Rotten to the Core

Change of Plans

   A couple days passed and nothing. The four could not figure out a plan to get Fairy Godmother's wand!
   Rose had visited them everyday to check on them and now that the weekend had arrived, she had insisted on the four getting a chance to try new things.
   She had convinced Merlin and Gideon to give Tourney a try and now the two were at the try-outs with the already existing team members.
   Coach blew the whistle and the team members scattered. Surprisingly, Gideon managed to do some fancy fight moves. Karayan was growing angry at the VKs simply for their existence. He purposefully ran into Merlin who angrily turned on the prince, his eyes glowing gold.
   "I'm gonna make you pay for that!" He practically growled.
   "Hey! Whoa!" The coach yelled as he blew his whistle. "Break it up, boys!" He turned to Merlin. "We have a no magic policy on the field. Cheaters never win."
   "And successful people don't end up coaching high schoolers!" Merlin shot back. He turned his glare to Karayan. "And it'd be nice if even one member of your family lived up to your "charming" name!"
   With that, he ran off while Coach welcomed Gideon to the team. Rose followed Merlin, chasing after him. "Merlin!" She called. "Sorry about them. Karayan get be a real jerk sometimes."
   Merlin gave Rose a look. "Why would you date him then?"
   "It's complicated."
   "Is it?" Merlin asked. He knew he was starting to feel something for the princess but he wasn't sure what. "You're a beautiful woman, Rose! You can do better!"
    "And you're not a bad guy! You can do better!" She shot back.
    His lips twitched into a smile. "Touché, princess."
    "I'll find something else for you to do."
    "I think I'm just fine, Rose."
    "Merlin..." She pouted. "Let me help you."
    "I don't need help."
    At that moment, both were ripped from their conversation when they heard a scream coming from the meadow opposite the Tourney field. They immediately took off in the direction of the sound.
                            * * * * *
   Elsa was sitting on a bench in the meadow, doodling on a pad of paper.
   She hated when things were "standard". Elsa preferred things to be unique which was why she was sketching out designs for different things: new designs for her friends rooms, dresses for various people, new cheerleading outfits of the cheer squad, new uniforms for the Tourney team, as well as several other designs.
   Elsa was so deep in her work that she didn't notice she was being watched until something came tearing out the forest, towards her. She screamed and ran in a panic. Ice shot from her fingertips and began covering everything she touched.
   At that moment, Rose and Merlin appeared out of the trees and caught her. "Elsa, what's wrong?!" They both shouted.
   That's when a floofy white puffball of a dog appeared, yapping loudly. Rose laughed in relief. "Elsa, is this what scared you?" Rose grabbed the dog, petting it gently. "It's just a little lost dog, see?"
   Elsa moved closer to see the dog. "Oh, he's cute! But why was he hiding in the woods?"
   "After this Isle became a safe haven, we decided to let animals go free. Most of them live in the forest, only coming around if they find someone they trust to take care of them. And I think this little guy wants you."
   She started to hand the dog over but Elsa pulled away. "I can't. My powers--"
   Rose placed a gentle hand on Elsa's shoulder. "You can't hurt anyone now. I've seen how they work. Your powers only come out when you feel threatened. What's so threatening about a little dog that loves you?"
   Elsa cautiously took the dog from Rose's hands and was happy when he didn't freeze. "Wow!" She said in amazement at her control. "You're so cute! I think I'll name you Olaf. 'Hi, I'm Olaf and I like warm hugs!'" She added, imitating what she imagined the little dog might be thinking.
   Rose giggled and Merlin smiled. That's when Rose noticed something laying on the ground. She picked it up and turned it over to see beautiful drawings inside it.
   "Elsa, is this yours?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.
   "Oh well yea."
   "They're really good! You're very talented!"
   "Thanks!" Elsa managed to squeak out.
   "Y'know...if this is something you'd like to pursue, I could actually help you!"
   "How so?"
   "Well, Cinderella opened up a shop awhile back and she's always looking for new talent! You should meet her!"
   "Do you really think I'm good enough?"
   Rose smile widened. "I really do."
                          * * * * *
   As time passed, things began to change for the group. Their minds were still on their mission, but with no answer to how to get the wand, other things took over their lives.
                          * * * * *
   Percival finally got up the courage to ask Ruby on a date. Things went well for them and soon, they became boyfriend and girlfriend officially.
   One day, some time later when graduation was a few short weeks away, Ruby decided to confide the truth in her boyfriend. She showed him her wolf form, and, while surprised, he showed no fear in that side of her, going so far as to stroke her fur when she was in that form.
   Afterwards, he asked her to close her eyes. She did and, a second later, she felt a slight cold weight on her neck. She opened her eyes and saw a beautiful ovular locket with an engraving of a wolf on it. She leapt into his arms and kissed him, promising to always keep it on.
   That's when they both knew it would all work out.
                            * * * * *
   Elsa had met Cinderella who was just as nice as all the stories said. Cinderella loved Elsa's designs and assured that she would help her get them out in the public.
   Thus, Elsa's design career began.
                            * * * * *
   Gideon had a little bit of trouble when it came to teamwork but, with Coach's help, he quickly learned how to improve in that retrospect and soon he was getting along with everyone on the team (aside from Karayan who refused to give him a chance).
                           * * * * *
   The day after the incident on the Tourney field, Merlin was chilling out in the meadow when a familiar girl approached him.
   "Hey, Merlin, right?" She said. "I'm Kiara, Kida's daughter, Rose's friend?"
   "Yea I remember you."
   "Anyways," she said in a cheery voice, "I saw what you did for Lacey and I was wondering if you could help me too. I'd do anything."
   "Whatever."
   He did as she asked.
                              * * * * *
   One night, the four were back in their entertainment rooms together.
   Merlin was rifling through his mother's spell book in an irritated fashion. It wasn't bad enough that he couldn't find the wand but now everyone was becoming attached to this place!
   Gideon spent most days at practice then went back to Karayan's castle with the team for pizza and a movie. Elsa was constantly working with Cinderella on her newest fashion craze, getting everyone ready for some celebration he wasn't paying enough attention to hear. Ruby was always off with her boyfriend on dates, usually picnics.
   Merlin felt like the only one who remembered why they'd come here in the first place. And even he felt himself slipping. The princesses were all crushing on him. Yet, he kept thinking about Rose. Why, he didn't know.
   He angrily shut his spell book as he heard Ruby saying something. "Ruby, what's so important at this moment? You're breaking my concentration!"
   "You seriously haven't figured out a plan for getting that wand yet?" Gideon asked.
   "Do you think I'd be looking through  every spell in this book if that were the case?" He growled. "It's been two months and I can't figure out anything! Lacey was a dead end and now I feel like I'm playing dress up with a bunch of teenage girls!"
   "It'll be at the coronation." Ruby said. Everyone looked at her. "What? Percy told me that Fairy Godmother always uses the wand at coronations to bless the new king or queen."
   "Yea. Ella told me too while we were working on Coronation Day outfits."
   "And you're just now telling us this?" Merlin asked, irritated.
   At that moment, there was a knock at their door. Merlin went to answer it. To no one's surprise by this point, it was Rose. "Hey, everyone! How're you doing?"
   "Excited for the Tourney game tomorrow." Gideon said, excitedly.
   "Doing great!" Elsa added. "Ella's really been helping me get my designs out in the open!"
   Ruby hugged Rose, who had become her best friend. "Percy asked me to be his date to the coronation!"
   "That's great news everyone! I'm so happy for all of you!"
   "Hey, speaking of coronation," Merlin began, "I heard Blue will be using her wand at the ceremony."
   "Oh yes! She always does for big ceremonies like this."
   "Do you think it's be possible for us to sit in the front row, get close to the action?"
   Rose bit her lip. "I'm sorry. I wish you could. But uh...the front row is only for family and for my boyfriend." She smiled. "But there will be plenty of seats for everyone!" She added, cheerily. Merlin melted a little at the tone of her voice. "Anyways, Merlin, you never told me--"
   "Oh, I'm just fine."
   "More than fine I'd say. All the girls are hoping you'll take them to the coronation." She laughed slightly. "But I'm happy for all of you. Good night!"
   With that, she turned and left the room. Merlin came up with a plan then and there.
   Turning to his friends, he said, "I think it's time our pretty little Rose found herself a new boyfriend."