The next morning Elisa stood in a lounge room with Ben, his parents and Fairy Godmother. "I think we all know why we're here." Adam starts. "The people are in a panic about Hades. He almost got out.."

"Who knows what he would've done if he had escaped?" Belle added worriedly.

"We can't risk having another villain on the loose." Adam frowns. "Every time we open the barrier, we're exposed to danger. Maleficent, Uma, Hades."

When Ben's phone suddenly buzzed, he excused himself and stepped to the side to check it. Elisa wasn't sure what to do. She stood there, unsure what to do or say. She chewed on her nails, her nerves getting the best of her.

Ben turns back to the others. "Maleficient's scepter and the queen's crown have been stolen."

Fairy Godmother gasps in horror. "Uma?" Adam immediately guessed.

"You don't know that, dad." Ben told him.

"When the people hear this, they will never want to leave their houses." Belle realizes. "What do we tell them? Elisa?" She asked, glancing over at the blonde. Elisa looked up from the floor, meeting Belle's worried eyes. "What do we do? How do we keep evil out of Auradon?"

Elisa takes a deep breath, gathering her thoughts as everyone waited for her response. She knew this was a pivotal moment, not just for their safety, but for the trust and unity of Auradon. "I'm afraid we have to close the barrier...For good." She finally spoke, her voice shaking slightly. She hated the idea of her friends and the kids never seeing their family again, but as soon to be Queen of Auradon she needed to do what was right and safest for Auradon.

Ben and the others all look at her with surprise, but also with worry and understanding.

"Close the barrier? But what about the kids?" Ben asks, his eyes filled with concern. "Henry...Dizzy, they won't get to see their families. And the others. We can't take away their chance of a future. Of a better life. They deserve that."

"I know they do, Ben. And I hate the idea of having to take that away from them. But we need to think about the safety of Auradon. Of everyone. I can't risk putting them in danger." Elisa sighs sadly, frowning and taking his hands in hers. "Ben, I don't like this anymore than you do, but we need to keep the people safe. We can't let villains into Auradon. They can't be trusted. You saw what happened with Hades. And with Uma still out there..."

Ben shook his head, pulling away with a hurt and disappointed look. He stepped back, his jaw clenched. He couldn't believe she was agreeing to close the barrier. To not let all the other kids have a chance at a better life. Not only would his friends not see their parents again, but so many kids would be trapped on the Isle forever. It wasn't fair.

"Elisa, I can't believe you." He frowned.

"Ben..." She frowns, following after him. "I hate this too, I hate Henry and the other kids and our friends won't be able to see their families again, but you have to think of the safety of Auradon." She said softly, reaching up to cup his face with both hands. "Please understand that. We can't risk any more villains getting out. As King and Queen, we need to make hard decisions like this sometimes. We need to protect Auradon."

He sighs heavily, knowing she was right. She was going to be the perfect Queen. She was already thinking of the well being of the people of Auradon. "You're right." He mumbles, resting his forehead against hers as he leans into her touch. "It's just so unfair to the kids and our friends. I want them to be able to see their family, I want to bring more kids over and give them the chance to have a better life."

"I know, Benny." She nods, gently stroking his cheek with her thumb. "I do to, but we have to put the safety of the kingdom first. That's our job as King and Queen." She says softly, her heart fluttering when he leaned into her touch and kissed the inside of her hand. "We will find another way." She promises, smiling a little. "But for now, this is what's best for the kingdom."

He nods, returning the smile. She wasn't even technically Queen yet and she was already so good at her job. She was a natural leader. "You're amazing, you know that? You're going to be an incredible Queen." He mumbled, making her blush.

She chuckles. "And you're already an incredible King." Her heart swelled with pride and love. She really was lucky to have him. "You care about the well being of the kingdom and the people of the Isle of the Lost. You are so kind and thoughtful. You always think of the good in people, and you do what's right and fair. And I couldn't be more proud of you. And I'm honored that I get to rule beside you."

Ben's cheeks grew red as she praised him. He didn't know what he did to deserve such an amazing, beautiful, caring fiance. She was a dream come true. He was definitely lucky. "I love you." He mumbled, pecking her lips.

"I love you too." She giggled and blushed. They pulled away, but he wrapped his arm around her waist to pull her to his side. During their interaction, his parents and Fairy Godmother had watched with fond expressions. They've always knew the two were made for each other. Since they were little kids, they were practically attached at the hip.

"It's decided then." Adam finally speaks, clasping his hands together. "We will close the barrier."

****

"Who else knows about the crown and the scepter?" Evie questioned.

Elisa was now at Evie4Hearts, Evie's fashion company, talking with her and Mal. She was explaining to them what had happened. Evie sat on a stool by Mal while Elisa stood across from them, leaning against a table. The three girls stood in the back room where Evie worked on her dresses.

"Just us, Ben, his parents and Fairy Godmother." Elisa answers. "No one else knows." She sighs, running a hand through her hair. "So we've been talking about closing the barrier for good. I mean, everyone is already scared with Uma being on the loose and with what happened with Hades yesterday. If word got out that those items were stolen, I can only imagine the chaos it would cause."

"Will this delay bringing over the VKs?" Evie inquired.

Elisa hesitates. She wasn't sure if she should tell her friends that they've decided to stop the program. To close the barrier for good. When she didn't answer, Evie and Mal both looked at her, confused and worried. "Elisa?" Evie prompts, furrowing her eyebrows. "What's going on? You said no to closing the barrier, right? I mean, us four are finally living the dream here and you're finally back where you belong. We get to share this. I mean, what could be more important than that?"

"Security and safety, not being scared every day that a new villain will arrive and try to take over Auradon." Elisa admits, looking down. "Evie, you have to understand that I need to protect the kingdom and its people."

"So we can never see our parents again?" Mal frowns. "And the kids...They can never go and visit whenever they want. We told them they could, but now it's being taken away."

"I know it's not ideal, but we can't risk the safety of the kingdom. There's already too much going on, and now with Hades trying to escape, Uma still gone and the scepter and crown being stolen..." Elisa shakes her head. "It's too dangerous. It's best if the barrier is closed for good."

"I can't believe this." Mal says with disbelief, a hurt expression on her face. "This isn't fair, Elisa. We've been working so hard to help the kids have a better life."

"I know, and we can still do that. But right now, we need to put Auradon's safety first. We can figure something out later, but right now, that's the most important thing." Elisa tells her, reaching out and resting her hand on her arm. "You guys are some of my best friends, you two are like my sisters, but as future Queen, I have to do what's right for Auradon. Please try to understand."

Mal sighs, but nods, relaxing a little. She understood, but she still didn't agree. Evie looks down sadly, chewing on her bottom lip. "Okay.." Mal sighs, nodding. "But promise me we will figure something out."

"Of course." Elisa smiles, squeezing her shoulder. She pauses before adding, "Can you keep this to yourself, guys? For now, no one else knows."

Evie and Mal both nod, giving her reassuring smiles. "We won't say anything." Evie promises. "El, if you think it's best, then we're behind you one hundred percent. We just don't want our friends and the kids to lose hope." She frowns. "They're counting on us."

"I know." Elisa sighs sadly, her heart heavy. "Trust me, I hate the idea of the kids not being able to see their parents and you guys not seeing your parents. And that we can't bring anymore kids over right now, but I don't know what other choice we have." She muttered, swallowing the lump in her throat. She felt so bad, but she had a feeling things would only get worse.

"Thank you guys for understanding." She smiles weakly at the two. "You guys are the best." She hugged the two girls when they stood up.

"We will always have your back." Evie promised.

"Yeah. Even if we don't agree with it, we will support you." Mal agrees, returning the hug. "We're family."

Elisa's smile grew and she hugged the two tighter, thankful she had such amazing friends. "You guys are the best friends a girl could ever ask for. You two have always been like sisters to me. I love you guys." She said softly, meaning it. She wouldn't trade the two girls for anything.

"We love you too." The two said, all three of them hugging each other tightly. They were family. And nothing could ever change that.

****

Elisa followed Evie into the kitchen where Jay and Carlos were packing a picnic for Jane's birthday party. Her birthday was today and she was having a party by the Enchanted Lake. Carlos and Jane have been dating for a couple months now and Elisa found them so cute. They were a great couple and she was happy for them.

"Okay, who got into the cake?" Carlos suddenly called out, sounding frustrated. He spotted part of the cake had been taken out and was missing.

Unbeknownst to the group, Henry, Dizzy, and Celia sat outside the building, a plate with a slice of cake on their lap. "Best idea you ever had, Hen." Celia smirked, taking a bite of the cake.

"I can't believe no one saw us." Henry chuckled, eating his cake. It was so good. He never tasted a cake as good as that before.

"You've got a gift." Dizzy giggled, eating her cake.

"Hey!" Elisa suddenly said, noticing the three kids outside. They all look at her innocently, like they didn't know what she was talking about. She chuckles, rolling her eyes. "I'm not surprised you guys managed to get a slice. You're too smart for your own good." She smiled and shook her head.

"I'm not even sorry." Henry grins, shrugging. "It's a great cake. Want some?" He picked up a spare fork he had, having a feeling Elisa was going to find out about them.

"Well, duh." Elisa grins, joining the younger teens and sitting in front of them. She takes the fork from him, taking some of the slice and eating it. She hums, closing her eyes. It was delicious. "Wow. Yeah, you have a point. This is so good." She giggles, enjoying the cake. "You are forgiven for stealing a slice."

Henry chuckles. "Thanks."

"I'm surprised no one heard you three sneak into the kitchen." Elisa laughed, taking more of the cake. She couldn't help herself.

"We are very sneaky." Henry smirked.

"More like he is very sneaky." Dizzy chuckled, nudging her best friend.

Elisa shook her head, amused by the younger teen. "Yes, yes he is." She agreed, ruffling his hair playfully. "But next time, I would suggest being a bit more careful. And not take part of a cake meant for someone else. It's a little rude, isn't it?" She asked, giving him a pointed look.

Henry frowns and nods, knowing she was right. It wasn't fair to Jane. "You're right. But it's so good.." He mumbled, giving her a sheepish grin.

Elisa chuckles, shaking her head. "Okay, I'm going back inside. Thanks, Hen. But you guys behave." She said, giving the three younger kids a look. She stood up, handing the fork back to Henry.

"See you guys at the lake."

"Bye, El." Henry replied.

"Later, Elisa." Celia waved.

"Bye!" Dizzy smiled, waving.

She walks back to the front, stopping un her tracks and gasping at what she saw. Mal looked like an older woman, hunched over and Audrey had the crown and the scepter. Not only that, but Audrey looked completely different. Pink and purple hair, wearing a pink and black sparkly outfit that had a cape. Audrey had went bad. "Mal!" Elisa calls out, rushing forward with an urgency that propelled her through the air. She placed herself protectively in front of Mal, a fierce determination igniting within her. "Audrey, what are you doing with the crown and the scepter? I should've known it was you." She accused, glaring at Audrey, her heart racing as she prepared to summon her powers if necessary.

"Oh, look who decided to grace us with her presence!" Audrey sneers, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "The Ice Princess—oops, I'm sorry, soon-to-be Ice Queen herself! Really following in your mother's footsteps with that name, aren't you?" Anger flashes in her eyes as she glares back at Elisa. "You really thought I'd sit around and let your perfect little life unfold? You, the one who stole the prince away from me and then stole the spotlight? The one who ruined everything for me? Along with Mal of course. You've got a lot coming for you."

Elisa's frown deepened, and she clenched her fists, trying to reign in the anger boiling within her. "I never meant to steal Ben away. Honest. But you have no right to say any of that. You and Chad are the ones who sent me to the Isle. You made me lose control of my powers, Audrey. You left me with no choice but to use them. You were the one who betrayed me."

Audrey scoffs, brushing off Elisa's words as if they were nothing more than an irritating fly. "Please, spare me your sob story. You could have easily controlled your powers if you weren't so weak and pathetic. That was your own fault."

Elisa felt a flash of anger at the cruel words. "You were jealous, Audrey." Elisa said, clenching her fists. She tried to remain calm. She was getting more and more pissed off the more Audrey spoke. "You always have been, you made that obvious. Ever since we were little. You always wanted to be the center of attention. You couldn't stand the idea of anyone being better than you. Well, guess what, princess? I am not weak. I'm not pathetic. And I'm definitely not scared of using my powers on you. If you don't hand over the crown and scepter, and reverse what you've done to Mal, I will use my powers."

Audrey chuckles, a wicked smile spreading across her face as she rolled her eyes in amusement. "You are not going to touch me, and you are definitely not getting this crown or scepter back. Did you really think it would be that easy? You've been a thorn in my side for too long, Elisa. Ever since we were young, you were always a little miss perfect. Always the teacher's pet. Always the best at everything. Well, not anymore. I'm the star now, and you are nothing but monster and a freak, just like your mother."

The words cut deeper than Elisa wanted to admit, and she could feel her composure wavering. "You are nothing compared to me. All you are is a jealous, stuck up, selfish little brat who doesn't care about anyone but herself. And I'm the freak and the monster? I'm not the one who has turned their back on their own kingdom and friends. I'm not the one who is willing to ruin lives and hurt innocent people. I would never stoop as low as you. But I'm done. You are not getting away with this. You can either reverse what you've done and hand over the items or I'll use my powers and make you."

Audrey smirks, clearly amused by her threats. "Oh, you will? You really think you can fight me?" She asks, her smirk widening. "You think you're so powerful, don't you? Well, let's see what you've got, Ice Queen."

Elisa's hands began to glow with a cold, icy blue light as she focused her magic. Audrey sneers, but before she could react, Elisa unleashed a blast of freezing energy towards her. Audrey quickly held the scepter up, creating a shield and deflecting the blast. She gasps, a little surprised. She wasn't expecting Elisa to be so strong. The blast was powerful. Elisa wasn't going easy on her. "You have no idea how powerful I can be." Elisa warned, a dark expression on her face. She had been training for a few weeks now, getting a better handle on her powers. She could easily take Audrey down.

"You have no idea how powerful I am." Audrey retorts, glaring. "And I've barely even used my power." She smirked and waved the scepter, creating a magical blast and throwing Elisa back against the wall, knocking the wind out of her.

Elisa grunted in pain as her body slammed into the wall, the force leaving a dent. She coughed, falling to the floor. She tried to breathe, the impact having knocked the wind out of her. Her vision was blurry as she tried to catch her breath, her lungs burning. Her body ached. Audrey was stronger than she had imagined.

"Is that all you got?" Audrey taunts, laughing a little. "I thought you said were powerful. Looks like you're just as weak as I thought."

Elisa gritted her teeth, pushing herself up despite the pain. She refused to give up. She couldn't. She had to protect her friends and her kingdom. She had to do this. She took a shaky breath and stood up. She had to stay strong. Before she could do anything, her friends had rushed outside after hearing the commotion, surprised and in disbelief at the scene in front of them.

"So long, suckers!" Audrey smirked at the group, disappearing into a crowd of pink smoke.

Elisa was still a little out of breath, but was recovering. She watched Audrey disappear and cursed. She had gotten away. "El!" Henry rushes over to her, concerned. "Are you okay?" He noticed she was leaning on the wall for support, taking slow and steady breaths. He wrapped his arm around her waist, helping her.

"I'm...I'm fine.." She breathes, leaning against him and taking deep breaths. "Just a little winded, but I'll be fine." She reassured him, giving him a small smile. She didn't want him or her other friends to worry.

Jay gasps, eyes widening as he steps back when he saw the state Mal was in. "Woah! Uh, you might wanna think of a spell for that."

"There's no spell that can reverse the curse of the scepter." Mal explained, her voice sounding older. Elisa frowned, feeling terrible. She hated she couldn't have done more to stop Audrey and get Mal back to normal.

"Mal!" Parker rushes out of the building, eyes wide with concern and surprise as he stops in his tracks at seeing his girlfriend. "Wow, okay, that's a new look." He said, a little taken back.

"Don't look at me, okay?" Mal grumbled, looking away from him. She didn't want Parker to see her like this.

Parker frowns, his heart breaking a little. "Hey, it's okay." He walks over to her, cupping her cheeks and forcing her to look at him. He was gentle and didn't care about her appearance. "You will always be beautiful to me." He was taken aback at first since he didn't expect to see this. After hearing the loud commotion outside, he had went to check. He was at Evie4hearts with the group since they had been getting ready to head to Jane's birthday party together. But now he was worried his girlfriend might be stuck like this forever. And even if that was the case, he wouldn't care. She would always be the same girl he fell in love with.

Mal smiles weakly, nodding. "I don't deserve you.."

Parker smiles softly and kisses her forehead, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her. "I love you."

"I love you too." She hugged him back, enjoying his embrace.

Elisa smiles softly, watching the two. They were a great couple. She was happy Mal had found love. She deserved it. The two were perfect for each other. Parker was a sweetheart and she knew he had been treating her well. "I feel terrible." Elisa sighed, frowning. "I couldn't stop her. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, El." Mal said softly, giving her a small, reassuring smile after she and Parker pulled away from the hug. "Audrey is more powerful than ever now." She looks at the group. "Forget about me. Audrey's out for revenge. And all of Auradon is in danger."

"What should we do?" Evie inquired.

"The only thing more powerful than the scepter...Is Hades' ember." Mal admitted.

"Oh!" Jay scoffs, shaking his head. "Like he's just gonna hand it over, give them back to the Isle."

"And no one knows where is lair is." Evie spoke up.

"I do." Celia spoke up.

"We do." Henry coughed, nudging Celia, who just rolled her eyes despite the small smile.

"How did you find it?" Elisa asked with surprise.

"I'm his errand rat. I got the key at my dad's place. Henry and I have been there many times." Celia explained.

"What were you doing there?" Elisa questioned, eyes widening more as she looked at Henry.

Henry shrugs. "I help her with running errands for Hades sometimes. I have a key at my dad's place too." He admitted, a little sheepish. He had forgotten to tell her about this. It must have slipped his mind.

Elisa sighs, shaking her head. She wasn't surprised. "Of course." She said, knowing the two teens were very adventurous and sneaky. "Okay. I think I'm recovered. Let's go."

"Wait, are you sure you're up for it?" Carlos asks, worried. "What did Audrey do to you? We heard the commotion. We rushed over when we heard."

"She just knocked the wind out of me. That's all." Elisa explains. "Like literally. She threw me against the wall." Her friends stare at her with surprise and worry. "I'm fine now," She quickly adds. "Really. Just a little sore, but I'm good. Promise."

"If you're sure." Carlos replied, still looking a little worried. He knew Elisa was strong, but he was still concerned for her.

Elisa nods, smiling reassuringly at him and reaches over to squeeze his shoulder. "I promise."

"You two are coming." Mal spoke up, pointed gat Celia and Henry, who both looked upset and Henry even looked annoyed.

"But we just got here!" Celia whined.

"Yeah, we wanna explore this place!" Henry chimes in with an annoyed sigh. "We just got here, why would we wanna leave already?"

Elisa sends a sympathetic look to them. "I know, I'm sorry, but we need your help. Besides, you can come back and explore Auradon. After this is over. Promise." She added, seeing the upset and annoyed expressions on their faces.

Henry huffs and pouts, crossing his arms and mumbling something under his breath. "Fine. But I'm not happy." He grumbled.

"Clearly." Elisa chuckles a little, amused. She ruffles his hair playfully. "I'm sure we will be back soon. Then you and Celia can explore all of Auradon along with Dizzy, of course." She added, knowing they were probably missing their friends.

Henry perks up a bit, smiling a little. "Good."

A sudden scream caught everyone's attention and they all glance over at the door to see Dizzy and the Smee twins. Dizzy looked at Mal with shock and a little fear since she didn't know it was Mal. Henry grew concerned, but then realized she was freaked out by Mal's sudden change of appearance.

"Diz, it's fine, it's just Mal." Henry assured her, causing her to relax a little.

Evie quickly goes over to Dizzy. "Dizzy, stay here to take care of the twins. We'll be right back and everything will be just fine. Go inside." Evie assured her, smiling reassuringly at them.

"Guys, go get your stuff." Evie told the boys and the younger teens, who all nodded in response and rushed inside. Elisa stayed back with the girls, looking at Mal and Evie.

"How bad is it?" Mal asked, looking up at Evie and Elisa curiously.

Elisa shares a look with Evie before they look back at Mal. "You age beautifully." Evie assured her.

Mal nods and smiles in response. "Now, let's just get you into something fabulous." Evie added.

"Okay." Mal replied.

"Come on." Evie ushered while she and Elisa started walking inside. 

They paused, sharing a look after realizing Mal was now walking slow because she was turned into an older woman. They exchanged a worried glance before Evie gently guided Mal inside, offering her support. Elisa followed closely, her mind racing with thoughts of Audrey and the dangerous situation they were now facing. As they entered the building, Elisa kept a watchful eye on Mal, still concerned about the effects of Audrey's curse. Soon enough they all got on their bikes and head to the edge of the island. 

"Noble steed, proud and fair, you shall take us anywhere." Mal said a spell to get them able to cross the water to get to the Isle of the Lost. Elisa was driving the bike Ben had got her and was very grateful during this moment that she had it.

As the group drove across the water, they didn't see Dude, the dog, walking up and warning Carlos that he was going to miss Jane's birthday.