Merlin Academy, Circa 20-30 years prior to the original movie Descendants 1.
It was the night of Castlecoming, Bridget was so excited to see everyone and show off her card skills and new gown. Above all else though, she was most excited to see Ella, her Ella. Neither had been asked out officially so they decided to go together, as friends of course. Bridget had some kindling towards her bestie, but she dismissed it as just wanting to be closer. She knew it was more than that, but Ella hadn't made any indication that anything further than friendship was mutual so, Bridget kept that secret to herself.
As she put on some finishing touches to her makeup, Bridget took a good look at herself in the mirror, everything looked perfect down to the last strand of hair. It had taken her hours to get her rosey curls just right and it was worth it. She picked up a polaroid photo of her and Ella baking together after hours in the Castle Ec kitchens, she smiled sad and soft, reminiscing in the shared laughter, the soft touches, and the stolen glances they both took. Sighing she put down the picture and picked up her magic mirror.
The glassy surface shone brightly, images of her and Ella laughing and dancing skated across her eyes, suddenly the image seemed to darken and dull. Bridget chalked it up to her watching the same future too many times and shut the mirror just as a new future came into view. She tucked the mirror into her purse and checked her bag to make sure she had everything she would need for tonight.
She spoke to herself, muttering, "Mirror.? Check. Money? Check. Cards? Check. Backup cards? Check." She paused thinking for a moment. "Backup, backup cards?" She pulled out a drawer and pulled out another full deck and tucked it into her purse. "Check."
As she left, she grabbed a couple of trays filled to the brim with sweet treats for all of the other students and teachers and set off towards the gymnasium where Castlecoming was being held. She arrived earlier before everyone else and began to set up her displays when suddenly a voice from behind startled her.
"Bridget?" Mr. Merlin, the dean of the academy and the teacher of most of the academy's classes appeared looking confused.
"Dean Merlin, sorry I didn't notice you sooner. I'm just adjusting the displays for the snacks I made for everyone. Would you like a sample?" Bridget turned and grabbed one of the smaller cookies from off of the nearest tray and nervously presented it to the eccentric wizard.
He reached out and gently plucked it from her hands, "Thank you my dear, presents from my students are rare but much appreciated. However, I still have a small question for you, why have you come so early? Most your age I have heard are doing as the kids say arriving fashionably late."
Bridget fidgeted with her hands and nervously replied while toying with the hems of her dress, "Um, I wanted to be here when everyone else came. I'm not really sure why I came so early… if it's a problem I can leave in a jiffy though…?" She quickly corrected herself and silently berated her lack of manners and made a mental note to review conversational etiquette after making sure Ella got home safely.
"No, it is no problem my dear," Merlin reassured in a sing-song manner, as he always did whenever he wanted to lighten the mood, "If you do insist on waiting here for your classmates may I ask you to help me with the décor?"
"The decorations look fine to me though and-"
"FINE?! I thought I did a better job than that?!" Merlin exclaimed, though the grin on his face showed no sign of being offended the wizard held a good flame for the dramatics.
"Oh no sir, they look wonderful however-"
"Oh thank you my dear Bridget, it took me ages to make sure each piece was placed with the utmost precision, I even enchanted the confetti to land in certain places" He preened.
"Oh my cards! That's amazing, I hope one day I can use magic as well as you can." Bridget was in awe of the legendary wizard. Many spoke of his talents, but Bridget had never thought to use magic in such a way, the man truly was a genius mage.
"With practice young lady, you may even surpass me." The phrase sounded almost condescending however coming from Merlin, it almost sounded like he was sure she would overcome him.
"That would be fantabulous. Which makes me wonder why not use your magic to put up the decorations or even make them into illusions. It would be loads faster than doing everything by hand."
"There comes a time where magic is needed and there are times when it is best to use your own hands." The old wizard cooed, "Now enough chit-chat and chatter let's begin."
The two worked side by side adding the final touches to the room, adjusting chairs, hanging up banners, arranging flowers, and centering the tablecloths. Each and every detail was taken into account and perfected. There was plenty of room to sit and eat and there was equally enough room to dance and socialize. Bridget was finishing up the game area, where students could play board games and challenge each other to friendly matches of ping-pong and foosball, when the second first student arrived, the first, first student being herself.
It was Fay, she looked lost and concerned and a little bit scared. She scanned the gym, looking at all of the banners and streamers hanging from the ceiling and the support beams, as well as the many ballons strewn everywhere, before looking to the neatly arranged tables with the centered tablecloths and the impeccably arranged flower center pieces, and finally she spotted Bridget.
"Oh, Bridget! I'm so glad you're here. Oh, I need to talk to you. I have heard something just awful, something truly awful." Fay continued on rambling, "Oh, it's so bad. You must hear what I have to say now. Oh, deary me. I just-"
"Fay," Bridget spoke clearly and calmly, "Breathe…" she soothed, "Innn…and ouutttt…inn…and ouutttt. Okay speak slowly, what did you hear."
Fay took a few long and deep breaths before speaking, "I overheard Uliana talking to the others about sabotaging Ella's dress and telling her that it was you."
"Hmm. Okay, thank you for telling me Fay, you're a good friend." Bridget murmured. "Do you mind looking after the treats I brought and helping Dean Merlin in my place for a bit?"
Fay shook her head, "Not at all Bridget."
"Thank you, Fay." And with that Bridget left the gym to go look for Uliana and her lackeys. It didn't take her long as they were waiting for her a little ways away from the gym, just barely in eyesight. They all had their eyes on her, sitting and standing around a stone-grey table with dark and decaying plants surrounding them. She made a soft beeline towards the group her determination growing to stop their relentless bullying.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the 'Princess of Cards'," Uliana sneered moving towards Bridget, as Hades and Maleficent chuckled behind her, "To what do I owe the pleasure, your 'majesty'."
"What were you guys planning to do with Ella's dress!?" She demanded.
"Aww, are you looking out for your girlfriend?" Morgie mocked, his eyes flickering yellow as Uliana tipped his chin affirmatively.
"She's not my girlfriend…" Bridget said quietly, "Either way answer my question!"
"Ooh, feisty. Calm down pinkie, we won't do anything…if you do this one tiny thing for us." Uliana demeaned.
"Mnh," Bridget grunted and mulled over Uliana's words, she knew the tentacled enchantress was up to no good however if it meant Ella would be safer and happier she would do anything, "Okay, what do you want?"
"Nothing big-" Uliana began, "Just break into Dean Merlin's office and grab us a book. How does that sound easy and simple enough for you?"
Bridget could hear the sinister snickers of the others, the cowards were hiding behind Uliana. None would dedicate themselves to serious magical studies which made magical mishaps a norm for their spell casting. Hades and Maleficent could easily overtake Uliana if they actually paid any attention in class. Morgie and Hook on the other hand were simply just conniving followers, too weak to do any real damage on their own. Still they were smarter than most and had keen eyes for potential leaders.
"Fine." Bridget huffed out, doubt seeping from her mind into her voice, "What's the title?"
"Crafty Cooking, Bitter Baking, and Peculiar Pastries. We've decided to flip the script and take a page out of your book." Uliana hummed, a hint of deceit filled the air, but Bridget knew that whatever consequences came as a result, they would be worth it to keep her and Ella's future bright.
Bridget nodded softly and turned to leave before she was stopped by Hook who snaked an arm up her chest, his sharp and chilly hook brushing lightly against her skin.
"Just a moment my lovely rose." His rough voice whined, making Bridget feel the cold and slimy sweat seep into her dress.
"What is it? I've already agreed to get the book for you." Her voice was shaky, but Bridget stood firm.
"One, last, thing. No one. Absolutely no one knows we told you to do this. Can't let our rep take the hit." Uliana said roughly.
"Fine. No one will know. I promise."
"Good girl." Hook cooed, the slimy feeling intensified and Bridget could feel her stomach turning. She quickly turned on her heel and fled from the others, swiftly making her way to the dean's office.
Sneaking her way through the halls, the ornate walls almost seemed to be closing in on her, as if the building knew she was doing something wrong and was trying to make her leave. She pushed past it though determined to protect her friend, her bestie, the first person who saw Bridget as her own person and not just another crown.
Distracted by her thought Bridget almost ran straight into Charming, her fellow student and upcoming royal looking just as conflicted as her.
"Oh! Sorry I didn't see you there." Bridget quickly apologized to him and turned to scuttle off…
"Wait! Bridget!" He called after her, jogging lightly to catch up obviously startled but his internal conflict was clear as day. " Can you tell me if Ella has a Castlecoming date?"
He seemed nervous and his intentions seemed true, however a pang of jealousy shocked Bridget's system and she quickly responded, "We're going together. Just as friends though." She corrected.
"Oh…okay that's chill. Was just wondering." He seemed disappointed and sauntered away. Bridget felt guilty for turning him down on Ella's behalf however she was determined to make her and Ella's future come true. In order to do that though she needed to get the cookbook for Uliana.
She continued on her way, slower this time, until she arrived at the daunting doors leading into Merlin's office. Carefully, she cracked open the door, the hinges creaking with age. Looking towards the shelves filled with hundreds of large textbooks and tomes, a lump formed in her throat and she wondered if she would be able to find the book in time.
Bridget had no time to waste though as she quickly made her way through the books, one level at a time, scanning the titles before moving on. Luck was on her side though as it only took her a couple of minutes to catch a glimpse of the title. She quickly snatched the book off of the shelf and dusted off the cover. The greenish leather felt foreign and foreboding, like an outside force, didn't want Bridget to take the book. She forced that feeling out of her mind, focusing on saving her and Ella's night.
She tucked the book under her arm and began searching for Uliana and the others. She started at the now completely dead garden where they first gave her the ultimatum. When she found the place deserted she began searching through the rest of the school checking the empty classrooms and looking through the enormous library before she found them in one of the Castle Ec classrooms/kitchens. All of the lights and the room was completely submerged in darkness, lit only by a small candle on a work bench. They were all crowded around the bench focusing on something.
Morgie was the first to notice her and he whispered something to Uliana before turning back to the bench and helping the others with something. As Uliana turned to face Bridget, she caught a glimpse of what appeared to be crudely decorated cupcakes. At once all of Bridge's anxieties calmed down as she reassured herself that they only wanted the book to use a recipe.
"Ah, yes. Thank you Bridget, this is the book we were looking for. Do you mind opening it up so that I can make sure it has the recipe I want?" Uliana seemed unusually nice, her voice was cheery and…sweet?
Bridget decided to ignore her gut feeling and opened the book flipping to the table of contents. All of the recipes had terrible names such as: Crazy Cacophony Cupcakes, Eerie Electrifying Eyeballs, Devious Death-icacies, and other foreboding names. Bridget could only take a short glance before Uliana snatched the book out of her hands in dismissed her rudely.
"Thanks for the book pinkie, now leave us alone."
"Wait!" Bridget called out before Uliana turned away fully, "You guys aren't going to mess with Ella right?"
Uliana let out a small scoff before turning to face Bridget, "No, we won't. You did a good job at keeping your girlfriend safe. For now."
And with that Bridget was pushed out the door with one of Uliana's tentacles and the door was shut in her face. Slightly miffed but still satisfied Bridget decided to go back to the gym and wait for Ella there.
A couple hours later
Ella still hadn't arrived, and Bridget was getting nervous. They hadn't talked about meeting up before the dance so Ella should have been there already. Just then everyone's attention turned to an entering couple as they were announced. It was Prince Charming and Ella? Bridget felt a pang of betrayal squeeze her heart, her lungs felt constricted, and it felt like her limbs had lost blood circulation and they felt numb.
She looked so beautiful, so perfect, so happy? Why was she happy? She was supposed to have gone with Bridget. They were supposed to go together. She had told Charming that Ella wasn't interested in a date. Ella had told her that she didn't want a date. So why were they there, together? Why not tell her? She would have been fine. Her heart fell as well as her face, she no longer felt the overwhelming happiness that was there just minutes ago, it was gone leaving her empty.
Bridget stood up and turned to leave when she was stopped by Uliana.
"Wait, Bridget." Her voice was soft, softer than Bridget ever thought it could be, "I saw what she did there. I'm sorry about that."
"I-it's okay. I-I'll be okay. It's fine. I'm fine" her voice was shaky, and her world felt unsteady and having to talk with Uliana just made it feel worse. She wanted to run away and throw up and cry. She wanted to be angry, but no anger came, she could never be upset or angry when it came to Ella she was too good for her. Too good to be angry at even though it hurt worse than anything ever, even though she felt betrayed, she couldn't be angry not at her, not with how she feels, how she felt, how she'll never forget.
"Mn. Alright. It won't do you any good for you to leave like this." Uliana for once seemed nice?
"O-okay. What else should I do then?" Bridget was uncertain but she didn't really have anywhere else to go.
"Why not congratulate your friend? How about you take one of these special cupcakes me and the boys made?" Uliana held out what seemed to be a very debilitated cupcake, the decorations looked akin to a child decorating for the first time. The icing was messy and there were sprinkles of all kinds in layers. However the idea had some merits to it. Bridget had always been good at making friends through sweet treats so maybe it would help her out this time. She could become friends with Uliana and get Ella back.
She took the disastrous treat and headed over to Ella and Charming, with each step she could feel a small flicker of hope start up in her heart. Maybe their future wasn't exactly what Bridget wanted but she would still try. If only to selfishly keep Ella by her side.
"Ella?" Bridget's voice was small and uncertain, she didn't know if Ella would want her around, she seemed so enamored with Charming.
"Oh! Bridget! Oh my stars I forgot we were going to go together! Oh I am so sorry, Charming asked me in such a sweet way, and he had Fay help me with my looks. I lost track of time, and my mind got so busy. It's no excuse but can you forgive me?" Ella rushed through her words her regret was clear, and her apology seemed genuine.
"Of course Ella, I could never stay mad at you. We're BFFS best friends forever." Bridget's words hung in the air and the tension seemed to dissipate. "How about we share this cupcake?" She split the treat in half and gave part of it to Ella who gracefully accepted it.
"To friends?" Bridget asked nervously.
"To friends." Ella reassured.
Bridget hesitated before biting into her half as she looked to Uliana, or where she thought Uliana was when suddenly beside her Ella dropped her cupcake. Her body began to shake, and her form began to contort in odd ways. Her nails grew impossibly fast and sharpened into claws, her luscious hair tangled and turned a dirty grey, her teeth sharpened, and long fangs grew from her canines, her dark and smooth skin turned rough and changed to a sickly green with bumps, boils, and warts forming from nothing.
By the time the terrible transformation was over Merlin had made his way over to see one of his top students being replaced by an ogre. The magic was recognizable, and he quickly cast a counter spell and everything was reversed. Ella caught her breath then with everyone else turned to Bridget.
"What. was. that." She breathed out hard and heavy, "What did you do? Were you really that upset about me not going with you?!" Her voice was harsh and demanding. It was the angriest Bridget had ever seen her.
"This spell is only accessible in a forbidden book I have protected in my office. Did you take it Miss Hearts?" Merlin was calmer but there was a storm brewing in his eyes.
"I-I, no I didn't mean- I didn't know- I never would ha-" Bridget stumbled over her words, Merlin raised a hand and everyone paused. She felt her face heat up and tears welled in her eyes.
"Miss Hearts we will discuss this later for now go to your dormitory and think about what you've done. You can expect your next few years to be filled with detention if not expulsion from this academy. Prince Charming, please help Miss Ella to the nurses and Fay we will talk about your use of appearance magic."
Bridget felt the eyes of everyone focused on her as she walked out of the gym. Tears streamed down her face. Whatever she and Ella had was definitely over now and it was all Uliana's fault. If she hadn't threatened Ella, if she hadn't given her that cupcake everything would be fine. No. If Bridget hadn't agreed to help them, if she didn't give them the book, if she didn't take the cupcake…NO it was their fault it was everyone else, if they hadn't manipulated her, if they had given her time to explain. It wasn't her fault. She had done nothing wrong.
IT. WAS. THEM.
It was Charming who took Ella, it was Uliana who had made the cupcakes, it was Merlin for not letting her explain, it was Fay for not telling her more, it was all of her supposed 'friends who did nothing to protect or defended her. One day she would take her revenge, and she would make them all see. Love meant nothing if others didn't listen and do as they were told. Love only brought issues and Bridget was done with dealing with problems.
As she entered her room, makeup ruined and mascara running, she vowed to never show her heart to anyone else. She would be the Queen of Hearts one day, but she would never let her heart rule over her mind, not again.