Truth or Fiction

by ginnyrules27

The Fates have had it. They're tired of cutting all the life threads of the denizens of the Isle while Auradon seems to be unaware of the issue. While they're not supposed to reveal the future, that's never stopped them before now has it?

32. Chapter 32

Chapter Thirty Two

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A/N: I do not own anything other than my OCs when they come out to play. Everything else is owned by either Disney or the Greek Myths.

Whew…okay! Sorry you guys for how long this chapter took to get out—I was away from my computer this weekend as well, it was a longer than normal chapter. We're talking another over 40 pager guys! :D

On that note, *blows horn in celebration* we made it past 800 reviews you guys!

As always for reference: Audrey= WAL Audrey, Audrey=CF Audrey.

Oh! Comment suggestions are always welcomed. Either via PM here, in the reviews or if you don't have an FFN account, I also post on Wattpad and Ao3. If you don't feel comfortable with those, shoot me a message on Tumblr (same user name). :D

Urmimala Hazra: Oh yeah we definitely don't want her screaming and making people's ears bleed! And yep, a very painful death! Glad you liked the chapter!

61394: It really is an inhumane prison camp—especially since the kids did nothing to deserve being on it!

Guest12345: Oh I'm glad you enjoyed him!

Tracie Adams: Glad you're happy Mal's okay!

DS Rider: Oh that's going to be an intense couple of chapters!

bookdragonss: So CJ is supposedly the one who looks the most like their mom while Harry looks the most like Hook, being the only guy. But I'm glad you liked the chapter!

TheGirlofManyFloods: I wish I could do 2 chapters! But with how long the chapters have gotten, I'm lucky to get one chapter out a week!

Katt Kiki: I'm so glad you liked the chapter!

jedblack1997: Oh Leah and CF Audrey are definitely going to freak!

Marcus Emrys: I'm sure Carlos would be more than happy to make a remix of that song for Audrey!

quil . theimperial: Oh I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! Glad to prove you right in terms of the ember too! :D Oh that's a good point though with her temper being riled up and being exhausted and probably in pain, she more than likely wouldn't have thought about it.

twilightgirl587: You are very welcome! Mal does have a point :D That's a good point, honestly. Maleficent wouldn't form an alliance with someone she thought was weak. Well I mean…it was a near death experience. I'm sure that would influence her memories. Yeah non Harry knowing Evan! And yeah, Harry needed to hear those words! Hard to say what she'd been screaming about more, her clothes or her hair. I will try to make Freddy meeting the Gods a chapter. Well that's not necessarily true—Gaston could hunt the hyenas!

shortanamx: I can guarantee more Ben and Mal moments!

HufflepuffInDaHealingCoven: Yeah I think you're right! No one else has cut themselves off mid sentence! And yep, that was a reference to 'It's Going Down'. I wanted to make it over in Choosing Love but I forgot. As for who's reading which scroll, it honestly is just random unless someone asks for a particular person to read a certain scroll (like Esmeralda reading the scroll where Mal almost drowns for example).

Guest Numbah One: OH I'm so glad you're still enjoying the story! :D

medical ranger: There may be some more people from WAL but they may not be all of the Core Four.

Hufflepuff24: I'm so glad you're enjoying the second Audrey! :D

CrystalKaouri: I'm going to guess not to…and in that case you're not going to like this chapter! Oh that would have been good but you're right, CF Audrey is still there so Mal wouldn't be as likely to cry.

Anonymous Reader: Oh thank you! Yeah you don't mess with a mother's kid!

ScoutGinervera: I'm glad you liked the chapter!

JaclynnM: I personally believe they practically adopted all the kids in Mal's crew, slowly but surely. Plus Virgil. I think they're going to blow their stacks when they get to Cotillion! I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

AmethystDragon14: Yay! Freddy just got a sense of dread and he doesn't know why! Of course they are! And who doesn't love Ben and Mal? :D

danifan3000: I suspect that the Casters wouldn't want to risk upsetting Maleficent by stealing Carlos for their gang. After all, Cruella was with Maleficent.

Guest: He really is, isn't he?

Dance love 2007: Oh thank you!

billyandkimfan1994: I think Freddy's toast no matter what to be honest.

darkpegasuzz: Glad you enjoyed the chapter!

jesseminego5134: Oh trust me, I didn't want Mal to let go either! Oh there might be something better than that coming up. I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter! :D

AthenaArtemis25: If it wasn't for the fact I hate writing him almost as much as I hate writing Natalie or Leah, I'd definitely bring in Freddy! I'm so glad you're enjoying everything!

Massive HTTYD Fan: I couldn't resist the reference!

LOST MUSES: Oh I'm so glad you enjoyed it! And yeah of course WAL Audrey has her phone…and if in a few chapters she pulls up a certain video I wouldn't blame her. *hums Did I Mention*.

lilyflower101: True but there will be more chances to threaten Freddy!

AnniexLove: I'm glad you liked the chapter!

Hope you all enjoy this chapter! Let me know what you think! :D

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Meg sighed as she unfurled the scroll. Here's hoping this scroll isn't as intense, she thought.

The next morning, Mal wandered around the Isle with Estelle trotting loyally by her side; trying to find her crew.

"Was that really a good idea?" Chip asked with a small frown. "Walking on your own like that?"

Audrey nodded. "I'm with the teacup there. I know you can take care of yourself Mal but walking around without backup…?"

"I was fine," Mal scoffed. "Besides, I had Estelle with me."

Normally she'd go straight for the docks but her dad had forbidden her from going there.

"Of course I did!" Hades said with a nod of his head.

Not one to tempt fate by having her dad find out she disobeyed him, especially with Freddy still out there, Mal decided to check the other places. Starting first with the clubhouse.

"Always the best place to start if you're looking for the boys," Uma nodded. "Mama's restaurant is probably the best place to look for me if you strike out at the clubhouse."

"Yeah well why do you think I started at the clubhouse?" Mal asked her. "If it was just Harry and Jay, I'd have someone with me when we went to go get you from Ursula's."

If Harry and Jay got locked out of their homes, odds were they were there—hopefully not nursing any wounds for going after Freddy. Though knowing the boys the way she did, Mal wouldn't put it past them.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence Mal," Jay said as he shook his head in fond exasperation.

After all, the smoke covered Freddy's face so it was likely the Dragon wouldn't find out. Yet. Her spies were everywhere after all.

"They weren't at the docks," Hades said with a smirk. "By that time, I'd made it so anyone associated with Maleficent couldn't step foot on my side of the Isle. Well except for Jay."

"Boys? Uma?" Mal called as she opened the gate to the clubhouse and climbed the stairs.

"In here Mal!" Uma called.

"Are you three alright?"

"Why wouldn't they be alright?" Melody asked.

"If they went after Freddy…" Mal said and Melody nodded.

"I'm fine. So's Jay. This idiot however…" Uma said as she tried to wrap Harry's ribs with a makeshift bandage, Harry trying to squirm from her grasp.

"What happened?!" Emir and Akiho exclaimed. It was weird, they only knew Harry for a few hours. But they could see that Mal made Ben happy and Mal was friends with Harry. Therefore if Mal was worried over Harry, then Ben would be worried too—and Ben didn't need anymore stress in his life.

Harry sighed. "I'm sure you'll find out soon enough," he muttered.

"Nothing that wasn't to be expected," Harry muttered and sighed as he saw Mal's face.

CJ frowned. "But…if you didn't go after Freddy…why would you expect…?"

She trailed off as a memory from when she was seven came flooding back. It was the night Harry saved Mal from drowning, only she hadn't known that at the time, and Harriet was leading her to her room as quickly as possible. In the background though she could hear her father's voice…and the occasional grunt of pain that could only come from…from Harry.

He was the only other male in the family after all.

"I didn't disobey orders Mal. The Captain wasn't too pleased I abandoned my post and had Harriet take over. She hasn't worked the counter since I was seven-the counter's 'man's work' after all."

Milah looked over at Harry. "Your father did that to you?"

"I thought you were watching? Wouldn't you know?" Harry muttered. He didn't want to talk to his mother that way but to hear her ask that…he wasn't exactly in the mood.

Milah shook her head, angry tears coming to her eyes at the thought of Hook putting a hand or hook on their son or any of their children for that matter. "If your father started scolding you kids, I stopped watching to allow you some privacy."

Harry seemed to almost relax at that. Mom didn't see…didn't see me being weak. After all, I should have fought back by then. I was nine after all.

He winced as Uma continued to try to wrap his ribs.

Uma? Why didn't you reach out on the mental link? Persephone thought to her great-niece.

I…I didn't think about it, Uma thought back. I was just worried about Harry.

"Harry! You should have come straight back to the Underworld," Mal cried as she hurried over to help or at least hold Harry still so Uma could wrap him.

"Good. The more you can keep him still, the less likely a rib might do some internal damage," Mulan said with a frown. Gods, how could a parent do that to their own child? I know Hook's a villain…and I know we saw Maleficent do it to Mal but Maleficent's not a mother. Though I guess Hook can't be called a father if he's doing this.

Personally she thought the whole concept of men and women's work was completely stupid—Athena and Artemis were proof of that. Mal doubted that they wouldn't do something because it was normally done by a man, but she held her tongue. Harry needed her attention.

I mean it is stupid, there's no such thing as men's work or women's work, but it's not the time to say that right now, Lonnie thought.

"Mal, it's nothing," Harry said as he winced again, Estelle trotting over and resting his heads on Harry's leg. "I think they're just bruised this time. I'll be fine."

"Bruised or broken, doesn't matter. You can't win a fight if your ribs are busted!" Audrey told him. Gods, did the Harry in my timeline have to deal with this as well and the viewings just never showed it?

Mal rolled her eyes. "Doesn't matter Harry. You should have come back to the Underworld."

It was dark…I didn't have my flare gun and going to the Underworld from the Captain's puts me in Shere Khan's hunting territory, Harry thought with a small frown. Going to the clubhouse at least put me in the lions hunting territory and Zira will leave us alone since we're allied with the hyenas. She doesn't want to wind up in their belly like Scar did before he was brought back.

Harry gave a small shrug, wincing as the pain of the motion hit him.

"Hey idiot, don't shrug," Uma told him. "If you were with Uncle Hades right now, he could get you something for the pain."

"Without question," Hades said with a nod. "I agree with my daughter Harry. You should have come straight to the Underworld."

"I…it was late and I didn't think I could get past the—."

"I don't care if it's three in the morning, you need someone, you can always come to the Underworld," Hades told him. "You and Jay were added as blood by proxy to the security settings anyway after you saved Mal's life so you could have come straight in."

Why didn't I tell the boy that sooner? Hades thought as he saw the almost hopeful look in Harry's eyes. Like he was trying to make sure the God wasn't lying to him.

"Don't coddle me Uma. Yesterday was a one off."

"How is making sure you're not in pain coddling?" Evan asked.

"Who's coddling? Bruised or broken, your ribs are injured!" Uma told him. "It's going to smart for a while."

"I'm aware," Harry muttered.

I'm aware…was he aware because it's common knowledge that injuries to the ribs hurt for a while? Or was he aware because this wasn't the first time…James Killian Hook, you'd better hope you don't join me for a long time! Milah thought.

"So, still think I'm coddling you by suggesting we get you something for the pain?" Uma asked.

"Uma, nobody else gets—"

"Why's he being so stubborn about this?" Mal heard Akiho mutter to himself.

"Because we have limited resources and he didn't want to 'waste' them," Mal muttered to him. Akiho flushed, he didn't realize Mal had heard him.

"No one else is sitting in front of me with potentially broken ribs," Uma said, glaring slightly at Harry. "Uncle Hades would flip if he found out we just let you suffer, especially after you saved Mal's life yesterday. Now do I need to drag you or are you going to come by yourself?"

"Why not get Harry situated on the bed and bring Lord Hades or Lady Persephone to the clubhouse?" Elle asked.

"Yeah I don't think he should be dragged with potentially broken ribs," Emma nodded.

"Uma, would it be better if I brought my dad here?" Mal asked. "You and I both know Harry's as stubborn as a mule and I don't think dragging him would be the best idea with his ribs."

"Mal gets it," Rowyn said with a small, relieved smile. She didn't want to think about Harry potentially getting hurt more because the girls had been in a hurry to get him help.

"Either way works."

"Girls!" Harry exclaimed. "I'm fine! I've had worse anyway."

"Worse?!" Milah exclaimed.

Harry shrugged and looked like he was intently examining the ground around his feet. "There…there was a time when I was six…"

"This wasn't the first time Hook injured Harry's ribs," Mal said, her voice cold and her eyes flashing in anger at the memory.

Oh Gods…and I never thought…I took the kids of the biggest named villains off the Isle because of…and I left Harry in that situation! Ben thought, chewing on his lip in guilt.

"Be quiet Harry!"

"But I'm fine!" Harry said, throwing up his arms and nearly shouting in pain from his ribs. "I should not have done that."

"No. No you shouldn't have," Harriet said, her voice no higher than a whisper as she realized her brother had been in pain that night and she hadn't been there for him. Her baby brother had been in pain and alone.

"I wasn't alone long," Harry muttered, as if he knew what she was thinking. "Jay came in probably about three hours after I made it to the clubhouse. It was too late to spar so I was able to hide it from him. Uma on the other hand…"

"Case in point. I will be right back," Mal said as she headed for the door. "Estelle, stay with Harry. I think he needs you more right now boy."

"Excuse me?" Hades asked, looking at Mal with a raised eyebrow.

Mal crossed her arms over her chest. "I had my sword and I could fry Freddy with a fireball before he could blink. He got the drop on me on the docks but that will never happen again."

"Mal, is that a good idea?" Jay asked. "With Freddy…?"

"I knew I liked Jay!" Hades declared.

"Let him freak out over me walking around alive," Mal smirked. "Harry's more important. Stay, Estelle."

Estelle gave a small yip and stayed on his spot on the bed. Mal ignored Harry's protests as she made her way out of the clubhouse and ran back to the Underworld.

"I thought you only ran if someone was chasing you or someone got stabbed?" Chad asked.

"Someone would have gotten stabbed if they tried to stop me," Mal said shortly.

"Hey dad? Mom? Can you tell me where the pain medicine is?" Mal asked, poking her head into the den.

"Straight to the point, good. Don't waste any time," Chip muttered to himself, nodding his head.

"In our room Mal," Hades said as he walked out of the kitchen. "Why?"

"Don't panic," Mal said. "It's not for me. Harry needs another dose."

That didn't exactly calm me down there Mal, Hades thought with an inward sigh.

…so what was that about not caring about the kids of the Isle Hades? Poseidon thought to him and Hades rolled his eyes.

The kids need someone to care about them otherwise they'll just become more villains, Hades told him. As Steph said, we adults made our beds but the kids shouldn't have to sleep in them.

"What happened?" Hades asked as he went to go get it. Ever since Hadie learned to walk, they had kept the pain medicine in the top drawer of their tallest dresser. The last thing they wanted was for him to potentially overdose on it—God or not, that was the last thing any parent wanted.

Every parent in the room nodded though they remained silent. If they made a comment, it might have seemed like they were making light of the contents of the scroll.

"We think he's broken his ribs. Right now he's saying they're bruised but with how he's wincing and everything, it's hard to tell," Mal said.

"You won't be able to truly tell without an x-ray," Aladdin said, a slight growl to his voice as he thought about his childhood. The broken bones and bruises he'd gained from falling off of rooftops when he was first staring off—he knew that pain. How could someone willingly inflict that on another? On a child? On their own child?

Hades paused as he came back with the pain medicine. "His father?"

How I wish I hadn't been right about that, Hades thought with a small sigh even as his hands curled into fists.

"Right in one," Mal said softly.

Hades growled slightly but shook his head. "Here," he said as he handed the pain medicine to Mal. "If Harry's still in pain after taking this, bring him here. Have Jay carry him if need be."

"He's probably not going to like that," Ashaki said, biting her lip.

"Tough cookies," Emir, Aziz, and Chip all said in unison.

Mal nodded as she took the bottle of pain medicine. "Thanks dad."

"Ooh, hang on a sec. He's going to need some fluid with those."

"Thank Gods you're allies with Lord Hades," Harriet sighed in relief. Other gangs had a harder time finding fresh water after all but Hades had managed to set up a system of removing the salt water from the water that came in from the Cove.

"Dad, it's going to take a battle to get Harry to take these," Mal said with a small sigh. "Never mind actually drink something with them."

"You're taking them," Harriet said firmly.

"This already happened," Harry told her, glaring slightly.

"Don't you give me that look Harry!"

"Well then bring him here." Hades reiterated.

Mal nodded, mentally preparing for the fight it'd have to take to get Harry over to the Underworld.

"Sounds like when we need to get Ben to slow down and take a break," Emir muttered to Akiho.

"Actually, it's probably more serious than that," Akiho muttered back. "Ben won't die if he won't take a break."

"I hope I don't see you in about ten minutes," she said as she turned to head back to the clubhouse.

"I hope so too Mali but your mom and I will be here if you need to bring Harry here," Hades told her.

"Why didn't you just go with Mal to the clubhouse?" Hera asked.

"I…that's a good question," Hades said, slowly shaking his head.

"Thanks dad."

Hades smiled and Mal left to go back to the clubhouse, hoping she wouldn't have to make a return trip with a very stubborn pirate. Hades couldn't help but smile sadly as he went back to the kitchen to clean up the breakfast dishes. He had wondered why Harry hadn't shown up that morning. He'd have given Harry the day off if he'd asked.

"You didn't have to do that Lord Hades, I could have worked—."

Hades raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, okay. And I would have figured out in five minutes that you were hurt kid. Either from watching you or from Smee. And how many times do I have to tell you? You don't have to use the 'Lord' title."

None of Mal's minions did.

"Everything okay?" Persephone asked as she came into the kitchen from putting Hadie down for a nap.

"I think everything is far from okay Aunt Persephone," Macaria said, her voice soft as she frowned.

"Harry needed another dose of pain medicine."

Persephone frowned as she pulled out a dish towel, drying as Hades washed. "Are his legs still hurting him?"

Belle frowned. There was something wrong with having that conversation during such a…domestic situation. That being said, it was good at least that there were people who were looking out for Harry.

"Worse. Hook's potentially broken his ribs," Hades growled.

Persephone froze. "He what?!"

"Our thoughts exactly, my Lady," Phoebus said. He couldn't imagine ever hurting Zephyr in such a way. Even by accident. For a father to purposefully do that to his own son…

"My thoughts exactly."

"Hades, broken ribs or even the possibility of broken ribs is serious," Persephone said, turning to look at her husband. She knew Hades already knew that but her brain was more focused on her worry for Mal's friend than anything else.

I should have been there…Harry would have needed his mother even if Lady Persephone and Lord Hades were looking out for him, Milah thought, her blue eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Harry should be in a bed, staying still, not in the clubhouse where he probably is right now. Get Jay to carry him if necessary. He needs to be here!"

"Why did everyone want to carry me?" Harry grumbled. It wasn't like the Captain had broken his ankle or leg or anything.

Hades sighed. "Something tells me Mal's having the same conversation with Harry right now."

He knew Hook didn't care for children, hell his own history with Peter Pan and the lost boys could have told him that. Firing a canon at children who had nothing to do with the war between him and Pan, trying to get children to join his pirate crew...but to do this? To his own son? And from the way Mal had acted, it wasn't the first time.

"If you didn't know for sure, why did you guess that Hook was the one who did it earlier?" Zeus asked.

"Because just like how Maleficent is the only one able to lay a talon on Mal, Hook is the only one able to lay a hook on Harry without significant retribution," Hades stated. "Despite his reputation as a codfish, the Captain is still widely feared in the pirate community on the Isle."

"Jay! Put me down you sneaky scarf snatcher! I swear I will hook you for this! Put me down right now!" Hades and Persephone heard faintly as Harry's voice trailed in from the front door.

"Speak of the pirate and he shall appear," Celia said with a small smile. She liked Harry, she liked how he made Uma happy—and if they ever got out of their denial, she thought they'd be good together. So she was glad to know Harry was going to be safe.

"Sorry Harry, this is for your own good," they heard Jay's voice respond, a bit louder. "Besides, you can barely lift your arm without nearly cursing in pain. You need this."

"So you weren't really sorry then?" Emir asked.

"Not in the slightest," Jay told him, shaking his head.

"Knew it," Harry muttered.

"Take him to the spare room Jay," Mal's voice chimed in.

"Guys, come on! Put me down! At least let me walk for Poseidon's sake!"

"And that would run the risk of you piercing a lung," Lonnie told him, crossing her arms. "Jay carrying you was the best move."

"Sorry Harry but we don't really trust you not to bolt," Uma's voice told him, all the voices getting louder as they got further and further into the Underworld.

"Oh come on! Uma, this is embarrassing!"

"Well I suppose it could be worse. Imagine having the reputation of being a grown man fleeing in fear from a crocodile," Naveen said.

"Well we're here now, no one can see you. Jay, go lie him down while I get something to force feed him that medicine."

"But if you're in pain, why not take something to make it so you're no longer in pain?" Alexandria asked. "Especially when you were in private where no one but Mal, Uma, and Jay would have known you took the pain medicine in the first place?"

"Mal, don't you dare! Bad enough Jay carried me from the clubhouse but now I'm being coddled?!"

"Well if you'd taken it when I first gave it to you back at the clubhouse, I wouldn't need to do this!"

And if they had a medical system in the first place, children wouldn't have had to worry about this, Belle thought with unshed tears shining in her eyes. Gods…Adam, this is all our fault.

"Mal, they weren't necessary—seven hells, Jay! You did that on purpose you two bit pit pocket!"

"I think Jay was just proving a point," Rowyn said though she bit her lip. If Harry's ribs were broken, that could have been a dangerous move by Jay.

"Still think they're not necessary?" Jay deadpanned.

"No pirate worth his salt takes pain medicine Jay! Besides, you know I've had worse than this! You all are making way too big of a deal of a few bruised rib—oh for Poseidon's sake Jay! Stop jostling me!"

"That time I didn't," Jay said. "I just set him down on the bed. Unfortunately, he bounced a little against the mattress."

"I think we'd better get in there," Hades said softly.

"I think that might be a good idea," Persephone nodded and frowned as she heard the string of curse words that Harry was shouting. "He's not going to be teaching those to Hadie, is he?"

"I learned worse on the ship!" Hadie stated.

"Which is why you're not allowed on the ship until the crew cleans up their language, as we've stated before," Mal said firmly.

"Hopefully not."

The two Gods made their way to the spare room where Harry was laying down on the bed, glaring at Mal who was holding the bottle of pain medicine.

"Oh good I've always wondered what a stand off between two really stubborn people would be like," Chip said, earning a small snort of amusement from Harry and an approving smile from Milah, Hades, Persephone, Uma, Jay, and Mal.

"No." Harry said firmly.

"Harrison…" Milah warned.

"They were just bruised ribs," Harry shrugged. "I really should have just sucked it up."

No you shouldn't have, Ben thought as he looked over at the pirate.

"Harry, you're clearly in pain if the curse words flowing from your mouth a few minutes ago were any indication," Mal said as Estelle hopped on the bed, once again resting his heads on Harry's leg. "Take the pills. There's no need for the tough guy act here."

"And if word got around the Isle—?"

"Who were we going to tell?" Mal asked Harry. "Estelle, Hadie, and my parents would have been the only other ones who would have known!"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Mal, you've refused pain medicine too!"

"Oh she's tried," Hades muttered.

"Dad, when have you given me pain medicine?" Mal asked. "I wasn't with you for the broken ankle."

Mal looked over her shoulder, having heard the mutter. "Hey dad. Here to make Harry take some pain meds?"

"If I need to Mali."

"If a God is telling you to take the pain meds, you take them," Macaria said, looking over at Harry.

"Lord Hades, I'm fine," Harry said but the very act of shifting a bit caused most of the color to drain from his face and he had to hold back the swears he wanted to shout since there was a lady present. Two ladies if one counted Mal but Harry knew his co-captain would smack him if he called her a lady.

"Not while you were injured," Mal stated.

"But once my ribs were healed, you and I both know I'd have earned a smack if I'd called you a lady," Harry told her.

"Uh huh, sure you are," Persephone deadpanned.

Harry bit his lip to keep the swears at bay though Mal could have sworn she heard a whimper. It was a faint one, after all one didn't cry on the Isle, but it was there.

CJ bit her lip as she looked over at Harry. Would…would he accept any comfort from her or would he just brush it off like always?

"What?" Harry asked, his tone gruff as he saw her looking at him.

"Nothing," CJ muttered. Figured. Even now, he still hates me. Guess I was wrong in thinking that if we…if we ever got mom back, he'd at least like me.

"Harry," she said softly, her heart breaking for her crew mate. "Just take the pills. No one is going to judge you for admitting you're in pain. Not here. It's the one safe place on the Isle other than the clubhouse."

"He's nine," Kit sighed and shook his head. "A nine year old child, and he thinks he'd get judged for taking pain medicine when he's potentially has broken ribs! Why was the hospital not put on the Isle? It shouldn't have even been a second thought for him to take those pills!"

"Harry, do I need to make it an order?" Uma asked, looking at the pirate. "You look half ready to pass out from the pain. Take the pills!"

"That would be the one way to get Harry to take something for the pain," Harriet said, her voice soft from worry. "Make it an order."

Harry glowered but sighed. "Fine," he said softly. "But only because Uma's threatening to make it an order."

"Oh it wasn't a threat. It was a promise," Uma nodded, crossing her arms over her chest.

Jay held out his hands as he gestured to Uma. "Behold, Ladies, Lords, Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, and Leah. The only person Harry will actually listen to."

"Shut it Jay!" Harry and Uma muttered.

"Whatever makes those pills get into your system," Mal shrugged and shook out a couple of pills, handing them to Harry. Jay stood to the side holding a glass of water at the ready. Harry sighed but swallowed them down.

"Thank Gods," Harriet muttered to herself. At least the guilty feeling of Harry being alone and in pain might subside…even if she didn't deserve that relief.

Jay handed Harry the glass of water. "Here," he said.

"Thanks guys," Harry muttered.

"You'd do the same for us Harry," Uma said. "Though we probably wouldn't be as stubborn."

Jay shook his head. "I'm not even going to touch that one," he muttered.

Persephone walked up and sat gently on the bed. "Hold still Harry."

Harry stayed as still as he could but wasn't sure what Persephone was going to do.

"But…but it's mom," Hadie said. "You can always trust mom."

"Hey, hey it's alright. I'm just going to see if we can tell if your ribs are actually broken," she said gently.

Harry nodded but still had to fight the urge to flinch away as Persephone reached for his shirt. He knew she would never hurt him like the Captain did but it was instinct at this point. However, it was still a weakness. If anyone outside the crew found out…

Harry held back a sigh as he looked back at the ground, his elbows resting on his thighs. He didn't want to see the pitying looks from the Auradon folks, the judgmental looks from his fellow Isle dwellers. He didn't want the confirmation that he'd been weak in that instance.

"It's understandable," Rachel spoke up and Harry lifted his head to look at her. "You were injured by an adult. An adult you should have been able to trust. It's understandable that you'd be wary about another one touching you so soon after receiving the injury."

Persephone gave him an understanding smile as she gently lifted his shirt. The smile turned into a frown as she saw the extent of the bruising on the side of the boy's torso. Even the makeshift wrap couldn't hide all the black and blue that was up and down Harry's left side. She didn't want to cause the young boy more pain.

Cinderella gasped and Kit wrapped his arm around her to hold her close. Ariel's green eyes watered, as did Rapunzel's. Tiana gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Their respective husbands held them close, though none of them were thrilled about the image of a young boy with bruising that severe.

"What's the verdict?" Mal asked.

Persephone sighed as she lowered Harry's shirt. "Unfortunately, I can't tell without an x-ray. Going by the state of the bruising though, I'd say it's better to err on the side of caution and act as if the ribs are broken. So Harry, unfortunately for you, that means no moving."

Persephone gave Mal a sad smile. "I appreciate your faith in me Mal but you know I'm not a doctor."

"Maybe not but you're one of the few people we trust in that situation. Besides the Isle's got a lot of self taught doctors," Mal told her.

Harry frowned. "But—"

"No."

"But I've already missed one of my shifts—"

"And that doesn't matter. As long as you want to work at the restaurant, you've got a job there," Hades told him. After all, this wasn't the last time Hook would injure his son—whenever that happened, Hades would make sure Harry's shifts were light and consisted more of learning to count lessons rather than carrying a heavy tray of food.

Oh sure other villains might accuse Hades of coddling Harry but being a God, Hades knew how fragile mortals were. If Harry needed someone to get him to take it easy, Hades would be that person.

"But—!"

"Harry, your work ethic is appreciated. Don't get me wrong, but there is no way I would or will make you work with broken ribs," Hades said firmly.

"Harry, no moving means no moving," Persephone told him. "The last thing we'd want is for one of those ribs to pierce your lung if they're actually broken."

Harry sighed and shook his head. Why do they insist on coddling me? He thought.

"Call me crazy but I think not wanting a piece of bone to pierce your lung is coddling you!" Emir exclaimed.

James, if our son joins me as a permanent resident of the Underworld before you do, I will figure out how to haunt you! Milah vowed.

"Hey," Mal said gently. "You got us Harry. Anything you need, we can get for you. You're safe here."

Harry shook his head, wincing a bit as pain shot up his side once more. "Mal I couldn't ask you to do that. I've managed broken ribs before, you know that."

"When?" Harriet asked, her voice hard.

"Harriet, it doesn't matter—."

"Like hell it doesn't Harrison! When did you have to deal with broken ribs and why didn't you tell me?!"

"…like I said, I was six," Harry muttered as he glanced back at the ground. "You were taking care of CJ…it was after you helped us with the bed. He wasn't exactly thrilled he heard from Smee that I got you to abandon the counter."

"Well too bad because it's happening. You'd do it for us."

Harry looked straight at Mal. "Mal, I can't just stay in a bed all day."

"If it means you don't die, then yes you can!"

"Last I checked, being sick or injured is the one pass to stay in bed all day," Neal said.

"Mal, the Captain's not just going to let me laze about. He's already furious about yesterday."

"Furious? Furious?!" Milah exclaimed. "Because you saved Mal's life?!"

"Because I abandoned my post," Harry muttered.

Milah's hands curled into fists. "Oh your father better thank his stars that he's not here right now!"

"Well it's just as well that you're not going back there then!"

Harry looked at Mal in confusion. "Where else would I go? The clubhouse? Wait, you're not saying I stay—?"

Gods, what I wouldn't have given for a resource like that when I was on the streets of Agrabah. A place where I could safely recover from any injures and have someone around to get what I needed. Well, a human someone. But then again I probably would have fought to prove myself the way Harry is here, Aladdin thought.

"Yes you idiot, I'm saying you stay here!" Mal told him. "You saved my life yesterday, it's only fair I make sure you don't end yours by trying to move with potentially broken ribs!"

"I do have to say that's a fair argument," Phillip Jr. said softly. He couldn't imagine having to try to convince his friend to stay in bed because of broken ribs. But then again there was a lot about the Isle he couldn't imagine in his life.

"Mal, I can't stay here—"

"And why not?" Mal asked, crossing her arms. "We clearly have a bed we're not using. So stay. You know I'll just have Jay carry you back if you try to run."

"I'd do it too," Jay said, crossing his arms over his chest and looking over at his best friend.

Harry sighed. "Mal I can't just stay here."

"Why not?"

"I just can't Mal!" Harry said and winced. "I can take care of myself."

"But you shouldn't have to," Eugene said, shaking his head.

"You don't have to Harry!" Mal said and turned to Hades. "Dad, Harry can stay here right?"

"Of course."

"Thank you," Milah said, looking at Hades.

Hades nodded, hearing the sincere gratitude in Milah's voice. "As I said during the previous scroll, he saved Mal's life. Not only that but I wouldn't let a child go out around the Isle when they're injured. You can't win a fight that way and I'm not about to let another child stand before me to be judged."

Mal turned back to Harry. "See? Just stay here Harry! What else are you going to do? Go back to the Captain and pretend like your ribs aren't potentially broken?"

Harry shrugged and winced once more.

Harriet couldn't help but give her brother a sad smile. I wish that wasn't an option, she thought. I wish you were able to be safe at home and not have our father act the way he did.

"Harry, stop being stubborn," Uma said as Mal pinched the bridge of her nose. "You're in pain and have an offer of being able to heal without worrying about the Captain ruining the progress there!"

"Unfortunately, stubbornness is a Hook family trait," Milah said as she looked at her three kids.

"I swear Harry, if the next words out of your mouth are 'I'm fine' or any variation, I'll have Jay hide your hook for the next month!" Mal growled as Harry opened his mouth.

"Don't look at me mate," Jay said, crossing his arms as Harry sighed. "You need this. I can look after Harriet and CJ, if you're worried about the Captain going after them. We will sort it out. You just need to stay."

The Captain wouldn't go after either of them. Harriet's our true parent, the one who made it so he doesn't have to do anything other than punish me, and the runt's the favorite, Harry thought with a small frown.

"I hate all three of you right now," Harry said with a glare.

"You matter to us too Harry," Mal smirked.

You have no idea how much I needed to hear that at that moment Mal, Harry thought.

Harry scowled but sighed. "Fine, Mal, you win. But just until my ribs heal."

"That's all I'm asking. How are you feeling by the way? Those pain meds kick in yet?"

"What kind of pain medicine works that fast?" Akiho asked, trying to make a joke to lighten the mood of the room. It fell flat but at least a few lips twitched.

Harry nodded slowly. "Yeah, ribs still hurt though."

"That's to be expected," Persephone said gently. "You can have another dose of pain medicine in a couple of hours."

"It was just over the counter pain medicine," Persephone said as some of the adults looked over at her. "I may be a Goddess but even I can't get morphine and the top notch pain killers if there's no hospital."

"Got to say, it's weird seeing you be so still," Jay said with a small smirk.

Harry scowled at him. "Not funny Jay. If I could move, I'd hit you. Actually, Mal, any chance you could hit Jay for me?"

"Be nice Jay," Mal said, whacking him on the arm with a small smirk.

"Seriously?" Jay asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You were asking for it," Mal shrugged.

"Now that I could get used to," Harry said with a smirk of his own.

Uma chuckled and shook her head.

"Hey, I'm plenty nice Mal," Jay said. "After all, I could have carried Harry through the town square which is a direct path to the Underworld but is also the most heavily trafficked area."

"I'm pretty sure Harry would have killed you if you'd done that," Harriet said, her voice soft.

"I know. Which is why I didn't do it," Jay told her.

"True."

Uma chuckled again. "I don't think Harry would have forgiven you if you'd done that Jay."

"Harry is still in the room," Harry spoke up causing the other three to chuckle once more. "So that whole can't move thing? That wouldn't happen to count toward bathroom trips too?"

"Hmm, I'm sure that's an innocent question," Akiho said, not sounding sincere in his musing at all.

"We can make some allowances for that," Hades said.

Mal's eyes narrowed. "Harry, you wouldn't be asking because you're planning on making a run for it are you?"

"You know you potentially gave him an idea right?" Chip asked.

"I know," Mal nodded. "But I wanted to cover my bases. Harry, as you can see, is quite stubborn at times."

"Mal, I promise, I really have to use the bathroom," Harry told her. "Not that that's not a brilliant plan by the way."

He sat up slowly and, being careful not to jostle his ribs too much, he got out of the bed. Making his way to the bathroom took more time than Harry wanted but he made it. He tried to not bite his lip, after all men and pirates didn't show they were in pain. Besides it wasn't that bad now—thanks in part to that pain medicine Mal made him take.

"That's it!" Uma exclaimed. "I told you what I'd do if I heard that freaking 'men and pirates don't show pain' nonsense one more time!"

"Uma, technically I didn't say it!" Harry told her. "It was the Lady Meg who said it…I just thought it."

"Did he just call me a Lady?" Meg asked.

"You're married to Hercules who's the son of Zeus," Mal told her. "Harry does that, claims it shows proper respect to those above his station."

"Uh huh. And should we stop them?"

Mal looked over to see Harry and Uma still quibbling about the semantics of who truly said the line. "Nah…I think this is their way of flirting honestly. Considering they're both in denial about—."

"We're not in denial!" Harry and Uma snapped at the same time.

"There we go," Mal said with a smirk.

Oh thank Gods, Harry thought as he went to the bathroom. He couldn't help but consider what Mal had said; about making a break for it. He sighed. Staying here would only potentially put a large target on Mal and her family even if Mal's as tough as they came, I couldn't do that to her.

Mal gave Harry a sad smile as she looked over at her friend and crew mate. She wasn't surprised in the slightest that Harry would place her over his own safety—she just wished he didn't.

He mattered too.

Sighing again, he couldn't help but shake his head slightly. "Mal'd just drag me back. Besides the Captain's a big cod fish toward anyone bigger than him. There's no way he'd go after Lord Hades," he muttered to himself and smiled slightly. He had definitely lucked out when it came to his crew.

"I could handle Hook," Hades said. "Besides I've got more than a few words to say to him on the subject of child rearing."

"Can we watch?!" Mal and Jay asked.

"Can I help?" Uma growled, her hands curling into fists as the thought of Hook hurting Harry once again entered her brain.

He hobbled back slowly, inwardly cursing his ribs and his father all the while.

"You need any help?" Jay asked as Harry hobbled back into the bedroom.

"I'm good."

Mal shook her head. "How are all my friends so stubborn? Come here Harry."

"We're the stubborn ones?" Harry, Jay, and Uma exclaimed, looking over at Mal.

"Yes. Thank you for finally admitting it," Mal nodded.

"Mal, I'm fine. I don't need help," Harry told her.

"Uh huh right," Mal deadpanned as she nudged Harry onto the bed, earning a glare from the pirate. "Don't give me that look. I do have to give you credit, at least you didn't run off. Now get comfy."

"You know who they remind me of?" Hercules muttered to Meg.

"I know," Meg muttered back, looking at Macaria and Hyllus.

Mal pulled the blanket around him and Estelle once again took his place by Harry's legs, his heads resting near his knee.

"Mal, you don't have to do that," Harry muttered.

"Hush. Captain's orders."

Thank you Mal, for being there for Harry when I couldn't, Harriet thought with a small smile.

Harry sighed but did as he was told. He had to admit, this was comfy for the Isle at least. He would even allow himself a bit of coddling, even if he would never admit it to the others.

"I hate these scrolls," Harry muttered as his friends and crew mates looked over at him. Figured it'd be his luck that his friends would be here and that thought would appear.

His eyes shut against his will and Harry drifted off to sleep.

"You get some rest Harry," Uma said softly as the rest of the group shared a sad smile.

"Come on," Mal mouthed, gesturing for them to leave. The group left the room and made their way to the den, in case Harry needed them they'd still be close.

"Ah the 'we've got a stubborn friend who'll likely try to do things himself while he's injured' method of caring," Emir nodded.

"We know it well," Akiho added.

"Boys?" Anna, Jasmine, and Belle asked, each looking at their sons and raising an eyebrow. Their fathers also looked over at their sons in concern, wondering which one of them had been hurt and hadn't wanted to tell them.

"We've been sworn to secrecy," Emir said after catching Ben's eye.

"But the scrolls haven't!" Akiho said with a smirk.

Ben sighed. "Akiho, you have no idea what's in the scrolls."

"Neither do you Ben," Akiho told him.

"Ooh loophole," Mal chuckled. "I like your friend Benny."

"Would anyone like a hot drink? Or some food?" Persephone offered.

Mal shrugged. "Guys?" She asked, looking at Uma and Jay.

"A hot drink would be nice. The water at Mama's place is mostly salt water," Uma said softly.

"And we can't really drink that. Not unless we want to get sick," Uma added.

"Yeah, a hot drink sounds good," Jay nodded.

"Coming up," Hades said with a small smile.

"Hot drinks are a specialty of mine," Hades nodded.

Mal nodded as the adults made their way into the the kitchen to get the drinks before sighing softly. She couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. After all, the only reason Harry had abandoned his job at Hook's place yesterday was to save her life.

"Yeah well I'd do it again in a heartbeat Mal," Harry said firmly, looking over at her. Her life mattered more after all. She was a Godling, a dragon if only by association. He was just a pirate.

Which was why she was going to make damn sure that Harry was alright. That all her crew would be alright. No matter what. She was co-captain after all. She'd do it anyway, even if Harry hadn't saved her life.

"You won't be alone there Mal," Uma said. "I'm Captain too."

"You okay there Mal?" Jay asked.

"Hmmm?" Mal said as she looked over at Jay. "Yeah Jay, I'm fine. Just thinking."

"Didn't…didn't LeFou once say that's a dangerous pastime?" Carlos asked.

"Yeah but he was talking to Gaston," Uma said. "The same man who once said that it's not right for women to read because then we might start getting…ideas!"

"Oh yes, and thinking," Belle nodded. "He didn't want us to think."

"Explains a lot about his sons," Harry muttered.

"Whatcha thinking about?" Uma asked.

"That you guys will be okay."

"Of course we will Mali," Uma said before sighing. "It's Harry I'm concerned about. Was it just me or was he more stubborn than usual?"

"That's possible? He seemed pretty stubborn," Lucy noted.

"Not just you."

"Yeah," Jay nodded. "You don't think Hook did something or threatened to do something if Harry accepted help, do you?"

You guys weren't there the next day…when the Captain realized Harry wasn't home. For a second he almost seemed guilty of what he did, Harriet thought.

"I wouldn't put it past him," Uma growled. "I mean a little stubbornness is one thing but... I know we all have to grow up quickly on the Isle but if I have to hear the words 'men and pirates don't show pain' one more time, Hook's hook is going to find someplace a lot more interesting to live."

"May we offer some suggestions?" Emir asked, Akiho nodding earnestly.

Mal raised an eyebrow. "We've only known you for like a couple of hours. Why do you care?"

"That's who they are," Ben said. "They're the 'mom' friends."

"And proud of it!"

Mal nodded in agreement. "Well at least Harry won't have to worry about Hook until his ribs recover," she said before she sighed. "Isn't it bad enough Boreadon gives us horrible food? Did they have to forget to give us doctors as well?"

Beast winced as he heard that. It wasn't as if they had forgotten on purpose! It just sort of…slipped through the cracks.

"I've stopped wondering about Boreadon, to be honest," Uma shrugged. "Staying alive's the mission around here. And hey, as I've said before, at least we get the most decent food there is. We could have it a lot worse."

"I think most kids under the age of five are the only ones who still wonder about Boreadon," Celia said with a shrug.

I still wonder about it. What it would be like to live there, Dizzy thought, lightly biting her lip.

"True," Mal nodded as Persephone and Hades walked back in, holding the hot drinks for the kids.

"It's just some weak tea but it's drinkable non-salted water, and it's warm," Hades said with a smile as he handed Uma her drink.

"Now that I know there's a 'Boreadon' stash I don't know if I should feel insulted you made us 'Isle' tea or not," Uma teased her aunt.

"Thanks Uncle Hades," Uma said as she took her tea and closed her eyes. There was something so comforting about being around her Uncle Hades and Aunt Steph. It was like having a second set of parents at times. After Mal had told her she was her cousin, it had been a joke that soon Aunt Steph would start fussing over Uma as much as she did Mal. A small part of her couldn't help but think that would be nice.

I…I know Aunt Steph is your mom Mali but…she's more of my mother than my own mom is, Uma thought to Mal, who gave her a small smile.

It was one of the reasons why Uma didn't understand why Harry put up such a fight coming to the Underworld. This was the one place where the adults were normal. Uma couldn't even let her walls down much around her dad, in case Ursula heard. Sure her dad cared but he only went as far to check that she'd eaten if they were alone or teach her to make sure she wasn't left behind on the Isle. Now that Celia was born, she got the majority of his attention.

"Well that also was because Celia lives with him and Freddie while I live with mama," Uma said, shaking her head.

Not that Uma would ever begrudge her baby sister their dad's attention but there was a reason why Uma spent more time at her Uncle Hades' than her dad's now.

Celia gave Uma a small smile as she heard that. She hated to admit it but for a split second she'd been worried that it was going to be another Hadie and Mal situation.

There was even a room set up for her in case she ever wanted to spend the night—the Underworld had a lot of spare rooms for the home of someone who didn't like to entertain.

Thank you again for that brother, Poseidon thought to Hades. You didn't need to provide her a room—.

She is family Poseidon. Now stop thanking me every time you hear me look out for her, Hades thought back. As you can clearly see, I don't exactly fit the Isle mold.

That's not a bad thing, Poseidon told him.

"You okay Uma?" Persephone said gently.

Uma nodded. "I'm okay, Aunt Steph. It's just...nice to have a safe place."

"I know I said it back then but I want to say it again, you've got a place as long as you want it," Persephone said, keeping her voice gentle.

Persephone gave the young girl a sad smile. "You always have a place here as long as you want it. We have plenty of room and food."

"I know," Uma said with a smile. "Thanks Aunt Steph."

Uma wasn't the only one smiling at Persephone. "Thank you," Poseidon told her.

"I only wish I could do more for the kids on the Isle," Persephone said with a small sigh.

Persephone wished more than anything she could take the kids off the Isle with her when the six months came around, but that wouldn't be a life for the kids. Always hiding. It wasn't fair to them, but neither was life on the Isle. The adults had made their bed, why should the kids have to lie in it?

"Lady Persephone raises a good point," Rapunzel said. "Technically I could be considered a 'Villain Kid'. Should I not be put on the Isle?"

"Quasi would also be considered a 'Villain Kid'," Esmeralda nodded.

Audrey pursed her lips, unsure if she should mention the other crimes her grandmother had committed. Like trying to force certain council members onto the Isle.

"Should someone check on Harry?" Jay asked. "He probably shouldn't roll over too much."

"I'll go," Mal said as she stood up. "I'll give a holler if he needs anything."

It shouldn't have been up to you Mal, Eric thought with a small frown. That being said…he understood. Harry would be extremely wary of adults at that moment so seeing his friend would be a lot better than seeing his friend's parents.

Mal went into the spare room where Harry was still sleeping. Leaning up against the doorframe, she couldn't help but sigh. Harry…what were they going to do with him?

Give him the support he needed…like he'd do with us, Uma thought with a slight nod of her head.

"I can feel you lurking," Harry said softly, looking over at Mal as he woke up.

Mal gave him a small smile as she walked into the room. "Good. How're you feeling?"

"Before anyone says anything, I am well aware of how stupid that question was," Mal said, shaking her head.

Harry sighed, wincing as he tried to sit up. "As well as anyone with potentially broken ribs can feel I guess."

"The pain medicine shouldn't have worn off that quickly," Persephone said, her voice soft as she muttered to herself.

"You need another dose? Or some food? When's the last time you ate?"

"Probably whatever we had for lunch yesterday," Harry said softly. "Getting kicked in the ribs repeatedly really kills your appetite and the clubhouse doesn't have food."

"You hadn't eaten since lunch the previous day?" Aziz exclaimed.

Harry shrugged. "The food barge was late again. I wasn't about to take food from kids' mouths."

"Besides, even as well connected as we were, even kids in our crew went hungry from time to time," Uma said with a small sigh.

"…he kicked you? Your father kicked you?"

"Okay CJ, you're about to see mom get really mad," Harriet muttered to their sister. Of the memories she had of her mother, there was only a few times when Harriet could remember her mother's voice getting that low.

"Mom, it…it doesn't—."

"Don't you dare say it doesn't matter Harrison," Milah told Harry. "I swear to all the Gods, if your father was here, I'd…I'd…I'd eviscerate him!"

"I'd hold him down for you," Hades told her, glaring at the scroll.

I'd help, Eugene and Aladdin thought, catching the other's eye and nodding slightly.

"Well we have food here. What would you like?"

She'd hold off on killing Captain Hook, Harry needed her attention now.

"I'm joining you when you do kill him," Uma vowed and Jay nodded as well.

Audrey sniffed. "See Ben? They're vowing to kill someone and you still—."

"There's a difference between murder and dealing with an abusive parent," Audrey snapped at her counterpart. "Be thankful you've never had to know the difference."

After all…her mother had been nothing but loving to her. Her grandmother on the other hand…

Our family status, gone. You were supposed to be his queen and you let him slip through your fingers. Your mother could hold on to a prince in her sleep.

"Mal, really, you don't have to go through any trouble for me."

"Harry! Why are you being so stubborn?!"

"Oh this from the queen of stubbornness?" Harry asked and then sighed.

"How does one become the 'Queen of stubbornness'?" Rowyn asked.

"Be Mal apparently," Rose told her sister.

"I know you're my captain Mal but I don't know why you're going through all this effort."

"Because I want to. Don't tell me you wouldn't do the same if it was reversed."

"In a heartbeat!" Harry shouted. "You need me, I'm there Mal. No questions asked."

"Of course I would!" Harry exclaimed, as if offended Mal would imply otherwise. "But it's different Mal."

"How?" Mal asked, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms. "Because I'm a girl?"

"I've had Harriet for a sister for how long and you honestly think I think girls can't take care of themselves?" Harry muttered.

Harry sighed. "Cause you actually have people who care," he muttered.

Harriet looked over at Harry who was avoiding her eye. "Harry…?"

"That night. Captain's kicking me in the ribs and yet your first instinct was to get the runt out of there so she didn't see what was happening," Harry muttered to her. "I get it Harri, it's not fair to you. You've got to be a mom to the runt after all."

"So do you," Mal said softly, her heart sinking.

"Yeah, the Captain showed how much he cared last night," Harry muttered. "Face it Mal, the last person who truly cared about me died when the runt was born. Maybe I have Harriet but she can't do much against the Captain."

Oh Gods, what…I had to get CJ out of there though, I couldn't have her see…but in doing so I…Harriet thought as Harry focused his attention on the ground.

"Harry…" Milah said, her tone soft even if she was shaking slightly in anger at her husband. Sorry, ex- husband. Death did them part after all. How could he do that? Make Harry think no one cared about him!

She knew she needed to talk to Harry and knew she needed to talk to him alone. He wouldn't want everyone hearing this. Gently resting a hand on his back, Milah frowned as Harry flinched away from her.

"Harry…" Persephone said, her soft voice drawing Harry's attention and causing him to lift his head. "Come with me."

Milah quickly followed them, stopping in the doorway as Persephone turned to look at her. Despite being dead, Milah quickly feared for her life as the Goddess walked up to her.

"I know he's your son…but he's as good as mine too," she said, keeping her voice low. "Hurt him, and you'll be sent back to the Underworld so quick your head will spin."

"I understand Lady Persephone," Milah nodded and she walked into the room, closing the door behind her to provide some privacy.

The sight before her broke her heart—her once vibrant baby boy now a closed off, cynical teen. Granted he'd been that way when she arrived but now she could see it so much more clearly.

"Harry…my darling. What did your father do?" Milah asked as she closed the distance between them and held Harry's face in her hands, looking into his blue eyes that mirrored her own.

Harry shrugged. "You're listening to the same scroll I am," he muttered.

"That's not what I mean and you know it," Milah told him. "Harry, you have people who care about you. Harriet—."

"Harriet chose between me and the runt that night and the runt came out on top!" Harry exclaimed, backing up so that his face was no longer in her grasp. "The runt's always picked first! Even though she's the reason we don't have you!"

Oh sure, he knew that Leah's manipulation with the food was what made his mother so weak but if it hadn't been for her pregnancy with CJ, she could have regained her strength.

"Harrison!" Milah scolded. "Do not talk about your sister that way!"

"See? Even you're siding with her!" Harry shouted, unshed tears shimmering in his eyes. "I can't stand her and she's the Captain's favorite whereas I've been his punching bag since I was four! All because she looks like you!"

"If you couldn't stand her, why did you fight so hard to defend her against Freddy when he made that comment?" Milah asked and Harry stilled. "That's right, I was watching when that happened. It was another moment when I was so proud to call myself your mother. But Harry…I need to know what your father did."

They could talk about this whole blaming CJ for her death thing later. Harry needed to be the focus.

"I don't want to talk about it," Harry muttered.

"Harry…"

"No one knows okay!" Harry snapped. "Not even Jay, Uma, or Mal! They just know that the Captain once again turned me into his punching bag and I didn't fight back. I was weak, I was pathetic! I was…I was a disgrace to piracy…"

Harry didn't get a chance to finish his sentence as Milah quickly wrapped her son up in her arms.

"You were not weak or pathetic," she murmured, gently rubbing his back. She was furious at her husband but now was not the time for ranting or enacting revenge. Her son needed her. Harry had lived his life thinking others were more important than him and he needed someone to put him first. "You know who was weak and pathetic? The grown man who thought it okay to almost break a nine year old's ribs. Especially when that nine year old had just saved his friend's life."

"But…I abandoned my post…" Harry whispered and Milah could hear his voice catch, as if he was trying to not cry into her shoulder.

"What's one of the rules in the Pirate Code? Loyalty to captain and crew above all else," Milah said, gently rubbing his back and trying to ignore the way Harry would stiffen up or flinch with each rotation. As if he was expecting another shoe to drop. "Not to mention it's not as if you just let the counter sit there without anyone there to watch it. Your sister was there wasn't she? But even if the counter was truly abandoned, you did nothing to deserve that."

Harry's shoulders began to shake and Milah knew her son was silently sobbing into her shoulder. She held him close, just as Lord Hades had done with Mal all those years ago. Not that Milah knew about that of course, having missed that scroll.

"I am so sorry Harry," she whispered into his hair after a few minutes of standing silent. "I wish I could have been there for you. If there had been a hint that your father would have done this…"

"He…he didn't start doing it until after you died," Harry said, quickly wiping his tears away. "I…I didn't mean to…I should have been stronger…"

"Hey, hey," Milah said gently. "I'm your mother. If you can't cry on my shoulder, who's shoulder can you cry on?"

"Harriet's?"

Milah gave her son a sad smile. "I guess she has had to be your mother all this time huh? It's not fair to her, it's not fair to any of you kids. But Harry, know that you matter okay? I don't want to think about you potentially joining me until you're old and giving me great-grandchildren."

"Mom, I don't even know if I'm going to have kids—."

"Great. Grandchildren. Harrison."

"Okay, okay," Harry said with a slight chuckle and Milah smiled as she heard it. She wasn't naive enough to think one conversation would undo years of abuse from his father but she knew that her son would be okay enough to listen to the rest of the scroll.

"You want to go back out?"

Harry shrugged. "Mal, Uma, and Jay would probably drag me back out. Besides, Mal listened to the scroll about her almost drowning," he muttered.

"That's not what I asked," Milah told him. "What do you want?"

Harry bit his lip. "I…I want to go back out there," he said softly. I want to show the Captain he's got no power over me. Even if he's not here.

"Then that's what we'll do," Milah said and the two of them went back out to the rest of the room.

"You okay?" Uma mouthed to Harry as he passed her.

"Just fine cap'n," Harry mouthed back and Uma nodded. She knew that was a lie but she wasn't going to press him.

"I'm not talking about Hook, Harry. I care. Uma cares. Jay cares. My parents care. We're the Rotten Four. Harry, if something happened to you, something we couldn't reverse…we wouldn't be the same. You're a part of our crew and we look after each other," Mal told him, ignoring his nickname for CJ.

"I care about you too Harry, and so does CJ," Harriet whispered to him, Milah having reconfigured the seating arrangements so that Harry was in-between her and Harriet.

"So don't think we don't care about you or that we're going out of our way when we offer something. You'd do it for us no questions asked."

"Of course I would Mal," Harry said with a sigh. "You're my crew. What kind of a crew mate would I be if I didn't help if it was needed?"

"So if you can help them if they needed it, why can't they do the same for you?" Naveen asked, looking over at Harry.

"Exactly. So why shouldn't we do the same for you?"

Harry couldn't help but give a sad smile at that. He still didn't understand why Mal was going through all this effort but he wasn't going to lie, it felt nice.

"I'm going through the 'effort' as you put it because you're my friend and I don't want to see you in pain!" Mal stated.

"Now, back to my question, what would you like to eat? If the last time you had food was lunch, you've got to be hungry."

"Do…do you have any soup or something I could drink?" Harry asked, his voice soft. "With these ribs…"

Milah's heart broke as she heard her son ask that. In a perfect world, she would have been there to take care of him. Of course, in a perfect world his father wouldn't have dare to lay hand or hook on their son!

"I'm sure mom can find you something," Mal said. "I'll be right back. Estelle can keep watch on you—I'm not surprised he's still here."

"He's been keeping my leg warm," Harry chuckled as Mal left the room to go back to the den, her hand curling up into a fist. If she wasn't nine, she'd go and give Hook what's for. Maybe use the Isle thinking she was the Dragon's spawn to her advantage!

"Again I've got a giant snowman ready to help out if you guys need it," Akiho offered.

She knew it was rough on the Isle, and that most of their parents didn't care about them but that didn't mean Harry deserved to have that confirmed!

I think there's a part of the Captain that still cares about Harry, Harriet thought. He at least asked where Harry was the next day. Not that I told him of course but he did ask. And he asked again when Harry moved out after Harry turned ten. It was only because of him asking that I started our monthly family dinners that I try to get Harry to go to.

Sighing, she shook her head as she got to the den.

"Mom, what kind of soup do we got?"

"I think we have some chicken noodle soup left over from the restaurant," Persephone said, getting up.

Estelle perked his head up upon hearing the word 'chicken'.

"Again boy, sorry but there's no chickens here," Mal said with a small sigh as Estelle snorted in disapproval and put his head back down.

"Can Harry have some? He wants something easy with his ribs."

Persephone nodded. "I'll go get it heated up right now."

"Thank you."

Persephone gave Mal a smile and went to the kitchen to get the soup heated up for Harry, Hades quickly following to give the kids some privacy.

"More like so your father could rant about what he was going to do to Hook if he ever got his hands on him," Persephone said.

Hades shrugged. "Like you weren't threatening to turn him into a mint plant, Steph."

"I never said I didn't Hades," Persephone shook her head.

"How is he?" Uma asked.

Mal sighed. "Physically, he's about the same. Emotionally…well let's just say the Captain's lucky I'm not older and off the Isle otherwise he'd be a charred sack of bones right now. He made one of my crew feel worthless!"

If it wasn't for the fact that the Hooklings don't deserve to lose another parent before they're twenty, Hook and I would be having a very long conversation. One I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be walking away from, Hades thought as he glared at the scroll.

"What?!" Uma growled and sat up. "Harry has to know how important he is, right?"

Out of the corner of her eye, Harriet swore Harry seemed to sit up a bit straighter as he heard Uma's words.

Mal sighed. "Not according to the talk I just had with him. Harry thinks no one cares about him since his mom died."

"Well that's clearly not true," Lonnie spoke up, looking over at Harry. "If it was, Mal and the others wouldn't put up such a big fight for you."

Uma stared at Mal, her mouth hanging down like a fish. "I—how—what—how can he think that?"

"If I knew that, I'd tell you," Mal sighed, shaking her head. "But I think we found the reason why he's so stubborn when it comes to accepting our help."

Harriet bit her lip to keep the tears that were building up from streaming down her cheeks. Gods…how can I call myself a big sister when I failed in protecting Harry? I know CJ needed me…but so did Harry. I made a choice and now my brother's going to have scars. Oh the bruises faded but the emotional scars…

Uma started to get up as if to march into the spare room. "What are we waiting for? We've got to show him how wrong he is. It's not like he can run from us with those ribs."

"I'm no pirate expert but I don't think it's a good idea to corner him," Emma spoke up.

"Shouldn't we let him eat first?" Jay asked.

Rowyn nodded. "It probably won't be a good idea to pepper Harry right away. Not after something like this."

Uma sighed. "You're right Jay—I just don't like the idea that Harry's thinking he doesn't matter to us."

"I know," Jay said softly. "But if we just storm in there, Harry's just going to have his walls up. We need to think this through."

Uma sighed. "He was right," she muttered. "Storming in there wouldn't have worked at all. Not with Harry."

"What's there to think about?" Uma asked. "It's Harry we're talking about. If it was any of us in that bed, feeling like that, he'd be leading the charge to show we were wrong."

"Uma…cap'n…you didn't have to—."

"What's that Harry? You're thankful we care about you and treat you the way you'd treat us?" Uma asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked over at her first mate.

Mal sighed but before she could respond, Persephone walked out of the kitchen holding the bowl of soup.

"Good timing," Mal said, looking at her mom.

"A mother's intuition dear," Persephone told her.

"Soup's ready," she told Mal.

"Thanks mom," Mal said as she took the bowl and went back to Harry's room. "Harry?"

"Yeah Mal?" Harry asked, looking over at her.

"Time to eat," she said, walking over to the bed.

"You know it was probably a good idea for Harry to have something to eat with that pain medicine," Jasmine spoke up.

Harry nodded and tried to sit up as best he could. "You're not feeding me," he said, taking the bowl.

"You know it honestly didn't cross my mind until you said that," Mal said with a smirk.

"As long as you can eat," Mal said with a shrug.

Harry nodded again and began to eat the soup, thankful it only seemed to bother his ribs a little. He licked his lips—the food he'd eaten at Lord Hades' restaurant seemed to be a lifetime ago.

"The twenty five minutes of swimming probably didn't help that hungry feeling," Ben said. "I know after I've been swimming I'm usually ravenous. I can't imagine…"

"How is it?" Mal asked as Harry ate. Harry only nodded, too busy eating to talk. Mal couldn't help but smile, happy Harry was at least eating.

Good. He needs it, especially since he hasn't eaten since lunch yesterday, Mal thought with a sad smile. It's not fair! Why does Harry long to be just like the Captain when he hates the man?!

Because…because if I was just like him…maybe he'd stop treating me like a walking, talking punching bag, Harry thought.

If there was one person Mal couldn't see Harry being like, it was his father. Even if they did have to patch up his wrist a couple of weeks ago because he tried to chop off his own hand so he could truly need the hook.

"What?!" Milah exclaimed. Harry immediately moved his wrist out of reach as to avoid any questions. He could still feel everyone's eyes on him.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Uma creep in to curl up on the bed while Jay stood in the doorway. Estelle lifted his right head, wagging his tail as he saw Uma.

Jay and Mal looked at each other in knowing exasperation.

Gods it was clear when we were nine that they were going to wind up together yet they're still in denial? Jay thought, shaking his head.

"Uma?" Harry asked as he finished the soup, as if surprised she was still there.

"Yes?" Uma asked, looking at him like there was nothing out of the ordinary as she scratched Estelle behind the ears.

"Considering how often we all huddle together in the bed up at the clubhouse, there really wasn't anything out of the ordinary there," Uma added. "Only difference was you were injured."

Harry shook his head. "Nothing," he muttered.

Mal couldn't help but smile slightly as she walked over and sat on the bed next to Uma while Jay stayed in the doorway.

"You could have gone in at the same time," Hadie said.

Jay shook his head. "Didn't want Harry to feel too pressured. If I walked in with Mal, he'd have realized what we were doing."

"Guys…"

"Yes?" Mal, Uma and Jay said innocently.

Harry shook his head again. "Nothing."

"That's the second time you've done that Harry," Jay said, walking into the room. "What's up?"

He's just being stubborn, Harriet thought with a small sigh. Captain…is it wrong that I wish you were here so you could see what you did to Harry?

"Nothing…I'm just surprised you guys are so worried over this."

"Why wouldn't we be?" Uma asked. "You're part of our crew Harry, and crews stick together."

"Like Jordan's friend Nalani's aunt always says, Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten," Lonnie said. "Your crew's like your family I'm guessing so same motto applies."

"Even if they have the stupid notion that we shouldn't worry about them," Jay muttered.

"Pot, meet kettle," Mal sighed and shook her head. "You're just as stubborn as Harry is, Jay."

Harry sighed. "Jay, don't you still have your dad's quota to fill? Why are you wasting time—?"

"So I get locked out and have to sleep at the clubhouse tonight and avoid him for a few days. No big deal."

"Um, wrong. Big deal, very big deal!" Emir stated, looking over at Jay.

Jay shrugged. "Harry needed me more. I'm used to disappointing my dad and missing quota."

"Jay!" Harry exclaimed. "You're not getting locked out of your house because of me!"

Jay shrugged, as if he'd already made up his mind about the whole thing.

"He probably did too," Uma muttered.

"Jay, don't be stupid," Mal said. "Stay here if you get locked out. We can have a sleepover in Harry's room. As Harry pointed out, unfortunately, the clubhouse doesn't have anywhere to keep food long term. At least if you stay here, you'll get fed."

"Plus staying in the Underworld means you can avoid the Dragon for a few days," Mal pointed out. "Staying in the clubhouse, you'd still need to make your appearances if the Dragon had a meeting of her minions."

"Sounds cool," Jay said with a shrug.

"I'm sorry, my what?" Harry asked, looking at Mal.

"Your room," Akiho repeated.

"I heard Mal the first time," Harry grumbled.

"Your room."

"Mal, you can't be serious about that!"

"Do I look like I'm joking? You're staying here anyway. Why not just make this your room? Uma has one across the hall anyway."

Someone had to make sure Harriet and the runt didn't become the Captain's new punching bag, Harry thought. I know I said he wouldn't touch them but…he's unpredictable…after all…I never thought he'd smack me for trying to save a photo of mom when I was four…

"Because—"

"Because?" Mal repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm…not a god."

"Yeah so?" Mal asked. "The only cool Gods are mom and dad anyway."

"Besides Virgil's not a God and he's got a room in the Underworld," Uma pointed out, as she and Mal ignored the other Gods' protests.

"Hmm, Grandfather's not that bad," Uma pointed out.

"Okay true," Mal nodded. "But we can agree that Zeus is the worst right?"

"Agreed!"

Poseidon couldn't help but smile as he heard his granddaughter's defense of him but Zeus frowned as he heard Mal's judgement of him. The worst part was he knew he deserved it.

"Ah the sound of my daughter trashing my brother," Hades said as he walked into the room. "Music to my ears."

Mal couldn't help but giggle at that.

Are you ever going to get over that? The whole eaten as babies thing? Poseidon thought to Hades.

That's not why I hate Zeus, or at least it's not the main reason, Hades thought back. He could have provided aid to get Mal back. He didn't.

"I just came in to see if you all needed anything," Hades told them, scooping up Harry's empty soup bowl.

"Uh huh," Hercules said. "And it's not because you care about the young injured boy your daughter brought home and wanted to check on him, is it Uncle?"

"I can multi task Wonderbreath," Hades said with a shrug.

"Any idea on how to get Harry to put some value on himself?" Mal asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't usually say this…but tact is a thing," Neal said. "I mean I agree completely but maybe it shouldn't have been said so bluntly?"

"Mal, you don't have to make a big deal out of this," Harry muttered. Mal just looked at him, the eyebrow still raised.

"What?" Harry asked, noticing the eyebrow.

"That eyebrow spells doom to anyone who looks upon it!"

"Now you're just being dramatic," Mal said, shaking her head as she looked over at Harry.

Mal rolled her eyes. "How many times are we going to have to say it? You. Matter. To. Us."

"Okay. Okay."

"Okay now let's try that again but this time pretend like you actually mean it," Chip told the younger boy.

"Oh that's convincing," Uma said, rolling her eyes. "Uncle Hades, seriously, any chance you know how to get stubborn pirates to know their value?"

I know my value Uma…the problem is you've assigned me too much, Harry thought, holding back a sigh.

Hades shook his head. "Girls, it's not going to happen overnight."

"Thank you sir, don't encourage them," Harry muttered. Hades frowned, he hadn't been expecting that. The boy was nine after all. Then again, that didn't stop Hook from potentially breaking Harry's ribs. All the kids could really do is be there.

"And here I thought you'd come up with something more challenging Uncle Hades," Uma said.

"Yeah, we're always there for Harry," Jay nodded. "Like I told Mal, I'm with him till the end of the line."

"How're your ribs feeling?" Hades asked, looking over at the young pirate.

"Better," Harry told him, thankful for the subject change.

Harriet looked over at Harry. "Were they really or were you just saying that so Lord Hades and Mal wouldn't fuss over you?"

"I don't have to answer that," Harry muttered.

Hades nodded. "If you need any more pain relief, let me know."

"Yes sir."

"Okay. I'll be in the other room if you kids need anything," Hades said.

"Thanks dad."

"Dad you know perfectly well Harry would never let you know if he was in pain," Mal said, shaking her head.

Hades gave a small, sad smile before heading back to the den holding Harry's empty soup bowl.

"How is he?" Persephone asked as she looked over at Hades.

"Better, or so he says. I'm more worried about him emotionally rather than physically right now.

Harry held back a sigh. Great, even Lord Hades thought I was weak because of this. It's going to take forever to get people to see me as a pirate again rather than a scared little boy.

"Hades, his father potentially broke his ribs. That's not something he'll forget overnight," Persephone said with a frown.

Steph, I'm well aware of the psychological damage a bad father can put on a kid, Hades thought to his wife.

"I know."

"Plus he's staying here until his ribs heal remember? If something's bothering him, he can tell us."

Not that he ever did, Persephone thought with an inward sigh. Harry had been with them for about six weeks and had never talked about the experience. Though it had been maybe six months later that he'd packed up what he could and asked Hades if his room was available for him to stay in permanently when he wasn't staying on the ship.

"True," Hades nodded. That didn't mean he had to like the idea of Harry suffering. He had saved Mal's life after all—and even if he hadn't, he was one of Mal's minions and clearly was loyal to his daughter. If there was one thing Hades could appreciate, it was loyalty. Unfortunately, solving emotional trauma wasn't something that could be done overnight.

Okay therapy. Definitely adding therapy to the next group…and arranging it for this group of VKs too, Ben thought.

"You okay?" Persephone asked, looking over at Hades.

"Yeah."

Meanwhile, back in Harry's room, the aforementioned pirate couldn't believe how stubborn his crew was being. He didn't matter this much, not so much that Jay was going to risk getting locked out of his house for him.

Jay sighed and shook his head. "Harry, if I'm getting locked out of my house for any reason, taking care of an injured crew mate has got to be the best one I can think of."

He sighed softly.

"You okay Harry?" Mal asked, having heard the sigh. "Need any more pain meds?"

Uma stroked Harry's hair as they looked over at him.

Gods…why was his hair so fluffy? It's not like we had anything from Boreadon to make it that way, Uma thought, taking great pains to make sure she wasn't broadcasting on the mental link.

Harry shook his head, slightly pleased by the attention from Uma of all people though he didn't know why. "I'm fine guys. I'm comfortable."

"More than likely due to the pain meds," Akiho noted.

Jay and Mal smirked though upon hearing that Harry was pleased by the attention from Uma.

"You're sure?" Mal asked. "I can easily run out to the kitchen if you need anything."

"Mal I'm fine. Honestly I don't know why you keep asking."

"Because if I don't, it's not like you'll tell us!"

"Because you'd make a fuss if I did," Harry muttered.

"Because I know my own pain tolerance Mal!"

Mal couldn't help but give a sad smile at that. "You shouldn't have to though Harry."

"Yeah well, this is the Isle Mal," Harry muttered. "How many times has Maleficent smacked you around?"

"Thanks for that reminder," Demeter growled and Hades narrowed his eyes at the implication that there had been more instances of Maleficent hitting Mal than the times they'd heard about.

"Thanks for the reminder," Mal grumbled. "Gods, I wish we could stick King Beastie on the Isle just so he could see what it's like."

"You're not the only one Mali," Uma grumbled.

"Dad, shouldn't we…shouldn't we at least tour the Isle?" Ben asked. "Or bring a representative from the Isle to serve on the council?"

"Ben, honestly, you want to —?"

"I think that's a great idea," Belle said, giving Audrey a look.

Beast sighed. "I'll consider it Ben. The tour might be too dangerous for us to do but I have to admit, after all we've heard, a representative might not be such a bad idea."

"Gods, I wonder what counts as a problem in Boreadon?" Jay asked, leaning on the headboard.

"The dinner being cooked wrong," Harry said, rolling his eyes.

"The servants missing a spot dusting," Uma scoffed.

"A princess broke a nail," Mal shook her head.

"A prince got his suit dirty," Jay sighed, joining in on the fun. Mal shook her head again.

A grandmother emotionally abusing her granddaughter, Audrey thought with a small sigh.

A Prince trapped in a betrothal contract he shouldn't be in, Chip thought as he glanced over at Ben.

A mother missing her daughter, never even getting the chance to hold her, Belle thought as she bit her lip to keep the tears at bay.

Ben, though, wasn't aware of their thoughts and sighed softly. "They're right. When it's compared to what Mal and Harry went through…what all the people of the Isle lived through…it makes us sound so shallow," he whispered.

"There's a reason why we call the place 'Boreadon' after all," she scoffed and Uma rolled her eyes in agreement.

"I…I think I'd take boring to wondering…wondering where our next meal was coming from," Carlos spoke up.

Mal pursed her lips but nodded, acknowledging Carlos' point. "DeVil's right. Boring at least means we wouldn't run the risk of dying."

"What's the first thing you guys would do if you ever got off the Isle?" Jay asked.

"Test out my powers in the ocean."

"See how big I can get my fireball."

"Get a ship and go sailing," Harry said with a small smile at the thought of being free to do that. "Let me guess Jay, you'd just steal a bunch of stuff."

Gods…if Quasi was here he'd so easily put himself in those kids' shoes, Esmeralda thought. The red-haired hunchback had told her about how he would imagine what life was like outside of the stone walls of Notre Dame when it was the only safe space he knew.

"Although that stuff would have actual value, not the junk we have here on the Isle," Jay pointed out. "And I wouldn't have to give any of it to dad for him to sell. I could actually get myself a place and wouldn't have to swipe food."

The fantasy of every street rat, to be able to get by without swiping something, Aladdin thought with a small sigh.

"We all could," Mal sighed. "Imagine, not having to live in a place run by Maleficent."

"Huh, thought for sure that would wake her up," Mal said, looking over at the still unconscious Leah.

"Has she heard about Freddy pushing you in?" Uma asked and Mal shook her head.

"The smoke obscured his face," she said. "If I hadn't heard him talk, even I wouldn't have known it was Freddy. But it's only been a day. Her spies are everywhere-she'll hear. Whether or not she'll do anything is another thing. All she'll know is that I fell into the water. Like I said, the smoke covered his face."

"That won't matter to the Dragon," Carlos spoke up. "She hears any speculation that it was Freddy, she'd go after him."

"Gods, the one time in my life I agree with that she-demon," Hades muttered.

"I still say he needs to pay. "

"Well until those ribs heal, you won't be doing anything," Mal told him.

"I do have to say Harry, you were a great help with watching Hadie those six weeks," Hades said.

"Um…thank you Lord Hades," Harry said, hoping his cheeks weren't bright red.

Harry sighed. "Anyone else think it was extra cruel of King Beastie to put the Isle within view of Boreadon? It's like putting what we can't have just out of reach," he muttered, clearly trying to change the subject.

Belle sighed and bit her lip before speaking up. "The Isle was supposed to be further away but we had to deliberate between ease of delivering food and supplies along with transporting them. It was decided that the closer option would be better."

"I hate to give Beastie the benefit of the doubt but I don't think they expected the villains to have kids," Mal sighed.

"You know what I rescind my nine year old optimism!" Mal declared. "Because if you didn't expect the villains of the Isle to have kids, why did you have all those posters that said 'King Beast wants you to try to be good' and other sayings? The adults weren't going to try—they'd rather have revenge!"

"But if they didn't expect the villains to have kids, why have the registry?" Harry asked. He knew all about it, having been on the receiving end of Mal's rants on the subject. "Why need to count people if you weren't expecting there to be more?"

"So we could know what resources needed to be sent to the Isle and if the number needed to be increased in anyway," Belle said.

"Of course the only reason the number of resources would need to be increased would be if the population increased," Hades pointed out.

"Harry's got a point," Jay muttered. "If they knew we could exist, why'd they leave us here?"

"Because we're villains," Mal said simply. "Or at least born to villains. That's all the reason they need."

"Or it's because we're associated with villains in anyway," Harriet muttered, thinking about her best friend Sammy Smee and her brothers.

"Well we're never getting off the Isle so what's the point of wondering?" Uma asked.

"Wistful thinking?"

"Okay in our defense, we did not know that the Crown Prince was going to come up with some crazy plan to take the VKs off the Isle," Uma said with a chuckle.

Ben pursed his lips but didn't say anything.

"He okay?" Mal muttered to Akiho who was sitting closest to her.

"Ben's not exactly a big fan of the 'c' word," Akiho muttered back. "What with what happened with Gaston and his grandfather."

"His grandfather?" Mal asked but then gasped as she remembered. "Oh that's right…Gaston tried to have him institutionalized until Belle agreed to marry him."

Akiho nodded and Mal sighed.

Apologize, she thought to Uma.

What? Why?

For calling Ben's plan 'crazy'.

It is a crazy plan but crazy in a good way. Like unbelievable. Why's Beastie Jr. getting so touchy anyway?

Tell me if this rings a bell Uma. Crazy. Old. Maurice.

…oh boy.

Yep.

"That being said I happen to like the plan," Uma said, giving Ben a small apologetic smile. "Makes sure kids get off the Isle and have their day in the sun like they deserve. Especially the younger ones."

Ben smiled back at her, knowing it was probably the closest he'd get to an apology.

"Yeah," Jay sighed. "Still it's nice to imagine even if it'll never happen. And, as we keep saying, we have a fairly decent life here anyway. It's not all bad."

"It could always be worse," Uma nodded.

Evie nodded. "Compared to some of the girls without gangs, I've got a fairly decent life too thanks to mother joining Maleficent's clique."

"As much as I dislike you, I do have to say you don't deserve that life Blueberry," Mal said. "The LeGume girls are some of the girls who first come to mind when you think about gangless girls after all."

"We just need to keep on Mal's good side," Harry said with a slight chuckle.

Mal rolled her eyes. "You all saved my life, idiots. I think you're permanently on my good side for that."

"So saving your life gets you permanently on your good side but not inviting you to a party gets you permanently on your bad side?" Emma asked. "Seems a bit of an imbalance there."

They all chuckled at that, and Mal couldn't help but smile as she heard Harry chuckle. It was good to hear him laugh. He'd be okay and they'd be there for him no matter what.

Milah smiled as she heard that, thankful that her son had people looking out for him when she couldn't.

The four of them snuggled up into a huddle; Mal, Jay and Uma taking care to lie in a spot that wouldn't jostle Harry's ribs.

I seriously lucked out, Harry thought as Mal rested her head on his shoulder.

"I'm pretty sure I'm the one who lucked out Harry," Mal told him.

They had one of the best crews on the Isle and all they needed was a few years and they'd be the best crew on the Isle. No one would dare cross them—they would rule the Isle.

"We did rule the Isle until someone decided Jay and Mal would better off in Boreadon," Harry muttered.

"Harry?" Mal asked, looking at him. "You okay? You're awfully quiet."

Harry nodded and Mal smiled and relaxed. She knew this moment would have to end but part of her wished it didn't have to.

You and me both Mali, Jay, Harry, and Uma all thought at the same time.

Moments like these were rare. They also had the added benefit of showing Harry that they cared without the other three sounding like a broken record.

"Guys, why don't you all try to sleep? It's warm in here," Mal said softly.

"How? From what I understand the Isle's usually freezing," Jane said, her voice soft as the VKs looked at her. "Were…were there torches or fires going all the time or something?"

"Have you been under a Cerberus? Doesn't matter if the Isle's freezing, the room's going to be warm," Uma told her.

"Okay Mal," Uma said softly as she scooted down to get a little bit more comfortable. Mal couldn't help but smile softly as she watched as Jay also got comfortable and one by one, her crew drifted off to sleep.

Now why does that seem familiar? Kit thought as he glanced over at his daughters. No matter how old they got, there were at least three days a month when Kit would find them all squished together in the same bed.

Even Estelle was sleeping, his heads split between Harry and Uma's legs.

Note to self, find a way to give Estelle a nice big juicy steak, Ben thought as he nodded to himself.

Mal smiled as she too closed her eyes. Soon the room was filled with the soft snores of four sleeping VKs and one sleeping Cerberus.

At least there's one place where they can just be kids, Belle thought with a sad smile.

Sound asleep in the safest place they could be.

"That was the end of the scroll," Meg said, a small smile on her lips as she finished. At least it ended on a relatively positive note. "Who wants to read next?"

"Can I?" Audrey asked.

"Go for it," Meg said.

"Hold up," Uma said and got up, marching over to Meg and snatching the scroll from her hands. Without hesitating, she ripped up the scroll before handing it to Mal.

"Fireball?" Mal asked.

"Fireball," Uma nodded and Mal brought up a lilac colored fireball before turning the ripped pieces of the scroll to ash.

Uma nodded and went back to her seat. "Proceed."