Chapter Twenty Five


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

Woo! We're on chapter 25—hard to believe there's only 45 chapters to go! It honestly feels like we just got started. Thank you guys so much for the constant support with this story, with your favorites, follows, and reviews! :D

AmethystDragon14: Yay! I know, it was so cute! And of course Elle was 'adopted' into the crew! How could she not?

danifan3000: Well, you know me. I can't resist Little Mermaid references :D Though I've seen the Live Action Little Mermaid and Eric seems fairly capable there.

Blu Skai: Thanks! Glad you liked it!

OceanBlueSeaEyes: Okay, glad to know I'm not the only one lol

Spike Trap: Glad you like her! I have to say I enjoy writing her as well! :D

Hope you guys like the chapter! Let me know what you think! :D


Before Persephone knew it, it was time for her and Malinoë to return to the Isle. Persephone wasn't going to lie, she was excited to see her husband again, along with the Hooks and the Smees. So much had changed since Persephone had been gone and she was eager to meet the newest member of the Underworld.

Well, the newest living member she should say. The dead weren't really the best conversationalists.

"Are you excited to meet your new friend, Mali?" Persephone asked, accidentally slipping into Eric's nickname for Malinoë. Persephone wasn't going to lie, she did like it. It was less of a mouthful than Malinoë was and sometimes, as a tired first time mother, Persephone didn't have the energy to use Malinoë's full name.

Yes, even Goddesses got tired when having to juggle their duties with being a mother for the first time.

"Now, are you sure you want to take Malinoë with you to the Isle?" Demeter asked as she handed Persephone her bags; Malinoë nestled over Persephone's chest in a sling. "I'd be more than happy to—."

"I know mother," Persephone said. "But Hades has the right to see his daughter and Malinoë should get the chance to meet her father more than the brief moment she had when she was born."

Demeter nodded though Persephone knew she'd likely get another conversation like this one when the next six months in Auradon came around.

"I'll call on the portal every chance I can get," Demeter said.

"And I'll make sure Malinoë is on the portal calls so you get a chance to see her," Persephone promised. "Now, I should go mother. Give my love to the rest of Olympus…oh and keep an ear out for any news regarding Eric, Ariel, or Elle."

"Of course," Demeter nodded. While she normally didn't concern herself with the affairs of mortals, these weren't just mortals but family.

Persephone smiled and, after one last hug goodbye, stepped through the portal with Malinoë firmly in her arms.

"Hey Steph," Hades said, looking as if he'd camped out in the room just so he wouldn't miss her arrival. "Here, let me grab your bags."

Persephone shook her head. There was only one thing she wanted Hades to take from her—or rather one person.

"Hades…take your daughter," she said softly and Hades paused, his hand on the bag that was draped over Persephone's shoulder.

"Are…Steph, are you sure? I haven't been around her since the day she was born."

"If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have told you to take her," Persephone said gently. "Go on Hades, you've waited for this day since she was born I'm sure. Hold your daughter."

Hades gave his wife a small smile before gently taking Malinoë out of the sling and holding her in his arms. "Hi there Malinoë. I'm your dad. I know sometimes I can be a little scary and I'm sure you've heard some things about me over in Boreadon but I promise, I won't be scary to you. Only to whatever tries to harm you."

Malinoë only cooed and seemed to curl into Hades.

"I think she likes you," Persephone said with a smile as she leaned over and gently kissed Hades on the cheek. "Now come on, I've missed everyone while I was away and I'm sure Mali would love to have the chance to meet the other kids."

"Mali?" Hades asked, raising an eyebrow as they left the portal room.

Persephone flushed as she realized what she'd said. "Sorry…we visited Eric and Ariel's before we left Auradon and Eric had been calling Malinoë 'Mali' and I guess it just stuck."

"Steph, I'm not going to flame up over you giving our daughter a nickname," Hades chuckled. "I was just surprised is all. I almost figured one of the Hooklings would give Malinoë a nickname of her own so this'll just help that happen anyway."

Persephone smiled at her husband as they made their way into the den.

"Lady Persephone!" Milah said as she looked over at the two Gods and the Godling in Hades' arms. "I didn't realize you and Malinoë were coming home today! I would have made sure everyone was home—."

"Milah, you've got other, more pressing responsibilities to worry about," Persephone said as she smiled over at the baby in Milah's arms. "Is this young Harrison?"

"It is," Milah nodded and gently held up her son so that Persephone could see him. "We've been calling him 'Harry' though. Harrison's too long for the girls to say."

"And where are the girls?" Hades asked.

"Jessica and Harriet are off on the Jolly Rodger with James and William," Milah said though the tone of her voice indicated that she didn't necessarily agree with that course of action. "Sammy's with her mother."

"Odd, the girls are normally inseparable," Hades said. "Why would Hook separate them?"

"Because it's the only way for the little lassies to take a nap," Hook said as he walked through the door. "Harriet is always determined to help Milah with Harry and Jess gets woken up when Harry cries in the night because of Harriet waking up and trying to help. And then Gods forbid the girls nap during the day even though they're both clearly tired."

"Would it help if they had separate rooms?" Persephone asked. "We have more than enough space after all."

"Ah thank you Lady Persephone but we've already offered that to the girls and both of them refused," Milah sighed. "Jess doesn't want to be away from Harriet and Harriet said it doesn't make sense for twins not to share a room."

Hades shook his head. "She does know she's not a twin right?"

"Of course she doesn't," Hook said. "How do I explain that to a toddler? She's still got the innocence the Isle hasn't forced out of her like it has the brats her age and I'm not going to be the reason she loses any of her innocence."

Hades went to respond but just then, Malinoë cooed as if reminding people of her presence.

"Is this your lassie, Hades?" Hook asked, walking over to look at Malinoë.

Hades nodded. "Yep, this is our Malinoë Fleur. Though apparently some members of our family have taken to calling her Mali."

"Well be prepared for the little lassies to latch on to that," Hook said with a small chuckle as he smiled at Malinoë. "Welcome to the crew, Malinoë. You'll find that it gets mad here but that's part and parcel to living with pirates."

Malinoë cooed softly as she looked up at Hook.

"I think she likes you, James," Persephone said with a small smile. "And forgive me, I haven't even given you and Milah my congratulations for the healthy arrival of your son."

"You've been understandably focused on other matters, Lady Persephone," Milah said as Harry cooed from her arms. All of the parents smiled as Malinoë seemed to look over at him.

"You want to go meet your new minion, Mali?" Hades said as Malinoë seemed to coo in response.

Persephone shook her head as Hades went over to the sofa. "Honestly Hades, she's not even a year old. She doesn't need minions."

"If anything Harry will be her crew mate," Hook said.

"So her minion," Hades said, chuckling a little at the look Hook gave him. "You know I'm teasing Hook."

And you were the one who didn't want people in the Underworld, Persephone thought with a small smile. I'm glad you agreed to help the Hooks though, and the Smees. If only because it gives you company while I'm in Auradon…and especially now that Malinoë will be joining me in my six months in Auradon.

"I think they like each other," Hook said, pulling Persephone out of her thoughts.

Milah shook her head. "For the last time, James, stop trying to set up Harry when he's just a baby. He'll find love in his own time, when he's ready for it. You can't force these things you know."

"And I'd appreciate it if you didn't make my daughter grow up too fast," Hades added. "If Malinoë and Harry wind up together, they will but it'll be when they're older and actually know what love and feelings are."

"Okay, okay," Hook chuckled. "I just want to make sure Harry's safe…and Malinoë's going to be the only girl Harry knows who isn't a sister to him."

"What about Sammy?"

"She's practically sibling adjacent!"

Persephone shook her head. "Sometimes people fall in love with someone you never thought possible. I'm sure my mother never thought I'd fall in love with Hades, but I'm certainly glad I did."

"You and me both, babe," Hades said with a small chuckle.

"It is so odd hearing you call me 'babe'," Persephone said, shaking her head once more. "Please don't call me 'babe' in front of our daughter."

"I mean she won't remember it but sure thing Steph," Hades nodded. "Happy to call you or not call you whatever you want."

Persephone smiled as she sat down next to Hades. "So…did James compare Harry to a cannon ball this time?"

"I was simply trying to encourage my wife!" Hook said as both Harry and Malinoë cooed.

"I think they're laughing at you Hook," Hades said with a small chuckle of his own.

"They're babies, they shouldn't be laughing at this age," Hook shook his head though he couldn't help but smile at the sight. The newest members of the next generation of the Isle was before him and it looked as though the new generation was going to continue to be strong.

Milah paused and looked over at her husband. "James…who's watching the girls while they nap?"

"I have Mullins watching the girls," Hook told her. "He's not as imbecilic as the rest of the crew and we can at least trust him to keep the girls in their bunks if not asleep."

"…Didn't you say he recently had a newborn daughter?" Milah asked.

"So?"

Milah shook her head. "So, James, he'd be tired from helping whoever his daughter's mother is take care of the baby. I know you've given Henry's father several lectures for not being a proper father to his boy, Mullins isn't going to risk being on your bad side."

"Clearly the lectures aren't working," Hook muttered. "Maybe I should just feed the lad's 'father' to that blasted crocodile. Either that or limit the man's access to—."

"James, you know you can't do that. It'd be inhumane."

"If he's not going to take care of the children he brings into this world, Milah, especially in an environment like the Isle, then maybe he deserves inhumane," Hook sighed and shook his head. "But you're right about Mullins anyway. I'll go in a few minutes and relieve him so he can get some rest himself."

"Good," Milah smiled. "Besides, we shouldn't squabble right now. Not when Lady Persephone's home after her six months away."

"Oh nonsense, I missed this," Persephone said with a smile. "Feels like home."

"How's Ariel's daughter?" Hades asked.

If Persephone was surprised at Hades' question, she didn't let it show. After all, she knew Poseidon was Hades' favored brother so it would make sense Hades would ask more about Poseidon's family than he would Zeus'.

"She seemed fine when Malinoë and I visited Eric and Ariel before we came back here," Persephone said. "Everyone's more worried about Eric and Ariel though."

"They're the High King and Queen, there shouldn't be anything to worry about," Hook said.

Persephone shook her head. "I shouldn't gossip, not about this, but…"

"Persephone, they're your family. And therefore they're practically family to us now," Milah said. "Besides, it's not like we'll spread it around the Isle. Or even Auradon for that matter."

Persephone gave Milah a small smile. "That's appreciated Captainess."

"I think we've moved past titles at this point," Milah chuckled.

"I'll stop using your's if you stop using mine."

Milah smiled. "I believe we have an accord. But now you were about to tell us something?"

"Oh…right…" Persephone said with a small sigh. "Apparently the stress of young Elle's birth has been a lot for Eric and Ariel. According to Carlotta, they're not eating or sleeping and most of their day to day responsibilities are being overseen by regents."

"You told them that there was no danger in Elle's thread being cut, right?" Hades asked. He had been checking on that daily, much to the annoyance of the Fates. But he couldn't help it—Poseidon was his little brother, he wasn't going to just ignore Elle's struggles. Besides, the little girl didn't ask to be born in such a messed up family and if Hades could help her by sending the news about her life thread that much sooner, he would.

Dear Gods, having the pirates around had definitely made him soft!

"I did," Persephone nodded. "I think it's a combination of Elle being their first child and the fact that it's so rare to have a God with disabilities."

"How's she going to handle going to Auradon Prep when the time comes?" Milah asked as Malinoë cooed from her spot in her father's arms; as if wanting to know the same thing.

Persephone sighed, though she was thankful there were other people on the Isle she could talk to about the events of Auradon. Made it feel like she wasn't unloading everything on Hades. "Depending on how Elle heals up from her surgeries, chances are she'll be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Eric's already started the process to have Auradon Prep updated to have elevators available in both the dorms and the school."

"…Why wasn't that included when the school was built? Surely the lass isn't the first one to use a wheelchair?" Hook asked.

"The school's a 300 year old building, remember James?"

"And who was the genius to decide that?"

Persephone shook her head. "No one knows…though it is rumored that King Beast donated the castle."

"Why would that not surprise me?" Hades asked, rolling his eyes.

Hook made to say something but was interrupted by two very excitable girls; another girl quickly following.

"Papa, papa!"

"Aren't you lassies supposed to be napping?" Hook asked, looking at his daughters and First Mate's daughter.

Harriet shook her head. "You can't make us nap, papa! Not when Auntie Steph comes home today!"

"Well then it's a good thing she's right here," Hook chuckled. "Go on and say hello, girls. But quietly okay? We don't want to startle Harry or Malinoë."

All three girls nodded but Sammy paused. "Who's…who's Malinoë?"

"My daughter," Hades said. "Would you girls like to come and say hello?"

"Yes please Unca Hades," Harriet nodded and, to no one's suprise, was the first to scurry over onto the sofa. Settling in next to Milah, Harriet looked at Malinoë. "She has purple hair! And Auntie Steph, she has red hair now?"

"Well it's pink but yes," Persephone nodded.

"Why?"

Milah sighed. "Apologies, Persephone. I believe we've entered the 'why' phase."

"No apologies needed, Milah, she's just curious," Persephone said before turning to Harriet with a smile. "I changed my hair so that I could match with Malinoë and Hades."

"Oh," Harriet nodded before looking at Malinoë. "Hiya Mali. I'm Harri and that's Jessie and Sammy. We're Harry's big sisters, or at least Jessie and me are though Sammy's a big sister by pro…pro…Unca Hades, what's that word you said?"

"Proxy?"

"That's it," Harriet nodded, missing Hades' chuckle of amusement. "And we'll be your big sisters too. The Isle can be scary sometimes, even for baby Gods, but you don't have to worry cause you and Harry, you have the best big sisters ever."

Malinoë cooed and turned toward Harriet, giving her what could generously be called a smile if one looked close enough.

And I have no doubt you girls will become sisters to her, Persephone thought as Jess and Sammy clamored onto the sofa as well. Seems like Malinoë is going to have family everywhere she goes. Which can never be a bad thing.