Hi guys Surprise! An early update for you! I had the idea's for this chapter already floating around my head so I got it written pretty quickly. A MASSIVE MASSIVE THANK YOU to my Beta xez2003. You are truly amazing! I couldn't do this without you. And as always a HUGE HUGE THANK YOU to you all for your reads,reviews, follows and fav's. Once again I will mention that this story has been revamped. Old readers if you feel so inclined leave me a review with your thoughts on the changes? That is all so without further ado take it away chapter 5
DISCLAMER: I DO NOT OWN DECENDANTS ALL RIGHTS GO TO DISNEY ANY DIOLOGE YOU RECONISE BELONGS TO DISNEY I OWN NOTHING!
Mal stood still and silent staring at her mother as she slowly approached her with an evil smirk. She braced herself for the inevitable pain she knew was coming while all of her thoughts turned to Ben. She was certain beyond any doubt that he wouldn't stop looking for her until he found her, even if it meant going to the end of the earth to do so. She just had to hold on until he came. But she could feel her resolve crumble and herself begin to tremble at the sight of the iron blade in her mother's hand as it inched closer to her. Would she be able to hold on until he arrived?
"Oh don't worry dear. I'm not going to stab you." Maleficent smirked, clearly delighted at the sight of her now helpless daughter. She stopped just an few inches away from Mal running the dagger over her daughter's right arm, before stopping just a few centimetres away from her right wrist.
"What do you mean-" Mal started to ask her but her trail of thought was suddenly cut short as pain erupted through her arm as Maleficent sliced her skin leaving a nasty and brutal cut.
Maleficent just couldn't hide her satisfaction at the painful expression her daughter was trying so hard to hide. "Just stabbing you would be too easy and quick, so I enchanted this dagger. Every time you are cut, the iron will slowly leak into your blood and I don't think I need to tell you how painful that's going to be. Do I?" she grinned, quickly shifting sides and leaving a nasty bleeding mark on her left arm.
Mal's whole frame started shaking with the pain that engulfed her now wounded arms. She felt tears building up in her eyes but she gritted her teeth in defiance to hold in a scream. She didn't know for how much longer she could keep it up but she would not give her mother the satisfaction of seeing her at her mercy. "Why?" she managed to gasp out at her mother.
"Why?! Because you betrayed me. You left me in a cage as a lizard, never thinking for one second about how to free me. You were too consumed with that boy and how to act like a princess." she scoffed. "So I decided to give you the same treatment. I wanted to make you feel what it is like to be locked up with no one coming for you. But then I came to the conclusion that it would have been too little for a punishment. I also wanted to see you suffer…at least for as long as I decide to let you live."
Mal glared intensely at her mother. She thought no one was coming for her? She really didn't know Ben like she did. Or her friends for that matter. They would never give up looking for her. With all the strength she could master, she looked up to her mother and growled "I did that to you because you deserved it. You would have destroyed Auradon and Ben if I had given you the wand."
Maleficent felt a deep anger rise within her at her daughter's statement and turned to slap her hard across the face. "You really think you love him?" At her daughter's firm and defiant nod, she snarled. "Well, loving him is about to cost you more pain then you've ever known!" She continued before suddenly lunging towards her daughter again, dagger in hand.
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Mal's mind drifted in and out of consciousness. She didn't really have a sense of time anymore. Every minute felt like an hour and every hour felt like an eternity. She presently felt too weak to even tell for how long she had been kept captive. She could hear the sound of approaching footsteps which only meant that her mother was returning for another round of punishment. Inwardly, she grimaced. She tried gritting her teeth to stop the scream that threatened to escape her lips as Maleficent's dagger drew a fresh wound in Mal's leg.
The unbearable pain tore through Mal's body mercilessly, causing her to slump even more in her chains. The situation was rapidly becoming too much for her to bear and Mal could feel she was very close to reaching her breaking point. But suddenly Ben's promise and his comforting voice broke through her pain. I will find you, Mal. Promise me you will hang on. I love you. And despite her best efforts, she suddenly felt overwhelmed by the memory of his promise and a whimper finally broke through her lips.
"Ben-" she whispered ever so softly as Maleficent started laughing cruelly.
"You really are stupid. Aren't you? He's not coming. He's woken up and realized what I already know. You are not worth it. He's probably already found someone better."
Mal gathered her strength and opened her eyes to glare weakly at her mother, retorting "Shut…up. You…don't…..know…him…like…I…do.."
"Oh? Then why isn't he here yet?" she gloated.
"Because…you are keeping…him from…me. I wouldn't…put it…passed you to…put an unfindable…spell on…this place." She managed to growl weakly.
Maleficent could only laugh again at her daughter's confidence. "As fun as that would be to watch your Beastie boy run around but not find you, no I actually haven't done that."
Mal just glared at her weakly. She didn't really believe her but she was so tired. Her every nerve was now screaming in pain as she could feel the iron slowly invading every part of her body. But she believed in Ben no matter what so she closed her eyes, trying to conserve the little energies she had left until he would come. He will find me.
Mal's senses resurfaced a little while later to the sound of a nearby conversation. "You know. We could just let her stave…or die of thirst." A voice rang out.
"No. She will die only when I say she will." She heard her mother snap as she jammed a cup of water to her mouth. Mal didn't want anything from her mother but instinctively drank it. I need to stay alive…
"Audrey, my dear. You still have a lot to learn about being a villain. Starving and dehydration is a too simple way of torture. Come along. I will continue your lessons." Mal's last thought before losing consciousness again was that she was not at all surprised that the last suggestion had come from Audrey.
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Hailey and Ben quickly returned to the throne room where Carlos was comforting Jane while Fairy Godmother, who they found out had been kept out of the room by a barrier, started fixing the damage to the room. Daniel hurried up and hugged Hailey again.
As Ben looked at them embrace, he felt that hand squeeze his heart again as he thought about Mal. A sense of urgency then gripped him as he turned to address Hailey. "Will you be ok if I go?"
"Yes…in fact I'm coming with you." she said quietly, starting to pull away from Daniel's hug.
"Hailey-" Daniel started gently but she shook her head.
"Don't try to stop me, Daniel. It's about time I repaid some of what my sister did for me."
Ben nodded slowly at Hailey giving her his approval. He just hoped that Hailey had learned her lesson and stayed out of trouble this time because Mal wouldn't be able to help her. But he needed all the help he could get with finding where Maleficent was holding her.
Hailey had revealed to him that the entrance of the underworld was back on the Isle. No matter what it took, he would find a way to convince him to help him. So with a determined look in his eyes, he turned to face his friends.
"Ben?" Jay asked.
"Let's go." He called to the four of them walking out of the room.
"Alright. You guys go look for Mal while I'm going to go talk to her dad. Maleficent had probably taken her to the Isle where her magic doesn't work. Just be careful."
"What? You know who he is?" Carlos asked.
"Yes I do. But now is not the time for explanations. Mal is in danger. There is no time to waste. If you find anything call me. Fairy Godmother has enchanted our phones so they will work even with the barrier".
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As Ben walked down the alleys of the Isle he spotted the many posters of Mal, him and the other 3 VKs calling them heroes. A small smile graced Ben face, despite the current situation, thinking that Mal didn't need a poster as she would always be his hero. She had saved his life, she gave him a reason to live, someone to protect and she had reminded him what it felt to be loved after his mother's death. He would save her even if it was the last thing he did.
Finally, following the directions that Hailey had given him, he arrived near the very edge of the other side of the Isle. The place was completely deserted as if even the villains on the Isle knew better than to disturb the God of the Underworld. He stopped near a cracked wall with shimmering blue flame insignias on it. This was it.
He stepped through the narrow gap and was instantly transported to a dimly lit corridor lined with skulls and bones. He slowly walked along, keeping up his guard. Suddenly, he felt an intense burning sensation running up his arm. It was just for a few seconds before it faded away. The pain he felt could only be coming from Mal. The feeling strangely reassured him. If she was hurting and he could feel it, it meant that she was still alive. He quickened his pace as a response.
Finally he came to stand behind a set of huge black doors. These were also imprinted with the blue flame insignia he had seen at the entrance. He squared his shoulders and took a deep breath. Hades would not be easy to persuade, being a god and all, but Mal needed him and he would not fail her.
Before he could reach forward to knock on the doors, they open on their own. "Enter mortal if you dare." A deep voice rang out. Ben walked in to what must be Hades' throne room. Like the corridor, the room was lit by torches and made of black stone. In the centre of the room, guarded by two skeletons, was a throne made of the same polished black stone with a blue silk seat and backing. And there sitting on it, dressed in a black suit with a flowing cape was Hades.
Ben bowed in respect because even villains had to bow to the gods. And he also wanted to stay on his good side. "Lord Hades!" he addressed him cautiously.
"You have manners, boy. I like that…it has been many years since a mortal has willingly sort me out. What is your name?" he asked.
"Ben and I have come to ask…for your help!" he started. The doors suddenly shut behind him with a loud bang but he didn't let it phase him, and he continued to look at Hades with an intense and determined look.
"Oh? And why is that?" Hades asked, suddenly curious as to why a mortal, let alone a boy, had taken such a dangerous trip to seek his assistance.
"It's about your daughter…she's been kidnapped by Maleficent." Ben had to bite back a whimper, not being able to hide the tremble from his voice.
Hades sighed. "While that is unfortunate, Gods do not interfere with mortal problems."
"But Lord Hades. Why-" Ben wondered…It wouldn't take him long at all…he could save her with a simple snap of his fingers.
"The gods are above such petty affairs." Hades explained.
"Petty affairs?! This is your daughter we are talking about!" Ben yelled not being able to hold his frustration and desperation any longer. "She will die if I don't find her! You have to know what Maleficent is like!"
Hades pondered what the boy in front of him said carefully for a few long seconds before turning to him. "I might consider helping you but my help does not come for free. You will have to prove yourself worthy."
"What do I have to do? I'll do anything!" Ben responded quickly.
Hades gave Ben a small mysterious smile as he clapped his hands and the throne room dissolved into another room with a large tunnel at the end.
Hades whistled shrilly. "Cerberus!" he called and a booming bark answered causing Ben to become suddenly uneasy. "Take him down and my help is yours." Hades said before disappearing as Ben heard approaching growls along with thudding footsteps.
He braced himself as the massive three headed Mastiff came into view growling. "Ok look. I'm quite fond of dogs but my soulmate's life may depend on-" Ben started but was cut off as Cerberus charged towards him snapping his middle jaw. Ben managed to dodge, pulling out his daggers in the process, but he wasn't fast enough and the left head managed to grab his right arm, making him yell in pain and drop the knife.
Ben successfully managed to stab the animal's nose and chin with his other dagger, which made him let go of him. Ben clutched his now bleeding arm as he tried desperately to get away from all three snapping jaws.
Ben grimly realized that he was no match for the creature in front of him and that he was running out of time. Mal needed him and so there was only one thing left for him to do. After what had happened at the Council Gala, he had promised himself that he would no longer become that beast. Yes he had used it to protect the people he loved from harm but for him that also represented a part of his life tied to his past on the Isle. But if that was what was necessary to save Mal, he would tap into it one last time,
He closed his eyes, concentrating on Mal and let his desire to protect her from Maleficent take over his soul. His eyes opened, turning a bright shade of yellow and he roared, shocking Cerberus into a stop. Ben's body grew in size turning him into a Beast. He charged at Cerberus slashing at him with his claws until finally one of them managed to catch the eyes of his middle head, which caused Cerberus to howl in pain and fall over.
"Enough." Hades said as he appeared and marched over to Cerberus, his hands glowing.
"You're a very brave determined kid. I'll give you that" he said.
Ben's eyes once again glowed a bright shade of yellow before he reverted back to his human form. He turned to face Mal's father with an intense gaze. "Comes with having something and someone to fight for."
"Hmm. My daughter seems to be very important to you." Hades hummed leaving Cerberus fully healed, slowly coming over to Ben. Surprisingly, Hades took Ben's still bleeding arm and healed it too.
"So will you help?" Ben asked hopefully.
"You have certainly proven yourself courageous, determined and resourceful. I am impressed. And she is my daughter. Come with me. I will set up a locator spell". He clapped his hands again and they were taken back to his throne room. "Do you have anything of Mal's with you?"
Ben frowned sadly at the question, as he thought about Mal's necklace which she had to break to save him from Uma's spell during the Royal Council Gala. "I-I have a connection to her and she always wears a ring I gave her."
Hades nodded, with a little smirk. "That will be enough. I am a God after all. Now close your eyes and think of her Ben." Ben relaxed with a little smile as thoughts of Mal flowed in his head. Hades placed a hand on his forehead and Ben felt a strange sensation envelope him as Hades' magic went through him.
Ben's eyes snapped open as an image of a familiar cabin close to the Enchanted Lake appeared in his head. He quickly turned to Hades. "Let's go. I know where she is".
"Wait." Hades stopped him in his tracks before he could leave. "I know Maleficent. You will need to be prepared to face her. You might have defeated Cerberus but your beastly power will not be enough against her magic."
"So what do you suggest?" Ben asked.
"A little something to even out the odds. Plus, I have a few friends who are just dying for an opportunity to smell some fresh air." Hades smiled mischievously.
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Mal was unable to hold back a scream as her mother dragged the dagger down along the skin of her side. Thinking about Ben, she concentrated all her efforts on regulating her breathing until the pain subdued a little, enough for her screams to turn to soft whimpers. With determination, she managed to weakly open her eyes to the sight of her mother smiling evilly. Mal had no idea of how long it had been since she was held captive but she refused to give up. She would not give her mother the satisfaction of dying, not when she knew what it would do to Ben.
Suddenly, there was a loud roar from outside the cabin. Her muddled mind was unable to recognize the sound but it doesn't sound like Ben.
"What the-" Maleficent muttered shocked at the sudden noise.
"Your Evilness…..There are dragons outside!" Celia cried in alarm as she rushed in the room, followed by Audrey and Chad.
In her semi-conscious state, Mal wondered if she heard correctly. What? Dragons?
Maleficent scowled at being interrupting but spun around to follow the other three to see the source of the commotion. But before she left, she turned back and warned Mal manically with an evil laugh. "Hold tight my dear. I'm not finished with you."
Mal closed her eyes again, trying to breathe through the pain and conserve the last of her fleeting energies. A few moments later, her pain filled mind was alerted to the sound of a familiar voice whimpering "What did she do to you?" Even in her weakened state, she would have recognized that voice anywhere. With a great effort, Mal forced herself back to consciousness and willed her eyes to open, even if just barely. And she was rewarded with the best sight she had ever seen.
"Ben-" came a husky whisper from her lips.
"Shh. Don't talk. I'm going to get you out of here sweetheart." he said firmly as he grabbed her cuffs.
"Ben…they…are magical…they won't just break-" Mal struggled to say.
"I know. I guessed they would be but I'm prepared." he reassured her gently as his hands shone a bright blue while his eyes glowed yellow.
To Mal's shock, the chains broke free and she fell limply into Ben's arms. An adoring smile graced her lips as she lifted a trembling hand to caresses his cheek "I…knew…you'd…come!" she said weakly.
"I promised. Didn't I?" he smiled as he cradled her gently and pressed her to his chest, relieved beyond words that she was alive and safely back in his arms. Ben quickly lifted her up in his arms, being mindful of her numerous injuries and carried her out of the cabin.
Mal instinctively curled into him knowing that she was finally safe, knowing that Ben would rather die before letting her mother near her again. "The…others…" she managed to mutter.
"Shh. The others are still looking for you. I'll call them soon. Right now I'm more worried about you." he said gently, concern written all over his eyes as he took in her bleeding wounds. He subconsciously held her even closer to his heart. "It's over. You are safe. I will never let you go again."
At his heartfelt admission, Mal's felt a sense of peace invade her. Her eyes closed as her dizziness finally got the best of her. It was okay to finally rest…Ben was here.
Ben started to panic as he felt Mal go limp in his arms. Relief washed over him as he checked her pulse to find her heart beating steadily. She had just passed out. Not wasting any more time, he rushed outside to the ranging battle and yelled. "She needs help. We have to go. Now!"
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Mal's senses returned just in time for her to hear an unfamiliar voice instruct "Lay her on the bed".
She felt a shiver run through her, as she left the warmth and safety of Ben's strong arms, as he gently laid her down on what feels like a soft mattress.
"You may want to-" the unfamiliar voice continued.
"I'm not leaving her." Ben said firmly as he clasped her hand tightly.
"Ben!" Mal started to whimper softly as a pair of unfamiliar hands started touching her numerous cuts. She suddenly felt a familiar tingling sensation invade her senses as magic slowly started to heal her body.
"It's ok sweetheart. I'm here. Lord Hades is just healing you." Ben soothed Mal as he gently stroke her hair.
Mal relaxed focusing on Ben's calming touch. As the pain started to fade and her senses started resurfacing back at once, Mal fully comprehended what Ben had just revealed and suddenly questioned. "How did you convince him to do that? A god wouldn't help me." Mal finally managed to open her eyes, coming to face to face with Hades, who was looking at her with a gentle look in his eyes.
"He would if he was your father." Hades replied gently.
Mal could only gasp at the admission. What?!
That's it! Whoa so Mal now knows who her father is. How do you think she's going to react? Questions questions lol. My fellow Once Upon A Time fans if you picture Hades actor Greg Germann that's what I'm picturing him to look like. EDIT: Since the release of the D3 trailers we now know what Hades is supposed to look like but its up to you readers which look you picture him with. I hope you guys liked this chapter. Review? Pretty please?