"It's probably just there to scare people." I reason, taking no value in the warning the sign proclaimed.
Lying is the number one rule of the Isle, so no one on the Isle would ever actually warn anyone. Unless it's more of a threatening warning and followed a previously committed act of evil. Other than that well you were on your own.
And a dog...on the Isle? Everyone here knows dogs are banned from the Isle by King Beast himself for fear Cruella De Vil will get her hands on one. Well, everyone but Carlos De Vil knew that.
His mother had his head filled with fear for the clearly non-threatening creatures. I mean, if they're so threatening then why do two Dalmatians have a morning talk show that comes on Auradon TV seven days a week.
Plus, we're villains we should all fear nothing. Unless, of course, it's something rational like disappointing your namesake the most evilest fairy ever who also happens to be your mother. Your mother who is missing. Your mother who you should be searching for.
First I'll find a way off the Isle then I'll search for mother. I repeat that three times and it starts to become a mantra to keep the guilt away.
"I mean a three-headed dog? There's no way that's real." I say, expanding on my disbelief.
I look over to Jay who's studying the sign. There's genuine doubt in his eyes. I couldn't believe it. Jay actually thought this was true. Actually thought a three-headed dog could exist.
"If Hadie is able to sneak off the Isle and go to the underworld..." Jay starts," then maybe there is a three-headed dog?"
I scoff, not believing that Jay of all people could believe such a creature like that exists. "Jay, are you forgetting that Cruella De Vil lives on the Isle? Do you really think anyone could harbor a dog here and she wouldn't notice?"
Actually, there was a slim chance that someone could. Cruella did talk to a stuffed dog that sat upon her shoulder. I don't even think she remembers what a real dog looks like. But I wouldn't dare voice these contradicting thoughts aloud to Jay.
"You're right." Jay agrees, all doubt leaving his face. But now doubt has been planted in my own mind.
I give Jay a smug smirk and give no indication of my doubting thoughts.
"I usually am," I respond, gloating slightly. That's when I noticed an odd smell. I sniff the air, trying to place the smell but end up coughing because the smell was getting stronger.
Living on the Isle there are some smells you get immune to. But every now and then a new stench is introduced that makes your nose melt off your face. And right now my nose was definitely melting.
Jay appears to not notice the awful smell. He moves towards the stairs that lead to Hadie's house and then walks up the steps. Each of Jay's steps makes a loud clanging sound on the metal staircase. Jay suddenly stops mid-way. Then he leans over the stair rail and grabs onto the sign with the warning on it. Then he tugs on the sign but it doesn't budge at all. He raises a confused brow and tugs on it again but harder this time.
A laugh catches in my throat and I try to swallow it down but watching Jay struggle to pull down a cardboard sign was just way too funny. Jay, however, didn't find it funny at all.
"Why don't you try?" He dares.
"Wait," I say catching my breath, and trying hard not to laugh again. I regret that action because the stench hits my nose even harder. I pinch my nose to keep from smelling it. "Why are you even trying to pull that sign off?"
"Carlos is terrified of dogs. He won't believe that sign isn't real." Jay reminds me and all the laughter that was rumbling inside of me earlier dies. If just a symbol of a three-headed dog had Carlos shaking in fear then...oh that's not good. That's really not good.
"It's fine I'll just spray paint over it," I say, then I take a deep breath and try not to breathe while patting my pockets for the cans of spray paint I always carry with me. Except, after my third frantic pat, I realize that I left my spray paint cans at home.
I can't hold my breath any longer and breathe. I try to ignore the stench as I tell Jay I'll find some alternative.
I look around the area by the stairs for something to use. This place is pretty barren except for two empty trash cans that had no top cover on them. I approach the garbage cans and the smell from earlier is even stronger than before. Indicating that these garbage cans are the source of the smell. The smell reminds me of that one night mother forced me to feed the goblins. I almost threw up when I recognize what exactly the stench was. It was the stench of death.
I pinch my nose again, so I no longer have to smell that horrible smell. I look back at the sign and then at the trash cans and an idea starts forming in my mind. I flip one trash can over then the other then I push both of them next to the sign.
I wait for Jay to cough because of how strong the smell emitting from the trash cans is. But there's no cough. In fact, he doesn't seem to smell it at all.
I don't know how...it's so strong that I'm literally choking on it now. I pinch my nose again and I stop choking but my eyes start to burn.
I take a deep breath then hold it and then almost immediately regret it. My eyes are tearing up a little as I stack the two garbage cans on top of each other. The sign is covered enough. Not entirely but you can't read what it says and if we keep Carlos occupied enough he probably won't even notice the garbage cans.
I quickly move away from the trash cans and to a place where the smell is almost dulled. I let go of the breath I'm holding and feel relieved to take in a breath of fresher air. I wipe the tears from my eyes on my sleeve then drop my shoulders in relief. That was easy.
Jay, however, thought it was too easy. He's shaking his head in disapproval as he looks at my work. "Don't you think Carlos is going to be suspicious of two garbage cans stacked on top of each other?"
"Well, It's not that noticeable." I lie.
Jay gives me a look implying that it was indeed that noticeable.
"Look, we just need to get him in there right? We'll just lead him straight up the stairs and he won't notice." I continue with a shrug.
Before Jay gets to comment on my plan, I whistle loudly and try to gain the attention of Diablo. It works and Diablo swoops down. I tell him to find Evie and Carlos. He squawks and heads back up towards the sky then he flies over to the area Carlos and Evie are searching.
As we wait, Jay decides to sit down on the metal stairs that lead to Hadie's house and I lean against the cement wall. Jay and I hear the sound of two sets of footsteps. Hmm, Evie and Carlos sure got here quick.
I call out Evie's name but her sweet voice doesn't call back. A sinister laugh hits my ears like a sword against a lock. A laugh that definitely doesn't belong to Evie.
I know who that laugh belongs to. I groan in annoyance at the realization. It's Shrimpy. And of course, the other set of footsteps belong to—wait...Harry?
I guess this means our relationship is over. I'm disappointed. I mean I never actually liked him and was barely invested in it but still...it almost hurts. Almost.
There's a wicked glint in Harry's eyes as he twirls his hook. He's trying to intimidate me. Trying to scare me, daughter of the Mistress of all evil.
"I see you're back to being Shrimpy's lap dog," I comment to Harry in a mocking tone. Then I fake surprise when I look at Shrimpy and say, "Shrimpy, how awful to see you! Looks like you got back your favorite eel. Harry and I had so much fun dating. So much."
Harry growls at me while Uma tries to hide a jealous glint in her eyes. She puts on a prideful smirk to hide her obvious jealousy but I knew her better than that. Wait...why would I know her better than that? I barely knew Uma...
Uma laughs sinisterly again. "This time I win! No tricks. No using your mommy's name. No magic."
Magic? There's no magic on the Isle. We've never battled with magic before. Suddenly, my head starts to hurt. That familiar stabbing feeling comes back once again.
Yet, another vision. This time I'm not me. I'm flying above the air. I have wings and I'm a dragon? A dragon just like my mother. I didn't even know I could do that.
I remember magic screaming inside of me and coming out as green fire. Hellfire. Now, I see Uma. She's in the ocean and she has tentacles? The necklace she always wears, her mother's necklace is glowing. The vision suddenly comes to an end.
I feel weak like I need to sleep for a thousand years to recover but I refuse to pass out. The song. The ancient song from before. The one that was so different from my mother's yet so similar plays on in my head.
I feel energy spark up in me. Neither Uma or Harry seems to have noticed the dilemma that I just went through. I thought about what Uma referenced. Did she remember? Remember the memories that were locked in my mind?
No, she couldn't. There's no way.
I shake off my vision and the thought of Uma knowing more than me and decide to taunt Uma some more.
"I wouldn't exactly consider Harry Hook a prize, Shrimpy." I taunt.
Harry moves forward his hook ready to swing. I move back and I hear the sound of metal being pushed down on and suddenly Jay's by my side.
Before he has a chance to retaliate Harry's impending attack, Uma places a hand on Harry's chest to stop him.
"This doesn't seem like a fair fight," Jay states, glaring at Harry.
"Your crew isn't known for playing fair, are they, Jay?" Harry brings his hook to his chin. He then taps his hook against his chin as if he's thinking hard on something. "Maybe they get that from you. We both know you don't play fair."
"I played fair, Harry. You just weren't good enough." Jay gloats.
Harry lunges for Jay but again Uma holds him back. Her hand is firm on his chest. Harry and Uma exchange a look that leaves Harry looking disappointed.
His shoulders sag as he crosses his arms over his chest in annoyance.
Uma's focus goes back on me. "You know, I'm not talking about Harry, Mal. I'm talking about the fact you're back here on the Isle trapped in the one place you always felt you were to good for. Tell me, how does it feel?"
I look at Uma in confusion.
"What are you talking about, Shrimpy? You and I both know there's no escape from the Isle and that I'll never be able to leave here." The last part of my sentence comes out with a bitterness I didn't even know I held.
"Do you really not remember?" Uma says with interest. "Remember how you left us all in the dust, so you can go galavanting with a prince and be good?"
She was talking about Ben. How did she know about him? Knowing this along with her mention of magic could only mean one thing…Uma remembers.
Did she remember everything? I need to know how much she knows but there's no way she's going to flat out tell me.
I'll egg her on. Make her say how much she remembers without even trying.
"I don't," I admit. My voice sounds shocked at my own honesty. "But I don't exactly see how leaving you behind is a bad thing."
Uma's nostrils flare, she lets out an angry laugh mixed in with a little resentment. Who or what she resented? I didn't know or care for that matter.
"You wouldn't would you? No, that would require dear old Mal actually thinking about someone that isn't herself." Her words roast her anger, so much so that she's ready for a fight.
She moves closer to me, but Jay suddenly blocks her way.
"Stay away from her." Jay sternly says.
Uma gives us both a cold stare. Her hand lowers to her sword and an evil grin appears on her face."Why don't you both stay away from my cousin? Or will Harry and I have to make you stay away?"
"Gods, Uma please let's make them stay away." Harry pleads." I would really love to hook them both."
"Stop!" A voice I recognize as Evie's shouts. Everyone turns in Evie's direction then I hear a raven's kraa.
I smirk as I watch Diablo go straight for Uma. Harry tries to protect Uma by hitting Diablo with his hook but Diablo easily evades it. When Diablo flies up to make a new plan, Harry takes Uma into his arms and becomes her shield.
Carlos and Evie stand at the entrance to the alley ready for a fight. Diablo is attacking Harry now, his beak pecking Harry's forehead. Cuts are forming on Harry's forehead and some of his blood is on the edge of Diablo's beak.
Harry turns around then bolts with Uma. They knock over Evie and Carlos where they stand. Diablo doesn't chase after them. He flies to me and perches himself on my shoulder.
Jay and I walk over to where Evie and Carlos fell. We both help them up. I help Evie and Jay helps Carlos.
Evie and Carlos assure both Jay and I that they're okay. We talk for a minute then we all head up the stairs that lead to Hadie's house.
The door is dark blue and there's a plant hanging over it. Diablo lets out an anxious kraa. I put my finger under his chin, trying to soothe him as my mother does, He doesn't peck me as he did before. This times he lets me and even gives out an appreciative kraa.
"It's wolfsbane." Evie observes. I look back to her and she shrugs when she sees my expression. "It's in my mom's book of potions. It's a favorite ingredient of hers."
"What does she use it in?" Carlos asks.
"Oh, her poisons," Evie answers nonchalantly. Her expression quickly changes when she realizes what she said.
"That is definitely not a good thing," Jay says. Evie nods in response.
"All we have to do is make sure not to ingest. And I don't think anyone of us will." Evie says.
I put my hand into a fist making sure to avoid accidentally hitting the potted plant hanging above. When I ready myself to knock I find myself pulling my hand away.
I turn to my friends, my unsureness is written on my face. "This could change everything. Everything we know about our lives right now. Are we sure we're ready for this?"
Once I found out the truth I couldn't go back to being the old me. I betrayed mother and everything she stood for. I would have to face that. Face the fact that I abandoned everything I've ever learned for something I don't really understand. For love.
Evie places a reassuring hand on my arm "As sure as anything, especially because we're together."
Evie looks at Jay, Carlos, and I then says. "Cause we're rotten..."
She pauses, waiting for us to finish her sentence and we do. "To the core." We all say.
I smile at Evie, her reassuring hand leaves my arm then I take a deep breath. I turn around, ready to face the unknown. Ready to face the truth. It was finally time for my friends and me to meet the god of the underworld's son.
I knock. Twice. The door opens when I'm going to knock for the third time. I expect to see a boy with short stature and dark blue hair that sticks up like a Goblin's nails. It's not him. The person who answers the door is tall. They tower over me and their dark blue hair sticks up but it doesn't remind me of a Goblin's nails. No, it reminds me of fire.
This was Hades. God of the Underworld.
And I Mal, daughter of Maleficent was scared. I back away bumping into my friends who still stand huddled behind me. Diablo spreads his wings but closes them and moves towards my neck. Hades looks at me expectantly and I try to say something but nothing comes out.
"Is Hadie here?" Carlos asks, saving me from trying to find any words to say.
"Hmm, Hadie," Hades says as if just couldn't place the name. His mouth opens up and closes then he finally says something."Ah, my son. You don't look like any of his friends."
"Uh…" Evie says.
I could do this. I knew exactly what to say to Hades. Knew the exact words that will get us all in his house, so we can speak to his son.
"We're friends of Uma," I say sweetly and try so hard not to gag. It's so weird saying Shrimpy's actual name out loud.
"You don't look like pirates," Hades observes.
"We left our swords at home," Jay says.
Hades gives us all a look, implying he really didn't believe it. But he moves away from the door and lets us all walk in.
When me and my vk's are finally inside Hade's house he closes the door. I take a look at the place. The first thing I notice is a vase sitting on an end table by the door. There's a painting on it of a man pushing a large boulder up a hill. The second thing I notice is how the walls don't look like normal walls. They look like the inside of a cave. There are even carvings into the stone. Carvings of the number 8.
Hades leads us further into his house into a living area, keeping me from contemplating why exactly the god of death had the number eight carved into his walls. As we walk to the living area I can't help but contemplate if one can even call anywhere the literal god of death is a living area.
Hades goes over to a couch and bends down to pick something up. Panic stirs inside me but I find myself relieved when I see he was picking up a guitar. It's black and covered in blue flames that match the same shade of his hair.
"How rude of me…" Hades says as he slings the guitar strap of his guitar on himself. He starts plucking on the strings of his guitar then stops."Would anyone of you like some pomegranate tea?"
We're all silent even Diablo. I exchange looks with my vk's and we all decide that none of us will take anything the god of death has to offer. Plus, I preferred coffee as black as my soul.
Hades strums the guitar in his hand and speaks again. "Do remember to be careful of the seeds while drinking the tea. We wouldn't want anyone to get trapped here?" He jokes, acting like we already accepted his offer for tea.
I gulp. Was that a threat? That sounded like a threat. I have no defense. No way of intimidating the literal god of death. Wait, there's something. My mother. Her name had weight on the Isle. She did practically rule it after all.
"My mother, Maleficent told me to never take anything a stranger offers," I say, praying to the gods my voice isn't shaking. To show that I wasn't intimidated at all I sarcastically apologize to Hades.
Hades stops strumming his guitar and gives me a tight grin. "Oh, I'm very familiar with your mother." His voice is like a double edged sword and there's something else there but it's way too gross to dwell on.
"You're not friends with my son or my niece." Hades states in a way that says don't even dare to try to refute it." So tell me Mal, daughter of Maleficent why are you and your friends here?"
I'm scared. Very scared but it's like hades said I'm the daughter of Maleficent and fear is not a luxury I have. I hold my head high and do my posture exactly how my mother would.
"I want to know how you leave the Isle to rule the underworld," I demand, my voice sounded exactly like my mother's. Diablo cheers, well he lets out a happy kraaing sound.
The ancient song plays on in my head. The new unfamiliar one that sounds like mother's but now I realize it's so different. It's filled with something my mother's never experienced. Love.
I realize now that this song it's mine. It's the Mal who could use magic. The Mal who could transform into a dragon. The Mal who had people she loved and wanted to protect.
My eyes glow green, my gaze is cold as I stare down the god of death."And you're going to tell me. Now."
A.N. I'm really nervous about this chapter. Originally, I was gonna stick to Mal meeting Hadie but idk I really wanted to speed up Hades introduction in this fic because I got some plans for him. And I felt like having a Hadie cameo while great wouldn't really speed along with the plot I'm writing. I'm sorry Hadie I did you like Disney. Anyway, Thank you guys so much for the reviews/faves/alerts! I really appreciate it and I'm sorry this update took so long! Till next time!