Chapter Eighteen
Ben P.O.V.
"Sir these are the files that need immediate attention" Jenna Rossi, my secretary rushed out speed walking to my place holding the files in her hand.
"Thank you, please leave them at my desk," I said, still looking straight on, moving the sleeve of my blue dress shirt up to my arms on my left arm.
"I-I but sir they are very important-" she urged, waving the files in front of me.
"Ms. Rossi I know please leave them in my office," I said moving onto my right arm, "Please go clear my schedule for the rest of the day. Do you know why they called this meeting?"
She shook her head confused, "No sir they annual meeting isn't scheduled until the first of November...But it was Queen Leah and King Stephan who urged the meeting and called it in"
We finally made it in front of the doors, I took a deep breath before looking at Ms. Rossi, "Please inform our guest to come to the meeting room, and have them directed"
She nodded her head before leaving, staring at the guards. I walked closer to the one holding my crown before picking it up and placing it on my head. I nodded my head, indicating for them to open the door.
All the royals and representatives were standing arguing and discussing while Queen Leah was the only one to sit. My parents were talking to Ella and Kit along with Aurora and Phillip.
"What the hell is going on" was the first thing I said walking into the meeting room, ceasing all conversations and arguments in the room, "We had a meeting two weeks ago why do we need another one now?"
Queen Leah who was sitting in her chair, legs crossed stood up, "Well King Benjamin we heard some rumors around that Maleficent and Hades were out roaming about in Auradon." she let out a small laugh "which I'm sure is just a mistake but just to be certain."
All eyes turned to me, paying no attention towards them I walked to my seat. Sitting down I placed my hands on the table while they all looked at me expectedly, I looked at my ring before letting out a sigh.
I continued to wave my hand as I watched Mal's limo leave the Castle grounds.
"Your Majesty, the car is ready," a guard said
"Do we have everything"
"Yes"
The car pulled in front just like the limo that took Mal left. The guard next to me opened the door, closing it after I walked in.
I sat inside before shifting position waiting for the guards to load up what I had asked the chef and the maids to do before I left for the Isle.
"To the Isle" was the last thing I said before waiting for the trip over there. In the meantime, I kept looking at my phone waiting for a text from Mal. Letting her go to the mall was a risky move but I needed to show her she had nothing to fear, that she was going to be fine if I was there for her. Looking out the window I saw all of Auradon, it had always been a beautiful place in my opinion but now all I see, all I think about is how Mal felt when she was leaving when she was looking out of her window and the Beast Castle, my Castle grew smaller and smaller. We took a small pause in the broken bridge that led to the Isle, the guard opening clicked the button letting the magical golden bridge appear before continuing to drive.
My palms grew sweaty, I was going to meet Mal's father.
Hades King of the Underworld.
And I don't think he would be happy to see me. After all, I'm the reason his daughter was sent back to the Isle, she got hurt because of me. I'm not even sure he was going to accept the proposal I had for him.
Before I knew it we crossed the border to the Isle.
Many of the citizens openly stared at the car, wondering who was inside. Looking at them, I was instantly relieved that I had decided to bring water bottles, fruits, candy bags, sandwiches, and small bags of chips for the citizens. The guard drove to Hades Lair, we stopped in front of the entrance. A crowded form around the car waiting for me to come out. The guards finally came out of the front seats. The passenger stood in front of the layer on the right side of the entrance. The driver opened my door waiting for me to step out. As I did many of the citizens took a step back and gasped. There hasn't been a royal inside the Isle since it was opened, not that they knew I had walked in when Mal left before the Cotillion. Straightening up my suit I walked up the steps before knocking.
While I waited for Hades to open I turned around facing the citizens' curious eyes, some flinched when they met my eyes. Letting my eyes wander I came across a little girl with black hair and piercing blue eyes, her clothes were too big for her. Her hair was messily pulled into a braid, with dirt covering her cheeks. She looked so miserable, so sad yet at the same time so innocent. It reminded me of why I had chosen my first Proclamation, to give them a second chance, one they rightfully deserved.
I took a step towards the little girl's direction but before I could take another the door opened.
Smoke filled the streets as the door opened. Hades stood there looking bored and unimpressed like he knew I would come.
"It seems like the King has lost his way?" Hades smirked before draping the act "How could I be of service to your majesty?" and giving an overly dramatic sarcastic bow.
"I uhh there's no need for that" I cleared my throat "I came here to make a deal"
He leaned against his doorway, "A deal? Now, why would the King of Auradon need to make a deal with a villain from the Isle? Or has the monarch finally remembered that we are his people too?"
I palms grew sweaty, "I never forgot"
He shook his head clicking his tongue, "Umm see, King Ben I found that seriously hard to believe. I thought you and your people were too busy blaming a crime on a girl from the Isle" my heart clench "you know because her mother is the mistress of all Evil and well let's not forget she was too" I clenched my first "how is she anyways? The Auradon news haven't report anything about her"
I swallowed, "she's fine. I came here to make a plan that she wanted does come true. She wants the barrier down"
"And what about you? King Ben?" he questions me leaning closer"
"Yes I do believe that the barrier being brought down could happen" I turned to look at him "Maybe even faster with your help"
His eyes widened in surprise, "My help?!" he let out a laugh "Listen here King, I don't know if you know but I'm considered one of the worst Villains how could I help?"
"That is actually why I came here." I looked at one of the guards who immediately understood and opened the trunk before I moved aside letting Hades walk out to see, "other than to bring food."
Hades walked over to the food taking a wrapped sandwich, "and what do we need to talk about?"
"Mal" he froze before turning to me and leading me to his home.
The guards tried to follow but I shook my head and told them to pass the food to the citizens of the Isle starting with the little kids. We continued to walk into the dark hallway before walking into a room a study room of sorts with a desk piled with papers, a throne, a fire pit with blue fire inside and torches surrounding the area
He sat on his makeshift throne "Start talking"
"I have made a compromise with the council" I took a step forward "I would like you to represent the Isle in our monthly council meeting. You will in return be welcomed to Auradon and free from the Isle."
"Why? What would this prove Mal's idea?" he leaned forward in his throne "after all I am a monster"
I cleared the back of my throat, "With you in Auradon it will serve to prove the people of Isle deserve a second chance and the barrier will hopefully be taken down" I started at his cold eyes before looking around "once they see one of the most notorious evil villains have changed"
His eyes continued to follow my every move, my behavior, "No theirs more. You want me to do something for you, what do you want King Ben?"
I stood straighter and looked him dead in the eye, "I need your help to find Audrey Beauty and Chad Charming"
He let out a humorless laugh, "And why is that? I thought the crimes were committed by Mal" he cleared this throat "Maleficent's daughter. Has the truth finally come out?"
"They need to face the consequences for their actions and for what they did to Mal, Maleficient's, and your daughter...Mal told me before things began to-uhh fall apart"
He stood straighter, "Fall apart? No, I think what you mean is when you stopped trusting her"
"I did-I do trust her!"
"No! You don't! Because if you did you would have believed her before anyone else" he scoffed "you are just like your father, prideful and ignorant"
"I-I. Your right I should have done more to prove that she was innocent"
Hades stood up, "Do you know how much my daughter has suffered? She trusted you with the one thing she was most afraid to give because of what her mother taught her. She trusted you with her love, her heart. She let all her guard down because she trusted you...and where did that get her?" he lifted his arms "back to Isle, like a criminal. You brought her back here and her suffering unfolded 10 times worse." he pointed to Auradon "at least in Auradon you could have protected her. But no you and your council decided that the Auradon prisons were too easy for her, so you dumped her here and decided to move on"
"That is not what happened!"
"Really?" He left out a humorless laugh "Let's make things clear, King Ben" he stood in front of me "About the deal, I will accept, I will go to Auradon, represent the Isle of the Lost and capture those scums" he leaned closer, "But let's make one thing clear, I will not catch them for you or for Auradon I will catch them to make sure they suffer more than what my daughter went through"
I nodded my head, "I was hoping you'd say that"
He walked towards the door, "Don't pretend you care about my daughter, your majesty you"
I followed him, "I do care"
I could almost hear his eye roll, "Yes because your engagement to Audrey certainly proved that"
"King Ben. are you alright?" Ella voiced sounding concerned
I gave her a nod before addressing the whole council, "The rumors are true"
The room immediately blew up, mostly from the Greystone royal family. My parents from the corner of my eyes were defending me and trying to explain while other royals continued to argue with each other, I watched everyone panic.
After leaving the Isle with Hades we went straight to our next stop. The Dungeons. The place only held one person. Well, former lizard. The air around Hades and I continued to thicken. Yet I could also feel his grin as we tested his magic now that he was out of the Isle, it reminded me of Mal when she was first starting with her mom's magic book always full of amazement and satisfaction. When we reached the dungeons a guard stood outside the door waiting for me.
"Why are we here?" Hades asked "putting me back in a cage?"
"No," I said, finally stepping out "We are taking someone out."
Hades rolled his eyes uninterested, "Who?"
"Mal's mother"
"Maleficent?"
"Yes, she will hopefully also agree to the arrangement"
"Which one? Helping find the scums or being in the council? Cuz let's be honest I'm sure she'd love both. Especially if it meant tormenting the Greystone royal family"
"Hopefully both"
I created the man at the door before walking into the building. We rode the elevator to the last floor. The sound of my shoes echoed around the halls as I walked inside the room. The guards straighten their posture staring at me and then then the person behind me. I could practically feel his smirk radiating off of him in the delight of their fear and alarm. Reaching the door, I turned to the guard.
"How is she?"
"She has turned human thanks to Fairy Godmother. She hasn't said anything, only ever looks at the ceiling."
"And when she was a lizard?"
"When we told her about Lady Mal she stayed calm but after we left she went completely nuts trashing her cage before calming down a few hours later."
Hades rolled his eyes, "A temper tantrum? Can you say ridiculous?! I mean come on shes the mistress of all evil"
I signaled for him to open the door, he tried to walk in but before he could I put my hand in front of him "I don't think its a good idea"
His eyes practically let out a golden glow, "what don't you think seeing me would make her agree?"
I cleared my throat "I think seeing as she hates us both of us she should deal with one of us at a time"
"How did you-"
"Mal told me"
He rolled his eyes, "I guess let's just get this over with" he rubbed his hands together "I just can't wait for the face of those bastards" he waved his hand making a chair appear "go on all wait"
Stepping in I walked into the room, the room was a cell like a small version of the isle that allowed no magic all convenient for holding on person,
Mal's mother, the Mistress of all Evil.
I cleared my throat, "Maleficent."
"Now, now" She interrupted "it's not every day I get a royal visit from the king himself"
"How are you doing?"
"You mean being human? Well, it's better than being a lizard" she clenched her fist. If she was out of the cell I imagine her hand glowing with her magic "how is my ungrateful daughter?"
"She's fine."
"Really" one of her eyebrows rose "after your betrayal? I doubt that?" she walked closer to me "But I guess it's her fault, I did warn her love was weak and a mistake and look where it left her"
"I'm not here to talk about that?"
"Then what are you here for?"
"A proposition of your freedom"
"My freedom?" she laughed "Your council will never approve."
"They don't need to but they did. With some conditions placed my me"
She rolled her eyes, "which are?"
I straighten my back, "you will represent the Isle of the Lost in the monthly meetings and help capture Chad Charming and Audrey Beauty"
"Beauty? The Greystone family?"
"Yes you will also decide their fate"
"Excuse me" her eyes glimmered
"The council and I agreed that the fate of the people who did to Mal will be in the hands of her parents."
"And why would I agree? Helping my daughter that betrayed me for love"
"Because even though you pretend you hate her you care about her" I walked closer to her, "And because if you do, Queen Leah and King Stephan or anyone if the Greystone family will not be able to touch you in any way and if they do it will be considered obstruction of justice."
"King Ben" Stephan yelled, slamming his fist into the table, the room began to quiet down, "We are a council...yet it seems that you forget and make hasty decisions without our input"
I gave him a bored look, "It seems that you all forgot that I said I was doing this last meeting."
"Excuse me King Ben, but I recall you saying that you were thinking about it," Queen Leah said grinding her teeth
I shook my head, "No Queen Leach I said I was going to for two reasons, The Halloween festival and the investigation for Chad and Audrey" I looked around the room, "I said that I was going to bring Audrey and Chad WITH the help of Hades and Maleficent"
"But they are still criminals, how do you know they won't turn on you" Queen Leah added, "How do you know they won't turn Mal against you"
I glared at her, "I suggest you watch very carefully what you say about Mal" everyone's breaths stilled you could almost hear their heartbeats quickening "and as for them turning against us I am positive they won't"
"Why because they get to punish my granddaughter" King Stephan intervened. "That just pleases Maleficent and what about Hades, what the hell does he get? What's his reason for not wanting to turn his back on you, King Ben. Because as far as I'm concerned Maleficent will get her revenge on my family and make us pay for defeating her all those years ago and you are going to willingly let that happen."
Everyone turned to me waiting for my response, I nodded my head, "I am. Because as far as I'm concerned, Maleficent was paying for her crimes by living in the Isle, and her daughter Mal had nothing to do with her, she did not choose her parents nor does she have any fault in her mother's crimes she was innocent despite what you and your granddaughter have painted her to be. And as far as about your reputation and your granddaughters...well she should have thought about it before she killed 10 guards with magic from Maleficent's spellbook and the Evil Queen's magic mirror which she stole from the museum and framed Mal because she was jealous and wanted to be Queen." I stood up " What would you like me to say to their families? Oh, this was all a misunderstanding, she acted on a moment of rage and had a tantrum like a five-year-old? Tell me why does that sound like something a villain would do'' many took in sharp breaths waiting for Queen Leah's and King Stephans's response "and I'm pretty sure that Maleficent will be glad to get her daughter justice."
"Now just wait a minute" Queen Leah started, "you can not associate my granddaughter with those scums, my grandaughter may have lost her way but she does not deserve to be associated with them"
I let out a humorless laugh "Lost her way? Lost her way? Well then, we could say that Maleficent lost her way when she cursed your daughter. Lost her way, would be putting it mildly for what Audrey has done"
They continued to glare at me like I was the cause of their problem. Which I was in away.
"King Ben could explain to us how Hades fits into all this" Eugene asked, clearing his throat. From the corner of my eye, I saw Repunzel give him a look which he returned with a confused look mumbling somethings may be in the lines of 'what I was just asking'
I turned to look at him before sitting down and nodding, "Yes well-"
The doors opened wide, gaining my attention and causing the other royals to turn their heads.
"Well, why don't I answer that question for you?" Hades said, walking into the room with Maleficent by his side his strides filled confidence.
It seems now their reason for their tardiness is understandable by their attire.
Hades was wearing a black Althea suit with no tie or bowtie, his shirt's top buttons loose along with his jackets with his hair gelled back. Maleficent was wearing a simple black dress that covered her from the neck down leaving her arms bare with her long brown hair pulled in a braid decorated with Evie's touch resting on her right shoulder, her horns gone probably a spell.
"Well I hope we aren't late" Maleficent added standing like Hades in the middle of the room. The guards looked alert giving me a look as if ready to jump in front and protect but I shook my head and dismissed them.
"No, you are not thank you for coming," I said standing up giving them a nod "Please give me a second to get two more chairs for you both"
Maleficent let out a small laugh "That won't be necessary" with a wave of her hand Maleficent had two chairs appear fit to their liking, both were similar to each other appearing to be a throne set up right across from me.
Many of the royals seem to pale even further at the sight of her magic; many of the Queens grabbed their spouses' hands to calm down.
"Maleficent, Hades" they and everyone in the room gave me their attention "I'd like you to meet the royal council"
Both of them walking to their seat, Hades keeping his head high and cold shoulder yet with a mysterious aura responded, "Yes I believe we all know each other"
"I uhm" Euguene cleared his throat "welcome to Auradon and the royal council"
Maleficent stated to him for a long time almost studying him which made him nervous by the looks of it, "Thank you" Maleficent nodded and finally said keeping her voice even, "Flynn, or do you prefer Euguene?"
"Eugene" Rapunzel answered for him "I'm Rapunzel from Co-"
"Corona," Hades said "born from a single drop of the sun that cured your mother, Arriana"
The room was silent in shock Repunzel opened and closed her mouth before stuttering, "I- how did"
"My idiot nephew, Apollo was the reason for the drop of sun falling" he moved his gaze to her "which is why my dear you have healing abilities" staring at her confused face he continued, "see we are not supposed to interfere in human lives, well used to, things have changed since then but when I confirmed his prophecy that your mother was going to die, and your kingdom along with her he decided to give a" he let out a sigh "nudge I'd say, in the right direction for your kingdom and your life"
"Why did you confirm your nephew's prophecy? If you don't mind me asking" Anna asked quickly adding the last part when he stared at her
"If you must know it was to stop all the deaths that would come and" he moved to look at Euguene "to save him"
"Me? What would I-"
Hades let out a sigh which caused Maleficent to roll her eyes and answer for him, "because after you stole the crown of your wifey there, you move onto Arandell where you attempt to take and succeed in taking Snow Queen here's crown" eyes darted between both Eugene and Elsa "so then her coronation is postponed which leads to Anna and Hans getting married secretly of course after Hans kills Euguene after she gets too close to him" Anna's eyes widen "blah blah he then kills her, Elsa finds out and in rage freezes everyone in Arandell"
Hades leans forwards, "see my dear everything is connected. Nothing here is existing without reason" leaned back "sure things could be delayed or change course but a new path would appear but everything will in the end connect"
"So what? Mal being send to the Isle was part of destiny" Queen Leah said rolling her eyes scoffing
Hades head snapped towards her his eyes like Mals glowing gold with rage, "No actually your granddaughter changed the course for Mal and for a hell of a lot of people" Hades calmed down and smirked "and that is why we are here to get it back on track starting with punishing your dearest granddaughter"
"How dare you" King Stephan started
"No! how dare you!" Hades stood up slamming his fist onto the table the room got significantly colder "None of this would have happened if you watched your pride and released that your family will never be better then they are now..in fact, I believe you doomed yourselves when your granddaughter changed the path"
"Umm" Ella gulped "what exactly did she change"
Hades looked over at her and smiled leaning back on his chair while Maleficent rotated her pointer finger letting her magic circle around it,
"Well let's see my dear Ella, shall we" waving his hand a piece of paper appeared "let's see Mal was framed on March of this year I believe right, Ben" hades turned his eyes to me, my throat tightened but I answered with a nod, "Well...Let's have some visuals don't you think so κακό μου fae" Maleficent's eyes glowed but more of a softening look before nodding and snapping her fingers. Instantly an image popped up, it didn't seem to matter where anyone was in the round table no one had trouble seeing.
Hades smiled, "Let's continue shall we?" Many royals nodded their head, "well Mal would be engaged to Ben" a video seemed to appear as Hades spoke, I was on stage wearing my crown and a suit with Mal who was wearing no doubt one of Evie's creations, it was a dress that seems to fit the view of a dragon, I seemed to be singing to her while we danced in one spot, Mal was laughing looking away for the moment that I started to kneel. When she looked back, she let out a gasp I pulled out the box that held the ring but before I could see the ring itself a close up of Mal's reaction appeared, the tears in her eyes evident, the small gasp as she swallowed in a dry throat and her answer clearly saying one word, 'yes' followed by nods before the tears fell.
I clenched my fist clearing my throat to stop the lump forming.
I was so close!
I was so close, Hades said it himself I would be engaged.
Engaged.
But not because I was a fucking idiot who chooses not to believe my girlfriend.
I flinched when I felt a pair of hands around my left hand looking to my left. I saw it was my mom holding it for comfort and support. I tried to relax, deciding instead to focus on the royals' reaction to it. Manny smiled doing what I imagine is reminiscing their proposals but Ella and Aurora smiled before frowning realizing what their kids took away from me and Mal.
"The barrier would be down thanks to Ben" a video appeared Mal and I standing in front of the citizen's Mal holding the want with me by her side, I nod my head kissing her on the forehead before Mal used the want letting the barrier down, "Auradon along with the other Kingdoms would be prospering even better than before" A statics appeared showing the prosperity of the years before and after the barrier opened, Hades continued, "Audrey would have been dating someone from the Isle" he turned to smirk to Queen Leah and Stephan "and you would you look at that"
Hades passed it to Maleficent, who in response smirked, "now, now that is interesting"
Sharing laughs Hades continued, "it seems Audrey would have actually dated Gil the son of Gaston and even married him." a video of Audrey appeared, her meeting Gil at what looked like a party, them saying their vows and sealing it with a kiss, Aurora and Philip seemed happy for their daughter before realizing that her old future might not even happen thanks to her selfishness while King Stephan and Queen Leah looked appalled that it even happened.
"Let's see charmings...first off Ella and Kit here would have adopted Disellas daughter Dizzie, your douche of a son Chad would have married a doctor" A video appeared Ella was waiting in her castle with Kit by her side appearing anxious before the little girl appeared, Dizzie ran into Ella's arms. Ella looked at Kit with tears, everyone around new that Ella had wanted more kids but due to her mistreatment with her stepfamily her possibility of kids was every slim even within her pregnancy with Chad the doctors had told her it was dangerous, and they were right, she almost died during the procedure after that Kit didn't want to rick it and they both decided on no more kids. The short video was of Chad standing in the altar with a black-haired woman saying their vows they kissed. The image stilled, making eyes turn to Hades whose eyebrows knitted together "now that seems like that's already impossible"
"Impossible? Why?" Ella asked holding her husband's hand
"Well this girl died last month" he explained looking down at the paper snapping his fingers once more
"What? How" Kit asked looking at his wife.
"Oh, well found the root of the problem" Hades finally said "it seems she died of domestic violence her stepfather choked and beat her to death seems like before your son actually saved her before she could die but now that he is on the run with Audrey he never came to her aid" he let stopped reading "tragic actually." Ella, who had from the beginning of Hades' explanation tried to remain calm, broke down when the video showed up. The video itself showed the girl walking in Auradon City, she was dressed in a blue hoodie with old jeans that seemed too small for her height but fit probably due to her malnutrition. She continued to walk at a fast pace looking over her shoulder looking anxious to be home, houses on the screen appeared, then all of a sudden she was in front of her house. She stood there for a second looking ready to burst into tears before she hurried in, a man was sitting on the couch watching the news, she hurried into the kitchen making dinner she was there long before the man her stepfather walked in, he began questioning her, she kept her voice small but he started to raise his voice makes her flinch and back up to the wall. She started to cry, the man annoyed slapped her until she hit the ground. Before she could get up, he grabbed her by her hair and began dragging her up the stairs into a room she kept screaming and crying before he threw her into the ground. He yelled at her before taking his belt off. She started to take off her hoodie all while still crying.
Ella finally let her tears fall and sobbed "Oh god", before crying into her husband's chest. Kit himself looked away holding back his tears.
With her back facing the man she kneeled and he lifted his belt hitting her repeatedly. Her bottom lip was bleeding from keeping in her screams and her eyes seemed to stop being able to produce tears
"Chad would have saved her here," Hades said looking at his sheet of paper "what a shame."
Kit lifted his head and glared at Hades, "Why didn't you stop this, you could have done something"
Hades looked at him before pausing the video, "Look even if I did which trust me I would have, I was in the Isle, I don't have communication with my brothers or anyone in Olympus for that matter and in case you forgot I have a job, god of the underworld"
He looked at the video again before letting out a sign and waving his glowing hand with closed eyes whispering softly "μπορείτε να ξεκουραστείτε και να βρείτε τον ουρανό στο Elysium την ψυχή μου"
"What did you do right now?" Ella asked softly, he voices hoarse from the crying earlier.
Hades cleared his throat, "I gave her the passage to Elysium, heaven if you will, she will spend her days happy" Hades clenched his fist seeming to show some feelings other than anger to the council "she like Mal have suffered greatly it's the least I could do...at least I could prevent one from enduring more"
"And riddle me this Hades" King Stephan intervene "why is she some important, Mal that is because you have yet to tell us why she was so important that you need to show up"
"Its King Hades to you Stephan" his eyes glowed his rage, "and Mal is important and will grow to be powerful as she is the only daughter of a fae and a god" he leaned closer to King Stephan "I am Mal's father"
To room distilled before Hercules interfered "No that's not" he looked at hades "you are married to Persephone you swore to be faithful to her"
Hades clenched and unclenched his fist, while Maleficent surprisingly everyone laid a hand on his shoulder for support, "Persephone is dead." his eyes glowed darker the room colder than before ice forming in the int corner of the room
"Hades" maleficent finally said "that's enough"
He unclenched his fist relaxing and leaning against his chair looking at Maleficent before nodding
Maleficent continued for him, staring at Hercules giving no emotion whats so ever, "On Persephone's death bed he swore to himself and her that he would get vengeance, which is why he tried to take over Olympus, tried to take what was most important to him, his crown."
"Why? Why did you tell us this" Aurora asked breaking the silence looking down at her finger before looking up at Maleficent "why tell us the future? How did you even know the future?"
Hades turned to look at her, "I called in a favor to the Fates"
"The fates?" Jasmine questions
"The fates" my mother Bell started "they are three women that are daughters of Zeus, Clotho the spinner, Lachesis the alloter and Atropos the unturning or the inflexible" my mother looked at Hades for confirmation which he did by nodding, "it said that they can see the past, present, and future of every living thing specifically humans since they control their lifeline and end it"
"Correct" Hades said ending the silence, "the control how long someone lives and I control what happens to them after death" he looked over to Maleficent "κακό μου fae can you explain the why"
Malficient rolled her eyes but complied, "Well bestie" Aurora cringed at the name flinching even, "Its to show you and everyone in this council that Audreys actions your daughters actions do have consequences" her eyes flashed a green just like Mals do "she hurt my daughter, influeced that stupid boy" Queen Leah looked ready to protest along with King Stephan but Malficient quickly shut them down satring down at them, "and yes I dare say influced becyase that moron could not and would not have acted agasint Mal inless he was prompted to or maybe even seduced by your precoius granddaughter because frankingly he doesnt have the balls to do it" she continued to stare them down,"so if you even for a second think that will not more earth water and sky to find justice for my daughter you are mistaken becyase everyhtign she suffered because of the insolent brat I will make sure is barely a fraction of what I will do to her" the room began to be quiet many in fear began to hold their paernts hand tightly suddently she stood up nocking her chair on the floor with her hands flat on the table staring down at everyone, her wings began to come out as well as her horns and even bagan to let out a glwoing green auora around her "I will make sure that she pays for every bruise, every burn every scar on my daughter's body. Every nightmare, every rule, every fear planted by that son of a bitch, Audrey will pay and I won't stop searching for her until she does" Maleficent's chair was on the floor began to move back into place allowing Maleficent to sit down, "so if anyone of you are withholding information about their whereabouts I suggest you come clean now because today I will show mercy to you but I will not in the future"
Many gulped but nodded their heads
"Now," Hades said "since we are in discussion of finding them. What are some places that they might go to?"
The room was silent for second many eyes went over to the Charmington family and the Greystone family, Ella cleared her throat, "my old home, where I lived with my step-family" she looked at her husband "Chad liked to visit the garden and barn when he was little"
Maleficent before anyone would say a world pulled out her scepter, well her wand at the moment, that had been resting on her hair serving as a hair holder for two strands of hair on either side of her head, she allowed it to reach full height, waved it and a map of the Auradon and all its kingdom appeared covering the table, but it wasn't flat like a map it was a 3D projection of the buildings, there were even people on it walking around as if it were alive.
All the royals surprised and scared stood up husbands in front of their wives, Queen Leach gasped, "Ben?! Did you give her her scepter? Are you mad? Do you know what she could do with that?"
I circled walking to where the charmington Kingdom was and pointed to Ella's old home, "this is the place Queen Ella was talking about" Maleficent snapping her fingers let the area turn red "he also might be here, we build a treehouse when were small together around here" I placed my finger on the tree house a few miles from Ella's home
"Ben, are you even listening?" Queen Leach continued to speak "do you know what you've done? How dangerous that thing is with that woman?"
"He also might be in the Hiver Charmantton Kingdom, Queen Snow White King Florian's kingdom, he said he bought a cabin near the town around this area," I said generalizing the area he had told me, the area like the rest turned red.
"And judging from her family she most likely went to fairies cabin in the woods," maleficent said turning the area red
"Ben, do you hee this madness you don't know the magic she could possess with the specter? She is using you?!"
"will you shut up you, brainless women I believe you need to address your King, my future son in law with his royal title" I smiled maybe she doesn't hate me "wipe your smile blondie" she turned to look at Queen Leah pulling her scepter in front of her, "Let me give you and everyone in this room a lesson on magic" she put her scepter in front of her "Do you know what this is"
"It's where you draw your magic from" Aurora spoke first.
Maleficent rolled her eyes, "Oh Beastie you truly are stupid, I'm sure your parents told you that" she got closer to Aurora " but have you learned nothing from me" she put the scepter on her left hand " Now lets clear anything up to about my scepter. It has no real magic, this scepter is nothing but a piece of wood holding a gemstone from the Moors called Malgorzata its a reminder of the person I became. That. is. it." she stared down at everyone. "Now can we continue?"
"But yours?!" Anna took a deep breath "I thought you were a fairy-like Fairy godmother?"
Maleficent rolled her eyes, she looked at me before letting out a sigh, "Do any of you have a history of magic or magical creatures? Oh, how could I forget magic is banned" she looked at me again "tell me Ben do you know the difference between us?"
"Uh" I cleared my throat, "You're a different type of Faeries. Mal and yourself are faes born with strong feathered wings and have horns and can do magic with your hands."
"Why do I keep it then?" she motioned towards her scepter
"Because they kept you balanced when your wings were taken from you. A faes balance is mostly thanks to their wings, when gone they have trouble walking."
Maleficent gave me a nod of approval letting her horns and wings show, many gasped in wonder, she walked over to me before turning, "Fairy godmother?"
I stood up straighter, "Fairy godmother is a fairy-like the Blue fairy, they have a magic wand that helps them focus their magic, they don't have wings"
"Meaning?" Maleficent continued to test me.
"They don't work, it's more like for show. They usually show up to help someone, like a Fairy godmother with Ella and the Blue fairy with Pinocchio"
"Tinker Bell?"
"She is a fay. They are small, divided into different seasons based on their talents. They work in groups to help change the seasons, their talents can vary from manipulating water to animals to making things. They live rather isolated and don't use wands."
"Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather?"
Saying their names you can tell she was already irritated, "they are fatas. They are known to be the three good fairies but are fatas. They, when a child is born, usually bless them with a gift to welcome them into the new world. They don't have strong magic and are limited like the fays in magic, their magic consisted only in beautiful things. They also use a wand-like a fairy which is why they are confused a lot of the time"
Hades stood up, "I got to say Ben I'm impressed. Not a lot of people know the different types of Faeries. Did Mal-"
I interrupted him before he could finish, "No I learned after she...left."
The air around grew cold, I looked at Maleficent who had her back turned to all of us, she tensed up. She cleared her throat before walking back to the table and pulling up the map, "now, we should check the moors as well as the fairies cottage" both spots turned red, she looked in a hurry to leave, probably worried about Mal, "Anywhere else? Not so good day" letting her wings fade as well as her horns, she miniaturized her scepter and turned to leave with Hades by her side not before giving me nod "I have a very busy schedule."
I turned to look at the royals, "That is all"
Many nodded looking ready to leave but before anyone could make it out the doors King Stephan opened his mouth
"Then why keep it?" King Stephan said, "and where does the glow come from when it was taken from you?"
Maleficent stayed still for a second before turning around, "I keep it as a reminder of why and how I became the person I am today, the mistress of all evil as you all say right? I keep it remember those who betrayed me" she turned to look at Aurora before looking at Stephan, "and for your information, it glows because of the magic from the gemstone" she enlarged her scepter "its glow largens when someone from my bloodline is close, even if adopted, even though I try to get rid of the recognition" she looked at Aurora who gulped "and trust me I've tried" she turned back to King Stephan "it won't leave"
Before anyone could say a word the doors opened. Mal walked looking like an excited bunny. Mal froze for a second but gave a small wave to everyone in the room before she pulled Maleficent to a clear area a bit away from Hades. Giving her look she told her to stay before taking a step back. Closing her eyes she squinted and pulled her arms closer to her chest. Opening one eye first she smiled excitedly but when she put her hands on top of her head her expression completely changed. Mals eyebrows knitted together, her lips pouting before letting out a moan in distress before letting her head fall in Maleficent's chest. Maleficent's eyes widened before recovering quickly.
"What?" Maleficent asked, lifting her hand to Mal's hair.
Mal leaned away before looking at her mom still pouting, "I thought I finally got down the transformation"
I looked at her confused. Transformation?
It seemed like Maleficent knew what she was talking about, "Okay here's a trick." she put her arms in her daughter's shoulders, "Take a deep breath," Mal did as she was told, "now imagine your horns, their probably black have a loop forming yet still small. Your wings are probably small too, brown beautiful yet strong's wings" Mal let out a sign and when she did green magic surrounded her back and the top of her head, her horns appeared as well as her wings.
Gain the royals gasped in wonder.
They seriously need to stop. Like didn't they grow up with magic?
I on the other hand smiled, she looked beautiful
Mal opened her one eye again, "Are they-"
"See for yourself" Maleficent pointed at the mirror next to them, against the wall.
Mall frowned, "But I-I. Oh, my gods" she let out a squeal as she saw her horns just barely on the frame of the mirror, I smiled, Mal was usually too short, being only 5'2 and the mirror being at exactly her height against the wall meant she couldn't see herself but the horns themselves gave her a bit of a height letting her reach the mirror. She quickly turned to me, giving me a huge smile and walking into my arms.
I gave her a tight squeeze before kissing her head, "Let's go." I looked at Hades and Maleficent, "I think our meeting is finished we will have another meeting according to our monthly scheduled meetings"
But again before we could make it out the door someone had to interrupt
"You seriously can't think this is safe?" Queen Leah questions "the spells? My daughter was raised by fairies because of that girl's mother" she looked away from Mal to Maleficent "that women"
Mal took a step in her direction "I-I" before she could take another step she stopped herself and turned to look at me "I feel like I've had this conversation before"
I froze.
