“I think we’re going about this all wrong. What do villains like?” asked Carlos.
“Fame,” said Mal.
“Riches,” said Jay.
“Attention,” said Evie.
“Exactly! So we have to sell it to them as a way to get all those. Not learning how to be good or being part of a team—they’re not interested in that. Not yet. But they’ll understand the appeal of a celebration.”
“VK Day!” said Evie.
“Funny, that’s what I called it too!” said Carlos. “But Jane’s the one who came up with the idea.”
“I knew there was a reason why I always liked her,” said Evie. “Anyway, we’ll tell Dr. Facilier that there’ll be a huge party, and that the four kids who are chosen will be famous!”
The four of them turned to each other with just-slightly-wicked smiles on their faces. They knew this would work.
• • •
The next morning, they met with Dr. Facilier at Dragon Hall once more.
“Before we leave, we just wanted to share with you a new development concerning the VK program,” said Mal.
“Oh? A new development, is there? Pray tell,” said the witch doctor with his frightening smile.
“Tell him, Evie,” said Mal.
Evie leaned forward, her voice a little breathless. “The four chosen kids will be celebrated with a huge, kingdom-wide feast that will be bigger and more spectacular than anything anyone has ever seen.”
“We’ll have a marching band, the royal family.…It will be an amazing welcome,” said Mal.
“Talk about rolling out the red carpet,” said Jay.
“The gold carpet,” Carlos said with a wink.
Dr. Facilier nodded, and his eyes shone with greed. “I will make sure to tell the students of this new, very exciting development.”
“See that you do. We’ll be back in a few months to collect applications and announce the selected kids,” said Mal.
royal limousine flying blue-and-gold Auradon flags was waiting for them when they walked out of Dragon Hall, and a group of students were milling about, gawking at it. Mal felt a bit self-conscious at the sight of the luxurious vehicle, but tried not to show it. They had already picked up their trunks from the hideout, so they were ready to go. All they had to do was open the barrier and call up the bridge, and they would be back in Auradon in no time.
“Home, Jay,” Mal said to her friend with a wink as she climbed into the limo. Jay slid into the driver’s seat, grinning.
“Finally,” said Evie, climbing in next to her.
“Ditto,” said Carlos.
“Let’s blow this joint,” said Jay, honking the horn. “Isle of the Get Lost.”
Mal nodded. “I’m glad we’re on our way. I have this weird feeling that we need to be back in Auradon as soon as we can. I might even have Ben cancel the rest of my official visits. I want to be on guard,” she said, a determined look on her face.
“It’ll be fine. You’re just spooked because we’re back here,” Carlos said. “Evil lurks in every corner on the Isle. Really, I think I just saw Claudine Frollo over there.”
“Nah, Mal’s right. It’s good we’re heading back now. Besides, we have to get ready for graduation,” said Jay.
“Graduation!” cried Evie. “Finals are coming up! And I still have to make all the caps and gowns!”
Jay was about to roll up the window when they saw Celia emerge from a manhole cover, top hat first.