Descendants: The rise of red

Cultivate your talent

Uma entered Red's room, followed by Chloe and Tania. "Red, I demand an explanation immediately!" Uma exclaimed, visibly taken aback by the graffiti adorning the walls. "Principal Uma, I can explain..." Red began, but the pirate interrupted her immediately, "It's extraordinary. Let me tell you, my dear, you have an incredible talent," Uma said, continuing to closely examine the artwork.
"But, Principal, the rules..." Chloe attempted to interject, but Uma silenced her with a wave of her hand. "I know very well what the rules say, and I think it's time to revise them," Uma declared, sitting down casually on the bed next to Red. "Auradon Prep welcomes everyone for who they are, and I must admit, I would have reacted the same way upon seeing a room painted in that hideous bubblegum pink," she continued, then stood up with a satisfied smile. "I think we're done here, don't you agree?" she said, looking at Chloe and Tania, who reluctantly left the room.
Uma turned back to Red, her gaze now softer. "Red, are you aware that the school offers numerous courses to cultivate the various talents of students? Including an art course," she said, with a tone that betrayed a genuine interest in Red's drawings.
"I didn't know that, but don't worry, I'll just leave. Auradon isn't for me," Red replied, lowering her gaze.
"Adapting is important, but it should never mean stifling who you truly are," Uma continued in a compassionate tone. "When I was your age, I didn't feel accepted either. When Mal and Evie were the only girls chosen to leave the Isle of the Lost, I felt invisible. But I found my place and proved my worth. Now, look at where I am: leader of my own crew and the principal of this school that once rejected me," she added with an encouraging smile.
Red smiled timidly. "I would love to participate in the art course," she admitted.
"It's settled then. I'll speak with Professor Lars and see how you can best express your talent," Uma said, heading towards the door. "And remember, Red: Auradon Prep is a place to grow, learn, but most importantly, to be yourself. Never forget that."
With these words, Uma left the room, leaving Red to ponder her new opportunity.
Elias, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke. "See, Red? You have to stay here. Uma said so," he said, taking Red's hands. "And you're the only one I've made friends with so far," he added, realizing his gesture too late and quickly withdrawing his hands, both of them blushing timidly.
Meanwhile, outside the room, Chloe and Tania exchanged tense glances. "It can't end like this," Chloe said, clenching her fists. "Her family has gotten away with too much for too long. I don't know what happened years ago, but I know my mother became sad at the sight of that red-haired know-it-all. It must have something to do with the Queen of Hearts."
Tania nodded with a cold smile. "The truth always comes out, the apple never falls far from the tree, and we'll find a way to reveal it," she said determinedly.
The two girls walked away, each immersed in their own vengeful thoughts.
Meanwhile, Red sat on the bed, reflecting on Uma's and Elias's words. Perhaps Auradon Prep was indeed the place where she could discover who she truly was, without masks and without fear of being judged.
"I'm going to look for information about this art course. What will you do in the meantime?" Red asked Elias. "Well, I'm here for a specific reason: to practice my powers while Queen Mal and King Ben save my kingdom. I think I'll focus on that," Elias replied, looking at the palms of his purple gloves.
"I'm sure you'll succeed. I don't know you well, but I can recognize determination in someone's eyes, after all, I come from the realm of madness, and you have it, Elias," Red said, smiling and placing a hand on Elias's shoulder.