Over the course of the evening, Hades and Maleficent were having a wonderful time together, dancing, dining, talking, and laughing up a storm without a care in the world. A few of the not so nice Gods even tried to approach Maleficent and even woo her a few times, but Hades would shut them down every single time with a glare that screamed, 'Stop flirting with her! SHE'S MINE!' That was enough to make pretty much everyone else back off and leave them alone. But during one dance later on, hardly anybody noticed Cupid the winged God of Love, do something no one would've expected. As Nyx was singing and more couples were dancing, he flew up above everyone else and took out two love arrows and a small bottle filled with a strange bubbling red liquid. He then dipped the heads of the arrows into the liquid, took out his bow, and aimed, waiting for the right moment.

"Okay… shot number one." He said before he quickly shot one of the arrows into Hades' lower back. "And… shot number two." He then shot the second arrow right in between Maleficent's shoulders. Cupid gave a proud smile as the arrows vanished into thin air on puffs of pink smoke.

"What was that all about?" Agalea, one of the Charites, asked. She and her sisters, Thaleia and Euphrosyne, were hovering next to Cupid.

"You promised your mom no work tonight." Euphrosyne commented.

"Was that one of your new potions?" Thaleia asked.

"Hey, calm down, girls. It's okay. I just gave them a little push. Besides, just look at them." He said, looking down at the crowd.

The Charites looked at where Cupid was looking and they saw what he was talking about. As the pair danced, Hades and Maleficent stared deeply into each other's eyes and smiled; they didn't even notice what just happened. A little while later as they were having some punch together, Hades' eyes brightened as he had an idea. When no one was looking, he took Maleficent by the hand and pulled her to the side.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"I wanna show you something. Come with me." He said before he pulled her closer to him. He then waved his arm and the two of them disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.

When the smoke cleared, Maleficent opened her eyes and she saw that she and Hades were standing in front of a grand and beautiful temple made of black stone with a skull and bones motif scattered about; this place looked more like it belonged somewhere in the Underworld as part of Hades' palace rather than on Mt. Olympus. She turned her head and saw that they were only a few cloud structures away from the Pantheon; she could still hear the music and laughter coming from the party. She turned back to Hades and awkwardly took a step back, realizing she was standing rather close. He took her hand again and led her up the steps.

"Where are we?" She asked.

"This… is my personal temple." Hades answered as they made their way inside. He snapped his fingers and torches flickered to life with white flames, flooding the space with a faint and colorless light. "My mother used to take me here all the time when I was little. She had the Elder Cyclopes design and build this place just for me when I was still a baby and she and I are the only ones who know about it."

"It's so beautiful. But… why are you showing it to me?" Maleficent asked, taking in the macabre beauty around her.

"Well… because I trust you, Maleficent. And I really wanted you to see this… even though I haven't really been here in a while."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I mean… I stopped coming here after I reached adulthood, mostly because…" He shook his head. "It's not important; I don't wanna bore you with some old sob story."

Maleficent's face fell when she noticed the sadness in Hades' voice; she walked up to her friend from behind and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You never bore me. I've told you about some of my struggles; you're free to talk to me about your own. There's no one else here but you and me."

"…I'm afraid you won't understand."

Then she got an idea. "I believe I have something that might brighten your spirits." She paused and coughed. "Pardon the pun."

He slowly turned around to face her. "What is it?"

"Close your eyes and hold out your hand to find out."

Hades was very curious, but since he knew he could trust Maleficent, he decided to do as she said. He closed his eyes and held out his right hand, waiting for what she had in mind and unsure of what was going on. She then took the Ember out of her dress, gently placed it into his open hand, and wrapped his fingers around it.

"Can I look now?" He asked.

"Alright… now." She answered.

Hades slowly opened his eyes and gasped in shock. There, sitting in his hand, was something the Ember of Blue, something he thought he would never see again. His mouth fell open as his eyes glanced back at Maleficent, who was giving him an expectant smile.

"The Em… my Ember?! But-but-but… I don't understand. How? How? How?! HOW?! How did you even get this?!" He exclaimed.

"Well… why don't we just say I made a bargain with the being that was guarding it and leave it at that for now? It's a rather long story."

"Okay, but…" Hades looked back at the Ember in his hand and felt like crying; it's been so long since he actually held the stone and now that he had it back, he was at a loss for words. A huge wave of emotions washed over him; happiness, shock, sadness… and a bit of pride. He held the Ember closer to him and like magic, a silver chain suddenly appeared around the stone and the chain clasped itself around his neck. He then took a hold of the stone and closed his eyes, and then his flaming blue hair suddenly grew taller and brighter. He took a deep breath and chuckled as he opened his eyes. "Yes, haven't lost my touch." He looked back at his friend and grinned. "This… is probably the greatest gift anyone has ever given me. I-I don't know what else to say, except… thank you."

And with that, Hades pulled Maleficent into a tight hug. She was quite shocked and caught off guard at first, but then she found this to be quite enjoyable and she started to hug him back. As they held each other close, Maleficent could feel how strong, warm, and secure his body was and she closed her eyes and smiled and Hades felt so comfortable, happy, and safe in her embrace that he couldn't stop smiling. After a moment or two, they parted and looked into each other's eyes before a bright red light began to slowly engulf the area. They turned their heads to see that the light was coming from a full red moon up in the sky; the two gazed up at it in wonder, taken in by its beauty.

"Whoa, that must be the red moon Morpheus mentioned." Hades commented.

"Red moon?" Maleficent asked.

"Yeah. A few days ago, Morpheus said something about a rare red moon happening tonight. He also said that it only happens once every six hundred years, according to his mom Selene."

"For most people, seeing a Blood Moon would be known as a once in a lifetime opportunity. I mean, I'm already fifteen hundred years old and I have never seen anything this breathtaking."

"Blood Moon? That's what it's called? Nice… Hold up, you're fifteen hundred years old?"

"Well… yes, I am. But that is beside the point. The point is… being able to see something like this in person is a true rarity."

"…Yeah, I guess it is." Hades glanced at Maleficent as she stared up at the moon; her eyes seemed to glisten in the blood red light. He smiled as his eyes had a similar glint. He paused and cleared his throat. "To tell you the truth, this is kind of my first time seeing a Blood Moon, too."

"Is that so?" She asked.

"Yeah. Living down under in the Underworld with a full-time job would definitely cause you to miss out on a lot of things in life." He walked over to the outer edge of the temple and sat down on a stone bench; she followed after him and sat down next to him. "I mean, it's painfully obvious that I'm pretty… different from the Gods of Olympus. I take a lot more after my father than my older brothers do, and I guess that's why people saw me differently. If you look up the word 'tyrant' in the dictionary, there would totally be a picture of Cronus. My father not only treated me badly, but he also pushed Zeus and Poseidon around like it was nothing. And from what I heard, Cronus even swallowed me and Poseidon whole a few days after I was born. And apparently Zeus was the one who got away and rescued us. But our relationship with our father got even worse when… the Titanomachy happened. The Olympians versus the Titans; that war lasted ten years and everyone was fighting tooth and nail for control over the Cosmos." He gripped his Ember tightly in his hand, remembering the fierce battle like it happened just yesterday.

"And that was where you lost the Ember." Maleficent said.

"Yeah, and I also stopped spending so much time with my mother after that. But before all that even happened, she used to take me up here and we'd dance together to cheer me up whenever I was sad or scared. But now… she and I haven't spoken a word to one another until a few days earlier." Hades replied.

"…I understand what it was like to be in a dysfunctional family of sorts." She sighed.

"You do?"

"Yes. If you haven't already guessed, I lost my mother and father a long time ago."

"Were you close?"

"My father and I were, most definitely. When I was very small, he and I would dance together without a care in the world. I felt that my father and I were as close as a man and his daughter could possibly be… I cannot say the same for my mother, however. When my father disappeared, things changed between her and I. She always forced me to either do chores or study magic, not even allowing me to have a little time for myself. But I did manage to have one friend for a short while. Her name was Henbane and she and I would go out and cast spells, play tricks, and do all sorts of things while my mother was none the wiser. For many years, Henbane and I were inseparable… but then, things changed between us."

"…What happened?"

Maleficent tensed up and turned her head away from Hades, contemplating on whether or not to tell him anything else. What if he didn't understand? What if he called her weak and foolish? But then she felt his hand on hers; she turned to see Hades giving her a sympathetic look. She smirked.

"When I was sixteen, I met… Grumio." She continued. "He was someone I… had an infatuation with. I admit it. He and I had become very close and our relationship distracted me from other things in life. Henbane and I even had a heated argument because of it. But then, after about three weeks of us being together, I… I caught Grumio with another woman."

Hades sat still as he heard Maleficent's story; he already had a feeling he knew where this was going, but he stayed silent and listened nonetheless.

"I discovered him near a rock quarry with a woman named Lolita. When I started shouting at him demanding an explanation, he just told me that he was growing bored with me. Then I saw him pull a knife from behind him." She unconsciously put a hand to the spot on her stomach where that one scar was. "Then I felt a sharp, burning pain in my side and before I knew it, I was shoved into the river and was swept away downstream."

Hades silently gasped and his eyes widened. "They… they did that to you?"

She nodded. "All because I was foolish enough to show love to someone who had no love for me. That is why I… fear water, because I cannot swim. But I was able to survive and after finding my father's will and scepter, I've easily done away with all who had betrayed me; Grumio and his new lover, Henbane, and even my own mother. And after that day, I swore that I would never fall victim to love again."

"…I know that logic."

"Oh, do you now?"

"Well, yeah. My track record with women is… not all that great, if you haven't guessed. Most of my exes have been kinda clingy and pretty crazy. But then… there was one that was the worst out of them all." Hades shivered. "Even thinking about her gives me the willies."

"Who?"

Although he was hesitant, Hades knew he could tell Maleficent wanted to know what caused him such distress. "Her name was Persephone and let me tell you something… that woman was a real piece of work. She may have been beautiful on the outside, but the inside was another story. She was selfish, nasty, manipulative, and spoiled rotten. And we were totally incompatible. When she and I started dating… after I kinda kidnapped her from her mom Demeter, she demanded so much from me and tell me to do crazy things for her. And when she didn't get what she wanted, she…" He cringed, trying to hold back tears as traumatic memories came back to him. "She would hurt me, real bad." Maleficent silently gasped. "And her little temper tantrums were always a nightmare. She would scream at me, yell at me, punch me, kick me, all sorts of messed up things. But then after a few years of this torture, I've had enough. With the help of Erebus, Nyx, and Thanatos, we were able to kick Persephone out of the Underworld and I made sure she was never allowed back… But it didn't stop there."

"What else had she done?"

"Well… after she left, she started spreading rumors about me, saying that I hit her and that I was the abusive one. It's not true! But that didn't stop a huge majority of Olympus believing every single word she said! And by doing what she did, Persephone turned all of the other Gods and Goddesses against me! I was humiliated because of her lies! I just… I don't understand why she would do any of that, though. It took so long for me to get my confidence back, but those memories of her still haunt me to this day." He sighed. "I guess Meg was right about one thing. Sometimes it is better to be alone… That way, nobody can hurt you." He closed his eyes.

Maleficent was shocked; abusing someone you were supposed to care for and hold so close to your heart? She may be evil, but even she could tell that was a new kind of low. She scooted closer to Hades and linked her arm with his. He turned back to her with a surprised expression.

"Hades, I just want you to know that I would never hurt you." She said, looking him dead in the eyes; her heart started to beat faster. "I may be an evil fairy, but even I draw the line at domestic abuse. I may not know everything about love, but I do know this. No one should try to hurt the ones they say they love, because if they do… then that's not love at all."

Hades paused as he felt his heart start to race. "…You're right. And honestly, I don't want to hurt you either. Ever. Oh. Uh, sorry for getting so emotional."

"Don't be, I understand."

They smiled at each other.

"Hey, folks." Nyx's voice said.

Hades and Maleficent turned their heads towards the Pantheon; even though it was rather difficult to see, they could make out Nyx standing on stage with Erebus by her side.

"You all having a good time?" Nyx asked; the crowd clapped in response. "Great! Now I think it's time we bring it down a notch, and this gorgeous Blood Moon is setting up the perfect atmosphere. This next song is dedicated to all you lovers out there. So be sure to grab your sweethearts and hold them close; it's time for a little slow dance."

Erebus smiled at his wife and snapped his fingers; the band started to play and the God of Darkness cleared his throat.

"Never knew I could feel like this" He began.

"Like I've never seen the sky before

I want to vanish inside your kiss

Every day I love you more and more"

"You… up for one more dance?" Hades asked.

"…Alright." Maleficent said as they stood up and made their way to the center of the temple.

"Listen to my heart" Erebus continued.

"Can't you hear it sing

Telling me to give you everything

Seasons may change

Winter to spring

But I love you

Until the end of time"

As the song continued, Hades and Maleficent started to waltz in the bright red light of the Blood Moon. Back in the Pantheon, various other couples were doing the same thing.

"Come what may

Come what may

I will love you

Until my dying day"

"Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place" Nyx joined in.

"Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace

Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste

It all revolves around you"

"And there's no mountain too high" They sang together.

"No river too wide

Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side

Storm clouds may gather

And stars may collide"

"But I love you"

"I love you"

"Until the end of time

Come what may

Come what may

I will love you

Until my dying day

Come what may

Come what may

I will love you

I will love you

I will love you"

The two villains were practically gliding across the floor as they danced; everything around them seemed to disappear and there was only the two of them.

"Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place"

"Come what may

Come what may

I will love you

Until my dying day"

They stopped dancing and stared into each other's eyes lovingly. Then they started to lean in closer and closer, but just before their lips could touch, Maleficent caught sight of something. She paused and looked up at a grand clock at the very back of the temple. It was less than a minute to midnight. She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt very nervous and she felt had to leave right away. She quickly pulled away from Hades.

"I must leave." She said.

"Wait… what? When?" Hades asked, staring at her in surprise.

"Now. It's difficult to explain, but I have to go. But thank you for the wonderful evening, Hades."

She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and started to run back towards the Pantheon as the Blood Moon's red light started to fade back to a pale white.

"W-what? Hey! Maleficent, wait! Don't go!" He shouted as he started to run after her.

Luckily, Maleficent had jumped onto a cloud that took her straight back to the Pantheon. She ran through the crowded ballroom and the enormous groups and crowds of Gods and Goddesses as fast as she could, desperately trying to reach the exit. Hades had almost caught up to Maleficent when he was bombarded by all the other hopeful Goddesses and nymphs asking to dance.

"Maleficent! Where are you going?! Stop!" He shouted above the noise.

When she finally reached the entrance of the ballroom, Maleficent looked back to glance at Hades. With tears forming in her eyes, she whispered, "Goodbye."

Then she bowed her head and hopped on a cloud that would take her back to the gates just as the clock began to strike the hour. The moment he saw that she was gone, Hades panicked and violently pushed past the other women who were swarming him and continued to run, but then Zeus and Hera stopped him along with Hermes and Rhea.

"And just where do you think you're going, young man?" Rhea asked, grabbing his arm.

"What are you doing? Let me go, I have to go after her!" Hades protested.

"You can't leave, Hades! You have to choose a bride now!" Zeus said.

"NOW?!" Hades shouted in disbelief.

As Maleficent was running past the gates and down the stairs, she suddenly stumbled, not even realizing that the straps on one of her shoes had somehow come loose. Then the shoe came off her foot and landed on the stair behind her. But she didn't care; she kept running towards the carriage that was waiting for her with Dementia remained in her usual spot. She practically threw the door open and jumped inside before the purple imp whipped the reins; the carriage suddenly flew off into the night as fast as it could.

Back in the Pantheon, Zeus wouldn't stop pestering his brother to choose someone to marry. And finally, Hades couldn't take the pressure anymore and he just yelled, "Okay, okay! I choose Maleficent, the Mistress of All Evil! There! Satisfied?! Happy?!"

The entire room suddenly went quiet; the other Gods and Goddesses turned their heads and looked at Hades who had an expression that was a mix of anger, irritation, and embarrassment. He screamed in frustration as his hair flared up.

"Ugh, I don't have time for this!" He continued running.

A few moments later, Hades had finally made it outside to the gates but to his disappointment, Maleficent had vanished; there was no sign of her anywhere. It was as if she had disappeared into thin air. Zeus, Hera, and Hermes soon joined him.

"Hades, what happened?" Zeus asked, gasping for air.

"Is everything alright?" Hera asked as she tried to catch her breath.

"…She's gone." Hades said.

Then Hermes spotted something black on one of the steps. He flew down over to it and said, "Hey, look at this."

The elder deities joined the Messenger God to see what he had found. He picked it up and everyone could see that it was a black leather women's shoe. Hera and Zeus were confused, but Hades took it and examined it.

"…That's not mine." Hermes joked.

"I know." Hades snarled before looking up at the stars. He calmed down. "It's hers."