The Line Between Life and Death | Hercules/Encanto Crossover | Part 1 of ?
Chapters: 1/?
Fandom: Encanto (2021), Hercules (1997)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Miscarriage?
Relationships: Hades/Persephone, "Abuela" Alma Madrigal/Pedro Madrigal, AgustĂn Madrigal/Julieta Madrigal, Hera/Zeus
Summary: Hades and Persephone have spent centuries on centuries waiting for the day when they could finally have a child of their own. And after thousands of years watching all his unborn children die before they can even be born, he will do anything to make sure his little girl survives. Thankfully for him, there is a father in Columbia who is just as desperate as he is to save his children. And who might just be willing to trade for the very thing that would let Hades save his daughterâŚ.
Heâs been pacing the palace for hours, deep in thought. He wants to be in there with her, by her side but Demeter and Hera were insistent that his temper was too violate to be around his wife in this trying time. But how can he not be with what is at stake? Thousands upon thousands of years, waiting for this day and everything was resting on it. From beyond the grand doors that made their bed chamber, he can hear her, panting and screaming, and the soft murmurs of his sister-in-law and mother-in-law trying to calm her. He runs a hand through the blue fire that made up his hair, as he tried and failed to calm his nerves. It was fine, it would work this time. It had to.
He doesnât want to think of the hundreds of others that hadnât even gotten this far, the sobs of his wife every time they lost another one. It had to work. His musing are interrupted by a giant screech, and he turns, eyes wide as he hears it. Itâs faint, and soft but he can hear her, their child. Wailing. But he can also hear his wife crying and he knows itâs not a good cry. Hera be damned, this was his Underworld!
He burst through the doors, heedless of Demeter and Hera's warnings. The sight that greeted him tore at his heart - his wife, his beloved Persephone, lay exhausted on the bed, cradling a small, almost still form in her arms. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gazed upon the child they had waited millennia for.
"My love," he said softly, crossing the room in short great strides to kneel at her side, and to gaze upon their child for the first time. "What has happened?"
Persephone looked up at him, her eyes red-rimmed. "Oh, Hades," she breathed. "Our child... our precious child..." Her voice broke as a fresh wave of sobs wracked her body. âHer soul is fading.â He looks, in his arms, at his child and can see the child, a girl, the way her form is dissipating.
He stares down at their child, and then stands up, snarling as his hair explodes in a giant fiery explosion. Hera and Demeter are unimpressed and unsurprised. âWe told you time and time again, Hades. A child of your combined ilk is not possible. This is the underworld, a place of souls and you are a God of Death. Persephone is a Goddess of Life, and spring. You are opposites. This was bound to happen.â
âNo! No! There has to be something we can doâŚ.we canât lose another one.â
Hera tilted her head, sighing. She had no love for Hades, especially after what he did to her son, casting him down to earth, ripping his immortality away and then damning his wife to his pit of souls. But, she felt for Persephone, and she would admit he had mostly behaved since the whole âLetâs try and murder my son and take over Olympusâ situation. Mostly.
âWe cannot prevent further decay of her soul so long as she is alive, but we can put her in stasis until you figure out a solution. She would be frozen in time, you understand this, yes?â
Hades' eyes narrowed as he considered Hera's words. "Stasis," he murmured, his mind racing. "That may buy us time, but it is not a true solution." He looked down at the flickering form of his daughter, his heart aching. "There must be a way to permanently sustain her - maybe if IâŚno that wouldnât work.â The man began to pace again, thinking.
Demeter sighed, looking down at her granddaughter. She hated Hades for convincing her daughter to marry him and taking her away from Demeter (The other Gods might call her a helicopter parent behind her back) but she wouldnât let her Grandchild suffer for the sins of her father. âWhat about the Fates? They may be able to shed some light.â she said, flicking her eyes away. Hades groaned. âOkay doll, love the idea but heh, unfortunately, I donât play well with the Fates.â he said, pacing back and forth.
âBecause of what happened last time?â said Hera, glaring at him. The God of Death huffed. âHades, my love. It may be the only way! I know youâve had mixed experiences with themâŚ.not entirely unwarranted mind you, but you must at least ask!â said Persephone, looking at her child with sorrow in her heart. Oh he hated when she looked like that, it drove him mad. He would do anything for her.
âOkay babeâŚIâll ask. For youâŚand for her.â
He hates being here, but itâs a necessary evil. He sees the three of them, pulling another string to cut. He can do this, anything for his wife and especially for his baby girl. He fixes his robes and straightens his shoulders.
Hades saunters up to the Fates, his blue flames flickering as he tries his best to appear casual and unfazed. "Ladies, you know I hate to intrude and I know by now, you know all this but before you start with the interrupting stuff, just let me talk okay? I'm in a bit of a pickle here. My little girl - my precious Persephone junior, name pending - well, her soul is starting to fade. And as you know, because I know that you know: I was hoping you might be able to help a guy out." He flashed them his most winning smile, the one that had charmed countless mortals over the millennia, and them once or twice as well.
The Fates eyed him warily, their bony fingers never ceasing their work on the great tapestry of fate. "Ahh, yes, the child of the Underworld and Spring," mused Clotho, the spinner. "Such a delicate balance of life and death. We knew this day would come."
Hades leaned in closer, his eyes narrowed as he fixed the Fates with an intense stare. "Alright, you old biddies, let's cut to the chase. What do I need to do to save my little girl?" His voice dripped with a mixture of desperation and the trademark bravado that was so quintessentially Hades.
âAnd why should we help you?â
Hades threw back his head and let out a laugh, his blue flames flickering wildly. "Why should you help me?" he chuckled, a devilish grin spreading across his face. "Oh, my dear Fates, I thought you'd never ask!"
He moved closer, his eyes glinting with a dangerous edge. "You see, I have no intention of letting her die. Now, I know you ladies have a... shall we say, interesting history with me." His gaze narrowed as he recalled past transgressions. "But I'm a changed god, I tell you! I've turned over a new leaf. Well, mostly."
Hades leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice to a smooth, velvety tone. "And you know what they say - blood is thicker than water, my dear Fates. I may not have the best track record with you ladies, but family is family, and weâre family. And this little girl" - he paused, thinking back to the flickering form of his daughter - "well, she's the future of our family legacy. The next generation of the House of Hades. You can't let that legacy die, can you?"
He flashed them a roguish grin, his blue flames dancing mischievously. "So whaddya say, ladies? You scratch my back, I scratch yours. I know you've got a soft spot for keeping the family line going. What do I have to do to save my little girl? Please."
ââŚA mortal body.â said Lachesis, she disliked Hades but she had to respect him for being humble enough to beg for his daughter's life. She can see him blinking, confused. âYou need a mortal body. Your daughter is just a soul, she has no flesh and blood body of her own. In order for her live, she will need to survive, in a mortal body for at least a decade or two, before she can survive in the underworld. And I donât mean find a dead body and shove her in and then drag her down here, she needs to LIVE on the mortal plane for at least a decade.â
Hades let out a low whistle, running his hand through his ethereal blue flames. "A mortal body, eh? Well now, that's a tall order, even for a god like myself." He paced back and forth, his mind racing. "You realize how tricky that's gonna be, right? Keeping a mortal body alive and kicking for a decade or more? That's a lot of work, ladies."
He paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "But for my little girl..." His eyes softened as he thought of his daughter and wife, both so fragile and vulnerable in different ways. "I'd move the very heavens and earth to save her." Hades fixed the Fates with an intense stare, his voice dropping to a low, serious tone. "Alright, you ancient crones, you've got my attention. Tell me what I need to do."
The Fates exchanged a knowing glance, their gnarled fingers still working tirelessly at the great tapestry of fate. "The child must live among mortals for at least a decade, without your interference, Hades," Clotho intoned, her voice like the creak of ancient parchment. "Only then will she be strong enough to survive in your realm. And, while she may be taken to your realm after the decade mark, to survive she must naturally ease out of the mortal body. No prematurely pulling her out.â
Hades narrowed his eyes, his blue flames flickering with barely contained impatience. "A decade, huh? No meddling, no popping in to check on her? And even longer in a mortal body. Sounds like a real long haul." He let out a frustrated sigh, drumming his fingers against his thigh. "Alright, alright, I get it. The delicate balance of life and death and all that jazz. But you're talking to the Lord of the Underworld here, ladies. I think I can manage that.â
âGood. There will soon be a man in the lands of South America, Columbia to be specific. He is slated to die soon at the hands of raiders, his thread is nearing the end. He will do anything, and I mean anything to ensure his wife and newborn children are safe from harm. We cannot tell you more than that, but he will be the key to having what you wish. But it will take time. Oh, and you need an empty body, one that had a soul at any point in it wonât do.â
Hades listened intently, his mind already whirring with plans and strategies. A mortal body, Colombia, a man desperate to protect his family - this could work. He just had to play his cards right. "An empty body, you say?" Hades mused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Well now, that's a tall order. Those don't exactly grow on trees, you know." He fixed the Fates with a pointed stare. "But I suppose you wouldn't be telling me this if you didn't have something specific in mind."
Clotho nodded, the barest hint of a smile playing at the corners of her ancient lips. "Indeed, now go. The hour is upon you. You will know where to go, the blood and carnage that you feel when senseless slaughter occurs will guide you.â
Hades nodded slowly, his mind already whirring with possibilities. "Blood and carnage, you say?" He flashed the Fates a sardonic grin. "Well, you ladies certainly know the way to a god's heart."
He turned on his heel, his long strides carrying him swiftly towards the exit. As he reached the threshold, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder. "You know, I have to admit - I'm impressed. Looks like you old hags still have a few tricks up your sleeves." His eyes glinted with mischief. "I'll be sure to send you a postcard from Colombia. Maybe a nice little souvenir, hmm?"
Without waiting for a response, Hades strode out of the chamber, his blue flames trailing in his wake. He had no time to waste.
Pedro was frozen. No, time was frozen. The birds in the sky had stopped, midflight, the fire of his old home in the distance was still. It was confusing, one minute heâs being stabbed and the next he is watching the frozen face of his wife and newborn children and of his neighbors all around him, each one frozen in time. What was happening?
"I froze time. It's not exactly within my domain as the god of death, but all gods have some control over time, even if it's just for a few minutes.âPedro whipped his head around. Standing behind him, looming over him was a man nearly eight feet tall, with ash colored skin and blue hair made of flames. He wore a toga made from a black cloth and mist seemed to come off his form, trailing around the bottom of his outfit. âPedro Madrigal, right? Charon sent along your file, very impressive.â Hades said, making a clipboard with a stack of papers appear, quickly looking it over, flipping through the pages.
âLetâs see: Born to loving parents, you had three siblings, all older, you were a carpenter in life and married Alma SĂĄnchez, now Madrigal, had three young children, triplets, and have now died to raiders, in an attempt to save said wife and kids. Says here you tried to reason with them, appeal to their humanity, yeesh.â
Pedro stared up at the imposing figure, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and confusion. "Who...who are you? What's happening?" he stammered, his voice shaking.
Hades let out a booming laugh, the blue flames of his hair flickering wildly. "Who am I? Why, I'm hurt you don't recognize me, Pedro. I'm Hades, Lord of the Underworld." He leaned in closer, his piercing gaze boring into the mortal man. "And as for what's happening - well, let's just say Iâm about to make your day!â
âIâŚyou are not JesusâŚâ
Hades laughed, genuinely. âJesus? Oh no, heâs not realâŚwell he was. One of Zeusâs half-breed children, a Demi-God. Tried to start a religion and demolish the worship of the Greek and Roman Pantheons. It worked, buut, he was destroyed as a result. Unfortunately his religion stuck around.â Muttered the God, rolling his eyes at the cross he noticed around Pedroâs neck.
Hades waved a dismissive hand. "But never mind all that. We have more important matters to discuss, Pedro Madrigal." He fixed the mortal man with an intense stare, his blue flames flickering ominously.
âYou want to save your kids, right? Those three, adorable little newborn triplets, and that wife of yours, right?â
Pedro stared up at the imposing figure of Hades, his heart pounding in his chest. "My family...yes, of course I want to save them! But how can you help?" He glanced around at the frozen scene, the raiders poised to strike. Hades let out another laugh, practically having to hide how excited he was. "How can I help, he asks!" The god leaned in closer, his piercing gaze boring into Pedro. "I'm the Lord of the Underworld, my dear mortal. Saving lives is kind of my thing - well, usually it's taking them, but desperate times and all that."
âHow, how could you help them?â he asked, desperate.
âBy giving you a miracle! Again, usually not my field, Pedro my boy, but I am still a god. I will create a safe haven for your family, a house made of pure magic to protect them. The valley we are in will become encased by the mountains. They will be safe from the raiders.â
âBut, what if more come? What if other people try to harm them?â
âTell you what, what I want out of you will be a pretty big deal, so Iâll add a caveat. Gifts. Magical gifts that is, for all of your descendants once they reach a certain age. Powers to protect their home from anyone else who would do them harm.â Pedro stared at Hades, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and desperate hope. "Magical gifts? Powers to protect my family?" He shook his head, trying to wrap his mind around the god's offer. "But what is it that you want from me in return?"
Hades smirked, he could tell the man was desperate, just like the Fates said. "Ah, straight to the point - I like that, my friend!" He leaned in closer, his piercing gaze boring into the mortal man. "What I want from you is simple: a body. Well, more specifically, a female body, preferably newborn.â
Pedro's eyes widened in horror at Hades' request. "A body? A newborn?" He shook his head vehemently. "No, I can't - I won't give you my daughters! That's... that's monstrous!"
Hades raised a hand, his piercing gaze silencing Pedro's protests. "Now, now, don't get your toga in a twist. This is for a good cause, I assure you." He flashed Pedro a roguish grin. "You see, I have a little girl of my own, just like those two little girls of yours, and she's in a bit of a predicament. Her soul is fading, and I need a mortal body for her to inhabit in order to save her."
âLook, I am not asking for one of your daughters. I need a body without a soulâŚlike a stillborn child.â Hades grinned, why didnât he realize sooner? âYes, one of your descendants, the first stillborn female born to your family I donât care who, it just needs to be female, donât want to give my little girl an identity crisis.â
Pedro stared at Hades, his heart pounding in his chest. The idea of sacrificing a newborn, even a stillborn, to save this god's child filled him with a mixture of horror and desperation. But if it meant protecting his own family..."A stillborn child," he murmured, his voice trembling. "You...you promise you'll protect my wife and babies? Keep them safe from harm?"
Hades nodded solemnly, his blue flames flickering. "You have my word, Pedro Madrigal. I will create an impenetrable sanctuary for your family, and bestow upon your descendants the power to defend their home for generations to come." He fixed Pedro with an intense stare. "All I ask in return is that first stillborn female child. A small price to pay for the safety of your loved ones, don't you think?"
âWhatâs from stopping you from going back on your word?â he asked, hesitantly. âSmart man. One second.â With a flourish of his hand a contract appeared from nothingness, with a floating golden quill. âFeel free to read it over, pretty straight forward.â
Pedro scanned the contract with trembling hands, his eyes darting back and forth across the ornate parchment. The terms seemed clear enough - Hades would create an impenetrable sanctuary for his family, and bestow protective gifts upon his descendants, in exchange for the first stillborn female child born to his lineage.
As horrific as the idea was, Pedro couldn't deny the desperation welling up inside him. The raiders were poised to strike, his wife and newborn babies in mortal danger. If this bargain with the Lord of the Underworld was the only way to save them...He looked up at Hades, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and resolve. "Alright, I'll do it. Protect my family, and you can have the first stillbornâŚgranddaughter I guess? Most likely, in my family.â
âPerfect. Sign here, here and initial there. And tell you what, since you did me such a favor, I wonât drag your soul to the Underworld with the rest of the pathetic souls. You can stay here and play house or whatever you mortals do.â Pedro's hand trembled as he signed the contract, his heart pounding in his chest. It was a stillborn child, it would be dead anyways, what was the harm?
As he placed the final flourish on the contract, a brilliant light flashed, and suddenly the frozen scene around them shifted. The once barren valley was now transformed, the mountains rising up to encircle the valley in an impenetrable wall of stone. Pedro's eyes widened as he at the raiders, vaporized into dust and a large house, a casa, beginning to form from nothingness. His wedding candle came alight; It was a miracle, like the God said.
Hades let out a low chuckle, smirking at the sight before him. "There, you see? I am a god of my word, Pedro Madrigal." He gestured grandly at the protected valley. âNow, I will be back at a later date to claim my price, have fun!â Pedro watched him go, as time resumed. He turned towards his wife, and children. He did it for them, what harm would it do?
Hades is pacing again, as he listens to his wife fritter on about this and that. It had been so long! Just waiting to get the body had been tedious, let alone waiting for her to grow. All of the manâs granddaughters had been healthy, save the last one which was finally a stillborn, female baby. That had taken thirty-five years, and then it had been another fifteen. He wanted to take her as soon as she was ten, she belonged here, with her real parents, but Persephone had wanted to wait until she was just a bit older, preferably waiting until she died of old age, but he didnât want to wait that long. He wanted his baby now, while she was preferably still a baby. Well, she was technically fifteen but still!
âDo we have to?â Persephone asked. âI donât want her to hate us.â she said, worried, pressing into her husbandâs side. âBabe, itâs gonna be okay, sheâs gonna come home, sheâs gonna finally be with us. Besides, theyâre a terrible family anyway, weâre doing her a favor.â
âThey arenât that bad Hades, maybe they forget about her sometimes but her parents, her mortal parents absolutely adore her.â she said, flickering hers towards the scrying orbs. âShe loves them, it will hurt her to be ripped away from them.â Hades sighed, âDoll, baby she belongs at home. Her soul is finally strong enough. I want our little girl.â
âOh I know dearâŚjust, try not to overwhelm her, be gentle with her.â said Persephone, leaning into her husbands chest. âI wonât doll, it will be great. Now, I would love to stay and chat but I got us a daughter to collect.â Persephone could only sigh. She would go with him, but she was needed in Olympus for an meeting. She just hoped he wouldnât be tooâŚtoo Hades.
âLa Familia Madrigal!â
She watches the flash of the bulb go off, and can feel her stomach twisting. It was better that she wasnât in the photo, she would just ruin it. Like she did everything else. Itâs times like this she is bitter she never got a gift. Mirabel sighed, turning away from her family, trying not to hide the tears and self-hatred on her face. It was fine, everything was fine.
Maybe she should go to bed early, she was feeling tired all of a sudden. Sighing, she started to make her way out of Antonioâs room only to be stopped when a giant earthquake rocked the room, sending people flying and the animals of Antonioâs new room scattering towards to God knew where. People screamed from the impact. Immediately, her family was on the defense, trying to calm everyone. Mirabel watched in shock as the earthquake shook the Casita, her family scrambling to regain their footing. Abuela's voice rose above the din, commanding order and telling them everything was fine. That order was quickly retracted as a second earthquake rippled through the room. People began running, as the earth shook, people grabbing children and loved ones as they ran.
People were pushing and shoving each other as they scrambled for safety. Mirabel found herself lost in the crowd of people, not able to rejoin her family in the chaos of it all. "Quickly, everyone outside! We must get to safety!" Shouted Abuela, trying to lead the flow of people.
Mirabel followed her family and the wave of people as they spilled out of the Casita, out of Antonioâs room and out of the house itself, fear etched on their faces. Every few seconds a tremor would go off, causing more screams and panic. The tremors were growing more violent, shaking the very foundations of their home. Suddenly, just as everyone had exited the house, a deafening crack rent the air and Mirabel's eyes widened in horror as a massive fissure began to open up roughly five hundred meters from the house.
âMother, what is happening?â called Tia Pepa towards her mother. Alma could only shake her head confused. Everything was going right, Antonio had gotten a gift, what had happenedâŚthis must be Mirabelâs fault. Before she could turn and say anything, a bright blue light emanated out of the fissure and a figure of ethereal being, eight feet tall with blue hair made of flames, clothing black as night and smoke trailing off his form, stepped out of the hole with a large, very large as in gigantic, three-headed dog by his side.
âWell, what do we have here? Someone having a party?â Hades said, stepping out. He swept his eyes across the crowd, a little under a thousand mortals, he surmises. âOoh, wait are those birthday banners I see? Looks like maybe I chose the wrong day to claim my pound of flesh. Whose ever birthday this is will probably remember it for years.â And probably be traumatized, as he was about to take away one of their family members away, forever.
"Who are you?" Alma demanded, her voice trembling slightly. "What is the meaning of this?"
Hades let out a booming laugh, the blue flames of his hair flickering wildly. "Why, my dear woman, I am Hades - Lord of the Underworld!" He swept his piercing gaze across the crowd, a twisted grin spreading across his face. "As for the meaning of this little display..." His eyes glance around the crowd, he canât see her, but he can feel her. His daughter. Somewhere in the crowd. âI am here to get what your husband promised me.â he said with a vicious smile.
Alma's eyes widened in horror as Hades' words registered. "Promised you? What are you talking about?" She stepped forward, her back straight and her chin held high, despite the trembling of her hands. "I know nothing of any promise made to you. Leave this place at once!" Hades laughed. âFigures, hmmm. One moment.â With a flick of his wrist, the suddenly visible ghost of Pedro Madrigal appeared, glowing slightly ethereal and eyes wide with fear. He appeared right in front of Alma, only to be suddenly tugged and dragged to Hades, who wrapped an arm around his shoulders and patted him on the head like he was a good friend.
He can see the crowd gasping, the woman Alma becoming so pale that he thinks the Fates may cut her thread right now. He doesnât quite like Alma, the rest of the family is fine if a bit forgetful but Alma? He knows she straight up dislikes his daughter, not considering her part of the family. Which she wasnât, she was HIS daughter after all. But she was also a God in the making, she should have been worshipped or the very least treated like one of the family by the old lady. âWhy donât I let your husband explain?â he said, looking at Pedro. It would hurt more coming from her own husband, and he felt the need to torment her for his ill-treatment of his baby girl.
"H-Husband?" Alma stammered, her voice laced with disbelief and growing horror. "Pedro, what is the meaning of this?" She stepped forward, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "What promise have you made to this...this creature?" She couldnât believe it, she thought she might have a heart attack. She hadnât seen her husband in fifty-years, and now here he was, or at least his spirit was.
Pedro's mouth felt as dry as the Sahara as he glanced around at his family, their faces etched with a mixture of fear and confusion. How could he even begin to explain the bargain he had struck with the Lord of the Underworld all those years ago? He looks to his eldest daughter, briefly before looking away. He was going to rip her heart out, into pieces.
"I...I made a deal," he stammered, his voice trembling. "To save you all - my wife, my children. From the raiders. I was already dead but you werenât. He appeared before me, stopping time and then..." His eyes flickered over to Hades, the imposing figure of the god filling him with a mixture of dread and regret. "He offered me a chance to protect you, to give you a home, to give you magical gifts that would protect our family for generations. All I had to do was..." His voice trailed off, unable to complete the horrific bargain. âAll I had to do was promise him the body of my âŚ.first stillborn, female descendant. Which isâŚone of our nietas, Alma.â He canât name her, itâs too hard.
âWhat are you talking about? We donât have any stillborn daughters in our family, or any stillborn children for that matter.â said Julieta, piping up. Hades laughed. âOf course you do, you just donât realize it. My end of the deal was I got the body of the stillborn so I could save MY daughter from dying. There is an issue with progenies when a god of death and life have a kid, you see and she can't survive on her own, she needs a mortal body. My daughters soul was placed into the body at time of birth, so her soul could get stronger, letting her live amongst you mortals until she was strong enough to come home. Which, unfortunately for you, is today. Stillborns donât have souls to begin with, really I was going you a favor. You would have had given birth to a corpse. But instead you had the privilege of raising a goddess!" said the God.
Alma's face drained of color as the words sank in. The realization of what her husband had done hit her like a shockwave. "No..." she breathed, her hands trembling. "You couldn't have. Tell me you didn't, Pedro!" All this time, she thought the miracle was born of her husbandâs love for his family, and in reality, is was born of a deal with a devil!
Pedro hung his head in shame, unable to meet his wife's anguished gaze. "I had to, Alma. I had to save you, save the children. This...this creature promised to protect us, to give us a home." He gestured weakly at the imposing figure of Hades. "I couldn't let you all die. It was just a corpse, I thought he would take it when she was born, I didn't realize he intended to raise her in our family." The man said, ashamed. He had grown to love her as his own granddaughter, and it pained him just as much as the rest of the family what was going to happen.
âWait, Abuelo, you said itâs one of your granddaughtersâŚwhich one?â asked Camilo. He asked but he knew. Surely, it had to be Isabela. And everyone else agreed, immediately, everyone in the town turned towards Isabela. She was a beauty, almost a goddess in terms of appearance.
Alma felt her heart sink as she followed their gaze, her eyes landing on her eldest granddaughter. "No, it can't be Isabela," she breathed, her voice trembling. "She's our precious flower, our gift. Not her, please, not my Isabela." Hades laughed. âThe closeted lesbian who secretly hates your guts Alma? No, not even close. Iâm sure everyone probably assumes that because my wife is a Goddess of Spring, but no. You are far too annoying for my tastes.â
Isabela was frozen, first from the idea she was secretly a Gods child and now from being outed over the fact she was both a lesbian and hated her own grandmother and her need for perfection. How did this...this immortal being know such intimate details about her? She had worked so hard to hide those parts of herself, to be the perfect granddaughter that Abuela had always wanted. And now, in front of her entire family, it was all laid bare.
Her eyes darted around the crowd, looking for any sign of judgment or disgust, but she was met with only confusion and concern. Except for Abuela, whose face had twisted into a mask of barely-contained fury. Isabela knew she should feel relief that her secret was out, that she no longer had to hide who she was. But all she felt was a crushing sense of dread.
âWait, then who is it?â yelled someone from the crowd. âAlso wait, Isabela is a lesbian? I guess that makes sense, sheâs always hanging around the Bakerâs daughter.â
Hades chuckled, the blue flames of his hair flickering wildly. "If it's not little Miss Perfect Isabela, then who could it be?" His piercing gaze swept across the crowd, a twisted grin spreading across his face. "Hmm, let me see..."
He forced the crowd to move, pushing them away with magic so the three remaining granddaughters all stood next to each other, side by side in fear and confusion. The rest of the town, and family couldnât move, only look towards them. Mirabel felt frozen, and not just from being physically restrained. SurelyâŚ.no, no. It had to be Dolores or Luisa, she was just the Giftless Madrigal!
âMaybe itâs Dolores? Dear, shy Dolores, always the second best, runner up, the shadow of her âperfectâ older cousin. Born a week after Isabela and always struggling to be heard. The one madly jealous of her cousin, and who has been trying to subtly prevent the engagement of Mariano GuzmĂĄn and Isabela.â Dolores felt her face go red, as from the corner of her eye, she sees Isabela suddenly summon a cactus of all things by her feet. Sheâs expecting anger, but she sees relief. She thinks back to what the God said, âcloseted lesbian.â she realizes now that Isabela doesnât love Mariano and that gives her hope. Provided sheâs n-
âNo, I donât think so. Good luck on your new relationship, though.â Dolores found herself propelled towards her family, removed from the trio who was now a duo.
Hades strokes his chin. âOr maybe, Luisa? Poor, overworked Luisa who the town treats like their personal pack mule, always tired and on the verge of a breakdown. Strong little Luisa who is worried no one will ever love her because sheâs not small and dainty like Isabela.â Luisa gasped, shame filling her face. No one was supposed to know! SheâŚshe could handle any pressure, she was like Hercules!
âMmm, nope!â Luisa suddenly found herself with the family. Wait, if it wasnât her that could only meanâŚâMirabel?!?â said Alma, in disbelief, staring at her youngest granddaughter. And the rest of the crowd seemed to be having a similar reaction. Mirabel was the runt of the litter, the giftless one. Surely, the God was toying with them all.
âNo, no!â Julietaâs eyes were wide. She had already been panicking when she first learned one of her children were going to be taken away, after all, she had three of the four granddaughters in the family. It was a 3 in 4 chance of it being one of her babies. And now, somehow it was her youngest. Maybe itâs because theyâre older or because Mirabel doesnât have the same abilities as they do, but itâs the worst possible scenario in her eyes.
Mirabel felt her heart sink as Hades' gaze fixed upon her. All eyes turned to her, expressions ranging from shock to horror. She felt like she couldn't breathe, the weight of the revelation crushing her.
"No, this can't be happening," Mirabel whispered, her voice trembling. "There must be some mistake." She looked around desperately, seeking comfort from her family, but all she saw were faces filled with dismay. Hades strode towards her, kneeling before her. The arrogance and haughtiness the God displayed had melted into a tender softness, as he placed his hand on her cheek.
âHey baby girl. Me and your Mom been waiting a long time to meet you.â He said gently. Oh it was good to finally see his little girl.
âNo! You canât take her, sheâs OUR daughter!â Hades sighed, standing back up. The man, Agustin Madrigal was enraged, trying to thrash against the invisible restraints with little to no success. âJulieta and Agustin, was it? I do have to thank you for raising her for me, but I think itâs time we go home, donât you think so?â
Julieta was struggling not to sob openly. "No, please, no!" she cried, wanting to rush towards Mirabel and take her far, far away from thisâŚthing. "You can't take her!"
Hades raised a hand, his blue flames flickering menacingly. "I'm afraid I must, my dear. She is, after all, my daughter." He flashed Julieta a twisted grin. "The bargain was struck long ago, and I always collect on my debts." Alma stepped forward, her eyes blazing with fury. "You will not take my granddaughter!" she spat, her voice trembling with rage. "That deal was made without our knowledge or consent. It is not binding!"
Hades let out another booming laugh, the sound reverberating through the valley. "Oh, dear Alma, this agreement is indeed binding. Your husband SIGNED it, after all. And as the God of the Underworld, I assure you it is enforceable. Let's be honest, you don't truly care for Mirabel; I've witnessed your interactions with her. So tell me, Alma, if I were to take away your gifts, which one would you miss the most? We both know it would be the gifts."
Alma's eyes widened in horror at Hades' words. He was right - she didn't treat Mirabel the same as her other grandchildren. But how dare he use that against her! "I may not have been the grandmother Mirabel deserved," she admitted, her voice trembling with barely-contained rage. "But she is still my family. And I will not let you take her from us!" The crowd could do little, their bodies frozen.
"Look, this has been great but we do need to go." Hades said, looking at his nails. Before anyone else could protest, he whistled for Cerberus, and the dog came bounding over. With one arm around his daughter's waist, he lifted her up onto the dog's back and waved goodbye, mockingly to the rest of the family. The hound then leaped into the hole and started to dig its way towards the underworld, as the hole began to close.
Mirabel struggled, trying to claw her way off the giant dog and out of the hole but Hades pushed her down, keeping her on the dog. âI wouldnât do that, Cerberus can go pretty fast, in fact you should hold on. Otherwise, you will just fall for miles and prematurely destroy your mortal body.â said Hades. She tried to struggle but the speed of the dog soon became too fast, and she found herself gripping on to the dog for dear life. Hades seemed unfazed, standing rather than sitting on the dog.
As Mirabel clung to the massive three-headed dog, the descent into the Underworld, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of fear and confusion. This had to be a bad dream, she couldnât be the daughter of a God. And even if she was, she didnât know this man! She wanted her parents, her real parents! The people who raised her!
The descent into the Underworld was dizzying and disorienting. She dared not look down at the endless chasm they were plunging into, afraid she might puke. Hades stood calmly beside her, seemingly unaffected by the breakneck pace of their descent. His piercing gaze was fixed towards her, a strange mixture of excitement and something akin to tenderness in his expression.
The deeper they got, the hotter the air seemed to get. She could almost feel steam coming off of her. It didnât burn, but it was a bit uncomfortable. Just when she was wondering how far they were going to go, they suddenly burst through a ceiling, as Cerberus fell, easily a mile or two from the rocky, cavern sky of the Underworld and then landed with a thud onto the ground below, with not so much as an injury.
"My...my family," Mirabel whispered, staring back through the rapidly closing chasm above them. She could no longer see them, they were far too deep into the earth, but she still had to look back regardless. Hades placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his piercing gaze filled with an odd mixture of empathy and determination. "I know this is all very overwhelming, baby girl," he said softly, his voice surprisingly soothing. "But this is where you belong - with your real family. With me and your mother."
âI am not your baby girl!â She shouted, removing his hand from her shoulder. She canât help it, she glances at her surroundings, trying to find an exit, or something.
They had emerged in a vast, cavernous realm that seemed to stretch on endlessly. The air was thick with an eerie, coppery scent and an overwhelming sense of foreboding. Towering obsidian cliffs rose up on all sides, their jagged peaks piercing the gloom like the fangs of some ancient, slumbering beast.
A river of molten gold flowed sluggishly in the distance, its surface roiling and bubbling ominously. Mirabel shuddered as she caught glimpses of shadowy figures moving within its depths, their mournful cries echoing through the cavernous walls. In the distance, she could see what looked to be a glowing city of light, a beacon in this dark place None of that mattered, what did matter was the giant palace she stood in front of.
Mirabel's gaze was drawn to the massive palace that loomed before them, an contrasting entity in the midst of this bleak and foreboding realm. It was large, and made of the same dark rock as the rest of the landscape but vines and twisting roots snaked up the obsidian walls, with massive trees, their branches heavy with lush foliage, erupting from the very foundations of the palace, their leaves rustling softly in an unfelt breeze. Blooming flowers of every imaginable hue adorned every surface, their petals glistening with ethereal dew. Mirabel caught the scent of jasmine, lavender, and a dozen other floral fragrances that she couldn't even begin to identify. It was an oasis in the middle of the underworld.
It reminded her of Isabelaâs room, tenfold. âI can see your expression, I know itâs a lot. But it makes your mom happy so I put up with it. Regardless, welcome home, Princess.â
Mirabel stared up at the magnificent palace, her mind reeling from the sheer scale and splendor of it all. This was her home now? It seemed impossible, a surreal dream that she couldn't possibly be living. "Home?" she whispered, the word feeling foreign on her tongue. "This is not my home." She tore her gaze away from the palace, fixing Hades with a defiant glare. "My home is with the Madrigals. That's where I belong. And I am not a princess, or your daughter."
Hades let out a heavy sigh, the weight of centuries etched upon his weathered features. "I know this must be difficult for you to understand, Mirabel." He knelt down in front of her again, bringing himself to eye level with his daughter. Gone was the imposing, intimidating figure - in its place was a father burdened by the gravity of his actions and his love for his child. âBut me and your mother love you so much.â
He reached out a hand, his fingers gently brushing away the tears that trickled down Mirabel's cheeks. "I know this is not the homecoming you imagined. Believe me, it's not how I envisioned it either." Hades let out a low, humorless chuckle. "The Underworld is hardly the most welcoming of realms, I'll admit. But it is where you belong, my dear. This is your home.â He expects her to accept what he says is true, instead, heâs surprised when she slaps him right across the face before spitting in his face. He narrowed his eyes as he wiped the spit from his face. It seemed that this was going to be much more difficult than he had initially thought.