Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything belongs to Disney, Descendants, or Ginny's AU. I'm just playing in it. Any new OCs are mine.
Sorry, this is so late! Wasn't sure how I wanted to transition into the official arc.
I also lost my job (temporarily), I'm rehired now after calling them out on their BS, but I'm soooooo looking for something new now if this is how they're gonna handle crap. I'm also moving in a month and a half, so gotta start packing soon…
I've changed the system a tad.
Mindlink/Telepathy – Italics, no quotation marks
'Thoughts' – Italics, with quotation marks
Quotes from Ginny's series – Bolded
Normal Speech
Danifan3000: My thought was that since pixie dust has to be taken from the tree, or from pixies directly, it wasn't going to really show up on the Isle. And I felt that the Isle/magic embargo (there's another Isle I believe that has some of the artifacts), occasionally things would fall off one and arrive at the other, such as Ursula's seashell. Otherwise, it's neutral or seen as good magic, so Auradon doesn't monitor it tightly. Just to tighten up some lore. I find the books/show/movies leave things too vague. Many visible plot holes.
OceanBlueSeaEyes: Your review reminded me of this steampunk series in which people with a super brain gift called 'The Spark' could craft insane, seemingly magic robots that could cut through time, bring back the dead etc. You don't sound like a zombie, just a mad scientist! I can relate. One guy even tries to literally pick at other sparks brains, just to see if he can destroy what makes sparks, sparks. Otherwise, unless people are born with it, magic is in nature or artifacts. No need to pick brains here. Maybe ask Hades to borrow a soul or something though.
I hope you guys enjoy! Please review, they fuel my inspiration.
"Alright you vagabonds in training, it's time you learn to really be part of the crew."
'Harriet really inherited Hook's lungs,' Hadie thought as he looked down at the booklet the young woman had handed him.
Today he could openly learn about surviving the Isle. At least Mal saw him as old enough. Finally. Even if it was just more lessons and likely nothing hands on. Better to know the rules than constantly being constrained to a small area not knowing Isle culture.
Dizzy had wanted to come too, but while her grandmother accepted the crew's protection, she explicitly expressed that their training was uncouth for a budding lady.
He pocketed the small book to bring to Dizzy later. There was already a copy in the Underworld that Mal kept in her room. Just in case they had to make more copies, considering they often ended up destroyed.
The crew had taken to quizzing them whenever he and Celia were at the docks already, there wasn't much of a point. A lot of the rules Celia already knew and had taught him on the side. Plus, his sister.
"RULE TWENTY-TWO, SHOULD YOU FIND YOURSELF STRANDED OUTSIDE OF OUR KNOWN TERRITORY AS NIGHT APPROACHES, WHAT IS YOUR ACTION?"
"Survey for an isolated place to hide or use a flare to summon assistance if enemies are prevalent," Celia and Hadie droned together.
Harriet jammed her sword into the deck at their feet.
"Apologies if I'm boring you," she glared. "How about some hands-on experience then?"
Harriet pulled out a pair of swords from the crew's barrel full of spares.
"Come on, grab one."
Hadie grasped the hilt. He had only the cursory tutorial from Harry. Then another time he'd gotten to slap some wood posts around, but compared to Celia? Uma wasn't around her dad enough to have him say 'no' if she wanted to teach Celia how to wield a weapon.
How was he supposed to live up to the reputations of being related to some of the best sword users on the Isle if he was barely allowed to hold one?
"Let's see if some of the best sword wielders on the Isle have managed to teach you tots anything," Hadie glanced sharply at Harriet, before he quickly brought up his blade with a wince. Celia's sword clashed against his, a ring echoed across the ship.
The swears he had learnt while on the ship spilled from Hadie's lips as he rolled his shoulders. The upside to godhood would mean the soreness would be gone in a few hours.
'But damn did Celia really beat my ass,' Hadie sighed, blue eyes closed as he leaned against one of the masts. Facilier's daughter had headed off shortly after triumphantly tripping Hadie onto the dock. Now he had no choice but to wait for the bruises and cuts to fade. Then he could head into the neutral zone to drop off the booklet for Dizzy.
Hadie slowly chewed a piece of discarded wood. Today had been one of the rare days he had to go without breakfast. Add in his impromptu workout, and he was far more ravenous than usual. The act of chewing would at least keep the hunger pains down for now.
'It's just another month till Mom gets back,' he thought. 'The barge has gotten so bad now, even Dad's down to keeping it one meal a day for the restaurant. Luckily cornstarch keeps well, or we'd be stuck with plain grilled fish. Too bad Mom's practice garden barely keeps without her.'
What he would do even for vegetables. Either he and Mal's earth magic wasn't strong enough yet, or it wasn't to be their forte.
Slowly, he got up. Some spots were still tender, but nothing was visible. As long as his dad didn't freak out again.
Shoving his hands down deep into his pockets, Hadie did his best to not stumble on the way down the plank. He thumbed the booklet gently while passing other worn citizens. Few had the strength to stand and walk. There wasn't much to do on the Isle to begin with, so why waste energy? Energy that would only increase the need for food…
The godling tried not to frown as he passed the still form of a younger girl. His magic pulled towards the curled-up body under a makeshift cardboard tent. His attention was finally pulled by a copper skinned girl that was crouched low, slinking into the tent.
Trying to stay inconspicuous, Hadie slowed, keeping the girls in the peripherals of his vision. He heard a pop, and suddenly the tugging on his magic disappeared.
'Screw this,' Hadie jogged back around the building. He came out again by the tent, just in time to see the once dying girl emerge supported by the dark-haired girl.
"Yzla?"
"Oh, um, hi Hadie," her large eyes avoided looking at him. "Just, uh, passing through, taking my friend home."
"Come with me."
"W-what, uh," Yzla stumbled, still trying to carry the passed-out girl. "Look, I just need to get her out of here—"
"Just come get some food first, that's all I'm saying," he moved close and hefted up the other side of the girl. "Whatever you did was impressive, you came just in time."
Yzla stumbled again. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Uh-huh, and I'm the Queen of Auradon."
A giggle followed by a groan burst from the girl between them.
"Sura, hold on," Yzla whispered. "We're gonna get you some food and then I'm going to take you somewhere safe."
"F-food…p-papa said there is no food anymore…" Sura's head lolled as she tried to shake her head.
"Hey, conserve your energy, my dad will get you some food," Hadie frowned as they approached the restaurant.
'Sura, Sura… where have I heard that name before?' A faded poster caught his eye, triggering his memory.
'Ah.'
Sura, daughter of Stromboli the puppet master. A man who cared for naught but feeding his own stomach and stuffing his pockets.
That clearly did not extend to his own child. Taking advantage of her to profit, not even caring what it would do to her; physically or psychologically.
"Stay here," Hadie spoke softly as he helped Yzla lower Sura into a chair away from the windows. The lunch rush was pretty much over, and the front of the restaurant was empty of anyone else.
Quietly entering the kitchen, Hadie looked around. His dad was hunched over the counter reserved for paperwork. The scratches of a pen the only noise. Until the kitchen door fell shut.
Hades glanced over his shoulder.
"You're late."
"Sorry," Hadie mumbled. He shook his head. Being in trouble wasn't important right now.
"Please tell me there's food left? This girl is in bad way."
Hades frowned and stood up. Hadie looked over at the math his dad had been working on and couldn't help frown too. Things were worse than he thought.
"Give her my ration."
"Hadie—"
"Dad, please," Hadie begged. "Just one serving, they can split—"
"They?"
"I, uh, Yzla nursed this girl from the brink, I don't think she's, well, either of them, have eaten in a while."
"…From the brink?"
Hadie stayed silent.
"Fine, alright," Hades rubbed his temples. "Go grab a couple cups of the clean water. I'm not frying anything though, not gonna be good for their stomachs."
Nodding, Hadie quickly made cups and walked back out to the front.
"Here," he set the cups on the table. "It's clean water," he added as Yzla eyed him suspiciously.
Yzla took one and stood next to Sura, holding the cup for the other girl in an effort to get her to drink.
"Do you have anywhere to go?" he asked. "When was the last time either of you ate? I've got Dad making up the last of our fish."
"I have a place," Yzla nodded. Sura, who had shook her head in fear looked up in shock. "Quinn offered her hideout. Their mom barely pays attention. Safe place, though we'll still have problems with food. It's been a couple days since I had a proper meal, but…" Yzla glanced at Sura.
"As long as I don't have to go back to papa."
"Never again, not if I can help it," Yzla wrapped an arm around Sura's shoulders.
The small girl shivered as Hadie took her empty cup.
"Would you prefer some hot water?"
"You have clean water and heating equipment here?" Sura whispered in awe.
Hadie smiled slightly. There were miniscule amounts of electricity on the Isle, so most people relied on fire.
"Dad cleans the water himself. Got a filter. But we only have fire here. Sort of my Dad's speciality."
"You guys have gas?"
"Only fire."
The two girls jumped at Hades' voice. His face was carefully neutral as he set a plate down.
"T-thank you, Mr…?"
Hades smirked and shook his head. "Just eat you two. Slowly," Hades ruffled his son's hair and walked back to the kitchen.
"It's getting dark, you're free to huddle behind the counter for the night, but I want you gone by morning. And I'm locking the kitchen doors, so don't even think of trying to take anything. I keep track of what we've got," the God called over his shoulder. "I'll set out some of that hot water before Hadie and I head home."
"Much appreciated, Lord Hades!" Yzla called after him. The kitchen door swung shut.
"Wait, that's Lord Hades?" Sura dropped the bit of fish she had spooned. Her voice quieted again. "I didn't realize you were his uh…well, I guess that's what he meant by only having fire."
"Yeah, Dad's powers aren't dampened to the same degree as everyone else. Comes in handy."
"I bet," Yzla muttered. "Look, Hadie, I really appreciate this, you didn't have to—"
"Damn straight I didn't, but I'm not about to be a berk to someone in need," Hadie took a deep breath.
"You're a lot nicer than your brother, and you make potions that heal. We need that here. I-If people try to target you, come to me. I don't care if our siblings are on opposite sides. That kind of skill needs to be protected."
He glanced at the window to the kitchen, making sure his dad wasn't about to come out yet to go home.
"Things…things are getting worse and worse it seems like. I might not be able to guarantee meals here every day, even the fish supply is getting short, but try to sneak in once a week or-or go to Dizzy Tremaine, she can pick up meals for you. I'll let her know."
"Thanks, Hadie."
Months turned. Food supply improved now that Persephone was back, but he'd seen Yzla a few times since then. Sura only once. Apparently, Quinn and recommended she just stay hidden altogether as Stromboli had been kicking up a fuss looking for his 'precious bambina'.
Or rather, unless she had actually been found dead, he believed her his property to profit off of. Even freedom in death was questionable from what Hadie had heard of the man.
Now that he thought about it…a lot of his friends, if not all of them, within his age group were girls. Not that he'd admit it around Harry. He'd never hear the end of it.
'Mostly Gaston's fault, but I've only heard of a few other boys my age.'
Diego was alright, but he wasn't about to associate with people so close to Maleficent. There was also Reginald. But his dad was one of the craziest nutjobs on the Isle that everybody avoided if they could.
'Seriously, who has weasels as minions?'
Eddie and Anthony were a couple years older, which was still pretty close compared to most other boys. Eddie was okay too, but Anthony could really use a proper smacking.
'Dizzy can barely stand him, and she gets along with everyone,' Hadie thought as he stumbled out of bed.
With Dizzy and Celia's help, he did probe the waters in speaking to their Captains. He was right in the end, Mal and Uma weren't keen on hearing anything about the young Caster. Mal in particular was stubborn.
Didn't stop he and Celia from extending a hand of trust. They helped her get food, and they got potions that they snuck into the crew's water supply. Cuts, which was always meant risk of infection, disappeared faster, and bruises were alleviated. It was especially a relief after Dustin somehow got beat to a pulp from Freddy's gang. No one had thought the young rat would survive the week at first.
Unfortunately, it had taken more than a few drops of their potion supply. Hopefully no more major damages came over the crew for a while. Not till Celia or Dizzy could pass on more.
'Speaking of Dizzy,' Hadie happily thought as he trotted into town next to his mother.
The energetic red-head was waving him down from down the street, just outside the corner that turned to her grandmother's shop.
"Hadie!" Bright red curls suddenly filled his vision as the hyper girl slammed into him.
"Hello, Dizzy," Persephone smiled down at the pair. Dizzy took a step back and lightly curtsied.
"Good morning, Lady Steph," she said brightly.
"Hi, Dizzy," Hadie couldn't help but be amused. "You seem extra excitable today."
"Sorry," Dizzy laughed. "It's just, I officially get to start working at grandmother's store, starting tomorrow! Just chores, but she's going to give me actual training on the side so I can start doing hair too!"
"Good for you, Diz," Hadie smiled. It was one of Dizzy's biggest dreams to finally get to start styling. Hair, fashion and art were naturally her favorite things. Hence why the youngest Tremaine was often trailing after Evie.
"Congradulations, Dizzy," Persephone smiled, though Hadie could tell it was a bit strained. Hadie figured it was likely due to her feelings on how the kids had to work to survive on the Isle.
"Thanks," Dizzy adjusted her glasses and beamed at the pair. "I should get back, but don't let me working scare you off from visiting anymore."
"Oh no, I'm too terrified now," Hadie rolled his eyes.
"I get enough of a sarcastic edge from your father, Hadie. Keep it up and I'll just give Dizzy here the candy I brought back."
"Ooo, thanks, Lady Steph!" Dizzy bounced up and down as she accepted a small assortment of said candy from the goddess.
"Moooom, sugar is the last thing Dizzy needs!" Hadie facepalmed. He was a little jealous, sugar was a rare commodity after all. But only when he got to cause chaos with Dizzy, not watch her ricochet of the walls.
He wished he could see Lady Tremaine and Co.'s faces when she got back to the shop after leaving only for a couple minutes.
"Now, now, no harm in sharing," his mom winked, handing a couple pieces to her son.
"Mmm, before you go," Dizzy spoke again, her mouth already crammed with a couple pieces of chocolate. "There's humongous news starting to buzz its way around."
"What's that?" Hadie mumbled around his own sugary bite.
"There's going to be a new king! Reliable rumors say King Beast is going to step down and let his son take over!"
Persephone and Hadie glanced at each other. That was important news indeed.
"I think…we can do detail on the restaurant later. This is something I think your father needs to know A.Q.A.P."
They quickly bid farewell to Dizzy and ducked into the restaurant to let Smee know of the change of plans. The pair made record time back to the lair, in part due to Hadie's sugar rush kicking in.
"Sounds like your father and sister are in the kitchen, go ahead, dear." Persephone urged Hadie forward as she put away her bag.
Hadie rushed into the kitchen and threw himself into his sister.
"Mali!"
"Hello my little beastie," Mal chuckled.
"Did you hear the news Mal?" Hadie asked, bouncing a little. "There's going to be a new king! Oh, and Dizzy's going to start working at Lady Tremaine's shop!"
"Yeah, I heard. Well, the king news, not the Dizzy news," Mal nodded. "Let's hope Beastie Jr. eases up on us somewhat huh?"
"Think we'd get to go to Auradon?" Hadie asked, the grin still on his face and the bouncing getting more intense.
"Is it possible he's had some sugar?" Mal asked Hades.
"We don't get sugar here Mali. He's hyped because of the news," Hades remarked, his tone deadpanned.
"Mom brought some snacks from Boreadon," Hadie said. "They were good! Too sweet though."
"Your mother gave you sugar?" Hades exclaimed. "Persephone!"
"Yes dear?" Persephone walked into the kitchen. "You bellowed?"
"You hyped our nine-year-old up on sugar?"
"I gave him a few pieces," Persephone said rolling her eyes. "I did not 'hype him up' as you put it."
"I liked it!" Hadie grinned.
"Clearly," Mal smirked.
"There's some more in my bag, if you'd like some Mal," spoke Persephone as she came further into the kitchen, placing a kiss on her husband's cheek. "I'd honestly forgot I had them."
"Thanks mom, but I'll pass. Sugar isn't exactly filling."
"I'll take more!"
"NO, you are not," Hades pointed a finger at his son as he wrapped his other arm around his wife. Persephone smacked his hand down.
"I agree with your father, candy is to be enjoyed every now and then, not gorged upon."
"Fiiiiiine. Are we having lunch soon? We skipped the restaurant check since mom wanted to rush back and let you know about the new king."
"Yeah, Mali was telling me about that just before you got back home. Looks like the news is the real deal," Hades separated from Persephone and checked the enchanted fridge.
"We've got leftover turkey cranberry or tuna salad if you want a sandwich. I need to start prepping dinner in a bit before I head back down to work, so I don't have time to throw you together anything bigger."
"Why don't you start that prep, and I'll make the sandwiches," Persephone laid a hand on Hades' shoulder. "Which would you prefer Hadie? Mal?"
Hadie wiggled his nose. "Is it the turkey salad that has walnuts in it?"
"No, I got it without this time."
"I'll have the turkey then, thanks Mom," as much as Hadie liked either, the random crunchy bits of uncooked celery or walnuts just wasn't his thing.
"I'll take a tuna, mom," Mal grinned as she settled into one of the seats. "What are you making for dinner this time dad?"
"I was going to ask you to keep an eye on the fire in case it starts to boil over, but since your back, do you mind Persephone? Just some oxtail soup. Should last a couple days."
"Not at all dear, sounds delicious."
"Hopefully Beastie Jr. is leagues better than his dad, and things start to improve around here. Like not having to worry about food."
Persephone set the plates of cut sandwiches before her children. A tentative smile crossed her face as she gave each of the kids a kiss atop their heads.
"I certainly hope so, Mali."
And just a couple months shy of a year later—a month before the new king was coronated—more news came that signaled things really were going to change.
It was late Summer when the second most important news ever to hit the Isle arrived.
Of course, Hadie didn't know that. He was busy pulling his clothes out of the wash bin and hanging it up in a heated cave to dry. He was almost done when he heard the loud voices of the Rotten Four echo down from the Underworld entrance.
Hanging up the last of his laundry, he raced up the uneven stairs. He only tripped a few times. His leg muscles were aching lately and he wasn't sure why. Hades had just smiled sadly and looked the godling over before simply saying that he'd gotten taller.
'And have a private talk with me later. Dunno why, it's just a little pain. Nothing for gods to worry about, right?' Hadie thought as he stumbled onto the last landing.
He shoved past Harry, Uma and Jay to enter the kitchen. There, he found his dad gently holding Mal's face, a sad look in his eyes.
"Dad? Is Mal going somewhere?"
"Hey Hadie," Mal said with a sad smile, turning away from their dad to pick her younger brother up into a hug.
"Mali! You're being weird!"
'Also, I may be immortal, but I'd like to breathe,' thought Hadie as he was forced onto the balls of his feet.
"Yeah, well when I'm not going to see you for a while, I'm allowed to be weird."
His face twisted into one of confusion. There was nowhere to go on the Isle, except…
"Why won't you be seeing me for a while?" Hadie asked. "Is…is the Dragon making you go somewhere?"
"Actually, it's more a combination of dad and your cousin, but essentially yes."
"Uma or Virgil?" Hadie asked. Though Virgil being able to command Mal to do anything against her will probably meant the world was ending.
"Uma. She pulled the captain card."
"Oh. Why is Uma sending you someplace?"
"Because she wants me to get into Prince Beastie's good books," Mal sighed.
"Is that possible? I mean he's part of the Auradon royal family and they clearly don't care about the Isle," his earlier thought of being stuck on the Isle popped back into the forefront of his mind.
"Well, all I know is that me and Jay are wanted over there—and I think the limo's almost here, the invite said it'd be arriving soon. So little bro, I'm going to have to say goodbye," Mal said with a frown. "Be ruthless but loyal. I'll tell mom you said hi," she told him, kissing his head as she set him down.
Hadie smothered a bout of jealousy. He trusted Mal to get him off too if she could. He'd like to see mom too though.
'Just have some patience. Mal won't leave me here. If there's even a chance of getting other people over, she'll take it.'
"We'll keep an eye out for him Mali, like I said," Uma promised. "No, one'll mess with him."
Mal smiled before pulling Uma into a hug. Short whispers were heard, before Mal stepped back.
"Aye aye captain," Uma chuckled.
"That's co-captain, Uma," Mal said with a smirk causing Uma to chuckle again.
"Go on. We don't want you being late and missing the limo."
Mal snorted but gave Harry a quick hug. She muttered something into his ear too.
Harry smiled slightly and squeezed her lightly. "Go on cap'n, give Boreadon hell for us."
"Count on it," Mal muttered.
Harry smiled as the hug broke and Mal couldn't help but give a sad smile herself.
"Go on Mal," Uma said softly, handing Mal her bag. Estelle whined softly, causing Mal to give another sad smile as she knelt down.
Hadie could relate. He was holding back every fiber of his being to not clamp on to Mal's leg. Beg for her to take him with or to not go at all. But this would be a chance to help the Isle. No one ever believed their mom, so why not a real VK personally selected by the prince?
"I can't take you with me boy," she said as she scratched behind his ear. "I wish I could. But you've got to stay here, to keep Hadie and dad out of trouble. Okay? Promise?"
Estelle gave a small yip and gave Mal's hand a small lick, as if making the promise.
"Good boy," Mal whispered, the sad smile still on her face as she kissed Estelle's middle head.
"We'll take care of him Mal," Harry promised.
"I know," Mal sighed as she stood up. Uma handed Mal her bag, which she'd dropped when she bent down to say goodbye to Estelle.
The blue-haired godling bent down to hug Estelle, giving in to the triple kisses. It helped keep the Cerberus from following Mal too.
"Better ship off cap'n. Both of you, actually. You'll be late."
Jay and Mal nodded, Mal taking her bag—Jay already had his bag with him.
"Jay, I can't believe I'm saying this, but…don't steal too much," Uma said softly. "Don't give Boreadon a reason to kick you back here-you know Mal might actually go insane if one of us isn't there."
"I make no promises," Jay said with a small chuckle.
Mal couldn't help but chuckle herself as she shook her head. "C'mon Jay. Before I change my mind."
"Coming Mal." Jay nodded. Mal could only assume his own bag was back with the Dragon and his father. "Let's go."
Mal nodded slowly and the two of them headed out of the Underworld and to the limo. Little did they know how much their lives were about to change.
Hades sighed as he watched the silhouette of his only daughter disappear into the distance.
"Thanks, Uma, for getting her to go," the god spoke, running a hand through his hair.
"Anytime, Uncle." The pirate smirked after a moment. "Since you're down a taster, mind if I invite myself to dinner?"
"Sure, of course not," Hades gave a weak laugh. "It'll be a bit though. I should probably send an emergency mental link to Persephone. She might have to come back soon, but at least for a while there can be someone Auradon in Mal's corner."
"Did…did mom know about any of this? That the prince was going to invite VK's over?" Hadie stood and stared at his dad with wide eyes. Uma and Harry turning back in curiousity.
"Off record, yes. But we didn't want to get your hopes up in case it wasn't any of our group. Beastie Jr. apparently only mentioned that he was sending out invites and that the day they were due, he would announce which villain's kids were to be brought over.
"She probably knows now, but when we had first talked about it, we weren't sure."
Hadie nodded pensievely. "Come on, Estelle, we should go make sure the crew is aware of the whole situation."
"Good idea Hadie, we'll come with," Uma beckoned to Harry. "See you for dinner, Uncle Hades."
"You sure you don't want to stay for taste testing?" The God of the Dead called after the group. Uma and Harry hesitated, but Hadie just wasn't interested.
"I'm not hungry."
It would be time for bed by the time Hadie realized why he felt off.
He had no clue when he'd get to see his sister again.