Chapter 3

The Auradon Gardening Club

I do not own Disney nor the song. Just the OCs.

I wanted to run as far away as I could from the situation I was in. Being escorted in my quest to map out my impending classes by the princes of Arendelle. Anders, while being friendly, was too eager for my taste. And Emil rarely talked unless needed, letting his cousin do the talking. At least he understood that I wasn't much of a talker. The only question he asked, however, happened after we reached the room where my Remedial Goodness class was going to be.

"As for Study Hall, you can basically go anywhere on campus to do your homework. With your study hall being at the end of the day, you could easily get your homework done and head to your club activities, Hilda." Anders explained casually.

I mentally rolled my eyes as I continued to write down the directions on a note pad.

"So basically once I am done with Study Hall, I get what I need from the library and go home."

The cousins paused at my remark and looked at me in curiosity.

I raised an eyebrow, confused.

"What?"

It was Emil who asked, "You're not joining any clubs, Hilda?"

Hearing his question, I shook my head.

"I have a full-time job managing the Underworld. I don't, and can't, do clubs."

This surprised them, much to my further confusion.

"Not even one club?"

I folded my arms as I shook my head.

"I already told the demons I left in charge that I would be back at 3:30 PM sharp. Even now, I worry that the Underworld is in complete disarray in my absence."

The cousins looked to each other before Emil spoke to me.

"You don't trust your demons to do a good job?"

"I don't trust anyone but myself."

I shook my head.

"One of the things that make my job difficult is demons and monsters who don't follow the rules. Especially when it comes to making a break for the surface."

This surprised the pair as we kept walking.

"You make sure we don't get attacked by monsters?" Anders asked, wide-eyed.

I sighed. This was going to be a long day.

"After the debacle that my father caused, Zeus and the rest of the gods decided to seal away the rest of the monsters in the Underworld. Or at least, as much as they could. And I got saddled with keeping them in the Underworld until the end of time."

The two cringed at the thought of keeping an eye on an entire race of monsters. Finally! Someone understood what I felt.

Of course, I didn't tell them that I felt like the rest of the gods were either keeping an eye on me or were glaring at me at that moment. I've already shown I was cynical. No need to keep true to my aunt's words that I was also paranoid. I didn't need to add "crazy" to the list.

"And that's why I can't join any clubs during my attendance here." I concluded, wanting to end the conversation.

"Yeah, I don't think Hera agrees, babe."

I jumped as I heard a familiar voice from behind. I turned around and found myself face-to-face with Hermes, the most chilled-out god in all of Olympus.

Aside from my aunt, the only god I had more contact with than anyone was Hermes. As the Messenger of the Gods, he relays messages between the gods and, on occasion, mortals. I forgot in the first entry that the only god who wasn't out to get me was Hermes. He was basically the same as he was before the Titans Incident, which made me relax a little. Still, I didn't get why he was here. Straightening myself out, I spoke to Hermes as the Arendelle Cousins gawked at the sight of an actual god before them.

"Hermes? What brings you here? And what do you mean by, 'I don't think so?'"

Hermes handed me a sheet of paper written in ancient Greek.

"Hera asked me to deliver this to you. Says it's for your gig here in Auradon, kiddo."

I read the script as Hermes introduced himself to Emil and Anders. Both were completely in awe as they introduced themselves properly. Meanwhile, I narrowed my eyes as I read the message:

"Hilda,

I forgot to mention this, but aside from attending Auradon, I want you to join at least one club during your time there. It will be the perfect opportunity for you to socialize with the other students.

I know it will be difficult, but I just know that amongst the students, there are individuals who are fated to bring you out of your shell and become your friends. Trust me, Hilda. Once you've find them, you'll find that there are those who genuinely care for you.

Love,

Aunt Hera."

I bit my lip to contain my screams. So aside from being forced into the insanity that is Benny-boy's proclamation, I have to join a club! I was not a happy camper at this point. But I knew better than to allow myself to explode at this. And I mean explode. I clenched my teeth as I struggled to not let my temper show as I pocketed the note.

"Thank you, Hermes. I'll…get to work on this. Just…let everyone downstairs know I'll be…later than anticipated."

Hermes chill-saluted.

"You got it, babe."

With a click of his heels, Hermes was out of sight, heading to the Underworld before going back to Olympus.

I must have been obvious with my expressions because Emil spoke.

"Hilda? Everything ok?"

"No! Everything's NOT ok!"

"It's…fine. My aunt just sent me a letter. She wants me to…ugh…join a club before I go home."

To my dismay, this news seems to light the cousins up. I had no idea why this news pleases them. I just wanted to get out of here and go home.

"We can come up with club ideas for you. Any preferences?" Anders asked me, getting out a notebook and pencil as if he was a secretary.

I reluctantly thought about it. If anything, I wanted something that left me alone. But since that was an impossibility, I had to think about what else I wanted in a club.

"…I would have to say…someplace that is quiet and out-of-the-way. Someplace where I can't be gawked at."

Emil looked at me with a sympathetic look, which is understandable considering his mother. Anders, however, was in deep thought.

"That's going to be a tough one. How about the Library Club?"

I pointed to my hair.

"Fire hazard."

He cringed.

"Oh. Right."

The "Sunshine Prince" began to think again.

"Language Club?"

I answered him in Italian.

"Conosco già abbastanza lingue, grazie."

The cousins blinked in confusion, so I translated.

"I already know enough languages, thank you."

Anders, upon hearing this, struggled again.

"Wow. This is going to be tougher than I thought."

For the first time, Emil added his two drachmas.

"What about starting our own club?"

Anders and I look to him in confusion and interest.

"Such as?" I asked.

He waved his hand in a circular motion and caused some snowflakes to appear.

"How about a Magic Club?"

Anders and I agreed that wasn't a good idea.

"I don't think people are going to be fond of seeing my magic." I responded.

Anders folded his arms.

"And I can't use magic."

Emil cringed and rubbed the back of his head.

"S-sorry."

Anders patted his cousin's shoulder.

"It's ok, Emil. We'll think of something else."

The sound of a clock snapped us out of our thoughts. Looking the clock, the princes began to freak out.

"Crud! I have Tourney practice in five minutes!" Anders cried out.

Emil was pale as well.

"And I told Ben that I'd help him out!"

They turned to me, apologetic.

"Sorry to cut this short, Hilda. But we can't miss these appointments." Emil apologized.

Anders puffed out his cheeks.

"If I had a choice, I would skip practice to help you."

I waved my hand.

"Don't worry about it. I know the feeling. I'll look for my cousin and think of a club later."

The cousins looked like they wanted to stay, though I had no clue why. Still, they apologized again and left me alone, much to my relief. School wouldn't start until the next day, so I didn't have to worry about being harassed by the brats of the so-called heroes. I sighed and decided to walk around with nothing but my notes and my thoughts.

"I can't believe Aunt Hera wants me to join a club. What am I saying? Of course she would. All I want to do is go home and be left alone. Clearly nobody wants me, or the others, here. So what's the point?"

I frowned when I realized I was talking to myself.

"It's official, Hilda. You're crazy."

I continued walking, muttering to myself and feeling uncomfortable at being out in the open. If you were out in the open, people notice you. And I didn't want people to notice me. So wandering down the corridors, I looked for a place that I can hide in. If it wasn't for my hair, I would have definitely gone to the library.

"Thanks, Dad."

It was about twenty minutes after the Arendelle Cousins left that I saw a door that lead to the back part of the campus. Maybe the woods would be a…

"Curse you, Dad, for giving me this hair!" I cursed quietly as I headed outside.

I did not know why I wanted to be outside. All I knew what that I felt like I wanted to be outside. But as I opened the door, I was met with a pleasing sight.

A garden.

And not just your ordinary garden. I stepped outside and found myself surrounded with various plants. I looked for an open space and used my powers to give myself a bird's eye view. It was a walled garden hidden away amongst the hedges and stones that make up the rest of the grounds. But while the grounds looked like they got general care, this particular garden clearly had extra love and care. It actually reminded me of a book I read once. One about a secret garden and the children that brought it back to life.

"This must be a place for princesses to garden." I thought bitterly.

But as I got a closer look, I took notice that the place was vacant of life other than the plants. Carefully, I walked all over the garden, making sure my head did not ignite any plants. I had walked around for five minutes when I noticed at the far wall was a wheelbarrow with several plants in it. A spade was left sitting on the ground next to a small pot with young rosebush in it.

It was at the sight of the rosebush that I felt a familiar feeling. Like an itch. I knew what it was, but I never expected to experience outside my palace. Once again, I looked around for anyone. Seeing no one, I approached the rosebush and picked it up along with the spade. I took notice of a hole in a flowerbed next to the wheelbarrow. Figuring that was where the gardener was going to plant it, I proceeded to finish their job.

Before you ask, aside from my father, I've also inherited things from my mother. Among them is her springtime powers. I used to use them in my youth. In fact, I was originally planning to become a nymph. But thanks to Dad…

Not wanting to think about my family, I began to plant, singing a song as I did.

"~ Here comes a wave meant to wash me away,

A tide that is taking me under.

Broken again, left with nothing to say.

My voice drowned out in the thunder. ~

"~But I can't cry,

And I can't start to crumble,

Whenever they try to shut me

And cut me down. ~

"~I can't stay silent,

Though they want to keep me quiet

And I tremble when they try it. ~

"~ All I know

Is I won't go

Speechless. ~"

By the gods, I had actually sang.

While I was disgusted at the thought of singing like one of the mortals, it did provide me some comfort as I planted the rosebush. I moved back slowly, proud of my work as the rosebush gave off an aura that told me it was pleased with the planting. But as I turned around, I spotted something hiding in the shrubbery. Frowning, I approached the shrubs and parted them, revealing a startling sight.

It was a mortal boy with crimson hair and turquoise eyes. He was dressed in a green shirt and brown pants and shoes. He would have seemed like a normal boy save for one thing.

He was hideous. He had a lump over his eye, large arms, and had a large nose. What was noticeable was his hunched back that he seemed to use to cover himself in a pitiful attempt to hide.

While I was surprised, compared to what I have seen, the boy's appearance was startling, but that was it. Seeing that I saw him, the deformed boy quickly scooted back, trying to hide.

"I-I'm sorry! I-I only just arrived! I-I didn't mean to…"

I hid my cringe at the boy's nervousness. Not because of his appearance, but he reminded me of a young me. Sighing, I stood up and held out a hand.

"No. If anyone should apologize, it should be me."

The boy looked at me with a surprised look in his eyes. At what, I wasn't sure.

"Y-you? But…but why?" he asked.

I held back an eye roll and gestured to my hand further.

"Because I entered this garden and planted the rosebush without permission."

He looked at my hand warily, clearly uncertain, before taking it. I pulled him up and backed away as he stepped away from the bushes. He stared at me in surprise and didn't seem to react until I let go of his hand.

"I'll go somewhere else."

But as I turned and began to walk, the boy's voice rang out.

"W-wait!"

I turned around, raising an eyebrow in curiosity and said nothing, allowing him to speak. He twisted the bottom of his shirt, looking very nervous.

"It-it's not that. It…it's just…you don't need to apologize."

I tilted my head, confused as heck.

"I don't?"

The deformed boy shook his head.

"I…I saw you plant it. The rosebush. I-I heard we were going to get new students from the Isle today, so I hid here. But…but I never expected one of them…to be gentle with the rosebush."

I figured he knew I was a Villain Kid. After all, there is only two flame-heads in the world: me and my father.

Well…maybe the old dragon, Maleficent. I wasn't sure about Mal, though.

The boy seemed to realize something and began to panic again.

"Oh! I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend you! I-I mean…"

I sighed and held up my hand, causing him to stop.

"Don't worry about it. You haven't offended me. And to be honest, I've been through worse."

The boy twisted his shirt again. Must be some force of habit. Remembering my aunt's message, I mentally groaned as I decided to introduce myself.

"Let me introduce myself. My name is Hilda. The daughter of…Hades."

Seemingly relieved, the boy introduced himself.

"M-my name is Quillan. But I like to be called 'Quill.' M-my father is Q-Quasimodo."

I bit my tongue before I could say something insensitive. I had figured out that he must have some relationship with the famous hunchback of Notre Dame. But I had to keep my sarcasm under control if I was going to survive these three years.

"So, Quill. Whose garden is this?"

Quill rubbed the back of his head as he walked over to the wheelbarrow.

"I-it's the school's, b-but Headmistress Fairy Godmother let me take care of this particular garden. I-I know the school has gardeners, but I-I had planned to open a gardening club. But…"

His crestfallen look as he said that gave him away. No one wanted to join a club that had an ugly member in it. While I struggled to keep composed, inside I was enraged.

"I swear, these Auradon brats are worse than the villains!" I thought to myself as I looked at the many plants that needed to be planted still.

It was then that I had an idea. An idiotic one, but I saw benefits. The peace and quiet, being out of the way, and among something I'd actually like. And besides, Quill looked like he needed a friend.

"Say, Quill?"

Quill was moving the wheelbarrow while he answered.

"Y-yes?"

I folded my arms, a slight smile on my face.

"Are you still taking applications for members?"

The question made Quill nearly tipped his wheelbarrow over in surprise, causing me to react to grab the wheelbarrow before it fell. From the corner of my eye, I saw Quill's surprised face look at me with many questions in his mind, no doubt. He stuttered before he finally found the words.

"Y-y-y-y-y-y-yes…? W-w-w-w-w-why?"

I took the icy plunge.

"Would you be opposed of having me join? I may be a child of a villain, but I still like flowers. And the peace and quiet."

Still stuttering, he handed me the application form, of which I signed with the pen he loaned me, unaware of the blush Quill's face was showing.

And so it was then that Hilda, daughter of Hades and current Goddess of the Underworld, joined the Auradon Gardening Club.

Later…

After helping Quill out in the garden a bit (and helping him get over the shock that someone actually joined his club), I made my way back to the entrance of the school where Hercules was waiting. We decided to have lunch at the grounds in front of the entrance. I was having moussaka with some olives, pita chips, and grape juice. Herc decided to bring a gyro amongst his lunch, which I found surprising since I thought he hated his school-assigned job at Gyro World.

"So? How did it go?"

"It was…interesting." I said, not wanting to go into detail.

Still, Herc pressed on.

"Interesting how?"

Deciding that he was going to find out eventually, I handed him the note Hermes gave me.

"After Emil and Anders gave me the tour, Hermes popped up and delivered this."

I waited until Hercules finished reading the note before continuing.

"Emil and Anders tried to help, but they had to go to some appointments, leaving me to wander. Thankfully, I came across a gardening club that had only one member."

"But why-?" I cut him off.

"Don't ask. Anyway, I've joined the club and helped out before I had to come back here and give you my report."

Herc fell silent for a while, processing the information before smiling warmly at me.

"Well, at least you'll have a better time than when I was in school. Which makes going to the Prometheus Academy reunion awkward at times, even though I am a hero, now."

I sighed as I found myself exhausted.

"Well, I'll try not to make a mess of myself."

As I ate my lunch with my cousin, the events of the day played through my mind. I hid my faint smile from my cousin as a thought came across my mind.

"Perhaps attending Auradon will be more interesting than I thought…"