Harry wouldn't easily be able to go to Atlantica, he was lacking in certain areas. A tail and the ability to breathe underwater if we're being precise. He wasn't a merman...yet. He had heard Uma mention once before that there was a way for a human to turn into a merman. A potion and not just any potion, one specifically made by a sea witch. The ingredients could only be found under the deep blue sea in its murky dark depths and they were extremely difficult to find. Uma's mother, a renowned sea witch, and potion connoisseur, usually used her lackey's Flotsam and Jetsam to fetch her ingredients.
Lackeys that were much too old for usefulness now and were currently locked up in an aquarium inside Ursula's home. They had children, however, children owned by Jay. And if Jay was in Auradon than his precious pets would be right along with him.
Harry smirked at the idea of taking something Jay cared for. Jay had thrown his hook into the infested waters of the Isle. If it wasn't for Uma pulling him up, Harry would have shared the same fate as his fellow crew. Harry thinks it'd be a good idea to make his blade extra sharp for when he finally sees Jay. It had been much too long since he's seen his sworn enemy. He just had to ensure he looked his absolute best.
Harry informs Gil of his plan and tells him to inform the crew to set course back to Auradon. Gil observes Harry cautiously, unsure of how to tell his friend about the weight that's been placed upon him and just exactly how it'll affect Harry's well-thought-out plan. Gil debates with himself but eventually finds words slipping through.
"They fear you."
Gil wanted to slap himself, that was not how he intended to start out. Harry looks over at Gil in confusion.
"They've always feared me," Harry points out wondering why Gil was stating the obvious.
"This time's different, there's talk of mutiny Harry," Gil stressed sadly, "They want you to walk the plank."
Harry guffawed, they were trying to overthrow him. He was Harry Hook, the most feared pirate on the Isle.
"Me?" Harry replies incredulous,"Walk the plank?" Harry giggles with a psychotic twinge and scowls.
"Yes, you," Gil maintains with a serious expression, "You killed a member of their crew. A member of your crew."
"My father has done it plenty of times," Harry defends surprised, having never thought he'd use his father as a defense. Still, he continued on,"His crew, however, didn't complain."
"Your father's crew despises him."
"Better to be feared than loved, Gil."
"I can't watch this anymore Harry," Gil explodes, "You promised Uma, you said you wouldn't become him."
Rage flashed in Harry's eyes, and he rushes at Gil. Gil's eyes widened in shock, and he made no move to avoid Harry. Instead, he chooses to quickly close his eyes as Harry gets closer. Harry pushes Gil against the wall roughly. Gil groans at the push but opens his eyes to see Harry's eyes just inches apart. Gil suddenly gains confidence and Harry seems taken aback but gives him an angry sneer.
"Don't mention her name," Harry drawls, "I'd hate to lose another friend." He cooed harshly and takes his left hand off of Gil reaching for the hook inside his jacket. It was still covered in dry blood from the dead crew member. Harry didn't think to wash it, too many things weighed on Harry's mind. And for now, it would be a reminder, a reminder of all the wrong he's done. Of all the actions he must answer about to Uma. He rests the sharpened hook blade upon his friend's chin, a warning for now.
"I'm her friend too," Gil emphasizes to Harry trying not to show fear," She was my captain too."
Harry narrows his eyes furious. Gil would never understand his feelings for Uma. It was more than losing a captain to him, more than losing a friend.
"Friend? Uma isn't just my friend or my Captain! Don't you dare compare your feelings mine!" Harry screeches with a fury that Gil's never seen before. "She's-" Harry suddenly stops speaking and his eyes widened. He drops his hook and backs away from Gil. He runs a hand through his hair feeling frustrated he couldn't fully describe what Uma was to him.
"You love her," Gil marvels knowingly, "It's okay, we're not on the Isle, you can say it. It's just me, Gil, your friend."
Harry looks around the room feeling as if it was closing in. The world seems to spin, and he feels himself spiraling. His breathing seemed to shorten and panic surged its way through. He tries to calm himself and begins to breathe in and out heavily. Emotions began to hit him all at once, emotions he spent his whole life suppressing. He couldn't ignore them any longer as they seemed to creep in his throat begging for him to finally be honest with himself for once. He never kept it a secret what he felt for Uma, it was obvious. Even a villain with the vilest heart could see the pure love he felt for Uma. But now? To be confronted by it? To have to say it out loud to Gil, before he ever had any chance to tell Uma his self.
Harry felt like as if someone stabbed him with the blade of honesty. Harry always thought, when it came to his feelings he would say it so easily. He'd even die for it, and yet here he was feeling, well ironically he wasn't sure yet.
Tears streamed from Harry's eyes, and he glared at the ceiling, this was the first time he let himself be vulnerable with anyone who wasn't Uma, his vision blurs, and he wipes his eyes on his sleeve.
"Harry, look I understand-"
"Understand?"Harry repeats hysterically, "I feel like I can't breathe without her, every day feels exactly the same. And I feel so alone Gil." His voice cracks at the end of his rant, and he sobs loudly.
"I want her back," Harry begs through his cries, "Help me, please."
Gil hated seeing his friend in such emotional turmoil. Harry was right, Gil didn't fully understand. Harry had spent his whole life building a persona, and here it was simply unwrapping before their very eyes. Uma was Gil's friend, his closest friend, but the feelings Harry described Gil couldn't fully comprehend. He had felt the sadness from Uma's absence and it was such an awful feeling.
Still, his smile remained intact because he knew Uma would want him to enjoy his freedom. Uma always hated being held back herself and would never want to be the cause of someone else's suppression.
Gil suddenly, felt a wetness drip on his hands, he looked up at first thinking water was leaking overhead but found himself shocked to see no water seeping through. He placed his hands on his face and noticed his cheeks were wet with tears. He was crying too, he found himself thinking of the memories, the time he spent with Uma. Then his eyes caught Harry's who had a pained look on his.
Harry's face had blanched and his eyes were now bloodshot. Gil gave Harry a compassionate gaze and walked over slowly, gingerly approaching his broken friend. Although Gil was unaware of it, he was feeling broken too. Uma's disappearance hadn't fully hit the boy yet. And when it did, it would be a heartbreaking sight.
"I'm going to do something I saw on Uma's tv once," He concludes tenderly, Harry raises an eyebrow in suspicion but quietly observes his friend wondering what he will do next. Gil embraces his dearest friend since childhood and Harry's body stiffened in response.
"What are you-" Harry begins to argue but realizes just how comforting it feels allows it and places his arms around Gil.
"We're going to get her back," Gil promises, "Just let me talk to them, give them time."
"Fine," Harry concedes with a sniffle, but still the anger lingered. He felt a rush of an emotion he was very familiar with," A day, and if the talk of mutiny is still in the air, we become a crew of two."
Gil pulls away and stares at the manic look on his friend's face. He gulps and frowns in response. However, he found himself a little relieved he was off of Harry's potential murder victims list, but still hated that the list even existed. So much for a breakthrough.
"Okay, I accept your terms," He agrees reluctantly, "but you can't interact with any crew members within that time."
"Sure, they aren't exactly my friends anyway,"
No, they were Uma's although from the way they spoke of her now you'd think otherwise. Harry felt his jaw tic at the thought.
"That means no killing, Harry."
"You and Uma never let me have fun." He mumbles feeling a little agitated.
"Harry," Gil warns.
"Tick-Tock Gil, you don't have that much time," Harry informs and wipes a tear. He gives out a psychotic giggle at whatever sick thought he was imagining, "and I'm just itching to hook someone."
"Harry!" Gil warns again glaring at his friend, who rolls his eyes and turns sitting on his made up bed.
"Be quick with it," Harry motions for Gil to leave, "I'll stay in my room and be a good boy." As good as the son of a villain can be.
Gil could tell from Harry's tone that Harry was going to be anything but good. But still, Harry was right he did have a limited time. He gives him a suspicious glance and nods leaving the room.
But still, Harry was right he did have a limited time. He gives him a suspicious glance and nods leaving the room.
Harry is left alone with his thoughts and wonders, how he shall pass the time as he lays back on his bed and tries to imagine what he'd do with Uma by his side. She'd lie on the bed beside him her hands tangling themselves in his hair. Harry didn't want to imagine anything else, he adored the feel of Uma playing with his hair. His fantasy didn't listen, and she unwraps her hands from his hair, and their eyes would flicker analyzing the body of the other. Harry had changed his mind then, he was starting to really like this fantasy.
A silent tension would hang over them, Harry thinking of exactly what he wanted to do with Uma. Harry had been with others intimately, but he knew Uma had never. He had always hooked anyone who dared to look in Uma's direction. She was his captain, only he would ever be allowed to touch her. Uma didn't seem to mind most of the time, she considered dalliances a waste of time. Although, that didn't stop her from doing occasional touching and flirtatious glances at random crew members, much to Harry's chagrin. Harry didn't know it, but Uma loved it when he was jealous.
She reveled in the feeling of his devotion, it was hers and only hers. No one would ever take it away from her, though many have tried. Uma who usually preferred to keep her eyes set on the prize that was freedom and revenge was actually quite affectionate with Harry. Ever since they were children, they found their hands always longing to be intertwined. Uma usually the initiator coming up with many reasons why Harry must hold her hand.
Harry recalls their school-days, they spent all their time playing in the sandbox, the only place the future traitor Mal deemed suitable for his Uma.
Harry made sure to make it fun for Uma, turning every day in the sandbox into an epic adventure. One day, he decides to bring a toy sailboat his father had just carved out of wood. Harry wasn't technically supposed to have it, but whatever punishment he faced would be worth it. Especially, if it brought a bright smile to his best friend Uma's face.
"One day, I'll get you a real ship," He declares confidently, Uma giggles and looks at the ship astonished.
It was breathtaking and so realistic. She smiled at her friend, "Harry, thank you," She says beaming with joy. Harry gave her a tender smile and was about to speak when they were rudely interrupted by her.
"What is that?" A malicious voice they instantly knew belonged to Mal questionably demands.
"None of your business," Uma responds rolling her eyes, she didn't usually stand up to Mal. Not yet anyway, this was rare and very unlike her. But she refused to let Mal ruin the moment she was having with Harry.
"Did your little boyfriend give you that?" Mal asks nastily ignoring Uma's words.
"Why can't you just leave us alone?" Harry challenges with irritation evident in his voice.
Mal jealously looks at the item in Uma's hands and gives them both an evil smirk.
"Give it to me, now." She demands, stomping her feet onto the hard ground.
"No!" Uma proclaims, "You're just going to break it, please just leave us alone Mal!"
Mal quickly goes for the ship in Uma's hands and pulls it away from her. Harry gets up to grab it from Mal but, she throws it on the ground shattering the boat to pieces and mutters a sarcastic oops.
"Well it's all broken now," Mal commented and laughed as she saw tears falling from Uma's eyes.
Harry's initial reaction was to comfort Uma, but he really wanted to give Mal a piece of his mind.
"Why did you do that?" He shouts angrily, and Mal looks at him fearfully. She quickly regains her composure and glares at the crying Uma.
"Tell your boyfriend to back down, shrimpy," She commands,"Or I tell my Mother, and who knows what she'll do to him."
Uma immediately stands up and goes in front of Harry. She grabs Harry's hand, a scandal at the time, and glares at Mal.
"Leave it alone," She says pulling Harry back to the sandbox. Harry glares at Mal who sticks her tongue out at him and laughs. Mal walks away and sings to herself. It's so good to be bad.
As they sat in the sandbox, Uma didn't let go of his hand instead squeezing it silently assuring him, that one day they'll get back at Mal. They share a silent look, feelings stirring inside of them as their pain seems to ease, Uma pulled her hand away eventually. All eyes on the playground were on them, everyone disgusted by their earlier affection with one another. Uma then yelled telling everyone to get a hobby. She loved having all eyes on her, just not when they're filled with scrutiny.
When Harry went home, with a broken ship he got a painful welcoming from his father. It was worth it. Uma was worth it. After it was over he looked down at his hand and closed his eyes remembering the feelings that waved inside of him earlier.
That one comforting touch of hands meant the world to both of them. Eventually, hand holding evolved as they got older, to lingering touches, and flirtatious words. Harry had always wanted more, but Uma would never give in to what he wanted, what they wanted, not on the Isle. Harry's thoughts abruptly stop as he realized these memories would only fire up his longing. It was best to think of something else for a while until he got the okay to go after his Captain.
He thought of his sisters, something he rarely thought of. CJ had betrayed the Hook name and still was somehow the apple of his father's eye. The nights he did go home, which was quite rare, considering Uma's Captains Quarters were much better than sleeping on a sheet placed on the ground. Plus the ship offered unlimited access to Uma.
His room at his home, his father's home, was pretty barren. He had his clothes thrown around and a pair of scissors for modifying his shirts to look more fashionable, a necessity for any handsome pirate such as he. His room was a huge contrast compared to his sisters whose rooms seemed overstuffed in comparison.
His father always insisted only the best for his girls, conveniently, always forgetting he had a son. Harry used to find it funny, compared to the other parents on the Isle his father was capable of love. Harry just wasn't worth it seemed. At least he had Uma, that's all that mattered. Harry groans in frustration, his room confinement had just started, and he was already over it.
It's only a day. One day, and he will finally be able to search a real lead for Uma. And he might even kill Jay in the process, yes, everything will be great. He yawns feeling tired from the weight of his emotions.
Meanwhile, in Auradon, a handsome king spoke with his beautiful lady in waiting. Harry usually referred to them as The traitor and her lover boy but the world knew them as King Ben and Lady Mal. The tension from days ago was long gone, Ben deciding it was best to never mention it. He couldn't bear the thought of losing Mal again. Mal, however, was consumed by guilt and it was starting to wane her energy tremendously.
Ben snuck glances at Mal who seemed to look as if she was feeling consumed by her thoughts as he tried on a new suit jacket. It was the same royal blue as all the others but a little more elaborately designed. Evie had just finished making it and insisted Mal give it to him, so he could try it on. Mal looked at Evie's handiwork admiring it and appreciating how good it looked on her boyfriend.
"I love it," She enthuses brightly, her emotions not reaching her tired eyes. She was hiding her dark circles with lots and lots of concealer thanks to Evie.
Ben smiles in response, "I love it too!" He decides fondly admiring the jacket he was wearing, "This could be the best jacket Evie's ever designed for me."
Mal nods her head in agreement, "You look really handsome in it babe."
Babe. That was new. Ben thought with a smile and gave Mal what he considered a seductive look. "Why don't you show me how handsome I look?"
"Is King Obviously Cute propositioning me?" Mal playfully asks, "Careful Benny Boo, isn't shallowness what got your dear old dad in trouble." She jokes getting up from her seat and walks over to him placing a chaste kiss on the cheek.
Ben felt disappointed, this wasn't the type of kiss he had in mind. It was much to pure, he wanted raw passion. Like the kiss, they had on the boat, true love's kiss.
Mal moves to go back to her seat except Ben catches her hand keeping her in the same position. She looks at him confused and sees an attempt of an alluring expression on the handsome king's face.
"Mal," He breathes huskily, "I want more."
Mal stares into his eyes, and she tenderly touches his face. "What if someone comes in?" She questions a slight blush appearing on her face.
"We can lock the door," He assures, his eyes lighting up as hers widened in shock at his boldness. "I just want to kiss you, we won't go further."
"I-I wasn't thinking that," She lies her blush deepening,"I know there are certain rules in Auradon when it comes to that."
Ben feels his cheeks burning and could only assume an evident blush was upon it, he hadn't even thought of that. That seemed more in their future not right after a breakup where his girlfriend preferred being trapped on an Isle for all of her life instead of being with him. Maybe, there were some things Ben and Mal did have to address.
"Mal I-"
The sound of the door opening and Mal's surprised cry stopped Ben from going into cautionary conversational territory. Mal had jumped away staring at whoever was at the door.
"King Ben, there's some urgent news that you must address,"
Ben clears his throat and finds himself relieved to see Lumiere when he turns around. Lumiere prevented a conversation he and Mal have been avoiding for days. Ben wanted to kick himself, only he would try to initiate that conversation in the middle of an almost kiss. Why did his mother always teach him to talk about his feelings? He wondered.
"Lumiere, what must I address so urgently?"
Lumiere finally notices Mal and gasps. He bows and looks at his king, "I'm sorry my lord, I didn't realize you had company," He winks at Ben, who suddenly feels very uncomfortable.
"Please knock next time," Ben emphasizes the word knock and Lumiere winks again.
"Oh, of course, I know how it is to be young and in love," Lumiere implies knowingly, "But be careful, we can't have little prince and princesses to early."
"Oh, gods," Mal who had been suspiciously quiet gagged and wished the world would swallow her whole.
"What news do you bring?" Ben inquires his blush deepening at Lumiere's earlier implication.
"Ah, it's about the daughter of the Sea Witch."
"Uma?" Mal and Ben ask at the same time. They both stare at one another a silent conversation going on inside their heads.
"What happened to her?" Ben asks concerned.
"It seems she's been captured Monsieur," Lumiere informs sadly.
"Captured?!" Mal and Ben yell in perfect synchronicity.
"How? By who?" Mal inquires as she runs a hand through her hair nervously. She thought of Harry, who she had just seen a few days prior. The anger that would ravage inside of him screaming to get out, she shudders at the sight. Harry was already convinced that Auradon had something to do with Uma's disappearance and for him to be right...
"By King Triton," He announces and Mal gasps, "She's been arrested for trying to steal his Trident."
"Uma, you idiot!" Mal yells, she sighs in disbelief. She couldn't believe Uma would be stupid enough to get herself trapped in the kingdom of Atlantica. A place Ben had no dominion over and wasn't apart of the United States of Auradon.
"We'll figure this out," Ben muses positively,"I'm sure we can save her."
"Sir, that's not all the news," Lumiere mentions hesitantly.
"There's more?" Mal asks shocked wincing inwardly at the idea of hearing even more terrifying news.
"I'm afraid so M'lady," He states unsure of how to utter the rest, "They plan on executing her."
Mal had no response as she begins to panic. Uma was going to die and it would be all her fault. She hears Ben run over to her, and he wraps his arms around her whispering words of comfort.
"Executing?" He repeats shocked, "Hasn't that been outlawed?" He questions confused.
"That it has, everywhere except Atlantica."
"Oh no," Ben replies worried, "Thank you for informing me, Lumiere, I will be addressing this immediately."
Lumiere dips and bids his king adieu. Ben nods and Lumiere leaves closing the door behind him. Mal begins to sob, feeling guilty for the years of torment and torture she caused Uma. If anything happened to the Sea Witch, it'll be all her fault.
"Ben," She sobs, "I was so awful to Uma. This is all my fault."
"That was the old Mal," Ben comforts, " You're different now. You wouldn't feel guilty if you weren't."
"What does that have to do with anything?" Mal demands loudly pulling away from Ben, "I terrorized her, I left her, I left all of them on the Isle to rot."
"Mal, we're going to save her," Ben assures pulling Mal back to his chest, "We're going to save all of them.
"Really?" Mal asks sniffling.
"Yes, of course," Ben replies but suddenly remembers Uma's murderous first mate, "We have to tell Harry."
"No!" Mal disagrees,"He'll kill us."
"Maybe if we tell him, he'll comply and turn down the murderous rage," Ben suggests. He didn't like Harry Hook at all, it was odd for the person that always saw good in everyone. Ben wanted to believe that Harry could be good, or had the potential to be, but it was kind of hard when he showed high psychopathic tendencies.
"Ben, Harry is always on the verge of a murderous rage," Mal notifies with a frown, "Uma's the one that holds him back."
"Exactly, if we tell him-," Ben cuts himself off imagining the bloody path the handsome pirate would leave if he found out what happened to Uma. "Maybe you're right." Ben complies.
Mal doesn't say anything in response, she feels wrecked by her awful actions that caused this outcome. If she didn't forget about the other VK's, if she just remembered their pain and their lives of poverty... She was so selfish! She got caught in the happiness of being good and loving Ben. Her original intention to free the other VK's and give them a potential chance of happiness too washed away in it all.
Now, here she was facing the consequences of her actions. Uma could die if Ben doesn't intervene fast enough. She thinks back to a couple of days ago, Harry's eyes narrowing in such hatred. He looked so lost without Uma, and she poked him harder, rubbing in his pain even more.
Harry's dedication and devotion to Uma were something Mal had always been jealous of. Even with her brief fling with the handsome pirate, Uma was still all he wanted. Nothing could ever sway the heart from true love. She had that now with Ben, and so a part of her now understood Harry's feelings.
Love was wild and crazy. It was something many seek but few possessed. True love, was blissfully sent by Aphrodite herself. As rare as finding a not rotten fruit on the Isle. She tried to push Ben away once convincing herself he'd be better off without her. That only lead to Ben tied up on a plank, about to be dropped to his death causing a new-found desperation and anger to struck her.
It was like her world would shatter if she didn't feel his arms around her immediately. His safety was the only thing that mattered to her because a life without him would cause unbearable pain. A pain Mal didn't even want to fathom, she managed to get Ben back, but the feeling, the feeling of being so close to losing something was absolutely terrifying.
Mal looks up at Ben, his eyes were also filled with tears. He was thinking, about what if he was too late. What if Uma's fate was already set? What if Ben couldn't change the outcome?
Mal gives him a sad smile and lays back on his chest.
"We're going to save her," She declares quietly, "She won't die."
Ben nods hugging Mal tighter, and Mal begins to repeatedly murmur she won't die. As if it was some spell that would ensure Uma's safety. Still, even though it was useless she found it gave her hope. She closes her eyes and clutches at Ben's shirt. If she doesn't save Uma she thinks for a flicker of a moment that maybe just maybe she deserves to feel Harry's blade. And that terrified her.
A.N. This chapter went way different from what I originally intended. I know I hinted at a reunion, but I really want to focus on the repercussions of Harry's actions. I realize this isn't something I can just gloss over. So, I'm going to tackle it a little more next chapter. Next Chapter, we'll find out if Gil swayed the crew, and we're potentially off to Auradon! Lots of drama in store!