Away From Reality/ A Carlos DeVil Story/

Closing the Barrier?

"I think we all know why we're here..." Adam started. Mal, Ben and I all stood in a line facing Fairy Godmother, Belle and Adam. "The people are in a panic about Hades. He almost got out."

"Who knows what he would've done if he had escaped?" Fairy Godmother frowned.

"We can't risk having another villain on the loose." Adam frowned.

"I really feel like this is my fault." Mal started. "I'm supposed to protect Auradon." Her arms crossed.

"You did–you do protect Auradon." Ben turned to her.

"Everytime we open the barrier, we're exposed to danger. Maleficent, Uma, Hades."

Ben's phone rang and he walked off to the side. We waited for him quietly. "Maleficent's scepter and the queen's crown have been stolen." He frowned.

Mal looked like she was going to cry. Fairy Godmother gasped. "Uma..." Adam pointed at Ben.

"We don't know that..." I jumped in.

"When the people hear this, they will never want to leave their houses." Belle sighed. "What do we tell them? Mal?" She looked at the purple-haired girl. "What do we do? How do we keep evil out of Auradon?"

Mal looked sad, "I think that there's only one way to guarantee their safety." She started.

"No..." I gasped softly and started to tear up.

"And I think that there....can't be anymore going in and out." She continued. "I think that we have to close the barrier...forever."

Ben shook his head, "No."

"Son–"

"No."

A few tears fell down my cheeks. "Ben." Mal went after him. I joined the two off to the side. "Hey, I do not want to take away your dream. Because it was so beautiful. And it is why I fell in love with you. And it's also why I became close friends with you, Pay. But as King and Queen and Advisor, what is our duty?"

"To protect Auradon." We both said softly.

"But those kids..." I started, "All those hopeful kids—" My voice broke.

"Do you know what this would mean?" Ben said sadly. "Are you prepared for that?"

"I know what it means. And no, I'm not prepared for it. I just think we have no other choice." A few tears streamed down Mal's face.

"Mal's right." Adam said sadly.

"I just don't think we would forgive ourselves if something terrible happened." Mal walked towards him.

"She's right, as much as I hate to say it." I said softly. "I just wish there was another way."

"Me too." Mal smiled weakly.

Later that day everyone all met up at Evie's to get ready for Jane's birthday party.

"Morning, got the beach towels." Carlos walked into the chaotic house. Evie threw apples to Jay to put in the picnic basket.

"Hey I'm here!" I walked in and placed my purse and keys on the table.

"Hey Payton!" Evie smiled.

"Mornin, Pay." Jay placed the food in the basket.

"Hey guys..." I walked into the kitchen and pecked Carlos' cheek. "I really think she's going to like the cake—" I stopped and frowned. "Oh no." I sighed. "Who got into Jane's cake?!" I yelled. The other three went to look in the box and sure enough, a piece was missing on the corner. I sighed and groaned but shook it off and started talking to the others.

Suddenly I stopped and stood straighter, a strange feeling washed through me. "Payton? You okay?' Evie frowned.

"Something's happening...." I trailed off and frowned. "It's outside! Come on!" I ran out quickly and the others followed. Once we got outside, I gasped. Audrey stood with both the queen's crown and Maleficent's scepter in her possession.

"So long suckers!" She grinned wickedly and disappeared in a cloud of pink smoke.

Jay went to help Mal but drew back quickly. "Woah! Uh, you might want to think of a spell for that." Jay pointed to her.

"There is no spell that can reverse the curse of the scepter." Old Mal said.

"Well that's a shame..." Carlos said awkwardly and I elbowed him.

"Forget about me. Audrey's out for revenge. And all of Auradon is in danger.

"What should we do?" I asked.

"The only thing more powerful than the scepter...is Hades' ember." Mal thought for a moment.

"Oh! Like he's just gonna hand it over, give them back to the Isle." Jay scoffed.

"And no one knows where his lair is." Evie shook her head.

"I do." Celia said suddenly. "I'm his errand rat. I got the key at my dad's."

"You're coming." Mal pointed at her.

"But I just got here!" She complained.

"Mal?" Dizzy came out with the three younger VKs, one look at Mal and they all backed away.

"I'll stay here." I started backing away towards the kids. "You guys go." They nodded and all started getting their stuff but I stopped Carlos. "Please be careful." I whispered.

He grabbed my hand and squeezed it. "Don't worry Pay. I'll be good." He smiled slightly.

"You better come back in one piece or else I will murder you....again." I said in a serious tone.

"I will! I promise." Carlos chuckled and kissed my forehead. He ran off to get his things and I ran inside.

"Dizzy!" I yelled and the hairstylist ran out of the other room.

"Yeah?"

"I'm going to warn Jane about Audrey. You watch the twins and Cora until I get back."

"Okay Payton."

I ran out surprisingly fast since I was in heels, and made my way to the enchanted lake.

Once I got there I gasped in horror. Almost everyone was asleep. "Jane?!" I called out.

"Over here!" A soaking wet Jane ran over. "Oh my gosh Payton I'm so glad you're here!" She sighed in relief.

"I guess I was too late to tell you about Audrey." I sighed. "The others are heading to the Isle to get Hades's ember to help stop Audrey."

"So you guys didn't forget about my birthday?!" Jane smiled.

"Of course not! We were just about to head over when Audrey appeared." I explained.

"We need to tell Ben!" Jane gasped and got out her phone. Payton could hear Ben's voice answer. "No no! Stay where you are Ben! Audrey's got the scepter and everyone's asleep. I'm gonna call mom and tell her to get her wand." Jane quickly said and hung up.

"Let's go."