↣ 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴

The rest of their friends raced out of the home, anxious to bring the two groups back together, and the group had hardly made it up the path to Evie's front door. Mal raced into Ben's arms, Uma rejoined her Pirates, and Evie gave Rowan a close hug while grinning at the girl with blue hair.

Feeling someone's arm on her shoulder, Rowan took a step back. She raised her head a little to see Harry looking back at her. She gave him a tiny smile and leant in to touch him.

"Okay, so we all think that Audrey could be at Fairy Cottage." Mal said, making everyone look at her. "We've no idea where it is, did she take you there?"

"Every Fairy Godmother's Day," Ben confirmed with a nod. "Where is Fairy Godmother when you need her?"

"I wish I knew." Jane muttered sadly.

"Doug- Go with Jane. You need to find Fairy Godmother." Ben said as they nodded.

"They might need some muscle." Uma added.

"Well, I'll go." Gil said as he shrugged.

"Yeah, actually, I would feel better." Carlos said.

"Yeah, actually, I'd feel better, too." Evie replied looking awkwardly at Doug.

"Same." Mal nodded.

"Actually, I would, too." Doug admitted.

"Alright, man, let's do it!" With a smile, Gil gave Doug a backslap and drew him beneath his arm. While the others made plans for their visit to Fairy Cottage, the three set off to search for Fair Godmother.

𐬽𐬼𐬽

When they eventually arrived at Fairy Cottage's surrounding trees, night had fallen. They all kept quiet as they made their way as near the ground through the woods. They were only a few yards from the small house in the midst of a clearing as Ben led the way, hopping from hiding place to hiding position.

Everyone started towards the cottage, and then they cautiously opened the gate. After arriving at it, Ben didn't even take a second to kick open the door and dash inside, followed closely by his allies.

They were shocked to find themselves in front of a completely vacant living room. Jay moved to investigate the second level, while the others crowded into the large room searched for any clue as to Audrey's whereabouts.

"She's not upstairs." Jay announced as he made his way back downstairs.

Ben opened his mouth to say something, when a loud banging sound cut through the silence. When they all looked in the direction of the sound, they discovered that the pantry door was securely closed. Ben shot them a confused glance right away and walked slowly over to the door.

Not too long afterwards, Ben moved the piece of wood that was holding the door shut and opened it, revealing Chad curled up in a foetal posture. "Chad?"

The son of Cinderella cautiously raised his head to meet Ben's gaze, letting out a trembling breath. For a long while, he just looked at him, terrified, and then a flood of relief passed over him. "I want my mommy."

"What happened, buddy?" Ben questioned the Charming lad as though he were a little child, but Chad looked around the room before looking back at Ben.

The son of Cinderella said, "Ben? Ben!" before grabbing him in an unwelcome and sudden embrace. Chad kept his arms around his shoulders as he withdrew. After examining him for a bit, he glanced over at the front entrance. "She's gone, huh?

Chad bolted out the door, and they all watched. Harry started laughing and Ben moved aside, not really knowing what to say. Rowan was about to burst out laughing as well, so she had to suppress her smile.

"Let's get this Audrey chick taken care of already." Uma turned to face Rowan and declared to the others In response, Evie, Mal, and Celia started to chuckle. "How about it, ladies? Is it time to wrap up?"

"You know," Ben said, wrapping an arm around Mal's shoulders. "Someday, you're gonna have to tell me how you guys got all teamed up."

"Actually," Evie explained, "Mal promised to let all the kids off the Isle once this is over."

Ben's smile suddenly faded into a nervous frown. "Mal?" he asked.

Mal stared down at the ground as she walked, slowly coming to a stop. "I have to tell you guys something." she said, turning to face the group. "I lied to you-The kids won't be coming off the Isle."

"What do you mean?" Jay asked hesitantly.

"The program is shut down." she said simply. "And the barrier... will be closed for good."

With the exception of a tight grunt from Harry, who was glaring angrily at Mal, the group had become silent as the VKs stared at him in amazement and dread. Rowan was filled with disappointment.

The kingdom of Auradon had benefited so much from the VK exchange programme that they even received their future queen. Many of them had been anticipating the next phase of inviting more children over and what that would entail for the following group.

"For Auradon's safety." Ben murmured, his voice only just audible to the friends around him.

"For the security of Auradon. Auradon is currently being attacked by one of its own people." Crossing her arms over her chest, Rowan spoke.

"Hold up," Uma said as Harry began to laugh humourlessly. "So we're saving your precious people and your behinds for a lie?" Uma took a deep breath before continuing. "I knew it was a mistake to trust you. You're always out for yourself."

"And you," Harry finally spoke, Rowan looked over at him to see him pointing in Ben's direction as he crossed over to the king, the silver hook gripped tightly in his hand as it shone in the moonlight. "King Benny," he sighed, a defeated expression taking over where anger had once resided on his face as he stood only mere centimeters away from the boy, teeth gritted. "You're probably just going to throw us all back inside."

Celia who spoke up next, stepping closer to Mal and Uma. "You know what?" she asked, her voice cracking. "I actually thought you were brave. You're nothing but a chicken, too scared to tell me I was never going to see my dad again."

"Celia," Mal said, Celia only snatched Hades's Ember out of Mal's hand. "Celia, no!" Mal screamed as Celia dropped the Ember into a nearby birdbath, the blue stone's flames sputtering out with a hiss.

"Celia!" Evie called as Celia ran off into the forest, and Mal ran to the birdbath, picking up the dim blue stone.

"Tragic." Uma,her gaze still fixed on Mal, said to Harry, "Let's go find Gil and leave them all to rot." She then pushed past Mal and followed Celia.

Rowan felt Harry's gaze on her as she stood there. She paused to consider her options before making a choice. "I support Uma," Everyone gave her a startled look. "Rather than just standing there like a coward, I would rather give people the chance for a better life." Stepping past everyone to stand close to Harry and Uma.

Tears filled Mal's eyes as she gazed at the girl with blonde hair. As they left, Harry put an arm around Rowan's shoulder and followed Uma back to Auradon.

_________________

Author's notes

I made Rowan go with Uma and Harry instead of just standing there and doing nothing. I feel that's in her character to do that.

Shout out to my favourite people.norasnetflix RuffieRoseStories arsvenal kiesluverr KleeAlise11
wrensofvizla Minyoung_2000

Well that's all from me. I hope to see you in the next update