Hi again!

Wednesday update! Building back the habit of posting on time, one update at a time. :)

We hope you enjoy this glimpse into a fairly typical day for T. Some details are different of course, but seriously, the thought process...

Don't forget to leave us a shout out or your thoughts on the chapter or story in general. We could use some encouragement right now.

We'll see you guys either on the Friday youtube live, or on Monday with our next chapter.

Lots of Love,

-Dark-

Damn it. She'd fallen asleep at the table.

Again.

Ugh.

He pushes himself off the table and looks around the room with blurry vision. The pungent smell of herbs hitting him like a punch in the gut.

He cracks his stiff neck.

How many times did he tell her not to work herself like this?

He shivers as he rubs his hands up and down his bare arms.

The fuck? He groans against the cool table.

He looks around the room until his eyes land on a basin with a rag hanging out of it.

Ah.

He turns back his eyes sweeping over to the table lazily, finding a new concoction.

Usually her shit was muddy brown in color, but this one was a dark green.

He pokes at the glass tube curiously.

Great. Thick as always.

What had she started on now? He tentatively picks it up and sniffs, regretting it instantly as his eyes water and he has to muffle a sneeze.

His eyes drop to the note under it, warning him not to drink it until they talked.

Fine with him, even by her standards that new drink smelled foul.

He tilts his head up, furrowing his brow at the long, drawn-out dragging noise coming from above his room.

What the hell had he missed?

He groans as he stands up, his back popping in several places from sleeping at such an awkward angle.

He runs a hand through his hair. They were going to have to talk about that too. She needed to take better care of herself when she was out. It was freezing down here and his back was sore.

He shakes his head as he walks over to the discarded hoodie, but when he bends forward he immediately shoots up with a blush.

Damn it Faustina!

He eyes the room wildly before they land on their bindings.

She could've at least-He growls.

He looks to the door, letting out a sigh of relief when he sees it's still locked.

He rips his shirt off and immediately wraps his chest as he rushes to the door, keeping one foot behind him to keep the door shut.

That was new.

New and unpleasant. He shakes his head before he walks over to the pile of shirts and starts to pull them on. When he gets to the hoodie however he pauses.

This wasn't the one he'd been wearing.

Where the fuck was the one he'd bleached the spider onto? He bites his lip.

Great.

With his luck, it was at the fucking cove where Uma'd demanded he take it off during their talk.

He sighs as he rubs the back of his neck.

It was probably better this way. The last thing any of them needed was for the crew to figure out he was the one behind the spider.

Damn it. How the fuck had he gotten himself this deep? He frowns as he pulls on the hoodie.

Rape.

His lip curls as a chill runs down his spine at the ugly word.

He didn't want kids-

Anyone.

He didn't want anyone getting raped.

That's how he'd gotten himself in so deep. He couldn't abide by the fact there were innocent kids being-

He couldn't live with himself if he didn't do something to stop it. The kids those two fucking scum bags had claimed- He grimaces.

Uma had mentioned them drugging Harry when he was a kid, were they still drugging their victims?

He shudders at the thought before another loud groan interrupts his thoughts.

What the fuck was happening up there? He shakes his head. Didn't matter. He needed to go and take care of shit, and as much crap as he knew he'd get from the rest of them… He didn't want to bring any of them out with him this time.

He'd rather be a hypocrite than ever see one of them in the position he'd seen Harry, and Uma had been pretty forthright in her position of wanting to come out with him on his next run. He snorts.

Over his dead fucking body. He walks over to the table and quickly scrawls a note apologizing and promising he'd be back by late tonight or early tomorrow.

He knew Harry had insisted they make those fucking monsters fight for their life but… He had no such qualms. He wasn't sure why.

Maybe because he already hated himself?

Or maybe because the thought of children being abused like that incensed him?

Or maybe it was because she, Faustina, had wished him into being to protect?

Fuck it might even be because he really was some sort of demon.

He wasn't sure.

All he knew was that the trash needed to be taken care of and he was willing and capable to get his hands dirty if it meant others would be safe.

He walks over to his messenger bag, bending to grab it before his eyes catch a slight glint of his sword and picks it up to tie around his waist.

He grabs his daggers next, and shoves them into his pockets before he slings his messenger bag over his head.

He bites his lip as he looks back at the letter at the table. He takes a deep breath and lets it out. It was going to have to be good enough.

They were going to kill him.

But it was better than nothing.

He looks up at another groan above him.

Ugh. How many people were on the deck moving shit right now? If he could hear it from down here?

No matter. He could find another exit.

His lips curl in a smirk.

Nothing like a challenge first thing in the morning to get your blood pumping. Well his morning, fuck only knew what time it actually was.

With that thought he blows out the sputtering flame of the one lingering lantern before he slips into the darkness of the hall, locking the door behind him.

He was finishing this today.

He frowns as he steps out back out into the red lantern district.

Something was off, but he couldn't put his finger on what. He bites his lip.

He was missing something important. He could feel it in his bones.

The question was what? His eyes harden as he wipes his hands against his cargo pants, disgusted by the red smearing them.

He shakes his head as he heads down an alley. He'd figure it out after he finished his current task.

Three.

There were still three people left.

Three people and then this would be over.

Three and he'd be able to get some real sleep.

Three and he wouldn't get pissy whenever Faustina came out.

He's halfway up the building when he hears faint footsteps. His eye twitches as he turns to look down.

Huh.

He smiles at Bak's awkward run.

He pushes off the side of the building and drops to the ground, "Sup?" He tilts his head towards the Goblin.

"Master T!" The Goblin greets in a whistling voice before the feathers on his arms ruffle, "Master T must follow Bak."

"Kay." He shrugs, "Lead the way." He shoves his hands in the pockets.

"Mistress summon." Bak clicks his beak in frustration before he shifts back and forth on his taloned feet.

He pauses in his steps.

Huh. That was… His eyes narrow.

"Sounds interesting." He shoves his hands in his pockets. "But if that's the case, I'll meet you there."

"Bak warn Master T."

He reaches out and pats the Goblin's shoulder. "Much appreciated Bak."

"Master T must come now."

"Oh, I wouldn't miss this for the world." He assures the goblin, "But I'm going my way." He points up.

"Quick." Bak bobs his head, clicking his beak before he turns and starts running.

"Got it." He nods before he turns and heads back the way he'd come.

Huh.

This was new. His eyes narrow.

What the fuck did she want all of a sudden?

He drops down from the rafters, landing silently behind the Isle's leader on the threadbare rug. "You summoned me." He states, smirking when she jumps.

Maleficent snorts as she drops her hand from her chest, "Oh you, little spider you." her hand form and drop from fists at her sides, "I knew you wouldn't disappoint me."

"Well, when the leader of the isle calls…" He shrugs, making sure to keep out of touching distance.

"Oh, the relief." She dramatically throws her head back in a cackling laugh as she presses a hand to her chest, "It would warm my heart if I had one." She snorts before her face becomes serious, "Now, about that job you're working on."

He lifts an eyebrow. "What about it?" He crosses his arms.

"Well, as the leader of this pathetic excuse of a kingdom, it's my job to ensure the citizens under my rule obey." Her eyes harden, "Since that didn't stick well last time, I've thought of a new way to make the message real clear."

"Oh?" He asks unable to help his curiosity.

Maleficent grins, "The Goblins have informed me that the last three from the list are being held in my dungeon."

"Yeah…" He nods, not sure if he liked where this was going.

"So I thought," She blinks, looking uncomfortably like Mal always did just before sharing a brilliant idea or sarcastic wit, "since you're so fond of public displays, why not hold a sanctioned one?"

Sanctioned?

Didn't he already get her permission?

And the fuck did it have to do with-

"That whole public shit was a one-time thing." He crosses his arms. "You can go fu-"

"If we're going to solidify the fact that you, the-" She scrunches her face as she makes air quotes, "Spider, were in fact doling out justice on my order, then this is the best way to make sure everyone knows it was you, or rather the Spider, and not random killings that I took credit for."

Oh how he hated the 'we' in that. He resists the urge to rub his temples and push away the headache he could feel coming on.

How the fuck had he ended up working with her? Or in this instance for her? What he'd give to wipe the smirk off her face.

He didn't like this. Not one bit. The fuck was she up too?

And more importantly, why the fuck was she making sense.

He sighs, not liking where this was going. "And?" He frowns.

Maleficent narrows her eyes before she crosses her arms over her chest, "Oh here we go, a list of demands." She rolls her eyes, "Let me guess," Her lip curls in disdain, "you want me to leave the firebrat alone."

Huh. He hadn't even thought about demanding anything from her. His eyes narrow. Why was he suddenly picturing himself being caught in a web? "Damn fuckin' straight." His eyes sweep over her. "Still, you were shit at sticking to deals before." He frowns. "So I want the contract you made with her."

Maleficent's eyes narrow, "You want me to drop her deal? The favor she owes me?"

"You mean my favor."

"Kiddo, you're killing me here." She huffs before she rubs a finger along her lip, "Holding that favor could be my ticket outta here one day."

"Sucks to suck doesn't it?" He saunters over and leans against the wall. "And attacking any VK's is a no go. I've only been playing thus far. I'd hate to upset Mal, but I'm more than capable of ending you. We both know that. It wouldn't be hard and I'm clearly not hesitant when it means protecting those you failed to..."

Maleficent makes a rude noise, "Please, we also both know you don't want to be the new leader. Law of the land kiddo." She holds up a hand to stop him from speaking, "But, I see what you mean. Let's call it fair and you summon a contract representative." She runs a hand over her horn, "I'd like to get this situation handled today."

"Senior." He blurts before he thinks about it.

Damn it. Why the fuck was that his first thought?

"Ugh, fine." Maleficent snaps her fingers and a Goblin runs off. She snaps again and one runs up to her, "Summon Jafar."

The Goblin nods before it runs off.

He watches her carefully as she walks over to her throne and sits down daintily, her eyes bright with something that had his hair standing on end while the matching smirk makes his stomach twist uncomfortably.

What was he walking into? What did she know that he didn't? What was he missing? Why hadn't he asked for Yensid? What the fuck had he been thinking? Senior? Fucking Senior? He frowns. Ursula would've been better than him.

He sighs.

To be fair, the god would be pissed if he missed this. Whatever ever this was.

Was that why his name had rolled off his lips so easily? Because the deal he'd made to keep the god entertained? Surely that had to be the reason right? Hades, for all intents and purposes, was a fucking giant selfish dick- But for some reason… The god had gone, well, for a lack of better words, above and beyond for him.

He chews his lip. He still was at a loss as to why.

He was still waiting for that boot to drop. Had he just fucked himself over doubly? He lets the back of his head hit the wall with a dull thud, giving zero fucks that Maleficent was watching him closely. Bitch could think what she wanted.

This had bad-idea written all over it. But still… If it meant securing Deez's safety once and for all… Then so be it. He sighs.

He was in so deep already. So over his head, he was drowning in it.

The bluff he'd gambled, in what felt like a lifetime ago, still fucking shocked him. How had it come to this?

How had some nobody VK started making deals with the scariest, most notorious OVs on the isle? Fuck, he terrorized four of them on a weekly basis.

His eye twitches as he bites back a hysterical laugh.

Jesus fucking Christ.

He stares at the Mistress of Evil as she pretended to file her nails. This was so not the time for these kinds of thoughts.

Not to mention the disappointment and concern this was going to cause their family. Well… If they found out… He lets his head thud heavily against the wall again. Fat chance of that happening.

Seriously, what the fuck had he just walked into? Better question what was Maleficent planning?

"What is this?" Hades glares over the paper to Maleficent, "Are you planning an event?" His lips move as he reads over several lines, "Like ooh, who's the caterer? That should definitely be a part of your event contract. And don't forget about deposits and all those nasty hidden fees." He snorts before he waves the page, "Seriously babe, it's like you wrote an itinerary."

Maleficent rolls her eyes as she waves him off. "Are you here to judge my attention to detail, or make sure the Spider isn't getting screwed in this contract?"

"Eh." T shrugs from where he was perched on the back of a chair. "Probably the former. But a deal's a deal, and I'm sure he'd have hated to miss this latest act of stupidity."

Hades chuckles before he pats T's back roughly, "Oh this kid, he just gets me." He snickers at T's grumpy expression before he turns back to Maleficent, "Everything looks kosher, practically above board this time." He praises before he holds a finger up, "buuuuuuut- I need to tweak this just a tiny bit to make it a little-lot more fair." He picks up a feather quill and starts crossing out sections before he adds to the page, "Can't have you pulling out again, can we Sweet Cheeks? If my guy Spider here doesn't get what he wants, his performance will start slipping and well," He shakes his head, "I can't have that."

Maleficent lifts a brow as she turns to T curiously, "Quite the glutton for deals, aren't ya kiddo?"

"Tut-tut-tut-" Hades fluffs the feather tip of his quill under Maleficent's nose, "No badgering my-" He pauses before he turns with narrowed eyes to T, "Client? Are you a client now?"

"I honestly have no fucking idea anymore." T breathes as he props his chin in his hand looking bored.

"Eh-" Hades waves it off, "Best kind of relationship really." He narrows his eyes as he goes back over the contract before he passes it to Maleficent.

She takes it, her face disappearing behind it as she leans in to read his purposefully tiny handwriting. He can't help the sneer on his lips as he watches her struggle. "So hey, whaddya say?"

Jafar holds out his hand for the document, "Best to have two eyes looking it over with his amendments."

"Oh Sad Man," Hades leans his cheek against his fist propped against the table, "once the greatest advisor to a Sultan, then an all-powerful Genie, now a two-bit peddler pretending to still understand the nuances of contracts."

T snorts. "Didn't you turn yourself into a slave to your own lamp?"

Jafar shrinks slightly in his chair like he'd been slapped. "I've learned my lesson since then," He mumbles meekly.

"Well, at least someone's learning something from their time here." Hades rolls his eyes before he yawns widely, patting one hand over it lazily, "I'm sure that's what you spent the last twenty years on."

T tilts his head to the side. "Yet, he's still looking for genies..."

"Genie magic would work even with-in this miserable barrier." Jafar snaps before he slaps his hand on the table over the contract.

Hades snorts as Maleficent rolls her eyes.

"Just tell me if you can read the writing." Maleficent drawls in annoyance. "At this point, Cruella would have been a better pick than you."

"Cruella?" Jafar spits in indignation, "How dare you suggest- Cruella? The dog skinner? Ha!"

"Yes, Cruella. If you haven't heard she was a business mogul before her descent into madness. Though I can't blame you for tuning her out. Crazy Old Bat."

"Key being descent into madness. She wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a clause and a recipient," Jafar harrumphs before he glares back over the contract.

"Seriously?" T shakes his head before he hangs it.

"Well, it looks like he restructured it, but nothing else was asked for that you weren't already giving. He clarified a few clauses and effects, and drew a dick over your itinerary."

T snorts.

"Classy." Maleficent rolls her eyes.

"God." He presses a hand to his chest, "A bored one."

"Other than that, it seems like it's exactly what you wanted." Jafar sighs as he pushes the contract back to Maleficent. "Though I don't know why you're willing to make another deal with that particular Street Rat." He points to T with distaste.

"Oh Jafar, you're missing the big picture here." Maleficent cackles before she signs her name to the bottom of the contract, "That street Spider has proven to be more effective than the Boogie Man."

"If you say so, but he's nothing but trouble if you ask me." Jafar glares at T.

"Are you really that upset that I left you out? I mean, like, isn't your life sad enough as is?" T props his head back in his hand.

Hades snickers as Maleficent glares at T.

"The point is, I asked for your help with the contract. And you're done with that, so bye." Maleficent smiles overly sweet as she wiggles her fingers.

Jafar holds up his hands as he stands up and heads to the door. "See you this evening. I'll make sure word is spread." He dismisses himself.

T looks the contract over once Maleficent shoves it in his direction for his signature. His eyes narrow over the amendments before he shrugs and signs it.

"Hey Sweet Cheeks, paragraph six-" He holds his hand out, "article four, I get to hold on to the collateral."

Maleficent narrows her eye as she snatches the contract back, her eyes darting back and forth until she lets out a growl, "You and your stupid tiny fucking handwriting."

"Rude." T grumbles.

"You both signed Sweet Cheeks." He chuckles before he curls his fingers towards his palm several times, "Give me."

"Whatever you dreadful creature, better you than the brat." Maleficent breathes out before she snaps and orders a goblin to go retrieve the contract.

T turns to look at him curiously for a moment.

"Consider it my insurance policy that you both hold up your end of the agreement." He explains with a shrug.

T nods, before leans back in the seat. "So, what exactly is the deal?"

"I think it'll be more entertaining with you in the dark." Hades chuckles, "Just know you've agreed to roll with whatever little miss Evil Mistress of the Universe says during the public execution." He rolls his wrists, "And if you get through the event holding to your end of the deal, my daughter, Hyades, no longer owes her, Mistress of Evil, a favor. And she will not in any way, that includes threatening, harming, maiming, or killing a VK whether purposefully or inadvertently, angle to receive another deal from one Hyades, Daughter of me."

Maleficent's smirk is wicked.

T looks between the two for a moment, "Great."

"Don't look so gloomy, Spider," Hades laughs, "Just be entertaining, you're pretty good at that already." He grins as he pats T's back again, "Just put on a nice show for the mindless sheep of the isle."

T's eyes narrow, "I really fucking hate you sometimes, you know that?"

"Really? Only sometimes?" Maleficent raises a brow at them as she leans back and crosses her arms. "Because I hate him all the time."

"Ah! Rude!" Hades furrows his brow as he presses a hand to his chest, "An' here I thought we had something wicked Sweet Cheeks."

Maleficent looks between the two curiously, "That was before you started making deals with pesky little flies."

Hades snorts, "I believe I've been making deals with a Spider here."

"A pest is still a pest." Maleficent waves him off.

"Only if you're small enough to notice them yourself." Hades grins as a Goblin with a beak runs up to him before dropping a rolled and bound paper into his hand. He quickly opens it, checking to make sure it was indeed the contract his daughter had signed all those years ago.

His eyes narrow at the small handprint, and the strange stab of something in his chest.

To be fair, he'd put her hand to the page...

That was neither here nor there though, right?

Point was, he had the contract now.

"Very good." He stands up, rolling the contract back up before he slips it into his robes, "I'll take my leave now, but I'll be back for the show." He turns, waving over his shoulder, "I mean, who's going to want to miss a couple of heads rolling?"

Yeah so….

Sorry this was centered so much around T, but, yeah…

Eh. So what did you guys think?

Wondering what those groans on deck were?

Any idea what the new vial is for?

What do you think is in that contract?

Or what Senior wanted with it?

Speaking of Senior what did you think 'bout the last bit between the three OV's and T?

Also LoLz T getting a T related headache. The irony...

Much love and appreciation,

-Twisted