Of dead and winter

Chapter Four: Underworld and Arendelle

Years later

The Underworld was a place of dichotomy, perceived differently by those who inhabited it and those who only heard of its tales. To Prince Grayden of Arendelle and the Underworld, it was a sanctuary, a place of solace where he could be his true self without fear or judgment. Here, among the shadows and the whispering winds of forgotten souls, Grayden found freedom. It was the only place where he could meet his father, Hades, and feel the warmth of familial connection. The Underworld's dark caverns and eerie glow held a strange comfort for him, a stark contrast to the bright and judgmental world of Auradon.

To Grayden, the Underworld was more than just a realm of the dead; it was a realm of possibilities. The jagged rocks and the rivers of lava were not signs of doom but markers of the power and resilience within him. The ever-present twilight, with its soft, otherworldly light, offered a soothing contrast to the harsh glare of the Auradon sun. Here, he didn't have to hide his abilities or his lineage. In the Underworld, Grayden was free to explore the depths of his powers, guided by his father's wisdom.

In contrast, the people of Auradon viewed the Underworld through a lens of fear and disdain. To them, it was a land of perpetual darkness, inhabited by evil spirits and ruled by a vengeful god. They imagined it as a place where shadows danced with malevolence and the air was thick with the scent of brimstone. Stories told of the Underworld painted it as a place of punishment, a stark reminder of what awaited those who strayed from the path of righteousness. The very thought of the Underworld sent shivers down the spines of Auradon's citizens, reinforcing their belief that light and goodness could only thrive in the sunlit world above.

As Grayden stood at the entrance of his father's domain, he felt the familiar rush of conflicting emotions. The Underworld called to him with promises of acceptance and understanding, while the prejudices of Auradon weighed heavily on his heart. He knew that to most of Auradon's people, this place would always be a realm of darkness and evil. But to Grayden, it was home—the only place where he could truly be himself and feel the unyielding support of his father, Hades.

In the heart of the Underworld, amidst the flickering flames and the eternal night, Grayden found the strength to face the challenges ahead. He would bridge the gap between these two worlds, proving that even in the darkest places, light could be found.

Grayden sat in the lounge area of the castle positioned with his feet over the back of the couch with his head hanging upside down. It made the blood rush to his head but it gave his father an amused smile every time he saw it. Clearing his throat, Hades silently asks Grayden to sit up straight. Rolling his eyes, the son does so.

"You come here to visit me and your first idea is to roll your eyes?" Hades questions clicking his tongue.

Grayden shrugs, leaning back into the cushions of the couch. "Come on, old man." Is all he says watching as his father comes to sit in front of him.

"You want to tell me your reason for visiting me without Doli? You've never come without your little sister?" Hades was referring to his youngest child, the only other child he has with Elsa. Hades had three children all together, Graden was his eldest and only son, Mal was his first daughter and the only one mothered by someone other than his wife, and finally was Doli his little girl of eight years old.
He loved all his children but Mal was one he had to watch from afar.

Maleficent was her mother, who used Hades without his consent, and she kept Mal away from him at all costs. Maleficent used Hades for his power and made it almost entirely impossible for Hades to gain custody of Mal. It left a sour taste in the entire family's mouth. Elsa was angry at first when she heard the news of Mal. Angry that Hades had been with another besides her. With the Underworld being the only way for her to be with him, it made their relationship strained as neither could be there 24/7. Eventually once Elsa cooled down, Hades explained the little memory he had of the night spent with Maleficent. To say the least of the terrible experience, it was clear rape on Maleficent's part.

Hades didn't like recalling that night but he did love Mal just the same as Grayden and Doli. Unfortunately she would never know it not until something changed.

Grayden locks onto his father's blue eyes, the same fiery shade as his own. "You know my best friend, yes?"

"You mean that Prince Benjamin you're always vouching for?" Hades clearly has disdain for the name.

His son nods, "Ben has announced his proclamation to his parents and they have accepted." Hades nods along, "Ben has chosen four VK's to go live and Auradon to attend Auradon Prep. Mal is one of them."

Hades shoots up from his seat, "Mali's going to be in the same school as you?"

"Yeah, dad, I have a real chance to get to know her. I'm sure Maleficent has some scheme for her to commit. This could be an opportunity to get you off of the Isle." Grayden's smirk gleams with mischief and hope.

Hades sits back down with a depressed sigh, "No son, don't get involved in her schemes. Maleficent is never the way to go."

"But-"

Hades waves him off and leaves the room. He's son is left to feel alone and helpless in trying to find a way to set his father free. Hades shouldn't be here and neither should his little sister. Feeling defeated, Grayden shadow travels to his mother's kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa was mostly always working. She tried to keep busy. It helped not to think of all the pain King Adam's and Queen Bell had put her family through. Grayden's aunt, Anna, sat beside her in the study talking over Ben's announcement.

He appears beside his mother who only looks up for a second with no clear reaction while Anna lets of a yell in surprise. Anna hits him on the shoulder in annoyance, "You have to stop doing that or I'll have to put a bell on you."

Grayden rolls his eyes, "Oh please you'll have to start with Doli first."

"They already have, Gray!"
Doli shouts down the hallway running from one of her cousins as she jingles. He chuckles amused as both moms shout to not run in the palace.

"Baby, what brings you here? I thought you were going to visit your dad?" Elsa questions turning towards him in her chair.

Grayden leans against the wall, "I told him about Ben's proclamation and I may have hinted at helping Mal with whatever plan her mother has."

"Baby..."

"He wasn't happy to say the least. He just left."

Elsa stands slowly and hugs her son tightly.
"Darling, your sister is a sour spot for all of us. We just wish she could be here with us all and not trapped with a woman only wanting power. It makes your father sad and you wanting to go rogue doesn't help the situation. You'll only prove what the rest of Auradon thinks of VK's."

He frowns deeply wanting to cry, "They'd hate me too if they knew, wouldn't they?"

His mother and Aunt hugged him tighter.