Ink & Chocolate

Chapter Ten

The bells were ringing from the cathedral as the processional parade made its way down the road. Most people were already gathered within the grand room and mingling with one another as the waited for the arrival of Prince Ben, who was soon to be crowned as King. Irene had gotten up and ready early so to make her way to the coronation site to help with last minute arrangements and to make sure the children's choir was confident and ready. If there was ever something musically inclined, Ben was always sure to volunteer her or ask her to help. She wasn't one to argue and she certainly didn't want to miss any musical opportunity.

She caught sight of Jane shuffling around from group to group of mingling people, looking worried and unsure. Her hair was returned to its short straight cut, the blue bow sitting slightly to the side like it used to. Frowning in concern, Irene linked arms with the girl and whisked her away to keep her company as she made her last minute rounds. Jane tried to stammer an excuse, but she wasn't going to hear it. She knew that the typically timid girl had been acting odd ever since her hair was magicked to a different style and her confidence had risen exceptionally. Now that it was returned to its usual length, it would stand to reason that her nervous tendencies would return.

"I-Irene, you really don't have to…" stammered Jane, keeping her gaze low. They were up in the balcony so Irene could make certain everything was in its place. After giving the choir a few words of encouragement, she turned back to the uneasy girl and linked their arms again.

"Don't worry about it, Jane. I like the company, anyway," she teased, giving a smile and her hand a pat. Only Jane didn't return the smile and grimaced instead. Just before they reached the stairs the girl in blue brought her to a halt with surprising strength. Concerned, Irene moved to stand face to face with Fairy Godmother's daughter.

"Jane, what is it?" she asked, worried. Jane's complexion was a little ashen and she looked on the brink of tears.

"Oh, Irene, I've been awful," she hiccupped. Brows furrowed, she allowed her confusion to be obvious.

"Jane, I don't know what you're talking about?" she said. "You've never been awful."

She gave a little squeak as she did when she was especially nervous. "But I was, Irene, I was awful to the others at Family Day! I was with Audrey and I knew it wasn't a nice thing to say but I said it anyway. I just wanted them to like me…"

Now Irene was becoming nervous, her stomach twisting with apprehension.

"What did you say?"

A squeak. "Audrey said that Mal was just a bad girl infatuation and I told Mal that Ben would never make a villain a queen…"

"Jane!" she scolded. "Why on earth would you say that? That's completely uncalled for!"

The blue eyed girl cringed and she closed her eyes as she finished her confession, her words coming out in a rush.

"And I told Carlos that you would never fall in love with a villain…!"

Her breath caught in her throat and her heart gave a painful squeeze at the words. Stunned, she stared openly at the meek girl. Her own voice came out in a small croak.

"Why...why would you…"

The cheering sounded louder which only meant that Ben's carriage was approaching. Taking a deep breath, she cleared her throat and ushered Jane to follow as they approached the stairs. They would have to discuss the unnecessary comments after the coronation. When the two started down the steps they met the trio of villains, one short since Mal was arriving with Ben.

There was an awkward pause between the two groups before Evie and Irene shared a nod and she and Jay continued up to the balcony while Jane hurriedly made her way downstairs. Soon, the boy and girl were left alone. Irene stepped down the steps while Carlos moved up so they were nearly equal, the boy actually being noticeably taller than her by standing on the next step.

"You look…great…" managed Carlos.

She was dressed in a white gown with black sequins that started at the neckline and gradually lessened and vanished by her waist. There was sheer fabric that covered the skin between the dress's neckline and her throat and it also extended down as sleeves that stopped just above her elbows. Her auburn hair held her usual halo braid but the length was free down her back, bouncing with the weight of curls and waves. "Great" wasn't the right word and Carlos wished that he had picked something better to express how lovely she looked. She took his breath away.

A blush graced her cheeks and she smiled up at him which only made him pinken in return. He rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand since he was holding Dude with the other. He couldn't help but blush whenever she smiled at him like that. Like he was her favorite person. The warming thought ten turned cold once he remembered Jane's words.

"Just like Irene will never fall in love with a villain…"

Suddenly, he was snapped out of his daze when he felt Irene grasp his hand with both of her own, now standing on the same step as him. Brown eyes were bright as she held his leather gloved hand, giving a reassuring squeeze.

"I heard about what Jane said to you," she explained, "and I wouldn't worry about it if I were you."

He blinked in confusion. "You wouldn't?"

"Not even a little," she grinned.

When she made to go down the staircase, Carlos held tight to her left hand, causing her to look back in surprise. It took him a moment to figure out his words.

"You're…not sitting in the balcony?" he managed to ask.

"No, I'm allowed to be in the front with Doug and Jane," she told him. Her smile started to falter as his grip on her hand tightened almost painfully. Confusion mixing with worry, she returned the grasp softly.

"I'll see you at the celebration afterwards," she promised. "Save me a dance, okay?"

While her tone was light, she didn't know how to explain the way he was looking at her. Brown eyes wide with worry, body tense, and hand refusing to let go, he looked at her as if she was leaving him forever. It was like he was trying to tell her something and she simply couldn't understand.

Finally, he answered and slowly released her hand.

"Of course…"

With one last look, she had to hurry down the stairs and take her place among the students to await Prince Ben.

Carlos could feel his heart resounding hard within his chest as he stood at the front of the balcony with Evie and Jay, Dude clutched tightly to him. As a result of his racing pulse, his blood was pounding noisily within his ears and he paled when he saw just how close Irene was to the front with little Pongo by her heel, a green bow around her neck. She was just a few steps away from the Beast's bell jar as the blue cloth cover was being removed by the Fairy Godmother who was standing between the King and Queen.

Mal was then escorted to the front and standing just in front of Irene, closer to the wand by just a step. He could feel Evie's worried gaze on him and he sternly kept his eyes forward, refusing to look away. He already knew his part in their escape. Find the limo that brought them from the island so to activate the bridge and Evie would disable the driver with the perfume Mal brewed. Then, the villains' reign would begin.

All there was left to do was wait and he wanted to memorize everything he could about Irene Radcliffe.

The fanfare sounded and the people quieted and turned to see the large doors opening to reveal Prince Ben. His posture was pin straight and his stature betrayed his nervousness but his face was carefully calm as he slowly made his way down the carpeted aisle. The chorus began to sing and the Beast helped Queen Belle to her feet as they watched their son. With each step, the people before Ben bowed or dipped in a curtsy in his presence. Irene held onto the length of her gown as she curtsied in respect, smiling proudly for her friend. When she straightened, she saw Ben glance and smile at Mal. They were so good together, she thought to herself. They complimented each other very well.

As Ben approached the steps, Fairy Godmother embraced Queen Belle and curtsied before King Beast. The grand king then bowed and gave up his crown. Ben was now kneeling and the Fairy Godmother stood before him, the handsome gold crown between her hands. The sapphire and emerald jewels embedded in the circlet glistened in the light filled hall as she lowered it carefully onto his head.

Smiling at his son, the King stepped forward and carefully removed the bell jar and revealed the most powerful wand, suspended in the air and beautifully wrought with blue, ivory, and silver. Queen Belle carefully picked it up with both hands and transferred it to Fairy Godmother. The King lowered the delicately crafted glass case and the fairy began to speak to Ben. The music had quieted and her words rang out clearly.

"Do you solemnly swear to govern the peoples of Auradon with justice and mercy as long as you shall reign?"

Ben's voice resonated as well.

"I do solemnly swear."

"Then it is my honor," she tapped his right shoulder with her wand and then his left, "and my joy, to bless our new King—"

There was a flash of light blue material passing Irene and a collective gasp.

Jane had sprinted across the room and snatched the wand from her mother's hand. Immediately, white magic started to crackle and spout from the tip as it vibrated in her hand. Her blue eyes were wide as she tried to control the wand just as a bolt of magic blasted from it, shattering one of the stain glass windows. She now had both hands on the wand, fighting to keep it under control as it continued to spark.

"Child, what are you doing?!" shouted Fairy Godmother. Most people were ducking and covering their heads, shuffling back from the young girl. Jane turned to her mother, desperation obvious in her voice.

"If you won't make me beautiful, I'll do it myself!"

She tried to swing the wand accordingly but it jerked disobediently in her hands, sending off another shower of sparks.

"Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!" she tried to spell, huffing between each word.

Ben dashed down the steps to stand in front of Mal and push her back from the unbridled magic. Steeling herself, Irene gathered up her dress in one hand and bolted forward, ignoring Ben's warning. She couldn't just leave Jane.

"Take cover!" roared the Beast.

The wand was jerking the petite girl around and Irene quickly grabbed her, eyes half closed from the bright light. One arm tightly around her waist to help stop her from flailing and she grabbed her wrist, trying to push the wand down.

"Let go, Jane!" shouted Irene. "Let it go!"

"No!" she cried. Though she protested, her arm was beginning to lower. Gritting her teeth, Irene pushed more strength against her. She could feel her shaking, her breathing ragged. Why was she so desperate to be beautiful? She didn't need a magic spell to alter her appearance, she was fine just the way she was!

Mal then jumped forward and snatched the wand from Jane. With the wand out of her hand, the girl nearly went limp from the shock of it all and the ginger managed to drag her off to the side. When she finally let her go, instead of facing her, Jane turned and disappeared further into the distressed crowd. Huffing, the girl in white turned around to see Mal standing uncertainly with the wand clenched tightly in both hands, holding it out and away from her body. Lost and more than a little confused, the Radcliffe daughter hurried back to the front as her fellow students continued to shrink back away from the scene.

Ben was the one who dared to approach her, one hand reaching out to her while the other was to keep his parents back.

"Mal?" he called, gently but firmly. "Give me the wand."

"Stand back!" she warned, but Irene heard the waver in her voice.

The large doors were pushed open and the three other Isle of the Lost students came running, with Carlos in the lead. The boy and girl shared a worried look for their friends, both paling.

"It's okay," promised the new King.

"Ben, I said stand back!" Mal warned again, her voice louder. Irene began to step forward just as Audrey called out,

"I told you so!"

Mal turned to face her with the wand and the people moved back, shrieking. Irene gave her roommate a quick scowl. Now wasn't the best time to brag about her justified prejudice. When she looked forward again, Carlos was no longer looking at her but at Mal.

"Let's go!" he ushered.

Jay's voice was low but she still heard him. "Revenge time…"

Revenge?

"You really want to do this?" asked Ben. Mal looked as if she was on the edge of crying, her hands shaking.

"We have no choice Ben!" she pleaded. "Our parents—"

"Your parents made their choice," he said. He then lowered his hands. "Now you make yours."

The silence was deafening as Mal hesitated, the entire cathedral holding their breath. Irene thought for certain the sound of her heart pounding was enough to echo within the grand walls as she stared openly at the four, at Carlos in particular. They were planning this the entire time? From the very beginning? Did they…did they not care about what would happen to Auradon if the real villains got their hands on the wand? She couldn't even imagine what chaos it would bring and her first thought of terror was, what would Cruella do upon her return? The Dalmatian Plantation, the shelter her family owned, would be her first stop. And Carlos…

Her heart was physically aching as she looked at him. Silent tears filled her eyes, slipping down her cheeks.

Even after everything? She thought he was making so much progress at their school and in their environment, with Dude, the tourney team, and even…even with her. She thought, for a time, that she was special to him in some sort of way.

"You're…not sitting in the balcony?"

Carlos dared to glance at her and she could see that he was shaking, his fists clenched, and he was trying so hard to communicate just like on the staircase. She dared to take a small step forward. No, she knew he cared. He cared so much about his friends, about her.

"I think…" came Mal's voice. "I think I want to be good…"

Ben was quick to reaffirm her. "You are good."

"How do you know that?" she cried, desperate to understand.

"Because…" he trailed off for a moment. "Because I'm listening to my heart."

Mal was quiet for a moment, trying to wrap her head around Ben's words. She could see the tension begin to ebb away from her shoulders.

"I want to listen to my heart, too." There was another pause before she turned to face her friends. "And my heart is telling me that we are not our parents."

The other were soundless at her proclamation, Evie being close to tears. Mal looked to Jay, beginning to smile from her change of heart.

"I mean, stealing things doesn't make you happy," she reasoned. "Tourney and victory pizza with the team makes you happy."

Jay gave a slow smile as her words hit its mark. Then she turned to Carlos.

"And you, scratching Dude's belly makes you happy. Who would've thought?" The purple fairy glanced over to the girl in white and her smile brightened. "And being with Irene makes you very happy."

At the mention of her name, Carlos gave off a new glow and smiled at the girl, happily guilty.

She then talked to Evie, who already lost a few tears due to the happy moment. "And Evie…you do not have to play dumb to get a guy. You are so smart." Mal took another breath.

"And I don't want to take over the world with evil. It doesn't make me happy." She sniffed, her own eyes damp. "I want to go to school. And be with Ben…because Ben makes me really happy."

Ben looked wonderfully relieved and overjoyed all at once.

"Us being friends makes me really happy," she continued, turning back to the three. "Not destroying things."

She took a deep breath and held out her fist.

"I choose good, you guys."

Though there was a heavy pause, Jay brought his fist up to hers. "I choose good too."

"I choose good," agreed Evie breathily. Her fist met theirs.

"So, just to be clear," started Carlos, "we don't have to worry about how mad our parents are going to be? Because they're gonna be really, really mad."

Ben stepped forward. "Your parents can't reach you here. They can't hurt you or anyone else."

At those words, Carlos looked to Irene and smiled, keeping eye contact as he brought his fist to meet the others.

"Okay, then. Good."

The terrified silence had evaporated entirely and people were beginning to smile. Irene could still feel the tears rolling but gave a watery chuckle as they were now happy tears. Mal even nodded for Ben to join them and applause broke out when his fist met the villains'. It was such a relief to take a deep breath and just as Irene was to step forward, there was an explosion and the sound of raining glass.

Covering her head, she dared to peek up and there was a large formation of green smoke. Everyone shuffled backwards as the pillar of smog swirled about the room before landing between Ben and Mal, the two backing up to defend their friends and family. Alarm ringing in her head, the smoke cleared within a moment to reveal the horned figured dressed entirely in black, a tall scepter in their right hand. Irene felt her insides turn to ice.

Maleficent.

"I'm back!" her voice sang, reverberating through every inch of the cathedral.

Everyone had similar expressions of terror. Fairy Godmother was gaping openly, Queen Belle was holding onto Ben's arm, and Irene's eyes were wide with fright. What were they to do? Maleficent was to be trapped on the Isle of the Lost for the rest of her time. She couldn't have gotten out on her own. Brown eyes darted to the magic wand and she connected the dots. The big blast of magic from when Jane took the wand must have struck the barrier, damaging it enough for the villainess to break herself free.

"Go away, mother," sighed Mal.

"She's funny!" cackled her mother. The statement must have been incredibly funny as she gave a snort in her mirth. "I'm so—you're very funny. Here."

Her laughter fell away instantly as she sternly looked at her daughter. "Wand me. Chop chop."

With the barrier fractured, who knew how many other villains could be on their way?

"No!"

The word was out of her own mouth and she found herself standing in front of Mal before she could wrap her head around what a stupid move that was on her part. She may not have been especially close to the purple haired girl but they were all trying so hard to choose their own path. Her entire body was shaking as she stared into the eerily green eyes of the one and only Maleficent, but she didn't move. She refused.

Purple lips pursed at her in displeasure.

"Well you're annoying."

The staff flared green and her world went black.

Carlos lunged forward but Jay caught him mid-air and forcibly restrained him. He struggled against his friend but the Arabian was obviously stronger. His clear disadvantage didn't stop him from trying to get free, her name tearing itself from his throat.

"Irene!"

The girl couldn't answer him. She couldn't even look back at him. Her body remained perfectly still due to Maleficent turning her to stone.

He couldn't seem to hear as the scene continued to unfold. Fairy Godmother tried to cast a spell once Mal tossed her the wand, but the magic staff glowed again and the entire room was frozen in time before the good enchantment was cast. Then Maleficent was strutting about, strolling casually in front of the royal family and singing under her breathe.

"Evil like me, don't you wanna be mean…"

Brown eyes burned with hot angry tears as he stared at the statue of the girl. She had jumped in front of them as a shield without any warning, hoping to buy them some time. It had happened so suddenly he didn't have a chance to fully react before Maleficent used her magic, turning her to stone as if she was nothing more than her crow. His teeth grounded furiously as he glared at the queen of evil herself, growling.

"Where should we begin?" asked Maleficent. Her eyes brightened. "I know—Let's start with this."

She pointed the wand and the gold ring from Mal's index finger zipped through the air, ringing aloud as it settled at the base of the wand. Maleficent gasped with faux excitement.

"Perfect fit!"

Mal looked completely heartbroken as she looked down at her empty hand, beginning to tremble. Her mother didn't even look her way as she stepped up to Ben, turning his head so to see him and then tilting his crown.

"Falling in love is weak…and ridiculous," she tutted. Her black dress trailed across the floor as she moved toward them. "Just ask your friend here…"

She tapped her scepter against the stone girl and cackled at her own joke.

"Oh, wait—You can't!"

Carlos threw himself against Jay's hold, struggling vehemently. Not that he had any plan of what to do or anything. He was useless against magic but that didn't stop him from wanting to try and cause some hurt in any way possible. It was Irene she hurt, his Irene! The one good thing he found all on his own.

"It's not what you want," lectured Maleficent.

"You don't know what I want!" argued Mal. ""Mom, have you ever once asked me what I want? I'm not you!"

"Oh, obviously," she shrugged. "I've had years and years and years and years of practice being evil. You'll get there."

"No, I will not," she refused. "And I really wish that you had never gotten there yourself."

Maleficent's expression was beginning to turn firm, the flippant edge wearing away.

"Love is not weak or ridiculous. It's actually really amazing," continued Mal.

Poison green eyes narrowed into slits.

"I know one thing, young lady," she warned, pointing the wand at her daughter. "You have no room for love in your life!"

There was a split second pause before Mal extend her hand to the air.

"And now I command, wand to my hand!"

Gold magic burst from the tip and surrounded it with a double helix before ripping free of Maleficent's grasp and launching into Mal's hand. Stunned, the girl gave a little laugh in shock.

"It worked…!"

"I hardly think so," seethed Maleficent as she began to pace before the throne. "Frankly, this is tedious and very immature." Greedy eyes turned back and she held out her hand. "Give me the wand. Give me the wand!"

Jay's grip had slacked during the exchange and Carlos stepped to his friend's side, his body shaking as he tried to keep himself under control.

"Hold on, Mal," he advised. "Maybe good really is more powerful than evil."

His eyes lingered on Irene's statue and he retracted his statement.

"No. We know good is more powerful than evil," he corrected, bursting with conviction.

Maleficent gave a snort, clearly not threatened by him. "Oh, please! Just ask your friend, Stoney, how well that turned out. You're killing me!"

There was then the sound of a bark and a growl. Dude was rushing down the aisle and jumped at the woman while Pongo dove at her long dress, grabbing a mouthful of fabric and pulling as hard as she could.

"The breath! Get off me!" she huffed, tossing Dude to the side. Glaring down at the Dalmatian, she gave a firm kick that sent the puppy sliding across the marble floor with a pained yelp.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Jay dove forward and grabbed the staff with both hands and tried to pull it away. The scepter glowed and didn't so much as budge as Maleficent leaned in closely, green eyes glowing with magic. Still trying to win with his strength, the woman slid her clawed over his arm, sinking her nails into the fabric of his jacket.

"Gaston should be jealous," she teased. Her smile dropped and she flicked him in the forehead and he fell suddenly back onto the ground which made her cackle.

"Enough!" she screeched. The scepter was glowing brighter with every moment as she paced in a circle and stopped before them once more.

"You all will regret this!"

Plumes of blackish green smoke filled the throne room and Carlos quickly picked up Dude, his face paling as he witnessed Maleficent transfigure. At first it was a black shadow that seemed to stretch on and on before wings suddenly unfurled and an angry purple dragon appeared before them.

There wasn't any time to argue as the sickly green fire spewed from her mouth and they all had to run. The white haired boy noticed that Jay had taken a different direction and Maleficent was targeting him.

"C'mon! Run, Jay, run!" he shouted.

Jay took another route, heading up toward the throne chairs. There wasn't any way she could turn around so quickly, she was so large. His dark eyes widened as he was quickly proven wrong, the dragon beating her wings as she moved higher and opened her jaw to release more fire.

Mal's voice was next. "Hurry, Jay! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

Like he needed to be told twice.

He was running hard down the carpeted aisle when he heard the wings cutting through the air near him.

"Jay!"

"Jay, come on! Please, Jay!"

Glancing over his shoulder, he let out a shout when he saw Maleficent opening her mouth wide, showcasing all of her sharp teeth. Evie was marching forward and he lunged past her, ducking in a somersault and pushing himself back to his feet. The girl in blue held out her mirror, determination tangible as she stared down a dragon.

"Magic mirror, show your bright light!"

Her small looking glass came to life with brilliant beam of white light that was accurately directed into Maleficent's eyes, temporarily blinding her. She crashed back onto all fours with an angry roar. Mal took the helm next.

"Behind me, E!" She squared her shoulders and gripped the wand tightly. "Leave my friends alone!"

Maleficent roared loudly, the glass windows shaking but Mal didn't back down, her own green eyes glowing with magic.

"This is between you and me, mother."

Maleficent took a heavy step forward with a menacing growl, not backing down. Mal took a deep breath and began to spell.

"The strength of evil is good as none, when stands before four hearts as one." Her breathing quickened as Maleficent's eyes glowed green as well, challenging her magic. She repeated the incantation again, saying each word with force.

"The strength of evil is good as none, when stands before four hearts as one!"

The room seemed to rattle with the magical power struggle for a moment before the dragon suddenly screeched and reared back, shaking its large head. Green smoke issued from its scales and quickly consumed her form. There was a beat before the smoke suddenly imploded and the dragon was gone from the grand room.

Carlos broke the silence first.

"What just happened?"

"I have no idea," gasped Mal. They hurried down the aisle toward the small black creature and Fairy Godmother was returned to her regular state, rushing to meet them as well.

"Did I do it?" asked Mal, kneeling down beside the small black lizard. It scuttled back and forth, confused.

"No, no, no, no. Your mother did," reassured Fairy Godmother. "She shrank to the size of the love in her heart. That's why it's so itty-bitty."

"Is she going to be like that forever?"

"Well, forever is a long time," she answered. "You learned to love. So can she."

With the adrenaline from the near-death experience fading, Carlos stepped forward to speak. He looked at the petrified figure of Irene, his fingertips trailing against her stone arm

"Fairy Godmother?"

"Yes, dear?" She followed his gaze and gave a warm smile. "Don't worry. I can put everything back the way it was."

Mal returned the wand to Fairy Godmother and in exchange, she gave back the golden ring the prince had given her earlier. The woman gave the four a kind smile. "I believe all of you have earned an "A" in goodness class."

Turning back to the rest of the public, she gave a great wave of her wand. Silver magic spouted and rained down, undoing Maleficent's magic.

"Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!"

The magic was corrected instantly, people reanimating and Ben continued his lunge and gave off a roar, still thinking Maleficent was there. Carlos heard a particular gasp and his eyes widened as Irene's transfiguration reversed itself, the granite returning to skin. She immediately began to fall sideways and he quickly threw his arms around her waist, keeping her upright.

"Irene!"

She blinked as she looked around, disoriented. Her hands found his shoulders to try and gather her bearings and get her feet under her. "Carlos?" A moment passed before she inhaled sharply and she looked at him with wide eyes.

"Carlos!"

He rocked back on his heels when she threw her arms around her neck in a fierce hug. Laughing aloud, he wrapped his arms around her tightly, keeping her body pinned to his own. Burying his nose in her shoulder, he took a deep breath, finally starting to relax.

"I thought you were going to be cursed forever," he mumbled, only loud enough for her to hear. He felt her give a breath of a laugh.

"Don't you know? True love always saves the day."

She leaned back so they were face to face, her hand reaching up to brush his cheek. Brown eyes bright with emotion she gave him the most sincere smile. "I'm so glad you're okay, Carlos."

Jay suddenly appeared and pulled the two into the half formed group hug with Ben, Mal and Evie, grinning broadly all the while.

"Let's get this party started!"

The fireworks were already being set off as the coronation moved to the outdoor celebration. Bright blues, yellows, and whites exploded against the sky as the music filled the air. Mal and Evie were already on stage and dancing as Ben was carried out by his peers.

"Let's set it off!"

"Oh, yeah."

"You can make it happen!"

The new King was placed on center stage as everyone seemed to fill the spaces. His jacket was undone due to the lack of formality, just like most girls had a shorter dress modified within their proper coronation gown.

"Kings and queens, it's our time to rise. Write the book, story of our lives. This is us taking back the night!"

"Ohayohay!" chorused the entire courtyard.

Mal made her way over to the King, her now short dress sashaying with her as they were together again.

"Break the spell, we were born this way. Be yourself, forget the DNA. Everybody, raise your hands and say—"

"Ohayohay, hey!"

Evie was the next to control the stage and Doug was right in the front with her. "Sound the alarm, get on your feet. Let's set it off and rock this beat. Dance till your heart is wild and free!"

This time Doug was dancing and interacting with her, the two of them rocking the stage together. "Feelin' the power, let it all out. Like what you see in the mirror—shout! We got the keys, the kingdom is ours!"

Irene had been running around to check that everything was still in order while Ben enjoyed his first night as king, Pongo happily following her around. She had an altered dress as well and her white gown now stopped at her knees with the extra length taken away. Grinning to herself, she sang along as she worked. "Let's set it off—oh yeah! Start a chain reaction, never let it stop. Let's set it off—oh yeah! You can make it happen with everything you've got—let's set it off!"

She was suddenly stopped from her work when two sets of hands gripped her upper arms and lifted her off her feet. Surprised, she looked to see Jay and Carlos share a knowing smile. To her immense delight, Carlos picked up the next verse.

"Yo! It's time to set this thing off—let's make it happen now! I'm a make my own future—Ignore all the rumors—Show 'em how passion sounds!" Her favorite boy grabbed her hand and began to lead her toward the stage where everyone else was dancing.

"They all told me I should back down—judgin' me 'cause of my background. Thinkin' 'bout changin' my path now." He gave her a cheeky wink. "Nah, I ain't goin' out like that now!"

The two were on stage and moving with the beat, completely in sync with each other and simultaneously the other students. Irene couldn't stop smiling at the De Vil, their bodies twisting with one another. It was all so incredibly fun and easy, being with him.

"Feelin' the power, let it all out!" she sang. "Like what you see in the mirror—shout!"

"We've got the keys, the kingdom's ours!" he returned.

The formation changed and they intertwined their arms, palms flat as they moved with the group in a circular rotation, Doug and Evie on her right side. "Let's set it off—oh yeah! Start a chain reaction, never let it stop. Let's set it off—oh yeah! You can make it happen with everything you've got—let's set it off!"

Her long auburn hair whipped around as she twirled, hand connecting with a familiar leather glove when she finished. They were both smiling so much their cheeks were hurting but it didn't matter. They just hopped right into the next set, moving seamlessly as they both turned, jumped, and danced together.

The song was drawing to a close and everyone turned around to the balcony where Mal and Ben were standing and gave a bow, the music winding down. Though the song was ending, the firework finale was flaring to life, lighting up the sky with every sort of color. Out of breath from all of the dancing and singing, she didn't mind it one bit as she looked up at the vibrant night sky. Giggling from the euphoria of it all, she turned to see Carlos staring up in awe and her smile only grew.

"Carlos."

Turning at the sound of his name, he was caught off guard when she softly kissed him. Not that it was too difficult given their similar heights. When she opened her eyes, she could tell he was blushing under the light of the fireworks and that only made her smile more. He beamed at her as well, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

They both knew they would be good together. A little quirky, a little out of place, but all together sweet. Simply two sides of the same story.

REVIEW! Your thoughts are much loved as always!

Well here we are folks! It's the end! And I'm a little sad! (and a little teary, maybe because it's late and I'm hungry and I have to be up in 5 ½ hours?) I had a ton of fun with Irene and Carlos and I hope you did too! They were such a sweet pair to work with, the two blushing cuties! And it was extra fun to work with music/lyrics because I enjoyed the music so much I knew I didn't want to skip it, so I hope you all did too!

Thank you so much for being such wonderful readers and thank you so much for your reviews—did you see we made it past 101? Because I'm all about puns and opportunities for them! lol

I hope you all enjoyed!