Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything belongs to Disney, Descendants, or Ginny's AU. I'm just playing in it. Any new OCs are mine.
Mindlink/Telepathy – Italics, no quotation marks
'Thoughts' – Italics, with quotation marks
Quotes from Ginny's series – Bolded
Normal Speech
THIS IS SO LONG I'M NOT SORRY.
I really wanted to wrap everything up before we enter the Auradon arc. I'll put a reminder at the end of the chapter, but… THIS STORY IS COMPLETE. I had debated with this for a while, but decided to help me stay organize, I am going to split pretty much where the sequels do. I scrapped a lot of scenes too. Sheesh.
That's also why this update took so long. I was outline and preparing what I could for Choosing Love.
I hadn't planned to make this so long, but I figured y'all would like a ton of content rather than the condensed version. So here it is since I made y'all wait!
AmethystDragon14: I'm happy to hear that! I couldn't resist writing a bit of Mal's confrontation from the Isle's point of view.
Ginnyrules27: It took ages, but it's here! I think our poor boy is somewhere between curiously excited and terrified.
Danifan3000: In order: (1) Reginald Von Rotten, or Regi, is the son of Baron von Rotten aka Judge Doom from Who Framed Rodger Rabbit. I think I mention him a bit in chapter 10, but just as a hint. I know it's not totally a Disney movie, but the hold some rights and were part of the production who did it. (2) This version of Hades I view as the kind who doesn't care about gender and doesn't want to see either of his kids grow up. I'm also keeping it in line with some of the mentions from Truth or Fiction. (3) Hadie never really had to worry just because of his parents alone. Now that he's noticeably related to Mal, it certainly helps, but he doesn't exactly go out of his parent's territory where other kids outside of his own circle will try to talk with him. I'm sure if he did though, he'd have plenty try to cozy up to him.
OceanBlueSeaEyes: I had actually planned a small splurge of food, but this got so long I had to leave it out… We'll have to make due with the clouds of popcorn the Wharf Rats were throwing around that day.
a-person-on-the-internet-75: You're review made me ecstatic! I've no clue how well everything reads as a binge, I just type forever until it feels okay. It almost feels like word-vomit and I wonder if I get too detailed, so I'm glad that you like my Isle lore expansion. It's definitely something I wanted to put more into and outline to make it come more to life. That's the first action scene I've written tbh. I already have things I would add or change. My advice is: music to set the mood, and think of things as a picture. I know you're an artist! It's like in animation where you have to take a main scene at a time to lead into the next. This person throws something at another. What is the other persons reaction? Are they hit, do they dodge, do they trip?
Enjoy!
Newly coronated, King Ben paced his new office. He'd just finished discussions with Lady Persephone before she had to depart for the Isle, a certain lizard in tow. Mal was glad to be able to spend some time with her mom at least, before she would be gone for six months. Even if it was technically a business meeting.
'Now for the hard part. Convince the council to allow for more kids from the Isle to come to Auradon.'
Since Mal had requested a specific group, he figured they could easily get a majority vote. It helped that Mal had been the one to save his Coronation against the errant monster that was Maleficent. Plus, two of her requested were family in addition to being related to the Gods.
That's why he had asked his girlfriend's mother to meet with him before she had to leave. He needed her advice on how to leverage the Olympian support as well as establish a communication system so they were more prepared with how to integrate the VK's better.
'Though it won't matter to a few of the council. I need to find the right opportunity to get rid of Queen Leah and her cronies.'
Ben paused, staring out his window. He was glad that the new room still had a view facing the Isle.
'Part of the problem is because Hadie is much younger than my proclamation originally calls for. With the first group, having them at least be my own age allowed me to keep an eye on them. They're my responsibility after all.'
Now, he needed to ensure things continued to go as smooth as possible, if not smoother. With a preteen, he needed precautions in place. People that he could trust to be friendly. Ben certainly didn't want to earn the ire of Hades if something happened to his youngest child. Mal was particularly protective of her little brother. Persephone had only headed off her daughter's rant of if Hadie came to any harm, physically or emotionally, after it had gone on for a good ten minutes. The Goddess' constant nodding along and smirks just reinforced that Ben couldn't risk anything.
The first order of business was to establish a form of communication without needing to rely on Mal.
'Which Mal came up with the solution for that too,' Ben thought as he resumed pacing.
Mal had decided that if her brother were coming to the Isle, the most logical step was to just give him her used laptop for their mom to use in the meantime. Though the VK budget ensured each new student had a laptop—as all assignments were required to be typed—Ben had gotten Mal her own personal laptop as a gift. He'd then immediately ordered the signal spot that was at Maleficent's castle for Family Day to be moved to a hidden location in the entrance of Lord Hades' lair. Lady Persephone would direct the setup when Ben managed to get a team sent out. The small tower wouldn't work underground, so they needed to make sure there was a long enough ethernet cable to run all the way to the laptop Mal had supplied.
Mal had even started a rough digital map of the Isle with Carlos, as Ben planned to set up a courier eventually. Carlos was complaining that since there was no wi-fi yet, he couldn't write to his few friends. Mal and Jay vehemently agreed, seeing as they still had an entire crew they wanted to make sure were running okay.
It would help keep them informed of any ongoings on the Isle. Mal was particularly concerned as with Uma off the Isle, there would no longer be a way to keep information going back and forth. Granted there were Mal's parents, but she didn't necessarily want them involved with the running of the Wharf Rats.
'I should send an email off to the address Mal's mother listed for me. I forgot to give her mine,' Ben thought, taking a seat at his desk. 'Might as well draft the other email so I can get the next VK admissions on the agenda.'
As he opened up his email, Ben paused. 'Why in the name of Lord Hades is the Council demanding a handler for Mal?'
"Mom!" Hadie shoved past his dad and into the mirror room.
Persephone dropped her bags and enveloped her son in a swift hug.
"My baby boy! I've missed you so much," Persephone crooned, peppering her son with kisses.
"Welcome back, babe," Hades chuckled as he pulled the two into his own hug, giving his wife a kiss on her cheek. "You've brought back more than you normally do."
"One of these is from Mal," Persephone gestured to the pile of discarded bags. "More food in addition to my usual."
"And this one?" Hades pointed towards the lone suitcase.
"Well, I had a meeting with Mal and our new king before I left today."
Hades didn't buy her innocent smile for one second. He raised a single brow, expecting her to continue.
"I had to do some last-minute shopping for when Hadie goes to Auradon," she smiled down as Hadie's eyes widened with excitement.
"For real?! King Ben said I get to go?" Hadie began to jump up and down, tugging on his mother's arm.
"Woah, woah, woah, timeout," the Lord of the Underworld shook his head. "As much as I know you'd be better off in Auradon, I don't feel comfortable with you going over with no adult supervision on the other side."
"That's part of what King Ben wanted to speak with me with. He doesn't have a real ETA for the next group, as Mal's was just preliminary. He has to go through his council this time."
"Still doesn't solve that neither of our children have adult support during your six months here."
"Which," Persephone leaned down and lugged up a small case from one of the bags. "Is why Mal supplied me with this laptop. King Ben will keep me appraised of the situation, as well as have me advise him on what I think he might need to do to help any new children."
Persephone paused and glanced at her husband. "And before you ask, he also will have someone by this week to move the internet from Maleficent's to here. I'll need your help to make sure the signal is coming through because I want it within the entrance gate. So, no outsiders can mess with it."
Hades put his hands up in surrender.
"Okay," he finally said, trying to not look too long at his son's begging face. "As long as we have time to discuss this fully."
"Well, while we wait to hear from whoever is setting up the internet, I do have one other thing," Persephone gave an unsure smile and reached back into one of the bags.
"Is that—," Hades started.
"One Malefilizard, courtesy of our daughter, with permission of King Ben. She's yours to imprison."
Hades face broke into a feral grin.
"Gladly."
"Come on, Hadie," Persephone beckoned her son. "Why don't you help me put the rest of this away and we can go over your birthday presents while your dad decides how he wants to gloat."
Hadie stared as his dad practically jogged along the path that led further down into the Underworld. Part of him really wanted to see what would happen to Maleficent. Looking back towards his mother's gentle smile, Hadie grinned back.
If he was really going to Auradon, who knew how much time was left to spend with his mom?
As Hadie helped his mom put away the new supplies, cackling could be heard echoing up from the caverns.
"Dad's really getting in to it, huh?"
"I'm not surprised. That horrid woman has given us more trouble than you know."
"Like kidnapping Mali?" Hadie wondered aloud.
Persephone fumbled the cans she had been holding.
"You don't need to hide it mom, I heard Mal say it on the TV."
"I forgot your father said King Ben provided a television to watch the Coronation," Persephone sighed as she closed the cabinet.
Hadie pulled at the hem of his shirt. An old nervous habit. He hadn't intended to bring up bad memories.
"Y-you don't have to tell me any time soon mom," he mumbled.
Sighing again, Persephone pulled her son into another hug.
"It's…not pleasant. We didn't get Mali back until shortly before you were born. Maybe…maybe when you're older, or if Mal wants to," she said, running a hand over Hadie's hair. "Definitely something Mal has to give permission for, I don't imagine she has the most agreeable of memories."
"I understand," Hadie voiced, his words muffled by the tightness of the hug.
"Why don't you go get that suitcase and take it into your room?" Persephone spoke after a beat, pulling away from Hadie. "I'll be there after I fit this last bit in the cooler."
"Okay, mama," Hadie whispered, falling into old habits.
Rushing off to the portal room, Hadie grabbed the suitcase and rolled it down the hall into his room. While the wheels made it easy to move, it was heavier than he had expected for what was ultimately such a small box.
Making sure to carefully lie the case down, Hadie sat on the floor, trying to stay patient.
Luckily it was only a few seconds afterwards that Persephone neatly took a seat next to him. With a quick motion, the suitcase was unzipped.
"Your father told me you've had a bit of a growth spurt while I was gone," Hadie heard his mother say as he gazed inquisitively at the contents. "A few of the outfits are better for Auradon fashion, or school at least. So, these won't be for wearing around the Isle, okay?"
Hadie nodded as his mother pulled out article after article of clothing.
"I should probably have you try them on at least," she said as he pulled out a pair of plain black shoes. "White is more popular, but I've always hated how quickly they get dirty. I tried to stick to blue and black for you."
"Thanks mom," Hadie flashed her a smile. The fabric was certainly softer than the leather most were stuck with. He let a hand drift over one of the sweaters, wondering at its softness. The lack of holes was also a plus. His jeans certainly were on their last leg, so he was glad to see his mom had grabbed a similar dark pair along with the common faded blue.
Turning back, Hadie shuffled through the rest of the contents.
'The usual math and history updates, looks like. Ugh, I hate English and grammar. Physics at least looks interesting. Although these are far thicker than they have been in the past.'
"King Ben and I will be discussing how education will work out later, but he did give me the updated curriculum for the year I have you on. The school year's only a couple months in, so you should be able to catch up by the time you go."
"Do I really get to go?" He looked hopefully at his mom, ignoring the last couple boxes within.
"Oh, sweetie, absolutely," Persephone held out her arms, allowing Hadie to settle on her lap. "I was there when Mal pretty much demanded who the next group will be from King Ben. You, Uma and Harry are pretty much guaranteed. The last, just to show there aren't any prejudices from the Crown, will be Gil."
"He's also close to Carlos," Hadie pointed out. "I guess since Evie didn't exactly endear herself, she didn't get to have input."
As glad as Hadie was that his cousin and surrogate brother would be going too, he did wish Dizzy had gotten picked. He wouldn't be knowing anyone his own age once he got over.
"I'm sure Dizzy and Celia will get their chance," the Goddess smiled. "If you're worried about others your age, you have a cousin—"
"You might've read my mind mom, but I'm not interested in cozying up to any of Zeus' grandbrats—ow!"
"Don't speak so rudely," Persephone frowned, letting go of where she had pinched Hadie's ear. "I was going to say from Poseidon before you interrupted. The youngest of Ariel's, Melody I believe."
"Maybe I should reach out to the Cloud Beard's family," Hadie carefully said, resisting the urge to say brats again. "Does Hercules' at least have a son my age?"
"Yes, I believe he does actually," Persephone laughed, hugging her son tighter. "I'm sure Mal will look into it as well and introduce anyone she knows with siblings your age. No need to worry, my little torch."
"Nothing against girls, but sometimes the things they say go over my head. Some guy friends would be nice for a change."
"Why don't you open the last few things?" His mother shook her head, changing the subject.
Hadie reluctantly crawled off his mother's lap. Considering he was leaving eventually Hadie wasn't surprised to see he received only a couple books and comics for reactional reading this time around. He looked forward to reading them, but spending time with his parents were more important. At least they'd be good distractions when it was work hours.
"Ooh! Thanks for the new puzzle and books, mom!" Hadie exclaimed as he palmed the small wooden ball. Ever since he'd gotten that Rubik's cube from Virgil, the godling had developed a thing for moving puzzles.
"I'm happy you like them, love," she smiled. As Persephone watched her son begin to fiddle the sphere apart, she couldn't help but feel her heart swell. Despite Hades' rather large access to money, it was useless on the Isle. No matter how much they'd wanted to spoil Mal and Hadie, they had to be mindful what could come to the Isle and actually work.
'Or even be interesting,' the Goddess thought wryly, recalling how picky Mal was even as a baby. 'Hadie may be more amused by Auradon things than Mal ever was, but he still has Isle influences.'
She could only hope it was enough to help her little boy fit in the new world.
Hades slunk in his seat, rubbing his temples.
Shortly after Persephone had returned, a small team of forces had arrived from Auradon. Surveyors, apparently. Publicly, they were there to look at possible locations for a hospital once approval was through. Off-record, the soldiers were examining Maleficent's castle.
He knew some kids had combed the place immediately after Maleficent's publicized defeat. Though many had ensured it stayed relatively untouched.
It'd been Ginny Gothel who'd found the Evil Queen's husband for the Auradon team. She took herself a cloak as payment. Not that the God gave one shit. He could replace anything Mal really wanted. No, Hades and Persephone were more concerned with how Daniel would be cared for until King Ben could discreetly remove the man to Auradon. He had a few ideas, but fewer minions.
In the meantime, everyone had started coming to him with the damned fae out of the picture. Hades doubted these lowlifes had ever actually bothered Maleficent with their grievances. What had changed that made the other villains think they could come to him instead avoiding him like they had for the last 20 years?
What do we do for food? – Anyone born on the Isle is welcome at my restaurant, not my lair, to get food. Villains pay or are on their own.
What about the sick? – We're getting a medical system within the next year.
This guy stole my shoe, make him give it back. – NOT my problem.
Is Mal secretly going to take over Auradon? – If she wants to.
Hades leapt from makeshift throne. He wasn't about to let these worms enter his home and so had dragged an adequate looking chair towards the entrance. Just to within the gate and warding lines, letting the doors stay open for the village idiots to scream their woes at him.
Grimy civilians scattered away as the God flared up.
"I HAVE AN ENTIRE UNDERWORLD TO RUN HERE PEOPLE!"
Marching back down into his home, Pain and Panic slammed the gates closed behind Hades.
"I'm gonna need an inbox and a schedule or something; this shit isn't priority," he grumbled as Pain continued his scribe duties. "I'll monologue some ideas later, but I might need another hand like Virgil…People leave a comment box or some shit, then have someone who isn't me, announce my thoughts or an announcement board…"
'And Hadie won't be here for much longer…I'll only have Persephone for a little while after…and then…and then I'll be alone on this Isle again with just Pain and Panic…I want to spend as much time as I can with them before they're both gone…'
Ben wanted to break something. Ben, despite his calm exterior, was possibly the angriest he'd every been. Angrier than he'd been even on Family Day.
"Queen Leah, I am only willing to repeat this once more. Refrain from bringing up my personal life and please focus on what the Council is trying to vote upon without this bias."
He almost wished that she'd bring up the betrothal contract again. It might've been petty, but she was blocking his VK project! After he'd gotten reports back from the surveyors, Ben despaired at the status of the Isle.
It was worse than Mal had said.
'She shouldn't feel the need to sugar coat it. I have to fix this. Villains, kids…this is inhumane!'
But all Leah could scream about was her poor Audrey. Not any of the kingdoms, not literal babies forced to suffer their parents' sins. It was all about her and her granddaughter.
'One misstep, and you're out, Leah. Even if I have to throw you out for letting personal issues stand in the way of progress!'
Unfortunately, the Queen of Auroria decided to not push her luck.
What happened next would be something Mal and he would come to regret. Though not for many months later. The votes were in.
"Very well…in exchange for continuing the VK program at my own discretion…Mal will retain a…handler to educate her of her position as a Lady in Auradon."
'I can't believe Mal agreed to this,' Ben recalled their conversation a week ago when he'd brought up the email. 'Well, I can, it was her idea to use it as leverage after all.'
An hour later, he was back to pacing his office. So much to do, and he would have preferred it to be done yesterday.
'More like years ago, when dad was supposed to be responsible for all this.'
Ben pulled out his phone, blurbing thought after thought into his recording app. Who was the next group, what they would need, contact the school, setup who might volunteer to be their Auradon guardians, officiate the go ahead for the hospital, get Evie's dad, that letter system Carlos suggested…
A ding emanated from his phone, notifying him of an email coming from his 'important' contacts. Glancing at his email list, he saw the long-awaited response from Lady Persephone. The surveyor team had only managed to go out a couple days ago and from the sounds of it, the change in Isle hierarchy had Hades' extremely busy, leaving Persephone to deal with some of his work.
At least Mal had asked to leave the whole handler thing to her and not tell her parents. In the meantime, it was time to start that dialogue with Lady Persephone. He'd like to get the new group in before the semester was up, just any need for remedial lessons could be caught up without affecting exams.
It'd surprisingly come from Chad what could be done. Apparently, Evie had chewed him out over homework at Family Day within ear shot of his parents. Kitty and Lucy vehemently backing her up. Chad was forced to sit a placement to ensure he at least knew the subjects or he'd have to redo the semester and be held back for summer school.
Quickly sending off a text to Jane, Ben began gathering all the information he had already prepared for his response email. He'd have to CC the email he'd asked Jane to setup. Mal had mentioned her brother at least had an education, but he was going to treat it as if the godling hadn't.
'It's a good thing Mal thought to go with the laptop, I guess the school switched to digital only for evaluation tests to save paper.'
Another couple hours later, Ben heard a knocking on his door.
"I know you had a council meeting today, but I thought we'd finally got you to remember when dinner was too!" Emir whined, an arm heavy with a drink cooler, as he held the office door open. Akiho followed; his face barely seen above his many boxes of food.
"Guys, this is way too much!"
"Not it's not," Jay came in with a dolly carrying a large box.
"What's all this then?"
"A mini-fridge," Emir proudly announced. "You said you'd get one once you moved if you still missed meals. You missed a meal, ergo, now you're getting a mini-fridge."
Ben shook his head but sat back as his friends began setting up his office as an impromptu picnic.
"Don't worry, we won't start spoon-feeding you," Mal said as she entered with Lonnie and Carlos, a playful smirk pulling at her face. "Not yet anyways."
"Appreciated, I suppose. No Evie?"
"She ate with Kitty and Lucy. They've been nice enough to stick around since she's still being shunned for the wand fiasco."
Nodding with a sigh, Ben turned back to his writing while his friends plus girlfriend sat up the room for him to eat.
"Who are you emailing?" Akiho popped over Ben's shoulder. "Just find a stopping point and eat for a bit."
"It's Lady Persephone," Ben turned to Mal as his words recaptured her attention from where she'd been making him a plate. "You were right, your promised leverage was enough to give me total control over the VK Proclamation. Apart from some budget tweaking, I pretty much have free reign."
"That's great news!" Mal put the plate down and flung her arms around her boyfriend's neck.
"What did you promise, Mal?" Jay looked to her in concern.
"Something small and nothing to worry about. Just extra classes essentially."
Jay nodded with some hesitance, but continued to set up the small fridge with Carlos' help.
"What do you have so far?" Mal turned back to Ben.
"Mostly what we discussed before. I'm waiting for Jane to get back to me with our education requirements because your mom was concerned about that. I'll just summarize a bunch of points and ideas; things I know we can do immediately or try on top of what the initial plans I drew up for your group. Also let her get an questions out and see if we can work with anything I might've missed."
"We really appreciate it, Ben," smiled Mal. "You're doing so much for us."
"It's the least I can do. I just never imagined it being so much bigger than unifying the Isle with Auradon. Those kids don't deserve to suffer."
Together, the group helped Ben flesh out his first official email to Lady Persephone. Though they made sure he was full before he was allowed to finally send it.
He was this much closer to realizing his, and Mal's, dream.
Persephone tried to ignore the solemn feeling creeping up within her. King Ben had been very meticulous and had addressed just about everything. The details about how he would go about everything was still to be decided, but this was a good first proposal.
'For someone so young, even for the new King, I hadn't expected him to be this put together already,' Persephone mused as she opened the attached files. 'Crown Prince or no.'
The Goddess began jotting down her thoughts, noting certain points.
'I'm sure Hades will prefer to utilize his own money for our kids than being beholden to Auradon. It'd open up the Crown's funds for other kids too. Also, I'm sure a young woman like our Mal would appreciate a slightly larger allowance.'
Scrolling through the email, Persephone continued with her notes as she heard the entrance gate swing open and shut.
'A small bag for personal belongings, everything else like toiletries will need to be provided…there aren't much in the way of clothes, so that's where most of their first month of allowance will have to go…school supplies too…'
"King Beastie the Second finally get back to you?" Hades' voice grumbled in her ear.
With only a slight jump, Persephone rolled her eyes at her husband's latest nickname for Mal's boyfriend.
"Very late last night apparently."
"Late for us you mean, we do get up at five in the morning compared to the average teenager," Hades said as he flopped onto the den's couch next to her and took the laptop to scan for himself. "Sheesh this is a lot. I thought it'd be a subject at a time, but he's really going for full official representation here."
"Do you mind if Gil comes down here?"
Hades gave his wife a bewildered look.
"Gaston's youngest boy? Doesn't Harry hate him?"
"Well, yes, but he's going to be included in the next group."
"Harry is going to just love that."
"Hopefully the fact that Ben's already agreed to not room the two together will placate him. Carlos and Jay were originally roomed together, so they'll have Carlos with Gil and Jay with Harry and Hadie."
"That's a relief. I was worried he'd room with some random sunspot."
"I made it a stipulation that for at least Hadie's first year, he should be with people we trust until he makes friends."
"If he makes any—"
"Oh please, you know there's no way he won't. Mal's proved to be quite popular, she'll know who to trust until he branches on his own."
"Fine, fine. So why does Gil need to come down here?"
"Placement exams for everyone. They need to know how to use computers over there anyways, so I can show them, and the exams are so Ben knows what classes to enroll them in."
"Gil's gonna need remedial everything. What if he fails? They can't expect—"
"King Ben assures me that they have tutors and that he'll make sure skills are focused on than intellect. Carlos had mentioned Gil's penchant for crafts apparently, and Evie has a small fashion business he'd fit in at that's been doing well."
"Even though she screwed the pooch so to speak."
Clearing her throat with distaste at Hades' choice of words, she continued. "The designs have still proved popular and not everyone is grossly prejudice."
Hades fell silent as his wife returned to reading.
'Hmmm, while Ben has a point…there's few Hades would be willing…unless?' Persephone paused at a particular paragraph.
"Hades?"
"Hrmmm."
"The kids will need a guardian on the otherside," the brunette shrugged at Hades' mini tantrum. "I guess Mulan was Mal's emergency contact, but Ben wants to know if we want to change that to only when I'm off Isle. Then have both Mal and Hadie's be someone else?"
"See, this is why I don't want him over there at all without you! Can't Mal just be the guardian for Hadie?"
"She's not 18 yet, Hun."
"Does he have a prospect list or did he just take an ad asking for volunteers?" huffed the God.
"He has a few people he'll reach out to, but essentially yes, it was some volunteers that put in with VK announcement. In the case of if so and so was brought over who would be willing, in the case the picks changed."
"And the recommendation for our boy issss…?" Hades glared at the laptop.
"Poseidon said he'd do it."
"Ah. Well," Hades avoided looking at Persephone. "I suppose that's fine."
"I was going to recommend Mal like you wanted, just so she at least has the information and can look out for him."
"And King Beastie Jr."
"Pardon?"
"Look, you were right. He's a clean-cut guy and is truly trying in the case of the Isle. And if something happens, he can't be stopped if he wants to contact us."
"That's a great idea, dear," Persephone quickly wrote Hades' suggestion down.
"I believe I tend to have those," he smirked, reaching out to turn Persephone's face toward him. "Don't I get a kiss for it?"
"I suppose you may," she acquiesced and gave her husband a soft kiss upon his lips. "While we're still on the subject, I was thinking maybe of my mother. At least for Hadie, I don't imagine Mal needs so many adults on her case."
"Your mother?!"
"She's been begging to meet Hadie. Though as far as I could tell before leaving, she's pretty clueless that Mal is her granddaughter."
"Yeah, well, your mother tends to spend all her time on the farms and ignoring Olympus outside of meetings."
"Is that acceptable to you though? I plan to introduce them over the summer when their classes are done."
"I can't exactly stop you, babe," he muttered.
Persephone ignored Hades' growls as she returned to perusing Ben's requirements.
"Hadie should be home soon with Uma and Harry, why don't you start lunch?"
"Wait he's not here?" Hades yelped, leaping up from his spot on the couch.
"He'll be a teen in a couple years, Hades. You're the one who said we baby him too much," Persephone put her pen down. "Besides, I limited him to the docks unless we know for sure you or myself are at the restaurant. He should be with Uma or Celia at the Lost Revenge."
"You gotta tell me these things, but okay. As long as he's near," Hades ran a hand over his head, cooling off the minor flames that had popped up. "I'll go start that lunch."
Hadie swung back and forth in the makeshift hammock. CJ had helped rig it up between the masts that morning. The weather was turning cold again, but it was hard to resist the view the height offered.
He really needed a moment to himself to think alone. Uma and Harry were near, but giving the godling his space before they would head to his dad's.
Once Hadie had finally gotten his mom to let him out for the day, she had informed him that King Ben had finally gotten back to her with a tentative timeline.
Less than a month.
Auradon. Mal. Jay.
He'd get to stay with Uma and Harry too.
But the Isle…
His Dad. Estelle. Celia. Dizzy. Virgil…He'd be leaving so many friends behind.
'Is this how mom feels having to go back and forth?' Hadie couldn't help but think as he stared across the waters toward Auradon. 'I'll barely have gotten to see her.'
His original plans for the day had been to hang out with Dizzy. But because his mom had decided to not head into the restaurant today, he'd been limited to the docks.
Luckily, Celia had been with Uma. As soon as Uma had left, Hadie had asked Celia to let Dizzy know he wouldn't be coming. At least not for the day. That, and to mention the few other people he talked to that he needed to meet with them at some point soon.
He had so many people he wanted to say goodbye too. Who knew how long it'd be before they got to come to Auradon, or he would get to visit?
There was no way he'd not come back to the Isle. Not with his dad still stuck on it.
"Hey, Hads!"
Hadie peered over the hammock's edge to Uma waving down below. Carefully, he lowered himself over the edge and climbed down the mast.
"Time for lunch mini cuz," Uma smiled, approaching the edge of the plank. Harry was close behind, still tying his sword back to his hip.
"Sounds good. Just finish a spar?"
"Of course. You know, you should've joined us. You could stand to use more practice, now that your mom's more okay with it."
"I suppose," Hadie grumbled. "At least I'm not getting my ass handed to me by Gil anymore."
"It was only a matter of time! Fish for brains barely knows which way to aim the damned thing!" Harry ranted as they walked towards the Underworld entrance. "If you came around to train more, you'd be further ahead!"
Harry lowered his voice and started grumbling insult after insult towards the son of Gaston.
"Little Lord and Celia are practically still babes, and he can't even best either of you now, and he's got more training!"
Uma elbowed Harry in the side, silencing his tirade.
"Aunt Steph said she had some news for us?"
"It'll only get Harry started up again," Hadie smirked. "Beastie Jr has gotten back to mom about us going to Auradon."
"Wait, why would I care? We get free of this shit hole and hang out with Mal and Jay again!"
"Because four people go, and the last of our group is going to be Gil."
"WHAAAAAAAAT?!"
It'd been a week since Hadie had caused Mt Harry to erupt into his biggest meltdown yet.
Harry himself had been sent out for the day, as it was Gil's turn to attempt using the laptop. Persephone would help the poor boy go through the exam and questionnaire that Ben had sent. It was a good thing too, because Gil had been better at using the computer than Harry. The blonde's deft handwork with crafting small things probably helping his coordination.
Harry had tried to type with his hook.
Persephone had put a stop to that real quick, as the laptop would be Hadie's when they all went to Auradon.
Plus, Hadie would be the only one left who needed to take the placement. He was close to finishing the semester his mom had given him already, so they figured he could just speed through the rest to align with whatever year he would end up in.
Hades and Persephone were quite certain of that at least. They made sure of his grades were up to their own standard, so there was no way he wouldn't place at the level they educated him in.
Less than another week later, Hadie was ready and took the test for himself.
Another few days past, and Ben sent in the group's results. Official letters just like Mal and Jay had received. This time, with a packet reiterating everything they may bring and could expect. As well as what would be expected of the VK's in return.
Since Hades also taught Uma and Harry whenever they showed interest, they placed about the same as Mal, needing only a couple classes to catch up.
Gil…Gil would need some help. Persephone had at least been kind enough to give each kid their results privately. While embarrassed, Gil was relieved that it didn't mean he couldn't go. He'd just have more things to attend to hopefully keep his grades at the minimum.
On the other hand, it turned out they'd made a mistake with Hadie's education.
Persephone knew he'd been moving through the material quickly growing up. She hadn't realized she'd been giving him material that was a whole year ahead.
Well, he wouldn't have to worry about catching up.
It was a good thing he'd already said his goodbyes to his friends. Hadie found himself stuck at home as his parents spent every moment they could with him. On the upside, Ben had gotten around to finalizing a letter system. Celia and Dizzy had demanded letters as often as he could manage.
Hadie promised Celia that he'd send things to her directly so she could distribute it to Dizzy. Though he'd added a wink. The daughter of Facilier had just been hired on to assist Virgil with Hades' errands. She would be the one to deal with mail as no one on the Isle would mess with her. Facilier was quite high on the hierarchy after all. Hadie knew he could trust her with discretely getting letters to his less known friends.
Mal might send things to Henry, but Hadie could keep CJ updated too. Not to mention Quinn, who still kept an eye over Sura and Yzla. Yzla might run her ruthless gang, but she was far more interested in experimenting than tormenting anyone. He couldn't tell which girl Sura was more attached to.
Reginald of course. He'd eventually stopped hanging around his dad altogether and ran almost entirely with the hyenas. He was the only boy allowed to swing by Quinn's hideout. Hadie technically could, but it was outside his parents' limits. Regi stuck to the border of town and the Cackle's route just so he could pick up fresh water or decent food from Celia and Yzla and trade information.
Then there was Lacey. One quiet day, the young girl had taught Hadie basic steps when he'd had nothing else to do. He'd seen his parents dance a few times around the den when he was supposed to have been in bed and had been curious how to move like that. Lacey had been patient with Hadie's stumbling, but it'd really help his balance.
Especially with his sword work. Oh, and no longer tripping over the ethernet cord that ran down the entrance tunnel and across the den.
At the very least, he could make sure Gil had a way to stay in contact with his family.
A loud zip emanated from the suitcase as Hadie closed it. His mom had tried to help make sure he'd have everything he'd need, but the goddess ended up bursting into tears and left for her own room.
'Clothes, shoes, laptop…' Hadie knew the dorms would be furnished, but he'd made sure to pack his blanket too. 'I doubt the dorms supply magic blankets that regulate temperature.'
He could only take one bag. Otherwise, he'd take the guitar too.
'Oh, my journal!' There was no way he could leave without that. He would finally have a chance to meet Zeus. 'Or maybe get Ben to help mom and dad out, since Mal and he are dating.'
Unzipping his suitcase, Hadie wedged the book beneath the other novels he had packed.
"Here."
Hadie turned around at the sound of his dad's voice. Gently, he took the photos from Hades' outstretched hand.
"I can take these?" They were clearly from off the fridge. Mal as baby with his dad, Hadie with Mal holding him on their dad's lap, a rare photo of their mom giving Hadie a bath, another with Mal trying to give Estelle a bath, an even rarer one of both his parents together.
"Your mom has copies somewhere," the God shrugged. "Do you have everything else?"
Hadie carefully placed the photos within one of his books.
"I think so."
As soon as Hadie finished closing back up his luggage, he was yanked into a hug.
"I'm gonna miss you kiddo."
"You're not gonna cry like mom, are you?"
Hades chuckled and lifted his son up. "You'll never know. Now, I know she said she went over everything with you this last week, but review with me, will you?"
"You still expect me to do the best I can, get good grades, and play nice with the Boreadon kids. Watch my language, and use the link every night just so you know I'm okay. Use it on the weekends just so we can catch up and lessen mom's worry."
Hadie hugged at his dad's neck. "Are you going to put me down yet?"
"I'm not letting you go until the limo shows up," Hades spoke, carrying his son towards the den, his one free hand pulling the luggage behind them. "I barely got to say goodbye to Mal, I'm not wasting a second with you."
They found Estelle lying his heads across Persephone's lap, whining as he tried to comfort the Goddess. The Cerberus gave a yip as his left head saw the pair walk in.
Persephone couldn't help but smile at the site of Hades carrying their son as if he was 6 again. She wasn't able to resist and deftly slipped out her phone to take a picture.
"Mom!"
"Oh, humor your mom, Hadie," chuckled Hades.
A short snap later, Hadie found himself settled on the couch, squeezed between his parents while they doted on him one last time.
"Now I know you've got an itinerary, but it's important to remember," Persephone spoke, running her hand through her son's hair as he leaned against her. "You'll have a week to settle within the school, but King Ben will be taking you to a doctor's appointment after."
Hadie tensed. "A doctor? Like, needles and stuff?"
"For you? I don't think so. I know Gil and Harry will need vaccines and monitoring. You'll go to a precursory caretaker, I was told he won't need a blood sample and can just remotely scan you," his mom removed her hand from his head and wrapped it around his shoulders. "You'll be seeing Asclepius himself, afterwards though. He's a minor god who runs the hospital in Auradon."
"Son of Apollo, right?" Hades nodded along with his wife's words. "Not that Apollo every raised the guy, he's nice, Hadie, you'll be okay with him."
Hades hoped that the Isle hadn't ruined his son's god development too much. At the very least repairable. Though Hadie had initially grown quickly, as the food got worst, the godling's growth spurts had slowed.
"Uma will stay with you for the appointment. Since she'll need to see Asclepius too. Even though she's technically a demigod, her grandfather wants to be on the safe side."
"He'll be my guardian, you said? Uncle Poseidon?" Hadie wondered.
"He, Mal, King Ben and my mother will be able to receive your health records and school reports while your mom isn't not there," Hades spoke. "King Ben will forward those reports to us though, so don't think you'll get away hiding anything from us."
"Grandmother won't be able to pull me out to meet me, will she?" worried Hadie.
"No, she's won't be allowed to meet you without me being there. None of the gods have permission, I made sure of that, love," Persephone assured him. "We don't mind you meeting your cousins, if you make friends with them. But say you're visiting Ariel's and Poseidon happens to be there. You can, but are not obligated to speak with him if you don't want to, and he can't take you away from Ariel's or school without ours or Mal's permission."
"So, I don't have to stay at the school?" Hadie perked up.
"They'll have a schedule for you. You'll live at the on-campus dorms, but there are school breaks and weekends that allow students to visit home or travel."
Suddenly, Estelle leapt up and raced out of the room, barks echoing loudly.
"I think that might be your ride," Persephone sighed.
"I'll get it," she shot Hades a look as he had been about to stand. "You don't need to be intimidating anyone on the walk down."
With a laugh, Hades sat back down, wrapping his own arm around Hadie.
"I'm sure Estelle will do that well enough for whatever straight laced underling they sent."
Persephone turned away so her husband wouldn't see her smirk.
"Be right back."
Soon, a young man's voice echoed down the hall. But he sounded excited rather than scared.
"I mean, a real Cerberus! I had no clue there were smaller domestics than the giant guardian!"
"Well, we're not sure if he's actually small, or if the Isle barrier has stunted his growth," Persephone's voice could be heard in response.
"And he's Mal's? She never said, or I would've made preparations for him too!" Dressed in blue, the young man entered the den, so enamored with Estelle he didn't realize that Persephone had led them to their destination.
Hades' eyes lit up. "You're welcome to take him. Estelle's missed Mal."
"Ah, Lord Hades!" The teenager quickly stood straight. "I know we didn't officially meet last time, but I'm—"
"Our new king. I knew who you were despite my daughter's attempt to disguise you."
"Uh, well, yes, um—" Hades raised a hand, cutting Ben off.
"He doesn't have much, and it would ease my mind so much, if my children had a Cerberus with them."
"I'll be happy to make accommodations for Estelle, Lord Hades."
"It just so happens I have a bag already prepared for the pup," the God smirked and stood. "I'll be right back with it."
Hades strode to the exit of the den. A barely noticeable pause in his step as he made sure to tower above the King as he edged past.
With the God of the Underworld temporarily gone, Ben clapped his hands and turned back to Hadie and Persephone.
"Uh, sorry about last time Hadie. But it's nice to meet you," Ben greeted awkwardly. "D-do you have everything?"
"I think so," Hadie quietly said. "Is Mal okay? She hasn't really spoken to us in a while, and she seems stressed."
He wasn't sure how much Ben knew about the godly telepathy, so Hadie avoided from saying too much. But if Ben was dating Mal, he had to know how she was doing.
"Really? I'll remind her to send letters too. I know our mid-terms are soon, and as far as I know she's been really studying and helping organize with some group projects."
"That's a relief to hear. I'm sure she's just really starting to settle in with all that's happened," Persephone smiled politely. "Do you mind telling me how their first day is supposed to go? We made sure Hadie had lunch, but I'm not sure of your school's cafeteria schedule."
"Oh, of course! We'll be providing schedules as soon as we arrive. Classes, breakfast, lunch and dinner and any extracurriculars…But, um, we'll arrive in time to show them to their dorms, let them get settled and then Mal herself will be by to take him and the others to dinner."
Hadie brightened. "I get to see Mal today?"
"Absolutely! She had a meeting otherwise she'd have joined me to pick your group up, but she promised to meet for mealtimes," Ben smiled at the Cerberus panting at Persephone's feet. "I'm sure she'll be ecstatic to see you and Estelle."
"Glad to hear she's doing okay," Hades said as he entered with Hadie's suitcase, a small bag for Estelle and a leash. "Think you'll be able to hold on to him, Hadie?"
Hadie rolled his eyes. "Estelle's a good boy and knows not to tug when I'm walking him, dad. Not on the docks at least."
"Alright," Hades grinned and handed Ben the bag. "Hey, King Beastie Jr, why don't you wait out front. Give us some privacy to say goodbye."
"Sure!" Ben gave a slight bow to the family and quickly retreated back up towards the gate, Estelle's things in hand.
"I'm gonna miss you kiddo," he said, bringing his son in for one last hug.
"I'll miss you too dad," Hadie murmured. He turned to his mother who immediately squeezed him as tight as she could.
"I'm going to walk you out to the limo, but I'll try not to embarrass you in front of your crew," the Goddess tried not to sob. Hadie clenched his teeth. He wouldn't cry. Not yet.
"I barely got to see you…" Hadie gritted out, looking down at his boots as he pulled away.
"I know, I know," a tear fell from her cheek. "I'll see you in spring though, and we'll spend all summer together, I swear."
"Bye dad," the godling called out, waving as he, Estelle and his mom headed up to where King Ben was patiently waiting.
"Bye, son."
Hadie glanced back one last time, seeing his dad's hand fall limply as the gates closed between them.
It was a short walk to the limo. In the distance, he could see Dizzy's bright red hair amongst the crowd. Uma was holding Harry away from Gil, the son of Captain Hook was wildly swinging his hook towards the blonde.
Celia slipped away from her sister, having probably just said her own goodbyes. Dizzy quickly following behind.
"Hadie!" His best friends slammed into him, his mom quickly taking Estelle's leash.
"We're gonna miss you flametop," Celia grinned, ruffling Hadie's hair one last time. "Make sure you write me if you ever actually do get a head of flames."
She slapped him on the back and hugged him again. He felt a piece of paper slip into his pocket.
"C-could you give this to Evie?" Dizzy pulled away from their group hug and handed Hadie her own letter. "I want her to know there's no hard feelings, with the Dragon being released or anything. I miss her."
"I'll make sure she gets it," nodded Hadie. "Um, do you know why there are two limos?"
"A bunch of guards are here. Some went into Maleficent's castle to official secure it or something. They came out with a giant, long box so I'm not sure entirely what they were doing," Dizzy rapidly fired off.
The small group made their way towards the growing crowd.
"I think they got Evie's dad," Celia whispered to Hadie. "I used some shadows, the box had airholes and stuff, but they weren't letting people close."
Hadie gave a slight nod to let her know he had heard her.
Uma came over and quickly gave a hug to Persephone, and one more for her sister.
"See you, Aunt Steph," the teal-braided girl smirked, taking Hadie's luggage and throwing it in the limo's trunk with the rest of the group's things.
"Take care of our family, Uma."
"Ruthlessly," she called back as she climbed inside the vehicle.
"Come on, Estelle, in you get."
The three-headed dog gave a curious whine, but obediently leapt in where he saw Uma and Harry sitting.
Turning to her son, Persephone gave him a final hug.
With hesitance, she slowly helped him duck into the limo and showed him how to buckle up.
"Here, I've got sunglasses for you all," Ben came up before getting in himself. "I really appreciate the reminder, Lady Persephone."
"Of course, King Ben."
"Alright, let's get you all to Auradon!" The King cheered, the crowd calling back with excitement of their own as he started up the limo. With a rev, the precession moved forward to the edge of the docks.
Hadie's heart beat faster as he stared out the window, watching his mother's silhouette disappear as the Isle grew further and further away. Golden magic swirled around, creating a bridge for the small convoy of cars.
'This is it. It's really real.'
His hand tightened on Estelle's leash, thankful that the sunglasses concealed his eyes as the started to tear.
'I'm going to Auradon.'
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This concludes Choosing Home! And Choosing Hadie actually. I'll be posting the Choosing Love arc as a sequel just to keep things neat. Make sure to follow for when that goes up!