The Archer's Legacy

★彡03|11 - "Wait!"彡★

"Someday you gotta tell me how you all teamed up," Ben said, referring to the growing friendship between Mal and Uma.

"Actually, Mal promised to let all the kids off the Isle once this is over," Evie said. She sounded proud.

"Mal?" Ben asked. He had to have heard that wrong, right?

"I have to tell you guys something," Mal declared, Hades' ember glinting in her hand. The group came to a stop, the people's smiles slowly fading when Mal turned to them, a crestfallen look on her face. "I lied to you."

Y/n immediately straightened up. I mean— At least she's honest but about how much?

"The kids won't be coming off the Isle."

Carlos shared glances with his friends he'd grown up with, his hand finding Y/n's again. He knew he shouldn't have let go while catching up to the group.

"What do you mean?" Jay asked. His voice was filled with confusion, a layer of sorrow in the bottom of it all.

"The programme is shut down," Mal confessed.

Y/n looked at Ben, standing off to the side. He was looking down at his feet, seemingly feeling more remorse than Mal. Could it be that this was her idea, not his? Y/n wondered, her grip on Carlos' hand tightening.

"And the barrier will be closed for good."

Harry grunted angrily, pointing his hook that he carried at Mal. It seemed like heartbreak, a break of trust that had been built up between the rivals.

"For Auradon's safety," Ben finally added.

Harry let out a humourless laugh.

Y/n furrowed her brows. "But they're your people, too, Ben!" She waved her free hand at Uma and Harry. "You said it yourself, didn't you?"

Ben sighed, looking down at his feet.

"Hold up," Uma interjected, walking closer to Mal. "So we're saving your precious people..." Her voice was on the verge of breaking, Y/n could hear that much. "And your behinds... For a lie?"

Mal could only stare, her mouth agape but no words came out.

Uma cast her eyes downwards. "I knew it was a mistake to trust you. You're always out for yourself."

Harry walked forward from the back of the group, abruptly changing direction. "And you, King Benny!" His accented voice dripped with hatred. "You're probably going to throw us all back inside."

"You know what..." Celia started. "I thought you were brave. But you're nothing but a chicken, too scared to tell me that I'd never see my dad again!"

"Celia..."

The girl grabbed Hades' ember from Mal and walked over to a water basin, tossing it inside as she ignored Mal's pleas. Sparks erupted, the water steaming. Mal rushed over to it, the rest following her actions with their eyes while finding it hard to spot a speck of sympathy for the girl in their hearts.

"Regain your might and ignite!" Mal tried, the blue stone now in her palm again. "No..." She turned back towards the group, specifically Uma and Harry. "Regain your might and ignite!" She held it out to the dark-skinned girl.

Uma took her shell and looked at it. It wasn't glowing. "Bummer," she stated before tilting her head towards her friend. "Come on, Harry, let's—"

"Wait!" Y/n cut in, drawing some attention to herself as she stepped away from Carlos, letting go of his hand in the process. "Wait, I'm sure we can take you up north."

"What?" Asher bit in. He'd tensed up at Y/n's words, his hand flying to his hip out of habit as he sensed potential danger.

"Well, they'd have to apply for citizenship, of course," the princess reasoned, directing the sentence at her friend. "But..." Her eyes trailed back to Uma, who was looking back at her. "It'd be better than the Isle, at least."

Uma forced a smile. "Sorry, princess. Can't leave my people." She sent a pointed gaze towards Mal. "But thanks."

They left. Y/n smiled sadly when Harry fumbled a bow at her with a small smile of gratitude. She felt Carlos come to stand behind her again. Mal would now have to face her greatest friends... The ones she'd disappointed the greatest, too.