Marlos

"Plan"

The grand council chamber of Auradon Castle, usually a place of formal proceedings and diplomatic discussions, was now charged with a palpable tension. Ben, his expression grave, sat at the head of the long, polished table, the four VKs positioned nearby, their presence a stark reminder of the imminent threat. Around the table sat the members of the Royal Council, their faces a mixture of concern and disbelief.

"As you all know," Ben began, his voice resonating through the chamber, "we have gathered here today to discuss a matter of utmost urgency. Mal, Carlos, Evie, and Jay have brought to our attention a series of…visions, concerning the future of Auradon."

A murmur rippled through the council, some members exchanging skeptical glances. Fairy Godmother, however, sat with a thoughtful expression, her gaze fixed on the VKs.

Mal stepped forward, her voice clear and strong. "These weren't just dreams. They were vivid, terrifying glimpses of what could happen if we don't act. We saw Auradon in ruins, our children suffering, and the return of the most dangerous forces we've ever faced."

Carlos added, his voice steady despite the lingering fear, "Cruella and Maleficent are planning something. Something big. And it involves the destruction of Auradon."

"And the torture of your children," a council member interjected, his voice laced with disbelief. "Surely, this is mere conjecture."

"Conjecture that could cost us everything," Jay retorted, his voice sharp. "We've seen the consequences. We know what they're capable of."

Evie, her voice laced with a quiet intensity, added, "We saw my imprisonment, and the destruction of everything we hold dear. We are not here to spread fear, but to warn you."

Fairy Godmother raised a hand, silencing the growing dissent. "We must consider the possibility. These children have proven themselves time and again. They have faced darkness and emerged stronger. We cannot dismiss their warnings."

Ben nodded, his gaze sweeping over the council. "Fairy Godmother is right. We cannot afford to ignore this. We need to take precautions. We need to strengthen our defenses, gather intelligence, and prepare for any eventuality."

"But how?" a council member asked, his voice laced with anxiety. "We cannot simply barricade ourselves within the castle walls."

"We need to be proactive," Ben stated. "We need to understand their plans. We need to find their weaknesses." He looked at the VKs. "You've faced them before. You know their tactics. What do you suggest?"

"We need to find out what they're planning," Mal said, her voice resolute. "We need to infiltrate their ranks, if possible. We need to know where they are, what they are doing, and how they intend to strike."

"And we need to prepare the people of Auradon," Carlos added. "We need to train them, equip them, and give them the means to defend themselves."

"We also need to look for any signs of magical disturbances," Fairy Godmother added. "Maleficent's power is immense. We must be vigilant."

"Then it is agreed," Ben said, his voice firm. "We will form a task force, led by Mal, Jay, Evie, and Carlos. They will be our eyes and ears, gathering intelligence and preparing our defenses. Fairy Godmother will monitor magical activity, and the Royal Guard will be placed on high alert. We will not be caught unprepared."

The council members, though still apprehensive, nodded in agreement. The weight of the impending threat hung heavy in the chamber, but a sense of shared determination also filled the air. They would face this darkness together, and they would protect Auradon at all costs.

The moon cast long, eerie shadows across the Isle of the Lost as Mal and Carlos, cloaked in darkness, crept towards Maleficent's foreboding fortress. The air crackled with a residual magic, a chilling reminder of the power that resided within those walls. They moved with practiced stealth, years of living on the Isle having honed their skills in the art of subterfuge.