Here is the next chapter!
There really isn't much to say about this chapter. A couple things have changed and a couple events are added, but I won't go into details. I will say that next chapter there will be no scenes involving the Queen of Mean, but there will be something new to replace it.
By the way, some of you may have noticed yesterday that I posted a new story called 'Ashes'. Although I will be working on that story too, 'Hades's Weakness' is my top priority, especially because this one is on its way of being finished. Until this story is finished, that one will only be updated once a week.
Enjoy.
About an hour or so later on the Isle of the Lost, the villagers stared in awe at the purple limousine that was parked in the alleyway next to Lady Tremaine's Curl Up and Dye—which was where the Core Four were to meet the new transfer students. The sparkling finish of the vehicle stood out against the dingy film that covered everything on the island, making it seem even more out of place. For some, it was the first time they've ever seen anything so polished.
At the moment, the parents or guardians of the new transfer students were saying 'good-bye' for the time being, as they hoped they would see them soon. Smee, wearing his usual striped shirt and red cap, hugged his identical twin boys one last before giving them a quick kiss on top of their heads. The only way anyone could tell them apart was by their gloves—Squeaky wore one on his right hand while Squirmy wore one on his left.
"Let's hit the road, boys!" Jay exclaimed enthusiastically as he threw his arm around Squeaky, leading him to the front passenger seat so he could have an unbelievable view of the barrier opening.
"Don't worry," Carlos reassured a somewhat panicking Squirmy. "You'll see your dad again real soon, and your brother is only going to be in the seat in front of you. There's nothing to be scared about."
Nodding slowly, Squirmy allowed Carlos to lead him to the back seat. Carlos couldn't help sympathizing with the twins. He had been just as anxious as them when he first came to Auradon. With a little bit of time, those sweet boys would flourish in their new environment and Carlos would be there to look after him—just like he did when the Gaston twins were bullying them a few months back.
In contrast to the nervous twin brothers, Dizzy was thrilled to be going to Auradon! Ever since she was a little girl, she dreamed of living in the magical land. It helped that her grandmother used to tell her bedtime stories about all kinds of magical items. And with all the new materials that she would find to create new accessories, Dizzy couldn't wait to leave for the mainland!
"Do you have everything?" Lady Tremaine wondered, looking as grim as usual in her high-collared crimson dress—the same dress she wore when her stepdaughter managed to fit her foot into a tiny glass slipper.
"Yes, ma'am," Dizzy answered for the twentieth time in the last half hour as she tossed her bag into the trunk.
"Are you sure?" Lady Tremaine questioned, her voice sounding cold, yet somehow proper.
Dizzy rolled her eyes at hearing practically the same question again. "I'm sure, Grammy. I checked my bags three times before we came out."
Lady Tremaine raised her eyebrow questioningly as she held up a small object that was kept hidden behind her back. "Oh really?"
"My glue gun!" Dizzy exclaimed as eagerly grabbed the trinket. She couldn't believe she almost forgot it! How else would she make all of her fabulous hair accessories?
"I don't know what you're going to do without me," her grandmother remarked, feigning indifference. "You're so forgetful after-all. You'll lose your head in Auradon."
Despite being somewhat insulted by her grandmother, Dizzy held her hands to her chest. "I'll miss you, Grammy."
"Go on." Lady Tremaine tugged at her brooch, fighting hard not to show emotion. "You don't want to be the reason that everyone runs late."
Evie, who was silently watching the unusual exchange, gave Dizzy an encouraging wink. With a small smile, Dizzy surprised her granny with an enormous, heartfelt hug. Then, without waiting for a reaction from her grandmother, Dizzy quickly climbed into the vehicle that leaving for Auradon Prep.
Last to approach the car was Celia, dressed in a wild multicolored skirt and jacket and flanked by Ben and Mal. "That's a pretty pearl bracelet," Mal complimented when she noticed the jewelry on the young girl's wrist. "I didn't know there was such a thing as black pearls."
"Neither did I," Celia admitted as she flung her backpack carelessly into the trunk. "It was a parting gift and basically payment for all I've done for Hades."
Mal tilted her head curiously. "Have you talked to him recently? I thought he would come see us before we left."
"Not since this morning at breakfast," Celia informed with a careless shrug. "When I mentioned that I would be leaving for Auradon today, he gave me the bracelet and then changed the subject. It was kind of like he didn't want to talk about it."
"How unusual . . ." Mal mused as the young girl hurried into the limo.
While Mal pondered about what could be wrong with her father, Ben closed the trunk before giving Mal an encouraging smile, even though she was still distracted. "Let's do this."
With everyone squished tightly in the vehicle and buckled in, Jay climbed into the driver's seat and revved the engine. He steered the limo down the narrow streets and railed it around the neighborhood's craggy corner while the other VKs were buzzing with anticipation.
To be fair, it was the first time the younger four has ever been in a car. The car was just the start of all the exciting new things that awaited the VKs in Auradon. Evie discussed with Dizzy about all the amazing things Auradon has to offer. Jay continuously pried Squeaky's impressively strong grip from his biceps whenever they drove around a curve. Carlos handed Squirmy an enormous chocolate peanut butter, who devoured the delicious treat in the matter of minutes. Meanwhile, Celia was trying to scam King Ben out of his money by telling his fortune while Mal watched with little interest.
"Celia . . ." Mal began softly as her mind pondered on one or two thoughts. "Was Dad acting weird this morning?"
Celia casted a nervous glance toward King Ben. "Um . . . I don't know who—"
"Ben knows Hades is my father," Mal informed, knowing that her father probably told the young girl to stay quiet about it. "I told Ben within my first few days of being in Auradon. Only three other Auradonians know about him, so when we get to Auradon, you will have to keep him quiet."
"Oh!" Celia perked up at the information. "Well, Hades seemed fine. He was talking to your mother about how he didn't want to miss the proposal on TV."
"What about my momma?" Mal wondered as she leaned her head against her fiancé's shoulder. "How is she looking?"
"As beautiful as ever," Celia answered with a happy sigh. "I wish I had hair as beautiful as hers. I didn't know she had such long brown hair until a few months ago."
"You've seen her without her leather crown?"
"All the time," Celia informed with another careless shrug. "Since returning to the Isle a few months ago, Maleficent has never left her home, so she never wears her crown."
Sometime later—right before reaching their destination—a riotous mass congregated on Bridge Plaza, in part to bid farewell to the four chosen students, but mostly to witness their own eyes the normally impassable barrier open. It had been a long time since any of them had seen magic, which had been rendered impossible on the Isle of the Lost.
However, once they fully entered the open space, Carlos just happened to notice a certain someone standing all alone.
"Stop the car!" Carlos shouted as he unbuckled his seat belt in a hurry. "I have to see her!"
Instead of stopping completely, Jay slowed down enough so he could catch a glimpse of 'her', sighing softly when he did. "Carlos, you talked to her last week."
"I don't care!" Carlos whined as he tugged on the door handle urgently, even though it was locked. "Let me go! Let! Me! Go!"
"It won't kill our schedule if he speaks to her for a few moments," Ben reassured before giving Carlos a pointed look. "Just make sure you make it quick. The new transfer kids will want to get to Auradon as soon as possible."
As soon as Jay reluctantly stopped the vehicle and parked it, Carlos burst out of the limousine and ran to the woman that was timidly watching from the sidelines. In one felt swoop, he swallowed her an enormous hug, lifting her off the ground for a few moments. "Momma!"
"Carlos!" Cruella de Vil squealed at the sudden action. "Dearest! Put me down!"
Snickering like a mischievous child, Carlos softly set his mother down. "Sorry," he apologized unapologetically with a bright smile. "I just missed you!"
"You just saw me last week!" Cruella reminded. "How can you miss me already?"
"Because you're my momma!" Carlos exclaimed, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Then his smile turned into a frown. "But I can't talk long. Everyone is eager to get back to Auradon."
Cruella tilted her head slightly in confusion. "Even your sister—Evelyn—and my Bertha?"
"Evie is wanting to get the four children settled in her starter castle," Carlos explained with a shrug. "And I think Mal is wanting to get started on planning her wedding, but she's been wondering why Hades didn't show up. Do you know where he is?"
"I haven't seen him," Cruella denied softly. "The last time I spoke to him and Malef was yesterday at dinner. They were kind of anxious about the proposal, hoping that Malef's past experience wouldn't make Mal say 'no'."
Carlos was about to make a remark when a limousine horn rudely interrupted him, signaling that he was taking far too long0. "I better go before Jay drags me by the ear to the car," Carlos complained. Without a second thought, he enveloped his mother in another tight embrace, knocking the wind out of her this time. "Bye, Momma. I promise I'll come visit again as soon as I can."
"Be sure to bring that pretty girlfriend of yours next time," Cruella instructed, pleased to know that comment was all it took to make her son let go of her. After catching her breath, she smiled teasingly. "After all the planning you did and all the work I did for her birthday gift, I think it's about time that I meet your Jane. I want to see for myself that she's as beautiful as you say."
Smiling softly, Carlos nodded happily. "I promise I'll try to convince her, but I really do have to go. I love you, Momma."
"And I love you, my true love," Cruella cooed before kissing her son's cheek. "Now go before your ride leaves you stranded."
Kissing his mother's cheek and giving her one last hug, Carlos jogged over to the limousine and climbed inside, closing the door right as the vehicle started moving. With the barrier opening just enough to allow the royal limousine to stroll through, Jay gripped the steering wheel tighter as he caught the gaze of a disgruntled onlooker, who seemed ready to cause mischief and trouble at any moment. Jay was determined to cross the barrier safely without any uninvited passengers or hitchhiking thieves.
Once the limousine had safely crossed over, a rugged scoundrel with faded rock-star good looks, spiked blue hair, and hollow, sunken eyes pushed his way to the front of the raucous crowd. The crowd jumped out of the way of the second most feared villain on the island, who broke into a fast run toward the bridge.
"Hades!" Cruella screamed at the top of her lungs. "What are you doing?!"
"Saving my wife," he mumbled under his breath as he continued his brisk pace.
Luckily, the woman's shouts didn't go unnoticed. Somehow hearing her mom's voice sounding distressed, Evie turned her head, watching through the car's back window the chaos that was unfolding. Her face paled when she recognized the blue-haired intruder.
"Stop the car!" Evie demanded as she gestured to the scene. "Hades is trying to escape!"
The immortal villain strode furiously toward the rapidly closing barrier. With a keen eye, he noticed a sliver-sized crack that remained open in the barrier. Hades thrust his hands through the breach and used his godly strength to widen it.
The royal vehicle screeched to a violent halt mid-bridge, Mal leaping out of the limo before it could stop completely. Evie, Jay, Carlos, and Ben jumped out of the limo once it stopped, while the younger kids craned their necks to watch the action from the safety of the back seat. Their eyes were glued on Hades as he struggled with the closing barrier.
Hades's sculpted muscles bulged with effort as he stretched the hole large enough to squeeze his head and shoulder through. His spiked hair burst into scorching blue and white flames the instant it crossed into Auradon.
When Hades lifted his head, he came face to face to his baby girl, who stood only a handful of feet away. Her stance showed her sadness, along with her watery eyes that would spill over at any moment. "Why are you doing this?" She interrogated softly.
"Get back, baby girl," Hades warned with bared teeth, which showed how much he was truly struggling.
"Daddy," Mal cooed in hopes that her father would come to his senses. "Please. Stop this!"
"I said get back!" Hades snarled viciously. "NOW, Mali!"
"NO!" Mal shouted back in defiance as a single tear dripped down her cheek. "Daddy, why are you doing this? Why would you leave the Isle? You promised Mom—"
Then, it clicked; the real reason Hades was doing all of this. It wasn't for some petty revenge on a retired queen. It was because . . .
"My mother . . ." Mal began slowly as the gears started turning in her head. "She's getting worse, isn't she?"
Instead of answering, Hades raised his right arm and hurled his crackling ember at Mal. The sizzling stone released a piercing blue laser light that locked on Mal, halting her movements for a few short moments.
At Auradon Prep, the crowd of gathered students and onlookers gasped and screamed, their eyes glued to the terrifying sight on the screen. Fairy Godmother valiantly vaulted onto the platform, grabbed the mic, and attempted to take swift control of the situation. "Do not panic, okay? Nobody needs to panic!"
Unlike the others, Audrey seemed to revel in the developing turmoil. "There's your precious queen," she snarled, pointing toward a depleted Mal on the live feed. "She lied to us about being the daughter of two villains. She can't protect us!"
As if on cue, Hades's sinister face and monstrous flaming hair filled the screen threateningly. There was nothing Fairy Godmother could do to calm anyone down now. Terrified students and royalty became hysterical and scattered hastily, leaving only the headmistress and a queen to be sound of mind about the situation.
Meanwhile, back on the Bridge Plaza of the Isle of the Lost, Mal gasped as the beam from the ember struck her. Although her friends believed the ember was draining her of her powers, it was actually the opposite. The ember somehow gave her more strength than she's ever had before, and it showed.
When her eyes changed shade, the calm sea began to stir in rage and fury, waves crashing dangerously on the island banks. The wind picked up speed, whipping Mal's hair around along with the fabric of her dress. Mal's friends and fiancé couldn't hold their balance, having to hold onto the limousine so they wouldn't be blown away.
With an enormous burst of energy, Mal raised her hand eye level to her father. Hades was hit with a forceful gust of air, which blew out his burning hair and extinguished his blazing ember. Hades flew back inside the barrier with it immediately shutting and resealing. Hades tumbled a few times until he fell hard on his back.
Like somebody had snapped their fingers, everything went back to normal, or as normal as it could be.
Concerned for her father's health, Mal took a few cautious steps forward until she was against the barrier. "Daddy?" She cooed softly. "Are you alright?"
Once again, instead of answering—mainly because he had the wind knocked out of him—Hades nodded as he struggled to stand on his feet.
"I'm so sorry, Daddy," Mal apologized as she shook her head in disbelief. "I—I didn't mean too—"
"Don't apologize, Baby Girl," Hades chided between gasps of air. Once he managed to catch his breath, he locked eyes with his beautiful daughter. "I love you, Mali. Don't forget that when you are back in Auradon."
"I love you too, Daddy," Mal called out with a soft smile, though another tear dripped down her cheek. "I promise, I will see you again."
Sadly, Mal didn't realize that the next time they see each other again, she would be in a dangerous situation that could cost her life.