Hey Descendents,

Twisted and I managed to get some writing done today, not a lot as we're both fighting illness, colds are running rampant right now, but enough that I thought we should post another chapter. We hope you enjoy this look into Hyades' room.


Still a month after the well incident

Hyades paces back and forth in the dim candle light of her room. The Catacombs. Usually being surrounded by so much history made her feel better. As if she belonged down here, remembering the names of the dead carved into tombs, inventing stories about their lives and accomplishments. But today?

Today she couldn't focus. Couldn't invent stories.

And she still couldn't write about what happened the well.

Mal and Uma had made it clear that she had to pick a gang. Well, Mal more than Uma… But still, they'd both set aside their own dislike of each other and had plotted to get her in that clearing.

Why couldn't they just always work together?

Her lips form into an unwanted smile. It was kind of cool that they had both but aside their differences in order to talk to her. She purses her lips, until they didn't and words started getting thrown around like knives.

She hated the fact that she missed them. All of them. So much it hurt.

Hyades lets out a sigh of frustration as she throws herself into a makeshift stone chair. It wasn't like Mal wasn't always losing her temper. And it wasn't even the first time Mal had accused her of having tantrums. So, why did this time hurt more?

She leans back, shuddering at the memory of Carlos and Evie slowly backing away. She couldn't blame them though. Fire hurt. Everyone in that clearing had a first hand account of that. Except Evie. Evie always had to think of her looks before anything else, so early on she'd learned when to stay and when to run.

Still…

Hyades sighs as she drops her head back to stare up at the cold stone ceiling. She couldn't be angry at them for needing to protect themselves. That part of the whole ordeal just hurt. It hurt to be the thing they needed to protect themselves from.

She rolls her eyes. She was still mad though. She didn't like being tricked. And she definitely didn't like being told what to do. She was angry with Mal; angry at her for yelling, for accusing her of hanging out with Cora and Atilla's gangs.

Because really? She didn't want to be in any gang, didn't want to limit herself on who she could trust and be friendly with. But she knew better than to cross paths with Attila. She'd heard stories about what his father had forced him to do. And she had no interest in figuring out if the stories were true. Observe the guy… Sure, from a safe distance. But she'd only ever talked with him once; and that one time had been enough to send chills down her spine and convince her that he wasn't a good guy.

Cora wasn't as bad, but she wasn't sane either. The few times she had spoken to Cora had left her stomach tied in knots. One moment she'd be fine, talking about something pleasant-ish, but then suddenly her entire demeanor would change and she was nearly as scary as Attila. Worse, sometimes she'd openly attempt to kill people.

Hyades shakes her head. Not the point. She stands back up and paces frantically. What had been the point?

Her eyes linger on the piles of tablets stacked around her room like little mountains. She'd been so desperately trying to write that she'd dragged out all her old notes. She didn't feel comfortable writing a letter to the king about what had transpired at the well, at least not while this upset.

But in looking for inspiration, all she'd done was make herself miss them. All of them.

Sure, it hurt that Mal picked on her about running off and about her abilities. She was well aware that people on the isle were both envious and terrified of the fact that she wasn't affected by the barrier. But, she also knew that Mal lost her temper, a lot. And when she did, it was usually because she couldn't articulate what she was worried about. She also hated feeling like she wasn't in control.

She could totally see where Mal was coming from. Which kind of took the sting away.

Hyades tears her hands down her face. How? How could she be angry and still understand? This was so frustrating. Shouldn't the understanding dampen the anger? But then again...

They'd all been a part of traping her and trying to force her to pick a side. Sure some participated less than others, but at the end of the day it still felt like a betrayal.

She was hurt.

She was angry.

But, she missed them. And that frustrated her.

She missed all of them, but they'd made it clear that she had to pick a side. Pick a group. Did she have to? What would happen if she did?

Uma was her cousin. Someone who'd always supported her, even when she openly admitted to not understanding her. That had always stuck with her. Uma would tease, and would press, but in the end she always accepted her, just as she was.

She smiles, Gil almost always seemed carefree. She loved their silent conversations just as much as she loved their surprisingly deep ones. Gil was like those rare streaks of sunlight through the dirty clouds that clung to the island; warm, and bright, and beautiful.

Harry, though often louder than she would like, was just as flowery in his speech as she could get in her writing. He always made her feel like the center of his world when they spent time together. At first she'd run from it, had been uncomfortable in it, but it was now one of her favorite places to be. And the laughter, no one could make her laugh like he could.

They were all so passionate. She just loved being around them. She could never give them up.

Hyades' heart sinks. She also cared about the Rotten Core.

Mal wasn't blood, but she was… At the very least an ally. Someone she could count on for good advice. Mal was a leader, and demanded a certain amount of respect and reverence, but still a ally none-the-less. And a kindred artist, even though they used a different medium.

Evie, who was the first kid to talk to her. The first to smile at her, brush her hair, play dress up. Evie was warmth and selfies. Fashion and long walks. Picnics by the marsh and day trips through the market.

And what about Jay? His super chill, I'll-knock-sense-into-anyone-looking-my -people-the-wrong-way attitude had been unexpected, but so welcome. His mischievous grin, that got him out of trouble just as easily as it got him into it, was infectious. She loved that he took time to teach her how to swing a sword, because he took the time.

And Carlos, there wasn't a better partner to have at your side when you just wanted to think and not be alone. She had written so much at his side; the two of them calmly working in tandem on their own projects. She adored the silent hours they shared over the years, occasionally learning new insights about one another.

How was she ever supposed to choose between them? How could they expect her too? They were all so important to her. Even T, or Dagger as Gil had called him. Even if they'd never really met. She shakes her head, willing away the confusing memories of the well.

She didn't want to pick a side.

But Mal said she caused drama by not being in a gang.

Seriously, more drama had occured due to them forcing her to join one of them, then it ever would have without that ultimatum.

Mal could bite her.

But, did she really hurt the people she cared about?

Wouldn't she hurt them if she cut half of them out of her life?

How was any of this helpful?

Hyades growls as she kicks one of the many piles of stone. "I don't know what to do!" She howls in agony before her fire spirals out of control around her, scorching the forgotten tombs and stone walls.

"Cool-" Hyades drags a hand through her hair, "It's cool-Cool-Cool- It's cool" She throws herself back into her seat, hugging her knees tightly to her chest as she cries, muffling another frustrated, heart wrenching scream.

It had been a month of her tormenting herself over this question and she still couldn't force herself to pick. She just couldn't, the isle was already so miserable. The only highlight she had was her writing, which revolved around her allies and the time she spent with them. How could she cut herself in half like that? Another agonized scream rips from her throat.

"Deez?" Gil calls out quietly, but urgently, not daring to speak louder in her home. He turns the corner, finally spotting her in a dark corner "Deez, are you okay?" He demands as he races over, skidding part of the way to her on his knees before he gathers her to him closely. "Deez? Are ya hurt?"

Hyades reflexively pushes against his hold, scared of hurting him. "Gil… I'm - I'm sorry. I, uh- I didn't know you were here."

Gil studies her, clearly looking for anything physically wrong with her, "I missed you. And then I heard ya screamin' and I…" He takes a deep breath and lets it out in a heavy sigh as his forehead drops to her head. "I had to find you."

"I'm fine." She quickly assures him, "Just-" She pauses, unable to explain the ache in her heart or how much she missed him too.

"Don't lie ta me Deez." Gil pouts, looking hurt. "No one who screams like that is fine. Or close to it…" He gives her a stern look as he gently takes her chin in one hand. His thumb softly strokes her jaw and his eyes soften as he studies her closely, "Your still torturing yourself over who to pick aren't ya?" He asks quietly.

Hyades looks anywhere but Gil, "I'm still struggling with all of it." She admits softly.

"It's been a month Deez, it sounds like ya've made your decision. Fucks what Mal thinks, Uma'd rather ya come around then make ya pick sides, and Uma said if Mal was half the woman she is, she'll drop it to for your sake."

"I'm still mad." Hyades points out bitterly, "And, and hurt. And other things that I don't understand."

"Well, I don't think stayin' in here is helpin' ya understand them any better." Gil pouts as he releases her jaw and holds her more securely as he stands up.

"I'm not ready to face anyone yet." Hyades warns when he doesn't realise her.

"Not gonna make ya talk ta anyone. Just gettin' ya outta of your room. Some fresh air might help your thinkin. Ain't no one having good thoughts in your room any ways."

Hyades blinks. Gil was in her room. He never came in her room. It was dark. It was cold. There were dead things. Her father was nearby. But he was here, ignoring all the things that scared him. Came in running. Running because he heard her scream. He'd thought she was hurt. And even when he'd figured out she wasn't hurt, he still worried.

It made her heart hurt.

"Thanks Gil." Hyades presses her face to his chest as she wraps her arms tighter around him.

"No problem, Deez." He gives her his signature dopey grin as he continues his way towards the exit. "No wonder you're not gettin' anywhere Deez." He tenderly nudges the top of her head with his chin, "This place don't fit you at all." He sighs.

Hyades sighs, "But it's fireproof."

"So is the beach." Gil responds softly.

Hyades looks up at Gil, ready to argue, before she shrugs, "I guess I can't argue that." A tiny smile pulls at the corner of her lips. "Though I do like skulls."

Gil grins back, as his posture straightens. As if her smile caused him physical relief. "Some of our flags have skulls on 'em."

"I'm sure they do. Nice and pirate-y" Hyades chuckles. After a moment she tugs on his shirt,"I can walk you know, not actually hurt."

"I know." Gil responds simply, without any attempt to loosen his hold. "But I like carrying you, and your a slow walker." He teases her.

"Only when you make me walk towards the docks." Hyades responds defensively.

"Nah, it's your short legs." He assures her with an easy grin. "Your so tiny. Like tinkerbell."

"I am not that small."

"You feel pretty small in my arms." Gil shrugs.

"You're lucky I like-" Hyades stops herself with a scowl, "You're lucky you're nice."

"Very lucky, if it means I get to carry around my own damsel." Gil chuckles lightheartedly, unable to help the smugness in his grin.

"Just don't go telling anyone." Hyades rolls her eyes.

"Aww. Not even Harry or Uma." Gil pouts, "They're gonna wanna hear everything."

"Especially not Harry and Uma." Hyades shakes her head for emphasis, "I don't want Harry to have any excuse to be weirder around me."

"Harry ain't weird around ya." Gil frowns after a moment of thought. "That I've noticed…" He studies her expectantly. He lets out a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding once they exit the crypt. "But I'll do my best to leave this part out." He pouts, "Even if its my favorite part."

Hyades blushes, "I'd rather it just be our secret. Or else I won't want anyone to carry me."

Gil sighs and turns to look away as a small blush of his own covers his cheeks. "I guess one secret won't hurt the captain… But just a warnin' im not good at secrets, or being quiet, or shutting up in general around… Well, anyone… It's how I always end up in trouble with the captain..."

"Well, you're good at getting me out of my room." Hyades offers.

"What should I tell em when they ask how?" Gil nudges her head again, this time more playfully.

"That you dragged me," Hyades nods, "Kicking and screaming."

Gil narrows his eyes at the thought. "I would'nah done that though." He finally sighs.

"Yeah, I know…" Hyades sighs.

"Do you think Uma and Harry'll know too?" Gil asks with a frown, "Uma don't like liars."

Hyades grins, "I could start kicking and screaming..."

"Don't you dare." Gil responds playfully. "We're still close to your dad's. Don't want him to think I'm actually stealing you."

"He wouldn't care…" Hyades rolls her eyes, "He'd probably think it was mildly entertaining."

"Maybe…" Gil responds cautiously, "But best not to test those waters."

"I can live with not testing waters."

Gil chuckles, "I bet you can." He sobers, "I'm still sorry 'bout bringin' ya by the way. I know Harry and Uma be feeling awful bout the whole thing. No one expected it ta…" He swallows as he looks away, "I haven't seen Dagger since then either..."

"He rushed me when I had no control," Hyades admits softly, ashamed, "I'm kind of surprised he lived through it."

Gil's face turns dark for a brief moment as he agrees with her, before he shakes his head. "He's tougher than he looks… I mean he got outta the well alright...Or at least wasn't there when I went back to check."

"Still, not the way I would have liked to meet him." Hyades sighs.

Gil snorts, "I doubt anyone likes the way they meet him."

"At least no one else hurt him on their first meeting-"

"That we know of." Gil corrects her with a shrug. "He don't share shit like that…"

"I guess." Hyades frowns. She'd wanted to meet T ever since Carlos told her about him, and she wasn't even sure if she'd ever see him again. "I just hope he's okay."

"It's hard to tell… You're easier to find and you weren't alright."

"I'm fine. Just, you know-" She struggles for a moment before she settles on, "Me."

"I don't just know," Gil frowns, "But I'd really like to get to know you like that. I know Harry and Uma like that… But they don't hide from me for months at a time either." He sticks out his tongue at her to lesson the sting.

"I wasn't hiding." She pouts, "And I'm not mad at you."

"Are you sure?" Gil asks hesitantly. "I'm kinda mad at me, but I would never dare disobey a direct order…" His eyes lower to watch her, "But I know Uma wasn't happy givin' it ta me either." He adds softly.

"It's complicated." Hyades nods in understanding, "But I'm not mad at you for having to follow orders."

Gil frowns as he looks back up to path ahead, silent for a good thirty heartbeats. "They're just worried you know." He finally sighs.

"So I was informed." Hyades grumbles. Her lips pout into a tightly pressed frown, "You know I don't associate with the other gangs right?"

"Yeah," Gil nods, "I do." He agrees easily, "But that doesn't mean they don't want to 'ssociate with you…"

"How is that my fault?" Hyades demands, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.

Gil blinks, his steps faltering as he looks down to study her seriously for a long moment. "S'not." He continues walking. "Never was."

"It just seemed like everyone had an agenda-"

"It's the isle, everyone does have an agenda." Gil sighs as he looks down to her with a sad smile.

"And Mal was just the loudest with a long list of grievances." Hyades huffs, and then sighs, "I hate this place." Hated what it did to all of them.

"I don't think anyone really likes it here Deez, that's why ya gotta spend more time with people and less time in your crypt… This isle will make ya think terrible things when you're by yourself." Gil can't help the shudder.

Hyades frowns as she watches Gil, "You have a lot of experience with being alone too." She whispers apologetically.

Gil shrugs, "I mostly do it to myself, never can seem to shut up round Uma and Harry, which is a problem now that we have a real crew."

"That's because they're always so loud, and have so much- I don't know- energy?" Hyades shrugs. She sometimes felt that way, like being around them made her a little more loud too.

Gil bites his lip as he thinks about it for a minute, "I think so, that and I'm kinda used ta saying what's on my mind, but it's different now that we have a crew. Usually when I'm sitting by myself on night watch, I go over Uma's warnings- But in the moment I can't seem to help myself..." He shrugs.

"That's why I don't like gangs." Hyades points out, "It's already so hard to just- figure out who you are here. And then when you're in a gang you have to act a certain way. And follow orders. And…" She blinks, "I had a point…"

"You usually do." Gil assures her.

Hyades gives him a half grin before she sighs in frustration, "I'm so much better at writing than I am talking."

A sad smile pulls at Gil's lips, "I know you are Deez." He grins at her, "But it's okay, I'm a good listener. You were talking 'bout why you don't like gangs." He reminds her. "Because it's hard enough figurin' out who we are without having to act a certain way because of orders- Any of that ringin'any bells?"

"Right." Hyades lets her head hang back, granting herself an almost comical view of the isle upside down. "It's just another bite out of what little freedom we have." She finishes as she watches stones in the heavens skitter in Gil's wake while the turbulent grey of the earth swirls ominously, promising a dirty crop of rain.

Gil's silent for a moment, "I think it gives me more freedom." He finally says. "Maybe not in front of the whole crew, but in the quiet moments I still get with Harry and Uma, those moments are true freedom here… When they actually let their guards down, and I let mine down... That's the best kind of freedom there is here… in my opinion anyways..."

"I like the sound of that." Hyades whips her head up to smile at Gil, "And I think I get to have lots of moments like that. With you. Sometimes with Harry. Uma. But also with Carlos and Evie. Even Jay. So for me, I would be giving up freedom if I chose a side."

"Then don't pick a side then." Gil grins at her, like it was the simplest answer on the planet. "And more importantly, stop hiding from the freedom you're so desperate not to give up." He playfully reprimands her with a nudge to her head. "How much freedom have you really had the last month locked away in your tombs?"

"At least it was my choice." Hyades stubbornly pouts.

"At what cost though?" Gil pouts back.

"Well, at first I was mad. And I didn't want to see or talk to anyone." Hyades blinks, fighting the burn in her eyes before she continues, "And I think I needed that time, because after ah while I started to realize that I miss people." She rolls her eyes, "But then I got mad about that… And it became a weird cycle."

"Doesn't sound like freedom to me…"

"But it is for me. I had time to really think about everything. I mean, yeah, this past week has been rough because I was just running in thought circles-"

"Deez it's been almost a month since the well…" Gil pouts. "I think the only way to break the circle is to do that, break it…"

"Well, I guess it's just a good thing you came to get me," Hyades sighs, "because I couldn't break it."

"Same thing as last week…" Gils sighs. "When are you gonna stop punishing everyone, and yourself?"

Hyades curls her lips over her teeth and bites down hard to stop the pain from bubbling over her lips, "I'm… Not trying to punish anyone."

"Coulda fooled me." Gil frowns as he studies her. "Your punishing yourself the worst though."

"Put me down please."

Gil narrows his eyes suspiciously, "Are you gonna run?"

"No." She answers dejectedly.

At her simple no, Gil nods and slowly lowers her to her feet.

"I know you didn't want to force me to choose a side, and I don't think Harry did either." Hyades explains as she walks a few steps ahead, unable to look at Gil, "But Uma and Mal both said some very hurtful things, and yeah, I needed some time-"

"Uma and Mal always say hurtful things when they're together, it's what they do." Gil all but whines in desperation.

"And I understand that." Hyades shrugs, "I just hate feeling like no one really understands me."

"How can we understand you when you hide everytime something happens?" Gil pouts.

"I hide because I need time to think." Hyades shouts, "It's so hard to think around people."

"So you would eventually come out on your own if no one came to get you?" Gil asks skeptically, seemingly unphased by her outburst and the wave of heat that came with it.

"No…" Hyades shakes her head, "Maybe…" Another shake, "I don't know!" She tugs at the ends of her hair in frustration. "I'm happy you came get me. But I feel like who I am makes other people feel like I punish them, or who I am hurts people. I mean, I know who I am hurts people-" She sadly stares down at the tiny flames surrounding her hands.

Gil grins at her as he drops a large hand to the top of her head. "I'm just glad it's you who catches on fire and not Harry." He ruffles her silky hair tenderly.

Hyades glares up at him through her hair, "That's a terrifying thought."

"Isn't it?" Gil grins at her.

She blows her disheveled hair out of her face, "But not my point."

"It kinda is… You do your best not to hurt people Deez, but even those of us without fire can still do damage to each other, you know?" He brings his fingers to his lips, "If it wasn't for Dagger coming up with Shrimpy's name Uma would still be howlin' over a nickname Mal'd given her in the sandbox before we dropped outta school." He continues as he slowly extinguishes each flame licking her wrist with a pinch of his fingers.

Hyades sighs, "I guess it feels like the hurt I do is worse."

"Nah." Gil disagrees with a simple shake of his head. "It depends on who you ask, but I think a majority of us would take a physical hurt any day… Those at least heal."

"But I'm not talking about just my fire." Hyades glares at the last flame before Gil snuffs it, "You said I'm punishing everyone when I vanish. Mal says I hurt everyone by not picking a side."

"For weeks at a time? Yes it hurts the people who care about you. And I'm sorry but I don't really care what Mal says… Uma don't seem to mind you jumpin' back and forth. She just don't want nothing bad happenin' to you is all."

"So I make her worry." Hyades groans. Which was just another kind of pain. A pain in Uma's ass kind of pain.

Gil's eyes narrow for a moment before he shrugs, "Shorter list would be what doesn't Uma worry bout." He grins teasingly, "She's still pissed at me for knowing Dagger and never mentioning him… Maybe your family just takes longer to get over shit when ya'll are angry?"

"Yensid mentioned something like that." Hyades admits thoughtfully. "That the gods have a hard time with letting things go or whatever."

Gil nods, "Not surprised." With a rare smug grin. "You and Uma are two of the most stubborn women I know."

"Thanks?" That sounded like an isle complement.

"I like it." Gil shrugs, "Means you're passionate."

Hyades smiles, "Then yeah, thanks." It felt strangely nice to have him complement her for something she didn't particularly like about herself.

"Anytime." Gil smiles at her as he takes her by her now fire-free hand and starts walking.

"We're going to the beach right?" Hyades asks hesitantly, knowing what else lurked in the direction they were heading.

"Was the plan." Gil nods. "Only place I can think that's fireproof and lacking people."

"Good." Hyades smiles, "I miss the sounds of the waves."

Gil chuckles, "We'll make a pirate of you yet." He squeezes her hand. "No pressure or anything- But it's nice… That you enjoy the waves. I do too. They're calming."

Hyades rolls her eyes, "I'm not that sensitive Gil. And if liking the sounds of the ocean makes me a pirate… Oh well." She chuckles before she laces her fingers through his and starts pulling him towards 'their' beach. "Still not getting on a boat."

"You didn't say never this time." Gil laughs as he happily lets her pull him.


Hello again!

What did you guys think of this chapter? I know we were a little heavier on letting Deez vent her emotions, but we're trying to make sure we really make her personality shine.

This also seems like a good time to point out that the 'main cast' of vks are between the ages of twelve to fifteen. By the time Mal and her gang are taken to Auradon they'll be fourteen to seventeen.

Anyway... We hope you enjoyed the chapter! Leave us some love, and don't forget to like us, follow us, leave a review... ya know, all the things that let us know you care. :)

Lots of love Descendants!

Dark and Twisted