Chapter Twelve
A/N: I do not own anything other than my OCs when they come out to play. Everything else belongs to either Disney or the Greek Myths.
Woo! Another chapter for the record books! Let's just say that this one is almost kinda wish fulfillment for what may have been missing in D2. I know people say that Mal kinda ignores how the other three got to grow in Auradon especially how she snaps at Jay in D1 for saying that Auradon's not so bad. However, there is a difference between that and completely ignoring your best friend doing a complete 180 in terms of personality and appearance.
That being said—at least Jay listened to what Mal had to say. *Looks over at Evie and Carlos*
No bashing is intended, just…just a little wish fulfillment.
Hope you guys enjoy this chapter! Let me know what you think! :D
Mal sighed as she rested her head on the headrest as Lonnie drove the car back to Auradon. Ben had refused to leave her side, and neither had Jay for that matter. Carlos was sitting next to Lonnie in the front seat while Evie looked at Mal in concern.
Hey, it may have been a car but it was the car of a King. Made sense that it'd be a bit more roomy than a typical car would be.
"M?" Evie said softly. "You haven't said a word since we got in the car. Are…are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Mal said shortly. There was a small part of her that was upset that she'd left Ben's scooter on the Isle. That was such a nice scooter and she didn't want to have to ask for a new one.
That was if they were even still together. After all, Mal had given Ben back his ring when she left him the note.
What am I doing? Worrying about a scooter when Ben could have gotten hurt! Mal thought as she held back a sigh. If anyone had gotten hurt because of me…
Estelle whined softly and rested his heads on Mal's leg, looking up at his hooman in concern.
"I'm okay boy," Mal said softly, gently scratching Estelle behind the ears. "Looks like you're joining us in Auradon huh? It'll be nice to have you even though I was kinda banking on you keeping Hadie safe."
"He'll be safe in Auradon," Ben promised and Mal looked over at him. "What? I want to bring more kids over from the Isle anyway and he's your brother right? Makes sense I'd bring over my girlfriend's brother."
He's…he's talking like we never broke up, Mal thought as she continued to stare at Ben in shock. However, Ben's usage of the word 'brother' reminded Mal of something.
"Someone needs to explain to me what you were all thinking!" Mal growled as she looked at her friends. "Giving Uma the wand, even if it was a fake? Bringing Ben to the Isle?! Bringing Estelle around Harry and Uma, Jay? He had no idea what was going on! What if they hadn't cared who Estelle represented? What if they'd hurt him?!"
"Mal, even if they didn't care about that, they wouldn't have touched him," Jay said, and then sighed. He knew there was no reason to beat around the bush. "He's a symbol of the God of the Underworld. Not even the pirates are stupid enough to mess with your father."
Mal froze, not expecting those words to come from Jay's mouth. Only Evie knew about that and while Mal had come to the realization that Evie may have blabbed back on the Lost Revenge, there was still a small part of her that was in denial. Denial that Evie would have blabbed Mal's biggest secret.
"Wha…what did you say?" Mal asked after a minute. "I don't have a father Jay. You know that."
Jay couldn't help but give Mal a small smile. A smile that clearly told Mal that he could see through her facade. "Yes you do."
"I had to tell them M…" Evie said, her soft voice breaking through the last shreds of denial Mal had. "We…we needed a way to guarantee Uma would give you back."
"You didn't have to tell them anything E!" Mal snarled. "In fact, you didn't have to get Hades involved at all. You promised me you'd never tell! And not only did you tell Carlos, Jay, and Lonnie but you told Ben! What is it with the girls in my gang stabbing me in the back?"
Evie winced slightly as Mal flopped back against the seat. "One secret. You just had to keep one secret and you couldn't even do that! You know, maybe I shouldn't be surprised you barely listened to me at the dress fitting for Cotillion since you just do your own thing anyway."
"That's not fair Mal," Jay said, noticing Evie deflate slightly. "Evie was the one to get Ben when—."
"Oh so it's Evie's who's to thank for Ben being on the Isle of the Lost? You know, that place that his dad set up where all the villains of the land were imprisoned on?" Mal asked, her eyes flashing slightly as she looked over at Jay.
"Should I be worried?" Lonnie muttered to Carlos.
"Normally I'd say no but Mal did come into my room the day before her date ranting about wanting to go back onto the Isle," Carlos muttered back. "I'd lock the doors, just to make sure Mal doesn't roll out of here."
"I can hear you!" Mal snapped and Carlos gave her a sheepish smile through the rearview mirror. Mal sighed and shook her head. No matter what, she couldn't be mad at Carlos. It was like being mad at Hadie or Estelle.
Speaking of Estelle, he was still resting his heads on Mal's leg; looking up at her as if sensing her mood. Mal lightly scratched him behind one of his ears. "You were so brave boy…standing in front of that plank for me," she whispered. "At least I know I can count on you…"
Estelle yipped softly and licked her hand.
Jay sighed. "Why didn't you want anyone to know Mal? That Lord Hades was your father, I mean?"
"Oh gee Jay, it's not like it wouldn't put a giant target on my back! A certain lunatic heretic running around the Isle ring any bells? Or a certain potions obsessed Caster that you always claimed had a crush on me? Yeah. That's why."
Said potions obsessed Caster had even started to expand his gang, according to some of the crew who'd stop to talk to her when they were on watch. Maddy's cousins apparently were now Casters, which made sense in a way.
Marissa and Madzie Mim were skilled in what they did—though Maddy was probably going spare with the idea of them being in her gang. Maddy didn't like the idea of being under anyone's shadow after all.
Mal sighed and continued to pet Estelle behind the ears. "Besides…he doesn't exist to me," she muttered. Estelle was the main reason she and her father even spoke anymore. And now, thanks to her 'friends', he'd probably try to talk to her.
Pick up Mal….
Oh speak of the devil.
…what dad? Mal thought, holding back a sigh.
Thank Gods. First of all…are you sure you're alright? Second of all, feel up for talking?
I'm fine. Wet but no permanent damage, I shouldn't have struggled out of Harry's grip. Second…what about?
Good good, glad you're alright. And I didn't mean with me. Feel up for talking to your cousin?
…the same cousin that nearly gave orders for me to be thrown off of a plank a few minutes ago? Why would I ever talk to her?
Let's just say she's come into some information I thought she was going to get years ago Mali.
…YOU TOLD HER?!
Geez, watch the volume okay? But yes I told her. She needed to know Mal.
…I was going to tell her…and then that day happened…where she thought the sight of me drowning was funny.
Apparently, there's some information you're lacking about that day. According to Uma at least.
Mal frowned slightly. Uma had implied that back when she was held hostage and then again at the exchange. What in the world…?
Like what? Jay told me everything, he wouldn't leave stuff out.
Talk to her and find out. Or you could actually ask Jay but in my opinion, he's had years to come clean if there truly is something he's not telling you. Mal?
…what's the point dad? It won't change the past.
No, no it won't. But it might get you a future with your cousin. Take it from the guy who's spent an eon resenting his brother for the whole eaten/not eaten as a baby thing.
Uma would have had me dangled over a plank had it not been for Estelle blocking the path.
And Harry saved you. I think that's worth at least listening to what Uma has to say.
So did Ben…though the whole group here's trying to get me to talk so maybe a conversation with Uma wouldn't be that bad. I just…Uma just held me hostage and now she wants to talk? She had all the time to talk when she had me locked up! And now, because she found out we're related, she wants to talk?
Hades sighed slightly. For me Mali? Just try?
Mal held back a sigh. Her father rarely if ever asked her for anything, and all he was doing was asking her to try to have a conversation with Uma. Though why he cared seeing as Uma had held her hostage was another animal all together.
…fine. But it's not like they'd turn the car around because Uma wants to talk to me.
Have you already forgotten about the mental link? Just think of her as family and you should have no issue talking to her.
Mal shook her head slightly. She'd have to be out of her mind but anything was better than the thousands of questions Jay, Evie, and Ben were lobbing at her. …Uma? Gods this is stupid but Hades said you wanted to talk?
…I never thought I'd hear your voice in my head but yeah, I do.
Trust me it's weird for me too. Just want to say though that you had all the time you wanted to talk when you had me tied up. Why the change?
Would you have believed anything I said?
Probably not.
Exactly. You wouldn't have gotten hurt Mal…even if we're enemies now we were friends once. And apparently…we're cousins too? Were you ever going to tell me Mal?
I…I was going to until you decided to laugh at the fact that I could have died. I…I was going to tell you that day, after we threw the smoke bombs at Cruella and Carlos.
I wasn't laughing at you! Yen Sid said that it was a reflex some people have when they're scared! And I helped pull you out of there too!
Oh yes, I'm sure that my drowning was very scary for you! And you did not pull me out, Jay did!
I thought I was going to lose my best friend, Mal! Of course it was scary! And no, Jay helped pull Harry out, you remember, they were best mates at the time? I helped Uncle Hades pull you out after Jay snapped me out of the laughing! Didn't…didn't you feel someone rubbing your back? That was me.
Mal shook her head slightly. No that was Jay. He would have told me if you'd actually pulled me out.
Would he?
Mal paused—she hated to say it, but Uma may have had a point. Would Jay have told Mal the truth if she was already angry at Uma?
"Are you okay?" Ben asked, looking over at her. "You're awfully quiet."
"I'm fine Ben, don't worry about it," Mal muttered with a small sigh. She just had a lot to think about…and about twenty thousand responsibilities she had to dive back into.
Maybe there was some credit to Carlos' theory that she'd roll out of the car? After all then she could continue her talk with Uma in person.
So much for going back home, Mal thought.
"You're not fine," Jay muttered and shook his head.
"Oh shut it Jay," Mal snapped.
"No I will not! And remind me to kill Harry if I ever see him again! Taking you to that plank!"
Ben nodded. "I was so worried…" he said softly as he rubbed Mal's back.
"We all were," Carlos added. "And…Mal…I'm sorry. You came into my dorm ranting and instead of listening to what you were truly saying…I blew you off."
Mal sighed. "You didn't know Carlos."
"I should have…instead I compared you to my mother. Hell Mal, you literally implied that you'd go back to the Isle if you could and I didn't pick it up! I was too busy worrying about my love life and kicking Chad out of my dorm!"
Mal couldn't help but smiled slightly as she saw how hard the younger boy was beating himself up over that. "If it makes you feel better Carlos…you're forgiven," she told him.
"Thanks Mal," Carlos said. "And if you ever need to talk in the future…I promise I'll do better."
"I'm sorry too," Ben said. "The whole thing was my fault."
"It wasn't your fault Ben. I just…I just couldn't suck it up…" Mal said softly before shaking her head. "I'm more suited for the Isle anyway. And…and I couldn't even have that."
Not knowing what to do with her hands, she stroked Estelle's center head slowly as he softly wagged his tail, still looking a bit confused but giving everyone a doggy grin.
"Good boy," Mal whispered. "I've missed you, so so much."
Estelle yipped softly and licked her hand, causing Mal to smile. "What am I going to do with you huh? The first time someone sees you, they're going to flip."
I…I know it's bad timing and I probably shouldn't comment on it but that sounds like Mal's going to stay! Ben thought with a small smile. Thank Gods. I can make things right!
"I'm sorry Mal," he heard Jay say, his voice soft and Ben had to tilt his head. What did Jay have to be sorry for?
"You and I need to talk once we're back in Auradon," was all Mal told Jay. "Seems I'm not the only one keeping secrets."
Jay nodded, even if he did wince slightly at that.
"I'm sorry too Mal," Evie said, her voice soft.
"I get it E," Mal sighed. "If you hadn't blabbed, I might have been dangled off that plank."
That wasn't exactly what I meant, Evie thought as Mal's words from earlier rang through her head.
"Anyway, you guys have your own lives, you shouldn't worry about mine," Mal said.
"Maybe not but we all should have at least asked," Ben told her.
Mal looked over at him for the first time and Ben's heart jumped slightly at seeing the small smile Mal was giving him. "Ben, you're the King. Jay's the captain of R.O.A.R., Evie has her own business, and Carlos has his own life to worry about."
"Ahem!"
"Oh yeah and Lonnie's got her life to worry about too."
"Thank you!"
Mal chuckled before looking back at Ben. "Just forget it. It doesn't matter anymore."
"It does matter Mal," Ben said softly as he took one of her hands in his. "At least…it matters to me."
"And me," Jay added.
"And me," Carlos said with a nod of his head.
"Me too," Evie said.
"Ditto!" Lonnie chimed in.
Ben chuckled. "And, because I know they'd say it if they were here, it matters to the Tourney team too."
"Jane as well," Carlos added.
Estelle let out a small yip causing Mal to chuckle.
"I think you can take that as Cerberus for 'you matter to me too,'" Ben said with a small chuckle of his own.
"Of course it does," Mal said, her voice soft. "Estelle's been with me since I was six after all."
Ben couldn't help but smile at that mental image. Little Mal with a Cerberus, what was not to like about it?
And once he got it into Mal's head that she mattered to him, he was going to have a fun time playing with this amazing boy! He truly was an amazing boy, though Ben thought his heart was going to jump into his throat when Estelle planted himself between Mal, Hook Jr. and that plank.
Mal could have died. Especially with her legs tied together like that.
"Ben, relax," Mal said, as if knowing what he was thinking.
"You could have died, Mal," Ben said, shaking his head. "I'm not just going to relax over that."
Mal shrugged. "Kinda comes with the territory of being on the Isle now that I think about it."
"Doesn't mean I have to like it," Ben told her.
Mal smiled slightly and looked over at Estelle. "Go on boy," she said softly. It looked like Ben needed him more anyway. Estelle looked over at Mal before resting his heads on Ben's leg, causing Ben to smile.
However, like every good moment, it had to end just as they crossed through the barrier. Mal's phones started pinging like mad.
"Well, there went my peace," Mal muttered. "Of course the best part of the Isle had to be the lack of cell service. Well better answer or else she won't leave me alone. Probably calling to remind me of the twenty other things I have to do after Cotillion."
Ben frowned as Mal tensed slightly as she answered the call.
Mal, give me the phone, he thought as Mal looked over at him, shaking her head slightly almost as if she could hear his thoughts.
"Give me the phone!" Ben mouthed. "Mal!"
Mal shook her head slightly. "Uh huh Natalie…no I understand….yes I…I know I missed a day's worth of meetings…no I don't think you're wasting your time…"
Sorry Mal but I've had enough, Ben thought as he took the phone from Mal.
"Ben, wha—?"
"Hello Natalie," Ben said into the phone, his voice hard.
"Oh hello your highness."
"Natalie, I'd like you to explain something for me."
"Yes sire?"
"Is it your job to emotionally abuse a teenager?"
"Whatever do you mean, your highness?"
Ben grit his teeth. "Natalie, I could hear Lady Mal's responses to your inquiries," he said, Mal's title slipping out before he could stop it. But, as the daughter of a God, it was her's by right and really he could just say that he was practicing for when she was inducted into his court that night. "Not to mention that this does not seem like the first time that calls like this have occurred. Are you honestly accusing her of wasting your time? Explain."
"Um…well…sire, you have to understand, I had no idea where Mal was all day! She often does this where she tries to hide from me so I just—."
"And why would sh try to 'hide from you' as you put it?"
"Well, I…I don't rightly know sire—."
"I'll tell you why Natalie. While I admit I don't know everything, I know Mal well enough to know that she wouldn't be acting this way if you weren't giving her reason to. Mal mentioned that she had twenty other things to do after Cotillion? Natalie, you and I both know that when I was dating Audrey, she didn't have nearly that amount of work. So, why are you running my girlfriend into the ground? If you cared about here at all, you'd be concerned that she'd been gone for a day rather than berating her the first chance you got! Give me one reason why I shouldn't fire you right now!"
"I-Sire it is my job to manage Miss Mal's meetings and to make sure she learns proper behavior as befitting your Lady of the Court. That does require extensive meetings—."
"Natalie, the only 'proper' behavior a Lady of my court needs is the behavior to be true to themselves and not feel like they're being pulled in twenty different directions," Ben snapped. "You're fired."
"Fired? But sire!"
"You have one hour to clear out your quarters Natalie," Ben said as if Natalie hadn't said a word. "If you're there longer, security would be more than happy to escort you out! Oh and I wouldn't expect any recommendations from the castle for your next job—and don't even think about coming near Mal again! Good bye."
Ben hung up the phone and quickly blocked Natalie's number before handing it to Mal. "There. I don't think she'll be a problem anymore."
Mal started at Ben, wide eyed, before giving him a small smile. Before she knew what was happening, she rested her head on Ben's shoulder.
Maybe…maybe I didn't ruin everything after all, she thought. But I still need to talk to Jay. If both dad and Uma are saying I should…if only to put my doubts to rest. After all, Jay's been my best friend since I was five and he was six. He wouldn't lie to me.
No matter how many times she told herself that though, there was a small feeling of doubt worming her way into her brain. After all, they may have been friends but they were also VKs.
Lying was what they did.