muscles so when she does, of course I'm going to be shocked. It's my cousinly right and duty to tease you Mali!"

"Mal? You okay?" Ben asked softly, bringing Mal back to the present.

"I'm fine, just studying," Mal told him, making sure the connection to the mental link was disconnected. The last thing she needed was for Uma to randomly appear again…or worse her mother.

"Why? It's not like you're doing anything wrong," Rose said, shaking her head.

Malinda snorted. "Would you want your cousin or mother appearing randomly in your head when talking to a guy you like while at the same time you realize you actually have hormones?"

"And I still don't want to hear that!" Hades spoke up.

"Studying? My paperwork?"

"I know, we're stunned too," Lonnie nodded.

"It seems fascinating," Mal shrugged, finally looking away from the document that seemed to be all about the security measures at coronation. "Hey, why do you guys need security measures anyway? Aren't you all good?"

"Nice subject change," Jay chuckled.

"It's being insisted on," Ben sighed.

"Because of Jay, me, Evie and Carlos?"

"Why am I not surprised?" Mal muttered.

"No—"

"Ben, you're many things but you're not a good liar," Mal said gently as she hopped onto his desk, sitting beside him.

"That sounds like it's the understatement of the century," Celia chuckled.

Ben sighed. "Some members of dad's council believe security measures would be a good idea. Dad argued that they'd have to pay for them."

"Really?" Mal asked, slightly impressed by King Beastie.

"Of course I would tell them they'd have to pay for any additional security measures," Beast nodded.

"If your son is going to insist on having villains in Auradon, shouldn't your family pay for the security measures?" Leah asked him.

"Well maybe if the kids in question did more than just be born I could understand your logic," Persephone shot back, Hades grinning at his wife.

"Yeah," Ben nodded, "especially since these measures are such last minute. I was almost done with my paperwork before these were added."

"That's possible?" Emir asked, tilting his head.

Mal looked at the mountain of paperwork still on Ben's desk and turned back to Ben, raising an eyebrow. "You and I have a different definition of the word 'done'."

"Done for the day," Ben chuckled. "I wasn't going to spend my entire day in here."

"Who are you and what have you done with Ben?" Akiho asked in shock.

"Didn't you used to?"

"I figured you'd be dragging me out of here anyway," Ben teased. "You have no qualms about barging into my office after all."

"You'll find there are few things I have qualms about," Malinda chuckled.

Mal smirked. "You'll find, Benny, that I have no qualms about a lot of things. But…are you serious? About wanting to sneak onto the Isle?"

"I see you don't change much," Jay said, shaking his head.

"Well yeah," Ben nodded as he leaned back in his chair. "Mal, I meant what I said on our date. The Isle is a part of Auradon and I should get a sense of how my citizens are living on the Isle before I take the throne. That way I can jump into solving any problems on my first day."

"That's a smart strategy in a way," Poseidon said, nodding his head.

"I agree," Hera nodded. "Athena would like it at the very least."

Mal stared at him for a moment, still stunned at how eager he was to see the Isle.

"Plus…and this'll sound corny but I'd like to see where you're from," Ben said softly. "It'll be a good way to see what makes Mal well…Mal."

Benji smiled softly as he looked at his wife. "I think I know 'what makes Mal 'Mal'' pretty well by now."

"You're right. It does sound corny," Mal nodded. "But corny suits you. Well, come on then."

"Seriously," Malinda nodded. "Even when he's cavity inducing sweet and corny, he jus…makes it work the way no one else can."

"Wait, where are we going?"

"If we're sneaking you onto the Isle, you'll need Isle clothes," Mal said. "Akiho's shirt is a nice departure from the suits but it still makes you look too put together. We need something that'll make you blend in, make you look like a ruffian. We'll need Jay."

"Hey mom, dad, couldn't you call in Uncle Lance and the others from the Snuggly Duckling?" Rachel asked.

"Yeah, since they are ruffians," Ruby nodded.

Ben nodded. "How'd you know this shirt was Akiho's?"

"The giant reindeer on the front was a nice clue."

"Hey! Reindeer are the best I'll have you know!" Akiho stated.

"No one said they weren't," Emir sighed. "Even though everyone knows tigers are better."

"I'm sorry boys but both of you are wrong," Lonnie shook her head. "And I can tell you why in one word. Dragons. Nuff said."

Mal snorted in amusement. "I mean dragons are great and all, but have you seen a Cerberus?"

"Oh come on! Two of my favorite animals, how can I choose?" Benji sighed as Estelle yipped slightly and gave Mal a doggy grin.

"Ah," Ben nodded as they made their way to Jay's dorm. "Hey, I wanted to let you know, I got into a small argument with Audrey earlier today. She brought your name up."

Argument? More like Audrey was sounding like a broken record if it was the fourth time you had that conversation Ben, Emir thought. He would have said it out loud but he wasn't in the mood to be scolded by his dad again.

"So you talked about me with your ex? Big whoop," Mal shrugged and Ben sighed.

"I wanted to let you know because there's a newspaper around here that likes to report on royals," he told her. "Since Audrey brought your name up, they might consider that something to write about. Future king gets a new girlfriend or something like that."

"Oh no, I got putt in a newspaper," Mal said and shook her head; Harry and Uma chuckling at her sarcasm.

"I wouldn't be glib about that," Malinda told her. "The Gazelle can be a bigger problem than you think."

"Who besides our classmates would consider that news?" Mal asked and then paused. "Does this newspaper go to the Isle?"

Harriet shrugged. "If it did, it'd just get used for kindling."

"Or to throw at Fish for Brains," Harry added.

"Did you ever get a copy when you lived on the Isle?"

"Well no…"

"Well there you go," Ben said with a small chuckle and Mal shook her head in amusement.

"You know that's a good point," Uma said. "Since we get ya'lls garbage, how did we avoid never seeing a copy of this paper?"

"Most paper products were burnt for warmth in the winter," Mal pointed out. "Also, not everyone on the Isle can read."

"We use The Gazelle as kindling in the winter," Akiho grinned. "It can really get a fire started quickly. Probably the only thing it's good for."

Good. Maleficent won't find out that I'm dating Ben, she thought. If she doesn't know, sneaking him onto the Isle will be still incredibly risky but it won't be the suicide mission it would be otherwise.

"Um…" Jane said softly. "I don't want to be that person but since you're dating Ben and Ben's a member of the royal family who's constantly covered by the Auradon News. If Maleficent watches the news, chances are she'd know…"

"Thanks for the warning I guess," Mal shrugged. "I doubt they'll do much. After all, mom's here right now. You lot really don't like to risk angering the Gods and I'll be seeing mom this weekend."

"Hey, not angering the Gods is a pretty smart idea," Lil Shang said with a small shrug.

"This weekend?"

"Family Day?"

Ben nodded. "Oh right. I completely forgot it was this weekend. Hard to believe coronation's the day after."

"Why did we schedule Family Day to be the day before the coronation?" Jane asked, looking at her mom.

"That's a very good question dear one," Fairy Godmother told her. "It must have just been the best day for it."

"Time has a way of creeping up on us," Mal nodded as she barged into Jay and Carlos' room. "Boys! You decent?"

"…wouldn't it be better to knock before asking that question rather than barging in?" Ashaki asked.

"We're VKs Mal," Jay called from his bed. "Are we ever decent?"

"Are you at least dressed? I got company."

"Why wouldn't I be dressed?" Jay asked, shaking his head. "And also you barged into my room! Wouldn't you already know that?"

"Go make out with Ben in your own room!"

"We know Hades, you don't want to hear that," Poseidon sighed as Hades opened his mouth.

"Ben wants to visit the Isle," Mal said after whacking Jay with a pillow. "We're helping him sneak in and out."

Jay sat up. "He wants to what?"

"Did I stutter?"

Jay chuckled. "Blunt and to the point. Typical Mal."

"No cap'n," Jay shook his head and got up. "Carlos, you don't breathe a word to anyone about this."

"Who would I breathe it too?" Carlos exclaimed, his timidness forgotten in his annoyance. "Jay, it honestly sounds like in the scrolls that I hang out with you and Mal. Both of whom are going to the Isle. What's more…do I look like an idiot?"

"Pup's got some bite," Harry said with a small smirk.

"Oh no, you've foiled my dastardly plan," Carlos said, rolling his eyes from his spot in front of the video game console. "Because I definitely wanted my mother to find out Ben was going to the Isle."

"Somehow hearing DeVil say the words 'dastardly plan' sounds wrong," Harriet said, shaking her head.

"I'm going to take that as a compliment," Carlos said softly.

"Sarcasm is not a good look on you," Mal chuckled. "Jay, you got any clean clothes his highness here can borrow?"

"I should have something," Jay nodded, going over to his dresser. Mal walked over and started to pretend to help.

"I'll keep that in mind," Carlos said softly.

"You know, in a way it's a good thing Ben invited an older VK," Robin said. "If they'd all been younger or all girls, nothing would have fit him."

"I'm going to sneak down to the kitchen," she muttered. "If we're going to the Isle, I'm going to get some Auradon food for Uma, Harry, Hadie and maybe something for dad to use in his restaurant."

Uma and Harry grinned. "You're the best Mali!"

"There's no way you'll be able to carry all that by yourself."

"I've got magic," Mal smirked. "I'll be fine."

Fairy Godmother shook her head. "You shouldn't always be reliant on magic to solve your problems."

"But…I'm a Godling," Mal said. "I've got the magic, why shouldn't I use it?"

Straightening up, Mal turned to Ben. "Speaking of roommates, I should let mine know I'm doing something with you so she doesn't worry her little blue head. I'll be right back. Listen to Jay—unless he tells you something that goes against what I'll tell you later."

Jay nodded. "Just like the crew. Basically what Harry and I say goes unless Uma and Mal contradicts it."

"Okay Mal," Ben nodded and Mal smirked before walking out of the room. She decided to make her room the first stop so Evie wouldn't ask questions about the food bags.

Snow gave Mal a small smile. "There was a time where you would have just left without giving Evie a thought, you know?"

Mal shrugged slightly.

"Hey Blue—Evie?" Mal asked, sticking her head in. "I'm going to spend time with Ben. Don't wait up."

"Oh," Evie said with a nod. Mal tilted her head as it was clear that Evie was hard at work on something.

Dizzy perked up. "Oooh! What is it?"

"Please tell me you're not doing Charming Jr.'s homework again?" Mal asked despite working hard not to care.

"She'd better not be," Kit said, softly yet firmly as he looked over at his son.

Evie shook her head. "No, no. Some of the girls asked me to design their gowns for coronation. I already did their fashion makeovers so they trusted me enough to ask for this as well. I'll be up late making them but once I get them done I'll be able to meet with them for a final fitting. It's just three girls so it should be fine."

"It's just three girls now," Malinda said with a smile. "Before long, Evie, your dresses are going to corner the market in Auradon. I'd like to remind everyone that I'm wearing something Evie made."

"Yeah, and Evie in my timeline made me a really nice leather jacket," Audie nodded. "Almost wish I was wearing it so I could show you guys."

"Ah," Mal nodded and paused. She wasn't the closest with Evie but she was closer than she had been on the Isle. Plus she knew she'd need a dress for coronation—and the royal tailor Ben offered for her to use would be more likely to lean toward Auradon fashion.

"Why not ask Aunt Persephone and get a dress made in the Olympian fashion?" Macaria asked.

"Because I'm not an Olympian, I'm an Isle kid," Mal said firmly. "Or so I'm guessing."

"Evie? I can't believe I'm even asking this," Mal sighed, "but can you make my dress?"

Mal and Uma's jaws dropped.

"Are…are you sure Mal?" Evie whispered. "I…I promise I'll do a good job!"

Evie paused. "You..you want me to make your dress for coronation?"

"I know, shocking," Mal said. "But I've put it off for too long, and I'll need one unfortunately since I'm riding with Ben."

Mal shrugged. "I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't sure. Whatever else I don't like about you Evie, you are good at fashion. And it's probably a good idea if I don't embarrass anyone on the way to the coronation."

No one noticed Malinda's slight flinch at the world 'embarrass'.

"Of course!" Evie nodded. "Oh I'll get right to work on it! But—oh you've got your thing with Ben. I'll get your measurements when you get back. I'll work on the design—purple right?"

"I'm sorry, what about me indicates that there'd be another answer to that question?" Mal asked.

"Blue for dad?" Hadie suggested.

"While a good point, I'd like to emphasize that purple is my color," Mal stated.

"Is there anything about me that indicated the answer to that question would be no?"

"I wasn't sure if you wanted to wear Ben's colors, considering it's his coronation and all," Evie explained, a megawatt grin still on her face.

"That is also a good point," Emma nodded.

Ben shook his head. "I wouldn't want anyone changing what they liked or wearing something they felt uncomfortable in just because we're dating."

"But go on Mal. You don't want to keep Ben waiting."

"No I do not. Because Gods knows what would happen if I let Jay and Ben wander the Isle without me," Malinda sighed.

Mal nodded slowly and ducked back out, making her way toward the kitchen. It was weird but she felt a small bit of warmth fill her at seeing how happy Evie was at the idea of making Mal's dress.

"That's called friendship," Malinda said. "Or at least the beginning of it."

At the same time though, Mal felt a bit of dread.

"Why?" Dizzy asked. "You're in good fashion hands with Evie!"

What was to stop Evie from making a stunning gown but something that didn't suit Mal at all? What if she made something that looked like a prissy princess and made it so she could never show her face on the Isle again?

Malinda snorted in amusement. "Hadie told me that Uma glared at all the Rats when I could be seen on the television, almost daring them to make a comment about my dress."

"Great," Mal groaned. "That just says I'm going to be dressed all prissy."

"I'm sure you'll look lovely," Persephone told her.

"She did," Benji nodded.

One thing was for sure: Evie wouldn't make a bad dress. Even if she wanted to use the opportunity to get back at all the hell Mal and Uma put her through on the Isle, Mal assumed Evie wouldn't want her name attached to something that was less than perfect. The same way Mal wouldn't want her rep attached to a less than perfect tag or Harry wouldn't want his name attached to less than perfect sword work.

"Mal, you have my word. I won't make you look bad," Evie said softly, still stunned that Mal had asked her to make her dress.

If there was one thing Mal could confirm, there wasn't a risk of her having a wardrobe malfunction during coronation.

Even better. Evie somehow made a dress that survives a dragon transformation, Malinda thought with a small smile.

Slipping into the kitchens, Mal grabbed a nearby basket and started filling it with things she knew Uma, Harry and the Warf Rats might like before moving on to things her brother and father might like as well.

Harry and Uma grinned. "This is going to be the best haul yet!"

"Huh," Mal said after about fifteen minutes. "This basket's not going to work."

"You sneaking food?"

"Busted," Celia sighed, shaking her head.

Mal nearly jumped out of her skin as one of the kitchen aids broke the silence.

"For a study group," he added, looking at the basket as Mal stared at him in silence. "Students normally do that so we look the other way. It's why we have the baskets there."

"Honestly, making it easy for kids to steal food," Leah sniffed.

"Oh yeah," Mal nodded, going along with the lie. "But the basket filled up faster than I thought."

The aid chuckled. "Here. This might work better if you used two bags," he said, tossing Mal a duffle bag. Why he had one on him, Mal would never know. "I know you're one of the new students but like I said, all the kids here sneak food from time to time."

"I mean it is practically a rite of passage over at Auradon Prep," Aziz nodded.

"All those perfect princes and prissy princesses?" Mal asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yep," the aid nodded. "Name's Steven by the way if you ever need anything else. I just came in to make sure all the food's set for Family Day and then I'll be out of your hair."

Malinda chuckled. "Reminds me of the time Herkie, Melody, and Hadie snuck some candy from the kitchen about two weeks before Cotillion. They heard the door open and thought it was Steven, turns out it was mom!"

"I'm guessing I got grounded for an eon?" Hadie asked.

Malinda gave her brother a small yet sad smile. "No actually. Mom had just gotten back from yelling at Zeus so she was just happy you were getting along with our cousins."

"Why was—?"

"Does mom need a reason to yell at Zeus?"

"Actually, I was going to ask why mom was in Auradon that early?" Hadie asked. "Wouldn't that be part of her six months on Isle?"

Malinda sighed. "Ben…Ben invited her off early for Cotillion," she said.

Mal chuckled. "You're fine Steven. I won't be a minute."

She quickly got to work loading the stuff for Uma, Harry and the Rats into the duffle bag. She would have loved to bring food for all the kids but it would have to do for now. Hopefully there'd be more trips to the Isle to bring food…and to take kids off the Isle.

"There'll be so many trips to the Isle, the VKs there will be sick of seeing us," Ben promised.

Satisfied at how the duffle was packed, Mal grabbed both the basket and the duffle and made her way back to Jay's room.

"Everyone better be decent!"

"We are VKs Mal," Jay said and snorted in amusement as Mal lobbed a pillow at him.

"Mal, you say that every time you walk in here. Pick a new saying," Jay said as Mal walked in.

"Where's the fun in that?" Mal asked with a smirk. "Where's Ben?"

"Bathroom," Carlos told her.

Chip shook his head fondly. "Ben's not going to get changed in front of others, boys or not. Tourney's the only exception."

Mal didn't have long to wait before Ben stepped out of the bathroom. Between the brown shirt that seemed to make his hazel green eyes pop more and the jeans that he thankfully already had on, Mal was honestly impressed that she wasn't drooling.

Benji chuckled and shook his head. She had drooled a bit, he just didn't want to say anything to embarrass her.

"Well?" Ben asked and Mal had to give her self a small kick to talk.

"Beanie."

"Huh?" Jay asked and Mal rolled her eyes.

"Give Ben one of your beanies. Then it'll be good," she elaborated and Jay nodded, tossing Ben one of the aforementioned hats.

"Ah yes, because a beanie is going to hide the fact that the Crown Prince is on the Isle," Hades muttered, shaking his head.

Ben quickly put it on and Mal once again cursed the day she noticed boys. How did anyone get anything done like this?

"I think every woman has asked herself that question at least once in their lives," Cinderella said, shaking her head.

"Pull that beanie down a bit."

"Mal, we're not going to the Isle today," Jay chuckled before pausing, tilting his head in thought. "Are we?"

Mal sighed. "Family Day's this weekend and Saturday's tomorrow Jay. When else can we go? Especially with coronation right after Family Day?"

"I'd like to just point out that you could always wait until after the coronation so that way you could send an envoy who could send a report," Lucas said.

Chip grinned. "Welcome to the club!"

Benji sighed. "Sending an envoy isn't the same thing as seeing the Isle for myself."

Jay nodded. "Thankfully I'm already dressed. Let's go."

"Carlos, if anyone asks—"

"I have no idea where you three are," Carlos stated.

"And if we ask?" Akiho asked, gesturing to himself and Emir.

Carlos shook his head. "Mal scares me more than you two. I'm sticking with my future self's answer," he said.

"We could follow Ben on to the Isle," Emir pointed out.

"No you won't!" Aziz said instantly.

Mal smirked. "Good boy."

"Woof."

Carlos stared at the scroll in shock. What am I doing? Barking like a dog? Why would I want to be one of those blood thirsty pack animals?

Though… Estelle wasn't too bad. He just liked sniffing at people and giving small licks…though maybe that was just to lure people into a false sense of security!

"There was a time where you would have jumped in fear if anyone did that around you."

"There was a time when I didn't know you were the daughter of the Lord of the Underworld, Mal," Carlos told her. "Times change."

"I like this confident DeVil," Uma said. "We should see more of him."

Mal and Jay chuckled as the three of them walked off to the garage for Ben to snag the remote to open the barrier.

"You know, it's a miracle no one actually noticed us sneaking on and off the Isle," Malinda said. "Since the bridge glows like someone chucked all the pixie dust in existence onto it."

"Can you guys ride bikes?" Ben asked.

"No," Jay and Mal shook their heads.

Ben nodded. "Okay, looks like it's a limo. We can take bikes next time."

"A limo?" Chip asked, pinching his nose. "Oh sure just sneak onto the Isle with probably the most conspicuous vehicle you could have chosen? That won't end well."

"And I'm sorry next time?" Beast asked, raising an eyebrow.

Mal smiled as they all piled into the limo. It was time to see her home…at least for a bit.

Though she wasn't going to lie, Auradon was slowly growing on her. Like a fungus. Maybe it was the food. Maybe it was the people.

Rapunzel smiled, though a hint of sadness could be seen in it. "And that's fine, never forget your roots."

Looking over at Ben as he drove, Mal could say for certainty…the people had no small part in her new fondness for Auradon. But the Isle would always be her home.

"And it always will be Mal," Hades said, giving his daughter a small smile.

Mal smiled back at him. "Good to know dad."

"That's the end of the scroll," Rapunzel said. "Who wants to read next?"

"Ooh Ben on the Isle? I'll gladly read," Ashaki said with a grin.