The celebration continues with "H" of hangover.
Chapter 5: Here comes Maleficent
It was a happy evening at the Solo villa's terrace in Athens. Although the pumpkin lamps and ghost-shaped candles, the guests were blithely chatting under a cozy light and exotic flowers' scents filled the air. The group gathered for Dorian von Heinstein-Solo's first Halloween party was a merry yet powerful one. The most important members of the Justice League were attending this luxurious party and having fun. In fact, it was great that Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman, Green Arrow, Green Lantern and Flash as well as other guests dressed as comic characters were not busy saving the world tonight.
The carefree atmosphere changed when Julian Solo insisted in knowing why the Princess Aurora's safety was the Musketeer's concerned. Moreover, he wanted to know why she would be in danger while enjoying this luxurious Halloween party.
While the guests and hosts attentively looked at the tall Musketeer, he seriously replied. – Milord, I'm serious about my mission in protecting her. I want to warn you: Princess Aurora has a deadly enemy since she was born!
Listening to the news, Pandora pouted. They were talking nonsense again. But totally enthralled by the beautiful blond girl, the Dark Lord looked concerned and listened to the swordsman. Actually, he was fascinated by the demure maid so he wanted to protect her at any cost. As it was known, Hades had three mighty Kyotos to deal with any threat and in total 108 Specters who were brave warriors that would keep that dangerous enemy at bay.
- Who is this enemy? – Hades asked while he gently and reassuringly squeezed the Aurora's slender fingers. – I would not let anyone harm her. She's under my protection now.
- Thank you, milord. – The Princess sweetly smiled at Hades and her deep corn blue eyes fixed his.
Hades stared back at her with open wide blue eyes. It was the first time a woman showed such complete confidence in him without having a sisterly devotion as Pandora, respect as his Specters or fear as his Skeletons. Aurora's trust made him both powerful yet worried for her safety. Without knowing the reason, the Dark Knight felt something warm and sweet surrounding him as a pure healing cosmo. In fact, her adoringly stare melted something hard and cold inside him for sure. He smiled back and tenderly caressed her soft cheek with his gloved hand. Although the injustice he suffered since the beginning, it was the first time he didn't regret to be the Lord of the Underworld instead of being master and king of other realm. In spite of Zeus' arguments, he was one of Chronos' older offspring and after the defeat of the Titans, he didn't get any special treatment among his brothers and sisters. Nothing that he had now was what he deserved for fighting at his brothers' side. Besides being sent to the dark kingdom of Death, most of the time he was ignored by the deities as well as the humans. All of them know that he wasn't included amongst the twelve Olympians. Now, carefully watching the beautiful Aurora, Hades realized that he could endure an eternity of darkness and death if she were at his side. Her soft and inviting pink lips were the most alluring ones he had seen, no match even to the Goddess of Beauty, and he would want to try them before dawn.
Julian patted his brother's back and added. – Come on, old folk! Stop daydreaming because this is serious!
- Who is this enemy? – Hades asked again, after focusing in what was going on. – I want to know!
- I will show you the enemy's face. - The Musketeer seriously replied. – Then, you'll understand my concern.
The Musketeer took out a piece of paper and he showed a picture of a malevolent pale face of a tall entity dressed in black to the Olympians. – Her enemy is Maleficent, a dark evil person who hates Princess Aurora and wants to kill her at any cost.
With an elegant movement, the swordsman gave the picture to the Lord of the Seas. The blue turquoise eyes were flashing as the host fixed his blue eyes, as deep as the waters at bottom of the sea, on that hideous evil face.
Pandora snorted as she looked at it without interest but with a flinch of distaste. She felt a pang of jealousy, too, watching the attention Hades was giving the blond girl. Although being his sister since mythological times, he never showed such affection to her.
My goodness! All this fuss for this make-up silly Princess and Maleficent! Neither of them, that damned Musketeer and the blondie, would come back again! No matter what Julian says! – Pandora thought while her anger was mounting.
Meanwhile, the Olympian brothers and the guests were talking about Maleficent's identity. Pouting, Pandora looked at the men as they stared at the picture. All this fuss about Princess Aurora was getting on her nerves. If she were on charge as she used to be as commander of Hades' troops, the dark mistress might have pierced the arrogant Musketeer with her trident and threw that stupid girl to the deepest dungeon of Cocytos. However, she had learned not to spoil Julian's fun. So she tried to smile to them and took Dorian in her arms. The baby played with a lock of her silky black hair and tossed it towards her nose. At least, this little man was giving her all his attention and love, so her heart rejoiced. It was a blessing to have her son with her. One day, he would become the wealthy and powerful Heinstein-Solo heir and she expected him to help Poseidon and Hades to defeat Athena.
Because the men kept a lively discussion on Maleficent's identity, Pandora decided to intervene. With a smooth move, she stood up and approach her husband. Putting her hand on his shoulder she sweetly said. – It's just a fairy tale, darling. Besides, you don't need to worry about her, my dear Dark Knight. – She added, addressing her mighty brother.
While Julian carefully looked at the picture, Hades exclaimed. - I would not let this Maleficent approach her.
Pandora chuckled as she left Dorian on his stuffed pony. – Come on, dear brother, this Maleficent is a fictional character so there's nothing to fear! Besides, you're powerful! Who'd dare to challenge you?
The beautiful Aurora smiled at the mighty Batman and sweetly added. – I'm sure you won't let this Maleficent hurt me.
The God of the Underworld kissed the blond girl's hand. – I won't let anyone harm you, my princess.
But the Greek tycoon wasn't optimistic. After carefully looking the picture, Julian retorted with concern. – Goodness! This is an issue!
The Dark Lord barely smiled. – What are you talking about?
- Take this threat seriously! – Julian exclaimed, fixing his blue eyes on his brother. With an ominous tone, he added. – Maleficent is among your troops, brother!
- WHAT? – Hades was in shock. – You're wrong! It couldn't be possible!
The Musketeer stared at them as he moved towards Princess Aurora, trying to protect her. The Dark Knight was in deep thought now. What Poseidon said wasn't possible at all. No matter how fierce, violent or sadistic his Specters might be, no one would dare to harm such a beautiful girl without a good reason. Moreover, they wouldn't dare to touch her, especially if she was under his protection. Besides, the identity of this Specter was unknown to him. So far, no one had talked to him about a Maleficent Specter among his army or a Maleficent star. However, the name wouldn't be unfitting for someone under his orders.
- Don't fool me! - Hades seriously faced his brother and stated. – There's not a Maleficent among my loyal Specters. Besides, they would not dare to disobey me!
- You should be careful, brother. - With a serious look, Julian replied. – Princess Aurora might be in a real threat! Look at this Maleficent! Doesn't it recall you of someone?
- Not among my troops! - Hades shook his head but Julian insisted. The Lord of the Underworld wondered what evil star would be that Maleficent. So far, there were 108 Specters and he knew them pretty well. However, there might be a chance that he was forgetting someone or this was one Specter who lurked in the darkness.
Under her breath, Pandora said. – Maleficent! Oh, my! Men are so childish…!
Julian and Hades looked at each other. Although Hades was the elder brother, he wasn't a hot-blooded guy so he held himself while the head of the Solo family shook his head. Among Chronos' offspring, Poseidon used to be the more passionate and reckless one and certainly he wanted to take actions as soon as possible.
- You should ask this Maleficent to step forward!
Pandora was utterly bored with this discussion so absent-mindedly she played with her enameled nail on her husband's torso. With a broad smile, he winked and blew her a kiss. She smiled back and felt his muscles tightening under the fabric as an unmistakable sign of excitement. In fact, his husband wasn't bad at all but she wished to touch the brawny one who got her wild.
Meanwhile, Dawn was blushing and trembling as she looked at Maleficent's picture. In distress, she closed her eyes. She felt Hades' arm sliding over her shoulder and she nestled into him. It was good to have such a powerful champion at her side.
The Musketeer martially stood in front of them. His eyes watched the guests as he was trying to identify a potential attacker. At a corner, the knelt mummy was alert, fearing some hidden threat. The other guests were puzzled while Dorian rocked on his stuffed pony.
At the other corner of the terrace, the judges looked at each other. None of them had the slightest idea of who was this Maleficent so they were just chatting about it.
Aiacos elbowed Minos and whispered. – I bet it's among your troops, puppeteer! Only a sadist like you would dare to harm such a pretty girl!
- Nope, wingless birdie! – The Griffin replied. – I would have been his champion! Besides, I would take her under my protection and bring her to Ptolomea instead of letting that horrible thing chase her in this world!
The Nepalese judge heartily laughed. – Too late, puppeteer! Now she got a real god to take good care of her.
Minos snorted and took Paddington's neck. Aiacos grabbed the Norwegian's wrists and laughed. It was funny to see them quarrelling in those costumes.
Meanwhile, the Wyvern was in pain with another headache. In fact, the wild night before and some glasses of Isle of Jura whiskey were taking their toll now. Standing still he just sighed while his colleagues continued his lively discussion and kicks.
Without being noticed by the adults, Dorian softly came down the stuffed pony, sat on the polished wooden floor and crawled towards the table full of delicacies. The smell of them was alluring him. In fact, he wanted to eat another cookie or whatever sweet he could grab. His actions weren't noticed by the grown-ups because they were focused in identifying the hideous Maleficent. Benthesikyme wasn't paying attention to the baby, more interested in the last developments, too. Besides, it was his mom's task to take care of Julian's offspring now. The sour woman was proud to be a minor deity but a goddess after all. On the other side, Thetis didn't care because she was among the Marina Generals and they had their lively discussion as well.
- Take a closer look! - Patting his brother's shoulder, Julian insisted and seriously said. –Watch carefully that evil poisoned face! The enemy is a Specter and a powerful one!
Hades couldn't believe it. The black image was a haunting one. But he didn't recall a Specter with such evil features, such hatred branded on the face. Moreover, no one of his troops could be the enemy of such charming beautiful girl. He wouldn't allow it. That was unbelievable. He shook his head.
- You see those hideous horns, helmet and black robe, brother! – Julian replied. – It's a Specter!
- Maybe Maleficent is among us now! – The Musketeer exclaimed and added while taking out his sword. – We must be prepared to protect her, milord!
Finally, Hades asked the chaperone. - Tell us, Musketeer. Who's Aurora's enemy?
Julian made eye contact with his Marina Generals and nodded. Turning to his brother, he reassuringly added. – Don't worry, Musketeer! We are ready to fight this Maleficent!
Watching the knelt mummy and his loyal Kyotos, Hades also said. – Be sure that I can deal with this Maleficent, too.
- I would answer your question, milord. - The Musketeer solemnly stated with a wicked smile while looking around the terrace. - This Maleficent is… Wyvern Rhadamanthys!
There was an ominous silence and some jaws dropped, too. Julian and the Musketeer curiously watched the Dark Lord with a faint smile. A thick mist seemed to have landed over them. The Princess had her hands covering her blushing face. The Judges of the Underworld remained quiet until the tallest furry white animal fiercely stirred up. The other guests carefully looked at the hosts and the gloomy Batman as well as a threesome at the corner.
Meanwhile Pandora just sighed. Stupid immature guys! Watching her husband's face she realized that he was utterly amused. Then she knew who might be the prankster: the one who was able to challenge the gods. She shook her head in disbelief and suddenly she met Julian's blue ocean eyes. Oh, dear! So it had been a prank on Hades, too! She gulped and put her hands together in an attempt to ask forgiveness. Hades' wrath would make all of them feel sorry for this stupid prank.
Only Dorian, who wasn't paying attention to the discussion, crawled towards table and tried to get up but he failed. When he realized that he couldn't reach the cookies, he changed his mind and crawled towards the furry animals. In fact, he found them very funny and appealing as his stuffed toys. Without feeling the tension in the air, he kept on going. The furry pals were closer and they seemed to be friendly. So they might play with him and maybe give him a cookie, too.
Holding Pandora's hand, Poseidon faced his brother. The tension mounted and the mummy smoothly got up ready to attack. The other guests turned their faces with a question mark on them. They feared they were on the brink of the next Holy War.
After some long minutes, Hades softly smiled and patted the princess hand. Then, the hosts and guests burst out in laughter which sounded like Zeus' thunders. Still holding Princess Aurora close to him, Hades gave a deep breath.
Meanwhile, Julian was showing them the picture and pointing out the similarities of Maleficent's attire with the Wyvern's Surplice which made everything funnier. Of course, all the guests shared the Greek tycoon's point of view.
The Musketeer had a hearty laughed as he looked around, in case his deadly enemy was there. As far as he knew, Lord Hades had sent the Wyvern to take care of Julian's baby at the Solo villa. Being Hades at the party, the Kyoto might have come, too. If he was there, he might be in disguise so he bet that his enemy was among that furry bunch. First, he thought Paddington was the deadly Wyvern because this character is famous in English children literature. However, that brown bear was carefree and had a sweet tooth, which didn't match the stern blond judge. So there were two white furry candidates and he must keep an eye on them. Whoever he was, Rhadamanthys must be angry by now which made him laughed again. Maybe his devoted troopers were with him, too: the over-sweet Harpy and the narrow-minded Sylphid. In any case, both of them would be offended by now and crying revenge. With amused turquoise eyes, he stared at the stuffed animals, adding more salt to the open wound. The Kyoto might show his bitter face at any time. But it was a pity because the prankster might have enjoyed to watch his first reaction.
Sitting on comfortable armchair with her legs crossed, Pandora chuckled, too, as she watched the tall white furry animal with his tuxedo top. At the beginning, she wouldn't have matched this Maleficent with the Dragon of Hell. After listening to Julian's points, she must concede that they had many things in common after all. But she wouldn't have minded to tame this dragon and be his Sleeping Beauty in life and death.
Although they all cracked up, the blond judge was pissed off. With a poisoned face, he thought of the worst ways of torturing the tall Musketeer now and when he would be judged in the Underworld. In fact, he'll be ready to tear him apart when he were to step in his Court Hall. That man deserved a great punishment, the one a mighty Kyoto could graciously grant.
Bollocks! I would not allow you to mock me in front of my Lord! You'll be dead! – The furious Rhadamanthys thought. With a roar, he prepared himself for his deadly attack.
Now he was ready to give him the Greatest Caution of his life because he had already recognized that despicable Musketeer. He was the one who deserved his mythological wrath since the last Holy War. Moreover, nobody would ridicule him before his Lord Hades. Before tearing apart his white furry costume, he swore that this stupid human wouldn't live to tell and he focused on his enemy. His golden eyes met the mocking turquoise ones.
Laugh, bloody bastard! Soon you'll be dead! – The Wyvern whispered.
But when he was ready to take off his costume and launch his most powerful attack, he noticed a little form happily crawling towards him.
Damn! This bloody little dude is on my way! - Rhadamanthys thought while he stopped his movements. – Cor blimey! I cannot launch it! Dorian would be hurt!
With a wide smile, Dorian approached him and raised his arms. He remembered who changed his nappy before and the one who was his best friend so far. – DA DAA? Doiee! Doiee! Ooh!
The mighty Wyvern swore under his breath and sternly looked at him. The little buddy was restraining him to attack his enemy.
Not noticing the danger, the baby screamed with delight clapping his tiny hands. – DA DAA! DA DAAA! Doiee! Doiee! Ooh!
Aiacos, who was bursting in tears after laughing aloud, asked. – What's he saying? I didn't get it!
- Maleficent's here! He's looking for Maleficent! – Minos exclaimed before bursting in laughter. – In fact, the old Wyvern resembles Maleficent with less style!
Although he would like to launch his attack, the blond judge turned around to furiously watch his fellows. But he wasn't the Gorgon Medusa so they didn't turn into stone and kept laughing at him, stomping their feet as they were having the time of their lives. The Dragon's wrath was mounting. However, he needed to be calm in order to think clearly. On one hand, he wanted to punish the impious man and took his miserable life. On the other hand, he wanted to keep Dorian unharmed before his Greatest Caution aimed his enemy. Suddenly, the Wyvern realized there was a chance to have his revenge so the man carefully watched the little one, looking for the soft violet aura he had seen before. If Dorian was surrounded by his cosmo, he could launch his attack and the baby would be unharmed. But it wasn't there. Although he knew the baby had a cosmo, he wasn't prepared to use it and protect himself from the Wyvern's attack. The blond judge must make a choice soon. If he succeeded and wasn't dismissed from the Solo Villa after the party, he would teach Dorian to use his cosmo as soon as possible.
Sitting in front of an angry tall white furry animal, Dorian eagerly moved his little arms and legs, shouting. – Doiee! Doiee! Ooh!
Benthesikyme sourly said. – Stop it, Dorian! That's not your teddy bear! This is just a damned flea bag!
In spite of his step-sister's words, Dorian loudly said. – Eaaah? Nee! Doiee! Doiee! Oh!
Rhadamanthys furiously replied. – I'M NOT YOUR TEDDY BEAR!
Listening his outburst, Dorian silently stared at him. After licking his finger, he giggled and happily added while getting nearer the Wyvern. – Doiee? Nee! DA-DAA! DA-DAAA! DAA-DAAAAAAA!
The Musketeer grinned because he knew which white furry fellow was the stern Wyvern. It was amusing to see him dressed like that so he took a picture of the Wyvern just for the record. Later, he would share it in Instagram as soon as his duties were over at the Solo party. For sure, some of his comrades would send it around and he might get sassy comments from warriors around the universe.
Minos sadistically said while silvery threads came out his padded fingers. – Don't you want to hold him in your arms, old spinster? I could make it easier. If you wish, I can make him dance like an elf, too!
The blond brawny man snorted and replied while picking the little one in his arms. – Don't you dare, Minos! You know that he's Lord Hades' nephew, so behave!
With delight, Dorian grabbed Rhadamanthys' neck and giggled. The little one was happy to have found his guardian and best friend. The blond judge just patted his little back to give him comfort. This little buddy wasn't helping him in his revenge. Well, not now but maybe he would be of great help to humiliate the carefree Sea Dragon later.
The handsome Musketeer looked at them with amusement and smiled. His probing turquoise eyes were scornful and alert. It was fun to make the Wyvern angry but it was funnier that he couldn't react to his prank because of that damned kid.
When Pandora realized that her baby was in the Wyvern's arms, she elegantly walked towards him and with a gentle movement, she took the baby in her arms after giving the blond man a sardonic violet stare and softly saying. – Yes, you look like a bitter Maleficent, Wyvern!
The blond judge just snorted. He was humiliated, offended mocked at and, at the end, without revenge. The worst of his nightmares came true.
Meanwhile, Julian Solo offered the Musketeer a drink and a seat near him. He was celebrating that prank on that horrible unibrow man. The Greek tycoon was stuffed of that stern blond man dressed in black who was the baby's shadow. He had to endure his presence every day at his home, just because Hades wanted him to be Dorian's guardian. Whenever he saw his serious face, it was less fun to be around. He was sorry that his son and his beloved Pandora had to share the same place with such a bitter character. But he didn't dare to send him back and challenge what his older brother had generously offered for his son. However, his witty General had been able to make a wonderful prank on that sour man and his brother, too. His Sea Dragon deserved a reward and they would discuss about it later. So they sat together and happily talked, bursting into laughter from time to time.
Watching them, the angry Wyvern couldn't launch his attack now. His only chance was to cast him the evil eye. Well, it was difficult to cast it because his golden eyes were behind the thick material that covered them. Angrily standing at the terrace, the white furry pal looked pathetic.
On the couch, Hades whispered something to Princess Aurora who giggled and watched at the furry animals. Knowing Rhadamanthys' loyalty, he knew that the girl was safe now. – Don't be afraid, Princess Aurora. Nobody would harm you.
The blond girl smiled back and said. – Oh, Rudemantis didn't seem to be a bad man!
Hades smiled. – In fact, he's a loyal man. Be sure he'll never harm you.
Addressing his wife, the Lord of the Seas smiled and asked. – Darling, there are two guests we aren't introduced to. I'll be delighted to meet them! Come here!
The Griffon and the Wyvern came forward and knelt before the deities. After winking to Princess Aurora, the Norwegian judge cleared his throat to introduce himself but he stopped as the doors were open and a tall figure with a fine cloak entered the terrace, confidently striding towards the Greek tycoon. He had a powerful yet aggressive cosmo. He stood still and face the hosts.
The charming host raised his glass of wine and happily said. – Welcome to Dorian Heinstein-Solo first Halloween Party!