The Headless Horseman's failure to dispose of the mother of the child who bears the necklace did not sit well with many of the ones who had stacked a claim upon the Earth. Some had created criminal empires. Illegal hunting expeditions and some just desired to be chaotic or indulge themselves in the pleasantries they adored as much as themselves.
Though many of the Villains were enjoying their new lives and were able to conduct their own activities mostly without any interference they had a duty. Their Master had given them new existence and the promise of any wish to be fulfilled for them. But only if they retrieve the amulet that was in the hands of a child.
It seemed like a most simple task. Many of the villains could easily do this without much of a sweat. Some of them had even taken advantage over children back in the other world. Only their egos or the unexpected interference from lower beings had caused them to lose themselves at the hands of little ones.
Most of them were getting what they desired in the realm of Earth. A Paradise of their own creations and everything they could have wanted was becoming theirs. Time had gone on and so many of them were getting exactly what was denied of them back in the other world.
However, knowing full well what their overlord wanted some had broken away from their indulging fantasies and life luxury to carry out the mission they were given. It didn't take long for those that went about the mission to discover which country the amulet with the child who bears it was in.
It took even less amount of time to find out who the child was and where he lived. The World they were in was different in many ways but yet similar to their own. Only without any pure magic and without anyone with the capabilities like their mortal enemies to stand against them.
The Task at hand was purely so simple that anyone of them should be able to do it. Even one of them that was without any form of power and not of any high class or in use of an army. To find and apprehend a child that is completely incapable of defending himself. Has no father and a mother it seemed was overworked and unable to be around to protect the poor helpless boy that was vulnerable.
Too easy of a task. How can something be simple be such a problem to carry out? Already there were those that tried and failed to capture the boy.
First it was the high-class Cruella who attempted to snatch the boy while he was a petty trip with his classmates. If she could have a couple of goons snatch a batch of puppies and buy an entire city full of pet shops of its puppies among so many other animals she either bought or had taken by illegal means and turned them into coats and jackets for adoration and for use of protection from weather then it should have been a problem for the likes of her.
But she failed miserably. She was within arms reach of the child. All she had to do was grab him and take off before anyone could have noticed. Yet, like before she allowed pesky dogs get the best of her and her ill temper had caused her more grief which now she was rotting inside a jail cell making all the prisoners within miserable with her insatiable cursing and demanding. Driving some of the prisoners to the brink of wanting to take their own lives to escape the accursed yelling from the woman that eventually was put in solitary confinement just so no one would have to bear anymore of her screams.
The Next attempt came from the Rattigan. A Professor that took his arch nemesis years to even track him down and always avoided apprehension. Who committed many terrible deeds and heists that were the talk of all of mousedom. Both feared and respected there was no possible way he could fail having used the child to find where he lived and taking the amulet should have been a piece of cake.
But he too had failed miserably. One as smart as him failed to realize that a certain group that were against him and his cohorts had found their way to Earth and now were staking their own claims in it. In this case the child was being watched a nanny and a bunch of lower mice who managed to mess up a simple snatch and grab.
Though his failure was infuriating he did gain much needed information from the household itself. Now they knew where the child lived, and they knew about the only family he had. His Mother the Chief of the local law enforcement. A Woman who prided herself on safeguarding the city even though it seemed her efforts were partially futile giving the fact that she always was away from her precious son and never seemed to have a moments rest.
This was the perfect opportunity. Take out the mother then the city itself would fall into chaos. The Child would be such grief that he would be more vulnerable to get to or at the very least leave the amulet unguarded to be grabbed.
Yet again it was met with failure. The Mother was saved by two heroic figures from their world. Not only was the mother saved but now it was clear that their enemies knew their intentions. They had the advantage but now it was gone. It would now only be a matter of time before those responsible for all their defeats and even their deaths would stake a foothold on earth and the capture of the child and retrieval of the amulet would be nearly impossible.
Their plans were now in jeopardy. If their enemies knew what they were up to then that meant they know about the amulet that could bring them all to their second doom. It could not happen. They must get that amulet before their enemies could dig into a defense. But the question was how?
Back in the world of Ethiopia a disgraced dark fairy was pacing in the throne room of her castle upon the Forbidden Mountain. She had heard the news of the headless horseman's failure to kill the woman who was the only family to the wretched child that had the amulet.
She paced for a few moments stomping her staff on the floor in anger. "That headless fiend had only one duty!" She seethed turning around and dropped onto her throne. "That demigod and fox will answer for their insurgency to our plans!"
Thunder boomed outside her castle as the weather outside was motivated by her emotions. Her dark power was great giving her so many different abilities and spells that only she could cast. She was apex of all evil. Once believed to be the epitome of it that was until something far worse than her finally shown itself from Bald Mountain. So powerful that it brought her and dozens like her back from death itself.
Given to her status as the highest dark sorcerous of all Ethiopia she given the ranks of the Head mistress of the council that was formed by Chernabog himself. Out of many of the villains that were given life again it was chosen by the Demon himself who would carry out his orders. They would come together to form a new power that would unite them all against any foe.
They were all defeated once separately due to their working alone. Their minions were nothing and easily handled. And even the Villains themselves were disgraced by their enemies with their own defeat. Their Ego's and their underestimating of those that stood against their triumphs allowed them to be destroyed.
With the formation of the Dark Council this could never happen again. Now they would unite under extreme circumstances and hear from their overlords' words himself on what they must do. His demand was simple and yet by now it still wasn't fulfilled, and Maleficent found herself to become rather worried.
She groaned feeling an ack in what little of a heart she had within. It would only happen when deeds of good were carried out. The Saving of the child's mother put such a heavy pain on her she winced from the sharp tug within her.
Almost letting go of her staff out of heavy ack she stomped her heeled foot before the ache finally left her. Tightening her grip on staff and making a fist in the other too much time has passed, and their advantage was gone. They had found the child long before their enemies did. Why didn't they get the child before they were interfered with?
"Useless fools! Every one of them!" She steamed putting a hand on her forehead. The Feeling of goodness always annoyed her to no end. How long she had desired to have her vengeance upon the Prince that defeated her and the princess he fought on her behalf. One of her many desires along with casting realms in complete darkness. People knowing nothing but fear and cold terror in their hearts. To never have hope and live their lives in misery. A Fantasy she soon made real only if she wasn't stopped before.
Now she had a chance to make it all come true again. And due to the failure of those beneath her the dream she had once again slipped away from her fingers. "What am I to do?" She asked herself as a raven came flying down from window high above the throne.
The Raven was the beloved pet of Maleficent. The only creature under her that she showed any true care towards. Unlike the minions she commanded over this bird of hers never failed in the tasks he was given. He was a good scout and a clever spy. It was thanks to him that he learned the whereabouts of the Princess that evaded her eyes for sixteen years. Thanks to her pet she was on the brink of total victory. Until she was utterly defeated.
When her pet was turned to stone by the good fairy's she momentarily had a bit of grief over his apparent demise. But when she was brought back to life so was her pet. Gracious over her pet's revival only he could calm her rage.
Maleficent heard a loud caw come from above. She looked up to see it was her raven flying in descending circles before coming upon the arm rest of her throne. "Diablo, my pet." She cooed taking a hand and gently stroked the feathers of the raven.
Diablo stood in place and smiled at the affection always enjoying his mistress's attention. Never has he made her upset or failed in the tasks which she had given him. Always he was rewarded with the affectionate hands of her anytime he was near her. If his presence could please her then he would do it if not by directing her forces to where an intruder might be and rally them if said intruder was discovered by him.
"Times are not well, my pet." She informed while continuing to stroke his black feathers. "Seems incompetence runs far more outside my domain than I once believed. It is no wonder how they all failed in their own endeavors. And yet I am the head mistress of this wretched council!"
"Their failures represent on my behalf." She sighed lowly. "Our lord will not be pleased. He may just smite me for this!" Diablo cawed lowly flying up and perching on her should giving her a sympathetic look.
"Yet. I do believe this can be turned to our advantage. Perhaps it is time to take a more personal approach." She thought out loud. Then the ball on her staff began to glow. Usually, it would happen when she would cast a spell but glowed very bright without her dark power surging through it. It only meant one thing. Her Lord desired her presence.
Maleficent shook in worry. She was not one to show fear to anyone. All feared her as she was the Mistress of Evil. The Dominate one and the bringer of misfortune. But Chernabog was far above her both in power and mass. He was a mountain. A True entity of all evil. And he was desiring her presence right now.
The Dark Fairy stood up and drew her staff forward. Shotting out a purple streak of lightning towards the center of the throne room, Maleficent stepped forward till she was near the stars that descended to her right. In a flash of lighting from the outside and from within a loud boom of thunder shook the castle as a towering figure emerged from a puff of thick smoke in the throne room.
Chernabog appeared from it opening up his great wings revealing his demonic form. His glowing yellow eyes narrowed at the lone figure that stood within his presence. She maintained a sturdy face and was at attention not even blinking at the sight of him, but he could smell the fear come off of her. It was delicious to see those of the blackhearted be as much as afraid him as those of the light.
"Maleficent." He boomed crossing his arms standing so tall in the cloud of smoke he took up most of the room. He may not be there in person, but his presence was felt all the same. "My Shadow minions have informed met that the capture of the petty child is taking longer than it should have. I believed you all were capable of such a task?" He growled as his fists were clenching.
"My lord Chernabog. I do regret to tell you that it is due to the incompetence of some, but I assure you that child will be in our hands." Maleficent assured but Chernabog grumbled loud enough to cause the throne room to shack so much that some of the bricks fell out of place.
"I don't have time for your excuses, fairy!" He spat slamming his massive to the floor causing an earthquake that made the castle shake so massively that pieces of the roof fell from above and one piece nearly fell onto Maleficent. Diablo in fear of the dark being flew behind the throne to where only his long yellow beak could be seen.
Maleficent couldn't help it and shook herself. Once she never showed any sign of fear but with her and others having pledged themselves to their new overlord he made sure they all fell in line. They had no choice in the matter but with it came something they would all come to know. They are just as vulnerable to fear as those they preyed upon. They too can feel the same feeling they enjoyed seeing in the eyes of others.
"This has gone on for too long now!" Chernabog boomed so loud that Maleficent winced from the loud noise. "I gave you all explicit instructions. I gave you life. I promised rewards of all you desire. I made YOU head the council. And how am I thanked? I kept within the confines of my mountain! That amulet is still in the hands of a child! And I cannot stake my claim across the realms until its retrieved! Tell me, Maleficent have I made a mistake in giving you all life again?"
Maleficent quickly replied though her own eyes were showing she was deeply afraid of the gargantuan being in her throne room. Why did her mountain exist so close to his own? Bald Mountain where his reach can stretch forth and appear outside of it even though he wasn't there. Maleficent was ideal to make the head of the council and through her his will can be carried out.
"My Lord and Master. You have not made any mistake. If anyone is to blame it is those we sent forth to gain the amulet for you. They were poor choices. Feeble and insignificant." Maleficent explained trying her best to sound serious, but Chernabog was no fool.
"Your right. Poor choices. The Councils choices. Your choices!" He shouted putting his hands on the edge of the stairs moving his head down to her to where he was eye level with her. He looked so close to her that she could only see herself in one of his eyes.
"These choices of yours are costing me precious time! I have waited an eternity for this. I will not wait another." Chernabog growled tightening his grip on the stairs to where they started to crack. "You will bring me that child. I want him cowering at my feet. I want to hold him in my hands and rip the amulet from him then I shall take his soul and feed off his fear for all time! An appetizer to fit the meal of souls I will feast on. Remember your place, woman! I gave you and your life. I can easily return you all to the grave and instill an eternity of suffering!"
To make his point clear Chernabog showed his index finger and thumb on his left and put them close together as if he was squeezing something. Maleficent felt her own heart be pinched. She cried out from the sharp pain dropping her staff huffing and groaning holding onto her chest as Chernabog pressed his finger and thumb closer to where the Dark Fairy dropped to her knee's and cried out sharply as the pain was unbearable.
Chernabog smiled wickedly withdrawing his hold upon the heart of the head mistress of the council. He chuckled darkly having made his point clear. "Do not fail me!" He warned. "I shall be watching and if you and those under you fail me then your deaths will be the beginning of your suffering. Farewell." With a flash of lightning Chernabog vanished in the cloud of smoke and his essence returned to the mountain nearby.
Maleficent panted heavily as her heart hurt tremendously grabbing her staff and used it to pull herself back to her feet. She despised her master. She hated him. No one has ever done something like to her in all her existence. From the beginning of her wicked life no one made her drop to her knees, but Chernabog did so and that frightened her. Having lost her life once and been exiled in the underworld for it till she was brought back to life but if she dies again then her suffering would be much worse. She had come too far to fail.
"I must gather the insatiable council." She grunted moving back to her throne. "It's time to take new measures." She tapped her staff in rhythm on the floor summoning a group of her goons. "Summon the council!" She ordered and her minions bowed before leaving to fetch those that were called for.
It did not take long till the council members to arrive. Once the goons showed up at their hideouts and sanctuaries they all came without hesitation. It was rare for them to be called forth as everything had gone according to plan since the beginning. The Invading in secret on the world of Earth went off without a hitch.
Each of the council members were in command of various villains. Though the term of command was insignificant at times as most only kept to themselves and did as they pleased. But when a direct order came on behalf of any of the council members they answered and carried them out. But now the orders that were given to the ones that failed to capture the boy or retrieve the amulet and even fail to dispose of the mother of him were in question.
The First to enter Maleficent's was Jafar the second in command of the council. His manipulative ways and lust for power with command of a palace made him the obvious choice. The next to enter was Ursula the sea witch. Her cruel and vile ways of tricking the unfortunate souls that cross to sign themselves away for feeble wishes that don't come true made her another valued choice for the council.
Next was the captain of the Pirate ship that was responsible for countless looting and pillaging of ships and coastal towns, Hook. Captain Hook no one ever calls him by his name without the addressing of authority.
The third from the last three was the lord of the underworld himself, Hades. For ages he believed himself to be the Lord of the dead. It was not a job he desired and was abruptly given. He stacked his reign but hated it. But it had its uses.
The Last two members of the council were a rather peculiar choice. A Tiger and a Lion. Both of them lords and fallen kings of jungles and plateaus. They commanded respect and instilled fear among entire animal populaces. Crafty and cunning they were suitable choices.
Once they had gathered immediately the bickering started. "Dare I say I am so glad to be called forth, but I didn't come from a pit watching the hydra tear about dozens of warriors just to let two pussy cats call me out for my hair!"
Shere Kahn growled though he kept a considerable distance from Hades. Fire was the only thing the Tiger was afraid of and the blue flames burning about the god made him wince. "Just stay back from me!"
"What's the matter kitty cat?" Hades teased "Too hot for you to handle?" He walked closer to him a ball of fire in his hand.
"Stay back!" Shere Kahn warned hissing at him but the fire that burned in Hade's hand made him shiver.
"Enough! I did not come here to be surrounded by idiots!" Scar grumbled as he laid on one of the treads of the stairs looking at his sharp claws.
"On that much we agree." Jafar said as he slumped in one the chairs near the table at the center of the room. A Black tentacle brushed up his side.
"So, tense. Perhaps you should let yourself relax in a gentle hold, handsome." Ursula the sea witch chuckled only to be met with a Snake staff pointed directly at her.
"Try brushing me with your slimy appendages again and Ill fry you and have served on the market!" Jafar warned as his staff with an open mouth on it created a small ball of red flames.
Ursula chuckled backing up only to bump into the Pirate who was busy polishing his hook. "Hey! Watch it! Ill string you up like the fish you are you scurvy, witch!" He warned bringing out his pointed sword aiming it in her direction.
"I just like to see you try it! Perhaps I could call on a certain croc that's eager to make meal out of you. I do happen to have a few friends in the sea." Ursula snickered making the Pirate cringe. The mere mention of the crocodile that ate his hand and stalked him ever since always frightened him. Even more so when he nearly had him after his last humiliation from the boy that was responsible for the lost of his hand in the first place.
"You wouldn't dare!" Hook mumbled.
"Try me, dearie!" Ursula chortled waging her finger making a clicking sound like a ticking clock making Hooks pointed mustache move up and down like clock hands.
"You wretched sea dog! Ill keelhaul you for that!" Captain Hook raised his sword and charged at her. Scar watched with amusement while the others awaited the inevitable. Maleficent who had been sitting on her throne listening to the council act like complete imbeciles this entire time was infuriated.
Her own patience had worn out. She didn't summon them just for them to tear at each other. This child like acting is partially the reason they have failed this far in fulfilling their masters' orders.
Just before Hook and Ursula could clash a loud crack of purple lightning struck between them. "FOOLS! IDIOTS AND IMBECILES THE LOT OF YOU!" Maleficent seethed gaining everyone's attention staring up to the head mistress at the top of the stairs.
"You're a complete disgrace to the forces of evil! I see children in front of me instead of those I once believed were worthy of this pathetic council!" She grunted as made her way down the stair case with Scar jumping off letting her step down.
"Who are you calling a child, lady?" Hades huffed as he stopped his teasing of the tiger looking at, Maleficent. One of the many things he hated was being made a mockery of. "I should roast you like a turkey!"
"Don't flatter yourself. As you should stay that temper of yours. Lest it bursts that simple mind of yours!" Maleficent mocked coming down from the stairs and moved to the front of the rectangular table.
Hades mumbled lowly as his blue flamed hair momentarily turned red in rage till he cooled off. How much he wanted to flail the fallen fairy he knew he couldn't do that as she answered directly the master himself and her loss would mean the one responsible will answer gravely for it.
Jafar sat on his chair while the rest adjusted themselves sitting in their own chairs or by the table. "What has brought you to summon this meeting?" The Sorcerer asked.
"It is the one and only reason. The Child has alluded our grasp far too many times now. We have endeavored in our new lives long enough. Our master is growing impatient. It stands on the tip of a sword that is ready pierce through our hearts and send us back to oblivion if we do get what he wants." Maleficent explained.
Ursula tapped her tentacles on the ground impatiently. "Do not blame any of us. If we went ourselves it would simple as snatching the soul of a wanting creature." She exclaimed.
"That is exactly my thought." Maleficent nodded. "It's time to show the realm of Earth that they are no longer safe. We have existed in the shadow of myth and rumor. But no more. Its time pull every resource we have gathered. Call upon every accomplice we have gained and make our move upon the city where that boy lies. Our enemies are aware of our motive to take him. We must strike before their defense takes a true hold."
Scar chuckled darkly. "That will simple as pushing a brother off a cliff." He scratched his sharp claws on the table carving through it like warm butter.
"The Hunt will enjoyable, and I will personally devour him." Shere Kahn licked his lips salivating the taste. He had eaten many men before, but man cubs were the tastiest of them all. Their innocence robbed along with their lives made it more salivating.
"No!" Maleficent stated sharply. "The Boy must kept unalive and unspoiled as instructed by our master. He will with the child as he see's fit. Now leave and gather what forces you have and prepare yourselves. London will know the meaning of fear very soon."
Every one of the council members nodded. One by one they left but soon it was Hades that was left. He moved next to Maleficent who never left her chair. An ache in her heart was left from when her master put his squeeze on it.
"You certainly know how to command authority my lovely horned fairy." Hades moved behind her putting hands on her shoulders and rubbed them. "I genuinely liked your little insult on me. It almost hurt actually."
"It was intentional." Maleficent pointed out as the hands of the fallen god soothed her even if it was only a minor comfort.
Hades laughed. "Of course, it was! Your never one to hold back your feisty nature. That's why I like you!" He teased the bottom of her chin nearly gaining a smile from her. A Short time ago the two of them gained a mutual respect of each other's ways. Both having kingdoms of their own to rule. A Desire for conquest and to bring the light of the realm into darkness. It was invigorating if not attracting. No one not even their minions knew just how close their lords were with each other.
Maleficent raised a hand rubbed it against the cheeks of Hades. If there was someone who understood her it was him. He could sense her worry. "Ah don't worry about the sniveling brat. We'll have him in no time." He assured.
"That I can believe. I will not lose myself again! And no one will stand in my way!" Maleficent vowed.
"That's right, dear! Show the realms your true nature. Dig in and show them all just how chaotic you can be. And do make a good show about for I will have a ring side VIP seat for it!" Hades asked moving so close to her ears that the razor teeth he had brushed against them earning a moan from the dark fairy.
"Perhaps you should watch that curbed tongue of yours! Or it could ruin those swords you call teeth." Maleficent snickered.
Hades laughed at that joke. "Oh, sizzle! And a steak to add to that. You never cease to amaze me!"
Maleficent grinned at the God. "And I never will. So long as you keep to your place then perhaps I may allow you further into life. That is if you can watch that temper of yours."
The Dark God shook in delight. "Maybe I will. Or maybe I won't. You can try to tame me but you're the one who is the beast within. Ill be taming that beast in due time. Ill have you chained like Cerberus!"
"Not on what life you had before your death." Maleficent retorted making Hades laugh once again. She knew how to push his buttons. She is the only he allowed that to be as she was a beauty for one so dark. So rare to find even in death. How lucky can a god be?