Hey Descendants!
Guess who forgot what her 12:30 alarm was for...
Hello Wednesday update!
Last chapter Harry resolved to follow Frollo, but flights of fancy and thoughts of kissing T distracted our poor pirate and made him lose his quarry. But we all know how stubborn our favorite Number One can be, right?
Are you ready to find out how stubborn?
Lots of love and luck
-Dark-
He lets out a whoosh of air as the breath is knocked out of him.
He had long ago given up on trying to stop his shaking from the pain and exertion.
Stay awake. Or it will be her. Stay Awake. Or she'll feel this. Stay awake. Or you'll die.
He grits his teeth as his hands tighten around the chains. He needed to stay present. He needed to stay in control. He needed to protect her from the excruciating agony that coursed through every inch of them.
His jaw clenches.
This was the last fucking time he ignored Cecelia's readings. If he lived through this- Which he was going to do, even if it was out of pure spite. He refused to succumb. Refused to give him the satisfaction.
But that didn't make him any less exhausted. Didn't make the ache in his belly or the dryness of his throat go away. Didn't make him any closer to getting out of here.
He was beyond caring if he screamed at this point. Beyond caring that tears streamed from his eyes. It had been consuming too much of what little energy they had to hold it back.
But talking back? Spitting out biblical verses? Being an overall defiant shit? To see the look of outraged exasperation and frustration on his face? Now that was worth the energy.
He shifts his hips, the salt digging into the burns and lashes on his back producing an unfathomable pain. He hisses as he lets his head fall back.
What the fuck had be been thinking? How the fuck had he let this happen? Why the fuck had he even considered this idea?
He was so fucking foolish to think no one in their right minds would work with him. Then again he wouldn't exactly say that Stromboli and The Coachman were sane. They clearly took joy out of everything he ordered them to do. Took pleasure in it.
Fucking sadist pricks.
He closes his eyes as he tries to breathe through the pain, ignoring how ragged his breaths were. How short.
Was anyone looking for him? The thought had been bothering him since he'd been stripped of his lock pick sets.
At first, he'd prayed that they weren't… But now?
He shifts, every fiber of his being alert to where Frollo was, off prepping some new form of fucking horror. He swallows as he glares at the stone ceiling above him. His eyes narrowed.
Fuck you too god! He scowls. Fuck you for forsaking them- Her.
A weak smile tugs at his lips as he feels Faustina's flair of disapproval at the curse before he shoves her back. She didn't need to feel this. Didn't need to be close, to be subjected to this. But knowing she was still here, still with him was a comfort. The sick fuck hadn't won yet. He could handle it. Could endure it for her.
Still, he closes his eyes, at this point he would take anyone finding him in this state if it meant the constant pain would finally just stop.
Fuck mortification. Fuck humiliation. Fuck modesty. He didn't care anymore. He just needed everything to stop burning. For the salt to stop eating through his skin. For any type of relief.
At their fathers' sigh of 'resignation' T stiffens.
T.
Fuck. Why was Faustina here? This close? Was he really so weak he couldn't keep her at bay any longer? He grimaces. He could hear her so much clearer now. Could feel her presence in a way he hadn't been able to before. Could feel her resolution that he would get them out of this place. The foundation of which he was able to stand his ground. Just like his rage had become her shield whenever he slipped back to wherever it was they went.
It was the first time they'd come to a balance since they'd discovered the truth. He grips the chains tighter, preparing himself for whatever new hell their father was concocting just out of sight.
Frollo takes a deep breath as he ceremoniously removes his vestments and folds them carefully, laying them on a small table off to the side. He slips a large crucifix over his head and lets it rest against his dark robes now bare of all ornamentation and color. "James chapter four verse seven, Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." With a sneer on his lips he reaches up and manipulates a series of chains, "I so hoped it wouldn't come to this Faustina, but the demon in you is very strong. However, with strength comes weakness, and I believe I have finally ascertained what will be your saving grace."
T can't help the chill that suddenly sweeps over him at the tone he'd come to recognize as pleasure. He shivers. That was never good.
"Mathew chapter seven verse twelve, Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." He shoots back, ignoring the way his teeth wouldn't stop chattering.
"My dearest," Frollo smiles darkly as he rests one cold hand on his sweat covered brow, "This demon tore you from the home I provided to you for your safety. Paraded you around in the clothing of men." He runs his fingers through sweat-soaked black hair, tugging it's short length out enough for T to see it, "Consorted with heretics and abominations while leading you down a path of ultimate sin on this isle of the damned. Faustina, this demon has deceived you."
The laugh that leaves T's lips is hollow and jarring, but worst of all weak to even his own ears. "We'd take heretics and abominations over you any day."
"Psalms chapter thirty-four verse seventeen, The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." Frollo shakes his head, "Cry out Faustina, cry out and the Lord will hear you. I will not rest until I can save you." He disappears before he pulls the chains again.
T lets out a grunt of pain as he feels the salt scrape along the back until he no longer feels anything beneath him. The sudden shift of air reminding him how cold he was. The contrast between burning and freezing makes him shiver uncontrollably. "Fuck your god. And fuck salvation."
"Blasphemy Faustina." Frollo scolds with a harsh backhand across the face, "Repent and accept punishment so your soul may fully recover from the infestation of this demonic possession. Repent!" He demands as he walks between T's outstretched legs, blocking the fire rack that held all the horrible branding instruments.
The flames hadn't been much, just a constant reminder that his feet and legs were in excruciating pain. But now the absence of the heat left him cold. His whole body was wracked with violent, jerking shakes, though at this point he couldn't tell if it was from the cold, or the fear.
When he feels Faustina's stillness, he settles on fear though.
He glares at the man between his legs, ignoring the way the chains rubbed him raw in his pointless attempt to try to pull away. He didn't like this. Didn't like where Frollo was standing. Didn't like that there were pokers heating right behind him. Or the maniacal look in Frollo's eye.
"I will smite thee demon. Abandon this child of God." He reaches behind him and pulls a bright orange branding iron out of the flames, "Begone foul demon, you have no claim on this soul." He presses the scorching metal to T's exposed inner thigh.
The pain sears through him at the unbelievable blazing pain rips a guttural scream so raw he could taste blood. Dark spots clouding his blurred vision as tears sprang to life and fell uncontrollably as he lets out another howl of pure agony as he feels the metal pressed in deeper.
He sags as the tension from pain suddenly disappears with the brand.
Frollo drops the iron to the floor before he grips the brands at his waist as he lets out another scream of agony. "The demon is smug and proud, but if humiliation at the hands of god's servant is the only way to save this child, then so be it."
T holds his breath, turning all his energy towards suppressing Faustina. His trembling hands wrapping around the chains holding him up in as he scrambled to prepare for what he knew was coming.
The scream that rips through the silence penetrates Harry to the bone, resonates in his heart and lodges in his brain.
He had never heard T scream before. But at that moment he knew, beyond any shadow of doubt, that was his T.
His.
He runs through Stromboli's empty pizza shop as he pulls his sword and hook free of their buckles.
Fuck anyone who tried to get between him and his prize.
"Harry?" A man stutters out.
Like this white-haired fuck trying to block the strangely familiar-looking door, "Now Harry, I know we didn't part on the best of terms-"
He doesn't even hesitate. He uses his hook to catch the man's bright red jacket and pulls him aside as he slices across his chest with his sword.
He heaves as blood slowly begins to stain the dirty white undershirt, "Leave!" He bellows in pure rage, sending the older man stumbling back before he scurries away.
"JAY!? HOOK!?" A desperate scream penetrates the silence echoing around the dense walls.
Harry looks up at his name before he shoulder checks the door and clears the rickety stairs three at a time.
"T!" He barely registers the situation in front of him before he rushes the priest, bellowing his rage as he hooks the man and pulls him away before shoving his sword through his chest, "Ya can be ah fuckin' that ya fuckin' sick bastard!" He screams, his voice hoarse with the sheer amount of rage and adrenaline coursing through him.
If he'd cared, he would have seen the pathetic old man slump to the ground, already unconscious in a slowly growing pool of blood. But as it was, he only had eyes for T.
Without thought, he runs to the peg on the wall where he knew the keys were, not taking the time to contemplate how he knew they were there.
"Behind you!" The chains rattle weakly. "Now!"
Harry quickly turns towards the noise and blindly blocks an attack with his sword, only taking the tip in his shoulder for his recklessness. "Get. The. Fuck. Out-" He grunts as he slowly overpowers the big-bellied man, "Or. I. Will. Kill you!" He shoves hard before he slashes his hook across the man's face.
"FUUUUUUCK!" The man falls back in surprise, hand reflexively coming up to cover his wounded eye.
"Leave!" Harry roars before he advances, ready to kill any and everything to get T free.
The large man doesn't need to be told a third time, "Don't get paid enough for this shit." He scrambles back before he runs.
Harry glares after the retreating back for a mere second before he sheaths his sword and runs to T's side with the large ring in hand, "T! I finally be ah findin' ya." He whispers hoarsely as he drops his hook to unlock T's foot. "I got ya now."
"Thank you." T's voice cracks his sunken eyes never leaving the door.
"It ain'nah nothin' ya would'nah be ah doin' for me." Harry smiles bravely as he works the lock of T's other leg off. He slowly helps lower him to the ground, grimacing as he notices the red and black cracks on T's feet and lower legs. There was no way he was walking on that. "Fuck!" He looks around before he spots the small table. He shoves the pile of clothes off before he drags it over to let T sit. "Rest for a second while I get your arms free." He whispers frantically as he uses his body to block T's naked, and very female, body from his view.
T doesn't argue as he sits down with a grimace.
Harry unlocks one wrist before he looks over T's shoulder in an attempt to save T's dignity, "I- I be ah-" What the hell was hanging on the wall? His eyes widen in fear.
Strangely familiar.
The white-haired man that knew his name.
Knowing where the keys were kept.
He'd been here before. Knew this place and the hell it was.
The wind leaves his lungs painfully as tears fall, one after another. The fear was in his mouth, in his belly. Why had he not remembered this place?
How?
For the first time since he'd knocked the third man out, T pulls his attention from the door. His eyes scan Harry's face before a look of recognition covers his own. With a trembling hand, he reaches up to Harry's shirt, and demands his attention, "No!No!No!No! " His eyes widen slightly before he leans up, his lips meeting Harry's in a deep, distraught kiss, "Hook!? Back ta me now! Please!?" The desperation in his voice was palpable as his raw, cracked lips brushed his.
Harry blinks several times before he drops his eyes from the wall.
"Sorry." He breathes out heavily against T's chapped lips, one hand clinging to her shoulder as if she was his savior. "I didn't mean to-" He blinks as he pulls back slightly, "I be ah gettin' ya out. Sorry." He shakes his head before his brow furrows and he returns to work on the last lock.
When it pops open he steps back and painfully shrugs out of his jacket, "It ain'nah much-"
"Shutup." T stops him abruptly. "It's great. You're perfect. No more hell, please."
Harry quickly helps T into the jacket, balancing speed and the need to not cause more pain. He buttons two of the buttons before he firmly turns his back on the wall of torture and picks T up. "Ya can be ah hatin' me later," He shakes his head as tucks T against his chest and races up the stairs, "But ya be right, let's be ah gettin' the fuck outta here."
"Dumb Hook." T doesn't complain, but the strength of his grip as his fingers twist into his ripped undershirt spoke volumes. "One jacket when it's cold out."
"Uh-huh." Harry frowns when he realizes his chest was warm, even without the jacket. He carefully lets his hand linger on T's arm before his eyes widen.
T was burning up with fever. Which made what he was hearing out of T make a little more sense.
"So mate, I be ah hearin' Maleficent be ah right bitch." Harry starts talking, unsure if that was what he was supposed to do in this situation. Gil had been feverish once when they'd forced him to stay awake with them all night, but he'd also been in a bad fight. He could feel his chest tightening in panic. What the fuck was he supposed to do?
"Fight the fairies!" T nods as he curls tighter pressing closer to Harry. "Fuck'n' fairies-" He clenches his teeth closed when they start chattering.
"Yep. We sure will be ah doin' that." Harry runs faster, doing everything in his power to keep T as still as possible. The ship wasn't far, and Uma would know what to do.
Uma always knew what to do.
I found him! I found her! I found them! Harry chants under his breath as tears fall with every slap of his boot against the uneven cobble ground. Despite his fuck up, he'd found T.
"Best Hook." T slurs against his chest, sounding exhausted.
"O' course I am." Harry smiles through the tears, "It be bein' 'bout time ya be saying it. I be ah 'mindin' ya o' that later love."
"Funny Hook." T chuckles. "Later love." He mimics.
"Aye." He shakes his head, "An I be ah lovin' ya too much ta be ah ever lettin' ya go again." He admits, "But, ya just be ah restin' love. I'll be ah makin' this right."
He feels T nod against him, "Never ignoring kragon again." He rests his head against Harry's chest. "Lucky, she is hooked."
"Ya just be ah holdin' on, ya be ah hearin' me!" Harry orders as he watches T's eyes flutter, "We just be ah gettin' the two o' ya back. Ya ain'nah goin' nowhere."
"So loud." T ducks his head.
"Aye." He bites his lip as he looks down, "An I be gettin' louder when ya ain'nah listenin'."
"No matter loud." T shakes his head. "Hell, sucked. Listenin' I'll do better. Crow please?"
Harry grins before he focuses on running again. His boots thump as he reaches the docks, "Almost home love."
Silence greets the response.
"That be okay Love." Harry's voice cracks as he runs flat out now that T couldn't feel the jarring, "Ya be ah restin' now. Be lettin' the Numbah One be takin' care of ya."
First, let me start with an apology. This is where I realized I'd made a mistake in our first draft. We were going to have Harry return the favor to Frollo, but… It got dark real quick and we didn't like that some of the characters were quickly becoming slashers… So we had to stop and come back to rewrite over thirteen chapters, which is why you guys were getting these twice a week instead of three.
That being said, we went with Harry killing him in a blind rage. Sorry to disappoint those of you who wanted Frollo to get his comeuppance. We were moved by the fact that some of you even researched suggestions. To know you guys are having such visceral reactions to our story and characters… It's such high praise and we really appreciate all of your support.
So to them Q& hopefully A's
Was it hard to follow T and Faustina's surfacing/repressing?
Was there enough description and introspection from T to form a coherent picture in your mind?
Did we demonstrate Harry's PTSD well?
How did you like the rescue? Was it everything you hoped for or did we fall short of expectations?
How pissed are you about the decision to kill off Frollo quickly?
We're dying to know, so don't forget to leave a comment below
With much love, appreciation, and much anticipation
-Twisted