AN: Hello everyone! Excited to have another chapter out for all of you! I know everyone is really excited for the reunion, so I'm trying to write faster, but it's still gonna take some time. Anyways, enjoy the chapter!
Music: "Upside Down" by Paloma Faith
NOTES!: "I'll tell you what! What I have found! That I'm no fool. I'm just Upside Down."
Chapter 7: Upside Down
"Does anyone want more eggs?" Matilda fussed from her place by the stove top, already reaching for more eggs to crack into the pan.
"We're all fine, come and eat with us!" Percy told her while Jack was focused on spreading jam onto his toast and forking sausage into his mouth.
Emma smiled to herself as her mother hurried over with her own plate, taking her place beside Percy. Early sunlight was peeking in through the windows, but the fireplace had a small pile of coals smoldering to fight off the winter chill that was deepening every day. Autumn was fading quickly.
"So, what is everyone's plans for today?" Her mother wanted to know, looking at her husband and each of her children curiously. "I'll be away until tomorrow morning. I have to go back to the Purple Drape and get some of my things to help with all the mending."
"Training. North wants Merida, Rapunzel, and I to run some formations, and I think Rapunzel is bringing Jim and the other Trollhunters, too." Jack replied easily, shrugging as he took another bite of toast.
"I didn't know the Trollhunters were training with the Guardians." Emma said, tilting her head at Jack. He shrugged again.
"Occasionally they'll join us. I think it's Rapunzel and Blinky trying to collaborate in Jim's training. And having AAARRRGH! and Draal as opponents when running drills is a good challenge." Jack shared. "I think the extra help is good for Toby and Claire too."
Emma looked down at her plate and poked at her eggs, trying hard not to glare at them as a now familiar feeling burned in the bottom of her gut.
"Anyways, I need to talk to Merida and Rapunzel before training, so I'm gonna leave a little early today." Jack continued, sharing a look with Percy, who nodded in approval.
"Glad to hear it." Percy smiled. "Listen to North and Bunnymund today, they can help you improve your guard on your left side. I won't be able to join you, so just continue working on that spell I showed you last time."
"Where are you going?" Jack asked.
"To the Ministry of Magic. I have some business there, and I thought while I was at it I would deliver our reports from our mission yesterday in person. The Royal Council is spooked from our debrief and wants a meeting as soon as possible, but the Prime Minister has requested the presence of Governor Ratcliffe." Percy said, taking a bite from his eggs.
"Who's Governor Ratcliffe?" Jack questioned.
"He's been in the Ministry Treasury for a long time, and he was recently appointed by the Prime Minister to head the Auror Branch for the war efforts." Percy explained.
"That's an odd switch." Emma muttered under her breath still prodding at her food with her fork, but her focus remained on the conversation.
"Emma, dear, stop playing with your food and eat!" Matilda scolded, clearly noting the fact that Emma had only been pushing her eggs around her plate for the past ten minutes and not actually eating. "You need to keep up your strength!" She fussed.
Emma obeyed to put her mom at ease and scooped some eggs into her mouth, but the sharp look Percy sent her way told her that he hadn't missed her comment. After swallowing her food, Emma dabbed at her mouth with her napkin and looked up at her dad.
"Dad, would it be possible for me to come with you to the Capital?" She asked. Percy raised an eyebrow, a corner of his mouth twitching a little.
"Why would you want to go there, Emma?" Matilda inquired.
"Oh, um, I just heard some of the girls talking about this new dress boutique in the Capital city. I just thought that while Dad was in his meeting, I could try on some dresses. Lady Tremaine's been saying it's improper to use the same dress more than once for a performance, and I know you've been so busy mending uniforms and ship sails..." Emma offered. She didn't want to hurt her mother's feelings, but she also needed a way to get to the Ministry and she was not going to let this opportunity go.
"Oh! Emma, that's a wonderful idea!" Matilda smiled brightly. "I didn't know you were interested in the boutiques! Would it be alright, Percy? I haven't had the time or materials to make anything new for Emma." Matilda turned back to Percy, who allowed the twitch to win and tip his mouth into a half-smile.
"Of course! I wouldn't mind the company." Percy locked eyes with Emma, and she could see the amused twinkle in his gaze.
Emma smiled back with what she hoped was a perfectly innocent expression.
The Capital City was bustling with excitement and energy. Extravagant sights, new inventions, and adventure around every corner. The buildings were packed rather close together, especially along Main Street leading towards the Ministry. People were walking to and from, vendors called out to peddle their goods, and the smell of food filled the air.
Emma stuck close to her Dad's side as they walked down the sidewalk, and the little dress boutique came into view. Reaching the door, Percy held it open and Emma slipped inside. The shop was small, but filled to the brim with the latest fashions of dresses. More poofs and ruffles than Emma had seen in her entire life.
"Now I assume you have money from your mother in that bag of yours?" Percy asked, looking down at the powder blue shoulder bag that matched the full skirt and white blouse Emma had chosen for their outing.
"Yes! Don't worry, I have everything I need." Emma assured him.
"Mmm," Percy hummed, that twinkle from earlier returning to his eye. "These meetings may take quite a long time, are you sure you'll be alright?"
"Of course! Ladies can double any time when shopping! I'll probably still be trying things on when you get back!" Emma grinned, with a wave of her hand at all the dresses. "And if I do happen to find myself without anything to do, I'll go to the cafe a few doors down and read my books."
"So I know exactly where you'll be while I'm gone?" Percy raised his eyebrow at her again, and Emma smiled.
"Where else would I go all by myself?" Emma blinked up at him.
Percy ruffled her hair. "I'll be back in a few hours... Good luck in your search."
Emma didn't reply as Percy ducked back out of the store and onto the street, heading towards the Ministry building. Turning around, Emma found a few store attendants milling about for anyone who might have questions, but otherwise the area was free to shop. She wasted no time in diving in and collecting several items off of the racks and shelves.
Within a few moments, Emma was in the changing room, trying on a multitude of different dresses and outfits. Once she'd found a collection of outfits she was satisfied with, she went to the front counter with a friendly smile at the attendant.
"Did you find everything alright, miss?" The attendant asked, and Emma nodded gratefully.
"Everything is so beautiful! It was so hard to decide!" Emma told her before putting a dress onto the counter beside the outfit she was purchasing. "I was wondering if you could hold this for me? I'm afraid I don't have enough money for both the outfit and the dress, so if you could keep it on hand for just an hour or two while I go find my father?"
"Of course, ma'am! Shall I gift wrap it ahead of time?" The attendant asked.
"That would be wonderful!" Emma beamed at her.
Collecting her purchase and leaving the dress with the attendant, Emma turned and left the shop, heading up the street to the little cafe. There were wide tables in the front of the shop, letting in lots of light, but Emma went towards a small nook where a table for two was tucked away. She settled in and pulled out a book from her bag, taking a glance around, she made sure to catch the eye of the barista before ducking her head away shyly.
She stayed where she was for a few minutes, looking around at the other patrons and the people rushing to and fro outside the windows. Once she was sure she'd be seen by enough people, she collected her things and went down a small hallway to the back of the shop. Ducking inside the women's bathroom, Emma locked the door and opened both her shoulder bag and the paper bag with her recent purchase.
The new outfit was a soft pink day dress with a full skirt, an attached shawl that draped over the shoulders, and a small collar. Next came makeup and a wig, followed by Emma emptying out her blue bag so that She could turn it inside-out, changing it into a brown-leather bag. She stuffed everything except a pair of elegant white gloves back into the reversible bag, including her old outfit and the empty paper bag from the counter.
Checking one last time in the mirror, Emma smiled as she wriggled her hands into the gloves and then slipped out the door. Instead of going toward the front of the cafe, Emma sneaked past the kitchen and went out the back, throwing the empty paper bag into the dumpster just outside as she skipped down the steps and into the alley.
She followed the alley down for a few shops and then turned to appeared on the sidewalk right next to the cobbler's shop. She reminded herself to keep a breathing steady as she walked at a brisk pace towards the Ministry of Magic, blonde curls bouncing in her peripherals.
When she arrived, she marched up the steps to the grand front entrance of the building. Smiling, she nodded to the two guards on either side of the door, also noting the guards spaced out evenly along the walls on either side. They let her pass without any trouble though, and she entered the large, tunnel-like hallway lined on both sides with fireplaces that people came and went from in puffs of green flame.
The large and open main room was filled with echoing murmurs and footsteps, the marble floor smooth and darkly reflective under her simple black shoes. She weaved her way through the crowd and got into the line leading up to the large front desk where three attendants were answering questions, giving directions, and other simple solutions.
Emma took the time waiting to peek around at her surroundings, noting exits and entrances and guard positions. When her turn finally comes, she pushes out a big smile and steps up to the window.
"How can I help you, Miss?" The older woman's eyes were half-lidded in disinterest as she chewed on what Emma assumed was a piece of gum.
"I'm looking for the private offices. I have a private meeting with Governor Ratcliffe this afternoon." Emma's hands tightened around the strap of her bag a little, her cheeks hurting a bit from the force of her smile.
The older woman squinted at her then heaved out a heavy sigh and turned to a large book beside her. She flipped to a page labeled 'Governor Ratcliffe', and Emma managed to sneak a peek at the man's schedule for the day. The afternoon was blocked off for an unnamed private meeting labeled as being 'last minute', and towards the evening ink was disappearing to be replaced with other writing as the Governor's Secretary, most likely, made adjustments to the man's schedule.
"You're late." The woman deadpanned, a loud pop of her gum accenting her statement. "Top floor, go straight, second to last door on your right. You'll need this key for the elevator." She stuck out her arm, holding a small key attached to a numbered key-chain.
"Thank you!" Emma took the key with another smile and turned to go.
"Whatever." The woman rolled her eyes, muttering something about Governor Ratcliffe's choice in age.
Emma walked over to the levitating elevators, choosing to go to the furthest one to avoid any unnecessary interactions. Using the key given to her by the front desk woman, Emma unlocked the magic seal over the button for the top floor and clicked it.
The ride up to the top floor was a short one, and Emma was pleasantly surprised to find the open corridor before her completely empty. There was a corridor running straight ahead of her as well as hallways off to either side. Emma looked left and right, and then she smiled to herself. Turning to the right, Emma walked briskly to the end of the hallway where at the end was a table under a window with a few candles on top. Reaching into her bag, Emma pulled out a small candle-like object. The wick was wooden and nearly two inches, which would take exactly five minutes to burn down to the not-wax base. Lighting it with the candles on the table, Emma tucked her little surprise in the back where it wouldn't be noticed.
With a smile, she turned around and went back to the elevators then down the corridor to the front.
She paused by the office labeled for Governor Ratcliffe, satisfied to hear Percy and another man talking inside. She moved on to the very end of the hall where a set of double doors were labeled with a gold plaque: Prime Minister Claude Frollo.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small metal tool. Picking the lock was relatively easy work, though her tool got hot against a protective spell and Emma sent a thanks to Cat for enchanting the tool for her. She slipped inside, her mental clock counting down as she hurried over to the desk and started gently shifting through papers.
Finding nothing but reports, Emma moves to the drawers and carefully looks through everything stored there. Next is the stack of file drawers that her eyes scan intently as she flicks through one by one, pausing only to take a closer look at a file every now and then. Sliding the last drawer shut, her eyes moved over to the bookshelf. Plenty of normal books on politics and current law, a few history books, and a few items tastefully placed here and there, but nothing attention catching.
Emma opened some of the history books, flipping through the pages and skimming some of the content. One of the large books containing all current law was slightly askew, so she pulled on it, but nothing happened and opening it only revealed a normal book.
Abandoning the shelf, Emma inspected the decorative coat rack and umbrella holder by the door. She checked behind every painting and inside the grandfather clock. She even ran her fingers gently across the walls, knocking softly on some parts, but found nothing to indicate a secret door or compartment behind the wallpaper.
Emma huffed quietly in her frustration, standing in the center of the room she had searched from top to bottom.
Her moment of hesitation was met with a loud POP! and the sound of shattering glass. Someone screamed and the sound of doors being thrown open was followed by loud voices. Emma rushed over to the door, listening to the noise outside, and only once she was certain it had moved to the other side of the hall, did she open the door and slip out into the corridor.
There was a crowd down at the end of the hall, but their backs were all to her as they stared at what Emma knew would be a shattered window and broken table. Setting herself at a brisk walk, Emma walked right passed all of the men standing just off the side of the elevators. She pushed the button to hail one and as she waited, her eyes drifted to the center of the commotion.
It wasn't surprising to see Percy crouched down and inspecting what was left of her little trick as a man dressed in purple, Governor Ratcliffe, she presumed, ranted about who could have done such a thing. The elevator door opened as Percy stood up, glancing over at the crowd, and his knowing eyes locked with Emma's. Her lips pinched and pursed as she fought a smile and then turned, stepping onto the elevator.
She left the building and got out onto the street just before the guards arrived to lock-down the entrance to the Ministry building. She went back to the cafe, sneaking in through the backdoor and ducking inside the bathroom. As soon as she was safe behind the locked door, she yanked off her wig and started retrieving items from her bag. She fixed her hair, changed her clothes, and cleaned off the makeup. The pink dress was tucked back inside the paper bag, and she reversed her bag as well. With her bag over her shoulder and her shopping bag on her arm, Emma gave one last look in the mirror and blew up from her bottom lip to get a strand of hair out of her face.
She returned to the dress shop and had the shop keeper pull up her hold items so they could settle the account. She returned the pink day dress with a line about her allowance from Papa, and the teller nodded in understanding as they traded bags. With a different paper bag on her arm, Emma turned to leave the dress shop just as Percy entered the store.
"There you are! Did you find everything you were looking for?" Percy asked with a raised eyebrow as he stepped back out of the doorway to allow her through.
"Unfortunately not. Though, I'm sure mom will be happy about the dress." Emma shared on a sigh.
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that." Percy said, placing a hand on her back to guide her and keep her close in the crowded street. "Perhaps what you're looking for is at different store?"
"Maybe," Emma nodded.
Their return to Hogwarts was uneventful and quiet, but as soon as they stepped through the Flo Fire into one of the lesser halls, a servant man came running to Percy's side.
"Mr. Frost, sir! The Royal Council has called an emergency meeting, and they are requesting all available Guardians come at once. The Island Motunui has been attacked!" The servant man gasped out.
"Let's not keep them waiting then." Percy was already striding towards the door, and Emma was forced up to a trot to keep up with him, but it was worth it as she was able to slip into the Great Hall for the meeting alongside her father without anyone taking too much notice or care about her presence.
"What's happened?" Percy muttered, coming to a stop at North's side.
"Motunui's docks were destroyed and part of their crops were burned. They managed to overcome the enemy and drive them back, but the losses were great. Chief Tui is requesting more ships and troops for the Western front, but there are concerns the back lines will be left too thinly spread." North summarized as several Noble's tried to speak to the entire Council at the same time.
Chief Stoick finally removed his axe from his back and with a massive swing, embedded it into the wooden table before him with a thundering crash. Silence fell over everyone, and Stoick drew himself up tall.
"Running your mouths isn't helping! Let Chief Tui speak!" He snarled, effectively drawing everyone's attention back to the other Chief who had fresh stitches on his forehead and blood on his armor. Tui nodded to Stoick, and turned to address everyone in the Hall.
"I understand the need to maintain a strong defense, but too many homes are being lost! Too many lives!" Chief Tui told them. "The forces who attacked our island were not just Shadows. There are people now, warriors, choosing to fight with Pitch Black, who is growing stronger! And there were others... Fearlings. Just as they were in the Dark Ages."
Gasps and cries erupted from everywhere in the hall. The atmosphere was thick with fear.
"Silence!" Prime Minister Frollo rose from his throne, his brow narrowed as he stared down the Island Chief. "Are your certain, Chief Tui?" He spoke softly, carefully. "Perhaps there has been some kind of mistake. It would be quite... Unfortunate, to incite such panic over nothing at all."
"My men have already submitted a body to Dr. Sweet for examination." Chief Tui growled lowly. "I would not make such statements lightly, Prime Minister."
"Chief Tui is right!" Merida finally burst from her place beside her mother.
"Merida!" Elanor hissed, but her daughter pushed on.
"How many more people have to die before we finally go out there to meet Pitch's forces head on?!" Merida demanded. Several nodded in agreement, others sneered with disdain. Others still voiced their cheers or their scathing remarks.
"And what will fighting do if we leave ourselves defenseless and Pitch takes the Capital? Takes Hogwarts?" The Queen of Gabylonia spoke reasonably. "I agree that the torture and loss of our people is unacceptable, but we must consider the larger consequences of the actions we take."
"Do we have any options for filling in troops? Is there anywhere we can shift some troops? Are there any potential allies we haven't reach out to yet?" Prince Proteus stepped in diplomatically, looking at each of the other leaders.
"Well, if we had reached out to the Fairies and Centaurs like Tooth said," Merida muttered to Rapunzel under her breath and behind their parents backs.
"Not every town has been called upon to send troops yet." The Prime Minister hummed thoughtfully. "If the Council so wishes, I could send out another Call to Arms."
"Even if we can muster up the number of troops it would take, they will need time to train and prepare." King Fergus frowned as she looked down at the table map before them.
"Aye, sending them straight to the lines without training would be a death sentence. It would take at least two months before the troops were ready." Stoick agreed.
"I do not think we have much other choice." Princess Allura murmured.
"And what will we do until the troops are ready?" Chief Tui inquired.
"Mmm, perhaps our best option would be to pull more Wizards for our forces. One skilled Wizard is worth nearly a hundred men, which may give us the time to prepare the new soldiers." The Prime Minister suggested.
"And where exactly will we find these wizards? All magic-trained individuals are either already in service or tasked with protecting their own villages. If we had enough wizards to handle this war, we wouldn't need to call our people into the fight." Queen Elsa pointed out.
"She's right. Wizards and Witches are a minority and adding on requirements like being well-trained and battle-ready narrows our options even more." Princess Allura nodded.
"What of the younger generations?" Frollo inclined his head towards North at this, drawing the whole Council's attention to the leader of the Guardians. "I hear some of the younger trainees are eager to join the fight. Perhaps some of them might be ready for such a responsibility?"
"I would highly recommend against it, Prime Minister." North said stiffly, his fists tightening behind his back. "The trainees here at Hogwarts are too young. And the law protects any child below their sixth year from the Call to Arms."
"Yes, but certainly an exception can be made. After all, this is a time of crisis for all the Kingdoms." The Prime Minister said. "Exceptions have already been made in the case of the Trollhunter and his companions. And I am told that many of the Fourth Year boys are working in the Auror office here at the school and training in fighting arts, isn't that correct Princess Merida? Jack Frost?"
Emma's heart was pounding in her chest as she glanced over at her brother and Merida. They had both continued helping with their Dueling Club to help everyone practice; now not just with magic, but also with swords, axes, knives, hand-to-hand, and many other fighting styles for magic-users and regular soldiers passing through the castle.
"Some of the younger boys do have potential," Jack began slowly. "But dueling with one another in a closed environment is completely different from being out there. They're not ready for that."
"Unfortunately, my dear boy, no one is ever ready for the tragedy of war." Frollo shook his head sorrowfully. "But on the back-lines of our defenses, these children will not see much of the fighting at all. It may be the best way to prepare them for the worst."
Chief Tui looked back over his shoulder at his daughter, Moana, who's own armor was also smeared with blood and nasty scrapes up one arm that she must have fallen on. His shoulders lifted and then fell with a heavy breath before turning back to the Council.
"My daughter is also in her fourth year, and she has already been forced to taste battle." Chief Tui told them. "Maybe it is time to start preparing the young."
"A vote then." Prince Proteus offered. "All those in favor of calling on Fifth and Fourth year students for the back line defenses, say 'Aye'."
Emma paced down the corridors of the castle, trying to even out her breathing and ignore burning of her eyes.
The meeting had ended shortly after the vote, and she had left almost immediately. Percy had gone off with the other Guardians to prepare for the announcement tomorrow: Eligible Fifth and Fourth Year students would be called upon to secure their defenses and await further reinforcements when the next batch of soldiers were fully prepared to fight.
It was salt on an open wound. Her mission at the Ministry of Magic was useless. She couldn't find anything to help her against the Prime Minister, or even anything to help her understand what he was plotting. On top of it all, her yearmates were being sent out into an escalating war. Not just Jamie, Gustav, and the other boys, but some girls as well. Moana was allowed to fight due to her status as future Chief, Claire was given special clearance as a Trollhunter, and any healing-trained girl who volunteered would be reviewed as a possible field medic.
Meanwhile she had failed and there was nothing she could do to help. Again.
She'd be left behind. It was plain and simple and crying about it wasn't going to help anything. So she stopped in the middle of one of the open-air walkways around the main courtyard and pinched her arm. She forced herself to take a deep breath. And then another.
Taking in the main courtyard, Emma found it empty except for the massive cages that had become a regular sight around the main entrance of the castle. It was the only courtyard big enough to hold them all, and the Hunters wanted their dragons close to keep an eye on them.
Looking up and down the courtyard, Emma couldn't hear or see anyone nearby. She tiptoed out among the cages. All of the dragons seemed to be asleep, but as Emma rounded the corner of one cage, she was met with the large eyes of a very awake dramillion.
The dramillion tilted it's head curiously at her. He wasn't agitated, but he wasn't moving any closer either. Emma released the breath that had caught in her chest and gave the blue dragon a smile.
"Hello," She whispered, looking around to make sure no one was there. "Remember me?"
The dramillion gave a soft trill and got to his feet. Emma stepped up to the bars slowly, not wanting to startle him.
"It must be so boring and cramped; being stuck in there all day." She said softly. The dramillion didn't seem to be paying attention to her words because he was sniffing the air, reaching his nose just slightly closer to her in his curiosity. "Oh! That's right!" Emma smiled and reached into her pocket. She pulled out her handkerchief and opened it to reveal some dried salmon.
She reached through the bars and held it out to him.
"It's not fresh, but it's a nice treat, I think." She told him. The dramillion chirped, his wings puffing slightly in excitement as he ducked his head from one side to the other, wondering the best way to approach this mysterious treat.
Emma held completely still, letting him come to her in his own time. Eventually, the dramillion took one careful step forward and reached his neck as far as it would go to snatch the dried piece of fish from her hands. Emma laughed a litte, feeling his nose nudge against her hand through the thin fabric even with his quick movement.
Within seconds the dramillion had gobbled down the salmon and licked his snout. He looked back at her and took another tiny step towards her as he sniffed around inquiringly.
"Sorry, that's all I had." Emma chuckled, showing him her hands. He snorted. "I'll bring you more soon. Promise." She folded her handkerchief and tucked it back in her pocket as the dramillion whistled a lower tune.
He made a circle around himself and settled back down on the floor. He still watched her carefully, but he hadn't moved away from her to settle down either, so Emma figured that was progress.
"I think I'm gonna call you 'Bluewhistle'." Emma told him, and the dramillion whistled appropriately, tilting his head. Emma chuckled. "I'll come visit again soon."
With that, she turned to go, checking all around the courtyard again to make sure no one had come out while she'd been distracted. She slipped into the corridor she came from and once she was a safe distance from the courtyard, slowed from a brisk pace to a casual walk. As she went to turn another corner, she was suddenly face-to-chest with a somewhat familiar man.
"Well, if it isn't Emma Frost." Viggo smiled pleasantly.
"How do you do, Mr. Grimborn." Emma dipped her head with her curtsy to hide her wince. "I didn't think you would care to remember me, sir." She remarked, testing the waters.
"Oh, I make it a point to never forget a name or a face, my dear." Viggo told her. "Perhaps you will forgive my intrusiveness in asking what a young lady such as yourself is doing out and about at such an hour?"
"I could ask you the same thing, Mr. Grimborn." Emma pointed out shrewdly. "But I hope you'll be kind enough to not mention my late night visit to the kitchens tonight. Lady Tremaine says I must look my best when performing for the Royals."
"Fair enough." Viggo smirked down at her, and Emma was a little surprised that she was proud of having surprised him. "I'm simply checking in on our stocks. Some of my men seem to have misplaced some things. In any case, no one will hear of your late night snack from me."
"You're too kind, sir." Emma curtsied again. "I must be off now. Goodnight."
"A goodnight to you, Lady Frost." Viggo gave a small bow as well and watched her hurry off down the corridor. She felt his eyes on her until she finally turned the corner and let out a breath.
If she wanted to keep visiting Bluewhistle, she was going to have to be more careful. Viggo was a dangerous opponent and drawing attention to herself by being smart with him wasn't a good idea.
Not wanting to get herself into any more trouble that night, Emma returned to her family's room. With her mother away at Diagon Alley until morning, and Jack spending his nights in the dorms, the rooms were empty. She suspected Dad would be busy until late with the Guardians, so she went to her room and started writing.
She hoped Cat would have advice for her.
It wasn't an hour later, that Emma heard her father enter the apartment, followed by Mr. Arrow's voice.
"...and there isn't a single thing we can do about it, is there?" Mr. Arrow's muffled voice grumbled.
"Unfortunately, no." Percy said along with the sound of the front door closing and locking. There was another moment of a silence, and then, "It's safe now. Trust me, I don't like it anymore than you do, but raising suspicion against the Prime Minister could cause him to start covering his tracks and destroying evidence. We need him comfortable so he starts getting sloppy."
Emma stood up immediately and rushed over to the door. She very slowly turned the latch and opened the door just enough to squeeze through. Right outside her door was a small stairwell with only about five steps, but there was a short wall that separated the stairs from the living area, which allowed Emma to stand just behind it and listen in without being seen.
"I know that, but waiting for him to slip up gets ten times worse while you're watching him send children off to die in a war that could've been prevented had he listened to the Guardians in the first place!" Arrow snapped.
"Bunnymund made almost all the same points when he was yelling about it, too." Emma could hear the half-smile in Percy's tone.
"Except he doesn't know everything! And why not? I still think we should tell the rest of the Guardians." Arrow said. "More allies is what we need!"
"I don't disagree with you, but in this case the less people who know the better. We need to be smart about who we tell." Percy said. "The Guardians will side with us when the time comes, so they don't need to know right now, especially since they can't do anything anyway... And after speaking with Jack, I'm not sure it's the best idea."
"What did he tell you?" Arrow asked.
There was a pause, the rustle of clothes as Percy moved across the room and then back. "See this picture? You recognize anyone?"
"Mercy..." Arrow cursed softly, his voice laced with shock. "Your boy knew him?"
"The mysterious boy from all the rumors. And do you remember what he said just before we parted? Well, now we know who 'Hiccup' is." Percy told him, and then added quietly. "He's Valka's boy."
"...Shit." Arrow swore again. "And after your last mission? What with Pitch insinuating, and then Jack's reaction... This could get very messy very quickly."
"Agreed." Percy said.
"But shouldn't we tell Jack? The Princesses? You see it like I do. It's as bad as when you were declared dead." Arrow argued.
"Like I said before, we have to be smart about this. We don't have the whole picture... But I wonder if you do, Emma." Percy's voice rose and Emma stiffened.
"What?" Arrow yelped.
Emma took a step forward so she could turn and face the two men standing in front of her. Arrow was on his feet in front of the arm chair, shocked by her presence. Percy was only half-turned towards her in front of the fireplace with a smirk.
"I'm sorry to intrude, but I couldn't resist." Emma tucked her hands behind her back and rocked on her heels, her cheeks feeling a little warm at being caught snooping.
Percy just chuckled and motioned for her to come and sit on the couch. She moved forward and fell back into the cushions just as Percy moved over and settled in next to her. Arrow was still gaping at the two of them, but he sat back down with an annoyed glare thrown in Percy's direction.
"You told me you didn't find what you were looking for today." Percy reminded her, leadingly.
"I didn't find anything." Emma corrected him. "It's a waste. He's been careful to keep himself from being indicated in any of."
"Wha-? You've got your own daughter spying for you?!" Arrow burst incredulously, staring down Percy, who grinned back.
"I didn't tell her to do anything. Emma has simply been kind enough to share her findings with me." Percy's gaze slid over to her though. "Though I do wonder what else is in that mind of yours."
"A grinning Cheshire and a whole lot of trouble, I'm afraid." Emma shrugged, the corner of her mouth tipping up. "But we both want the Prime Minister behind bars."
"Glad to hear it. Though one day you'll have to tell us how exactly you got involved in all this." Percy gave her a pointed look.
"One day." Emma agreed.
"So what do you think of it? Should we tell Jack, Merida, or Rapunzel?" Mr. Arrow asked.
Emma paused for a moment, and then, "No."
"And why is that?" Percy wanted to know.
"Because none of them are ready." Emma told him, while thinking to herself. "Especially not Cat."