Was this what T felt like whenever he stepped out of line?

It had taken a while for her to calm down-

But now that she had…

She glances at Uma before she returns her eyes to her sketch.

She wasn't sure if she was more embarrassed or ashamed of herself for getting so infuriated.

It was mortifying.

And now there was this giant guillotine hanging above her-

Because it had to be coming, didn't it?

She'd lost it.

On Hades.

Something they were constantly getting on to T about-

Disappointment.

Worry.

They were going to start doubting her.

Question her competency and judgment.

She presses a hand to her turning stomach.

How did T live like this?

She felt horrible.

"Ya be havin' ah chance ta be readin' 'em yet," Harry asks as he props his elbows on the table next to her, "ain'nah gonna be lyin', I be thinkin' this be somethin' we all be ah needin'."

"I was waiting."

And trying not to draw attention to herself.

"Ain'nah ya always the prim an' proper," he winks as he lays the pages over her sketch, "Jay an' the Prince, we be right important 'parently."

"The most." She smiles as she picks up Jay's letter.

She blinks.

Jay had known about her since the well?

Well, she frowns.

Not her.

Just her body.

And he'd never said anything?

Never slipped.

That was…

Impressive. Very impressive.

Still-

She quickly folds the letter and places it on the table.

T wouldn't see it that way.

She sighs.

"Can ya be believin' it? Jay be workin' ta help us. He be wantin' us there with 'im too."

She smiles, "Jay has always been loyal to a fault."

"Oh aye, I be knowin' that," Harry wraps an arm around her, "but when they ain'nah sayin' nothin' to us at the temple, I be figurin' there were nothin' ta be done an' we just be holdin' out hope cause o' Deez, but now?" His finger taps the folded letter before he flicks the one still in her hand, "well, be goin' on," he encourages.

She laughs despite her resolve not to draw attention to herself as she opens the letter.

"Yensid needs to see these!" Deez grins as she jumps to her feet, "Uma, can I go get him?"

Uma bites her lip as she looks around the room, "actually, that's a good idea. You go get him, Gil, can you go find Beam and James?"

"Of course," Gil nods as he stands.

"Stone please." Deez holds her hand out as she slips her feet into her boots.

"It's almost done." Gil grins as he slips it into her hand. "C'mon, I'll walk you across deck first." He takes her hand and guides her out the door.

Oh no.

She hadn't seen the situation she was getting put in.

As soon as the door closes behind Gil and Deez-

"Beauty Girl?" Uma says far too sweetly as she slides into her seat at the table.

She turns to her reluctantly, "Yes, Captain?"

"What was that?" Uma asks, her voice still pitched strangely.

"What was what, Captain?"

"What kin' o' weird relationship ya be havin' with Senior? You n' T both." Harry drags a hand down his face as he falls into the chair beside her, "how ya be talkin' ta him like that?"

"When we didn't even know you knew how to yell." Uma adds.

Heat floods her cheeks as she drops her eyes to her lap and she fidgets with her sleeve.

"I mean, you were yelling at him." Uma pushes, "like real yelling."

"T don'nah even be yellin' yellin' at 'im like that, an' I be seein' T do some reckless shit."

"I'm sorry," She ducks her head, "I-" She pauses.

She what?

Wasn't thinking?

Ugh.

T would be having a field day right now.

"Don'nah be takin' this wrong, it were scary as fuck ta see ya go up ta him, an' then confusin' when he be listenin' ta you. An' ya had him stutterin', Love, ya had him fuckin' stutterin'."

Her lip twitches. Good.

She grimaces.

That was not a great response to that.

Not with Uma so close.

"I thought I was gonna have a heart attack the whole damn time." Uma grumbles as she leans back in her seat, "as impressive as that was, don't you ever fuckin' do that again."

"I don'nah be wantin' ta look for the teeth here, but why do he let ya talk ta him like that?"

She looks between the two of them before she takes a deep breath and picks up the ship's tie to Hades and places it in front of them.

Uma and Harry exchange another glance, one similar to the ones they were passing back and forth since returning to the ship.

Harry shrugs before he gestures for Uma to go first.

The room was so silent, so cold and distant as she and Harry waited for Uma to read.

But it doesn't take long.

"You," her cross glare softens when a sharp laugh escapes her lips, but she quickly shakes it off, "you banter with the god of death?"

"What? Let me be ah seein'." Harry snatches the notebook.

"Bantered." She corrects, "past tense. Because if he thinks I'm utilizing my time out for his entertainment after that, he is mistaken."

Harry snickers under his fist as he continues to read, "ya be right funny, Love." He quells under Uma's withering glare, "uh, in ah terrifyin' why kin' o' way?"

Heat floods her cheeks.

"So," Uma turns back to her as she claims the notebook again, "you're not going to continue to write to him?"

"Not like that, but T's deal does need to be honored."

"I don't like how often my hands are tied with him." Uma grumbles and crosses her arms over her chest.

She sighs, "I'm sorry."

"It's-" Uma tilts her head to the side, "well, I guess it's not fine, but it is what family does to each other. Nothing bad happened to you this time, and that could have so easily not been the case. My uncle is a very volatile god on his best days."

She drops her hand before she can touch the scrap of hoodie she was using as a scarf, "I understand, Captain."

"I'm, I think more than anything I'm just in shock that you scolded him. And he just, took it."

She drops her eyes.

"Are you-" Uma's brow furrows before she looks up from the pages, "are you trying to get him to treat Deez better?"

"Tediously so, apparently."

Uma rolls her lips over her teeth, "why?"

She tilts her head, "because for the time being there's nothing we can do to stop it. So if he's going to insist on interacting with her, he could do so respectfully."

"Well, ya ain'nah bein' shy ta tackle the impossible, now are ya?"

She turns to him, "have you met my brother?"

He and Uma groan.

"Aye," Uma answers, "but you're so much more reasonable."

She frowns, "to be fair, that bar hasn't been set very high."

"Oooo, she be havin' us there." Harry winks at her.

She smiles, as the last of the weight over her lifts.

Uma rolls her eyes, "do you think he's going to do something to get back at you?"

She frowns.

Would he?

She wouldn't put it past him to try.

"Are you afraid he'll hurt you?"

"No." She responds with a shake of her head.

"I don'nah be knowin'," Harry rubs his chin, "Senior be gettin' right pissed at T an' choke slammin' 'im inta the wall."

Uma's eye's narrow as she rounds on her.

Her eyes widen as she holds up her hands, "he didn't." She amends quickly, "he's a god- Even upset, he used restraint to keep from crushing T's neck when it would've been so much easier for him to break it."

Harry stares at her before he closes his eyes and nods, "I ain'nah likin' it, but me love do be makin' ah point. The bastard were just wantin' ta scare us, an' fuck, it be workin', but aye, if he were really bein' that pissed, we both would be bein' dead."

The fabric in her hand bunches at the 'we'.

No one would have to worry about the God killing T if her idiot of a brother turned an angry god towards her Prince.

Uma grits her teeth as she drums her fingers across the table. "So T says shit and gets choked slammed, but you tell him off an' he just takes it?"

She drops her eyes as she fidgets with her skirt, "he doesn't have many companions."

"I would be feelin' much better if he be havin' one less," Harry pouts, his voice almost as quiet as she had been.

She closes her eyes and sighs, "ass or not, no one should be trapped in a cage alone."

"I-" Uma sighs as she looks away, "I see." Her fingers drum across the notebook before she scowls and pushes it towards her, "speaking of the cage builder, he's looking for you."

Already?

"Is he now?" She glowers at the notebook, "how unfortunate for him."

Harry's arms tighten around her waist.

Uma narrows her eyes as she looks her over, but shrugs as she lets out a long suffering sigh, "look, I don't like this, but there is a lot going on right now that I don't like. Point is, you seem to have a functioning handle on this. Just-" She thunks her elbow on the table before she cuts the air with her hand, "keep me in the loop about him."

"Understood, Captain."

"And the next time you find yourself attempting to talk him out of doing something, please tell me what he's probably going to do anyway."

"Of course, Captain." She bows her head, "my apologies for being so remiss. It will not happen again."

"Thank you." Uma nods before she looks around the room, "come on, we should clean up before the meeting starts."

"Aye," Harry starts packing up his hair kit.

"Of course." She nods as she stands.

Uma catches her by the hand and turns her so they're facing each other.

"Yes, Captain?"

"Thank you, for standing up for Deez, I don't think I said that."

She smiles as she squeezes her hand, "she's my sister isn't she?"

Uma smiles, "yes. But it's still dangerous to stand up to a god. So just, promise you'll always be careful. As good as it was to see you so stern and commanding, I'd rather it was never at him again. He can't possibly always be so- meek." She says the word as if she were uncertain of it.

Her face catches fire.

Embarrassed. He'd been embarrassed, and ashamed of himself.

Not that she was about to correct Uma-

Or even tell Lord Hades.

She doubted either would respond well.

"Yes, Captain."

"Good." Uma kisses her cheek, "because you're just as important to us, and sometimes I'm scared you either don't remember that, or don't believe it."

Her brow furrows.

Hardly.

She nods, "would you prefer T out for the meeting?"

She shakes her head, "No, I need you to hear everyone's ideas so you can help me plan."

"If you're sure." She sighs.

Harry snorts as he sweeps up blue and white hair clippings. "Shivers an' shakes at the idea o' sittin' at the table with us, but ain'nah thinkin' twice 'bout buttin' heads with Senior."

She looks away as fire licks her cheeks.

How was she supposed to explain the difference?

She was up to her eyeballs in problems; swimming through them like trash in the sea.

At least she was a strong swimmer.

She slowly looks around the group gathered around the table.

Faustina was perched in Harry's lap immediately to her left.

Close and where she could hear her.

Gil and Deez together on her right.

Yensid across the table from her with Beam and James at his sides.

They'd offered to let Big Murph join the group, but the pirate leader was more than happy to give up his title and step out of the light.

She couldn't blame him. If anything, that was the easy move.

It made it so he could complain just as much as the rest of his group if she were to fuck up. In fact, that was exactly what he said.

Though she often wondered if that was his idea of a joke.

She sighs. And something she would wonder for some time to come.

She leans forward in her chair, waiting for side conversations to die off before she starts.

This was probably going to be one of the hardest conversations she would ever be a part of, she could feel it in her bones.

So much was happening.

So much they had no control over.

But this?

This could change everything.

"So," she turns to Yensid, "I think it makes the most sense for you to start."

"Wait," Beam lifts an eyebrow, "Shadow ain't here yet."

Shit.

She really should have thought that through.

Faustina stills in Harry's lap.

"Well, that's part of the meeting today. T is resting because of a situation that happened with us at the cove. When that comes back to bite us, T's volunteered to go deal with it."

"With who?"

"Senior." Harry sighs.

Beam's brow furrows, "how's Shadow dealin' with that?"

"Probably with more deals and offers of further entertainment," Deez grumbles.

Beam stares at her skeptically, "even Shadow ain't that fucked in the head."

Deez shrugs, "I don't know how it works, just that it does. I've given up trying to understand it."

Beam's brow furrows as he looks around the table, his gaze lingering on Faustina before he groans. "Right. Normal. Moving on."

"So," she looks to Yensid, "should we start with the latest attack on the barrier?"

Yensid nods, all sense of joviality gone as he looks around the table-

Remorsefully?

He sighs. "After we brought the group to the beach, T and I departed to go try to circumvent the dark energy emanating around the Isle." His frown deepens, "eventually we located one of the witch's lairs, Morgana's to be specific." He takes a heavy breath, his eyes dipping to Deez before he continues, "After breaching it we found ourselves, witness, to the ritual. She'd already taken several souls," he closes his eyes as he looks away, "and further, she was quick to trap us in a time spell so she could finish her part."

She glances over at Deez when she lowers her head to allow her hair to spill in front of her face.

Another horror.

Another weight.

"We-" he stiffens, "we weren't able to- We were too late to save the-" he shakes his head, "but we were able to stop her before she could carry her goal to completion." He continues grimly. "We were able to procure the spell, and her Grimoire- Spell book." His expression turns severe, "however, even with the loss of Evil Queen and Morgana, there is no guarantee that they will not try again. That is the fear I wish to press the firmest."

"So the witches were actually workin' together?" James asks breathlessly.

"Undeniably so." Yensid nods. "Which although rare, is not unheard of. Especially when it comes to the magnitude of the spell they cast."

"And their goal was the barrier, but it's fine?" She asks as she rubs her temples.

"Yes, and partially," Yensid steeples his fingers, "which leaves us with a distressing dilemma indeed."

"Dilemma?" Faustina asks quietly.

Yensid's steely gaze levels on her, "Contrary to popular belief, infants and other young ones are not the only ones that can be utilized in rituals that require a sacrifice."

Deez shakes her head and drags a hand across her sweat covered face before she looks up, "so, anyone?"

"Precisely." Yensid shakes his head, "Children's energy may be more chaotic and potent; however, they easily could use those your age or older to try again."

Harry shakes his head against Faustina's back, "So we should be ah takin' the fight ta them 'fore they get the chance."

Yensid frowns, "It is my hope that I can locate the high witch of the ill-formed coven she created before another-" he grimaces, "incident." He glances at Faustina apologetically before he returns his gaze to her, "which is a task I believe T will insist on joining."

"I'm pretty sure most of us are going to insist on joinin'," Uma points out before Harry and James can speak.

"Aye," James agrees.

"Tch," Beam crosses his arms, "No shit."

Yensid sighs, "I do not wish for any of you-" he holds up his hand, "any more of you to witness what T has, but I do believe that a larger opposition might throw her off."

"Do you know who organized it?" She frowns.

"Mim." Deez whispers with a shiver.

"Ah, that was my belief." Yensid nods.

Faustina frowns before she turns and whispers something to Harry.

"I don'nah be disagreein' with ya." Harry sighs before he looks up and around the table, "Jus' cause one o' 'em be startin' it don'nah be meanin' another could'nah finish it, aye?"

Yensid nods slowly as he strokes his beard thoughtfully, "that is most undoubtedly true."

"So, why don'nah we just take 'em all out, least the ones that could be strong 'nough ta do this."

Gil frowns as he looks around the table, "I don't like it, but- If it means savin' people…" He frowns, "I'd help."

"Me too." Deez quickly adds.

"As much as I appreciate your vigilance on the matter, it would be dangerous to go to any of their lairs without an experienced, wielder, as you call us." Yensid steeples his fingers, "that is unless the magic ceases for a long period- Though without an advanced wielder that would be difficult to ascertain."

Confusion settles around the table.

"What's that mean?" She asks with furrowed brows.

"When I said the barrier is partially fine, what I should have said is that after the crack formed it has not been preforming it's duty to cancel out magic. But after the spell, it seems to be in a flux of some sort, where as it has been reverting back to canceling magic."

"So, instead of bringing the barrier down," She narrows her eyes at the sheer absurdity, "they, what, kind of fixed it?"

"In a way I suppose you could say that, yes." Yensid frowns, "though more precisely I believe it reminded the barrier of its purpose. All energy has intent behind it you see, and though the barrier was… Jarred, I believe the attack re-awakened it."

He steeples his fingers again, "the first time I felt the magic waver was upon coming to in the cave, at the time I believed it to be merely a fluke. However since then the energy utilized for it has continued to come and go, however the length of time always varies. I've yet to discern what controls how long it stops, but I do have a theory as to why it is happening."

"Which is?" Beam prompts at Yensid's pause.

"The barrier is trying to repair itself." He responds with a frown.

"Ain't that good for us?" Gil tilts his head. "That the magic dips?"

Yensid sighs, "it is rather fortuitous for us, but I'm afraid of the repercussions that will occur until the barrier is restored. The chaos is sure to speed along any nefarious schemes the witches are conjuring."

Silence settles over the table.

"Meaning they might try to proceed with another attempt in haste." Yensid continues bleakly, "and without more adept wielders it would prove difficult to stop."

Eyes meet eyes as everyone looks around the table, the weight of the warning settling eerily, and heavily, over them.

What were they supposed to do?

Yensid was all but saying he wasn't going to be enough for this, which terrified her.

She'd come to believe that the wizard could do anything.

And the realization that wasn't the case scared her.

"Meanin' no matter how many o' us be willin' ta fight, we can'nah be doin' so without you." Harry states.

"That would be my preference, and the safest course to proceed." Yensid nods, "and other wielders as well. The more, the better."

Faustina turns to whisper something to Harry.

Harry's brow lifts in surprise before he turns to Yensid, "Can we non-wielders be ah detectin' magic?"

"Now," Yensid's lips turn in a small smile, "that is something worth looking into, though I am sure we could come up with something to suit that need."

Faustina turns to whisper to Harry again.

She purses her lips.

Of course it had been a pipe dream that she'd be able to hear Faustina.

Deez looks up excitedly, "Ooh, I might be able to help with that."

Faustina smiles at Deez in appreciation.

"Wanna fill the rest of us in?" Beam rolls his eyes.

At least she wasn't the only one frustrated by the seemingly one-sided conversation.

"Magic light." Deez tilts her head in interest, "like a trapped flame or something."

"Ah," Yensid's eyes sparkle with interest, "I see. I would very much enjoy working on such an endeavor with you."

"I have to finish making Faustina's glass instruments anyway, so this works out perfectly." Deez nods before she turns to Yensid with a frown, "but, I have a question about spell books."

"Yes, my dear?"

"You said you found Mor- one," Deez grimaces, but stumbles on, "you found one. And it sounds dangerous."

"They certainly can be."

"I um," Deez slowly nods before she turns to Gil, "there's a good chance there are more in a secret room at Dragon Hall."

Faustina's head whips up and she stares at Deez with horror as the blood drains from her face, "oh no…"

Beam lifts his brow at Faustina, "kinda scared now."

"We released its sentry." Faustina whispers just loud enough for everyone to hear.

"What!?" James and Beam stare at Faustina in horror, making the girl flinch.

"Yep." Deez slumps against Gil as he wraps his arms around her.

Faustina's attention drops as she fiddles with her skirt, her cheeks the darkest she'd ever seen them.

"Yeah…" Deez sighs, "but, I mean there was a guardian, so maybe no one will even want to try. And even then, I don't think most people know about the restricted section-"

"Nope." Beam shakes his head, "rings no bells an' I know a ton o' shit 'bout a ton o' shit.."

Deez nods as her hand fists at her chest, clinging to what she assumed was her new talisman under her dress,"so maybe not the highest on the list-"

Yensid shakes his head, "No, no, my dear, that is quite high. I have no inclination as to what Falicier coveted, but it would be best to assume it contains much that would cause problems for us."

"Mal seemed pretty disgusted by a lot of the spell books she found," Deez shivers before she looks back over her shoulder.

Gil sighs as he drops his eyes to her before he nods, "me an' Treasure can take care of the books."

She taps her fingers across the table before she nods, "It would be the quickest way ta get it done." She admits reluctantly.

The last place she wanted Gil and Deez was on the Isle, but-

As much as it killed her, it made the most sense.

"Aye," James nods, "Would be a good time ta be gatherin' the anvil we be findin too'." He rubs the back of the neck, "was no way to move it secret like."

Gil turns to James with a grin, before he turns on her excitement.

"Aye Sweet Boy," she smiles softly, "ya'll can add that to your task."

Faustina tilts her head before she turns to Harry again.

"Aye, that be ah good question."

Beam rolls his eyes, "seriously?" He runs a hand down his face.

"Their swords? Oh," Deez smiles as she looks up, "they had a place at the hangout they kept them in during school."

Faustina smiles brightly as she looks between Gil and Deez.

"Ha, no." Gil shakes his head.

"Wha-" Deez's eyes widen before she shakes her head.

"Oh come on! She didn't even move her lips that time!" Beam exclaims in disbelief.

"She didn't have to." Uma sighs as she shakes her head, "The spider that was guarding the library was- relocated there."

"Aye, but me an T can be ah fetchin' 'em."

Faustina sighs as she looks to her, "the Spider."

She nods, "it's come to our attention that the adults trying to elect a new leader are worried about the Spider."

"Sonovabitch!" Beam turns to Faustina, "Fuckin' knew it was 'im. Crazy fuckin' shit."

Faustina shrinks in Harry's arms as she ducks her head.

"T came up with the Spider to get the Isle off Urchins and anyone caught wearing a black hoodie." Deez defends before she sighs, "That time, Maleficent was the one who took it to an extreme."

"So many questions." Beam drags a hand down his face again, "so many fuckin' questions, but none are important," he groans.

"I'll answer what I can later." She offers.

Beam sits up straight with a grin, "Seriously?"

She nods.

"Fuck yeah." Beam grins.

"Back to the plan involvin' the Spider bein' a thorn in the Isle's side?" James prompts.

Faustina pulls her sketchbook towards her and rips a page free before offering it to Yensid.

Yensid looks over the page curiously as a small smile slowly curves his lips. "I could manage this."

Faustina nods with an appreciative smile.

"Can one of you please fill us in?" Beam rolls his eyes.

"Sorry," Faustina blushes, "that was rude." She ducks her head.

"Oh so ya can speak loud 'enough ta be heard." Beam snorts.

"You have no idea." Gil and Harry echo each other.

Beam eyes them curiously, before he turns to her, "I also want that later." He gestures between Harry and Gil.

She snorts, "addin' it to the list."

Beam nods, before he turns to Faustina, "so what'cha thinkin' Shydow? Loud 'nough for us in the back, this time."

She felt bad, but in the long run she knew this would only help Fasutina.

And if the girl could yell at a god, she could talk in a meeting.

Faustina blushes, "Oh, um- w-well, my idea was for the Spider to claim his legacy." She bites her lip, " It's going to take time for us to gain traction. With Shan Yu still missing, and the witches still loose, there needs to be a face for change while people still have a chance to choose. That, and having a moving target to keep eyes off of us would help us all sleep better at night."

She fiddles with her sleeve, "the Spider is perfect for both. He already has a reputation built on fear. I had reservations due to his complete lack of charisma, but-" She lifts her head to look at Beam, "I was hoping you'd help with that actually?"

"Wait-" Beam grins wildly, "Seriously!? Ya want me ta act the Spider and make people fear me?"

"At least at gatherings," Faustina nods.

Beam slams his hands on the table as he jumps to his feet, the suddenness making Deez jump and Faustina yelp and flinch away.

"Sign me the fuck up!"

"Mate," James shakes his head. "Be watchin' the yellin' yeah?"

"Wha-" Beam looks around the table and grimaces, "Right." He plops back down. "But, yeah," he clears his throat, "I'm down."

Faustina smiles in amusement as she settles back in Harry's lap.

"It would definitely be puttin' a wrench in the OVs plans ta have the Spider to show up now," James concedes before he leans back in his chair, "An' I might have a few places the Spider should show up to."

"Yo, they have been talkin' up this whole election thing an' who's gonna be the one to step up and take care of problem areas first an' best." Beam clicks his tongue as he rolls his eyes, "they were fightin' over it for hours before we decided it was stupid to keep listenin'."

"Sounds right." Uma shakes her head. "Idiots."

"Speakin' o' idiots-" Harry turns to Yensid, "There be any way we can be trackin' the journals?"

Uma snaps her fingers, "Yes. That! Is there a way to do that?"

Yensid strokes his beard thoughtfully before his eyes drift to Faustina.

"It is something I can look into," Yensid nods, "and point taken. I'll do my best to ensure I always check-in in the future."

"Good." Gil nods in approval.

"I see…" Yensid looks away, but no one misses the mirth in his eyes.

"You're too old for that shit, man. Don't be like T," Beam shakes his head, "by the by though, 'bout me an' mine runnin' into problems at the commissary this last visit. Figured we should talk 'bout it." He frowns.

Uma frowns, "What happened?"

"There were like 'dults there and shit," he frowns, "which would'nah been a problem if it weren't for the guns. Even the Goblins ran."

Yensid sighs, "T and I witnessed a group with guns as well," he runs a hand through his beard, "we had just reached the surface when T pulled us into a hiding spot and we saw them investigate the rubble left behind when the lair collapsed."

"Already?" Deez sighs as Gil pulls her closer.

Uma runs a hand through her braids. "Great."

Beam furrows his brow-

"It be Yu, mate." James explains as he leans forward over the table.

Beam groans as he hangs his head back, "Seriously!? That fuckin' psycho has fuckin' guns?" He blinks before he slumps back in his chair, "then in that case I'm glad they had fuckin' guns, ain'nah one o' us able ta go up aginst Yu's people."

Deez nods.

No fucking kidding.

She'd known this would be coming, that Shan Yu would eventually surface as a problem, but damn if she hadn't hoped for more time.

"An' we be havin' two o' them."

"T, before you ask." Uma offers when Beam opens his mouth, "An' yes, he was in their territory. Yes we've yelled at him, but by all means if you can get it through his thick skull how dumb that was, it would be appreciated, though unlikely."

"He's going to want to go back an' spy again, now that they're making a move." Deez points out.

Faustina nods,"if we're to have any success, it's a necessity."

James groans, "great."

Beam shrugs, "T can be a real fucking asshole about it, but he's dope at what he does. An' as much as it sucks, I'm with Lil' Writer and Shydow. Yu is fuckin' terro-fying. I'd rather know what the fuck he's up to. So if he's being a dick about goin', I say let him."

Huh.

She eyes him curiously as, once again, she finds herself questioning the dynamic between him and T.

"Yu is a major concern, and treatin' it as anything less than is a good way to get dead." She looks over at Faustina and then to Deez, "so, we'll make that a priority." She sighs as she leans forward, resting her arms on the table before she claps them together, "it's also top priority that no one, and I mean no one, moves alone."

Beam lifts his brow, "so who's with Shadow at the cove?"

"The ship and the cove are fine," she skirts the question, "though everyone should be made aware that Senior does know about it and can get in."

Beam frowns as his eyes narrow, "Can he get to the ship?"

"Not without being seen."

"Right." Beam's frown deepens as he falls silent. His pensive gaze slowly trailing back to Faustina.

She frowns, "Another priority is for Deez to finish up Faustina's equipment, we're severely limited in our medical supplies until then."

"I think I have enough sand to get that finished."

"So, where's the anvil fall on the priority list?" Gil asks hopefully.

"Hopefully at the top, cause my blade's shit." Beam sighs, "not that it matters if we're going up against guns."

She nods.

Gil and Deez were the only ones who could make weapons.

And they needed weapons to protect themselves while on the Isle.

Which was slightly ironic, since Deez and Gil were probably the best equipped at defending themselves and anyone with them.

"When it comes to battles and wars there are many theories and stratagems," Yensid steeples his fingers in front of him, "so I have to ask, what are you planning to do if or when the time comes?"

She blanks as she stares at Yensid.

"Dude, I didn't even think about comin' ta that." Beam snorts as he rubs the back of his head.

"Aye." James shakes his head, "makin' sure everyone's safe were the only thing I be thinkin' bout."

She watches as Deez and Faustina exchange guilty looks.

"I…" She pauses, "I haven't got there yet."

"Our best chance, if it comes to it, is guerilla tactics." Faustina offers quietly. "I know you're not going to like them, Captain, but it's the safest course."

"I agree." Yensid nods solemnly, "any other tactic is going to carry a much heavier risk."

"The hell are those?" Beam lifts his brow.

"They are small, sporadic, fast moving attacks meant to disorient the opponent. An example would be to-"

"Poison their source of water." Faustina finishes softly.

Beam eyes Faustina wearily, "kay."

"Yes, something like that works when the enemy has a centralized location." Yensid tugs at his beard, "as for us, currently we can only do our best to prepare."

"Right." She sighs.

Yensid bounces his fist against the table before he looks up, meeting her gaze with a look of remorse, "I will not lie to any of you, this is a horrendously unfavorable situation we are in. Enemies that mean us, or those under your protection, harm can come from anywhere, and at any time. And we are woefully outnumbered and under geared."

The room was charged in the wake of Yensid's voice.

They sat there in silence, each of them feeling the heaviness of the burden they had no choice but to bear.

"And yet, despite all the disadvantages and hardships, here you all are," Yensid smiles as he gestures to each of them, though the smile was full of pain and sadness, "fighting not to save yourselves, but to help those in need. I have never been so proud of a group in my long life. I am honored to be a part of this effort."

She wasn't the only one to shift uncomfortably.

Still, it made her feel strangely better.

Acknowledged.

"Ain't like our odds have ever been favorable." Beam sighs, "but if it comes to it, fuck it. I'll fight for this, probably'll die, but it's better than rollin' over."

James nods, "I told ya from the beginnin', Captain, I'll follow you anywhere. You and yours are worth fighting alongside."

She stares at the three for a long moment, not sure she'd ever felt so humbled.

"Thank you." She nods before she looks around again.

This felt, big.

Like one of those moments that could change history.

A hero from Auradon.

The leader of the Urchins.

And her, daughter of Ursula and Captain of her own ship.

She had not seen this coming.

But here she was, leading a meeting about their priorities and next steps.

She blinks.

They had a good idea of where they needed to start, had goals and plans.

But, she couldn't let this end feeling so heavy.

She clears her throat, "Deez has some news, if anyone is interested?"

Deez furrows her brow, "I do?"

She nods, "the letters?"

"Oh!" Deez grins as she jumps out of Gil's lap and runs to her storage chest, "I do have news, great news!"

She bangs into the table, clearly excited to drop the pages in her hand for the others to see, "I got a letter from Auradon."

"No shit," Beam lifts his brow, "seriously?"

"Yeah," Gil grins proudly, "from Prince Ben too."

"There is help out there." Deez grins as Yensid, James, and Beam look over the letter, "we just have to hold out until they can get here."

Beam laughs as he slings an arm around Deez, "Sorry for thinking you were bat shit, Lil' Writer, I mean, still insane ya did it- but fuck."

"Way ta bury the lead." James snorts

There.

That was a better way to end a meeting like this.

With hope.