Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Universe A

Jecht sat on the one rock in all this snow, and glared at the tall fairy with bright green skin that wore a dark cloak.  Thank, whatever god that paid attention to this if any did, that he had always been upfront with his wife.  Even if his explanation was “I am really hung up on my ex and can no way get over it, but you seem like a good person and my kid needs a better parent than me to take care of him.”  she didn’t really get it.  Until a few days ago when his ex showed up on his doorstep saying she was “repaying her debts” by informing him the universe was going to be destroyed.

Then Riku charged in trying to fight her and things just went down from there. 

Even as much as hate had grown in his heart, his ex was BEAUTIFUL.  He had no clue if she actually was, or if it was just how she appeared against the snow, but it landed on her cloak and head dress, and if he got closer he knew he could watch her eyelids flutter under the tiny snowflakes.

But they matched her heart. 

“Did you even think of me?”  He finally asked, breaking the silence of the trip.  She turned to look at him.  Kingdom Hearts, she was gorgeous.

“In all the years you were gone?  A few times.” She turned back to look at the valley below, she was waiting for something.

“Maleficent.”  The name dripped from his lips.  The name was fake, they both knew it.  Fairies guarded their true names jealously, and what better name for the dark fairy witch than one that warned all of how evil she was.

How cruel she could be.

How she had stolen his heart and refused to return it. 

How he had, against his better judgement, in a post coital haze of satisfaction and lust and just… she had been so beautiful as he had saved her….

He had told her he would love her forever.

And then she left.  10 months later a raven drops a baby at his doorstep.  But the promise remained, the false love twisting everything and Jecht had no true outlet to FIX it.  So others suffered around him.

And then Maleficent showed up at his door.  

“I was reminded of you when Pete made soup for dinner.”  She said haughtily.  “I never make mistakes but it was an odd choice.”

“Maleficent, lift the curse.” 

“You call it a curse?”  She turned to look at him.  “Many have chosen to work for me, many have BEGGED to be in my presence.”

“You ruined my life.”  Jecht’s voice dropped as he stood up.  “My wife-”

“An ordinary human.”

“She is wonderful, and lovely, and she knew that I couldn’t give her what she wanted.  I was upfront about it.  And even so, she agreed. And she’s suffered.  OUR CHILD has suffered because I look at him, and I see YOU.” 

“What do you expect me to do, kiss you and make it feel better?  True love’s first kiss doesn’t happen to just anyone, and certainly not here.”  She turned to look at him. Her eyes were so beautiful, and he could see snow falling delicately on her eyelashes.  His stomach jumped and fluttered as she came towards him.  Why could he not kiss her?  “You asked to come here with me.”

Pull yourself together!

“Lift this spell.”

“I’ll consider it.”  She turned back to the snow covered valley.  “Right now, I have problems I can use your talents on.  You’re going to be less idiotic than that fool, Pete.” 

“If I do them, will you lift it?”  I no longer feel human.  Just a tool, looking for a use.

“I said I would consider it.  Riku was a foolish child when he asked for my help, but he is correct that warning you without giving you the option to help stop the end of existence is not a fair way to repay my debt.” She continued to look out, and knowing her, that was the closest he’d get to a true explanation.  She never even explained why she was teleporting and ended up on DI in the first place.

“What debt do you owe me?  And why did you wait 15 years to repay it?”  Jecht walked behind her, and looked into the valley too.  And handful of people were down there, and they one in the black cloak looked…

“Is that BRAIG? From Radiant Gardens?” 

“To answer the original question would involve too much of Fairy politics.  As for the second, yes.  Do you know him?” She tilted her head.  A less elegant woman would have sat down or knelt.  But she was always the picture of elegance.

“By appearance.  The RGPC had dealings with the castle, but we handled the city while they did the higher level stuff.  There were rumors the Castle Guards were kidnapping citizens, but I tried tor resign shortly after that.” 

Things got… weird towards the end.  It wasn’t just how much he had started to fight with the other members, but the town was… decaying.  The RGPC had been told about the disappearances when they first started happening.  Or rather, soon after.  The first few were people who either didn’t have other people in their lives or were not in contact with other people a lot.  But after a while, those numbers had started to stack up and the disappearances had moved on to people who DID have at least one person who cared for them.

Jecht was a coward, and before he and Cyan would get into a fight that would hur the other, Jecht saw Cyan’s wife and kid, and for once in his life did the responsible thing and left.

“Tried?”

“Heartless dropped me off on Destiny Island before I could actually go through with it. Technically, I’m still active.”  Was the RG still there? 

Maleficent gave a smile.  Her teeth were perfect.

“How very interesting.  And the others with him?”

“Never saw them before.  But they look like they are from some of the old fairy tale books we used to teach kids to read. Their clothes do, anyway.”

“Well, well, then.  We shall continue to watch.”  Maleficent tapped her staff and snow quickly coelesced into some form of a magic cabin. 

“You are a snow witch too?” Jecht asked as he went over to the now present window.

“I send the frost to kill the flowers of the fairies who live by me.”  Maleficent sat down elegantly in a snow chair.

Of course, she does. That’s adorable. 

Chapter Text

What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor

What Shall we do with the drunken sailor

What shall we do with the drunken sailor, early in the morning

Jecht sang as he wandered around the castle in the early morning hours. He staggered a bit, a tankard sloshing on the floor.  He went over to one of the complicated locks and pushed it, but no go.  He turned to the group behind him.  Oogie Boogie and Jafar were the most sober - Jafar had only nursed a glass of wine te entire night, while Oogie couldn’t drink at all - and Hades and Hook were more sloshed. 

“How… how do we get past?”  Jecht asked, walking over.  “Oogie?  You.. you are standing good.”  Jecht patted Oogie’s back a bit harder than maybe he intended.  “Get… get the lock for us.” 

“This would be so much easier if he could travel through the corridors drunk.”  Jafar muttered.  But he would wander off, they both knew that. 

“I wonder if we can just leave them. We have to get back to our worlds.”  Oogie tried to say.

“NONSENSE!”  Hook spluttered.  “Our worlds don’t want us.” Hook hiccuped.  “You know all I did for my world BEFORE I found neverland?  They still wouldn’t want me back.” 

“Are you trying to skip out on the party?” Hades asked. “It’s a good party!  We can dance! I LOVE dancing!”  Hades giggled.  “Jecht! Jecht! You can dance, right?” 

“I can but…”  Jecht pushed on the lock again.  “Where’s my sword.  I need to get in.”  Jecht reached out for it, but it was not a magic weapon so it did not appear.  Jecht stamped onto the tile floor of the castle, but it just gave a wet slap like sound of flesh on tile.  Not satisfying.  With a growl, Jecht began to throw himself at the door.

THUMP THUMP THUMP

“OPEN UP YOU STUPID PIECE OF CRAP!”  Jecht yelled.  “Someone curse that apart, I need to get IN.” 

“I think there is-”  Jafar started to say, but Hades had lobbed a fireball at the door.  It splattered against the door and dissipated. 

“Wise guy, eh?”  Hades muttered.  He rolled up his sleeves and stomped towards the door.  “This is not cool.  Or hot.  I want the party to continue and that means, getting in farther to this castle!”  Hades hand wreathed in fire and he punched the door.  It also dissipated. 

“WHAT is going on?”  A voice said haughtily as a dark portal opened.  They all turned ot see Maleficent there.  She no longer dressed in her long robe and horned headdress, but instead wore a long, floor length, silk dressing robe that covered whatever pajamas she did wear.  Her hair was tied back in a silk scarf, one that Jecht had gotten her, with a pattern of purple and gold on it.  “It is 2 AM! If you are conjuring dark powers I can understand it, but are all of you DRUNK?”

“I’m not.”  Oogie muttered.

“Did one of your poker matches get out of hand?”  She asked.  Jecht staggered over to her.

“You… you’re pretty.”  He reached out to paw at her sleeve. She pulled it away.

“Go.” she said, her voice lowering and with a tone that brooked no complaint.  They all vanished into dark portals. 

“Have I ever told you I loved you?”  Jecht asked her.  He got up and wandered over to lean into her, resting his hand now over her stomach.  Maleficent tried to move away.  “You are… you are so pretty and brave, and confident.”

“Jecht, I do love hearing you compliment me, and it’s less of an issue after True Love’s First Kiss, but this isn’t you.  You aren’t thinking straight.”

“Maybe… Maybe I just want to say you smell good.” Jecht buried his face in her sleeve again and sniffed.

“You smell like beer.” she told him.

“You are very pretty.”  He said again.  He turned to gaze up at her adoringly. “Green skin is good for you.”

“Are you trying to flatter me into stopping my plan to kidnap the princesses?”

“Is it working?”  He asked, attempting to flutter his eyelids.  “Wait, what if I danced for you?” He practically tripped over her feet to get in front of her and starting moving in a way that could be called somewhat similar to an imitation of a birds mating dance, if the bird was also drunk and the person dancing was watching it through a dirty telescope while copying it at the same time.

A lesser fairy than Maleficent would have burst into giggles, and maybe even joined him.  

“If I kiss you, will you quiet down and return to bed?” Maleficent finally asked.

“YES!”  Jecht ran the few feet to her, and then fell into her arms.  He still smelled like beer, but the little time she had seen of him as a vampire made her all the more aware of how he could be as a  human.  With the barest hint of a smile, she helped him stand up, brushed his hair out of his face, and leaned in for a kiss.

Jecht fell face first into her shoulder, and began to snore. 

…

Well at least she could get him back to their room easier.

Chapter Text

There was always a time after you start dating where it is all awkward.  What do you do in the mornings, how do your schedules interact, what annoys the other, various food likes and dislikes, and also… just what do you call each other now?

It had been 3 days since Maleficent had accepted Jecht’s offer to stay with him on Destiny Islands.  The abandoned shack he lived in now had fresh wood and paint scattered around, ready to be used.  He had actually bought tools and utensils. Furniture was a bigger ask, but it was there.  A list was put up by the door of what needed to be done to make this shack actually liveable, and each day Jecht almost pinched himself that this person had decided to settle in with him. 

Mornings were still very special.  The smell of fresh cooked pancakes and a pot of coffee drifted around the room - not painted yet, but several ancient stains had been removed and water logged panels were marked for removal - and Jecht stared at the most beautiful (and powerful) women he had ever known.  She sat there, food half finished as she looked back. 

“I’ve never…” Maleficent paused.  “How are you like this?”

“How am I like… what?” Jecht asked, tilting his head as his coffee steamed in his mug.  (Maleficent still had the one with the smiling paopou fruit.  She didn’t use it for coffee though, just the occasional cup of tea)

“Do you know how old I am?” She asked before taking a sip of tea.

“I never ask a woman her age.”  He said with a wink.  She deliberately didn’t react to that.

“... Then let us say I am older than you, and my desire for revenge has been known to outlast the people who caused the ire in the first place.  So here is my question, Jecht.  How did you manage to get me to give that up?” 

“I…” Jecht abandoned the joking, crude, answer that would not curry him favor with her as they sat at this partially stable table to have breakfast.  The sunlight came in at just the right angle to make her green skin sparkle like emeralds.  “I don’t know.  Maybe you were just looking for a reason.  Fresh start, people who don’t know you, that sort of thing.”  He paused, and took a sip.  “I’ll admit though, I don’t want to be just a…an excuse for you.” 

“You speak plainly.” She said with an air of someone who never did.

“I’m trying to speak politely.” He corrected her.  “If you wanted me to speak how I normally do, you wouldn't like me anymore.” 

A more human woman would have snorted, but she instead sipped her tea. 

“Are you scared of me?” She asked instead.

“You turned into a DRAGON.” 

“You have never seen anyone do that before?”  She asked with the hint of a smile.

“Of course not.”  Jecht frowned.  “Though, I did know a mage that rhymed EVERYTHING and could make a riptide appear on dry land.”

“I’d like to meet them sometime.”  She nodded.  “Maybe we could see who is stronger.” Jecht snorted into his coffee.

“I think we should be scared if you two meet.” 

She gave a grin, one that showed her teeth. 

“Now, Jecht, I think I need a new name.”  She leaned back, looking out the dirty window.  “I am, and always will be, Maleficent.  It is not my true name, but it works.  But for you-”  She looked back. “I do not think you should call me that, and I do not wish for it to be shortened.” 

“A nick name between partners, eh?” Jecht rubbed his chin.  Should he shave?  “Something that when I say it, you are the only person that comes to mind.” He trailed off, a memory flowing to the surface of a giant dragon, almost indistinguishable from the stormy night sky, breathing fire on the shadows that tried to attack the island.

“Dragonheart.”  He said.  “Can I call you Dragonheart?” 

“That is acceptable.”  She said, and Jecht reached out to kiss her. 

Chapter Text

“When you said ‘I love you like you were my own son’  I didn’t realize I already knew what that meant.  Not that I believed you.”  Riku - very grown up now - leaned up against the wall of the empty house she was staying while she lived on Destiny Islands.  This plan to stop the Master of Masters was getting more complicated and was taking more time than expected. 

“What do you want.” Maleficent asked as she strode up to her former ally.  Riku may fight for the light, but his eyes still glared with hatred.  Sunset gleamed over the island, turning his hair orange.  A few houses away, they both could hear Jecht and his wife “talk loudly”.  The light was on in Tidus’ room.  She hadn’t even thought about what Jecht would name the child, or where the child was living or… well.  It was never a thorn in her plans, at any rate.  If the child had any fairy magic, he was either keeping it hidden or it hadn’t manifested.  Didn’t seem to have any true name issues at any rate.  

“Nothing at the moment.”  Riku replied, pulling Maleficent’s attention back to him.  He glanced at his friend’s window.  The child was leaning up against it, staring at the sky.  “Do you ruin everything you touch?”  The arrogance….

“I do not.”  Maleficent sniffed.  “I am here to repay my debt, as you well know.  This defeating the Master of Masters is turning into something more complicated.  I only intended to warn.  YOU are the one who said I should stay and repay my debt by stopping him. I still don’t believe any of you could help, or even know what he is capable of, but warning does seem a bit… underwhelming to repay my debt.” 

“I wasn’t talking about that.” Riku sniped.  “Growing up even I could tell his marriage wasn’t like my parents, but look at what you did.  Cursed a man to never be in love with anyone else, HIS WIFE is now suffering from realizing the extent of what happened - even if he told her he couldn’t love her it’s still a jerk move to make her realize he was cursed by a dark fairy for perpetuity in addition to it being a rough break up - MY FRIEND is now dealing with the basic question of “AM I HUMAN” and I’ve dealt with others working through that question. It’s NOT pretty.  And, in the end… you still have one of the people who looked out for me as a kid, wrapped around your little finger, for no reason and ready to ruin his life because he had a crush on you for less than a week.”  Riku did not spit on the ground, but his tone made it clear he was debating about it.  

“That was his decision.”  She said calmly.  “I arrived here, I did nothing to encourage him. He refused my debt.”  She moved forward to what was now her temporary house. “Why are you doing this.  This does not help you, him, the child, or me.” 

“Face it Maleficent.  You fail for many reasons.”  Riku stood up. “One of them is your in ability to take responsibility or understand when you’ve lost. Our LIFE-”

“You destroyed your life yourself.”  She pointed out.  “I was not the one who opened the door.  That was you.  I am not solely responsible for Kairi landing on your island.  Jecht wooed me.”
Riku sighed after a second.  “This is why you have no peace, Maleficent.”  Riku said as he walked off.  “Once you accept things, you can figure out how to change them.  You haven’t even accepted you have someone who loves you. Free him, and give HIM peace, or return the affections. You may have helped me after what I did, but in the end.  I think I pity you.”  And Riku, as always, disappeared into the night.

She did not need his pity.  She needed nothing from him. 

She walked into the house as calm as could be, but shut the door.  Hard.

Riku had arrived at the world SHE had taken.  He had asked HER for power.  She had given it, knowing it was part of the payment. 

And so many years ago, a spell had gone wrong, and she had ended up in turn on a beach as a man rushed out to see what had happened.  She had been wet, cold, and tired.  Riku may have been similar. 

No matter.  Riku and Jecht had both spurned the repaid debt, but for different reasons.  But maybe she COULD use them to target the Master of Masters and his allies. 

Maybe then, after revenge was hers, she could find peace.  

Chapter Text

Maleficent, the mistress of all evil, was doing chores. 

She did not want to, of course, but her… whatever he was… was currently lying in bed, curled up under too many blankets and could barely string a sentence together between the coughing and sneezing.

“It’s the flu.” He attempted to grumble before sneezing 3 times.  “I hate this.” 

“How did this happen?” She asked as she magiced the old and dirty clothes into a hamper.  She’d magically wash them later.  The mistress of all evil, getting her hands dirty cleaning laundry?  NEVER.  That was for her servants, inferior beings, and Jecht who said he liked doing something tactile. 

“There’s a- He was shaken by coughs before pulling himself together.  “There’s a bug going around the RGRC.  I don’t think they have a real doctor yet, so I’m just recuperating here.” 

“Why do they not have a doctor?”  She asked.  “Was this not the town of scientists and researchers? SURELY someone there must know how to treat illnesses.”

“Yes, but they all got Norted, died, or disappeared. They got people like Aerith who can heal injuries, but nothing really for sickness or long term stuff.”   Jecht started to shiver under his mountain of blankets while dripping with sweat.  Maleficent went over to the shower in their bathroom and turned it on. 

“Get in” She told him, and left the room. She waited by the door for a bit, she could hear him grumbling, but soon the sound of his clothes hit the floor, the metallic sound of the shower rings on the bar as the curtain was pulled back and forth, then the sound of hot water hitting his body.  Good, he didn’t collapse. Though she should make sure he didn’t collapse while in the shower.

She went to the small kitchen in the place they were staying, and began to make him tea.  Chamomile tea and honey, with a dash of her witch and fairy magic.  Though, she had not been very good at healing, healing was not a skill for a dark fairy witch, the Mistress of all Evil.  (she could hear Jecht’s “joke” asking if she was cheating on him with Evil echoing faintly in her head.  Why did he insist on using it, he was the only one who laughed at that.) 

… Maybe she should just cast a sleep spell on him.  Not one tied into True Love’s first kiss, though.  They did that already.  Just one to sleep until he was healed or his faver broke. She put her staff aside as she waited, and thought.  It leaned comfortably up against the wall.

After a while of the tea steeping on the kitchen counter, she heard Jecht get out of the shower.  By the time she glanced over, Jecht was already wrapped up in a very fuzzy robe, his long hair tied up in a towel.

“This reminds me of something.” She said with a small grin.  Jecht sat down in a chair, and rested his head on her shoulders. Water dripped down onto her cape, and Maleficent resisted the urge to touch his face.

“I’m dizzy.”  he finally said, his face in her shoulder.

“Do you want me to cast a sleep spell on you?”  She asked. “One that makes you sleep until you are healed, however long that takes.” 

“Oh please no.” Jecht half snorted, his voice still muffled.  “What if that ends up referring to my bad shoulder and I sleep for the rest of my life as it can’t be healed.” 

“What about some tea.”  She asked next.  She waved her hand and the tea cup floated over from the kitchen counter.

“This feels familiar.”  Jecht said as he lifted his head up and accepted the tea.  “Does this mean you have paid back the debt?”

“I do not know, you fool.” She replied.  She glanced at Jecht and saw he was smiling, lost in memories.  “After all, you have done so many other things for me in these years.  And I did help you by saving Sora.”

“You can also chalk that up to not wanting Xehanort to win.”  He said as he took a sip.

“True true.  Maybe I should cast a sleep spell on you.  Leave you behind so it won’t hurt that I have left.”

Jecht snorted.

“Trust me, lady, it would hurt a lot.  If you left me that night, I don’t know how I would have gone on.  It wouldn’t have been like this.”  He lifted his tea in a toast. 

“Maybe just a short one then, and you can see if I am here when you-” A door slammed open.

“I’M BACK!”  A third voice said as he walked into the kitchen, and looked at the two there.  “... Are you two… FLIRTING?? GROSS!”  Their son, Tidus, stood there in all of his teenaged glory. His unnaturally blond hair, his mismatched pants, and yellow shirt that clung to him as if he had run all the way here from the castle.  He tossed a bottle into the room that Jecht managed to catch.  “Leon says they managed to dig up some medicine for you. “

“Thanks, Kid.”  Jecht sighed. 

“And Ma’am?” Tidus turned to who everyone knew was his mother, but no one would ever admit it.  Even in this family.  “Those Three Fairies you hired a few years ago told me they wanted to do some sort of… fairy ritual?  They needed you there.  Also the one called Yuna asked if she could marry me, but I’m not sure if she was joking.” 

“I will discuss it.”  Maleficent said, as Jecht started to laugh before it turned into coughs. 

“You’re a real charmer like your old man, eh?”  Jecht said, avoiding Maleficent’s expression.  “Oh come on, you call yourself-” 

Maleficent kissed him on the temple and he slunk to the floor asleep and snoring loudly. 

“Shall we get him to bed?” Maleficent asked as she reached for her staff. 

“Yes, Ma’am.”  Tidus replied.  “But, uh, can I tell you about Yuna?  She is pretty cute.”  

Chapter Text

Maleficent, the ex mistress of all evil, did not like paperwork.  Jecht had said not very many people do, but the pens did not sit well in her hand.  Normally she’d use magic and a quill pen to write something down, but her quill pens did not write well on this paper.

“This is kindergarten.  You all know each other.  WHY do we need to do this paperwork?”  Maleficent muttered as she read through the document.  They sat at the wooden table he built and together they looked over the paperwork scattered over the top of it.  Two mugs were on the table and Jecht’s hand kept clenching in his hair as he read the paperwork.  For a human… “The way this one is formatted, I think we could claim the school as our property if he cuts his left toe.”

“Dragonheart, please.  I’m in theory not against you reading these as fairy contracts, but this will just end up taking more time.”  The child was sitting in the kitchen, stacking blocks and knocking them down.  Next to him was his favorite plush toy, something that looked like an elephant.

The kitchen had… improved in the last few years.  It had gone from a barely working stove and a stained cookbook to something sturdy and well furnished. Walls had been replaced and painted (blues and reds mostly), cabinets had been added, Jecht had insisted on cooking tools and new ones had been acquired, Maleficent herself had learned how to cook, the floor was no longer stand and drift wood and was now hard wood and rugs, and finally pictures and paintings had been hung up on the walls.  It felt, as the humans say, homey. 

“If they make improper contracts, they should suffer the consequences.”  Maleficent replied.  She tapped the paper again. “This one doesn’t even need to be signed.”

“The signature says we saw it.”

“They gave us the paper, it’s on them.”  She argued back.  She took a sip of tea as she read over it again.  “Saw it doesn’t mean agree to it.”

“Literally, no.  But it is assumed you agree to it.”  Jecht tried to explain.  Foolish humans.  They seek to control and constrain, but leave all these holes open?  It took another fairy to mitigate her curse on Aurora.  They truly understood what it meant.

“Can I curse them?”  She asked after a moment.  “There is nothing here that says I can’t curse them for making these inane and flimsy contracts.”

She didn’t look at Jecht as he sighed and she heard him drop his head on their kitchen table. 

At that moment, someone knocked at the front door.  She glanced at him as he looked up, looked at her, and at the door.

“Are you expecting guests?” She asked.  Jecht shook his head. 

“Next thing I got is going out fishing with Sora’s dad.  That’s in a few days.”  Jecht stood up, and walked to the door.  Maleficent held her hand out, and her staff hovered just out of view in the kitchen.  The three good fairies wouldn’t have tracked her down, but was it someone else out for revenge? 

“Ah, Jecht, there you are.  Is anyone else home?”  A voice said.  A voice she knew, but that didn’t make it safe.

“May I ask why, Kalama?” 

“It’s about the paperwork for… actually, I don’t think your kid has a name?”  Kalama’s voice, the one Maleficent heard in the town library or school or so many other places, floated to the door. She was the person that always helped around town, foolish girl.  She was being taken advantage of, even if she claimed to like the work, the people.  All beings sought what was best for themselves, revenge, or were taken advantage of by others.  That’s all it was. 

“You may call him Tidus if you wish.”   Jecht replied. 

“It doesn’t matter what I wish-” their voices were getting closer, so Maleficent dismissed her staff and stood tall in her kitchen.  “The fact of the matter is, we’ve been trying to fill out Tidus’ application on our end and … Well, it’s a mess.” 

“A mess HOW.”  Maleficent said as Kalama entered the kitchen.  Kalama was shorter than Maleficent, with brown skin and eyes and hair.  Many single men - besides Jecht - were quite taken with Kalama..  She needed a stronger spine.  And maybe a witch’s cauldron.  But she was always being taken advantage of, she wouldn’t want to use the dark magic.

“Well, you don’t have a name written down for Tidus, and we, well-”  She glanced back and forth between Maleficent, Jecht, and the child.  “We don’t have the relationship between the three of you clear for the paperwork.”

“He’s my kid.” Jecht said.  “Does the rest matter?”

“Well, you’ve been living with-”  Kalama glanced at Maleficent, her mouth slightly opening then closing again and again.  She wrapped her fingers tighter around some paperwork she carried with her, and glanced back at Jecht.  Jecht looked at Maleficent, then back to Kalama, then to Maleficent again, raising his eyebrows.

“You may address me as Maleficent.  No shorter.”

Kalama gulped and gave a nod.  Good. 

“Well, without the paperwork if Maleficent comes to pick him up, we can’t release your child to her.”

“You’ve all seen her in town, you know her.”  Jecht argued.

“I know, I know.  But main island law. They don’t get what it is like here.”  Kalama tried to relieve tension with a laugh, but it faded quickly.  She cleared her throat instead.  “However, we do have a way to clear it up quickly!”

“Oh?” Maleficent raised her eyebrow.  Kalama nodded.

“I am a certified Justice of the Peace and if I marry you right now, here, then we have no problems!  Also, it clears up all your paperwork.  We, uh, don’t know how to file you. You know how it is, state wants to know single parents vs married, It’s been really unclear what you two are to each other, I have people breathing down my neck for the pat week so.”  Kalama made jazz hands.  “Marriage!  It solves everything.  In this one specific instance.” 

Jecht started to laugh and the child jumped in surprise.  Maleficent shook her head.

“We will not be getting married, but if paperwork was your only concern, then what shall you give me to solve it?” 

“Maleficent-” Jecht said from her side.  She glared at him.

“Um…”  Kalama fiddled around in her pockets.  “Will this candy work?” 

“Acceptable.”  Maleficent took it, then walked over to the table.  “Your paperwork is a shoddy mess written by fools.  This part only refers to “recognized guardian-”...

Maleficent wasn’t exactly sure when Jecht slipped out to put the child to bed.  But it was morning by the time Kalama had a full breakdown of what she needed to do to get the paperwork in order for Maleficent and Jecht.  

Chapter Text

“NO.”  Jecht said.  The words hurt to say, and his fingernails dug into his palms, trying so hard to keep the spell from working again.  “NO.  You can’t come.”

“Why not?  Or why can’t you skip this? We have work to do to stop the Master of Masters.”  Maleficent, the mistress of all evil, demanded as she stared at the pile of luggage behind him in his lawn.

“Because, I need time to talk things over with my wife and kid.  And I can’t do that if you are here.”  Jecht’s voice grew more and more tense.  He knew Manamea was behind him, glaring at Maleficent.  And the Kid had withdrawn into himself, he never used to do that. 

“I can be there.”  Maleficent insisted and walked towards them.  Jecht moved in front of her, every muscle tensed.  He was shaking as he blinked sweat away from his eyes.

But he was saying No. 

“Do you want me to be there?”  Maleficent asked, her voice silky smooth and her eyebrows framed so perfectly and oh Kingdom Hearts he could just kiss her now, but he couldn’t. 

“Of course I want you to be there.” Spilled from his lips.  But he took a breath.  “You can’t be.” 

“Is this a human thing?”  the way she said human, as if it was something dirty.  Something her servants should clean up before she walked by again.  “You should be more focused on the plan. You are already better than my servants and-”

“I’m NOT your servant!”  Jecht shouted.  One of his neighbors peeked out the door, saw them, and went back inside.  He glanced back at Manamea, who nodded and pulled the kid inside. 

“We were a one-night stand.”  Jecht said, his voice low, so no one could overhear.  “Manamea knew I was still hung up on an ex, but this whole… experiment has hurt her.  It’s hurt me.  It’s hurt our kid.  This vacation is so we can try to talk this all out now that they know EXACTLY who my ex is.  And what she is like.  And guess what?  I still can’t love my new life because of that STUPID promise.” 

“You made it.  You had an idea of what it would mean. I never asked you for it, and I was not involved after that night.” Maleficent tried to argue.  Jecht shook his head.  Why couldn’t she run her hands through his hair? 

“I want to stop the Master of Masters.  I want this curse lifted.  And while we wait to hear from Pete or anyone else about what BRAIG of all people has to do with the people dressed like they stepped from a Radiant Garden storybook, I’m going to have a vacation with my patient wife, who is too good for me because she hasn’t left me yet.  I need to try to dote on her.”  Jecht turned on his heel and walked way, leaving Maleficent behind. 

“What if I came too?”  Maleficent asked from behind him. 

“I will do my best to not acknowledge you.”  Jecht replied, his back still to her.  “But I can’t stop you if you showed up.” 

As Jecht made his way to the car, he heard the sound of a dark portal opening.  Immediately, his legs gave way, and he sat on the driveway for some time before Manamea came out.

“I’m proud of you.”  She whispered as she kissed his forehead.  “Need help getting up?”

“Can you drive?” Jecht asked as she and the kid lifted him up.

“Of course.  That was brave of you.”

“Have you ever cheated on mom?”  Tidus asked, his voice accusatory.  Jecht glanced at Manamea. Her face was a little frozen.  “You always took her for granted, and when that lady shows up, you uproot everything.” 

“... literally no.”  Jecht admitted as he got into the seat.  “Emotionally, I’ve been pining for Maleficent since before I married her. She knew this.  But with the cards out on the table, I’m hoping for a fresh start.” 

“Has she promised to break it yet?” Manamea asked as she bucked in and pulled the car out onto the road.

“No. I think it needs True Love’s First Kiss and…” he paused. “I’ve kissed you before, and if Maleficent was ever my love, she’s not now.” They drove through the center of town, Tidus was shifting in the back seat.  Cars were for special trips here in Destiny Islands, and back in Radiant Gardens they were common for anything longer than the Aqueducts outside of town.  Tidus wasn’t sure how to sit.

“So, we’re stuck.” Manamea sighed.  Jecht reached over and pushed some hair out of her eyes.  She gave him a smile that he tried to return.

“We’re stuck.”  Jecht agreed.  “I’m sorry.”  He sighed and looked at the edge of town, and off they were into the more unrestrained wilds of this island.  It was both too small, and not small enough here. 

“Don’t be.”  She patted his hand.  “You’re trying.”

“It’s not fair to you. Even if you knew everything, it’s not fair to you.” THAT was the truth.  She was a wonderful woman, who met Jecht when he was desperately trying to get Tidus down for a nap at 3 months old.  Jecht was yelling, Tidus was crying, and she had hopped in to help.  He had paid her back with an attempt at cookies, and with anyone else, that would spiral into a meet cute with a romance and true love at the end.

But this was a fractured fairy tale.  The evil witch had already cursed it, and through accident was so thorough that there was no way out. No kiss, no amulet, no nothing.  And even if it broke, that didn’t mean Jecht would love her.  Love could be fickle, and as good as she was, as much as she DID love him, as much as he would never break this up unless she asked to - Cyan had instilled SOME honor into him apparently - she deserved better than someone who hits the bottle too hard to forget how good a dark fairy looked when she was talking about how handsome he was and explaining Heartless. 

“I know… I didn’t expect this.  But-” Manamea blinked her brown eyes and her black hair was tied back in a braid.  She was wearing that breezy pink shirt with embroidered flowers he had gotten for her as an anniversary present, in his heart of hearts, he wanted to at least try to reciprocate it. 

Just because she knew he cared deeply about an ex, it didn’t make the reality easier after 5, 10, 15 years of nothing from him. 

“Don’t say I wouldn’t have it any other way.  It sucks for all of us.” Jecht finally said as he rubbed at his bum shoulder from an old Blitzball injury. 

“Yeah.  Still makes it unique though.”  Her voice was a bit more resigned. 

“Doesn’t mean it’s fun or loving.”  Jecht retorted, and grew quiet as the island faded into even more overgrown areas.  Time to go camping. Maybe being in nature would reveal an answer to this problem.

Or maybe the Master of Masters would show up, and he could beat him to death with his bare hands and force Maleficent to lift the curse to pay back the favor of him killing the Master of Masters. 

Yeah, right.  

Chapter Text

“Come ON, old man.  You need to get up.”  Something pushed at Jecht.  He groaned, and looked up. The sky above him was a lovely blue, he was… lying on grass? Where was the castle? Where was Maleficent? Where was-

“Tidus, come on, give him a second.”  A voice he recognized said.

“Cloud?” Jecht croaked as he sat up. He blinked and rubbed his face before looking at the group spread out in front of him.  Some people he recognized, much more he did not.  Leon was there, as was Cloud - but someone else had that red cape and gold glove Cloud used to wear - Wakka looked grown up, as did Selphie, but he didn’t see Sora, Riku, or Kairi.  Those three fairies Maleficent had hired one time were there, but they looked both older and were definitely taller.  Way in the back, he could see Lagoona, Cyan, and Fang but he couldn’t see Shantotto and they were separated by… lots of other people he didn’t know. 

“Hold on, what’s going on?”  Jecht staggered to his feet.  “I-”

“I can tell you later.”  A man in a red robe and sun glasses said from off to his right.  “We have-”

“... Who are you?”  Jecht blinked.  “I don’t recognize you.  And I know Cyan is mad at me, he’s always mad at me - but I’m surprised Lagoona hasn’t-”

“And wait about your son?”  the person speaking now had bright white hair that was underneath shining white and silver armor.  While he wasn’t much for decoration, his hair had beads woven into it and… was that LIPSTICK?”

“I have a kid, I don’t see him here.”  Jecht said, crossing his arms. 

“Really? That’s how we’re playing this?”  The first voice spoke. Jecht turned and saw the person speaking.  Blond kid, around 16 to 20, had mismatched yellow clothes, honestly looked a bit like Sora if Sora was blond, and a bit older. 

“Listen, kid, I’m finding my bearings-”

“Sir Jecht-”  the one not fairy- Yuna? - stepped forward.  “That is your child, Tidus.” 

Jecht paused.

“... We need to go look for the giant black dragon now.” 

Faraway, The great Maester Seymour Guado approached a new figure.  From the back, it wore a long black robe with a high collar.  It appeared to have a large horned head, similar but not identical to his own in structure, and carried a long staff in their right hand.

“Where is that fool Diablo.”  A feminine voice muttered.  “I could at least find out where we are.” 

“If I may.”  Seymour spoke up.  The figure turned, revealing a woman with a thin, green, face and yellow eyes.  Alas, it was a headdress she wore, no hair was seen.

“Who are you who dares approach me?”  She asked.  There was a movement by the bottom of here cape. 

“I am Maester Seymore Guado.”  He made the circle and bow that Yevon taught, she did not react.  “And you are?”

“Maleficent, Mistress of all evil, controller of the heartless, and ruler of Hollow Bastion.”  She shifted, as if she expected someone or something else to speak up, but there was nothing.  “Where are we.” 

“We are in the world of the gods.”  Seymore explained.  “Plunged into an eternal battle of light  and dark to see what conquers.” 

Maleficent gave a laugh at that, a shrill, mocking, laugh that was entirely of her own.  There was another movement.  She waved her hand slightly and green energy snaked out to pick up a young child, maybe 3 or 4 years old.  Something stirred in Seymour’s mind.  The hair reminded him of Tidus, but Tidus was an adult. 

“I will look for the person I wish to speak to.”  She said, and walked off, with the child wrapped up in her arms. 

“May I ask who it is?” 

There was a pause, a debate, it seemed to be less a matter of trust - she clearly didnt trust him - and more of something… else. 

“Jecht.”  She finally said.  “He is-”

“I know him.” Seymour interrupted her.  “Right now he is over that way.  I would walk with you a short time, but he does not like me.  He is a bit… confused right now but-” 

“It is not necessary.”  Maleficent interrupted him.  “Come, child, we shall meet him.” 

“YES!” the kid cheered.   

“What did I do.”  Not His Tidus growled as they walked together.  “You went off to hunt some food, and you come back and not only do you not know me, you know CLOUD?  And … why did you even bring those guys?”  He gestured back behind them, where Fang, Cyan, Lagoona, and Shantotto walked.  “They got nothing to do with each other.”

“They do.  Elsewhere.  Also because that way it’s not just one fighting type in case we run into trouble.  I know how Shantotto drowned half the city.” 

“What city! You didn’t meet her until she came here.”  Tidus paused.  “I think.  We’re some of those that may have gone through this before.” 

“The-”  Jecht growled before cutting himself off.  He took a breath, sighed then stopped to look at the kid.  “Do the names Pete, Ursula, Jafar, Oogie Boogie, Hook, or Hades mean anything to you?”

“Ursula is Yang’s kid from the future, but that’s it.”  Not His Kid said, he paused.  “You really don’t know me, do you.”

“Not currently.” Jecht agreed.  “I used to be on a team with those guys” He used his thumb to point backwards.  “But since Cyan isn’t mad at me about something or other, I don’t think they know me either.”  he reached over and stretched his shoulder. 

“Which means my old man is out there, somewhere.” Not Tidus sighed.  “I was worried we had gone backwards with our relationship.  He was a mean old bastard,  Died and left a lot of us to pick up pieces.  He tried his best, but that didn’t make it good.”  He glanced at Jecht. “And you?”

“... those people I mentioned, they joined up with someone to take over the universe.  I realized pretty quickly I had to either step it up as a dad, or let those idiots raise my kid.”

“Which I take it was not really an option.”

“There you are.”  Maleficent found Jecht wrapping up some meat and herbs.  “Here.  I have spent enough time for now.”  She pushed the child into his line of sight. 

“Listen, Lady.”  Jecht didn’t even look up at her.  “I have my own things to do, I don’t care about a kid, and I especially don’t trust you when Seymour at your back.” 

“Why, Sir Jecht! It is your turn as Sin that made me realize what we could be truly capable of.”  Seymour said in semi mock surprise.

“Well, I ain’t Sin now, and I don’t know this lady.  And as much as I DO have a kid, he was bigger than this before I left for Spira.”  Jecht straightened up and threw the bag of food over his shoulder.  “Lady, are you with the Warriors of Darkness or not?”

“That “Lady” term does not sound like you said it respectfully.”  She said, lifting up the child with magic. 

“Well, you ain’t given me your name.” 

Maleficent raised her staff.

Sephiroth was here, to Jecht’s surprise. While he could never have taken sephiroth on his own, the RGPC was here to help save the day!  Sort of.  His old friends powers and interactions worked differently, and this kid’s skill with a sword wasn’t too bad. 

“Self taught?”  Jecht asked as the six of them caused Sephiroth to fall back. 

“Well you left when I was, like, 8.  Called me a crybaby constantly.” 

“Geez.  Wow.  I… well I can see how I could have done it.  The person we’re looking for, she cursed me to love her forever.  Or I cursed myself that way.  Being a single dad and dealing with that?  I wouldn’t have been good.”  He shook his head.  “And, while I am no longer cursed that way-” He pointed his sword at Sephiroth’s chest.  “Where is Maleficent?” 

“Maleficent?”  Sephiroth tilted his head.  “I do not know that name. Do you mean Ultimecia? Why are you looking for her?”

“She’s taller than me, has a giant horned headdress, green skin, yellow eyes, giant staff with a green orb, can turn into a dragon, any of this ringing any bells?” 

“No.  But I know now who to use against you.”  Sephroth grinned, and vanished. 

“... Oh this absolutely won’t end well.” 

Seymour followed Maleficent, trying to get her attention, but Maleficent was busy with the child on one side and her new pet on the other.  Where was he? 

“DRAGONHEART!” A voice shouted out.  She turned.  There he was.  Why was it she never realized how reliable he was until he was not there?  No mere servant was Jecht, but yet he made her tasks lighter.  Odd. 

“Oh, there you are.”  She knew that voice.  It was not Jecht’s.  She turned quickly, her staff blocking one of Sephiroth’s blades. “Jecht was looking for you, maybe I can use you to get the Light those warriors are looking for.”  Sephiroth seemed even more pulled together than when she saw him last. 

“Foolish experiment.” Maleficent sighed.  “I am not one looking for any Light.  I am the Mistress of all Evil.  I seek Darkness and the power it brings.” 

Jecht ran up to her with some other humans behind him.  She had seen the photos, the Radiant Garden Protection Comittee.  Not that they had protected the city that well when she and the Apprentices launched their separate attacks on the same day. 

Sephiroth had not taken the Experiment line well, and struck again, but while Maleficent readied her spell, Jecht had dodged ahead, and blocked the blade.  The raven cawed again, and Jecht did a double take.

“Dragonheart, is that my double?” 

“He was bothering me.” 

Jecht sighed as he deflected another attack.  “We can turn him back later, and we should probably explain all this to them.”

“I am NOT talking to your old coworkers! They are weak-” 

“We’ll talk about this later.  In the mean time, Dragonheart-”  She could see him grin.  “Do you think he knows why I call you that?” 

Maleficent magiced the child over to him. 

“No” she said, fire beginning to wreathe from her mouth.  “I don’t think he does.” 

A few hours- and an argument - later, Other Jecht spat out feathers in a field a distance away from the other Warriors of Light.  Some of them - like one called the Warrior of Light - watched the proceedings carefully from that distance. 

“You weren’t kidding you looked the same as my old man.”  the other kid said as he smacked his dad on the back, spitting some more feathers out. 

“We need to tell them.” Jecht said, turning to Maleficent.

“NO.” 

“Dragonheart, look,  THEY are involved.  We can’t hide it all from them forever!” 

“Why tell them! We will leave soon, foolish child.”

“Oh, uh, about that.”  Not Tidus looked over.  “You, uh, can’t.  Leave.” 

Both swiveled to look at him. 

“What do you mean we can’t leave.”  Jecht said, his voice low.

“He means what he says.”  Other Jecht said as he straightened up.  “Ya can’t leave.  None of us can! We don’t know why and right now we’re just trying to keep everything from falling apart.” 

Jecht ran his hands down his face. 

“Do you think you can summon Jafar’s lamp?”

“I will not owe him a favor.” 

“You can’t owe him favors, he’s a genie now.  He owes me a favor, and he lost the last few poker games.”  Jecht shook his head and picked up the child.  “We’ll figure this out.” 

“I will not appreciate the irony if the Restoration Committee takes over that house.”

“About that, some versions of them are… kind of here.”  Jecht broached the topic to her. 

“Do they know who I am?”

“No.”

“Good, then we will not have a problem.  But if I have to support this light, I will leave.”  And with that, she strode off to stare at the new allies as her not husband, for a change, had to do introductions. 

Though not before he swore his doppelganger and the teenager to secrecy.

Chapter Text

How was it that NEITHER of them thought about what a flood was before they built this house?

Well, to be exact, Jecht took over an abandoned house then they built it up.  And under normal circumstances, how close they were to the beach was a great benefit.

A hurricane was not “Most circumstances.” 

Jecht was midlevel when it came to these kinds of defenses.  As a (former) member of the Radiant Garden Protection Committee, he was an expert when it came to organization, planning, and triaging issues.  However, this was his first hurricane. 

“Jecht!  Keep the bottles water tight! Drinking water will be hard for a few days as the water table will be contaminated!”  Someone shouted at him as he pounded corks into the bottles. 

“Jecht! Help us get the sandbags in place!”  Well, Jecht was without a doubt one of the strongest people on the island, but he was just one person here, and could be better deployed elsewhere. 

“Jecht! Secure the windows!”  Anyone could do that…

And so it went, but as the Hurricane began to lash at the shores, Jecht could tell it wouldn’t QUITE be enough. 

Most of the island was gathered in places like the school’s gym or the blitzball stadium’s lockers.  There wasn’t much they could do now.  Still, for those who DID want to look at the storm viewing areas had been set up.  The kid was busy with his friends, playing some sort of tag game with Sora, Riku, and Selphie,  so Jecht sought out where the other part of his life was.  That being said, he had a good idea.

Maleficent was standing in one of the viewing shelters, staff in one hand, Diablo on her shoulder, and she was muttering something as he got close to her. 

“Enjoying the weather, Dragonheart?”  He asked.  The wind whipped around them, protected by the special awnings.  Something in Jecht yearned, sometimes, to become one with the water.  Or to see how far he could swim in the ocean if he really tried. The elemental forces of nature were beyond human comprehension.

He should know, he lived with one.

“To an extant.” She said.  She waved her hand, and a mini storm appeared in it, as it flashed, so did the lightning outside.  Rain still battered on the roof above and the waves crashed towards the shore.  “Did you prepare this correctly?”

“No clue, but probably not.”  Jecht tapped his temporarily not bare feet on the ground (They made him wear shoes when debris started getting tossed around.)  “I wonder-”

“Are you asking for a favor?” she asked, her eyebrow raised.  Diablo cawed.

“Not currently, just curious.  Can you… magic any of this? Like to keep it from flooding?” Jecht waved his hands towards someone else’s house on the beach, which had waves lapping at it’s door.  At least, what he could tell from his position.

“I am a dark fairy witch, the mistress of all evil, all the powers of Hell itself are at my disposal.  No, I can not bless this place to protect it.”  Maleficent replied after a moment. 

Jecht thought for a minute, then a grin snuck over his face.

“Can you curse it?”

“I could.” She admitted, tapping her staff. “But I’m not sure that would protect my house.” 

“Could you, like, curse something to not get wet?”  Jecht tapped his arms as the rain and wind howled. 

“I could…”

“But it would have to be precise.”  Jecht continued. 

“You doubt my power?”  She asked, waving her staff around slightly, and the rain followed it.

“Well, one of the good fairies was able to over write your spell, and I’ve heard enough horror stories about people using magic and then imprecise wording led to them being cursed.” 

Maleficent gave a nod.

“There is wisdom in that.” She paused.  “And, as I am a fairy in residence here, I should begin to use my magic for the island.”  She looked at her green hands. 

“Maleficent.”  Jecht said softly.

“This would be formally giving up my status from before we met.”  She finally said.  Diablo cawed.  “I do not think i will change but-”


“I get it.”  Jecht nodded.  “When I arrived here, I didn’t choose to arrive here.  This may be my home now, but until I felt comfortable, it was scary and… unpleasant to be here.” 

“May I ask what made it more comfortable?”

“Why do you have to ask, it was you.”  He grinned at her, a grin she did not openly return. 

Her hand rested by her side as she mulled over a spell, and Jecht put his hand in hers.  He squeezed it tightly, and she gave a small squeeze back. 

“Let’s practice by cursing some of the sandbags closer to us.” She said, and walked into the storm, and as always, he walked by her side as an equal.

Chapter Text

Jecht, have you seen Tidus?

The Text flashed across his screen.  It was from Manamea, of course.  Jecht frowned, and looked around. 

No.  I’’ve been spying on Braig’s allies with Mal.  We’re on the other side of the island.

It was quiet after that.  It had taken enough time for Manamea to trust him, and quite frankly he frequently wavered between wanting to kiss Maleficent, and wanting to kick her.  He took a steadying breath then went back to the text.  What’s going on?

He didn’t show up after school ended today.  He was grumbling a bit too.

Jecht paused, glanced at Maleficent - who was conjuring up lunch for herself - then glanced back at the text.  

He’s still not happy about this.

Are any of us?

That was the understatement of the century.  

You think he’s going to track us down?

Maybe.  Or try to end it quickly.  You’ve been spying for a while. 

Bubbles popped up as if Manamea was texting, then disappeared.  He knew what she was thinking about typing.  Do you want this to end? This being so many things.  Manamea, Mal, this wild goose chase, their living situation…

As Jecht tried to figure out how to phrase things, something rustled to his right, and Maleficent’s head snapped up. 

“You hear that?” Jecht asked, slipping his phone away.

“Of course I do, you fool.”  She raised her staff and Jecht grabbed a smaller sword he had picked up.  Kingdom Hearts he missed his big one, but it wasn’t exactly subtle. 

“Yeah, yeah.”  Jecht dropped lower to the ground and snuck over until a very familiar scent wafted towards him.  He sighed, reached over, and grabbed Tidus by the back of his shirt.

“You know your ma hates it when you use her shampoo.”  he said as he pulled Tidus out the bush.  “What are you doing here?” 

“Watching.”  Tidus sulked, his eyes flicked over to Maleficent, who was in turn watching him much closer than usual. 

“If you are trying to spy on Braig, you need to get closer over here.  Or sneak into town and act like a tourist.”  Jecht paused.  And stay only on the blind side of his face.”  He paused again. “He had two eyes last I saw him, when did that-”

“Jecht, be quiet.”  Maleficent hushed him.  A twinge of magic made it harder for him to retort so he resorted to growling and baring his teeth.  If she was human, she would have rolled her eyes.  Either way, she glided towards Tidus, who crouched and balled his hands.  “So, this is my child. Did he come all this way to meet me?”  She reached out, and gently touched his cheek.  Where she pressed her fingers, his skin briefly flashed green, then faded.  Tidus couldn't quite move either, but he at least try to snap at her.  She laughed as she removed her hands.  “He is quite like you, Jecht.” 

Jecht’s stomach twisted, but it freed him enough.  “Manamea and I DID raise him.” he replied.  “Tidus-”  Maleficent flinched slightly. “What are you doing here?” 

“You haven’t been home for DAYS.”  Tidus hissed.  “If you had gone and ran off with her, like you so CLEARLY want to do, I needed to know for sure.” 

Jecht blinked, Maleficent did too, odd for her. 

“Why, Sir Jecht.” She said in that sickly sweet tone of hers.  “Do you like me?” 

“You’ve cursed me to love you, that doesn’t mean I like you.”

“You cursed yourself.”  She replied, then leaned on her staff to look closer.  Diablo it almost looked like mimicked her.  “If the boy is seeking me out, maybe I should train him.  Let him live as the Fey witch he is.”

“NO.”  Jecht shouted.  Tidus looked at his father, confused slightly. 

“You gave that up.”  Jecht said, stepping in front of Tidus. “You-”  Maleficent reached out and touched his cheek too, and his knees wobbled.  “You-”  The words hurt to think, He had to be cursed.  He wanted to… He wanted to hold her, but that wasn’t right.  It wasn’t good.  “You gave him up.  I… I raised him.”  Keep to the facts, and don’t look at him.  “Manamea and I raised him. “  She stroked his cheak and he wavered again.  “We need to watch for Braig.” Deflect! Deflect!

She sighed, and ran her hand through his hair.  As her hand left him, he stood up straighter and shook his head, before avoiding Tidus’ eyes. 

“She’s not like that.”  He finally said.  “I’m not sure if she’s worried or jealous or trying to impress you.” 

“ME??”  Tidus walked over to his side and tentatively put his hand on Jecht’s back.  “You looked like you were 30 seconds from f-” Tidus cut himself off, then made a face. 

“She’s really my mom isn’t she. That’s why I have some control over like fire and plants.  Ooh that’s gross! You two were gross!” 

Jecht snorted. 

“I’m not going to corrupt your innocent ears with our courtship, but yes.  She can’t lie.  I didn’t either, but that’s because little kids can tell when something is off.  I didn’t want you to ever think Manamea hated you.” he chuckled. “I think Manamea married me to take care of you.” 

“I… I have the power Maleficent does then?”  Tidus asked.  Jecht shrugged.

“You’re half human and not trained so maybe? But besides turning into a dragon, mistiming a teleport, and whatever happened with the heartless I’m not sure what power she has.  Also, she cursed a baby to die because she wasn’t invited to a party.” 

Tidus paused.  “Wow, what a b- Jerk.”  Jecht laughed, and slapped Tidus’ back.  Maleficent turned and glared at them. 

“Tidus”

“Yeah?”

“Never find us again.  I’m not cheating on Manamea, I am genuinely trying to end this curse, Maleficent will either lash out at me or try to corrupt you, and I’ll call you if we need someone Braig hasn’t seen.”

“Yeah, I think I believe you now.”  Tidus glanced back at Maleficent.  “I’m glad she didn’t raise me.”

Jecht paused.

“Why else do you think I named you after the SUN?” 

Chapter Text

In the largest room in Radiant Gardens, two groups stared at each other.  On the right were the current members of the Radiant Garden Protection Committee. Oerba Yun Fang - recently decrystalized after her attempt to stop the heartless from invading Radiant Gardens left her frozen in crystal in the Crystal Fissure, Cyan Garamonde - who after watching his wife and child die at the Heartless’ hands and losing contact with the others thought he was alone and exiled himself, Shantotto - who after getting the last refugees out was finally able to research in the cities libraries undisturbed, and Laguna Loire - who had been sucked into a darkness portal and spent the next years wandering trying to get home, in the world of light, and in fact had returned to Radiant Gardens a few times but had such a bad sense of direction he thought he was still lost. 

They carefully eyed the larger group on the other side.  All villains.  Ursula the sea witch and Oogie Boogie the sack of bugs took up the most amount of space and why the meeting had to be relocated here.  The Pirate Captain Hook, The magical vizier Jafar, and surprisingly the Greek God of Death Hades took up a more human sized amounts. 

“Bets today’s the day they are going to clear this up? Maybe invite us to the wedding?”  Hades asked. 

“Come now, Hades, if they haven’t done it already after that business with Kane the vampire, they won’t do it now.” Ursula’s tentacles gently made loops and swirls on the hard floor.  It had been an adventure getting her set up here.

“Maybe the time was improper?” Jafar offered. “Before Maleficent’s plan came to fruition and without his human… companions.”

“Ya scalawag.  Yer know he did not approve of the plan.” Hook grumbled. 

“Okay, excuse me.  What are you talking about?”  Fang asked, leaning on her spear. The villains looked at her.

“Why, if Jecht and Maleficent are going to make it official.”  Ursula offered smoothly after a moment.  Laguna, who had been drinking some water, began to cough. 

“Surely thou jests.”  Cyan said as he patted Laguna on the back.  Laguna finally sat up straight and shouted, “I’m okay!”  He was ignored.

“Sir Jecht and… that dark creature?  What wouldst he see in that?” 

“'Tis true.  His affections never shifted as often as a drop in the hat.”  Shantotto mused.  “Though, they say love doesn’t make sense.  And Jecht was always someone who could be quite dense.”

“Oh, I LIKE you.”  Ursula said after a moment, a grin spreading across her face. “But back to the point, we’re not sure ourselves.”

“Jecht and that kid were already around when our little group got together.”  Oogie boogie offered. Laguna started coughing again, and this time he was ignored.

“... CHILD?”  Cyan stood up.  “He hast gone and helped conceive a child?” Cyan’s face twisted, and he sat back down with a thump.

“The mother is in question.”  Hook explained.  Hades snorted.

“ The mother is in question It’s Maleficent, and we all know it.  The two of them even share a bedroom. The castle was HUGE.  No reason for them to share a bedroom!”

“Share a-”  Fang repeated. 

“Wait wait.”  Laguna cut in.  “MALEFICENT.  The mistress of all evil.  Shared a bedroom with Jecht?  And Jecht had a kid after… well he was fine with kids but-”

“He was not fond of any child by him.” Cyan muttered.

“I didn’t know him that well, so I will take your word on it.”  Fang said with a nod. 

“And that’s BEFORE the True love’s kiss.”  Ursula said, her voice warm with the promise of a good story. 

“I am curious about that tale, so feel free to reminisce.”   Shantotto said, actually putting her book down. 

“Well.”  Ursula grinned, pulled out a tube of lipstick, and touched up her make up before continuing.  “A few years ago, Jecht and Maleficent had an argument.”

“You don’t know that-”  Hook cut in. 

“I know how relationships work! More than the rest of you knuckleheads - Yes, Hades, I’m including you in this - they had an argument.  Maleficent wouldn’t have been so bothered if it happened by choice.  Either way, Jecht showed up one night as a Vampire.”

“... A vampire??”  Laguna leaned forward.  “How exciting!”

“We only found out after she summoned us.”  Oogie Boogie cut in.  “He was different from the vampires I knew.” 

“He did call himself her “boy toy” but in a tone that it was an insult.  She was displeased.”  Jafar cut in.  “We were sent to find out what had happened and to fix it.” 

“You forgot to mention how she trapped him in a cage.”  Hook cut in.

“And he lost his soul.” Hades added.

“And he kept saying “our child” and “our family.” when he was yelling insults at her.”  Ursula cut in.  “Will you let me tell the rest of the story?”

“You weren’t there for when Kain arrived, you were taking care of Jecht’s kid who he refuses to just… announce the name.”  Jafar trailed off into mutterings about “why don’t you just SAY Tidus.” 

“So, this bilge rat Kain shows up, like a water logged corpse with fangs.  Says he turned Jecht as an offering to join our… club.”  Hook trailed off as the RGPC started glaring at him. 

“The club that was supposed to destroy the universe?”  Fang asked. 

“Or maybe he offered something much worse?” Shantotto added on.  The villains glanced at each other.

“Didn’t matter in the end.”  Ursula said smoothly.  “Because Maleficent arranged the meeting, only to kiss Jecht.  The kid joined in too on Jecht’s cheek.  And we ALL know True love’s first kiss can break any spell.”

“But, to get back to the point.”  Oogie said, “To weigh the balance of this, the curse didn’t kick in until after that kid called Tidus kissed him. And we’ve never seen him kiss.” 

“And while they shared a room, with the lack of a governing authority at that time, it’s unclear if common law marriage would be invoked.”  Jafar continued. 

“And he was always such a gentleman to us, even as he made sure our plans didn’t really reach fruition.  Not that he sabotaged us, to be clear.  Just… would always come up with points on why new members wouldn’t work, or even if the princesses were frozen in crystal they should be treated better, or would always try to distract us with game nights or drinking.”  Ursula finished. 

“He’s a charmer if he got Maleficent to stay all this time.”  Hades muttered. 

“Jecht and Maleficent have played it too close to the vest to tell.”  Hook finished.  The RGPC glanced at each other.

“Sir Jecht… surely he would have the honor to marry someone if he conceived a child with them, even outside of wedlock.”  Cyan muttered. 

“But would he think of marriage as a cellblock?  He always went off on his own, a partner like Maleficent is not one he may wish to enthrone.”  Shantotto tapped her finger on her book. 

“Look, I don’t really know the dude, but didn’t he protect people? Why is he with the villains anyway?”  Fang cut in. 

“... WAIT THAT TIME I SAW HIM, THAT WAS ACTUALLY HIM TELLING THE TRUTH I WAS BACK HERE IN RADIANT GARDENS???”  Laguna bolted upright.  “That wasn’t a dream I had because I was lonely???” 

As the room devolved into chaos and everyone taking (or swapping) sides.  (the villains seemed to like to just argue more than the others on this)  The door finally opened and the three people in question finally arrived. 

“ QUIET. ” Maleficent hissed and tapped her staff, as Tidus hid briefly behind Jecht’s knee before running towards Ursula and jumping into her arms. 

“What’s going on?  I hadn’t even gotten to asking if you could figure out a way to help Leon!” Jecht crossed his arms.  “You-” he pointed to the villains. “Need to pay reparations after everything that happened. And YOU” he pointed to the RGPC, “need to train up the new members.  I know they are more than four, but they are doing really well and under normal circumstances we’d all be retired by now.  Fang, did you not age?”

“I was trapped in crystal, so I don’t think so.”  Fang tapped her shoulder, as if expecting it to ring out like it was still made of Crystal. 

“Cyan, good job for not making comments on Fang’s outfit.” 

“And if thine exploits had gone quiet, though wouldst not have asked to be replaced at all.”  Cyan half growled.  The villains leaned back, watching snipe at his old coworker. 

“And Mal, Sweet heart, you’ve signed off on all of this?”  Hades asked. “This is very unlike you.” 

“I have my eyes on a different prize, eliminating the Master of Masters before he tries to take my future throne.”  Maleficent almost sighed, and Diablo perched on her shoulders.  “This whole thing was Jecht’s idea, and I decided to walk with him.” 

Everyone in the room besides Jecht and Maleficent held back a sigh.  Yet another perfectly reasonable answer. 

Chapter Text

“What is this I hear about promises?” Maleficent asked. The end of the year was soon to roll around, and Destiny Island was buzzing with it’s new year plans.  Jecht, who had been mixing cookies on their kitchen table, slapped his forehead with one flour laden hand.

“I KNEW I forgot something!  Destiny Island has a New Years tradition!” 

“Oh?” Maleficent asked as she sat down at the table.  “What is it?”

“You promise things to each other.”  Jecht explained, paused, and decided to ignore the flour handprint on his forehead.  He could wash it off later with the other cooking detritus.

“Really?” Maleficent smiled as she leaned forward.  “People will promise things to me?” 

Jecht scowled at her.

“And YOU Have to promise things in return.”  He reminded her.  “And no one really understands what that means for you, so please don’t enforce any promises.” 

“It would make them take it seriously.”  She said as she examined her finger nails.  “No one would make insincere promises again.” 

“AND everyone would hate you.  Plus, what about your own promises in return?” Jecht left the food and went to sit across from her. “The way humans work is this.  The promises may not be enforced, but they are meant sincerely and people will at least try to follow through. Forcing ruins the point.” 

“But I must follow them.” Maleficent tried to argue, but it was not much of an argument.  They both knew that.

“Then promise stuff that you were either going to do anyway or that you won’t do.  Like not send frosts to kill the neighbors flowers.  Maleficent, we live in the tropics.  We don’t get frost naturally.”


****
Maleficent hid away for the next few days, evaluating things.  Jecht was right, and it pained her to even think that.  Back in her old life, back in her castle, what cared she for what anyone thought?  She wanted things, and she either got them or punished those that failed her.  Maybe she did indulge by keeping the three good fairies from growing their flowers or cursing babies for things their parents did, but what else did she have?  She was fae, she was petty, she… never had to deal with neighbors. 

She wasn’t pretending to be human, per se.  She never wanted to hide herself, and Jecht was very supportive of her keeping how she looks.  He did fall for her that way after all. 

But she had also met Kalama and Manamea, and a few others.  They were always polite, after a moment where they realized she probably wasn’t human.  They had their own lives and yes, she could go off and ruin them… but where was the fun?  They had not done anything to her.  No breech of hospitality she could exploit, no ill timed wishes she could use for her own gain, no long running feuds like her and Flora.  (Flora knows what she did) And she would have to live with the consequences. 

Maleficent raised her staff and let the magic trail out, creating images like that of her old forest home.  She hadn’t lived there in a while.  What had happened to her servants?  What would anyone say if they saw her like this?  Actually… thinking of others? 
***
The night rolled around, and soon everyone was out in the streets.  The tradition was simple enough, when meeting someone, one person knelt and grabbed the other person’s hand. The back of the hand was placed to the kneeling person’s forehead, and the kneeling person gave a promise.  Then the positions were switched and the second promise was given.  Maleficent understood it, a way to smooth over old problems and provide a goal in the year ahead. 

It would never work in the fey society, where words and meanings were guarded jealously.  They hadn’t really had a court of fey in the Enchanted Domain, or at least not one Maleficent knew about, but not even the three good fairies would be stupid enough to do this. 

And yet… she had to now.

“MANAMEA!”  Jecht shouted and waved at their… neighbor?  Maleficent still wasn’t sure where Manamea lived, if she even had a home.  She hadn’t necessarily seen any homeless people, but the weather was so nice, maybe it was easy to hide here.   Jecht gave a smile, one Manamea returned.  She could be jealous, but it wasn’t going to happen.  True Love’s first kiss had broken his promise only a few days after he had made it. 

“Hey Jecht! Oh.” Manamea knelt, and took Jecht’s hand.  “I promise to… keep some good food for you if you and Maleficent come by.” 

“Nice!”  Jecht grinned, then repeated the gesture. “I promise to keep an eye out for you, so you can have company.” 

Manamea turned to Maleficent, and knelt, taking Maleficent’s hand in hers.

Maleficent stiffened.  A gesture she would have demanded Royalty do to her, but Manamea was not royalty.  This was too forward!

It was also the first time anyone besides Jecht had touched her. 

“I give you the same promise I did to Jecht, to keep good for you if you ever come by.”  Manamea got up, and Maleficent took a breath, and kneeled.

It was… humiliating.  Could she even blush?  But… maybe that was the point.  It was much harder to disappear in an island that it was in a forest. 

“I promise you, that you shall always be at the perfect temperature.”  Maleficent said, and felt the magic coalesce around Manamea like a spell.  Which it was, in a way.  If Manamea found it odd, she didn’t react.  She did react to the fact Maleficent had to plant her staff in order to get up.

“You’ve never knelt before?”  Jecht asked in a whisper as he hovered by her elbow, clearly unsure if she wanted help.  She held out her hand, and he grabbed it.

“I am the most powerful fey, people tremble at my whims, why would I kneel?” 

They spent the night kneeling to many others.  Promises of times together, of protection, of trying new things or learning new skills or of a similar vein flowed freely.  Maleficents were…. A bit different.

Promises that clothes wouldn’t get wet, that they would never hold rotten eggs, that floorboards wouldn’t be eaten by mold, that fish would always be around them… and yes, that their flowers wouldn’t be killed by early frost. 

She could see Jecht watching her own promises, the smallest of smiles on his face.  No, she would never tell him he was right. 

As the night ended and a new day came, the promises trailed off as people either went home or stayed with people they had already made promises too.  A new sun, a new day, a new year glowed on the horizon. 

Maleficent sat down on a bench that overlooked the beach that started to glow orange, and Jecht joined her, leaving his hand there for her to hold. 

“I’m proud of you.”  He said softly.  “It’s your first New Years, and you’ve done well.” 

Maleficent said nothing in return.  Still, she gazed out until she realized Jecht had knelt in front of her, and raised her hand to his forehead.

“I promise, with the full knowledge of what this means, to help you make a life here.  I speak vaguely to keep myself from being trapped in specifics, but I know how hard it is to start a life somewhere completely different and I hope to make it easier.”   He looked at her as he got up.  “You don’t-”

But she did kneel, firmly grasped her hand and put it to her forehead.

“My dearest Jecht, I promise to raise our child as well as I can, and with your full input.  As a co operation between the Fey and humanity, and what that means for all three of us.” 

She smiled as Jecht stared at her slackjawed.  He blinked a few times, then fell down on the beach, staring at her, eye to eye.

“YOU’RE PREGNANT ????”