Hey Descendants!

Sup? We're baaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAaaack!

Sorry we took so long! Lifes been a little bit of a run and go.

And though my necks stuck in a brace for upwards for two months, I

Can't complain cause we're still able to write and I'm not dead. My husband would be pissed if he ever saw that order, but no less true. Think of Dark and I as Hermione when it comes to these books. And I mean books. Hopefully some good comes out of this accident and we're able to put some real elbow grease into these bitches. Dark's starting to talk about doing a second draft or some bull like that some time through this one… But we'll see who wins that. Instant gratifiers, let them freak flags wave high! And for those who appreciate actual litatural art and it's processes and boring edits it takes well then- Boooooo! Booooo! To you! To what you are! To what you stand for!

LOL- But seriously though, I've had to rewrite this intro like six times so…

...Just enjoy the story or whatever...

-Twisted

Also to those of you curious when we'd watch the third movie… We've both watched it!

Broad strokes all three were amazing.

First; does evil beget evil? We didn't think so. Neither did they. Or any of you.

Two; Does being left behind, forgotten by all beget being bitter and evil? Clearly not. No one even viewed the Sea Three as Villians. Talk about on screen chemistry. Thank you for the characters though.

Three; Does Evil becoming good beget good becoming evil? Audrey and Jane could've been switched from movies one and three. To have pure anything is to have pure nothing. It's a fine fucking line.

Loved all three, but so much could have been better with all three.

So FC let those questions fly girl! Our Hades is definitely the James Woods Hades, sorry other guy. Good actor and great set of lungs, but there's no replacing that fast-talking son of a bitch.

The third movie has little to no impact on any of our storylines at all actually. Not shitting on the third movie by any means. We're definitely huge fans… But this is a fandom. We can make it bigger. We can make it better. We can shovel in the plot holes- And probably make some of our own in the process… But either way, we're nearly so far from the source material this is almost an original piece... Hopefully you guys will enjoy the ride! If you don't please just flag us down and let us know what kicked you off. Like SHAWNA did when we dropped that big ol' C bomb the first time. Sorry, but these kids were raised by trash…. That being said, we'll never change just to make you happy for the sake of making you happy, We're trying to hone our skills as much as we're trying to entertain you… Mostly six of you at this point… But we're still sticking to mostly source material.

Just, ya know, let us know if something gets a little too OoC or the holes get a little bit heavy- or show up at all. At this point, it's fair to say some of you know our story better than we do. :)

And to you other more silent readers, followers, favoriters, kudosers, and the like, we can only assume you are enjoying the ride our dark and twisted minds are taking you. In these last couple of chapters, we'd really love to hear more feedback, more of what you're expecting, more of how this story is making you feel.

We want you guys to Scream louder! Squee wilder! Laugh harder! Blush darker! Cry uglier! Die Happier! Fuck, We want you to Merry Jollier! Than any of you ever have in your lives.

And to make that happen we need to know what makes you all tick!


About an hour after the party started …

"Was it really necessary to be this late?" Hyades asks as they walk up to the entrance of the school. She couldn't wait to see the sea three again. Otherwise, she wouldn't have complained.

"Of course," Evie assures her. "Everyone knows that the most important people show up late to make their entrance." Her eyes sparkle at the thought as she flicks imaginary dust from her skirt.

"It's only necessary if you go with this one." Mal rolls her eyes as she gestures with her thumb to Evie.

"It was wicked of you guys to let me come with you." Dizzy looks up at Evie and Mal with a face splitting smile.

Hyades smiles as she looks over to the younger girl. She skipped the whole way here, brimming with excitement. Even Mal snarling and breaking things to keep up their image couldn't dampen her spirit. She couldn't wait to write another letter about Dizzy.

The best part was, she couldn't blame the fashion princess. The outfit Evie whipped together was incredible. Her patchwork gypsy styled skirt with different prints actually matched for once, and it went beautifully with the bell-sleeved beige blouse that faded into orange at the hems. Her makeup was light and natural to highlight her pixieish face.

"We couldn't leave out our stylist," Evie shoots Dizzy a warm smile before she turns to Mal, "And you, don't act like you don't like making an entrance too." She adds haughtily before she looks away.

"Yeah, but not this kinda entrance," Mal mutters under her breath.

Hyades smiles as she shakes her head. "Are we ready then?" She prompts as she knocks on the door.

Evie smiles as she steps back to look them over before she leans forward to adjust their hair and dresses. Once satisfied she checks her own. "Yes, we all look perfect. But how could we not with all the work Dizzy and I put into you two."

"Oh good," Freddie rolls her eyes before she leans against the open school door, crossing her arms defiantly, "I was worried that you four were going to start powdering your noses. Or something equally gross."

"Oh no!" Evie cries out as she pulls out her compact, "Do I need too?" She questions as she checks her nose in the mirror before she pulls the puff out.

"Fuck you, Freddie." Mal glares before she turns to Evie, "You look perfect as usual," She snaps as she pulls the compact out of Evie's hands, "Freddie's just jealous."

Hyades sighs in relief. "I agree with Mal, Evie. You look like picture-perfect perfection." She really did. She can't stop the sigh that escapes her. Evie's tight deep blue dress with apple red patches underneath perfectly placed rips fell to her mid-thigh while black thigh high socks adorned with matching gems on the outer sides left barely a ribbon of skin showing. Her signature boots with little apple and crown charms made the effect stunning. Add the short-sleeved half-shrug that reached right below her chest that matched the purposeful tears gorgeously and made her blue hair pop. The gold and red gemmed tiara sat slightly tilted in her hair and, of course, matched her socks. She looked for all the isle like the princess she was.

Freddie grins at Mal, "Is that an invitation I hear Mal?" She winks, "You're looking extra tasty tonight."

Dizzy furrows her brow as she looks between Freddie and Mal before her eyes widen in understanding.

Hyades hides her smile. Mal was pretty fantastic in the outfit Evie made her.

The tight black ripped jeans with acid green and bright purple peeking through the tears matched her black tank with a rotten apple core in the center. Evie had painstakingly stitched the words 'LiveEvil' in a bright acid green over the perfectly embroidered apple. A new, short sleeve purple washed leather jacket with black and acid green stitches fell to just below Mal's knees like a cloak.

It was an amazing outfit that fit Mal's mysterious and wicked image well. And Evie had outdone herself with Mal's purple smokey eye shadow that washed into more acid green, which only made her green eyes pop. Her lips were perfectly sculpted with a deep purple stain that transformed her frown into a pout. She couldn't blame Freddie for the attempt, Mal was certainly a whole new woman tonight.

"Fuck off." Mal rolls her eyes. "Are you gonna let us in or what?"

"Can't blame ah girl for tryin'..." Freddie pops her lips as she looks the four over before her lips curl into a grin, "Sure, why not. Come on in. And for the love of all things evil do not pull a weapon on anyone tonight. I swear to all the spirits if someone else tries to fuck up the vibes I got going in here, I'll make certain Herbie does more than stab someone. Me and Celia put too much work in this shit to make it wicked."

"Someone has already broken the rules?" Evie asks in concern, though it was hard to miss the whine. She was obviously worried that the party was going to end sooner than she hoped.

Freddie rolls her eyes, "Yeah, Junior decided it was a good idea to fuck with-" Her eyes narrow as they flick over to Hyades, "-my party. So yeah, just don't do anything stupid." She glares at Mal before she looks back to Hyades, "And please try to control your flames little miss smokin hot demigoddess." She lets her gaze wander with a smile of appreciation. "Likin' the new look by the way." She brings up a hand to make a cat claw and trills her tongue.

Hyades drops her eyes to the ground as she self consciously plays with her hair. It was still weird to see so much blue instead of the white she was used to. But Dizzy hadn't disappointed with her total make-over. And she had to admit, toning down the brightness of her hair made her happy.

Evie had really outdone herself with her new outfit. She knew the fashion queen had always hesitated over colors that would look good on her white complexion, but she was in love with the deep shade of pink Evie and Dizzy had come up with. It was peeking out from under artful rips in her halter top. She loved the mix of fabrics, but she couldn't figure out if it was the ice blue embroidered flames or the small skull buttons Evie had somehow made were her favorite. Her pants mirrored Mal's, though hers had the deep pink and ice blue under the rips instead of purple and green.

Evie even made her matching pink fingerless gloves. How Dizzy had managed to perfectly match her nails to them she would probably never understand, but she'd be lying if she didn't say she loved the effect. She wasn't one to think about aesthetics, but even she could tell this was above and beyond.

She couldn't wait to see what her family thought of the changes. She just hoped Harry wouldn't be upset that someone else did her hair. Hyades beams. "I know right? Isn't Evie like a fashion goddess?"

"Ah." Freddie turns to look Evie up and down appreciatively her eyes sultry as an 'mmm' leaves her lips. "Leave it to the isle's fashion guard, manage to make trash look amazing." She shakes her head. "Lame ya waste them looks on dicks," She sighs "let me know if you ever start swinging my way." She winks, "I can show you pleasure without touchin' that sweet cherry of yours." She adds throatily.

"Crude Freddie." She laughs, clearly appreciating the compliment even as she reprimands it. Evie smiles prettily before she gently pushes Dizzy forward.

"You know I understood what that meant right?" Dizzy chuckles as she looks up at Evie's face.

"Well, that's one of us," Mal mutters. "Get movin' squirt."

"Squirting is exactly what I had in mind," Freddie mumbles, as she closes the door behind them.

"That one I don't get," Dizzy admits with curiosity as she looks up at Freddie expectantly.

"Not today pipsqueak," Freddie has the decency to look away. "Talk to me in a couple of years."

The look on Freddie's face was one she was familiar with. Uma usually wore it when Harry and Gil rough housed. And Harry when he wanted attention. "Oh." Hyades blinks.

"Oh, baby girl, please tell me you know what I'm talking about." Freddie grins at Hyades as she hooks their arms at the elbow. When Hyades gives her a blank look she grins, "This is just too precious my little fire flower."

"Shut it little miss voodoo." Mal snaps at Freddie.

Freddie sticks out her tongue at Mal, "Why, ya jealous? Promise I can please both of you." She winks.

Hyades blinks as she's suddenly pulled from Freddie. She looks up at Mal in appreciation. She had no idea what the hell Freddie was insinuating, but she wasn't a fan.

"Hahahaha." She states darkly with a roll her eyes.

"Boo Mal. You're such a buzz killer." Freddie pouts before she smiles and waves, "Come find me later fire princess if ya want me to explain." She chuckles and winks, "Or demonstrate."

Evie laughs prettily with a matching smile. "Knock it off Freddie, before the party ends for Mal before we even get it started."

"What was that?" Hyades frowns as their group walks down the hall towards the auditorium.

"Doesn't matter." Mal sniffs indignantly, "It's probably disgusting anyways, perverted freak."

"Is Harry a perverted freak?" Hyades asks in confusion. Because she was starting to see a lot of similarities between the two.

Evie's bubbling laughter mixes with Dizzy's giggles.

"Fuck yes he is." Mal turns to Evie, "And you," She lifts her brow at Evie, "How princessy is it to laugh at that?"

That seemed to sober Evie, "Even a princess can find innocent questions funny, Mal."

Dizzy drops back to walk with Hyades, "We'll talk later." She giggles lightly, "Having older cousins pays off."

Mal looks at Dizzy with a look of disgust. "Imma kill Tremaine. That's gross."

"Not tonight you aren't." Freddie reminds her with an amused glare.


Mal lets out a resigned sigh as she stands by the wall where she could keep an eye on Carlos. She crosses her arms over her chest as she watches her peers with disdain curling her lips.

She fucking hated these events. This was so fucking dumb. She didn't understand her mother's response to being left out of some big to-do christening. That was her preference. She knew she'd been disappointed as a child for not being invited to E's birthday party. But now? Now that she knew what she'd missed out on? No thanks. It sucked trying to keep up with her image when almost no one else did at these things.

"Mal…?" Carlos asks hesitantly, "I- uh, I get it. You know," He awkwardly kicks his toe against the floor, "hatin' this kind of thing. But uh, I was just wondering, you don't have to if you don't want to or anything, but if you wanted to skip-"

"Yes." It pops out of her mouth before she can stop herself, and she couldn't even hide the level of desperation in her voice.

Evie was already off dancing somewhere with Deez. She wouldn't notice if she skipped outright? And besides, Jay could handle taking care of the two princesses. Besides E always carried that stupid knock out gloss the pup and freak had made her. She wasn't going to lie, she was annoyed when she found out about it. It sucked that T had come up with yet another way to help her gang. However, after getting close to the kid, it was clear he had no interest in the gang activity that would be involved with keeping territories and the other shit that came with it.

A small smile lights Carlos' face, "Really? I didn't know you liked reading."

"I don't. But I'm sure I can sketch something while you do your nerd shit."

"I'm just waiting for T to come back, he said Freddie told him how to get into the library."

Mal blinks, "Wait?!" She holds up her hand, "T's here? At a party? On purpose?"

"Freddie's security." Carlos shrugs, "He's already pulled one of the twins off Harry and Gil."

Mal frowns as she juts her hip to the side. "Huh." She frowns. She'd been looking for that kid for two weeks now, and Freddie somehow got her claws in the kid first? Bitch. "Damn. Imma kill E for making me miss that." It probably would have been the highlight of her night.

"I wish I had missed it." Carlos frowns as he somehow makes himself look even smaller against the wall.

Mal lifts her brow. "Why? I thought you'd love the tard stoppin' one of those pricks."

Carlos shrugs, "I guess that part was okay."

Mal snorts, "Then what part do you wish you missed?" She looks him up and down, unable to help her concern. "No one fucked with you did they?"

"No. I've been left alone for the most part." Carlos looks down, but not before Mal catches his blush, "A couple of girls want to dance, but I said no."

Mal lets out a short laugh. "I don't blame you. This place is a cluster fuck right now."

Carlos nods.

"So? The library. That's where we're chilling then?" Mal asks when she sees how uncomfortable he was. Already starting to walk in the direction.

"But I gotta-" Carlos frowns as he looks around, "T said wait here."

Mal turns to look at him with a raised brow. "Tch." She growls. She hated it whenever that freak pulled stunts like this. Carlos only started questioning her after T showed up. She wasn't going to say she missed the kid's fear, but still. It was annoying her that he'd grown a backbone with her. "Why?"

"I guess we can wait in the library. But T knows how to get into the restricted section, so I uh, I kinda really want to see that." He quickly explains, "I just, I know T can be an out of sight out of mind kind of person, and I don't want him to forget."

Mal studies him for a moment. He was obviously excited about getting his hands on books he'd never gotten to read before. What were fifteen or so more minutes? Besides she had several bones to pick with the tard anyways. Her mother had been living up her ass about the freaks whereabouts. Like she kept tabs on him or something. Which she kinda did. But the kid fell off the map too much to actually track, much to her annoyance. "Fine." She huffs as she goes back to the wall and falls against it, sulking.

Carlos frowns as he watches for before he snaps his fingers, "I bet he's planning to invite Deez and Gil, so we can wait in the library until then." He shrugs before he hesitantly extends his hand towards the exit, "Worst comes to worst I can come back and look for him right?"

Mal licks her teeth. Spending time with Gil was better than spending time here. "That." She smirks as she pushes off the wall again. "Let's do that one." It would be better to ring that little shit's neck in private anyways.

What the fuck was she going to do with him once he joined them? Ugh. He hadn't even joined yet and he was already giving her headaches.


"No, E! Stop, I don't want to-" Hyades blinks when she finds herself shoved beside a nearly oblivious Zevon."

"Hey Zev, couldn't help but overhear you noticed how beautiful Hyades was looking tonight." Evie smiles when the other boy does, "So, I was hoping you'd help me out. She's not a very strong dancer yet, and I know you're very skilled at more than a few steps."

"I'd certainly enjoy a dance or two," Zevon grins as he takes Hyades' hand and presses it to his lips, "It would be my honor-sure."

"Wonderful." Evie squeezes Hyades' shoulder, "And look, Hans just finished a dance with his current partner." She winks before she walks off.

Hyades smiles, the look painfully forced as she gives up and turns back to Zevon, "So um, hi."

"So um, hi back." Zevon smiles sheepishly. "The princess really wanted to spend time with the prince, huh? You're looking extra pretty-ful tonight," He looks away. "Is Mal here with you?"

And Mal was always worried about T being a stalker. That hadn't taken him long. "Thanks. Evie and Dizzy can make anyone look good. And we came together, but I lost track of her a few minutes ago."

"Oh." Zevon looks around the room as he starts to dance with her, easily taking the lead.

Evie wasn't exaggerating, she had no idea how to dance with someone else. She wasn't even sure dancing would be the right word for her attempts when Gil played the flute. But at least she didn't have to feel awkward when it was just her and Gil.

Zevon chuckles, "You're pretty popular tonight if the glares are any indicatetion."

"Indication." Hyades corrects absently, as she looks around finding several of her male peers looking in her direction, "Weird."

"Yeah. I'm not a fan of the glares they're sending me. But at least you've got plenty of fish to choose from."

"Too bad I forgot to bring a fishing pole," Hyades grumbles.

"You're very funtaining," Zevon chuckles lightly, "So, what's Mal wearing tonight?"

"Lots of Greens and Purples. Pants kind of like mine. She looks really good, not that she'll take any compliments."

"Mmm," Zevon sighs like Harry when he watched T start something. "It doesn't matter if she takes it. I'm more than happy to extoleate her anyways."

"Uh-huh." Hyades bites her bottom lip when the song ends, "Uh, thanks for the dance. I'll let Mal know you'd like her to save one for you."

"Would you?!" Zevon looks at her with wide eyes, letting her go to play with his hair.

Hyades tilts her head slightly. Zevon wasn't a bad guy. She'd written to the king on his behalf a few times. He was just, awkward. And kind of full of himself. But not bad, "Sure, I'll tell her as soon as I see her." She promises with a small smile.

"Wicked." He smirks. "I'll get her yet. I can tell, she's warming up to me."

Really? Because every time she saw them interact at school she knocked him away."Good luck." Hyades chuckles as she steps back.

"I'll take it." Zevon smiles before he parts from her like Scar on the prowl.

"That wasn't so bad." Hyades breaths out as she shakes her head. There were certainly worse guys to dance with. And she hadn't stepped on his feet, or him hers at least. That was something. Now she just had to find Uma or one of the guys. She smiles, renewed at the thought of the looks on their faces when they saw her.

"Hyades." Someone greets with a drawl from behind her, "You look stunning, as usual." A large hand rests on her shoulder. "It's a complimenting look."

Hyades freezes before she turns her head to look at the long fingers curling over her shoulder. Atilla. Why hadn't she thought about him being here? Her eyes quickly scan the crowd around her, and then the wall she could see, but there was no one she could flag for help. Where was everyone? She doubted Uma and the guys had snubbed the invite. So why couldn't she find a single one of her friends? "Hello, Atilla." She states calmly, hoping the lump in her throat wasn't as obvious sounding as it felt.

"May I have the pleasure of the next dance." He states, already pulling her closer as he puts his hands on her waist.

"How can I refuse?" Hyades forces a smile. Seriously, how could she, because she was struggling to find one.

"How could you?" Atilla's cocky smile makes her skin crawl.

"I'm surprised to see you at a party." Hyades says as she watches the crowd, "Everyone says these aren't your thing."

"They're usually not." He admits with a small shoulder shrug, "But how could I deny you my presence?"

"Oh." Hyades watches him curiously. He was so hard to read. Everything he said had so many layers, it just made her head hurt. Her eyes lock with his for a moment before she drops her gaze to her feet. His hard calculating look was hard to meet.

"You missed quite the show earlier," Atilla whispers just loud enough for her to hear. "You're friend Herbie left quite the impression."

Hyades blinks as she bends her neck back to look up. Atilla was uncomfortably taller than she was, "He tends to do that." She admits before she looks away again. Thank father she knew who he was talking about. Since the day T stepped in and gave her the chance to escape she'd been waiting for this. For Atilla to show up asking questions about the boy who got away.

"So I've noticed." Atilla smiles coldly, "But enough about that. How are you fire princess? It's been some time since our last meeting." He pulls her even closer, his glare making sure no one came close to them. "I was surprised to hear you chose the dragon."

"It's not that surprising. Mal's a great leader, and next in line to rule the isle." How many times had she told this lie? Hopefully enough that it sounded convincing. She got the feeling Atilla could do something very much like she could.

"So it didn't bother you? Betraying your family?" Atilla asks with a shrewd smile.

Hyades looks away, "Sure it did, but nothing happens without sacrifice." She'd practiced that one too. Because on the isle betrayal was commonplace, and she hoped that her lie would explain why she would still seem to care if anyone ever caught her in those moments.

"I'm glad to see you understand reason," Atilla nods in approval. "It shows growth and strength in character."

Fuck. That didn't sound like a good thing for him to think about her. What happened to him thinking connections were weak?

"It's a shame you haven't seen my true potential. If power is what you seek, I have that in spades."

"I can see how powerful you are." Hyades quickly assures him. Harry always said one of the best ways to get out of uncomfortable situations was to stroke their egos. "But I also know that ice and fire don't play well together, and you have a reputation when it comes to your people having accidents."

"It creates a lot of steam though." He responds giving her the same look Freddie had at the door. "And I'd like to assume you'd be able to handle the pressure with this new reputation of yours."

"Sadly I don't have the control over it I wish I did."

Atilla's face flashes with disgust before it's replaced with his debonair smile. "Easily amended under the right influence. Shame your gang can't seem to manage that."

Hyades continues to dance with Atilla, unable to look up or even find a response for him. What the hell was she doing? And where was everyone?

She blinks when the hair on the back of her neck stands on end. She lets out a sigh and smiles. T. That had to be T, watching. Part of her was relieved, but a smaller part was screaming. Something about this felt like a trap, and she felt like she'd already walked into so many in this conversation.

When the next song picks up Atila doesn't hesitate to hold her close, his eyes scanning the crowd before dropping back to her. "Cat got your tongue? Or is it my looks that have suddenly rendered you a mute?"

"Not mute." Hyades smiles up at him, "Though you are very handsome." And just as full of himself as Zevon. Though admittedly that was common on the isle.

"I know." His smile was too calculating for her liking. "We would make a great pair."

"Pair?"

"Yes. Pair." Atilla states, but doesn't elaborate as he closes even more space between them.

Hyades blinks in confusion. She was missing something here, or maybe she just didn't want to see what he was insinuating.

Atilla looks pained for the briefest moment before his smile replaces it like it never existed. "You said it yourself fire and ice. We'd be explosive." He chuckles at her. "Not now of course. You're still too naive for that."

"Probably. I get told that a lot." Yeah, she was not a fan of the picture he was trying to paint.

Atilla lets out another shrewd laugh. "At least you're aware of your shortcomings. I can respect that."

The silent 'I guess' hangs uncomfortably between them, "I've heard you're a skilled warrior." Hyades blurts out, trying to redirect the conversation.

"The best on the isle." He corrects her absently. "My father saw to that."

"Is it what you wanted though?" Hyades asks, genuinely curious.

Atilla lifts his brow, "Of course. Power talks, weakness walks."

"You've never thought about what you'd do if you weren't trapped here on the isle?"

"Take over Auradon." He responds, too quick for her liking.

She'd never written to the King on Atilla's behalf. She didn't know him well enough to say anything nice about him, and after that, she wasn't going to take a chance that a good guy was hidden somewhere under the layers his father had molded into him. "Oh."

Without warning he picks her up, pulling her to his chest easily as he continues to dance. "Yes, oh."

Hyades puts her hands against his chest to push away, uncomfortable with his chill arms being her only support. Before she can, she feels his hand is on her back, tucking her into the crook of his shoulder.

"I wasn't expecting you to be so light." Atilla muses in something she could only describe as disappointment in his tone.

"I don't like it either." She grumbles as she pushes again. She didn't want to hurt him, she just wanted to get away, "Put me down." She demands.

Atilla's chuckle grates her skin, "We're not finished yet."

Hyades narrows her eyes, "Yeah we are. Remember how I don't have full control of my fire."

Atilla presses her back to him, his breath hitting her ear, "I don't see any flames yet princess."

"Because I really hate hurting people." Hyades breaths out slowly. She wanted to send him a message, but Freddie's warning kept her from lighting up, "And I'd hate to get us thrown out of the party."

"Tch." Atilla rolls his eyes, "Then you aren't doing it right. Having the ability to take someone's power from them, and them knowing it? Seeing the fear in their eyes. Watching as they squirm and try to talk their way out of it. It's addictive." He starts tactfully moving them to the shadows.

"Are you telling me to go ahead and burn you?" Hyades asks as she starts pushing harder.

Atilla chuckles, "I would have burned me five times by now if I was in your position."

"No one wants that war." Hyades glares.

"War was what I was bred for."

"Put me down, NOW!" Hyades demands, tiny flames begin to dance along her outstretched arm as pushes against his chest

"You heard her." Someone states from above them. "Let her go." They growl warning in their tone.

Atilla narrows his eyes as he looks up, but it was the small curve of a smile that made Hyades pause. Shit, had she walked into another damn trap?

"Hello, Herbie." Atilla sneers, "You've kept me waiting for a rematch to long."

"Are you deaf or just dumb?" T questions, "Put. Her. Down."

"Are you askin' to cut in on my dance with the lady?"

T sighs before he jumps down, landing in a crouch before standing. "Cut the shit and drop her. I'm not in the mood to play right now."

"I see you're unfamiliar with the hunt associated with these parties, but as a rival, I refuse to simply let her slip through my fingers at your demand." Atilla grins as he presses his back to a wall.

T walks closer pulling out a dagger, "You want a reason I'll give you one. Drop her or lose the hand."

"There's no reason to pull a weapon for a simple discussion," Atilla chuckles, the sound rumbling in his chest, "where I'm doing nothing wrong."

"Not from where I'm standing." T frowns. "Put her down." He repeats. "And we can take this outside."

"If anything, you should be escorting the lady out for brandishing a weapon, except I'm not against her response, so as security you shouldn't be over here interrupting our good time."

T doesn't respond as he suddenly closes the distance and puts the blade to his Atilla's wrist hard enough for it to bleed. "You think I'm fucking around with you?"

"No. I don't." Atilla's eyes flash in delight.

Was this some kind of test? It felt like Atilla was testing T. And she was too angry, scared and confused to even move.

"Deez stop fuckin' around and get down."

"But we're having such a wonderful conversation."

T's lip lifts in a scowl, as he digs his blade deeper in warning.

"I see you don't care." Atilla sneers before he flicks his wrist back and pulls away, leaving her completely open to T's knife.

Not that a knife would hurt her.

T doesn't say anything as he drops his blade before it could hit Hyades. Without thought, he sweeps a kick at Atilla's hip in retaliation.

Atilla moves just enough to be grazed by T's foot. "Impressive. You're quick and skilled. And nearly half as cold and calculating as I am." He chuckles before he looks back to Hyades. "You picked a member of your circle well in his case. And you fought back. Perhaps there's hope yet." With gentlemanly grace, he sets Hyades on her feet.

"Hey guys, what's going on over here?" Jay asks, his lips smiling but his eyes stern.

"We were just leaving." Hyades shakes her head as she grabs Jay and T's elbow and without a backward glance walks away. T follows backward as he continues to glare at Atilla. "Next time you wanna pick a fight, be a real man about it."

"If I want to pick a fight, Herbie, you'll be the first to know." Atilla chuckles as he waves, "The dance was pleasant Hyades, it was interesting to get to know you better."

Hyades shudders but keeps moving as T flips him off.

"Want to tell me what the hell is going on?" Jay asks, no longer smiling, "I was in good with sisters man."

"I'm not sure what that was, but it wasn't good," Hyades explains, hoping her voice was steadier than she felt.

"Shoulda burned the prick." T grumbles.

"It's what he wanted."

"So?"

"So why would I willingly walk into whatever it is he wants?" Hyades snaps.

"Wouldn't have had to worry about it if you burnt his ass crispy enough." T rolls his eyes.

"Stop fighting you two." Jay digs his feet into the ground and turns to glare at both of them, "One, I wasn't expecting to see you here." He explains to T before he turns to Hyades, "Two, what makes you think he wanted you to burn him?"

"I feel like that whole conversation was some kind of test, even T's attacks." Hyades explains hesitantly, unable to look up at Jay, "He was watching and it was like he was waiting for something. The whole thing fascinated him." And she hated that she'd been equally fascinated by his reactions. What the hell was wrong with her?

"Tch," T scowls."Next time I'm just cutting off the prick's hand." He pulls off the beanie to offers it to Jay.

Jay quickly takes it back, replacing the black one on his head. "That's not good guys. Atilla isn't one to test people. And T don't be fucking stupid."

"Stupid about what? He wouldn't put her down."

Jay narrows his eyes, "Look, it was a complicated situation obviously, but you both got out. Try not to get back in." He looks over T's shoulder and smiles, "Remember this is neutral territory tonight. And no attacking anyone, Freddie hired some guy named Herbie to handle fights and he's definitely holding his own."

"She didn't hire- She called in a favor."

"Okay," Jay says, clearly not giving a flying fuck about why somebody was working for Freddie.

"T's Herbie." Hyades rolls her eyes. Jay was really dense about T related subjects lately.

Jay rolls his eyes back before he turns them on T, "How many fuckin' names do you go by?"

"Four I think." T shrugs. "Wait, no it's five."

"T, Herbie… Dagger…" He glares at Hyades, "The Shadow… What else?"

"The urchins started calling me Ghost." T shrugs.

"Wonderful." Jay nods, "But again, sisters." He knocks T's hood back and slams the black beanie on his head, "So thanks for savin' the princess. D, stop getting into bad situations, I'm gonna go enjoy the hell outta this howler."

Hyades bristles, but waves him off, "Enjoy whatever it is you enjoy."

"Plannin' on it." Jay winks before he turns and heads back into the crowd.

Hyades rolls her eyes before she turns to look at T. Her brow furrows when she realizes she still had her arm wrapped around T's elbow, "Oh, sorry." She quickly lets him go.

T shrugs. "Grab Gil, and then head to the library?"

"That sounds wonderful," Hyades admits with a relieved smile.

"Cool." T nods, "Come on, he's this way." He heads towards the opposite side of the room.

As they walk, Hyades slides a folded up piece of paper out of her jeans, "Can you take this and read it later?" She asks as she holds it out.

"Kay?" T responds curiously but doesn't argue as he takes the offered paper before tucking it in his messenger bag.

"Hold up a sec."

T pauses as he turns to watch her curiously.

Hyades wraps her arms around him tightly, hugging him close, "Sorry, I know it's not your favorite thing," But she needed it. Atilla had scared her on a level she hadn't known she had. And while T wouldn't understand until he read the letter, handing it over had also taken a toll on her.

T shrugs as he puts an arm hesitantly around her, glaring at anyone who stared at them over her head. He smiles when they instantly looked away. "You do you."

"Thanks, for back there," Hyades explains as she pulls away and messes with her hair.

"No big." T shrugs, "You look nice." He moves his hand to her shoulder and starts guiding her towards Gil from behind her. "The sea three are gonna flip."

"Dizzy and Evie got ahold of me." Hyades explains away the compliment "And I've been trying to find them since we got here late."

"Dizzy is with Celia, Squeaky, Squirmy, and Mini Mal where the rest of the younger ones have claimed a corner. E has been with Hans, for whatever reason, since she got here. I have no idea where Mal slinked off too, pretty sure C is in the library already, Jay we just saw. Harry's on the prowl, and Uma's off already having found prey, I guess..." T offers.

Hyades rolls her eyes, "Prince Hans." She reminds T before her eyes light up when she spots Gil munching on a boiled egg. She rushes over and taps him on his back.

"Deez?" Gil reflexively swallows as he looks her over in surprise. "Pink really looks good on you."

Hyades blushes as she looks away, "Thanks."

T watches the interaction silently, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"You're welcome." Gil grins, "Your hair looks amazing too, I like it. It looks more like flames."

"I think that's what Dizzy was going for." Hyades admits with a chuckle, "You look good too." She wasn't sure if it was because he was dressed up, or if it was just because she missed him so much.

"Harry wanted to make sure we looked good for the Howler," Gil smiles as he rubs the back of his head sheepishly. "I'll let him know you like it. It'll make his night."

"I can't wait to see him and Uma, but I know how much they like howlers." Hyades bites her lip as she looks around the loud room, "I was hoping maybe you'd like to get away-"

"Yes." Gil grins, "Please. I only came because I wanted them to have a good time." He admits.

Hyades smiles as she holds her hand out, immediately meeting Gil's hand as he did the same.

"Where we going?" He asks curiously.

Hyades turns to T, "The library. No one's going to go in there during a party. Principle Facilier would flay anyone who damaged his books."

"Except you three, anyway," T grins, "Doubt anyone else who didn't want to be here came, besides Book Club"

"And Carlos and I can finally ask you a question. Both of you." Hyades smiles, though she could feel it falter at the memory of her last encounter with Yensid. She hadn't gotten up the nerve to go back yet. What if he hated the way she'd acted?

"Sounds good to me." Gil chuckles, "Lead the way. I never got to go when I was still coming to school." He adds in excitement. "And now that I can actually read, I can't wait to see one."

Hyades blinks, replacing her dark thoughts with excitement for Gil as she tugs him out of the room, "It's not as many books as Yensid has, but there's still a lot."

Gil shrugs, "Doubt anyone else on the isle has a magic bag full of books."


Well, this one was a beast!

Om nom nom nom….

All the reading deliciousness- Hopefully.

So, what did you guys think?

We usually don't like describing clothes, hence we don't focus on E that much. Hopefully, it wasn't too much of a vomit comet with the fab details.

*I've read enough ff to know it was though so sorry peeps…* -Twisted

But what do you guys think of the rest of the story!

What about the scene between Freddie and the female core? Adorable right? Well… Maybe not adorable, but definitely something. We're playfully hetero ourselves, but hopefully we did Freddie some justice here. We couldn't make all our VKs straight (in fact most besides the Core Four are bi or just don't know tbh. They're kids, they should be exploring...)

Mal and C bonding over hating people scene? That one may have actually been adorbs… What do you guys think?

How about that scene between Deez and Atilla! Who else had forgotten about him?! T certainly had.

Anyone else worried about our billy bad Deez? And the huge Hun after her apple tart? That was gross even for me. Dark feel free to clean that up… Gross.

*Nah I'm good, that was grossly appropriate* -Dark

And Atilla in general… How are we feeling about him? Think he got what he wanted? Do you think he got more than what anyone was expecting? Think this was just about Deez? Or do you think this had some undercurrent to it?

And how fucking awesome was Jay's sweet save? We adore the shit outta Jay. Big brother vibes all around in this one.

Herbie!? Lol, so did we miss any nicknames? Or did we remember them all? Besides E's very specific Black Knight in a Ratty Hoody?

Shout out to any Zevon lovers… If you exist. We try to incorporate all the player characters, but damn if this cannon verse isn't the most painful to staple into place. It's everywhere, just everywhere. Our lovely Descendant's, we so do our best to shove them to the sticking place. If there's anyone we're missing give us a shout out. We did our best to read the isle of the lost series, but damn gonna be honest, they sucked. And fuck they even threw the ringmaster from Dumbo on this bitch. Why? He was a dick sure, but to compare him to fucking Shan Yu or even lame ass Clayton? But seriously WTF cannon? Just WTF?

And on that note…

Twisted stepping out.

Just three more! Nervous yet!?

Much love and appreciation

-Dark and Twisted