"Fuck!" He grimaces as his shoulder bounces against the door when his hand slips on the knob.
It was the rain.
He grits his teeth as he drags his palm over his jacket, ignoring the dampness of the fabric.
He wasn't so angry he was sweating.
It was the rain's fault.
He grips the handle, though now his hand was shaking so hard he couldn't twist it open.
New power his ass.
A hand squeezes his shoulder before another helps his hand turn.
"You're not breathin'."
"I ain'nah doin' ah lot o' things." He admits through clenched teeth, holding the door in place as he takes a deep breath.
"She's going to be okay," Gil assures him. "We won't give her a choice."
His forehead clunks against the door.
"Not out here," Gil reminds him softly as he pulls him back, "people are gonna get worried, an' you know she's going to be the first they go to."
He curses himself.
Why hadn't he thought about that?
Uma had enough on her plate as it was, she didn't need to hear the crew questioning if the leadership was okay.
He takes a deep breath as he opens the door, waiting for Gil before he closes it.
Uma's number one, and yet here he was, being reminded of things he should already know.
His gaze sweeps the room before they settle on Yensid folded like a strange bird between the desk and the chair.
"Angel?" Gil calls out in confusion after searching the bed.
"We're under the desk." Faustina returns softly.
"Oh," Gil hangs his head with a soft and exasperated sigh.
That made sense.
Deez seemed drawn to small spaces when she was upset, so of course that's where his Pirate Princess would want her to be right now.
The smile that thought brought to his lips slowly fades as the reason why Deez needed that kind of comfort sinks in again.
"How she be doin'?" He asks as he settles on the foot of the bed, giving Gil space to go check on them first.
"She's stirred a few times, but thus far has been alright." Yensid offers.
Just yesterday they'd been praying to any god, sea or otherwise, that she'd wake up.
Funny how now he was just hoping she'd sleep until they figured out whatever magic could take away memories.
"Does she have to stay under there?" Gil asks with a frown.
He frowns at the small plea before he jumps to his feet,"We can be helpin' ta put her ta bed so the two o' ya can focus on yer readin'," he offers.
The sooner they found the spell or whatever, the better.
"Of course you can move her. She'd probably be more comfortable on the bed with one of you anyways."
Gil sighs as he visibly relaxes.
"Sorry." Faustina sighs sadly. "I didn't mean to frighten you, it was just the best I could do for her."
"Ya ain'nah scarin' us," he pats Gil on the arm as he walks past, more than happy to return the favor.
He'd really been losing it at the door, but now he was feelin' full number one again.
Gil's belief in him made it all the easier to fill his role.
"Ya be doin' great love," he winks into the darkness as he kneels beside Yensid, "it ain'nah soundin' like ah easy time."
"Yeah," Gil rubs the back of his head, "I didn't- thank you for taking care of her, Angel."
"We're family," Faustina smiles, "it's my honor to care for her."
When Yensid shifts he quickly ducks under the desk, accepting Deez as Faustina passes her.
"Thanks fer keepin' ah cool head," he whispers in Faustina's ear before kissing her cheek, "Neptune knows I ain'nah bein' able ta say the same."
"If you had been here, you would have done the same, my Prince."
Would he?
Here lately he'd been losing his shit more often than not.
The days of pretending to be drunk and sloshing around while keeping his wits sharp seemed like a lifetime ago.
He holds Deez to his chest.
Would he have done right by his Fire Princess if he'd been the one to see her lost and overwhelmed?
"The moment she looked at you with those pleading eyes, your priorities would've sorted themselves and just like always you would have risen to the challenge." She continues softly, "Now isn't the time to start doubting yourself, my Prince. You're better than most on your worst day."
His cheeks burn at the praise.
She thought so highly of him.
"Thanks, Love," he looks into her face, wishing there was enough light for him to see her brilliant emeralds.
See the understanding he knew was shining there.
He kisses her forehead and eases out from under the desk.
He didn't need the heat at his side to know Gil was waiting patiently for him, "here ya go, Sweet Boy, I can be ah handlin' the covers."
Gil exhales deeply as he cradles Deez to his chest protectively; the shift in his energy overwhelmingly tangible. "Thank you." He breathes out, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
He nods once before he pulls the blanket back on the bed and pats the thin pillow, "come on now, Uma said ya be havin' a job ta do as well. Where be yer drawin' book?""
"On the table." Gil grins softly, "already have a few ideas."
He grins as he waits for Gil to settle against the headboard and pillow before he gently covers the two.
A smile curves his lips as he watches Gil handle Deez with the care one would with those creepy broken glass dolls.
He turns when he sees Faustina crawling out from under the desk and quickly collects Gil's art and pencil box, "all set then?"
Gil's eyes narrow as he surveys Deez for a moment before he nods, "yeah." He turns to him and gestures for his supplies. "Thanks for waitin'."
"Family, mate." He winks.
He'd never tell Gil how cute it was to see him worrying over pillow fluffiness and the angle Deez was laying against him.
As if an inch of room was too much for Sweet Boy to bear, but he also wanted his Treasure to be comfortable while he worked.
"Do you need anything else, my Lion?" Faustina asks as she settles behind him.
"I don't think so." Gil responds absently, already gathering what he needed for his next task.
"If it helps, my boy, I feel confidant that whatever spell we use will bind well with this stone," Yensid pauses by the bed as he digs in his pocket until he pulls out a stone about the side of a marble, "would you be interested in keeping it in your design?"
Gil takes the pink stone and studies it thoughtfully as he inspects it in the light. "It's pretty, she's going to like it." He finally smiles as he offers it back to Yensid. "Thanks. I'd forgotten you were gonna add one." He adds sheepishly.
Yensid shifts the books in his hands before he takes the stone back, "I was hoping it might create a spark of inspiration. Rose quartz is very well known for its healing and protective properties." His eyes linger on Deez for a long moment, "It's also known for assisting in self value and love, which I fear she will need now more than ever."
Gil smiles, "I thought it was because it was her favorite color."
"Is it now?" Yensid smiles as he strokes his beard, chuckling at himself when books fall to his feet.
He rolls his eyes at the old man before he bends and starts collecting the books, smiling when his hand brushes against Faustina's.
Gil nods as his eyes sweep over Deez lovingly, "the brighter the better. It makes her smile."
"I shall have to keep that in mind," Yensid chuckles as he looks down to find the books already retrieved, "thank you for the assistance, if no one objects, I think it might be wise if we continued to research this enchantment here."
"Yeah," Gil nods, "I'd feel better with that."
Just in case.
He stills, books clasped in his hands as he looks Deez over again.
She wasn't the color of ash anymore, but she still looked so much smaller than she should.
Had she been trapped in memories while she slept?
Like a never ending night terror?
A shiver runs down his spine, like a bucket of icy salt water suddenly thrown over him.
Could you get stuck in a night terror without anyone being able to see it?
Know what was going on?
Faustina nudges him before she gently pries the books from his grip, "she's strong, stronger still with us."
He takes a deep breath before he nods.
He knew that. Knew that long before the silly Fire Princess figured it out herself.
He smiles and pulls Faustina to him, sheltering her against his side.
"Aye, that be true, an' thanks for the reminder."
"With Deez, looks have always been deceiving."
He snorts, looking around the room with a smile when he realizes he's not the only one to do so.
Small, weak, and innocent his ass..
The girl was tougher than Tic Tok.
Stronger than a tidal wave.
And well…
She still had the innocence of one of Gil's angels, but no one could ignore the age in her eyes anymore.
And certainly not after this.
Faustina smiles before she kisses his jaw, "I have a favor to ask, my Prince."
"Aye? I could be usin' ah task ta do, ain'nah gonna lie," he grimaces as he looks down at the strange books piled on the table, "an' I ain't gonna be no help with this mess."
"Ignorance is not a lack of intelligence, it's a lack of knowledge," Faustina shoots him a dark look of disapproval, "you are just as capable as helping search for an enchantment as I, my Prince."
He chuckles at her disgruntled stare as he grabs a book and opens it to a random page.
He snorts at how well the strange diagrams and distorted images prove his point before he turns the book around and gestures to it, "um, no. That kin' o' clock ain'nah bein' me thing."
Faustina takes the book and brings it to her, flipping it over before she shuts it with dark red cheeks.
"An, it be so confusin' I did'nah even be havin' it right side up?" He snorts again
"Interest, my Prince. It's all about interest-" She corrects, "And when it comes to math, science, and theories you have very little. And as such," she sighs, "I concede your point."
"Me thanks," his finger traces a wayward lock of hair hanging in her face before he tucks it behind her ear, "so, what non-magic like task ya be thinkin' then?"
"I was able to locate where T tucked away the robes." She smiles, "I was hoping you could alter them for her."
He grins as she holds out a neatly folded square of smooth gray cloth.
"Aye love, this I can be ah doin'."
Fuastina had her herbs and now an interest in magic.
Uma had the entire ship to run.
Gil had his art, Deez had her writing-
But this?
He wouldn't say he was on the same level as the Blue Princess, but making his family feel and look their best was absolutely his thing.
"Ya be havin' ideas or can I be goin' wild like?"
Faustina's lip twitches, "please just don't make it draw too much attention? Deez hates eyes on her."
"Aye, can'nah be havin' that again. I nearly be havin' ta kneelhaul people who be lookin' at her too long afore the Blue Princess fixed her up."
Faustina smiles, "then by all means my Prince, go wild."
He grins and kisses her cheek.
He already had a few ideas to play around with.
He dances backwards to his chest, rummaging around in it for his sewing kit before his eyes land on the pile of belts.
Oh.
Well now, there was an idea.
Something in her hand was warm.
It was the first thing she could focus on, the small ball of heat in her hand.
It was a strange sensation.
Her next breath draws in a welcomed scent.
Her family.
So comforting and familiar.
And yet-
It felt strange.
Like something was wrong.
But, why?
And what was the warmth?
Was she on fire?!
She sits up in a panic, throwing her arm above her head as she opens her eyes.
"Treasure," Gil greets as he slides to her side and pulls her to him, "you're okay. I've got you."
She nods absently.
She was okay.
If he said it, she knew he meant it.
But then why was her hand warm?
She takes a slow breath before she lowers her arm.
She wasn't holding flames.
In fact there wasn't a single lick or flare in sight.
Her brow furrows as she opens her hand.
The warmth was a small pink stone resting in the palm of her hand.
Why was she holding a stone?
Why did she feel as if there was something dangerous around her, something dark and just out of sight?
Gil's eyes sweep over her in concern, "how are you feeling?"
She looks around the room, trying to find the source of the strange feeling.
It was like a word on the tip of her tongue; there and yet not.
She wanted to ask what happened, wanted to know what was wrong.
But now that she was looking around, she could see more than just her family in the cabin.
Yensid was standing behind Gil. His eyes, while always kind, were narrowed in concentration.
Or concern?
Like he was waiting for something to happen.
Like they were all waiting for something to happen.
Did something happen?
Was that why she felt so on edge?
Faustina sighs, "do you recall my sharing of T's frustration with sparring?"
She snorts, "yes. Now I want to see your style."
What a strange thing to ask.
Uma's eyebrow arches as she grimaces before turning her confusion on Faustina.
Yeah. Nothing strange about that.
Why would Faustina ask about a story she told?
And why did the question look so unexpected to everyone else?
Even Yensid seemed puzzled.
She had everything she needed to figure this out. She knew she did.
But the strange shifting darkness just at the back of her mind was making it hard for her to concentrate.
"Do you remember when I told you that story?"
She takes another deep breath before she freezes.
The story about Faustina's amusement at managing to outmanuever T.
Of course she remembered that-
It explained so much. Namely why he was always so insistent that she learn how to attack.
She'd clung to every word, but couldn't remember seeing Faustina at all.
Just darkness.
Darkness and-
Her fingers press against her throat, and for a moment she could feel a sharp pain there.
But when she pulls them back, they're clean.
And why would she expect blood?
Something in her mind hummed, as if trying to stop her from remembering.
But she did.
It was cloudy. Out of order.
Like staring up through brackish water.
But there it was.
Images.
Colors.
Black eyes.
The kids.
The darkness wasn't watching her, waiting to strike.
The darkness was inside her, a trickle in the back of her mind.
She felt gross.
Dirty.
This-
This was what they were waiting for.
She knew things she knew she shouldn't.
Had seen things as if she were there.
Soul gaze.
Her heart races, pounding accusingly in her chest.
Invader. Invader. Invader.
One of the things she feared most about her father, his ability to rip into someone's mind and soul.
All by looking them in the eye.
Intrude.
Learn.
Kill.
And now she could do it.
Somehow.
The stone in her palm catches her eye, making it hard to think about anything except the soft pinks and whites swirling together like sea foam.
This wasn't like last time.
It wasn't all powerful.
Overwhelming.
Demanding her complete focus.
"I um-" she shakes her head, "a little?"
That's why Faustina asked those questions.
They wanted to know if she remembered what happened.
Remembered being swallowed by the darkness, left to watch from a hundred perspectives as the witches sacrificed kids.
Faustina nods, "after you fell asleep I let the family know. The stone in your palm is enchanted."
Her hand reflexively closes on the stone.
Enchanted?
"And we're gonna make it better," Gil covers her hand with his, "once we get the forge runnin'."
She pulls the hand holding the stone to her chest.
They were going to make her a talisman, like they had for the others.
Like Freddie.
The stone was the reason she could think around the darkness; as if it had somehow become a dam in her mind to slow the onslaught of cruel images.
"Aye," Uma slips onto the bed and takes her free hand, "we're here for you when you need us. Whenever you need us." Her eyes stray to Faustina briefly before they quickly return to her, "we don't expect you to talk about it, but we're all willing to listen and do what we can to help ease whatever we can of this for you, if you ever choose to talk about it." She squeezes her hand.
She runs her thumb over Uma's wrist as she nods.
Of course they would want her to talk about it.
But, did they know what she saw?
How she did it?
She shifts just enough to let her hair fall in her face before she looks around the room.
She knew everyone in here would want to help her with this burden, but was this a burden she should share?
Worry.
Sadness.
Frustration.
There were so many emotions in the room, and those were just the ones she could easily pick out on their faces.
"I understand."
"Good." Uma smiles sadly before she brushes a kiss over her knuckles.
It was hard to remember her conversation with Faustina, everything after seeing the robes until being thrust into darkness was a strange blur of soul piercing anguish.
The only thing she could remember thinking, besides her disgust and terror, was that she wanted to stop talking.
She tilts her head to look at Faustina.
What had she said?
She sighs, "I must have terrified you."
Faustina smiles, "what doesn't?" She rebuttals with a delicate shrug, though doesn't deny it. "I'm just happy Yensid was able to create something to help you function through it."
"I am not the most proficient with memory magic, or magic that affects the mind at all, if I am being completely honest I'm afraid."
"I for one find that to be a relief," Faustina offers softly, "from my perspective at least, it implies controlling others has never been of interest to you."
"That is a fair assessment." Yensid chuckles softly, "Though I have dabbled and studied magic in all its forms, it was purely for scholarly pursuits, so if I had no interest in a form I merely mastered the basics and moved on. Though," he slowly sinks down to sit on the edge of the bed beside Gil, "I am glad to know my habit of hoarding books has paid off."
"No kidding," Uma sighs heavily.
Yensid pats her hand, "the enchantment on this stone is not perfect. I can not promise anything other than it attempts to give you the ability to separate the memories that are not yours."
"They're also harder to make out now." She adds, hoping to ease the tension she could see in everyone.
A collective sigh echoes around her.
"That is good to hear." Yensid smiles.
"Yeah," Gil squeezes her to his chest securely.
"Thank you, for this." She holds the hand with the stone up, "it helps so much."
"Of course, my dear." Yensid pats her head as a large smile spreads over his lips. "It's what family does."
"Damn straight." Uma beams at Yensid.
What family does.
She smiles as she drops her gaze down to the stone.
Family did everything they could for each other.
Family didn't hurt each other.
"I am hoping Faustina might also help me work on a tea blend for you to assist with any disorientation."
They all seemed so concerned over the memories she'd stolen, but no one was mentioning how.
She couldn't blame them for not wanting to talk about it.
Soul gaze.
All her father had to do was stare into eyes.
So, all she had to do was never look anyone in the eyes.
And she still didn't know if that would keep them safe.
Safe from her.
The stone blurs.
"Baby Girl?" Uma whispers as she squeezes her hand.
"He be sayin' tea, Baby Girl, it ain'nah like yer gonna be drinkin' the sleep stuff-"
She didn't have to see the slight movement from Faustina to know she'd just smacked Harry's chest.
"What? Ya can'nah be sayin' it be tastin' good."
Faustina sniffs indignantly, "it works."
Harry snorts as he holds his hands up, "ain'nah denyin' it, were jus' sayin' any tea ya be makin' ain'nah gonna be tastin' that way."
"I look forward to trying them, when you have time." She says before Harry can dig himself any deeper, "but um, you mentioned we were going to work on something?"
"Yeah," Gil nuzzles her head with his chin, "I'mma make something to hold the stone in a necklace for you. Don't worry, I'll make it longer than your shell and compass."
"Is it okay if we go start on that now?"
"Uh," Gil collects her closer before he turns to Uma with a pout.
Uma closes her mouth as she narrows her eyes at both of them.
"Please?" Her free hand bunches the blanket as she lowers her gaze, "I just want something to focus on."
Uma holds up her hand, "alright. Alright. Both of you shut off the guppy eyes." She sighs. "I suppose if you eat first-"
"Deal!" She twists out of Gil's hold and runs for the door.
Gil chuckles as he scrambles after her, "wait for me!"
"Captain," Faustina prompts softly.
"Mmhmmm?" She nods absently as she stares down at the list she was making.
All the topics she needed to know more about.
"Really?" Harry looks up from his sewing, "that becomin' ah thing now? Cause me vote be oh hell no."
"Overruled," She snorts, "It's good for you, Pretty Boy."
"That ain'nah bein' nice."
"No," she grins, "but that doesn't make it any less true."
Harry hmphs, but his heart clearly wasn't in the argument.
She smiles as he goes back to work on Deez's new toga.
"You were sayin', Beauty Girl?"
"Right," Faustina blushes, "sorry. I know you're busy." She bites her lip, "and I don't wish to push- but I was curious when we were going to start planning our next steps?"
She nods.
Trust Faustina to be thinking ahead. It was one of the reasons she insisted on her being part of the meetings.
She sighs as she leans back in her chair.
The state of the commissary.
The witches.
The Isle wanting to elect a new leader.
What the hell Shan Yu was doing in the shadows.
The danger every single kid and teen was in while on the Isle.
And then there were the things she wasn't thinking about yet, which was why they needed this meeting.
"I know I've been pretty focused on Deez," she admits as she lets her pen tap the page, "but I promise I won't shirk that duty."
Faustina's eyes widen as she holds up her arms, "I know you wouldn't Captain, that wasn't my concern. I was simply curious. Something was brought to my attention, and I just wished to share some thoughts with you."
She sits up in her chair, "what's up?" she asks as she flips the paper over and grabs her pen again.
It was always worth taking notes on Faustina's thoughts.
"Well you see, I was mostly kept in the dark when it came to T's activities with his dealings as the Spider, and when I found out, I wasn't exactly approving of them." Faustina starts as she starts pacing.
Her eyes flick up in time to see Harry shrink slightly in his seat.
"And, though it isn't an excuse, a lot has happened since then and I've been remiss in adding him, the Spider, into the equation." Faustina continues.
That was odd, since finding out T and Harry'd finished what they set out to do she hadn't really given the Spider another thought, "What about the Spider would change the equation?"
Faustina sighs, "Everything. T-" She sighs again, "I don't know if you remember, but Maleficent claimed him, The Spider, as her son."
Her eyes widen.
She had forgotten that.
Such a small detail, in the form of a noose around T's neck to keep him from killing Maleficent.
"Oh." She closes her eyes.
"Oh, indeed."
"That was very public, wasn't it."
"Aye." Harry nods, "Senior be bringin' up that the Spider be ah topic with the leader conversations."
"Which as unfortunate as it was for T, is nothing short of fortuitous for us." Faustina adds softly, "if you so wish it, which considering our position, I highly implore you to think about it."
She flips the paper over, "I'm adding it to the list of things we need to talk about once Deez is more secure and Beam and James return. Yensid also didn't want to admit it, but enchanting that stone took a lot out of him."
Magic was so weird.
The man held their ship together during the hurricane after the barrier was damaged, and then went on to help shield them when he could during the fight.
It was the only reason no one was skewered.
But then, one unfamiliar enchantment on a stone was enough to weigh the old man down again.
Though, was it the enchantment, or his lack of rest after dealing with a witch and then whatever else happened underground?
"Thank you Captain," Faustina bows her head.
She bites her lip as she nods.
Should she call James and Beam back now?
Her fingers twitch towards the notebook.
Her parting words to Gil were telling him to work quickly, perhaps she should call them back.
But then, would she be crippling everyone by putting them all into standby?
She sighs as she lays her fingers smooth against the table.
She could wait for Gil and Deez to return, or for the others to request pick up.
No need to set the entire ship on edge over this.
"Is there anything else we need to bring up at the meeting?"
Faustina frowns as she stares at the ceiling thoughtfully, "If you're interested, I have an idea of how we could utilize-"
"I'm all ears."
Faustina blinks, "Oh, well, um-" Heat reddens her cheeks.
"Pirate Princess, ya be actin' shocked ta see Uma interested in yer thoughts," Harry chuckles as he reaches over to rub her arm.
Faustina's blush deepens as she drops her eyes.
"I will always want to hear your thoughts, just so we all understand. Your perspectives help me be a better captain, which I can't tell ya how much I appreciate that."
Faustina smiles, "That's what makes you such an exceptional leader, Captain. Your capacity to listen and learn from others beneath your station."
"Ya ain't beneath my station, just under my command." Still, she can't help but smile at the compliment, "let's hear yer ideas then."
"I think, for now, it would be best for us to let the Spider navigate the waters in your stead. At least for now, it would be beneficial in drawing attention away from you and the ship. It would be weird if you stopped recruiting, but it would probably be for the best at the moment for you to withdraw and for people to overlook you. It will give you more time to prepare and more opportunity to scope out who your opponents are as we look for weaknesses."
Well, she should have seen T and Faustina trying to volunteer for something like this.
"I can't say I disagree, but let's put it to the group to talk it through and see what else we can come up with."
Though it sounded like Faustina had already thought it all the way through.
"Understood Captain." Faustina nods, "then if that's the case, would it be alright for me to return to my herbs?"
"I'll walk you," she stands and stretches, "I need to do rounds anyway."
There was so much work to be done, so many things for them to be wary of.
She was starting to miss the days of her and Mal's stupid feud.
Those had been far less complicated.
And her decisions were never life or death.
Awww! Yensid claimed them as Fam! How adorbz is that shit?
But yeah, I know, I know, not a lotta action-
But there was a plethora of information.
Poor D, that's a fucking lot.
The souls.
The lives.
The realization that her new power sucks ass.
Her concern over how much the family actually knows.
Her fear over them finding out about her morbid version of Soul Gaze.
It's just a fucking shit show for her right now.
And the fam is scrambling to keep hold of everything.
It's just a lot, ya know?
They're 14, 15, 16, 16, 17 for christ sakes. And they're dealing with some heavy ass shit., and the burden of their future is starting to weigh.
I can barely keep my house clean.
See the difference?
Oh! And before I forget, did Faustina's definition of intelligence touch home for anybody?
Much Love and Appreciation
-Twisted