Elisa surprises her friends as she walks down the long staircase, them not expecting her to come out after Ben had walked out, explaining that she needed time and then he walked off to have some time for himself. She takes a deep breath at seeing her friends there that had came to get her. Mal was talking with them now, she had been the first to notice she had walked down the stairs. She pushes herself off the wall she leaned against, walking over to her with concern.

"You okay? Ben looked pretty upset," Mal points out, noticing how her friend's eyes looked like they were a little wet and she had a hand in her pocket, gripping something. "What happened?"

"He came to convince me to come back. We talked, and he gave me some time to think about it." She answers, not wanting to get into the details of the conversation she had with him. "He told me that he loves me. That he'll wait for me, that he'll fight for me. I'm not sure what to do. I love him, I do. But I'm not sure if going back is the right choice." She admits, not liking seeing the sadness on her friends faces. "I have a choice. And I don't know what to choose."

It was quiet as her friends share a look with each other, they wanted to help her make the decision. They knew this wasn't easy, they wanted to support her. It was Jay who speaks up first. "Whatever you decide, we'll support you." Jay puts his hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. "We're here for you, Elisa. You know that."

"Jay's right, we'll stand by you no matter what you decide." Evie gives her a hug, Elisa returning it. "We're your friends, we'll always be here for you."

"That's right," Mal says, smiling softly at her friend. "No matter what you decide, we've got your back. Always."

"Thanks guys, I really appreciate it." She smiles at them, they meant the world to her. "I think I'm gonna go for a walk, clear my head. I'll see you guys later." With that, she walked past them, heading out the door.

They watched her leave, worry on their faces. "Do you think she'll come back?" Carlos spoke up, his voice soft and concerned.

"I don't know, Carlos." Mal says, not taking her eyes off the alleyway Elisa walked down. "Only time will tell."

Elisa walked the streets of the Isle, the place she had called home for so many years. She had left the hideout behind, her friends and her home. Her mind was racing, her heart conflicted. She knew she loved Ben, but was going back to Auradon the right choice? Here on the Isle, she didn't have to worry about losing control of her powers and accidentally hurting innocent people. On the Isle, she didn't have to worry about any royal duties or high expectations that come from being a Lady of the Court and soon to be Queen of Auradon. Here on the Isle, she was free to be herself, without worrying about hurting anyone or disappointing anyone.

The streets were crowded as usual, people going about their business. She saw some familiar faces, some friendly and some not so friendly. She didn't pay them any mind though, her mind was preoccupied with other things. She kept her hand in her pocket, gripping the small velvet box that Ben had given her. It was a reminder of his promise to her, that he would wait for her, no matter how long it took. It was a reminder that she wasn't alone, that no matter what she chose, her friends would support her.

The streets were starting to thin out now as she reached the outskirts of the city. She continued walking, her feet carrying her to the place she had spent so much time growing up. The treehouse, the place where she and her friends had spent countless hours playing and dreaming about a better life. The place where she had felt safe, where she had felt like she belonged. As she approached the treehouse, she could feel the familiar sense of nostalgia washing over her. The memories of her and her friends running and playing, the games they would play and the stories they would make up. The treehouse was like a haven, a refuge from the harsh realities of the Isle. And now, as she stood here in front of the treehouse, the memories and the emotions came flooding back. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, the lump forming in her throat.

She climbed up the ladder, the wood familiar under her fingers. She reached the top, pulling herself into the treehouse. It was the same as it had always been, the wooden walls and floor, the window letting in a small amount of light. She sat down, her back against the wall, the small velvet box still clutched in her hand. Her mind was racing, her heart conflicted. She knew that she had a choice, but which one was the right choice? 

On the one hand, going back to Auradon meant she would be able to be with Ben and spend the rest of her life with him, but it also meant that she would have to deal with the pressures and expectations that come with being a Lady of the Court and soon to be Queen of Auradon. On the other hand, staying on the Isle meant she could be free from the pressures and expectations, but it also meant she would have to give up her chance to be with Ben and live the life she had always dreamed of.

As she sat there in the treehouse, the small velvet box in her hand and the memories of her childhood swirling in her mind, Elisa knew what her decision would be. She had spent so much time running, so much time trying to escape her past, that she had forgotten what was important. She had a chance to be with the man she loved and a chance to have a life filled with love and happiness, but most importantly, she had a chance to do the right thing. She had a choice to make, and she knew what her answer would be.

She jumps, startled when she suddenly heard a familiar Scottish voice. "Well, well, well, what have we here? The Ice Princess herself, wallowing in the nostalgia of the past. I thought I'd find you here." The voice belonged to none other than Harry Hook, son of Captain Hook. He was dressed in his typical Isle attire, a black and red jacket, black pants, and a pair of boots. He had a hook attached to his left hand and his signature smirk on his face.

Elisa sighs, shaking her head. "What do you want, Harry? I'm not in the mood."

"Aye, ye never are when I show up, but that's never stopped me before," Harry says with a mischievous glint in his eye as he steps closer. "So, what's got you all broody and moody today? You usually don't let the Isle get to you like this."

"I'm not broody and moody." Elisa rolls her eyes, annoyed at him and his intrusion. "And it's none of your business, Harry."

"Ah, now there's the fiery spirit I love," Harry says with a grin, his accent thick. "Ye've always been feisty, Elisa. It's one of the things I like about ye. So, are ye gonna tell me what's going on or am I gonna have to drag it out of ye?"

Elisa sighs, realizing that he wouldn't leave her alone until she told him. "Fine, but only because I know you'll keep pestering me if I don't." She grumbles, annoyed. "Ben came here and talked to me."

Harry raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "What did the King of Auradon want? Was he trying to talk ye into coming back?" He walked into the treehouse, sitting across from her. He had to be honest, he felt a little bit of jealousy inside him. He and Elisa used to date before Elisa was sent back to Auradon with her friends and Harry hadn't seen her since then. He had hoped that maybe they could've tried again, but then he found out she was engaged to Ben. It broke his heart and he tried his best not to let it show though now, seeing her like this, he had to admit that part of him wanted her back. He had gotten a flashback of all those great times they've shared when he noticed her in the tree house. He missed her so much, and he wished they could've had a future together, but it turns out that maybe it wasn't meant to be.

"He was." Elisa nods, looking down at the small velvet box. "He wanted me to come back with him. He said that he loves me and he wants to fight for us."

Harry nods, not liking how his heart twinged a little. "Did he give you that?" He asked, gesturing to the box.

"Yeah, he did." Elisa opens the box, showing the ring to him. "It's a reminder that he'll wait for me, no matter how long it takes."

"Looks pretty fancy, and it fits ye well." Harry remarks, a bit of envy in his voice. He continues, trying to mask his emotions with his usual bravado. "It seems like Ben's really put a lot of thought into this. But you know, Elisa, it's not just about the ring or the promises he makes. It's about what you want and need."

Elisa looks at him, her eyes glistening with the weight of her decision. "I know. I'm just...Conflicted. It' so hard to decide. I love him, but staying here means a life without all those expectations. It's a chance to be free."

Harry chuckles softly, though there's no real joy in his eyes. "Aye, freedom can be a powerful lure. But you've got to ask yourself if it's worth giving up what you really want. Sometimes freedom's just another form of escape."

Elisa meets his gaze, her heart aching with the complexity of her situation. "You're right. It's not just about escaping. It's about finding where I truly belong. I have to think about what's best for me and for my future."

Harry leans back, his expression softening slightly. "I get that. And I won't pretend I don't have feelings about this. I've always cared for you, Elisa. I still do." He confesses. "And you have no idea how happy I am to see you after all this time. But what matters most is your happiness. You've got to make the choice that's right for you."

Elisa's face softens, her heart touched by his words. She had to be honest, part of her wished she could've had a future with Harry. But that was a different life, a different story. She reaches out, placing a hand on Harry's, grateful for his honesty and support. "Thank you, Harry. I know this isn't easy for you, and I appreciate your understanding. I really do care about you too. I always will care about you. I missed you a lot too. I'm so sorry we ended things the way we did. It wasn't fair to you and I never wanted to hurt you. I hope you know that." She felt horrible for how their relationship had ended. She didn't regret being with Ben, but she did regret hurting Harry. He had always been there for her, even when she didn't deserve it.

"I know." Harry says softly, his hand gently squeezing hers. He could see the genuine remorse and sincerity in her eyes, and it was enough for him to forgive her. "It's alright, Elisa. I know you didn't mean to hurt me. It was a tough decision and I understand why you made it. Besides, it's not like we can go back and change the past. All we can do is move forward."

Elisa smiles at him, feeling a sense of peace and closure. "That's true. And I'm glad we were able to talk about this. It's helped me figure out what I want and need. I want to be friends though, Harry. I hope we can still be friends." She wanted to try and salvage their friendship, it was something that meant the world to her.

Harry's expression softens, and a genuine smile spreads across his face. "I'd like that, Elisa. I really would. We've shared a lot, and I wouldn't want to lose that connection." He told her, squeezing her hand again and earning a fond smile from her.

Elisa nods, feeling a sense of relief. "Me too. Thank you for understanding and for being here. I appreciate it more than you know."

"Of course." Harry replies, his thumb brushing her knuckles. He knew that it was over between them, but that didn't stop him from loving her. He would always love her, no matter what. He glances down at the velvet box again. He reluctantly pulls his hand away, picking up the box and handing it back to her. "Well, it looks like ye have a choice to make." He looks back up at her with a soft, tender expression. "And I think ye already know what yer answer is."

Their hands brush as Elisa takes the box from him, and she feels a warmth spreading through her. She smiles, knowing he was right. "I think I do." She says softly, a spark of determination in her eyes. "Thank you, Harry. For everything. I hope you find your happiness one day too."

Harry's smile widens, his eyes twinkling with affection and a hint of mischief. "Aye, me too. Good luck, Elisa." He helped her stand up and she surprised him when she suddenly hugged him. He stiffened, his arms at his sides as his eyes widen in shock. He quickly regained his composure though, hugging her back tightly. He closed his eyes, breathing in her scent and committing this moment to memory.

"Take care of yourself." Elisa says, her voice a bit muffled as she had her head buried against his chest. "Promise me."

Harry holds her close, his fingers tangling in her hair. "I promise." He whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "You too. Promise me."

Elisa tightens her arms around him, her eyes stinging. "I promise." She vows, not wanting to let go. "Goodbye, Harry."

"Goodbye, Elisa." Harry said, reluctantly letting her go. He watches as she climbs down the ladder and he waits until she's gone from his sight before climbing down the ladder himself. He was happy for her, he truly was, but a small part of him wished that he was the one she chose.

The streets of the Isle were quiet, the sounds of people going about their daily lives were muted. The air was crisp and cold, the breeze biting through Elisa's clothes. She was walking with purpose, her destination clear. Her mind was made up, her decision clear. She knew what she wanted, and she was going to do everything in her power to make it happen.

****

When she got back to the hideout, she found her friends up in the hideout, their worried voices filling the air. "What are we gonna tell Elisa about Ben?" Evie's worried voice asked.

Elisa steps more into the room, letting her presence be known as she looks at her friends with confusion. "Tell me what about Ben?"

Her friends turned towards her, surprise on their faces. Mal was the first one to recover, speaking up. "Hey, Elisa. Uh, you're back."

"I am." Elisa nods, still not understanding. "Why? Did something happen?"

Carlos answers, his eyes shifting away. "Uh, no, nothing happened. We were just talking." He lies, chuckling nervously. "Ben's fine, we're all fine. Nothing happened."

"Really?" Elisa says, raising an eyebrow and clearly not believing them. "Because it sounded like you were talking about telling me something. So, what is it?" She crossed her arms, waiting for them to answer.

"Oh, it was nothing important. We were just-" Jay began, but he was cut off by Evie's worried voice.

"We were worried about Ben, he's gone."

Elisa's eyes widen, her mouth opening in shock and disbelief. "Wait, gone? What do you mean, gone? How can he be gone?" Her voice is raised as panic and fear begin to rise within her.

Mal sighs, her expression sympathetic and apologetic. "Uma and her crew has him. And I had already gone to talk with Uma to try to get Ben back. Now we have to give her Fairy Godmothers wand-"

"What? We can't do that! How did that happen?" Elisa gasped. She couldn't believe all of this happened when she was gone. She wasn't gone that long, right? She didn't thinks he was.

"Uma and I had a deal. She won her part of the deal." Mal muttered, looking at her apologetically. She felt bad about it, but they had no other choice.

"We were gonna make a 3D printer of the wand." Carlos quickly speaks up, giving Elisa a reassuring look. "Jay and I are going back to Auradon to make that, the girls are going to make some smoke bombs."

Elisa was still in shock, but she quickly shook it off. She wasn't about to stand by and do nothing while her boyfriend was in danger. She was going to do whatever it took to help her friends and save her boyfriend. She nods, looking determined. "Okay, got it."

"Carlos, Jay, you guys meet us at Pirates Bay. No later than noon. And you guys, losing, not an option." Mal firmly states, placing a reassuring hand on Elisa's shoulder to comfort her. Elisa sends her a small thankful smile as she nods. Mal returns a small smile and glances at the group. "'Cause we're rotten..."

"To the core." Her friends finished with her, but Elisa had remained silent. She was ready for this fight. She was going to bring her boyfriend back and show Uma what happens when you mess with the daughter of the Ice Queen.