Prologue

The day is a cold one on this early March morning. Westerly City is rumbling with excitement as usual. The streets fill with people swiftly moving about. Every person busy, every person with a destination in mind. So much has changed in past decades. The past two without her children being the hardest. She's nearing 88 years of age. She's seen the world go through plenty of changes, plague, changing of rulers, and even racial genocide. Most people tend to overlook that piece of history or are too young to remember.

Normally she would not walk the streets of Westerly without her guard dogs by her side. They are large dogs, nearly her height in size and would draw too much attention to herself. She'd be easily recognized. They've become one of her signatures like the head raps. The aging woman escapes the highway of foot traffic to sit on a lone bench at the front of a water fountain surrounded by the strategically placed trees. It's a beautiful day to do so. She doesn't yet acknowledge the other aging woman occupying the opposite end of the bench. Instead, sets down her cane and studies the various characters that pass them by. All of them in a hurry to somewhere or possibly nowhere at all. Everyone dressed in fine cloth and silks. Not a tread out of place. It is the expectation when in the part of the city. One never knows when they may be in the company of greatness such as herself, the Madame Malevola De Vil. Can you really blame them she is known to have high standards?

Everyone wants to be noticed by someone important in hopes that they too may be someone of importance. Unfortunately for them, they all tend to muddy together into the same spool of boring fashion and nameless faces. No one stands out. No one expect it seems her bench partner.

The woman isn't dressed in high fashion or the next big trend. No. In fact, quite the opposite. She wears a simple cotton dress with an elaborately weaved native scarf tossed over her shoulders. It isn't completely dissimilar to her own choice of dress. Only her fabric is wool double crepe and hand tailored herself. She lairs it with a red scarf loosely draped around her neck and heels that do little to combat her lack of height.

She was surprised to receive a message from her old friend. It's been many years since they last conversed and even more since they were in each other's presence. Malevola long since stopped responding to calls like this, but she had to admit she is curious to know what's so important it brought her dear friend from hiding. Her friend doesn't consider it hiding. She'll call it intentional seclusion to renew you the spirit and mind.

"I hope you found your journey pleasant?" Madame DeVil speaks without even a glance in her friend's direction. It could not look as though this reunion had been orchestrated. In her letter, her dear friend mentioned she had pressing news and they could not draw the kings attention. He has eyes everywhere. Of course Malevola understands. A reunion of such old spirits with the knowledge of kingdoms past can not bode well for his majesty who would prefer his sins remain hidden.

"I did. I traveled through Sherwood Forest. It is quite lovely this time if year." She responds in kind.

"Not to be too forward dear, but was there not something you wanted to discuss?"

"Yes, yes. Malevola you have always been straight forward. No need to act as if my presence isn't eating at you." Cheiftess Pocahontas taps her old friend's hand twice before shifting her body to look at the other woman. "You have an influence over this country as well as parts of many others, more so than the king himself. The winds are shifting. I feel it in my bones. I've already begun to see it taking hold. There will come a time in the near future where your positive influence will be beneficial to the safety of so many."

De Vil frowns. She doesn't like the vagueness of her friend's words. She has no clue what she us going on about. "My dear Pocahontas, you must know I never put my backing into something I cannot guarantee. I have not made a name for myself and my family by trusting people solely on their word." Not anymore. She doesn't worry about being overheard. The water fountain covers their voices beautifully. It's precisely why she chose this location to meet. It's public enough people cannot claim conspiracy. No doubt there are people hiding in plain sight ready to snapped her photo. She headlines the tabloids every other week. She doesn't mind the pictures in fact she, in fact she'll want whatever photo taken of her and Pocahontas today. "I trust you dear. I do. But I do not feel the wind is you do. What exactly is it telling you? Where does it blow?"

"It blows in the direction of Auradon." She stretches her arm just her out in its general direction. "More specifically the young Prince Ben. And the Isle of lost. I am sure the isle is of much interest to you."

Malevola sits straighter. The aisle is of much interest to her. of course, it is. Her children are on that godforsaken rock and it's all her fault. She grabs hold of her cane and taps it into the ground a couple of times before speaking. "What does this mean?"

"It blows in their favor for now. It seems, there is a possibility the young prince will change the world as we now know it." The older woman squeezes Malevola's hand resting on her cane. "There is a lot of power on that island. I can feel it even from here. Nothing is set in stone. They are going to need an ally on this side of the barrier to vouch for them. They will need the people on their side."

Malevola nods. "I will see what I can do. The people can be stubborn." She stands from the bench, dropping Pocahontas' hand in the process. She slowly makes her way toward the fountain and tosses a single coin in. "What will you be doing to assist the winds?" She glances over her shoulder at her friend.

The 111-year-old struggles to stand from the bench. She uses her wooden can to stand at her friend's side. "I got a job. Auradon Prep has a new program I will be assisting with. I'm certain I'll need a wheelchair to keep up with the young ones."

De Vil laughs freely. "The wind is bringing us both from retirement. Lord help us all."

Chapter 1

Ben is really starting to dislike this spot in his room. The view from his large window still hasn't changed. It holds a view of the gorgeous kingdom below, and just beyond that lay the beach and harbor. The sparkling seas always brought him peace; however, he couldn't look too far out into it. In the distance rested the crumbling piece of rock that houses all of the villains to every legendary story he and his friends were told they were also the stars of many of their nightmares. His room has a direct line of sight of their prison. It isn't a sight to brag about. He wonders why his parents gave this room to him. As a child he'd beg his father to switch his room with one on the other side of the palace. He had the irrational fear that the bad guys could see him through his window and could crawl through it to snatch him away from his parents like Rapunzel or curse him to a deep slumber as Aurora had been.

He'd long since grown out of that fear. There was no way anyone could get off of the isle. That used to bring him comfort. Now it leaves a sinking feeling in his stomach. After the weird dreamlike nightmares, he'd been having about children with colorful hair, Ben gathered as much information he could about the Isle of the lost in the king's archives. There, he found the census reports for the Isle created by none other than Dr. Facilier. He'd been horrified to learn that there were children on the island. Some of them his own age. Why should they have to suffer for the crimes of their parents? There was an entire civilization that he knew next to nothing about. The only thing that he could gather from Facilier's notes where the amount of people on the island and their ages. How was he expected to govern a kingdom if there were secrets being held from even him? Was the isle of the lost not under Auradon rule? Were they not to be is subjects as well?

To think, he thought he was trapped. And he is. There's no escaping his destiny to take the throne and rule over all the United States of Auradon. It doesn't matter what he thinks or wants. Like wearing his father's old coronation suit. Ben doesn't even get his own suit. He is expected to follow in his father's steps. No questions asked. But what would it be like to be trapped under a magical dome? No matter what his father said in opposition, they aren't simply banished. They are prisoners, all of them.

"Ouch," Ben gasps as one of Lumiere's pins stab him in the wrist.

"My sincere apology sire, please forgive me sire." Lumiere lowers his head in shame. Ben waves him off. It happened last week as well. It comes with the territory.

Ben walked out on his fitting last week after pondering over the fate of those on the sad looking rock. He imagined life for them was similar to his. Living in the shadows of a parent's legacy that looms larger than life is not easy. They were also likely expected to live up to or surpass their predecessors. It does not matter what they want for themselves, only what they can do in the wake of their parents. They were all trapped. In that moment he decided to do something about it. In his haste Ben left poor Lumiere standing alone in his room holding a needle and tape measure in his hand. He'd been scolded by his parents and some staff for running out of his fitting and undoing a lot of the tailor's work.

Ben had not minded. He is often being scolded for one thing or another. In the end it had been worth it. He was able set his plan in motion. Now, however there is no escaping his fitting for his upcoming coronation. Its why he asked his parents to meet him here instead of the formal setting of his father's office or the conference room. Hopefully this would also lower his parents' defenses and they'll be open to the conversation that needs to be had.

He's aware that he'll likely be scolded once again. In fact, he expects it. Ben went behind his parents and the council's backs to intact his first official proclamation as king. The only problem is, he needed to be able to test the logistics of it first before he hopefully turned it into law in a month or so.

He would bring the children on the isle of the lost to live Auradon.

At least they could have the chance he never would, to be something other than their parents. Ben spent the last week planning and organizing. He barely got any sleep. With the help of Dr. Facilier he was able to relay his wishes to the isle. He also helped with an initial list of potential children to bring over to the isle. His two daughters Freddie and Celia being at the top of the list. The deal was to bring them in with the first official group of children brought to Auradon in exchange for helping him with information and locating the selected children. The ex-voodoo doctor had no interest in his daughters being among the 5 guinea pigs, as he called them, incase things go south with Ben's proclamation. That was ok with Ben. He didn't really want test things out with the children of villains who left a smaller mark than some. No. Ben want the children of the villains who name to this day brings terror to those who know of them.

He is aware that starting this large may have major setbacks in bringing lesser-known families over. He needs to know that no matter whose child is brought over his plan will still succeed. He would start big, then gradually integrate more of the lesser-known families over.

Ben isn't allowed to ponder any more of his plan when his parents enter his room with bright smiles on their faces.

"How is it possible that you're going to be crowned king next month?" King Beast booming voice fills the room. His wife, Queen Belle just a step behind him yet still holding onto his arm. "You're just a baby." His father's presence a big as ever.

"He's turning 16, dear." His mother taps Beast's arm before letting go pick up the clothes he'd haphazardly thrown on his Foosball table the night before.

"Hey, Pops. Hello, Mother." Ben greets his parents.

"16?" Beast continues. "That's far too young to be crowned king." Ben would have to agree, though he keeps his thoughts to himself. He is aware his father only jest. He is the one who declared it time for him to take his throne so that he and Belle could take an early retirement. They would still hold power over the states in a role similar to a king regent. Once Ben turns 18, he will have full claim of the throne and his parents will only have the power of high-ranking council members. "I didn't make a good decision until I was at least 42."

Belle, who made her way back you her husband's side and since created a small pile of his clothes on the chest at the foot of his bed, snaps her head in the king's direction, stopping what she's doing. "Ah hem. Adam, you decided to marry me at 28." Belle accuses, unhappy with her husband's comment.

"It was either you or the teapot." The king winks at Ben and laughs at his own joke. "I kid." Ben gives a soft chuckle for his father's sake, but they are all aware of the truth in his statement. He doesn't doubt his father loves his mother, but he knows he married her to break his curse.

Ben feels the tension entering the room and decides to throw his father a bone and change the subject. It's about time he gets to the reason he brought them here. There's no point in stalling, they'll find out eventually. "Mom, Dad." He begins to take a step forward, but it stopped by Lumiere who has a hold of his pant leg. The man tsks and the young prince remains where he stands on the platform. He clears his throat and continues once again. "I've chosen my first official proclamation."

As expected, his parents gasp in excitement.

"That's wonderful news sweetheart." His mother looks shares a look with his father in anticipation.

Ben chooses to continue before he loses his nerve. "I've decided that the children on the Isle of the Lost be given a chance to live here in Auradon."

His mother drops the shirt she was holding. Everyone in the room stiffens including Lumiere, who already knew about his proclamation seeing how he helped Ben set it in motion. He didn't ask questions he simply did his job. Ben appreciated him for that. Even though he was possibly working under the assumption that all of this was green lit by the king. That however does not protect either of them from the wrath of King Beast find out his involvement. Ben feels bad for not being completely truthful with Lumiere, but he doesn't regret the work he's begun for the children on the Isle.

"Huh," Is the only thing to escape his mother's lips. His father remains unreadable.

Ben choses to get as much of his thoughts out as he can before he is inevitably interrupted by his father. "Every time I look to the island, I feel as though they've been abandoned." This time when Ben steps off the platform, the former Candelabra lets him go.

"The children of our greatest enemies, living among us?" King Beast beach for the first time.

His father isn't yelling or outright angry. Ben takes this as the go ahead to continue explaining his plan. "We will start off with just a few at first, the ones who need our help the most. I've already chosen them."

His mother nods. His father makes a face that says that he is pondering Ben's proclamation.

"I have already sent for them. They will be arriving at the east entrance of Auradon Prep in the morning at 7am. From there they will be guided to the infirmary where they will be tested, given vaccines, and quarantined until they are safe to attend the school. I've made all the arrangements." He made all the arrangements except insuring them enrollment at the boarding school. He has yet to hear from Fairy Godmother about their acceptance under a scholarship program that he himself made up a week ago. He's a prince he had the power to do that without much question from the council. The budget for said scholarship was much harder to obtain while working under the radar, but he had done it.

"Have you now?" King Beast challenged.

Ben wonders if he made a mistake stepping off the platform. At least on the platform he could look his father eye-to-eye. Standing this close, his father was able to use one of his most common tactics of intimidation on him. The king uses his large frame and tall stature to make others around him to feel small. Well, not today. Ben would hold his ground. He'd already promised those kids a chance to live here in Auradon and he refuses to go against his word.

The king was preparing to go into a rage when Belle sets a hand on his shoulder and moves to stand slightly ahead of him. "I gave you a second chance." She counter-challenges. Adam deflates and the queen continues. "Who are their parents?"

His parents remain quiet, anxious to hear the answer.

Ben takes a breath. "Cruella De Vil, Cecil B. De Vil, Jafar, Evil Queen," He hesitates. "and Maleficent."

"Maleficent!" His father shouts. Lumiere jumps causing everyone to be aware of his presence once again. "She is potentially the worst Villain in the land. South Riding is still recovering from the evil she inflicted upon them."

"Father hear me out,"

"I won't hear of it." He points a finger to Ben then to the quivering man behind him. "Lumiere out." Lumiere takes his leave with a quick bow and a hasty exit. The guards stationed outside his doors close them once he is clear of the room. "They are guilty of unspeakable crimes."

"Their children are innocent." Ben counters. "Don't you think they deserve a shot at a normal life? Dad?"

Adam falters. He looks to his wife then back to his son. "I suppose the children are innocent." Even though he has said the words he doesn't look as if he believes them. Ben thinks his father is more stunned at his son standing up to him. He will take the victory while he can. He's positive once the shock has worn off, he will once again be in full beast mode. He'll have to do more to secure the program before his father can get a hold of it.

The king takes his leave but stops at the door to wait for his wife to follow.

Queen Belle pulls Ben's face between her hands and smiles. "Well done. I am proud of what you are doing. I hadn't known there were children on that island. That is no excuse for a queen. I will support you to the best of my ability." She gives him one last squeeze before joining her husband as they exit the room.

Ben takes a much-needed breath. He didn't realize just how much tension was building up in his body until he released it. And this was just the beginning. Ben walks toward his large window and looks off into the distance at the crumbling island. Nearly 300 children on that island. Soon they will all have a chance at something great. A chance to live a life that is their own. A chance to be free.

"Adam." The queen demands. She does her best to keep up with the king's fast pace. "Adam tell me it isn't true, that he's mistaken— confused. Adam please."

The king does not answer. He marches through the halls of Beast Castle in the direction of his office. His stride does not slow to accommodate his wife. He'd much prefer she go about some other business that doesn't involve him or the island. How dare he? How dare his own son go behind his back this way? He'd been in contact with them. Lord knows the lies that could have been seeded in his brain. The villains are not to be trusted. The king thought his son knew that. Where had he gone wrong?

"Adam stop." Queen Belle stands in front of the king halting his movement.

His wife. "Move from my path woman." King Beast narrows his eyes at her. His wife, the sweet and overly compassionate woman who sees the best in even the most fearsome beast. Yes, of course it's the reasons he'd fallen in love with her all those years ago, but it can also be her greatest weakness. It isn't his fault at all that is son is soft. Ben is half of them both. Well, the king will not allow for his son's weakness of the heart to cause him to make incorrect decisions. He simply needs to understand how he'd done it. How had Ben known? "He somehow got an access to my sealed documents. How? Someone must have helped him." The king concludes. He steps around his wife and begins his marching anew at more reasonable pace. His wife follows.

"So, it's true then? How could you let this happen?" Belle grabs ahold of her husband's arm.

"Ben is far too young to be dealing with matters such as these. All of the isle nonsense should be far from his mind."

"Dear, he's to be king. He should be aware of these things. I should know of these things. I am your Queen, am I not?"

Adam stops walking at that. "Of course, you are dear. I've kept these things the details of the isle from you because they trouble you so."

Bell finds it difficult to argue his point. He's correct she had not known these things because she had not wanted to know these things. She had not like the talk of villains and bringing them back to lock them away. The stories terrified her. Haunted her. Things turned out so well for her and her family. She tamed her beast. She found the humanity in her monster. The same cannot be said for so many others. Belle trusted her husband to take care of the punishment of the villains, as did the rest of the kingdoms. But to discover there are children on that awful place. A place where they sent the most vile, despicable, crude creatures to spend the rest of their days and misery. Innocent children. How can she stand by this? How had Adam? "The children Adam." Belle says again. Couldn't he see? "The children haven't done anything to us."

"And they'll never get the chance."

"Adam!" The Queen gasped horror at her husband's attitude.

"Bell my sweet you must understand. Many of the children are Ben's age. They're nearly adults set in their ways, not as innocent as you wish to believe. Do you think villains teach their children to be good? No, it is a festering pool of evil."

"And whose fault is that? You brought the worst of them from their graves." She counters. Had he not just moments ago said Ben should remain the child he is? Is that same luxury not extended to the children on the isle because of their lineage?

"I did what's best for the kingdoms and it would do you good to remember that. Do not challenge me. You will not win." His voice cracks with an underlying growl. His beast is showing. The king takes a breath and steps away from his wife. When he opens his eyes, he is met with her sympathetic ones. "Belle, I apologize for raising my voice. I couldn't do it. Who was I to separate children from their parents? Surely even the evilest creatures love their children."

She finds, once again she cannot argue the point.

The four of them run through the tattered streets of the isle, pushing and shoving, stealing, mocking, and teasing. They were absolutely horrible. Evie wasn't necessarily fond of it, but she understood the necessity. Besides, it gets her away from her mother for a while. This wasn't about being mean to simply being mean to be mean, well it was just a little, at least for Mal and Jay. No, this was about their reputation. Reputation is everything on the isle. Without a good one, in their case a bad one, you were nothing. It could be very dangerous for an individual and potentially deadly. That could not be allowed.

Those nosy goblins were mouthy creatures. They live to spread gossip. And spread it did. By the time the four of them returned from the Forbidden Fortress a third of the isle already knew about how Mal backed out of her initial plan to put her to sleep for one thousand years. The goblins were saying Mal saved the princess from Maleficent's powerful curse. While Evie is grateful not to have been put to slumber for the next thousand years, she definitely does not see Mal as her savior. The purple haired fae had every intention to let her touch the dragon's eye. There's no way she could fully trust the other girl, but Mal had unofficially adopted her and Carlos into her little gang and this newly formed gang had a reputation to build. She got a crash course on the inner workings of gang politics. Evie had to know the correct way to behave and recognize when and why opposing gangs adjusted positions. She spent a lot of time watching isle from a distance. Actually, being a part is a completely different thing. She has a lot to learn. And quickly.

They need to be feared. They'd failed their mission. They need to redeem themselves. They need to remind the people who runs the isle.

Maleficent.

But in turn her daughter as well. Now her gang by association and they are not to be messed with.

"Do you know who my mom is?" Mal questions the young girl she has pinned up to the wall outside Curl up and Dye.

Evie looks away when the young girl looks to her for help. She recognizes her as one of the few people she's met in the past week. They'd spoken briefly at Mal's awful party. She's a sweet girl and doesn't deserve any of this. Dizzy, she thinks her name is. She the youngest of the wicked step-grandchildren. The girl was caught talking with one of the higher ups of one of Mal's rival gangs. Evie wishes she could interfere, but Mal was making a statement. They can't let the isle think they'd gone soft. Well, they could not let them think Mal had gone soft.

Neither Mal nor Jay said the actual words, but she and Carlos knew they'd been admitted into their gang when they'd taken them to their hideout and didn't have them turn around when accessing the entrance.

Evie stuck around Mal despite it all because she knew from experience it's better to be on Mal's side than her enemy.

"M-maleficent?" The young girl squeaks.

"That's right." Mal smirks. "And do you know what happens to little pest like you when they spread gossip? They get squashed. You're going to tell every single person who walks into that shop that our mission was the success it was, or don't talk about it at all. Understood?"

Dizzy nods quickly.

"Wonderful." Mal backs away and lets the girl drop to the ground. She walks away leaving a shaking mess in her wake.

Evie takes pity on the poor thing and helps her up. Dizzy startles at the gesture. "Sorry about Mal. She can be intimidating, but as long as you listening to her, I promise I'll have your back."

"T-hanks."

"No one's going bother you with us in your corner." Evie smiles sweetly. She dusts off the dirt from her shoulders. Her clothes are tattered and worn like everyone on the isle, yet Evie could spot a custom outfit a mile away. "I love this fabric." She remarks, feeling the sleeve of the girl's dress.

Dizzy smiles shyly. "I made it myself. Well, I had help from Tony, but the design is all mine."

"Wow really! That's awesome. You've really got some skills."

The girl's smile brightens. "Do you really think so? I've been working on some new designs ever since you joined school. I adore your style."

"Aww thanks. I've had plenty of time to work through some of my designs being castle-schooled and all. I spent a lot of my time watching the Auradon News network and sketching."

The youngest Tremaine jumps up and down with excitement. "Oh my gosh me too! No one I talk to ever likes that channel. I'd love to see some of your old sketches some time."

Evie smiles. She's never had some to share her love fashion with before. While her mother loves fantasize about the golden days and to criticize her outfits and take it upon herself to go through everything that's wrong with it, she wouldn't consider her a fan of the art form. This is refreshing. Maybe that's the reason Evie reaches into her bag and hands Dizzy her sketch book. Its mostly filled now. And she knows Dizzy will appreciate the work inside enough to take care of it. "Here. Why don't you hold onto it for a while. I'll get it back from you the next time I see you."

Dizzy squeals and throws her arms around Evie. The princess is thrown off balance at the sudden embrace, but is quick to right herself. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I promise I'll take good care of it."

"I know you will." Evie pulls herself from the girl. She isn't accustomed to physical touch of any kind and she doesn't think it will help them convince the isle they haven't gone soft.

"Evie, let's go. Now." Mal calls from down the street.

By the time Evie catches up to Mal, the young fae has acquired teardrop shaped lapislázuli necklace and has already moved onto her next target. She wrinkles her nose when the smell of the old man's fear floats throughout the alleyway. Suddenly she's grateful Maleficent banished her and her mother. She can't image herself doing these things in Mal's place.

Oh goblins.

Perhaps she is too soft for the isle. Nothing her mother taught her in their years of isolation prepared her for the cruelties existing in society. Evie knew they were rotten, but until meeting Mal she never realized just how rotten to the core people could be.

"Here." Mal shoves the recently stolen necklace at her. She stomps out of the alleyway and down the semi-crowded street. Evie follows. "S'not my color."

Evie fumbles with the necklace. Its blue color is as deep as the sea. The latch on it is broken, as are most things on the isle. She doesn't question what it's covered in. She'll wash it later. "Thanks."

The purpled haired girl shoots her a nasty look.

Carlos and Jay catch up to them at some point as the sun begins to lower in the sky. The thief's pockets once again filled with stolen goods. He seems proud of himself. Carlos on the other hand appears distracted. Evie wants to ask what's bothering him, but doesn't want to give off the impression that she cares. Villains don't do friends and they definitely do not care about other people. Even so, they are a part of a gang now and if one of them is distracted it could be dangerous for all of them. Right? Right.

Evie matches her stride with Carlos until they are walking side-by-side without being obvious. She figures its ok to speak freely, unaccompanied by the fear of being overheard. Mal walks a head of them, easily clearing a path through the crowded streets. Jay takes up the rear, likely snagging things from anyone who wonders too close. People once again run in the opposite direction or hold their pockets in hopes they are a safe enough distance from either Mal or Jay's sticky fingers. Even the adults avoid causing trouble in hopes not to set the young fae off. They must have gotten their message across well enough. They are not to be messed with.

"Hey."

"Hey." Carlos says more guarded than Evie's initial greeting.

"What's going on in the genius mind of yours?" The blue haired teen probes. "You're thinking awfully hard. Jay didn't steal one of your inventions off you, did he? Because there is no way I'm winning in a fight, but I can give him a stern talking to."

His lips curl in a half-hearted smile. "No. That won't be necessary. Its just-" he cuts himself off. "Never mind."

"Hey, its ok. What is it? I won't judge."

Carlos bites his bottom lip and looks off in a way that lets her know he is contemplating a problem he is having difficulty solving. She knows talking about one's feelings is seen as a weakness in the island and they've all done a lot of things the last days that may be considered weak. She can understand not wanting to push the boundaries seeing the lengths they had to go to assure the people of the isle they aren't weak.

A startling thought occurs to her. He would not even be here having to prove himself if it weren't for her. "I'm sorry." Evie blurts. Carlos startles. Apologies are another no, no. She doesn't care. He deserves an apology or two. She continues. "I'm sorry for not keeping your box and what happened in the treehouse a secret. And I'm sorry for dragging you on that awful quest. You did deserve any of what you went through."

He looks at her dumbfound. "You didn't deserve any of that either." She is unconvinced. Carlos continues. "I'm not upset about that. I mean, I am, but that's not what's bothering me. I just realized that I'd rather be on the receiving end of the bullying and stealing then the doing end. It doesn't make me feel good."

"Sorry."

"Stop that." Carlos snaps. "I came hear willing. I wanted to get away from my mother and everything that she wants me to do. I just-" He deflates a little and shivers as the temperature drops. "This is just new to me. Hanging with Jay and Mal instead of, ya know, running from them, making rounds through the streets, and actually interacting with people."

Evie laughs at that. "How you think I feel? Up until a week ago I was castle-schooled and banished from leaving the property. Can you imagine my shock wh-"

Her sentence is abruptly cut off when she bumps into the back of Mal. Which prompts the shorter girl to shove her away. Evie stumbles but doesn't lose her balance. She takes the moment to watch as people aren't simply running from them, but past them. The princess tenses as realization dawns on her. She had a run-in with Mal and narrowly escaped being sent to sleep for a thousand years. She can't imagine what a run-in with the person who actually banished her would be like. She checks all over for exits incase she has to make a hasty getaway. There is only one person on the isle who terrifies people more than Mal.

Mal turns slowly in the direction people were running from and smirks. "Hi, mom."

A/N: Welcome to my new story! I know it's not OUAT, but I wanted to try something different. I recently watched Descendants 2 and 3 and realized different the movie characters are from the film ones. I figured I'd try my hand in mending the gap. This will be centered around more than just Mal. It never made since why Mal was the one to pretend to date Ben and get him to fall gof her when they literally had someone raised raised to do just that. It seemed ver out of character. And in very Sunny fashion, the story will have more to it than what's on the surface.

I hope you all enjoyed! Please let me know what you think. S'D