Hey Readers!

Dark here, you've probably noticed we just loaded a bunch of chapters in the same day.

Nothing new, I know. We can defiantly be the worse when it comes to getting our story to you wonderful people.

Small life update for those who follow us. The Dark family has officially moved back into our home, and it is from my office that I realized-

Oh shit, when was the last time I posted?!

Bonus chapter for our lovely readers, amazing people who put up with our inconsistent posting and other general torture? :D

Lots of Love, I hope you enjoy the extra reading!

I WILL BE POSTING ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS FROM NOW ON!

WEDNESDAYS!

Lots of love!

-Dark-

Uma smiles as she looks at her family surrounding her, each special in their own right.

They should have done this when Faustina joined, but now was better than never. Another reason to appreciate their newest addition.

Not only that, but this felt right.

Monumental.

Necessary.

Something to reinforce to Deez that no matter what, she was loved.

A reminder that even if they were lost, they weren't alone in the massive challenge looming on the horizon.

A way to revitalize their dwindling morale.

She kneels beside the crate and pulls out a tray, "everyone sit."

"Yes, Captain." Faustina smiles as she kneels beside the crate with the others.

She smiles, albeit a little sadly. She wished everyone could be present for this, but was happy T let Faustina be the one to come out.

She was going to have to thank him, in private, later.

Daniel looks at her in confusion before he smiles and pecks the tips of his fingers against his head.

His signs for Faustina.

It amazed her at how easily the younger boy accepted the situation.

She still had a hard time telling when T and Faustina switched. It was one thing when they spoke or moved, but both had proclivities to stay in the back and watch.

"Thank you for joining us." She smiles as she settles the tray on the box.

Faustina blushes as she hugs Daniel closer to her, looking away when Deez giggles.

"That sounds like T."

"What sounds like T?" Gil prompts as he looks between the two with a pout.

"T's reason for wanting Faustina out." Deez chuckles.

"An' what that be bein'?" Harry grins.

"The amount of feels."

"Oh," she smiles as Faustina's face burns brighter. "We're family Beauty Girl, and I know how much all of this means to you."

And she did.

She may not have had the same connection to the people she coveted like the strange bond Faustina, T, and Daniel shared-

But she still understood the intensity of claiming someone that was meant to be hers, and she was beside herself to finally be able to do something for them.

T and Faustina.

They provided so much and never asked for anything in return.

It was nice to finally return a portion of that favor, even if it was something she desired as well.

Faustina shoots her a small smile before she looks down and starts playing with Daniel's hair, "of that I have no doubt, my Captain."

She nods before she turns to the others, her eyes drinking in each of their faces.

Each as excited and happy as the last.

No hesitation, just eagerness to officially initiate Faustina and Daniel.

She clears her throat as her eyes finally settle on their youngest addition. "We have a tradition, Daniel. You see, none of us were together at first. We were all alone, lost, and scared. And then," she looks over to Deez, "I met my baby cousin. And suddenly I knew that what I wanted, more than anything else I've ever wanted, was a real family. Not like the one I was born into, but a family I got to choose."

She pulls the cloth off the tray that had been covering the dagger.

"So I found Gil, my Sweet Boy, and Harry, my Pretty Boy. And I asked them if they wanted to be a family with me." She boops Daniel's nose, "And they said yes. So I carved this mark into my hand," she shows him her palm again before she starts tracing it with the tip of the dagger, "and then into their hands, so we could make an oath to each other, to choose each other and love each other, to watch out for each other."

She slowly passes the dagger to Gil, "When we finally were able to claim our Baby Girl, Sweet Boy was the one who helped her adjust, so he's the one who gets to carve our mark into her hand. Harry did the same for T, and will do the same for Faustina. But I think Faustina should be the one who gives you the mark," she looks at Faustina, "what do you think?"

"I'd be honored, my Captain." Faustina responds softly.

Uma smiles as she hugs Daniel again and passes the dagger to Gil.

He grins as he takes the dagger.

He knew they'd already inducted her. Recited their oaths and completed the ceremony. But this just felt so right.

Deez.

Faustina.

Daniel.

His grin widens.

Even in the midst of all the darkness, all the evil, they still had some good. Still had each other despite the Isle's consistent attempts to rip them apart.

It made him feel like no matter what, no matter how big, how insurmountable the odds seemed, they'd persevere. They'd overcome.

As long as they had each other.

There had to be a reason. A reason why, despite everything that had happened since Maleficent disappeared through the barrier, they'd managed to survive.

Had succeeded in anchoring their Treasure and their Problem Child to them. Had found his missing Angel, who inadvertently stumbled upon their Little Demon.

For as dark as the situation was, as hard as their lives had become, they'd managed to do so much good. To save over a hundred other isle kids. Isle Borns. To give them hope.

To show them that even amongst the horrors of the isle-

The selfishness of the adults-

The rules they'd been forced to live under-

Show them that there was a better way. A stronger way. To show them if they worked together they could overcome even the largest of obstacles.

He would have laughed in someone's face if they'd told him a year ago they'd be facing off against Shan Yu in a war. Not only that, but be able to stand their ground.

It would have been a ridiculously ludicrous thought.

But now? Now he could see that as long as they were together, united, that they could move mountains with the right motivation.

And that was more beautiful to him than anything Auradon could possibly offer.

It wasn't about being inside or outside the barrier. It was about what they'd made of it.

What they'd built.

"You ready, Treasure?" He asks as he presses his lips to her soft hair.

Deez takes a deep breath as she holds her left hand out for him, her blue eyes shimmering up at him as he stares down at her.

"I trust you." She smiles.

The words take his breath away. The fact that, after everything that had happened to her, in spite of the fact he hadn't been able to save her, she still trusted him. It made his chest ache and bubble at the same time.

"Thank you," he whispers as he gently cups her hand in his before he places the tip of the dagger to her palm.

He swallows. "This is going to hurt," He couldn't bring himself to lie, if he was going to do this deep enough to scar he didn't have a choice. "but I'll be as gentle as I can."

Deez takes another deep breath as she nods, "I know. And it's worth it."

A gentle smile pulls at Uma's lips, "Aye," She agrees softly as she takes Deez's right hand. "It really is."

"Thank you." Deez smiles as she squeezes Uma's hand and turns her face away to lean against Faustina's shoulder before she's enveloped by two one armed hugs.

He closes his eyes as he takes a deep breath, preparing for the pain he was about to cause his Treasure, the tensing. He opens his eyes before he carefully starts dragging the knife down her palm, focusing on making the crude compass as perfect as possible. She'd wanted this mark since her first initiation. Had been upset about not being a 'real' member of the family for months. He wanted this mark to be just as perfect to her as she was to him.

At least her palms weren't as scared as her fingers and the backs of her hands.

He's grateful for her stillness. For her patience. And when he finishes, he's pretty sure he lets out a greater sigh of relief than she does. "There you go Treasure," he kisses the top of her head.

Deez pulls her blood covered palm back to inspect it, awed all over again by the care Gil put into her family crest.

Her crest.

Gil smiles when she looks up. "Thank you." She smiles in return, "I know that wasn't easy, but I know it will stay this time."

"But it was worth it." Gil kisses the top of her head, "anything that makes you happy will always be worth it." He breathes against her hair before he picks the knife up again and traces his own mark with precision before offering the blade to Harry. "Angel's turn."

Harry reaches out for the blade before he passes it to Faustina.

She smiles, her vision finally cleared of the tears that had threatened to fall, before she holds her hand out to Daniel, "since you helped me."

Daniel instantly drops his left hand into her palm before looking up at her with excitement shining in his eyes.

Faustina smiles as she strokes the back of his wrist with her thumb. "Ready Daniel?"

Daniel nods his head curtly.

"That's my Little Demon," Faustina smiles encouragingly, stroking his wrist once more before she meticulously carves the compass into his small palm as he watches along in fascination.

Faustina smiles as she waits for him to settle back on her lap.

"You took that like a true pirate," Uma chuckles as she ruffles Daniel's hair proudly. "Nary a flinch."

"Aye, Wee Demon," Harry joins her chuckle, "We be makin' a fine pirate outta ya yet."

Daniel grins as Gil ruffles his hair next, "Yeah."

"T would be proud," she adds with a smile.

Harry carefully takes the dagger from Faustina's hand, "Ya be ready now love?"

"Aye," she smiles up at him brightly as she places her hand on the crate.

He smiles as he looks down at her palm, at the thin scars, nearly invisible unless you were looking for them.

He'd traded the oath with T, but damn if he wasn't excited to swear an oath to Faustina.

His eyes drift to Gil and Deez for a moment before he looks back at Faustina's palm. If Gil could manage that-

He takes a deep breath and holds her wrist before he places the tip of the dagger to one of the spokes of the compass.

He looks up into her green eyes for another deep breath before he carefully slices.

Not too deep. He knew how his Beauty Girl hated blatant marks.

But not so shallow she wouldn't bleed, either.

He deftly cuts the family mark into her palm.

It helped that she didn't move. Didn't gasp or even change the way she was breathing.

She tensed. But who the hell didn't when someone was carving your skin?

And the pain was worth it.

He pulls the dagger back and presses his lips to Faustina's temple, "That be me, Pirate Princess."

She gives him a brilliant smile, her eyes bright as she leans over to kiss the corner of his lips. When she pulls back her eyes drop to the cut, before they return to him,"thank you."

"Course, Love." He presses another kiss to her temple before he lays his hand out on the table and quickly carves the mark.

It was always so much easier to do it to himself than it was to cut them.

Once he's done, he flips the blade in his hand before he offers the hilt to Uma.

"Thanks Pretty Boy." Uma nods as she sets the dagger back in the chest, "now we seal with oaths. I get to go first because, well, I'm the captain and I started this." She grins.

Daniel nods as Uma turns to her.

"Beauty Girl, I choose you to be part of my family. I choose you. Want you for more than just your kick ass potions and your herbs. I choose you for the heart you bring to our family. For the mind you share with us. For the beauty you bring into our lives. I choose you-"

Faustina watches as Uma extends her bloody hand to her.

"-do you choose me?"

"Aye," she smiles nervously, wishing she'd had more time to prepare. There were so many words. So many things she admired about the girl holding out her hand to her.

Uma changed so much since T started following her, had grown even more in the last few months. She had so much more to admire, it was going to be difficult to decide which she admired most.

She takes a deep breath, embarrassed by the way her cheeks flair with heat.

How could she possibly sum up everything she felt succinctly? She shifts before she forces herself to lock eyes with Uma, knowing even if she stumbled, it wouldn't make Uma love her less.

"Since I first saw the way you were so willing to love so openly in a world that breeds selfishness and hate. Since I watched you care for Deez so brazenly. The courage and compassion you have is like no others. I am humbled to be chosen by you, and it would be my honor to choose you." She finishes as she laces her and Uma's fingers together, the tightness loosening as warmth fills her chest to wash it away.

Uma chuckles wetly as tears escape her eyes to run over her smile, "thank you, Beauty Girl." She squeezes their hands tighter.

She drops her eyes, "I don't think I've ever been more sincere, my Queen."

"Queen, huh." Uma smiles, "but only because of you," she whispers before she finally releases her hand, clearing her throat softly before she looks down at Daniel sitting patiently in her lap.

"And you, Wee Demon. I choose you to be part of my family. Part of our family. We haven't known you very long, but with how crazy the world is right now, is it really so crazy to know you belong with us? I choose you, Daniel, to be part of my family. Do you choose me?"

Daniel looks between her and Uma as his lips purse thoughtfully before he grins. He crawls out of her lap before he takes Uma's hand and pulls it closer, making a circle with their hands before he taps his finger over Uma's heart.

He gestures to the rest of the family before he turns back to her, smiling as he points to himself. With a grand nod he takes her hand, pressing their bloody palms together and squeezes her fingers.

"Aww," She nearly swoons before she turns to a thoughtful Uma and smiles, "I think he's saying he chooses you because of how much love you have for us, and for him." She drops her eyes to Daniel, who nods emphatically before he maneuvers into Uma's lap and pulls her blood free arm over him.

"That was beautiful, Daniel." Uma chuckles as she sits back, nuzzling the boy in her arms before she looks to Harry, "You know, last time we went by rank-"

"But this time it be seemin' right ta be going by who be joinin'," Harry grins as he waves, "After ya be ah tellin' yer story I be figurin' that might be the way o' things."

"I'm okay with that." Gil's eyes brighten before he carefully adjusts Deez in his lap to lean forward. "Faustina." He smiles kindly, "The Angel I spent so many years looking for and thought I'd lost. Thank you for continuing to watch over me. Our family. I thought I'd lost the opportunity years ago, so I'm relieved I finally get to choose you, do you choose me?"

She swallows the lump in her throat. She was never a fan of such watched exchanges, but how could she not be okay with it when she was surrounded by so much love? So much patience?

"I knew from the minute we met, you were special. You were the first person I'd ever gotten the opportunity to speak to, and because of that, because of you, I was inspired to care about those I'd been afraid of, even if it was from my tower. I'm so grateful to you, in so many ways, I couldn't imagine not choosing you." She finishes as she takes his hand.

Gil stares at her for a long moment before she smiles and squeezes his hand as tightly as he squeezed the people he loved.

Gil blushes as he drops his eyes, "thank you, Angel." He says softly, as he holds her hand for a moment longer before he releases it.

She smiles. "Thank you, for being my inspiration."

Gil swallows as he looks back up at her with glossy eyes as he nods.

Deez carefully wraps her arms around Gil and hugs him.

His tiny teddy bear.

Her oversized one.

It never ceased to make her chest burst at their innocent connection.

Gil grins as he presses a kiss to Deez's forehead before he turns to Daniel.

"Lil' Demon, I know we haven't known each other for long, but I know I will never stop loving you for the hope and light you have brought to our Angel's eyes. The hope you've brought us. For that, I choose you, do you choose me?" He holds out his hand.

Daniel rests his hands on his shoulder before he stretches them out.

"That's me, right?" Gil chuckles.

Daniel nods before he closes his eyes and brings his arms in close, holding himself as he pretends to shiver. He smiles as he holds up a finger before he runs his hand up his arm gently. He nods as he takes Gil's hand and grins brightly.

Gil bites his lip before he drops his eyes to Deez, silently pleading for her to translate.

Deez grins before she tilts her head to the side as she stares at Daniel, "I think he said something about you seeming scary at first," She smiles as Daniel nods and waves her to continue, "but now he knows you're gentle, and he likes when you comfort him." She sounds more confident with every nod from Daniel, "So yes, he chooses you too."

The stark contrast of Gil's hand clasping Daniel's is striking. To watch such their stoically large Sweet Boy be so tender with her, their, Little Demon. It made her blink back a fresh wave of tears.

"I'm sorry I scared you Lil' Demon," Gil ruffles Daniel's hair, "but it's good to know you're not anymore."

Daniel's attempt to wrap his tiny little hand around Gil's, so he can squeeze makes them all smile.

Gil chuckles as he extends two fingers for the boy, which he squeezes with a nod of his head.

"Me turn." Harry clears his throat dramatically before he turns his brilliant blue eyes on her, "Me Pirate Princess, me lass o' good fortune, me love. I be not only choosin' ya, I be beggin'. I don'nah ever be wantin' ya ta be leavin' me. Leavin' our family. No matter what be comin' our way, I be wantin' us all ta be facin' it, an' the rest o' our lives, together. It be the only future I can be seein', an' the only one I be wantin'. So it be you, the Beauty Girl to me Pretty Boy, that I be choosin'." He holds his hand out, "will you be choosin' me?"

"My Prince," She breathes out at the near desperation in his tone, at his blatant admission, she bites her lip before she takes a deep breath and locks her eyes on his, studying him.

Raw, that's the only word that she could summon. He was being so raw. Baring everything, in front of everyone. Declaring his love for her so openly, it gave her pause.

How could she possibly match that in front of- Dumb. She was being dumb. These people were her family.

"My Pirate Prince, I've been hooked on you for years. Loved you. Admired you. For your passion, your devotion. How you defend those you claim with everything you are. So much so I could barely speak when we first met, afraid of how much of a fool I'd make of myself. Nothing, no one, has ever rendered me as speechless as you have, as you do. There'll never be a force strong enough to keep me from coming back to you, to our family, every time. I cherish every moment spent with you, with our family. I can't picture a world without you, without any of you, and I never want to. I'll choose you every time, my Prince, that I can promise." Surprising herself with how assured she sounded in her declaration as she laces their fingers together before she brushes a kiss over his knuckles.

Harry chuckles, though the sound comes out half choked, as he grins and pulls her closer.

He presses their bleeding palms together tightly. "Ya can be considerin' me ah happy pirate prince, love." He rubs his nose against her, "The happiest 'cause I be ah holdin' them words tight 'til me last breath." He whispers before he claims her lips.

When he pulls away, she stares at him breathlessly, dazed. "The fact that I-"

She pauses when she hears snickers, but then she joins in the laughter when she feels Daniel pushing against them with his hands in an attempt to separate them.

She and Harry look down to find him pointing at himself before he crosses his arms over his chest.

"Sorry," she smiles, "were we taking too long?"

Daniel rolls his eyes as he pecks his head and makes a hook with one finger before he makes a circle with his hands. He throws his hands in the air before he points at Harry and then at himself.

Harry chuckles, "Aye, an now you, Wee Demon."

She smiles as Daniel sits in front of Harry, watching him expectantly.

"I be choosin' ya, ya Wee Demon, ta be part o' me family. I be choosin' ya for the playin', for the learnin' we be doin', an' the fun we be havin'. I be choosin' ya cause ya be bringin' ah wee bit o' mischief back to us. I choose you to be me new brother, and me mate. What ya be sayin'? Ya be choosin' me too?"

She smiles as Daniel trips over himself to respond.

When Daniel turns to her, urging her to tell Harry what he said, she chuckles, "well, that was really fast my Little Demon, but I think he's saying yes because you make everyone so happy-" She blushes when Daniel pecks his fingers against his head again, "You make me so happy. And because you make him feel happy, and safe. And he has fun with you."

Daniel nods before he takes Harry's wrist and pushes their palms together with a smile.

"Ya be bein' ah wee bit impatient tonight, ya Wee Demon." Harry scolds, though any sting his words might have held were lost as he ruffles Daniel's hair.

She smiles as she leans against Harry's chest as she pulls his arm over her lap.

"Aye," Uma chuckles, "Seems our Wee Demon be excitin' himself up."

"I think he be likin' ta hear us tellin' him the nice things we be likin' 'bout him." Harry chuckles.

"Wonder where he picked that up," Gil snorts.

"It's not the worst thing for him to pick up." Deez grins, "It can be hard to hear nice things about yourself sometimes."

Daniel shakes his head as he points to Harry's mouth, then his, before he gestures between them.

"Oh, an ya be sharin' nice words too."

Daniel nods with a wide grin.

Uma chuckles before she holds her arms out, "Well, come sit down, so our Baby Girl can go."

Daniel nods as he slips off the makeshift table to jump into Uma's lap again.

She grins as the tightness in her chest dissipates at the sight. She'd been genuinely concerned that her family had been snickering at her admissions, but seeing Daniel's enthusiasm and innocent prodding put her back at ease.

She shakes her head at her insecurity before she turns to Deez.

"Faustina," Deez smiles as she leans forward over the crate with Gil's assistance, "I choose you, my fellow kids of the Isle lover, to be part of my family. To be part of who I run to when I'm scared or overwhelmed. I choose to trust you with who I am, and know that when I forget, you'll be there to remind me, just like I will be there for you. I choose to listen to you, love you, know you, fight for you. I choose you to be part of my beautiful family, will you choose me?"

"My Constellation Chaser," A gentle smile settles on her lips, "your dedication and determination have been something I've admired for years. The way you bounce to your own drum so confidently. Knowing that there was someone who so openly cared for others, was nothing short of encouraging when we couldn't pull ourselves from the shadows. I've watched you grow for years, and I adore the person you've grown into. Abilities or not, you're someone precious to be cherished. I've felt a kinship with you for years, and I'm honored to now call you my sister, thank you for choosing me, and accepting that I choose you and our family, my beautiful, inside and out, sister."

Deez's lower lip quivers as she holds out her hand, her wide blue eyes shimmering up at her as she holds back tears, "I love the way you so easily render everyone speechless." She whispers as she takes her hand.

She blinks before she squeezes her hand, pressing their palms together. "You're always so kind. Yet another reason to appreciate everything you are."

The smaller girl chuckles, "I try, but seriously, I hope my writing is as good as the way you talk." She sighs wistfully.

"I can assure you it is better still, for as much as you chide Gil for it, you never give yourself enough credit either." She offers softly.

Gil kisses Deez's head, "told ya."

Deez chuckles as she looks at him over her shoulder before she turns back to find Daniel slowly crawling to sit in front of her.

She muffles a laugh at the way Daniel kneels, sitting back on his heels as he waits. Her eyes drift to Uma, who was looking on proudly.

She must have had a conversation with him. She smiles, loving the way he slid so easily into the family.

"Daniel, Little Demon, though I still vote that Imp counts," Deez grins as she points at Daniel playfully, "I choose you to be part of my family. I choose to hear more of your stories, I choose the play you've brought into our lives. Though I've only known you for a very short time, I look forward to spending more time together. I choose you because of the reminder you've given us, that we have to take the time to enjoy our lives instead of just surviving. I will always be grateful for that, and for the smiles your presence has brought our family. I choose you to be part of my beautiful family, to be the new baby of the family." She sits up straighter as her grin widens, "So, will you choose me?"

The whole family laughs as Daniel makes his hands look like claws before he leans forward and hugs Deez. He nods against her before he presses their palms together.

"You will always be the family's Little Demon." Deez whispers as she wraps her free arm around him, "But to me, you're the Little Imp I get to keep with me," she sighs, "the one I get to help protect."

Daniel looks up thoughtfully before he nods, holds up a finger and then mimics writing.

"Got it, I'm the only one allowed to call you that." Deez smiles happily.

She chuckles at the image of the two, Daniel's dark hair contrasting with her white as their foreheads press together, gorgeous green and blazing blue eyes staring into each other as if they were looking for something.

Almost like they were having a wordless conversation.

And then Daniel turns to her, releasing Deez before he kneels in front of her.

"Daniel," She breathes as she reaches out to hold his hand, "the minute you took T's hand was the minute we found salvation. I've torn myself up for weeks with all of our failures. I never would have guessed we'd find absolution to our sins in that den of evil 'til we found you. You are more precious to me than you will ever know. And I'm so, so very grateful that despite everything you were put through, all the torment and lord only knows what else, you were able to look past the fear and push aside your mistrust to accept T's promise that we'd protect you. And now because of your courage, your daring, you've gained so many amazing people who will always take care of you. A family that's always willing to put each other's needs before their own. I promised to make sure you'll never be alone in the dark again, and with our family I know without a doubt that will always be held true. You're a light I never thought I'd find in the dark, and for that I choose you Little Demon, do you choose me?"

Her eyes widen when Daniel's lower lip quivers and his hands hover in the air. But before she can say anything, he suddenly leaps at her, falling into her and Harry's lap as he snuggles up to her, his fingers pecking his head over and over again.

Her arms wrap around him as she squeezes him tightly. The tears she'd been keeping at bay all night suddenly fall as she nuzzles against him. She felt as if her heart was about to burst from her chest from the levels of love and devotion she'd been shown. She'd never felt so cherished.

She giggles when Daniel blindly searches for her hand before he presses their bloody palms together and squeezes with everything he was worth. She presses her lips to his head as she squeezes back. Her heart aches with warmth, her tears hitting her full force when she feels Harry's arms wrap around both of them as he presses a kiss to her own head.

"Welcome to the family Daniel, and I'm happy we got a chance to make it official, Faustina." Uma smiles as she stands, "We promise to look out for each other. We promise to love and strive to understand each other. We promise to lend our strengths to fortify our weaknesses. We promise to be a family. A real family. The Sea Family."

The family echoes each other with ayes as Daniel nods.

"Right, time to seal this with a-" Uma grins as she slams her hands on the crate, but before she can continue, a sweet, unfamiliar scent catches her off guard.

As she looks around, trying to find the source of the scent, the entire room lights up, so brightly she's forced to shut her eyes.

So, boom.

Literally, apparently.

WTF just happened?

Way to ruin a beautiful ceremony-

Which, what did you guys think?

It's been two books since the last fam ritual-

What did you guys think of their pledges and oaths?

Did you hear each of the Family speaking in your head?

Anything you guys would've changed?

Let us know in the comments!

Much love and shit

-Twisted

Oh my god!

This is the bonus chapter I give you?

What is wrong with the universe?

Please forgive me!

-Dark-