She hated this.

Hated that she was about to be confined to the ship while the others went out.

She always felt better when she was surrounded by her family. When she knew they were okay and safe; something she knew was about to become a rarity for the unforeseeable future.

How could it not?

They were trying to get anyone they could to join them on the ship.

Get the Isle Kids off the Isle while the OVs figured out what they were doing.

Get them all away from the witches.

Safe.

Well as safe as any of them could be.

At least until things settled-

If they settled.

Something she was starting to doubt would ever happen.

She smiles when pale arms wrap around her. "Baby Girl."

"You're worrying." Deez whispers as she tightens the hug.

"Always," she wraps an arm around her small frame.

"It's gonna be okay." Deez promises as she shifts to sit beside her, "we have warnings, we have the notebooks, and you can find the notebooks."

"Aye," She nods.

And it helped.

To be able to communicate and locate each other.

But it wasn't enough.

It was far more than they'd ever had before.

But it wasn't enough.

Not with the current state of unknown they were living in.

Deez stares up at her with sad eyes before she sighs, "I can't even imagine how hard it is to be you."

She snorts, "It ain't like I didn't claim it."

"I know, and you're great at it. But you didn't ask for the rest of this."

"No, I didn't." She admits, "but that doesn't change anything."

"I know that too." Deez nods, "I guess I was trying to figure out how to say thank you."

She smiles as she pulls Deez closer, "you already have."

Deez leans against her, "I mean, thank you for letting me help. And for listening to me, even when I have a hard time explaining something."

She pauses as she pulls back, "Of course Baby Girl, I value your opinion. Your thoughts. I value you in every way. So what if it takes you a little bit to figure out what ya gotta say, it just means you really put thought into it."

She laces their fingers together, smiling at the sharp contrast as she squeezes her hand.

"I know I can't tell you not to worry," Deez says as she rubs a finger across the tip of her nail, "but can I tell you to try?"

She snorts, "I mean, if you want to." She shakes her head, "but it's probably going to be wasted breath. I'm a leader. It's my job to worry."

"One, you're worth wasted breath."

She smiles.

"And two, your job is to use your resources to the best of their abilities and trust that they'll get the job done."

"It's not lack of trust that has me worrying."

It was magic.

It was guns.

It was going in blind.

Everything that could rip her 'resources' away from her. "And none of you are resources. Resources can be replaced."

"Oh," Deez frowns, "I didn't mean it like that. I mean it like, we're all working for the same thing, and we all can do different things. But we're also small. So it takes someone like you to help us all know what to do."

"And it takes all of you to help me figure out what that is."

Deez smiles up at her, "which is another reason you're so good at this."

"I am pretty awesome." She agrees, "but that's because of who I've chosen to stand by me. I wouldn't be the leader I am today if it wasn't for you and the rest of our family."

"That makes me happy."

"Good." She nods, "because you five are what make me happy."

"We try." Deez kisses her cheek before she turns towards the pool area, "Gil's back with Freddie, Celia, and Dizzy."

Good.

Now that they had the space to grow their own herbs, the faster they could get that started, the better.

"Captain," Yensid greets with a smile as he appears, "you might be happy to know that the orbs have been tested as a warning for when the barrier is fully active." He holds out an empty orb.

She frowns, where was the mesmerizing flame?

"Oh, my fire is so small." Deez frowns as she glares at the ball, one hand clenching in her dress over her chest.

"Small? I don't-" she tilts her head to the side before she accepts the orb, nearly dropping it in surprise at how cold it was.

"I enchanted them to grow cold as the magic begins to fade, it will warm up on its own if the magic doesn't return immediately."

She nods before she studies it further. It looked empty, but in the center, no bigger than a raindrop was a small blue and gray-

Ember?

It certainly wasn't the swirling flames she'd seen earlier.

"I was startled at first as well, I hadn't expected the flames to recede so much, though you must admit, this is an easy to read sign."

No kidding.

"I'll say it is." She frowns as she passes the orb back, "so how long has the barrier been up?"

"As I was walking down the stairs," Yensid explains, "luckily I was able to finish my work first."

"How long?" Deez struggles to say.

"Unfortunately, as-" Yensid pauses, his eyes wide with concern as his back straightens, "I am so sorry my Dear."

Sorry?

That was a strange thing for-

Wait.

Her gaze sweeps over Deez's ashen features as a rock plummets to the pit of her stomach.

Shit!

She pulls Deez into a tight hug.

With the barrier fully functioning, her necklace wasn't helping her block the memories shoved into her mind.

"It's okay. It um, it kind of grew slowly, if that makes sense. It's not," she winces before she shakes her head, "it's not everything."

She secures Deez against her side.

Gil.

She needed Gil.

Gil always managed to distract her Baby Girl when her thoughts strayed to murky waters before-

Her chest aches.

But, would it be enough now? With such a heavy burden weighing on her?

She could kill her uncle for this.

For his careless selfishness.

Her vision blurs as she nuzzles against Deez's shoulders.

Forcing his daughter to live a waking nightmare.

"It's okay." Deez hugs her tight.

"No," she clears her throat before she pulls back to look at her, "it isn't."

Not even a little.

She clenches her jaw, "there's just nothing we can do about it right now."

She's surprised when Deez smiles, "you're already doing what I need." She says before she presses her face against her and breathes deep.

She runs her hand through Deez's hair as she continues to hold her close.

Her Baby Girl, always so brave.

Always putting others' needs ahead of her own.

She didn't doubt that her love helped-

After all, what sorrow wasn't lightened by such a powerful force?

But-

Knowing her Baby Girl, she was sure they were just seeing the tip of the iceberg.

Sea Gods how she hated that.

How well the younger girl could school her features.

Smile through her pain.

Suffering in silence.

And for what?

To please her piece of shit father?

The orb in Yensid's hand flickers before blue flames erupt from the ember. They swirl around the orb before they shift, fading from blue to white before turning a golden yellow.

"Well, now I know that enchantment works as well, though I had not planned on taking your rightful first claim, captain."

Before she can comment, she feels the tension in Deez fall away.

Thank every god ever born.

With the barrier on the fritz again, her shield was back.

Dread fills her.

Damn it!

And here she'd been secretly praying the damned thing would fucking fix itself.

Sea god's damn it-

Why the fuck did everything have to be so black and fucking white?

Where the fuck was the gray?

"We're here." Gil's voice echoes before excited footsteps race towards them.

"Hey Captain," Dizzy waves excitedly as she comes into view, "Deez."

"Hey Diz," She smiles as she shifts to face the girl, though she continues to hold Deez tight to her side, "are you three ready?"

"To get off the ship? Yes Ma'am." Freddy grins as she and Celia come into view, "not that I'm complaining-" she claps her hands together before she flings them wide and spins, "but land."

Celia rolls her eyes, "she means happy we can help, Captain."

"I'll show them the garden." Deez offers as she straightens up and takes a step back

"Thanks," she smiles, leaving Deez to lead them through the cave before she turns to Yensid. "How are the enchantments now? Deez is biting at the bit to-"

Shit.

That was a problem.

A big problem.

Her eyes bounce from Deez before she disappears around the corner to the orbs.

What if the barrier fell while they were on the Isle?

"-go burn the library." She finishes lamely.

"I never thought I'd hear something that sounds so absurd about her." Yensid sighs.

She pauses.

Deez.

Burning a library.

On purpose.

"No kidding," she shakes her head.

"And I believe I see your concern," Yensid runs his hand over his beard, "unfortunately, I have no answer at this moment."

"No answer for what?" Gil asks as he joins them.

She sighs, "Deez's memory shield, when the barrier starts working the way it's supposed to…"

"Which is happening at least once a day, I'm afraid." Yensid finishes.

"What?" Gil's eyes widen as his head whips in Deez's direction.

"Even more reason to keep the orbs close." Yensid sighs. "Lest I fear we would never know when the poor girl gets overcome with the horrors she witnessed."

Gil turns to her expectantly.

"Still workin' on it Sweet Boy." She takes his hand and rubs his arm, "we'll figure something out, we always do."

"Indeed." Yensid nods before he offers her the bag, "captains first."

She shakes her head before a ghost of a smile plays over her lips and she nods before she reaches in and pulls one of the blue orbs from the bag.

Her eyes widen when the flames inside begin to whirl swiftly as they condense before it flashes and teal flames flare to life.

"Oooooh," Gil stares at the orb in wonder.

"That was fascinating to watch." Yensid smiles as he strokes his beard, "and not an unexpected color choice."

She smiles brightly as she pulls the orb to her, "what did you do?"

"I know how, protective, you all can be of your possessions, so I added a small spell to assist with identification."

Gil grins as he reaches in next-

"Oooh, Sweet Boy-" She shakes her head, "Number One isn't gonna be too happy-"

"Whoops-" Gil turns to her with a pout as his ball flashes orange. "I didn't- Whoops."

She laughs as she pats his back, "just be ready for it."

Gil drops his head, "yeah. I don't guess he'll accept I was worried, huh?"

"I'll let him know, just, you know Harry. You're gonna get teased about it."

Gil sighs, "s'long as he ain't really mad-" he looks at her with a pout, "T ignores his position enough."

"Aye," she snorts. It was one of the things that, though she'd never admit it out loud, she appreciated T for.

Keeping her Pretty Boy's ego in check.

"Where is your First Mate?" Yensid asks curiously.

She gestures over her shoulder with her thumb, "He should be working with a group at the pool, teaching them how to make fish traps."

"Ah," Yensid nods. "Perhaps it would be best to let him select his next?"

"That would probably be for the best." She agrees.

She was all too happy to get her mind off the problem that had no solution.

He scowls at Gil.

First the pictures, now the orbs too?

Had they all forgotten about number one?

A hand settles on his arm, "aren't you going to select an orb, my Prince?"

"Aye," He glares at Gil before he turns to the bag Yensid was holding out, "since I be gettin' skipped over."

"I said I was sorry," Gil pouts.

"Aye, ya be sorry, an' I still be ah gettin' me pick o' the goods with less good ta be pickin' from."

Faustina looks between the two of them with a frown, "I highly doubt one is of higher quality than the other, our Compass would have sooner broken it herself."

"Yeah Harry, ouch." Deez grumbles as she crosses her arms over her chest.

He turns his glare on her, "Don'nah be ah ouchin' me," he retorts as he pulls an orb out of the bag, "neither o' ya be comin' ta get numbah one when ya be findin' his Pirate Princess' pictures."

His glare vanishes as the blue flames within the orb move and twist like a tornado before the color changes to his favorite shade of red.

Huh.

He brings the orb to his eye to watch the flames within as they settle into a turbulent swirl.

It was amazing to hold a small piece of their Fire Princess in his hands like this.

"Oh is that what happened?" Uma questions with a smirk, "you showed them your drawings?"

Faustina nods.

"Oy!" He turns on Uma in disbelief, "ya be seein' 'em too?"

"Yeah."

It was as if his whole world was a lie.

When it mattered to him the most, with his Pirate Princess, he was not thought of as number one.

Right now he was the fucking last to know.

"Would you feel better if Faustina got her orb next?" Deez asks with a frown.

Faustina quickly holds up her hands, "that's okay-"

"Aye," he crosses his arms over his chest, "that would be ah makin' me feel ah wee bit better."

"I said I was sorry," Gil sighs. "I wasn't thinkin'."

"Aye, there it be. Ya were'nah thinkin' 'bout number one at all." He taps a finger against Gil's chest, "how dare."

Faustina drops her eyes as Uma roars with laughter and Deez looks away, struggling not to add her own laughter to his plight.

"Well Faustina, you heard the First Mate," Yensid offers her the bag.

Faustina bites her lip as she looks around with uncertainty before she steps forward and pulls out her orb.

He watches as it compacts and swirls violently, only to remain blue.

"Ya be sayin' ya ain'nah makin' duds," he points at the globe, "what were that bein'?"

"She didn't." Faustina blushes as she fiddles with the orb.

Gil's brow furrows before he looks from him to Faustina's orb and back and snorts.

"What be so entertainin', Sweet Boy?"

Gil shakes his head, "jus' think it's funny with how much ya look in the mirror."

He glares as his grip on his hook tightens.

Uma's confusion turns to amusement as she lets out her own snort.

Faustina grows smaller as her blush burns brighter.

Deez gently pats Faustina on her shoulder as she steps up beside her, "my turn."

Yensid smiles, "Of course."

"Or is there anyone else you'd like to have go before me," Deez questions with a smile, "Number One."

"Aye, I be ah supposin' ya can be havin' yer turn now." He pouts.

"Thank you." Deez jumps forward to grab her orb from the bag.

He can't help the small smile at her excitement.

They all watch as her orb swirls and changes from the soft blue to a very bright shade of pink.

"Ooo, that is so pretty." Deez coos, "I didn't even know this was a color."

Yensid chuckles, "one I haven't seen in quite some time."

Deez grins before she slips her orb into a pocket in her dress and turns to Uma, "The faster we leave…"

"Yeah," Gil nods.

Uma takes a deep breath before she slowly lets it out. "I want messages."

"Aye aye." Deez nods.

"O' course Uma," Gil smiles.

"Every stage of the mission."

"Good, I expect you both back before nightfall." Uma glares, "and if the orbs go out I expect you to find somewhere safe to stay until we can send someone to get you."

Deez looks away, but nods immediately.

Faustina tilts her head as she looks between the two in confusion.

"O' course, Uma." Gil says seriously as he salutes Uma. "C'mon Treasure," he takes Deez's hand. "We'll message you soon." He promises before he and Deez head out the cavern.

He sighs as he watches them go.

The look on Uma's face told him she was more than just her typical worried.

Why would she want them to hide If the barrier started working again? Wouldn't they be safer from witches?

He looks to Fasutina, but she no longer looked confused.

In fact, she looked sad.

He hugs her close to his side.

"They're both very capable." Yensid offers sagely. "It should not take them long to return."

"Aye." He nods. If nothing else, he trusted that those two could handle themselves out there. And would do what they set out to do and return immediately.

"The barrier isn't shifting often, right?" Uma asks, as if needing reassurance.

Yensid pauses, "it is hard to say with how erratic the fluctuation is, unfortunately."

"Great," Uma groans as she wipes a hand over her lips.

"But we will all know, and you wisely implemented a plan if it does shift." He offers sagely.

Faustina glances at Uma, "what is it exactly that you are concerned about Captain?"

Uma turns to her, "when the barrier works properly, magic doesn't work anymore. And Deez," she takes a breath, "the memories start to push on her when that happens."

Ice rushes through his veins as his eyes sweep back to the exit where Gil and Deez had just disappeared. "An' we be ah lettin' 'em go? What if it be settin' her off on a wakin' terror?"

"What else could we do?" Uma asks sadly, "she wants to help, and Gil is with her. I can't force her to sit out when she has so much she can do to help our cause. I can't force either of them to sit out like that."

Faustina frowns as she fidgets with the orb and mumbles, "they'll probably be more likely to defend themselves this way."

"Aye," he agrees.

He wasn't blind. He knew the two of them hated fighting and the idea of hurting others.

But sea gods help whoever had the balls to mess with Deez in front of Gil, and vice versa.

"My concern lies with her state if she ends up killing someone she perceives as innocent." Faustina continues with a small frown, "after seeing so much unnecessary death, she'll no doubt take doing so harder than she has in the past."

They all fall silent.

"For now, I believe the saying this family uses best fits, be wary of teeth, but let us not go looking for the shark."

He snorts, "that be ah smart way ta be sayin' don'nah be lookin' for teeth in the shark."

"But fair." Uma nods, "we know what could happen, so we stay on alert. Until then, we all have jobs to do."

He swallows a pain in his throat as he turns to Faustina.

All he wanted was to spend some time with her before he and T would have to head out. And, as nice as it had been to sleep with her, it wasn't the same as time spent with her.

Hell, he hadn't even gotten a chance to really check in with her. Something that was eating at him.

She was clearly functional, that much no one could question-

But that didn't mean she was okay.

"Ya be needin' any help?" He asks hopefully.

Faustina pauses to study him for a moment before her eyes flash hopefully and she turns to Uma, "would it be okay to take a break, Captain?"

He drops his gaze before Uma can see the begging in them.

"Aye, with the girls workin' on the herbs, I think ya be havin' time for ah break."

"If you have a moment, Captain, I'd like your opinion on something."

"Of course," Uma nods, her lips thinning as she turns on one heel, "how can I help?"

It was as if the gods themselves were finally helping him get the time he so desperately needed.

He walks his fingers over Faustina's shoulders before he pulls her to his side, "we won't be too far," he waves as Yensid and Uma walk off together.

Faustina smiles as she leans against him and places her hand over his and squeezes.

"Askin' for ah break be ah good idea, Love." He pulls her closer.

Her blush heats his cheeks, "I know you asked if you could help, but I don't think I would've been able to con-"

"Nananana, this be bein' for the best." He twists, pulling her off her feet and into his arms, "where to?"

"Um," she bites her lip as her brow furrows before she hesitantly looks up at him, "the cliff isn't technically part of the Isle, right?"

He turns for the stairs, "even if it do be, we ain'nah breakin' any rules if we be goin' together."

She smiles up at him brightly as she nods her head, "then there please, I miss heights."

He chuckles as he pulls her closer and pecks her cheek, "yer wish, me Pirate Princess. Jus' be knowin' I ain'nah lettin' ya go anytime soon like."

She nuzzles against him, "am I supposed to complain about that?" She questions, "it feels like it's been ages."

"Aye," he grumbles, "an' feels like the whole damn world were bein' against me gettin' this time with ya."

Her blush deepens, "and here I thought it was just me." She nestles against him and wraps her arms around his neck.

He grins, "aye? Good ta know it were'nah bein' just me."

She chuckles as she squeezes herself to him tighter, "no, definitely not just you." She sighs, "It's been hard, being this near but having so much to do. Especially after everything that's happened. I'm sorry-"

"Ain'nah bein' ah reason for ya ta be sorry," he carefully sets her on her feet at the top of the hidden steps before he looks around, "but I be agreein', it do be bein' hard ta be so close an' too busy with everything else ta just be-" he crushes her to him again.

He'd planned on sitting together on the edge of the cliff so they could look out over the water, but he'd reached the end of his ability to think beyond his need for her warmth.

Her scent.

The way she changed everything, even the air around him, just by being out.

After a long moment Faustina pulls back enough to lean up and kiss the corner of his lips, "I missed you dearly, my Prince."

"Aye," he cups the back of her head and steals a kiss, though stealing might have been too strong a word with the way Faustina responded with her own passion.

A weight on his chest he hadn't even realized he'd been carrying around lifts.

She was okay.

Whatever had scared T-

Whatever it was he'd done to protect his sister-

She was okay.

His brow furrows after they break for air and she uses the crook of her finger to look down his shirt.

"How is it?" She asks as she lets his top fall back to his chest, "how are you?"

"Me chest?" He takes a deep breath and lets it out, "it be great, better now that I be assurin' meself ya be safe."

Her cheeks darken, "I meant with what she did. Does any pain still linger?"

One eye twitches as he flexes his hand, but he quickly shakes it off. "Nah, it ain'nah hurtin' none. I won'nah be forgettin' how magic can be feelin' anytime soon, but me muscles be fine now."

She searches his face for a moment before she sighs, "thank god." She rests her head on his shoulder, "it was much too late to do anything once I found out and after-" She pauses as she shuts her eyes and takes a deep breath, "after Morganna, I've been so worried but it's been nothing but a whirlwind of recovery and preparation."

He holds a finger to her lips, shushing her quietly before he guides them to a ledge looking out over the sea. "Be givin' me now? Be ah lettin' me have right now ta be selfish an' keep ya all to meself."

"I'd love nothing more, my Prince." She smiles as she settles with her feet over the ledge before her eyes take in the view in wonder.

It was always the little things that caught him most off guard with her.

It was the same ocean they stared at from the cove and ship.

Same orange barrier muting the drab grays of the clouds and rain.

But now?

For a moment he can see it through her eyes.

Wide open sky and sea as far as the eye could see.

And if you ignored the barrier, nothing that resembled a cage of any kind.

No bars to search between.

He smiles as he pulls her to rest her head against his shoulder.

The view might have been breathtaking, but he had eyes only for her.

"It feels so strange being back here."

Back in the last place Book Club had gathered before her gang was taken to Auradon.

"Yeah," Gil sighs as his eyes drift to the corner where he'd protected her and Carlos from Mal's wrath.

She smiles sadly before she looks around the disheveled room.

Dirt and dust clung to every open space like a thick rug, and if it weren't for her sharp vision in the dark she wouldn't have spotted any of the books strewn across the floor.

The sight made her chest hurt.

"They're okay right?" He asks as he turns back to her. "Carlos and the others."

"Yeah," she nods as she takes his hand and wraps his arm over her shoulder so she could lean against him, "yeah, they're together and in Auradon with Prince Ben and someone even Jay trusts. They have to be okay."

He pulls her to him tighter before he leans to kiss the top of her head, "thank you."

She grins up at him as she holds her orb of light, "of course." She looks around again before she takes a deep breath, "so, I'm not sure you're going to like this, but I kind of need you to not go in there with me."

Gil studies her for a moment before he sighs and takes her orb, "I figured you were gonna say that."

"I just-" she bites her lip.

Gil snorts, "it's okay Treasure," He smiles, "I'd hate for you to have to watch me destroy books too." He teases.

She grimaces as she looks up, "I don't want to test my fire like this with you standing here, surrounded by all the things that can burn so easily."

He runs a hand over her hair, "want me to wait somewhere else?"

"By the front entrance?" She pleads.

He studies her for a moment before he nods, "by the entrance." He pulls her to his chest and hugs her tightly. "Take too long, an' I'mma come lookin'."

She nods against his shoulder as she returns the hug, too relieved to argue.

She'd thought about it the moment they'd reached Dragon Hall.

Her fire.

The destructive side of her fire.

The fire that could reduce a man to ash in seconds.

Her heart hadn't settled after that realization.

She was going to destroy, and she had someone with her.

"Thank you."

She'd clearly overworked the conversation in her head.

Believed he would argue with her.

T would have.

And with the way things had been since the wave-

"Of course," he kisses her temple, holding her close for a long moment before he releases her. "Don't be too long."

"I'll be quick." She easily promises.

She didn't want to be here any longer than she had to be.

This place echoed with ghosts.

Screamed with memories.

And even the good ones hurt to relive.

"I'll hold ya to that." He kisses her before he squeezes her hand. "Quick." He reminds her before he disappears out the door.

She races across the room.

Past the swinging gate that once held the guardian spider at bay.

She lunges over the toppled bookcases.

Ignores the open books with their grisly images.

Don't think.

Don't think. Don't think.

It's cool.

Cool.

Cool cool cool cool.

These books couldn't hurt anyone if they were ash.

Her palms slam into the back wall with a loud thud before she turns to face the direction she'd just run from.

This part scared her.

Always scared her.

She rests her hands on shelves to either side of her before she lets the images from the books fill her mind.

White flames burst to life over the pain in her chest before it races down her arms.

Hate.

She hated the witches who killed so many children.

People who could stoop so low.

How someone could value power over life was-

It wasn't unimaginable.

She'd seen nothing but the value placed on power since she could first remember.

But to so easily take so many lives.

It shattered her heart.

Tears of white flames splash to the stone floor as she starts walking forward with her arms spread wide, her fingers itching to touch every burnable surface within sight and reach.

This was a disgusting place, even if only a quarter of the books were evil.

It wasn't worth saving anything.

Missing anything.

Her hair whips in the fury of her desire to ride the world of every word in this room.

Every image.

Every stroke of a pen.

All of it.

She wanted to end it all and run away, pretend it never happened.

Her fire was good.

Her fire could warm.

Her fire could create.

But right now, it was chaos.

A weapon.

She hated it.

Right?

Hated that she could be a weapon.

Didn't she?

As she pushes her flames from her, sending the roaring inferno down row and row, she realized-

She didn't hate this.

She was glad she could do this.

Destroy something before it could destroy them.

As her flames sing a song of ruin, she finds herself remembering Atilla.

Remembering a meeting with him that she spent a long time trying to forget.

She'd always hated how destructive she was, but he praised her for it.

Right now, she felt like who she was supposed to be.

A force she could control, and use as a means of protecting others.

Had he known she'd get here one day?

Accept that her fire was a wonderful force and she could decide how to use it?

She could create.

She could warm.

She could incinerate.

It was up to her.

Her and no one else.

She smiles at the weight lifting from her chest as more tears splash to the ground, leaving molten divots in her wake.

She was in control of these flames.

Could feel where they were in the room as they consumed dry pages and brittle wood.

It was the first time she'd ever been this aware of it.

Because she was so determined to burn everything.

When she reaches the gate she turns back to the white hot inferno, watching as the flames sweep into every nook and cranny of the room before she finally turns her back on the room.

It would always haunt her dreams, but at least she knew it was dead.

With a grin she runs through the room, letting her flames drip to consume the rest of the library.

Just to be sure.

Last night had been-

He grins boyishly at the memory of Deez's body pressed against his.

Her heat.

Her taste.

Her scent.

All tantalizing his senses.

Overwhelming him as her flames consumed them.

Beautiful.

Needed.

Last night had been needed.

No.

Yesterday.

That's what had been needed.

His grin widens.

His Angel had lost it over his gift to her.

Just like Deez had assured him time and time again she would.

His gaze drops to the pink orb in his hand.

Every bit as gorgeous as its maker.

His Treasure.

He glances at the entrance.

She'd been so worried he wouldn't want to leave her. So scared he'd argue with her.

But he knew her.

Knew how she worked.

And as much as he never wanted to leave her side-

He wasn't an idiot.

Wasn't T.

Deez hated her fire. Or at least, hated when her fire was destructive.

It hurt.

Hurt to know how much she hated something that was so innately a part of her.

So vital.

So beautiful.

The last thing he wanted to do was add to her pain.

Which his staying would've done.

With as much conviction as Deez had to finish this task-

She hated it.

Hated the fact she had to do it.

Loathed the why of it.

Hated having to destroy with anger and fear rather than create with passion.

His brow furrows when he feels eyes on him.

T?

He looks up in confusion, his eyes searching until his gaze meets a familiar shade of brown.

He can't stop his grin as relief floods him at the sight.

They'd made it!

"Well now, look at that brother-"

His face falls at the condescending tone.

Crap.

He glances at the entrance and back.

"The runt somehow managed to survive."

"Yeah, Junior," Third says, sounding exasperated, "I see him."

He bites his lip as he grips the orb in his hand.

Instinct was telling him to run.

But leaving Deez was unacceptable.

"And little Gilly's started playing with pink balls."

Ice floods his veins at the old nickname.

Memories of pain, fear, and humiliation brush against him like Shrimpy around his feet.

He stiffens as he shoves the orb in his pocket, "I ain't playin' with it."

"Aw, is little Gilly afraid we'll smash his toy?" Junior sneers.

"Can't we just- I dunno, try being glad he's alive?" Third grimaces when Junior rounds on him, "it could be fun?"

He shoots Third an appreciative look, but doesn't dare spare a moment more as his gaze returns to Junior.

"I was-uh," He pauses.

Was he really about to do this?

"Uh? Uh-uh what?" Junior claps a hand to his chest as he laughs.

He grimaces.

Hating himself.

"Do, uh, do-do you guys wa-wanna-"

"Oh my god! Third, look at the little girl nearly pissing herself as she stutters," Junior snorts as he pushes third forward a few more steps, "wa-wa-waaah."

Heat floods his cheeks, "am not." He huffs.

"Man, just calm down. Dad was just saying he'd like to get him back."

He freezes when his back hits the wall.

Dad.

Dad wanted him back?

His heart slams against his chest.

Dad wanted him back, now?

Why?

He didn't want to go back.

Didn't want to leave.

It had been years-

Years!

So why would Gaston want him back now?

"We don't need him."

"We do if Dad does."

His eyes dart between his twin brothers, afraid to so much as breathe.

He needed to run.

He needed to get to Uma.

He needed Deez.

"Look, just, let me-" Third holds a hand up as he steps in front of Junior, "look man, Dad's gonna be the new leader-"

"That's dumb." He blurts out.

"Gil-" Third groans as Junior's hand slams on his shoulder.

His eyes widen.

No.

He didn't say that out loud-

Did he?

"Look, you might not like it, and I hate it, but you're a Gaston." Junior snaps.

"And-" Third holds a hand up to Junior to stop him from barreling past, "Dad is going to be the leader. So just, come join us."

His brow crinkles, "but I was gonna ask you that."

Junior snorts, "Idiot, we're already with Dad." He shakes his head before he looks Third over, "seriously? Why are you like, risking your neck for this stupid little girly boy?"

Third frowns, "I ain't, I jus' know Dad wants 'im.."

"Dad don't need a whimp."

"Then why's he askin' for 'im every day?"

"Because you put the idea in his head." Junior snaps as he cuffs the back of Third's head, "Three bruisers to help enforce the new laws".

Third falls silent as he looks away.

Huh.

A smile twitches at his lips.

Third.

He'd always cared.

Not like Uma or Harry.

Certainly not like Deez.

Or T or Faustina.

But he'd cared in his own way.

"I meant join Uma." He clarifies.

"So Shrimpy managed to survive too?" Junior snorts, "guess the rumors she was out recruiting were true."

"Yeah," He nods. "Do you guys wanna join us?"

Uma was going to kill him.

If Harry didn't.

Or T.

"Join her?" Junior scoffs, "fuck no. I ain't a prissy pirate that takes it from a girl." He shoves Third closer, "And you ain't either, not anymore."

His heart hits his chest at the tone.

The promise.

The threat.

Third's hand smacks into the wall beside him before he manages to catch his balance. "Dad does want you to come home," he says with an apologetic look on his face.

"No!" He backs away, "that ain't home."

"Don't make Dad look bad." Junior snorts before he shoves him back towards Third, "how's the Isle supposed to know who's boss if he can't control you?"

"Don't know." He frowns as Third catches him by the shoulders.

"Gil. Man, come on-"

"Fuck this," Junior points at him, "hold him still. If he won't come back on his own, we'll drag him back."

"Junior-"

"I fucking said hold him!"

"He ain't little, don't know if you've-"

His brow furrows, confused as he turns back to Third.

"Are you turning pussy too?" Junior asks before he feels a kick to the back of his knee.

Shit!

He grunts as he hits the ground.

"I'm not. I'm just, dude. The kid with daggers likes Gil-"

"Fuck the Ghost," Junior huffs. "Kid's dead the minute I find 'im. Now fucking hold him, or I'll knock you down ah peg too."

He grunts when Junior kicks him back down.

"Dude," Third whispers as he grabs his shoulder, "just, stop. Please."

He falters as he meets Third's eyes.

Confused by his desperation.

His chest constricting at the plea.

"I-"

"Gil?" He hears Deez yell, her voice echoing from inside the school.

Third's eyes widen as he looks up.

"No fucking way." Junior grins as he turns towards the school, "I'd heard she was still here, Third, Dad's gonna shit himself over this haul."

His eyes shift to Junior.

Dad's going to-

He growls as he shoves Third off of him and jumps to his feet. "She ain't his."

"Calm down, I'm sure Dad won't mind us keeping her. I mean, think about it. Three bruisers and a Fire Princess. What's magic to a Demi?"

His eyes narrow, "she ain't yours either." He snaps.

Third's jaw drops, "Gil, is, is she yours?"

His mouth slams shut.

Was she?

"Oh, that's rich." Junior snorts before pain blossoms in his gut and he finds himself bent over again.

"Ooomph." He breathes out.

"GIL!"

"Damnit Junior!" Third hisses.

"Just, get out your knife and hold it to his throat," Junior rolls his eyes before he grins and turns back to the school doors, "I'll handle her."

"Fucking damnit." Third grumbles as he feels a blade to his throat. "Please just- stop." He whispers to him. "Please."

He pauses as his shoulders sag with defeat.

He didn't want to make this worse for Third.

He sighs as he turns his gaze back to Junior.

Dread settles over him.

Surrounding him like a fog getting closer with every running step he could hear Deez take.

"Gil what's wrong-" Deez slides several feet through the door before she comes to a stop in front of Junior.

"Fire Princess," Junior greets rakishly. "Long time."

"Not long enough." Deez glares

"Ouch," Junior huffs, "An' here I thought the four of us could catch up."

"Yay, we're alive." Deez claps her hands together before she turns her back on Junior and takes a step towards him and Third, "all caught up. We should do this again soon."

Junior snorts, "still haven't been taught your place, I see."

"Last time we talked you were the one tripping over yourself to prove how brave you were against the Shadow."

"Kid's a fuckin' coward. Attackin' from behind and shit. In a real fight-"

"That's called smart, but I can see why that would confuse you." Deez crosses her arms over her chest as she levels a gaze at him, her eyes shifting slightly as she takes in the knife at his throat.

"Pfft, real men fight face to face."

"Real men don't have brothers hold knives on brothers just to get a girl to talk-"

Junior brazenly places both hands on her shoulders, "Oh, that isn't why he's at knife point, Princess."

"Oh?" Deez crains her head back to look up, "Then why?"

"One wrong move on your end, and Gilly Girl has an accident."

Her eyes flick to him before she takes a deep breath, "and what's a wrong move? I just need to be sure."

"Best we walk and talk," Junior tilts his head towards Third.

He hears the sigh as he's guided forward.

"Deez," He frowns, unable to read her expression.

He'd been expecting her to come out of the school upset.

Afraid of herself.

What she was capable of.

But here she was, every bit as confident and controlled as he'd ever seen her.

His brow furrows. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, as long as you're not hurt."

"Nope."

"Then we're just walking and talking," She turns to his brother with a far too innocent smile, "right, Junior?"

Junior looks between the two of them in confusion before he shakes his head and nods.

"Right."

Time seems to slow as Junior reaches an arm around Deez's shoulder, setting an unfamiliar red hot heat in the gut of his belly.

"Fuck." Third groans as he steps back, blade forgotten as he holds on to the ribs he'd just elbowed.

Junior grunts before he falls back on his ass, one hand covering his crotch as the other presses to his mouth.

He nods as he pulls Deez to him, "Ready?"

Her eyes narrow as she turns to his brothers, "Just to be absolutely clear-"

Blue and white flames roar around them, whipping his clothes and hair with the comforting heat.

"Gil!" Third shouts in concern, taking a small step forward as Junior cries out "Fuck!" and scurries away from them.

"If you ever, ever touch Gil, or me, or anyone else in our crew again," Deez continues confidently, "I will find you. Do you think you're man enough to stand in my flames?"

He grins at the looks of disbelief and terror before he shakes his head.

"Okay Treasure," he plucks her up and places her on his hip. "I think ya made your point." He chuckles as he turns and starts heading for the anvil. "You guys should really think 'bout it."

"Think about what? Never fucking with you again?" Deez seethes, "I agree."

He smiles as he kisses his little hot head's cheek.

"And to answer your earlier question Third, yes. Yes she is."

"Heard." Third nods before he waves, "glad to see you alive."

"Same." He smiles.