"Meg? Are you ready?" Dr. Milo Thatch asked from his door, welcoming Meg into his office.

She sat down in her usual spot on his couch as Dr. Thatch took a seat opposite her a leather wing-backed chair.

"So, tell me. How are things improving in your relationship with Hercules? Last time we left off, you were finally ready to tell him about the toxic relationship with your mother."

Meg nodded and took a deep breath. She wasn't used to facing all of these emotions at once. But she was realizing that they all tied together. Her relationship with Hercules was improving and she was as close to happy as she'd ever been in her life. She didn't want to lose it and talking about her emotional past was part of it.

"Yes. I've pretty much let him in on all the sordid details of being Cruella DeVille's daughter."

"And how did he respond?"

"He's supportive. He is reassuring. He tells me he hates the way my mother has spoken to me and how she treats me."

"That's a step in the right direction."

"Yeah. I was always ashamed of the relationship I have with my mother. It's nothing to brag about but I never liked people to know. I was always afraid they would think there was something wrong with me."

"Why would they think there's something wrong with you when your mother is the one who says those things?"

"I guess I just always thought they'd believe her words, too. And leave."

"Have you always felt this way?"

"No. Not when I was a kid. Usually I just ignored her."

"Interesting. When did you start to feel this way?"

Meg's body temperature rose. She felt dizzy. The time had come. She had to discuss the breaking point in her formative teenage years when she lost trust. She took a deep breath and contemplated how to form the words.

"When I met my father."

"Tell me as much as you feel comfortable sharing right now. I can see that this was a difficult moment for you."

"Hmph. You have no idea."

Meg took another deep breath and began.

"Since I was a kid, my mother had just told me that my father left because I was a disappointment from the beginning. I never believed her. I thought it was her fault he left because she was so cruel. So when I was 15, I did some research. I was able to find my father. He was living in Greece. He had a wife and daughter. I had saved enough money taking pictures for my mother's clothing line that I bought a ticket to surprise him and prove to my mother that I wasn't a disappointment."

"And?"

"I got out of the taxi and ran to his door. I was so excited to finally meet the father I'd never known. The father I knew would be proud of me no matter what. I knocked on the door and a young girl answered. Probably a year or so younger than me. I gave my father's name and asked where he was. She called him 'Dad' and he came to the door. He took one look at me and..."

Tears welled up in Meg's eyes. She saw in her mind her father's face when he first laid eyes on her.

"...he knew exactly who I was without me saying a word. He told his daughter...Vanessa... I think her name was. He told her to go inside and help her mother. That I was from his office. And I had a special delivery for him. He shooed her back inside and shut the door. He stood face to face with me on the steps leading up to his door. He looked me up and down. I told him who I was with a proud smile on my face."

Tears were streaming down Meg's cheeks. Dr. Thatch handed her a box of tissues.

"He grunted. He took dug in his pocked, pulled out his wallet and started counting money. 'How much does she want this time?' he asked. I said I had no idea what he was talking about. Told him I came on my own and that my mother didn't even know I was here. Told him I didn't want his money but I wanted to meet my father. He looked me dead in the eye and said, 'Didn't Cruella explain it to you?'. I shook my head. 'The bitch trapped me. I told her I didn't want to marry her or raise her brat. Gave her anything she wanted to leave me alone. You can tell her the deal's off.' I begged him. I said there has to be some mistake. He was my father and I wanted to be in his life. He threw a few bills at me and said...he said," she stammered through her tears.

"He told me he only had one daughter and she would never know about me and neither would his wife."

"Wow. That had to be tough."

"The entire cab ride to the airport, I replayed every word my mother had ever said to me. How if it wasn't for me, my father would still be around. How if I just followed her way of thinking I would be worth something."

"You know that's not true, Meg."

"I was 15, Dr. Thatch. I was 15 and thought everything my mother ever said to me. Every insult. Every discouraging word. It was all the truth. I was worthless. I was a disappointment. I would never make anyone happy."

"But now you know that isn't true."

"Do I?"

"Your friends don't believe those things. Your coworkers don't believe those things. Hercules doesn't."

Hercules.

Meg thought about him and smiled.

"No. He sees me and loves me no matter what. Emotionally, he gives me everything I've ever wanted and needed."

And Hercules felt the same about Meg.

With the new season approaching, the Mighty Fantasia Mice were having regular practices. They had just been outfitted with a new training facility at the Pegasus Stadium. Herc and the rest of the team was busy familiarizing themselves with their new locker room, when Gaston entered. He walked right by Hercules' locker and laughed.

"Don't tell me you're back with Megara!" Gaston said, noticing the snapshots of Meg taped up on Hercules' locker.

Gaston put his bag down in front of his own locker, next to Hercules'.

Hercules smiled.

"Yes I am and I couldn't be happier."

Gaston rolled his eyes.

"I will never understand your attraction to her."

"Well. You don't have to. I'm in love and I'm happy and as my friend and teammate that is all you need to worry about."

"Whatever man. Has your dad said anything about the new coach?'

Hercules shook his head.

"Nope. Just that he would introduce him today. He doesn't really get into details about business stuff."

Hercules' father, Zeus was a big name in Fantasia and had many businesses and ventures throughout town. Not only was he the owner and general manager of the Fantasia Mice, but he owned and operated several boutiques with his wife, Hera at the Waterhole Shops. He also donated the land for Mount Olympus Park as well as developed the Outland Manors luxury properties. Recently he had been searching for a new head coach for the football team after Coach Philotetes had retired after last season. If they had any chance of beating Dreamworks' Halfmoons this season, they needed a strong, capable coach. Zeus had told Hercules that he would introduce the team to the new coach.

"Attention, team!" Zeus' bellowing deep voice announced as he entered the locker room.

All the team, including Gaston and Hercules turned their heads.

Standing next to Zeus was a built older man with black hair and a slightly receding hairline. He wore a black suit.

"Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce you to your new head coach, Bill Sykes. He just arrived after spending many years in Greece. He was a former Mouse himself back in the day."

The team clapped.

"Thank you, Zeus. Happy to be here. It's been a long time since I've seen Fantasia. I'm looking forward to beating Shrek and his Halfmoons this season."

Gaston and Hercules looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. He looked like a tough guy. They were excited to get this season started.

"I'm fairly certain gentlemen, that that man is a terrible, dreadful idea for this town," Jack stated in a secret meeting with Sinbad, Phoebus and Eric at one of Eric's warehouses.

"He gives me the creeps, that's for sure," Phoebus responded.

"Creepy indeed, mate. Creepy indeed."

"Just what are your plans for him, Sparrow," Sinbad chimed in.

"That is why I called his meeting. Before I sail on the Pearl for Sultan or Eric or anyone else, I need to know that man will not be a problem," Jack replied.

"Well, we won't know until the election in a few months," Eric added.

"And James is pretty hell bent on supporting Charming because Charming is the only one who has publicly stated he wants to put you, Jack, in jail," Phoebus added, mentioning Norrington's vendetta.

"I can handle Norrington. I always have but this man. Nope. Absolutely not. No."

"I'll speak to Derek and Rolfe this week. Maybe we can get more donors on board," Eric suggested.

"That may take care of Frollo for the time being but what about Norrington?" Sinbad asked.

"James is only as powerful as his superiors. What about that secret you and Will have on Charming?" Phoebus asked.

"Will and I will only reveal our knowledge as a last resort. We are not there yet, mate. Right now it's the proper leverage."

"What happened, Jack? I've never seen you so spooked by anyone," Eric asked.

Jack stared off into the distance remembering the incident with Esmeralda and Frollo.

"There are many kinds of evil in this world. I've seen my share. But this man is not to be trusted. Not in a position of great authority and not in our line of business. You can take my word on that."

Jack's words sent chills through Phoebus. He had an inkling that something was off about Frollo but for someone like Jack to see it and confirm it, that was saying something. Jack wasn't exactly the most ethical or law abiding citizen but he had a code of conduct and lines he didn't cross. Phoebus had to respect the man for that if nothing else. Even if he technically was a criminal.

Across town Norrington and Smith were taking a different approach to the possibility of Frollo being a member of Charming's cabinet. The two were having lunch at O'Malley's Pub.

"He has requested a meeting with the three of us. You, me and Phoebus about the details of our investigation into Sparrow," Norrington started.

"What investigation? It's more like a file of could be's and maybes. It's nothing concrete," Smith responded, digging into this steak.

"Either way, Frollo wants all the details. He seems to have an idea on how to catch him once and for all."

Smith rolled his eyes.

"We have no hard evidence. We have little anecdotes from his former flame and suppositions. Sparrow is untouchable. I'd like to know what Frollo has that we haven't already tried."

"So would I. He seems to want to make it his priority before the election."

Smith paused his eating.

"Why? He has no authority for that."

"Your guess is as good as mine. Once Charming becomes mayor, he will. So best to play nice with him."

Smith rolled his eyes.

"What makes you so sure Charming will win? Rolfe seems to be gaining some traction."

"That will never happen. Fantasians want Sparrow stopped just as much as we do."

Smith laughed.

"Sure, James."

Across the restaurant, Flynn was waiting for Jasmine.

They had decided to keep up their friendship pact by meeting regularly to chat and catch up. So far it was fun. Flynn found that the pressure was off and he just enjoyed talking to Jasmine. Even if deep down inside, he really missed her and wanted her back. He saw this as a point in the right direction.

Jasmine arrived in a bit of a daze. She'd been frantic over what to do next and she had come up with the perfect idea and she just had to run it by Flynn.

"Well, hello. Busy morning?" Flynn asked as she sat down.

"Well, kind of."

"Tell me about it."

"I think I figured out my next step after this DeVille Fashions fiasco. Remember how you told me that Eric Shipman has an empty warehouse that I could rent out as a workspace?"

Flynn nodded.

"Well I came up with the idea that if I make my fashions there I would need a place to sell them. And sure online business is great but you know what this town needs?"

"Jaz, that's kind of a loaded question."

Jasmine rolled her eyes.

"I think I want to open my own boutique. My father said he would lend me the money to get going. I just would need to find a space to rent out."

"Jaz, that's a great idea. That sounds perfect for you."

"Really? You think so?"

"Absolutely. What can I do to help?"

"You can help me find a space. Aren't you friends with Dimitri?"

"Yes I am. He's a good realtor. I'm sure he can find you a great space. Wow, Jaz, I'm really excited for you."

And he meant it too. Her chocolate brown eyes were practically sparkling with pure giddiness as she described her vision for her own boutique. He enjoyed listening to her get so passionate about her dreams. He was glad that they had reconnected. He really did miss her.

"So that's my news. What's new with you? Have you talked to Aladdin about Angelica meeting his dad? Angelica didn't say much."

Flynn blinked himself out of his content to bring himself back to the conversation.

"Oh she didn't tell you?"

"No. What happened?"

"Well apparently, there was a fourth dinner guest that night that neither Al or Ang were expecting."

"Seriously? Like did his dad bring a date?"

"You might say that."

"Okay, okay get to the point, gossip boy."

"So you know how me and Al did security for the zoo right?"

"Yeah."

"Apparently, Pocahontas was quite pleased with our work because she personally let Cassim know how much she appreciated it."

"Wait. What? Pocahontas Powatan? What do you mean my personally? Like how personal are we talking?"

"Al told me that when they arrived, Pocahontas was just leaving. His dad was in a robe and was kissing Pocahontas goodbye."

"Oh my Allah, what? Pocahontas is sleeping with Aladdin's dad?"

"Looks like it. After that, Cassim was embarrassed and I guess he thought they were coming later. So Al asked her to stay for dinner. He said Angelica did fine."

"I'm really surprised she hasn't mentioned this. Wow."

"Yeah. I'm having drinks with him later so I'll probably get more details."

"And knowing you, you'll come back to me with a full report."

Jasmine laughed. Flynn smiled.

He was really starting to get used to this.