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Chapter Text

If there was one mystery to the people of Auradon, it was the magic behind True Love's.

No one could explain it. Their mere existence confounds those who tried to understand them… All they knew was that True Love's were tied to souls, and when going far enough back in history, you could spot when the name changed…

When Soulmates became True Love's…

But even that information was scarce… Only few knew of it, and the Evil Queen was one of them… She knew the minute she saw it, the marking of a blue flame on her younger daughter's wrist… She knew what it was…

And she knew who it belonged to.

Ellie Queen was perhaps the oddest child on the Isle of the Lost. It was common knowledge, and since she was strange, the bullies left her and her twin sister alone… Though that may have also had something to do with that they were the children of the rulers of the Isle…

And friends with the other ruler's kids…

It was Ellie, Evie, Mal, Jay, and Carlos until the end… they were each other's ride or die…

They were rotten to the core.

The problem with true love was that you never knew if it was true until it was put to the test…

Ellie knew they were testing fate when Mal decided to put Ben under a love potion. Though the chances of Audrey being Ben's true love was about as low as the bottom of the ocean floor.

"All right," Mal glanced over at her spell-book which was propped up against a toaster. They were in the Auradon Prep dorm kitchen, and it was in the middle of the night. The perfect time to do this… Or at least, that's what Mal said. "It says that we still need one tear, and I never cry."

Carlos shrugged from his spot sitting against one of the stainless-steel counters, "Let's just chop up some onions."

The daughter of Maleficent rolled her eyes, "No, idiot. It says we need one tear of human sadness. And this love potion gets the best results, so we have to follow it exactly."

"A tears a tear, right?" Jay was sitting next to Carlos. He looked over at Ellie, who was sitting on the counter across from them. She had the pieces of a red stand mixer around her as she fiddled with its circuits. "Right, El?" Ellie said nothing, ignoring him, and Evie tried to not laugh. Jay groaned, "Are you still not talking to me?"

Carlos chuckled, nudging him in the shoulder, "You're the one who told her that she couldn't fix that computer."

Jay huffed, "Can't we just use a normal tear? It'll work, right?"

Evie gave him a dry look, "that's not true, Jay. They both have antibodies and enzymes, but an emotional tear has more protein-based hormones than a reflex tear."

Ellie's pinkish-red hair fell in her eyes as she lifted her head, grinning, "Hey, listen to you."

Jay scoffed, turning away sheepishly, "Yeah, I knew that."

Carlos grinned at his best friend, "And she speaks! Welcome back to the land of the living, Ellie." the younger twin daughter of the Evil Queen laughed. The son of Cruella then smirked at Jay, "And you didn't know that."

Jay glared at him, "I did."

"Did not."

"Did too!"

"Boys!" Mal snapped, glaring over her shoulder at them. "Will you quit-" the door opened, causing the daughter of Maleficent to turn around abruptly.

Lonnie stood there in her pajamas, smiling, "There you are, Mal! I was looking for you. You know, all the girls want you to do their hair!" Her attention fell to the mixing bowl on the counter in front of Mal, "Midnight snack, huh? What are you guys making?"

Mal stirred the batter, "Nothing special. Just cookies." Lonnie dipped her finger into the bowl, making all of their eyes widen. "Oh, no-"

But the daughter of Mulan was already licking the batter off her finger. She blinked, "What? I'm not gonna double dip."

Evie leaned on the counter, "Feel anything?"

"Yeah," Mal continued, eyeing Lonnie carefully. "Like maybe it might be missing something?"

Jay hopped off the counter and walked over to Lonnie, smirking. "Hey there."

The daughter of Mulan stared at him blankly… "It could use some chips." she turned on her heel, leaving Jay standing there and Ellie snickered. Lonnie went into the cabinet, pulling out a yellow bag. She opened them, dumping some in Mal's batter. They all stared at her in confusion…

Lonnie saw their stares and frowned, "Chocolate chips. Just the most important food group. Wait…" sadness pooled in her eyes. "Didn't your moms ever make you guys, like, chocolate chip cookies? Like, when you're feeling sad, and they're fresh from the oven, with a big old glass of milk, and she just makes you laugh and puts everything into perspective and…"

Lonnie watched as all of the children of the villains looked at her in bafflement. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Mal shrugged, "It's just… different where we're from."

"Yeah, I know. I just, you know, I thought… Even villains love their kids." A single tear fell from Lonnie's eye, which Mal quickly whipped off her cheek, dropping it into her batter. The daughter of Mulan blinked, "Oh… How awful."

"Yeah, well big bummer, but we have to get these into the oven, so thank you so much for coming by." Mal smiled fakely and verbally pushed Lonnie out of the room. "Really, really have a good night. I'll see you tomorrow. Evil dreams." The minute Lonnie was gone, Mal turned to them, breathing a sigh of relief, "Glad that's over. Alright."

She snapped her fingers, "Boys, cookie sheet. Evie, help me mold these. Ellie, put that-" Mal looked at the younger girl's project oddly. "Thing back together. Last thing we need is somebody catching onto what we're doing."

'Ellie sat on the hard cement ground, a piece of white chalk in her hands. The young girl was surrounded by circles and circles of writing, another drawn circle surrounding that. She looked over at her mother, a wide smile pulling at her lips, "Mom! Look!"

The Evil Queen walked around the script; her eyes judgmental as she looked for a mistake… But then… she realized there wasn't one. Her eyes widened a fraction… this spell… The Evil Queen patted Ellie on the head, the hints of a smile on her face. "Very good, dear."

Ellie beamed under her praise, and the Evil Queen didn't have it in her to correct the girl on the action'

Mal wanted to listen to her heart…

But they had a choice to make.

Layers of glowing deep blue circles appeared around Ellie's wrists as she stood by her friends and her sister… the people that had been by her side since the very beginning… Even if Ellie didn't wish to return, she would for Mal… for Evie… for Carlos and Jay… because she didn't want to tear apart her family…

They were all she had…

Mal held Fairy Godmother's wand in her hands, holding it in front of her; the royals cowering and skittering away. Ben looked at the wand, then at the girl he loved, "You really want to do this?"

The daughter of Maleficent sniffled… her eyes were so sad, tears wanting to fall, but she pushed them down. "We have no choice, Ben! Our parents-"

"Your parents made their choice. Now make yours."

Hers… her own choice… Mal had never had that before… Green eyes shifted to look at her friends, Carlos… Jay… Evie… and Ellie… "I… I think I want to be good."

"You are good."

Mal whipped around, staring Ben down, "How do you know that?!"

"Because…" he smiled gently at her. "Because I'm listening to my heart."

"I… I want…" Mal smiled shakily, turning to look at her friends… "I want to listen to my heart too. And my heart is telling me we are not our parents." Her gaze fell on Jay first. "I mean, stealing things doesn't make you happy. Tourney and victory pizza with the team makes you happy."

Mal turned to Carlos, "And you, scratching dude's belly makes you happy. Who would have thought? And Ellie…" She looked at her first best friend, Ellie's bright pinkish red hair shining in the light, her large deep brown eyes warm. Mal reached for her hands, "Taking apart machines and tech makes you happy. And Evie-" Mal's other hand grabbed Evie's, holding the twins hands tightly.

"You do not have to play dumb to get a guy. You are so smart…"

Tears wheeled in Mal's eyes… "And I don't want to take over the world with evil. It doesn't make me happy. I want to go to school… and be with Ben." she turned around, her watery gaze falling to Ben as she held up her hand that held his ring. "Because Ben makes me really happy."

The king of Aurdon's eyes widened, but then- he smiled… Mal turned back to her friends, "Us being friends makes me happy. Not destroying things. I choose good, you guys."

Mal held out a fist, and Ellie's magical glow faded from her hands. She thrust his fist out to meet Mal's without hesitation… "I choose good."

No hesitation…

Ellie never hesitated…

Never before, and not now…

Jay grinned and thrust hit first to meet Ellie's and Mal's. "I choose good, too."

Evie looked at her sister, then her best friend, before putting her hand in as well. "I choose good."

They all looked over to Carlos, who glanced over at Ben. "So, just to be clear, we don't have to be worried about how pissed our parents will be? Because they're gonna be really, really mad."

The king smiled, "Your parents can't reach you here."

"Okay, then-" Carlos smiled at his friends, then put his fist it. "Good."

They had chosen good…

To go against their parents…

As Maleficent stared down at her daughter… all she could see was him…

'Mal was only two months old… She stared up at the blue-haired man, her eyes wide with wonder… He smiled down at the baby… and right then… Maleficent could see it… the dreaded emotion…

Love.'

Ellie had the mark her entire life…

Her oldest memory was of her mother teaching her how to apply make-up to cover it… the pale blue flame on the soft, fleshy inside of her left wrist…

Maybe it was what made Ellie such a romantic deep down… Why she was so happy when Mal and Ben got together, because she could see it… the makings of true love…

Maybe it was the reason she was so stand-offish around boys who flirted with her… Maybe the mark was the reason no one at Auradon held her attention… Maybe it was the reason Ellie never dated, despite her twin's insistence…

No, that was definitely the reason…

Ellie couldn't bring herself to be with someone that wasn't the owner of this mark… It wasn't right…

Her mother always told her she'd know when she felt it…

Ellie was still waiting, but she was happy, so she'd wait a little longer if she had too…

Ellie used Alchemy.

It was a branch of old magic she learned from her mother. It combined science, mathematics, and magic all in one. It was most commonly used by Rumpelstiltskin to turn straw into gold (he was long since dead and was now a bedtime story for children) and less commonly known, it was used by the Evil Queen to poison Snow White.

The Evil Queen was not dumb… Alchemy was not for the faint of heart…

Evie always wondered if their mother would be displeased by seeing Ellie use her magic to make… well, to fix a hand-held video game console that she and Carlos had matching sets of to play this dorky dog-walking game…

But Evie is always worried about Ellie… Because whenever Ellie overused her alchemy, when she didn't use it properly, when Ellie didn't use her magic circles, instead overriding them entirely…

Ellie would fall ill…

She'd be bedridden for days, sometimes even weeks… when it was weeks it was the worst…

But as long as Ellie didn't fall unconscious… Then it would be okay…

That's what Evie told herself, anyway. Ellie hadn't had an episode since coming to Auradon and Evie figured that was because Ellie's magic was no longer blocked…

It was the main reason, the most important of all, that the twins could never return to the Isle.

Ellie and Carlos were there when they saw the cracks grow…

They should've been more surprised when Mal left… Evie and Jay were… but they weren't…

Even if they didn't want her to leave, to throw everything they worked for away…

It was why they went after her.

Even if it scared them to the bone.

Mal returned to the Isle…

And yet, when Ben was in danger, she did everything she could for him.

Mal returned to Auradon, and the Cotillion was to proceed as planned…

But as Ellie stood there in her Evie original designed dress, watching as Ben escorted Uma down the stairs of the luxury cruise liner… She knew something was wrong… And then Jane unveiled the stained-glass portrait that Ben had commissioned for Mal…

And it was then Mal knew Ben truly did see her for herself…

Mal put it all on the line after that…

And broke Uma's spell with True Love's Kiss.

The resulting battle was epic, Ellie using her Alchemy to keep the people onboard safe as the daughter of Ursula and daughter of Maleficent fought- each in their most powerful forms, each so similar to their mothers.

And then Ben intervened…

He stopped the battle…

And his offer to Uma still stood…

But she didn't take it, instead retreating back into the sea.

Ellie's first episode was the day after Cotillion…

It made them all worry, and Ben hadn't ever seen Mal like this. He put his arm around his girlfriend's shoulders, his gaze flickering between her and the others after they explained what happened, "We have the best healers in Auradon here… We'll be able to help her, I'm sure of it…" Ben looked at Mal and gave her a small squeeze, "You could have told me sooner. Before Ellie had another episode."

"I… We didn't know how…" Mal's words were a whisper… Being in Auradon was supposed to fix everything… So why was Ellie still like this?

The pink-ish red-haired girl rolled over on her side, clutching her left wrist to her chest as she listened as Ben made plans to bring in the doctors… Ellie shut her eyes tightly, letting out a shaky breath as her entire body ached…

It was worth it… protecting them… her family…

But she still couldn't let them see it… her mark…

And even with her eyes closed, Ellie could still see the blue flame burning on her skin…

Chapter Text

Ellie Queen was the twin sister of Evie Queen…

Everyone could see the relation; they were both peppy, they had the same warm brown eyes, they both had high cheekbones, they both were known for being beautiful. Yet there were many differences between the two.

Evie was the Queen of Fashion.

Ellie was the Queen of Mechanics.

But Ellie didn't consider herself that… a queen…

And while Ellie's twin sister worked on building her already booming dress business, Ellie herself was waist deep inside an oven. She pulled her head out, red leather work gloves covering her hands and long sleeves on her arms. Ellie glanced behind her at Fairy Godmother, grinning, "Just a loose circuit. It'll be quick and easy."

Fairy Godmother breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness. Replacing appliances is always such a hassle." Ellie drew an alchemy circle on her notepad, using another sheet to transform it into the needed fixture. The headmaster of Auradon Prep smiled at her as she worked, "Say, Ellie, would you be willing to do a complete check of the school over the summer? Make sure everything's working? Perhaps then we won't have things fail on us midyear."

"Sure thing."

Ben and Mal, along with the rest of the royal family, were working on bringing over more VK's. In a matter of days, the original five would be returning to pick the next batch… Everything was going according to plan…

Until Ellie began coughing…

Evie immediately began to worry, placing a hand to her sister's forehead. Her eyes widened… She was already running a fever… "Ellie, you need to lay down. You're running a fever."

According to the doctors, there was no physical reason for Ellie to become as sick as she did… There was no medical reason for Ellie to become sick… Some of the ruder doctors said it was all mental. Jay punched him for that.

It wasn't mental…

Mental illness didn't cause this…

But ever since Ellie's first episode after cotillion… they had been coming back…

And they were getting worse…

Carlos sat at the top of Ellie's bed, his back against her headboard. Her head was in his lap, and he ran his hands through her hair, gently untangling the knots he came across… "How're you feeling, El?"

She sighed, "Hot and sweaty and achy…"

"At least there's no new symptoms." Evie said as she sat a glass of water on her twin's bedside table… She looked worriedly at her twin, before sighing and crouching by her, "Are you sure you're going to be okay while we go to the Isle?"

Ellie shifted slightly, getting comfortable, then smiled reassuringly at her, "I will… I'll be fine. It'll pass. And Doug's somewhere around here and Carlos was just texting Jane, so I'll have plenty of company."

The white-haired boy blinked, "How'd you know-" Wait… Ellie grinned slyly up at him and Carlos snorted. "Nosey."

The door to Ellie's room opened, and Mal and Jay entered, frowns on their faces… The son of Jafar gestured behind him, "Limos here. We all ready?"

"Yeah, just about," Evie replied as Mal went over, helping move Ellie off Carlos' lap. The pink-ish red-haired girl flopped down onto her pillow mound, reaching out to cuddle with one.

Mal chuckled, "Only you, Ellie, can make being sick look good." Ellie didn't retaliate, making her raise an eyebrow. Mal nudged Ellie softly, only to hear her soft breathing and sighed, "And she's asleep… Come on, guys, let's go. Maybe we'll get back before she wakes up."

Ellie had gotten used to her episodes…

It sounded terrible, but it was true. She was miserable for those days, and she hated making her family worry… But Ellie had learned to simply live with them… they were a part of her, just like her magic was…

They all said her episodes were why she was so impulsive…

And Ellie knew it was true.

It was her fatal flaw.

And it made Evie worry constantly. "You're going to give me gray hairs," Evie told her jokingly as they stood in the courtyard of Auradon Prep. She wrapped an arm around her twin's shoulders as Ellie snorted. "No, really, you are… Between your episodes and your ability to have zero hesitation, you will. I'm sure."

Ellie laughed, "I will not." She grinned at her twin, "And besides, you could rock gray."

"I know, right?" Evie flipped her hair over her shoulder. They locked eyes, before they both broke down into laughter. It was always a relief for everyone when Ellie felt like herself, when she was herself… Ellie preferred it that way… being herself…

Motion drew Evie's attention away and she beamed, "Ooh! Here they come!" Mal and Ben came onto the small stage in the courtyard laying in front of them, the purple-haired girl making to leave, only for the Fairy Godmother to push her back on…

The Headmistress of the school was handed a golden microphone, which she quickly tested, then handed over to Ben. The King of Auradon smiled, "What's up Auradon?!" the crowd cheered, clapping. Ben turns to Mal then, smiling… His eyes shone with so much love it was impossible to mis… "Mal, it was at this very spot we met not that long ago. I feel like I've known you my whole life.

"But did I mention, I'm in love with you?"

Doug pulled out his guitar and began to strum the melody to a soft version of that song Ben sang to Mal on the Tounrey field, when he proclaimed his love to her.

"I met this girl who rocked my world,

"Like it's never been rocked.

"And now I'm livin' just for her and I won't ever stop.

"I never thought it could happen to a guy like me,

"But look at what you've done, you've got me

"Down on my knee."

Mal gasped as Ben fell to one knee, pulling a velvet ring box out of his pocket. "Mal, will you marry me?

"Will you be my queen?"

"NO!" Audery's horrified gasp echoed throughout the courtyard, but Mal and Ben didn't even hear her… they were in their own little world…

Mal's smile grew, stretching from ear to ear as tears welled in her eyes, "Yes! Yes, of course!"

Ben smiled widely and slid the ring on her finger. Mal kissed him and he held her tightly, unwilling to let her go… He was never willing to let her go… The crowd erupted into cheers, Carlos chest-bumping former King Beast (immediately looking remorseful afterwards), causing Ellie to laugh…

Doug chuckled, glancing at Evie, "Makes our movie nights seem a little tame."

"I love-" Evie turned to him, but cut herself off, causing Ellie's nose to scrunch up. "Movies. Our movie nights." Doug smiled at her. Evie turned away from him awkwardly, catching her twin's expression… She frowned, "It just wasn't the right time, okay?"

Mal hurries off the stage, just as Ben gets bombarded with hugs from the guys. She hugs Evie first, then Ellie. "Oh my god! Did you two know?!"

"Yeah, we had to keep it a secret for weeks. Ben even forced me to help him design the perfect ring." Ellie giggled, "Okay, maybe not forced. I was more than willing to help."

Mal laughed, "Well, you two did a great job."

"Okay, so~" Evie grasped her hands tightly in her own. "I've only done about a thousand sketches of your wedding dress, and Belle's already planned an engagement party next week~"

"Oh my god! It's a really good thing I said yes!" Mal hugs Beast first, then Belle- and Ellie could tell from the looks on Ben's parents' faces that they were ecstatic.

Mal went to hug Fairy Godmother and Ben nudged Ellie, "I think she liked it."

"You think?" Ellie laughed, then gave him a shove, pushing him back over towards Mal.

"All hail her majesty!" Jay mockingly bowed, Evie, Carlos, and Ellie joining in.

Carlos bowed once more, "Yes! All hail her royal purpleness!"

Mal held up a hand, "Silence! You annoying peasants!"

Jay bowed once more, "As you wish, my liege."

"Your crankiness," Carlos added, laughing.

Ellie laughed at them, her pink-ish red hair flying around her face…

Mal was engaged… She could hardly believe it…

Ellie sat in the crowded back of the purple limo- another of Ben's gifts to Mal which she helped make. Dizzy was between her and Evie, and the daughter of Drizella was practically buzzing with excitement. Ellie was turned around in her seat, looking out the back window of the limo, watching as they left the Isle…

She remembered the day they came over in that black limo… it felt like such a long time ago…

And it was, in a way. But the Isle was still their home. It was the place they were from. Their roots. Nothing would change that… And now, they are bringing over a new batch of kids, giving them a second chance… Four new VK's…

They passed through the barrier, the golden shimmery magic hole slowly closing behind them…

It was then that Ellie felt it…

The mark on the soft inside of her wrist began to burn… It felt like someone was holding a lighter to it, causing her to wince… Ellie clutched her wrist in her hand as the area began to pound…

Evie's eyes flickered over to her twin, frowning in concern, "Ellie?"

"I-I'm okay…" Her eyes fell to the barrier… Brown eyes grew wide…

Evie followed her sister's gaze, her heart stopping in her chest…

A man had shoved his hand in the barrier right before it closed…

And they both knew who it was…

Hades.

"It's Hades! Stop the car!" Evie shouted. "He's trying to escape!" The others whipped around to look out the back of the limo, their eyes widening as horror pulled at their beings… The car screeched to a stop, Jay whipping out of the driver's seat, followed quickly by the others, leaving the kids in the car…

Ellie gripped the side of the limo as the burning spread up her arm… It felt like every inch of her was on fire… But it didn't hurt… In fact, it was a comforting warmth… like she had never known warmth before… Her mark then began to itch wildly, the heat growing before it finally settled around her heart…

And Hades' eyes met hers.

He spotted her instantly…

Ellie Queen.

Daughter of the Evil Queen…

And one of Mal's closest friends.

Hades could barely keep his gaze off her… Off that long, pink-ish red hair that fell in soft curls down to her hips. Her figure was clad in a tight red leather dress, black and blue jacket with golden accents across it, thigh-high navy blue socks, and tall, platform bright red ankle boots…

Her big brown eyes were wide with shock…

She knew…

Warmth flooded through Hades' stomach, spilling upwards and over his entire form… Pieces clicked into place… and all of a sudden, everything felt right with the world… It felt just like Hera said it would…

After all these years…

He had finally found her…

But he couldn't get to her.

Hades snarled, forcing his head through the barrier, "I am A GOD! I don't belong here!"

Ellie's breath caught as Jay, Carlos, and Ben fell to the ground in pain after being shot with Hades' ember. Mal had transformed into a dragon and was trying to fight him off, yet Hades was zapping her strength…

Ellie's mind was gone… It wasn't working…

Her body felt weak as she watched the scene… She watched as Hades hesitated and Mal used that moment to send a current of air towards the god, sending him tumbling back inside the barrier. Ellie felt her body finally give out as the barrier snapped shut, and Mal returned to her human form in a cloud of purple smoke.

Ben was by her side in an instant… Mal was stumbling, her breathing heavy, and she held her chest in pain. "Are you okay?"

"No. H-he was draining my magic; I could feel my strength slipping away."

"You're safe," Evie reassured Mal, before her gaze fell to the other side of the barrier. "He's back where he belongs…"

Jay and Carlos went over to help Ellie. The son of Curella took his best friend by the hands, helping her into a standing position. Jay placed his hand on Ellie's shoulder, looking at her worriedly, "You okay?"

"Yeah…" Ellie nodded… she wasn't… Because she could still feel his eyes on her…

She refused to look at the barrier, at the Isle, causing Carlos to frown… He turned his gaze back towards the Isle, where he watched Hades get to his feet… His eyes scanned them all, glowering at them, before he turned on his heel, stalking away. People hurried to get out of his path, terrified of him beyond belief…

Carlos could hardly blame them…

After all, death was something they all feared…

And Hades was the incarnate of death.

Carlos stopped Ellie outside Evie's castle, looking down at her in concern, "What happened back there, Ellie? When Hades tried to break out…"

Her eyes widened, before she sighed, holding her arms, "I-I don't know… that's the problem…"

No… she did know, didn't she? Her mother always said she'd know when it had happened…

Ellie just didn't want to admit it…

Chapter Text

Ellie's eyebrows rose, "They wanna what?" She sat on one of Evie's sewing tables, Evie pinning up a new design as Mal told them what happened at the last meeting. "Why?"

"Because Hades almost broke through." Mal crossed her arms over her chest. "They want to make sure the people are safe. Hades is dangerous. And they believe the best way to keep people safe is to shut the barrier for good. And now, the Queen's Crown and Mom's specter have been stolen."

Ellie's brow creased, and Evie looked over at Mal. "But you're not gonna let that happen, right? I mean-" the older twin shook her head. "All those kids are counting on us, M. We can't let them down. Plus, we promised the kids they can go see their parents whenever they want…"

Evie smiled then, "Y'know, this is why I'm so glad you're going to be Queen. You'll be able to stand up for VK's like us. We're living the dream here, and now, we can finally share it."

The dream…

Ellie smiled…

They really had a wonderful life here.

Ellie skidded into the kitchen, setting a medium sized box wrapped in blue paper down on the counter with a small bang, "Okay, we got everything for Jane's birthday?"

Jay nodded, chuckling, "Yep, though we're missin' a piece of cake. Have anything to say for yourself, El?"

Her eyebrows rose and she peeked into the box. Sure enough, a slice was gone. Ellie glared at Jay, "Hey, that was not me." She stuck her finger inside, scooping up a piece of icing. "Now that was me. Blame it on me and it'll be fine. Jane knows cake's never safe when I'm near."

"You demolished that cake on family day."

"I-hey! I did not!"

"You had frosting all over your face and you scared Chad's little sister."

Carlos rolled his eyes at them, "Okay, enough flirting, we're gonna be late."

Jay coughed into his hand, looking away from Ellie. The pink-ish red haired girl's eyebrows shot up, giving her best friend a dry look, "Excuse me? Who helped you make Jane's birthday gift? We spent two weeks debating if Jarlos or Cane was better."

And then someone screamed…

Ellie blinked…

A…

Was that Audrey?

With Maleficent's scepter?

And what was she- What had she done to Mal?!

Why was she-she so old?! She looked like she was a hundred!

Audrey cackled, disappearing in a poof of pink smoke. Celia hurried out, Dizzy and the Smee twins staying inside, then yelped at the sight of Mal. Jay winced, "Okay, so, how do we undo this?"

"Only Hades' ember can undo the curse of the scepter." Mal spoke, her voice now gravely and sounding so much older. She teetered over to them, hunched over…

"Which means we have to go back to the isle." Ellie summed up as her heart began to beat faster in her chest… She was going back… and they were going to steal from Hades…

Evie frowned, "But no one knows where Hades' lair is."

"I do," Ceila said. Her face was irritated, "I'm his errand rat. I've got the key at my dad's."

"You're coming." Mal decided, making the younger VK pout.

Ellie didn't think…

She was smart, exceptionally smart, but in many ways she didn't think. It was why she didn't think to cover her mark that morning… it was why when Audrey showed up, having stolen Maleficent's scepter and the Queen's crown and cursed Mal…

Ellie didn't think of what that would mean…

Because only Hades' ember could overpower the curse of the specter…

They took their bikes to the isle, parking in front of Dr. Facilier's place. Ellie slid off her helmet, shaking her head. Her French pigtail braids didn't have a hair out of place, even with being kept under a helmet.

Mal climbed off her bike and smiled, "Hey, I'm me again!"

"Evil magic doesn't work here, remember?" Celia chided, sliding off the back of Mal's bike.

Ellie tugged her tight skirt back down over her rear. It was tight and made of red and black plaid. She wore a navy-blue bra-top over a long sleeve, cropped, high-collared fishnet shirt, coupled with a red leather jacket, black fish-net tights, and black, platform combat boots. She had two different necklaces on, along with bracelets, and a thin, golden, tiara like headband…

"Riding in a skirt is such a pain." Ellie muttered, causing Evie to giggle.

She looked like a badass… and Jay's eyes lingered on Ellie for a moment longer than necessary. Evie smirked slightly, catching Jay's eye, sending him a wink. He grinned in return and Evie linked arms with her sister… "You hate pants, El. Though I'll never understand how you can wear shorts, but not pants." The older twin smiled, "At least it makes you a great mannequin."

Ellie snorted.

"Uh… guys?"

Ellie frowned and leaned over Carlos' shoulder to look at the television he was watching in Dr. Facilier's shop. It was the news… Everyone was… falling asleep…

No, Audrey was putting everyone to sleep.

The five VK's glanced at each other.

Mal pursed her lips, "We've gotta get that ember."

Ellie's eye twitched…

"GIL!" Gil, son of Gaston, smiled sheepishly at her, waving. But he didn't move off her bike. "Do you have any idea how long it took me to hot-rod that thing?! Get off it!"

"Rookie mistake," Jay muttered, his eyes narrowing when they spotted none other than Harry Hook sitting on his bike, "Get off my bike, Hook!"

"Nah, don't think so! They're ours now!" Harry revved the engine, taking off in a shot. Right… Ellie had hot-rodded Jay's bike too. Carlos, Evie, and Jay all took off running after them- taking to the roofs to cut the pirates off.

Mal grabbed Celia and Ellie by the arms just as they were about to turn after the pirates. "Ah, no you don't. They've got it covered."

She let Celia's arm go, and the girl sighed. Ellie looked at Mal, "And me?"

"Moral support."

"Mmm, alright."

Mal wasn't sure what made her take Ellie with her down here…

It was just a feeling…

A need, almost…

They passed through dark tunnels, down through the cave that led to Hades' underground lair…

The sound of a dog barking echoed throughout the cavern, bouncing around the walls and growing louder and louder with every step they took.

And then… they were there…

Ellie's eyes searched for the dog… only for her ears to find a record player causing the sound. Her eyes flitted downward, past the steps as they walked, to where Hades lay sprawled out in his chair- asleep with sunglasses on, the ember sitting right next to him.

Ellie's breath hitched slightly…

Her arm didn't burn this time, but something different filled her body…

It was a pull, almost…

It was warm…

And she felt so safe…

Mal went to step up on the platform of Hades' chair, only for Celia to point out a backway. The record skipped, signaling its end, and Mal snuck around the back of the chair. Ellie stood near Celia, carefully watching Mal…

The record skipped…

And skipped…

And skipped…

Celia groaned quietly, then picked up the needle, causing a screeching sound.

"What are you doing here?"

Ellie's entire body stiffened… Mal froze… Celia winced, then pulled out a can from her sack, "I, uh, noticed you were low on canned corn."

Mal's fingers were mere inches from the ember… She reached for it, only for Hades' hand to snatch her wrist. She gasped, and Hades turned, grabbing the ember and holding it in his hand. He looked at her, pulling off his sunglasses.

"Hi Dad."

Celia's eyebrows shot up. Hades waved at his only daughter, "Quit the show you put on the other day."

Mal's eyes narrowed a fraction, "Right back atcha."

He hummed… that warmth spread throughout his chest, two totally different types… Hades grinned, standing, "I was just coming to see you."

She raised an eyebrow, "Oh really? Is it because I'm gonna be Queen?"

They circled each other, "Now, Mal, don't be bitter." Hades' eyes landed on Ellie's form… Celia was slinking up the stairs, not wanting to get involved… But Ellie merely stood her ground, not budging from her spot.

Mal frowned, crossing her arms over her chest, "You abandoned me when I was a baby."

Hades' attention snapped back towards her, "Ah, no. I abandoned your mother. She wasn't my soulmate, Mal, or what the hell did the humans call it? True love? I didn't love her, and she didn't have any love for anyone other than herself. Not to mention I'm pretty sure she hates me and only liked having me around cause people are afraid of me…

"Not that she's the easiest person to get along with."

"You think?"

"Oh, look at that, we have something in common already. We both hate your mother."

"No-" Mal's eyes narrowed. She glared at him, "I don't hate my mother. She might have been an evil lunatic, but at least she stuck around."

Hades' face contorted… She had no idea… "Oh, for f*k's sake! I used to be a GOD! I had an entire whole world!" A lonely, lonely world… but it was something. "But now, I have nothing…" No… that wasn't true…

He had one thing…

But he probably wouldn't have her for very long either…

"And you have no idea what that feels like!"

"Really?! Because for 16 years, I had nothing! And now, now I have an entire world! And unless I get that Ember, it's game over." Mal held her hand out towards her father…

"My Ember? The source of the measly amount of power I can still wield?" Hades' eyes narrowed and right then, Ellie could see the resemblance…

Mal snapped, her irritation growing, "You stink at being a dad, you know that?!"

"Hey! It ain't easy to neglect, kid! I did what I had to do!"

"Did you?! Well, I have to do what I have to do right now! And the only way to do that is with your Ember!" Mal let out a breath, before looking up at her father. "Do you want to make up for being a lousy Dad?" She held her hand out. "Give me the ember."

Hades smirked and something flashed in his eyes, "the ember only works for me."

"No, it'll work for me. We're blood."

"No, you're only half-hades. The Ember won't do everything for you that it does for me."

"I'll take my chances."

Hades hesitated only a moment, before sliding the ember into Mal's hand. "If it gets wet, it's game over."

Mal only hummed, turning on her heel, "Come on, El, Celia, let's get outta here."

Ellie turned, the old floorboards creaking underneath her feet as she passed Hades, only for him to grab a hold of her arm. "Ah-ah-ah, hold up, little girl. You and I need to have a little chat."

Brown eyes lifted to stare up at him… He was easily over a foot taller than Ellie… Mal froze, turning back around, "What? Why?"

"Mal, it's fine." Ellie tore her eyes off Hades, even as the god didn't stop looking at her. The corners of his lips lifted into a smirk. "I'll meet you later, okay?"

Mal pursed her lips… but then she nodded, "Fine. Don't hurt my family, Dad."

"Wouldn't dream of it!" Hades called to his daughter, even as she was walking away from him, back up the steps and out of his lair. "Now then-" Blue eyes fell onto Ellie's form, and she stared back up at him.

"I guess that's why he's always asking about you," Celia's words made Mal pause.

She stared at the younger girl for a moment, "Evie and Ellie are the only ones who know he's my dad. And as far as I'm concerned, he doesn't mean anything to me."

"Why do you think he wanted to talk to Ellie?"

"I… I'm not sure. Let's just hope the old man doesn't do anything stupid."

There she was…

A mere foot from him, so close, he could see the burgundy eyeliner and mascara Ellie had on her eyes, the perfect make-up adorning her face only making her even more beautiful… Though her red lips were far more enchanting, yet Hades couldn't decide which he liked more…

Her lips, or those wonderfully expressive eyes…

So warm…

The warmth crept over Hades' entire form… it was different with Mal, different from the flames of Hell… But he was already addicted… He reached a hand up, brushing his fingers over Ellie's soft cheek, "So beautiful…"

Her brows furrowed, a sly smile on her lips, "You get me alone, and that's the first thing you say to me?"

"Sassy, huh?" He couldn't help but smirk. "I like it."

Ellie chuckled, not able to hide her smile. She knew Mal was worrying over her being alone with Hades, yet… Yet, Ellie trusted him. She knew she was safe at that very moment… Ellie's smile softened, looking up at him in innocent confusion…

Right then, she was forced to accept it… But still. There were so many questions. "What's all this mean?"

"I…" Hades sighed deeply. How… where did he even start? "You have to ask the hardest question first, don't you, pretty girl?"

Ellie shrugged… But then her eyes narrowed slightly, "You can call me by my name, y'know."

"Oh, I know." Hades could only smirk… Spunky, sassy, yet so warm…

Ellie sighed slightly… She looked up at him, bit her lower lip as she contemplated. She could see Hades' attention immediately snap towards her lips, and he licked his own… Oh god, she shouldn't be allowed to do that…

To be so hot…

"Hades?"

"Hmm?"

"Do… Do you wanna see it?"

"What?" Hades' mind whirled, eyes lifting back to her own wide, warm brown orbs. Ellie took that as a yes and stepped away from him. Hades' hands fell to his sides as he watched Ellie pull the leather jacket off, leaving her in her navy-blue bra-top and fish-net undershirt.

She pulled the elastic cuff down her wrist, then slid her metal bracelets off with her other hand… And then, Ellie rolled her wrist over, showing him the soft inside…

Where a pale blue flame was etched into her skin…

To others, it simply looked like a tattoo…

But to some, it was something completely different.

Hades' eyes grew wide… He reached out with both hands, taking Ellie's hand in his own, the other grasping her forearm… He realized just how petite she was then, but his eyes never left the pale blue flame etched onto her skin…

Hades always knew what the mark would look like on her skin when he finally met her… when he finally saw it…

It would be the mark of his godhood…

"I… you're doing what?" Hades could only stare at her…

The strawberry blonde-haired woman smiled sadly… "You're lonely, Hades. I know you are. I've seen it. I… You're in a world filled with darkness; you deserve light."

"Zues will be pissed if you do this, Hera."

"I know… But he deserves it." Hera looked down at the grass… her feet were bare, an old habit of hers whenever she visited the realm of mortals… One she had picked up from Demeter so many eons ago. "No one deserves to feel the pain I've felt by Zues, which is why I am doing this…

"No one should suffer at the hands of their lover like I have.

"You're alone, Hades. You have us, your sisters, but no love- no light, no warmth… Let me do this for you… please… I… I can't even give my children this, they're too far gone, taking after their father… I can't have this kind of happiness, none of us can… expect you.

"So, please, Hades…

"Let me give you someone who will be your queen, faithful to you and only you…

"Who will light your dark world, who will be the light to your darkness…

"Let me give you someone to love."

Hades ran his thumb over Ellie's mark, making her shiver… He couldn't keep his eyes off the symbol… "For so many years, I've waited for you…" His eyes lifted to meet Ellie's, and she flushed under his stare, causing him to smirk. "Oh, lookie there, I can make you blush."

Ellie whacked him lighting with her free hand, "You're an ass."

"Maybe."

The pink-ish red haired girl's expression softened, "What… What did you mean by that? You've been waiting for me?"

"I have… for, well, since this whole soulmate thing was created." Hades pulled one hand away from Ellie's own, reaching up to brush against her cheek. The touch was so gentle… Like he could barely believe she was right in front of him.

Ellie's nose scrunched up in a way Hades could only describe as cute, "How old are you?"

"Eh, I lost count after forty million years."

"You- so you're like, what? Forty in human years then?"

"I- Did you just call me old?!"

"Well…" Ellie's eyes darted off to the side, her cheeks puffing out as she tried to suppress her laughter.

It didn't work, and Hades' eye twitched. "You little vixen!"

Ellie burst out laughing. Her brown eyes shone happily; her lips curved into a big grin… It made Hades freeze… It wasn't something he saw on the Isle… It wasn't something he saw when he was around period, long before he became trapped on this heap.

Right then… she looked even more beautiful than Hades thought possible…

His entire lair brightened… his entire world…

That sweet, lovely sound of Ellie's laughter echoed…

He'd never forget it…

Her smile, her laugh, the warmth of her big brown eyes…

Ellie finally stopped laughing, looking up at Hades, even as he still held onto her forearm, his hand still on her cheek. He could only stare… She was so relaxed… "Y'know, most people would be freaking out if they were this close to me…

"If they found out they were my soulmate."

"Well…" Ellie's eyes shifted from him again, finding an interesting spot on the wall. A blush coated her cheeks, "I…I've never been somebody who hesitates, I just jump in with both feet, not even looking both ways before I do something.

"My family calls me reckless… but I guess I just… Don't see the reason to worry?

"Not that I've even really let myself think about this… Or what it means, or… anything really… And besides-" Ellie grinned up at him. "Why should I be afraid of a man who doesn't have any powers right now?"

Hades scowled, though his eyes twinkled with amusement. There was zero maliciousness in her tone… She was messing with him. "Little tease."

"Assh*le."

Mal frowned as she and Celia caught up with Evie and the guys. "What happened to the bikes?"

"Got away," Jaw grunted, glancing over at her. "You got it?"

"Yep."

Evie frowned, looking behind Mal nervously, "M? Where's Ellie?"

The soon-to-be Queen sighed, "She, uh…" Mal knew she couldn't lie to Evie about this… "She'll catch up with us. Had to take care of something."

Evie's frown deepened. Jay immediately looked worried, "Does she need help? Want me to go get her?"

"No! She's fine!"

Jay and Carlos exchanged a weird look but nodded. They started the trek towards the barrier bridge, and Evie scooted to Mal's side, "Is Ellie with-" She was whispering, making sure the boys didn't overhear.

Mal sighed, but nodded, "Yeah."

Worry blossomed in Evie's chest, "She'll… she'll be okay, right?"

"Yeah… He won't do anything to her…"

And for some strange reason, Mal knew her words were true.

Chapter Text

Ellie knew she had to go…

Her eyes fell to the steps leading out of the lair… Hades followed her gaze. He knew she had to leave too… He didn't want her too though… He had just gotten her… But… but… "Do me a favor, Ellie?"

Her attention fell to the god, "Yeah?"

Hades didn't look at her, "Look after Mal for me…"

Ellie's heart swelled and she smiled gently… She looked back up at the steps, "She's my family. Of course I will. I'll always be there for her." Hades nodded sharply… And Ellie stepped away from him, content to allow the conversation to end there.

Hades' eyes fell to her, but before Ellie could get far, he grabbed her by the arm. He crouched lower, quickly pressing his lips to hers. Ellie blinked and a split second later, Hades pulled away. A smirk was pulling at his lips, "What? You'd think I'd let you go and not get a goodby kiss? Think again, sweetheart."

Ellie flushed lightly, whacking him in the shoulder, before taking a few steps backwards and walking up the stairs.

Hades watched her go with a smirk…

A small chuckle left him…

"Those are my girls, alright."

Ellie wasn't… happy when she finally caught up with her family and Celia. Evie breathed a sigh of relief, hugging her sister tightly, "Oh thank god you're okay." Ellie sank into her sister's embrace, her embarrassment fading away.

As Evie pulled away, Mal put her hand on Ellie's shoulder, "You good, El?"

'Did he do anything?' was what she was really asking. Ellie shook her head, "No, other than being an assh*le."

Mal snorted, "That's an… accurate description of him."

Evie frowned slightly as she took in her sister's appearance, "Where's your jacket, Ellie?"

"Huh?" Ellie looked down at her form… great… She had left her leather jacket in Hades' lair… She tugged her fish-net undershirt, making sure it was covering her left wrist, then made sure her bracelets were on. At least she didn't forget those too…

The pink-ish red-haired girl let out a huff… "Let's just get out of here…" She walked forward, past Jay and Carlos, who exchanged a worried glance. But they followed after her anyway, Jay pressing the button to open up the barrier.

They all stepped through, and blue power coursed through Mal's veins, keeping her in her true form… though blue highlights appeared in her royal purple hair. Evie ooohed, "You've got a little Hades thing going on there."

Mal looked at her hands, then the ember, grinning, "Guess so."

The barrier began to close behind them…

But not before two people ran out, jumping through right before it closed…

Harry Hook…

And Gil…

Uma's first and second mates.

Harry laughed as Gil cheered, and they embraced quickly. The VK's were instantly on guard, and Harry grinned, "Hey guys, we're just coming for a wee visit."

Jay pushed Harry backwards, Carlos doing the same to Gil. Mal got involved, the ember slipping through her fingers and onto the bridge. Harry spotted it and hooked it into the ocean, causing Mal to gasp, "NO!"

The ember went tumbling towards the water…

But before it could hit, a sea-green tentacle snapped up from the water, grabbing it tightly.

And then…

Uma's body appeared after it.

The daughter of Ursula smirked, "Drop something?"

"It can't get wet!" Mal shouted. "Give it back before it goes out!"

Harry and Gil exchanged a look, "Uma."

"That's my name," Uma disappeared behind the water's surface in a whirlpool of water rising upwards. They all looked over the edge of the bridge, each for different reasons, but there was no Uma… "Hey boys."

Ellie turned around, finding Uma standing on the opposite side of the bridge, holding the ember in her hand. Harry and Gil immediately made their way towards her. The son of Hook grinned, "Welcome back."

"Uma-" Gil began, a sad look on his face. "You swam off and forgot all about us."

Mal scoffed, "Yeah, plotting her revenge no doubt."

"It's not all about you Mal. I was looking for a hole in the barrier to let everybody out." Uma turned to her pirates. "Y'know what I found boys, it's way better out there than we thought. There's this furry rock called a coconut and fish so huge you can dance on their backs. And they've been keeping it all for themselves."

"Whatever," Mal rolled her eyes. "Uma, I need that ember to break a spell."

"Cast by Audrey," Carlos explained further. "Sleeping Beauty's daughter."

"So, the good guys, the bad guy?" Uma chuckled. "Well, I might not give it back. See what happens."

"Uma this isn't the time for games!" Mal snapped. "People's lives are in danger!"

Uma hummed, shifting the ember in her hands, "Promise me that every single villain kid that wants to, can get off the Isle."

"I… I can't do that."

The sea-witch shrugged and held the ember out over the ocean, "Well how 'bout now?"

"Deal!"

Uma made to drop the ember, but Evie stepped in. "Uma!" the sea-witch paused, looking at her. The blue-haired girl looked completely sincere, "Her word is good."

The daughter of Ursula pulled the ember back onto land, looking at it in her hand, then at Mal's outreached hand as she stuffed it in her jacket. "I'll still keep this; for the time being. Because if you think I trust you to save the world on your own- think again. This is a job for pirates!"

She turned to her crew, a wide smirk forming on her face. Jay came up to Mal's side, placing a hand on her arm, "You can always go back to hating each other when this is over." The daughter of Hades and Maleficent nodded sharply. Jay turned to look at the pirates, "Where are our bikes?"

"Oh, uh-" Gil smiled at them. "We crashed them."

"You what?!" Ellie seethed, stomping up to Gil and poking him in the chest. "It took me weeks to hot-rod that thing!"

"Uh… sorry?"

"If you're gonna be off the Isle when this is all over, you two-" she pointed at Harry as well, who blinked. "Are helping me build a new one!"

The son of Hook smirked, "And what makes you think we'll do that, lassy?"

"I'll turn your hook into a nice wall ornament otherwise."

"Seams like you've never lost your spunk, wee duckling." Harry knew her threats were dire… as they always had been… Ellie always had the uncanny ability to make strange and weird objects, turning his hook into a wall ornament was not out of the realm of possibility.

Evie pulled her sister away from the pirates, "Here's a thought. We could try to be friends. Put our history behind us and celebrate our differences. Yeah?" Evie unzipped a small pocket on her wrist, pulling out a mesh baggy with a few blue gumballs inside. "Who wants gum?"

Uma turned, "Let's go."

"No?"

"Ah!" Mal stopped the sea-witch in her tracks. "No. I'm in charge. Let's go." Mal began to walk towards Auradon, and both groups passed on either side of Evie and Ellie.

Ellie huffed, her cheeks puffing out. She held out a hand, making Evie smile. The slightly older twin put a gumball in her sister's hand, before popping one in her own mouth. "Y'know," Ellie began, talking softly, popping the gum in her mouth. "I think it was a good idea."

Evie's smile softened, "Thanks, El."

Cell phones were useless… Because everybody was either asleep, or if they weren't, unable to answer for some reason… They walked through the green space of Auradon Prep, spotting the sleeping students. Gil became fascinated with everything around him…

The leaves on the trees…

The flowers…

Fresh fruit…

The son of Gaston shoved more grapes in his mouth, Jay looking astonished with his behavior. Ellie giggled, patting Gil on the shoulder, "Tell you what, after you help me make a new bike, I'll take you apple picking."

Gil blinked… "A… apple picking?"

"Fresh fruit picking, really. If you like grapes, you'll like apples."

A look of pure disbelief was on his face, "Y-you'd really do that for me?"

Ellie blinked, but then she smiled. Jay spotted Harry pick-pocketing an asleep student, and headed over, taking the money back, "Don't."

"Oh, come now, I believe I deserve a little compensation."

"You do. Me not squashing you like a bug."

Harry only laughed. Jay shoved the money in the kid's shirt pocket. Harry turned to the son of Jafar with a mad grin, "You think I'm scared of you, Jay."

"Guys," Mal and Uma called, breaking up their fight.

Carlos spotted movement from the corner of his eye and grinned when he saw who it was, "Dude!"

The dog, who was eating something out of a student's hand, froze, "It wasn't me I swear." He then burped, "Okay, fine, it was me."

The others came up to Carlos' side. "Hey, do you know what happened here?"

"Yeah. Audrey showed up and she put everybody to sleep. And then she turned some of them to-"

Evie spotted it first…

The stone statue. "Stone."

'Stay alert' didn't need to be said.

Uma glanced at the school, "Since we're already here, let's check the school."

"No," Mal shot that idea down. "Audrey went straight for the crown, so I think it's safe to assume that she's gonna go for Ben and his castle next. That's where we'll go."

"Says who?"

"Says me."

"Says you? And that's supposed to mean something to me?"

"Guys," Evie broke Uma and Mal's stare down. They both glanced at her and Uma rolled her eyes… They were headed to the castle.

Mal called for Ben as they walked throughout the castle, Dude leading them. Mal sighed, "Ben could be asleep anywhere."

"Or turned to stone," Celia added, causing Evie to gently put her hand over her mouth. The younger girl glanced at Evie, then at the younger twin, who shook her head.

Dude sniffed the castle floor, "I've got a scent! Very pungent cologne. Easy to track. Follow me people!"

Carlos smiled, "That's great, Dude."

"FYI, I give great cuddles too."

"Really?" Gil began to ramble. "I never had a pet growing up. Unless you count the Elk head in my dad's man cave, but that wasn't-"

"Hold up-" Uma ran her hand over the wall. Deep set scratches were in the wood, slicing a painting completely in half. "What's this?"

Ellie raised her eyebrows… This was just getting… weird.

And she had kissed a god.

Dude led them to a room with stained glass windows where many suits of armor stood tall and strong, protecting the room. Evie grabbed Celia by the shoulders, "Stay here, okay?" The girl nodded, and the twins followed the others into the room, Mal still calling for Ben.

Uma flipped her hair over her shoulder, "I bet you lost some sleep thinking about me on the loose, huh?"

"No. Dragons don't really lose sleep…" A thoughtful expression appeared on Mal's face. "I wonder what fried octopus tastes like."

Uma laughed, and Ellie sighed. "Okay, why don't we not do this?"

The sea-witch gave her a look, "We're celebrating our differences- just like your sister said."

Harry spotted movement from the corner of his eye… One of the suits of armor began to move, "I believe we're being challenged."

Uma held up a hand, "Let's split up and look for Audrey."

"That makes absolutely no sense." Mal said without blinking. "Unless you give me my ember, she's gonna spell you."

"Girls!" Harry shouted, drawing their attention. His eyes never left the moving suits of armor. "We have a situation here."

Pink smoke left the armored helmet of the suit, and it bowed mockingly, just as Audrey's voice rang out of it. "You like a prince, Mal? How about a knight in shining armor? Or knights?" The suit of armor hefted its sword as Audrey's cackle filled the air.

And all of the suits of armor drew their swords back.

Ellie hurried glanced to the door- Celia had backed away into the hallway with Dude in her arms, but knights were already blocking the path. The pink-ish red-haired girl backed up to the platform in the middle of the room.

"I know the best way, fall back, let me lead," Uma said, standing on the platform with Mal. Gil passed her a sword he drew from the wall. "You hold the line and we'll bring them to their knees."

Jay threw Mal a sword he got from the decor on the wall, much like Gil had for Uma. The daughter of Hades's eyes narrowed, "I've got a strategy, you take the left, and the rest of you can follow me."

Uma immediately shook her head, "Uh-uh."

"This is my crew."

"This is my squad."

"This is my turf."

"Oh my gosh-" Evie stood between the two, two swords in her hands. "Look, we've got bigger fish to fry, put your differences aside 'cause right now we're on the same side." She passed Ellie one, "You think you can-"

"Get them all into one place!" Eliie shouted, Jay and Carlos giving her sharp nods. The armor took two more treating steps forward… and the battle fully began. Mal and Uma both glanced at Ellie but jumped off the platform.

The two girls engaged four knights near the back of the room, fighting side by side. Mal blocked one of the knight's swords with her own, sliding down to the floor, just as Uma sliced at the armor hard enough to send it tumbling backwards.

Uma grabbed Mal's hand, helping her up, and they clacked their swords together.

They may be enemies… But right now, they were on the same side.

More knights banned down the side doors, one of them pushing the sword out of Carlos' hands and sending him tumbling to the floor. Glowing blue circles snapped to life around Ellie's wrists, and the sword in her hands glowed blue… "Transmute!"

The sword turned into a shield, which she slid over to Carlos, him hosting it over himself just in time to block a downwards strike. He breathed a sigh of relief, "Thanks, Ellie!"

The armor then marched forward… all coming from one side. Mal whipped her head around to find Ellie, "Ellie! Now!"

The daughter of the Evil Queen grinned… She stood on the wooden platform, two more glowing blue circles appearing around her wrists. Ellia held both her hands out infront of her, crossing at the wrists. An intricate blue, glowing, mandola-like pattern appeared beneath the soldier's feet.

"Transmute!"

And in a bust of light, the soldiers turned into harmless feathers...

Feathers that swirled around in the air, before landing in a huge pile…

Ellie lurched forward, her breathing ragged, and Evie was by her side in an instant. "You good?"

"Yeah…" Ellie slid to sit on top of the platform, her eyes drooping. Evie checked her twin's forehead and frowned at the elevated temperature… She was getting warm… that wasn't good. Everyone else erupted into cheers, the boys all celebrating together.

Uma looked between the feathers, and then Ellie, and smiled, "That was awesome! How'd you do that?!"

Ellie grinned at the complement, "Alchemy. Takes a while to get it right though."

"You are a bada**." Uma complemented, then turned to Mal, the two girls going in for a high five… Yet then stopped mid-way, realizing what they were about to do… The boys then froze, before sliding back to their respective sides, each celebrating with one another.

Evie stood with Ellie at her side, Carlos coming over to keep the younger twin steady. A disappointed look was on the blue-haired girl's face, "Guys, come on. This was so great! We were a team! We worked together!" She reached for Mal's arm, only to be shrugged off, then the same thing happened with Uma, causing Evie to sigh.

Ellie then grinned, "Hey, hey, you know what we should try? An Icebreaker!"

"Ooh, good idea, El." the other VK's groaned, and Evie turned to the pirates. "You say something you really like about the other person, okay? I'll start." she looked at the three of them, before settling on Harry- who looked like he wanted to die. "Harry. Great accent." She smiled, "Now you go."

Uma shook her head, looking at Mal, "Are they always this perky?"

"Oh, it wasn't really your turn but thank you."

"Evie, Ellie," Mal grabbed the two, holding both of their hands. "I love you. I love this energy, but we are very short on time. Audrey clearly knows that we're here and we need to get out of here ASAP."

"All right," Uma took a step forward. "Where does this cheerleader bunk down? Even if she's not there, we might find some sort of clue."

"She's still in the dorms because of summer school."

Harry let out a laugh, "What? Summer school? Summer school! No wonder she wants revenge."

Mal looked between Uma's pirates, and Jay and Carlos, "Okay, I need you guys to go find Ben. We'll meet back at the twins' place in two hours, okay?"

"Sounds like we're goin' with my plan," Uma said. "Just sayin'."

"It was kind of the obvious plan."

"Uma said it first~" Gil added.

"Right," Uma grinned. "So, my plan."

"Whatever."

Chapter Text

Audrey's dorm room was pink… very pink.

Ellie had stayed in Audrey's room to rest while Evie and Mal checked the rest of the school. Celia was going through Audrey's jewelry, while Uma read her diary. The sea-witch glanced over at Ellie…

Even back on the Isle… Ellie was never… She was never what one would call truly evil, or mean… She was just… Ellie… And right now, she looked so tired. "Hey," Uma spoke softly, trying to not alert Celia. "You okay?"

"Hmm?" Ellie turned to her. "Yeah… Just tired."

And against Uma's better judgment, she patted the spot next to her on the bed. Ellie smiled and laid down next to the pirate, lounging back into the pillows. The door opened a while later and Evie and Mal stepped back in the room. Evie sighed, "She's nowhere on campus."

"I found her diary." Uma said. "And dang, did you ruin Audrey's life."

Mal brushed off the jab, "Okay, so did you find anything in there that we don't already know, or-"

"She hangs out at Fairy Cottage. You know, where Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather hid her mom from your mom?"

"Haha, yes. The irony is not lost on me."

Uma shifted around, laying back further into the plush pillows and mattress of Audrey's bed, "How can anyone with this bed ever be unhappy?"

Celia turned around in Audery's vanity chair, decked out in jewelry, "So how do I look?"

Evie looked at her for a moment, "Okay, the bling stays here."

"But she's bad."

"And we're not."

Celia whined a bit yet put it away. Uma glanced over at Ellie, who looked half-asleep. She gestured at her with her chin, "She normally like this?"

"Sometimes… But big spells tend to make it worse, though." Mal held both her hands out. "Come on, El." Ellie put her hands in hers, and Mal held her to her feet.

Uma looked at Evie's starter castle with a shocked look, "Nice digs."

Evie looked pleased. "I got a really good deal."

Ellie smiled softly as she watched Celia put a blanket over Dizzy and the Smee twins' forms, the daughter of Dr. Facilier reassuring her through words. Until the four girls heard a loud snore from the other room.

Uma headed towards the sound first, followed by Evie, Ellie, and Mal, leaving the children in the other room.

And lying on the floor of Evie's workroom, was Doug.

And he was dead asleep.

"Uh," Uma blinked. "Who's the dude?"

"Doug," Evie hurried to his side, crouching down. "Doug." She nudged him. "Wake up." she shook him. "Wake up."

"He's spelled." Uma supplemented. She glanced at Mal and Ellie, "Is she not a fast learner?"

Mal crossed her arms over her chest, "She's emotionally involved, okay?"

"Well in that case she should be able to wake him up." Evie looked at Uma confused, and the sea-witch smiled tightly. "True love's kiss? Works every time." That made Ellie look away, her mind wandering…

"Well, we haven't exactly used the 'L' word yet," Evie explained, then looked back down at Doug… She glanced at the other VK's. "Can we be alone?"

Ellie had cut herself a big slice out of Jane's birthday cake that the birthday girl would not be getting due to Audrey… y'know, trying to take over the kingdom. She cut Celia and Uma one as well, setting a slice aside for Mal. Ellie looked out the dining room window…

How did True Love's Kiss work? Why did it work?

Ellie knew the story… she knew the history… Her mother had told her multiple times over her life, reminding her of their origin…

How true loves used to be called soulmates…

How some people had marks… how their bond was so strong, it was near unbreakable…

That was why the Evil Queen's poison apple failed. No manner of magic could stand up to the bond of souls… Or at least, that's the reasoning she used after she was locked up.

And Ellie's soulmate…

Hades said he'd been waiting for her for a long time…

He'd been waiting for her for millions of years…

Mal chuckled as she came up behind Ellie, putting her hands on the back of her chair, "You always make such a mess with cake."

"Hey-" Ellie tilted her head back to fake-glare at her. A smudge of frosting was on her cheek, her piece mostly demolished. "It's my favorite food! You once got strawberries on that gown Evie made you."

"Touche." Mal looked over at Uma then. "That was a really good idea to check Audrey's room. Now we know we're on the right track."

Uma frowned at her, "Is there an insult in there that I missed?"

"Just… I wanted to thank you."

Both smiled a bit at that.

Mal took the seat next to Ellie at the table, across from Uma, and ate the slice of cake Ellie had cut from her. Uma took a big bite, "I don't know whose birthday it is, but I want this cake."

Ellie laughed. Mal looked down at her cake slice, "So, I maybe missed the boat a little on calling your Shrimpy and not letting you join our gang."

"Yeah…" Uma did the same. "We really could have torn up the Isle together."

Mal grinned, and so did Uma, and Ellie smiled from ear to ear… Maybe… maybe this would all work out.

A wooden board slammed against the window, blocking out the sunlight right then, causing the three to jump up. And then another… and another… each and every window and door were bolted shut with hurricane boards.

They were trapped.

And Celia screamed.

"Celia!" Ellie shouted and the girl came bolting around the corner, hugging Ellie tightly around the middle. The pink-ish red-haired woman held the younger girl tightly. "It'll be okay… We'll be okay…"

Evie and Doug ran in the room from the other entrance. Mal threw her hands out in front of her as her eyes glowed green, "You've caused my friends pain and fear, we've had enough, now disappear!"

Yet nothing happened.

"I-I'm sorry. My spells aren't working! Audrey's magic is getting stronger!" Ellie pulled her arms from around Celia, only for Mal to cut her off, her eyes filling with worry. "Don't Ellie. You already transmuted those knights. You can't take another big spell like that."

Ellie hesitated… she wanted to help… but she knew Mal was right… Her body couldn't take another spell like that… and all her alchemy circles were in her garage on the other side of the castle…

And then… Uma's shell necklace began to glow…

The sea-witch looked at it, then at Mal, who nodded, and the two clasped hands. "You've caused our friends pain and fear, we've had enough, now disappear!"

And for a long second, it seemed it wouldn't work…

But then the boards boarding up the house fell away like they never existed.

"You did it," Evie said, smiling gently. "Together… this is what I've been talking about."

Uma smirked, "Guess my shell likes you." Mal laughed, and then, the sea-witch reached inside her jacket- pulling out the ember. "Why don't you hold onto that?" She dropped it into Mal's hand, the dragon smiling, and they fist bumped.

Celia walked over to the window, peeking outside. She turned back to the ground with a grin, "Hey, it's your bae."

Mal gasped.

Carlos greeted Ellie frist, watching in concern as she slumped onto his shoulder. "Woah, hey, you okay?"

"Tried…" she murmured, and he reached up to put his hand on her forehead. Carlos' eyes widened… Ellie was running a fever…

That big spell with the knights…

It was catching up to her… quickly… too quickly…

Jay came over, greeting the pink-ish red-haired girl. Carlos shifted his grasp allowing Jay to put his arm around Ellie, her head slumping to his shoulder. "It's that spell," The son of Cruella told him as Jane came over to them. "I could tell she was on the edge before, back when she cast it, but now…"

Jane frowned worriedly towards Ellie… She remembered how jealous she used to be of her… Because Ellie and Carlos were so close, it almost seems like they were dating at times… But they were best friends, "Isn't it too soon for Ellie to have another episode?"

"Yeah… they've never been this close together before…" Carlos shook his head, smiling at his girlfriend. "Hey, so I know it's not ideal, but I still wanted to give this to you still, since it is your birthday." he held out a small, baby blue gift-wrapped box, and Jane took it happily.

She unwrapped it, taking out a silver necklace with Jarlos written out as the pendant. Carlos smiled nervously, "Ellie helped me make it. We went back and forth for two weeks on weather Jarlos or Cane was better, but we settled on Jarlos, because well-"

"Jane and Carlos, yeah, yeah, I get it… It's beautiful… Thanks Carlos."

Jane went to put it on, only for Carlos to take it and clasp it around her neck. Ellie shifted, pulling away from Jay and smiling, "Hey, where's my thanks? I'm the one that hit Carlos with pillows until he finally admitted Jarlos was better. Though then I had to admit I had ship names for you two."

Jane laughed, her smile growing, "Thanks, El."

"Okay," Mal called, drawing everyone's attention back towards the matter at hand. She looked at Ben seriously, "So we found out Audrey's most likely at Fairy Cottage. Did she ever take you there?"

"Every Fairy Godmother's Day." Ben replied, then glanced over at Jane. "Where is Fairy Godmother when you need her?"

"I wish I knew…" Jane looked down at her hands and Carlos put his arm around her shoulders, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

"Doug." Ben clapped his hand on his shoulder, "Go with Jane. We need to find Fairy Godmother."

Uma glanced between the two, "They might need some muscle."

Gil looked at himself, then shrugged, "I'll go."

"Yeah, actually, I would feel better." Carlos said, looking down at Jane.

Evie stepped forward, "Yeah, actually, I'd feel better too."

Doug looked at himself, then at Gil, and sighed, "Actually, I would too."

Gil smiled, throwing an arm around Doug's shoulders, "Alright, man! Let's do it."

Evie turned to her sister with a concerned frown… she hadn't been blind. She saw the way her twin staggered after casting that spell. But she wasn't dumb enough to tell Ellie to stay home, no; Ellie would simply take off without warning. "Maybe you should go too, El."

"She's already running a fever," Jay added, looking at Ellie, who was still at his side, his arm around her. Ellie elbowed him in the side angrily, scowling at him and he winced. That got three confused looks… Uma and her pirates hadn't ever been around for one of Ellie's episodes.

"You jerk." Ellie pulled away from Jay, irritated.

Ben frowned… he remembered when Mal got that call from Evie… the way Mal paled… he remembered seeing Ellie curled up in her dorm room's bed, ill… He had tried to help… but no doctor could find anything physically wrong with her… Ben had seen Ellie in the same position, laid up in bed, more times than he ever wanted…

He never wanted to see her like that again… None of them did… "Go with them, Ellie. I know you don't want to be left behind, but you'd be helping by going with them."

Ellie frowned deeply, "I'm not some helpless sick person, Ben!"

Evie put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "I know you're not. We know you're not… But this is safer."

"So instead, I'm supposed to let my family go confront a crazy woman with Maleficent's scepter by themselves?"

"Please, Ellie… You can't-" Evie was scared right then… Never had Ellie come down with another episode so close to her last, even with such a large spell… In fact, the last episode came on without the slightest bit of warning… "You can't help us if you're having an episode."

Ellie's eyes burned with tears… She pushed her twins hand off shoulder, "Where are my keys?" Evie frowned but pulled them from her jacket pocket. Ellie took them, letting out a breath… They were right… She'd be useless…

But it still hurts… Knowing you couldn't protect them…

Ellie turned on her heel, looking over at Jane, Doug, and Gil, "Let's go. I'm driving."

Chapter Text

Ellie liked machines. More specifically, she liked anything with engines.

Her main vehicle was a bright apple red, state of the art, four-door full-sized truck. The inside was all navy-blue leather with red stitching and charms hung from the rearview mirror and steering wheel. Girly decorations were everywhere, and Ellie always had a change of clothes in there, as well as personal hygiene products and a bag full of makeup…

Gil and Doug sat in the back, while Jane sat in the passenger's seat, looking worriedly at Ellie… She knew the girl well enough to know something was wrong… "You know they don't think you're useless."

Doug had known Ellie for perhaps even longer… he leaned forward, sitting behind Ellie, "Evie's just worried. You've never had two episodes this close together before…"

Gil frowned in confusion, "Wait, you're sick? Is that why you disappeared on the Isle for a week or so when we were kids?"

Ellie let out a long sigh… "Yeah…"

"Huh. I didn't know."

She glanced at him from the rearview mirror, "You didn't?"

Gil shook his head, a stupid grin on his face, "Nope. You could still wrestle better than me!"

Ellie snorted, "I bet I still can!"

"Hey! You'd only use your heels against you! Like always."

And Ellie truly laughed then, the sound light and lovely… Jane smiled to herself, "Just because you have a setback like this, doesn't mean you're not useless or worthless, Ellie. I thought I was worthless if I wasn't pretty. You're not worthless just because you can't go and fight Audrey."

A weight began to lift off her shoulders… She wasn't worthless… She was still Ellie…

Ellie Queen…

Doug shivered, "I don't think I'd want to fight Audrey. When I first started at Auradon Prep, she used to call me Doddle."

Ellie burst out laughing, turning around to look at him, "Doddle?"

He immediately paled, "Eyes on the road, Ellie!"

She turned around in her seat, a smirk pulling at her face as a crazy idea came to her… "Fairy Godmother's most likely at the museum, since she'd known Audrey was going nuts. Which means I finally get to break into the museum! Break in!"

Ellie slammed her foot down on the gas… Doug went tumbling backwards in his seat, grabbing onto the safety handle for dear life. Gil cheered, and Jane burst out laughing…

Ellie had, in fact, snuck into the museum. Jane and Doug are on the steps near Fairy Godmother's statue at the entrance of the museum. Gil stood guard behind them, or more actually, stood guard for Ellie as she snuck around the museum…

She came back several moments later, her nose wrinkling, "So I've seen my mother's statue, which is always weird, but unfortunately the security system is still running. It's mostly auto-pilot." Ellie sat down on the steps next to Jane, setting her mini-backpack bag next to her.

It was navy-blue and covered in little golden crowns and had been left in her truck after her last adventure. Ellie opened the top, pulling out her tablet. "So I'll have to hack in."

The goal was to get Fairy Godmother's wand out before she was brought back, so that they could have a way to contain Maleficent's scepter after Audrey was beaten…

Jane set her elbows on her knees, her chin in her palms, and looked over at her, "You keep a tablet in your purse?"

"Yeah. I made it myself."

The dark-haired girl smiled, "I'll always be amazed by your ability to make things."

Ellie lifted her head and smiled in return, "And you've got a gift for party planning. And organizing. I'm a mess."

Doug chuckled, "We know, Ellie. I've seen your garage."

"Yes, and now, thanks to you and your OCD, it's all organized."

"Closing the barrier was your idea?" Evie looked at Mal so horrified then… Like she could barely believe the words she was hearing… Uma and Harry had left them when they found out, and then Celia destroyed the Ember…

Mal looked so heartbroken as she tried to explain, "I did it for us! I did it for the life we have here now."

"For our life? What about those kids we left behind on that island? The kids we promised? We…" Evie's voice broke and she was on the verge of tears… She wished Ellie was here… She'd be so upset, hurt… But Evie then worried if Ellie could take such a stress… "We were their only hope, Mal… I thought you were gonna stand up for the VK's. But instead, you lied to them…

"And you lied to Jay…

"And you lied to Carlos…

"And you lied to Ellie, who's getting sicker, Mal!" Evie broke then, the tears beginning to fall. "How were you going to tell her?! How are you going to tell my sister that everything we've been fighting for is a lie! That our wonderful life we have, that we were going to share with all those kids, was a lie…

"You lied to me…

"We're your family, Mal… How could you do this?"

The tears fell from Mal's eyes, "Evie…" but the daughter of the Evil Queen stepped away, shaking her head. "Evie, come on! I had no choice!"

It was like a flip switched.

One moment, the air was somber… It felt like the world was going dark…

And then it wasn't…

Fairy Godmother lost her footing as she became herself once more, only to gain it back quickly. Jane gasped, hurrying to a stand, "Mom. "

She hugged her mother tightly, and Fairy Godmother did the same, "Jane, oh I was so worried. You're alright, aren't you?"

Jane pulled away, nodding, "Yeah, yeah, I'm okay."

Ellie slipped her tablet back into her mini backpack, smiling to herself…

They had done it…

It wasn't until they returned to the King's Castle that Ellie learned what really happened…

At first, she was angry… angry and hurt…

How could Mal do something like that?

How could she lie to them?

Weren't they her family?

They were always there for one another, thick and thin… How could she lie to them about closing the barrier? How could Mal destroy Ben's dream like that? Destroy all those kids' hopes and wonder for the future?

How was… How was Ellie going to figure anything out now that the barrier was going to be closed forever?

Mal looked so sorry, trying to explain, "El… I…"

But Ellie shook her head, a sad smile on her face… "I get it… You only wanted to protect us… Even if it meant sacrificing something."

And yet… yet Ellie still loved them…

She still loved Mal, because Mal was family…

And Ellie wanted to stay with her family…

Even if they mess up, make mistakes, she'd be there for them…

Mal let out a breath, hugging the pink-ish red-haired girl who was more understanding than she ever should be… But Mal supposed if anyone understood, it was Ellie, who made the choice before to protect them with her magic, even if it caused her to become ill… "Thank you…"

Ellie hugged her back, "I'm still mad at you."

"I know…" Mal could live with that…

"But it won't be forever."

And that was the only reason why.

Ellie sat next to Evie at Audrey's bedside. The older twin was holding the unconscious girl's hand, while Mal sat on the other side of Audrey's bed. They were all gathered in Audrey's dorm room, the air solemn. Evie looked at Audrey sadly, "She's slipping away."

Mal hung her head, "There's… there's only one person in the world who might be able to do something about this and that's Hades."

"Hades?" Ben shook his head. "He wouldn't do it. I wouldn't risk it."

"Actually, he might do it for me… He's my father."

Evie and Ellie exchanged a glance, while the others in the room froze at the information… The younger twin looked at Audrey's body… It was strange… Ellie could practically feel Audrey's life-force dropping, draining away… It was like she could feel the life slipping from her body…

Ben ran a hand over his face, "I'll have to send guards to get him."

Uma glanced at him, "Maybe I can hitch a ride…" everyone in the room looked at her. "The Isle is my home. Someone needs to be there to protect it."

"Well then-" Harry dropped his hands on Uma's shoulders. "You'll need your first mate."

Mal smiled faintly, "Well then, the Isle will be in very good hands."

Celia stood up from Audrey's window seat, "Can I go too? I wish I could be in both places."

Mal looked at Evie and Ellie one more time, before standing, and turning to face Uma. "I… I really think Evie and Ellie were right. I do think that we could have been friends… And I'm really sorry I lied to all of you guys. You deserved so much better than that."

Jay shook his head… they understood now, why Mal had done that… It hurt, but she was still family… She was only trying to do what she could to protect them and Auradon. "You were only trying to do the right thing."

Uma nodded, "Yeah…"

Evie sighed, standing up, "I get it…"

They all understood…

They would heal…

Because even when things got rough, family would still always be there for you.

Uma, Harry, and Gil left for the Isle of the Lost…

Fairy Godmother entered the room, followed by Belle and Beast. The Headmistress's eyes immediately fell onto Ellie's form, "Oh dear… Ellie, sweetie, you don't look too good."

Ellie was sitting in the window seat, and she shook her head, "I-I'm alright…"

Evie set a hand on her twin sister's shoulder, smiling softly, "Come on, you need to rest. We need to leave before Hades arrives, anyway."

"Mhm…" Ellie took her sister's hands, slowly standing as her body ached with the movement… But as she stood, the world began to spin… Nothing held shape anymore… It all swirled together as her breath was pushed from her lungs…

Her knees buckled, her body going weak…

Ellie could faintly hear the shouts…

But she couldn't see them as her body fully slumped over, her world going dark…

Ellie had collapsed on the ground. Evie hurried crouched next to her, worry and fear drawing across her face… "No, no, no… No, please, anything but this… Ellie…"

Her worst fear had come true…

Fairy Godmother was no stranger to Ellie's strange illness… to her episodes… because when the doctors couldn't do anything, their last option was magic… Fairy Godmother stepped in, being the master of magic that she was… but even with the wand, there was nothing she could do to heal Ellie…

By all means, Ellie's ability to use Alchemy without drawing magic circles, bending matter to her will… It was a sheer force of magic Fairy Godmother had never seen.

Ellie had power, but it came at a price.

And as Fairy Godmother stepped out of the dorm room where they had placed Ellie to rest, looking at the concerned faces of those that loved her, she shook her head. "T-there's nothing I can do… Her fever is pushing 150 degrees… and it's rising…

"From what I can tell, her body can't handle her magic… It's too strong…"

There were so many people gathered. And as Fairy Godmother told them, they looked more horrified by the minute… Mal curled into Ben as he held her, Doug putting his arm around Evie as she began to cry…

Jane held Carlos' hand like a lifeline, offering as much support as she could… Jay balled his hands into fists, anger and guilt crashing into him…

"I-I am so sorry, children…"

Evie looked at her, a heartbroken look on her face, "She's not going to make it, is she?"

Fairy Godmother shook her head solemnly… "I fear that may be the case… There is always hope. A chance."

A chance… a glimmer of hope…