Finally, it's finished. It only took me a minute. I would've had this up earlier, but I had to take a break to watch the first round of the NHL Draft. Yes, I had to. At any rate – or whatever – here it is, the final installment of Fallen Angel. I apologize for any grammatical mistakes that may remain.

Part Three

When Ben had first met Harry over a year ago, he was wild, unpredictable, and a bit off-kilter. Now, as Ben looked at the young pirate staring out the window of the limo as they readied to leave, he wondered just how much of a mental breakdown that mirror had caused. He may never know; and maybe that was best. Both pirates were dealing with a trauma that he couldn't fathom – or fix. Uma seemed to be handling things okay, but her mind wasn't as fragile as Harry's. Ben knew she believed she had to stay strong for both of them.

He couldn't remember which meeting it was exactly, possibly one of the last, when he had noticed how pale and drained Gil looked. He remembered how he had heard of this Conlon person a few times and wondered if he had something to do with it. They were all uneasy at that meeting and as he thought more of it, it had to be that final meeting. It was the time Gil and the others finally revealed exactly who this Conlon was. Hearing about him sent chills down Ben's spine. Conlon could make the Flying Dutchman smile with pride. Maleficent should have gotten some pointers from him. Putting an entire kingdom to sleep for 100 years and forcing a child to be raised by fairies was child's play. According to Gil, compared to Conlon, his own father was a saint. All of it made Ben shudder, but it was when Harriet and CJ drew the comparison between their father and Conlon that Ben almost wished for the death of this Conlon. Almost. Although, he was sure, unfortunately, that a wish was not needed for that to happen.

There was so much he still wanted to know, some of it he likely never would; but if he was going to get any more out of the pirate, he knew he would have to follow his lead, just as he did with Gil that final meeting.

Gil sat on his bed, scraping off the loose bark of a piece of driftwood. He planned to carve something out of it, he just wasn't sure what. Maybe something for Harry or Uma. They would be here in a few days or so. He could make another toy for one of the kids.

A knock at his cabin door pulled him from his thoughts. Whatever he decided to make, it would likely have to wait. He lay the wood and knife on his desk and answered the door. Jonas stood on the other side.

"He's here," Jonas said. "Waitin' fer ye on deck."

"Tell him I'll be right there."

Jonas nodded and left.

Sighing heavily, he closed the door. This was not how he wanted Ben to see him. He was sore, exhausted, and he looked like death warmed over. What he truly wanted to do was sleep for a week. He wasn't sure if he looked worse than he felt or felt worse than he looked. Pulling his shirt off the mirror, he kept his eyes elsewhere, not wanting to see the reflection of his scars. It was enough to know that they were there. Releasing the breath he didn't realize he had been holding, he slipped his shirt on and then grabbed his coat and hat. Hopefully, he wouldn't drop dead in front of Ben.

Ben leaned on the railing, looking out over the vast ocean before him; well, sort of. Auradon was kind of in the way. However, he did have a good view of Neverland. He could understand Harry's complaints now. He'd get sick of looking day in and day out at a place he could never get to. Uma had also made her thoughts known about it all those months ago, though not quite as loudly as the hook-wielding pirate. Too bad they couldn't have anchored the ship on the east or west coast of the Isle; then they would have had an incredible view of the ocean, just like the view from Gil's favorite spot on top of that tenet building.

"I think I'm beginning to understand Harry's desire to sail," he said, hearing footsteps he had come to know so well.

"What true pirate wouldn't have that desire?" Gil stopped beside him. "She's seaworthy again. I would've loved to've surprise Harry with her. Showing up in Belle's Harbor at the helm."

Ben looked at him solemnly. "I wish I could've made that happen for you. For all of you."

Gil smiled softly. "They'll be here in a week. That's good enough. I don't need any more than that."

Both young men became lost in thought as they gazed over the water. "I want you to come back with me," Ben said suddenly.

Gil looked at him, his brow furrowed. "What?"

"After your reunion." Ben turned to him. "I want you to come back with us." Gil opened his mouth to speak, but Ben continued. "You, CJ, Harriet. Both your crews. All of you. I'll figure out a way to get your ship out, too. That might take a while, but you will have the Lost Revenge out on the open seas."

Gil was lost for words.

"I understand you don't live in your dad's house anymore."

"I don't need to," Gil replied. "I have the ship. I hardly ever talk to him."

"What about your brothers?"

"They come around every once in a while." He grinned. "Though for some reason they avoid this place if Harriet's around."

Ben chuckled. "I mean it, Gil. I want all of you to come back with us. I can't keep you separated from Harry and Uma anymore. And I can't allow them to come back here and stay. All of you should be in Auradon. And maybe someday all of your parents will be welcome back and this island will no longer be needed." He paused. "But until then…."

Gil nodded. "No one in my crew gets left behind."

"I promise."

They fell silent, both gazing out over the sea, Ben looking at Auradon and Gil… Well, Ben wasn't sure. The blond didn't seem to be looking at anything. He appeared drained, exhausted, like he could pass out at any moment. Ben decided he should probably say something before the pirate did collapse.

"Can I ask you something?" Ben said.

Gil gave him a sideways glance. "Of course."

"Who is Conlon, exactly?"

Hearing footsteps, Gil turned around, leaning against the railing, smiling. Ben followed suit. CJ and Harriet now stood before them. The young king smirked. Of course. Who else would it be? Gil's crew was already here.

"Sounds like you boys are startin' an interestin' conversation, Harriet said. "Ye weren't plannin' on leavin' us out now, were ye?"

Gil smirked. "Never." He pushed himself off the railing and stepped in front of CJ, giving her a kiss. He looked back at Ben. "Let's talk somewhere else."

Ben nodded as Gil led them to his office.

Looking around as he entered the room, Ben queried, "you have an office separate from your room?"

Gil gestured for him to sit at the round table almost dead center in the room. "On the ship, yes."

"So," Ben began as Gil finally joined him and the girls after fiddling with something on his desk. "Who's Conlon?"

"He's the leader of the Black Hearts," Harriet answered.

"He used to run with Uma's crew, until he and Gil had a fallin' out," CJ added.

Ben raised an eyebrow, intrigued, yet a little confused. Gil remained silent.

"They weren't necessarily on bad terms," Harriet continued, "but they stayed away from each other. Conlon knew Gil would never leave Uma's an' Harry's sides…."

"Not tae mention Harry didn't like Conlon," CJ finished.

"Why is that?" Ben asked.

CJ shrugged.

"He talked too much," Gil said, breaking his silence. "Harry's always had a problem with anyone outside his circle talking trash about his 'family.'"

"Sounds like someone else I know," CJ quipped, smiling.

Gil smirked and continued. "Most people he could ignore… Or just threaten and they'd quickly apologize. But Conlon… Conlon didn't know when to shut up."

Ben flashed his own smirk. As it faded, he looked at Harriet. "What did you mean by Conlon knew Gil would never leave Uma's and Harry's sides?"

It was now Harriet's turn to smirk and joined in. "Conlon had wanted Gil on his crew ever since Gil had beaten up Conlon's first mate."

"That's a story unto itself," CJ remarked, peaking Ben's interest; but it wasn't the proper time for tangents.

"But Gil was already a part of Uma's crew and had been for some time," Harriet continued.

"So, he joined with Uma's crew to try and convince Gil to leave," Ben inferred.

"Something like that," Gil said.

CJ cupped her hands on his cheeks. "Of course, his attempt was futile."

Gil grinned, while Harriet let out an annoyed sigh. Ben stifled a laugh.

Harriet gave Ben a look that said, "please ask him something." Getting the drift, he asked Gil, "so, what happened between you and Conlon?"

"Didn't like the way he looked at Uma. Or Harry," he replied shortly.

"Among other things," CJ threw in.

Ben noted Gil trying to prevent himself from smirking again. The blond continued, "we got into an argument and he left."

There was doubt in Ben's mind that it was that simple and as interested as he was in finding out the entire truth, it wasn't the time. "And now with Uma and Harry in Auradon…."

Silence momentarily filled the cabin. "He definitely wasn't expectin' Gil tae take over," CJ chimed proudly.

"And literally become the King of the Isle of the Lost," Harriet added. "Now he's challenged Gil three times… And lost each one."

"But he's still dangerous," Gil deadpanned. "If you wanna see true psychopathy in action… He's yer man."

Harriet gave a humorless laugh. "He makes Harry look like Gil." Gil smirked. "Or Maleficent like Fairy Godmother."

Ben stared out the cabin door's window as Gil stood and walked over to a cabinet on his left. "Anyone thirsty?" The pirate captain asked.

"Yeah, sure," Ben replied, not moving his gaze.

Gil grinned at the girls who were oddly amused at Ben's sudden trip to Lala land. The clinking of the classes on the table brought Ben back to reality. "Something interesting out there?" Gil asked.

Ben turned his head. "Um, no… Sorry. Just lost in thought." He watched Gil pour the amber liquid into the glass, noticing something strange about Gil's left-hand. He grimaced.

The blond took notice of his expression, and thinking it had to do with the beverage, he said, "it's Ursula's ale. Don't worry, it's nonalcoholic."

"It's not that" Ben replied. "What happened to your hand?"

Gil didn't speak at first, he simply raised his left-hand into his line of sight. "Oh, that." His pinky finger and ring finger were partially missing.

"Did Conlon do that?"

The pirate turned to him. "Yeah." He quickly changed the subject. "So, beastie boy," he continued, happily using Uma's nickname for the king, "anything else you'd like to know?"

Ben decided to drop the whole Conlon thing completely. Despite his grins and smiles, Gil still looked out of sorts; his eyes giving away a hint of sadness. Maybe telling some stories from the sea trio's childhood would lift Gil's spirits while they lifted the faux spirits in their glasses. "How about some stories about you, Uma and Harry when you were kids."

Gil smiled broadly. After taking a drink of his ale he began. "Harry may not have made it obvious to you, but he has the uncanny ability to fall asleep anywhere."

The girls grinned, knowing their brother's quirks very well and both were confident they knew which story Gil was going to start with.

"Not to mention he could fall asleep anywhere," Gil continued. "And for some reason, his favorite spot – at least, one of them – to fall asleep was leaning against me."

Ben didn't bother to even try stifling his laughter.

Gil rolled his eyes. "Anyway."

"Sorry," Ben snorted. "Please, continue."

"You think you can hold it together for a few minutes?" Ben nodded. Gil didn't believe him but continued. "All three of us had been up since the crack of dawn and were running around like a bunch of maniacs…."

They had been running around all points of the Isle, well, all points in and around the northeastern coast and central bazaar, causing as much havoc as three eight-year-old villain children could. And villain children, like all children, had far too much energy for the adults liking; but at the same time were praised for their budding villainy. But… At the same time, they were still obnoxious little rodents. Something they took pride in. Mother Gothel tried – futily – to figure out how to extract and bottle the children's energy. So, they – the children – stayed far away from her. Because she was creepy. Although, Mother Gothel's daughter, Ginny, didn't quite have the same luxury as the others in avoiding the woman altogether. This annoyed Ginny greatly and made Harry, Uma and Gil laugh hysterically.

Gil stopped suddenly, staring at Ben. The young king was making a weird face, apparently trying to hold in a laugh. "Don't hurt yerself," Gil said to him.

Ben pursed his lips. "Sorry."

Gil shook his head, grimacing at the smirks on CJ's and Harriet's face is. "Anyway… After running around all day and after eating dinner, we decided to climb up to our favorite hangout spot…."

Gil was seated in the middle of the trio, Uma on his right, Harry on his left. It had been quite an eventful day for the three of them. They remained silent, staring out into the sea, until Gil decided he needed to say something vitally important.

"CJ's gross," he blurted. "She keeps saying our initials spell hug."

"Well, they do, if you put us in the order of Harry, Uma, Gil," Uma stated.

"I know, but she doesn't hafta keep sayin' it."

"He's got a point," Henry said with a yawn. "Besides, all girls are gross."

Uma narrowed her eyes, reached around Gil, and smacked Harry on the head. "Ow."

"He's just sayin' that because he doesn't wanna admit he likes Mal," the blond boy said nonchalantly.

"Eww…." The other boy shouted disgusted, causing the other two to laugh.

They fell silent again, a light breeze tousling Gil's hair and cooling the air around them. The boy felt something fall onto his arm. Harry. Gil was used to the pirate boy leaning on him.

"I wanna go fishing," Gil said suddenly.

"Why?" Uma queried.

"Because it's fun," the blond replied. "And you can eat what you catch." He shook his left arm slightly. "Hey, Harry. Wanna go fishing?" There was no response. "Harry." He furrowed his brow, grimacing. "He's asleep, isn't he?"

Uma peered around Gil at the other boy. "Yep."

Gil sighed. "Figures."

Ben grinned. "I'm gonna take a wild guess and say he's done that a lot."

Gil leaned back in his chair. "Oh, yeah. Couldn't tell you the number of times he's fallen asleep with his face in my food."

"In yer food?"

"Well, ours. Usually shared a plate."

The young king smiled. "Harry's sounding a lot like Chad." He paused. "It's really weird."

It was Gil's turn to laugh. Being compared to a pompous prince would send Harry into an absolute fit, though from what Ben had shared over the past eight months it sounded like the two got along fairly well.

"Too much fer ye, Benny?" Harriet said.

Ben's expression made Gil laugh harder.

"I should make you live with Chad," Ben said flatly. "I can do that."

Gil, now simply grinning, raised an eyebrow. "Me or Harriet?"

"Yes."

Harry pulled his gaze from the window for the first time since they had left the school. He noticed Ben smiling softly, staring off into nothing. "What're ye smilin' at?" He asked deadpan.

Ben looked at him. "Just thinking about the last meeting I had with Gil and your sisters. They all laughed at me when I told them you were a lot like Chad – in a way."

The pirate leaned his head against the window, a welcomed grin on his face. "Aye…. Ye talkin' about the sleepin' thing?"

"Yeah…. Didn't ever seem to bother Gil."

"Nah…. He was the only one who wouldnae shake me off if ah fell asleep leanin' against him."

As Harry closed his eyes – and possibly fell asleep – Ben looked over at Uma. She seemed to be lost in thought. He could only imagine what the sea-witch could be thinking, and although he was curious, he decided not to bother her. They would be back on the Isle soon enough. Questions could be asked and answered then. He leaned back in his seat, leaving the other two to their thoughts.

Uma stared straight ahead, seemingly boring holes into the partition, but not really looking at anything. Her mind was elsewhere, dwelling on their soon-to-be reunion and the day she and Harry left for Auradon. She had never seen Gil so hurt – or so angry, and it was something she never wanted to see again. It was terrifying. Of course, she would never admit to how much it terrified her, nor would she ever show it. For the first time, they would be truly separated.

Neither Uma, nor Harry, nor Gil wanted to tell the other two that they had received an invitation to Auradon. Not one of the three, at first, even wanted to go to Auradon. Or Bore-a-don as Harry like to call it. But they honestly couldn't avoid it forever.

Uma sighed. She needed to get this over with. Her shift had just ended and only a few moments earlier had told the boys to meet her on the ship. She couldn't wait any longer to tell them and there was no way she was going without them – unless, of course, she was forced to by her mother. As she approached the ship, she saw Harry engaged in something anyone, including her, would never catch him in – wrestling with Gil (or anything else). Part of her wanted to smile at the sight and another part of her wanted to roll her eyes. So she did both.

"Hey," she shouted, walking across the gangplank. "You two finished?"

The boys looked up at her, Gil having Harry and a headlock, grinning.

She shook her head. "Boys."

Gil released the pirate and the two stood up. "So," Harry drawled, "what did ye wan' tae talk about?"

Uma reached into her jacket and pulled out a rolled-up piece of paper with the Auradon seal. "This."

The boy's eyes widened. "You got one, too?" Gil said, astonished.

She furrowed her brow. "You got one?" He nodded. She looked at Harry. "What about you?"

"Aye," he replied with a nod.

Gil turned to him a. "You gonna take them up on it?"

"What do you think?" She said, folding her arms across her chest.

The blond grimaced. "Just thought I'd ask."

Uma looked at Harry. "What about you?"

Harry grinned. "Now why would I deliberately miss this fine opportunity?"

"So, in normal speak you're going," the sea-witch said, furrowing her brow again.

"Aye." The pirate grimaced while Gil try to stifle a laugh. Harry glared at the blond. "Shut up."

Gil smiled at him. "Looks like were all headed to Bore-a-Don."

"It wilnae be fer long." Harry slung his arms around the other two as they stared across the water at their soon-to-be new home. They were going to turn Auradon upside down. The three of them. Together.

Or so they thought.

For the first time, since she could remember, sunlight broke through the perpetual cloud cover. Uma sighed, an underlying growl rumbling in her throat, as Harry fell back onto the limo for the sixth time.

"Would you stop that," the sea-witch growled.

The pirate huffed, folding his arms across his chest. "Where is he?" He said through his teeth.

"He'll be here. Just chill."

"He better. Or ahm goin' after him."

Neither would show it, but they were worried. Gil should have been there already. As excited as he was, he should have been the first one out there. Granted, his home was a bit further away from the bridge then theirs were; but he still shouldn't be taking so long. Something wasn't right.

Uma shifted her gaze towards Ben, who was standing towards the front of the limo. Beastie boy was looking up at Bargain Castle. She watched as he shifted his own gaze to the cobbled street that led into the bazaar. She was about to say something when they made eye contact. Losing her nerve, for some reason, she quickly averted her eyes.

Harry slammed his fist into the vehicle's door, briefly startling her. "That's it. ahm goin' after 'im."

Uma didn't make an argument.

As he pushed himself away from the limo, heavy footsteps echoed down the street. "Finally," he grumbled. "What took ye –" he was cut off by the sight of the burly, dark-haired man known as Gaston, Gil's father. "So long…" He finished softly.

"Where's Gil?" Uma demanded, narrowing her eyes.

"He's working," Gaston replied. "As he should be."

Harry growled. "What dae ye mean he's workin'? He's supposed tae be leavin' with us."

Gaston smirked. "He won't be going. He's not ready."

The pirate was ready to lunge for the man, but Uma put her arm out to stop him. "Easy, Harry," she said flatly. She eyed Gaston. Something wasn't right. Still being in love with Belle, the narcissist should've been more than willing to send Gil to Auradon to do his bidding – whatever that might be. But then again, maybe Gaston knew his youngest son better than they thought. Gil wouldn't be interested in fighting his father's battles.

"Whad ye dae tae 'im?" Harry growled.

"I've done nothing to him," Gaston replied flatly. "I don't know where these rumors get started." He noticed Ben and walked over to him, slapping him on the back, saying, "so, this is the new king, huh?" Ben stumbled forward. "Tell your mom I said hi and tell your dad I should've killed him when I had the chance."

Ben looked up at him. "I'll let him know."

Gaston grinned at him and strutted back over to Uma and Harry. He looked at them, a disgustingly pleasant smile plastered on his face that irritated both teens. The sea-witch glared, while the pirate boy growled at him. He slapped Harry on the back, causing the teenager to stagger forward.

"Poor manners to keep your king waiting." He gave them a smug smile, but it quickly changed to one a bit more… Sadistic.

Uma's eyes darkened. Gil was watching them, and he had been since Gaston arrived. He had dragged his son down here after forbidding him from going to Auradon, just to watch her and Harry leave without him, to watch his friends leave him behind. She glanced at Harry. His deadpan expression said it all to her; he's picked up on it, too.

Their blood boiled as they watched Gaston turn and walk away, laughing. He knew as well as they did that there was nothing they could do. It may be the Isle of the Lost, home of the villains, but their parents still had more power than they did. As much as they liked to think they ran their island home, they were far from being in charge. This moment proved it.

Clearly, this was some kind of lesson in friendship, perhaps that it didn't exist or was worthless or…. Uma growled quietly. She looked at Harry. The pirate was staring off into the shadows.

"Harry."

The pirate jumped slightly and turned to her. She gestured towards the limo. Harry heaved a heavy sigh. As much as he wanted to grab Gil and shove them into the vehicle, he knew he would never get past Gaston. Uma knew it. And their parents had made it clear that they would be going. She pushed Harry towards the now open limousine door. As she turned to get in, out of the corner of her eye she saw Gil step out of the shadows. She turned her head to face him. The look on his face said everything. Gaston's arm shot out in front of him as he took a step forward. He said something to Gil. Uma couldn't hear what he said but judging by the darkening look in the blond's eyes, it wasn't anything, well, good. She looked away and slipped into the vehicle, hoping that Harry hadn't seen through the window.

As the limousine pulled away, Uma wondered if Gil would ever forgive them.

That was the moment Harry began his downturn. Ben was sure of it. He remembered vividly the look in Uma's eyes when she turned to face him, just before climbing into the limo. There was nothing he could do; he had no legitimate reason to force Gaston into allowing Gil to come to Auradon. Gaston was Gil's father and unless he had proof that Gil was in danger by being left with his father, he was powerless. Every other villain's child that had come to Auradon had been granted permission by whatever parent they had – more or less. He had tried to dig something up on the rather narcissistic brute of a man, but there was nothing to be found. Even Harry and Uma had nothing to give; if they did, Ben knew they would have said something. They didn't want to leave Gil behind; Ben knew that before they left the Isle. He could see it in their eyes as the limo took them across the bridge into Auradon. It hurt them and at that time it wasn't something they would've admitted to.

He glanced at Uma. She had shifted her gaze from the partition to the window. They were just over an hour away from the Isle of the Lost. He looked at Harry. The pirate appeared to be asleep, but Ben couldn't be sure. It could be difficult to tell sometimes. Harry twitched. He must be asleep, Ben surmised. Dreaming. Or just simply deep in thought. Watching him twitch and then start to shake, Ben began to grow concerned. Then he saw them a place her left hand on top of his right without so much as glancing at them. Curiously, Harry calmed down.

"It happens a lot," she said softly.

Ben nodded. So, he is asleep. He did wonder what Harry was dreaming about, but he wasn't about to wake the pirate up and ask. Although, he was certain it wasn't anything good.

There was something calming about the enchanted lake, especially near the waterfall far from any prying eyes that could assert themselves by the gazebo and picnic area. The tranquility was an oddity to Harry Hook, though his father had spoken of the serenity of some parts of Neverland. The crocodile free parts of Neverland. This peaceful feeling was a strange thing, something he never felt on the Isle of the Lost, unless he was around Gil. That strange, peaceful feeling wasn't there every time he was around the blond, just in certain moments, when he was extremely agitated. It sounded strange even to his own ears. Especially, when he remembered back to giving Gil that scar. He still hadn't forgiven himself for it.

He sat down in the grass near the waterfall, just out of reach of the spray. The roar of the fall was almost soothing. He opened his rucksack and pulled out the enchanted mirror he had found in one of the countless rooms of Auradon Castle or whatever the name of the stupid building was. Gil would've remembered; he always remembered things like that.

A horrible feeling began to form in his gut as he stared blankly at the mirror. He desperately wanted to see Gil, but at the same time, he was scared to. The last time he had used the mirror to see his friend, he had witnessed Gil do something he never thought could happen. This time, he feared it would be worse.

Taking a deep breath, he said, "show me Gil."

The mirror gave off a soft glow at the command, then flashed a brilliant light that seemed so much brighter to him that all previous encounters with the magical object. As the soft glow returned Gil's image appeared. He looked okay. Harry let out a breath of relief he didn't know he'd been holding. He furrowed his brow. Where was Gil? The Isle seemed to have changed so much since he and Uma left five months ago. Gil appeared to be searching for something… Or someone. There was a frantic look in his eyes.

Harry wasn't the best at reading lips, but when he had a direct front view of Gil's face, there is no mistaking who the blond was calling for. Calista. Gil was searching for CJ. What had his little sister gotten herself into this time? He watched intently as Gil ran into alley after alley until finally making a beeline to the warehouse at the southern end of the bazaar. He must've heard something. Gil rushed into the building. There were four men at the end of the warehouse that Harry could see. One turned to face Gil; he was clearly much older.

A flicker of red appeared briefly between the two of the men. CJ?What were they – the words were out of his mouth before the thought was complete. "Show me my little sister."

The mirror flashed again, quickly fading to a soft glow. Harry's eyes widened in horror at the image before him. His heart was pounding. A breathy "CJ" left his lips. And then… He saw his friend, his brother, go mad. Not wanting to see anymore, he quickly stood and through the mirror into the water.

He stood at the edge of the water, staring as the mirror sank to the bottom. Taking a deep breath, he turned to leave. As he began walking away, he felt something pull him back. He turned around, facing the lake once again. The mirror was visible beneath the crystal-clear water, itself like a shimmering glass. He moved towards the edge, hesitantly, dropping to his knees as soon as he reached the water. The mirror was within reach, but he was reluctant to retrieve it. Taking a deep breath, he reached for it. The mirror was further down than he thought. He sat back on his legs and scooted closer. Leaning forward again, he placed his right hand on a large stone. As he reached for the mirror, he heard a soft voice calling his name. Ignoring it, he continued to reach the looking glass. He heard the voice again. Harry.

Just as he was about to grab it, his hand slipped off the rock and he fell in. Harry.

"Harry!"

The pirate gasped, his eyes remaining closed.

"Harry."

He slowly opened his eyes. "Uma?"

"You're okay," she replied. "We're here."

Taking a deep breath as he sat up, Harry's mind began to race. How will Gil react to seeing them? Will he still be angry at them?

The limousine door opened. Uma and Harry looked at each other. "Come on," she said to him, following Ben out.

Harry glanced out the window. "Aye."

Gil stood in the crow's nest, watching the limousine that carried Harry and Uma cross the bridge onto the Isle. His mind was racing with a thousand thoughts. Some not so good. A part of him was afraid of how he would react to seeing them again. It was an absurd feeling. Of course, he would be elated to see them. He was so at this very moment, even though his face didn't show it. He sighed heavily, climbing down from the crow's nest and onto the quarterdeck, taking his place at the helm. Ben had promised that he would bring him and the rest of the Wharf Rats to Auradon, that they and the Lost Revenge would sail the open seas. He wasn't sure how much of it he actually believed.

"Lost in your thoughts?"

Gil blinked and looked down to the main deck. "Ben? How long have you been standing there?"

"Only a few moments," he replied. "I decided to leave them with CJ and Harriet to reunite with the rest of the crew first."

Gil nodded. "How are they?"

"A little better. Now that they're here." Ben paused, pursing his lips. "They're both chomping at the bit to see you."

"I'm sure the girls are trying to calm them. Harry, at least."

"Harry's pretty worried about how you're gonna react to seeing him."

"I was worried about that, too," Gil replied. "In a lot of different scenarios have been running through my head. Unlikely any of them will become reality."

Ben give him a soft smile. "Usually how it goes." After a few silent moments, he continued, "I know I've said this before, but I really should've made this reunion happen sooner." Gil responded only with a slight shrug. "And I meant what I said about getting you, your crew and your ship outta here."

"I know you meant it," Gil answered. "It's just a little hard to wrap my head around."

"I understand. I'd have a hard time with it, too."

Gil's ear twitched at the sound of footsteps bouncing off metal. He turned his head towards the tunnel. Shadows breached the edge; his body tensed. Then… two familiar faces stepped into the soft light of the open. As soon as he saw them, every ounce of hatred he had left in him, every feeling of betrayal that remained, vanished. It was Uma he saw first, looking straight ahead as she exited the tunnel. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. CJ followed right behind her, a slightly irritated but somewhat amused expression on her face; no doubt directed at her brother. A small grin crossed his lips as Harry slowly stepped out of the shadow of the tunnel. He was staring at the ground, dragging his feet. CJ was speaking to him. Although he couldn't hear her, Gil had a fairly good idea of what she was saying. He could see Harry taking deep breaths and looking around, but never towards the ship, at least not at him. Now what in Neverland are you afraid of, Harry?

Uma led the way onto the ship with CJ having to practically drag Harry along. He looked completely out of it. Gil's stoic expression fell to one of empathy, bordering on pity; but not quite. At first, he had thought that by being left behind on the Isle, he had received the worst end of the deal. Now that he had seen Harry, he wasn't so sure.

Gil looked at Ben.

"I really am sorry I didn't do this sooner," the young king said.

The plank creaked, drawing his attention away from Ben. Uma stepped onto the main deck, followed by CJ and Harry. CJ slipped next to Ben, standing behind the other two. Gil slowly walked down the steps from the helm to the main deck, not making a creek or thump. His silent footfalls were a bit unnerving, even for CJ.

Gil stopped at the bottom step, gazing at the two friends he hadn't seen in nine months. Uma look as beautiful as ever. He couldn't get a good look at Harry, as the pirate kept his gaze on the deck. Remaining silent, he took the final step onto the deck and without any warning right into his former captain's arms.

He was stunned at first, but a soft smile quickly formed on his lips and he wrapped his arms around her. "I really missed you."

His smile grew broader as she replied with a barely audible, "I missed you, too." After all this time, Uma still wasn't one to be vocal about her feelings. It was just as well with him. Too much of this type of thing made him feel awkward.

Uma stepped back, letting go of him. Looking up at him, she quickly wiped away the tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

Gil turned his gaze to Harry, taking a few steps toward him. The pirate's hook and hat were missing. It was a strange sight to the blond, especially the absence of Harry's beloved affectation.

"Harry?"

The pirate looked up, straightening himself to meet Gil's eyes with his own; but making no other movement. Gil hadn't expected him to do much more.

A few silent moments passed before Gil realized that Harry's gaze had shifted to the scar. Gil lifted his hand to his face, running his fingers along its length. He had, for the most part, forgotten that it was there. Even when he looked at himself in the mirror, he rarely noticed its existence. "Come on, Harry," he said. "Don't tell me yer still hung up on that." Harry's eyes didn't move. "I forgave you a long time ago."

Shifting his gaze to Gil's eyes, the pirate stuttered and "I" but nothing more. He couldn't speak. He couldn't tell Gil how much he missed him; how he had a terrible time sleeping because his mind would wander back to the blond, the guilt of leaving Gil behind – of not fighting for him – gnawing at him every time he laid down and closed his eyes.

It was more than the scar that had Harry frozen in place, Gil knew. There was no use in bringing any of it up now; nor did it matter at the moment. Harry was speak of those other things in time. Gil glanced at Uma. She gave him a soft smile and he turned back to the pirate before him.

"Harry."

"Aye?"

Gil placed his right hand on Harry's shoulder and pulled him into a hug. The pirate didn't resist but relaxed in his embrace.

"I'm so sorry," Harry breathed.

"Don't be," Gil replied, pulling back slightly and reaching out to Uma.

As the sea-witch joined in, CJ pulled Ben towards the gangplank. "Come on. Let's leave them be."

The trio sat on the main deck, their backs against the railing, looking out across the ocean. Gil, as always, was in the middle. Uma leaned her head on his shoulder, her hand clasped in his; both sighed.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't fight."

"It was entirely horrible. I mean, I did hate both of you for a while. I felt betrayed, abandoned."

He felt Harry shift next to him. "But ye were."

"Yeah, but by you being in Auradon, you helped better the Isle."

"The Isle would've been in chaos without you." Harry yawned. "Face it, mate. Yer the only one on this rock that can pull off captain and cabin boy at the same time and make it work."

Gil smiled. From Harry that was a major compliment. Of course, if one didn't understand Harry-speak, that comment would be meaningless – and probably sound stupid. But Gil knew exactly what the pirate meant, and he appreciated it. He felt Harry shift again as his gaze settled on the darkening horizon. The sun had begun its descent behind them.

"He's right," Uma said after a long silence. "Listening to the crew, you've ruled the Isle with an iron fist and a gentle hand. Harry and I never could have done that." She looked up at him. "You really are something, Gil."

"Aye, but yer done wi' this," Harry drawled, his accent heavier than usual. "We're goin' tae sail te seven seas…."

"Well, Ben did promise –" Gil stopped midsentence, hearing Harry beginning to babble incoherently. "He's asleep, isn't he?"

Uma looked around him to the pirate. "Yep."

"Figures." Gil smiled as Harry's soft snores wafted around them.

He felt Uma lay her head against his arm again. "So, what did Ben promise?"

"That the Lost Revenge would sail again. That we would all get away from here. Be true pirates." He paused. "Well, to an extent."

"Sounds good to me."

Silence fell on them once more as Harry's babbling returned to soft snores. With everyone else most likely at the chip shop, the quiet was almost deafening.

Harry snorted, making Gil and Uma jumped slightly. They grinned at each other as the quiet voice of the sleeping pirate began to sing, "put 'im in the hold with a barrel of porter… put 'im in the hold with a barrel of porter… put 'im in the hold with a barrel of porter…earl-eye in the mornin'."

"Do you think we'll ever get outta here?" the blond boy asked, the eight year old trio sitting on the roof of Ursula's Fish and Chip Shop, looking out over the strait.

It was an unusually warm day on the Isle and the three children had spent the bulk of it running around and causing havoc; a bit more than normal. As always, Gil was seated in the middle.

"Maybe," Uma replied.

"Ah ju's wan'tae sail," the pirate boy said with a yawn.

The budding sea-witch grimaced. "There's a shocker."

Harry growled.

A smile crossed Gil's lips. 'Never a dull moment.' "What would we even do if we got off the Isle?" He wondered aloud.

"Sail the seven seas," Harry replied happily. Uma rolled her eyes. "Hey! Ah heard ye roll yer eyes at me," the pirate growled, peering around Gil at the sea-witch.

Gil pursed his lips, trying very hard not to burst into laughter.

"Ah can hear ye not laughin' at me."

The blond looked at the pirate boy. "What?"

Harry replied with a grimace.

"And I say weird things?"

"You both say weird things," Uma piped.

They fell silent, looking once again over the water at Auradon, remaining quiet for some time.

"Would you even want to go to Auradon?" Gil asked, not really expecting an answer from either of the other two.

"I don't know," Uma replied. "It might not be too boring."

Gil felt a thump on his left shoulder; Harry's head, no doubt. The boy sighed. Typical. "What do you think, Harry?" Silence. "Harry?" Gil pursed his lips. "He's asleep, isn't he?"

Uma looked around him at the small pirate. "Yep."

"Figures."

They fell silent once more, listening to Harry's soft snoring. A sunbeam broke through the ever-thick clouds above them, shining softly on the trio. Gil and Uma smiled softly as the warm sun touched their faces, and even though he was asleep, a small smile crossed the young pirate's face.

"Put 'im in the bed wi' the cap'ain's daughter… put 'im in the bed wi'the cap'ain's daughter… put 'im in the bed wi' the cap'ain's daughter… earl-eye in the mornin'…."

The two conscious children looked at their snoozing friend and then at each other. Smiles tugged at the corners of their lips.

They burst into laughter.

End

There you go. I hope I didn't leave anything in the dark. As for all that Harry saw with the Enchanted Mirror, covering all of that would've dragged the story out too much and wasn't all that important to the story itself. I suppose I could do a "deleted scenes" type of thing, but I have too many writing projects going on to try that right now. I hope you enjoyed it, regardless. Thank you for reading.

And remember, be lovely to each other.