Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything belongs to Disney, Descendants, or Ginny's AU. I'm just playing in it. Any new OCs are mine.

Mindlink/Telepathy – Italics, no quotation marks

'Thoughts' – Italics, with quotation marks

Quotes from Ginny's series – Bolded

Normal Speech

Wow. So. Uh. This chapter went a different direction than intended.

Jedblack1997: Yeah! I totally headcanon that Mickey is around! Possibly that he retired in protest about the making of the Isle-prison, hence Beast being High King instead of the mouse. Maleficent and Hades only had a history because of House of Mouse after all!

Ginnyrules27: Glad you liked it! Had some fun writing that library/duel scene xD I definitely went in wanting to make it a family-dynamic focused chapter with how Hadie grew up as Jay and Harry as stand-in brothers. So I guess based on the last chapter of ToF, Jay ends up with the butt? LOL. I guess that's what they get when Harry was the one mostly around when he was injured helping out with toddler Hadie.

OceanBlueSeaEyes: Poor Hadie indeed…I adore family/friend fluff with just a touch of angst. At least for this fic. Unfortunately, Mal's got a while to suffer through.

Danifan3000: Steph, Yen Sid and I think Cassandra since Ginny has her on the Isle too to keep an eye on Gothel. To be honest I find it an interesting concept. I enjoy political play driven stories. It's a different kind of action. I'll probably show more of it if the chance opens up in Choosing Home when Hadie's old enough to meet the gods. That mix of strategy he learned from his dad in a mindset rather than on a battlefield.

AmethystDragon14: Thanks so much! This one might be less enjoyable xD

SnowWhite45: Welcome, happy to have you join us! I make sure to work closely with Ginny on this (possibly to her detriment since I basically spoil her with where I'm going, whoops!), so I'd hope you can consider tidbits to be a canon to her AU. That's the goal anyways.

Enjoy! R&R and don't forget to follow for updates! :D

Papers rustled loudly beneath the buzz of students chatting away as they anticipated the bell for the end of class, their bellies growling as the signal for lunch break soon approached. A teacher walked slowly between the crowded desks, passing out graded assignments with most students shoving the paper haphazardly into their bags, ready to bolt at a moment's notice. The bell finally rang as the teacher passed back the last of the papers, her last words drowned out as feet stomped against the marble, a sea of students escape towards the hall only throttled by the narrow doorway.

With a snap, Hadie tucked away his own paper into his binder, an eyebrow pulling upward in amusement at the 'well done' written in sloppy cursive next to a smiley face. Around him, his friends stood, discussing their plans for later.

"The next step for the project is pretty straightforward if we want to meet up again soon," Ashaki spoke, looking down at her phone as she examined the newest instructions.

"I'd prefer that," agreed Phil. "I already have plans for today though, so if you all want to do it today, I can join some other time."

"Me as well, if you're free after lunch tomorrow, Phil." Ashaki suggested. The prince of Auroria nodded.

"I'm busy for the weekend. Hadie? You and me at the library around 4 then?" Alexandria said as she led the little group of four into the hall.

"That sounds fine," Hadie replied.

Unfortunately, they saw their least likeable pair blocking the direction they'd intended to go.

"Great, he's not even in this class and has shown up to ruin our day," grumbled Alexandria.

"Really, Alexandria?" Aaron scoffed as they moved to pass him. "You're going sully your presence with this ruffian? Honestly, my cousin will hear about this. Someone of her class should educate you on proper conduct and…stations." With a haughty sniff, he turned sharply and walked briskly away.

"Think about it, Alexandria, you could be hanging out with me instead." Darwin smirked. "At least I can appear in fashion unlike your pet here. And my parents don't consist of a convicted monster and a tramp who probably only married him for his money. Of course, mumsie says the Gods are a mess compared to us, it's only natural his mother was desperate for any way out of their clutches." He sneered at Hadie, before turning to follow his friend out.

Phil placed a hand on Hadie's shoulder as if to hold the godling back.

'Don't get me wrong Phil, I'm sorely tempted to throttle that brat,' Hadie grit his teeth, glaring as Darwin walked away. 'But I don't plan to ruin my opportunities here. That'd hurt the work Ben's put in, and Mal's. Not to mention probably make mom cry.' He hissed aloud as soon as the other boy was out of sight.

"He was way out of line, Hadie—are you okay?" Ashaki cut herself off, looking on in concern as Hadie covered his mouth with a hand.

"I may or may not have taken 'bite my tongue' literally trying to keep myself from doing something stupid," Hadie sighed.

"Lemme take a look," Alexandria said as she looked at him with concern.

Hadie felt silly as she gently took his hand, moving it away from his mouth. He blushed as she giggled as he essentially stuck his tongue out at her.

"Um, you have…gold in your mouth?"

Ashaki and Phil moved closer, confusion evident on their faces.

"Ah, I did bite through my tongue then," Hadie swallowed thickly, the metallic sweetness of godly running through his mouth.

"What do you mean?" Ashaki asked curiously.

"Ichor." Hadie simply responded. "Blood of the Gods is gold."

It was hard to avoid scrapes on the Isle, and when he'd cut himself once helping Dizzy clean up her grandmother's shop, his mother had freaked out pretty hard. Healing it was easy for her, but she had immediately gone over to the store and cleaned up the area herself to ensure not even a drop had been left behind for mortals to find. His parents had a hard, long talk with him as apparently the Gods had strict rules, not wanting to risk letting any sort of part of their being landing in mortal hands. Too many magical properties. Mal had only gotten out of it as her blood was still red, having been only magically adopted and not biologically.

"Anyways, don't worry about it, it'll be healed by tonight," Hadie brushed off his friends concerns. There was no way he was going to go to a mortal nurse. He'd reach out to his grandmother before he risked Olympian secrets.

"Sorry about Aaron by the way," said Phil, pulling away and changing the subject as they resumed their walk. "I don't get what the deal is with my mom's mother's side of the family. They're all snobby insane crackpots."

"Wait," Hadie's eyes narrowed, brushing away his spiraling thoughts of magical theory. "You're related to that berk?"

Phil nodded sheepishly. "Cousins. His sister is Ariana, the one from cheer who's always hanging around Audrey."

"Does that mean it's Audrey he's going to tell about Alex and I studying together in the library?" he looked at Alexandria in concern, the girl in question pursing her lips in annoyance at the prospect of the Banshee showing up.

"I wouldn't put it past him," Phil said, running a hand through his brown hair. "Ariana and Aaron aren't really set to inherit anything, so they grasp at royal status anywhere they can get. Even if that means putting down others to feel better about themselves."

"Typical social climbers," growled Ashaki, shaking her head. "Though even dad had to learn the hard way that status isn't what actually matters. At least not to people with a brain."

They all chortled as Ashaki continued to snip at the disgrace such self-absorbed people really were, caring about themselves more than the country and people they're supposed to support.

"Ooh," Ashaki stopped mid-rant and practically purred at the smells emitting from the cafeteria. "Well, I know who's not in the cafeteria today! Care to bet?"

"That's a fool's bet!" Hadie grinned as he saw Herkie waving from across the hall. "There's a decisive lack of Zephyr today."

"You guys are ridiculous," Alexandria pouted. "I can't imagine eating goat either if I had one as a pet like Zephyr. That's just too cruel."

"Food is food," Hadie snapped before he ran off to beat Ashaki to the specialty of the day. He pretended to miss the look of hurt that flashed across Alexandria's face.

'Oh, I'm definitely going to have to apologize later,' Hadie sighed to himself as he piled papadum and chutney onto his plate. 'I get where you're coming from, but sometimes you see the world too innocently, Alex. You grew up with the choice. My friends didn't.'

The guilt gnawed at him, but when he sat down to eat, Hadie found himself at the far side of the table from where Alexandria sat. He tried not to let it get to him further as he turned to Herkie, his cousin nudging him playfully and devolving the boys into mindless chatter. It wasn't till the meal was almost over that Hadie caught a flash of gold from the corner of his eye.

"I'm going to get going," Hadie hastened, clumsily standing from his seat as he interrupted Herkie and Neal's conversation.

"You sure? We've still got ten minutes," Neal asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I, just uh, have some questions for another class," Hadie rushed away. "But I'll be back in a couple minutes, I should be back before you leave!"

Skidding into the hall, the godling hurriedly glanced every direction, desperate to find his quarry. He spotted the tell-tale ribbons of baby blue dancing along her skirt, just about to turn another corner.

"Alexandria!" Hadie called after her, racing down the hall, glad no teachers were in sight to reprimand him.

He hadn't expected her to turn around and walk back at his call.

"Oof!"

"We have got to stop meeting like this," Alexandria grumbled as a profound sense of déjà vu swept over the two of them. Once again, she accepted his offer to stand, gently grasping Hadie's hand to pull herself up.

"Sorry," Hadie said bashfully. "I hadn't expected you to turn around. I thought maybe you hadn't heard me and rushed down the corridor to catch you."

Alexandria smiled cheekily; her hands placed on either hip as she shifted her stance. "And what have I said about running in the halls?"

"Not to," Hadie grinned back, his face clearing of any regrets, as if he'd been innocent all along.

'Maybe I didn't ruin everything.'

"Anyways, just a couple of things I wanted to say before you headed off to class," said Hadie, taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry for being short with you earlier. You're entitled to your opinion, it's just that…" he trailed off, unsure if he was willing to voice the horrors he had witnessed. As Alexandria stared at him, eyes wide with innocent wonder and not a little bit of concern, he searched for words to help him convey even a little bit of what he felt without destroying the girl before him. Her eyes softened as he bit his lip.

"Look, the Isle…" Hadie began again. "Food is a touchy subject," he finished lamely. He couldn't. Not today at least.

Whether it was the angelic-like gaze of the girl before him, or the clinging pain of the Isle, he just couldn't dare to bring himself to break either thing.

"It's okay Hadie," Alexandria softly smiled. "Your apology is enough. It's been coming to light the Isle wasn't, isn't, as virtuous as we in Auradon would have liked to believe. Most of us anyways," she added, glaring down the hallway. A peek to the side and Hadie made out Aaron and Darwin complaining loudly down the main hall. She tugged him into an alcove, out of sight. "Maybe one day you'll feel comfortable sharing, but none of us will force that out of you until you say you're ready, I promise. Now, library at 4 still? I should get off to the last class. Bell's about to ring."

"Thank you," he answered quietly. "And yes, I'm still up for the library."

"Oh! What was the other thing, you said you had a couple things to say?" Alexandria asked as she moved to leave, glancing over her shoulder, the motion tossing her golden wheat-like hair back.

"That was the other thing," Hadie laughed. "Meeting in the library, that is. I wanted to make sure you were still good for it too."

"Perfect, I'll see you then."

Sharing a smile, they turned their separate directions. Hadie's shoulders relaxed in relief as he saw Herkie just exiting the cafeteria.

The final couple hours of class dragged by, Herkie and Hadie swapping increasingly outlandish notes as they suffered through Greek. Melody was sat on the other side of Herkie, rolling her eyes as a toss by Hadie missed his target, the crumpled paper bouncing off her head and onto her desk. Luckily, the teacher's back was turned.

Melody bit back a giggle as she unfolded the note. The boys had been scribbling in rudimentary Greek, crude doodles of monsters falling victim to each other's poorly constructed phrases. Quickly, she drew what she thought was the phrase Hadie had written, a sloppy creation of Λαδον, fell to Newton's theory as golden μήλον fell on his head.

She paused, unsure what to write as a phrase to turn the challenge. Glancing up, Melody refocused for a brief moment as the teacher moved topics. Unlike the two boys, she had little exposure to the language already and would need to pace with the rest of the class.

She settled on an octopus, smirking at the thought of a certain villain falling victim to lightning. Quickly scribbling a note to otherwise leave her out of their insubordination. As soon as the teacher's back was turned again, Melody quickly tossed it onto Herkie's desk, the boy silently giggling as he unfolded the paper.

The trio's faces switched to silent, mild interest as the teacher turned back around, portraying a perfect picture of paragon pupils.

The next note that slid onto Melody's desk was deliberate.

'We'll help you study this weekend to make up for distracting you. Sorry, Cuz!'

She shook her head, sighing softly, but smiled at their sheepish grins.

"You guys are hilarious," exclaimed Melody, sarcasm evident in her voice, as they left class at the day's final bell. "You better follow through with your promise to help me study, we have our first test next week!"

"We promise, honestly!" Herkie and Hadie spoke at the same time.

"You guys are hanging out too much with Emir and Akiho," Ashaki popped up behind them.

"No such thing," they both stuck their tongue out.

'Though I wouldn't be if Mal found time to hang out.' Hadie idly thought as he and Herkie separated from their group to head up to the older students' dorms. 'I think I've hung out with everyone else's siblings more than my own blood!'

Entering his dorm with a farewell to Herkie, Hadie reorganized his bag with everything he'd need to still work on when at the library. He couldn't help but think of all the different times Mal flaked on him as he went to shower.

Though he saw her almost every day, Hadie felt like he rarely actually got to see his sister. Granted, with the age gap, his knew Mal had her own friends and responsibilities. Just like on the Isle. But she always set time aside for him. At least twice a week, if not every other day, even if it was just hanging out in the den, or each other's rooms, spending time in silence as they did their own things.

When he asked Mal to practice art together, she directed him to one of Evan's many sisters. Which, while educational, Hadie was never actually interested in getting as good at art, he just liked watching Mal work.

Even trying to speak with her at lunch, she was surrounded by other kids, or rushing off to her next class or meeting. Alexandria had swept in, her lunch times normally spent with her own sisters, dragging Kitty and Lucy with her to fill the empty seats left by Mal and a couple other girls' departure. Hadie was just ashamed he didn't hide the look of hurt better, though he appreciated the Charming girls' attempts to distract him. He didn't hesitate to take the opportunity to get to know them more, the older girls having embarrassing anecdotes of their little sister. They encouraged him to visit when break rolled around, saying they would deal with Chad if he was a brat about it. Apparently, he was in an on and off relationship with the Banshee.

That tidbit was all sorts of weird. Honestly, Hadie got all sorts of weird vibes from Chad. Stories from all sorts of sources didn't add up. A proper Charming one moment, and a sleazeball the next.

Hey, he was in a new world, there was no way he wasn't going to dig around and learn about who was around him. Who he could trust? He might've been all smiles and high energy even on the Isle, but that didn't mean he never took precautions.

Mal protected him too much. Hadie was thankful for it, of course. But that didn't mean he couldn't make his own efforts. Knowing she and their parents would flip if he was running around the Isle just mean he kept it on the downlow. Never putting himself in harm's way. Like a dangerous game of telephone, that unfortunately lives of children depended on. He still traded letters every week with Celia and Dizzy. Information, knowledge…backed up with a meal? Easy trade.

It was like his own Uma and Henry to Mal. His magical Facilier and a red head, perfectly positioned to learn things of interest. Even to adults, children were seen and not heard.

In the end, something about Chad didn't fit. Not doing his own homework even? Despite being an heir in which some of the classes were required? Because when Hadie had finally made it into the library for the first time…It had been Chad who had indiscriminately helped him find the exact books he needed for chivalry. And answered in detail about the social studies project at the time…in what trade systems were active and environmental concerns.

So why did he act so dumb?

Then there was Emir and Akiho. With them thrown into the equation, Hadie felt like he was surrounded by Jay and Harry 24/7. He felt protected, entertained and exasperated all at once the moment they popped up. He loved them for it. Intelligent chaos. He wanted to be just like them growing up.

Just a few days ago the pair had taken Herkie and Hadie under their wing, infiltrating Ben's office to rearrange his books to spell silly words instead of the exact genre and author order the King had had them in. Then they'd snuck out of the school just before curfew, Akiho driving them into the market side of town to get freshly spun ice cream and departing with pockets full of candy.

But out of the pair, he drifted closer to Akiho. No siblings to feel like he was poaching from his friends. Fighting for attention. That might've been why Hadie even found himself hanging out with Ben sometimes, watching Estelle.

He hated the feeling of being alone. He'd seen what it'd done to his dad. Shunned by the gods for working with death, for taking his role as ruler of the Underworld seriously while they partied away.

Hadie didn't want to end up like that. Split off from family, friends. Whoever he ended up falling in love with.

'Alone.' Hadie rested his head against the porcelain walls, the hot water running a torrent over him for the last half an hour as he lost himself in his thoughts. 'And if I feel alone, even surrounded by friends…'

How did Mal feel?

Cutting off the hiss of the water, Hadie gathered his things and readied himself to finish the rest of his homework. At least he'd be in good company.

'Despite her innocent flair, Alex always has that cheerful glint of mischievousness. She's not naïve on purpose. It's...refreshing."

Though thoughts of the Isle were still on his mind, Hadie was thankful for the opportunity for Alexandria to distract him. It had been going rather well until they'd been interrupted by the very people they'd hoped wouldn't show despite earlier warnings.

It had been going fine at first.

"Hey," Hadie smiled, standing as Alexandria appeared. He stepped to the side and pulled out a chair for her to sit. He had to practice for Basic Chivalry somehow.

"Thank you," Alexandria's smile brightened, relieving Hadie of some of his stress as her voice was as cheerful as ever. He had been worried that Alexandria would've still possibly harbored some reservations from his rudeness earlier in the day.

They worked together amicably, Alexandria beginning to tackle their English essay first while Hadie took the time to finish off his own essay for Remedial Goodness. It had been awkward at first, the assignment asking for a detailed explanation on how he might've viewed rules on the Isle versus ones in Auradon. It wasn't until Alexandria interrupted his solemn thoughts that he realized he'd been utterly silent.

He felt bad, but Hadie couldn't help the relief he felt when Alexandria was easily distracted by the idea of making a younger sibling club. While he agreed that he didn't like the doting protections that came with having older siblings, Hadie really did feel explaining more about the Isle would tarnish the pureness that radiated from his friend. He did like the idea of being First Mate though.

He had just wrapped his Remedial Goodness essay up and was preparing to move on to assist Alexandria when a flash of teal caught his attention, braids flashing briefly down an aisle. Hadie tried not stare back as he saw his cousin and her first mate continuously peer through the bookshelves at him.

'Honestly, I dunno if it's because he's with Uma, but Harry you are breathing so heavily, Estelle could probably pick up what you ate for lunch on the other side of the school.'

Then Hadie realized there might've been another reason, particularly when he heard Harry groan.

"I've yet to find a girl to be anything less than ravishing in Auradon."

Hadie bit back a snicker as the next noise Harry made was a slight yelp as a smack briefly echoed in the library, Uma huffing as she flexed her hand from slapping her first mate.

Though he frowned as he found the reason why.

The Sleeping Banshee herself.

Oh, and Aaron's sister Ariana, along with some other mindless cheer crony.

While Hadie was willing to be dismissive of his godly status for the benefit of his friends, for Audrey to brush it aside as nothing in her eyes was just asking for punishment.

"It's clear you don't understand how hierarchies work."

'It seems neither do you,' Hadie couldn't help but glare as Alexandria tried to verbally spar with the older girl. 'I can only move upwards? Last I checked, even without proper induction to Olympic ranks, my standing is far higher than yours. Brat.'

As Alexandria's face began to frown, a defeated, lost look gracing her brow, Hadie clenched his teeth in anger.

"That doesn't seem fair," Hadie said, raising an eyebrow as both royals looked over at him. "So what? You can just interfere in the business of anyone lower ranked than you?"

'Not even dad acts like that. Even if you become queen of Auradon or only Auroria, the business of other kingdoms is not yours if it doesn't break the law!'

"Glad to see someone gets it," Audrey nodded.

Hadie smirked a little. "So why won't you leave Mal alone? Considering she's the daughter of a God, I'd think that would be higher on the ranking scale than a mere princess. Oh, no offense Alex."

"None taken."

Hadie returned Alexandria's small smile, glad she hadn't minded his shortening of her name. She'd been quite vocal about only her immediate family calling her such, when they first met, but he supposed maybe being in front of a common enemy, she wouldn't argue.

Audrey moved to speak again, eyes narrowing in anger. A pleasant surprise in the form of Mal suddenly appeared, her hand falling gently upon Hadie's shoulder.

A more shocking surprise in the form of Chad Charming came along, an odd look on his face as he defended his sister from his currently ex-girlfriend. Though why Chad wanted to get back together with Audrey confused the Tartarus out of Hadie.

At least the Banshee and her brainless hanger-ons were gone.

Frowning as Harry and Uma began to argue, their voices rising, Hadie couldn't help but notice an odd tint to Mal's skin.

'Is she…shivering?'

"Guys, I hate to be that person, but this is the library," Mal sighed. "If you're going to stay here, you're going to need to keep your voices down."

Hadie perked up, his concerns flying out the window at the opportunity for his beloved, yet pesky family to leave him to his work.

"Thank you, Mal!" Hadie nodded. "Come on guys, I don't want to get kicked out of here! Again."

"Again? Meaning you've been kicked out of the library already?" Mal asked.

"Harry tried to start a sparring lesson with a ruler last week," Hadie shrugged. Alexandria blinked in surprise at how he was acting like that sort of behavior was normal.

And yet, from what she'd seen, it probably was.

Hadie's shoulders hiked up in protest as Uma messed up his hair. "Fine you little bookworm. I'll behave. But only because you're my cousin."

"Gee, thanks," Hadie muttered as he tried to straighten his hair back out. He let it go though as Alexandria giggled.

"I dunno, I think your hair looks kinda cute with a little tousle to it," she whispered to him as Hadie's family discussed sparring and Mal's lack of a jacket. He stared in surprise as Alexandria reached up and brushed one of his blue locks away from his eyes.

He found he didn't mind.

Alexandria pulled away, pretending to flick away some lint from her dress. "There's nothing wrong with dresses," Alexandria spoke. Uma had begun dismissing the likelihood, apparently disliking the idea of Mal switching up her look now and again.

"Yeah, we can't wear the same thing every day, how are you supposed to do laundry if you're still wearing the stuff?" Hadie mumbled under his breath. "Shower clothed?"

Shortly after, Mal departed, leaving Uma's questions unanswered.

"Look, either I'm crazy or Mal's changed,"Uma began to speak again as soon as Mal disappeared from view.

"Well, why can't it be both?" Hadie asked and then quickly dodged a whack on the head form his older cousin. "You're right though Uma. Mal loves her jacket, she's always had it on since I can remember."

They discussed it for a little bit longer, Alexandria even trying to add her own input, though she didn't know Mal nearly as well. Her particular idea of reaching out to Macaria and Elle was a good one, though Hadie could see the apprehension in Uma's eyes.

'Huh,' a lightbulb appeared suddenly above Hadie's head. 'I wonder if Herkie and Melody know telepathy too, then. Seriously though, Mali! All of us are muted? By the look on Uma's face, you better have our Auradon family on mute too…'

"So…are you guys going to go spar or just stand over our table in awkward silence?" Hadie pulled himself out of his wandering thoughts, glancing at his unfinished homework and then expectantly at his cousin and Harry.

"Ah! Right you are, my young Lordling,"Harry gave a sweeping bow, black curls falling into his face.

Hadie rolled his eyes. "You've been calling me that since I was three, Harry! You outrank me!"

"You're a God. I'm a pirate."

Hadie couldn't help but roll his eyes some more, resisting the temptation to drop his head into the table. "You're first mate. I'm just crew," he grouched back. He didn't mind being crew of course, but for someone Hadie viewed as a brother, he wished Harry wouldn't use a title for him so often.

"And I'm just a fourth in line Princess who'd like to get this essay done."

Sharing a smirk with Alexandria, Hadie happily returned to start his next essay as Harry and Uma finally left to spar. Though he knew he wasn't about to get out of practice either, that still didn't mean he had to look forward to going to dinner gross from training.

'Hopefully I'll beat Jay this time. Not that it matters, one win a master does not make.' Hadie debated with himself. 'I do want to get better though…Maybe one day get good enough to beat even Harry.'

Yeah. Maybe when he hits 20.

Half an hour later, it was Hadie and Alexandria's turn to leave the library. Hadie to get his sword practice in before dinner, and Alexandria to attend a dance club meeting.

"One last thing, Alex?" Hadie grabbed her hand before she could walk away.

"Yes, Hadie?" asked Alexandria, glancing down at where they were holding hands. He quickly dropped his hand; afraid he'd overstepped his boundaries. Apart from Herkie and Melody, as family, he hadn't exactly been physically open with his other friends. Hurriedly, he reached into his backpack, searching for what he wanted.

"Here," Hadie thrust a small, lightly creased envelope towards her. "I try to write my friends on the Isle every week. I've been talking to Dizzy for the last month and she's finally decided to reach out. Sorry it took so long. She's not normally so shy, but here we are."

Alexandria squealed excitedly, snatching the letter from Hadie's hands before throwing her arms around him. "Thank you!" she said, hugging him. "This means a lot to me." She pulled away, the brightest smile he'd ever seen on her face.

"I'll see you later, Hadie," Alexandria called back as she went back on her way, her golden locks bouncing in waves behind her.

"Of course, anytime," he replied, a slight pink hue developing on his cheeks.

When Alexandria later realized Hadie had only called her Alex for the rest of the day…

She found she didn't mind.

Though the brunt of Hadie's mood was gone a few days later, he still couldn't stop the helpless aura that bogged him down. Despite Mal having the ear of the King, reports from his friends on the Isle all seemed to convey a lack of improvement. Food hadn't changed, a sickness was rampart and with Uma's departure, despite Harriet's and Henry's efforts, there'd been an obvious increase in turf wars. It didn't help that there had been an odd air throughout the school all weekend. As if Gaia herself was holding her breath, Helios hiding something to reveal for the next time he peeked over the horizon.

"Guys, guys!"

Today, the little gang was hanging around one of the far sides of campus, various courts for various sports surrounding them. They were debating the best game to play considering Herkie's strength made certain sports like Tennis or tetherball a bit iffy.

Until Ashaki came running up, with news that caused Hadie to bolt up from where he'd been lying on the cement, staring at the clouds out of boredom.

"She what?!"

The AKs stared at Hadie as he leapt up, his scream a fine impression of his dad. His lip curled into a snarl.

"Y-yeah," Ashaki stuttered, concerned at his outburst. "Emir told me that apparently she had been interfering with the food the Isle gets…" Everyone's faces dawned with understanding.

"Hadie?" Melody carefully approached, laying a hand on her younger cousin's shoulder as he tilted his head downward to hide his face. "You're okay now at least, right? You don't have to worry about Isle food, and Ben a-and Mal, they'll make it right."

"You guys have no idea how many of my friends died," he whispered. A drop of water splashed upon the court. Then another. "Children and adults alike! It's a wonder there wasn't mass cannibalism on the Isle!" He clenched his fists in frustration. "We all thought King Beast was doing it on purpose! That even though we kids hadn't committed any crimes, we all were being punished just for who we were…"

The AKs stood there awkwardly, only Herkie daring to approach next to Melody, an indescribable look on his face. Hadie tried to look anywhere but his friend's faces. Phil, with an expression of absolute horror and anger for what his grandmother had done. Ashaki, surprisingly bashful for her gossip, thinking it just generally juicy, asinine news without realizing just what it meant, not just politically.

Hadie felt a stab at his heart as he saw the tears stream from Alexandria's eyes, her hands covering her mouth.

A roll of thunder rumbled above, the shapeless clouds Hadie had stared at only moments before having darkened.

Another tear hit the pavement.

And then so did the rain.

"I don't want to talk about this," Hadie panicked, picking up his bag before bolting from the court, his friends still frozen in place.

Another clap of thunder was heard overhead, but Hadie was blind to it as he ran with no place in mind. He found himself in a glade, the scent of pine all around.

"Hadie, wait up!"

He turned, finding Herkie and Melody standing behind him, both panting and soaked to the bone.

"You guys should've gone inside; this weather is dangerous."

Herkie laughed, though there was no real humor in it. "It won't hit us. I'm the one who started it."

"We figured you wanted to get away. Everyone else did go inside, but we came to get you," Melody stepped forward, pulling her jacket closer to her chin. "You don't have to talk about it anymore, not till you're ready, if you're ever ready!" She hastily added as Hadie moved to take a step back.

Melody raised her hand to the sky, Hadie and Herkie looking on in awe as the water began to pool away from them, as if standing under an invisible umbrella. She took the opportunity to pull both boys into a three-way hug before Hadie could bolt again. This time there was no rain to hide the VK's tears.

"I want my mom," he sniffed. "Fuck, I want my dad." The tangle of arms tightened.

"Sometimes I wake up, expecting to smell the food he makes, especially around this time of year…"

The three godlings collapsed onto the grass, a tangle of limbs, but comfortable in each other's warmth. Melody and Herkie stayed silent, letting Hadie vent everything he'd been bottling up for the last few days.

"You know how you mentioned Saturnalia?" Herkie broke the silence after no one had spoken for a while.

"Mhmm."

"I talked to my dad, and he agrees it's an important time for family," Herkie rolled over, resting his head on a hand as he looked over at Hadie. "No one's really able to reach out to your parents at such short notice, but dad says I can stay for the holiday break if you'd like?"

Hadie glanced at Herkie. "Wait, you spoke to your dad…does that mean you guys do use the mind link?"

"You know about it too?" exclaimed Melody. "You should've said something earlier, we all could've been using it!"

Smiling, Hadie leapt at both his cousins, pulling them into another hug.

"My mom says I can stay over break too, she can send us some seawater," Melody said, sitting on the heels of her feet. "I know you mentioned some magic flare ups, so maybe it would help?"

With a slightly happier nod, the trio stood, ready to head back towards the school. Who knows how many were worried about where'd they gotten off to?

For the first time since he came to Auradon, Hadie didn't feel alone.