Chapter Eighteen

A/N: I do not own anything with the exception of my OCs when they come into play. Everything else belongs to either Disney or the Greek Myths.

*stares at review counter in shock* Holy Hemolya! I can't believe we've hit 200 reviews! Thank you all so much for the continued support, it means the world to me!

Special thanks goes to, as always, AmethystDragon14 without whom this story or this chapter would have existed. Especially this chapter. Seriously, you put up with my insanity so much I don't know how you do it!

Oh, if anyone would like to know what type of dog Estelle is, he's a Rottweiler Cerberus puppy! Why that breed you may ask? Because Rotti puppies are adorable! :D

Hope you all enjoy this chapter! Let me know what you think!

The months continued to fly by and before Mal knew it, it was September. She couldn't believe how much things had changed throughout the year. She still stayed at Maleficent's once a week if only to keep up appearances. Considering it was the goblins who usually checked on her, though, a pillow stuffed under her threadbare blanket tended to fool them and she could sneak out without getting caught.

Staying at her dad's, though, was so much better. Pain and Panic didn't pinch and scratch her to wake her up in the morning but came with a respectful 'my lady' that never failed to elicit a growl from Mal. Though whether that was because Mal wasn't a morning person or because of the title, they would never know.

Today, though, was a different day. Today was her official first day of school—since she was six, she was old enough to go now. Mal wasn't exactly thrilled about it but her dad had promised a spray paint lesson after school so the day wasn't so bad.

"Morning Mali," Hades said with a small smile as Mal walked into the kitchen.

"Morning dad," Mal said, returning the smile. It may have been morning and it may have been her first day of school but her dad never failed to eliminate her bad mood.

"Grab some breakfast and then get going," Hades said before chuckling. "The last thing you'd want is to be on time for class on your first day."

Mal nodded and dug into the food that was before her. Granted it was just leftovers but her dad's leftovers were better than anything Boreadon had to offer. Scarfing it down, Mal hopped down and grabbed her hat and her bag.

"Now is today your 'appearance' day with the dragon?" Hades asked as he walked her to the door. He wasn't thrilled with the fact that Mal still stayed with Maleficent but one night was better than nothing. But if Maleficent hurt Mal in anyway…let's just say they would find out if fire could burn a dragon.

"Nope," Mal said. "The dragon had her night two nights ago. I don't even think she noticed I was there though. She seems fixated with busting from the Isle, trying to find a weak spot in the barrier."

Hades snorted. "I'd tell her good luck with that if I didn't find her frustration amusing. Zeus reinforced the barrier when it was created so the odds of there being a weak spot are extremely low."

Mal couldn't help the small giggle that came out at that. Maleficent's frustration was quite amusing especially when Mal was safe on the other side of the Isle.

"Go on," Hades said. "I'll see you after school."

Mal nodded and left the Underworld, stopping by the docks on her way to Dragon Hall. Uma and Harry weren't attending her school, having been enrolled in Serpent Academy. Mal wasn't exactly thrilled with the idea of her crew being split up but at least it was only a few hours a day. They could always meet up in the clubhouse afterwards.

"Hello co-cap'n!" Harry said with a grin as Mal walked into the chip shoppe. "Aren't you a bit lost? Dragon Hall is in town after all."

"I wasn't going to go without saying hi to you two," Mal said with a smirk. "Where's our captain?"

Harry tilted his head toward the back. "In the kitchen. Fair warning Mal, she's not in the best of moods. I'd keep it short before she wraps her tentacles around you."

Mal shook her head and walked into the kitchen. Just as Harry said, Uma was busy glowering at the dishes towering in the sink; clearly her cousin was not in the best of moods, as Harry had said.

"What did the dishes do to you?" Mal asked and Uma whirled around.

"What are you doing here?" Uma growled.

"Oh gee Uma, I feel so loved," Mal snarked. "I mean, I just wanted to say hi to my captain and crew before I made my way to Dragon Hall but if this is how I'm going to be greeted…"

Uma sighed. "Don't go Mal. I didn't mean to snap at you."

"What's up?" Mal asked and Uma sighed again.

"I found out why Anastasia Tremaine hasn't been at Curl Up and Dye as often," Uma said. "Apparently she and my dad had a relationship. I'm getting a sibling."

"You don't sound thrilled about that."

"They'll be worthless! A baby! Mal, you know the only thing a baby is good for around here is getting kidnapped! There's no way I'm risking my neck for the welp!"

Mal shook her head. "Well it'll be a while before the welp as you called them will arrive. Besides Uma, this just means you'll be an older sister! Basically you'll be the captain in your own family."

Uma couldn't help but smirk a little at that. "That does sound good…but they'll still be worthless!"

"True. But they won't always be worthless. Besides, you know the smaller kids always go unnoticed. We could train your sibling to grab loot if Jay's busy with his dad's quota."

Uma's smirk grew. "That sounds good," she said.

"We still on for training later on?" Mal asked as the two of them made their way out of the kitchen. She figured it was better to not push the subject.

"Of course," Uma said. "Oh, you're coming here for lunch right? Dragon Hall is usually stingy for lunches, what with the food we get from Boreadon from what my mom says. Serpent Academy seems like it's the same."

Mal nodded. While she would normally choose to go to her dad's restaurant, she wouldn't pass up the chance to eat with her crew.

"Great!" Uma grinned. "Now get going!"

"Aye aye cap'n!" Mal nodded and walked out of the restaurant. Making her way into town, Mal met up with Jay. Since Jay was older, he should have been a year ahead of them in school. However, Jafar didn't want to miss out on thieving opportunities so he enrolled Jay a year later.

Not that Mal was complaining. She would never say anything but she was happy that she would have someone from her crew with her. Especially since she saw Blueberry walk past her as they walked into the school.

"Leave her cap'n," Jay muttered, resting a hand on Mal's shoulder. "She's a pest, not worth the energy."

Mal nodded tersely but was already making plans to restock their smoke bomb stock. Just in case Blueberry thought any emotions from being snubbed of an invite had faded and tried to worm her way into Mal's crew.

I mean, I think I'd rather join Frollo's crew than spend more time with Blueberry than I had to, Mal thought. The first half of the day went by faster than Mal had thought possible and before she knew it, it was lunchtime and she and Jay were sitting at the counter of Ursula's Chip Shoppe scarfing down fried clams and burnt breadcrumb fish.

"…and now we go to the castle, as Prince Ben gets ready to return to class for the afternoon," the reporter on the television stated and Mal rolled her eyes.

"What do we care about Prince Beastie?" Harry scoffed.

"Apparently King Beastie thinks we do. Otherwise the only other thing we have to watch is an infomercial on dungeon shackles," Uma sighed.

Mal shook her head and looked at the television again. The prince wasn't what you thought of when you pictured a prince; he was clad in dark blue pants, blue and yellow shoes with laces and a light blue shirt.

Honestly, when you think of a prince you think of what his dad's wearing, Mal thought as she glanced at King Beastie. He was looking the way you'd think a king would look; clad in his suit and tie and crown. Gods, can't you go one day without the crown Beastie? What, you thought people might forget you're the king otherwise?

Mal wasn't going to lie, she felt an odd lump in the back of her throat as she saw Queen Belle wrap Prince Ben up in a big hug. She would never say it out loud but it would be nice to have something like that. Sure she had her dad but sometimes a girl needed a mom.

And Maleficent was certainly no mother.

You've got Steph, a small voice in her head rang out. No matter what, Steph has always been there. Even if Steph's not your mom, she's better.

Mal sighed as she caught sight of Beastie wrap Prince Ben up in a hug as well. Of course, have to act like a loving person for the cameras, Mal thought with an inward eye roll. No matter what good will Belle might have on the Isle, no one would be caught dead praising Beast.

The lump in her throat didn't go away though and Mal knew the only place she wanted to be was with her dad. Steph being there too would have been preferable but Mal knew the motto of the Isle well. Beggers couldn't be choosers.

"Guys, I'm skipping the rest of the day," Mal said and her crew nodded. Hopping down, Mal made her way to the Underworld, walking faster than she usually did. Not fast enough to draw attention but still fast enough that she got to the Underworld faster than she usually did.

"Hello?" Mal called out just as Persephone walked out into the hall from the portal room. Mal froze, was today the day? The day that Persephone came back? How had she missed it on the calendar?

"Hello Mal," Persephone said softly, giving Mal a kind smile. That was all Mal needed as she raced toward her step mother and wrapped her arms around her waist, burying her face into her stomach. She couldn't help but smile as she felt Steph's arms wrap around her like a blanket.

The feeling passed as quickly as it came though and Mal broke from the hug, quickly wiping at her cheeks as some liquid had leaked from her eyes. "Let's not talk about this, okay?"

Persephone only chuckled and gave her a small smile. Little did the two of them know that Hades had been watching from the doorway.

Normally he'd make some comment about wanting a hug too but he wasn't going to take the moment from Persephone. She had been gone for six months and Hades knew she had missed Mal. He still remembered the conversation he had with Persephone the day she had told Mal she needed to go back to Boreadon.

"I'll have to tell her at some point Hades," Steph said in a low voice. They could hear Mal and Virgil talking in the den and didn't want to risk disturbing them.

"She's five, Steph. I don't know how she'll take it," Hades told her and Persephone sighed.

"I hate this. I already missed five years with her—she'll be six by the time I'm back on the Isle."

"I know Steph," Hades said with a sigh. "I hate it too but what else can we do? It's not like we can renegotiate the agreement."

"I know Hades but Mal is still my child too and I'm missing her life! It doesn't matter that she wasn't born to me, she's still mine!"

"I know Steph. Portal calls can only do so much and Mal's not over here every day."

Persephone sighed and shook her head. "How do you explain to a five year old child that you're going to be in and out of their life?"

"Well thanks to Maleficent, we're already pros at that," Hades grumbled.

Mal had walked in before they could continue the conversation and Steph had told Mal the news about needing to return to Auradon.

"Welcome back Steph," Hades said, pulling himself out of his thoughts. Persephone looked over at him and smiled.

"It's good to be back," Persephone said softly. "Mal, why don't you show me your room? Hades, dear, my bags are still in the portal room. Can you get them?"

Mal tilted her head a little in confusion but then shrugged. It didn't really matter.

Hades chuckled as his girls made their way to Mal's room and he made his way to the portal room. Normally when one thought of bags, they thought of suitcases piled to the ceiling. Not with Steph, there were maybe two or three bags with a small carrier and yet Hades felt his heart jump into his throat.

Back when they had Mal the first time…Steph had come with bags of toys and clothes to spoil Mal with. Now it seemed that Steph had the same idea—only no clothes this time. One bag held numerous pencils and filled cans of spray paint while the other one seemed to have all the necessary supplies for a pet.

A small bag in the middle held a medium sized cupcake with bright purple lettering showing up against the white frosting: Happy Birthday Mali.

Even if Hades was as dumb as Gaston, he wouldn't need any hints as to what was in the small carrier that was off to the side. They had talked about getting Mal a pet so she wouldn't be the only kid on the Isle without one. Steph had come through on that.

Quickly getting the gifts and the cupcake over to the kitchen and setting it up, Hades rushed back to the portal room to grab the carrier. Rushing back to the den, Hades pulled the now wriggling puppy out of the carrier and held him in his arms.

Okay Steph, we're going to talk about the fact that you got our daughter a Cerberus puppy as a pet, Hades thought as he held his chin up as to avoid the licking that was coming from one of the heads. He didn't have long to wait though for the return of Mal and Steph as he heard their voices from the hall.

"Dad, Steph really liked my room!" Mal said with a smile before pausing. "Did…did you get yourself a Cerberus for the Isle dad?"

Hades shook his head and smiled a little at his daughter. "Well, he's for the Isle but he's not for me Mali."

"Oh. Steph never really struck me as a dog person and really I think Virgil's a bit too nervous for a three headed dog but okay, to each their own—"

"Mal, he's not for Steph or Virgil," Hades said, the smile still on his face as Persephone moved to stand next to him.

"Well then who's he for?" Mal asked, crossing her arms. "You're not going to just drop him on the Isle and make him fend for himself are you?"

"Mal, sweetie, he's for you," Persephone said and Mal stood there, stunned. She must have stood there for a full minute before the largest smile Hades and Persephone ever saw broke onto her face.

"Dad, are…are you serious?" Mal asked, staring at the puppy in amazement. "He's for me?"

"Have I ever lied to you before Mali?" Hades asked gently. "If you want to rant to Virgil, try to not do it in the den where people can overhear. But anyway, you shouldn't be the only kid on the Isle who doesn't have a pet just because you didn't get an invite to a party. I talked about it to Steph and she agreed to go, shall we say, 'special' puppy hunting while in Boreadon. Hence the fluffy result in my arms."

Steph, when I meant special I just meant as a special treat.

You honestly thought I wouldn't get our daughter the best? Persephone thought back, using the mind link all the Gods of Olympus had. Since there was no 'evil' intent, the barrier couldn't block it. Besides, the poor pup was going to die in the pound if someone didn't adopt him.

You're lucky I love you.

And you love Cerberi. After all, you named yours 'Spot'.

Hades shook his head as Mal walked over to pet one of the heads. "He's so soft," she said gently.

Hades grinned as he handed the puppy over to her.

"I'm glad you like him Mal," Persephone said, "and for the record I do like dogs."

"You just struck me as more of a bird or horse person," Mal teased, giggling a bit as the three floppy eared heads snuffled at her.

Mal couldn't help but smile as the puppy continued to sniff at her. "Hi! Oh, you're so fluffy," she said softly, petting the puppy in her hands. The puppy's left head gave Mal a small lick on the cheek.

"He's amazing," Mal whispered, looking back at her dad and step mom.

"I also brought everything you'll need for him, and a purple collar of course," Persephone said with a smile. "All you'll need to do is think of a name for him and it'll go on the tag."

"Thanks Steph," Mal said with a smile as she looked back at the puppy. Anything Greek was off the table, a Cerberus was already a massive hint that she was connected to Hades but give the dog a Greek name and even Gaston could see that she was related in someway.

But there was a way around that. Since Maleficent had at least communicated with the royals of France before she was banished to the Isle, she thought it would at least benefit her daughter to know a little of the language. At least so if she ever got off the Isle, she wouldn't embarrass the Maleficent name.

"Estelle. His name's Estelle," Mal said softly, looking at the new star of her life. Plus, that way there could be the hidden Greek twist—after all, the constellations were stars.

"I'll put it on the tag," Persephone said with a smile.

"Actually, Steph, I think Mal should do that," Hades said.

"Are you sure dad?" Mal asked softly, Estelle still in her hands.

Hades nodded. "The first time putting on a dog's collar is a big thing. It should be between you two; remember you'll have him for life now."

Mal nodded and set Estelle down so she could grab the collar. There was no way she would be able to put the collar on him with him still in her arms. The three heads watched her curiously, wagging his little nub of a tail.

"Well boy, after I get this on you, you're stuck with me," Mal said softly, giving him a small smile. "Are you up for it?"

Estelle looked at Mal and gave her a little puppy grin, his tail wagging. Mal couldn't help but grin back and gently slipped the collar around his middle head. "Welcome to the family," she said softly as the tag glowed causing the name to appear and three small blue gemstones appeared, as if making the name appear in parenthesis.

Estelle gave a small woof and licked Mal's hand, his tail still wagging happily.

"That's not the only thing we have for you Mali," Persephone said softly.

"Wait, there's more? You guys already got me Estelle—"

"We couldn't celebrate on your actual birthday because of the stupid agreement but I'm here now. We can celebrate as an actual family," Persephone said. "I told you we'd do something for your birthday way back in April and I keep my promises Mali."

Mal nodded slowly, as if unable to believe what she was hearing. Silently she followed Hades and Steph to the kitchen, Estelle plodding behind her. The sight of the brightly colored bags and the cupcake sitting on the plate in the middle of the counter gave her pause.

"Is…is that for me?" Mal asked softly.

"Of course," Persephone said gently as she picked Mal up to put her on one of the stools but he counter so she could blow out the candle. "Let me get a picture."

Mal nodded and tried her best to fight the tears prickling in the corners of her eyes. She wasn't going to ruin Steph's photo by being weak. It was stupid to cry anyway—who cries over a party? A prissy princess that's who, and Mal was not prissy.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Mal, happy birthday to you," Hades and Persephone sang as Persephone lit the candle and quickly took the photo.

"Make a wish sweetie," Persephone said gently.

But everything I could wish for, I already have, Mal thought. A way to escape the dragon, a parent who actually cares, a crew…

Mal blew out the candle and it was as if she'd given permission to her body to let the tears flow as she felt her cheeks get wet. Furious, she began scrubbing at her eyes to try to stem the flow of tears but to no avail.

"Dad, Steph, I…I—"

"Shh, it's okay Mal. You don't need to explain sweetheart," Persephone said gently. "Just let it out. It's okay to cry."

"It's okay Mali," Hades said gently as he rubbed her back, trying not to rush out of the room to kill his ex-wife. Mal shouldn't be crying at her own party, he thought.

"No, no what I meant to say is…thank you. I…I definitely didn't expect this," Mal said, trying to calm herself and giving them a small smile. Even if she broke one of the cardinal rules of the Isle by doing so, she knew her dad and Steph weren't going to tell anyone.

"You don't need to thank us Mal," Persephone said with a small smile. "It's your birthday, or at least your birthday where we're all together."

"I..I just..I wasn't expecting…"

"I know sweetie," Persephone smiled gently. "You can let it out you know. No one's going to be upset with you for crying. You're safe here."

Mal shook her head as the tears began to well back up. "Dragons don't cry," she muttered. "Cerberi don't cry. Villains don't cry."

"But daughters can and that's all you need to be here," Hades said gently. "It's okay Mali. This is your home. No one is going to make you feel bad about crying here. Of course we won't force you to cry but if you feel like you need to let it out, you can do that. There's no shame in emotions…not here anyway, and this is the guy who used to erupt into a giant fireball when he got mad."

Mal tried to stop it but the tears began to leak out of her eyes once more, silently streaming down her cheeks.

"That's it," Persephone said gently with a sad smile as she and Hades continued to rub Mal's back gently.

Damn you Maleficent was what ran through the heads of both parents as they continued to let Mal know they were still there. How dare you do this to her! Mal shouldn't be crying at her own party because she hadn't been expecting one!

Estelle gave a low whine as he sat up on his hind legs to put his front paws on Mal's leg, his eyes soft. One of his heads gave a soft lick to Mal's hand, as if to comfort her.

"I'm alright boy," Mal said, giving him a weak smile. "I'm…I'm happy."

Estelle gave a low off and wagged his tail a little, giving Mal a doggy grin. Mal couldn't help but smile a little and scratched behind the ear of the middle head.

Hades couldn't help but give a soft smile as he watched, happy Estelle was able to cheer Mal up a little.

"I'm okay," Mal said as she wiped the tear tracks from her cheeks.

"Okay sweetie," Persephone said softly and Mal gave them a small smile.

"Thank you guys for the party. It's…it's more than I've ever gotten before. I mean Harry and Uma did what they could but…"

"You don't have to thank us Mal," Hades said gently. "We're your parents, it's our job to spoil you on your birthday. And, since Steph couldn't be here on the date proper, it's only fitting we have a party now."

"I can live with that," Mal said softly.

"Good," Hades said with a smile. "Cause you're stuck with us. So be prepared for as much spoiling on your birthday as the Isle allows."

Mal couldn't help but giggle at that. "Dad! That's a nice thought but it's barely anything."

"True, but what we can do we will," Hades told her with a smile. "Now then…who's up for their first bit of cake?"

"Me!" Mal giggled, causing Hades and Persphone to grin. Persephone cut into the cupcake and set a piece on a plate, setting it in front of Mal.

"Here you go Mal," she said and Mal licked her lips slightly. "Dig in."

Mal tentatively picked up the small fork given to her and took a small bit of the cake. Putting the cake into her mouth, Mal couldn't help but grin at the taste.

Wow! This is good! Amazing actually! Definitely not something you'd find on the Isle—there's no dirt on it for one, Mal thought as she chewed.

"What do you think?" Persephone asked with a small smile.

"It's good!" Mal said with a grin.

Persephone returned the smile as Mal went back to her cake, digging in and missing the smile her dad and step mother shared. Before Mal knew it, the cake was gone and her presents were opened.

"Dad, can I take Estelle on a walk?" Mal asked.

"He's your dog Mal, you don't need to ask permission," Hades said. "Just be careful—and have him wear the leash Steph got for the first few walks so he doesn't run off."

Mal nodded.

"Oh Mal," Persephone said, reaching into her own bag. "I got this for you after you said that you had a bed in your clubhouse. A bed needs a blanket after all—I had Rapunzel tie dye it for you guys. Don't worry, all she thinks it is is a way for me to remember Auradon when I'm on the Isle."

Mal nodded, staring at the blanket in slight shock. It was big enough that it could easily cover all four of them and the bed! Plus it was tie dyed their colors—red, purple, blue and yellow.

"Thanks Steph," Mal said softly, folding up the blanket to put under her arm. Persephone gave her a small smile as Mal hooked up the leash to Estelle's collar. Walking out of the Underworld, Mal rushed over to her clubhouse. She wanted Estelle to get used to it before the others came.

Unleashing Estelle once they got inside, Mal went over to the bed and unfurled the blanket. Now all they were missing was a couple of pillows and this could be an actual bed, not just a place to sleep.

"Estelle!" Mal giggled as her puppy jumped onto the bed and rolled on his side, as if asking for Mal to pet him. Shaking her head, Mal did just that and in her distraction missed the gate opening and the arrival of her crew.

"Where did you get a puppy?" Uma asked, staring at Estelle in slight shock. The boys, however, were staring open jawed at the fact that there was a Cerberus in their clubhouse.

"From Lord Hades," Mal said with a shrug. "Guys, allow me to introduce Estelle!"

"Um Mal? I'm not sure Lord Hades is the type to just give his errand rats puppies," Harry said as Uma bent down to pet Estelle. Mal didn't respond at first.

Dad said not to tell anyone!

It's my crew! If I can't trust them, who can I trust? Besides, Uma's my cousin!

Mal sighed. "Guys, if I tell you why Lord Hades got me Estelle, I need you to swear that it won't leave this room."

"Of course," Jay nodded.

"Wild seahorses wouldn't drag it out to me," Uma told her.

"I give you my word as a pirate," Harry promised.

Mal nodded and sighed. "Lord Hades gives his errand rats puppies if they're also his daughter," she said, looking at Harry.

The three of them stared at Mal for a second, as if they didn't understand what she had just said.

"You're my cousin?" Uma asked, breaking the silence.

Mal gave her a small smile. "Seems there's a reason why we're so close huh?"

"Guess so…cuz," Uma said, returning the smile. The boys, meanwhile, were still looking on in shock.

"Guys? Hello? Snap out of it," Mal said as Estelle trotted around, sniffing everybody.

"Sorry Mal," Jay said, shaking his head as if to clear it. "It's kinda shocking though, knowing a child of a God."

"You know Uma! It can't be that shocking!"

"Uma, and I mean this with no offense meant to the captain, is a grandchild of a God," Harry spoke up. "Child is higher up than grandchild."

"So you really are the highest in the hierarchy," Jay said softly.

Mal shrugged. "I'm still me though. To everyone on the Isle but you guys, Dad and Steph, I'm Maleficent's daughter."

"So how does that little fluffy fur ball tie in?" Harry asked.

Mal smiled. "Dad and Steph got him for me. They said that it wasn't right that I was the only kid on the Isle without a pet since I was the only one not at Blueberry's party. So now we have a four legged member of the crew!"

"As long as he doesn't take my hook I'll be fine with him," Harry said with a grin as Estelle sniffed at the aforementioned item.

"I can train him Harry," Mal said. "Estelle, leave it!"

Estelle stopped sniffing Harry's hook and looked over at Mal.

"Leave it!" Mal told him again and Estelle walked over to Mal. "Good boy," she said, picking him up and cuddling him a little. Estelle gave a small woof, one of the heads licking Mal on the cheek and causing Mal to giggle softly.

"He's a real fluff ball," Harry said with a small smile.

"Yes he is."

"Where did Uncle Hades get him?" Uma asked, petting one of the heads.

"He didn't," Mal said. "Steph did. From where, I'd have to guess wherever Cerberi live I guess."

"My money would be Greece," Uma said. "After all, that's where all the Gods are from and Aunt Persephone's a Goddess. Plus I bet that's where the real Underworld is and there's probably packs of Cerberi way deep underground or something."

"Well wherever she got him from, I'm glad she did," Mal said with a grin as she hugged Estelle. He was hers—and he always would be! Plus, how many kids on the Isle could say they had a Cerberus? The same number who could say they were Hades' kid—one!

"You guys hungry?" Mal asked with a small grin. "We could stop by my dad's place if you don't want to train with Estelle possibly getting underfoot."

She figured that's why her dad and Steph had her eat the cake first—she always went to her dad's restaurant with her crew after they trained.

"I could eat," Jay shrugged.

"Would Estelle be okay in the restaurant?" Harry asked.

Mal shrugged. "Anyone tries to touch him and they'll answer to me. Besides, even if they don't know I'm dad's kid, who's going to look at a Cerberus funny in Lord Hades' restaurant?"

She turned toward the stairwell, Estelle in her arms. "Come on."

Uma, Jay and Harry quickly followed her. Mal set Estelle down once they reached the bottom of the steps and clipped on his leash.

"Whoa a leash," Uma chuckled. "Better watch out guys, Mal might ditch us for Blueberry soon!"

"Don't be dramatic Uma," Mal said, rolling her eyes. "It's just until he learns he has to stay with me or at least the crew. The Isle's too big for something his size. I don't want the running off or into Sykes' dobermans, at least not while he's this size. He'll be trotting after me without it in no time."

"I know Mal," Uma chuckled. "But if I can't tease you, who can I tease?" She asked, giving her cousin a small smile and causing Mal to chuckle.

"You can tease our first mates," Mal told her.

"Okay Mal," Uma said with a chuckle.

Mal grinned. "Let's go."

The four of them made their way to Hades' restaurant, Estelle tagging along and Mal smiled fondly.

"Hey, is Estelle going to be okay? In the restaurant I mean?" Jay asked.

"Didn't I already ask that question?" Harry asked and Jay rolled his eyes.

"No, I mean are they even going to let him in?"

Mal shrugged. "If they don't, they can take it up with the man in charge," she said and Jay nodded. "Come on!"

"Yes cap'n!"

"That's co cap'n," Mal said with a grin as she opened the door to the restaurant. "Come on boy, over here."

Estelle followed Mal over to a nearby table.

"You stay right here while we go get some food," Mal said as she tied his leash to the table leg. "Sit."

Estelle sat down and gave a small woof.

"Good boy," Mal gave a small smile as she headed back to the crew to place their orders. Her father had hired on Mr. Smee and a few of the pirates from the docks as part of his deal with Hook. Smee was a hard worker though so it didn't matter, plus it helped whenever Mal walked in with Harry.

"Hello Ms. Mal! Master Harry, Mr. Jay and Ms. Uma! What'll be for you today?" The first mate asked with a smile.

"Usuals?" Jay asked the group.

"Works for me," Mal said with a grin.

"So that's crispy chicken for Ms. Mal, honey glazed chicken for Ms. Uma, Braclaius for Mr. Jay and Master Harry…"

"Sounds about right," Harry nodded.

"Coming up."

Mal nodded and the four of them went back to their table; Estelle still waiting for them underneath it. Mal couldn't help but grin: life was pretty good! She had her crew, Estelle, her dad and Steph. What more could a girl ask for?

Well…maybe food…but that was coming! Any moment now! Mal couldn't help but lick her lips in anticipation, she could almost taste it!

"Here we are!" Mr Smee said as he approached the table. "Four orders: one for Ms. Uma, one for Mr. Jay, one for Master Harry and one for Ms. Mal."

"Thanks Smee," Harry said.

"Of course," Mr. Smee nodded. "Let me know if you four need anything more—oh and if the dog under the table needs anything as well."

"He's good Smee but thanks," Mal said with a small chuckle.

"Of course Ms. Mal," Mr. Smee said and walked back to the kitchen. The four of them dug into their meals. Meanwhile, on the other end of the Isle, Hades and Persephone's bedroom door closed shut as Hades gladly welcomed his wife home the best way he knew how.