3 Hours. How is she expected to pack for a trip that will last who-knows-how-long in 3 hours? 2 hours. She slept through the first hour. She refused to be unfocused for any reason on this trip. Mal doesn't own a ton of things. At least none of which will fit her bag. What is she supposed to even take with her? She rarely left comfort of her own bed in Bargain Castle. Why would she? Mal has slept in the hideout a few times and a handful of times a Jay's, but nothing ever beats her bed.
The teen stuffs a drawer full of clothes into her backpack and hides her mother's spell book in-between them. Baddest of them all or not, the rules of the isle still apply. There are dozens of people who'd love to get their hands on it. And she doesn't trust those Auradon freaks not to try anything. She finds away to carry every weapon she owns either on her person or hidden away in her bag. She left Kril, Aka Red Eye, in charge of her territories while she's gone. Gangs will definitely try to make a move on it while its two strongest leaders are away. She can't trust her mother to oversee it. Maleficent has no regard for territories. It was the cause of Isle war 2, the most deadliest war in isle history. Mal on the other hand knows the territories keep the peace and keeps people aware who holds the power. They keep balance. Red Eye will make sure her territories remain intact.
That's all she needs, she thinks.
The sound of a car horn beeps from outside her window. "We're leaving now?" Mal gasps. That was definitely not 3 hours. Had she really wasted so much time sitting on her bed thinking? Mal exits her room and finds her mother waiting for her at the top of the stairs. They've just been told about leaving for Auradon. She hadn't really believed her mother when she told them.
A thought occurs to Mal.
If they were summoned to attend some school in Auradon, then they would have had to notify them well in advance, right? The snobby royals would have given them at least a week or two in advance notice. She's aware that her mother had to have known about this for a awhile now. Maleficent controls the docks where the shipment comes in. She assumes that where the summons came from. There is only one thing that ever passes through the barrier. The Auradon Dumpsters down by the muddy beaches of Goblin Wharf. A port that her mother controls. It's likely how they've been communicating. Maleficent knows being invited to Auradon is a chance of a lifetime. And there is absolutely no way in hell Mal, or even Jay or Carlos would have accepted the invite when it likely arrived, she guesses a week ago.
Maleficent wanted her daughter focused on find finding the dragon's eye. A mission she'd known she fail, leaving Mal and the rest of them indebted to her. But the awakening of the scepter was entirely coincidental. If Carlos hadn't messed around with his little box thingy there would have never been a hole in the dome and the dragon's eye would still be missing. Maleficent would have found a way to get them to the mainland somehow. She wants the magic wand. But how the fuck where they supposed to do that when they couldn't even complete their last mission?
"The how is up to you, but the goal is the same." Her mother says answering her unasked question. "I want to see that wicked mind of yours work. Hurry a long now dear vengeance waits for no one." She gestures toward the exit.
Mal hurries down, but her mother doesn't follow. She doesn't ask questions, she just does as she's told. The morning is a cool one. The sky is filled with the barest hint of sunlight. People of the isle begin populating the streets. A baby's cry echoes off of the crumbling buildings. Crows somewhere in the distance compete with one another for who can squawk the loudest. She really hates the morning.
Mal walks past Carlos and Jay where they loiter around the long, black vehicle to the Slop Shop across the street. She doesn't bother ordering. She simply grabs a cup from the goblin barista just before the original owner's waiting hand can grab it. Mal revels in their dejected expression. "Have a wicked day." She sing-songs with a little wave as she exits the shop.
A crowd has gathered around the vehicle since she'd last seen. Evie has joined the boys at some point, talking with her mother about who knows what. All they need is Diego and they can hurry up and get this thing over with already. Jay walks around the vehicle twice with the smallest smirk on his lips. He flashes her a cheeky grin and holds up some kind of golden ornament. Mal glances at the car that is now missing a hideous piece of decoration. He's good. She didn't even see when he'd done it.
Grimhilde's shrill voice echoes through the streets. "Where is that good for nothing son of yours? He's wasting my precious time."
Cecil shrugs. "I don't know. I couldn't fine him anywhere."
"Well search harder!" The queen snaps.
At some point a tall Auradonian guard dressed in a grey suit and shades opens the trunk and asks for their luggage. He has on sunglasses so dark it's hard to see his eyes. Jokes on him, they only serve to make him look ridiculous. The isle barely gets that kind of sunlight. And he can think again if he thinks their addition will make him appear threating. How stupid could Auradon be? They sent only one man with no reinforcements. They could easily overpower him, but they don't. They have an assignment to complete and the need him to get them off the island.
Carlos is the first to throw his stuff inside. He does so quickly as to avoid Cruella's grabby hands. Her brother and Jafar stand off to the side near the front entrance to Bargain Castle uninterested in the entire event.
"You brought your pillow?" Mal scoffs, seeing what the younger boy put into the trunk. "I'm pretty sure they'll have pillows in Auradon."
Carlos doesn't respond. He simply shares a look with Evie before rounding the car to get in. But he doesn't get the chance. Everyone stops in their tracks when Jace and Harry come running down the street screaming bloody murder.
What in Lucifer's name?
Mal is about to tell them to shut up when one of the finally speaks.
"It's Diego! Somebody has to do something." Jason, Harry says in a panic? She doesn't know which one is which. What she does know is that whoever spooked them this bad did a number on their faces. The short, fat one had cuts and bruises forming on his cheeks. The tall one seems to have taken the worst of it with a black eye swelling to the point that she doesn't think he can properly see out of it and he has a nasty gash on his forehead and matching ones on his knees.
"What is that babbling fool going on about?" Grimhilde sniffs.
The two of them begin explaining over each other. No one can understand a word especially since they've become a blubbering mess. Its all gibberish. "One at a time or I'll give you a busted lip to match." Mal snaps.
Both teens gasp, too stunned to speak.
"Jace what's going on? What happened to Diego?" Carlos steps up to the shaking teens, his uncle Cecil right behind him.
The lanky one, Jace, she assumes speaks. "It was Prince John. Harry and I were walking with Diego and his band on our way here when Prince John and his men attacked us. It was bad. We were out numbered. I dunno how he got so many men on his side." Jace starts crying wildly once again.
"They had swords! I'm pretty sure Eddy is dead." Harry wails.
"They took him. He took them all. John nabbed Diego. He said.. he said.." Jace tumbles over his words.
"Spit it out boy. What does he want with my son?" Cecile shakes the tall teen.
"He's holding him for ransom." There's a small murmur within the crowd. This isn't an unfamiliar tactic used to get what you wanted, but people tend not to go this route because it is too much work for what its worth. Problem is, people with power often have something desirable. Going after someone who has is stronger than you is suicide. And the kidnapped can be so demanding. No one wants another mouth to feed, or not feed in most cases. It's not fun for either side. On the other hand, should a stronger force take someone for ransom they likely already knew the lesser couldn't pay up. The kidnapped would often turn up dead days later. Jace continues. "He says a kid going to Auradon must be worth a ton of money. He thinks you guys can bring back a ton of gold." He gestures toward Carlos and the rest of them.
Diego's odds aren't good, however Prince Crybaby is an idiot. The ransom is stupid. How were they expected to pay anything? Neither Cecil nor Cruella have the kind of treasure John is wanting. There's no goddamn treasure on the isle. She, Carlos, Jay, and Evie have no away to get treasure to him once on the other side even if they wanted to. Which they don't. And what in the living Hades does he expect to do with gold and money on the isle. Its all moot here. Its no longer a currency.
Mal is aware of how much time has been wasted. They don't need the Auradonian school changing their mind before they even get off the island. She looks to her mom who's watching the scene with a frown from one of the lower balconies of the castle. She is not pleased. Mal can't fail a mission before it even begins. She refuses to disappoint her mother. "We don't have time for this." Mal slams her backpack into the truck gathering everyone's attention. "You can tell that crybaby no one is coming to pay his stupid ransom. Because, newsflash, no one comes and goes from the island willy-nilly! Too bad for Diego. He can handle himself." She snatches Evie's bag from her and dumps it in the trunk. "Now get in the car." Mal shoves the princess in the direction of the open door.
Evie takes a hesitant step before she is bombarded by Jay who quickly dumps his bag in the trunk and shoves past her to get in the car. The princess rights herself before getting in as well. Carlos frowns at Mal, but gets in without complaint. Mal takes a look at Maleficent where she stands above all of them. With one solid nod from her mother she joins the other three in the car.
.
The beginning of car ride is tense. Mal, never one to back down from anything sits next to Princess Blueberry at the front of the limo. It's honestly the most logical place sit, other than riding backwards. She has a good vantage point of all the other teens, both exits, including the driver's, the driver himself, and part of the road ahead of them. She'd have to turn her head to fully see out of the window. Still she has the best seat, mostly because it makes Evie uncomfortable. The other teen sits as stiff as a board and keeps her head facing out and away from Mal. She tries to play it off as if she's simply looking at the lack of scenery out the window. Mal knows better.
She really does despise the girl sitting next to her. For a girl that spent the past 10 years of her life banished to her home, everyone on the isle seemed to know who she was. The princess of the isle. Everyone is so infatuated by her. Mal hates herself for thinking it, but she can see the allure. She wishes she couldn't; she'd be blind not to see how gorgeous the girl is. She was shocked, just like the boys, to find out Evie hadn't thought herself pretty in the Forbidden Fortress. What the fuck was Grimhilde telling her? Who can't fall for the delicate teen's charm? She has hair the color of midnight and eyes that twinkle like the lights reflected in ocean at night. Her porcelain-like skin the perfect shade of pale with just enough blush to make anyone stop to look. She completes her look with a blood red lip color on her pouty lips.
Disgusting.
Since when has being pretty had such power? She'd seen it last night. Even her mother, great and powerful Maleficent, cooed at the site of her. She looked at Evie with such admiration and pride. She'd been proud of her. For what? Evie would be asleep for the next thousand years if Mal had not gotten in the way of herself. Was that it? The princess managed to escape imitate danger. And Mal had failed. Her mother was so disappointed in her. She never looked at her the way she did Evie last night. Would her mother be proud if she got the Fairy Godmothers' wand back to her, if they succeeded, if they made the people of Auradon bend to their will? None of that matter's now. She adopted the girl into her gang. Evie is essentially hers now and any accomplishments she makes is Mal's as well. She may not like the girl, but she now controls the beauty that has the isle fumbling over itself. So, who has the true power here?
Mal turns away from the Princess and her troubling thoughts. She takes inventory of the interior of the long car. On one side there was an array of colorful foods lining the side of the car. The small shelves were overflowing with things she'd never seen before. The aroma they leave behind is pleasant. The Auardon fools had it sitting here for anyone to take. Stupid. She must have noticed this the same time the boys did. The two share a look before diving into the strange foods.
This grabs the attention of Evie. She brightens up immediately spotting the new treats. Everyone's sour mood evaporates the moment food is introduced. Maybe that's the point. The snobs think they can lower their defenses with goofy smelling foods they've never seen before. Well, Mal won't fall for it. She needs to stay focused on the mission. The how is up to her. She can't simply take the wand. She'd have to get creative. That's how the best villains make history.
Mal is thrown for her thoughts when a weird smelling brush is thrust into her face. She smacks the offending object from her face and looks to Evie with an accusatory scowl.
"You were looking a little washed out." Evie says and accepts a strange looking food offered to her by Jay as if this explains anything. She brings her brush to start again. Mal pushes her away.
"Eww stop. I'm plotting."
"Well, it's not very attractive." The princess takes a bite out of the hard crystal-like food. It doesn't sound very editable. And what does she know about being attractive? A lot apparently.
Mal rolls her eyes and keeps her thoughts to herself.
Carlos moans after taking a bite out of something brown. "This," He points to the food in his hand. "It's like salty nuts, but sweet like… I don't know what." He settles on.
"Let me see." Jay takes the food in question from his hand and stuffed it in his mouth. He nods in agreement.
Mal finds a remote on the cushion of her seat. She presses the first button on it. The little glass window that separates them from the driver lowers. Evie turns in her seat to look out the open window and screams. "Look!"
Mal turns to see what has the girl so worked up and gasps. They've always been aware of the broken piece of bridge on the other side of the barrier. What is concerning is the driver doesn't seem to be slowing in the slightest. He's going full speed ahead towards the barrier. Even if they manage to break across the barrier, they will still end up plunging into the icy waters of the sea below. And she does not know how to swim. Mal freezes. She feels her heart racing in her chest. She can't will herself to do anything more than stare at the unforeseen fate that lies ahead. How could she be so naive? She never even considered how they were going to get them off the island. And in a car for Maleficent's sake! Where the fuck could they possibility drive to? No where. They were going to die.
"It's a trap!" Carlos screams. She's beginning to think Diego got the better option.
Mal grabs ahold the person nearest to her. A bright flash of light surrounds the vehicle before disappearing. There's a large tingling sensation that ripples deep underneath her skin. It feels as if she'd been struck by lightning and brought back to life. Mal has to blink a couple of times to get her eyes to adjust to the new brightness that comes from outside the car. Her throat is soar. Had she been screaming? She takes a breath for what feels like the first time ever. They are ok. They crossed the barrier. She looks out the side window to see that the car is driving over the sea with a magic of some kind. She looks at the remote control in her hand. Had she done that?
"What just happened?" Carlos asks bewildered. His brain is already formulating the possibilities of how this is possible.
It's then she realizes that she's still holding on to Evie's hand. She shoves the girl off of her and into the arms of Jay who gently removes her from his lap. The princess blushes deeply and refuses to make eye contact with either of them. They both appear as out of breath as Mal feels.
Out of the back window she can see where a golden bridge disappears a couple feet behind the car. Was the bridge always here, only invisible when no one is on it? Was it the remote or the car itself?
"It must be magic." Evie smiles dreamily.
Mal turns to the driver. "Hey." She smacks the space between the opening, demanding his attention. A tilt of his head in the direction of their rearview mirror let her know she has it. "Did this little button just open up the magic barrier?" She waves the remote in her hand for him to see.
The driver turns his head in her direction. "No, this one opens the magic barrier." He holds up a golden remote with a single button on it. She doesn't bother trying to swipe it. The remote is connected with a chain to the interior or his suit. "That one," He continues pointing to the remote in her hand. "controls the tiny TV to the side of your head there, but I took out the batteries. It's too early in the morning for that shit. And this one." The driver presses a button located above the mirror. It closes the divided between them once again, only they cannot see out of this one.
Mal and Evie turn to properly in in their seats. "Okay. Rude." The princess pouts.
"Nasty." Mall agrees. "I like that guy."
Ben paces in Fairy Godmother's office while he waits for the Villain children to arrive. He hasn't heard from anyone in the past hour on the whereabouts of the children. He has yet to receive an update since they crossed the bridge. And it was safe to say Ben is beginning to worry. The car is 15 minutes behind schedule. What could have held them up? Was there some kind of issue that he needed to address? Did they get a flat tire? Did an angry mob intercept the car and take the children hostage? The teen Prince knows he's spiraling, but how could he possibly help it in this situation?
Maybe this wasn't a good idea.
The council meeting he had after he revealed his plans to his parents was an absolute disaster. They were all of course furious at what he'd done.
"This is a major breach in security. The lives of our people are at risk." King Thomas Charming declared.
"We cannot invite villains to live amongst us once again. Does no one remember all the horror they brought upon our kingdoms?" Fauna Squealed.
His father of course was no help to the situation at all. His very clear lack of support of the program encourages many of the council members to also speak out against it. They were spreading fear throughout the Kingdom instead of giving the program a real chance. Ben tries to keep the promotion of the program neutral, but many people were turning it into something to be feared and nasty.
And to make matters worse, the kid's introduction to Auradon is not going to plan. It rained the night before causing the ground to be slick. One of the band members who was supposed to perform for the children as they arrived slipped and fell on the way in this morning. Ben overheard someone blame the situation on the arrival of the villain children and they hadn't even made it into the country yet.
Fairy Godmother has yet to officially enroll the five children into Auradon prep. She claims that there is no room in their schedule and that many of the teachers were refused to teach the children. She also claims there are not enough rooms to house the children in. They need an extra dorm in the gentlemen's wing. Most of it is simply excuses for not enrolling then, this he knows. She and his father are close. Ben has no doubt that the king is swaying his supporters.
"My grandmother wants me to talk some sense into you." Audrey smiles at Ben as she enters FG's office. They are both aware of Queen Mother Rose's stance on the program. She's made her displeasure very and clearly known. "So, I have come to remind you that you, Prince Ben are doing a good thing. You'll change so many lives for the better." She pulls him into an embrace. Ben allows himself to sink into the comfort she offers him. "These kids need you to be their voice, while they don't have one. You're making space for them. And I will stand by your side no matter what."
He really hopes so. It was decided by the council for security reasons that they would not disclose which villains' children would be making the journey to Auradon. Audrey has no idea who the kids are. When he initially chose the first 5, he wasn't thinking of how bringing over the daughter of Maleficent would directly affect his girlfriend. He is honestly more worried about how her grandmother will react. There's nothing he could do to prevent her arrival now. The children are already in route. They'll be at the school in the next couple of minutes. At least he hopes.
He takes a moment to appreciate what a wonderful girlfriend he has. She looks amazing as always. She's dressed in her signature colors. A light pink and gold dress with a pastel blue sweater. Her hair tumbles in large curls over her shoulders. She wears the golden necklace he gave her for her fourteenth birthday and earrings to match. The outfit wouldn't be Audrey if she didn't pair it with her ridiculously high heels. Every time he sees her in them he's grateful he wasn't born a girl. Those don't look easy to walk in or comfortable in the slightest, yet she does both with seemingly ease.
They complement each other well, he thinks. Ben wears a blue suit darker than Audrey's shade of blue, yet his tie and the pocket square displayed in the pocket on his chest matches her perfectly.
Lumiere knocks on the door before entering the room office. "Sire, we have just received word that the children are set to arrive within 5 minutes. Everyone is ready to greet them outside."
"Perfect. Thank you." Ben nods. He offers his arm to Audrey. "Shall we?"
The rest of the drive is uneventful. Well, aside from when the driver had to pull over to let Carlos and Jay puke into nearby bushes. Apparently too much candy, as the driver called it, is not good for them. Evie can't keep the smile off her face when they pass a sign that reads: Welcome to Auradon preparatory: Where goodness couldn't any better. They are really here. She can't believe this is actually happening. When Maleficent told them they were going to another school on the mainland, she had left out which school. Back on the isle Evie had read about Auradon Prep in a couple of old magazines. This isn't just any school. This is the boarding school for royals, nobles, and anyone smart enough to afford it. It teaches children from as early as 8 years old to finishing and graduate school. It's the top school in the word. And now she will be attending. How exciting.
The moment the car pulls up to campus she can see students lined either side of the one-way road with large smiles and waving flags. There's a sound of music playing in the distance. Evie takes a moment to touch up her make up. Pretty is as pretty is. Her mother's voice echoes in her mind. She quickly puts away her make-up when the car stops. She takes a deep breath willing her heart to slow down.
Jay and Carlos are the first out of the car. They've been arguing and fighting over some odd thing or another. Jay already took the television set and radio from its secured place in the vehicle. He'd put most of the candy back when it made him sick. Carlos decided he'd take some kind of blanket or seat covering he'd found in a drawer underneath his seat. Jay decided he also wanted whatever it was and chases Carlos out of the car to get it.
The electronics hit the ground first. Neither of them think much of it. The boys were fighting. However, both Evie and Mal sit at attention when they hear bodies his the ground. The music abruptly stops.
There's a chorus of gasps and murmurs coming from the crowd outside. Evie is closest to the open door. She is almost afraid to look out. Had they been shot down? Had this been a trap all along? She takes a breath a peaks out the door from the safety of the inside of the car. Realization hits her with the same force the heat from the outside air does. The boys weren't attacked. They fainted from the heat.
Jay is the first to come to. It felt like an eternity, but in reality they were out for only like maybe a minute. Jay takes a quick glance around and frowns. He gives Carlos a shove to wake him up and when that doesn't work, he shoves him harder. The younger teen wakes with a start. He pushes Jay away from him which causes Jay to retaliate. They renew their tussle. Evie takes another breath. She is a princess. She can handle herself better than they boys. Heat or no heat, she must remain poised at all times. It's safe to go out.
Evie has to shield her eyes in order to step out of the car. Who knew it was so bright in Auradon? She feels bad for mocking the driver for wearing his sunglasses on the isle. He clearly has the right idea. Evie steps over the struggling bodies. She does a little twirl to embrace the taste of the fresh air. Freedom. She's dreamt of this moment since she was a little girl. Never could she image herself at 16 years of age standing on the solid ground of Auradon. Her mother told her; she'd only ever make it here in death. She's not dead. The ache in her limbs from sitting in the car for 2 hours and full bladder lets her know that. Goblins. She's really here. She has to catch herself. She nearly starts bawling in front of all these people.
"You got everything else. Why do you want whatever thing is?" Carlos grunts from his position on the ground.
"Because you want it." Jay tugs harder.
"Give it to me."
The school band parts to reveal 3 individuals walking toward them, An older woman, a teen boy and a teen girl. These are important people Evie notes. She recognizes the boy from somewhere... oh, my goblins! Its prince Ben. The prince is here to greet them.
"Guys!" Mal snaps in a hushed whisper. "We have company."
Carlos and Jay immediately stop their tussling to look at the crowd watching them. Evie sighs. She doesn't want to be sent home already. They just got here. Jay hops to his feet quickly and laughs nervously. "Just cleaning up." He smiles charmingly at the group. "Get up." He offers Carlos a hand.
"Leave it like you found it." The older woman sing-songs. She has a smile on her face, but the look in her eyes and the tone of her voice say she is not pleased in the slightest. "And by that, I mean just leave it."
They are definitely getting kicked out.
The teen boys throw everything back into the car. Well, everything that's noticeable. Both of their clothes are slightly damp from their tussle on the wet ground.
Jay gets sidetracked easily and walks toward the teenage girl standing beside the older woman. "Hello foxy. The name's Jay." He gives her a not-so-subtle once over. It's a habit. He flirts when he's nervous. Evie noticed it when they travel to the forbidden fortress. She'd been a little bit comforted realizing she shared that odd habit with someone else in the world.
The girl laughs awkwardly in return.
The older woman steps in between her and Jay and smiled politely. "Welcome to Auradon Prep. I am Fairy Godmother. Head mistress." She bows her head slightly in mock humbleness.
"The Fairy Godmother?" Mal perks up. "As in bibbidi-bobbidi boo?" Guess its mission time. No time for a little exploring first. Evie internally sighs. She had a hunch that the woman may be the fairy they were after. She's much younger than any of them suspected. From the stories, she expected to be stealing from some one old, an easy target. This woman may make them really work for it. Too bad. Evie isn't in the mood for another mission. Be that as it may, Auradon is making it too easy. Do they want to be overrun by villains from their worst nightmare?
"Bibbidi-Bobbidi you know it!"
"I always wondered what it felt like for Cinderella, when you just appeared out of nowhere with that wind and warm smile." Nice, real subtle Mal.
"That was a long time ago. And as I always say, "don't focus on the past that you'll miss the feature."" The fairy does some odd and gestures to go along with her words. The four of them simply stare at her with wavering smiles. Who is she to tell them not to dwell in the past? Has she been to the isle of the lost? What future could they possibly have had to look forward to? This woman is a lot even for Evie.
Prince Ben and the young teen beside him take that as their cue to step forward. He smiles at them warmly. Evie notes how he makes a point to have eye contact with all four of them. When he looks to her, the entire world melts away. It sends shivers down her spine and butterflies in her stomach. Is this the feeling so many of the stories described?
"It's so good to finally meet you all. I'm Prince Benjamin crown prince of the United States of Auradon and this is my lovely girlfriend Princess Audrey of South Riding."
Evie comes up to them and curtseys. Her mother taught her many of the royal customs growing up. Perhaps she can save them from their rocky start. She can charm them with pleasantries to distract them from the candy on Jay and Carlos' faces and the beads if sweat starting to form on Mal's. "I am a princess as well. My mother Grimhilde was a queen, which makes me a princess. Princess Evelynn White. Though most people call me Evie." She gives the each a small head nod. She does as she's taught. She keeps eye contact, her head tilt enough to be noticeable, but careful not to show the top of her head.
Audrey smiles sadly at her. "Actually, no you aren't. Not legally at least. Anyone sent to the isle was stripped of their title. The Evil Queen has no status here."
Evie falters. She tries her best to keep a pleasant face but is becoming difficult. How embarrassing. Of course, she wouldn't be welcomed into the royal court with open arms. How can she be so stupid? She was naive to think that she would be treated any differently anyone else from isle. Her mother was right. While it may be her birthright,but she will never be a princess like Snow White. Evie was born in the wrong place. Mother knows best. Right?
"I'm sorry. I didn't want you to go around introducing yourself as a princess without the proper title." Audrey looks to Ben. "Perhaps she can be granted a title by the king?"
"Of course." Evie swallows hard. She has little interest in being a countess or baroness. She is the princes of the isle. And perhaps that's the only place it counts. She feels Carlos move her to stand back with the group of them. Evie has little interest in what happens next. She can't bring herself to care. All the same, she keeps her back straight and smile in place.
The Fairy Godmother clears her throat. "Ben and Audrey are going to show you all around, and I will see you soon." She turns to the marching band and a group of students gathered to see their arrival. "Off to class with you all. I will be giving out late slips." She turns to face them once again. "The doors to wisdom are never shut! But the library hours are from 8 to 11. And as you may have heard, I have a little thing about curfews. Welcome to Auradon."
And with that the Fairy Godmother is off, leaving them alone with Ben and Audrey.
"Forgive me," Ben begins frowning at the group slightly. "I am positive I sent for five of you. I only count four. What happen to your companion?"
"He was kidnapped for ransom." Mal says bluntly.
"I- uh wh-" The prince is left speechless.
The Auradonians gasp. Carlos stiffens beside her. Goodness. Evie wants to hide her face behind her hand or snake her head in shame, but settles on a neutral expression instead. Mal has no tact. Could she not think of a better way to phrase that? Or lie. She's great at that.
"We have to get him back." He seems to have found his voice. It comes with a determination Evie can admire. "We can pay the ransom or something. I can have guards-"
Mal cuts him with off with a wave of her hand. "There's nothing you can do about it. Now, let's get all this over with."
Ben takes a moment to gather himself. He smiles at them with his perfect teeth and perfect hair. "It is so, so good to finally meet you all." He goes to shake Jay's hand but is punched in the chest. He continues down the line to Mal with slightly better luck. Audrey follows after him, but skips Jay. "This is a momentous occasion and one that I hope will go down in history…" He hesitates a second looking at substance now on his hand after shaking Carlos'. He sniffs it quickly. "Is that chocolate?" Ben doesn't dwell on it. He continues with his speech. "as the day our two people began to heal." The prince stops in front of Evie.
"Or the day you showed 4 peoples where the bathrooms are." Mal snaps. She doesn't bother hiding her irritation.
"A little bit over the top?"
"More than a little bit." Jay mumbles.
"Well, so much for my first impression." The prince laughs.
Audrey steps up to Mal. "Maleficent is your mother, isn't she? The resemblance is uncanny." Mal nods in confirmation. "I simply want you to know that I do not blame you for what happened between your mother and my parents and stuff." She seems genuine in what ever she's saying, but none of them knows what she's talking about. At their confused looks, the princess explains. "My mother is Queen Aurora. You may also know her as the sleeping-"
"Beauty." Mal finishing for her. "Yeah, I've heard the name. You know, I totally do not blame your grandparents for inviting everyone in the world except my mother to their daughters stupid christening." Everything about how she said that easily lets everyone know she doesn't mean a word of what she just said. Audrey simply smiles tightly in return.
"And you must be Diego?" The prince turns to Carlos in an attempt to tamper the rising tension.
"Carlos." The black-and-white-haired boy corrects.
"Right, of course. My apologies." Ben adjusts his suit nervously. "Ok. So how about a I take you to where you need to go? You all will be admitted into the infirmary for health and safety reasons. It is required that all students have the proper vaccinations before attending classes." The prince explains and he leads them in the direction of the infirmary.
Evie really does hope this is the beginning of new future for all of them. They'll get the Fairy Godmother's wand to Maleficent and they could all rule over Auradon. She and her mother could get their titles back. She can be a princess officially, maybe even queen. She'll be the fairest in all the land just like her mother always wanted, like she's always wanted.