Hey guys here's chapter 18. Sorry for the long wait but uni kept me busy and I've been working on another story. Please don't give up on me. I will get this story finished, it just takes time. This may not be my best chapter but I'll let you decide on that. Sorry if Pain and Panic might be out of character slightly. It's my first time writing their characters and they only had a small part in this chapter. Oh, and if you're wondering about the cover page, I drew that. If you want to see the full thing it's on my Deviant Art page which is written down on my profile page.

This chapter is dedicated to my wonderful reviewers. Thank you so much. Your reviews make my day :D


Grimhilde and Jafar reappeared in his study. Large wooden bookcases lined the room with a large oak desk at the end of the room and a large burgundy chair, snakes heads carved on the arms of the chair. Like his room the walls were scarlet red. Grimhilde couldn't understand Jafar's fascination with the colour red. She'd heard that when he took over Agrabah the entire palace was red. She did have some red on her robes but she thought purple was a more better colour because of its royalty. Various scrolls littered the desk as well as a half empty inkwell and a quill that was left on one of the scrolls. The sorcerer must have been working on his plans before he and Grimhilde were going to go out. The bookcases contained various books on potions, spells, poisons and many books on furthering ones power. Jafar had studied long and hard on finding a way to use magic without having to rely on his staff. From his past failure with that street rat and demi-god he realised that he would have to increase his power. And he had succeeded but he still continued to research. He would need to be prepared if he were to face street-rat again and that infernal genie. He was not going to be defeated again.

'Jafar.' Grimhilde started. A smirk tweaked at the sorcerer's lips in delight, looking forward to this plan. It would be child's play. He was sure that he would be able to coax her into forgetting about where her possessions had gone to and make her anger wash away. After all he oozed charm and saw himself as a handsome man so he should have no trouble. In his youth he had attracted the attention of many beautiful young women because of his suave voice. He was able to persuade them to get things for him: food, books, supplies that he needed to create spells (not that he told them what he required them for), anything he so wished. But being the evil young man he was at the time he would just leave them and go home after he had gotten what he wanted. Not that he cared at all, he had no interest in them. Power was the only thing that mattered to him then...but not anymore.

'There is something that I need to tell you.' Grimhilde said. Jafar closed his fingers around her waist and pulled her to him, so that they were close together. She could feel his hot, minty breath on her face and the warmth and musky smell of his body which distracted her briefly from what she was about to say.

'And what would that be?' he purred. Grimhilde frowned at the devious smirk that crossed his face. He seemed to find taking her possessions quite amusing. It was just a form of entertainment for him. He obviously didn't understand how important they were to her and how far she would go to get them back. Well he would get a taste of his own medicine soon enough. How satisfying it would be for her to see his powers taken away from him, reducing him to a weak mortal and what was even more satisfying was that he had no idea about it. Jafar's smirk widened in amusement at her furrowed brows. Such a beauty she was. He loved her angered look far more than her seductive look. It made her beauty stand out so much more. He used to love that look on Maleficent as well as a certain princess's. It made them look so..ravishing, so...intoxicating, unable to resist.

'You...she started again. Jafar lifted one hand and lightly brushed his knuckles along the curve of her cheek, all the way down to her jaw.

'Have I ever told you that I find you incredibly beautiful? Even when you're angry your beauty shows.' he murmured, pushing her long hair over her shoulder and running his fingers over her neck and along her jaw line, stroking her smooth skin. Grimhilde's frown grew deeper at his flattery. Under normal circumstances she was relish at this kind of attention but she was far too furious to give in to him. He was not going to win, that she was sure of.

'Jafar...she said, her voice lowering to a dangerous tone. Jafar simply ignored her and continued to stroke her skin. His hand wandered upwards, resting against her cheek and started to caress it with his finger and thumb.

'And I had wanted to marry the Princess Jasmine when I had a perfect vision right in front of me.' He flattered, lowering his voice and head. Grimhilde felt her eyes widen slightly and a she couldn't stop a small smile appearing on her lips. It gave her such a thrill to hear that she was far prettier than a heroine. But she had to remind herself what she had set out to out and she dropped the smile. No, she couldn't let him win. This was just what he wanted. Like last time she took a hold of his hand and removed it from her face. However Jafar was not fazed in the least. It just made things more challenging for him which only spurred him on even more. She would come over...eventually.

'You...' she continued for third time but before she could finish her sentence Jafar was once again up to his cunning ways and took her hand as she had pulled it from his. Bringing her hand to his mouth he started to kiss and nibble the tips of her fingers causing Grimhilde's eyes to widen and she felt a spark of excitement run through her body.

'I quite enjoyed your little revenge at Maleficent. So devious and so...wicked. And that kiss...my word was that passionate. You were very...possessive I might add.' He murmured in a low voice. Grimhilde noticed the other hand on her back pulling her forward and he leaned into her. Grimhilde frowned and snatched her hand from his and placed it against his chest, intending to push him away when Jafar took her hand again and leaned in towards her ear.

'I love you.' He whispered, causing Grimhilde to blush. She cursed inwardly at the fact that her body had betrayed her. Jafar could see pink dotting her cheeks from the corner of his eye and used this as an opportunity to press his lips against hers. His hands were on her lower back and the queen could not help but close her eyes in pleasure as his lips brushed along hers. She sighed against his mouth and he smirked inwardly, deepening the kiss. He pulled on her bottom lip with his and Grimhilde took his robes in her hands, obviously enjoying the moment. As she was about to place her arms around his shoulders, wanting more, she stopped. What was she doing? She was meant to be luring Jafar into a trap not having a moment alone with him! Abruptly she placed both of her hands on his chest and tried to shove him away, breaking the kiss. But Jafar removed her hands from his chest and took them in his, grazing her bottom lip with his teeth. This was indeed a challenge. She was quite a stubborn woman. But no matter he wasn't about to give up so easily. No woman has been able to escape from his charms. However he had underestimated just how strong-minded Grimhilde was and yelled in pain when she stood on his foot. Before he could say another word she placed a finger to his lips, silencing that smarmy mouth of his. His narrowed his eyes, not thrilled about her being able to evade his charms.

'I came to inform you that Hades has taken your parrot, Iago.' Jafar looked at her, confusion clearly written across his face. What? Reluctantly he released her and crossed his arms over his chest.

'And why would that be? What could Hades possibly want with Iago?' he questioned, raising his eyebrow. This sounded suspicious. Iago was useful as a minion but Hades had his own minions.

'It seems that you owe him a favour.' She explained casually, while examining her immaculately, sharp nails. Both eyebrows rose at this explanation. What was she talking about? It didn't make sense in the least. But judging by her tone of voice it appeared she was not lying.

'And what favour would that be my dear Grimhilde?' He asked.

'I'm not sure. He would not tell me.' Jafar rolled his eyes. Fantastic It seemed he would have to pay a visit to the Lord of the Underworld.

'Where is he?'

'In the Underworld.' Grimhilde answered in a dry tone of voice while still examining her nails nonchalantly. He sighed, placing his hand to his head only to then drop it to his side. He might as well see what this was all about and retrieve his minion.

'Very well I suppose I will go there now. Are you coming? ' he asked. Instead of answering his question Grimhilde walked towards him and they disappeared in a whirl of red smoke.

...

Hades and Iago had reappeared in Hades throne room in the Underworld. Iago's eyes went wide when he looked down and realised that he was suspended in the air. Hades wavered his hand and Iago was plonked onto his chessboard.

'Well welcome to my home my feathered friend. Whad'ya think of it?' He smirked when he saw Iago shiver at the sounds of the dead souls. The parrot was trying to speak but the rope around his beak prevented him from doing so.

'Somethin you wanna tell me?' he asked and clicked his fingers, making the rope disappear.

'Come on, lemmie go! I don't want no trouble. I just work for Jafar. What use am I to you? Come on, lemmie go!' Iago yelled. Hades tutted and shook his head.

'Sorry no can do, you're needed for the plan.'

'What d'ya mean? What plan?' Iago asked in a confused voice. Hades smirked at him, deviousness clearly shown in his golden eyes, making the parrot on edge.

'You'll see.' He answered simply, not planning on revealing anymore information. Then he snapped his fingers, making a cigar appear out of nowhere and lit it with his thumb.

'Jafar! Jafar! You gotta help me!' he shrieked once again, not realising that his master wouldn't hear him from down here. Hades covered his ears with his hands but it didn't get rid of the noise coming from the loud-mouth parrot. As the noise got louder and louder Hades was rapidly loosing control of his anger and his blue flames were starting to become a bright orange for a second time, but this time turning deep red. He thought of magic-ing the rope back around the bird's beak but a better, no devious thought came to mind.

'YAAHHH! EITHER SHUT UP RIGHT NOW OR I'LL FEED YOU TO CERBERUS!' Hades bellowed, flames erupting all over his body as a result of his outburst. Hearing his name being called Cerberus came running into the throne room, wanting to find out what his master had for him, take the wall with him. Chucks of rock scattered onto the floor. Once inside the room the three heads took a quick look at Hades then spotted the bird and the three sets of red eyes looked at the Iago, whose eyes were as wide as saucers. Hades grinned deviously as the three heads glared at Iago in distrust and growled at him. Cerberus wasn't too fond of other people or animals in the underworld. He only liked the presence of his master.

'Well, well, right on time. Looks like you're good for something after all.' he remarked and turned his attention back towards Iago, letting out a small chuckle. The bird was absolutely petrified but then who could blame him. The size of his dog made Iago look like an ant. This would be good entertainment for a few minutes.

'Hey Cerb, look what I got for ya.' He called over his shoulder and waved his hand upwards, sending Iago up into the air. He flicked his hand towards himself, drawing Iago to the huge dog. Iago writhed in his bounds, desperately trying to free himself from being dinner but it was no use, the rope was too tight. Hades wasn't really going to feed him to them was he? What about the plan? But that didn't stop his fear as he was brought closer and closer to the three heads. Hades grin widened, showing his sharp teeth. It was so comical to watch the bird reaction to this. He little body was shaking in fear, his eyes looking as though they were going to pop out of his skull and the god chuckled to himself. The bird was dumb enough to actually believe that Hades was going to let Cerberus eat him. Taking pleasure in Iago's fear, he brought him even closer so that he was hovering directly over Cerberus. The three heads were drooling at this point in obvious hunger. It had been so long since their last meal...

'No! I don't wanna be eaten, I don't taste good! NO!' He shouted, panic clearly shown in his voice. Iago felt his heart beat rapidly. No, he couldn't die! Hades lowered his hand slightly, Iago barely a short distance from Cerberus. The animal lowered his huge body on his hind legs and got ready to jump. Iago snapped at this.

'NO! Please don't feed me to them! I don't wanna die! I'll be good, I swear! I won't say another word, just keep them away from me! Ahahhh!' he screamed at the top of his lungs.

'Ya sure, cause I was really looking forward to watchin it.' Hades heaved a sigh and slumped his shoulders in mock-disappointment. He clicked his fingers and Iago was back on the table, just as Cerberus jumped into the air. All three jaws snacked at the air before the dog hit the stone floor, with a tremendous thud and little Iago's flying around each of their heads. Hades turned around at the loud noise and was met with a glare from Cerberus.

'Sorry Cerb, guess I'll have ta get ya somethin else to chew on.' Cerberus growled, the three heads showing their sharp teeth at heads at their master, not at all happy about being teased charged for his master, all the heads snacking at him. Hades quickly snapped his fingers just before one of the head could bite him. Confused, Cerberus turned around, only to find his master hovering in the air, Iago in his hand. Annoyed, Cerberus ran over to the god and jumped in the air. Smirking, Hades snapped his fingers again, reappearing behind Cerberus once again. The huge dog charged again and jumped as high as he could, but to no avail as Hades disappeared. Hades lit a cigar and puffed away in content, his smirk widening. This was pretty entertaining. Finally having enough Cerberus leaned down, all three heads grabbed Hades' throne in their large teeth and threw it across the room. Hades smirk quickly vanished and he glared at the large dog.

'Hey cut it out! I didn't fix that just so you could break it again!' he shouted but had no affect on the dog. Instead Cerberus turned around and stomped out of the room. Hades shook his head. Yeesh, he's like a spoilt little brat.

'Aye yai yai, why the hell did I get that mutt? He asked to himself and looked back at the still quivering bird and pursued a grin. Ha, that shut him up.

...

Grimhilde and Jafar arrived at a deserted area of the god's home. The queen looked around their new surroundings and sniffed in disapproval. The sound of dead souls, the smell, the horrible grey walls. This place was hideous, suddenly being in the castle sounded a better option. The last time she'd been here was when Hades had revived her and she'd certainly had no intentions of coming back here but unfortunately this was part of the plan.

'Despicable. This place is certainly not suitable for a queen's standards.' Jafar just shook his head. Did everything have to be extravagant and elegant for her? Maleficent had never been like this. After all she had lived in a mouldy castle. That had been one of the many things he liked about Maleficent, places like this never bothered her. Brushing that thought to one side he curled his bony fingers around her dainty hand.

'Come. The sooner we find Hades, the sooner we can go back.' He said dryly and started walking, all the while having no idea what lay ahead for him...Meanwhile Pain and Panic were spying on Jafar and Grimhilde from around the corner of the room. Originally they were going to get to work like Hades had ordered them to do, but what they had found was much more interesting.

'Huh...Jafar?' Pain whispered and scratched his head.

'And he's with...oh what's her name again? Gramy?' Panic replied.

'Eh...I dunno know? Grimly maybe?

'Grinny?'

'Grimide?

'Grimhilde.' They both said simultaneously and looked at the two visitors in puzzlement. Well this was different. They'd never really seen any of Hades friends in the Underworld as they were all in the castle. Actually they'd only seen Hades girlfriend Maleficent in the Underworld.

'What are they doing in the Underworld?' Pain questioned.

'Well duh it's gotta be to see Hades. I mean why else would they be here.' Panic sighed, stating the obvious, turning to his partner before turning back and looking at the queen. A dreamy look crossed his face as he looked at her. She was hot. Pain glared at his partner and banged him on the head.

'Quit daydream idiot and come on. We better go tell the boss who's here.' After rubbing his sore head panic followed after the purple imp before Jafar and Grimhilde spotted them. They passed through the dark rooms and hallways of the Underworld, the only sounds that could be heard were that of the dead souls and the people that worked in the Underworld. When they got to the throne room the two imps could see Hades occupying himself with his chessboard, placing monster figurines on various places on the chessboard, trying coming up with a strategy to kill Hercules yet again.

'Pardon us, oh flaming one.' Pain called when the two imps stood behind the god.

'Yeah what d'ya boys want this time?' Hades called uninterestedly, not even bothering to turn away from what he was doing. They could hear him mumble away to himself about where to put each monster.

'Uh...well...you...see...there's...' Panic started, unaware of the flames that were starting to make their way across Hades shoulders. The god turned abruptly towards his minions, his angry rising which made their eyes go wide.

'Spit it out already!' he ordered, his flames turning a bright orange.

'You have some...new arrivals.' Panic informed him. Hades heaved a frustrated sigh. Terrific, just what he needed. What bad timing.

'Oh great more dead souls to greet.' He murmured unenthusiastically.

'Eh no not exactly. I mean you have visitors.' Panic corrected him.

'Really?' Hades asked in mock-surprise, knowing exactly who they were. Way ta go babe. 'Okay, who've we got?'

'Jafar sir.' Pain answered first then Panic spoke up.

'And Grimhilde.'

'Perfect.' Hades murmured darkly, narrowing his eyes. This earned him confused stares from his minions.

'Uh what do you mean boss?' Pain questioned.

'Nothin for you boys to worry about. Hades ordered. As Hades leaned further back against his chessboard Pain and Panic noticed a red and blue parrot on top of the chessboard. They recognised straight away that it was the loud-mouth parrot Iago, bound up with rope.

'Hey boss, eh...what's Iago doing here?' Pain asked.

'Like I said, nothin for you boys ta worry about. Now beat it and get back to work.' Hades wavered dismissively. There was no reason to tell them about his evil scheme.

'But sir...' Panic started which infuriated Hades. He didn't want any further questions and he didn't want them skulking around his throne room when Jafar and Grimhilde arrived.

'I said beat it!' Hades yelled. Both imps cowered and quickly scarped off out of the throne room, leaving Hades shaking his head in disbelief. Geeze louise, can't they understand a simple order?

Jafar and Grimhilde were entering the room just as the imps were running out of the room and quickly stepped to one side to avoid bumping into them. Watching the imps run away in amusement they figured they must have annoyed Hades, either that or Hades was in a bad mood and had taken his anger out on them. It was probably the first one as Hades did complain that they were always making mistakes. The imps were hardly at the castle as Hades had ordered them to stay in the Underworld to make sure no trouble happened and that all the work was up to date. They only really came to the castle if they needed Hades help, which sometimes happened, such as Hecate trying to take over the Underworld which has happened on several occasions or maybe Hercules trying to get back at Hades for something that he'd done wrong.

'Jaffy, Grimy, what brings down ya here?' he asked casually. The two villains in front of him turned the gaze towards him, each holding different expressions, Jafar shooting Hades a dark look, Grimhilde's expression however remained blank. Jafar let go of Grimhilde's hand and walked a further distance towards Hades, crossing his arms over his chest when he stood only a short distance from the god. From the corner of his eye he could see his minion on Hades chessboard, trying to free himself from his bindings.

'Why have you taken Iago Hades? I demand that you release him at once. I do not owe you a favour.' He stated coldly. Just as he had finished his sentence Grimhilde made her way past Jafar and walked over to Hades, standing beside him, much to the sorcerer's surprise. Jafar furrowed his brows at this.

'Favour? Oh you don't need to worry Jafar, you don't owe Hades a favour at all.' Grimhilde informed him and she smirked deviously at Jafar who was baffled by this. What?

'Just what exactly is going on here Grimhilde? Is kidnapping my minion some sort of game for the both of you?' he asked in an annoyed tone. Hades and Grimhilde looked at each other and grinned wickedly, leaving Jafar confused as to what was going on.

'Oh there's a reason for that Jaffy.' Hades pointed out and made a cigar appear out of nowhere, lit his thumb and then lit the cigar. Once he took a long drag from it a cloud of grey smoke issued from his lips as his exhaled and he leaned more against the large chessboard, staring lazily at the sorcerer who was still thinking of the answer, an obvious answer. After about a minute Jafar focused his gaze on Hades and Grimhilde. There was only one reason why Grimhilde would be coinciding with Hades...

'It seems I underestimated you, my dear' he stated, he gaze solely focused Grimhilde. Her wicked smile grew to which she received a hard glare from Jafar. Good, this was just what she wanted.

'Heh, never underestimate a woman remember that happenin with a certain princess? Now wouldn't you have seen that Aladdin guy comin, had you not fell for her 'body language?' Hades commented, throwing a lazy smirk at him.

Jafar clenched his hands into fists tightly, not wanting to be reminded of that memory. It was humiliating, a power sorcerer sidetracked by a mere girl and it didn't help when the others snickered at hearing it.

'So Jaffy, since ya know why ya here I keep it short and simple. You give the little lady back her stuff and I give you back your parrot, deal?' Hades asked, bringing Jafar back to the situation at hand. Grimhilde glared at the 'little lady' comment. He made her sound like a teenager. Jafar curled his beard around his finger in thought. He was not going to give into Hades demands so easily but he couldn't take Iago by force. Hades would easily defeat him, due to his godly powers. However if he could somehow sneak Iago away from Hades without the god knowing then Grimhilde's plan would backfire, an idea that would please him greatly. With his other hand behind his back, he zapped the floor, creating a small portal. This in turn would create a portal underneath Iago and he would have his minion back in no time. However Hades was already onto his scheme and snapped his fingers Iago before he could be sucked into the portal, suspending him in the air.

'Ah, ah, ah. Finders keepers Jaffy. Yeesh could you be any more predictable? Besides you know I'ma god so why even bother trying to come up with an oh so brilliant plan ta save ya feathered friend huh?' Jafar sighed in frustration, knowing that he was right. He was trapped. Even though Iago was annoying most of the time he did serve his purpose well as a minion. His plans were devious and he always loved the way his foul little mind worked.

'Come on Jafar, ya can't let me die! Jafar! The screaming of the loud-mouth parrot brought the sorcerer out of his thoughts and he looked at Iago who was being held by Hades.

'Now why don't ya just hand over her stuff and you get ya minion back, ok?' Grimhilde sharply turned towards Hades, placing one hand on her hip.

'That 'stuff' you are referring to Hades are my prized possessions and I would appreciate it if you did not refer to them in that way.' She hissed, her voice laced with venom. Hades rolled his eyes.

'Oh I am so sorry, oh high maintenance one.' He drawled sarcastically and mock bowed before taking another drag of his cigar, blowing a puff of smoke in her face. Grimhilde pulled a look of disgust before wavering the smoke out of her face. Such a horrible habit. She couldn't stand the stench of his cigars.

'So, what's it gonna be Jaffy?' Hades sounded as he faced him. Jafar slowly slumped his shoulders in defeat. He did like Iago and if truth be told he didn't want him to be killed.

'Very well.' He glowered and made the bag of Grimhilde's make-up appear out of nowhere. He clutched the bag in his hands and glanced between the god and queen.

'Well...return Iago to me.' He demanded in a low voice. Hades and Grimhilde exchanged a look, pleased by the fact that everything was going according to plan. The all powerful sorcerer had had to obey for once.

'When you hand her stuff.' Hades sounded in an irritated tone.

'Hades... Grimhilde started.

'Yeah, yeah...facial supplies, got it. Here take this.' He replied dryly and handed her Iago. Grimhilde frowned at having to hold a bird, particularly this bird, not wanting to get her hands dirty.

Jafar cocked an eyebrow at why Hades would want him to walk over to him and hand him the bag. He knew Hades had magic, so why wouldn't he use for something as simple as this? He decided to just ignore it, as long as this was over and he got Iago back it didn't really matter why Hades was acting this way. He walked over to him in a calm and casual manner and handed Hades the bag. However just as Hades took the bag he grabbed Jafar's hand with his other hand. Jafar eyes widened, clearly wondering why he gripped his hand.

'Hades what are you...argh! Jafar yelled as Hades gripped his hand tighter. His body started to feel weak, like his life was being drained out of him. What in the name of Allah was going on? He tried to yank his hand from Hades but it was no use as Hades had a strong grip on his hand due to his godly-strength (so hard that he felt like his bones were being crushed) and he was losing most of the strength that he had. Using his other hand he pointed his fingers at Hades, intending to zap him with a bolt a thunder but nothing happened. Jafar was puzzled by this. He couldn't use magic? Then it came to him and he was aware now of the situation. Hades was...draining...his power? After draining the last of his power Hades finally released Jafar's hand. Jafar gasped as he looked at his hand, his now wounded hand.

He was no longer a sorcerer.

He was weak.

He was powerless.


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