3 And Only 3

“Uh…” Red mumbled, spinning in place. Woah, Auradon Prep looked different…too different, Red had only wanted to go back only a few minutes—snatch her mother's cards, but…

It didn’t even look like they were in Auradon Prep anymore; the whole courtyard had changed. Gone were the Auradon Prep banners, and the Queen Belle hand-picked flowers; now the courtyard was empty of Auradon kingdom decor, replaced with a huge tree in the corner and—pixies?

“Woah,” Red muttered, looking around at the soft floating pixies that flew around the courtyard, many floating around a glowing pond.

“Focus!” Chloe snapped, and Red’s eyes snapped to her. right!

“Sorry—” Red stuttered, and Chloe bit her inner lips.

“What did you do?! Where are we?! Where did everyone go and—my mom!” Chloe asked rapidly, and Red held up her hands.

“This wasn’t my intention!” Red blurted out. “This thing is a time machine,” She gestured to the pocket watch. “It's supposed to take you to when you need most, and I was trying to go back minutes to take my mom's cards, but—” she gestured around. “I think…I don’t even know when we are anymore.” Red said, almost sounding defeated, distressed.

Chloe narrowed her eyes, and then remembered how Red had stood up to her mom, and let her shoulders drop. This mishap was not an act of malice, just an attempt to help that got thrown into chaos.

“Okay, well—” Chloe began, thinking hard, trying to see if she saw anything she knew from the history books. A sweet, kinda familiar(to Chloe at least), voice rang out from a nearby corridor to their left, and the girls turned to see a young woman in a periwinkle cloak, racing after a…living gourd of some kind.

“Oh dear me, oh dear me—come back!” the young woman cried. She was sparkling, glitter all over her eyes with pretty makeup, and jewelry in her dark hair that was in a curled updo.

Chloe blinked.

Yeah, that had to be her, pre-fairy godmother status. “That’s…FG,” Chloe said quietly, watching the young version of her great fairy godmother race through the courtyard now, chasing after the huge squash that juked her at the last second and was now skittering toward Red and Chloe.

Red backed up, she was used to Wonderland chaos, but this was fae magic, not whatever Wonderland magic was powered by. Chloe didn’t flinch, lifting her boot and holding it out to the side, and the squash tripped and tumbled, making the oddest sound.

Red snorted.

“Oh—thank you!” Young FG gasped for breath as she approached. She looked to be in her mid-20s, but gave off the air of being much older than she looked. “I was practicing my animation charms, and the rotten thing got away from me!” Young FG said, scooping up the squirming gourd—drawing a thin silver wand from her pocket and tapping it, it stilled—and faded into a very normal unanimated squash.

Red stared, lip quirking. “How do you manage to let a squash get away from you?” Red snorted, and Chloe hissed out Red’s name through her teeth as FG worried at her bottom lip.

“I—it’s a complicated charm; I haven’t got it quite down yet,” Young FG said meekly, reminding Chloe of how Jane was when she was younger, the both of them. It seemed young FG was quite shy and insecure when she was young and a learning fairy.

“Seriously?” Red snorted again, and young FG frowned deeper, pursing her lips. “Isn’t that like, beginner stuff?” Red asked, not meaning any harm, but…she wasn’t very good with words, or people. Blame her mom.

Young FG took a breath and didn’t bid either girl goodbye, simply turning on her heel and leaving.

“Red, seriously?” Chloe hissed beneath her breath as they both watched young FG hurry away, shoulders scrunched up. “What was that about?”

“Sorry?” Red said, shrugging. She had pretty much no filter, especially when not around her mom. Something about the lack of pressure made her say things she didn’t actually mean. Chloe huffed, releasing her sword handle for the first time since arriving in this strange time.

“So, with that,” Chloe gestured to where young FG had run off to. “we’re for sure in the past, just…how far?” Chloe mumbled and Red frowned.

“What do you mean? Fairy godmother is like, fifty-something?? And she looks to be 20-something now?” Red asked and Chloe shook her head, knowing far more about her great fairy godmother.

“FG’s a fairy, remember? They don’t age like we do, and her type ages depends on how they feel about themselves. Right now, FG’s shy and unsure, learning still, so she’s young and inexperienced, get it?” Chloe explained, and Red slowly nodded.

The girls stared at each other, and then Chloe sighed. “Whatever, how about we go back now—stop your mom before she even tries?” Chloe asked, pointing at the pocket watch, and Red glanced down at it.

“I’m honestly not sure if this thing works that way, it sent us here for a reason—so,” she held the pocket watch out of reach as Chloe groaned, frustrated and afraid for her mother's fate, and tried to snatch the pocket watch. “Hey! Don’t be so grabby grabby,” Red huffed, and Chloe glared.

“I need to get back to my mom, so why don’t you—wind that clock forward and get us back to Auradon prep,” Chloe snapped, and Red huffed, fine. Whatever.

She stepped closer to Chloe, wrapping the chain around their hands and pressed the crown. The pocket watch hissed, sputtered, and sparked, and then…nothing.

“What?” Chloe whispered, horrified as Red turned the watch over, and opened the back. “Jammed,” Red groaned, looking at the purple jam that had appeared between the grooves of the gears.

“…Is this wonderland nonsense?” Chloe asked weakly, and Red nodded, groaning.

“Yep. Gears are jammed, and I don’t know how to fix this thing, we’re stuck!” Red said, frustrated, running her hands through her hair as Chloe stared blankly at the pocket watch.

“Mom,” She whispered, and Red looked at her, frowning. She reached out, gently touching Chloe’s wrist, whose lip wobbled.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get back, somehow, and stop my mom, and save yours, I promise.” Red said earnestly. “I won’t let her destroy Auradon,” Chloe stared at Red, and then sighed, straightening up and squaring her shoulders.

“Fine. We’ll…work together, find out when we are, find someone to fix the pocket watch, and then go back, and save Auradon and my mom.” Chloe said as Red closed the pocket watch and pocketed it. She had to admit, Chloe had a good head on her shoulders; if Red was in her place—she’d probably be a hot mess.

The girls left the courtyard together, walking through this strange—past version of Auradon prep castle grounds, which didn’t seem to be Auradon at all. Surprisingly, they passed by some other teenagers, some oddly familiar(to Chloe), some unrecognizable(for Red, who barely knew wonderland history, let alone Auradon history).

They walked down what would become the front gardens of Auradon prep, it was far more lush in the past, with magical flowers that nipped at Red’s heels, hedges that seemed to breathe and exhale glittery pollen, and dancing petals from overhead flowers.

They reached a large sign, and Chloe jogged forward to read it. “Merlin Academy,” She read, wondering why that was familiar before it hit her. “Oh! My mom said she used to go here! Before Auradon became Auradon!” Red frowned, joining Chloe and reading the sign too.

Merlin Academy est. 705.

Red blinked. They couldn’t be that far back, could they?

“Hopefully were not too far back,” Chloe murmured, looking around for any clues. “Auradon was created in 1995 CAE,” Red’s blank look made Chloe snort and explain further. “After the merging of all the kingdoms; they decided on a combined calendar year since they were all from different eras. My mom was from the 1800s before Fairy Godmother and King Beast invited her and dad to join Auradon; they said yes, of course, and boom, current Auradon era.” Chloe rambled.

Red stared, blinking slowly. Most of those words went in one ear and out the other, but she tried to make it at least seem like she was paying attention. “When was your mom from?” Chloe asked and Red could only shrug.

“Dunno, Wonderland time is wacky, sometimes it’s the 3rd century, sometimes the 17th, it only caught up with overlands era after mom came back from the isle, I was actually born before Auradon got made,” Red said and Chloe’s brows rose in interest.

“But, you’re my age?” Chloe guessed, and Red nodded with another shrug.

“Wonderland,” Red said, as if that was explanation enough. And it was, even though it made no sense. But hey, wonderland.

“So, history buff, when do you think we are?” Red asked as they turned and began to enter the school, passing by a huge oak tree that rested in the middle of the front yard, where King Beasts' statue would be in the future.

“I could not tell you,” Chloe said, agonizingly. “I haven’t seen anything…marking when we are—oh!” Chloe gasped, the two entered the common room of the castle, where many students resided between classes. Chloe had seen a poster.

For castle coming.

“Castlecoming!” Chloe gasped, jogging forward, Red followed behind, feeling out of place in a castle she hadn’t even been able to call home before being thrown into a version of it that hadn’t existed in years.

“Castlecoming?” Red asked with a drawl, crossing her arms as they looked at the enchanted poster, watching as sparkling fireworks danced in the posters night sky above the glittering castle, one that felt familiar to Chloe.

“Yeah, it was a big thing, back before Auradon combined all the kingdoms; it’s a celebration of heirs coming of age. My dad had his in 1889…” Chloe trailed off, seeing the date of castle coming for this year.

1889 Castlecoming celebration!

Castlecoming on April 24th, in celebration of Prince Christopher Charming becoming of age to rule his kingdom.

All eligible maidens are invited to attend by order of King Frederick Chadshire Maximillian Othello Charming.

Red rose her brows. Long ass name. “Your grandfather?” Red asked Chloe, who smiled and nodded—very warmly and fondly.

“Yeah, and if you think his name is long, you should see my brothers,” Chloe snorted, the two girls momentarily forgetting their earlier tension. Red leaned into Chloe’s view, pouting a little in pleading. Chloe grinned, she never passed up an opportunity to bully her brother. Even when he wasn’t here.

“Chadwick Chadsworth Chaddock Chadshire Chadley Charles Othello Octavius Amal Leopold Maximus charming,” Chloe recited, perfect and princess-like—puffing out her chest and Red held back a snort, and then let out a cackling laugh—quick and hard and Chloe giggled too.

“Who cursed him??” Red laughed, and Chloe pointed at the poster.

“Grandpa, he had a thing for overly royally long names, says it’s tradition,” Chloe said with a fond roll of her eyes. “Chad was his first grandchild, and my grandpa loves us, spoiled Chad rotten,”

“Chadwick you mean,” Red grinned, and Chloe snickered again. “Do you have a long name like that?” Red asked, Chloe shook her head…too quick. Red grinned. “You dooo, tell me.” Red demanded, and Chloe kept firm. “c’mon I let you behead my mom instead,”

Both girls froze, quickly remembering where they were, and why they were here. “I’ll keep you on that if things don’t go right,” Chloe murmured, and Red nodded, sobering from their bout of giggles.

“So we’re in 1889, so my parents are here, and…wait—wait wait—my mom said your mom went to school with her, here.” Chloe said, eyes widening; Red’s did too, remembering her mom’s strange behavior and words towards Cinderella, and how—hurt, she seemed, beneath all the malice.

“My mom did mention something about, being humiliated, and your mom abandoning her when she needed her most, going off with her prince…do you think?” Red trailed off, gesturing to the poster, and Chloe pursed her lips.

“I mean…I’m not sure, we need more information,” Chloe said and Red nodded, the two continued through the common room. A bell rang, and students behind them dispersed and began heading off to their different classes.

The girls stepped up into an atrium, admiring the décor of the castle—it changed a lot once it became Auradon prep, it used to contain way more archaic-style architecture. A voice called from above, and they looked up—seeing a very old, kooky yet wise-looking wizard. Pointy blue hat and all.

“Right on schedule, you two,” The old wizard said, his white mustache wriggling as he looked down at them, long white brows raised as he peered down at them through his round gold glasses with a twinkle in his eye.

“Right on schedule?” Red murmured as Chloe gasped—she knew this guy!

“Yes, yes, I quite knew I’d have two out-of-time students popping in today and you two,” he checked his pocket watch—the thing modern for what was apparently the late 1800s. “are right on time.” Red blinked, Chloe grinned.

Merlin gave a sniffle and a small grumble, pocketing his watch again, turning his gaze to them. “Now, what sort’ve business have you got in the past?” Chloe went to answer, but…well, they didn’t really…know why the watch sent them back to this time.

Plus Red elbowed her. “Don’t go blabbering,” Red grumbled, and Chloe rolled her eyes.

“That’s Is Merlin Red, greatest wizard in the last couple centuries?” Chloe said as Merlin descended from the walkway above to join the girls in the atrium. “He’s a soothsayer; he can see the future. No point in trying to trick him,” Red pursed her lips but crossed her arms as Chloe turned to Merlin.

“We got caught up in a coup, staged by the Queen of Hearts, and Red has a time-traveling pocket watch—we tried to go back but—it got…” Chloe trailed off and Red reluctantly pulled out the pocket watch, jam leaking out the back.

“Jammed,” Merlin finished, stroking his beard, staring intently at the pocket watch. “Wonderland nonsense?” Merlin asked, and Red furrowed her brows, nodding. “I know just the student to help fix it, but for now, I suspect you two may wish to blend in. and perhaps discover exactly how to save your mothers, both of them.” Merlin said, and the girls blinked.

Red wanted to ask more, ask how he knew so much, but Merlin pulled out a scroll from his beard, it rolled out—long—the girls jumped apart as it rolled between them and spanned outwards several feet. “yes yes, I see, perfect. Ms,” he trailed off, looking at Chloe.

“Chloe Charming,” Chloe said with pride and Merlin’s eye twinkled. “Perhaps better to use a different last name, if it comes up, my dear.” Merlin said kindly, and Chloe sheepishly grinned, but nodded. “You’ll go off to our fencing class; Archimedes will guide you.”

The girls tilted their heads, who was Archimedes? As if Merlin heard their thoughts, he lifted his pointy hat, revealing a sleeping owl on his head.

“Archimedes,” Merlin said, tapping the owl. The owl snorted, making a smacking sound as he woke. “Up, you old bird, there is someone who needs your assistance.”

“What—what what?” The owl said, and Red blinked. Okay, the bird talked. She was used to talking animals, Wonderland nonsense and all, but she didn’t expect that here. “What do you want old man?” Archimedes said grumpily, fluffing his feathers.

“I need you to escort Ms. Chloe to the fencing hall, if you don’t mind,” Merlin said, and Archimedes ruffled up and sighed. “All right then, follow me girl, this way!” The owl spread his wings and took off, Chloe gave a glance at Red and hurried after him—sword clanking at her side.

Red looked back at Merlin, whose mustache curled in a smile. “And you, will follow me Ms…” Merlin trailed off, and Red worked her jaw a little. “Red, just Red.” Red mumbled, and Merlin nodded, waving for her to follow, and she did; following him through grand hallways and up several flights of stairs.

Until they reached a giant kitchen, with multiple islands, stoves, pans, pots, tools, and ingredients. Red leaned back to peer at the plaque on the door. ‘Spelltacular Baking and Pastry Arts’. Red raised her brow, why would Merlin put her in here?? Red very much did not give off the air of pastry master, or even cooking in general.

Red burned water once.

She stood up straight again as she followed him further into the room—bringing her to the front of class, where all the other students were at their stations, putting on aprons and grabbing magical cookbooks. “Students, we have a new wart joining us today,” Red curled her lip at the nickname, but had a feeling that was he called all his pupils. “Ms. Red. Now I expect you all to be welcoming to her! Now, Red, you can join Ms. Bridget, and Ms. Ella, my two best. Go on.” Merlin gestured her over to the station on the far left.

The names hit her like a truck—but maybe that was just a coincidence? Red looked to where he was pointing, seeing two girls. One dressed in pink, the other in blue. One had dark hair with pink highlights, the other with blue glitter tinsel in her dark very curly hair—much like her older self and daughter had.

Both smiled at her.

Red went wide-eyed.

It was her mother, and Cinderella, except, much her age and…

Friends??

“Hi! I’m Bridget Hearts, it’s so nice to meet you!” Her young mother said with a big smile while Ella smiled, calmer but just as sweet. Red blinked.

Okay, she didn’t know if she could do this.

-end of p4-

Yeah, I cut Fight of Our Lives. What of it? It didn't fit with my version of the girls, and I couldn't figure out how to--jimmie it till it fit, so, no Fight of Our Lives. Hope you enjoyed!

Cinderella and King Charming smiled back at her. Cinderella had changed out of her more casual fit for something more formal—along the lines of her infamous dress created by fairy godmother. “You look wonderful, pumpkin,” King Charming said, kissing Chloe’s temple as she hopped into the car.

“Thank you, Dad,” Chloe said with a grin, lingering in the doorway as Cinderella took King Charming's hand to step into the car. “Are you sure you can't come?” Cinderella asked her husband, who shook his head.

“No, Chad really wanted me to see him play in his first match of the season, and I have to leave soon if I want to make it in time.” King Charming said, and Cinderella nodded, smiling as King Charming pressed a kiss to her knuckles and helped her into the car.

“Hide his protein powder for me,” Chloe grinned, and Cinderella gave her a look, but Chloe only grinned. Sibling chaos could not be stopped even when miles apart.

“Okay, sweetie,” King Charming snorted. “Take care of your mom for me, and have a good first day.” Chloe tipped her head up with pride and nodded, settling into the car as King Charming closed the door behind Cinderella—tapping the car, and the car pulled out of the driveway—on its way to Auradon prep.

=

Red’s fingers snapped against the bands she was putting into her hair—attempting to put heart buns into her hair. She’d packed and had a mere five minutes to finish getting ready and book it downstairs before her mother decided to just leave her behind—she could already hear the horn from the front courtyard.

Red blew hard against her two face-framing bangs, getting them out of her eyes as she furrowed her brows—getting frustrated with her hair. Maddox’s fingers took place of her own, and she sighed, crossing her arms as he easily threw her hair into two heart-shaped buns.

“How are you better at my hair than I am? It’s my hair!” Red groaned, grabbing her jacket—her favorite punk style one that had a crossed-out version of her mom's symbol on the back.(which she wouldn’t wear until she got to Auradon and was settled, wanting to make it clear she didn’t agree with her mother's ways).

“I’ve been doing it since you were little,” Maddox chuckled, putting little rose pins into her buns to make sure they stayed. “Now go, we both know how impatient your mother is,” Red hugged her friend/tutor and rushed out, patting her jacket pocket that held the stolen pocket watch—no way in Underland would she leave it behind.

The car was already started and packed by the time Red made it to the courtyard—having a mere moment to spare as her mother laid on the horn and Red jumped in. “Late. Again.” Her mother huffed, sitting back into her seat on the passenger's side as an ace of Hearts settled into the driver's seat.

 Red settled into the back seat; putting her jacket on her lap—the back of it facing away from her mother, she didn’t want to set off an anger explosion right now—and buckled in, being pushed back against the seat as the ace of hearts drove off like mad.

“Sorry,” Red grumbled, watching as the castle gates zoomed past and closed behind them, her mother driving down the checkerboard path towards the rabbit hole—the Auradon invitation floating ahead of them.

This was actually happening—she was going to leave Wonderland.

“So, how do we get out? The barrier's been up for years now,” Red asked her mother, who just smirked—the invitation slid through the rabbit hole and the queen drew her playing cards, flicking one at the rabbit hole barrier, and it opened like a set of doors.

The car drove right through, and Red watched in wonder as the rabbit hole swirled around them as the car drove up the rabbit hole, before popping out the other side, just down the road from Auradon prep.

“Woah,” Red breathed, watching as the green trees of Auradon rolled past the windows, and soon—Auradon prep. There was a short security section, a gate barring them from entering as several Auradon royal guards stepped forward, clad in their blue and yellow leather gear.

Two knocked on the front windows, Red’s mother handed over her clutch to be examined, the ace of hearts had nothing, and Red held up her jacket, showing off her anti-mom symbol. The Auradon royal guard held back a smirk, by now used to rebellious vks, and did a quick scan of Red’s bags.

He found her spray-paint cans and sparking firecrackers, but just winked at her—Red holding back a grin. Okay, maybe Auradon wasn’t half bad, especially if the royal guard was this cool about her smoke and paint bombs.

The guard at the queen’s window examined her deck of cards, and she simply shrugged when questioned about them. She was handed her clutch back, and the ace of hearts drove into Auradon prep—into the front driveway of the infamous dorm castle.

“Woah,” Red murmured again, sliding out of the car, looking at the blue and yellow banners, and the royal king beast statue at the front—currently morphed into beast.

Her mother made an unimpressed sneer, and the ace of hearts and several school staff collected Red’s bags, carrying them to her new dorm room. Red spun as she entered the dorm castle, unknowingly stepping into the very same spot that Mal and the other three OG vks stood 9 years before.

“This way,” A school staff member said, overlooking Red’s file, continuing up the stairs to the right—down the hall and to dorm room A113. Red was the first to enter, looking around her new dorm room.

It was way different than her room at home—it was sizable, with two canopy beds with dark blue bedding, bookcases built into the wall—either side of the fireplace, and two large dressers and a walk-in closet, big enough for two, and a table in the middle of the room.

It was cutesy, not Red’s preferred style but—not terrible.

“Ugh,” her mother grumbled, stepping into the room. The ace of hearts followed suit and began unpacking Red’s stuff—she stopped him, knowing he’d find…things her mom wouldn’t like. “I’ll handle it,” She whispered to him, and he nodded, stepping away.

Her mother was still examining the room, so while she was distracted—Red hid her bag full of smoke bombs and firecrackers beneath her new bed, pocketing some…just in case. She didn’t trust her mother.

“Some redecorating is in order, it’s so…Auradon,” her mother muttered, stilling as a breathy voice came from the door.

“Bridget?” Red turned—she’d never heard anyone call her mother by her actual name. Red hadn’t even known her mother's name till Maddox told her. In the doorway was a dark-skinned woman in a blue gown, wearing a silver tiara—a daughter by her side, Red’s age.

Red’s mother turned, locking eyes with the woman. “I didn’t expect to see you here,” The woman said breathlessly, stepping into the room—her daughter close behind, who ended up beside Red, the two girls staring at their mothers.

“Ella,” Red’s mother said stiffly, staring at the woman named Ella, who seemed to be both in shock and…happy? To see her mom?? “It’s your royal majesty now.” Red’s mother said, cruelly, not a drip of kindness in her voice.

Ella’s smile weakened, and she nodded. “Right, of course, you must be so proud,” Ella said softly, offering that political smile Red had seen from everyone else when faced with her mother—one to not anger her further.

While their mothers had a stare off, the girl beside Red introduced herself. “Uh, hi, I'm Chloe Charming—you are?” Red glanced beside her at the girl, freezing for a split moment, uh oh, she was pretty.

“Red.” she said bluntly, staring at Chloe, who seemed a bit—put off by Red’s flustered bluntness. “Uh, Red, from Wonderland,” Red said, stuttering a little.

“Wonderland, really? I’ve always—wondered—what it’s like over there,” Chloe punned and Red swallowed hard.

…oh, Chloe was staring—quick—say something!!

“You should come sometime,” Red said, grinning now. “I’ll introduce you to the Jabberwock.” Girls liked cool monsters, right?

“Fun! What’s a Jabberwock?” Chloe asked with an excited grin.

“A monster that eats annoying girls,” Red said, and Chloe frowned—uh oh, no! Fix it Red, fix it! She didn’t get the chance; Ella pulled Chloe over, and her mother pulled Red over, Red smacking herself in the forehead for getting so tongue-tied.

It wasn’t her fault; that’s what everyone told her the Jabberwock did as a kid! It was the first thing that came to mind!? Ugh, why didn’t she just say it was a dragon beast thing that guarded her moms vault or something?

That wasn’t what the Jabberwock did, but—it would’ve been better than an accidental insult.

Red looked back at Chloe and Ella, her shoulders dropping a little as she watched Ella dote on her daughter, a gentle smile on her face—clear love in her eyes. Chloe leaned into Ella, smiling back, trust and love reflected.

Meanwhile, Red’s mother was prodding and pinching at her, scolding her for even talking to Chloe. Red swallowed hard, barely listening. What she wouldn’t give for her mom to treat her like that.

Ella and Chloe quietly left the dorm room—one Chloe and Red would share—and Red sighed, her mother's unwanted lecture fading into the background.

♪I’m just a girl, arms open wide. Looking for kindness, somewhere in your eyes.

Red looked at her mother, not seeing any bit of that kinda love Ella had for her daughter in her mother's eyes. Just that usual cold-hearted ruthlessness.

♪I’m looking for something, I may never find—all I want is love.

Her mother turned to her, and somehow it was like she’d heard Red’s inner thoughts. “What you want doesn’t exist, love. Ain't it.” The queen said sharply, her dark lined eyes seeming to stare into Red’s core.

Red worked her jaw. What she wouldn’t give to scream, to just say ‘you’re wrong!’. But her mother was scary, and Red too much of a coward.

♪You say love aint it, it makes me weak but how’d I know if I aint felt it yet?

Her mother half ignored her, still sneering at the décor of the room, glaring at the doorway where Ella and Chloe left through.

♪You say love aint it. And I wish I could compete with all the grief that you’ve experienced.

Red knew that her mother had gone through something to make her this way, she just wasn’t all that sure what had happened in her mothers past to make her so…evil. The queen turned to her, getting into Red’s face, grabbing her chin.

♪Love aint it. And nothing's as sweet as when you defeat all your enemies. I say love ain't it. And fear is more important if you’re gonna rule for centuries.

Red’s mother took her arm, pulling her out of her new dorm room, going down the hallway—where more students and their parents had arrived, a few going wide eyed in recognition of her mother, pulling their children to the wall.

♪Could it really be her? They say there’s no one worse, no ones as mean—mean as the queen—mean as the queen! She’s been gone for years, but now, she’s appeared! So hide under your beds, under your bed.

Red watched as others cowered in fear of her mother, painfully reminding her of home and all the Wonderland subjects and how scared they were to make her mad, lest it was off with your head.

♪Be careful what you do, be careful what you say; or it’ll be off with your head, off with your head! Be careful where you go, don’t make her upset! Or else its off—off with your head!

Red decided to shrug on her jacket now, offering sorry smiles to those she passed.

She and her mom walked up the garden path to the courtyard, where everyone was signing in for the welcoming ceremony. Red saw Chloe again, and she tried to swallow her nerves—but her mother was too quick and had cut the line, pulling Red inside.

Chloe looked up, spotting Red at the last moment—her eyes drawn to the crossed-out queen of hearts symbol on her back. “Huh,” Chloe mumbled.

“She's changed,” Her mother said, and Chloe frowned, looking up at Cinderella, who stared at the queen as she pulled Red along into the courtyard.

“What do you mean?” Chloe asked, taking her mom's hand as she offered it. “The queen of hearts?” Chloe asked for confirmation, and Cinderella nodded, sighing.

“Yes, Bridget, as I knew her. We went to Merlin Academy together—the school of this land before it was merged into Auradon—she was so…different, then, and then…everything got ruined for her, and she was never the same.” Cinderella explained and Chloe frowned.

“What do you mean? What happened?” Chloe asked, wanting to know more, because it must’ve been major to make the Queen of Hearts…well, the Queen of Hearts! But Cinderella shook her head.

“Nothing that can be changed. C’mon, let’s get inside; it’s useless to dwell on the past.” Cinderella said softly, a wistful look in her eyes and Chloe huffed, following her mother into the courtyard.

“Get out of my way! The queen’s arrived!” Red’s mother bellowed as she entered the courtyard, waving her hands in a parting motion as if she had her grand heart staff in hand.

Everyone glanced at her, and split to make a path as the queen shoved her way through, Red spotted a treat table and snatched up a macaron—yum, cherry-flavored.

She quickly finished it before her mother saw her, licking her teeth before grabbing a glass of pink lemonade. Her mother summoned her forward, and Red inwardly groaned, stepping to her mothers side, glaring a little as her mother pulled out the portable looking glass and showed Red their future.

Red looking as evil as her mom, miserable.

♪Look into the mirror, it’s our destiny, rule a million years with—you right next to me. Swimming in their tears, won't it taste so sweet?

Red stepped away, she would not let that happen. No way in hell was she going to let her mother control her life like that.

♪Theres a new dawn in Auradon, I’m gonna take the crown and put it on. I’m gonna take the crowd and do what I want. You gon’ make me proud when you take that throne!

♪Love aint it! Love aint it. Love aint it, oh na na.

Red’s mother grabbed the sleeve of her jacket, and Red scrunched her face up, gritting her teeth as she was shoved into a front chair in front of the stage in the middle of the courtyard. “Love ain't it. The sooner you learn that, the better.” Her mother whispered, and Red glared at her lap.

“Did you ever consider that you’re wrong?” Red snapped back quietly, her mother looked the most offended she’d ever had at Red; and Red glared back, crossing her arms as Fairy Godmother came onto the stage, gathering the crowd’s attention with a smile.

 “Attention please,” FG said with a bright grin, cooing as she looked out at the new, and returning, students. “Oh Parents, and Students; it has been a great privilege to serve you. But the time has come for another to take my place, so please join me in welcoming Auradon prep’s newest principal.” FG stepped back, allowing Uma’s crew—the wharf rats of the isle—to gather on stage.

They parted to make way for Uma, her heavy-booted steps echoing as all her jewelry and her sword that hung from a shoulder sheath clanked together—making her sound all the more imposing.

Uma wore her braided turquoise hair in a ponytail, the curling ends tossed over her shoulder as she lifted her head, smirking as she joined her crew; dressed in something befitting of a pirate turned vk style principal. Elegant, bold, edgy.

“♪What’s my name, what’s my name?” Uma called out, her pirates—and the vks who currently attended Auradon prep that had lived on the isle, all shouted; Uma!

Uma grinned, crossing her arms in a power stance—the pure energy she radiated, Red couldn’t help but stare.

♪I’m the queen of this town. I call the shots, you know I am—I don’t need to wear no fake crown. Uma knocked the hat off of one of her crew members, who grinned sharp—pulled away by a silver hook, a young man in a red leather coat spinning in front of Uma, guiding her to the higher point of the stage with a sharp, almost wild, grin.

Red’s mother shifted beside her, eyes hard as she took in Uma and Harry Hook, she’d never met them personally—but their families left a sour taste in her mouth.

♪Stand up to me, you don’t stand a chance. It’s our time—we up next! My crews as real as it gets! The worst is now the best! And leaving us there was their last regret!

What’s my name, what’s my name! Uma! Say it louder! What’s my name, What’s my name! Uma! Feel the power! No one's gonna stop us—the world is all ours!

Uma’s crew busted out sharp moves, the same from many years ago—all dancing around Uma. Their captain.

What’s my name—what’s my name?! What’s it? What’s it? Say it, say it!

Uma’s crew, and the Auradon prep vks shouted again; Uma!

Uma laughed, settling back with a sharp grin. Harry Hook stepped beside her, sharp blue eyes taking the crowd in—before zeroing in on the queen, and keeping his gaze on her, aware of the danger she posed.

The queen let out a quiet huff, taking out her cards and beginning to shuffle them. Red felt a pit drop into her stomach, but ignored it—all eyes on Uma.

She took in the crowd. “many of you might not know me, or maybe you do, I was on the news as a high risk villain for a while,” She chuckled, and those who remembered her escape from cotillion—and the then Lady Mal’s endless search for her—all laughed, some a little weakly, remembering when Uma and her crew had been villains, and not just rowdy heroes.

“But I wasn’t among the vks to go to Auradon prep, by the time the barrier came down—I was too old. Now while I’ve never attended personally, I will honor my duty as principal, making sure Auradon prep welcomes all, including our newest vk; Princess Red of Wonderland.” Uma gestured to Red, who perked up a little, eyes glued to the captain.

Beside Red, the Queen of Hearts kept doing card tricks, noisily, distracting those close enough to hear it. Uma ticked her jaw, stepping in front of the queen, eyes narrowed. “Do you mind?” Uma asked, Harry stepped behind her, sharp blue eyes locked onto the queen.

“I do, actually,” The queen hummed, standing—Uma didn’t step back, casually adjusting her hands to rest on her sword, a low humming emanating from her shell necklace.

“Mom?” Red asked, quietly, frowning heavily, her heart beginning to thump out of her chest. “What are you doing?” she asked, hoping it wasn’t what she feared.

“Playing my favorite game~” the queen cooed, pausing for dramatic effect, then she grinned, folding the cards in her hands to send them flying up. “War.” She cackled as the cards transformed into her army of soldiers, hitting the ground—armed and ready.

Uma drew her sword, as did Harry and the rest of the crew. “Go!” Uma ordered, Harry ran right for the queen of hearts—she was open and no guards had landed near her yet.

“Oh dear,” The queen muttered, flicking a card at Harry—he sliced it, flipping sideways over the other half of it—he was on top of the queen and slashed down with his hook; growling as a solider blocked his blow.

Harry and the soldier clashed—Harry’s sword against the soldier's halberd. Harry nearly won—his hook caught the pole and twisted it away, raising his sword—only to crumble as another soldier came up from behind and knocked Harry out with the pommel of his sword.

“Harry!” Uma yelped, eyes wide—distracted for just a second too long, her shell flickered, and she was captured, a net tossed around her and she was taken to the floor.

FG grabbed her wand—speaking quickly. “Bibbidi—Bobbidi B-“ The queen of Hearts turned, flicking her card at the wand, red sparks flying everywhere as the wand was destroyed.

“No,” The queen cooed. More of her cards blocked all the exists, and her soldiers crowded everyone into the middle of the courtyard.

Red watched in horror—eyes wide as her mother enacted a nearly perfect coup, Uma and Harry were down—Uma’s crew outnumbered, and all the royals and their children were faced with weapons—only one of them armed, Ella’s daughter.

With everyone captured, the exits sealed, the queen of hearts smirked—hiking up her skirt to ascend the stage. “Oh, do relax, you all act as if you’ve never seen a coup before~!” The queen said dramatically, turning to her new subjects, flipping her cards between her fingers—one sparkled and turned into her golden scepter with a crystal heart on the end.

“Mom, stop! This is insane! Even for you!” Red pleaded, stepping forward, shocking some of the captured crowd—the queen rolled her eyes.

“What's insane is that it’s taken me this long! I’ve been waiting years to be able to invade Auradon again, so thank you dear, you finally were useful,” The queen cooed, and Red glared, anger and betrayal bubbling in her chest. She should’ve known this wasn’t about her, that her mother had turned her invitation for a new life into this.

“I should’ve known you’d ruin this,” Red said quietly, her voice tight as tears built in her eyes, staring up at her mother on the stage; who stared back coldly. Not caring that she’d taken away Red’s chance at a new, fresh, life—away from her.

“I did this for you, Red.” The queen said, and Red only glared back. Well it didn’t feel like it. “Someday you’ll thank me, now stop whining and get up here.” The queen ordered and Red continued to glare—pausing as Cinderella stepped forward, challenging her mother.

“Stop it, Bridget, you’re better than this!” Cinderella said, much to Red’s shock. Her mom? Better than this? What version of her mother had Cinderella known? Two card soldiers took up their spears—aiming them at Cinderella but the queen waved them off—her angry eyes pinned onto Cinderella.

“let her through,” the queen muttered, flipping a card between her fingers as Cinderella stepped up to the stage, pleading with the queen of hearts.

“you’ve gone too far Bridget, all this—over what? A stupid prank from 30 years ago?” Cinderella asked, practically pleading with the queen of hearts to stand down, to stop before she did any irreversible damage.

“Feels like yesterday to me, and stupid?” the queen hissed, almost looking freshly hurt. “to you maybe. You, who abandoned me, when I needed you most. To go off with your prince.” Cinderella clenched her teeth, and Red stared—clearly there was history there, but unlike Chloe, her mother hadn’t divulged any of that information.

“I didn’t know Bridget, im sorry, but please—think of your daughter,” Cinderella began but the queen glared, teeth bared lightly as he held her hand up.

“Silence! Ive had enough of your sqabbling. Now. Kneel before your new queen.” The queen of Hearts commanded, and Cinderella rose her head in defiance.

“I will never kneel to a tyrant.” Cinderella said, Chloe tipped her chin up proudly as Red watched in horror—knowing what was next.

“she defied a royal order.” The queen gasped, almost dramatically, ordering her daughter closer—who obeyed, eyes glued to her mothers cards. “now Red, what do we do about that?” Red made eye contact with Cinderella, who wordlessly pleaded with Red to not go along with her mother.

“im not playing this game mother.” Red said, loudly, jumping forward—aiming to snatch her mothers cards. Her mother gasped aloud—eyes wide with, hurt? Red yelped as she was quickly captured by two card soldiers, yanking her back. “this is too far mom! Auradon didn’t do anything to you! I wont let you ruin Auradon like you ruined home!” Red yelled, gasps ringing out amongst the captured crowd as the queen stared at her daughter—looking almost heartbroken.

Red would believe that if her mother wasn’t heartless.

“I’ll deal with you later. Red.” The queen muttered, turning back to Cinderella. “As for you. Off with your head!”  Chloe looked horrified as soldiers grabbed onto Cinderella, beginning to drag her away.

“Mom!” Chloe screamed, tears building in her eyes as Red looked in horror. Oh no! “Be brave Chloe; it’ll be okay,” Cinderella said, just barely catching her daughter's hand before she was dragged away.

“No! Let her go!” Chloe screamed—drawing her sword, racing towards the queen of hearts. The two soldiers holding Red let her go to protect their queen, and Red suddenly remembered the pocket watch in her jacket pocket—maybe it could help!

Maybe she could go back, and snatch the cards from her mom before they even got to the courtyard!

She pulled out the pocket watch—it was heavy in her hands and buzzed with chaotic magic. She wasn’t looking, running forward, and she accidentally collided with Chloe—Chloe’s stomach hitting the crown of the watch.

All Red was thinking about was stopping her mom, about what she could’ve had, and how to save Cinderella.

A burst of magic swirled around them, the sound of ticking growing louder and louder, Red yelped—grabbing onto Chloe’s hand as they were lifted off their feet in the chaotic swirl of magic that threw them around, to where? Red hoped to the recent past.

They hit the ground—Red still holding Chloe, the two girls groaning as they got up.

Chloe looked around—eyes wide, looking for her mother. But her mother was nowhere to be seen, no one was. The courtyard was empty and it looked...totally different.

“What did you do?” Chloe asked, tears still in her eyes, some freshly rolling down her cheeks from pure fear for her mother. Red sat stunned on the ground.

It worked.

But…when were they?

-End of part 3-

Yay part 3!!! I hope you all enjoyed~ yes I do ship Glassheart; what of it, and yes Harry’s here I love him too much to separate him from Uma for too long, and I hope you all enjoyed the changes to the coup/time travel scene/Red! I wanted to make her much more of a rebel, like she actually genuinely does not want her mom to win/be evil/do anything to Wonderland and so she ACTUALLY takes action to stop her mom, instead of waiting till it was already too late.

This will change Chloe and Red’s dynamic, and im excited to explore it :3