Torn Away (Disney's Descendants 2 fanfic)

Powerless

While unconscious, Mal's dreamless and drugged state eventually floats into a well-needed sleeping state. Her body's exhaustion demanded rest, as did her mind, though the two did not achieve any of the intended results.

Once into her normal slumber, Mal's own memories and monsters that had been prowling were ready to strike. They rip at her, clawing desperately to get a hold of her.

They succeed.

These nightmares aren't new to her, if anything she was accustomed to them. Even with her experience, it never stops them from hurting.

Usually she dreams about Maleficent and her goal to carve Mal into a newer version of herself, by any means possible. (Even though Maleficent always sharpened her blades, they could never pierce through Mal's genuine desire for something more, something better).

This dream is different from ones she'd endured before. She is holding hands with Ben, all is well. Much like reality, it doesn't last. In the next hazy moments, Ben is torn from her, suddenly appearing next to Uma who glares down at her from the castle tower.

She is powerless.

Scenes jumble together, but she was aware of the current event. Uma's pirate crew re-enact the events that had truly transpired from her initial arrival in the cave, but with a twist. Here, in her hellish dreamworld, Mal awakens to her friends tied by their wrists from a beam on the cavelike-cellar ceiling.

Masks drape over their heads, and dim lights shine just brightly enough for the crimson on their clothing to be visible.

Mal is in the very chair that that damned pirate had attempted to put her in earlier. She thrashes and screams but no one in the room seemed to hear her.

She can't do anything.

She rips and tugs at her restraints to no avail, her throat aches as she screams louder until her voice becomes rough and horrid.

Uma appears in front of her, smiling with Ben by her side. He smiles, looking into Uma's eyes and shows no emotion toward the tortuous display of Mal and her friends, only a loving gleam in his eyes for Uma.

Against all of her violent efforts, Mal is trapped in that chair, her friends being beaten by Harry and Uma's crew. The pirates laugh and cheer, enjoying the frustrated and desperate look on Mal's face as blood continues to fall from her friends' bodies. Evie's painful whimpers could be heard, and the boys' groans eventually faded to nothing.

She continues to thrash in her sleep.

Just like in her nightmares, she can't grasp control.

She failed.

——————

After Gil removes his unconscious comrade from the cell, he aids Harry in contacting Uma. Despite his devotion to the crew, every time he helps with their plot, something bites at him.

Guilt.

Still, he goes along, working for Harry and Uma. He isn't entirely aware of what the future holds for Mal, though he knows it will only end badly.

He wants to be as dedicated to the cause as his other mates are, but he can't comprehend Uma's end goal of destroying Mal. As appealing as taking over Auradon is sometimes, he knows there has to be a better way. Regardless, he stands by and continues to do their dirty work. He is sure if he showed any sign of questioning they really would throw him back out to sea.