About two weeks fly by...

Gil grins as he looks around at the rest of the book club with pride in his eyes. They'd finally did it. It had taken them a little over a month, but they were pretty sure this was it. The right combination of metals, the right temperature. The right balance and weight. The right grip. The right edging. The right everything. Besides the shell, he'd made for Hyades he wasn't sure he'd ever been so proud of something he'd help create.

It had certainly been a team effort with; Hyades playing the part of the furnace, himself the blacksmith, Carlos the metallurgist, and T directing it, while keeping their leaders busy. Harry and Jay had been their go-to for testers as well as himself and Deez.

His grin widens until it's his signature goofy one. He loved Harry and Uma with everything in his heart, he knew he did. But, the book club offered him something different. He wasn't sure what, he was just sure he liked it.

"It's beautiful." Hyades beams as she passes the sword to Carlos. "I can't believe we made that."

Gil's eyes crinkle as his smile widens. A warmth spreads through his chest at the thread of awe in her tone. It had taken him a lot of work to get it to that level. Uma and Harry had both taken to commenting on his muscles of late, and he was damn proud of it too.

Carlos's eyes light up as he takes the sword and looks it over. "So cool." He grins as he swishes the blade with a flick of his wrist. The green hilt glistens in the sun. "She's gonna love it."

Gil lets out a breath he hadn't even known he'd been holding. He wasn't sure why he'd been so concerned that the other boy would treat him like he was an idiot. But Carlos hadn't made him feel stupid once- Even when he had been forced to reread a passage several times or break something down. He had grown to like him through the last month. It was odd.

"Right." T grins. "So, one down eight more to go."

Eight didn't sound like enough. He didn't want to think about their little group ending after a quick eight blades. He wondered if anyone would be opposed to making daggers next?

"And Uma's is next." Hyades grins as she turns to Gil, "I know my stuff is going to get easier now that we know what works." She wraps her arms around his arm, "Are you going to be okay to start over?"

"Bring it." Gil smiles as he flexes his biceps. "Look at this shit. My dad would be so proud." Huh. Would be? That was new. He usually said will. When had that started? He smiles. Better question. Did it matter? He didn't feel like it did anymore, at least not the craving sensation it had once been.

T snorts. "Hell yeah man, fucking rock that shit."

Hyades frowns as she tightens her grip on his arm, "He doesn't deserve to know how awesome you are." she huffs.

"None of our parents do." Gil shrugs, with a surge of confidence he didn't usually feel unless Uma and Harry were by his side...Or Deez was in his arms. "Doesn't mean it wouldn't be nice to hear it."

"I guess that's true," Hyades admits softly as she looks away.

Carlos nods, "Well, my job's kind of done, except I'm still working on formulas and designs for you and D." He chuckles, "Can't have you two breaking your swords the same day you get them."

"I was thinking- I know T's been learnin' swords and everything, but uh- I was thinkin' after we finish swords we could try doin' daggers." Gil can't help but trip over himself. Not sure if he wanted to show his excitement, or hide it. After all, there was no guarantee the other three felt the same as he did.

"Fuck yes!" T nods emphatically, "A dagger for everyone!"

Gil's smile returns tenfold at T's enthusiastic fist pump. One down.

"They are easier to hide…" Carlos slowly nods as he rubs his fingers across his lips, "And I know I'll get more use out of a dagger than a sword anyway."

Two. Gil's eyes brighten with excitement like he'd never felt before.

"It would mean we'd have to keep the book club going, so I'm down." Hyades smiles, "I didn't want this to end yet anyways. I uh…" She looks down, "I like getting to hang out with all of you together."

Three. He sighs with relief. "I didn't want to stop either."

"Yeah, I haven't even tried smithing yet-" T pouts, "Not that I think I'd be anywhere near Gil's level. But I wanna hit scorching metal with a hammer- Besides," he flings his arms out in front of him, gesturing to Gil, "look at those results- I want that."

Gil flexes both biceps playfully. "I bet you do."

"Bet you do what?" A voice greets.

Gil was happy he wasn't the only one to jump. It was rare someone caught T off guard. He must've seriously been into their conversation. And Deez even shrieked. It didn't take much for Carlos to jump, but none-the-less it made him feel better.

"You scared me." Hyades hisses as she kicks sand towards Jay.

T snorts. "Shoulda been paying attention princess."

Gil turns narrowed eyes on T, "You jumped too."

"Ssshhh." T holds up a finger. "Damn it." He turns to Jay. "The score's still like a hundred to eight."

Jay covers his mouth with one hand, trying to cover the laughter, "Don't I get a bonus or something for getting all four of you without trying?"

"Fine but then my score shoots up too if that's the case…"

Gil looks between the two. Was that a game between the two? Huh. How many games did T play with people? And did all of them involve- His eyes narrow. He was sure there was a pattern here. Survival? That seemed like the theme. He grins. Leave it to T to turn fun into something practical.

"T… You never accidentally scare anyone." Hyades rolls her eyes, "If it's not 'surprise!' It's 'aha!' you weren't paying attention."

Gil nods. Yep. Definitely survival.

T snorts, "Fair." He crosses his arms.

"Okay okay okay. Jay got us, moving on…" Carlos turns and picks up the finished blade, "Want an outside opinion or what guys?"

"Right." T agrees. "Jay, down for a fight?"

Jay holds his hand out for the blade, smiling when Carlos drops it into his grip.

Gil holds his breath as Jay examines the blade. He may not have been Harry, but Jay had earned his respect over the last month. Anyone who could practice with T for hours deserved mad props. And he appreciated how much he cared for Hyades and T when they weren't around.

"That's got a nice weight to it. I'm assuming it's Mal's right?"

"Yeah." Hyades grins as she walks over to point out various aspects, "Carlos came up with a way to wash the metal hilt to turn it green. And Gil worked out a tempering method that helped to keep it a little thicker in the center for balance while helping it get an edge on both sides and a point on the tip, which T sharpened."

"Nice." Jay grins, "Evie will be thrilled that a weapon will match Mal's outfits." He teases Carlos.

Carlos shrugs, "I figured it might help our cause too."

Jay nods before he swishes the blade. "Swift and light too. Mal might not ever say it out loud but this is the perfect blade for her."

Gil breathes out in relief. "We came up with three designs. Uma and Evie's are gonna be similar."

"That's a good idea, they favor speed and this sword is built for it." Jay nods in approval, "But what are the other two designs?"

Carlos holds up a finger. "It's not Mal level," He explains as he walks away. "But it's a base design for both the other designs." He comes back with sketches and notes.

Jay looks over the two drawings. "Huh. I've never actually seen a broad sword. You guys sure you can manage those?"

"Like make or wield them?" Hyades asks

"Make them." Jay rolls his eyes.

"With Gil and Carlos, we can make anything." Hyades nods confidently.

"Fuck yeah they can." T grins at him and Carlos.

"Between me and the little man, I'm sure we got it," Gil assures him dismissively. "We're already talking about daggers."

"Dudes, and D… That sounds awesome. I call dibs on the fourth dagger." Jay smirks.

T clicks his tongue smugly, "Glad you understand Jay."

Gil chuckles, apparently he wasn't the only one with an extra dose of confidence today. Not that he disagreed. It would be weird if T didn't get the third dagger after he orchestrated this whole thing in the first place.

"Well, let's test this baby out." Jay grins as he holds Mal's sword up.

"That's what I was waitin' on." T states with a lazy grin, as he goes to fetch another blade.


Carlos laughs at the look on T's face when three minutes into the fight his blade breaks.

Gil and Hyades couldn't look at T. They were looking at everything but T.

"That's some fucking bullshit. Is there any style of swordplay you haven't fucking got down pat?" T questions, before he shakes his head. He turns to the three of them. "But fucking boss ass sword. It shot up my arm three times while it struck."

Jay chuckles as he drops his hand on T's head and ruffles it. "Use your dominant hand then, jackass," He smiles when T accepts the touch much as a disgruntled cat would. With the scowl and everything.

"What do you think Jay?" Gil blurts out.

Ah. That was one of the many things he'd grown to like about this group. Everyone just seemed to blurt out whatever question was on their minds- WITH NO REPERCUSSIONS. It was fantastic. So much so it nearly outweighed his fear of Mal. Nearly.

"Sturdy. Quick. Good grip." Jay grins, "Honestly, probably one of the best swords I've ever used. Mal's gonna lose her-" He stops for several seconds before he continues on tonelessly, "-her shit…"

Carlos swallows. That wasn't good. He never liked when people stopped mid-sentence. It usually meant they had an epiphany. And an epiphany on the isle was usually a bad one. "What?" He was almost afraid to ask.

"How the fuck are we gonna give this to Mal without having her ask a fucking million questions." Jay wipes his hand down his face.

Gil steps back, with his hands up. "Not my seahorse, not my race."

"Nope." Carlos shakes his head.

"I could give it to her." Hyades offers, "She never questions me when I give her sculptures.

"Does it have to be you…" Gil frowns, "I don't want you to end up back at the catacombs because the dragon can't watch her tongue." He shifts in discomfort.

"Well, if she gets too mean… What if I come to the docks?"

"Or you can just come back with me now, and let them sort this out."

Jay nods, "That's probably a good idea." He agrees.

"I can handle this guy." Hyades steps forward and turns to face them all.

"No one's saying you can't." Jay crosses his arms. "I'm just saying there are other options." He turns to look at T.

"Sorry, I'm trying to be on my best behavior with the dragon." T mirrors Jay. "Don't see you jumping to volunteer."

"Mal's very much a shoot first and ask questions later type of person."

"Hello… Demi-goddess."

"Verbally." Carlos chimes in.

"Who has control of her fire." Hyades grins, "Look I'm not saying that I'm looking forward to it, but I have been giving Mal gifts for years now, I think I have the best chance of giving it to her without her asking too many questions."

"Makes sense to me." T agrees. "Send the demi-goddess. She's making good points."

Gil glares at T. "Or you go and deal with the dragon-"

"I'll be fine," Hyades step up to Gil, stretching up on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around his neck.

Jay shifts in discomfort as Gil hugs Hyades back.

Carlos looks away as Gil and Jay share a look. He knew he was missing something. Hyades was making some really good points. And so was T. He probably shouldn't have chimed in, but he knew how fucking harsh Mal could be on one of her good days. And lately, she'd been in a right foul mood that hadn't dissipated with T's behavior.

"What if I make you a deal?" Hyades asks as she pulls back to look into Gil's eyes, "If anything happens, I'll come to talk to you. Really talk. And I won't run and hide first. Straight back here so I can go home with you no matter what."

"Boom." T gestures to Hyades, "And if it makes you two chest beaters happy, I'll tag along and drop in if shit gets too nasty- But seriously- Volunteer with great points- Right here. Even willing to make a deal over it."

Hyades grins at T before she turns back to Gil, "Deal?"

"If T goes with you." Gil crosses his arms. "And he actually stays with you." He glares at T.

Carlos hides his amusement when both T and Hyades roll their eyes. Part of him wanted to ask if T had ever left Hyades before, but then he remembers the two weeks T dipped out. He couldn't remember one hundred percent, but he was pretty sure Hyades was playing hide and seek with him during that incident.

"Fine, T shadows me. And if anything happens," She turns to T, "He'll get me back here. How's that?"

Gil and Jay share another look.

"Deal." Gil seals it with a chaste kiss to her temple.

"Don't worry," Hyades smiles as she looks around, until her eyes fall on Carlos, "I won't leave unless I know book club is safe."

Carlos lets out a breath he hadn't been holding. He wasn't sure how, but if anyone could talk Mal into being okay with this- It would be Hyades.


Mal lifts her brow at the knock. She lowers the can she'd been holding. Only one person still bothered with that courtesy. "Come in D." She calls out. She'd happily take the

"Hey, Mal." Hyades greets as she slips in, "I thought I heard your paint mixing. How's the mural?"

"Tch." Mal slumps back in her chair. "Fucking awful." She frowns. "I still have no idea what the fuck to put up there…"

Hyades looks around at all the murals on the walls before she looks back to Mal, "What if you did some kind of shadowy representation of T?"

"Tch." Mal scoffs. "And waste a wall for that tard?" She questions before she can think.

Hyades shrugs, "I thought it sounded kind of cool, you're great with shades."

"Huh…" Mal frowns. She was pretty great with the greyscale. And the kid was around enough that she could claim him as one of her own if she wanted. Still. The kid was a walking headache. Did she really want to put up a mural for him on her last wall? She sneers, knowing her gang would like it.

"I don't want to waste your time, I know you don't get a lot of time to paint anymore, but I brought something for you." She pulls the bundled up sword from behind her back.

Another gift? Mal sits up, dropping the can on the couch. It was much bigger than anything Hyades had ever brought her before. "What'd you make this time?" She asks curiously. As annoying as she could occasionally find the other girl to be, she could at least always appreciate art.

She stands up and walks over, unable to contain her curiosity.

Hyades smiles as she holds it out for Mal, the length resting on both upward turned palms as if she were offering tribute. "I helped make this one."

Mal lifts her brow. "Only helped?" She asks, curiosity fully piqued as she takes the bundle, surprised by the weight. Glass was usually heavy- But not this heavy.

"You'll understand." Hyades encourages with a wink.

"Huh." Mal frowns as she opens the bundle before her eyes widen in surprise. "A fucking sword! You made a fucking sword?" She pulls it out, stepping back as she lets the cloth drop to the floor.

"Helped." Hyades corrects with a small smile, "Do you like it?" She bites her bottom lip nervously.

Mal gives the sword several test flicks. "Fuckin' love it." She brandishes it again. She never thought she would use that word in her life. She couldn't help it. She'd never received such an amazing gift. "It's got a great weight, and length."

Hyades lets out a relieved sigh, "Well, you're the first to receive one. And if it passes your inspection then I can't wait to get back to work."

Mal smirks, "Nice." She starts practicing some swings. "Where the fuck is Jay when you need him?" She grins. "Fuck I'd even take the tard right now." She swings the blade down.

"Oh, well when we tested it out we kind of broke his sword, so he might not be able to take duel requests for a little while."

Mal's eyes brighten. "It broke his sword?" She asks, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. She knew T's sword had been Jay's original blade, with plenty of wear and tear, but it was a sturdy beast.

"Yeah, T was upset, but also excited, ya know." Hyades giggles lightly, "We thought it was a good sign."

Mal can't help her snort. "That checks out." She brandishes the sword again. "I'd feel better approving it after actually fighting with it." She admits with a frown. "Not that I don't think this thing is a fucking beauty- Because she is- But if you're asking for my advice or go ahead, I can't give it without a fight." She shrugs.

"I could spar with you, I mean I'm not your level of attacking yet, but I can defend."

Mal laughs, "I don't fucking think so. I don't want it broken either."

"Fair. I'm not great with controlling my strength yet."

"Well, you seemed to get your fire under control pretty damn fast." Mal rolls her shoulders. She hated giving compliments. It was uncomfortable to admit someone had improved. Like eating her own words uncomfortable.

"Thanks, that means a lot to me." Hyades smiles, "Don't worry, I won't ever repeat it. But thank you for seeing that I worked hard."

Mal rolls her eyes. She hated how spot on the girl could be at times. "I'd deny it anyway." She continues to swing the blade. "But yeah, no, seriously, I'm impressed. I never thought I'd see the day you could use your fire productively. It had to be hard."

"But so worth it, if I can be part of something that's helping people better arm themselves." Hyades nods.

Mal turns to stare at Hyades, unable to help the look of accusation. "You're making them for the stupid Wharf Rats aren't you?" She rolls her eyes. "Whatever." She shrugs, "I got the first one, right?"

"You're going to get the first dagger when we start on those too," Hyades adds quickly.

"Then I guess I can tolerate Carlos and Jay betraying me."

"I knew you already knew." Hyades smiles.

Mal shrugs, "I have eyes everywhere."

"Carlos found the way to make the hilt green. He's also the reason the formula's stronger."

Mal can't help but smile smugly. "I'll take brains over brawn any day." At least it had been her people who cracked the code. It took some of the sting out of it. Some. And if she were honest, getting her sword first had taken away the rest. She knew they had to be working on something big if they were so willing to go behind her back. She still wasn't thrilled at the idea… But if it meant her people being equipped with some of the best weapons on the isle she could deal.

"We all do just want to make sure we have better weapons Mal, T wasn't wrong when he got the idea. We just weren't confident in our ability to pull it off. Until recently. Believe me, we've had a lot of fails." Hyades frowns as she wraps her arms around her waist.

Mal's eyes narrow. So it had been that freaks idea. She'd been worried about that. That was a fucking problem. T was rousing her underlings to treasonous behavior.

"So… It's okay for us to keep going?" Hyades asks hesitantly, "None of us felt right doing it like this, but… We didn't want to get your hopes up if we couldn't pull it off."

Mal takes a deep breath, as her eyes drop to the sword in her hands. How the hell could she be mad at Jay and Carlos for wanting better weapons to defend themselves on this shit hole? "I s'pose it would be stupid to stop you now. I don't fucking like it- And if T pulls a stunt like this again I will literally shove my foot up his ass- But I'm not so unreasonable that I can't see the benefit to this arrangement."

Hyades closes her eyes and nods before she opens them again, "Thank you Mal."

"It better fucking never happen again Deez. You two are a fucking pain in my ass, you know that?" Ugh. When did she start grouping Hyades in with T? That was a problem she needed to nip in the bud now before her people started defecting.

"I know, and I don't mean to be. But thank you for putting up with me anyway." Hyades smiles, "They're going to be so happy to hear it's fine for us to keep working, and that you liked the sword."

"Mhmm…" Mal murmurs. "Just know it is work, sometimes." She adds cattily. "And tell the others that this is their only free pass for going behind my back." She turns with a glare. Who was the ring leader...Hyades or T?

"I'll let them know." Hyades nods, "Good luck with the mural, I hope a muse visits." She rushes to the door, "Bye."

"Huh." Mal sinks back into the sofa, looking at the blade in her hands. Had she made the right decision? She hangs her head back and groans. This is what a second should be here for. To bounce ideas off of. But her second was busy fucking off with the independents. Independents she was queasy about. And at this point, they might not be independents for much longer. One more misfit and they'd have a fuckin gang. And over her dead body was she losing Hyades to T.

They knew if they formed a gang it would all be over right? That they wouldn't be able to visit or anything. That they would truly be enemies.

Her eyes narrow. Fucking T. The kid had been nothing but trouble since the well. And he'd somehow wormed his way through her ranks.

Sonovabitch.

What the fuck was she supposed to do? Confronting him about it would be admitting that she was worried about her gang's loyalty- But saying nothing might mean becoming enemies with the isle's shadow and demi-goddess.