Chapter Text

In Audrey’s room

The scent of roses and lilies fills the room as Alma showers her with a special perfume made by her mother. The quiet musings of her entourage mix with the television as they mill about offering makeup or jewelry. Brushing her newly styled pastel-colored hair, wearing her fresh off Edna Modes runway look. Studying herself in the vanity mirror, she can’t help but giggle as her mind wanders to the stories her dad would tell of heroes readying themselves for battle.  

“The school year is looking to be one filled with surprises for Auradon royals!” Giggles Helen of Troy as she tosses her auburn locks over her shoulder from the television. “With the opening of the barrier being the topic on everyone’s lips!” 

What a battle it would be.

“Don’t forget, Helen, they’re also talking about the switcheroo that took place soon after the cotillion.” 

The silence that falls over the room is nearly suffocating. A topic that she had avoided for the past week was here at full force. Looking through the mirror she sees Lucy's eyes glued to the screen as she wrings a scarf. “Hey, Lucy, do you think I should tie my hair up?” She calls hoping to distract. 

“Uh,” Lucy looks back towards her eyes wide as she anxiously looks between the screen and Audrey. “It couldn’t hurt to-uh to try something n-new.” She offers something with a weak smile. 

“What do you think, Astrid?” Audrey asks, pulling her hair into a ponytail catching the eyes of the aloof Astrid. Seated in the window trying and failing to seem unbothered. 

“...You look like a farmhand.” She offers with a smirk as she walks towards her taking her brush and combing her hair back into place. 

“Trying something new-”

“She’s a Princess, Lucy, not a Commoner.”

As the pair falls into their familiar pattern of bickering she looks to her best friend. 

Alma can’t stop shaking as she shuffles mindlessly through a jewelry box, eyes unseeing. 

If she hadn’t failed in keeping Ben at her side none of this would have happened.   

Or if she was here instead of running away she could have stopped Ben from being wrapped up by their nonsense. If she hadn’t failed…

Silently, she puts her hand on Alma’s with a small smile. “You need a second?”

With a shaky smile, she shakes her head, “Just need one more piece to add that final touch.”

As suddenly as it came over them it passed, the tension in the room fades as they enter with ease into Audrey’s orbit. This was what she was made for; to protect and to offer a place of rest for her people. That’s why she was chosen.

“Of course,” Helen smirks before looking into the camera with a glint in her eyes. “but that pales in comparison to the news that King Ben has been spotted at Bits and Bobbles shopping for what one source says was an emerald engagement ring.” 

Ice fills her lungs as she swiftly turns to see images of Ben entering a store and leaving with an obvious bag and a wide smile. Her world begins to spin. As more images of Ben and her flash across the screen in what must be slow motion. Wide smiles and warm eyes like they actually enjoyed each other.

 Why didn’t he have given her some warning?! Say something! Anything! Did their relationship mean nothing!?

Suddenly the screen goes black taking them with it. 

“...Audrey everyone’s super excited to have you back!” Lucy quietly offers, coming to sit on an ottoman by her feet. 

“Yes, Jen can’t wait till you see how well Cheer practices have gone.” 

“Who cares what those talking heads have to say anyway?” 

The ache in her chest begins to lift as she nods along with them. Looking up she pulls her shoulders back, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. She was their Queen; she couldn’t let moments like this sway her!

“Of course, who would want a Villain as your queen!?” 

As though she had cursed Queen Belle with eternal sleep; the silence that followed was so deafening. 

Looking at Alma who was avoiding her eyes as she twirls a ribbon, “Well, I mean- when we were trapped,” She whispers looking down at her fingers. “on the Isle. Mal and the others… They really helped us.”

“There’s no way we would have survived without them.” Astrid offers offhandedly from behind. Her heartbeats attempt to burst out of her chest as her friends look away and sing the praises of the witch who stole her Boyfriend and CROWN!

“Are you honestly,” Rising from her seat she pauses till they look her way. “telling me that you’d rather have a vile villain as your queen!”

Silence falls for much too long as she fights the wave of anxiety that begins to climb up. 

“Well…”

As though she had been crushed by a carriage she begins gasping for breath.

“Oh no, Audrey-” Alma croons, her voice sickly sweet pulling her into a hug, dripping with pity. “Astrid didn’t mean it like that!”

“It's King Ben’s choice at the end of the day!” 

“Out!” She gasps out fighting tears as she pushes Alma away. “Just get out!”

“Audrey…” Alma whispers tears in her eyes and that annoying pity!

“Now!” 

As they gather their bags silently meeting each other's eyes before Alma offers, “We’ll wait by the entranceway for you.”

She was only gone for one semester! Is that all it took for her to ursper her position as head of Auradon? One semester! Was that all she was worth to these people! She knew the rules. The hierarchy of the school was a delicate thing anyone can fall out of favor but even so…she had hoped. 

A quiet knock comes from her room door making her jump.

“One moment!” Quickly dabbing at her eyes and blowing her nose before calling, “Come in.”

Silently the door opens to reveal her Grandmother with her maid. Oh no. 

Taking a seat on the loveseat she hands her coat and hat to her maid.

“Darling, Granddaughter…” Her eyes scan over Audrey piercing what little walls she had left.  “What did you do to your hair?”

Pushing her shoulders back and tossing her hair over her shoulder, “Good morning, Grandmother. I was just getting ready for the days activities-“

“Of course,” Tense silence falls as Audrey avoids her eyes. “What exactly have you planned to fix this mess?”

“...Since I took that break…” She begins trying to meet her steely eyes. “I was hoping to talk to him before his speech and after I hoped that seeing each other at events in the coming week could-“

“Do you honestly think that will work?” She scoffs, rubbing her temple. 

“I know Ben,” She pleads her palms, sweating as she goes on. “and he wants what’s best for-“

“What if he says she’s,” Her animosity makes her blood freeze in her veins. “What’s best for Auradon, for the Kingdoms! What then?”

She hadn’t thought that far, her heart was in her throat and her eyes burning as she twisted her fingers trying to clear her thoughts. Everything was falling apart, her friends were more than satisfied with leaving her behind. All those years of planning gone, staring at the floor she fights the tears.

Hearing her grandmother’s exasperated sigh makes her freeze. Her heart seems to match the steady thump of her cane as she draws closer. Suddenly her cold hand lays on her shoulder, “I hope your plan works. I would hate to see you fail...again.” 

Her mouth goes dry as she tries to swallow her shame.“Of course-” The slam of the door cuts her off. “Grandmother.”  

She couldn’t fail.

Eventually. After gathering herself enough, she heads towards Ben's office catching him on his way out looking so charming in his full regalia hair swept to the side, and eyes shining bright. As handsome as the day he broke her heart. 

“Ben! I’m so happy I caught you!”

“Audrey! Wow, you look great!” He laughs pulling her in for a hug that makes her heart skip a beat.

Looking up into his sea-green eyes she can feel herself falling into the familiar pattern of being in his arms. Before he clears his throat avoiding her eyes as he pulls away motioning to his office. Ever the gentleman. 

“Love the new look.” He chuckles, motioning to her hair, as he sits on the arm of the couch.  

“Thanks,” Sitting beside him leaning close in an attempt to meet his eyes again. “Wanted to try something new.” 

“Oh,” He nods, looking over his shoulder before rubbing his neck. “Yeah. With the growing numbers of Isle kids, I’m seeing a lot more colorful hairstyles” 

Time seems to crawl at a snail's pace as she waits for him to say something, Disprove the rumors. Tell her that he and Mal were done. That he realized what a mistake it was to date a Villian. Anything to prove what they shared wasn’t nothing.

Silence.

A fire grows in her chest as she watches him awkwardly avoid her eyes.

“Are you really proposing to her? 

The tension in the room snaps as he whips around to meet her eyes. Mouth agape he gasps, “Audrey-

“I thought it was just a small fling.” Jumping up to her feet letting them take her around the room. “Just one last hurrah before we got pre-engaged and moved on then your crowning happened and...I needed space.”

“A whole semester…” He rises walking towards her.

“Fine, A lot of space.” Rushing forward she grabs his hands pulling him towards her. “Then cotillion, then you guys got switched and I just kept missing my chance to-“

“Audrey, we weren’t happy.” Oh, Oh No. “Our parents decided that an engagement between the two of us was the best and we just said fine.”

“How can you say we weren’t happy!?” 

“We weren’t. Not really!”

“You can’t tell me how I felt.”

“Every time we were together we talked about our future as rulers of all of Auradon.” He slowly pulls his hands away, giving her his back as he goes on. “Or what we had planned for Auradon or what we need in Auradon.” 

“We are Royals,” Her heart in her throat as she whispers to his back. “We need to keep our focus on our people. 

“Even when we’re alone on a date?!” He seethes turning back to her arms thrown wide. “We never saw each other as boyfriend and girlfriend; it was always our Future and the kingdom. Never Ben and Aubrey.”

Silence falls as his words fill every corner of the room, where was this coming from!? Why!?

“So what do we do now, just let five or no, six years of work go down the drain.” What about the alliance, what about their plans!? 

“...I know about Chad.” As if lightning had struck she froze, Why now!? “I guess it's more I know about-”

“It was a child’s crush!” Her face blazes with heat as she takes his hands. “I was twelve years old!”

He looks down at her with an exasperated expression. “You’ve never looked at me like that! You’ve never laughed with me or talked with me like you do with him.”

The way he was looking at her Like she was some pitiful sad creature. The fact that he wasn’t even holding her hand just allowing her to cling to him. He was already gone. For how long she couldn’t tell but she had to know... 

In a whisper, she asks, “What does she have that I don’t?”

“Audrey-”

“Is it her hair!?” She asks, tossing hers over her shoulder, pulling on his hand as he tries to pull away. “Is it her messed up childhood!?” She can see the pity morph into something harder. Good.  “Her ability to turn a simple comment into a degrading attack! What is it, Ben!?”

After a beat he looks into her eyes, “She sees me. Not my crown or my Duty, she just sees me.” 

Oh. The fire in her chest gets doused with something akin to shame. As she drops her eyes to the floor. She can feel his eyes. That sticky feeling of pity being left in their wake, she knows it all too well following Ben’s coronation. How conversation would stop once she entered a room and quiet whispers would follow as she passed. How no matter who she talked to Royal or otherwise she was an object of pity.

“Your Highness,” Lumiera calls from the doorway.

It was happening again. She was going to lose everything to some rude evil Villain. Everything. Gone.

On reflex, she grabbed his hand finally looking up into his eyes. She saw that horrible sheen of pity but something was hidden just behind it...Guilt. With a watery smile, she walked past him and whispered, “See you soon, Benny bear.”

The way his eyes widened as he for the first time looked at her. She felt something click in place. Guilt. Was it because he hadn’t ever mentioned his concerns about their relationship? Or could it be because he hadn’t thought about the alliance? It didn’t really matter…

Guilt...She could work with that.

In some bedroom at some party

One week.

One cursed week.

One week of playing the part of the villainous leader; who secretly wants all this to fail because she’s just sooo evil and bored.

One week of backhanded compliments, and fielding in-depth questions about the security of the Isle. Learning all the overly contrived social rules of Auradon royals. Of hiding behind a loud and brash mask that they think you can’t hear their snide remarks.

‘ “I can’t believe she’s wearing that dress again!? And those shoes!?”

“Well, Her kingdom is falling apart and that’s why her father’s pushing for more money for the Countryside.”

“You can take the commoner out of the country but you can't take the country out the-.”

“Oh, Darling! We’re so happy that you're here! Come, Sit! Your outfit is so retro chic!”   

Watching Rei work was eye-opening, to say the least. The way she was able to breed the feeling of heartfelt fear and adoration in one breath was awe-inspiring. She does her part playing her cards close as she acts the part of the concerned upperclassmen who only wants the best for all. 

Pearl looking over her socials, a bubbling socialite, but clamming up around her. 

There’s more to it she can feel it. 

‘We know our conversation that night was weird but like it was just us venting! We want to make this as smooth as possible for all the new members of our Auradon family. ’

Wide smiles and empty eyes. Quiet whispers between the two when the clique is gossiping about nothing. 

The last night before the official beginning of the school year. Here she sits fresh off the dance floor, wearing very cute high slits in dark blue with waist detailed cutouts. One of the few perks is putting Gil to work making eye-catching outfits.  At the last party of the summer break; which is completely different than the last ten parties, she's been to because this one was invite-only. 

She just needs a small break, just a moment to take off the masks and be.

As she sits in a sparse room tucked into some corner of some fool's mansion, the muffled canned laughter and overly bright music seem to grow louder, her head beginnings to ache. The smell of dust and dank reminding her of her mother's storeroom when she would slip away for just a moment to breathe. 

Rolling her shoulders she can hear the door open from behind her. Taking a breath she pulls her shoulders back and downs her drink. 

“I wanted to take a moment and rest my feet.” Probably one of Rei’s goons ordered to keep an eye on her. “What couldn't last a minute without me?” She croons keeping her tone haughty. 

“I told you to wear the wedges!” Gil’s voice chides coming through the noise. “Stilettos are hellish on small ankles.” 

With a gasp, she turns to see Gil walking towards her. Her facade cracking like her voice as he pulls her in. “Gil…”

“I’m Iridessa’s plus one.” He whispers into her hair with a chuckle. “Me and Harry were worried about you. He...he thinks it's a lot of and I quote ‘Ripe Bollocks’.”

She knew. Every night for this past week he waits in her room with warm blankets and warm drinks. Silently begging her to rethink her plan as he complains about his day accent heavy as he pulls her close. “What about you?” 

“Me?” Gil sighed, pulling her into his lap as he took a seat on the bed. “I’m concerned. You’re  eating less and have like zero patience.” Laying her head on his chest she wonders when his voice became so calming. “But I know how important this is…” Sitting in his lap she can feel the tension from the past week begin to melt away. “Yeah, I’m worried. I don’t want you to put too much on yourself again. So this time I’ll make sure you won’t do this alone.”

Pushing her face further into his chest swallowing the scream building in her gut. She knew they were afraid of her cracking again, of her falling apart. She was too. She can still hear her mother's voice. Like jellyfish stingers wrapped around her brain sending jolts of anger and anxiety when she’s at her lowest. 

“I can’t just stop!” She growls. “I need to see this through.” Gil's arms pull her closer as he sighs. “It’s felt like this week has been nothing but a waste. I’ve only learned that Auradon social circles are just flooded with piranhas. And they’re really quick to eat their own.”

“Ah, The whole Audrey situation.”

Of course, Gil would be up on the school gossip. 

“Yes, the dethroned future queen, if we're not talking about how sad and desperate she looks. We’re talking about the Isle’s security.”

“Our Security?”

“Mmhmm, they want to know things like ' What would you guys do if there was a surprise attack or a sudden war?’ .”

 “Not very subtle…”

She can’t help the cackle that escapes her at Gil’s astute observation. 

“I think they're looking for what we used to lower the barrier in the first place. Rei wants to have a sparring match. No holds barred-As friends. Ugh.” While she rants she turns in Gil's lap to lay her back to his chest wrapping his arms around her waist. “I’m not that dumb! While Pearl and co. keep bringing up Ben and Mal like it should irritate me!? Which it does-I'm tired of seeing that little plastic princess!”

“And we can’t just tell them about the balance?”

“Remember our ‘Goodness’ classes?” At his slow nod, she waits for him to process the memory.  

“The Balance is a fickle being of unlimited power to just tell a magic starved populace of this well of power...it could lead to unforeseen dangers.” 

“You mean, like the children of those trapped behind a magical barrier uprooting you from your way of life and taking your place. And then planning to wreak havoc across the many lands in a twisted form of reparation. 

“...Yes.”  

“So what are they after?” Gil wonders as he rubs his cheek against her hair. 

While Harry was a good cuddler Gil was on another level. Just enough squeezes and just enough space. “Hades only knows…”

“Do you think they want to use you to make Ben and Mal break up?”

“Wha-”

“Like, the way they ignore Aubrey unless Ben or Mal are nearby. That has to suck.” 

That was true. She can still hear Rei chiding one of her groupies to give Aubrey space, ‘Imagine if you lost your fiance to a-Ugh, Villain. No offense, Uma.' 

“I remember Dr.Feelgood  said when facing a new event, positive or negative, you should reach out for your support.”

“Right,” Uma can’t help the shocked tone that escapes her as she twines their fingers together. “ Okay.”

“So they’re taking away Aubrey’s support, making her feel really bad. Like, imagine if I had come over here by myself I’d be so lonely and so uh, what's the word-”

It hits her like a sword to the temple. It was right there in front of her the whole time. “Vulnerable. They want her to snap.”  

“Well, I think I was looking for more like super sad but yeah if they’re looking for a villain maybe they’re gonna make one.”

Make one!? Was that their plan? They hadn’t made any leeway with her. They kept her at such a distance it made sense they were after someone more easily controlled.

“We need to go,” Uma whispers, jumping up. Grabbing her shoes, tossing them over her shoulder. 

“Uh, Why?” Gil asks, following behind her swiftly as they move through the crowded hall.

“I need to check something.”

 The music seemed to be lowered to a hush as they approached the main hall of the party. The scent of overly sweet punch combined with the floral perfumes brings her headache back with a roar. Finally, she sees them like a pack of piranhas flitting on the water edge eagerly waiting for the first drop of blood. 

“Do you think that we should say something?” A quiet voice whispers from behind her. 

“Rei said that showing her pity won’t help and...She's kinda obsessed.” 

Rei...It seemed was working hard. At first glance you may think Jane was the head of the  stands at the head of the group but if you have an eye for it you’d see just behind her was the puppet master.

Scanning the group she's moving through the crowds no doubt offering advice on how to “help” Audrey. 

“Go find Iridessa and tell her to come to my room when she leaves.” 

“Oh okay...You okay?”

“Yeah,” Planting a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks, Gilly.”  

Smiling at his blank face turning a bright shade of red as he runs to find Iridessa. She turns to meet Rei’s questioning gaze. Time to get some answers.

“Rei, We need to talk.”

“I know manners are still new to you Uma but... I can’t just drop everything because you-”

“If you want to talk about your little plan,” Uma offers, making sure to be loud enough to be heard by those across the room. “Out in the open.” Behind her eyes, Uma can see the seething angry growing. She can’t help the smile that splits her face. “I’m game.”

“Fine.” 

“Rei-” Pearl whispers, pulling on her hand.

“It's fine. I’ll be back.” 

Stepping aside, Uma lets her lead the way to one of the many open balconies. Passing her Uma takes in the glittering lights of Auradon golden hills. The leaves in the distance are just beginning to change. The night air is crisp and chilling carrying the scent of apple cider and spices to her nose. 

“So,” Rei sighs. “what is it?”

“I was just wondering why a smart girl like you is so eager to make villains show their ‘true colors'.”

“I already told you, silly!” She giggles into her virgin bloody mary the sound raking across her brain. “That was a misunder-”

“And why go through the trouble of creating a Villain when you have one before you?” 

She pauses mid-sip swiftly cutting her eyes towards Uma, her mask slipping an inch, eyes dancing with curiosity and that all too familiar hunger. Leaning against the railing Uma watches Rei pull the doors close behind her.

A quiet whisper leaves her, “What do you know?”

Truth or Bluff. She was tugging on the line. The question is how much of a fight will she put up. Meeting her eyes, the hunger reflected back is blatant. She wasn’t looking for a fight, she was looking for a partner.  

Both.

“Enough. You aren’t exactly quiet with it. Audrey looks ready to snap any day now. I only have two questions. One, why waste time with a huge maybe? Two, can I watch?”

Silence falls for a whole minute as her words take root.

“A maybe!?” She cackles, wrapping her arms around her sides. “Oh please! She is a sure thing.” She lifts her head, her green eyes catching the moonlight in a way that screams madness. “Have you ever seen a more pathetic person!? And to think she was going to be our queen!? Her!? Someone who can’t even withstand a single blow to her social status.” 

Watching her rant and transform into this bitter creature felt satisfying and unsettling at the same time.

“They were all more than willing to sit back and be fat cats basking in the adoration of the blind common folks. Completely blind to our true path!” She growls through her teeth stepping to Uma’s side. “Till you.”

“Oh?”

“You made them see that their precious barrier could only do so much. They thought if they trapped all their fears and monsters-“ Her body only betrays her in small ways. A twitch here as she pushes her hands through her auburn, almost blood red, spiked hair.  A tremble there as she dusts her floor-length dark purple gown. “And-and evil on the Isle they be safe! And you showed them they can’t. ” If not for those minute movements. You’d think she wasn’t a step away from pure madness. 

She was right. But why did it feel like an insult?

“But they still want to hide their heads in the sand. They don’t want to step up and become true heroes...When I heard they were going to lower the barrier and bring over any willing citizens. I saw an opportunity...”    

“For true heroes.”

“Yes!” She whispers a wide maniacal smile grows across her face. “ You can’t have Heroes without Villains! Charity work and upkeep of your kingdoms don’t create heroes. Defeating a villain! Saving a town or village! That is when you become a hero.”

“And Audrey?”

“They’re weary of her. She’s old news, Mal has our little King wrapped around her finger.” Scoffing, she goes on. “Those fat cats can’t see their obvious failings. They’re latching on to the next shiny thing and ignoring the growing rot underneath them.”

“ Rot…” Rot was something she understood well. If she spotted a rotten board in her mother's shop that meant the whole wall needed to go.  Rot meant it was deep, a weakness that's been there for a while. Hidden away and grown larger than what you see. What exactly was brewing in Auradon?

Cutting her eyes with a small smile she licks her lips. “There are more of us who are tired of this boring facade. Who wants more! Aubrey is the first of many stones we need to build a bridge to our marvelous future.” 

Welp. This is looking more and more like this wasn’t an Isle problem. One of the many bright sides of the Isle a seedy Underbelly doesn’t exist because everyone showed their worst at all times. But Auradon, it seemed, had no idea how rotten their hull was.

“So...you want to do what, exactly?” 

“I know how to destroy a villain.” She says with a wink before turning towards Uma. “I know the basics of creating one, Surprisingly easy,  but I don’t know how to control one.”

“You want me to play babysitter?” Uma stares quizzically at her. 

“More along the lines of helping her understand.”  

“With your abundant knowledge,” She explains, rolling her eyes, She pauses at the sudden quiet from the hall. “I’m sure you know how hard it is to make a villain do what you like if they aren’t interested-”

“No worries, we have a backup when she goes off-script.”

Silence falls as she stares in wait, but Rei only smiles as she sips. 

“Once everything falls into place,” A sudden cry tears through the night.  “I’ll tell you more but first...we need our villain.” Nodding to Audrey’s form running in obvious distress towards her car.

As they reenter the party Pearl runs over trying to and failing to secretly tell Rei what happened. But it wouldn’t take some genius to put the pieces together. Ben was talking to the host, while Mal was looking remorseful as she twisted Ben’s Ring...They probably love bombed her once Mal came in, she took one look at the ring and their color-coordinated outfits and snapped.  

Watching Rei’s goons comforting Mal with empty words and platitudes make the small joy of final learning something turn to sand in her gut.

“We’re close.” Rei sings songs while giggling.

Catching Iridessa’s concerned eyes from across the room she gives her a small nod. Turning back to Rei she pauses, grabbing a flute of some bubbly drink from a passing butler. Her hungry was on full display as she watched Mal. This wasn’t an Isle problem, at all. If their little plastic princess couldn’t protect her people, that's on her. Her Job was making sure this little fungus problem keeps their little hands off the Isle.

“Hurray.”

Chapter Text

Iridessa Age 12/ Cinderellaberg

The scent of cinnamon and coffee fills the air around her as she sits in a high-end cafe. It settles in her lungs as she avoids the eye of the cautious barista as she nurses her third now chilled refill. 

One more time. Just one more time then-  

Suddenly the quiet hush of the cafe is broken by the clamor of a group of brightly dressed girls. Their bottle blonde hair piled high, their mid-thigh skirts flying as they glide past the scent of firewood and high-end perfume in their wake. The way the crowds part for them, as though they had every right to be there…is breathtaking. 

“Get the side booth, Bethany!” one calls out from the front.

“Ugh, fine!” Bethany groans grabbing the booth behind her. The one just out of the way of the staff but the perfect spot to gawk at the hot baristas and freaks that walk in. 

One more time. 

Abruptly she rises bumping into Bethany.

“Oh no, I'm so sorry. Here let me-”

“It's fine.” She scoffs pulling her hand back. “Just let go.”

Swiftly she walks past heading to her friends not noticing her missing bracelet or rings. Hurrying into the bathroom she looks at her reflection her skin smudged her hair dirty yet pulled into a high ponytail. Her outfit is a mash-up of her mother's and father's hand-me-downs too big and too small. 

One more time.

“Aidez-moi à ressembler à l'un d'entre eux…”

She can smell the roses from her mother's garden engulf her as she shuts her eyes. Her mother's words whisper in her ear, ‘Trust in your magic and it will never fail.’

Opening her eyes she sees her new form, her skin glistening as though it was kissed by the dew, and her hair seems to sparkle each silver strand catching the light just so. Her outfit is every bit a young rich, perfectly fit, royal of Chinderellaburg. Wiping her hand down the skirt watching the tulle shift and dance across her knees. One more time that's all she needs.

She can’t help the smile that creeps on her face as she whispers to the bangle, “Lifelong friends till the moment ends.” 

Stepping out of the bathroom she heads to the table. 

“Bethany, I couldn’t find your earrings. I found your ring though,” she explains tossing her hair over her shoulder. 

 A moment passes as the spell takes hold, “ ‘Dessa, dont worry bestie! I probably left them in Dylan’s car.”.

“Hurry up and sit down. Evans is coming out.”

That's how the afternoon passes the girls would fawn and preen over baristas, talking about the drudger of their school life. Her nerves fade as she finds the rhythm of the group finding the best time to offer advice or when to laugh at snide comments. She finally belonged.  

Gathering up her sandwiches and bottled drinks she follows them out the door. Eyes follow them as they make their exit, their jealousy making each step smoother. Saying their goodbyes as everyone gets into their cars, a stone settles in her stomach. As Bethany turns to her, “You wanna ride with me, ‘Dessa? We can stop at Berry Special.” A wide smile on her glistening lips as she bumps shoulders with her. 

This was always the hardest part. 

“Would love to,” She pauses as more stones are added. “but I’ve gotta stop at my parents first.”

“Right-” Silently Iridessa touches her shoulder interrupting her. 

“You were my favorite, Bethany. Bittersweet it may be our moment ends, mon ami.” 

Swiftly Iridessa turns grabbing her wrist as she runs away leaving Bethany to come back to reality, her best friend since nursery with the silver locks and sassy retorts gone. 

When she finally makes it home to the hovel in the forest scape, her outfit slowly falls away to reveal her true form. The outcast, the dingy one that sits in the back and watches. The unwanted. Pausing outside her cave she feels her chest tightening and her eyes burning…dropping she pulls her knees to her chest and just lets go. Later when her mother finds her and sees her sack full of sandwiches alongside the expensive bangle she just knows…

That night as her mother brushes and oils her scalp she tells her. “Mon Coeur, hiding parts of yourself to make you more appealing to others. Will make it harder to know if they like you for you. At the end of the day, you need to ask who am I when they aren’t there, and do I like the person I've become.”  

//            //           //

The air smells of floral perfume and stringent soap, clinging to the cobblestones and tightly pressed bodies of the Auradon students. Only four hours earlier Ben had gotten down on one knee in all his cheesy glory and proposed to Mal. Pushing through the crowd gripping her staff tighter, She heads to the Council's room. An urgent council meeting they commanded, Ha.  

She can still hear the deep soul-tearing cry that tore through the air but was quickly swallowed by the cheering crowd. Maybe it was due to her growing connection to the Balance or maybe she had always been a sensitive soul? It took so much of her strength to follow Uma’s orders and let Rei and her minions ‘deal’ with Audrey. 

“Iridessa!” Gil’s voice calls out above the passing crowd..

Waiting for him to catch up, she scans the crowds watching as they pass, laughing and smiling.  Audrey had placed so much hope in them yet so quickly forgot her. Disgusting.

“Sorry,” He gasps, leaning on his knees. “J-Just got the uh-message. Wh-What’s it about?”

“Don’t know just that it's urgent…” Another gaggle of students pass giving them wide breadth. A heavy sigh exits her lungs at the cautious eyes breath she meets his eyes. “Do you think it’s about…” Trailing off she waits for Gil to decipher her silent question. That was on all their minds. How many of them were planning their sabotage? 

“...I’d be surprised if they don't bring it up.” He sighs, rubbing his neck as he looks around. “Do you think we’re ready?”

“No.” She bluntly states tossing her staff on her shoulders before spinning toward the door. Smirking as the students duck out of her way. Ha. “I don’t think theirs a way to prepare to be told you’re less than trash.” 

After a beat, Gil sighes, “Right.”

There goes her slightly lifted mood as the light in Gil’s eyes darkens with resignation. Before she even has a chance to decipher what has taken its place the newly engaged couple enters the hall. A fire of indignation and anger burns the new feeling to cinder as they grow closer.

“Let’s go.” Iridessa whispers her hackles rising as they grow closer. “We need to talk to Uma.”

Entering the expansive and heavily decorated room, makes her stomach twist. The large marble circular tables and stained glass windows are decorated with the heroes of Auradon’s past and their country's flags. Give off a regal air that makes you think for a second it's not all shallowness and bragging rights that hold the country together.

“You're late.” Uma states scanning some papers as they approach her side. Less than half the seats in the hall are filled.The other leaders mill about and chat, eyeing them with barely hidden disdain.  

“They sent out the call like ten minutes ago.” Iridessa scoffs, slumping into one of the two chairs behind Uma. One for ambassador, one for an advisor.  

“We hurried here though.” Gil offers. His voice is soft as he leans over her chair. The way Uma visibly relaxes as he boxes her in with his arms. If one were simply looking at the pair, so close, so intimate as Uma's fingers caress his jaw. The look they shared would make anyone think they were more than just, captain and crew. A small smile crosses her face as she thinks of the stink Harry will kick up once they take the next step.

“At least you're here now.” She sighs patting Gil's cheeks with a strained smile clicking her tongue she goes on. “It's happening.”

Snapping her attention, Iridessa rushes to her side. “How sure?” Iridessa whispers as Ben and Mal enter the room. Drawing the milling crowd, her stomach roils at their congratulations and faux excitement.

“...About 90%,” Uma answers as she taps the sheets in front of her. “They’re cutting funding to the center-”

“Again!?” Gil growls, grabbing the top sheets whatever he sees makes his brow furrow and teeth grind as his face grows darker. “We can barely keep the light on with this!?” His voice grows louder as he tosses the sheets on the table.  There were moments rare where Gil showed just a flash of his villainous blood.

Some royal’s eyes stay glued on the trio, a stomach-twisting hunger in them.

“Quiet,” Uma growls through her teeth, grabbing his hand. Motioning them closer they squat beside her chair, ignoring the glares of those who were walking past to their seats. “I’m gonna need cool heads. They're gonna be pricking us like a group of sea urchins, expecting us to snap.”

A trap with such obvious bait. “They’re looking for a reason to shut it all down.”

`

“Another one, you mean,” Gil whispers his voice heavy and drained the anger gone, replaced with that same sad resignation.  

Her stomach twists as she realizes she was bearing witness to the shining beacon of hope,  Gil, son of Gaston, and Second only to Harry, losing faith. In the hope that these Auradon royal bastards will finally see them as human. In making this idea work for everyone. 

“...Hey.” Uma urges, tugging on Gil’s curl concern in her eyes. “We’re Good. We’ve got our hands in more than one treasure chest. The Isle will be safe.”

“Right…” He whispers after a beat, bringing her hand to his lips. “And we’ll keep you safe.”

Her heart grew warmer at the sight of their comfort in one other. Their relationship didn’t need a label, it just worked. Suddenly a bell chimed the last of the crowd moving to their chairs, time for their little group huddle to end.  

Ben and Mal take their seat at the center edge of the round table. 

“Thank you all for your well wishes and congratulations!” Ben smiles wide as he addresses the room. “I believe this school year and all that comes after has a chance to transform our entire way of life. With the integration of Isle students and the rebuilding of the countryside and renewed investment in our common folks. I see a bright future. One, open to all types of new opportunities.” 

Ugh. Spoken like a truly privileged man. No thought to those he hurt to get here just that he had good intentions. His speech fades to a buzzing droll as her focus shifts to Mal. A soft smile on her face as she studies the gaudy purple gem on her finger. Studying her she can almost pinpoint the moment Audrey’s words reply in her mind. 

‘ “How does it feel to take what was never yours.” She whispers from the pink plush settee. Her nails grip the backing so tightly you can see the tears beginning in the silk exterior.  Her eyes empty as she looks at Mal. “Silly me! How could I forget that's all you villains know how to do? You bespelled him. Made him fall in love with you. What was it for again,” A chill falls over the small room as her venomed-filled words kill any other conversation. “That’s right...To bring about the fall of Auradon.”  

“Audrey-” Mal began, eyes wide as she moved forward. 

“We should get going,” Rei interjects pulling Audrey against her side with a smile on her lips that if you were to glance you’d miss how it didn’t reach her eyes. “It was lovely meeting you, your highness.” As Audrey's shrinking form leaves the room the ache that gripped Iridessa’s heart is painful in a familiar way. It swiftly changed to anger as those Audrey once called friends hurried to Mal’s side in an attempt to erase her harsh words.’ 

She fought against the guilt as Ben turned towards her saying something about their union being a symbol of the future. A frown here or an anxious hair pull there. She was almost as easy to read as Harry. 

“Here, Here!” A deep voice loudly cheered. His midnight black hair and dark eyes complement his chestnut brown skin. “Stepping forward is of course our main concern...But forgetting our past could be well...detrimental.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Gil pause with his drink mid air. She can hear Uma’s teeth grinding her as Ben silently takes a seat beside Mal. The tension rises in the room as his words fill the space. “In what way, Sir Kyle of Camelot?” 

“Well, with those Villains,” The disgust was blatant on his face as he went on. Anger boils in her gut he had no right to judge-A sudden chill travels down her spine as she looks towards Gil. This was one of those moments where she can see every bit of his villainous blood. A shadow falls over his face as he stares at the floor, his anger rolling off him in waves. “held on that Isle. No security. No proper plan. No Account-”

The sound of glass shattering interrupts his rant. Aries be damned. Swiftly moving towards Gil’s shrunken form she sees the cup he had held in shards some embedded in his hands most on the ground. His caramel eyes glazed over as he met her gaze, He was done. 

“Uh,” A quiet voice from across the table trembles. “Does he need-”

“Iridessa.” Her voice was barely above a whisper but her command heard loud and clear.

“On It.” She whispers back, scanning her mind for a fast-acting healing spell. 

“We could postpone-”

“Please, Don’t mind us.” Uma sneers with a flash of teeth. The sound of her chair tilting back echoes in the silence. “Continue, Sir Kyle.”

“Haha, What I think,” A soft feminine voice interjects, Bridget of South Riding. “Kyle means our main concern is the uh- insurance of protection when the villains escape.”

“What.” Mal’s glowered from beside Ben. “Does that mean?”   

“How can you protect us from..well, you?” 

As she pushed her magic into Gil’s wounds the sound of glass shards hitting the floor are the only sound in the room. Their words seem to fill her lungs. Stifling her as she struggled to take a breath. They were trapped out at sea with limited supplies and knowledge frantic to reach dry land. While these pompous fools were destroying lighthouses and building walls out of fear! 

“Iridessa…” 

Snapping her eyes up she meets Gil’s gaze, concern shines in them as he takes her hands.  

“I’m good.”

Swallowing around the lump in her throat she nods. They would make it through this...They had too much at stake. 

“We thought the barrier was impenetrable only to find out that by pleading to the right god-”

“If I may?” A gentle voice interrupts from Ben’s side. Fairy Godmother steps forward with a strained smile on her lips and her wand in hand.

“I realize it was shocking, to say the least when we were suddenly placed on the Isle. But it needs to be said that the Balance is older than any deity in the seven kingdoms.”  

Waving her wand a bright light flies out and sits high above the table. Showering it in sparkles as four bright figures appeared. 

“Our true beginning was lost to history but of this, we are sure. There were four beings whose power was all-encompassing and terrifying; wielding light and dark, water and fire in a single being. And each wished to be in control of our world. We aren’t sure exactly what happened next,” The figures shift through different poses as she goes on. “a war, an agreement, or maybe a bet. We only know that The Balance came into being by taking their powers and spreading them throughout our world. Bestowing powers and abilities onto those it deemed fit. Creating beings imbued with either elemental powers or the powers of light or darkness.” 

“Balance?” She scoffs, titling her nose up. “What will be next ‘the Scales’? ‘The Barometer’?” Other members of the council chuckle at her crude joke. “How convenient you have all sorts of magical excuses for your mistake.” 

Every day she spent in that cave. Every step she took to achieve her goal that drove her through each hardship. To clear her mother's name and drag Fairy Godmother through the mud. But standing there watching the pompous crowd cackle and mock her...It only left her cold.

“The only mistake made was hiding our history in hopes of burying a part of us that is inherent in us.” 

 She freezes at her words and recognizes them after hearing them daily for nearly 17 years. ‘We can’t blame them for their fear. The Balance is something few understand and many seek out.’ 

“Which is why I’m so excited to announce that we will be having a new course, ‘The Balance and You.’, Taught by Ashnah, The changeling Fairy!”

Wait, What!?

“What? The Changeling Fairy!?” A deep voice calls from behind.  

“So we’re bringing every bit of the dredge of our society into our inner circle?” A soft voice asks somehow loud enough to reach Mal’s and Iridessa’s ears.

Their words fell on deaf ears as her attention stayed focused on the fact that they would be teaching about the Balance which meant...   

“Your previous warnings…” Uma offers her eyes shuttered and faces blank as she leans forward tapping the table. 

“ I was scared. I didn’t know what would happen if someone were to tap into Balance and harm our world but...Ashnah reminded me Ignorance is more dangerous than someone who knows of the danger.”

“Fine,” Bridget acknowledges with a sigh. “A class to learn about this balance. The problem is still this rehabilitation program! These Villains don’t want to change. They're going to be waiting with bated breath for the first sign of weakness to storm our shores. Any support for this project will only come back to hurt us in the end.”

How dare she!? They cut the budget! They want them housed on the Isle! They’re the ones who-

A giggle begins in Uma’s throat drawing the eyes in the room. It grows louder, becoming a cackle as Gil comes to her side filling her cup of water. The tense in the room rises as she laughs, arms wrapped around her sides. 

“Uma…” Ben asks as she takes her water pausing as she lifts her finger, gulping down the entire glass. “What is it?”

She lowers her glass, giggling as she looks around the room pausing a beat on Bridget.

“I just found it hilarious,” She finally remarks. “That when we last met her Kingdom was the final vote against increased funding for our project. For you know, security and supplies.” At Uma’s words, her face blooms a bright red. “And Sir…Kyle, right? Well, you said that our little project needed a better program and message.Then, ‘just we want you to be better.’.” His eyes suddenly found an engrossing spot on the table.

“So we did.” She continues placing her chin on her hand with a sigh. “We rewrote our plan, for the hundredth time, with new budgets, new lessons, and Security measures and backup systems.” The silence that fell came with a chill as the pompous members avoided Umas gaze.  “Only for you blowhards to shoot right through it. For No. Reason. At all.”

“The safety of-”

“I’m not finished.” Uma scolds, flashing her teeth, her chair screeching as she jerks out of her chair. Silence falls as she sighs and moves towards the exit. Oh, Swiftly Iridessa hurries after her, taking in the shock and awe on many of their faces. The anger mixed with a hefty dose of fear. To think she wanted to be them. “You can say whatever you want. Do whatever you want.” Turning back towards the group with a smirk. “No matter what scraps you toss our way, we'll make this work. We’ve had less and survived.”

“Uma…” Fairy Godmother whispers hands grasped in front of her worries plain on her face. 

“No worries,” She announces loudly a half bow to the crowd. “We don’t break our promises or Create loopholes to get out of them. Auradon will be safe from the Isle...As long as the Isle is safe from Auradon.”

Offering a nonchalant wave Uma walks out, Iridessa and Gil falling in lockstep. They did it. Well, Uma did it. But still, they showed how little their lack of faith meant to them.

Walking across the darkening courtyard the sun lowering behind them, her adrenaline fades. The gravity of the day hit her slowly, they had no power and quite possibly had lost what little ground they had gained in the Grand Council. 

“I need the two of you to spread the word...We’re having a feast.”

“Uh, What?” Iridessa falters.

“Just on the forest edge outside the school grounds, Bridge side. Isle only.”

“You uh, sure?” Gil whispers, rubbing his neck.

Suddenly stopping, Uma looks at them, before exclaiming. “You didn’t hear anything I said in there!? We’ve been dealt shittier cards before we’ll make it past this. Besides we have a trump card…” 

“Wait, wha-”

“We know their dirty little secret.” 

A secret… 

“Right.” Gil agrees, nodding along with a pensive gaze. “And for those of us who don’t remember exactly what that secret is…”

Of course! Rei and her little plan for Auradon. If they can turn the table on her, and make a villain plan…well they’d be heroes in the eyes of all. The saviors of Auradon, it's hilarious!

Rolling her eyes Uma walks away, “Let’s go, Gilly.” 

“I’m just asking!”

Laughing as she follows the pair her thoughts go back to the first time she went to the Isle. How it had felt for the first time she didn’t feel like an outcast. Like she needed to morph into someone else to fit in. How she just felt like she had found a place for the riff-raff and outcasts. The Isle was her home where she belonged and she would protect it with her life.