Chapter Forty
A/N: I do not own anything other than my OCs when they come out to play. Everything else belongs to Disney (or 20th Century Fox in regard to the song)!
*ducks incoming projectiles* sorry! I know, I know! It's a long time coming for this chapter! I went out of town last weekend and there really wasn't a lot of time to write (though I did have my laptop with me). So that being said, here's a chapter to make up for my delay! :D
*Singing under my breath* A toast to the groom, to the groom, to the groom…to the bride, to the bride, to bride! From the author, who's always on your side! To your union! And the hope that you provide! May you always be satisfied!
…no of course I wasn't listening to Hamilton while I wrote this chapter! *chuckles nervously*
Angel Cauldwell: I'm sure Adam/Beast will learn from his mistakes this time. After all he's not trying to run the kingdom as well as be a parent! :D
Urmimala Hazra: I'm so glad you liked the chapter!
Katie2001: Oh I'm so glad you liked it!
Maybelle Rose: Oh thank you! Yep, Bal wedding (or at least one of them) is next!
danifan3000: I don't know what's more terrifying—the idea of Yzma having a sibling or Yzma being the younger one.
Marcus Emrys: I'm so glad you liked it! Yeah the wedding's a time skip otherwise we'd be here for a lot more chapters than I have the patience to write lol! :D
OceanBlueSeaEyes: I'm so glad you liked it! No plans for a chapter like that but it might be a one shot!
HufflepuffInDaHealingCoven: Personally I feel like Zevon's a little like Gaston—having flings but if the fling results in a pregnancy, he'd claim that there's no proof the kid's his. And yep, Yzma's a grandmother. I know, I'm terrified too.
AmethystDragon14: Yay! Yep, Genevieve is here and Gia will have a much better life in Auradon!
Hufflepuff24: I'm so glad you liked the chapter!
61394: Ask and you'll receive! :D
Monkeymama1516: I'm pretty sure even if Belle and Adam didn't want that, Ben would have insisted his little sister know all of her family.
Kaybugg1: Oh thank you! :D
Pterodactyl1993: 2-3 years for the time skip since I like to head canon that Ben and Mal got married at twenty. Oh thank you—it was my grandmother's name and I thought it'd be a good one to use considering its French origins and both Gia and Ben's families were French. Thank you so much and I hope you have a nice day too!
Bananaboat2009: No worries, I know real life can come first! :D
twilightgirl587: I'm so glad you liked it!
jessaminego5134: Oh Leah would freak out—but you're right, Abby would be thrilled! :D
Anonymous Reader: I really would be surprised if Genevieve didn't know a lot about dragons…and Cerberi…and other mythological creatures. So for Choosing Family when she was introduced there, I gave her the nickname Geene but I do like Eve for a nickname…hmm…
TomiOcampo: Oh thank you! :D
hptwilightfive-0girl: Oh thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying it!
IceBlueRose: Oh thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying the series and this story. Yeah I figured it'd be a good idea to explore Audrey's character since in all honesty the 'villain' turn seemed to come out of nowhere for me in D3. Maybe it might have felt more seamless if Audrey had been in D2 but alas, I know there were scheduling conflicts that couldn't be avoided. But I'm so glad you're enjoying it! :D
Hope you all enjoy this chapter! Let me know what you think! :D
Mal couldn't help but smile as she brushed a bit of lint off of the skirt of her dress. Three years had come and gone and now, finally, it was time for her wedding. She wasn't going to lie, it felt a bit like a dream.
Please, whatever you do, don't have the Blue Fairy mysteriously appear and take us to another viewing, she thought. It had been so long since their last viewing that there was the chance that there wouldn't be any other viewings.
But Mal really didn't want to take that chance. Hence why she was putting it out into the universe.
Gods, it's honestly hard to believe that it's been three years, Mal thought as she looked at herself in the mirror. A lot has happened since then. I know the Good Fairies and Fairy Godmother are still trying to find a way to slowly bring down the barrier but I think the spell Uma came up with was a good compromise.
Rather than bringing the barrier down entirely like it was done in the third viewing, Uma suggested that maybe a spell be done to make it so that kids who wanted a second shot could be able to pass through. That way, people like Zevon or Freddy wouldn't be able to cross into Auradon and wreck havoc.
Something Mal was entirely in favor of. As much as she loved to wreck havoc while on the Isle, she'd rather others not wreck havoc when she was about to become Queen of Auradon thank you.
"Hey Mal?" Hades called, knocking on the small tent flap that was Mal's little waiting area so to speak. They were following through on their plan to have a private wedding first and a public wedding a week later. The public wedding would follow all official protocols and have the press.
This wedding was just for family and close friends. The way it should be.
However, there weren't a lot of buildings over at the Enchanted Lake where she and Ben had their first date. Hence the tent. Mal didn't really mind it though—three years of living in Auradon didn't really cancel out the sixteen years of living on the Isle. It'd take a lot to prissy her up.
"Yeah dad?" Mal asked as Hades only stood there, not saying a word.
"Wow…look at you," Hades said, his voice soft. "Gods Mal, it's hard to believe you're twenty. Sometimes I look at you and I…I still see the little baby you were."
"Don't tell me you're going soft on me dad," Mal teased, blinking away the tears that were building up in her eyes. Ginny Gothel would kill her if Mal ruined her makeup.
Yeah that was something no one really saw coming—Evie and Ginny as business partners. Well actually it was a trio. Quinn, the Queen of Hearts' daughter, was the one Caster to make their way to Auradon. Despite some initial distrust from both Mal and Uma, Quinn had really come into her own as a jewelry designer.
Though, Mal wasn't wearing any of Quinn's pieces today. No, today she was wearing her blue flame pendant necklace and her purple fingerless gloves as her chosen accessories.
Hey, she needed to get a bit of her Isle side represented on her wedding day.
"I would never dream of going soft on you Mal," Hades chuckled. "Now come on, before Sunspot thinks you've gone all cold feet on him."
"I would never do that," Mal shook her head as she took Hades' offered arm, grabbing her bouquet of purple and blue orchids with a few black orchids in the middle. Ben had gotten the requested DNA test a couple of years ago that Hades had asked for back when he had delivered the dowry and the test confirmed that Ben was in fact Belle and Beast's kid.
Something that continued to perplex Hades but only amused Mal.
Mal smiled as she saw the procession. First was Genevieve riding on top of Estelle as purple and blue flower petals trailed behind them; the Cerberus holding the pillow the rings were on tightly in his mouth but moving slowly as to prevent Genevieve from falling. The little three year old had won the heart of the Cerberus and was now one of her best friends.
Next was Evie and Chip as Maid of Honor and Best Man, followed by Hadie, Emir, and Akiho and Uma, Elle, and Macaria as bridesmaids and groomsmen. Considering this was the private wedding, there weren't as many people invited as to avoid word getting out. Hence the small wedding party.
And then finally Mal and Hades—and Mal had to smile once again as she heard the music that she was walking down the aisle to. Something they'd managed to keep a secret from everyone in rehearsals.
I have no idea how Ben managed to get the instrumental version of that song I sang in the first viewing…If Only, ooh, if only…it's definitely better than the traditional wedding march but you didn't hear it from me.
It was honestly amazing how much their lives had changed over the past three years—Henry had gotten married to Claudine a couple of years ago, whereas Ryan and CJ had finally gotten together.
There'd been fear that they were going to be the next Uma and Harry but thankfully that was not the case.
Young Lacey Legume-Potts had taken up Chip's love of videography while Gia had taken up dancing.
Carlos was doing well in Vet School but he'd already told Mal he'd be able to take time off in order to be there for the 'official' wedding and that he was sorry he was missing this one. Whereas Jay had gone one year at college before winning a bowl game for his Tourney Team and got scooped up by the Auradon Lions.
Again, he already said he'd be there for the official wedding—nothing was going to stop him there.
Though the best news they'd gotten was maybe a year ago when the Warf Rats had written to tell Mal and Uma that Freddy had been eaten by Shere Khan's kid. Mal was in no way ashamed to say they made their way over to the Lost Revenge and partied til the break of dawn.
Hades stopped at the end of the aisle where Ben was standing there, waiting with a loving smile on his lips. Gently taking his hand, Mal moved to stand next to him; Evie taking her bouquet so that Mal could have both hands available for use.
Out of the corner of her eye, Mal could see Persephone dab at her eyes with a handkerchief. Though to be fair, Belle and Maurice were doing the exact same thing.
"Welcome everyone," Hera said. While a different officiant would be used for the 'official' wedding, Ben had insisted on embracing Mal's Greek heritage. Hence why the Goddess of Marriage was reprising her role as wedding officiant. "Thank you all for making the commitment to be here today as King Ben and Lady Malinda pledge their love for another and make a truly wonderful commitment of their own."
Out of the corner of her eye, Mal saw Hades' head snap up as if he was making sure he had heard Hera correctly.
You heard her right dad, Mal thought to him. I'd rather have a name that was all my own instead of always being in Maleficent's shadow. Plus…there's nothing wrong with embracing my Greek heritage a little.
But…how? When?
One of the best parts of having two weddings? There's so much paperwork that no one questions an additional form here or there. Besides I'll still go by Mal so there won't be that much confusion.
…did you keep Bertha?
Sadly yes. I thought that if Ben was stuck with Florian as a middle name, I could handle having Bertha as my middle name.
Will you two stop talking so Mal can say her mushy vows? Uma broke into the conversation. These heels are killing me and you've got five more minutes before I bust out of this dress.
Harry's rather enjoying the sight of you in a dress cuz.
I'm sure he is Mal…hang on, this was family only or so you told me. You're not freaking out that a non-family member's here?
You brought him as your plus one. Besides, just like Jay's my brother, so's Harry in a way. After rebuilding our friendship the way we have, it wouldn't be right without the two of you here.
…thanks Mal. I mean that. Now pay attention to what Aunt Hera's saying otherwise we'll be here all day and these shoes are killing me!
Aye aye captain!
"Do you, Ben, take Mal to be your wife?" Hera asked. "To not only give love, support and understanding, but also to fully accept these things as well?"
"I do," Ben said with a small nod and a smile on his lips.
"And do you, Mal, take Ben to be your husband? To not only give love, support, and understanding, but also to fully accept these things as well?"
"I do," Mal nodded.
Hera smiled as she looked over at Estelle. "Bring forth the rings, please."
Estelle seemed to look very proud as he walked forward, the ring pillow still firmly in his mouth as Genevieve giggled at her adoptive brother as she rode on Estelle's back.
"Wedding rings are our emotions brought into the physical world," Hera said. "They are a symbol of everlasting love, as well as a symbol to show the world that you've been fortunate enough to enter into this marriage commitment. Each time you slip your ring on or off, remember this day and how you feel now and let each and every day of your marriage be full of the same love and adoration for each other you experience now. And now the future couple will present each other with their rings as they repeat after me."
"Please accept this ring as a symbol of my love for you above all others," Ben said, repeating after Hera. "It's my promise that wherever our journey takes us, I will be there for you whole heartedly. With this ring, I thee wed."
Mal smiled as it was her turn to repeat Hera's words. "Please accept this ring as a symbol of my love for you above all others. It's my promise that wherever our journey takes us, I will be there for you whole heartedly. With this ring, I thee wed."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," Hera said. Ben and Mal needed no prompting as they met their lips together for a tender kiss.
If one looked closely, they would have seen a faint golden glow around Ben—one similar to Hercules when he emerged from the River Styx after saving Meg's soul.
Zeus? Hades asked, as he had noticed the glow. This wouldn't happen to be your doing would it?
…they're a True Love Hades. It would be cruel to have death separate them at some point, Zeus thought back. Anyway Aphrodite said if I didn't do this, I'd find one of my lightning bolts in a new location and one I wouldn't enjoy.
But why just the sunspot?
I tried to grant Mal the immortality too but it wouldn't take. I guess she already has it from your side.
So is Beastie Jr. now a God?
Nope. Just immortal. And you know what just occurred to me?
That you're more than likely going to have to grant the immortality to Akiho, Gil, and Harry?
Exactly.
Have fun with that Zeus. Plus knowing Mal, she'll insist on it for her friends too—and their spouses. Let's just say she'll be cashing in on the sixteen years you didn't know she existed….Zeus?
Yes Hades?
When did my son get a girlfriend?
I..huh?
Hadie's standing awfully close to Alexandria Charming. What's she doing here anyway? I thought this wedding was just for family.
I believe Hera said she was his plus one.
His WHAT?!
"And now I believe it's time for the couple's first dance," Hera said, as if catching the look from Zeus that it would be a good time to direct people's attention elsewhere before Hades traumatized the poor Princess. "Shall we go back to Beast Castle for the reception?"
"Good idea," Mal chuckled. "I for one don't fancy falling in the Lake."
Thankfully, mass teleportation was easy with multiple Gods and before they knew it, the wedding party found themselves in the ballroom of Beast Castle. Thankfully not one of the ones that Emir and Akiho had convinced Elsa to turn into an ice rink for one of Ben's birthdays.
"Gods…did you ever think we'd see the day Hades?" Persephone whispered as Ben led Mal out onto the dance floor.
"Truthfully? No, not with Mal living with Maleficent," Hades whispered back as Persephone took his hand.
"Oh…I'm pregnant," Persephone told him and Hades whipped his head to her.
"You're what?" Hades hissed.
"Pregnant," Persephone repeated herself. "Don't tell Mal, I don't want to spoil her weddings by taking the spotlight off of her. Besides, it's much too early to celebrate or anything. Now focus on our daughter will you?"
Hades couldn't help but smile as he heard that. Even if everyone else considered Persephone to be Mal's step-mother, Hades knew in his heart that she was more of a mother to Mal than Maleficent had ever been.
We were strangers, starting out on a journey. Never dreaming, what we'd have to go through. Now here we are, I'm suddenly standing. At the beginning with you.
"You know it'll be us up there soon enough, dancing with our girls," Akiho whispered to Emir, the blond chuckling as he saw his siblings playing with Genevieve off in the corner. Akiho had promised to babysit his siblings as his parents were meeting with a dignitary that day and hadn't wanted the twins to get bored.
"I know it," Emir nodded. "Oh, you know Aziz proposed to Rachel?"
"Good for him. Hey does that mean Mal lost the bet?"
"How about you give her a free pass as a wedding present?"
"Good idea," Akiho nodded and then sighed. "Kari! Do not freeze your brother's shoes to the floor!"
Emir chuckled as Akiho ran off after his little sister, Estelle trotting after him as if to wrangle the 'pups'.
And life is a road that I wanna keep going. Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing. Life is a road, now and forever, wonderful journey. I'll be there when the world stops turning. I'll be there when the storm is through. In the end I wanna be standing at the beginning with you.
"Wonder if they'll repeat this song for the 'official' wedding?" Doug murmured to Evie.
"Knowing Ben, their 'official' first dance song will probably be the slowed down version of 'Did I Mention'," Evie murmured back with a small giggle. "I have to say, I was worried at first but Gil did a great job on Genevieve's dress."
"It's for his niece after all. I doubt he'd do a poor job."
"Still. I knew Gil was crafty but I didn't think he was that good of a seamster. Gil's just full of surprises."
"Maybe he wanted to show off for his sisters. After all, with the exception of Mal, everyone else will be wearing the same outfit."
Evie pursed her lips, she still wasn't crazy about that but Mal had insisted. After all, it made it a little more affordable for all involved.
It'd taken some effort but soon almost all of the LeGume girls were in Auradon—much to Gil's delight. Mal would never allow Locklyn to step foot on Auradon's soil but Evie didn't blame her for that.
Knew there was somebody, somewhere. A new love in the dark. Now I know my dream will live on, I've been waiting so long. Nothing's gonna tear us apart!
"You know in a week, we get to do this all over again," Mal whispered to Ben as they continued to dance.
"August 13th," Ben grinned. "Our 'official' wedding anniversary—and then we've got to crown you Queen too."
"One major event at a time," Mal said with a small smile as she thought about her crown fitting. Ben had stopped by as he often did, never to butt in or anything but just to sit in the corner and smile at her. However, at the end, he'd done something a bit different than previous times.
He'd gone up and tilted her crown to the right, just like she'd done to him in the viewings.
The crown fitters were extremely apologetic as they had thought that they'd made it so that it would fit perfectly on Mal's head but Mal only chuckled and returned the favor; tilting Ben's crown so they matched.
Life is a road that I wanna keep going, love is a river I wanna keep going on. Starting out on a journey. Life is a road that I wanna keep going, love is a river I wanna keep flowing. In the end I wanna be standing at the beginning. With you.
The music stopped and Ben smiled, gently kissing the top of Mal's head.
"To the beginning of the rest of our lives my Queen," he said softly.
"I like the sound of that…my King," she teased him only to smile as he seemed to perk up even more at the title.
Just one week to go before Mal could use her title without fear of blowing the whole secret. Maybe they could use that week to get Evan and Hermie out of their denial.
Hey, Mal was bored and not yet Queen so no paperwork for her. Besides, Hadie had already beseeched her not to meddle in his love life…so why not meddle in the love life of someone not related to her?