The Descendants' Descendants (Multi-Ship)

*9*

Mal was breathing softly, walking slowly through the shadowy streets of the Isle of the Lost. In a hooded cape, and tattered clothes, she looked just like any resident of the Isle. Once upon a time, she was. But now she was the future queen of Auradon, returning to her former home to meet with her father for the first time in 17 years. Celia had helped Mal with getting the key to Hades' cavern, and now she was unlocking the gates to the 'Underworld' Hades had called home for 21 years now. Celia warned her not to be worried about the dog as it was just a record Hades played to keep intruders away. Mal hopped on the two-person bike and started pedalling towards the cave, coming closer to her father.

When she came to the entrance of her father's cave, Mal stuck to the walls, being sure to stay quiet. She didn't know exactly why; after all, she had come to see her father. Maybe she was scared of what he might to to her. Mal didn't know exactly what he was capable of, or if he even ever cared about her at all. Her mother didn't exactly paint the prettiest picture of him.

"You do know that I know you're here, right?" Hades called from his chair. "What do you want?"

"Hi, Dad," Mal replied, stepping out of the shadows.

"Mal?" he said, surprised. "Why are you here? Do you want something from me?"

"Just some sort of a relationship," she answered. "I mean, you dipped out on me for 17 years; you didn't even have the guts to give me birthday calls or come to see how I was doing. It'd be nice to have a real father, no matter how late he is to the party."

"In all fairness, Mal," Hades started, "I left your mother. I don't think she was willing to give up the chance to ruin another person's life. Your life. That doesn't go to say I don't regret not taking you with me. I do."

"Then now's your chance to make up for it," Mal told him. "I'm not saying you and Mom have to get along, but at least act like a proper father. Act like you want to be there for me."

"You think I didn't want to be there for you?" he asked, hurt in his voice. "I tried to take you from your mother. I tried everything I could. You have to remember, Mal, she had the whole Isle following her demands. After the Evil Queen didn't invite you to her daughter's birthday, the Isle knew what she could do if they made a wrong move. I tried, Mal."

•••

Mal and Hades walked through the barrier and climbed into the purple limo that awaited them. "So, how about we make some new memories; maybe you can show me the town?" Hades grinned.

"Yeah," Mal smiled. "One thing, though. The only people who know about you being my dad are Mom, Evie and Ben. I want to tell everyone eventually, but I don't want to scare Auradon. Can you make sure you make a good impression before we introduce you as my dad?"

"Anything for you, Mali," Hades replied, hugging his daughter. As the limo crossed the magical golden bridge, Hades admired the views of Auradon. "It's been a long time since I got to see the light," he sighed. "It's nice."

Mal smiled at her father. "And it's yours now," she told him. "I can't wait for you to meet Ben."

"He seems like he's got issues, if I'm being honest..." he trailed off. "No offence meant. Just, based off of the news reports, he lost his human side a few weeks back."

"He was just in pain," she explained. "I left him because he wouldn't let Mom stay in Auradon. Actually, while we're on the topic of Mom, please play nice. I know you two aren't exactly on speaking terms, but I need you to be nice with her, for all of our sakes. I'll be telling her the same thing, too."