Chapter Text
“Wow.”
Mal can feel her cheeks bleed with slight embarrassment as she opens her dorm door to Evie standing in front of her with a wide eyed expression. Soft eyes run over Mal’s form and lips turn into a gentle smile as Evie shakes her head in amazement. Both girls stand there in stunned silence as they look each other over; Evie feels her palms grow slick with sweat as she takes in the purple beaded dress, Mal’s locks twisted into a perfectly messy bun and her full lips are pulled into a devilish smile. As she stands before her girlfriend, Evie feels as if she is under dressed in her blue gown, her dark locks curled to perfection and her favorite tiara tucked into the blue waves. Somehow, her designer gown doesn’t hold a candle to how beautiful Mal is.
“You look amazing, Mal.” Evie whispers.
“Of course I do, you made my dress.” Mal points out with a grin as she reaches out to tuck a strand of hair behind Evie’s ear. “And I have to say, you look just as stunning as you always do.”
“What? Not even a smidge more than usual?” Evie pouts.
“Oh, most definitely more than a smidge. I think I’m gonna be the luckiest person tonight, my arm candy is hot.” Mal smirks as she reaches out to pull Evie into her dorm room. “Are you okay?”
“Why do you ask?” Evie frowns, and her eyes continue to gaze in awe. “Should I not be okay?
“I know how nervous you’ve been about this. I know you want everything to go alright for your brother.” Mal reminds her, and she can’t resist settling her hand on Evie’s toned abdomen. “You’re just as anxious as he is.”
“It’s a big day for him. For all of us. He’s going to be ruling Auradon.” Evie sighs, her eyes go wide as the words seem to dawn on her. “My brother is going to be ruling this kingdom. The same brother who ate grass till we were eight.”
“He ate grass?” Mal laughs.
“Yeah, it was quite a problem for him.” Evie nods as she smiles wistfully. “I can’t believe he’s going to be a king. Everything is going to change after today.”
“Well, you’re always telling me that change is good,” Mal whispers. “Maybe this will be the best thing to happen to Auradon. Maybe he’ll be the best king this kingdom has ever seen.”
Evie giggles as she stares at Mal, “When did you get so optimistic?”
“Probably around the time I started dating a princess.” Mal replies as she continues so stare up at her girlfriend. “We should probably get going. Don’t want to miss the big day.”
Mal grins up at Evie and watches as she hesitates a beat and eventually gives a slow nod. Mal can tell there is something that hangs between them, but she refuses to make them late for this event. Evie has been putting her heart and soul into getting ready for coronation day, and Mal is determined to make sure it’s absolutely perfect. With a soft smile, Mal looks Evie over once more before she pulls away from her touch as she turns to move towards the door. But Evie lingers, and Mal immediately pauses as she looks to her with a worried frown.
“Wait, before we go,” Evie whispers as she pulls Mal back to her. “Ben told me that he’s planning to give Audrey his ring.”
Mal furrows her brow, “Okay?”
“He said that he loves her, that she makes him feel strong.” Evie adds in with a nervous half smile. “You make me feel strong, Mal. And I love you.”
“Evie, can we talk about this in the limo?” Mal chuckles as she reaches out to guide Evie’s chin up. “As cute as I think your rambling is, we’re going to be late if we don’t leave now.”
“Look, I’ve been debating about this for a while,” Evie jumps in as she anxiously licks her lips. “I’ve gone over it a thousand times in the last few days and I just know it’s the right time…”
“Evie,” Mal sighs. “The right time for what?”
“T-To ask you to wear my ring.” Evie mutters, and her breath catches as the words finally escape. “I-I know it’s a lot to ask of you, but it means a lot when you ask someone to wear it. It means that I don’t see myself with anyone but you.”
“We’re kinda young for a marriage proposal, princess.” Mal snorts.
“It’s not a proposal. More like a promise to stay faithful to you.” Evie explains as she shrugs her shoulders. “My mom gave Ben the ring our dad gave her and my grandfather gave me the ring he gave my grandmother when he proposed.”
“I don’t know about this, babe,” Mal mutters as she gives a hard swallow and shifts nervously. “Evie, are you sure you want me to wear it? Are you sure I’m the person you really want to give it to?”
“I’ve never been more sure about anything other than you and I.” Evie admits with a soft grin as she slowly opens her palm to reveal the silver ring. “I just want you to be sure.”
Mal stares down at it and smiles as she thinks of how many times she’s seen Evie twist that band around her finger. She thinks of how many times she has counted the diamonds unconsciously and how she sees Evie kiss it sometimes. That ring means the world to her girlfriend, and the idea that Evie wants her to wear it makes her heart heavy. This ring, this ring that has been passed down to Evie, is something that resembles forever. And forever? Well, Mal never thought she would ever know what forever feels like. Yet here she stands, her heart in someone else’s hands and a ring staring back at her. A ring that promises forever and always.
“I’ve never been sure of much, never needed to be.” Mal whispers as she lifts her gaze to catch Evie’s. “But I’m one hundred percent sure about you. About us. I always will be.”
Evie flashes a blinding smile that causes Mal to sigh happily before Evie gently takes Mal’s hand in her own. With a tender touch, Evie’s thumb drags against each one of Mal’s knuckles as she stares at her with a nervous expression before a loud swallow pierces the air. Mal sucks in a breath of surprise as Evie carefully guides the ring onto her finger, and all Evie can do is stare down at the shining jewelry before she slowly lifts Mal’s hand to press against her lips. Mal feels a sense of peace fall over her, like this is the last piece she has been waiting for. And just like that, Mal opens her heart and allows Evie to burrow inside.
“I love you, Mal.” Evie whispers.
Mal pauses for a beat before a small smile pulls at her lips, “I love you, too.”
The surprise that appears on Evie’s face causes Mal’s heart to break; she has put off saying those words, always hides them behind smothering kisses and embraces that linger longer than necessary. She has choked on them a few times, and almost slipped them out one Saturday morning when Evie was covered in paint and giggling. There has been a million different times to say it, but she just bites her tongue and stays silent. But now? Now, she very well knows there is a possibility she will never stop saying it.
“That’s the first time you’ve said that to me.” Evie hums as she steps towards her girlfriend to press their foreheads together. “I really like the way it sounds.”
“Well, it won’t be the last time I say it.” Mal assures her as she tilts her head up so she can press a lingering kiss to Evie’s lips. “Now, we have to go. Your parents will be upset if you’re not there.”
“Why the rush? It’s not like anything too important is happening.” Evie teases.
“Oh yeah, it’s not like your brother is being crowned king or anything.” Mal smirks as she pulls away from her girlfriend, but Evie catches her as she intertwines their fingers. “Anything else you need to say, princess?”
“Nope.” Evie chirps. “I’m good.”
Mal smiles lovingly at the girl she is lucky enough to call her own before she gives her hand a gentle tug as they leave the dorms and hurry to where the limo is waiting for them. As soon as they approach, the driver flashes Evie a teasing wink as her cheeks flush with embarrassment and pride. The couple clamber into the back of the limo and Evie doesn’t hesitate to reach out and take Mal’s hand back in her own, her thumb brushes lightly over the silver band on her girlfriend’s finger as they stare out the window. The beauty of Auradon seems to whirl past as Mal glances desperately out the window in hopes to at least catch sight of some of the wonderful land that she hasn’t quite yet been able to explore.
“I’ll have to take you out sometime.” Evie muses as she catches Mal’s eager gaze. “We can go horseback riding and I’ll show you around the palace. I think you’ll find that my mother’s art room is quite useful.”
“Your mother has an art room?”
“She does. She doesn’t spend much time in there though, if she’s not with my father then she’s usually in her study. She does love burying herself in a good book at any chance.” Evie smiles as her head ducks. “I think I got that from her.”
“That is true, you do really like to bury your nose in a book when you can.” Mal teases as she leans over to press a gentle kiss to Evie’s temple. “I know I asked already, but…are you sure you’re okay?”
“I am. I really am.” Evie assures her as she lifts Mal’s hand to her lips. “My family is happy and safe, my grades are exceptional, and I have you. Life is perfect.”
“Shh, don’t say perfect. It’s a bad luck word.” Mal scolds as she presses a gentle finger to her girlfriend’s ruby red lips. “Carlos and I don’t use that word, nothing good comes from using the word perfect.”
“Alright, alright,“ Evie chuckles as she pulls Mal’s finger from her lips. “So, maybe it’s not perfect. But it’s pretty great and that’s all that matters. So, yes I’m okay.”
Mal stares at Evie with pure adoration in her gaze before Evie’s breath catches and her eyes flicker over Mal’s head. Immediately, Mal whirls in her seat to stare out the window where the festiveness of the coronation is taking place around them. The people of Auradon crowd the building, everyone is dressed to the nines as they speak amongst themselves. With a hard swallow, Mal tries to calm her growing nerves as she watches everyone spill into the church in order to catch a seat for the big moment. Mal furrows her brow as she turns to see Evie already making a fuss over her hair, the girl’s lips pout as she messes with her tiara. With ease, Mal reaches up to carefully pull Evie’s hands from her blue locks as she smooths them back to perfection.
“Do I look okay?”
“Princess, you look beautiful.” Mal whispers.
“I don’t know why I bother asking you. You have to say I look beautiful.” Evie huffs as she glances anxiously to the staircase where the press waits. “Oh Gods, what if I trip?”
“Evie, do you know how many times I’ve watched you strut your way around campus and not even flinch whenever you brush over a pebble or run into something? You’re going to be perfectly alright.”
“I would feel better if you were going to be there with me.” Evie admits with a small shrug as rubs her lips together once the limo stops. “You sure you don’t want to stand up there with me?”
“Something tells me your parents wouldn’t be too fond of that idea.” Mal teases as she watches their driver climb from the car. “Everything will be fine. The ceremony will happen and then I’ll come find you, okay?”
“Okay.” Evie nods. “Okay. I can do that.”
“Of course you can, princess.”
The door of the limo opens and Evie flashes one last look to her girlfriend before the driver offers his hand, Evie takes it with a thankful smile as she scoots out of the car and turns to help Mal free. Instantly, Mal blinks in shock as she is blinded by the flash of cameras while Evie giggles at her dazed expression. Evie quickly joins her and wraps a protective arm around Mal’s waist as she guides Mal towards their entrance where other couples are walking through. The sound of mixed chatter greets them as they walk into the building, and Evie’s hand finds Mal’s after a moment as they linger where Belle and Adam are waiting patiently alongside Fairy Godmother.
“So, see you after?” Evie grins as she holds tight to Mal’s hand.
“After? I get to stare at you through this whole thing.” Mal reminds her as she squeezes Evie’s hand. “But yes, I’ll see you after.”
Evie reluctantly releases her grasp on Mal’s hand as she is hurried towards the front where her parents are standing. After seeing that Evie is okay, Mal moves to where Carlos and Jay are stood with Dude cradled between them, and both boys quickly beam at her. With a whistle, Mal looks Carlos over and smirks at his appearance. He is cleaned up, not a smudge of dirt or a hint of a bruise. And he looks healthy, his skin glows with happiness and his eyes are bright with wonder and excitement.
“Wow, Mal,” Carlos beams. “You look great.”
For once, she doesn’t disagree. She knows she looks good. She spent an entire evening looking herself over in the mirror, marveling at healed cuts and faded bruises. Her ribs no longer poke from her abdomen and bones that were once broken have healed. For once, she is whole. Her and Carlos are no longer the punching bags that help their parents function. They’re somebody. They have people who love them, friends who care, and an adult always at their beck and call. They finally found safety, and she can’t be any more grateful for it.
“Thanks. I owe it all to Evie.” Mal replies as she pauses and glances to where her girlfriend is chattering to her mother. “So, how long do these things usually last? An hour? All day? Ten minutes?”
“It’s not long.” Jay assures her with a small shrug. “They swear him in, then crown him, Fairy Godmother will bless him, and then we party.”
“Party?” Mal grins. “Evie didn’t mention that.”
“Oh yeah, the coronation parties are legendary. Never been to one, but I heard they’ll go on well into the next day.” Jay chuckles before the sound of trumpets sound. “And the fun begins, ladies and gentlemen.”
The crowd turns to the doors as soft singing fills the air, and the doors swing open to reveal a nervous Ben. Mal hears the sound of Audrey’s soft gasp from behind her, and she doesn’t blame her. Mal watches Ben make the walk down the aisle, his green eyes shine as he stares ahead at his waiting family. Watching him walk past, Mal can’t help but feel a swell of pride as she glances up to see Evie staring at him with the same expression. Mal looks up at Evie and sighs as she takes a moment to realize how her life has turned out; she never thought that the day she was taken from the Isle was the beginning to the life she is living now. She never thought she’d find a safe place to land in this strange place. To her, the idea of finding love in Auradon, of finding anything, never crossed her mind. She had never expected it, but then again she has learned that this place is full of unexpected surprises and she can’t be happier about it.
Evie is everything that she has never dreamed about. Something she never knew she had wanted for herself, she is everything that Mal can see herself building a future around. She can actually picture a future now, and Evie is definitely the main component of it. Her thumb runs over the cool silver on her finger, and her eyes dance down to stare at the beautiful ring. Her heart swells in her chest, the all too familiar warmth runs through her veins as she glances back up to see Evie looking right back at her; Evie lifts a hand before she playfully wiggles her fingers while her eyes cross and her tongue pokes out of the corner of her mouth. Mal stifles a laugh as she hesitates a beat before she finally returns the expression and it causes Evie to giggle, but the sound quickly dies away when Belle flashes her a stern frown.
Fairy Godmother watches as Ben kneels before her with a nervous smile, “Do you solemnly swear to govern the people of Auradon with justice and mercy as long as you shall reign?”
“I do solemnly swear.” Ben nods.
The crown being placed on his head causes a smile to spread across Mal’s face and she doesn’t have to look at her girlfriend to know her expression is being mirrored. Ben, sweet and honest Ben, is now the king. With a faltering smile, green eyes watch as the Fairy Godmother curls a hand around her wand. Mal can’t deny that there is something that tickles at her. A side of her she has been so sure was buried, as she watches Fairy Godmother bring the wand down on each of Ben’s shoulders with a small smile on her face. She manages to push it down, to quell the thought that she is meant to be doing something, and instead focuses on her friend.
“Then it is my honor and my job to bless the new king.”
The grin on Mal’s face is disturbed for a moment as she feels someone shoulder past her, and she watches with a look of puzzlement as dark locks flutter by before a small hand reaches out to snatch the wand from Fairy Godmother’s grasp. Standing in the center of the aisle is a furious Jane, the wand is tight in her hand and tears wet her cheeks. Mal can’t smother her gasp of shock as scoops up the material of her gown and follows the movements of the crowd as they step back to avoid the spouting magic. Jane looks wild, her blue eyes wide with sadness and Mal frowns as she remembers her conversations with this terrified girl.
“Child,” Fairy Godmother demands, a look of horror on her face. “What are you doing?”
“If you won’t make me beautiful then I’ll just do it myself! Bibbidi bobbidi boo!”
The spark shoots through the building and the crowd can only gasp as Jane struggles with the wand, her body flutters left and right. With a look of slight awe, Mal stares helplessly at the wand and feels the familiar burn press at her fingertips. She knows what that wand can do, what kind of power it possesses. As it continues to spray bright lights across the room and people duck for shelter, Mal can feel her body hum with something she had thought she had learned to tame. The desire of evil runs through her veins and Mal can feel her body twitch with silent need as she spares a glance to where Evie is peeking from behind her father’s shoulder, her eyes wide with shock. As Jane continues to turn, Mal sucks in a breath before she steps forward to curl an arm around the girl’s waist as she jerks her to a stop. Jane struggles in her grasp, the two sway with the force of the lightning that explodes from the wand.
Jane holds tight, but Mal is stronger. She taps into that lingering bit of Isle blood, and elbows Jane in the ribs. Finally, Mal manages to pry it from Jane’s grasp and the girl stares with wide, guilty blue orbs at the scene she has caused before she lifts the skirt of her dress and turns to vanish within the depths of the crowd. As Mal stands there, the wand safely in her hand, she can’t help but spare a glance to the crowd that backs away from her out of instinct. Mal swallows hard and looks up to see Evie shove around her father as she stares with wide eyes.
“Mal?” Evie whispers.
Mal licks nervously at her lips as she catches sight of her girlfriend, and Evie looks at her with so much love and understanding. Mal wants to hold onto the wand, the magic inside of her begs to be released. There are so many things she can do, so many things she can change. But nothing matters more to her than the look of fear in soft eyes, she knows she has to give it up. For Evie. With a brief smile, Mal ducks her head as she approaches the Fairy Godmother and offers her the wand with a look of slight hesitance in her gaze.
“I think this is yours.” Mal mumbles.
As the fairy reaches for her wand, a green swirl of smoke rushes through the window and Mal freezes as her eyes widen with terror. She knows what is happening before the crowd can even catch their bearings, she knows her end has come. Her eyes dart desperately towards the window and she knows that one of the blasts has freed her worst nightmare. Mal can feel a familiar tar settle low in the pit of her stomach, it traps her where she stands as she watches the cloud continue to twist towards her. Time seems to bleed away as the cloud settles, and Maleficent appears with a smirk on her face.
“Well,” Maleficent sighs. “Another missed invitation?”
“Mother.”
“Mal, my girl,” Maleficent purrs as her attention flashes to daughter. “Who would’ve thought that you would be planning something so brilliant? This was your idea, am I right?”
“Leave, Mother.” Mal orders as she holds the wand towards the fairy.
“Ah, ah.” Maleficent coos as she taps her scepter against the ground, Mal gasps as the wand is pulled from her hand. “I do believe this belongs to me now.”
“What are you doing here?” Adam demands.
“I saw my daughter,” Maleficent explains. “Oh, how happy she looked on the arm of a princess. A very familiar looking princess.”
Mal whimpers.
“You see, we were simply enjoying the coronation back on the Isle when something wonderful happened,” Maleficent grins as she scans her daughter over. “All of a sudden, the barrier simply disappeared and I realized that there were things that needed to be done.”
“You didn’t answer his question,” Mal whispers as she steps closer to her mother, Maleficent simply stares at her with that distant expression that she is so used to. “What are you doing here? What do you want?”
“Well, I came to take you back to where you belong. You and that useless boy.” Maleficent replies as she tilts her head, and taps the wand against her horn. “But I’m thinking something more important came up.”
“Mother, Carlos and I aren’t going to take a single step with you.” Mal grumbles as her gaze dances to where Jay is pushing his boyfriend behind him. “We have a home here. We’re happy. You can’t take that away from us.”
“What has this place done to you?” Maleficent growls.
Mal looks around as she catches sight of the eyes on the mother and daughter duo; she wishes this was one of her nightmares, she wishes she could pinch herself awake and know that she’ll be back in the safety her dorm room covered in sweat soaked sheets. But every time she presses her nails into her palms she can feel the pain and she knows there is no escaping this, she knows that it’s time that she faces the pain she has been dealt. She knows it’s time to show the anger and hatred she has for the woman standing before her. She feels as if entire time in Auradon has been leading up to this moment, as if this has been the written out plan all along. She feels like it was written in the stars, that her mother was right when she had told her time and time again that villains don’t get happy endings.
“Tell me, Mal,” Maleficent hisses as she moves towards her terrified daughter. “Was this the plan all along? Gain the trust of Auradon and wait for the perfect moment to free me? If so, you’re more brilliant then I ever gave you credit for.”
“You were never part of my plan, Mother. Just as much as I wasn’t a part of yours.” Mal replies as she backs away from the approaching woman. “You don’t belong here, you have no power here.”
“Oh, but don’t I?” Maleficent smirks as she wiggles the wand to show the evidence of said power. “You see, everything I need is right here in this bibbity boo bullshit. All the revenge I need is held in my hand.”
“Mother…”
“Enough of these games, Mal.” Maleficent snarls as she glares at her daughter, her eyes glow slightly. “You are going to come home with me and rule alongside me, you’re going to forget about all the lies of goodness and love that have been fed to you.”
“They are not lies!” Evie exclaims as she shoves around her father. “Mal and Carlos are good and they’ve found a place where they belong. Where they’re loved and wanted.”
“Oh, I see it now. This is what happened to you.” Maleficent hums as her gaze dances over Evie. “You’re a foolish, ridiculous girl. Your mother would be disappointed to see what you’ve become.”
“She is not her child. She is mine.” Belle snaps as she steps forward.
“Oh please, you’ll never be her mother,” Maleficent cackles, her green eyes brighten as she stares at the queen. “Evil runs through those veins and one day she’s going to wake up and realize she can’t resist it anymore. We’ll see how much you love her after that.”
“You aren’t taking those children anywhere.” Belle warns as Adam pulls her back. “You are to leave and never return to this kingdom, Maleficent.”
“Once again, holding all the power in my hand here.” Maleficent sings as she turns her sharp gaze to her daughter. “You’ve caused quite the mess, haven’t you? You little worthless brat.”
“Leave her alone.” Evie snaps as she edges around Belle and moves down the stairs towards her girlfriend. “You know nothing about her. Leave her be.”
“Tsk, tsk.” Maleficent frowns as she flicks her scepter towards Evie, the princess gives a cry of surprise as she is thrown into the air. “I don’t appreciate the back talk, young lady. What would your mother say?”
“Let her go!” Adam bellows, his arms wrap protectively around Belle as the woman stares up at her daughter with horror in her gaze. “Let our daughter go!”
“Mother, please!” Mal exclaims, her tone full of desperation. “Stop!”
“Stop?” Maleficent mocks as she glances up to see Evie struggling against the magic. “I guess I could let her go. Is that what you want?”
“No! Mother, please!”
“Well, since you asked so nicely.” Maleficent mutters with a smirk.
Mal feels her chest lock as Evie begins to fall in a speed that Mal knows will shatter her. All Mal can do is stand helpless as everything fades to background noise; she can hear the distant cries from Belle, the curses from Adam, the pleads from Ben, and the rest of their friends begging. She can hear them, but all she can focus on is Evie. A cry of horror comes from Mal’s lips before Evie pauses inches from the ground, and Maleficent rolls her eyes as she stares at her daughter with disgust in her gaze.
“You’ve let this little princess weaken you, Mal.” Maleficent scolds as she gives a brief wave of her scepter and Evie drops with a dull thud. “Where’s my nasty little girl gone? Has just a few months in this horrid place turned you soft?”
Mal chooses to ignore her mother’s words as she rushes to her girlfriend. As soon as she reaches her, her hand settles gently against Evie’s lower back until dazed eyes lift to meet hers. Mal releases a soft breath of relief as she watches Evie’s lips turn up into a small smile. Because of course her girlfriend is smiling, of course she’s trying to stay calm for Mal’s sake. With ease, she curls a careful arm around Evie and helps her sit up so she can scan her over to make sure no harm has come her way. Mal pauses as she notices the smallest hint of a cut on the corner of Evie’s eyebrow and her jaw ticks in anger that a mark has been made on this beautiful face.
“It’s going to be okay.” Mal whispers.
“What are you going to do?” Evie demands.
Mal glances over her shoulder and feels her heart find the pit of her stomach as she watches her mother saunter through the room. Her loud cackles fill the air as she teasingly calls for Carlos while Jay weaves them through the crowd in search of a hiding spot. The fear pours freely through Mal’s veins as she frantically looks around and realizes that her mother has once again managed to ruin yet another good in her life, yet again her mother has come into her life to rip it apart. But now? Now, she is done with it all, it’s time for her to put an end to it.
“I’m going to fix this.” Mal assures her as she presses a lingering kiss to Evie’s lips while helping her stand. “No matter what happens, stay with your parents.”
“Mal, what are you planning?” Evie hisses as she latches on her girlfriend’s wrist.
“I have to end this, princess.” Mal replies as she brushes a hand over Evie’s face, and her brow furrows sadly. “I always told you that I was a knight so it’s time to save a few damsels.”
Evie gaps at her girlfriend’s words before she finds herself being pushed backwards, and right into her brother’s protective embrace. Mal wants to stay with Evie, wants to hide her like Jay is doing with Carlos but that isn’t an option. She meets Ben’s gaze as he curls his arms around Evie and he nods; he knows exactly what Mal is saying. In her eyes she tells him to keep Evie safe, to hold onto her, and to make sure she stays out of this. With one last look into beautiful brown eyes, Mal moves towards her mother with determination in her glare.
“This ends, Mom!” Mal exclaims. “This ends today.”
“Oh, dear, we don’t have time for this.” Maleficent snickers as she waves her daughter away. “So, tell me where that dreadful little puppy of yours is.”
“I’m right here.”
Mal tenses as she quickly turns her attention to where Carlos is shoving Jay away from him, and all Jay can do is reach out to him with a look of terror on his face. Jay tries to hold him back, the fear is clear in his eyes, but Carlos is ready. He is ready to fight the same battle beside Mal. After a few tugs, Carlos manages to free himself from Jay’s protective grasp as he hurries to stand alongside Mal. This is their fight, it’s always been their fight. And he refuses to let her stand alone, he’s done being afraid. Carlos stares at her with worry in his gaze, his face paler than usual as he puffs his chest out and prepares himself for the worst.
“Look at you.” Maleficent giggles as her head tilts. “Who would’ve thought that the kicked puppy would become such a dog? Do you really think that you’re something now? Something other than your mother’s favorite chew toy?”
Carlos sucks in a breath, “We’re not scared of you anymore.”
“You bleed fear.” Maleficent hisses as she moves towards the pair with a sinister smirk. “I think it’s about time we say our goodbyes, children. We have things to take care of.”
“No.” Mal growls as she grabs at Carlos’ arm to lead him away. “We’re not going anywhere with you. Our home is here and we’re not going to let you take that away from us. You’ve taken enough.”
“Mal.” Maleficent hums, the warning clear in her voice.
“You have no place here, Mother. You have no power.” Mal whispers in a harsh tone. “No matter how tightly you hold to that wand, you’ll never hold any power at all. You will be overthrown eventually.”
“Enough!”
The power behind her shrill voice causes a hush to fall over the room, and Mal clenches her jaw as the memories of her past flood her. That voice causes everything to return to her; all the anger, sadness, fear, loneliness, desperation, and terror. With a shake of her head, Mal tries to remain steady as she feels Carlos edge closer to her. Mal passes him a small comforting nod as they move just a tad closer to each other and stare down the woman who has tortured them for so long. Every beating they have taken, every meal they were denied, every night they had spent sleeping outside, every desperate thing they have done to stay safe, and every harsh remembrance of their reality stands in front of them in the form of the fairy’s cackle.
“I’ve had enough of these childish games.” Maleficent warns. “You are going to return to the Isle and be useful for once in your rotten lives. You worthless brats are finally going to make something of yourselves.”
“Mother...”
“I have to leave my legacy to someone, might as well be my spawn. So, it’s time for you to return to your home. But first…let’s get rid of this.” Maleficent smirks as she points the wand towards Mal, and her ring quickly slides from her finger. “You don’t need it anymore.”
“Give it back, Mother.” Mal orders as she takes a threatening step towards her with blazing eyes. “That ring holds no power.”
“It’s her ring, Mal. It holds all the power in the world to you.” Maleficent sneers as she curls through the throngs of people. “What have I always told you, darling? Time and time again, love is weakness. It isn’t what you want for yourself.”
“You don’t know what I want!” Mal exclaims as her gaze tracks the way her mother seems to circle the crowd. “Mom, have you ever once asked me what I want? I’m not you.”
“Enough of the water works.” Maleficent snaps. “Tears are just as weak as love. I think it’s going to take a few nights in the basement to strip this goodness from you. We’ll see how good you are when you’re deprived of food for a week and played with my lackies for a few days. I know they’ve missed their favorite little punching bag.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you...”
“You’re really testing my patients.” Maleficent snarls. “I know one thing, young lady. You have no room for love in your life.”
“No. You will not control my life any longer, Mom. I won’t let you.” Mal whimpers, but her voice builds with each word she speaks. “And now I command, wand to my hand.”
The sound of her voice carries through the room as she extends her hand, and the wand glows gold for a moment before Mal gasps as it is ripped from her mother’s grasp and flies easily to her own. Awe is clear on her face, the surprise evident in her eyes as Maleficent now glares at her bare palm. The commotion in the room causes Mal to swell with self-pride, her eyes wide in shock as she looks down at the wand now safely in her grasp. With a lift of her head, Mal can feel her heart seize when she notices her mother’s anger, her green eyes glow brightly.
“I’ve had enough.” Maleficent growls as her eyes go wide in worry. “Frankly, this is tedious and very childish. Give me the wand. Give me the wand!”
“Don’t do it, Mal.” Carlos orders as he presses a hand to his friend’s bicep. “Maybe good really is more powerful then evil.”
“That’s enough!” Maleficent yells.
The woman makes a move towards the pair and Jay doesn’t hesitate to step before them, his dark eyes full of anger as he reaches for Maleficent’s scepter. Quickly, the woman jerks him forward with glowing green orbs as she takes a moment to place his face. Her bright eyes run slowly over the teenage boy, and an expression of delight lights up her face as she tilts her head. With a deep chuckle, Maleficent leans her weight against her scepter and continues to eye the teenager. Jay feels frozen, he has never looked into eyes so cold. As he holds tight to her scepter, she reaches out to grasp onto Jay’s muscles that flex as he grasps at her staff with a scowl on his face.
“Oh my,” Maleficent coos, the laughter leaks slowly into her voice. “You’ve grown to be quite the handsome young man, Jay. I think your father would be quite proud…maybe even a little jealous.”
“Leave them alone.” Jay orders.
“It’s cute that you care.” Maleficent grins as she shoves a hand against his chest, and the boy rolls back against the hard floor. “Anyone else want to play hero for these two worthless kids?”
The room chatters loudly as everyone seems to realize that the threat of the wand is no longer an issue. She is nothing without that wand, just a washed up bitter woman. With pride in her eyes, Mal notices the way her classmates begin to circle both her and Carlos. Even Chad and Audrey stand close, and both wear looks of silent protection. Around them, people slowly begin to approach the villain who backs away with a look of irritation clear on her face as she darts her nervous gaze around the crowding kingdom.
“Enough!” Maleficent screeches. “You all will regret this!”
The purple cloud that wraps around Maleficent causes the room to scramble aside while Mal watches as a large purple dragon appeares where her mother once stood. And then everything falls apart. Her mother coasts through the room, and the green fire spits from her mouth as she sweeps it through the crowd. A look of horror appears on Mal’s face as she quickly backs away from the dragon while screams and cries of terror echo through the air as the people of Auradon begin to hurry to find cover in the large church while others are burnt and left to fend for themselves.
“Mal!” Evie cries.
Mal runs her wide eyes over the room before they lock on Evie as the princess is pushed towards the church doors by Adam. Mal stares at her girlfriend and she can feel the swell of anger that rushes through her. For so long she has been afraid of the beast that flies through the room, and the fire drips from her mouth just like the words she once threw at Mal as she beat her into the ground with her orders and her hands. The years seem to blur together in her mind as she squeezes her eyes shut, the frustration and pain curls in her veins and light her with a flame she has been so sure that her mother had dimmed long ago. A familiar yell catches her attention and her eyes flutter open in time to catch Jay push Carlos behind him in order to avoid the ball of fire that coasts towards them.
“Evie, no!”
Everything once again twists together in her mind as she sees Evie shove herself from her brother’s protective grasp and trip over her gown. Her brown eyes lock on Mal as she scrambles her way through the crowd that runs towards the exit in an effort to escape. Mal focuses her attention on blue hair as she juggles her way through the crowd, elbows catch her in the sides but she doesn’t care. All that matters is Evie. A strong arm winds her and she winces just as she tumbles into protective arms that brace her. Just like that, the strength returns as soon as she has Evie within touching distance.
“What are you doing?” Mal demands.
“I’m not letting you do this by yourself.” Evie replies as she presses her forehead to Mal’s. “I know this may be a stupid question, but what’s the plan?”
“I have to do something I should’ve done a long time ago.” Mal murmurs as she reaches for Evie’s hand, and turns to look at the raging dragon. “I have to stand up to my demon.”
As if on cue, enraged green eyes finally catch sight of Mal and the dragon bounces off the floor and dives towards her daughter with careless ease. Wings flap and knock people aside with the force of the wind and sweep others up only to drop them a moment later. Mal hurries to push Evie protectively behind her and her heart thumps wildly as Carlos and Jay join them. The four twine themselves together as Maleficent draws closer, and they stare in horror at sharp teeth as Maleficent opens her mouth with a screeching growl before a trail of fire scorches inches from them.
“This is between you and me, Mother!” Mal yells as the dragon nears them. “Leave them out of it.”
Mal waits for the inevitable collision of her mother barreling them down, but instead Maleficent slows her flight as she lands before her daughter and narrows sparkling green orbs to lock with Mal’s. They have played this game before, many times before. Every childhood memory thrashes wildly in her mind as Mal remembers cowering beneath this familiar look. She recalls the cackles of victory her mother would release when her daughter bowed into submission before she was tossed to Maleficent’s lackeys like a play toy. Now, as she stands with her friends and girlfriend, Mal can only narrow her eyes as she realizes what she is protecting. She is protecting the life she has, the life Carlos has, and the happiness they have found. They go to bed full and wound free, they wake up with smiles and laughter, they have friends that include them in things outside of robbing places, and they have people who look at them like they hung the stars in the sky. They have love and she isn’t going to give that up.
She won’t let go of how Evie touches her, how her lips settle into the dip of her neck and her fingers run over her skin. She won’t give up the laughter that bellows from her when Evie playfully spins her around. She doesn’t want to lose the days of walking hand in hand with Evie, with counting the lines on her plams. She wants to feel the coolness of that beautiful ring on her finger, to remember the future she has waiting for. She won’t let her world be affected by words she was once told. So, Mal flexes her jaw and continues to stare at her mother. Mal sees the waver in the eyes before her, notices how nostrils flex and green orbs grow glassy.
“The strength of evil is good as none, which stand before four hearts as one.” Mal whispers, and her voice daringly coats the air. “The strength of evil is good as none, which stands before four hearts as one!”
It happenes faster than Mal expects, one second she is staring into her past and the next it has vanished in a familiar puff of green. Mal gasps and stumbles back into gentle hands that immediately reach out to steady her as Evie presses her forehead to the back of her neck. As the four stand together, Mal can hear the soft pants that come from Jay as he watches her with awe on his face while Carlos clings to him with wide eyes. Evie simply tightens the hands pressed to her waist as they hear the sound of rushing heels, but all they can focus on is each other.
“What just happened?” Mal breathes out.
“I-I don’t know.” Carlos whispers, shock clear in his tone. “Did you…?”
“I don’t know.” Mal admits with a shake of her head as frantic gaze rises to see Fairy Godmother rush towards them. “I-I don’t know what I did. Did I…?”
“Oh, no. No. No.” Fairy Godmother soothes with a slight frown as she moves to squat down, and Mal follows her as she lowerers herself and gaps at the sight of a small lizard. “Your mother shrank herself down to the size of heart.”
“Hm. No wonder she’s so itty bitty.” Jay mumbles before he grunts loudly as Carlos pushes an elbow into his ribs. “I’m just saying. Sorry.”
“He’s right.” Mal mutters. “Is she going to stay like that forever?”
“Forever is a long time, dear,” Fairy Godmother frowns as she stares down at the lizard, Mal matches the intensity of the fairy’s gaze as they both glare down at her mother. “You learned to love, so can she.”
Mal sucks in a breath before she holds out the wand, “I believe this belongs to you.”
Evie smiles softly as she keeps a close eye on her girlfriend as she returns the fairy’s wand with a look of exhaustion. After a moment of searching, the princess leans down to pick up the silver band that had been abandoned somewhere in the fight between mother and daughter. Evie smiles softly at the ring that reminds her so much of her grandparents and waits patiently for Mal to meet her gaze before she drops her head to press their lips together. Evie lingers there for a moment, and finally draws away as she flashes a lopsided grin and gently reaches for Mal’s hand.
“And this...” Evie hums as she slides the ring onto Mal’s finger. “Belongs to you.”
The soft chatter strenghtens from behind them as the group turns to see the people of Auradon as they linger at the doorway. King Adam leads the pack as he wraps a comforting arm around his wife’s waist while Ben quickly sweeps his gaze through the destroyed room. Mal can’t help but feel a twinge of envy when she sees the relief that appears on Belle’s face as soon as she sees Evie, the queen presses a hand to her mouth as Evie scoops up the bottom of her dress and rushes to her parents. The king and queen squeeze their daughter between them as Ben joins in, the family settles into each other once more before Evie whispers something to her father and smiles as he gives a short nod and fixes his rumpled jacket. Mal tenses as she notices the man squeeze his daughter’s hand once more before he releases her and makes a move towards Mal; with frantic movements, Mal straightens herself and tries to smooth her wrinkled gown as she worriedly brushes a strand of purple behind her ear.
“Mal,” Adam begins once he nears her, his voice calm and even. “I don’t know how to thank you for the bravery that you displayed today. You have earned yourself a rightful, safe spot in Auradon.”
Mal gives a small nod, “And my relationship with Evie?”
“I think after today, her mother and I will have no qualms with you dating her.” Adam chuckles as he offers his hand to her and Mal takes it with a hesitant expression. “Thank you, Mal. You saved my family and this kingdom.”
“It’s really nothing.” Mal assures him with a shake of her head, and Adam gives her hand a small squeeze. “After all, she was my mother. It was only a matter of time before this happened.”
“I’m glad it won’t be happening again.” Adam admits with a soft laugh.
“You and me both, sir.” Mal scoffs.
“What do you say we finish this day out right?” Adam offers with a raise of his eyebrow, and Mal grins softly as she gives a small nod of approval. “Let’s finish this coronation and put this day behind us.”
Mal can only nod once more as the man turns to address his kingdom, and she finally releases the breath she is holding as her shoulders loosen. It’s over. Maleficent is gone, and she’s safe. Her past has been scooped away by guards and now she won’t have to worry about the nightmares and the panic attacks. She can finally stop looking over her shoulder, at least for now. She’s one villain down with three more to go. Just as Mal softens, she feels a hand on her shoulder and tenses momentarily. With a quick turn, Mal sucks in a breath of relief as she is met with Carlos’ soft gaze as he flashes a bright smile.
“You did it.” Carlos grins.
“No. We did it.” Mal corrects. “Thank you.”
“It was my battle to fight too.” Carlos points out as his eyes dance to where everyone is gathering to finish swearing Ben in. “You know it’s not over through, right? The rest of them, they’re going to come for us.”
“Not just us. For them.” Mal whispers as she tilts her head to Jay and Evie.
“I know.” Carlos nods as he looks to where his boyfriend is smiling alongside his parents and Evie. “We have to protect them. We have to protect each other. Okay?”
“Always.”
Carlos gives a small smile as he lifts his fist, and Mal hesitates for only a beat before she taps hers against his. The two move towards their significant others, and immediately find comfort in the offered affections as they mentally prepare themselves for their futures. In the partially destroyed church, Mal can’t help but marvel at how resilient Auradon seems to be; as Ben is sworn in, Mal swears it seems as if a dragon hasn’t just swept its way through the church and destroyed what was supposed to be a perfect day. The coronation continues on as if nothing has happened, as if they hadn’t all almost been killed by the worst villain to grace their lands. With a shake of her head, Mal makes a mental note to ask her girlfriend what is up with Auradon’s optimism and blindness to reality. By the time Ben has been sworn in, the night has fallen upon them and fireworks light up the sky as people pour onto the garden grounds for the party. As Mal goes to follow, Evie curls an arm around her waist and holds her steady as the room empties.
“I needed to make sure you were okay.” Evie explains once they’re alone. “Today was…insane. I-I don’t even know how to begin to explain what I feel about everything.”
“It was a lot to take in.” Mal shrugs as her gaze turns thoughtful. “I can’t blame Jane for what she did, I think I planted the seed. I’m the one who told her to ask her mom to make her beautiful and I’m sure…”
Evie presses a hand to her girlfriend’s mouth, “Stop.”
Mal rolls her eyes as she peels Evie’s hand away and stares up into calm brown orbs. She wonders how long they’re going to be able to stay like this, stay in a bubble that feels all too safe. She wonders how long they have before all hell broke loose again.
“You can’t blame yourself for what Jane did. She made the decision to grab the wand, I’m just glad no one was hurt.” Evie sighs as her head dips. “Besides your mom, though my parents assured me she would be looked after.”
“I hope they lock her in the deepest, darkest dungeon there is.” Mal admits with a twitch of her jaw. “She may be my mother, but she deserves every punishment given to her. She could’ve killed someone today. She could’ve killed you.”
“Yeah.” Evie hums. “But she didn’t.”
Mal can’t help but chuckle at the way Evie seems to brush everything off, just like the rest of the kingdom does. Her chuckle turns to laughter as she leans forward to rest her forehead against Evie’s shoulder so she can linger there for a long moment. As her laughter dies away, all she can think about is that it’s over. After sixteen years, the bad in her life is now locked away in a dungeon in the form a lizard; she is free of the one person who has kept her from that freedom for so long. Mal pulls in a sharp breath and allows her worries to wash away for a moment as she pulls her head away from Evie’s shoulder to watch the way ruby red lips curl into a familiar grin as a thumb sweeps over her bottom lip.
“And what happens to Jane?” Mal asks.
“Well, I think her mom will probably punish her.” Evie frowns as she pushes a loose strand of purple hair behind Mal’s ear. “But it won’t be too bad I’m sure. I’m just excited for everyone to acknowledge the fact that you’re one of us now.”
“You mean people might actually be nice to me now?”
“Yes, and if they’re not then I’ll show them just who they’re messing with.” Evie grins as she leans forward to press a loving kiss to her girlfriend’s lips. “You’re a hero now, Mal. You have the world at your fingertips.”
Mal can only shake her head in amusement at Evie as she tilts her head up for a small kiss. She wants to stay here forever, right here in this moment. Evie is safe in her arms and her past is slowly dwindling away. Mal doesn’t know how it can get any better, she doesn’t think it can. With a small hum, a giggle builds in the back of her throat as she pulls away to brush her nose against Evie’s; if only the girl knew that Mal’s whole world is standing in front of her.
“So,” Mal sighs as she glances out at the party. “What happens now?”
“Hm,” Evie grins. “Tonight, we celebrate. And tomorrow? Well, I guess we’ll figure that all out as it comes at us.”
“Together?” Mal whispers.
“Together.” Evie nods.
The doors leading out to the party swing open and allow the noises of excitement to pour in; Evie reaches out to intertwine her fingers with Mal’s and begins to guide them out to the party and towards the start of their future.