Sorry.

"Attached. Attached. Attached." T repeats in a rush.

Uma jumps from her seat and races to meet them on the stairs, her arms wrapping around T's waist, almost pulling Beam into the hug as well.

"Ain'nah any injuries ta report, Cap'in." Harry grins as he salutes her.

"Speak for yourself," T mumbles petulantly.

"Shut it, ya still have yer ear." Beam rolls his eyes before he twists his hand, making T yelp, "pull that shit again an' I'll be tempted ta slice it off," he releases his grip, "since ya ain't getting use outta it anyway."

"That. I pick that." T huffs as he hugs her back.

She smiles as T maneuvers slowly to put her in between him and Beam.

"That be low." James bops T on the head with a fist.

"A low I can live with."

Her arms tighten.

They were back.

Safe.

Unharmed but for a red ear.

Her lungs ache as she lets out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

Heat pricks at her eyes.

She hated this.

Hated getting everything second hand.

Notes.

Words on a page.

They were out there risking their lives-

T stiffens as he pulls her closer protectively.

"I- I can't stay behind anymore." She shakes her head as warmth trickles down her face, "I can't do this waitin' shit again."

"Uma," Harry frowns as he rests a hand on her shoulder.

"No!" She glares at the group, "no, you don't get it! I can"t."

The silence was deafening.

Heavy.

Pressing against her from all sides.

"Waitin' here, or on dipshit, it's still waitin' Kraken-" Beam rubs the back of his head.

"But you could do something if something happens." She snaps, "what can I do? Except ask questions because I'm blind."

Silence once more settles around them.

"I'd feel better if ya didn't." Gil states bluntly.

"Uma, it's just until the camps are located." Deez offers hesitantly as she peeks around Gil, "they're the best group to deal with this. And then we'll make a plan for the next step, one that involves all of us."

She crosses her arms as she looks away with a huff.

It wasn't rare for Deez to make excellent points-

But it was rare for her Baby Girl to turn those points against her.

Gil raises his hand, "I'm actually okay with us forging, an' ya leadin' from here."

"Oh," Beam grins, "if that's an option-"

"It isn't." She snaps.

"Wait, are you saying you don't want us helping with the camps at all?" Deez asks as she turns on Gil.

Gil's silent for a moment as he studies Deez before he looks away, "I mean, eventually, yeah…"

Deez glares, but huffs and shakes her head, "Uma, you're the Captain-"

"Yeah, but is this somethin' she should really be pullin' rank on?" T questions skeptically.

"I was going to say that she has a responsibility to the ship." Deez stares at T.

"Yeah," Gil nods, "like keepin' it safe an' runnin'."

"But again, we can all come up with a plan to deal with freeing the Isle Borns after T, Harry, Beam, and James finish finding all the camps. It's scary, but it's the best division of our protection and time."

T picks up one of her braids, "sides, til Dizzy fixes this, ya ain't goin' on the Isle."

"Harry!" She turns and steps up to him, "chop it off."

"Uma, ya can'nah be bein' serious-"

"If this is all that's keeping me from helping on the Isle-"

She pauses when Deez wraps her arms around her waist.

"Hardly," T steps back and crosses his arms, "but if ya want a list of requirements-"

She turns and balks at T.

Was he being serious? Him. Giving her a checklist to do her damned job?

She scowls, "how dare-"

"Uma, please." Deez begs at her side, "they're back. No one is hurt. We know more now than we did before. Please. Can we just end the day? We can start again tomorrow."

Her indignation dies with the plea in her tone.

The desperation.

"Fine," she sighs, "we can put a pin it."

Her eyes narrow at the collective sigh.

Chauvinistic assholes.

"But-" She glares at the males in the room, "I ain't done with this conversation."

Beam and James immediately hold up their hands.

"Sounds like this might be a fam dispute," Beam steps backwards, "cool with sittin' this one out."

T snorts, "pussy."

Beam shrugs, "I ain't pissin' off the hand that feeds."

"And at the end o' the day, she's me captain, so I will follow orders." James quickly defends himself, "sort it out yourselves."

"Headin' back ta the ship then?" T prompts.

"Aye," James nods, "assumin' it's okay with you Cap'n?"

She sighs, "aye."

"Cool, night then," Beam waves as he steers James down the stairs.

She frowns as she waits for their footsteps to disappear before she turns her glare on the boys of her family. "What the actual fuck?"

Harry bites his lip as he looks her over, "Uma, it ain'nah bein'-" he sighs as he trails off.

"Hey," T huffs, "don't lump me in with them. Ditch the teal an' I'm down." He taps his forehead before he exits the room.

She turns her scowl to Harry and Gil, only for the latter to have the audacity to meet her eyes and shrug.

Her eye twitches.

"Bed." She bites out between clenched teeth. "It's been a long day."

"Aye," Harry agrees quickly, "ya ain'nah bein' wrong."

"Yeah," Gil nods as he picks up Deez and starts for the room, only to sweep her up on the way.

"Gil!" She growls, "down."

"I've tried that." Deez pouts before she holds her hand out.

She sighs in defeat as she laces fingers with Deez.

At least she wasn't alone in this.

Fucking overprotective chest beaters.

T glances at the rest of the family with a frown before he slowly exits their newly claimed chamber.

They were going to kill him but-

If Uma was truly intending to join them-

The ire would be worth it.

Their conversation with Uma had been a trial in-

Fuck, he didn't know what.

But damn if it didn't frustrate the shit outta their Kraken-

Not that it surprised him. Uma had always been hands-on, and they would be stupid to ignore a competent addition once they did start invading the camps-

Assuming that's where they'd taken all the Isle Born.

He'd already relented in working with Harry and the others-

Something he was still struggling with.

But he couldn't think of people he trusted more to handle themselves, and that extended to Uma, Deez, and Gil.

It sucked but-

He couldn't do it all alone. Not when those kids needed out of Yu's grip yesterday.

If they had more time, it would have been a different story.

But not with the time crunch they were facing.

Not with the lives hinging on them executing their extractions precisely.

Still-

His gaze drops to his hands with a glare.

They hadn't stopped trembling since-

He grimaces.

Killing known scum had been one thing-

Killing someone because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time-

He swallows hard as he flexes his fingers.

Covered.

They'd been absolutely covered in blood.

How was he supposed to touch one of them after that?

Look them in the eye?

A scowl pulls at his lips.

He thought it wouldn't faze him.

Thought after all the blood he had on his hands, it wouldn't matter-

He was a killer.

He'd been callous to it before-

So indifferent-

And, though he'd never admit it-

Satisfied.

Thought he'd leapt past the point of no return-

That in hunting down villains-

He'd become one.

He questioned his morality constantly.

Always trying to figure out what was wrong with him-

But then-

He clenches his fists before he drops them in disgust.

Then today happened.

If it hadn't been for the others, he was pretty damn sure he would've thrown up.

It was bad enough that Harry could tell he was shaken-

Probably Beam and James too if he'd had the balls to look.

Why are you always trying to paint yourself as evil? You did the right thing before, protected so many kids-

Yeah, I know that-

Was I finished?

Sounds like a no?

Good. What I was going to say is that despite your beliefs, despite the dilemma you're fighting with-in yourself-Your actions today protected people. I can't imagine it feels the best-

Wait. How the fuck did you come to that conclusion?

If you hadn't killed those men, what do you think they would've done? Do you think they would've kept silent? That they wouldn't have reported it? That they would simply tell their superiors that they'd gotten lost? When we both know that Shan Yu's paranoia runs as deeply as yours?

Yeah, but-

If you can't admit you did the right thing for our people-Which should be more than enough incentive to cause harm-Perhaps view it as a mercy. I'd hate to think what Yu would do to his people if he found they'd been taken down by teenagers.

He grimaces-

He didn't want to think about what Yu considered torture-

Not when he'd met the result.

There was no way in fuck someone ended up like Atilla without a world full of hurt.

He shakes his head before he resumes sneaking.

What are you doing, by the way?

Don't worry about it.

Well, now I am- Surely you don't have plans to leave them, do you?

He sighs.

Considered it.

T!

He rolls his eyes.

I said considered-Past tense! I shouldn't have to point that out to you, fucking know-it-all.

So then, what are you doing?

He rolls his eyes.

Give me a moment to fucking get there, woman! It ain't like I can dart your obnoxious, overbearing ass.

Well, someone's in a mood tonight.

He grins at her haughty tone.

Good.

Bitch.

Trying to assuage his guilt for fucking murder.

Oh, for the love of- That's what you're beating yourself over? Really?

Would you be so cavalier about it if it was one of them having to do it? Dealing with this shit? Fucking elbow deep in some poor fuck's blood?

Silence.

Cavalier is such a strong adjective-

Yeah, that's what I-

"T?"

Shit.

He turns to find Deez standing behind him, like a pale ass ghost, looking up at him from the shadows.

"Yo," he tilts his head in greeting.

Her brow furrows as she tilts her head the opposite direction, "what's wrong?"

He bites his lip, "I mean," he shrugs. "What isn-"

"No." Deez sighs before she looks over her shoulder, puts a finger to her lips, and motions for him to follow her.

He sighs as he falls into step behind her.

Once they're on the other side of the pool cave, standing near the lip where the dinghy was tied, she finally stops, "please sit," she says as she does so herself.

He plops down and throws his feet over the ledge, "today non-consensually sucked dick."

"It sounded like it did," Deez nods as she lets her legs dangle over the edge as well, "I can only imagine how bad the things that you aren't talking about are."

He braces against the stone behind him as he leans back to look at the turbulent sky above them. "Not as bad as what'cha got constantly beating at the back of your head."

Rude!

And?

Deez grips the fabric over her chest, "it's manageable. And it's not mine anyways, just something I ended up seeing."

"Doesn't make it any easier," he frowns as lightning arcs in the clouds.

He was so fucking sick of the on and off down pours and the near-constant drizzle in between.

"And not as bad as something else doesn't make your situation any less difficult." Deez whispers, "I think I know you well enough to know the difference between unhappy, uncomfortable, and disgusted."

"Well, that makes one of us."

Deez snorts softly, "I didn't follow you to stop you, just so you know."

"You never do-" He glances at her, "but I gotta ask, how aren't you sick of the backlash of doing it?"

"Because-" her brow furrows as she pauses.

That's interesting.

What is?

You almost never cause our Constellation Chaser to have to stop and think. I believe you may have stumped her with that.

Huh.

He turns to her.

She did look pretty damn focused right now. Clearly trying to form words-

Which he guessed was pretty fascinating. It was pretty hard to catch Deez off guard with something as simple as a 'why do you keep going back for more'.

I can be deep sometimes.

He frowns at the snort of derision.

Try you asked her a question about her own reasoning, I honestly believe you might self-reflect more than she does.

"It's hard to put into words." Deez frowns as she leans back, lifting each foot as if contemplating the way the lightning shimmered in the rain drops clinging to her skin, "I guess I would get sick of it if you weren't doing what you think is right. But you are. I know the others would have you break everything down and explain it, but, I get it."

Seriously?

Her lips curve into a slight smile, "we have to accept each other for who we are. And they do, they do accept you." she shrugs, "sometimes it's just easier for them to bitch about things with me, so they can work through things before they see you."

"Tch," he snorts, yeah cause that's why she'd dislocated his arm. Because they vented to her.

To be fair, seven against one for several weeks is hardly something to sneeze at. So, instead of being a complete ass, why don't you show some god's damn appreciation for understanding you!?

"I guess," he rubs the back of his neck. "I appreciate you puttin' yourself in the line of fire for me. Hate that you have to-But, ya know, thanks."

"You've done the same for me," Deez grins, "and no problem. Sometimes I think it's the least I can do for all the interference you run with my father."

He glances at her.

That was rare.

She almost never touched on that topic. Not that he blamed her.

Even he avoided thinking about his-

No, he sighs.

Their relationship to her father.

She chuckles, "I see that caught you off guard." She takes a deep breath as she looks out over the water and pulls one knee to her chest to rest her chin on, "I can't say I really understand all of it, and I can't even say there aren't parts that hurt, but I can separate it all and see how much you are doing for me too. For all of us."

A ghost of a smile passes his lips, "It was so much easier then."

Easier to harass OVs.

Easier to make sure they had enough to eat.

That they had the supplies they needed.

That they were safe.

That he was capable of keeping them that way.

Competent.

Back when he was treated like he was capable.

Back before, he needed a babysitter.

"Back before the barrier took so much away?"

He nods as he lets out a heavy sigh, "pretty much, yeah."

Fuck, how he missed those days.

"Back when people trusted me enough to let me do me."

Deez frowns, "I guess that is one way to see it."

He shrugs.

"But I think they see it more as-" she tilts her head, "when I was pulling Gil up the cliff, all I could think about was getting up the cliff. And then getting him safe. I worried about you and the others, but it was," she shivers as one hand runs over her shoulder, "it was painful to think about it too much. I think that's why they're doing this. They don't want that feeling again."

He sighs.

Uma.

Harry.

Gil.

They'd all said shit along those lines.

"It sounds selfish when I say it out loud," she frowns before she shrugs, "and maybe it is, but I know they're also doing what they think is right."

"Which usually conflicts with what I think is right."

"We'll figure it out eventually. Family doesn't mean to hurt each other, but it happens sometimes."

Another heavy sigh passes his lips, "you were mad at me when I made the deal with Maleficent. Pissed I'd taken away your choices."

"I also hate being able to feel more than one way over things, and being able to see so many sides of an issue," she mockingly complains.

He turns his attention to the sea, "ever regret it?"

"Being angry at you? Or understanding you?" She asks with a smile.

"Neither." He watches the waves break beneath them, "but you knew that."

Deez wraps her arms around her leg, hugging it tighter to herself, "I miss things from before, but I also don't miss other things. And, I am happier. So, no. I don't regret it. I sometimes wish I didn't do things that hurt them so much, but I also wish they'd loosen up at times, too." She sighs before she turns, laying her cheek on her knee as she watches him, "It all comes back to what's happening right now though. We were happy, before the barrier broke."

He nods as a large wave crests.

That was a Deez response if he'd ever heard one.

A little yes.

A little no.

And all the pieces in between.

Entirely vague.

Like Celia, but less cryptic.

"Who wasn't happier." He frowns, "actually, wait. Definitely the Yu's. They probably had a fuckin' feast once that bitch was gone."

"The witches." Deez adds with a shiver.

His brow furrows.

Witches.

He'd been so consumed with-

He could do that.

Bring her witches.

It would make things easier, too.

Easier too-?

Don't worry about it.

T-

He pauses at the concern in her tone.

I know you might not be happy with our current arrangement, but I very much am. Please don't take it away from me.

"Thank you for slowing down enough to talk with me." Deez sighs as she stands, the tip of one finger slightly resting on his shoulder, "I've missed this, but I know whatever you're doing is important. If there's anything I can do, let me know. But for now, I'll go keep them warm, so they sleep longer."

"Thanks." He taps two fingers to his forehead.

"Love you both," Deez grins, "make sure you come back."

"Usually do, and, even if I suck at showin' it, I jus- same, ya know…"

"You don't suck at it, and I know." Deez bends and lightly presses her lips to his forehead, "goodluck." She whispers before she skips off.

"Thanks," he sighs, knowing damn well she could hear it even over the swell of waves and patter of rain.

He lets the spray hit his face a moment longer before he stands and turns to head further into the cave.

Where are you going?

Already fucking off two promises, ain't about to add a third. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to have a wielder.

And why is that?

Cause we're hunting witches.

It wasn't unusual at this point for T to seek his assistance-

At least not since the barrier had fallen-

Which in and of itself was a sign of the amount of danger that was their current predicament.

The more he worked with T, the stronger his trust in the boy grew.

But until tonight, he never would have presumed T to have the same level of trust in him.

He'd be lying if the request hadn't shocked him.

Asking for knowledge-

Seeking wisdom-

Soliciting him for magic-

-To protect the ones he loved.

Those were the types of supplications T usually sought him for.

So, when T, the boy who sacrificed so much for others, had besought him to join his endeavor-

It had been humbling-

Felt like an honor not many were bestowed.

The rest of the family left at the cove might not agree-

Though, he suspected the conversation between T and Deez was her way of showing support for T's decisions.

He believed they would be proud of the forethought and diligence T was taking in this.

Never had he expected for T to take his council, though he felt remiss in believing the boy wouldn't take heed even after seeking advice.

A big step for the boy who'd spent his life dedicated to being a solitary soldier.

"It will not take me more than a night to weave this web you wish for, though I will need to take a few breaks to replenish my strength."

T solemnly pets Adelaide as he nods.

A small, brief smile passes his lips.

He too felt the frustrations of how much a hood could obfuscate.

"Little Spider, you need not trouble yourself with my sustenance, I am a capable hunter."

She and T must be having another conversation.

He smiles.

And true to her word, she was including him in her responses.

It was refreshing to see Adelaide was just as concerned about T's natural proclivities to secrets.

T tilts his head back with a frown.

"Little Spider, enough blood will spill by your hands. Spilled blood that will be hard, but necessary. It is not a question of your capabilities."

Ah.

His eyes travel back to T.

Amusement bubbles despite the situation as Adelaide pats a pouting T's head.

So many others, many much older than him, would have run away from such a creature.

And with good reason.

The Aranea Giganteus were not known for their love of humans. How one ended up here on an Isle of villains was beyond him.

And even more so, he was surprised to see how very compassionate she was.

It made him wonder how true the accounts of interactions with her race were.

"They are our favored fare, Ancient One."

My apologies if my thoughts are rude.

"One can hardly stop their thoughts. It's how we always know when prey is near."

Fair enough.

If you don't mind my asking…

He had many questions that, though this was hardly the time or place for such things, he wanted to ask.

"Any of your questions would be well received."

Do you know any others of your kind?

"There is one I have lain with. The little one does not know it, but the males of my kind are much smaller. One is living in her catacombs. He was very fond of her, and never wished to frighten her, so he kept himself hidden when she was around."

A story he would probably never share with Deez. Though it did answer his question about the nature of the Aranea Giganteus race.

It would seem they had a soft spot for children, and not in the way the old stories suggested.

"When we deem one worthy it is not unheard of for us to lay claim."

T drops his hand from Adelaide's bristly hair before he rests both in his pocket, "ready?"

He adjusts the strap of his bag before he tightens his grip on Storm-Forged, "whenever it suits you."

T nods, "back in a bit Adz."

"Good weaving." He bows to her.

"As with you, Ancient One. I thank you for sharing in this burden with the Little Spiders."

It is hardly a burden when weighed against the benefits of this plan.

It was something he would try his best to work with T on, understanding war and the reasons behind actions.

Because that's what this was.

What he'd always feared was coming.

War.

Love me some T an' D scenes-

They're always so insightful, don't ya think?

D and T always seem to be on the same page-

And we really wanted them to be besties with eachother, but fuck-

Last time we ever write a story without our OC's having a pre established relationship. It kinda sucks how little D and T actually share screen time together-

Not that I think Dark is complaining too, too much, it's been a complete struggle for her to write our Lil' Star Gazer due to Dark making D a INFJ too.

(For those of you who don't remember my earlier rants/explanations, we write these characters using the Myers Briggs test to make sure we're keeping them all in line and at least stay reasonably within character. It's good shit, and fun to just poke around with. There are like a shit ton of different tests to figure out which of the 16 you are, and if you're a writer it's a magnificent tool…)

And much like D, it's hard for Dark to get her thoughts and ideas out precisely- So she just, finds it a bit difficult to write a character with such a rich inner world who doesn't have any idea how to express themselves.

INFJ

The Advocate

They tend to approach life with deep thoughtfulness and imagination. Their inner vision, personal values, and a quiet, principled version of humanism guide them in all things.

Also, this

The INFJ's idealistic and nurturing nature creates the desire to help others reach their full potential. Combined with their deep intuition, ability to listen, and compassion, these personality traits make INFJ individuals highly suitable for careers serving others and humanity at large.

Which makes perfect sense for D and her goals in life. But, also makes it a bit difficult for her to try and rely how D is thinking-

Hopefully, I haven't been overstepping but as of this book I've started helping Dark with D's introspection (fuck i love writing introspection and dialogue…) which I think may have started making it easier on Dark.

Hopefully.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnyways

Yensid and T's relationship is pretty fucking dope, right?

Much love

-Twisted