NINETEEN

HADES' HUMILIATION

I thought you would understand,

Evie

Though the Isle lacked sunlight and was plagued by ever-present gloom, the original VKs felt warmth blossom in them as they watched Smee embrace his children. It was a nice change of pace to see that some villains found joy in the presence of their children and were dismayed to watch them leave. Weak rays of sunlight fought their way through the grey clouds giving the Isle one of its 'sunniest' days in months. Placing their luggage in the boot, Jay and Carlos helped the twins into the limo, amused by the wide eyes under their glasses.

On the other side, Evie watched fondly as Dizzy bid her grandmother goodbye. Doing her best to feign indifference, Lady Tremaine fought back her emotions, ensuring she didn't look teary-eyed. Part of her mourned the loss of a valuable worker but she was also losing the one person who could make her smile in spite of the morbidity of the island. Waving around a small object, Tremaine reminded her giddy granddaughter that she was about to leave behind her most prized possession; her glue gun. An affectionate sigh was forced out of her when the young girl threw her arms around the grey-haired woman. Untangling herself from Dizzy, the matriarch took a step back, returning to her facade of disinterest. She dismissed her granddaughter with the flap of her hand, turning away to hide her sadness.

Eva's eyes scanned the crowd, almost like a compulsion. Her heart screamed at her not to. If she never looked, she could never be disappointed. The thunk of the boot closing pulled Eva back into her surroundings. Celia's luggage was secure in the trunk of the limo, and the small group were waiting for Eva so they could set off. Eva berated herself for the distraction. It's a good thing I'm not on guard duty, she thought. The blue-haired woman slid into the limo again, with much less enthusiasm than earlier in the day.

Driving down the dilapidated streets they had once run through, the two generations of VKs reflected on how much their lives had changed. The older VKs had enjoyed vast improvements, never realising how dank the Isle was until experiencing the brightness of Auradon. The younger VKs watched the buildings pass by with fondness. Anticipation coursed through them; they were about to visit a land that had always been closed off to them.

Doing his best not to dwell on the fact that his father had allowed conditions to get this bad, Ben turned his back on the windows. He was grateful (albeit taken aback) when Celia shoved her tarot cards in his face. Eva smiled, knowing how this would end. It was how she ended up befriending the fortune teller in the first place.

Glancing at the card the King had chosen, Celia said, "You're going to be a wise and brave king."

"He already is." Mal complimented, earning a nod of agreement from her blue-haired friend.

Eyes trained on the passing scenery, Eva saw in the window's reflection Celia holding her hand out expectantly.

"Ah." Ben pulled his wallet out from the inside of his jacket pocket, handing over a couple of notes without a second thought. Celia looked at it in awe, never having this much in one go.

A fond smile teased the corners of Eva's mouth. "Still running that trick I see?"

"It seems to pay," she replied in shock, pocketing the money before anyone could take it from her. (Not that a single person inside the limo would even think to.)

Heads popped out of grimy windows, watching as the luxurious vehicle drove by. Hopeful bodies trailed behind, waving to the lucky chosen ones. Quite a crowd had formed to watch the limo approached the barrier. Those in Auradon watched on large screens as the limo made its way through the hole in the barrier. They cheered loudly as the new VKs started their journey to Auradon. With the tail end of the vehicle out of the barrier, Eva turned to watch the hole close.

People dispersed and screamed, dampening the atmosphere once more. A shock of blue hair was visible as a furious body pushed his way through the crowd. Unsure whether to block him or move out of his way, people dashed in various directions, momentarily blocking Eva's view. A fist shot through the minuscule hole left in the barrier. The small contact with magical air was more than enough for the ember in his grip to light up a brilliant blue.

"Stop the car!" Eva ordered, hand already opening the door. "Hades is trying to escape."

Jay slammed on the brakes. Wasting no time, Mal and Ben clambered out of the car, half-aware the others climbed out after them.

"You stay there," said Eva firmly, shutting the door on the younger VKs, preventing them from following.

Disgruntled at being told what to do, Celia scowled but conceded to the authoritative tone used. Assessing the danger, she decided it was best to stay inside the car and protect the younger three. All four children moved to the back of the limo, pressing their faces against the rear-view window in order to get a good look at what was happening. Using his newly returned power, Hades pushed the barrier opening wider with his hands, until he could fit his head through the hole.

"I am a god! I don't belong here," he bellowed, hair bursting into flames.

Not letting their lack of power prevent them from acting, the three men rushed forward in a foolish attempt to prevent the angry god from escaping. Barely lifting a finger, the ruler of the Underworld cast blue flames in their direction, sending them hurtling backwards through the air. Rushing over to her friend's aid, Eva lifted Carlos off the floor, brushing the dirt from his jacket.

"Idiots," she muttered under her breath. She still leaned down to ask if Jay and Ben were unharmed.

Mal watched in horror as the man she loved crashed to the floor. She tried to ignore the emotion coursing through her at the sight of the flame-haired man. It had been years since she last saw him. In fact, nobody really saw him these days. Before she could call out to her fiancé, her eyes blazed green. Purple smoke billowed at her feet.

"Oo, she's going to do the thing." Eva said, slightly excited regardless of the circumstances.

Jay rolled his eyes at her untroubled air. Raising menacingly into the air, the dragon's eyes fixated on the escapee. Triumph gave way to bewilderment when the reptilian form replaced the young woman Hades was looking at moments ago. Well, he thought, I wasn't expecting that. Just like her mother.

Recovering quickly, he reminded himself that freedom was within his grasp; he couldn't allow himself to get distracted. Using the ember, he aimed a bolt of blue light at the scaly beast, hitting her in the chest. Mal screeched in shock, unable to recover in time to dodge the next blast aimed her way. From their position on the floor, Jay and Ben glanced up at her in concern for her safety.

"Come on, Mal. Blast him!" Jay urged, squinting against the midday sun.

A deafening roar shot across the sky, the likes of which could be heard in Auradon. Heat warmed Eva's cheeks. She not-so-subtly unzipped the leather jacket she was wearing. After their excursion to the Isle to get Ben back, Eva had kept the relic from her past life and was certainly getting her use out of it these days. Fire blazed in the dragon's throat, but she didn't release her fury on the god. Incapable of harming the man, Mal used her powerful breath to push him backwards.

Attempting to resist the strong wind, Hades planted his feet firmly on the ground, fighting against the force. Against his best efforts, his feet slipped. His head and hand slid back inside, and the hole closed instantly. A soft orange glow covered the barrier, taunting him and his failure before falling clear again. Hades was trapped once more. Crashing to the floor, the fierce gale sent him rolling back, scattering the crowd watching his humiliation. Terrified of his anger, they scurried back and out of his way.

A mournful screech sounded and Mal began slowly descending. Confident that the threat was over, Jay clambered to his feet, pulling Ben with him. Eva checked that the younger members of their entourage were safe before turning to her family. Numerous pairs of eyes watched the smoky purple cloud vanish, revealing Mal in her human form atop the boot of the limo. Rushing to her aid, Ben and Evie helped her slide back down until her feet were on solid ground once more. Ben wrapped his arm around her, holding her close as his True Love clutched her stomach in pain.

"Are you okay?" Evie asked.

"He was draining all of my magic with the ember," gasped Mal, face twisted in pain. "I could feel it all slipping away."

"You're safe. He's back where he belongs." Evie said reassuringly, squeezing Mal's shoulder.

Aware that the damage was done and his window of opportunity closed, Hades turned, stalking back into the crowd. He disappeared from view when the mass closed around him. Eva scanned the cluster of people, looking for signs that other people were planning an attack. Blood thrummed in her ears. Her heart galloped out of her chest, running down the street. A flash of silver caught her attention, and her eyes darted back to where she had caught a glimpse of black hair. All she saw was a scrap of red fabric as a body disappeared down a shadowed alleyway.

"We should go," said Jay, coming to a stop beside his friend.

His eyes were pointed in the same direction as hers, knowing why she lingered.

"Okay."

A small fire crackled in the stone hearth as the three girls snuggled into the plush couch. Whilst the days were hot and sunny, the small flames provided a comfortable warmth when night fell, allowing the women to sit around in pyjama shorts. One of Evie's beloved romance films played in the background. At this point in the evening, all it did was provide white noise; the trio's attention hadn't drifted to the television once in the past half an hour.

Running her finger along her glass, Eva drew a line through the condensation on her glass of orange juice. Aware that her sister's attention had been dragged elsewhere, Evie lightly tapped Eva's foot with her own.

"Sorry, what were you saying?"

Even though she had been fretting over the current nature of her relationship with Doug, Evie moved away from her own troubles and said, "Jay mentioned something interesting earlier."

Pulling herself up from her slouched position, the frustrated woman turned from her friends for a brief moment to place her glass down on the coffee table beside her, (ensuring it was on a coaster so that Evie didn't attack her about watermarks on the glass top). Her lower back cracked as she straightened, causing her to wince at the prospect of how sore it would be during sentry duty tomorrow.

"Did he? Maybe Jay needs to learn to mind his own damn business."

Ignoring the stern look her sister was giving her, Eva turned to Mal for help, hoping she find a way out of this conversation. Since sharing True Love's Kiss with Ben, Mal had been more in touch with feelings, much to Eva's chagrin. Mal cared about people these days, and openly showed it. Glancing up from admiring her engagement ring, Mal's eyes met her friend's, amusement dancing across her features at the irritation shining in her blue orbs.

"Spill." Mal pressed, imposing some of the dragon strength into her tone.

If Eva didn't discuss this with someone, it would simply eat her up.

Eva rolled her eyes. "It was nothing. I thought I saw him in the crowd but it was probably just a random dark-haired man. Jay is being silly."

"Have you still not spoken to each other since we saved Ben?" Mal asked, not unkindly. This was the first time Eva was willing to open up about her pirate since the night of Cotillion.

"No," she answered, suddenly fascinated by her nails. She picked at the chipped coating of clear varnish on them. Moving her fingers in the light, some spots shone whilst others remained dull. She kept meaning to redo them. "He refuses to see me."

"Well, it's his loss." Mal said, as if it were simply the end of that.

Evie noticed the torn expression on her Eva's face. "What's stopping you from moving on?" She asked. "I mean, Parker-."

Mal frantically gestured for her to stop. The temperature in the room suddenly increased.

"Don't."

Evie's eyebrows raised at the harsh tone. Her sister hadn't spoken to her in that matter since they were ten, and she had offered what she believed was helpful advice on fashion. In her peripheral, she could see the purple-haired woman wincing. It was a subject Mal had tried to broach after Cotillion after seeing them dance together, and Eva almost bit her head off because of it.

They were just friends and she was sick of comments like that putting a strain on their platonic bond. They did their best to laugh it off but every time someone mentioned how cute of a couple they would make, or how they should 'just kiss already' when they were bickering, an uncomfortable tension lingered between them. The more time they spent together whilst simultaneously being single, the more the comments increased.

"If you truly think he wants nothing to do with you, why can't you try to move on?"

"Would you be able to move on from Doug that easily?"

"That's different." Evie defended.

"I thought you would understand, Evie," said Eva softly, almost wounded. "If you must know, Gil said he found one of my posters folded up in Harry's jacket. One of the ones we put up to announce VK Day."

"Oh…"

"Should I move on if there's even the slightest chance? Is that what you would want them to do in one of your movies?" Eva pointed at the television screen as the main couple shared a passionate kiss, rain drenching them both.

Snatching up her glass, she stormed off into the kitchen in desperate need of a breather. A heaviness hung in the air, dampening the previous jovial atmosphere. When they first settled in for their girls evening, they laughed at the new VKs reactions to Auradon Prep, reminiscing about their first day.

Recounting the events of the day, they discussed Hades and his attempted escape. The twins were the only people Mal felt comfortable discussing her physical weakness with. After their miscommunication six months ago, she and Ben discussed their emotions - the good and the bad - whenever they felt overwhelming. Yet she was reluctant to tell him how it felt to have her powers slowly slipping away from her. She was supposed to be a fierce protector, and she liked having that role in their relationship. Admitting she was scared was akin to admitting she wasn't strong enough to help rule and protect Auradon. Even though it was a heavy subject, the three women were making jokes and teasing each other.

Now they were discussing the morbid affair of Eva's decaying love life. What was wrong with them? They should be celebrating, not bumming themselves out. As she opened the fridge door, Eva heard padded footsteps enter the kitchen behind her.

"E…" Evie whispered.

Slamming the carton down, Eva ignored the fact that it dripped onto the counter, picking up her drink and walking past her sister. Clearing her throat, she took a long swig of her juice as she plonked herself down on the couch. A thick lump had formed and she struggled to unclog it.

"Let's see some designs for my bridesmaid dress then," she said, plastering on a bright smile. "And don't even joke about me not being a bridesmaid because I will throw the biggest tantrum you've ever seen."

Evie slowly shuffled back into the room, lingering in the doorway.

Mal's laugh twinkled in the air. "Not many other women were dumped on me as a child and forced to be my friend so… looks like I have no choice but to pick you."

"What a touching speech. I feel truly honoured." Eva placed a hand above her heart. "I accept."

Laughter trailed down the hallway as Evie rushed into her studio, searching for her newest sketchbook. When she returned, she presented the white album to the dragoness. 'Wedding' was scrawled across the front in fancy lettering. When she flipped the page, Mal was greeted with pages bursting with ideas and designs. Dresses, shoes, accessories, decorations, suits, etc. Anything she could think of, Evie had already brought to life (well, on paper).

"How certain were you that I would say yes?"

"Considering the way you've looked at Ben since the day you met him…" Eva started.

"… We didn't think no would ever cross your mind," finished Evie.

Light filled the wide conservatory, catching on shiny strands highlighted in Evie's blue hair. Brows furrowed, Evie span around on her stool to face her best friend, absorbing the words she had blurted out. Surrounded by machines and designs, this studio was her happy place as well as her place of business. Mal hoped that revealing what had been discussed in the royal meeting that morning in Evie's studio would somehow lessen the blow. How could she truly be upset when she was surrounded by so much fabric?

Panic immediately seeped into Evie upon hearing that Maleficent's sceptre and the Queen of Auradon's crown had been stolen. Past history indicated that fingers would point towards the VKs.

"Will this delay us bringing over more VKs?" Evie worried, a crease forming between her brows.

When she made no effort to smooth her features, Mal was reminded of how far the twins had stepped out of their mother's imposing shadow. There was no doubt in Evie's mind that the kids they'd brought over were not responsible for this crime. After all, the original five failed when they had tried breaking into the Museum, and they were far craftier than the new bunch. But numerous evidence showed that people in a panic would pick the easiest scapegoat.

Taking a deep breath, Mal mentioned that the idea of closing barrier for good had been tossed around during the meeting.

"But you said no." It wasn't a question. Evie didn't doubt for a second that her friend had stuck up for their people. "Look at the lives we've built here. We're finally getting to share that with people. Why would they want to stop that?"

Mal sighed, sitting opposite her friend, contemplating her choice of words. There wouldn't be enough time for her to explain the reasoning behind the decision before Evie's upset turned to anger. Even then, she wasn't sure Evie would understand.

"Security. Or maybe peace of mind for everyone in Auradon."

Evie scoffed. After being trapped on the Isle for sixteen years, Evie didn't think peace of mind for those who enjoyed sheltered lives was a good enough reason.

"M, they can't seriously be thinking that no one would ever go in and out of the Isle again. Mal, we made promises. People on the Isle are expecting us to make things better. What about those kids? They wanted to come because we promised they could visit their parents whenever they wanted."

What was the higher powers' solution to that? Either those children were sentenced to life on the Isle once more because of crimes that occurred before their very existence; the small glimpse of Auradon stripped away. Or they would be trapped in Auradon, trading one prison for another.

"Yeah, I know," responded Mal, fiddling nervously with her engagement ring.

Evie pressed her lips together. "Have you told anyone else?"

Unsaid words passed between them. Evie wordlessly conveying her concern to Mal.

"No. I didn't think it was worth upsetting Eva with the prospect that she may never see Harry again. Especially with nothing being solidified."

And that was true. No definitive plans had been set in motion; no plans drawn up. For the long-term safety of Auradon, Mal knew closing the barrier was the best option, especially with the sceptre missing. What was the point in causing her best friend hurt until it was happening? Even then, Mal wasn't sure she could face the blue-eyed girl with the news she may never see her two beloved pirates again.

"It's so great that you're going to be part of these conversations. I know you'll stand up for the VKs." Evie stood, pulling her friend in for a hug. Mal forced a smile on her face, which turned to a grimace when Evie couldn't see. "I'm so glad you're going to be queen."

Eyes squeezed shut, Mal tried not to let the tears show. She wasn't sure who she would be a great queen for. Auradon or the Isle. Would the two ever be able to co-exist?