Chapter Thirty Seven

A/N: I do not own anything other than my OCs when they come out to play. Everything else belongs to Disney or the Greek myths.

*prepares to duck incoming projectiles* Um yeah…it's going to get intense soon. I'm not even going to sugarcoat it. The only reason I'm able to post so quickly is because of a backlog I have—just added chapter 40 to said backlog by the way.

As always, thank you all so much for your continued support! It's hard to believe we're 28 reviews away from 600! :D

I borrowed the song from Wicked World, just like I did over in Choosing Family. The songs there just seem to fit my stories! :D

amy . ward . 906: Oh I don't think this one will be intense. Next chapter however…

Tracie Adams: It's entirely possible!

Urmimala Hazra: Oh something big is planned for Cotillion! That is certainly the case! But all I will say is that Ben and Mal will be at each other's sides the whole time.

danifan3000: All I'll say for Freddy's plan is that it's probably the opposite of what Frollo would have done. :D

CrystalKaouri: Oh trust me, he gives me the creeps writing him. Brain, do we need to have a talk?

AliceCullen3: Oh I'm so glad!

OceanBlueSeaEyes: Unfortunately, Freddy's more obsessed than anything else. Besides, he knows they're not the only ones with magic. Hence why Freddy doesn't work with Zevon, because Yzma's son uses potions.

Marcus Emrys: Yeah glass is the trigger for the hypnosis.

twilightgirl587: Here's hoping you weren't waiting too long! :D

Guest: Two more chapters until that's the case! :D

ultimatebookworm08: Oh you're right! That would have been even cuter! Shh! Don't tell Freddy that—he might come up with something else then! Lol

AmethystDragon14: Oh yay! Yep, that's the son we know Ella and Kit would have raised. The blue trio? I know Uma and Evie have blue…oh right, Mal! Listen to that bad feeling…

shortanamx: I don't blame you!

Sorceress of Magic: I hate writing him, trust me! It'll come soon!

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

The party seemed to almost be in full swing as the gang arrived, Uma and Mal chuckling with each other as they walked up the ramp to the yacht. No one seemed to notice how Uma's grip on Mal's arm got a little tighter; as if reassuring her cousin that she was right there.

That no one was going to let her fall in. If she needed to, she'd turn into a giant octopus like her mother had before her and ensure Mal was safe on dry land before Uma let anything happened to her cousin, co-Captain, and best friend.

Mal gave Uma a small smile and a small sigh of relief slipped out of her mouth as soon as she was firmly on the deck of the yacht. Well, more like the waiting area of the yacht. Now another danger awaited them—the press.

"Why do we have to get our pictures taken by these bottom feeders?" Uma muttered as they got in line for the blue carpet. Mal shrugged but smiled as she saw Carlos with Jane a bit ahead of them. The younger boy had truly come out of his shell and looked amazing in the black and white jacket that Evie had designed for him.

Evie, to no one's surprise, was having the time of her life getting her picture taken and the press calling out her name. Mal couldn't help but smile though. After everything the blue haired girl had gone through, she deserved to have some fun tonight as well.

"You ready Mal?" Uma asked.

"Not in the slightest but let's do this," Mal sighed and the two Godlings made their way onto the blue carpet, pasting smiles on their faces as the reporters called out their names and the photographers got their photos.

"Lady Mal! Are you looking forward to being a member of Benji's court?" Mal heard one of the reporters call out and she had to chuckle. She recognized that voice, having heard it multiple times since becoming Ben's girlfriend.

"I didn't realize you were a reporter, Sir Chip," she shot back with a small smirk. "But to answer your question, I am. I think King Ben has been doing a wonderful job ruling the kingdom and I look forward to working with him on making improvements to the Isle."

Chip grinned as he walked up and held out his hand. "May I escort you to the waiting area, my Lady?"

"And what about me? I guess I'm just chum?" Uma asked, raising an eyebrow.

Chip chuckled. "I'm just here to act as King Ben's stand in until he arrives, Lady Uma. I thought you'd want the attentions of the pirate over yonder, in the red suit jacket and the jaw that's making its way to the sea floor."

Mal and Uma looked over in the direction that Chip was indicating. Sure enough, Harry was staring at the two of them in shock. Or rather, he was staring at Uma. Honestly Mal wasn't even sure Harry was aware that she was standing right next to the teal haired squidling.

Oh yeah, I'm definitely sending Harry that photo of Uma. Maybe as a birthday present or even just an every day sort of thing, Mal thought with an internal nod as the three of them made their way over to the others.

"Harry? Mate? You present?" Jay asked, waving his hand in front of Harry's face as if to see if anyone was home.

"Hey Harry, Gil just walked past with Macaria," Carlos pointed out as if trying to get him to react. Sure enough the blond did walk past, his arm wrapped around Hercules' daughter's shoulders.

"Good for him. Hope he has a good time, she's a good lass," Harry said faintly, his eyes only on Uma.

Carlos smirked and looked at Jay. "Oh he's got it bad if he's not even bothering to insult Gil. I didn't even know it was possible to be twiterpated this bad and I've been around Mal and Ben!"

"Welcome to the club," Jay chuckled. "He's had it bad since we were old enough to know what feelings were. He just won't say anything much to our frustration. Whoa!"

Harry had gone to walk forward but apparently had lost all feeling in his legs as he almost fell forward instead. Had Jay not caught him, the reporters would have been able to snap a photo of the First Mate with his face planted on the deck of the yacht.

"Harry, what all have you had to drink?" Uma teased as she walked up.

"Water and a bit of punch, cap'n. No rum to be found around these parts after all," Harry told her, smiling at her as the group of them made their way onto the deck and Mal walked off, waiting to be announced herself. Uma shot her a small smile before grinning at the sight before her.

"You know, the Isle might be our home but you can't deny that Auradon knows how to party," she told Harry.

"Aye, this is certainly a fancy swing ding," Harry nodded as Jay and Carlos broke off to talk to some of the Tourney boys, Lonnie and Jane on their heels. "I see our friends have started to ditch us."

"I'm more surprised that DeVil took his date over there," Uma shook her head. "If he's going to spend time with a girl, he should probably learn that sports talk is about as dull as you can get. Unless that talk involves swords."

"Or Jay bursting out in song and dance," Harry smirked remembering the time Mal had told them all about Benny's 'declaration of love' and how Jay had joined in. Jay had tried to defend his action, claiming that he thought the then Princeling was under a love spell but really there was no excuse.

Plus the video on Auratube was still up—Harry was pretty sure he had given it half of the now one billion views laughing at Jay's antics.

"Anyone seen Audrey?" Lonnie asked as she walked up, having snuck off from the Tourney group to get some refreshments.

"Do we really want to see the Brat?" Uma asked, taking one of the offered refreshments from the other girl.

"Well no but that's why I'm asking. If she tries to somehow ruin Mal's night by making a big declaration of feelings for Ben..."

"She does that, she'll get a tidal wave to the face," Uma promised. "I'm not one for the big parties but this is Mal's night. She doesn't deserve to have it ruined by Sleeping Brat."

"And speaking of Mal..." Jay grinned as he turned his attention to the top of the stairs. Mal walked toward the center of them, a purple leash wrapped loosely around one of her hands as Estelle walked by her side. He must have been in the waiting area as he hadn't arrived with Mal.

"The future Lady Mal!" Lumiere exclaimed and Mal smiled as she walked down the stairs, Estelle giving everyone a doggy grin and wagging his tail; his purple bow ties contrasting brilliantly with his dark fur. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Mal smiled as she handed the leash to James before giving a small curtsy to Belle and Beast.

"You look beautiful Mal," Belle said with a small smile. Beast nodded, a smile gracing his lips as well.

"Ben is going to faint when he sees you," he told the girl who, with any luck tonight, would become his future daughter in law. Oh sure they thought Ben crazy when he first told them. After all, who gets engaged as a teenager?

But as they thought about it, they realized that Ben would only just be motivated to propose in secret if they objected. As well, as Belle pointed out, she was seventeen when she traded her life for her father's freedom. At least Ben was only getting engaged.

"Thank you," Mal said softly.

"I know we were rather...taken aback at first," Belle said gently. "But there is no denying you are everything Ben needs. There's a spark in him again that had left him and, as a mother, I couldn't be more grateful."

"Plus, she doesn't go off of first impressions," Beast added in a mock whisper.

"A good thing for you," Mal couldn't help but tease and Beast grinned as Belle shook her head in fond exasperation. Mal walked off to the center of the deck to await Ben's arrival. It was strange but, surrounded by her friends, she could ignore the fact that they were on a ship surrounded by nothing but water.

She knew nothing was going to happen to her with her friends around. With Chip around. With Ben around.

"You nervous?" Uma asked.

"A little," Mal nodded. It seemed like a weird thing to admit but she wasn't on the Isle anymore. She didn't have to have the image of pure strength. She could admit to what she saw as weakness.

Lonnie gave her a small smile. "Don't be Mal. If you could train me to be good enough with a sword to get on the R.O.A.R team, you can do this."

"Lonnie, training you was easy. And fun. And didn't involve cameras broadcasting every move you make to all of Auradon, including the Isle."

"Well then just know that the Rats are rooting you on if they're watching over at Ursula's Chip Shoppe or even your dad's place," Jay pointed out. "You've got friends here too Mal. Plus Ben'll be speechless just looking at you."

"How do you know?"

"Cause he's at the top of the stairs and I honestly think he'd be running to you if it wasn't for the royal protocols," Jay smirked and Mal turned her attention to the top of the stairs. Sure enough, in the same spot she had just vacated, Ben was standing staring at her in loving adoration.

Mal shot him a small smile and that seemed to be the cue Ben needed to move, as Lumiere announced him to the Cotillion population.

"Now Jay, to be fair to Benny, Mal does look like she's about to become a dragon," Harry chuckled, rising from the bow he'd gone in just as everyone else had. Well, everyone except for Mal. "Benny's obsessed with dragons after all."

"Truer words have never been spoken," Akiho said with a smirk as he, Emir, Emma, and Elle walked over. "But there's no denying that Lady Mal here looks gorgeous."

"Flattery will get you everywhere you know," Mal chuckled as everyone else applauded for Ben's arrival. He made his way down the stairs and stopped before Mal; bowing slightly to which Mal responded with a curtsy of her own.

"You look amazing," Ben told her.

"Thank you. You don't look half bad yourself," Mal told him but then leaned forward and gently tilted his crown to the right. "There. Much better."

"What is with you and adjusting my hats?" Ben chuckled.

"Stop needing your hats adjusted and I won't need to adjust them," Mal teased. Ben shook his head in amusement as he gently led Mal out onto the dance floor, those around them quickly making room for the happy couple. This was it. Their first dance of the night and then a couple of speeches and then Mal would officially be a member of Ben's court.

Thankfully, she could see the top of her mom's head in the background; she would have to go and talk to her after all the pomp and circumstance was over with. Instead of the band that she thought was going to play, Mal couldn't help but chuckle as she saw Lonnie slip into the DJ booth.

But the sound of the acoustic guitar drew her attention toward center stage and Mal almost melted at the sight of her little brother in the suit Evie made, strumming a guitar that could have only come from the school. He looked so grown up.

The small smile that had graced her lips only grew as she saw Uma walk up to the microphone. Her dress shone in the glow of the lights of Cotillion though the tricornered hat from the dorms was her little rebellion.

"We might come from different worlds, might not be your kinda girl but I just wanna let go and lose it."

Mal shook her head as Ben gently took her hand and led her onto the floor, the sounds of Uma's singing as background music. How had Jane managed to change the music at the last minute?

Actually, it was probably Ben's doing, Mal thought.

Got that right cuz, Uma thought back to her and Mal could hear the smirk. Benny asked us a couple of days ago. Thought it'd be better than the band. Your brother and cousin vs. a bunch of strangers staring at you? Besides, you know Hadie can never turn down a chance to play his guitar and I wasn't going to let my cousin be here by himself. Lonnie learned about it and added her two cents too.

Mal gave Uma a small smile as she danced past her brother and cousin.

"Because the night is young. And it's just begun. Let's get it started, get it started. And go till the sun comes up," Hadie joined in for what seemed to be the chorus as Lonnie added some additional layers on the turn table. Mal had to wonder how they got all this together.

"Hadie's good on guitar," Ben said softly.

Mal smiled as her head turned to look at her little brother. "Dad taught him when he was maybe six or seven. Every day they'd spend maybe two hours in the den, just going to town. Not great in terms of finding a quiet place for sketching though."

"I'll bet," Ben chuckled and gently kissed the top of her head as they continued to dance.

You know, I can understand now why Lonnie said the royal Cotillion is like being engaged to be engaged to be engaged, Mal thought with a small smile. Gods, I can't imagine what a royal wedding would be like...and yet there's a small part of me that can't help but wonder...if that day comes...is there a tradition I'll miss out on? Would dad be able to...walk me down the aisle?

"I thought you said you didn't dance," Ben leaned forward and teased in her ear, pulling Mal out of her thoughts and back to the present.

"For you, your highness, I'll make an exception," Mal teased him back.

Ben chuckled. "Well then my Lady. I'll have to dance with you more often."

"I walked right into that one didn't I?"

"You sure did."

"I regret nothing."

"You've spent too much time with Emir and Akiho you know?"

Mal smirked. "There's no such thing Benny. Your friends are strange but I'll let you in on a secret. So are mine."

Ben chuckled as they continued to spin around, dancing and just generally getting lost in each other's eyes. They were so content that Mal hadn't even noticed when the song ended and the dancing stopped.

"That wasn't so bad was it?" Ben asked with a chuckle.

"Ask me that again at the end of the night," Mal told him, shaking her head. "At least we've got a bit of time before the speeches."

"Very true," Ben nodded as he walked over to his parents, his arm around Mal's shoulders. Mal smiled as she leaned slightly into him. If you had asked her, six months ago, if she would be happily conversing with Belle and Beast while enjoying her boyfriend's company and hearing her brother laugh as he ran around with her dog and Alexandria Charming, she'd have had you thrown off the docks in fear you'd gone mad.

Speaking of madness, Mal thought as she saw Gil walk up to Harry, who had a grin on his face listening to something Uma was saying. What in the world is he doing? He does know that Harry hates spending more time with him than he feels is necessary right?

"Harry?" Gil whispered.

"Fish for Brains, are you seriously talking to me while I'm with Uma?" Harry muttered back to Gil, never taking his eyes off of said girl.

"Harry, I need to talk to you," Gil whispered again, tugging gently on the other boy's arm as if to get his attention. Harry gave him a cursory glance before looking back at Uma.

"Yes, your shoes are on the right feet."

"Harry, I'm serious!"

Harry sighed but turned to Gil and crossed his arms over his chest, Uma giving him a look but going off to speak with Elle and Macaria. "You have two seconds. Any longer and I toss you overboard. Speak."

"I think Freddy's here."

"...you have my attention and your time limit has been expanded. More importantly I won't toss you overboard. Explain."

"When Macaria and I were walking in, I saw a boy with black hair wearing a grey suit that looked too small for him," Gil explained, pulling Harry over to the side as if not to be overheard.

"Gil, you are aware how many boys with black hair and grey suits there are here right? And how many of them might have had growth spurts or something making their suits shorter than they need to be?" Harry shook his head, aware that he had used the LeGume boy's first name instead of the nickname Harry had been using since they were kids. "Besides, Freddy's over on the Isle. The Rats still control the docks and those are the only way truly off the Isle. The only way we're going to let him off the Isle is in a body bag. Something they are more than happy to provide him."

"Harry, please," Gil said, and Harry paused as he could see the slight begging in the blond's eyes. As if he was hoping the First Mate would take him seriously. "I know I'm not the smartest, hell being around Ben makes me wonder if I shouldn't just go back to the Isle sometimes, but I know what Freddy looks like. He ensnared my sister and my cousin, we see him every time we run into a face off, you think I won't have his image seared into my brain?"

Harry sighed. He hated to admit it but Gil had a point. Even if he wasn't the closest to Locklyn, actually it was safe to say the sibling relationship with those two was non existent, Gil truly cared for his younger cousin Brooke.

Not to mention the fact that there was no denying the fact that Gil was a good crew member. Sure he was dumb as a bag of rocks but he followed orders and he wouldn't just stir up a panic. Not tonight. Not knowing what this night meant for Mal.

Plus…he couldn't be sure but he thought he had heard Estelle growling as he paused his frivolity with Hadie; his right head down on the deck sniffing intently. His attendant had stepped up and grabbed Estelle's leash upon noticing that, probably to make sure Estelle didn't run off.

But what do I do? Harry thought, looking around as if Freddy was going to pop out of thin air. I can't just make an announcement that a French fanatic has escaped the Isle. All that would do would be cause a panic. And then Mal would kill me, followed by Uma for ruining Mal's night before both of them killed Freddy for both escaping the Isle and ruining Mal's night.

"Gil, if you truly think you're right, I need you to get Hadie out of here," Harry said, making sure to keep his voice low as he turned back to the blond Frenchman. "If Freddy really is here, he'll go for the little Lord first in order to get at Mal. Get him out of here, but be discreet about it. The last thing we need is a panic on our hands."

People stampeded for food all the time on the Isle. Harry didn't want to know what the damage would be when a bunch of panicked royals stampeded because of a legitimate threat.

"On it Harry," Gil nodded and scurried off but not before sliding up to Macaria to mutter something in her ear. Maybe just making his excuses before leaving Cotillion with Hadie. After all, no one knew how long it would take to look for the leader of the Angels. If he was even still here that is.

Now Harry had the harder job though. He had to let Mal know. There was no way Mal would want Cotillion to continue on if Freddy was indeed here. Not if it put Ben at risk. Or Hadie. Or anyone else really.

Plus we could go after him then, and Freddy can finally meet the business end of my hook just like he's deserved since Mal and I were nine, Harry thought as he made his way over to Mal.

"Mal?"

"Harry, what's wrong?" Mal asked, turning away from Beast, Ben, Belle, and Chip who'd joined the conversation.

"I was talking to Gil—."

"Harry, having a conversation with Gil is not something that's a bad thing. No matter how much you hate the guy."

"Amusing as always cap'n but not what I was going to say," Harry told her and pulled her off to the side.

Mal frowned. "Harry, what is it? You're acting like it's something serious."

"It is serious."

"Is it news from the Isle? Is Ryan okay? CJ? Harriet?"

"The crew's all fine but it does involve the Isle," Harry told her and then sighed. "I think I know why our crew hasn't seen much of Freddy boy lately. It's because he's here. In Auradon. And specifically here at Cotillion."

Mal stilled and looked over at the pirate. "What do you mean?"

"Gil saw him."

"And he didn't say anything?"

"I'm willing to bet Gil didn't realize who he was at first. The French fanatic was wearing a grey suit apparently though Gil said it looked a bit too small for him—."

"I'mma kill him." Mal growled.

"While I'm always in favor of killing Freddy boy, why are we killing him?" Harry asked, tilting his head slightly.

"He was in Ben's room," Mal explained. "There was a moment, when Estelle was in Ben's room and he growled at Ben's wardrobe. That's the only place Ben keeps his suits. If Freddy's wearing a grey suit, I'm willing to bet he didn't buy one from a tailor here."

"He swiped it from Ben," Harry finished and his eyes hardened.

"Let Uma and Jay know," Mal said. "Have Carlos get Jane out of here, involve Emir and Akiho if you have to and get those who can't fight to safety. Knowing Freddy, he won't care who he hurts."

"Mal, how are we going to get swords?" Harry asked. He had one of course, Blueberry's monkey suit had a sheath for a sword upon his insistence. But no one else did.

"I won't need a sword Harry," Mal said, growling slightly as her eyes flashed bright green.

The sound of Estelle's barking prevented Harry's response as he looked over at the Cerberus. Despite his stunted size, Estelle looked as terrifying as Lord Hades' pet as he tugged at his leash; poor James Porter holding on with all his might. It took him a minute before he realized that Estelle was barking. Estelle didn't bark, he yipped.

The last time he barked was…was when Mal fell off the docks when they were nine.

Gasps rang out as Mal turned toward the stairs, her green eyes narrowing as a tall, lean boy with jet black hair and wearing a grey suit made his way to her.

Freddy Frollo was at Cotillion. Joy.