On the following crisp and bright morning, the sun cast its warm, golden embrace over the meticulously manicured rose garden, heralding the start of a much-anticipated Family Day. The gentle zephyrs of wind played a soft melody among the vibrant petals, setting the stage for an enchanting day filled with joy and camaraderie. The atmosphere was one of festivity and warmth, as families from all walks of life gathered together to celebrate the bond that unites them all.

At the heart of the verdant lawn, Ben, a charismatic and talented young man, orchestrated a harmonious symphony of voices. As the day's master of ceremonies, he had rallied a diverse ensemble of students to serenade the attendees with a spirited rendition of "Be Our Guest," a tune that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of hospitality and communal cheer that pervaded the air. The melodious notes of their voices resonated throughout the garden, serving as a delightful overture to the delightful festivities that were about to unfold.

https://youtu.be/hIKhoEIBSxU

Amidst the throngs of merrymakers, a vibrant student banner fluttered in the breeze, its bold letters spelling out: 

FAMILY DAY! GOODNESS DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER. 

This vivid declaration encapsulated the essence of the occasion, a day dedicated to the cherished ties that bind families together and to the unadulterated delight of sharing precious moments with those we hold most dear. The lush, emerald expanse of the lawn had been transformed into a veritable smorgasbord of entertainment and gastronomy, with an array of food stations and tents boasting a cornucopia of mouthwatering delights from every conceivable corner of the culinary spectrum.

As the sweet aromas of the feast wafted through the air, eager participants and their loved ones reveled in the tantalizing smorgasbord laid out before them. Some could not resist the allure of the dance floor, where they twirled and swayed to the rhythmic beats of the music, their laughter and footsteps punctuating the melody. Meanwhile, others leisurely strolled from one gourmet station to the next, savoring the exquisite flavors and textures that tantalized their palates.

The arrival of Erendil and the rest of the VKS was met with a palpable buzz of excitement. These esteemed individuals descended upon the lawn with an air of grace and dignity, their presence lending an undeniable touch of prestige to the gathering. Despite not officially being a member of the VKS, Erendil chose to align himself with them rather than mingling among the children from Aurdaon. It was clear that he felt a strong kinship with these individuals, and they with him.Amidst the swirl of activity, Audrey, a young lady brimming with enthusiasm and charm, caught sight of Erendil and hastened her steps to close the distance between them. With a sparkle in her eyes and a smile that could melt the stoniest of hearts, she extended her hand in a gallant gesture. "Your Highness," she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement, "Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

Erendil, ever the epitome of refinement, regarded her with a courteous nod before gently declining her invitation. "I am most flattered, Audrey," he replied, his voice carrying the weight of a future king, "but I must reserve my dances for another time. I am currently engaged in matters of state and would not wish to neglect my duties."

The young prince's response, though polite, was met with a touch of disappointment from Audrey. Yet she understood the gravity of his position and the responsibilities that came with it. With a graceful curtsy, she retreated, allowing Erendil to continue his royal obligations. The day was still young, and the promise of future opportunities to dance in the warm embrace of friendship and joy lingered in the air, hinting at the delightful adventures that lay ahead for all who had come together to celebrate this very special Family Day.

As Audrey exited the room, Mal couldn't help but cast a scrutinizing gaze upon Erendil, observing his every move and expression with an air of curiosity. With a gentle incline of her neck, she scrutinized him and posed a question that seemed to resonate with a touch of innocence.

"Why didn't you choose to dance with her?" she inquired, her voice carrying a hint of intrigue that caused the others in their immediate vicinity to shift their focus towards him. Erendil, seemingly unfazed by the sudden attention, offered a simple yet sincere response. "To be quite frank, I'm not particularly fond of her company," he admitted, his tone unmistakably truthful. Jay, ever the observant one, couldn't resist seizing this moment to tease his friend with a knowing smile that tugged at the corners of his lips. "Well, it seems that you might prefer our company to that of your charming princess, then?" he quipped, his voice filled with a light-hearted playfulness. Erendil's eyes sparkled with mirth as he met Jay's gaze.

He playfully retorted, "And what if I did?" as he delivered a gentle, yet firm jab to Jay's shoulder. The gesture was met with a crimson blush spreading across the VKS's cheeks, which served as an unspoken testament to the underlying emotions stirred by Erendil's carefree admission. The atmosphere grew lively as the group exchanged glances, each one processing the unspoken implications of Erendil's words and actions.

"I, uh, that would be quite nice, Erneidl," Carlos managed to articulate, his speech slightly stumbling over the words as he tightly embraced the scruffy dog that he held against his chest. Erneidl, in response to the affection, gave a delighted smile before dipping his head slightly. 

"I'll be right back," he assured, and with that, he trotted away to where Ben was standing, accompanied by his parents. Ben, noticing Erneidl's approach, immediately felt a sense of comfort wash over him as he saw his companion and the dog. 

"Ah, yes, this is Erneidl," Ben announced with a warm smile, eager to introduce the charming creature to his family. His mother, Belle, couldn't help but tease, "Are you our Benny's boyfriend?" she inquired playfully, her eyes sparkling with amusement. 

Ben's cheeks turned a deep shade of red at his mother's words, and he couldn't help but let out an embarrassed, "Mooom," as a protest. The Beast, however, remained unfazed, his smile growing even wider as he observed the interaction between Erneidl and his parents. "Well, I must admit, I am quite curious about you too," he said in a friendly tone, his curiosity piqued by the tales he had heard of Erneidl's kindness and bravery. "We've heard nothing but wonderful things about you, Erneidl," he added, his voice resonating with genuine interest.

Ereidl couldn't help but chuckle at the situation, trying to ease the tension in the room. "Ah, no no, I'm not the young prince's boyfriend," he clarified, though the blush on his cheeks suggested he might have liked the idea. "However, I am proud to say that I am indeed his very best friend."

The atmosphere grew tenser as the photographer, having noticed the sudden shift in dynamics, took a moment to compose himself. He cleared his throat and announced, "Alright, everyone, let's get ready for the picture!" The royal family members, including the Queen and the King, remained unfazed by the unexpected revelation, maintaining their poised expressions.

The photographer, a man of high stature and adorned with a royal emblem on his vest, then proceeded to count down with an air of authority. "Three!" he exclaimed, and in that very instant, Belle and Beast were both struck by the realization that their relationship was about to be immortalized in a photograph, surrounded by the esteemed members of the court.

The camera flashed, capturing the image of their frozen expressions of astonishment. The photographer had managed to encapsulate the essence of the moment, revealing their shock and the unspoken bond between them. Ereidl, seemingly oblivious to their discomfort, pulled away from the embrace and beamed at the camera.

Turning to Amal, who was standing next to him, Ereidl wrapped his arms around her and spoke with a warm sincerity. "You see, these wonderful people are my closest friends. I am incredibly lucky to have them by my side." He leaned in and whispered into her ear, "And I'm so grateful for their acceptance and love."

Amal, caught off guard by the sudden display of affection, blushed and offered a gentle smile. "Your Highness," she replied softly, "your kindness truly does shine through."

Belle, who had been standing there in a daze, slowly regained her composure. She looked at the Beast, who was still holding her, and offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry," she whispered to him, "We'll just go with the flow and enjoy this moment."

Ereidl, noticing that the couple was ready to proceed, turned his attention to Ben. He nodded in the young man's direction and offered a playful wink. "Let's not waste any more time," he exclaimed, "We have a festival to attend!"

The Beast, who had been quietly processing the unfolding events, finally found his voice. He chuckled and released Belle from his protective embrace. "You know what, let's just play along," he said, shaking his head in amazement. "This is certainly turning out to be an interesting evening."

The group of friends, now including the bewildered royal couple, made their way off the dais. As they did, the Queen and King exchanged a knowing glance, recognizing the potential for a delightful story to share with their court.

The photographer, feeling a sense of accomplishment at having captured such a candid moment, began to pack up his equipment. Meanwhile, the royal family and their guests continued to mingle, their conversations buzzing with curiosity about the new relationships that had just been unveiled.

The evening progressed with a newfound energy, fueled by the excitement of the unforeseen announcement. As the festivities grew louder and more vibrant, Belle and Beast found themselves drawn into the heart of the celebration.

"What do you say we try playing conkers?" Beast suggested to Belle, referring to the traditional game played with the children. His attempt at lightening the mood was met with a laugh from the beautiful young woman he had come to cherish.

Together, they joined the children, the joy of the moment overshadowing any remaining awkwardness. The sound of laughter and the crack of the conker nuts filled the air, as the newly formed group of friends embraced the spirit of the festival.

The night was one that would be remembered for many years to come, not just for the love that had blossomed between a beast and a beauty, but for the friendship that had brought an entire kingdom together.

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With a feeling of delight bubbling within her, Mal skipped gracefully in the direction of her awaiting companions. The thought of potentially enjoying herself began to take root in her mind. As she stepped onto the meticulously manicured lawn, she noticed the vibrant scene unfolding before her: students frolicked and cavorted with an infectious energy, creating a tableau of youthful merriment.

With a gentle smile playing on her lips, Mal sauntered over to where the croquet game was set up. She picked up one of the brightly colored croquet sticks, feeling the smooth wood in her hand, and took a swing at the ball. It rolled languidly across the freshly cut grass, a stark contrast to the excitement of the students cavorting around her.

Her eyes were drawn to an elegant figure approaching, a lady of grace and poise, dressed in a suit of the palest pink. This was none other than Queen Leah, the regal mother of Aurora, or Sleeping Beauty as she was more commonly known. Queen Leah's gaze fell upon Mal, and she began to make her way towards the young girl with a warm smile.

"Good day to you," Queen Leah greeted her, her voice as melodious as a lark's song."Hi," Mal replied, her voice a touch more tentative than she would have liked.

"Have we had the pleasure of making each other's acquaintance before?" Queen Leah inquired, her curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar face.

"No, I don't believe we have," Mal said, feeling a tinge of nervousness. "I'm new to this realm. You could say I'm a bit of a transfer student."

It was at this moment that Audrey, the picture of grace in a lovely pink dress, arrived on the scene, holding a glass of punch that sparkled in the sunlight. She beamed at the sight of her grandmother.

"Grammy!" Audrey exclaimed, moving closer to her.

"Oh, Audrey, darling," said Queen Leah, her eyes lighting up with affection. "Come give your Grammy a kiss."

"'Grammy'?" Mal echoed, her voice filled with bewilderment.

"That's right," Audrey said, a malicious smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth as she looked at Mal. "She's Sleeping Beauty's mother." She leaned in closer to her grandmother, her tone dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I wouldn't be too friendly with this one, unless you're keen on another hundred-year snooze." Her words were a not-so-subtle reminder of the animosity between their families.

The atmosphere in the garden grew tense as the merriment of the students fell to a hush. All eyes turned to the trio, the sudden silence as palpable as the anticipation in the air. Erendil, sensing the tension, stepped closer to Mal, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Ben, noticing the shift in dynamics, quickly joined them, his expression a mix of concern and protectiveness.

"Your Highness," Erendil interjected, his voice firm yet calm. "There's no need for alarm. This is Mal, the daughter of Maleficent. She's not here to harm anyone." He offered a gentle smile to the Queen, attempting to ease the palpable tension.

"But how can that be?" Queen Leah demanded, her eyes wide with shock and fear. She took a step back from Mal, horrified by the girl's resemblance to the witch who had cast the infamous curse. "How did you get here? And how have you remained so youthful?"

The guests in the garden exchanged uneasy glances, the whispers of their earlier conversations replaced by the sound of their collective unease. Beast, Belle, and the Fairy Godmother watched the unfolding scene with solemn expressions, their memories of the dark days when Maleficent had cast her spells and brought chaos to their world still fresh in their minds.

Mal felt a pang of guilt and sadness as she watched Queen Leah's distress. She took a step forward, reaching out a comforting hand. "I'm so sorry for what happened," she began.

But before she could continue, Chad, the prince with an air of self-importance, hastily inserted himself between them. "Get away from her!" he barked at Mal.

"Chad, please," Ben said, his voice firm yet measured. "There's no need for this." But Chad's expression remained hostile.

To the astonishment of all present, Erendil's demeanor shifted dramatically. In a flash, he had Chad by the throat, lifting the prince off the ground with a surprising show of strength. The guests gasped collectively, their eyes wide with shock as they beheld Erendil's fiery gaze, his eyes gleaming an ominous red.

"You don't touch what's mine," Erendil growled, his voice a stark contrast to the gentle tone he had used moments before. His grip tightened around Chad's neck, a clear warning.

Belle, ever the voice of reason, rushed over. "Erendil, please," she pleaded, her voice trembling slightly. "Let him go."

Erendil's fiery gaze flickered towards Belle, and for a moment, it seemed as though he might ignore her. But then, Mal stepped out from behind him, placing a gentle hand on his arm."It's okay," she said softly. "Please, let the prince go."

The red glow in Erendil's eyes faded, and with a final glower at Chad, he released the prince, allowing him to collapse onto the grass in a fit of coughs and gasps. The garden remained still, the only sounds the rustle of leaves in the breeze and the heavy breathing of those who had just witnessed the confrontation.

Mal took a deep breath, steeling herself against the emotional turmoil that had gripped her. She had hoped for a peaceful integration into her new school, but it seemed that the shadows of her mother's past were destined to follow her wherever she went. But she was determined not to let it define her future.

Jay took the lead, uttering the words, "Let's proceed," and in unison, they all began to walk away from the gathering spot, their footsteps echoing softly on the cobblestone path that weaved through the meticulously maintained garden. The vibrant foliage and blooming flowers seemed to whisper secrets among themselves as the group moved further into the lush expanse of greenery. The atmosphere was tinged with a hint of tension, yet the natural beauty surrounding them provided a stark contrast to the weight of the impending conversation.

As they ventured deeper into the verdant maze, Ben couldn't help but cast a furtive glance back at his parents, whose expressions bore the gravity of the situation. Beast, noticing his son's concern, took a moment to address him directly.

"I must admit, Benjamin," Beast began, his voice a low rumble that seemed to resonate with the very earth beneath their feet, "I had a premonition that an event such as this would befall us." His eyes, though filled with a beastly intensity, held a glimmer of sadness and perhaps a touch of regret.

Ben's heart quickened, and he felt a sudden urge to defend his friends, the very people who had inadvertently found themselves in this predicament. "Father, please," he interjected, "you cannot hold them accountable for this. They had no malicious intent; it was merely an unfortunate turn of events."

The Beast's gaze softened slightly as he regarded his son with a look that spoke volumes of his internal conflict. "I understand your loyalty, my boy," he replied, his voice still heavy with the burden of his words, "but the truth remains that it was your actions, or lack thereof, that have led us to this juncture."

With that, Ben felt the weight of his father's accusation settle upon his shoulders, a burden that seemed to grow heavier with each step he took. He watched as the Beast and Belle, his mother, exchanged a knowing look, one that conveyed a silent conversation of shared disappointment.

The couple then turned away from him, their backs a stark reminder of the distance that now lay between them, both figuratively and literally. The sound of their retreating footsteps grew fainter as they moved away, leaving Ben to stand alone amidst the garden's tranquility, which now felt eerily oppressive.

Taking a deep breath, Ben steeled himself, squaring his shoulders to symbolically carry the weight of the catastrophe that had unfolded. He knew that he had to bear the brunt of the responsibility, to accept the consequences of his decisions, and to learn from this experience in order to prevent future missteps.

Their departure left Ben with a profound sense of isolation, yet it also served as a stark revelation of the gravity of the situation. He was the catalyst, the common thread that had brought about this unfortunate series of events, and it was up to him to find a way to mend the fissures that had appeared in the fabric of their lives.

As Ben's parents disappeared from view, he felt the weight of their disapproval pressing down on him, urging him to reflect on his choices and to grow from this painful experience. The garden, once a place of joy and solace, now stood as a silent witness to the consequences of his actions, a living, breathing metaphor for the tangled mess he had allowed to fester.

With a heavy heart, Ben turned to face the path ahead, the future uncertain and fraught with challenges. Yet, he knew that in order to make amends and restore harmony, he must first acknowledge the error of his ways and be willing to accept the burden of his mistakes. Only then could he hope to navigate the thorny thicket of repercussions and emerge stronger, wiser, and more empathetic to the delicate balance of relationships and responsibilities that governed their lives.

The air grew still, as if the garden itself was holding its breath, waiting to see how Ben would respond to this pivotal moment. He took a step forward, the cobblestones cool and unforgiving under his feet, each step a deliberate movement towards a future where he would strive to do better, to be better. And with each step, the garden seemed to whisper its support, a gentle reminder that growth often comes from the most unexpected and painful of places.

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During the midday reprieve, Erendil found himself nestled among his companions, with Mal comfortably positioned against his abdomen, her legs draped casually over his. Her eyes were shut tight, a picture of tranquility amidst the bustling cafeteria. In contrast, Carlos and Jay had drawn their chairs in as close to the table as humanly possible, almost as if they were trying to become one with it. Erendil's gaze drifted down to the plate of food in front of him, not yet touched, as the conversations around them swirled like a gentle breeze.

It was at this moment of relative peace that Ben approached their table, his stride filled with an air of urgency. "Hello, everyone!" he called out, his voice echoing slightly in the vast space. Erendil's eyes lifted from his plate to meet Ben's, his golden orbs reflecting a brief spark of curiosity. Twice they flickered before settling into a steady gaze.

"How's everyone holding up?" Ben inquired, his tone tinged with concern. Erendil's friends exchanged glances, the tension from earlier still lingering in the air. Ben's hand reached out to rest on Erendil's shoulder, a silent plea for understanding. "Look, guys, today was just one of those days, you know? It doesn't mean anything. Just put it behind you, okay?" His eyes searched Erendil's, silently imploring for a sign of agreement.

After a brief pause, Erendil nodded sharply, the tension in his jaw relaxing ever so slightly. Ben's features softened, and a hint of a smile graced his lips. "Thank you," he murmured, his eyes speaking volumes of gratitude. "I'll catch up with you all later, then," he said, retreating from their circle.

The atmosphere at the table grew quiet once more as Erendil gently threaded his fingers through Mal's locks, a silent comfort as he observed Evie's tentative movements. She was poking at her meal, a clear indication that her appetite was as scattered as their nerves.

Just as Erendil's thoughts were about to drift away, Doug ambled over to their table, his eyes filled with an urgent need to communicate. "Hey, Evie, I need to talk to you about something—"The words were barely out of his mouth when Chad's boisterous voice interrupted from a nearby table. "Doug! Get over here, man!"

"Doug!" Chad's impatience grew, his voice cutting through the air like a knife.

Evie looked up at Doug with a whispered apology. "I'm so sorry—"

"Doug!" Chad's summons grew more insistent, his tone now bordering on hostility."I can't, I'm sorry," Doug replied, his eyes flicking between Erendil's intense stare and Evie's crestfallen expression. He gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head and made his way back to Chad's table.

It was then that Erendil noticed the two figures sauntering by, Audrey and Jane, their laughter carrying an unmistakable note of malice. Audrey's voice, loud enough to be heard across the room, contained a barbed edge. "I mean, really, how long does she think she can keep up this charade?" she jeered, her eyes flicking to Mal, who had now straightened up, her cheeks flushing with indignation.

"Audrey!" Erendil's voice was a low growl, his fingers tightening in Mal's hair.

The taunts continued as the two women passed, their cruel smiles lingering on the group. "It's just a phase, you know. The bad-girl infatuation will wear off soon enough," Audrey said with a dramatic roll of her eyes.

Jane chimed in, her voice a cackle. "And what about our dear Erendil here? He thinks he can juggle relationships like a circus act. Classic manwhore behavior!"

Their mocking laughter filled the space, and Erendil's eyes narrowed dangerously. With a swift movement, he pushed his chair back and stood up, his towering presence casting a shadow over the table. Mal and their friends watched with bated breath as he turned to face Audrey and Jane, his fists clenched at his sides.

"You listen to me, you insignificant little princesses," he began, his voice as sharp as the blade of a sword. "If you can't learn to keep your spiteful tongues in check, I'll remove them for you. Permanently." His smile was feral, a mad glint in his eye. "Do you think I won't?"

Audrey's expression shifted from smugness to shock, her eyes widening at the unmistakable threat. Jane's confidence visibly waned as she took in the fiery glow that began to emanate from Erendil's palms.

"This isn't about you or your petty opinions. It's about dragons, and you've just insulted one of us. If you mess with our family, I will not hesitate to bring down the wrath of the VKS on you both, and your precious apple will turn to ash. So, unless you want to explain to your parents why their kingdom is in ruins, I suggest you take your spite elsewhere and leave us in peace."

The cafeteria had fallen silent, all eyes on Erendil as he cocked his hip, the flames from his hands casting an eerie glow on his face. His words hung in the air like a dark cloud, a promise of destruction if they didn't heed his warning.

"P-please, Erendil, don't do that," Jane stuttered, her bravado evaporating like mist in the sun."You think I won't?" he challenged, his eyes as cold as ice. "You've underestimated me for the last time. Now, I suggest you both take your leave before I decide to give you a taste of what I'm capable of."

With that, he turned back to his table, the flames extinguishing themselves as if they had never been. The tension remained palpable, a stark reminder of the volatile situation they had just averted. Mal leaned into him, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and admiration, while Carlos and Jay stared in awe.

Evie looked down at her food, her heart racing. Erendil's actions had only served to complicate things further. She knew that the path ahead was fraught with challenges, but she also knew that she would stand by her friends, come what may. For now, they had to find a way to navigate the choppy waters of school gossip and spitefulness, all the while keeping their dragon secrets safe from prying eyes.

"You really weren't obligated to go to such lengths for us," Mal gently expressed, her eyes conveying a mixture of gratitude and wonder as Erendil gracefully settled in the seat next to her.

 His demeanor remained steadfast and earnest as he replied, "It was my duty and my choice. With the bond that we now share, I am irrevocably yours, and you, in turn, are irrevocably mine."

 His words resonated with a profound significance that seemed to echo through the very air around them. He offered her a nod that was both respectful and reassuring, a silent affirmation of the commitment he had just verbalized. Erendil then leaned closer, his gaze softening as he placed a tender kiss upon her temple. The warmth of his touch sent a gentle shiver down Mal's spine, and she felt her cheeks flush with an unexpected rush of emotion. Her friends, who had been quietly observing the intimate exchange, couldn't help but exchange glances of astonishment among themselves.

 For the remainder of the dinner interlude, a serene quietude enveloped their little group. They partook of their meal in a state of peaceful tranquility, savoring not just the flavors of the food but also the newfound harmony that seemed to have blossomed between Mal and Erendil. Among them all. 

The significance of the moment was palpable, a silent acknowledgment of the deepening connection that now united them. Throughout the meal, their eyes met frequently, and each shared smile or soft laughter served as a poignant reminder of the bond they had formed.

 The atmosphere was one of quiet contentment, a stark contrast to the chaotic events that had led them to this place. The shared experience had brought them closer, and the simple act of breaking bread together now felt imbued with a profound sense of belonging and camaraderie. As they ate, the conversations flowed freely, weaving a tapestry of shared stories and laughter that served to reinforce the bond that had been forged. It was as if an unspoken understanding had been reached among all present, a silent agreement that they would face whatever challenges lay ahead as a united front.