Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Up high on the balcony of Bargain Castle, a little fairy observed the tumultuous party occurring a couple of houses down the street. Six-year-old Malice “Mal” Bertha pulled on her purple hair as she saw the tiny princess that was being celebrated.

Evelyn, the so-called “Fairest of the (is)land”, with dark blue hair and a makeshift tiara on her head. Mal scoffed, eyeing as Evelyn giggled in delight at her guests from her little throne.

Guests that didn’t include her because apparently the Evil Queen and her daughter decided to invite literally everyone on the Isle except her.

A horrible mistake. One they would regret for sure.

She still remembered the utter shame she felt once she realized it.

Uma groaned loudly as sat down and placed her forehead on the table, teal braids cascading around her.

Mal raised an eyebrow in curiosity from her seat. “What is it?”

Uma and Mal had been friends – well, not friends. Villains don’t have friends, more like allies, for about two years now. They usually met up at either Ursula’s Chip Shoppe, owned by Uma’s mother or the goblin’s Slop Shop to hash out any plans for evil schemes and pranks they might pull.

That day they were at Ursula’s Chip Shoppe on a table far to the side for the sake of privacy. Mal suspected that Uma’s current state of glumness was because of something Ursula had done or said to Uma.

She raised her head, looking annoyed. “Mama’s making me go to the stupid princess’s party.”

Mal blinked, confusion settling over her. “What party?”

Uma’s brows furrowed as she sat straight in her chair. “What do you mean ‘what party’? The one for Evil Queen’s little brat.”

Mal rolled her eyes. Of course, the little princess was having a birthday bash. “I didn’t know about it.”

“How?” Uma questioned. “Literally everyone was invited, even –” She gagged, a hand on her chest. “The Gastons.”

Usually Mal would laugh at the way Uma talked about Gaston and his twin sons, but what she said hit her hard. “Everyone? You’re not being dramatic or anything, right?”

Uma made a noise of annoyance. “Yes Mal, everyone. I even overheard Captain Hook talking with his wife about possible gifts. How have you not heard about it?”

Captain Hook? He was a pirate; the Evil Queen always said pirates were ruffians or something–not that she listened to her much. If those two were invited and if everyone was truly invited like Uma said then –

“Were you not invited?” Uma asked tentatively, disbelief clear in her tone.

Mal glared at her. “Haven’t gotten my invitation.”

“Are you sure?” She leaned forward on the table, a small grin settling on her face. “Cos it sounds like maybe you aren’t going to get one.”

“Shut up!”

“Nah.” Uma didn’t even move, just kept her eyes on Mal. “I just have one question.”

“What?” Mal snapped.

“How are you getting payback?”

She paused before grinning as an idea lit up in her head.

Mal glared at the two-story red cake that was brought out by Dresden, the birthday girl’s father. She could practically smell the sour apple flavor of it as Evelyn cut into it and her father cheerfully distributed them.

Ugh, joy. There was no place for that emotion on the Isle of the Lost but clearly, she was the only one bothered by it at the moment.

Mal grumbled, fists clenching in quiet fury as the children gleefully tore into their baddie bags. They contained a small variety of baby animals, little sidekicks to the little villains. She could see Uma, easily noticeable by her teal hair receiving a small fish bowl, which was eclipsed by the princess squealing in glee at her new baby red parrot.

Her eyes narrowed in annoyance, she wouldn’t let this go on, she couldn’t let this go on.

“Mother!” she called.

The shadow cast by two looming horns made their way towards her. She patted one of the little stubs on her scalp where her own horns were growing.

“What is going on here?” Maleficent, the Mistress of Evil demanded, cape billowing as she stalked towards her daughter.

“It’s a birthday party.” Mal pointed to the party down below with a frown. “And I wasn’t invited.”

“Is that right?” Her mother asked. She gazed down at the celebration, her general expression of displeasure visible.

“Celebrations are for the rabble.” Her mother scoffed. Mal knew her mother despised parties of any kind. Given her history, Mal wasn’t surprised.

“Nevertheless, Grimhilde will learn soon enough from her spiteful little mistake!” her mother declared. “No one should ever dare to insult me!”

Mal’s frown deepened, but she didn’t dare argue. Of course, her mother would think of how this would affect her and her reputation. Mal’s reputation was not nearly as infamous or as important as her mother’s. Yet.

Mal would make sure that people would quake in fear at the mere thought of disrespecting her, she would be just like Maleficent. It was what her dark heart desired more in this whole world and she would reach her goal, no matter what.

Maleficent stepped to the balcony’s edge, raising herself to her full height as lightning cracked. Since there was no magic on the island, this was just a wickedly good coincidence.

The party came to a halt, all the gathered citizens paralyzed at the sight of their leader glaring down at them with the full force of her wrath.

“This celebration is over!” Mal’s mother declared. “Now, shoo, flee, and scatter, like the little fleas you are! And you! Grimhilde! Your reckoning will arrive soon enough!”

The assembled guests dispersed like a bomb had been about to drop on the castle. Maleficent’s frightening henchmen, these boar-like guards wearing aviator caps pulled down low over their hooded eyes, stared them down just in case. Mal caught a last glimpse of the blue-haired princess being whisked away by her father as her mother glared at Maleficent before turning away.

Mal felt triumph settle in her body as her misery had caused such panic and fear. She smirked down at the spot of the now empty party.

Maleficent huffed and turned away without another word, heading to her throne room, most likely to once again plot against all who had wronged her and figure out a way out of the Isle.

Evie whimpered, a sob threatening to escape her throat as her daddy held her in his arms. Her party had been going so well, the cake was delicious, everyone was smiling and laughing and she even got a baby parrot as a gift in her baddie bag, she was going to name him “Othello” but she hadn’t had the chance to tell anyone since the mean lady – Maleficent had scared off everyone and threatened her family.

Why did she do that? They weren’t hurting anyone; they were just having fun.

She sniffed, burying her head in her daddy’s neck. Evie felt him carefully remove the tiara from her head, but besides that he didn’t move her, only held her more securely.

“Why would she do that?” Her daddy questioned as he sat with her on their slightly lumpy velvet couch. “I thought the Dragon didn’t care about parties.”

“I have no idea.” Her mommy huffed. She couldn’t see her but she could imagine her turning up her nose and crossing her arms. “She’s always had something against me.”

Daddy sighed. “My love, did you do something?”

Evie paused, beginning to listen more carefully at her parents’ conversation.

“Of course not Dresden.” Mommy replied.

“Grimhilde.” Her daddy said her mommy’s name in a very stern tone; it reminded her of whenever he was scolding Evie.

Her mommy was quiet for a little bit before she grunted. “I was just–” She cut herself off. Daddy was probably giving her the look. “I didn’t invite her daughter.” Mommy admitted, her voice so low, she probably wouldn’t have heard it if she hadn’t made herself quiet.

Evie moved from her daddy’s neck and looked at her mommy. She was glaring at the ground, her blue hair like Evie’s wound up tight in a bun, not a hair out of place as everything fell apart.

This was mommy’s fault? Mommy made Maleficent angry? Why would she not invite her daughter? Evie didn’t mind it. It was one more person to eat cake with her, so why had she done it?

“Why?” Evie asked. Her parents froze, looking at her hesitantly.

Her mommy harrumphed. “To assert dominance, of course!”

Her daddy stared at her mommy as she placed her down on the couch next to him. “Evie, could you please go to your room? Me and mommy have grown-up things to talk about.”

“No, I want to talk too.” She argued, puffing her cheeks. She wanted to stay, to understand. She knew she was a kid, but this was her birthday party that had been ruined. She deserved to be a part of this conversation.

Mommy stared at Daddy for a long moment before her shoulders slumped, and she turned away. “Evie, please go.”

Evie looked to her mom’s sad expression to her dad’s tired one and back, realizing that no matter what she did or said, she was still a little kid and they weren’t going to involve her in whatever they were going to talk about.

“Fine.” She huffed, getting down from the couch. She headed up the stairs of her castle, tears forming on her eyes as she shut her bedroom door and plopped down on her pillows.

A sob escaped her throat, and then a second, then another, and suddenly she was full-on crying on her pillow, her wet makeup dirtying it up in random smudges. Mommy will be so mad when she finds her. She’s not supposed to ruin her makeup, it’s unbecoming of a princess.

But at the moment she didn’t care, she just needed to let it all out as she gripped the pillow, trying to muffle her cries. Why had her mommy been so mean? She knew her mommy was a villain, and that villains were mean, but she ruined everything?

Why couldn’t today had been better?

Seven-year-old Jayyad “Jay” bin Yahya skittered home, footsteps as light as possible as he and his dad reached the latter’s shop.

“Inside, inside.” His dad, Jafar scuttered him inside, locking the door hurriedly as they finally reached a safe space.

The ruler of the Isle of the Lost, the infamous Maleficent, was one terrifying woman. Jay’d briefly seen her before, but he mostly avoided her due to his father’s warnings and the fairy’s own reputation. The day’s display only further enhanced that habit. He did not want to be in the Evil Queen’s place.

“What was that crazy witch thinking?” His dad mumbled as he peeked outside through the curtains. “Spiting the Dragon? I don’t know if she’ll survive the week.”

Jay glanced at the little fish bowl he had been holding the whole time. He didn’t know how he managed to get to the Junk Shop without spilling much water, but he wasn’t about to complain. The little moray eel swum around it aimlessly without a care in the world.

He wished he could do the same.

His dad turned back to him. “What are you gonna name it?”

“Dunno yet.” He shrugged, placing it down on a random table.

Jafar hissed, almost immediately picking up the fish bowl. “Look at where you’re putting it.” He chided, prompting Jay to look at the table where he’d placed his new pet. It was covered with wires and small electronic devices.

Oh.

“I’ll be more careful.” Jay replied dutifully before taking the little eel from his father.

His dad stared him down. “You better.”

Jay shuffled towards his bed – well, it wasn’t really a bed, more like a carpet that was under a shelf straining under stuff like radios, telephones and old television sets.

He lied down, placing the bowl in front of him. With how frantic his dad was and would probably be for the rest of the day and a little luck, his dad wouldn’t ask him for any of his lootings. With the excitement of going to a party, it had completely slipped his mind and now he had nothing to show for today except his new pet.

Jay hummed in thought. “How about…Lagan? Like Lagoon?” He murmured, staring at the tiny thing floating in the bowl. “You like that name?”

The eel stared at Jay with a blank expression. “I’m assuming you like it. Lagan it is!”

“Jay! Quiet!”

He flinched, instinctively curling into himself. “Sorry dad.” He whispered.

Five-year-old Carlos De Vil trembled, the little black kitten in his arms shaking with him. Maleficent had left his sight ages ago but he couldn’t shake the fear that coursed through him at the sound of her rage. How could anyone dare to anger her?

He coughed, the smell of his mom’s cigarette making his eyes water. She must be really annoyed for her to pull out one of the really strong ones.

His mom, Cruella De Vil, waved him away with a scrunch of her nose. “Carlos! No germs near me.”

“Sorry mom.” He mumbled before skittering away.

Carlos absentmindedly petted the kitten as he headed to his room. He sat down on his mattress, careful not to jostle the kitten much. He looked up, staring at the mass of furs covering most of the room before turning to the small lump of black in his arms and back up.

If mom’s furs were all made from animal furs, could she take his new friend – his only friend – and turn him into one too?

The thought rattled him as he reflexively tightened his hold on the kitten. It mewled sharply, and he loosened his arms.

“Sorry.” Carlos whispered before placing it down in between his crossed legs. “I’m just a little worried about you.”

The cat didn’t reply. It just lied there, staring at him with its big blue eyes.

“What to do now?” He looked around, eyes locking onto some scraps of fabric and a sewing kit his mom had given him a few weeks ago.

“You’re the son of the great Cruella De Vil! You have to know how to be a fashion icon just like me!” His mom had commanded while handing him the sewing kit.

Carlos flexed his fingers, frowning at the faint soreness of them – hand sewing was tiring but mom wouldn’t accept any less until he proved himself to be ‘worthy’ of a sewing machine.

“I guess I could make you something,” He told the kitten. “Maybe a little vest so we’d match. Mom would approve of that.”

The kitten meowed in response and Carlos smiled at the little fur ball. “Okay, let’s get started.” He rose to get his supplies.

Maybe today could still be a good day, he just had to make the best of things.

…and give the cat a name, he’d forgotten about that.

Chapter Text

Four Years Later

On the vast garden of Honeymoon Castle, ten-year-old Prince Benjamin “Ben” Beaumont, son of Adam and Belle and the next king of Auradon, sat on a picnic blanket, nose deep in his book. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan’s Curse” was a pretty entertaining read, he was really liking the progression with the quest and how Percy had been smart, giving Zoe and Bianca an opening to end the Nemean Lion.

“Benny.”

Ben looked up, eyes locking on Princess Audrey Rosier, heir to the throne of Rosarie and his soon-to-be betrothed if what his parents had said about the meeting they were currently having with Princess Aurora, Prince Phillip and Queen Leah had been accurate.

“Yes Audrey?” He responded, placing a bookmark on his page before closing it.

“You haven’t eaten anything.” She pointed out, concern etched on her face as she glanced at the spread of pastries that composed their picnic. “Is everything okay?”

Ben pursed his lips, looking away from her dark eyes. “I’m just a little nervous.”

“About the betrothal contract?” She questioned, inching closer to him.

Ben moved back in response, sighing when she frowned in displeasure. “I guess.” He shrugged. “Is this really a good idea?”

Audrey tilted her head in confusion, her brunette curls moving with her head. “Why wouldn’t it be? We’re building our legacy. It’s good to plan our future, isn’t it?”

He slumped his shoulders, placing his book down beside him. “Of course it is, but…” Ben rolled back his shoulders, trying to ease the tension in them. “What if it doesn’t work out?”

“It will, as long as we want it to.” Audrey asserted before taking a bite of some pastry shaped like a dove. “This one’s really good. You want some?”

“Sure.” He took one and bit down too, fighting back the swirl of doubts in his mind. Audrey was right, it was really good. White chocolate frosting, he guessed, it was one of her favorites.

Ben didn’t know how Audrey was so sure that they would work out, how she just assumed that they would be together forever because of a piece of paper. He knew that guaranteeing a match for him would ease the kingdom about its future, but was this really what he wanted? To have his life set in stone just like that?

He accepted mechanically the cream cake that Audrey handed him, barely registering the taste of one of his favorite treats.

“Wait.”

Audrey’s voice brought him back to the real world. “What is it?”

She reached or him, napkin in hand and wiped the corners of his mouth before pulling away with a smile. “There. Now you don’t look like a barbarian.”

“Thanks.” He mumbled, a little self-conscious of how he ate.

They both sat in silence for a little while as they ate the various pastries, Ben mostly quiet as Audrey talked about idle things, like her new favorite shops.

“Still nervous?” She suddenly asked.

Ben flinched. “Well, yeah. It won’t go away in a couple of minutes.”

She hummed in response, hands ghosting over a pink flower by the picnic blanket as she rose. The faint sound of a piano tune reached his ears as she began singing. “Can we become we, no longer known as just you and me?”

Audrey twirled around in her pale pink dress. “Two separate lives now in unity, stuck here together, but will this always be just an arrangement?” She reached her hand for Ben’s, a pretty smile etched on her face.

Probably. Ben hesitated, hand hovering close to hers. “Can we become more, than half of a union we’re chosen for?” He sighed, allowing her to pull him in for a slow dance. “Where I am your best half and I am yours? Stuck here forever and hopefully not ending in estrangement.”

She shook her head fondly, not believing it could even be a possibility. Ben spun her around the garden, looking off at the flowers - away from her gaze. “It’s the step of faith we have to take sometimes.”

“If I’m with you, I can take it.” Audrey sung over him.

He grimaced, questioning her certainty. “But if we are one, what happens to you and I?” He didn’t want to be just part of a half, he wanted to be Ben Beaumont, whoever that would end up being. He couldn’t understand how Audrey was so okay with this.

Audrey twirled with a flourish. “If I’m with you, I will make it.”

“Will this always be just an arrangement?” They both questioned aloud. Ben could’ve sworn he saw conflict in her eyes for a moment but the same certainty remained. “We’ll find out in time if we don’t break it.”

Did they even want the same things? What would happen if they disagreed? If they weren’t a match. “Can mine become yours? Combining our dreams without keeping score?” They inquired each other, separating to curtsy.

Ben and Audrey raised, circling each other gracefully. “Always together, but never bored, no choice in the matter but this will never work without each other.” How could he say no to this? He had to do this for family, for the kingdom.

“Can we become we?” They joined once more, now dancing together throughout the garden. “Start a new line on this family tree, two hearts connected by one beat.” Audrey gleefully smiled at him as she let go. “Your hand in mine and…”

“I could never choose to love another.” She skipped away, a darling laugh escaping her lips.

Ben sighed, staring at her joy. She really wanted this, didn’t she? “Maybe one day I can learn to love you…” Could he? “…too.” He mumbled, looking away from her.

The sound of the piano faded from his ears as he made his way back to the picnic and his book. He wasn’t sure if he even wanted to read anymore today. The doubts were too many for him to focus on much else but the weight of the possibilities pressing down on his chest.

Ben had to push through. He had to at least try to be with Audrey, try to learn to love her.

‘What if I can’t?’ He shoved the thought away.

Meanwhile, on the Isle of the Lost

Mal tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for her accomplice – Uma was late and yeah, she knew villains weren’t supposed to be generally punctual, but not when it comes to evil plans!

She had to wait for several minutes before she saw the teal of her braids in the distance.

“Finally.” Mal grumbled, arms crossed. “What took you so long?”

Uma frowned. “Mama kept piling tasks on me and I couldn’t just leave.”

Mal’s anger subsided marginally. She knew how difficult it could be to say no to a mother – although to be fair, no one says no to Maleficent – and to be wary of the consequences of such so she could understand Uma’s reasoning. But she was still a little pissed.

“Got it. Let’s get going.” Mal quickly changed subjects, grinning with mischief. “We’ve got people to terrorize.”

Uma grinned right back. “That we do.”

The two bad little girls decided to go around the dock to bring chaos to Hook’s crew. They made tick-tock noises from behind barrels to startle the famed captain and covered the deck in a mixture oil - which they’d stolen days ago - and other liquids, making several of the crewmates slip and fall.

Mal giggled with Uma behind some empty barrels as they watched the pirates groan and complain of pain - even Harriet Hook and Sammy Smee had fallen victim to their prank and glared at them as they spotted them leaving the ship.

“Did you see Smee’s face when Hook jumped?” Uma cackled.

“I did! It was so funny.” Mal laughed along, leaning back on the wall by the edge of the dock - it hid them from view from anyone passing by so it was perfect. Uma might’ve been late but she definitely made up for it with wickedness.

As their laughter died down, Uma peeked at the dock, turning back to Mal with a smirk. “Guess who’s coming this way.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Who?” Uma’s expression told her that whoever was on their way was someone who needed a proper dose of payback. “Fred? Dario?”

“Cruella De Vil.”

Mal almost immediately moved forward to look around, not caring much for not being seen - it wouldn’t really have made a difference considering her easily noticeable horns. She spotted the telltale black-and-white bouffant in the crowd with ease.

Cruella had been due for some terror for a while now. The Dalmatian-obsessed lady never hesitated to try to burn them with her cigarettes or shriek up a storm when they tried to make her their victim. One time she pulled on one of Mal’s horns and that was the day she’d sealed her fate - no one touches her horns without her permission.

Mal was determined to get her back one of these days, but she’d have to be smart about it.

She and Uma watched Cruella saunter down the docks with a ratty spotted fur on her shoulder, glaring at everyone she met, her son skittering next to her with his head down.

“What’s she doing down here, anyway?” Uma whispered. “I thought she stayed away from the docks to not ‘dirty her precious babies.’” She said that last part in a terrible imitation of Cruella, which made Mal snort.

“Goblin barge is arriving later today. She’s probably trying to get a headstart so she can get first dibs - not that it’ll work.” Mal explained, holding her breath as Cruella sashayed closer and closer to where they were hiding.

Uma nodded along without another word. Everyone on the Isle of the Lost knew first dibs was for Maleficent, her mom’s lackeys took what they were ordered to and then it’s an Isle-wide free-for-all. Mal herself only received what she needed to survive and whatever extra she wanted she either had to earn through evil deeds - which she managed most of the time - or steal from someone else.

“Let me guess, looking for more furs?” Her teal-haired partner rolled her eyes as she peered at their targets.

Mal moved across their little hiding spot and raced to pour another batch of the concoction in the path of the De Vil’s but the large bucket was too heavy for her.

“Hurry! She’ll get away!” Uma exclaimed, running to grab the bucket’s other handle.

“I’ve got it!” Mal huffed, pulling the bucket back. She knew she was a small and fairly physically weak but it still wounded her pride.

Uma pulled the bucket to her side. “Let me help you!”

“Just let go, I got it!” Mal demanded, pulling it back harder and sloshing its contents. She was the daughter of Maleficent, she could pick up a measly bucket!

“You let go! You’re splashing it on me!” Uma whined, stepping back to avoid the mixture getting on her clothes but kept yanking on the bucket.

Mal felt Uma pull hard and suddenly she was no longer holding anything. Her balance went into disarray at the sudden shift, her vision tilting as she tripped and fell.

“Mal!” Uma yelled before everything went blurry.

Blue overcame her vision and her ears felt muffled. She couldn’t breathe. There was water in her lungs. She moved her arms and legs frantically, trying to get up, to get air, to get out.

Why hadn’t Uma gone down to save her yet? Uma was a great swimmer unlike her who didn’t even know how to swim.

Mal managed to get her out, hacking up a storm as she tried to stay up.

“Help! Help me!” She screamed, trying to grasp the wooden rails on the docks. “I can’t swim!”

Her lungs hurt, her legs and arms were burning from the continuous effort. She might’ve been crying but she wasn’t sure since she was covered in water.

She kept flailing, trying to reach surface, to reach Uma. Uma, who instead of diving in to help her or at least try to reach for her, doubled up on her knees, laughing like there was no tomorrow.

She felt betrayed, she felt humiliated. She was tired, the effort was too much, she couldn’t keep up any longer.

And just like that, Mal went under once more.

Mal heard someone call out her name but she didn’t have the strength to keep fighting. Was this it? Was this how she was going to die? By the result of a stupid accident while trying to prank someone. That was a horrible way for a villain to die, she would disappoint her mom even in death if she died there. Mal would be cursed in the afterlife for dying like a weakling.

Her vision darkened and bubbles flowed past her lips, her air was about to end. It was over.

She faintly felt someone take hold of her, pulling her up and up and -

Mal hit her head as she was dropped on the docks, coughing out water as she turned on her side, shivering like a leaf in the wind. She heard people talking but she couldn’t focus on the voices and in her blurry vision she could only see a blur of green and another of orange in front of her with a teal one a little back.

Someone moved her so she was on her front, rubbing circles on her back as she threw up the water and another pair of hands held back her hair.

Tears welled in her eyes, her nostrils burned with sea water and her throat stung as wave after wave left it. After what felt like eternity, Mal collapsed forwards but whoever moved her, stopped her from falling into the vomit, instead moving her into a sitting position.

She closed her eyes, heaving as she tried to take control of herself. Once she’d finally managed to settle herself she looked at her surroundings.

She sitting at the edge of the docks, view to the sea. Blocking the view of her was Jay bin Yahya, completely drenched, clothes and hair sticking to his body and thankfully looking away from her - she didn’t want him looking at her probably miserable state. She was thankful but this meant she’d owe him one - that seriously annoyed her.

A sweet smell invaded her nostrils, which heavily confused her - nothing smelled nice on the Isle.

Mal looked up at whoever was holding her and froze.

Persephone.

The goddess of Spring was holding her by the arms carefully as to not bruise her, her dark green dress was damp, her dark hair still perfectly curled as her green eyes raked over her with concern.

Persephone, her father’s - Hades’ - wife, the same woman her mom had sworn pain on if she ever meddled in her affairs, the woman who has very vocally talked about her hatred of Maleficent…

She’d helped save Mal. She’d helped save her husband’s affair child.

‘Mother will end me.’ Mal concluded, her vision blurring for a second, reminding her of a very important detail.

She’d been crying.

Mal instantly began furiously wiping away her tears.

She’d cried! And in front of people! Her mother would hold it over her head for forever! She’d say she brought shame to her name! Mal would never make her proud no matter how hard she tried after this.

“How do you feel?” Persephone asked softly, a steady hand on her back.

She opened her mouth to answer but she had no idea what to say.

“Mal!” Uma yelled, sliding down in front of her. Her hands hovered around Mal as if unsure of what to do with them, concern etched on her face but Mal didn’t particularly care as embarrassment and anger swelled within her.

“You laughed at me.” She rasped out with as much venom as she currently could. “You watched me struggle and laughed at me.”

The teal-haired girl avoided her gaze. “I-I-I don-, I don’t why I did that okay?”

“I don’t care.” Mal hissed, glaring at her soon-to-be former partner. Gathering what little strength she had, the fairy rose, dripping wet and shivering. “We’re done.”

“What?” Uma’s eyes widened, sadness overtaking her face as she looked back at Mal. “Bu-”

“No!” Mal intended it to be a yell but her weak voice didn’t cooperate. “You humiliated me.” She walked closer to Uma, ignoring Persephone’s concerned comments. “We. Are. Done.” She poked Uma in the chest for emphasis before spinning around on her heel.

Persephone gave her a worried look but allowed her to go without comment, Jay glanced at her and grunted in acknowledgment. Mal grunted back and went on to shove past everyone who got in her path as she made her way back home.

Two days after the incident, Uma had walked inside her mother’s shop and was received with a bucket of smelly baby shrimps over her head. The little sea witch tried everything to get the smell out but due to the lack of resources on the Isle of the Lost, it took weeks for her to manage that. Meanwhile, most of the Isle had relegated to nicknaming her “Shrimpy” much to her dismay.

This officially marked the end of the partnership between Mal and Uma, and the beginning of their rivalry.

Chapter Text

Ben’s heart hammered in his chest, blood rushing to his ears. He always initially felt scared when he first entered this dream even if he knew what was going to happen.

He was in some ditch by a dirty road, wearing a blue leather outfit. Ben nearly slipped and fell as he attempted to get out like always, he groaned in frustration and waited for his savior.

It took her a couple of minutes but she arrived like she did every time he had this dream and just like all those other times, he felt the wind knock out of him at the sight of her.

She was his age with pale skin, purple wavy hair, a pair of black horns sprouting from her head and the most beautiful green eyes he’d ever seen. They shone like emeralds with pretty golden flecks and this mischievous glint that made him forget how to breathe.

The girl smirked down at him. “Need a hand?”

“Please and thank you.” Ben replied, already extending his hand for her to take.

“So respectful.” She teased as she reached out to him.

Ben managed to get out with her help and sighed in relief once he was on solid ground. As always, he took a second to look around. Dilapidated houses, dirty streets, random bugs going in and out of houses, people in ratty and patched up clothes going around - some so painfully thin he felt like offering them a full-blown banquet.

He had no idea where he was, but as always he wished he knew so he could help these people. It could be just a figment of Ben’s imagination but something told him this place was real, something told him she was real.

“Thanks again.” He told her.

“Don’t mention it.” The girl shrugged, guiding him through the streets. “I figured you could look a little less miserable.”

Ben snorted. “True.” He smiled, eyes cast downwards as his most prominent question resurfaced. He wanted an answer but every time he asked, the dream ended and he wasn’t sure if he felt like cutting it short. It wasn’t like the dream wouldn’t end or anything if he didn’t ask, it would just take a little longer.

“Hey.” She called out, snapping him out of his thoughts. “You shouldn’t get lost in you head around here. It’s dangerous.”

Right, that.

Wherever they were seemed to have a pretty high crime rate and was far from a safe place to be, which made him wonder why all these people stuck around. Why was she here? Wouldn’t moving be a better option?

“I know.” Ben sighed, hesitating for a moment as he gained courage. He needed to ask, maybe he’d get an answer this time. “So…”

She raised a curious eyebrow at him.

“You haven’t told me your name yet.” He gave her the friendliest smile he could manage.

The girl blinked in surprise, looking almost confused. “You don’t know who I am?”

Ben felt confusion overtake him. “Uh…no. Should I?”

She sighed softly. “I’m M -” Her voice turned to distorted static and he clamped his hands over his ears to escape the noise. The buildings melted away as the world darkened out of nowhere.

The last thing Ben saw was the girl looking over at him with a curious look before she too faded away.

Ben’s eyes opened, sunbeams glaring at him through a space between the curtains. He groaned loudly and shut his eyes tightly, hands pulling at his hair.

“Why?” Was the only thing he said out loud. Why could he never learn her name or where they were? Why was this dream recurring? Why was this happening to him?

After lamenting his existence for another couple of minutes, Ben picked up his phone from the nightstand. He’d woken up about an hour before his alarm would’ve gone off, there was no way he could go back to sleep so he got up.

Princess Sofie White walked quietly through the halls of Auradon Prep. She didn’t want to risk making too much noise and waking up someone since it was close to curfew on a Thursday evening.

Why, you ask, she was walking around at this time? It’s because she had a meeting with the soon-to-be King of Auradon and it was the most recent time he was available.

Once she reached his office, she texted him that she’d arrived. Seconds later Ben opened the door with a wide smile - he was excited, to be fair so was she. “Hey, come in.”

“Hello.” Sofie smiled back, walking past him to sit on the desk chair opposite of Ben’s. “Ready?”

“Are you kidding me?” Ben laughed, practically skipping over to sit down. “We’re actually doing this.”

“You remember what we agreed on?” Sofie questioned as she took Ben’s computed and pulled up the Isle registry.

“Yes Sofie.” He nodded, starting to list it out. “Only four since we’re just testing it out.” He sounded a little miffed at that.

Sofie shook her head fondly. “Two potential magic users tops, there’s only so much unstable magic Fairy Godmother can deal with at once.” The headmistress had certainly been relieved when she’d informed her of that.

“High school age so…” The brunet grimaced and slumped his shoulders. “…so we can better keep an eye on them.”

She turned to Ben, poking his shoulder. “Ben, I know you don’t like that but we need to be cautious. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.”

The future king looked like a kicked puppy but he nodded along. “I know, I just don’t want to assume that…”

“They’ll be like their parents?” Sofie finished, placing the laptop between them. “That’s why we’re doing this - to make sure they won’t.”

Ben’s eyes lit up with determination and he smiled at her. “To give them a chance.”

“Exactly.” Sofie tapped the screen. “Now let’s choose the first four.”

That’s how she’ll think about this - the first four - because she and Ben would do their damn best to make sure they were the first of many.

The VK Initiative - VK meaning Villain Kid - was a program made for the purpose of getting the children born on the Isle of the Lost to Auradon - with their explicit consent - to give them a chance - a choice - to live on this side of the barrier. These kids had been stuck in there their whole lives for doing nothing but be born, their parents were the ones who committed crimes, not them and they shouldn’t have been punished for it.

Ben had yet to declare the proclamation and even though she really wanted to do this, Sofie dreaded the day he did. It was a no-brainer that there will be a lot of pushback from both royalty and civilians, it would be hard, they’d be criticized and the VKs would probably be shunned by the population for a while.

Ben had hope that it wouldn’t be so bad but logistically speaking, it was the most likely scenario - that was what she was there for anyway. This project had been Ben’s idea and he had asked her to serve as his partner for it since they balanced each other out - Ben acted with his heart, she acted with her head and they agreed to call each other out if one went too far.

Not to mention, they learned from each other which was good for them as future rulers. Sofie wouldn’t admit it out loud but she really hated it when she was called cold and heartless for being more logical than emotional. Ben helped her get more in touch with her own feelings, along with Oliver Hawkins - her adventurous boyfriend.

Sofie began to scroll through the surprisingly long list. “So, I’ve been looking through the registry, along with the notes Yen Sid sent us.” She went to her chosen profile. “And I thought Uma would be a good pick.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Uma? Why her?”

“There’s no potential magic with her. She’s the daughter of Ursula and Dr. Facilier, whichever way you slice it, she has magic. It’s just a matter of which type.” Sofie explained, Ben nodding in understanding. “Although Yen Sid thinks it’s more likely that she’ll have sea magic.”

To get at least some information on the Isle kids, Ben had requested - not ordered - the sorcerer Yen Sid, who had been residing on the Isle for years to help the ones with repressed magic, to send them some details about the children of the Isle of the Lost and he’d delivered.

Uma Sybella

• Captain of a pirate crew named “Wharf Rats”
• Known as part of the “Sea Three”
• High potential for sea magic
• Incredible intuition
• Ongoing rivalry with Malice
• Strong leadership qualities

“What do you think?” She questioned, placing the laptop back on the desk between them.

Ben didn’t answer, he just stared at the screen. Sofie was about to ask what was wrong when he, as if in a trance, went out of Uma’s page and scrolled up, clicking on a very notable profile.

She glanced at him in concern, watching his expression shift to one of assurance and anticipation? She wasn’t sure. “Her.” Was the only thing he said.

Sofie stared at him in bewilderment. “Maleficent’s daughter?” She asked incredulously. “Ben, we need to take this slow and you want to go with the biggest fish in the pond straight out the bat?” She ran a hand through her hair. “Tha-”

“Sofie.”

Sofie paused, taking a good look at Ben. The look he was giving her halted whatever argument would’ve spilled out of her mouth. He seemed so determined, so certain, so pleading.

“Is there something else going on?” She asked, Ben freezing in response. Her eyes narrowed as she leaned forward on the desk. “Whatever it is, could it put you in danger?”

He looked surprised by her question, leaning back but answered quickly. “No.”

Sofie leaned back. “Then I won’t prod.” She nodded and turned back to the screen.

Malice Bertha

• Goes by “Mal”
• High magic potential, most likely fire-aligned
• Leader of a gang named the “Core Four”
• Ongoing rivalry with Uma
• Shows cunning and boldness

Sofie made a sound of discontent. “We can’t take her and Uma in the same round. We’re not sure how far this rivalry goes and it might make things messy.”

Ben hummed. “You think so?”

“I know so.” She pressed on. She had no idea if for a VK “rivalry” meant “compete in everything” or “actively trying to ruin the other” or worse.

“But there is a pretty great opening here.” Ben leaned forward and pointed at two words on the screen: “Core Four”. “We could swoop up the whole gang.”

She hummed in contemplation. “Okay, give me a sec.” She typed the name of the gang in the search bar and four profiles remained: Carlos De Vil, Evelyn von Castell, Jayyad bin Yahya and Malice.

“Von Castell?” Ben raised an eyebrow, glancing at her. “Evil Queen’s daughter?”

“It’s fine.” She replied, going into Evelyn’s profile, and she meant it. Sofie despised Grimhilde von Castell and all that she put her mother through but held no ill will for Evelyn, who had done nothing but be born to the woman.

Evelyn Alissa von Castell

• Goes by “Evie”
• Member of the “Core Four”
• Notable talent in chemistry, possibly in alchemy as well
• Fascination with aesthetics and design

“Evie…” Sofie mumbled absentmindedly. She wondered what her mom would think of this, she wouldn't be antagonistic that was a certainty, but would she be okay being around Evie?

Jayyad bin Yahya

• Goes by “Jay”
• Member of the “Core Four”
• Steals regularly for his father’s shop
• Seemingly no magic potential
• Good athletic potential

Carlos Rudolph De Vil

• Member of the “Core Four”
• Skittish
• Technological aptitude

She eyed all four of the profiles, before taking out her notepad and a pen. She quickly scribbled all the names and parentages of each of the kids, ending with a sigh. Her option wasn’t chosen but she’d handle it, it wasn’t that big of a deal.

Ben gave her a curious look. “You really wanted Uma, didn’t you?”

Sofie shrugged. “Listen, it’s fine.” She went through her notes until she found the right page. “We said that if all goes well, second group will be younger kids and then third group will be a mix of both, right?”

Seeing the brunet nod in agreement, she continued. “So, we could just preemptively place her on the third group, even though there’s a fairly good chance she’ll say no.”

Ben blinked in surprise. “What, why?”

“She’s a captain.” Sofie pointed out. “Any half-decent captain doesn’t abandon their crew.”

She watched as Ben thought it through, expression shifting from surprise, to a resigned understanding. She got it too after all, both Sofie and Ben would take the crowns of their respective kingdoms - Ben much sooner than her - and leaving said kingdoms for a long period of time for whatever reason felt wrong.

Sofie wasn’t a particularly “feely” person but something inside her, something in the air, in the world told her that Uma would eventually reach Auradon and that she’d make a big impact on it.

“That’s why we agreed on picking out backups too, in case they say no.” She sighed, leaning back on her chair. “We won’t force anyone.”

“Of course not.” Ben copied her movements. “That’s not the kind of people we are.”

Sofie made a noise of agreement, looking through the information one more time.

“They fill all the requirements.” Ben pointed out. “High school age, four people and two possible magic users - Jafar was a genie when he died, you never know.”

“So, it’s settled.” She smiled at him.

“It’s settled.” Ben smiled back. “The Core Four will get invites to Auradon.”

Chapter Text

Mal felt oddly calm, breathing in the clear air and tracing her fingers on the stone beneath her. The view in this dream of hers always took her by surprise no matter how many times she had it.

There was a picnic set before her and Mal was sitting on what seemed like a temple ruin, wearing a dress out of all things. Half of the pillars gone but somehow still managing to look majestic. There was a beautiful lake right in front of her, the water so clear it looked like it sparkled and the forest around her was all lush and green, so vibrant like she couldn’t believe - so different than what she was used to.

“Everything okay?”

Mal felt herself smile automatically as she turned to him. A handsome boy about her age with brown hair, hazel-green eyes, sporting a concerned expression she wasn’t used to seeing.

“I’m fine.” She waved him off.

The boy didn’t seem convinced but he let it drop, simply sitting in silence next to her for a bit before speaking up. “How are you liking Auradon?”

Mal frowned at the reminder that wherever she was, it was located in Auradon out of all places. The questions she usually had resurfacing with a crash. Why did she dream about Auradon? Who was this boy? Why was he here with her?

But for some reason she didn’t understand, every single time Mal asked one of those questions the dream abruptly ended before she got her answer. It was frustrating and she was getting dangerously close to asking Melinoë but every instinct in her body told her that asking for help was weakness and she would not succumb to weakness.

“Mal?”

She tensed, looking at the boy who awaited her answer. “It’s…fine.” Mal answered slowly. She had no idea what Auradon, it was better to just say what seemed more pleasing to him.

“I’m glad.” He smiled at her.

Before she could say anything, the world changed.

A blue filter set over the world around her as everything froze. Mal wasn’t sure if she was upset or not that the dream had been interrupted.

Sparks in the water caught her eye just as those sparks turned into blue flames. The flames wove through the water, forming a sentence: Wanna talk? I’ve got information for you.

Mal’s curiosity spiked. Her sister wasn’t exactly the kind to gossip - that was usually Zagreus - which is why there was a good chance this would be worth her while.

She leaned forward and wrote a Yes on the water with her finger.

The fire expanded, blue overflowing her view as it enveloped her. She wasn’t afraid or anything, it didn’t burn her, just made her feel warm. Then it dissipated.

Mal opened her eyes to a forest. Her body was partially spectral, her hands somewhat see-through with a small purple glow. It was dark outside, tall trees all around and moonlight illuminating her surroundings along with the blue campfire in front of her and two other people - well, actually two gods.

Zagreus was on her right, laid down on the grass, mussing his curly dark brown hair, yellow eyes looking over curiously, the green tint to his skin looking more aquamarine due to the color of the fire.

On the other side of the campfire was Melinoë, she looked just like their dad. Blue hair, dark eyes with yellow sclera and gray-looking skin. She always looked like some sort of ghost but her expressions more than made up for it as she gave Mal a kind smile.

“Hi little sister.”

“Hi.” Mal replied, looking around. “No Macaria or Helix?”

Zagreus sighed, propping himself up on his elbows. “There was an emergency so Mack got busy and told us to just contact you without her. As for Helix…”

“This is specifically about you and we thought to talk it over with you first before involving Helix, after all he’s only 10.” Her older sister explained.

Mal tensed at her sister’s words. “About me? What about me?”

Melinoë rocked back and forth. “The crown prince has made a proclamation…” Mal gestured for her to keep talking once she begun trailing off. “…to give the children of the villains the opportunity to go to Auradon.”

Her jaw fell open. “What? Why?” Bewilderment raced through her in a flash, why in the actual fuck would the prince of Auradon do that? What was his idea with that? It was doomed to go horribly wrong, a good chunk of the kids of the Isle would tear apart Auradon in a day.

“Because he believes you were wronged by having to live in a prison made for your parents.” Zagreus replied, looking at her cautiously. “And if what we heard was right then, one of the first four to be invited will be the daughter of Maleficent.”

Mal’s head snapped towards her brother. “Is this a joke?”

“Nope.” He popped the ‘p’ with a grin towards her - she didn’t know what was so entertaining to him.

“Me? Go to Auradon? No way in hell.” She scoffed, crossing her arms. “I’m not abandoning my brother, my gang or my turf. You said it’s an invite right? That means I’m not obligated to go.”

“True.” Melinoë nodded, hand passing over the campfire. The flames seemed to almost cling to her, she vaguely wondered if she could do the same if she got out of the Isle and had access to her magic.

‘No. I’m not going anywhere. No point in thinking about that.’ Mal shook her head, pushing those thoughts down. “Then I won’t.”

Her siblings exchanged a look which made her scowl. “What?”

“You’re forgetting a part of the equation.” Melinoë gave her a grim smile. “Your mother.”

Mal felt dread as the realization hit her. “She could force me to go with a plan to try to take over Auradon.”

Zagreus sighed. “We reached that conclusion too so we figured we’d at least give you a heads up.”

“Okay.”

They let silence fall as Mal worked through her tangle of thoughts. Her mother would most definitely take this opportunity and get her to do whatever so she’d escape the Isle. Maybe Mal could hide until the time to leave ended, but the thought of it gripped her black heart with fear. She’d never disobeyed her mother in such magnitude, even when recovering the Dragon’s Eye her mother had let her off fairly easily only because she’d still obtained her scepter regardless of Mal being the one to give it to her - damn that stupid crow.

She couldn’t truly escape her, this Isle was Maleficent’s and if she hid, she’d never be able to show her face again. So she dipped into plan B, a choice she hated but had to at least try to explore.

Mal clenched her jaw. “Besides you, Mack and Persephone, who else knows about me out of here?”

Her siblings both seemed surprised at the question - understandable, she never cared for the other members of her immortal family.

Zagreus shuffled to sit up. “Eileithyia knows of every child born but she won’t say anything, she’s very discreet. Aunt Hestia knows of everyone who’s family.”

“Plus if you ever need anything she’s your best bet.” Melinoë piped up with a hopeful smile directed at her. Mal doubted she’d ever call for help, it wasn’t the villain way - it was an admission of weakness. “Just make a campfire and call out to her and she’ll do her best to help, even if it’s just advice you need.”

“Oh! The twins!” Her brother snapped his fingers in realization. “Apollo is the god of knowledge so he kind of just knows stuff - he probably knows what I hate for breakfast today - and it’s physically impossible for him to hide something from Artemis so she knows too.”

Melinoë nodded along. “True, and Artemis is the protector of young women, so as long as you’re not a danger to her maidens she’ll help you out.”

Mal’s shoulders slumped. Was this what her life would be resolved to? Resorting to hiding and running if she didn’t comply with whatever her mother might plan?

After mentally cataloging everything her siblings told her, she sighed deeply. “Thanks for the information. I just need to sleep it over and think.”

Melinoë went to kneel in front of her. “We’ll work it out μικρή αδελφή.”

“Yeah.” Zagreus shuffled closer, not enough to touch her - neither of them ever did without her permission. Not even once, ever since they started these dream meetings of theirs when she was 7.

“We’ll see.” She huffed before looking at her sister. “I’m done here.”

*****

Zagreus watched the spectral form of his little sister dissipate, allowing her to go back to sleep. After Melinoë made sure Mal would have a calm dreamless sleep, she stomped her foot on the ground, the campfire rising in response. “Μισώ αυτό το γαμημένο ξωτικό.”

“I know, I know. Me too.” He inched away from the fire - yes, his sister’s fire could burn him although not much. “I just wish we could do something but noooo the almighty king of Olympus insists that we not influence on human affairs.”

“It’s just-AGH!” Her hair set ablaze, glowing brighter than the campfire. “Do you think that man realizes that shit like this is why there’s been a coup twice.”

He shrugged, watching her pace as she kept ranting switching between English and Greek. She grieved about Zeus’ stupid policies, about his blatant favoritism, about her hatred for the sorry excuse of a mother Maleficent is, about how she felt useless - he could understand. He felt it all too.

After several minutes and killing all the grass in near vicinity, she finally stopped and fell to her knees next to him. He waited for her flames to die down before wrapping an arm around her.

Melinoë slumped against him, murmuring. “I wish we could more without consequence.”

“I know, I know.” Zagreus murmured back, rubbing circles on her arm.

Blue and green glowed over them before a third pair of arms joined the hug.

“All good?” He asked the oldest of them.

Macaria hummed, planting a kiss on Melinoë’s forehead. “Yeah, you?”

“As well as it could have gone.” He sighed as Macaria pulled away and sat on Melinoë’s other side.

“You think…” Melinoë trailed off, running a hand through her hair. “You think we should’ve told her about Theo?”

His oldest sister raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t tell her about Theo?” Macaria gave them both a scrutinizing look that made him want to hunch in on himself. She looked mostly like their mom, dark brown hair, green eyes and a green tint to her skin and it made her a lot more intimidating that she should’ve been.

Theo was a demigod, the oldest of Hercules’ kids with incredible instincts. By “incredible instincts” he meant that Theo always knew when someone close to him was in danger, he could easily identify magical presence and would definitely know Mal was a demigod just by being in near vicinity.

“I wasn’t sure how to bring it up!” Zagreus scratched the back of his neck.

“Είσαι ηλίθιος.”

“I know, I know.” He grumbled. She didn’t need to rub salt on the wound!

“You should’ve figured it out!” Macaria lightly smacked Melinoë before reaching over to smack him too. “Theo will know who she is from the moment they meet.”

“We know!” Melinoë snapped, rubbing the spot she’d been smacked. “It’s just…with everything we were piling on her it seemed pretty irrelevant.”

His oldest sister rubbed her temples. “Okay, okay. We can just tell her next time we do this.”

“Should we though?”

Zagreus’ eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean Meli?”

“If we did that, she’d just avoid him on principle.” Melinoë reasoned, tucking in her knees under her. “But realistically speaking, we know Theo would never tell anyone without Mal’s consent - he’d probably not even tell her that he knows honestly - and he’d look out for her. Plus, they’re sure to get along well.”

He opened his mouth to argue, then his brain helpfully provided a memory from three years ago when Theo called Eros a “showboating cockroach” at a family event. In public. Through a microphone.

“Oh absolutely.” He nodded vigorously. “They’d get along swimmingly.”

“He would look out for her and help her.” Macaria mumbled, looking conflicted. “But omitting this from Mal?”

“It would benefit her, even if she won’t accept it.” Zagreus piped in, hoping to convince Macaria. He wasn’t a fan of lying to Mal but he knew Theo enough to know that he’d become an avid protector of Mal’s even if only from a distance - he had a lot of big brother energy.

“What if she manages to stay in the Isle?” Macaria pointed out, eyes beginning to look desperate.

Melinoë scoffed. “Maleficent won’t allow it. She’ll want Mal to go, so she’ll go.”

Zagreus hummed. “The only place Mal would be feasibly safe would be the Underworld and there’s no way in hell she’s going there.”

“She won’t forgive us.” She countered, eyes clinging to the campfire. “At least not for a while.”

Zagreus knew Macaria hated fighting within their little section of the family: the three of them, Mal, Helix, and their parents. Mal was already not on speaking terms with dad for years now which already heavily upsets Macaria, not to mention when Mal was younger and wouldn’t even accept being in the same room as Helix due to underlying emotional issues - fuck Maleficent -, she’d be devastated if their little sister pulled away more.

“But she’ll be somewhat safer.” Melinoë replied in a low voice.

Macaria made a noise he couldn’t quite identify but it was somewhere between a groan and a whimper. “We won’t tell her.” She whispered, burying her head between her knees.