It was dark, almost pitch black. Gale's vision was hazy as it is. The last thing she remembered was coming back from a village and then a smoke bomb being thrown into the tent they were staying in. And then she was knocked out.

The teenager forced herself to sit up. She rubbed her head as she glanced around, noticing that she was in something similar to a jail cell. That was already concerning. Gale became even more worried when she realized that she wasn't alone.

A blonde woman with a messy bun and blue eyes stared fearfully at her. The woman clutched onto a little boy who was her mirror image with bouncy curls. They were covered head to toe in bruises and scrapes, dressed in dirty clothes.

"H-hey. I mean no harm. I-I promise. I'm just as scared as you." Gale spoke calmly, "My name is Gale. What about you two?"

The blonde relaxed slightly but kept her hold on the boy, "I'm Marie Bonnefoy. A-and this is my son Paris." She said softly. Gale smiled slightly, "How old is he? He looks around my sister's age."

"H-h-he is seven years old. Him and his brother are ten years apart." Marie stuttered. "Neat. My little sister, Ella, is seven years younger than me. Do Paris and his brother get along?" Gale chuckled.

Marie bit her lip as she stroked the boy's hair, "Th-they get along p-pretty well. B-b-but . . . their father doesn't let them spend much time together." She gulped.

"Oh that's a shame. Why does their father do that? That's so wrong. My parents forced me to spend time with my little sister." Gale raised an eyebrow.

"So that dragon and dumb wizard created another spawn. Interesting." A man's voice emanated from the outside of the cell.

Gale watched Marie scurry to the corner of the cell and quickly turned to face the person speaking. That's when her blood ran cold. She recognized his appearance from descriptions in history books and from Tolys.

"Ivan the malnevolent wizard." Gale squeaked as she began to panic internally, "Y-y-you're supposed to be dead! My parents and their friends killed you!"

Ivan laughed, "They definitely hurt me back then. Sent me flying over the castle wall. I landed on the beach. My lovely lady was there waiting with our two-month-old son, so graciously offering her magic to help me. I escaped to the mainland." He explained, gesturing to the woman cowering in fear.

Gale glanced at Marie before turning her attention back to Ivan, "You're a horrible man! And a terrible father. I'd bet money she didn't want to be with you in the first place. You probably stole her away from her home!" She snapped, gripping the metal bars. "You used her!"

"Oh please dearie. I'm not the first man to do such a thing in this world." Ivan smiled.

"But you're the worst person to do it! You don't even let poor Paris spend time with his brother. Sibling bonding is important." Gale hissed. Ivan glared at Marie, "Sounds like she told a little about herself and the boy. I'll punish them later." He hummed.

Gale slammed her fists on the bars, "Don't you dare hurt them! They've done nothing." She shouted. "Exactly. They aren't useful. She can barely use magic anymore and little Paris can't use it at all. That's why Paris can't spend time with his big brother. His big brother can use magic and is as strong as me." Ivan snorted.

"That is so cruel! Do you really think his older brother is okay with you tearing them apart?!" Gale growled. Ivan unlocked the cage and yanked her out, clasping shackles around her wrists. "Why don't you ask him yourself?" He chuckled.

Gale blinked and looked around before she spotted Elois. He looked upset and ashamed. It took a moment, but everything suddenly clicked. But it upset her.

"No. No! He's not your father. He can't be!" Gale was in denial.

"Who do you think told him to make friends with you? He was doing exactly as papa told him to." Ivan giggled, "I can tell you his personality was real. It was the selling point that allowed him to gain your trust so easily. He had you fooled the whole time. He became your friend to help execute my plan. I needed fresh meat for my experimental potion. After all that, it was reproduction. Mixing your genes with his would create spawn that would be unstoppable."

Elois looked away, "I-I wanted to tell you. B-b-but I couldn't. I-I didn't like what was doing, I swear." He sniffled.

Gale's face turned red with anger, "BULLSHIT! You lied to me. I trusted you! I had faith in you when Xavier and Arlo didn't. I thought you were my friend! But I was just a pawn your daddy's scheme that would turn into a prize for you. You were only ever interested in my powers! I HATE YOU!" She ranted as her tone dripped with disgust, "You're just as shady as your father! Stay the HELL away from me!"

Elois felt his heart sink as Ivan tried to drag Gale away. The only friend he ever had, was taken away from him. Just like his brother. He went into the cell to his mother. Ivan slammed the door shut after getting Gale to move along.

Marie pulled Elois in for a hug, "I know it hurts baby. I am so sorry he used you like that." She whispered. "S-s-she was my only friend mama. She was nice to me. I didn't want to do this to her. B-but I had no choice. I didn't want him to hurt you and Paris more." Elois whined.

Marie kissed his head, "Thank you for protecting us but you're allowed to be a tiny bit selfish. I can shield your brother from the beatings. But I don't expect you to shield me. You can tell him no, hun. Don't let him control you like he did with Tolys. You have the power to fight back." She caressed his cheek.

"D-don't say that mama. You're my family. You and Paris. I can't just let him hurt you." Elois shook his head. Marie huffed and grabbed his chin, "You listen to me, hun. Even if Ivan has treated you horribly, I did not raise a coward. You are still half me. I never hesitated to tell other people how I felt. My friends Martina and Julchen knew me well. I wasn't a pushover. I've told Ivan no plenty of times. The last time I told him yes was seven years ago."

Elois winced and rubbed his eyes, "Y-y-you love me and Paris though. R-right?" He mumbled. Marie held Paris (who had been crying alongside his brother) and Elois close, "Of course I do. I do not regret having you two. My baby boys are the best things that ever happened to me. I just wish your father treated you better." She assured.

"I love you too mama." Paris murmured. Elois nodded, "I love you too." He sniffled.

xXx

Erika was pacing back and forth in the large tent. Could anyone blame her? She was just told her daughter had been kidnapped. Feliciano tried to calm her down.

"After that bombshell," Lovino glared at Arlo for a moment before looking to Mathias and Lovise, "Do you have any idea of who might want to take Gale?" He questioned.

Lovise and Mathias looked at each other. Then Lovise stepped forwards. "There is one man. He is an evil wizard who has tried kidnapping young shapeshifters time and time again for years." She replied, "He came from across the sea and called himself . . . Ivan. He resides in an underground lair hidden near the tallest tree in this forest. We don't go too close. Most people can't go near the tree without getting hurt."

Erika stopped pacing. The phoenix twins and Alfred all froze up. That was news.

"I thought Ivan was dead." Xavier blinked. Erika clenched her fists, "He should be dead. The bastard somehow lived from the magical power of the Crystal staff. This changes everything. We'll need reinforcements." She huffed and turned to Mathias, "Can you navigate through storms?" Mathias nodded.

"Good. You, me and those phoenix brothers are heading back to the mainland to bring the reinforcements. Alfred and Lovise should stay to try and gather more information on Ivan." Erika crossed her arms.

Lovise bowed slightly, "I will do my best. We can keep an eye on the children as well."

"Miss Erika, we can be the reinforcements. None of us are weak!" Arlo growled.

Erika glared him down with a fiery stare, "You barely hold either of your animal forms for an hour. Xavier isn't emotionally stable enough to properly use his ice powers. The twins pack more of a punch than you two and they have never been outside of their kingdom for more than a day!" She hissed. Xavier and Arlo shrunk back.

"That was a bit harsh, Erika." Feliciano blinked. "Someone needs to be blunt with them. They are not ready to face a real threat." Erika scoffed, "Mathias. Let's go." She snapped.

"Hey, slow the hell down! You just got here." Lovino groaned. Erika grabbed his shirt and yanked him closer, "I am wasting no time god dammit! My daughter and her friend are in the clutches of one of the most dangerous men out there. Gale shouldn't be a prisoner to Ivan longer than she needs to be! Now get moving." She shoved him out of the tent. Feliciano and Mathias quickly followed.

xXx

A few days have passed. At least according to Marie. Gale had been poked and prodded with multiple needles in almost every part of her body. Her arms, legs and abdomen were covered in bandages. Her body ached.

A blonde woman with glasses and her daughter took care of Gale after every experiment. They tended to her wounds and fed her. Today was no different. But Gale also noticed something different. As they were leaving, Gale spotted black chokers on their necks. They were adorned with a shiny blue stone.

Gale took a deep breath and approached Marie, "H-hey miss Marie. Who are those girls? One of them looks awfully familiar to me." She asked.

Marie perked up from brushing Paris' hair and looked at Gale, "That is Elise and Amelia. I believe Ivan abducted them from the Cardinal island. Elise is Tolys' little sister. She probably went missing several years ago, correct?" She sighed.

"Yeah. About six years ago. Her disappearance hit mister Tolys and miss Rota hard. They've been trying to find her for so long." Gale muttered.

"Ivan missed having Tolys around so I think he thought taking one of his sisters for himself would fill that weird void." Marie rolled his eyes, "Funny. Amelia is six years old. I wonder who her father is. She looks exactly like her mother so it's hard to notice something different about her."

It was quiet for a few minutes before the boy shifted around. Paris glanced at Gale, "Gale. You should talk to my big brother." He spoke softly.

Gale snorted and looked away, "And why should I do that? He lied to me. About our friendship, about his wants and who his family was. He is dead to me." She grumbled.

Marie put a hand on Gale's shoulder, "Gale, sweetie. He wasn't lying about his friendship. He really did value your friendship. He grew up alone and hardly gets a chance to interact with his little brother. You were his first friend. He only lied to protect Paris and I. He feels very guilty for leading you astray. He'd help you get out of this situation if he could." She smiled gently.

Gale gulped, gripping her hands togethers. "W-was I too harsh when I found out everything? He was really nice and I feel kinda bad for lashing out at him."

"You had every right to feel angry. I don't blame you." Marie chuckled sheepishly, "I'm just telling you to give him a second chance. Elois is skittish by nature. But once you get to know him, he is a big ol' softie who is eager to please. He's a charmer, just like his mama." She winked.

Gale cracked a tiny smile, "He was very polite to me back on the island. I can't deny he wasn't a sweetheart." She chuckled.

"Th-thank you for the compliments." Elois' voice came from the other side of the bars. Gale felt herself get flustered, "Sh-shut up! You still lied to me though." She pouted.

Elois stuck his hand through the bars, "I promise to never lie to you again. Can we make up?" He bit his lip. Gale took his hand and squeezed it, "Just help us get out of here and I'll forgive you for everything. Me, your mother, brother and those other two blonde girls." She snickered.

Elois laughed softly, "It's a deal. I've been plotting an escape for years. I'll come through for you." He winked. "Although, your parents will be a big help. I don't doubt they'll come after you."

"Oh yeah. My parents will tear this place apart looking for me. I'm their baby girl." Gale giggled, "And I mean that literally. My dad is a powerful wizard and my mother is a dragon shapeshifter."

Elois pulled her closer and kissed her hand, "I'll be counting on it."

Gale blushed darker and pulled her hand away, "O-okay. That was a bit overboard. I like you and everything. But not in that way." She laughed nervously.

"He is his mother's child. My baby can't help being a charmer." Marie cooed.

"Mama, not in front of my friend!" Elois whined.

xXx

Meanwhile, a day later back on the Cardinal island, Erika and the other parents had planned the rescue mission to retrieve Gale. They gathered on the shore.

Along with the original team Alpha of Lukas, Erika, Tolys, Matthew, Ned and Matthew, Martina was tagging along with the phoenix twins and Sakura.

Julchen hugged Matthew as best she could, "You don't die out there alright? I am not raising four kids by myself." She huffed.

Matthew chuckled, "And you don't go into labor while I'm gone." He kissed her nose. Julchen blushed, "No guarantees. Our last three children have been premature. Plus my family has a history of mothers giving birth as early as seven, eight months." She muttered.

Eva came up behind Julchen, "I'll take care of her. Monika is supposed to be coming to the kingdom later today. She can help take care of Julchen." She smiled.

Julchen scoffed, "I don't need to be babysat by my little sister. That defeats my role as a big sister." She crossed her arms.

Ella ran up and hugged her parents, "You come back okay? Bring Gale home." She puffed out her cheeks.

Lukas kissed her forehead, "Your mother and I defeated that evil Ivan once. And we'll do it again." He assured.

"We're strong and make a great pair." Erika grinned, nuzzling Ella's hair. "You be good for auntie Emma, okay?" She winked. Ella nodded.

Martina hugged Roderich, "Don't let this kingdom fall apart alright? I'll be back with the boys." She whispered.

Roderich kissed her forehead, "I've been ruling for a long time now. I think I'll be okay. You go be the warrior I fell in love with." He hummed.

Kaska and Julia hugged Tolys tightly. "You come back with Xavier in one piece, you hear me Tolys." Kaska huffed. Tolys laughed and pecked her cheek, "I do. And I will. With Ivan weakened, my ice magic will be no match for him."

"Go be a hero daddy. Go save big brother." Julia cooed. Tolys scooped her up and kissed her forehead, "As you wish darling. I'll go be your big brother's hero."

Mathias cleared his throat, "We should get going now. Time is precious." He tilted his head towards the ocean. The now expanded team Alpha nodded in understanding.

xXx

With two wizards on hand, the group was able to make it back to the mainland within hours. Lovise and Alfred waited with the children in front of the treeline. Erika and Mathias landed on the shore, allowing everyone else to get off before changing back. Almost immediately, parents rushed to their children.

Sakura forced a hug on Arlo, "Oh thank goodness you're okay. You can be so reckless but this was crossing a line. Don't ever run off like that again." She scolded through her tears.

Arlo awkwardly hugged her back, "I'm sorry I worried you ma." He muttered. Ned lightly bopped Arlo on the head before joining the hug, "Were you making sure Gale and Xavier didn't do anything stupid?" He sighed.

Arlo shrugged, "Yeah. I also came along to keep an eye on the twins. I knew auntie Martina would get upset if anything happened to them." He looked away. Ned patted his son's head, "Good on you son."

Martina tackled her boys in a hug, "I'm so glad you're not hurt! Your father will be so happy to see you." She cooed. Mateo and Ronald hugged her back.

"We had each other's back mama. Don't worry. Ronnie can wield that battle axe better than I can." Mateo chuckled. "Yeah! I fought off monsters that tried to attack the village we've been staying in" Ronald grinned. Martina kissed their cheeks, "Yes! That's my boys." She giggled.

Tolys pulled Xavier close and rested his forehead against Xavier's, "It makes me happy to see that you're okay. You gave yourself away though. You left my workplace messy." He smirked.

Xavier blushed, "Y-yeah. My bad. I should've cleaned up." He looked up at his father, "You're seriously not mad?"

"Not really. I encourage your curiosity. You've got to tell me all that you've learned when we get a chance." Tolys winked. Xavier nodded eagerly, "You're gonna love everything I've written in my journal." He smiled.

Matthew ran up to Alfred and enveloped him in a tight embrace, "Did Erika give you my message?" He glared at his twin. Alfred nodded, "Please don't repeat it. I could hardly walk after that." He gulped.

The shorter blonde smirked and playfully punched Alfred's shoulder, "Good. She got through to you. Even if you've done a good job here watching the kids, you're still an idiot for letting it happen."

Alfred pouted, pausing for a moment before gasping, "Hey Mattie! I learned magic. I can use magic!" He grinned. Matthew raised an eyebrow, "You're compatible?" He questioned.

"Yeah! I can't use it like you but I can use it through potions and stuff. I'm a nurse in training." Alfred slung an arm around Matthew, "Aren't you proud of me?" He snickered.

Matthew chuckled and poked his brother's forehead, "I am. You keep at it. Train with Kaska and Tolys."

Lovise stepped forward, "I have located Ivan's lair. We must move fast. Let's get the children to the safehouse in the village before heading out." She stated.

xXx

Alfred and Lovise stayed back with the kids while the others headed out to Ivan's lair. Ned and Sakura sniffed out the entrance. Something shot out from the trees. Tolys was quick to create a protective force field, making the projectiles bounce off of it.

Ned pried open the doors. "Well there goes the element of surprise." Sakura sighed. Matthew shrugged, "Sorry. Our team doesn't really work like that." He chuckled.

"Let's move. We get in, get Gale and her friend, then get out." Lukas ordered and jumped down. Everyone else followed suit. Matthew lit the way with his magic. It was very quiet. Uncomfortably quiet.

Elois came running up to them, "Oh thank goodness you're here. I'll take you to where he's keeping Gale." He sighed in relief.

Lukas raised an eyebrow, "You're Elois? Why aren't you locked up?" He questioned. Tolys looked the boy up and down. Then he connected the dots.

"It all makes sense now. Tall, pale, platinum blonde hair, violet colored eyes." Tolys stepped forward, "You're the child of Ivan." He stated.

Erika cracked her knuckles, "I was right to be suspicious of you. You tricked my daughter into a false friendship so you could bring her to your daddy." She growled.

Elois gulped, "I-I did trick her. But I swear, the friendship was real. Gale is a very nice person and I feel awful that I had to do my father's bidding."

Lukas and Erika glared daggers at the teenage boy. Then Sakura came up next to Tolys. "My father believed that everyone does everything for a reason. I'm sure Elois had a reason as to why he did what he did." Sakura spoke calmly.

"Sakura, we don't have time for this." Ned sighed. Sakura shushed him and held out a hand to Elois, "Young one. Why did you trick Gale and her friends?" She asked.

Elois bit his lip as tears pricked his eyes. "I did it so my papa wouldn't hurt my mama and little brother. Every time one of us messes up or does something he doesn't like, he punishes the other two for it. Mama shows me so much love and my brother is so young. They don't deserve to be hurt. I'd do anything to make sure papa doesn't hurt them." He explained as he wiped away his tears.

Tolys reached out, taking Elois' hand. "He did the same with me. He threatened to hurt the woman I loved and my sisters if I didn't do what he wanted." He smiled, "You don't have to listen to him anymore. We're going to help."

"Ugh, are we really going to trust his word?" Lovino groaned. Tolys sighed, "It's not easy to lie about trauma, Vargas. Also, the burden Elois is dealing with is something I dealt with."

Lukas and Erika still seemed bitter but they had grown out of lashing out in the moment. They had a mission to complete. "Elois, lead us to Gale." Tolys nodded to the boy. Elois urged them to follow. The teenage boy brought them to the cell where Gale had been kept with his mother and brother.

Oddly enough, the cell door was wide open. Marie got up with Paris and ran up to Elois, "Hun. We need to get out of here. Right now!" She insisted. "Mama, w-where's Gale?!" Elois panicked.

"Why don't you look down, my lovely audience." Ivan's voice called out from the first floor of the lair. The group quickly moved and looked over the rails. Gale was bound by her wrists and ankles with shackles.

"I can't even shapeshift into a large dragon or break through metal restrainers. Why do you feel the need to chain me down?!" Gale snapped.

"I love seeing you struggle. It's quite amusing." Ivan chuckled, "However, you must endure one more needle. Don't worry. This one you'll enjoy. You'll be able to shapeshift into a dragon as large as your mother." He pulled out a silver syringe and jammed it into the nape of her neck.

Marie shoved Paris into Elois' arms, "I said run! NOW!" She shouted and shoved them forwards. "You heard the woman. We need to run." Ned rolled his eyes. "But Gale!" Erika whined. "We are not leaving her here." Lukas snapped.

Feliciano and Lovino pushed the group forwards until they began to run. "I don't think we have a choice." Feliciano panicked. "Move it bastards!" Lovino hissed. The company sprinted back to the entrance, barely escaping as a large dragon burst free of the underground lair. Ivan sat on her back, gripping the metal chains attached to the dragon's front legs.

"What the hell did that guy cook up in that evil lair?" Alfred gasped. "Some kind of growth stimulate. A stimulate dangerous for shapeshifters." Tolys gripped his staff.

"N-no wonder my papa wanted to get his hands on Gale. There are protective barriers and safehouses in the villages. To protect everyone under the age of eighteen. He needed a young shapeshifter to test the growth stimulate." Elois shook with fear, "That's why he sent me to the Cardinal island. To bring back a young and strong shapeshifter, Gale. Since he was getting nowhere here."

"But how would he know that Gale was going to be in the Northern kingdom?" Martina bit her lip.

Marie gestured to Elise and Amelia, "He sent them there. As spies." She replied. "Aww hell man. When did they join us?" Lovino clutched his chest, "They appeared out of fucking nowhere."

Tolys froze, "He took Elise. Again. Why does he have to keep tearing my family apart?" He went up to Elise and hugged her, "I'm just glad you're okay." He murmured. Elise hugged him back.

Feliciano gazed down at the little girl, "I assume that's her daughter. But who's the father?" He blinked. Elise made eye contact with Alfred and suddenly, something clicked. Tolys, Lukas and Matthew felt it too.

"You slept with Elise?!" Tolys and Matthew both shouted at Alfred. "I completely forgot about that. We were both drunk." Alfred snickered. "When though?" Lukas quirked an eyebrow.

"It was the night of Julia's fifth birthday. I was moping about not having a significant other and Alfred took me to a bar to cheer me up. One thing led to another and we slept together. About three weeks later, Ivan kidnapped me just before I found out I was pregnant." Elise explained as she pushed up her glasses, "Ivan must've used some kind of memory wipe on us."

"Daddy!" Amelia pounced up to Alfred and hugged his legs, "Scary dragon." She whimpered. The little girl had her hair in a bob cut with a red bow in her hair.

"Don't worry. This dragon won't hurt you." Tolys assured. Alfred smirked at his brother as he picked up Amelia. Matthew glared at him. That smirk meant 'My kid is cuter than yours.' And that annoyed Matthew greatly.

"Oh really. This lovely beast won't hurt you? Her morals don't exist at the moment." Ivan laughed, "Everything and everyone is a target. I'm going to make sure she does as much damage as possible. So she'll feel so much guilt once she goes back to normal." He yanked on the chains and flew away towards the village. The village.

Mathias transformed into his animal form, "With Gale being the size of an adult dragon and possessing magical powers, the protective barrier won't be able to hold. We must hurry there." He huffed.

"All of you, go. Feli, Lovi and I will stay back to protect the people we just saved." Martina instructed. Matthew put a hand on Alfred's shoulder, "Stay with Elise and Amelia. Let me deal with this mess with them." He sighed. "No fair. I want to be a hero again at one point." Alfred pouted.

Tolys hit Alfred upside the head with his staff, "Your experience with magic is minimal. Your physical strength would be useful here. Protect your woman and child." He scoffed.

Ned and Erika shapeshifted, allowing Lukas and Matthew to ride them. Sakura sighed and followed suit, "Hop on Tolys. Don't expect me to do as you say. I'm a wild animal." She grumbled. Tolys gulped, hoisting himself onto her back.

"Be careful!" Marie and Elise shouted as the wizards and shapeshifters rushed off to the village.

Another chapter down! I am on fire. I might have this done sooner than I thought. That would be awesome. I'm noticing as I write this, even though I'm happy to write it, I need to put this universe to rest. Perhaps though, I'll come back to it here and there, writing little short stories for it. Like about Gale's childhood and stuff. Just some fun one-shots.

I'd like to focus on other families too. I've become fond of the LietPol family and SpAus family. However, I will say I only like the SpAus family because Spain is my favorite character. I love writing Spain. Especially when I can include that pirate-like sadistic temper. I do headcanon that most countries are scared of Spain's temper because of his days as a pirate. Anyhow, until next time my fellow Hetalians, hasta la pasta! ~Churro