"What the fuck-" Beam points to Daniel who was currently sitting between T's legs working on picking a lock.
"What the fuck… What?" He asks as he looks up.
"No," Beam shakes his head as he looks over at Harry, "ain't no way you work that fast. Magic be damned."
He tilts his head in confusion, "work what fast?"
"That. The little one that looks like a mix-" Beam's eye twitches, "well, a mix of all three of you, oh fuckin' no-" his eye widen in horror, "did she have a kid?"
He frowns, "did who have a kid?"
"Yer crazy ass sister with this Psycho!"
"Wait," Harry turns with his brow furrowed, "what?"
"Don't what me," Beam points violently at Daniel, "that kid looks just like you."
He blinks as he looks down at Daniel.
Huh.
He corrects Daniel's positioning, "jus' looks like Tina ta me."
"Yeah, except with darker hair, like Psycho." Beam tilts his head, "so, wait, not yer kid then?"
Harry stares off into the distance before his face lights up, "oh, were that bein' what were gettin' me Pirate Princess all red in the face?" He asks with a grin.
"Took ya long enough," Uma rolls her eyes.
"Kay," Beam taps his hands back to his chest, "back to my point- Not your kid?"
"I don't dip out that long," he rolls his eyes.
"Right," Beam blinks before he straightens up, "then where'd ya find 'im? An' what's he called?"
"Lil' Demon." He shrugs.
"That's ah strange name," Beam snorts as he squats in front of them, "what ya do?"
He snorts when Daniel glares and holds his fingers up like he has claws.
Beam's eyebrow raises before he grins at Daniel's imitation of a demon.
"An' T be findin' him after the fight Senior be winnin'." Harry explains as he distributes pillows around the room like chairs.
Beam looks between Daniel and Harry several times and then stops to stare at Daniel in horror before he manages to school his features. "Oh." He plops down on a pillow, his eyes lingering on the boy.
James shakes his head and pulls his eyes off Daniel as well. "So, how is Deez doing?"
He frowns as he glances across the room to the nest Deez was in before instantly returning to his 'lesson' when Daniel tugs on his sleeve.
"She ain't wakin' up, don't seem to be aware or makin' noises," Uma sighs, "which might be good, at least she don't seem to be havin' night terrors."
"Which, ya know, good ta know." He adds.
Of course, his fucking blow gun would fucking break right when Deez could be darted.
It was great that the drought worked on her like it did the rest of them but-
At what cost?
"She ain't healin' like she did before, though," Uma adds quietly.
He glances at Deez as the room falls silent.
She was still so-
Gray.
Which would have been terrifying on its own, but her skin also felt like ice to the touch.
His eyes narrow, which was definitely more concerning.
He grimaces as he looks away.
And how much of it was because he'd been an idiot in the cave.
Was Deez going to remember that?
That he was the reason she'd flared, unwittingly helping Mim-
"Ya be doin' okay there, T?" Harry asks as he plops down next to him.
"Yep," He nods slowly, "yep, jus' helpin' Lil-"
Daniel rolls his eyes.
"-fine, that's fair. Watching."
Daniel nods before he shifts to sit in Harry's lap.
He sighs, "also fair."
Harry boops Daniel on the nose before he pulls his tools from his boot, "don'nah be worryin', I can be showin' ya how ta hold the pin o' this one down."
His lip twitches before his eyes shift back to Deez.
He was going to have to talk to Yensid-
His eyes narrow as he dismisses the idea.
Senior.
He was gonna have to talk to Senior-
He'd be blunt.
He needed to know how much of this was his fault.
"Captain," Yensid greets as he walks into the side cave they were in, "I apologize for my late arrival."
Uma smiles, "jus' glad you're here."
Yo! Cunt! Shit's about ta start-
Can you not?
Not what?
Shout.
His brow furrows.
Huh.
Good. To. Know.
That it bothered her so much.
Seriously, right now? Child.
Are you coming out or-
She frowns as she looks around the room, until she makes eye contact with Uma.
Huh.
How could she tell Uma it was her without-
She scoots closer to Harry and Daniel.
There.
T would never, certainly not out of the blue.
Uma nods before she sits up straighter, "now that we're all here, there's a lot to talk about."
Too much.
She picks at T's pants.
She'd been making herself sick over it all morning.
How much they had to do.
What their next steps should be.
What to do about Atilla.
How to-
"No shit," Beam groans as he wipes his hand down his face.
Uma sighs heavily, "there's a long list, but one is us getting back to rescuing Isle Borns."
She closes her eyes as she fists the hoodie fabric.
Of course, that would take precedence. As well, it should.
They'd lost their advantage.
She jumps when Harry's arm wraps around her shoulders before Daniel hops into her lap.
A small smile flits over her lips as she pulls Daniel close and leans against Harry.
"If I may," Yensid waits until Uma nods before continuing, "I fear the advantage we held is gone. By now, the camps have surely communicated about the attacks on the armories and release of young prisoners."
She watches as Gil laces his fingers with Deez, as if he could protect her subconscious from the truth.
"Fuck," Beam glares at the ceiling, "I didn't even fuckin' think about that."
"Me either, mate." James sighs.
"We also need to consider the battle between Madam Mim and Hades." Yensid sighs, "and how the Isle will react to the God of the Underworld having part of his celestial powers returned to him."
One of this week's few saving graces. And one of concern.
The Lord of Death had put himself back on the map. As fortuitous as it was for them-It did play chaos over any short term plans.
It was hard to determine what Shan Yu would do with the information-
Or how it would stand with the remaining game changing witches.
Mim may have lost but-
She may have also condemned them.
"Rumors." She frowns. "We're going to have to spread rumors like wildfire. People can't know that Mim nearly killed Deez. It'll attract too much attention otherwise."
"How though? It ain'nah bein' like we can be havin' someone dress like our Baby Girl an' be throwin' flames."
"Well, that isn't technically true- And though time is of the essence, I believe I can concoct something to mimic Deez's fire-" she sighs as she turns to Yensid.
"A short, simple illusion would not take much effort," Yensid says as he slowly runs his fingers through his beard, "though I would be unable to have the illusion interact with anything directly."
"Also," she turns to Beam and Uma with a frown, "if we had a few volunteers to spread the word that Deez was able to get one of Hades cuffs off while T scouted, that would be incredibly helpful." She grimaces, "though they'd have to go in under the guise of soldiers. It wouldn't be that difficult to find some uniforms." She tilts her head, "and Beam could forge several notices to get out through the camps quicker."
Beam nods, "shouldn't be too difficult like, we have something from the camps, right?"
"Several samples." She offers with a small grateful smile.
"So, we do that an' get information from the camp, so we can get back to rescuing." Uma bites her lip as her eyes trail to Gil and Deez.
Her chest aches at how torn Uma looked.
She couldn't imagine how difficult it was for her.
Battling between her role as Captain and role as mother.
She grimaces, "as cruel as this might be- We might want to prioritize raids on their stores above the rescues. Our own supplies are dwindling and… It's just something to consider."
"Aye, it be hard ta rescue, only ta be throwin' them we be savin' inta starvin' with us." Harry frowns, "at least if we be raidin' the camp wares, we can be feedin' them we be havin' an' gettin' strength ta be gettin' more."
She drops her eyes when she sees how much his words affect Beam.
She couldn't bare to watch him struggle any more than she could Uma.
Not when she knew how important it was to him.
Her eyes shift to Uma.
Them.
"Beam," Uma prompts softly, "I can't make this call alone, not when more of your people-"
"Isle Borns." Beam states firmly as his hands fist around the pillow he'd pulled to his lap, "we're all Isle Borns now. There ain't my people an' your people, they're all our people."
Uma smiles weakly, "thank you, still-"
Beam closes his eyes, "like Psycho said, no point to it." He admits with resignation.
"What if we be ah hittin' this like we be doin' the rescues?" Harry asks, suddenly sitting taller, "in three parts at the same time. One part be information gatherin', one be fake news spreadin', an the last be hittin' the wares an' ditchin' 'em some place easy ta collect later."
She smiles, "clever my Prince." she turns to Uma, "now would probably be the best time. The camps will be on high alert for attacks, not infiltration."
Yensid nods, "very clever indeed. My young man," he smiles as he wags a finger at Harry. "I never want to hear you say you are not intelligent again."
Her chest fills with warmth at Harry's sheepish expression, unsure how to take a compliment on his intellect.
She snakes her hand into his and squeezes.
She knew he wasn't an idiot. No one in their family was.
Not even T.
But that didn't stop the flood of pride for him volunteering his idea.
Uma looks over at Beam, "you good with that too?"
"I can live with it," he says tonelessly, though his grin belies his indifference.
"Me too." Uma nods, "T is in charge of gettin' information. You an' James work well together, so why don't you two be in charge of spreading the fake news," she frowns as she looks towards the corner before she continues, "which leaves me and Harry on food collection. Think there's any others that will join those teams?"
Beam's eyes narrow, "for sure? About eight. But, I know if we came at it right, a lot more would too."
"I'll explain the situation myself if it means we can get the help we need to stay alive and fed."
Beam nods, "I'll shadow that, jus' ya know, to show we're on the same page."
"Big Murph was sayin' his gang be willin' ta be helpin' again, they be strong lads that might be best on collection detail."
Uma nods as she pulls out a rolled up notebook and starts writing, "sounds like we have a pretty good plan."
She bites her lip.
Which was only step one.
She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, waiting for someone else to be the bearer but-
"What about long term initiatives?"
Uma's brow furrows before she turns to Yensid.
"What situations do you have in mind?"
She sighs, "currently? None that are favorable, but still need to be assessed." She turns to Uma, "first and foremost, Attila."
"Fuck." Uma's eyes widen.
"Precisely," she pulls Daniel closer.
"I can't believe I forgot that asshole Soldier Boy showed up."
"There were many things that needed your attention far more than an enigma surrounding the enemy in the moment." Yensid pats Uma on the shoulder, "that and the way you sense magic must have made it difficult for you to concentrate on anything spoken during the moon's eclipse."
"It was hard to hear," Uma admits with a shake of her head, "still, he was talkin' about my Baby Girl. Practically beggin' for us to save her."
She sighs, "it's been plaguing me deeply. There is just so much to unpack and examine." She takes a deep breath. "Starting with the fact, he too believes Deez-"
Not key.
"-plays a pivotal role in all of this."
Yensid's brow furrows before he tugs at his beard, "it's true the power of the Gods and Demi-gods are extraordinary, but I find this paradox strange. Why would Atilla say this to you-"
"Exactly!" She huffs in exasperation, "It is so vexing."
Despite the gravity of the topic, she catches a sparkle of amusement on Yensid's face.
"Yeah, if anyone was important to his OV's plan, why wouldn't he have run off to get them himself?" James questions, "I mean, his ol' man is the one in charge, it's not like he would have been killed over getting an asset."
"Debatable, but still, exactly. What was his motive? What is he planning? What is he trying to gain? Why start caring now? Why the interest in doing the right thing now? Why tell us that Deez is part of their plan to begin with? Why? Why would he do that?"
It's all she could think about.
Out of all their current dilemmas-
This one struck her the most alarming.
Everything else?
Common.
Expected.
Easily understood.
But everything that transpired with Atilla was nothing short of bizarre.
It was fascinating.
And concerning.
And she desperately wanted to have answers.
"What if," Harry frowns as he speaks slowly, as if trying to connect dots the way Deez usually did, "it ain'nah bein' his plan?"
"Ah-ha," she turns to him, "then what is his plan? And how does it involve Deez?"
"Well, what if it be his OVs plan, but-" he bites his lip as he looks over his shoulder to Deez and Gil, "what if it ain'nah bein' what he be wantin'?"
She pauses.
Interesting.
"Everyone be knowin' Deez be ah Lil' Writer, aye?" Harry looks over to Beam.
Beam snorts, "she didn't 'xactly hide it."
"So Mal an' her people got out, mayhaps he knew that was 'cause o' her."
She closes her mouth.
Attila hadn't known Deez was on the Isle for sure until T had spilled it.
Attila had, on multiple occasions, gone out of his way to be-
Conscious?
Mindful?
-of Deez.
Manipulative.
Cunning.
Undermining.
But in an unsuitable manner for any self-respecting VK.
Like a prophet trying to convey a message to the innocent.
"So, what? You're trying to say his mask is extra thick?" Uma rolls her eyes before she pauses.
Wouldn't his mask have to be?
Shan Yu was ruthless.
Merciless and cruel.
There was no way he would abide his son being anything less.
But, didn't a majority of the VKs do everything in their power to appease their OV?
With his cunning-
Could he have fooled his father?
She had.
It may have been unbeknownst, but she'd, with the help of T, managed to circumvent her father's teaching and wishes.
Was it fair to assume he didn't have the same desire?
Or was it foolhardy to believe he did?
There were just so many unanswered-
"He offered a meeting." She blurts out.
"No." Uma says immediately before she tilts her head back, closes her eyes, and takes a deep breath, "I mean, yes, that's an idea. But let's save that for a last resort?"
"I'm not saying it's desirable-"
Though her curiosity may have differing opinions of that.
"-but it is something to consider. We can at least predict Shan Yu's moves based off how he has proceeded thus far but- Attila? We have no idea about that angle. It would be unwise to leave such a source untapped."
Uma glares at her, "unwise?"
Yensid clears his throat, "what I believe Faustina is trying to say, Captain, is that if a meeting could safely be arranged, it might be a good idea to follow through with it. With contingencies, of course."
"Minimum three," she nods, "it's risky, but doesn't need to be entirely reckless."
Uma sighs before she crosses her arms over her chest, "I guess, IF," she eyes her suspiciously, "and only, IF, the opportunity presents itself. But you are not to go looking for him. You, or T."
"Understood Captain," she swallows her sigh.
"Worse case scenario, Attila attempts to take you, and we know he's not a good guy." Uma sighs again before she stabs the air between them with an accusing finger, "T needs to always be stocked on everything you have to get him out of any situation."
"I do my best to see to that for all of you," She frowns, "and it would at least be something. Right now, I'm sorting through a sea of unknown variables, and I'm not exactly staying afloat."
Yensid nods sadly, "there are a lot of unknowns in this situation. Shan Yu seems to have successfully conquered the Isle, and yet we do not know the whereabouts of several of the more nefarious villains."
"Including Shan Yu himself. We're still missing a camp, maybe even several," she adds with a sigh. "Camps that very well may contain said witches. Just because I didn't calculate magic into the equation doesn't mean he didn't."
Beam groans, "ugh, why ya gotta say shit like that? All like, Shydow-y."
She blushes as she looks away, "I'm just proposing it isn't out of the realm of possibility."
"What do you think," Uma asks as she turns to Yensid.
"My thoughts are very much similar to Faustina's. Though might I add that by accomplishing your first plan, we may get more information to work with," Yensid frowns, "and more time to do something with it."
Beam lets out a heavy sigh, "at least that's something."
She frowns when the others start to stand.
There was still so much to talk about, she turns to Uma furiously writing in her notebook and sighs.
It wasn't like she had solutions to the problems currently, there was just so much to think about and assess, but-
She just couldn't bring herself to point it out.
Not with the stress already so palpable.
She wipes her forehead as she sits back on her legs.
Deez was healing-
But not like she should be.
Not as fast.
She bites her lip as her eyes sweep over the stitches.
She was worried.
They all were.
"It ain'nah lookin' so angry like now." Harry offers as he holds out another roll of the Weave bandage.
"Think it's cause Angel's medicine and bandages are magic?" Gil asks without taking his eyes off Deez, his hands balled into white knuckled fists at his sides as he fights the urge to crush his Treasure to his chest.
She frowns as she looks away, unable to hold her emotions in check at the sight.
Their poor Sweet Boy was suffering the worst of it. It hurt to see him struggling so much to keep from touching her.
Holding her.
She looks up as a shadow falls over her, "Do you mind if I take a look?" Faustina questions as she joins them, Daniel on her hip.
"Please?" Gil pouts his lip before she has a chance to respond.
Faustina nods and leans closer as Daniel settles between them, her eyes studying the mark carefully as she tenderly pokes and prods around the stitches before she sits back, "we'll need to speak to Yensid first, but I think it's healed enough to ween her off the drought." She tilts her head, "but that's just my opinion."
She smiles as her eyes drop to Deez's stomach.
It would be amazing to see her Baby Girl's blue eyes again. To hear her voice.
To see her, not just her body.
But-
This would be new for Deez.
How would she handle it?
She looks up when she feels the presence of eyes on her to find Gil looking at her, hopefully.
"At the very least it might be reassuring to hear her," Faustina adds softly, "there's nothing stopping us from dosing her again if it ends up being too much…"
"True enough," she nods before she carefully settles the new bandage over the stitches, "let's see if Yensid agrees."
"Yes!" Gil cheers before he realizes how loud he'd been, "sorry." he rubs the back of his head as he grins sheepishly. "My bad Uma."
She pats his hand, "it's okay, Sweet Boy, we all miss her."
She waits for Harry to lift Deez before she quickly wraps a bandage around her waist and secures it, "good. She should be set until we come back."
Gil bites his lip as he looks between her and Faustina, "think I can cradle her now?"
Fear spikes through her as she closes her mouth and turns to Faustina.
She knew Gil would be careful.
Knew how much he needed it.
But, she also knew if something happened, even accidentally, Gil would never forgive himself.
"Oh," Faustina drops her eyes to Deez, "at this juncture, I feel pretty confident it wouldn't hurt or hinder the process. Especially if Yensid agrees that we can take her off the drought. I think she'd appreciate it as well; she'll be scared and full of questions when she wakes up, and-" she smiles at Gil, "I know you're more than capable of answering them and putting her at ease."
"But," she holds her hand up before Gil can move, "let's talk to Yensid first."
"It never hurts to have a second opinion," Faustina nods as she stands, "shall I go retrieve him?"
"Yeah, he said something about working in your lab, last I saw him."
"Excellent," Faustina smiles softly before she turns to Daniel, "coming?"
Daniel jumps to his feet before he races from the cave, Faustina chuckling as she follows behind him.
"He bounced back fast." She smiles as the two vanish from sight.
"Yeah," Gil nods, returning his hopeful gaze from the tunnel to Deez and squeezing her hand.
"We be ah gettin' our Baby Girl ahfore, we can be ah gettin' her again." Harry pats Gil's back, "kickin' an' screamin', I believe she were sayin', when ya be bringin' her home the first time."
A grin slowly tugs at Gil lips as he traces Deez's cheek, "that's true."
Her heart skips a beat when Deez suddenly moves.
"Treasure!" Gil smiles brightly down at Deez in excitement.
But the moment of joyous expectation quickly turns to panic.
Not once, since closing her eyes when they were stitching her up, had she moved.
No fluttering under her closed eyes.
No twitching of her fingers.
Nothing.
But now her face was covered in a sheen of sweat that glistened as she shook her head.
Her fingers clenched, one hand gripping and twisting the blanket while the other tightened around Gil's hand, making him grimace.
"Baby Girl?" She calls out, though she couldn't tell if she'd actually spoken.
Her throat was suddenly dry.
"Faustina! Yensid!" Harry bellows as he lunges forward, wrestling with Deez's grip to free Gil's purpling fingers.
She blinks, the small motion helping her break the paralyzing fear.
"Deez!" She coos, trying to sound calm despite the panic, "it's us." She continues as covers the hand on the blankets with her own.
"Treasure?" Gil prompts, voice tight with pain, "it's okay, we have you. You're safe."
Deez wasn't fighting or flailing, just tensing as she shook her head.
She'd never seen a night terror like this.
They all grimace when something pops as Deez violently turns her head.
For a moment it almost looked as if she were about to scream, but just as quickly, she stills; her features calm once again.
"Treasure?" Gil prompts quietly, his eyes glassy as he reaches for her wrist to check her pulse.
She and Harry hold their breath as they wait in suspense.
One second.
Two.
Three.
She lets out a heavy sigh of relief when Gil calms.
"It's racin' but it's there," Gil offers as his shoulder sag.
"Aye, same." Harry falls back, propping himself up by his arms, "what the hell were that ah bein'?"
She turns when Gil looks up at her expectantly, not sure how to reassure him when she had no idea what was happening and cursing her lack of knowledge.
"My Prince," Faustina calls in concern as she races into the room, "Captain, what is-" she skids to a halt next to them. "What happened?" She questions as she examines Deez with rigor.
"She, she looked scared," She shakes her head as she takes Gil's hand to see if anything was broken, "but it wasn't like a night terror I've ever seen. She just, tensed, and then her head-"
What had that been?
"She whipped it so hard it popped," Gil finishes, "and then-" he gestures to Deez, "she just calmed like nothin' happened."
Her brow furrows as she pokes Gil's hand, "she didn't make a sound. She just, it was like she heard something, or saw something." She sighs, unable to come up with any other reason she would have turned her head so fast.
Faustina's brow furrows, "in what direction did her head turn?"
She gestures to the side of the cave that leads into the meeting room, "that way. And then she just, slowly went limp again."
Faustina pauses before fear flashes in her eyes, "excuse me." She stands to her feet.
"Why-" She asks in concern, "what is it?"
But Faustina didn't stop, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get her legs to work.
"It is much colder in here than it was when I left." Yensid frowns as he walks in with Daniel on his tail.
Daniel nods as he crosses his arms and shivers in emphasis.
"Is it?" She questions in confusion. She felt hot. Not sick, just-
She presses her hand to her cheek.
Anxious-
As she takes a deep breath, only to feel her heart fluttering a knot a minute as it pounds against her chest.
"Deez moved," Gil blurts out.
"I see," Yensid says, looking around, "but from the lack of color in your faces, I gather it wasn't good."
"It be a might concernin'." Harry sighs, "she be nearly crushin' Sweet Boy's hand."
Yensid frowns as he settles beside her and places a hand on Deez's forehead, only to quickly pull it away, "it might be best to build a fire." He states with an edge of worry.
She tenses when Deez twitches and watches as her face contorts with fear, her head once again moving as if following something.
"Yensid-"
She's happy when she isn't the only one to jump.
"-may I speak with you a moment?"
Yensid turns to Faustina curiously, "of course." He stands and meets her on the other side of the room.
But it was the way Daniel stopped dead in his tracks that sent her pulse racing.
"What be ah gettin' ya, Lil' Demon?" Harry asks as he pulls Daniel to him, clearly wanting some kind of contact.
Maybe even needing it.
Her fingers close around Gil's hand. She did.
But Daniel only clings to him and buries his head.
Harry's features draw in concern as he looks down at the boy with concern before turning to her and saying, "He be shiverin' somethin' fierce."
She gently places Gil's hand on Deez's shoulder before she scoots closer to Harry and Daniel, wrapping them both into a hug.
She isn't sure how long they stay that way before Faustina pulls her attention.
"Captain," she prompts, "I've a request."
"And a rather sound theory," Yensid sighs as he rubs his temple, clearly struggling with something.
She sits back on her heels as her heart drops.
That sounded bad.
"What's up?" She asks tightly before she clears her throat.
"My apologies for the interruption, but- I would like your permission first before asking the Lord of Death for a favor." Faustina bows her head, "would it be acceptable for me to ask the Lord of Death to see after Mim's grimoire?"
Her brow furrows.
Faustina wanted Hades.
The father and OV of her Baby Girl.
Who was currently injured.
To watch over the book Mim used to hurt Deez.
No. That couldn't be what Faustina was asking.
Because that would imply trust.
Trust that her selfish uncle wouldn't try to use the book in some way to get what he wanted without a care for what it could do to Deez.
She holds a finger up before she shakes her head, "sorry, one more time."
Faustina glances at Deez before she sighs, "I understand your reservations but-" she holds up a parcel wrapped in cloth, "could you please return your attention to my Star Gazer?"
She shifts to turn back to Deez, noticing Harry and Gil doing the same thing.
But not Daniel.
If anything, Daniel seemed to be attempting to burrow into Harry.
And then Deez twitches again before her head slowly turns, once more seeming to follow something they couldn't-
She freezes when Faustina silently walks into her peripheral vision, having walked behind all of them.
And Deez sightlessly continued to follow her.
"What the-"
Harry yelps as Daniel pushes against him and rushes to the other side of the room.
"-fuck?"
How?
How was Deez aware of the book?
Gil turns to her with a scowl, "let her."
While she could certainly admit she wanted that thing as far away from her Baby Girl and Daniel as possible, "but, to him?"
"It needs to be kept away from anyone who wants to use it," Faustina sighs, "and the Lord of Death has very little, if any, interest in magic.I know it's not ideal, but-" she frowns, "it's better than letting this…" she looks to the parcel in her hand with distaste, "entity plague us here."
She glares at the covered book, "and I can't just, swim it down to the bottom of the ocean and find a crag to drop it in?"
Faustina's frown deepens, "I'm sorry to ask this, but I don't believe I can make you understand any other way, may I ask of you to come here for a moment?"
She looks over to Gil who was gently tracing Deez's jaw, then to Harry who was trying to console Daniel.
Something was majorly wrong, and Faustina wouldn't be asking this if she weren't concerned.
Yensid takes a deep breath, "I do apologize, Captain, but I too think it would be for the best."
She sighs before she stands, "where we headin'?"
"Just to the next cavern," Faustina promises.
She looks over her shoulder as she follows after, watching as Deez continued to follow the book.
It was eerie.
Faustina turns with a sigh as she hesitantly holds out the book to her, "I apologize, but if you would please Captain?"
"Apologize?"
"Yes," Yensid sighs, "and know I am here."
She pauses as the words sink in.
"It might get-" Faustina turns to Yensid, "loud, correct?"
"Correct."
Faustina nods as she carefully unwraps the book, her nose wrinkling with disgust.
Oh.
She wipes her suddenly clammy palms on her pants before she shakes herself and stands up straighter.
She could feel a current in the air.
A charge.
This thing, this book-
A book like the many her Baby Girl begged to destroy.
Was used to nearly take her away from them.
It wasn't just a book.
It was a weapon.
So what did they expect her to hear that would change her mind about giving this to Senior?
Her fingers twitch, as if they could somehow dispel the tingle building in her palms as she slowly took the weight of the book.
She pulls it closer, wanting to see for herself what made this book so-
Her voice, a scream of terror, sticks in her throat as an eye opens and stares at her.
As creepy as that was-
The sudden cacophony of screams and agony ripping and clawing at her ears and brain makes her drop the book to cover her ears.
Even without it in her hands, the raging noise continues.
Faustina lurches to catch the book before it can hit the floor, "I don't wish to anger it.' She explains softly as she quickly begins to wrap it.
Fear.
Disgust.
Pain.
Sick pleasure at all of it.
She wasn't sure how she knew what it was singing to her, but that's all she could think.
The book was singing in the most horrendous way, as if attempting to lure her in with disturbing promises of blood soaked power.
"No-" she takes a step back, staring at her hands in horror, "no!"
She wasn't sure she'd ever forget the feeling of the taunt leather that was so crudely stitched together to cover the-
She couldn't bring herself to call that thing a book.
She clamps her eyes shut trying to ignore the twinkle of twisted delight in the thing's eye, until she realizes the continued sounds of pain were coming from her.
Her breath was coming and going in agonizing whistles as she fought to breathe around her hand clamped over her mouth.
When had she done that?
She swallows hard before she forces her hand to drop, so she can breathe.
"My apologies Captain," Faustina bows her head, "I know you're a lot more powerful than I, and I'm sorry to put you through that but- I'd hate for anyone to get this book lest it fall in the wrong hands, but I don't think it wise to keep it here either. I believe it's the reason we've all been on edge."
"I'm inclined to agree with her," Yensid looks at Faustina with a grim expression, "even if we were to drop it into a bottomless pit in the deepest part of the ocean, I can not guarantee the barrier would not still trap it here with us. And, as Faustina said, if it were to fall into the wrong hands-"
"It could be disastrous for us all." Faustina finishes at Yensid's pause.
She nods in understanding before she wipes the back of her hands over her eyes, "I, I get it. I don't want that thing here. I don't want it near anyone." She takes a deep breath, "but, how do you know Hades won't try to use it against Deez?"
Faustina shifts as she looks away, "I-" she grimaces, "don't believe the Lord of Death would lower himself to such standards…"
She blinks rapidly when she feels one eye twitch.
Fuck.
There was only one way she would trust this, and damn if this didn't make her the biggest fucking hypocrite.
"A deal." She shrugs Yensid's hands off her shoulders, "I will agree to this, but my uncle has to make a deal that he will not use it. And he can't ask for anything in return. No visits. No attempts to get his cuff off. No nothing."
Faustina stares at her in surprise, "I can see what I can manage, Captain." She bows her head. "For what it's worth, I do apologize for being so-"
"No." She holds up a finger, "no apologizing. You did what you had to do to get me where you are on this. I can't fault you for wishing to spare me that, but you weren't wrong either."
Faustina bows her head again, "thank you for the understanding, Captain."
She drags in another deep breath before she turns to Yensid, "can you please go tell Gil if it is safe for him to hold Deez?"
"Of course," Yensid nods before be exits the room.
She braces her palms on her knees and breathes slowly before she stands again, "come on."
Faustina silently steps closer to her without question, "lead the way, Captain."
"Where is your notebook to Hades?"
"In my lab."
She turns and starts walking.
She couldn't let this fall on Faustina.
This decision.
The decision to entrust that vile-
This had to be her choice.
She had to be the one to talk to her uncle.
She couldn't let Faustina and T take the hit this time.
Once they enter the room, the taller girl walks to the farthest shelf and slips the book on the highest one before she wipes her hands against her thighs with a look of displeasure.
"The notebook." She holds her hand out.
"Yes, Captain." Faustina rushes to T's bag and quickly pulls out the ratty notebook before she hands it to her.
How many times had she let T take all the risk.
All the blame when something went wrong.
Not this time.
She slams the notebook on the table and holds her hand out again, "pen?"
"Of course, Captain" Faustina nods, nearly tripping over herself in her haste to fetch her a pen.
If her uncle was going to find a way around this, it would be on her this time.
She growls after she snatches the pen before she flips open the notebook with a scowl.
Her eyes narrow as she sees the length of Hades' last response.
She glances over at Faustina, but when the girl opens her mouth to explain, she shakes her head.
"If I'm going to do this, I really need to not know."
Faustina nods emphatically, "of course Captain, that's completely reasonable."
She takes another deep breath before she begins.
Uncle
If you ever want my understanding
you will agree to this deal with no
questions asked and expect nothing in return.
Momma Squid?
Wanting to make a deal?
With moi?
Isn't this a surprise.
What kinda deal are we talking?
Her eye twitches at how swiftly he responds, before she's able to squelch her annoyance.
I need you to watch over that bitch's book.
And the deal is, you can't use it against your daughter.
She glares when the page stays blank.
"I will find a way to kill him." She snaps as she stabs the pen into the page, "we're already doing the impossible, why not add this to the list."
"Oh dear," Faustina sighs, "may I inquire as to what the problem is, I'd like to rectify it if possible…"
She glares down at the page, "he's thinking, apparently. Or ignoring me after answering so quick the first time."
She wasn't sure which would be worse.
Faustina flinches, "I see. If it helps, I doubt it's him ignoring you…"
"That might be worse." She drags the pen in a straight line across the page, leaving a deep mark in its wake.
Faustina bites her lip, "I can see the cause for your hesitation and concern both are quite valid as he has done nothing to prove himself short of an arrogant, self-righteous, selfish, and capricious individual."
Her eyes narrow, "but-?"
Faustina flinches under her scowl, "but nothing Captain," the other girl frowns, "your opinion is completely understandable. He's given no cause for you to trust him. Or even tolerate him for that matter. However," she bites her lip as her fists twist in her skirt. "That being said, I think his hesitance is far less nefarious, albeit equally selfish, reasons."
Her eyes narrow, "which is?"
Faustina shifts, "he doesn't desire it anymore than we."
She stares at the other girl skeptically. "He doesn't want it?"
"You witnessed his response to the dagger, and this book? It's equally, if not more so, dangerous. More than that, it reeks of evil, and he's rather sensitive, especially when it comes to energy."
She takes a deep breath before she turns her attention back to the notebook.
Sensitive to energy.
Her uncle?
And even if it were true, with how much he was claiming to be different now, how much he wanted them to believe he'd changed, how could he say no to a request that would help Deez?
Because that was the only reason she was okay with this to begin with.
They might need it, so they couldn't simply chuck it into the sea. Amazing swimmer with great eyesight she may be, but trying to find a book on the ocean floor was worse than trying to find a needle in a haystack.
And that was best case.
Worse case, her mother found it.
So, a safe place where no witch would be able to get their hands on it, but they could if they needed it again-
Faustina was right, Senior was the only option.
Still, this was ridiculous.
"If he seriously needs this much time to think about if he wants to help us, help his daughter-" she growls before she puts the pen back to the page.
Five.
Four.
Three.
Two.
Me dammit Momma Squid,
Chilllax.
Even I can't write up a deal that fast.
Suspicion fills her.
Just like that?
I believe the Momma Squid
said no questions asked.
And you'll keep it safe?
Yes.
And you won't try to use it?
Ugh. Gross.
There are way more
entertaining ways to
sully myself, thanks.
She taps the pen against the table, bouncing it back and forth between the tip and the cap.
Boom. Done.
Am I coming to you or…
Fuck no you ain't coming here.
Right, so…
You're coming here?
Or is Firebug going to
play back and forth?
She rolls her eyes.
Before I say yes
or explain anything-
Why?
She glares when the page stays blank, "for fuck's sake."
Faustina grimaces as she fidgets with her sleeve.
"You could just read it."
Faustina flinches again.
She holds her hand up and takes a deep breath, "sorry. That was, I'm sorry I snapped."
Faustina holds up her hands, "it's alright Captain, I understand how frustrating this must be for you, my apologies." She hesitantly steps forward, "but, I may be able to interpret his responses, or lack thereof, if you would like?"
Her eyes narrow.
Did Faustina seriously have that good of a relationship with her uncle that she could read between her uncle's lines?
"Or not." Faustina responds swiftly as she takes a step back, "my apologies for forgetting my place, Captain." She bows her head.
"No, that's not-" she grimaces at the docile response, "you're not forgetting your place, you're helping me. So, please tell me what you think all this means." She slides the notebook over
Faustina nods as she hesitantly steps forward before her eyes scan the page, "oh,"
She scowls at the twitch of Faustina's lips.
"It appears you've managed to make him uncomfortable. He's not very in tune with his feelings, and as of late he's been quite conflicted on matters concerning them."
She rubs the spots on her forehead she once believed were reserved for T, "conflicted over what he's feeling?"
Faustina slowly nods before she looks away, "I don't believe he's ever taken the time to reflect upon himself and his motives, and how they might-" she pauses as she eyes her as if she were a snake readying to strike, "influence others opinions of him."
"Why does he care about that?"
Faustina purses her lips as she looks out towards the sea for a moment, "that's something I've been curious about for a while." she admits softly, "but I do believe he's just grown weary of being alone."
Alone?
He chose to be alone.
He didn't even let Deez live in the same part of the temple he lived in.
"The Lord of Death, for obnoxious as he can be, is rather self-conscious…" Faustina continues quietly, "and horrid at understanding the complexities of emotion and their impact."
Her brow furrows, "so he's an idiot and a spoiled little bitch of a child who suddenly decided that being alone isn't as great as he thought it would be?"
"Precisely."
She lifts an eyebrow, "so, that's the secret, huh?"
"It's easiest for me to think of him that way… But he's been rather receptive to listening to my-" her eyes furrow, "thoughts? I suppose would be the best way to put it."
She shakes her head as her fingers relax, allowing her to rest her palms against the table.
How in the hell did an ancient being like Hades get through life for so long without learning anything?
"Would you like me to rephrase in a way that might make him more open to responding? It might take him quite a bit of time to answer your inquiry, as he probably doesn't fully comprehend it himself…"
She passes her the pen, "by all means, I'd like an answer before the barrier crumbles."
A ghost of a smile flits across Faustina's lips, "it would be preferable." She pauses as her pen hovers over the paper, "please try to keep in mind we want a swift explanation."
"I mean, any? Something I can work with? Ask questions."
Faustina nods before she finally starts to scrawl across the page.
I believe what my Captain is simply
requesting is a reason to trust you.
You've given her a plethora of reasons
for her to have concerns when it comes
to your treatment of your daughter.
Some sort of understanding is necessary
for this deal to work, and I would take it
as a personal kindness if you could properly
reassure her you have no ill intentions
once the book is in your possession.
Oh, hey Arachne,
Sure, sure, I get it.
Assurances.
Well, I know I have a lot to make up for,
best I can do is just start. Right?
I swear on everything I've ever held in value
that I would never use the book,
against my daughter or otherwise.
One, it's just disgusting.
Two-
I do understand
your hesitation, but this
explanation is important
if you ever wish to rectify
any of my family's opinion of you.
I know, I know. Me damn.
I just, don't want to be that guy.
Ya know, like my old man.
And while I may not have been
doing what he did, exactly, I can see
how what I've done is just as damning.
Okay? Happy?
I'm spilling my fucking guts here.
Faustina turns to her curiously, "I can press if you'd like? But he does get rather touchy when I do so, so you might have to be patient a bit longer."
Her eyes narrow as she reads Senior's responses a second time, "so, he's really just trying to be better at being a person?" She asks, unable to shake the skepticism from her voice.
Faustina sighs, "I see no other reason he would divulge so much to me if that wasn't the case, Captain. It takes a certain level of trust on both our parts, and I have several reasons to believe he is in fact being genuine."
She slowly nods before she takes a deep breath and holds her hand out for the pen.
I am choosing to trust you.
If you make me regret this,
so help me-
Her eyes narrow as she looks up, a sudden mischievous thought hitting her.
"Captain?" Faustina questions tentatively.
I will destroy these notebooks
and leave you alone in that
crumbled, ruined temple.
"Oh," Faustina blinks, "that should be efficient."
"I mean, that's the hope."
She didn't have to like that Senior had taken a fancy to her Beauty Girl and Problem Child, but she sure as hell could use it.
Ouch.
I'm getting whiplash from
all this good cop bad cop
switch up ya'll are pulling
on me.
But!
Heard Momma Squid.
I promise you will not
regret this.
Now… The plan?
I'm coming to you before we start
working on our new goals.
See you in a few hours, uncle.
Looking forward to it
Momma Squid.
"There." She slaps the pen down on the table with a huff.
She'd done it. She'd made a deal with Hades.
Not T.
Not Deez.
Not Harry.
Not Faustina.
Her.
"I'm glad the two of you were willing to work something out, I know it's not perfect, or even desirable to you-"
"No," she sighs, "but, I feel better with this being my deal."
Faustina tilts her head before she nods slowly, "I believe I understand." She offers softly before turning and standing on her toes to reach for something above them. "Here." She holds it out.
Her brow furrows as she takes the flask, "what's this for?" She looks around the neatly organized room, "I thought you'd finished your work."
"Well," Faustina looks away, "I figured you could throw it or drink it, either would probably help take the edge off after that interaction..."
"Beauty Girl, I ain't gonna break-" her eyes widen as she looks around once more at all the glass and highly breakable things surrounding her.
"Shit," she gently sets the bottle down, "is that what you were worried about? Me throwing your things in a fit of anger?"
Faustina looks away, "you're under a lot of stress right now, it would be understandable- if not a bit frustrating without the shatter…"
She chuckles before she pulls Faustina into a hug, "it's like you know me." She shakes her head, "thank you."
"It's my pleasure, Captain."
It was hard to believe that less than an hour ago she'd faced off against an evil book with an eyeball, though the thought makes her fingers tingle all over again.
Heya!
This is the first time I've written one of these in… I really don't want to think about it, but it's been a minute for sure…
That being said, forgive me if this comes off a bit, I don't know, blegh.
Anywaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaays,
What did you guys think?
I'm really starting to get worried about Deez, she's been down for the count for a while now, and it's starting to wear on the fam. Think getting rid of the book will help?
And on that fucking topic-
Uma- Making a deal? With fucking Senior of all people?
Any of you see that coming?
Dead.
I personally loved reading the correspondence between Ume's and SR. Think Faustina was definitely pushing her luck there-
But proud of her for standing up for herself. This whole war shit has really advanced her character growth way quicker than I intended…
Fuck, I've missed writing-
Even just writing one of these bitches is fucking doing wonders for my mood-
Only thing I wish was different is that Dark wasn't dying on my couch. If any of you suffer from endometriosis or PCOS, you should get it. That shit would bring down like a fucking Tiger. (Tigers are way more badass than elephants- In my opinion…) And rest assured when I tell you Dark is one hard core cunt, and this shit knocks her off her feet….
Much love and appreciation
-Twisted