Chapter Text
Most would see the Isle of the Lost as dark, dreary, dirty, and dangerous, and honestly? That was true. No one would disagree, especially not those who lived there. But for the kids who were raised on the Isle, it was all they ever knew, and for Mal? It was a breath of fresh air. For the first time in months, she felt like she could truly breathe. She didn’t have to worry about cameras, or reporters, or if she was making a social faux pas that would reflect badly on Ben. She didn’t have to worry about keeping her paternal family a secret, or about a magical outburst.
On the Isle, she could just be herself.
After she stashed her bike in a safe place and checked up on the safehouse, avoiding the communal entrance in favor of the private one she and the others used, she headed to Curl Up & Dye. The whole walk there, she tried not to think about what she’d left behind. If she did, her breath would catch and her eyes would mist. But it was better this way! It was only a matter of time before she made some mistake that she couldn’t come back from that would have the people turning on Ben as well.
Prudence and Petunia had spent a lot of time letting her know everything that could go wrong, and they were right… This way, Ben would be safer.
Making sure no one was following her, Mal made her way into the salon. Inside, a smile worked its way on her face as her eyes focused on the young girl dancing while she cleaned.
“Mal!” Dizzy exclaimed with a grin when she finally noticed her. Mal made a mental note to work with her on spatial awareness in the following days. “Is Evie back too?”
Mal scoffed,” As if,” she said, trying not to feel bad when Dizzy’s face fell. “I, um, forgot that you guys don’t open till midnight.” Dizzy nodded, and Mal looked around again, taking in the familiar paint and smell of chemicals. “Place looks good.”
Dizzy giggled, looking proud. For a moment, Mal could almost hear Evie’s laugh alongside her, could almost see them in a corner looking at Evie’s sketchbook, “So, what is your deal? Has your grandmother given you any customers yet?”
“Ah, just a witch here and there.” Dizzy sighed. She continued on, but Mal froze, tuning her out as she felt the air shift. Something felt… off. Harsher, freer, similar to what had happened months ago, but not.
Dizzy trailed off, noticing Mal’s tense body, and quietly asked “Mal?”
Mal reached out and tugged Dizzy close, startling the girl, just as the air around them began to pick up and swirl.
“What’s happening?” Dizzy cried out, tossing away any earlier qualms about touching Mal and throwing her arms around the older girl, holding on tight.
“It’s alright! Just don’t let go!” Mal warned. She curled around Dizzy as she felt a tug. When she looked up, they were back in the theater from six months before. Only this time, it wasn’t Persephone standing alongside the three Fates, but none other than Hadie and a pale, dark haired goddess with deep purple eyes Mal didn’t recognize.
Hadie looked confused at seeing Dizzy, but the goddess didn’t. Mal’s grip instinctively tightened around the redhead who, while staying in Mal’s arms, turned to look at where they were.
“Why are we back here?” Mal asked, keeping her voice strong, not allowing in fear to blend in for her and Dizzy’s sake, “Where’s Persephone? Who are you?”
The goddess tilted her head, and Mal noticed movement around her wrists. Only when she went to focus on them, all she could see were dark tattoos.
“I’m Hecate,” the goddess said, “Goddess of magic. I reside in the Underworld, where Persephone will be for the next few months. Given that it is the start of the cold seasons, she wasn’t able to get away and asked me to take her place.”
Hadie cleared his throat, and Hecate nodded towards him, “Alongside her son, Hayden.”
Mal couldn’t prove it, but from the way Hecate looked at her, she had a feeling that Hadie’s introduction was meant for Dizzy.
“That still doesn’t explain why we’re back.” Mal said.
Hecate went to answer, but Atropos interrupted. “Why do you think?” She asked, while she snatched the eyeball she shared with her sisters from Clotho, “We’re here to prevent a terrible future!”
Her words sent a chill through Mal’s body, but she couldn’t help but ask, “What about no meddling?”
Lechesis took the eye this time, and Mal could feel Dizzy shudder in her arms, just so she could perform an eye roll. “We told you last time, we have our reasons!” She pointed a skinny finger at Mal, “Are you going to question us, missy?”
Mal shook her head, and got gummy smiles from all three, with Clotho saying “Good.”
“So, where is everyone else, then?” Mal asked. The last time they were brought here, everyone was brought at once.
“They’ll be here shortly.” Hecate said, “We had hoped to talk to you first. Of course, originally the plan was for you to come alone.” She then reached out a hand towards Dizzy, “Young Miss Tremaine, why don’t you come with me and I can tell you more about what you’re doing here? There are some things that the Fates need to speak with Mal about.”
Dizzy looked up at Mal, and she let go of the young girl, nodding her head for her to follow. Hopefully, she wouldn’t regret it, but Hadie looked comfortable around Hecate and her brother wouldn’t allow anyone who would hurt her near, so Dizzy should be safe.
After a moment’s hesitation, Dizzy took the goddess’ hand and allowed herself to be led away, only looking back once.
As soon as Dizzy left, Clothos said, “So, did you run into your father on the Isle?”
Mal frowned, “No.” Hades rarely left his cave since Hadie had gone to Auradon full-time. Not only that, but she hadn’t exactly been on the Isle long. Hades would have had to seek her out, and it wasn’t like he cared that much, even if Hadie insisted he did. After all, he abandoned her as a baby.
“Pity. Oh well, that’s all!” Before Mal could even think to say anything, the Fates scurried off to Olympus knows where, and Hadie was over to her in a blink.
“Are you okay?” He asked, reaching out so he could tilt her face side to side.
Mal gently swatted his hand away, “I’m fine.” She said, “I was just on the Isle.”
Hadie’s face darkened, “Just on the Isle, after finally getting off? Mal, why would you go back? Alone!”
“The Isle is home!” Mal defended, anger rising. Hadie had been gone for years, he didn’t get to judge her.
“The Isle is a rotting prison that’s been doomed from the start!”
“Well maybe that’s where I belong!” Mal argued, shocking both of them with her words. She hadn’t actually meant to say that. Her anger was cooling into something different, heavy. “Maybe that’s where I’m meant to be.”
Hadie had gone pale, and he shook his head. “How can you think that?” He asked, “The Isle was created for villains.”
“I am one!”
“No, you’re not.” He said firmly. “You, and all the other kids on that island, are victims. Yes, some are too far gone, but you haven’t.”
Mal shook her head, pressing her lips together. He didn’t know half of what went on over the years. The sickness, the gang fights, hurting others to keep her own safe. And now, she was expected to be the perfect Auradon royal.
“Mali, what’s really going on?”
His words were soft, and with them the dam broke. “I-” her voice caught, “I’m a mess. I can’t live up to Auradon’s standards. Six months ago I was fighting against the Saints and organizing shipment runs, and now-” she gasped, trying to hold back a sob, “and now I’m supposed to give up magic, and be this lady of the court, and I can’t do anything right.” Her voice broke, and Hadie pulled her into his arms.
“Adelfoula mou, as you said, you’ve only been here for six months. These things take time.” Hadie said softly, though she caught a slight edge to his voice, “And who is telling you that you have to give up magic? Is Ben--”
“No,” Mal cut him off, shaking her head, “Yes, I don’t know. He- I told him I gave it up, but it was a lie. But, his advisors and my handlers, and Evie--” she couldn’t get the words out, it was all jumbled together. How was she supposed to explain that everyone around her was telling her to give up a part of herself, while conforming to standards she was never taught in the first place? “Hadie, there’s cameras everywhere, I can’t breathe.”
“Shhh,” Hadie held her closer while she cried, “It’s okay, I’ve got you.”
She didn’t know how long she stood there, crying in her brother’s arms, but eventually there was a clearing of a throat, and she heard Hecate saying, “Haide, I’m sorry, but we can’t wait any longer.”
Hadie sighed, and pulled back, “We’ll be right there,” he said over his shoulder, before cupping Mal’s face. “I need you to listen to me,” he said sternly, “whoever has told you to turn away from who you are is wrong. Whoever has made you feel like you’re failing is wrong. Whether that’s Ben, or your friends, or those who are supposed to be helping you. Now… When all this is over, if you still want to get away, why don’t you think about coming to stay with me for a while instead of the Isle?”
Mal’s breath hitched. To be honest, she hadn’t even come to realize yet that by leaving for the Isle, she wasn’t just leaving Ben and her friends… she was leaving Hadie too.
“I’m sure Rapunzel and Eugene can help us come up with a cover story, and we can have you do school remotely. I live on a coast, we can hang out on the beach, or travel, and we’ll be able to be far away from Auradon reporters.”
If Mal was honest, that didn’t sound so bad. “Okay,” she said with a nod, watching as some stress seemed to melt off of Hadie, despite it not being a definitive answer. He kissed her head, then walked a few feet away, just as the Fates returned, and Hecate led Dizzy back.
Dizzy beelined towards her, talking a mile a minute about all Hecate had told her. About how the VKs chose good, about all the kings and queens, how they were living with royalty. Mal just smiled and nodded, and when Hecate asked if they were ready, she said yes.
The goddess didn’t say any spell, just waved her hands around. Dizzy and Mal watched in awe as air around them spun, and when it dropped the room was full with very confused people.
Questions were being thrown all around, everyone confused on why they were back. Dizzy pushed closer to Mal as the noise grew, as King Beast began to yell, and flinched when a loud “QUIET!” ran through the room followed by a flash of light.
As if a switch flipped, the noise died down, and all eyes were on Hecate. Much as she had to Mal, she explained who she was.
“That’s nice an’ all,” A familiar voice, that had every inch of Mal’s body tensing, lazily said, “But doesn’t exactly explain what this is.”
“You,” Mal growled, maneuvering Dizzy behind her as none other than Uma pushed her way to the front, Harry and Gil following behind. The teal haired girl smirked and waved her fingers.
“Surprised to see me, princess?”
“What are you doing here?”
Uma dramatically pouted, “What, are you not the only special one anymore?”
If it wasn’t for Dizzy holding onto her, Mal would have pounced. Judging from Uma’s smirk, the other girl was well aware of it.
“Everyone who is here is here for a reason.” Hecate stated firmly, giving both girls stern looks. “I will not tolerate fights breaking out. Is that clear?”
Neither girl said a thing, staring the other down, daring them to respond, and Hecate sharply said “Girls?”
Breaking eye contact at the same time to look at the goddess, both of the girls nodded their heads and said “Yes, Lady Hecate.” Hecate didn’t seem convinced, but let the matter go. After a last glare, Uma walked away, and Mal’s eyes tracked her as she made her way towards Hadie.
Mal tried not to let jealousy overtake her when Hadie, her brother, scooped Uma up into a tight hug. As much as she hated the girl, Uma lost him too all those years ago, and unlike Mal she had been able to actually have a public relationship with Hadie on the Isle. On top of that, Hadie had lived near the pirate village, by the old pirate cove. Thankfully, Mal had been able to use Uma’s closeness with Hadie to get closer to him without making anyone suspicious.
She had always felt guilty about hiding who Hadie was to her from Uma. She had even planned on finally telling her the truth just days before The Incident. Sometimes, she wondered if it would have made a difference.
It wasn’t until Dizzy loudly squealed “EVIE!” that Mal was able to tear her eyes away from her brother and cousin, just in time to watch Dizzy race to the girl in question.
Evie inhaled sharply, “Dizzy?” She asked in disbelief, opening her arms just in time to catch her. “What are you doing here?”
“I came with Mal!” Dizzy said brightly. “There was this wind, and then we were here, and Lady Hecate told me about the last time you were here, and there were snacks, and--” Dizzy broke off as Evie laughed wetly, hugging tighter. “And now you’re here!”
Evie’s eyes met Mal’s, and Mal looked away. She also pointedly ignored Ben’s gaze, wrapping her arms around her. It ended up being Jay who broke the awkward silence by walking towards her. Mal could tell by the way he flexed his hands that he wanted to check her for injuries.
“I’m fine,” She whispered in a language she hadn’t uttered in years. “No injuries, promise.”
Jay frowned, and said back “You went back to the Isle, and you’re speaking this language. You’re not fine.”
Mal rolled her eyes, but didn’t argue. Perhaps she would have, if others hadn’t made their way over.
“Mal, do you have any idea why we’re here?” Elsie asked as she approached their group, Jane and Karine with her. From the corner of her eye, Mal saw Aksel and Reiner approach Ben, and start talking to him in low whispers.
Keeping her attention on Elsie, Mal shook her head, “I wish I did.” She said. She couldn’t think of anything that would require them to be brought here again. It wasn’t like her mother was able to cause trouble.
There was a sigh from Mal’s right, “Well, at least it can’t be as bad as last time.” Audrey said. Mal was a bit surprised to see her there, considering she was supposed to be with her fairy godmothers, but she supposed it made sense. After all, she was at the first Viewing.
“Who are you and what did you do with Audrey?” Aksel asked, in a light, playful tone.
Audrey actually chuckled, “Being here means I’m away from my grandmother.” She said, “who happened to crash my vacation.”
Mal winced, which Audrey caught. Instead of looking upset on her grandmother’s behalf, she gestured towards her and said “Exactly. But thankfully, Grammy isn't here.” And wasn't that a relief.
“So, how many people do you think are here this time?” Antonio Madrigal asked, joining them. Following him were Lonnie, Aziz, and Moira.
“It looks like everyone from last time,” Jane answered, “And then some.”
Mal didn’t even try to hold back her sigh, “Great,” She said, “More people to watch our lives.”
There were a couple of chuckles, which were interrupted by Moira asking, “Should we be worried about them.” She tilted her head towards the pirates, while her question was directed towards Jay.
Jay and Mal looked at each other, and Mal gestured towards Hestia then shrugged. Jay nodded in response. “We should be fine.” He said, “but keep your guard up.”
She saw Ben go to say something, perhaps to ask about the pirates, and tensed. She was preparing to keep her emotions in check when the Fates loudly cleared their throats.
“Get to your seats, now!” They all said at once, eerily in sync. Mal and the others exchanged glances and made their way to the same area the VK’s sat in last time. Only now, many of their Aurdonian friends made their way there as well.
Mal nodded her head towards Jay and Carlos, and sat between them, ignoring Evie and Ben’s hurt looks. She just couldn’t deal with either of them right now. She couldn’t deal with Evie’s guilt trips, and she was scared that if she tried talking to Ben she’d break down, and she was not in a place where she could do that.
She turned her head to look past Jay, watching as Uma, Harry, and Gil found their seats. Her eyes narrowed.
“Don’t pay attention to them,” Jay whispered, though his eyes quickly darted over as well, pressing his arm against hers. Mal looked away, and muttered “Easier said than done.”
Once everyone was settled, Lady Hecate asked “Are you all ready?” When no one protested, she smiled, “Then let’s begin.”