Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Spring Break had been amazing. While things had improved enormously for both Mal and the state of the Isle, one major thing still cast an ominous shadow across the United States of Auradon. The Escapee of the Isle, otherwise known as Frederick ‘Freddy’ Frollo…and the missing spell book and staff of Maleficent, extremely dangerous items belonging to the one being who was regarded as the vilest being to enter the realm of villainy.  

‘Oh, and not being able to see dad in person kinda put a damper on things,’ Hadie sighed as he cuddled into the side of his gently snoozing mother. He knew he should be sleeping, but he was loathe to lose precious minutes before he would have to say goodbye to his mom again. Even if she was officially meant to be in Auradon again, the arrival of Spring meant Persephone would be busy with the season and only free every week or two instead of every few days as Hadie had grown used to since her early appearance.  

“Unable to sleep, my little sapphire?”  

Startled, Hadie bolted slightly away from his mother, much to her tired amusement. Relaxing, Hadie allowed himself to be tugged back into the Goddess’ side.  

“Just a little,” the Godling muttered, blushing in the dark. Ever since she’d gotten back to Auradon, Persephone had been overly doting, spattering both Mal and Hadie with new, silly pet names. He couldn’t really blame her, having to miss the majority of the time that the Godlings spent learning life finally in Auradon, only to return to one of them being tortured. Mal, much to her bemusement, though Ben enjoyed it, was sometimes called the perfect ‘a mal gam’, having proven to truly be ‘half and half’ in the eyes of tradition and rebellious.  

“Do you think some warm milk would help?” Persephone said gently, combing her fingers through her son’s hair. “Or I could grow some lavender?”  

“I just don’t want to fall asleep and bam , already time to leave you,” Hadie’s voice so small, wrenching at his mother’s heartstrings. “I’ve missed you for so many months, I’m not used to having to say goodbye so much more often.”  

“I know, darling, I know,” Persephone sighed. “But you’re free now. You could stay glued to my side all summer if you desired, but now you have so many friends and safe places to go, rather than hidden on the Isle where nowhere was safe.”  

“Don’t know how safe it is with Freddy on the loose,” huffed Hadie as he grumbled into the crook Persephone’s neck.  

“Still pretty safe since all kingdoms are on alert and each palace has its own security,” she answered. “So long as you stayed with a group, I imagine you’d be well guarded.”  

“I know I’ll miss my friends…I already feel as close with some of them as I do with Dizzy and Celia,” Hadie tried not to sob. “I wish they could be here.”  

Persephone held him tightly as she felt his small body rack a bit with shallow breaths, desperate to hold the Godling’s tears in. “Hopefully soon, my little lightning bolt.”  

“I-I guess I should try to find a balance to spend time with friends and you,” Hadie replied after a minute, finally managing to calm his breath. “Part of me wants to spend all summer with you, but I don’t want to leave my friends hanging.”  

“We’ve got a couple months to plan, don’t worry too much,” Persephone dropped a kiss atop Hadie’s brow. “And I have a small hunch you don’t really want to be around Olympus too much too soon. Don’t forget your sister has training and introductions to do once school is out.”  

“Ugh, gross! ” Hadie spat. “I might’ve forgotten. Yup, I think I’ll pass when that all happens.”  

Laughing softly, Persephone nuzzled Hadie’s cheek before gently kissing it. “Just get through the rest of school and we’ll discuss things as they come.”  

With a yawn, Hadie nodded, each falling silent.  

“…mom?” He finally said once more.  

“Yes, love?”  

“C-could you sing?”  

“…πóσα άστρα íνε στóν υρανó…” Persephone’s loving voice spun of the twinkling stars outside, whispering into the night as, finally, her little prince succumbed to sleep. 

“You have everything?”  

“Yup, all packed,” Hadie replied as he zipped up his backpack, slinging it over his shoulder.  

“Are you sure?” Persephone said as she checked her own purse before grabbing Hadie’s suitcase. “Remember, I’m not coming back to the apartment for a few weeks, so anything left behind will have to wait.”  

“I’m sure!” Hadie smiled up at his mother, stepping up to where her apartment allowed teleportation.  

“Alright, grab on,” Persephone smiled sadly, reaching out with her free hand. “Let’s get you to school.”  

Hadie grinned mischievously and ignored his mom’s hand, instead throwing his arms around her waist, ensuring he could get another hug in before he had to say goodbye.  

“Ready!”  

Persephone practically melted at the gesture. Placing her freehand gently upon his head, she smiled one last time before closing her eyes to allow the feeling of her magic take them across the spatial plane.  

“Alright, let’s get your bags to your room, and then I need to get going, ‘kay, love?” Persephone spoke as they carefully stepped down the arrival platform and exited the room.  

“I can carry that for ye, Lady Steph.”  

“Harry!” Hadie jumped at his adoptive brother in glee, the older boy quickly snaring Hadie in a quick hug.  

“Harry,” Persephone smiled fondly, leaving Hadie’s suitcase for a moment to wrap the pirate in her own hug, planting a light kiss on each of his cheeks. “I have seen far too little of you lately, young man.”  

“I’ll be sure to fix that this summer, Lady Steph,” Harry replied with a blush. “Been trying to keep my studies up for once so I can graduate on time with Jay.”  

“Hades kept me posted on your grades, you’re doing great, Harry,” Persephone encouraged the brunet before she thankfully passed on Hadie’s suitcase. “I’m sure you’ll be able to do it if you keep this up.”  

“Thank you kindly, ma’am,” Harry puffed up proudly as he led the way back to the shared dorm room.  

“Honestly, Harry, when are you going to stop using honorifics with me?” Persephone pouted. “You’re more than welcome to simply use ‘Steph’.”  

“Probably when he stops calling me ‘Little Lord’,” Hadie snorted.  

“Nah, you’ll just get an upgrade to regular ‘Lord’ once you’ve grown is all, your highness,” Harry teased.  

“I swear , you better not, Hook!”  

“Keep it nice, boys,” Persephone smiled wryly as the banter rose.  

“As you say, mother,” Hadie sighed, though continued to glare slightly at Harry. The elder boy simply stuck his tongue out at the Godling and continued leading the way.  

“So mature, the both of you,” the Goddess gave an exasperated sigh, shaking her head. “What is an old lady like me ever to do with such undisciplined buffoonery?”  

“Shame I can’t really deny the wild child in me, Lady Steph,” Harry laughed as he opened the door to their dormitory. “But I can deny you being old.”  

“I might look like a thirty something year old mortal, Harry, but I can assure you that even Mama Odie would consider me ancient.”  

“Nah, just dad, methinks,” Hadie joked, throwing his bag onto his desk chair. “Thanks, Harry.”  

“No, prob, laddie,” Harry replied, rolling the luggage into its familiar home of the closet nook and reaching over to ruffle Hadie’s hair.  

“Hey! No touchy!”  

Harry dodged out of the way of Hadie’s flailing hands, sliding smoothly over to Persephone to give the Goddess one last hug on the way out.  

“I need to go to a R.O.A.R. prep meeting for the season start, it was nice seeing you again, Lady Steph!”  

“You as well, Harry!” Persephone waved a farewell before turning her attention back to Hadie. “Alright, sweetheart, I’ll make sure to keep my Sunday clear. Next weekend at the latest.”  

“’Kay mom, love you,” Hadie sighed, as they hugged one last time. “Miss you already.”  

“And I miss you more,” she replied, dropping a kiss on his hair before they parted.  

Closing the door behind his mother as she proceeded down the hallway with one last wave, Hadie returned to his desk to setup and cracked open his laptop.  

Without Celia and Dizzy coming, Hadie felt he needed something to distract him from his disappointment. His other friends wouldn’t be arriving for a few more hours and would need to resettle themselves as well. Nor would they be able to replace his wanting to see his other friends. As he had on the Isle, the best distraction for Hadie was to read or study, throwing himself entirely to whatever caught his focus. Pulling up his class schedule, Hadie figured he’d get a head start on the syllabus readings. Since passing Remedial Goodness class, and the brief course of Internet Safety, each of the newest four VK’s had signed up for new electives.  

Despite the rocky relationship between himself and Demeter, Hadie couldn’t deny that seeing the farms had piqued a further interest in what both his parents did as Gods. In the end, he’d signed up for Enchanted Forestry, as well as Mining for Beginners. Things he hoped would somewhat help direct him into topics that supposedly taught magical horticulture, alongside understanding metals and gems that few people remembered to relate to his father.  

Though he’d shown Mal some of his progress, Hadie had been hesitant to show Persephone anything just yet.  

‘Nerves, I guess? ’ Hadie thought to himself as he carefully read the introduction to Enchanted Forestry. ‘I know nothing would likely be perfect, I’m sure mom knows far more efficient ways to do what I’m trying…’  

On the other hand, he also knew that his mom had a couple centuries of getting used to her powers. Hadie had the last few months to work with plants unhindered.  

‘Okay, so maybe this summer then, I’ll give in,’ Hadie considered as he pulled out a fresh notebook to copy the parts he’d highlighted from his reading. ‘Mom’s the only one who I’d be willing to have help me anyways, apart from Cassia or Hyacinth I guess.”  

Wrapped in his studies, the Godling didn’t notice he was no longer alone.  

“What’s got you working so hard before classes even start?” Jay snorted in amusement as Hadie jolted straight in his chair.  

“Hey Jay,” Hadie stood, placing his pen down to offer the son of Jafar a hug. “Feels like it’s been forever since I last saw you!”   

“Yeah, sorry about that, Hads,” Jay said, returning the hug. “I guess we haven’t really hung out, outside of sword practice, the dorm and meals. I’ll try to be better this semester.”  

“It’s alright, I know you’re going to be busy helping Mal and the others try to track down Freddy on top of everything else.”  

“That doesn’t mean I should’ve have been making more time for you,” Jay swore as he moved to chill on his bed. “What’s your schedule like this trimester? We could see if any of our free spots line up!”  

“Sounds good to me!” grinned Hadie. Searching through his bag, he found his printed schedule as Jay pulled his own up on his phone.  

“I guess if nothing matches, we can always find after school time…” Jay mumbled as he grew more disheartened as they combed through the lists. “Though that’d be harder to coordinate with R.O.A.R. and all.”  

“Oh here! On Thursdays,” Hadie pointed to one of his gold blocks that happened to match with one of Jay’s. “Got a whole hour of free time!”  

“Perfect,” Jay smirked. “Now my question is…would you be interested in picking back up your parkour lessons from the Isle?”  

Hadie’s eyes widened in greedy excitement.  

“Really?” he hesitated despite his desire. “You don’t think we’d get in trouble with mom again?”  

“Not if we don’t get caught. There’s mats and blocks in the gym we can practice with, or we can check out the school roof,” Jay wondered aloud. “Some of the block rises up there are cool, we would just have to avoid going on the tiles for the roof proper, that’s more likely to get us in trouble than simply running around doing gymnastics. No trouble with school, no trouble with Lady Steph.”  

“I’m down then! Kinda sucks Virgil can’t be with us this time, but it would be nice to get back into something more Isle-style. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone but you and Harry really do that kind of stuff around the school.”  

“I think Virgil would be too nervous to get back into it in the more goody-goody environment compared to last time where parkour is considered more for survival than fun. Especially since even with that logic, your mom still thought it was too dangerous for you to be jumping around the roofs.”  

“Okay, but to be fair to mom, those buildings aren’t in the greatest of shape, even if I am a Godling.”  

‘Besides, Virgil’s idea was to help me be safer since he’d caught me roof-surfing and nearly fell onto my head if he hadn’t gotten there in time. He’s a lot more athletic than he comes across!’  

Hadie still maintained he would’ve been fine as a Godling. Though he probably would’ve been knocked out cold and at risk for any enemies if Virgil hadn’t been keeping an eye out for him, one of his more daring attempts.  

“Come on, Hadie, it’ll be fun!”  

It’d been a few years since Hadie had nearly gotten kidnapped. The nine-year old sat, leg bouncing, on top of the edge of one of the buildings. Bored. It was still light out, and his dad was surprisingly busy, cooking up a storm for the number of people going in and out of the restaurant. The barge had been at its worst yet last week, leaving people desperate for edible food, let alone good food.  

And with Hades’ constant supply of fresh fish, with cornstarch supplies that weren’t destroyed, his place was the best in town to fill a starving stomach.  

So while his dad worked hard, Hadie was bored. The mugginess of summer heat was upon them, bogging the Isle beneath the clouds despite no real sun. All of his studies were done, and he’d finished every new book he had.  

The wild, mismatched eyes of Reggie continued to stare at Hadie expectantly, an unhinged smile waiting earnestly. On the other side, Celia looked around for suitable pieces to try to utilize. There were plenty of large metal scraps lying around, some even making up the roofs of the makeshift city, loosened by the poor weather.  

“Yeah, I’m down,” Hadie shrugged. “Individual races or shall we try to find one big one and see how fast we can hit the ground?”  

“Race!” Celia cheered as she managed to rip a metal sheet from the roof, carefully removing any remaining nails. “The heights all descend from this point on if make the run to Curl up and Dye , we could see who gets there first.”  

“We allowed to dismount?”  

“So no one busts a head open, probably a good idea,” Hadie said. “I’d say we can propel off stuff and jump around to get better angles so we don’t just plummet four stories, but majority of the race needs to have been on the board.”  

“Like if we lose momentum, take a few running steps and hop back on,” Celia grinned.  

“Sounds good to me,” Reg adjusted the lid of a trash can he had found, the handle missing as he held himself ready over the edge of the roof. “Hurry up and grab your own ride, Hadie!”  

Kicking at the mostly still nailed down roof, Hadie climbed further upward to see if he could spy anything halfway decent. With a small flame he carved out the sides of a sturdy, beat up looking plastic bin, hoping the lowered walls would be less likely in the way of jumping off his makeshift board if he needed to go back and forth between mounting and dismounting.  

He knew this was stupid.  

But he also knew that didn’t mean he couldn’t keep it from becoming extra stupid from little mistakes.  

“Ready,” Hadie finally said as he joined his friends at the peak of the overhang.  

“Set?” Celia called out.  

“GO!” Reggie kicked off, leaping onto his tin sled, using the momentum by keeping his knees bent as low as he could to gain speed.  

Hadie scrambled after, both he and Celia hitting the next roof below milliseconds after Reggie. His ears pumped with the blood of his heart as boredom was swept away with exhilarating adrenaline. The uneven terrain jostled him, throwing his balance a few times. Occasionally, he’d lash a foot out over the edge of his board to keep his momentum going or ensure he made the jump to the next building rather than splatter in the alley below.  

The trio dodged out of the way of some other roof lollygaggers, laughing as one shingle happened to fall and clonk the head of the ever-annoying Gaston LeGume.  

‘No brains damaged there,’ Hadie snickered to himself as he swung himself around a pole to try for the shortest path to Dizzy’s family shop. Only to see he was about to entangle with a line of broken lights being used to dry someone’s laundry. 

‘Shit.’  

As he felt his sled hit the wiring, Hadie twisted his body, hoping he’d gotten enough leverage to jump to the edge over. Instead, he heard the twang of the strings snapping beneath his weight, despite him weighing only about fifty pounds.  

‘I guess it’s not these people’s fault they didn’t need to fully secure their laundry line to hold someone’s weight,’ Hadie’s thought immediately resigned to his fate. There were plenty of shop covers to catch his fall, tightened to ensure rainfall wouldn’t bog them down. He just had to time himself right so he wouldn’t land wrong at risk of any enemies finding a sitting duck. 

Except it looked like Hadie had simultaneously gone too far and not far enough. He wouldn’t make it to the other side.   

And the shop area he was above was one of the few spots with decent spacing. He was right in the middle of them, no bouncy tarp to help his fall.  

‘No keeping this accident from mom,’ Hadie thought as he braced himself with impact. The jolt took a moment to register as his shock was displaced with confusion as the ground never came closer. Rather the wall on the other side did.  

“Alright there, Hadie?”  

“Virg!” Hadie sighed in relief as the teen helped pull him up onto the roof he’d been aiming for. “Thanks for the save.”  

“N-no kidding, I wasn’t about t-to leave you of all people about to eat pavement.”  

Hadie smiled up at his cousin. Always dependable Virgil. While not completely out of his nervous tendencies, the yellow-eyed teen had come a long way in terms of his stutter. Hadie always claimed that Virgil would likely have been in Hufflepuff if one of his fantasy books were real. “Do you mind keeping this away from Mal and my parent’s ears? They don’t need to know I’m not exactly following the rules to the letter.”  

“Of course,” Virgil nodded, having already expected that. “Mal would tattle you to your dad if she found out, but I know you can handle yourself. I-I get Lord and Lady Chthonos want to protect you, but that’s no excuse to not k-keep you prepared for the Isle.”  

“Thanks again, Virg, I can always depend on you to keep my secrets,” Hadie grinned as they walked over to the last area Hadie had needed to reach to win the race. A race that he knew was already over, in the minute he had needed to take to slow his breath from a near panic now that he wasn’t about to faceplant anywhere.  

“Y-you know, I’m a pretty good climber, know my way around the town,” Virgil began before Hadie could propel down to where he could see Celia and Reggie waving up to him. “Jay too, of course. Even if you never leave past the town territory like your parents ask, we could teach you some tricks. Parkour is a good skill to have, especially for a getaway.”  

“I think that’s a great idea.”  

“Alright, so once a week, if not every two weeks once we get used to this trimester’s schedule, we’ll meet up and I’ll set up some practice courses for you to mark,” Jay’s voice pulled Hadie back to the present. “I doubt you’ve been trying to keep up with it like you have your sword work.”  

“I’ve used it a little bit in the forest,” Hadie shrugged as he began to fiddle with his Rubik’s cube. “You know how I like to climb. It’s just getting across and back down quickly, just as well as keeping it safe, that I have trouble with.”  

“Oi, Hadie! You back in here yet?” A voice yelled through the door, loud knocking accompanying to interrupt their conversation.  

“Hey, Herkie, Evan,” Jay greeted as he beat Hadie to the door, opening it.  

“Hiya Jay!” The two boys piped in unison. “You seen Hadie?”  

“Right here,” Hadie smirked, sliding into view. “You guys that excited to see me you needed to have Herkie break our door down already?”  

“Herkie, maybe,” Evan laughed. “He’s been complaining nonstop that you’ve ditched his offer to join his electives.”  

“Well, maybe if they weren’t things I already know , such as Dragon Anatomy, I would’ve considered them,” Hadie teased his cousin. “If I want an easy A to bolster my grades later, I’ll reconsider, but I want to learn new things right now.”  

“I guess I’m coming to you for homework help for dragon facts,” Herkie shrugged.  

“You come to me for homework help with all your classes already, Herk,” Hadie chuckled.  

“You guys plan to head to the lunch buffet late, or wait for when dinner officially starts?” Jay interjected, leaning amused against the doorway as the kids bantered.  

“Right! Also why we stopped by,” Herkie explained. “The others have mostly arrived, I think we’re just waiting on Phil and Alexandria to get back, so we were going to meet up and just graze in the cafeteria.”  

“Sounds good to me, coming Jay?” Hadie glanced back at Jay as he began to make his way out the door, pocketing his toy.  

“You go ahead, but I’ll see you once dinner starts,” Jay said, shaking his head. “I’ve got a few others to meet beforehand.”  

Waving farewells, Hadie joined Evan and Herkie on their trek to the mess hall.  

‘Though I should’ve been showing Celia and Dizzy around by now,’ Hadie sighed quietly as Herkie and Evan continued to babble, their noise covering their friend’s discontent. ‘Just another month or so, and if Freddy isn’t caught by then, my friends will be coming over anyways. Mal promised!’  

“What do you think the first food back will be?”  

“Do you only think with your stomach, Herkie?” Evan rolled his eyes.  

“Usually, yeah,” Herkie shrugged, smirking. “I’m a growing, hungry boy. Gotta think about when and where my next meal will be, what’s the best nutrition I can get to maximize my gains.”  

“First off, you’re thirteen , you’re ‘gains’ are practically nonexistent,” it was Hadie’s turn to roll his eyes. “Also, you’re hardly the only one who needs to think about when or where their meal is coming from, nutrition is hardly the most important thought when hunger strikes.”  

Herkie and Evan winced.  

“I-I didn’t mean…Sorry, Hads,” Herkie sighed. “I just meant—”  

“I know what you meant,” Hadie said dryly. “Just, try to pick your words better please? At least until things are better? The Isle still isn’t…Mal says there are still issues getting things into place, and with the lockdown, I don’t know how my friends are doing anymore.”  

“Sure, I can certainly try,” replied Herkie, relaxing slightly. “I had wondered why you and Alexandria have been down lately.”  

“Alexandria? What’s thrown rain on her parade?” asked Evan.  

“Can’t get letters to Dizzy,” answered Hadie. “I’ve asked Mal and Uma if we could forward things and they said they want minimize any coming and going information to reduce anyone else sneaking on or off the Isle until security is improved on the barges, or Freddy is caught.”  

“So how are they getting word back and forth?”  

“Through dad. Mom’s too busy with Spring to take letters, so now that Mal is finally using her damn link, she and Uma just talk to dad and vice versa if there’s news.”  

“Ah. I was going to ask if your mom could’ve, but I forgot it’s Spring,” Herkie said.  

“Yup. Hey guys, how’d all your breaks go?” Hadie greeted the rest of their group that had apparently beat them to the cafeteria. The only person still missing appeared to be Alexandria.  

“We all saw each other, you should know,” Ashaki joked. “At least twice each!”  

“Not Neal, he was off camping most of break,” said Evan as he took a seat. “At least we got to see you at Ash’s birthday.”  

“Well excuse me for enjoying time with my family,” bantered Neal, sticking out his tongue.  

“Also, Neal was with us when you took us to the Snuggly Duckling, not to mention at Alex’s,” Hadie gave Evan a confused look as he pulled back out his Rubik’s cube, back to fiddling with it as they waiting for food to appear. “Maybe you should get your memory checked, Ev.”  

“Well, I dunno! Just something about break felt like we didn’t see enough of each other!”  

“Probably because we see each other nearly every day while at school,” added Neal.  

“Alright, alright, boys, you’re all pretty,” Melody snorted. “No need to fight.”  

“But I’m the prettiest, right, Mel?” Herkie batted his eyelashes at his cousin.  

“I was talking to the ones who were arguing, I don’t think you were amongst them, Herk,” Melody teased.  

“Ouch! Right in the heart, Cuz!”  

“You alright, Phil?” Hadie asked quietly, his eyes unwavering towards his friend. “You’ve been quiet, ever since the latter half of break.”  

“…I’m worried,” Phil whispered. The rest of the group settled down, trying not to miss his soft voice.  

“About?” Evan asked, confused.  

“Audrey,” Phil sighed. “She said she was going to go on her usual spa retreat, but mom and dad haven’t heard from her since break started.”  

“She’s still not back?” Melody asked in concern. “And she hasn’t contacted anyone that you know of since?”  

“Yeah, she’s never been gone this long without at least texting,” Phil rubbed his arms in worry. “I know Mal’s warned us that Frollo may be the culprit, but we’d rather not entertain the idea of that villain having his clutches on Audrey.”  

“And to think someone’s taken both Maleficent’s scepter and spell book,” murmured Neal. “If it weren’t for that Mal also says there’s no way Frollo would touch magic with a fifty-foot pole, he’d be at the top of my suspect list.”  

“Hadie once said Freddy is more apt to off himself than use magic himself,” Herkie tried to joke, nudging his cousin. “Huh, Hads?”  

“Hadie?”  

“Huh?” Hadie looked at his friends nonplussed. The only one who looked the way Hadie felt was Phil, though he knew Phil had better reason. Chewing on his bottom lip for a moment, he tried to recall what had just been said. “Oh, yeah, the guy despises magic. The amount of times I’ve had to avoid his shit is ridiculous since he thinks my family is made up of ‘false’ Gods.”  

“He what?!” Herkie surprisingly snarled. “Dude is definitely missing some chunks of brain there.”  

“I bet your dad loves that,” snickered Melody.  

“Well, he certainly enjoyed threatening Captain Hook and his crew if any of them converted anymore,” Hadie scoffed, still fiddling with his Rubiks cube. “There are far more heathens on the Isle than followers of Frollo, even if they follow different Gods, so we’re mostly safe when the idiot tries to go for us.”  

“He really tries to go after you or Mal despite your dad being around? Death wish, much?” Ashaki stared in surprise.  

“Mal’s one of his favorite targets,” Hadie mumbled. “I’ve only ran into him a couple times, but never directly. You could say I’m…the most protected person on the Isle.”  

His AK friends shared glances between each other. They knew how crazy protective Mal was, not to mention their parents. They get it was for the sake of being on the Isle, but even in Auradon it was like Mal had to keep tabs on her brother at all times.  

‘Mom, dad, Mal, all of Mal’s crew…little do you guys know they aren’t the only ones who keep eyes out for me,’ Hadie thought to himself humorlessly. With the Lockdown, Hadie hadn’t been able to get word out to Celia. Only Mal, Uma or Ben or those with their permission could send word to the Isle. Usually to Henry or Harriet, as Mal, Uma and Persephone could use their telepathy to contact Hades. The most secure choice, all things considered. ‘ Maybe I should talk to Ben once this is over? Less bodies means less food for the Cackle. Reg could always be the delegate and bring the hyenas food so they don’t have to rely completely on scavenging.’  

“D-do you think he’ll come back then?” Neal nervously asked. “To go after Mal or Ben again?”  

“They might try,” Hadie wondered aloud. “But Fairy G has upped security, and all of Auradon is keeping a look out.”  

“Who’re we keeping a look out for?” the voice of Alexandria finally joined them, the youngest Charming taking a seat as the cafeteria continued to fill out, the smell of food beginning to emerge.  

“Frollo,” Herkie simply said.  

“Oh yes, all of Auradon and the sub-kingdoms,” Alexandria nodded. “Daddy rarely marshals the troops, but he’s got every soldier on hand at high alert.”  

“I’m sure if Frollo, or Audrey is sighted, all of Auradon will know faster than one could say ‘bibbity bobbity boo’,” said Evan, trying to comfort Phil. “He’ll be captured, and your sister will come home safe.”  

“I hope so guys,” sighed Phil once more, before standing to get in line as dinner was finally served.  

“I certainly hope so.”  

Chapter Text

"Thanks for doing this, Evie."

"No problem at all, Mal," Evie smiled brightly at her newfound enemy turned friend. "Thank you for trusting me to watch over your brother."

Estelle huffed, sneezing with a shake of his head.

"Oh, yes, and Estelle, too," Evie smiled at the cerberus. "You're more than welcome to stay with Hadie and I while Mal goes off to the Isle, sir."

"Say your thanks, Hadie," Mal nudged her brother forward.

Hadie rolled his eyes and sighed. "Thanks for letting me stay, I guess."

"Hadie..." Mal's voice was stern.

"No offense, I mean," Hadie pouted. "I just want to go with! I want to go!"

"And you know you can't, we've been over this, Hads!"

"I know, but that doesn't mean I don't want to go any less!" He whined.

"A-am I allowed to know? H-Hadie doesn't need to stay if he doesn't want to..."

"No, it's not that Evie," Mal sighed, brushing her purple locks back with a hand. "Just some health stuff that means Hadie can't go back to the Isle to visit until he gets the Olympian doctor's say so."

"First dad, now I'm missing out Celia and Dizzy finally coming to Auradon!"

"I can certainly relate to that," Evie smiled sympathetically. "If I didn't have work, I'd try to join. I've really missed Dizzy."

"Well now you can miss her for a little bit longer together," Mal laughed, pushing her reluctant brother back towards Evie's miniature castle home. "The sooner I'm on the road, the sooner I can come back with the new VK's."

"Alright, alright, fine, I'm going," Hadie sighed, but smiled, readjusting his bag onto his shoulder as he gave in and waved his sister off, finally acquiescing into Evie's home.

"Would you like anything to drink or eat, Hadie?" Evie asked. "Water, tea? I don't have any soda though, sorry."

"Just water is fine, thanks, and maybe a bowl for Estelle" Hadie added, his urge to sigh interrupted as Estelle yipped at the word water. He knew Evie was just being polite, being raised to always display proper manners.

"Of course," she nodded before calling up a set of stairs. "Doug? Do you mind bringing some water to the parlor? I'll be showing Hadie around for a moment."

"Sure thing!" Doug appeared at the top of the stairs, his lanky legs quickly carrying him downward. "Hi, Hadie."

"Hey, Doug," Hadie greeted awkwardly. Despite being good friends with Ben, Hadie had probably interacted with Doug even less than Chad.

"Allow me to show you where the main floor bathrooms are..." As Evie began to lead Hadie around, the Godling tried to give the girl at least some of the respect she deserved by attempting to shake off his boredom. It wasn't that he disliked Evie, not at all, but he was extremely uninterested in where all three of the guest bathrooms were in that very moment. He just wanted to get his homework done so he had nothing to get in the way of hanging out with Celia and Dizzy when they finally arrived.

"Oh, and this is my father: Daniel."

Hadie brought his attention to the dark-haired man as he stood from his seat on the parlor couch. The greying gentleman had a slight limp to his walk as he approached, and despite carrying himself well, Hadie could pick up the exhaustion and wariness of the Isle underneath Daniel's jovial appearance.

"Wonderful to meet you, Prince Hadie," Daniel spoke, offering a hand in greeting.

"Just Hadie is fine, sir," the Godling replied, taking the hand. "I'm glad to see you're doing much better now that you're off Isle."

"Daniel, or Dan, is fine, none of this 'sir' business seeing as you quite outrank me, Hadie," smiled Daniel. "And thank you."

"So long as you extend the same courtesy," Hadie grinned. "I take formality only at formal events, I can hardly stand it in casual conversation."

"Fair enough. What brings you to Evie's if I may ask?"

"Just waiting for Dizzy and Celia to arrive," Hadie shrugged, taking off his backpack. "Evie was kind enough to 'watch' me since we're both looking forward to seeing Dizzy soon."

"Ah, yes," Daniel nodded as he took his seat once more, lowering himself slowly. "The infamous Dizzy. I've yet to meet her and I already feel like I've known her for a couple years with how much Evie talks my ear off about her."

"I do not," Evie laughed. "Feel free to get comfortable, Hadie, I'll just be through this door, working, if you need anything."

"Or ask myself," Doug said as he sat down a tray of waters. "You've got a lot of backlog to get through, Evie, allow me to handle any distractions."

"I'll be fine, I plan to do homework myself," Hadie said as he decided to sit on the floor, pulling out his laptop to start working at the low sat coffee table. His sister's cerberus chuffed as he slid onto his stomach, lying down next to the Godling.

"I-I have lap tables if you'd like—"

"Leave the lad be, Evie," Daniel shook his head, amused.

"Yeah, I've got no interest in propriety, don't worry about it," droned Hadie as he set up his notebook. "I just want as much done as possible, if not all of it, so I've got no distractions when CeCe and Diz arrive."

"Fair enough," Evie gave in and sighed. "I should try to do the same with work then."

"I'll leave you kids to it," Daniel said, checking his watch. "I need to get working on my physical therapy program."

"Don't strain yourself too much, daddy!" Evie called after her father as Doug and Hadie both nodded their acknowledgement. Daniel dropped a brief kiss on his daughter's forehead, before continuing on his way out with a wave.

Getting comfortable, Hadie moved his legs into a crisscross as he tackled his studies. It was about an hour into things, nearly done with only a couple classes left to get through, that Hadie would further regret being 'babysat' by Evie. He could hear her singing softly to herself, the door to her studio left open as she worked.

"Oooh, maybe...?" hummed Evie, quickly sketching with some colored pencils. "Where's my swatch book?"

Evie continued to mumble to herself as she used her chair to roll around her office, papers and tiny scraps of fabric pulled out left and right as she compared different ideas for her current vision.

She turned her manic look towards her young guest.

"Hi, Hadie," Evie knelt next to him, a gleaming look in her eyes. "Is this a good time?"

"Uh, I've just got a couple things left," Hadie glanced awkwardly at Doug who was amused for some reason. "What's up?"

"Would you mind modeling some swatches for me? I'd love to get a head start on preparing Mal some color options for her wedding!" Evie exclaimed. "We've already gone through options that work with Mal, but if everything is going to be perfect, I should see what works best with you too."

Hadie grimaced, but the look on Evie's face...plus he knew he'd have to do it at some point anyway in the next couple years.

'I suppose my homework could wait,'Hadie gave his papers a glance. 'Not much left anyways.

"...Fine."

"Great!"

And that's how Hadie found himself staring into his own eyes, bored, through a mirror's reflection. Forced into a basic dress shirt and black slacks and shoes as Evie held different color pairings up to him. A few times he changed shirts, and once he'd been swallowed up by an oversized coat that he felt was rather gaudy compared to his skin and hair tones.

"Well, at least we know what doesn't work so far," Evie muttered. "Good thing they'd already decided some form of blue to represent Ben's royal colors as well as Lord Hades, but we need to find the right shade and a color to match. Can't be a wedding of only blues."

"If you say so," sighed Hadie. "Probably something purple for Mal, herself then?"

"Hrrm, maybe," Evie said around a needle pursed between her lips. "The only color Mal has settled on is a form of blue, I'll compile purples that match with the swatches we narrowed down later that fit between her, Ben and the party..."

"Evie!" Doug's voiced called out, interrupting her fashion tirade. "Looks like Mal and the others have arrived!"

"Finally!" Hadie grinned, tossing off the scarf of cloth he'd most recently modelled as he followed Evie out of her studio. Estelle huffed, pawing at the fabric as it landed over one of his heads as he made way to follow his mistress' younger littermate down the stairs.

"Dizzy!" Evie squealed the moment she reached the entrance to her home where the VK's were beginning to merge.

"Evie!" Dizzy shouted back, jumping into Evie's offered hug.

Hadie ran up behind them, waving an ecstatic greeting to the other VK's. Celia met his eyes and grinned, a shiver running up his spine at the sense of pure chaos he could tell they would already be getting into in the future.

"Wow," Celia gave Hadie a surprised look as they gave each other a fist bump. "Auradon's certainly done a number on you."

"Thanks, hopefully it'll do the same for you," Hadie grinned.

"I'm not a godling," Celia spoke wryly. Behind them, Hadie caught Mal speaking hurriedly to Evie and Doug in panicked whispers. "To be honest, I'm actually a little disappointed with you."

"What, why?" Hadie frowned, distracted in his concern for his sister.

"Still no flame top?" Celia smirked, laughing as Hadie rolled his eyes.

"No, my hair has yet to spontaneously combust."

"Uh, Mal?" Doug's voice caught everyone's attention, clearly raised in panic. "The incident you had didn't happen to involve Audrey wielding Maleficent's scepter, did it?"

"Oh, yeah, that happened on the way off the Isle, by the way," Celia mumbled to Hadie.

"What?" gasped Hadie, rushing towards one of the windows, Harry quickly joining him.

"We confronting them, or we batting down the hatches?"

"I vote confronting!" Hadie immediately called out from where he stood by the window, Celia nodding while Estelle barked in agreement.

'I know how to use my powers far better than I had on the Isle,' Hadie frowned as he looked back out towards Frollo. 'I can help even if under 15 still! We out number them anyways for face-offs...'

'Oh no,' Hadie grimaced as he took in the sight of Freddy Frollo's latest ally. 'Phil isn't going to be happy about this.'

"Stay away from the windows," Evie ordered, ushering the children further into the foyer as Mal gave her orders. Hadie grasped nervously into Estelle's fur as the cerberus began to headbutt him away from the view. Behind the small gathering group of children, Doug dropped the curtains over the expansive windows.

"Well, this isn't how I envisioned our reunion going," Celia said dryly as Hadie moved to stand next to her.

"Silver-lining to the idiocy, still glad I get to see you," Hadie smiled at his long-time friend. "It feels like it's been forever."

"Don't get sappy on me, Hads," Celia smirked. "I'd hate to learn Auradon's made you soft. You practicing magic despite their stupid little ban?"

"Of course," Hadie scoffed. "In fact, all the fun of skirting the rules as been taken away since I'm legally allowed to as a Godling."

"Oh, that is lame," frowned Celia.

"Staying out of trouble, Hadie?" the boy in questioned turned to greet his oldest friend.

"Surprisingly so, Diz."

"Sorry I didn't say hi earlier, I was just so excited to see Evie! It's been longer since I've seen her than you, and—"

"Breathe, Diz," Celia and Hadie smirked, before the three burst into quiet giggles, the familiarity washing over them after almost half a year apart. Throwing themselves into a brief three-way hug, they were pulled out of the commiserating at the loud gasp from where Evie had kept an eye peaking around one of the curtains.

"Stay here," Evie said breathlessly after a minute, dropping the curtain back in place before she rushed outside, Doug closely following in her footsteps.

Hadie.

Mom? Hadie glanced up in confusion, not expecting his mother's voice in the heat of the moment.

"You alright, Hads?" Dizzy asked, she and Celia peering at him in concern.

"Just my mom, hold on," he replied, holding up a finger. His friends nodded, having been made privy to the telepathic god link a few years prior.

Go outside. No arguments. Macaria will be taking you.

What? Mom! What's going on!

I said no arguing, Hadie!

But Mal and Freddy are out there!

I heard what happened from Uma, she already knows my orders, Persephone's voice was far sterner than he had ever heard. Now. Go. Out. Side. I'll be seeing you soon whether you go calmly or not.

Fine... Hadie whined, but did as he was told. Passing by Uma as she led some old looking woman he didn't recognize inside, he looked around in concern at the panic being displayed by the other VK's. Evie had come back inside and was carefully checking over the old woman for some reason, though Uma's pointed look at the door forced his curiosity to follow orders.

"Oh, good, you are here!"

"Macaria?" exclaimed Hadie as his elder cousin rushed over. "What are you doing here?"

"Your mom sent me. I wasn't sure if she was talking sense when she said you were all here, considering Uma is still touch and go with liking Evie..."

"Okay, I get that, but why did my mom send you? What's going on?" Hadie shivered slightly, the growing discord around him beginning to send him into his own panic. "What happened to Frollo and Audrey?"

Macaria gently took his arm. "Look, I'm not super clear on the details either, but the safest option right now is to get you out of here while the big kids figure it out, okay?"

"What about the others though? What does Mal have to say about this?" shouted Hadie. "Where is she anyway? Mal!"

"They got away," Uma said, coming back outside, both of her cousins turning to her. "Banshee and Frollo."

"That doesn't answer my question about Mal," growled Hadie. "Where. Is. She?"

"She got hit with the scepter, but she'll be fine, that's who Evie was looking after, considering her mom is familiar with the old hag spell—"

"I'm not going!" Hadie shouted, ripping his arm away from Macaria, now realizing the old woman he'd passed had been his own sister. He shoved Uma, trying to get past her to run back inside. "Mal! Mal!"

"Your mom's orders, Hadie," Uma said sternly, grabbing Hadie and shoving him back into Macaria's arms. "We're going to be off on an emergency trip to the Isle to get your dad's help. Plus, the barrier will wash the magic away, hopefully."

Hadie stared after his spelled sister, still visible in one of the now opened curtains of a window; the now much older godling wrestling with a cloak as she prepared to return to the Isle.

"I'm sorry, Hadie," Macaria whispered, she and Uma nodding to each other briefly before the air filled with the smell of ozone. A flash of colors filled his vision before everything turned white.

Teleportation.

The white world around him was soft. The air was warm, with a gentle breeze. Towering above the pair of Godlings were glowing golden gates. Hadie stared in shock before sneering.

Olympus.

He had been taken to Olympus.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

"Hadie."

He shrunk at the sound of his mother's voice. He knew better than to throw a tantrum, not just in general, but particularly with it being the first time he would be seen on Mt. Olympus. Turning away from the gates, Hadie gave his mom a look of surprise as he took in her Olympian chiton of grey and blue, pinned by a flower and skull.

"Hi, mom," he smiled weakly.

"Thank you, Macaria," Persephone sighed, though Hadie shook his head in disbelief, feeling as if he imagined a tad bit of fear as his mom glanced at the edge of the cloud staircase, bustling the Godlings towards the gates. "Let's get inside."

"I just wish it was under better circumstances, Aunt Persephone," Macaria sighed in turn as with a wave of Persephone's hands, the golden gates swung open revealing Macaria's brothers already waiting just beyond.

"Aunt Steph is fine, dear," Persephone laughed softly.

"Dunno, feel like it'd be weird for someone other than Uma to start using that after so long," Hadie scoffed bitterly.

"Thanks, Aunt Steph," Macaria giggled as her aunt opened her mouth to scold Hadie. "And don't worry about Hadie, he just got out of a stressful situation."

"Do you know what's going on?" Persephone said breathlessly, eyes wide as she looked at her great-niece. "Uma said she didn't have time to say much, just that it was an emergency of extreme proportions."

"That'd be apt, I suppose," Hyllus sighed as the three approached. "We're still missing a lot of information, but it sounds like that Frollo guy has made his reappearance."

Persephone gave a sharp inhale, grasping Hadie by the shoulders as he tried to move towards Herkie.

"You are not to leave Mt. Olympus until I say so, do I make myself clear, Hadie?"

"But mom!"

"That is an order, Hadie!"

Pouting, Hadie reluctantly nodded, barely meeting his mother's eyes. He buried his face into her hair as she knelt down and pulled him into a hug.

"I already have to worry about your sister likely going after Frollo right now," she whispered into his ear. "Please let me have some piece of mind and stay safe so I don't have to worry about you too?"

"I-I, but Mal, she was—" Hadie started.

"Persephone? What's going on, what is the meaning of this?" A voice boomed through the bright clouds. Hadie frowned at Persephone's flinch, wincing himself as she shoved him behind her, one hand still holding his.

"Zeus."

"Grandfather!" The three children of Hercules chorused as the King and several Gods appeared. One of whom, Hadie recognized: Demeter.

"Ah, some of my fantastic grandchildren have honored us with their presence," Zeus exclaimed loudly. "What brings you all here? I believed you all were attending a birthday party today."

"The party's on hold, unfortunately," Hyllus sighed. "Auradon's going on emergency alert. The Cotillion Crasher attacked Mal and the other VK's today on their way off the Isle."

"And again, just a few minutes ago," Macaria added.

"Ah, well, nothing young Malinda couldn't handle, I'm sure," the God said dismissively. "Just an upstart, magicless mortal in the end kicking up a fuss."

"Yeah, well, it'd be all fine and dandy if he hadn't paired up with the chick who stole Maleficent's scepter," Hadie said dryly, rolling his eyes as Herkie snickered nearby. He fell silent as his mother tensed, squeezing his hand.

Please stay quiet, Hadie. Her voice trembled over the link.

Zeus frowned, not quite sure of who spoke. "Is that true?"

"Information is still being gathered, but as far as we know, the museum break in's culprit is none other than Audrey Rose, Heiress to Auroria," Macaria spoke, carefully moving next to Persephone, blocking Hadie's view as Herkie stood in front on his other side. "Motive is that she apparently views Mal as a threat, on top of supposedly stealing King Ben even though he had been transparent about disliking their betrothal agreement."

"As for Frollo, apparently she's the one who broke him out of his prison hold," Herkie snorted.

"Well, you're free to take refuge here while Auradon figures it out!" Zeus smiled down at the Godlings, dismissing the earlier voice as Herkie's. "It would be the High King's problem, since it's an Isle prisoner, alongside a state kingdom's heir. Unless you want to involve yourselves, since I'm sure any Godling would trump fae and mortal machinations!"

"I'll be taking Herkie home until this blows over, I think," Hyllus said firmly.

"Grandfather's right though," Macaria said softly. "If Mal will accept it, or asks, I'm going to go help."

"I'm not going yet," Herkie snapped at Hyllus as his brother made to move towards him. "I'll meet you at home, Aunt Steph was kind enough to teach me how to teleport over Spring Break."

"Is that so, Persephone?" Hera kindly wondered. "Thank you for doing that."

"He'd heard I was teaching Mal and Uma, and asked to join," Persephone quietly said, giving Herkie a slight smile and nod. "He was a good student."

"But dad said—"

"It's fine Hyllus," Macaria spoke with a shake of her head, giving both of her brothers a pointed look. "I'm sure Herkie will keep his promise and not stay too long."

"And I hope that asylum extends to any Godling who needs it, Grandfather," Herkie continued sternly.

"But of course, why even ask, my boy?" Zeus and Hera gave each other a puzzling look.

"Because Mal and I would like to have Hadie stay here for his safety," Persephone shakily announced.

"I—"

"Of course, he can!" Demeter stepped forward, shooting a glare towards Zeus as if daring him to say otherwise. Zeus held his hands up in surrender.

"I wasn't going to say no, Demeter," Zeus began. "Hadie is as much as a Godling as my grandchildren or Poseidon's grandchildren. He, Uma and Malinda are all more than welcome should they desire to visit."

"Glad to hear it," Persephone sighed in relief, side stepping to reveal her son. "Though if I'm honest, he doesn't want to be here. But he's going to, for his own safety." She gave Hadie a strong stare.

"Ah." Zeus and the other Gods looked on in shock as they took in the sight of the son of the Isle-retained Hades. "Good to finally meet you, lad. I wish it could be under better circumstances."

'Huh, guess he's capable of tack, after all.' Hadie thought.

"Likewise, sir," Hadie politely replied, adding 'sir' as his mother subtly tightened her grip in his hand.

"Hadie," Hera said gently. "We won't consider this an official, formal introduction, but allow me to at least explain who's who of those already here...Which is pretty much all of the Council members seeing as we were to have a meeting today..."

Persephone shot Hera a grateful smile as the Goddess Queen ran down the line of Gods gathered. Though neither she or Hadie mentioned that Hadie knew who was who thanks to his father's chessboard.

The Twelve Olympians. He recognized Aphrodite, the Goddess giving him a brief wink before she returned to filing her nails out of boredom. Artemis gave him a slight nod, which surprised Hadie, though he supposed being a patroness of children gave him a temporary pass until he would become a grown 'man'. He avoided openly sneering at Apollo, the God brightly smiling as if he hadn't repeatedly insulted the Chthonic family. Instead, Hadie focused on his uncle, Poseidon, the boisterous God providing at least some familiarity compared to the rest of the large contingency. Out of the remaining Gods, the only one who Hadie felt there was any true, mutual interest, was with Hermes, who he knew was at least on friendly terms with Persephone.

"Let's go, Hadie, I'll show you around," Herkie finally said as the majority of the Olympians departed from the awkward situation as they each returned to whatever they had been doing before the meeting would eventually be called.

"Come on, Herk, you've got to know a way out of here," Hadie muttered to his cousin. "I can't just leave Mal out there! She got hit with one of Audrey's spells and—"

"Don't even think about it young man," Hadie looked up, wincing as he realized the shadow that had fallen over him was that of his mother, her hands on her hips as the sun backing her made her brown hair seem aflame as her red highlights were alit. "If you are not here when I return, you can kiss your summer plans goodbye!"

"Let young Herkie show Hadie around, dear," Demeter piped up. "Afterwards, I can promise the other Gods and I will keep an eye on him. If he behaves, he could sit in with some of us and enjoy the Olympian perks."

Hadie stared at his grandmother in disinterest.

"...Or listen in on tales of Zeus' copious, idiotic decisions and embarrassing results," the Goddess of Agriculture hastily added. This time Hadie perked up a little.

"...alright."

Persephone sighed in relief. "I need to get going, check in with Mal and get some damn answers. Hopefully help put an end to whatever is happening."

Hadie continued to look forlorn.

"Zeus has agreed to keep the gates locked in the meantime, no Gods leave or get in until it's over by your or Mal's say so," the lithe, blue tinged God Hadie recognized as Hermes zipped over, aloft by the wings on his helm and sandals. "We'll leave the meeting room's curtains open so we've got clear view of the kiddo if he goes anywhere near the Gates. Besides, you know me Steph. God of being sneaky, thievery and whatnot, I'll catch him if somehow manages to get out."

"Thank you, Hermes," Persephone nodded, stooping down to Hadie's level. "I love you, but this is for your own good, I promise. Your safety is important. And I mean it, you're grounded if you take a step off of Olympus."

Sighing, still pouty, Hadie traded kisses upon each cheek with his mother.

"I'll make sure he behaves, Aunt Steph," Herkie smiled. "At least until I leave as well."

"Thank you, Herkie," she smiled in return. With a final peck on Hadie's forehead, Persephone teleported away. Exchanging nods with the Godlings, Demeter and Hermes bustled off towards wherever the meeting of the Gods was held.

"Quick, this way," Herkie beckoned towards a hall of pillars. "I've got a trick I want to show you before I got to go, should help you a bit."

"Will it help me get off this stupid rock?" Hadie snorted, but followed his cousin.

"Do I look like an idiot to you?" scoffed Herkie. "I'm not risking your mom's wrath, that's all on you if you've got a death wish."

"So, what is it then?" asked Hadie as he gave in and followed Herkie into the corridor. He couldn't deny he was still somewhat curious.

"Telepathy trick," Herkie replied, leading Hadie into a room that appeared to be meant for storage considering the large number of amphorae and boxes cluttering the room.

"The mind link? What about it?"

"I found out a way that lets you focus on a person you're close to," the auburn haired Godling started to explain. "And, to a limited degree at least based on my equally limited experience, allow you to see and hear things through their eyes and ears in the moment. An extension of lurking on the link to hear even just wayward thoughts."

The younger Godling's eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously? And no one has said anything about this before?"

"You need to be really close with the person, trust each other extremely that you'd allow someone practically in your brain. Like a sibling."

"Like a sibling," Hadie grinned, getting the hint. 'Plus, Mal has always been pretty poor at keeping the link closed, or at least totally shut, even given the Nat-Nuisance this year. Lurking on her link should be a piece of cake.'

"Try it on me," Herkie confidently said. "Best to practice a little before you accidentally slam full force into Mal's head and give yourself away."

"Alright," Hadie cricked his neck, rolling his shoulders before he closed his eyes and relaxed. He focused on Herkie. What now? Do I just try to see what you're seeing?

Think of experiencing whatever I might be. You've felt emotions between the link before, find something similar to that. Sensory feelings rather than emotional.

Hadie reached out. It was a bit cheaty, but he already knew the room they were standing in. He knew what Herkie should be seeing and tried to latch onto that. The amphorae. Cloud walls. A small window letting sunlight in. Herkie and Hadie.

For a moment an image flickered across the black vision of Hadie's closed eyes. He sent his mind down the path, racing to catch it like a flighty butterfly, or dripping droplets of water, falling through his fingers. Color and shapes began to fill his vision.

Finally.

Still dressed in slacks and a pale blue button up, Hadie watched himself grin maniacally, as if looking in a mirror.

With his eyes closed.

"Thanks, Herkie," Hadie inhaled sharply, his eyes popping open, filled with determination.

"I knew you'd like that," Herkie grinned. "I should really get going. You didn't learn this from me, you hear?"

"I didn't learn anything from anyone today except what colors do and do not go with my hair and skin tone," Hadie declared. "Oh, and Freddy and Audrey teaming up and at large. Definitely nothing else."

"Great," Herkie lightly slapped his cousin on the shoulder, smiling apologetically as Hadie winced at the Godling's overzealous strength. "Let's get back to the front, or the others will start getting suspicious. I need to get going anyways and the only way in or out when the Gate is locked is in the main area, even by teleportation.

"Seriously?" Hadie whined, still upset at not having managed to grasp the teleportation lessons a couple months before. "I'm really stuck here unless someone lets me out?"

"Sorry, Hads," Herkie shrugged half-heartedly. "The only other way off is by chariot, and don't get any ideas!" He hastily added. "The chariots are all animal or creature driven, there are nymphs, Gods or others who watch after them, no way you could steal one."

"Maybe I can convince someone to take me out for a ride," Hadie smirked as they approached the ethereal Gates. "Though I don't think I'd want to be close quarters with people I barely know..."

"Trust me, Hads," said Herkie, shaking his head. "Stay put. It'll be over before you know it."

"See you, Herkie," Hadie sighed and waved as he took a seat on the steps before the Gate, watching pitifully as his cousin finally departed in a flash of lightning.

Now he just needed to figure out how to do the Link Lurk with Mal, without knowing what her surroundings were like. Or without her finding out he was doing it in the first place.

Chapter Text

Herkie groaned into his pillow as his alarm went off.

"Triv, turn off my alarm," Herkie sighed.

"Alarm, off," a monotone voice droned from the Godling's phone. "You should really listen to it though; alarms are made for a reason."

"Thanks, Triv," said Herkie, rolling his eyes. 'I get he's the God of Information, but that God makes the most exciting battles sound like it's time for an afternoon snooze.

With a flip onto his back, Herkie stared at his decorated ceiling. Part of him was glad that they'd moved to Auradon, none of his friends would get to see his embarrassing obsession as a kid when memorabilia and art of his dad hung everywhere. A painting of the constellation form of his father standing proud, glowing in the dark as Herkie would slumber happily in the Mediterranean heat.

As much as he missed Greece, he was thankful for the new start. Living in his father's shadow, the youngest son always felt everyone around him was there for Hercules, and never to actually be friends. It made for a lonely youth in his home country, and was a major reason the three siblings were so close.

Hyllus learned the hard way, with the benefit of teaching his younger siblings who and what to watch out for.

Macaria, the only daughter, had been pressured constantly to 'strengthen ties' of the family by traditionalists looking to take both what would've been a sizeable dowry from the wealth of Hercules along with bragging rights.

Herkie, not being that much younger than his siblings, watched it all as he grew up. As a child, he'd been considered quiet, a great contrast to how his friends knew him. The same could be said for his big brother. Where Macaria hadn't changed much, apart from being more carefree and no longer feeling pressured to present perfection no matter how much their parents said otherwise, Hyllus was a far greater change.

The constant expectations and pressures disguised as praise for Hyllus to be just as kind, be just as strong and sacrificing as Hercules eventually wore the Godling down. He'd constantly run off, trying to prove himself, getting into dangerous situations way over his head at only 13 years old. It was part of why Hercules had forced both of his sons, having been the only ones to inherit his strength, to train with Philoctetes. Thus, making sure they'd blow off energy and learn how much they could handle or get away from situations they couldn't. Macaria did take some training, mostly from Athena, who had a soft spot for Hercules from his younger days, since her powers were more magic based rather than the physical strength of her father.

There were few places of solace.

Then, when Pop-Pop died, Hercules had taken his father's offer to move to Auradon where Olympus had entered an alliance where it was guaranteed that children of the Royals could be as close to normal as possible. It'd done wonders for his kids.

"Herkie, you up, kiddo?"

Herkie let the deep blue sheets of his bedding slide off as his mother knocked on his door.

"Sort of," he replied, yawning as he opened his door.

"Well, breakfast is ready and waiting when you're ready, sport," Megara smiled, patting her youngest on the cheek before continuing down the hall to check on her other kids.

"Y'all are really sleeping in late today," Macaria joked as she stepped out of her room, fully showered and dressed with her long curls wrapped up in a towel. "You do know we need to leave at lunch?"

"We can teleport, Mica," Hyllus grunted, tugging his pajama shirt off as he, too, stepped out of his room at the sound of voices in the hall. "We could eat lunch and have time to digest before it's time for the party fare."

"Just try not to be fashionably late," Megara smirked. "The last time you thought you could get away with just teleporting in after a meal, I believe you vomited on Ares' sandals."

"Better him than grandfather," grumbled Hyllus before swooping down to plant a kiss on his mother's cheek. "I'm going to hop into the shower, be down for breakfast in a bit."

"As long as you don't break the mirror this time," their mother laughed.

"You calling Hyllus ugly, mom? He's got the same genes as the rest of us!" joked Herkie.

"Mom means literally," sighed Macaria. "It won't happen here; our stuff is enchanted remember? But when we went to γιαγιά's over break he shut the medicine cabinet a little too hard and shattered both the mirror and the wall."

"Thankfully Alcmene has long since learned from raising your father," said Megara, crossing her arms as she shook her head. "Her insurance is pretty good, plus we've got the money to pay for the damages."

"Yeah, yeah, rub it in," Hyllus stuck his tongue out at his family, grabbing his satchel of fresh clothes before shuffling down the stairs to the Grecian styled bathroom in the courtyard.

"Please tell me you're going to shower too," Macaria sniffed at her little brother. "Jane might not be a royal, but have some propriety."

Herkie blew a raspberry at his sister.

"Hit the showers, kid," Megara said dryly.

"Fiiiine," whined Herkie, backstepping into his room to grab his own clothes, rolling his eyes as he heard both mother and sister giggle in the hall.

Re-emerging from his room to find himself alone, Herkie trudged downstairs and through the atrium to find himself in the main family courtyard.

"Not hogging the falls, are you?" Herkie called out, letting his brother know of his arrival.

"Plenty of tile, bro," Hyllus shouted from beneath a torrent of water. "While you're out there, can you grab me some conditioner? Looks like Mica used the last of it and didn't bother to replace the bottle."

"If you say so," Herkie yawned, uncaring of the accusations as he grabbed a bottle from the bath supply closet. Gently sliding the bottle across the floor so that it bumped his brother's foot, Herkie stripped out of his pajamas and sat upon one of the seat fixtures. A press of a plate released a torrent of water from the mouth of a porpoise statue above him.

"Can you pass me a strigil?"

"Ew, no, get one yourself," Herkie coughed in disgust. "I can't believe you still practice that. Use soap, Hyllus."

"They're scented oils! I'm perfectly clean, I'm just trying to be thorough," Hyllus protested.

"Whatever you say, bro," Herkie snickered as he scrubbed himself down. "Whatever you say."

"Oh, go choke on a kebab, Herk."

"If dad made any for breakfast," laughed Herkie once more before he stood. "This is what makes you late for stuff all the time. Even with teleportation."

"That was over a year ago!" Hyllus blustered in shock as his mouth filled with water. "I'm better now!"

The tiles echoed with Herkie's laughter as he left the bath, quickly drying off and hopping into his clothes for the day. A wisteria button up with dark blue swim trunks, complete with his family's signature Grecian sandals, would be perfect for the Spring beginning to fade towards Summer, especially since the party would be at the Enchanted Lake.

Dashing back across the courtyard, Herkie happily stepped into the dining room where he knew a buffet of food would be waiting for him.

His mother and sister were already sat at the table which groaned under the weight of numerous dishes. Most of which were egg based, from scrambled to over easy as well as omelets and frittatas, stuffed with various vegetables.

"Hyllus was complaining you used up all the conditioner and didn't replace it again," Herkie happily said as he took a seat, pulling a plate of smoked fish towards him.

"If I did, I'm sorry I caused an inconvenience for the drama queen," scoffed Macaria with a roll of her eyes and a toss of her hair. "It's too early for me to remember if it was conditioner day anyways."

"It was probably me," Megara smirked. "The Gods know your father and I have to get up so much earlier than you cranky kids to make you all food."

"You say that as if dad isn't a bottomless pit when it comes to food," Herkie joked as he began to dig into his large plate of food.

"Well, you boys had to get it from somewhere," Megara sighed. "At least Wonder Boy can afford it, or I don't know how I'd feed the four of you."

"Wha—the four of us?" Macaria gave her mother a scandalized look. "I don't eat nearly as much as dad and the boys do!"

"You might not eat as much, but we've gone through so many ingredients to fuel your baking hobby, expediting how quickly we go through eggs," scolded Megara. "If your father didn't maintain an abundance of chickens, we'd might've actually gone broke a long time ago."

"Now, that's not true, Meg."

"Morning, dad!"

"Good morning, Mica, Junior," Hercules smiled at his currently present children enjoying the breakfast he had prepared. "Sorry that I'm late, Cerberus was extra rambunctious on his jog this morning."

"As long as I don't need to let the municipality know you diverted the river again," Megara said dryly as she sipped her coffee. "Even if it's on our property, the mountains feed into other districts past us. They can't just suddenly have timing changes and flooding out of nowhere."

"Again," coughed Herkie. "It's what you get for having a dog that needs to eat about 300 pounds a day."

"Um..."

Megara sighed and put down her coffee. "Just redraw the map and I'll call to have it updated."

"Thanks, Meg, you're a real a lifesaver."

Fondly shaking her head as their children laughed, Megara stood to plant a kiss on her husband's cheek while he washed his hands.

"Hey!" He laughed as she splashed him with a bit of the sudsy water. The parents giggled as Hercules snatched his wife by the waist, pulling her in for a kiss much to their children's chagrin.

"Last one in, and I'm already being put off my appetite before I can even begin," Hyllus sighed as he bumped the closed half of the Dutch door open with his hip, laundry balanced on the other.

"Maybe if you didn't take three days to bathe," snickered Herkie as he started on a second plate.

"Just pass the feta and sfougato, Herk," Hyllus sighed as he took a seat, laundry left by the door.

"What time are you kiddos heading out?" Megara finally asked, hand still daintily tucked within Hercules' as they both took a seat at the table.

"Party starts at noon," Macaria answered. "So, we've got a couple hours, so long as Hyllus doesn't take forever with something. It'll end officially at 5, but we're free to hang out after, of course. Since it's not a private venue."

"Sounds good, have fun!" Hercules smiled fondly. "Remember to stay safe and practice caution as always. I know you've all got a pretty good handle on your magic now, but one can never be too careful."

"That's you boys he's talking about," Megara smirked. "Try not to break any arms or cause environmental damage."

"We'll avoid the gazebo just to make sure no pillars get knocked down," chuckled Hyllus.

"And Ky was an honest accident!"

"Exactly: Accidents."

"Kettle, pot," snorted Hyllus. "Weren't you the one that caused a power outage when we first moved to Auradon to the entire Capitol City with a storm because the reporters wouldn't leave us alone?"

"You say that as if those reporters didn't deserve it!" Macaria whined. "Practice makes perfect at least, so now I can just summon rain torrents to make them run for cover."

Megara sighed and shook her head, resigned after years of her children's antics. Hercules, on the other hand, didn't seem to react at all, likely desensitized by his own chaotic years as a demigod teen.

"Eat your breakfast you hooligans."

"Yes, mom!"

A couple of hours later, the Olympian Godlings were primped and primed to leave, a parcel of gifts carefully slung over Hyllus' shoulder.

"Have fun, kids!"

"Bye, mom! Bye, dad!" The trio waved before Hyllus teleported them away in a flash of lightning and thunder.

The siblings arrived a small circlet of trees. A bubbling of a river that led from the lake and an orchestra of birds their welcoming party as they began to make their way towards the path that they knew led to the Enchanted Lake.

"Hey, guys, glad you could make it!" exclaimed Jane as she saw them walk into the picnic area that had been set up for the party.

"Happy Birthday, Jane!" Each Godling greeted in reply, Macaria going up to give her friend a hug.

"Shall I hand this to you, or do you have an area to put gifts?" Hyllus offered the bag of gifts, a kind smile on his lips. While neither brother was as close to the half-fae as their sister, both had grown to like Jane over the last couple of years they'd gotten to know her through Macaria.

"I'll take it over to the table of gifts," said Carlos, tentatively greeting them with a smile. While the soft-spoken boy had come more and more out of his shell, he still had his shy moments.

"Thanks, Carlos," Hyllus said with a nod as the monochromatic styled teen took the bag for Jane.

"Really appreciated, you three, and it's an open buffet, just so you know," Jane gave Macaria's brother a knowing smile. "We have some party games that take place throughout, so if each you want to write down name for the 'Who Am I?' game, draw one before you put your names in so you don't accidentally get your own...and there's different packets for Sticker Tag so we can see who landed the most stickers without getting caught, as well as who has the least stickers on them to win a prize each after cake is served!"

"Sounds, great, thanks again for the invites, Jane!" said Macaria, taking the slips of papers and pens that Jane handed her.

"Of course!"

"I see Neal and Evan are already here," Herkie pointed out, grabbing a sticker sheet of tiny, derpy looking dogs from Corgis to Pomeranians in food costumes as he felt his brother pat his back with his surprise name. "I'm going to head over there."

"Sure thing, little bro," Hyllus and Macaria giggled as they helped each other with their own nametags, smirking at their brother.

"I'm already regretting this," he sighed as he walked away. "Hey, guys, anyone else of our little posse here yet?"

Neal and Evan looked up from where they were relaxing on a picnic blanket in the shade, Neal already covered in little sun shaped stickers much to his chagrin. Herkie smothered a laugh as he saw the name of Evan's family horse, Maximillian on the brunet's back, thinking of their shared love for apples.

"Why, so you can run off with Hadie and Melody the moment they get here?" laughed Evan.

"You know that's not true," Herkie said, though a small bit of doubt creeped in as he took a seat. 'I do tend to hang out with Hadie more than the others at least, or Melody if she's not with the other girls, but...Hadie and I are both new to Auradon, not to mention family. It's easier to relate to each other.'

"Debatable," Neal sighed as Evan knocked away his attempt to land an apple sticker.

"...are those scratch and sniff?" asked Herkie slowly.

"Hey, let me enjoy what I like, man."

"And you say it's just to protect your sister from apples," snickered Evan. "Just admit you're obsessed. Maybe a bit addicted even."

"Is that you saying you're not interested in my mom's apple compote this summer?"

"Apples are great!"

"Why are we praising the worst fruit on earth?"

Herkie snorted as Ashaki appeared, dissing Neal's favorite food.

"Ah, Ashaki, my arch-nemesis," Neal said deeply. "I suppose you're here to herald the greatness that are those disgusting looking figs?"

"They're far more versatile than a mushy apple!" protested Ashaki as she crossed over the blanket and turned to take her seat. "Sorry I'm late, Aziz and I decided to just leave without Emir. He's got his own transportation anyways."

The three boys nodded before their mouths sucked in to keep themselves from laughing as they caught sight of her assigned name.

"Hey, Ash?" Herkie's lips quivered upward. "Rajah hasn't bitten you today, as he?"

"What? No, of course not!" Ashaki glared at the Godling. "Why would you even ask such a thing?"

"Ah, was just wondering, since I know your attempt to woo Princess Jasmine went awry..."

"Don't tell me I'm old Tiger Chow!" yelped Ashaki as she tried to rip the nametag from her back.

"Nu-uh-uh! Can't take it off till the end, Ash," Evan giggled. "There's a list over by the gazebo though, that if you write your guess down, you get a prize. Higher on the list, there's a grab bag you can select from too."

"Oooh! Be right back!"

"Where's Ash off to?" Alexandria appeared above them, fluffing her skirt around her to sit alongside Neal, away from Evan's sticker ready hands.

"To write her guess down for 'Who Am I?'" Neal idly replied as he picked at some grass.

"Already? Must've been really easy then!" said Alexandria. "Though considering she stays on top of the latest celebrity gossip, she'd know of just about anyone."

"Let's just say this one was a little close to home, but you'll see," smirked Herkie.

"No Phil?"

The mood turned somber.

"I take it he's decided not to come?"

"Still no sign of Audrey," Evan sighed. "He brought her invite home and everything since she hasn't even turned up at the school...Said he'd wait for her just in case, but otherwise wouldn't come."

"Poor guy," sighed Alexandria. "I know he and Audrey rarely get along anymore, but they're still siblings in the end."

"How's Chad doing?" Herkie asked softly, reminded that Alexandria faced her own sibling problems as the Charming Scion entered his field of vision. It didn't help that the young girl had overheard her sisters talking about the theory that Chad was hypnotized. Something that Hadie reluctantly confirmed having overheard similar information from Mal, Uma, Harry and Jay discussing one night.

"...better," she said quietly. "He relapses sometimes, but definitely better. I just wish Kitty and Lucy would give him the same benefit of the doubt."

"I'm glad to hear that," Neal gave the girl a reassuring smile.

"Sorry to bring the mood down more," she sighed.

"Nah, it's fine," said Evan. "we're all friends here, and that means listening to each other when we need support."

"Thanks," Alexandria offered a smile in return.

"In light of touchy-feely subjects," groaned Herkie as he stood up. "I am now too hungry to continue using that part of my brain. Please allow me to excuse myself to the buffet."

He smiled as his friends offered light laughter, the mood shifting upward as he diffused the awkward tension. With a jaunty wave, Herkie set off towards the buffet, pursing his lips slightly as he saw Gil had arrived and was currently making conversation with his sister.

"Hi, Herkie," the son of Gaston gave him an awkward smile.

"Hi...Gil," Herkie slowly replied, if only because his sister was glaring at him slightly. "Just getting some nommies."

"Right, had nothing to do with you seeing me with Gil," Macaria raised an eyebrow, her hands on her hips.

"No, legit, I'm hungry," said Herkie, rolling his eyes.

"I'll just, uh, catch up with Carlos," Gil mumbled before walking off with his own plate of food.

"Catch up? They're roommates," muttered Herkie.

Macaria shook her head in exasperation. "You could stand to lighten up, you know? He's not like the guys in Greece."

"That doesn't mean he doesn't have to pass the test first," growled Herkie.

Macaria simply sighed as she began to reach for some food. Suddenly, she paused.

"Mica?" Herkie hesitantly asked.

"Aunt Persephone?" Macaria whispered.

"What about—?" Herkie clicked his mouth shut as Macaria raised a hand to tap at her temple, their sign for using telepathy.

A spike of distress over the siblings' link caused Herkie to tense.

'And with Hyllus looking over here, he probably felt it too,' Herkie thought as both brothers nodded towards each other, Hyllus walking up to them with a glass of punch.

"Apparently Uma told her Freddy Frollo attacked the VK group," gasped Macaria. "With Audrey's help!"

Herkie's mind flashed briefly towards Phil, the boy still moping at home, worried for his supposedly missing sister.

"So much for this party," grumbled Hyllus, quickly chugging his cup of juice before crushing it.

"I need to head out, she wants me to get Hadie somewhere safe, preferably Olympus," Macaria said as she moved to grab where she'd left her bag. "On the upside, Uma suggested me, so I guess our VKs cousins are finally starting to trust us."

"Do you think Grandfather would even let Hadie onto Olympus?" said Hyllus. "The conflict with Hades is technically still ongoing, he might not be welcome."

"I dare you to tell Aunt Persephone or Great-Aunt Demeter that," Herkie glared. "I'll ask Grandfather myself if he tells Aunt Persephone 'no'. Otherwise, I bet mom and dad would give refuge. Phil hasn't been to our place, so it's very unlikely that Audrey knows where to find us."

"But by that logic, Hadie could go to Demeter's farms."

"Whose lands are public knowledge as a supply business," Macaria returned, scolding her older brother. "Olympus will be the safest place."

"Alright," Hyllus held his hands up in surrender, backing away. "I'm going to warn Jane, you should get going. Time is of the essence, I'm sure."

"I'm coming with you," Herkie said, stepping towards his sister.

"No, go back home with Hyllus," Macaria shook her head. "I want to get in and out in case they come back."

"Then let us meet you at Olympus," pleaded Herkie. "I'm serious. I want to make sure Grandfather allows Hadie on the mountain."

"I'm fine with that," Hyllus nodded as he came back over. The elder Godling sighed and ran a hand through his red locks. "Jane's been warned, Carlos is taking it seriously too, but it looks like most people aren't listening. They're coming up with a backup plan to protect everyone if they can't get them to leave at least."

"Wait, so what about the other kids? I'm sure those with fighting lessons like Aziz or Emma could handle themselves, but Alexandria or Evan?"

"Look, Herkie," Hyllus quietly said so to not be overheard, grabbing his brother gently by the shoulders. "I won't lie to you...but from what I understand, there's some serious beef between Frollo and Mal. A smart villain will go after those closest, and weakest. Like an underaged sibling. Hadie is far more likely a target than anyone here.

"As a big brother? That means protecting you guys, keeping you safe just like dad would want whenever any of his old adversaries popped up when we still lived in Greece. Likely how Mal feels now."

"Hyllus is right, Herk," Macaria gently took her little brother's hand. "If it helps, I promise we can check in on everyone once this is over. And I'll keep my link open like we used to so you can know what's going on too."

"...Okay. Thanks guys," Herkie smiled weakly. "Let's go."

"Go ahead and try to talk to your friends really quick; warn them," Hyllus spoke. "We'll give you a couple minutes, but meet us at the teleport point asap."

"Thanks, will do," replied Herkie before running off back towards where his friends were throwing them concerned looks. He shook his head as he saw his sister make his way towards Gil and Carlos before she left, sharing a brief peck on each of his cheeks before leaving.

"Yo, Herk, what was that about?"

"Don't panic, don't shout," Herkie whispered to his friends, bending over somewhat above them so others couldn't overhear. "Listen to Jane and Carlos, stuff just happened and the party might be cancelled."

"Woah, what? Why?!"

"Quiet!" Herkie shushed Evan. "Apparently that Frollo guy has made his move. Mal thinks he's going to target Hadie to get to her, so we're evacuating him to Olympus, so we're heading out."

"Okay, but why cancel the party? If they know where Frollo is at, they can just grab him with magic, right?" asked Ashaki.

"Don't...don't go spreading this around," sighed Herkie, shaking his head. "Information is tight lipped so that nothing gets back to the suspects."

"Suspects? Plural?" gasped Alexandria.

"Mostly...keep this hush so Phil and his family doesn't get blindsided and hurt by it till we know more, but...looks like Audrey is the reason Frollo is free, he didn't kidnap her. She's who stole the scepter and spell book, so Mal and the others have to be careful about attacking head on with magic. Apparently, she's already got the teleport spell down and that's why they couldn't pin down Freddy sooner."

"By the Gods..." Alexandria whispered, voicing the shocked sentiment of their now quiet group.

"I need to go," Herkie said, straightening up. "Try to help Jane convince your families to leave too, or be as careful as you can."

"Will do," Neal nodded firmly as he stood to find his sister.

Melody? Herkie thought as he turned to head out, waving towards Jane and Carlos as they sent him worried looks, but returned his wave with confident thumbs up. As he found himself on the trail to where he'd been not even half an hour ago, Herkie reached out with his telepathy to warn his other favorite cousin.

Herkie? Sorry we're late, I guess Elle agreed to let Akiho 'be a gentleman' and pick us up instead of teleporting ages ago, but—

Don't come.

W-what?

Freddy Frollo attacked the VK's on their way off the Isle. With Audrey's help.

Oh no! Phil—!

Isn't here. Look, you can warn him, but tell him to keep things on the downlow. Uma apparently contacted Aunt Persephone while Mal was in the middle of a skirmish, who let Macaria know...Hyllus has warned Jane, but we're trying not to cause panic. And we definitely don't want this to wind up on the news yet.

But wouldn't it be better if Auradon knows so the people can be on the lookout? They could help track them down—

Not since they can teleport. Audrey has Maleficent's scepter. The more people aware, the more likely they'll go underground again. We just need to trust in Mal and whatever she may or may not be planning right now.

O-okay...I'll let Phil and Elle know. We'll keep Akiho with us when he arrives.

Sounds good. I'll talk to you later. I'm heading to Olympus with Hyllus while Macaria gets Hadie for Mal and Aunt Steph.

Feeling Melody fade from the link, Herkie finally came across his brother waiting for him still at the grove.

"Good to go?"

"Yeah, sorry, I should've run," Herkie realized. "I got distracted warning Melody not to come."

"Oh, Tartaros, I should've thought about them too," Hyllus facepalmed.

"It's fine now, they know. We should get going."

"Right."

A thick feeling of ozone fell around them and an arc of lightning filled the air. One clap of thunder later, the two disappeared, reappearing back in Greece, upon their family's mountain home.

"Aunt Persephone!"

Herkie raised a hand to greet his clearly worried great-aunt who was waiting at the shining gates of Olympus.

"Herkie, Hyllus!" The Goddess threw the gates open with a wave of her hand, beckoning them inside.

"Have you had a chance to speak with Grandfather yet?" asked Herkie softly, seeing the stress and worry on Persephone's face.

"No, he's in a preparatory meeting," Persephone sighed. "I don't think he'll say no, but I don't want to blindside him with Hadie's appearance either."

"He's welcome to come with us to our home, should Grandfather do such," Hyllus supplied.

"I appreciate the offer."

"Do you know anything? Besides Frollo attacking the VK's? With Audrey of all people?"

"You probably know just as much as I do," frowned Persephone as she pondered Herkie's question. "Uma was in a rush it sounded like, or distracted, and I haven't heard from Mal yet. Apart from her sounding stressed when she said she got back to Evie's from the Isle not too long ago. I do know she hasn't closed her link again, but she hasn't reached out since."

"Hopefully Macaria will have more information, she was on her way to meet with Uma before we left for Olympus ourselves."

"Alright, thank you again for doing this," nodded Persephone. "I suppose I should wait by the stairs for when Hadie and Macaria arrive. Please stay here and let me know if your grandfather appears."

"Of course, Aunt Steph," replied Herkie as he and Hyllus moved out of the way for their aunt to pass back through the gates.

They only had a short, few minute wait before a shout signaled the arrival of their quarry.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

Persephone pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed as she and her two nephews turned to find their sister and a familiar head of blue hair at the bottom of the cloudy stairs, having just arrived further up the cloud formed path from where Persephone stood. Following them back towards the gate, Persephone sternly stepped forward, head held high as she looked down at her angry son.

"Hadie."

She tried to keep her face neutral as Hadie winced. Herkie felt a rush of sympathy for his cousin as he noticed the demeanor shift. He'd been working with both the son of Hades as well as Melody to prepare them for Olympus, but where Melody could be lax on the mannerisms as a great-grandchild...Hadie was the son of one of the Big Three. Expectations were larger.

"Hi, mom," Herkie saw Hadie give a weak wave. Shaking his head, he made his way closer to the gate, hoping to have a chance with his cousin before the other Gods came.

He couldn't help be surprised at how strict Persephone was being though, despite Hyllus and Macaria's earlier sentiments. Though Herkie supposed knowing how mischievous Hadie could be, that being firm for once was the only way to make the Godling stay put.

Unfortunately, time was not on their side. Zeus had made his appearance.

Herkie frowned as Zeus ignored the urgency of their appearance.

'Seriously? Just because it's one mortal, that's still a vocal opinion against us,' Herkie thought, sidling up next to his aunt and Macaria to hide Hadie from view. A snicker did slip out at the blue-haired Godling's sarcasm though, allowing a twitch of his lips as his grandfather glanced in his direction as if it were him to have said it.

'Good. You keep thinking that.'

"I'll be taking Herkie home until this blows over, I think," Herkie shook himself of his thoughts as he heard Hyllus speak up.

"I'm not going yet," he snapped, stiffening as all eyes turned to him. He didn't want to reveal this card already, but it was his best bet to let him do what he wanted. "I'll meet you at home, Aunt Steph was kind enough to teach me how to teleport over Spring Break."

He smiled kindly in response to his aunt's own smile. Any bit of buttering up would help reduce even a single percent of risk for the Gods. Having Demeter present certainly helped though, and while Herkie didn't think his grandfather would ever say no... their nerves didn't want to risk it.

"And I hope that asylum extends to any Godling who needs it...Grandfather," Herkie stared intently at Zeus.

"But of course, why even ask, my boy?" His grandparents gave each other puzzling looks.

'Why do I need to ask? Why? Because I have seen you time and time again go back on your word whenever it benefits you most!'

Thankfully, he was kept from saying anything as Persephone finally spoke up, and Demeter stepping in to demand immediate allowance only helped.

It wasn't audible, but the atmosphere felt like everyone had breathed a sigh of relief while a tiny bit of tension shifted to the other side of the family of Gods as Hadie was revealed. The breath was all he needed to fully form his idea to help Hadie.

Even if he had to shift it slightly after being quite cowed by Persephone's stern lecture a few minutes later, though it had only been directed towards Hadie.

Despite Hadie's happy-go-lucky outlook most of the time, it was no wonder he had so much respect for his parents as his mother shifted from adoring to discipline moments apart. Herkie was quickly learning he wouldn't want to cross the Goddess either.

'Okay, just the link lurk then, no sneaking out,' Herkie thought as he led Hadie off to a side area for a quick lesson in using it.

"Alright, I need to head out or Hyllus is likely to come get me himself."

They hadn't hugged before, but Herkie hoped Hadie wouldn't mind the brief one the older cousin gave out of worry before teleporting home. Hopefully the blue-haired Godling wouldn't have to suffer too long on Olympus. Whether of news or of the other Gods, Herkie wasn't sure.

"Herkie!"

Blowing a puff of air at an auburn lock that had fallen into his eyes, Herkie gave a slight smile to his father and brother who had apparently been waiting for him to arrive.

"I guess you can teleport, after all!" Hyllus grinned proudly, slapping his brother on the shoulder. "If you'd been much longer without saying anything, dad and I were discussing going back to get you!"

"Great job, son," Hercules nodded, pulling his youngest into a hug. "How's Hadie doing, everyone all right?"

"I haven't learned anything new; I was just helping Hadie stay put on Olympus," Herkie replied, shaking his head.

"May the Fates be on Mal's side then," Hercules nodded. "Let's head inside, I hear you kids didn't get much of an opportunity to have that lunch."

"Oh good," Herkie sighed in relief. "I'm ravenous!"

"Me too," grinned Hyllus.

"Macaria around?" Herkie looked about the entry all in confusion, not seeing her shoes. "I know she spoke about helping, but I wasn't sure..."

"She's on and off communicating with Mal and Uma," Hyllus supplied as they returned to the dining room. "Checking in now and again with Evie and keeping lookout for them somewhere."

"Hrm," Herkie sounded noncommittedly, giving his mother a kiss on the cheek as he passed her.

"There's some of the usual snacks if you guys would like," Hercules said quietly as he lit the stove. "I didn't make much for lunch, so you'll have to wait for me to cook something up more filling."

"Thanks, dad," the boys chorused.

Megara gave her youngest son an odd look as she looked him over, joining them as they sat at the table, a bowl of veggies between them.

"...Why do you have Headmistress Fairy Godmother's name taped to your back?"

Hyllus burst out laughing as Herkie groaned, slamming his head into the wooden table. A slight smile edged its way across his face as his brother's laughter eased his mind.

Everyone would make it out fine in the end. He was sure of it.

Chapter Text

"Should we try to keep him away from the Gate?"

"It's not like he can open it," Artemis pointed out to her less intelligent brother. One of his domains might've been logic, but that didn't make him smart.

"Not everyone is on Olympus at the moment," Athena supplied. "Should Zeus open the wards for even a little bit to allow someone in, young Hadie's proximity could allow him to slip out easily."

"So, what do you propose as a way to keep him away?" Ares gruffly spoke. "Most of the other Gods come and go on Council days seeing as they're not involved. Considering most of us will be stuck in the meeting, the big guy might allow too many opportunities for the kid to sneak out without us being aware through telepathic contact."

"I'm afraid to say my brother is right," sighed Athena, squinting down at the squat God of War. "We should still try to lure him away in the meantime. We have time to come up with a long-term solution before the meeting."

"I can hear you all, I'll have you know," Hadie called out, throwing his head back with a roll of his eyes to stare at the Gods upside down. Even if they were a good twenty or thirty feet away from him, they weren't exactly being quiet.

"You want to play with some swords, lad?" shouted Ares, the red-aura'd god grinning madly.

Hadie perked up. Sparring was always fun, but they used sabers or rapiers. Ares, as the God of War, would certainly have a giant collection of different weapons.

"Would you like to explain to Persephone, should her son get injured?" Demeter snapped at Ares.

Hadie's shoulders immediately slumped. Demeter was right. There was no way she, nor his mother, would want him to get hurt. Even if his mom had eventually given in to him being trained on the Isle, he knew that she was still nervous about him getting cut considering how valuable the ichor of the Gods could be.

There were plenty of villains on the Isle that knew the true meaning when it came to potions. It played a major part in why his parents put so much effort to keep him safe. Especially with Maleficent having the aid of alchemical genius in Grimhelde. If they had gotten their hands on him…no matter how much they tortured him he would basically be a never-ending supply of ichor.

Even if Mal never gave him details, Hadie got the gist. Thankfully, Maleficent wasn't currently a threat. Hopefully she would never be again, if Mal and their parents had anything to say about it.

He might not be the best fighter on the Isle, that title belonging to those that trained him, but between Harry, Henry, his sister and Uma, it would be hard for anyone to draw ichor on Hadie, let alone capture the Godling. Even in the safety of Auradon, though that comfort had broken a tad with Frollo and Audrey on the loose, they'd made sure Hadie continued to practice while in school.

'Oh man, if I could get mom's permission or somehow convince Ares despite risking her anger to teach me…' plotted Hadie. 'It'd be fun to trick Harry and Henry to spar with different weapons…or rather, they use their usual blades and I come at them with something else to mix things up…'

"Bah, what God doesn't know how to use a sword?" grunted Ares, but he didn't push it further. He'd had run ins with Hades before, and he didn't care to know what sort of things he'd taught his wife.

'That's Ares out,' thought Hadie as the god marched away. The Godling turned back towards the gates and sighed. Focusing inward, ignoring the Gods that returned to 'whispering' about him, he reached out with his mind link, carefully sensing out his sister while hopefully not alerting her. 'Though I'll have to take him up on it someday, just to show him this Godling does actually know how to wield a blade.'

He felt awkward. Hadie knew the stares of the Olympians were upon him the moment he and Herkie had walked back to the Gate. The hair tingling on his neck was raised for so long, it felt more like they were staring out of curiosity and suspicion rather than simply keeping an eye on him as they'd promised his mother.

It was like he was a sideshow in one of Hermie's dad's attempts at entertainment revival. Hadie sighed as he kept his back towards the Olympians. He knew they wouldn't—couldn't—try anything. Not with the threat of his mom and grandmother looming over them.

'Though I wish I felt comfortable enough to ask for food,' Hadie thought as he felt his stomach growl.

"Brioche, dear?"

Hadie's shoulders tensed in surprise. He looked up slightly from beneath his blue fringe to the rather short woman smiling kindly down at him. She came across as less formal than any of the other Gods, just by looks alone. Adorn in an autumn orange chiton, brown curls were piled high atop her head in loose wild curls and haphazard braids.

"A what now?" But he could smell something sweet coming from the basket on her arm, covered in light cloth. His stomach rumbled even louder.

"Brioche, dear. It's a type of bread, light and sweet." She said kindly, lifting something from her basket before a blade of red aura reached out and cut a slice. "Go ahead and try it. Though by the sound of your tummy, I should get you something more filling."

"Thanks," Hadie said miserably as he took the offered pastry. He gave it a wary nibble, eyes never leaving the Goddess'. "Aunt Hestia."

Hestia simply smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. With some effort, the eldest Goddess fluffed the skirt of her dress around her and took a seat next to Hadie on the steps that looked out towards the gates. She set the basket on the step above them and ruffled through it, pulling meats, fruits and cheeses out.

His eyes widened in surprise. "This is really good!" He exclaimed, enjoying the flavor of threads of chocolate, cinnamon and raisins weaving in the bread.

"I'm always open to helpers in the kitchen if you'd like to learn," she said kindly. "So many like to eat my meals, but I'm never offered help to get enough out to feed so many gluttonous Gods."

She smiled as Hadie covered his mouth, choking on a laugh as he tried not to spit out his mouthful of food.

"I've helped dad in the kitchen, but he never bakes," Hadie wondered aloud. "I guess it could be fun to try."

"I'd be happy to teach you," Hestia smiled. "Fates know it gets lonely in my retirement. Few remember the power of the Hearth anymore."

Hadie hesitated. He knew what she was trying to do.

"M-maybe next time I'm allowed on Olympus," he mumbled, nibbling further on the slice of bread.

"I thought maybe it would be a good distraction for you," added Hestia.

"I don't want a distraction," tersely said Hadie. "I want to know my sister is going to be okay and that Freddy is back in a prison where he belongs."

"I have no doubt that your sister will be fine," Hestia said slowly as if to assuage Hadie that she wasn't trying to sound demeaning. "Yes, it's natural to worry, but the Fates, as fickle as they are, like your father enough that they wouldn't weave anything too dangerous for his kin."

"…Weave?"

"The Fates command the Tapestry of all our pasts and futures. Each thread is comprised of a soul, no matter how short it may be," Hestia patiently explained, passing the hungry Godling a little cracker decorated with meat and cheese. "Some moments are preordained; some they may take a direct hand in."

"Sounds dangerous."

"Very," Hestia gave a smirk that sent a shiver down Hadie's spine. He tried to recall anything his dad might've said about the Goddess but surprisingly found himself wanting. His mother got along with her, in fact most Gods seemed to, which was usually unheard of. Even the Lord of the Underworld seemed to avoid trying to antagonize the Goddess. Hadie only knew she represented the Hearth, but never really understood what that meant.

He filed a memo to do more research into the Goddess later.

With a far more innocent smile that Hadie no longer bought into, Hestia stood, brushing her skirt off of imaginary dust.

"Enjoy the food, little one," she said, taking the basket but leaving the small cloth of a spread laid out next to Hadie. "ὀράριον σου δίδωμι αυτό το δώρου δεχαμενου."

"ἐπὶ τῷ ἐρρῶσθαί σε του θεου εὐ." (1)

With a smile of satisfaction, Hestia nodded and climbed back up the stairs, ignoring the questioning stares of the other Gods as she went on her merry way.

Sighing, Hadie popped a grape into his mouth. Chewing thoughtfully, Hadie reached out with the mind link to see how his sister was doing. Each God seemed to give pause between their attempts to speak with Hadie, so he knew he would have at least a few minutes of peace to continue his attempts to check in on the worrisome events.

The feeling was odd, harder to pinpoint. It wasn't as hard as he thought overall, considering he was technically in Greece.

'The Heavens are on their own plane.'

The words of his father popped up into Hadie's head from one of his lessons long ago.

'Right. It doesn't really matter how far away I am since I'm on Olympus,' Hadie wondered has he breathed deeply, slowly narrowing down the way to Auradon. 'It's both everywhere and nowhere, the different Pantheons are just anchored in different regions.'

'There they are!'

Closing his eyes, the vague area bloomed into color as Hadie attempted to see the world through Mal's eyes.

A wave of gold flickered, making Hadie squint as if he was actually looking at sunlight directly flare, even though his eyes were closed.

For a brief moment, he could see Uma, carefully leading the way from the gates to his father's cavern. Approaching the docks, he could just make out 3 figures already waiting by the bikes, though he could only recognize Jay and Harry in the brief instance.

Biting his lip lightly, Hadie knitted his brow as he focused harder, trying to see what was going on.

The gold flared brighter in what Hadie began to recognize as the Barrier.

'I guess trying to reach through the Barrier is harder when I'm trying to see instead of just communicate?' He considered as he continued trying to focus. 'Though…I guess if this is considered similar to Evie and her mirror…I guess this is kind of selfish to me, to try to keep an eye on Mal…to see if I can prove her wrong, while the other part of me is concerned for her safety.'

As he thought this, the bright light dimmed, allowing Hadie to see Mal and the others riding towards the bridge on their bikes. Allowing him to realize it was CJ, riding on the back of one bike…with Harry.

'Woah, what happened that got Harry to finally give CJ the time of day? Is Freddy that concerning that even Harry could be moved to protect his little sister?'

A nudge pulled him out of his thoughts. The last of Hadie's view of Mal and Company fading as they flew through the barrier.

"Um. Hi?" Hadie leaned away from the stout God, whose large nose filled most of his vision.

"Bored, kid?" the God grinned maniacally. "You want a drink with that food? Liven up from the stress and wet that thirst? Come on, have a little bit of nectar."

A small jar was held out in Dionysus' hand, sloshing with more bright gold nectar than Hadie had seen at once. He was thirsty. And isn't this what the Gods drank when they were thirsty? Nectar?

"I can sense it in your Aura," the rosy faced God continued. "I can see it in your eyes. Boredom. The waiting, driving you mad. Unfair, isn't it? To be left alone when the party is down there?"

Hadie eyed the rotund God with suspicion. From what little he had heard from his parents; Dionysus was simply a 'party' God.

'And yet…the way they speak about him was as if with caution. Like when they think I'm not old enough to know something. What's wrong with a good party?' Hadie's eyes dropped back to the glass of liquid gold. 'Well…it's not like he can really do anything harmful to me…especially not with the threat of mom or Demeter looming over their shoulders…'

Hadie carefully reached out.

"Dionysus!"

The drink suddenly seemed far away; it took a moment in time needed for Hadie to realize he'd been yanked back. Glancing back to find the tell-tale green glow of Demeter, grasping him from the collar of his shirt, Hadie dangled in the air like a kitten. He also realized Dionysus was pulling the drink away as if to hide it.

'Great. What was wrong with it? Why would he even try something that might mess with me?' Hadie felt himself placed on his two feet, which felt odd considering Demeter was not that much taller than him. 'How strong is this woman?! Besides, it's just nectar!'

"Demeter, sweet cheeks!" The purplish-red God backed away slowly. His beady eyes darted back and forth, looking for an escape route.

"Don't you dare 'sweet cheeks' me, Dionysus!" shrieked Demeter. "How dare you offer him that much! He's a Godling!"

"What do you mean?" Hadie voiced his confusion. "It's just nectar."

"Just—" Demeter turned from livid to shocked. Her voice went soft, but was still firm. "Just nectar? Dear, have your parents never explained to you the purpose of it? Or what it even is?"

"No, I was never really given it went I lived on the Isle," Hadie shrugged. He glanced at Dionysus as he tip-toed away. Not stealthily enough for Demeter to not notice.

"Oh, no you don't!" Demeter lashed her hands forward, a bunch of vines bursting forth and tripping the other God. "You really think I'm just going to let your corruptive influences to walk away without a lesson?"

"Ow! Demeter, please!" Dionysus protested, struggling against the thorny vines. "I just wanted to lighten things up, the kid looked despondent!"

"By getting him drunk?"

'Drunk? Was that it?' Hadie tilted his head in confusion. 'Isn't that just what happens to some people with alcohol? Harry says that men drink anyways, and Mal and Uma say most adults drink stuff that might get them drunk even in Auradon, socially or for fun. Besides, Asclepius gives me nectar as part of my medicine, and I've never had any issues.'

"If you'd like something to drink, Hadie, I'd be glad to show you where we keep our selection here on Olympus," Demeter said. She glared in Dionysus direction as a tearing snap was heard as he tripped free at last, ripping his feet out of the entanglement of plants.

"Sure," Hadie shrugged.

'Not like I can't find my way back to the gate. It's not going anywhere, and I am thirsty.'

Gathering up the basket items, Hadie followed Demeter through some decorated columns, where he could only assume was where the kitchens were held.

"We've got milk, tea, different fruit juices…water of course," described Demeter as she opened up a large, walk-in cooler. She pulled down a small, open basket for Hadie to look at.

Peering within, he found an assortment of little boxes of flavored milk, or juice. Feeling a little under a magnifying glass, Hadie carefully eyed his choices. Some of the choices were offerings similar to what he could get at school.

'Except I'm pretty sure a couple of these have grandmother's logo on them…' Hadie mentally smirked. 'Is she actually testing me, or is this just a subconscious coincidence?'

The chocolate milk was tempting. But after all the meat and sweet bread? Something acidic would hit the spot right then, too.

'Why not? As tempting as it would be to pick the pomegranate juice just to see her reaction…let's play it safe with the cherry.'

He gave the small box of cherry juice a curious look, pretending not to notice Demeter's pleased look as she returned the basket to its place on a shelf.

Behind them the refrigerator door squeaked open.

"Oh, hello again," Hestia said cheerfully. "Just getting drinks?"

"Yes, since Dionysus was trying to offer Hadie nectar," frowned Demeter.

"Did he, now?" Hestia's bright demeanor suddenly seemed strained. Hadie felt himself take a step closer to Demeter out of instinct. "I'll have a proper word with him later."

"What's the big deal?" Hadie blurted out, blushing as both Goddesses turned to him. "Sure, mom and dad don't give me nectar, but I'm allowed some from Asclepius to help any deficiencies from while I was under the Barrier."

"And how much nectar does he give you?" Hestia raised an eyebrow.

"Uh, like… an ounce a day?" hesitated Hadie. "And a square inch of ambrosia."

"Ambrosia too?" Demeter sighed. "One kylix of nectar for a godling, or, six ounces, is the recommendation for an entire month. And for you to be given both daily…"

"Asclepius thinks the Barrier affected you that profoundly?" Hestia asked softly. "they're meant for healing and sustenance in face of the large amounts of energy the Gods burn through. How long does he expect for you to stay on this…regimen?"

"I go back every three months, but the expectation is a year?"

"An entire year?!" yelped Demeter. "How much damage did that barrier cause that would make an eleven-year-old godling have to take five times the usual amount?! What did Zeus do?!"

"Now Demeter, I doubt it was Zeus' intentions—"

"My own daughter was under that Barrier, Hestia! They made the agreement for her to go before they officially placed that barrier, before Zeus agreedto add his powers! And Ares was an adult when he was imprisoned under an innate jar! How might've a Barrier with the full intent to suppress a God affect her?"

Hadie glanced nervously between the two Goddesses. Their raw energy flared from them lending aid to their power and status, belying their full emotions. He could see the restrain in Hestia, in contrast to the more open anger of Demeter, but clearly the eldest Goddess was just as angry as her younger sister.

It dawned on him as they spoke; about the sensitive intricacies of Godhood. Asclepius hadn't gone in depth, but meeting Ares not even twenty minutes ago, Hadie could see what the God of Healing had meant when even as an adult that the God of War had ended up stunted and erratic. That next to Zeus, Hadie could see that both his father and Poseidon were smaller in size despite being elder to the King of the Gods.

"If Zeus knew the risks of this despite my petitions to allow Hadie off the Isle alongside Persephone, I will be having some serious words with him!" Demeter's continued rant pulled Hadie from his distracted thoughts of analysis. "Persephone was at least fully ascended unlike Ares, but suppressing a Godling is disgusting!"

"Not that I'm thankful for righteous opinion, grandmother," Hadie said dryly, the words coming before he could stop them. "And I'm always down for a good ol' Zeus bashing, but I'm aware of the issues with the Barrier already thanks to my father's research and Asclepius' own opinions. I'm still not quite sure what the issue is with me drinking nectar, though."

Far be it from him to elaborate that Hades' research had involved breaking down the barrier or how much it actually affected magic. Hearing how his grandmother and great-aunt speak, Hadie's theory assumed the adult Gods were fine, just limited on the access of their magic as most were on the Isle with the 'good' versus 'bad' intent. The Godling thing was concerning, however.

But one thing at a time.

Demeter paused, eyes widening. A partial smile the only sign that she'd heard Hadie's moniker for her finally being used.

"There will be plenty of Zeus bashing coming up, if I can help it," she sneered. "As for nectar, it influences our magic, health and immortality. While Ambrosia is best for actual healing, Nectar's purpose is to refuel and sustain our magic. Too much, and you get drunk on your own Aura, manifesting the deepest, darkest parts of your domain. It's why I need you to steer clear of Dionysus. As the God of the drink, amongst other things, he succumbs to his own madness, and can make the same thing happen to you."

"Okay, that's, uh, definitely terrifying," Hadie nodded furiously, eyes wide. "But that doesn't happen with mortals when they get drunk off like wine or beer."

"Nectar is a special strain, our own brew," Hestia chimed in. "While Dionysus represents those too, its less…magical based. And a mortal trying to drink nectar?

"Burns to ash on the spot."

'Memo to me, memo to me,' Hadie tensed. 'Let Jay and know about my stash after all, in case they accidentally come across it. And have mom there to drive it home that it's a big 'no touchy'!'

"Fragile mortals," Demeter sighed. "It's why I'm surprised Zeus agreed to the Auradon Alliance considering how even our true forms can vaporize them."

"True forms?" Hadie raised a brow as he looked between his grandmother and aunt. There was something in Demeter's voice that seemed genuinely upset as she spoke.

"Were you not taught—"

"So much to learn," Hestia shook her head at her sister, interrupting her with a pointed look before changing the subject. "Excuse me, but I need to start cooking."

"Please remember I grew up underneath a magic suppressing barrier," glared Hadie. "If you mean to imply my dad was neglectful with his teaching, he taught me how to survive on a cutthroat island of villains. Not whatever Olympian things you think are important considering he thought I'd never get to join you!"

"Hadie—"

"Enough," Hestia spoke sternly. "If you're going to argue, you can take that out of my kitchen."

"Apologizes, Tia," Demeter softly said. "And you're right Hadie, I need to remember that. It's just hard to believe all this suffering you have gone through despite petitioning Zeus and former King Beast."

"But not my sister? What, because she's not mom's biological daughter?"

"Not at all," it was Demeter's turn to grow a confused look. "I simply didn't know of her until recently. Not just because Persephone hid it, but because I don't tend to follow mortal news. I deal with Auradon through Zeus' treaties, not directly."

"…You really didn't know?"

"No, I'm…a bit of a recluse you could say," Demeter smiled wryly. "Why don't we get out of Hestia's way, and we can talk a little bit more. I can show you around Olympus until the meeting in the meantime."

"Okay," Hadie simply said as he popped open his cherry drink and waved a goodbye to Hestia, following his grandmother back out the kitchen doors.

"Zeus really does burn my goat more and more these days," Demeter muttered. "He's a major part of the reason I set up my farm to be secluded all those centuries ago."

"Really?" Hadie perked up as he savored a sip of the surprisingly sweet and sour drink. 'Is she finally going to get into some good Zeus bashing? Dad just rages but doesn't actually explain, but considering mom tends to agree without going into details either, there's no way they're wrong about him being a berk!'

"The Gods are symbiotic with the mortals, so I understand why he decided to join with the Alliance. However, it is a minor supplement to our powers as influence wanes in addition to sacrificial respects…" Demeter began to ramble absentmindedly. Hadie could see it was clearly where his own mother got it from, when she went on her own rants. "I had managed mortal affairs on my own, by teaching them to cultivate agriculture, allowing them to worship us, and myself, indirectly through the harvest. But Zeus got greedy. And then he blamed Prometheus. While Winter was not born yet, the breezes of Borealis and Khione did not make surviving easy.

"After insult after another, I wrangled all control over earthly forces into my control and had Zeus swear to keep out of my affairs. Of course, the fool continued to make himself a nuisance now and again, but it was far less than before."

Grinning around his straw, Hadie listened carefully as Demeter ranted about Zeus.

'It helps she's just as unrestrained with information when she's angry, definitely where mom gets it from. Maybe I can learn something new.'

Unfortunately, as Demeter seemed to have just warmed up, a nymph Hadie recognized as one from the Farms, appeared.

"Now, Winter may be my fault, I won't deny it, there was no reason to interfere with the balance by deciding the Pomegranate factor without full input by the truly affected parties—!"

"Lady Demeter?"

"What is it, Gladiolus?"

'Wait, what was that last bit? Aw man, that sounded like it had to do with mom and dad's agreement! I'll have to remember that for later…'

"Pardon the interruption, but it's time to go over last-minute changes and review the docket for today's meeting."

"Ah, shame that," frowned Demeter. "Alas, it seems I must cut our tour short, Hadie. Don't forget we will still be watching you from a distance, so keep out of trouble, dear."

Giving a slight nod, Hadie watched as Demeter spoke in quiet tones with the nymph, returning to the towering cloud that the other Gods had been hovering near earlier. Likely where the meeting room was.

'Not that I'm not going to keep trying,' plotted Hadie, taking another sip of his juice. 'Dang this stuff is good!'

Shaking off his momentary distraction, Hadie leaned into the shadow of one of the cloud columns, pretending to watch the other Gods. In reality, every time he blinked, he fell more relaxed, extending his senses to hopefully get another peek at what Mal was up to. It took a few minutes, but with another blink, he saw different colors begin to sharpen across his vision.

It took him a moment to recognize Ben's castle, only having the chance to see it once over Spring break while waiting for Mal, Emir and Akiho to convince Ben to go out for a break from office work.

Hadie watched in concern as his sister rushed down several hallways, likely looking for Ben. He could sense the urgency in Mal, worried…scared. He was glad to see that his earlier attempt proved to be true, that Mal had managed to get rid of the old hag curse from earlier.

'You'll be able to handle this, Mal,' Hadie pushed out feelings of encouragement, determination towards his sister, careful to keep his presence from being obvious on the link. Not that he was too worried, knowing Mal put little practice into her telepathic magic. On, or off, was all Mal really bothered to know.

'And while sending emotions is sometimes easier, and an important way to show trust between Gods, she really needs to learn to keep them from leaking out when it's not on purpose,' Hadie sighed, plopping his chin into his hands as he rested his elbows on his knees. A sense of relief washed over Hadie as he saw Ben peek out of a doorway at the sound of his sister shouting her fiancé's name.

Only to tense up in disgust a moment later as Mal's own relief and…other emotions blared over the link as she and Ben smashed their lips together.

'Okay you can give it a rest now…' grimaced Hadie. He was hoping to find battle plans, or Mal already finding her quarry, tying up and throwing away the key to a chained-up Freddy's locks. Not her locking face with her fiancé. He was learning far more about Mal's emotions than he needed to know.

Hadie.

Oh! Hi mom! Hadie tensed, eyes popping open and severing his connection to Mal. He wiped his hands on his suit pants, realizing they'd gotten sweaty from his nerves straining with the new method of telepathy.

Don't 'hi, mom' me, young man! Why was I able to feel your presence in Ben's office when you're supposed to be on Olympus?!

I'm on Olympus still, I swear!

So, if I contact my mother right now, or ask Aphrodite to take a picture of you, they can prove that you're still within the gates?

Yes. I'd rather you ask Gran—Dem…your mom, than Aphrodite though. Gods, her energy is too bubbly. And she's been eyeing me weird.

Hadie…I know you're conflicted, but it would be helpful, not to mention mean the world to her, if you called my mother 'grandmother' or something in that vein.

Hadie blushed, knowing that even if his mom couldn't see him, she would be able to sense his embarrassment. He didn't want her to know he already did call Demeter, Grandmother, once. Even if it was only to get something he wanted at first.

It was manipulative. Considering how their last meeting had gone, he felt like he was within his right to do so. The Goddess of the Harvest wasn't above the tactic herself, though seemed to keep it toned down with Hadie.

Manipulation was still manipulation.

All Gods were guilty of it, including his parents. Mal, Uma, and himself were no exception.

Maybe one day…but I'm not ready yet.

Hadie…remember… I never let her keep you away from the Isle, right?

As his mother spoke, the memory of the second, and last, previous time he had met with Demeter sparked into his mind. Persephone had ruled it 'less than a disaster as the first time', but it was so awkward and tense, filled with reluctant feelings before the day had even begun, that it was doomed to fail.

They'd returned, as promised, one last time before Hadie would return for the last trimester of school was set to begin. Hadie stayed for less than thirty minutes. They'd gone shortly after breakfast, so that they didn't need to be rude leaving mid-meal. The Godling was only tagging along, in one part for the meeting, and to otherwise stay alongside his mother so he wasn't left to his own devices at the apartment.

Going in with negative opinions never helps anyone. The meeting was doomed to fail the moment Persephone and her son appeared, as neither could keep uninterested or displeased looks off their faces when they appeared on the Farms.

Conversation was tense. Hadie watched closely, unable to hide his curiosity as he watched the Goddesses work and direct nymphs. He'd only gotten to see his mother work on little things yet that most Gods could do. Teleportation, telekinesis…This time, it would be within her full domain. With a deep breath, eyes glowing, Persephone raised her hands. Her Aura sprang outward, glowing brightly. Fields designated to patches of seasonal flowers, vegetables and the fruit orchards he had seen last time jumped into bloom.

From tilled dirt sprouted green and purple vines. The last vestiges of snow melting away as Persephone called forth the full brunt of Spring. Only some of the fields burst full of bounty, straining with the weight of the latest harvest to support the exports for Gods and mortals alike with seasonal goods.

While Demeter's farms were the only land to grow anything and everything no matter the season, the family liked to respect the balance by only providing each season's traditional bounty. Only allowing all harvestables in the Autumn while the rest was prepared for Winter.

Though the energy was strained, it appeared as if everyone were walking on tightropes, being overly polite and cautious so as to not set any of the gods off. Until the idle, meaningless conversation turned into something that caused Persephone to snap.

"—going back to our normal agreement, I can keep Hadie with me—"

"Absolutely not."

Persephone whipped around, levelling an intense glare at her mother.

"I'm not going back to coming and going every six months. Not when that leaves my son and daughter alone in Auradon."

"They won't be alone—"

"I'm not leaving them with you, Gods knows Mal doesn't want to meet you still. I'm not leaving them in the hands of the other Gods. I'm not leaving them without parental support, whether that means me or Hades," the glow around Persephone intensified, her brown locks waving in a nonexistent wind. As the nymphs scattered, Hadie instead stepped closer trusting that even in her anger, content that his mother would never hurt him.

"And I'm certainly not leaving them in the hands of Auradon as it is evident no matter the strength of Mal's friends, they are still only children that adults can take advantage of. I have confirmed with King Ben that I have his permission to come and go freely 'so long as any of my children need me'. Whether Zeus agrees or not, though it will be finalized by getting his signature, is no longer relevant because he constantly denied my petitions by saying only the High King could make decisions regarding the Isle."

"If this was so important, why didn't you go to the High King when Hadie was born? We've been stonewalled by Zeus for a decade now, why now and not before?"

"I tried to! I sent a missive, official applications, inquiries to meet with the High King and Queen personally, only to be ignored!"

"And you'd allow them to slight you?"

"I'm not in a position to throw my title around, or yours. The Gods are one thing, they understand the balance. The single meeting I had with King Beast before Hades was moved to the Isle proved he has absolutely no clue what he was doing trying to interfere with our business."

"It's in the past now anyways," Demeter sighed, distractedly rubbing her eyes. "Only choice it to keep moving forward despite unfortunate events."

"Also, mom?" Hadie tugged slightly on Persephone's sleeve.

"Sorry, sweetie, what is it?" Persephone took a calming breath, turning to kneel next to her son.

"Your moods have altered the crops."

"Oh, Styx!" Persephone leaped up, looking around. Indeed, some of the plants had dried and crumbled as if winter returned, while others grew wild and dangerous with unusual thorns. With another pulse of her magic, the crops returned to a healthy state.

"Nothing to it at least," smirked Persephone. "Let's go, Hadie."

"What? You can't leave already!" Demeter screeched. "You're supposed to stay with me all of Spring, you can't just keep coming and going, Persephone!"

"Our agreement is that for the first day of Spring, I must return to you. I return to Hades after six months to appease the Underworld's Law. Neither point declares that I must stay the entirety with one or the other," Persephone firmly announced as she took Hadie by the shoulder, barely giving her mother a glance. "I stayed with you for the full of Spring by choice, and you never had complaints for me being gone for Summers, assisting on occasion."

"You go off maintaining your husband's investments," sneered Demeter. "Instead of remaining here where you belong. I don't know why you have stayed loyal to that villain. That cheater! Didn't you swear he wasn't like his brothers? I warned you, and still, you don't listen to your mother."

"This isn't about him!" Persephone snarled. "I'm a mother, too, now!"

"Persephone—" Demeter paused.

"No, I've heard enough out of you. Get it through your head, that out of all the things I learned from you, it isn't about the Earth or the Seasons. It's about protecting my children."

"Mom?" Hadie hesitated, hand tightening his grasp upon her sleeve. "We should just go now…Your Auras are getting to be a bit much. Not just for me."

The nymphs had continued to retreat as both Goddesses' Auras flared. Hadie could barely hold onto his mom's sleeve as the power blew around. He had no clue how to use his own magic to keep himself grounded, and could only do all that he could to hold onto his mom's sleeve.

With a gasp, Persephone reached across and pulled Hadie towards herself to hold him close. Her magic fell across him like a soft sweater.

"I'll see you tomorrow, mother," sniffed Persephone, continuing to hold Hadie tight as if he were small again, despite him not being two feet shorter than her anymore. "Let me be clear. Hadie will not be returning the Farms until I feel you can respect my decisions."

"Persephone, wait!"

Hadie glanced up at his grandmother speaking to an additional nymph atop the steps as the memory faded. The last thing he had seen before flowers had filled his vision, had been the elder Goddess' look of genuine regret.

I know, mom. Hadie thought, ultimately withdrawing from the mind link.

"I don't think I've ever seen anyone think that hard since your dad left."

"Ah, Uncle Po-Po!" Hadie jumped, having not noticed the God of the Seas' approach.

"Meeting looks like it's got another hour before we start," Poseidon smiled. "Have any plans while we talk boring shop?"

"To keep an eye on my sister." It wasn't a total lie, but it was better than admitting he was still going to try to slip away.

"Hmm," Poseidon looked at him out the side of his eyes. "I've known your father for my entire life, lad. You don't have his penchant for lying yet."

"Huh?" Hadie replied intelligently.

"How about we go over to the Olympic pools? Or a chariot ride? My new seahorses have some major zip!"

"I don't…know how to swim," Hadie awkwardly looked down.

"I'm not surprised," Poseidon quietly said. "Your father avoids water if he can help it."

"You said my dad 'left'," growled Hadie, his eyes still downcast. "As if he had a choice."

"He did," smirked Poseidon. "Well, I don't have time to teach you how to swim today, so how about we go flying or wave riding? I can promise you won't fall off, and even if you fall into water, you won't drown. It's not fun to go under of course, so I'll be sure to pull you out ASAP."

"Wait, don't just change the subject! What do you mean head a choice?"

"Nah, story for when you're older I guess," Poseidon waved a hand.

"Ugh, whatever," pouted Hadie. "So…wave riding?"

I said not to leave Olympus, Hadie.

Eh, mom?!

You're not the only one that knows how to lurk.

"Sorry, Uncle Po-Po," grumbled Hadie. "Mom said I'm not to leave Olympus."

"Let me reach out to her! Surely, she'd be alright trusting you with me for a short while."

"Yeah, good luck with that," Hadie rolled his eyes. His mom might've complained that he, his sister and father were the most stubborn people she knew, but he believed she was just as stubborn as the rest of them. How else would she have continued to defy her own family?

Poseidon shook his head a moment later. "I guess another time, kiddo," he said, reaching over to ruffle Hadie's hair. "She indeed said no."

"Go figure, and no touchy!" Hadie hopped back, shaking his hair back into place.

"Ha, you really do take after your old man," Poseidon chuckled. "He hated it when I knocked his flames out. Couldn't stand the cold of being bald."

"Bald?" Hadie's face twisted into one of confusion. "Dad's not bald."

"Oh? Did his hair grow back? He had a hard time keeping whatever growth he could get because he couldn't control his fire. Rage, that is."

"Guess he just needed the barrier," snarked Hadie. "Yeah, he's got more hair than I do."

His uncle smirked at some untold joke, then made to move away from the shadows Hadie sat within.

"I guess I'll leave you to sulk in your dark corner alone, then," Poseidon grinned. "Oh, and fair warning! Don't bother with the gates. Try all you want, but it's not like you could get down."

"I don't get it, what's the big deal?"

"Humor me kid. You get out the gate, and then what?" Poseidon chuckled from over his shoulder.

"Huh? I can just take the stairs, can't I?"

This time, Poseidon's chuckle was much darker. "The stairs leading up to the gate, from the bridge? That's it. The bridge leads to where we park our chariots. Those are the only way in or out of Olympus; Chariot or Teleportation.

"See ya, kid!"

Hadie stared after Poseidon in shock.

'Deep breaths, deep breaths,' Hadie chanted. 'Don't blow up.'

He didn't need to draw attention by throwing a fireball, even in a world of clouds, but internally screaming just wasn't as fun.

Pouting, brow narrowed, Hadie returned to the gate and stared out. It was like Poseidon said, now that he focused further down the stairs. The clouds disappeared towards the edges, revealing rock or sky. In the distance, he could make out various chariots parked, with a few attendants for the animals.

He sat on the inner steps and glared. 'Darn, Uncle Po was telling the truth.'

Unfortunately, Apollo decided it was his turn to interrupt.

'As if I'm interested in hanging out with him,' Hadie rolled his eyes. 'Piss mom off, you piss all of us off. Mal's my full sister, no matter what anyone says. Not Audrey, not Apollo, no one!'

Instead of a reprieve, a different God appeared shortly after the other's attempt. This time, it was Hermes.

That's how, not even five minutes later, Hadie found himself in an odd-looking lab showing Hermes how he learned to make smoke bombs from Mal.

"We're able to make a lot of these now, since we found alternatives to Lady Tremaine's shop," Hadie explained as he shuffled through the lab's supplies. "We would use the canister pods from her empty cans to create the mechanism, but also to add the different colors with whatever dyes she had on hand."

"Well, we don't have any hair shop stuff, unless we feel like breaking into Aphrodite's quarters," Hermes added. "But word of advice kid? Don't. Her wrath ain't worth it."

"Noted," nodded Hadie. "Luckily, if the weather wasn't great, Mal and I experimented at home. They don't stain as much, sadly, but it still does the job…If Hestia will let us take some stuff from the kitchen pantry."

"Whatcha need?"

"Food dye, baking soda, vinegar. I think I heard you could do something with potassium, but I can't recall off the top of my head. Oh, and balloons or small, easily breakable fabric or cartridges to hold it together till it bursts on impact."

"Sounds easy enough, let me check if I can't swipe some from Hessy," Hermes piped up.

"Hessy? That doesn't sound like something Hestia would normally respond to," Hadie said dryly.

"Not wrong!" chuckled Hermes. "Which is why, don't use it in her presence. I just like to mess with the other Gods too much. And not to brag, but I'm a bit too valuable for them to do anything about it except a slap on the wrist."

Hadie just stared at Hermes.

"Woo, tough crowd, eh?" Hermes chuckled again. "Be right back with those ingredients, kid."

Shaking his head, Hadie searched for some pen and paper while Hermes zoomed away. The pen had barely touched the paper when Hermes returned, arms overloaded with bags of ingredients.

"Alright, where do we start?"

"Gimme a minute, I was going to write the ratios to double check. I'd rather avoid anything blowing up in our face, even if these are the safer alternatives."

"Aw, but fucking up with explosions is half the fun!"

"…500 drachma or I'm telling mom you said a really bad swear in front of me."

"Oof, you drive a hard bargain."

"What can I say, I love to watch mom work."

"Two hundred, and I'll teach you a few of my own tricks as the God of Thieves and Mischief."

"Hermes?"

"Yeah, kid?"

"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Chapter Text

"This tripwire stuff is great!"

Hadie gently pulled at the nearly invisible string shimmering in his hands. The moment Hermes had learned that the Isle kids just lobbed the bombs at their targets and scrambled, never really setting real traps, the God of Tricksters had pulled out one of his favorite supplies.

"Some of the oldest, best stuff around, kid," Hermes grinned. "Never go anywhere without some."

"Where can I get it?" Hadie asked as he carefully tied up one of the smoke bombs the way Hermes had shown him earlier.

"Consider this spool a gift, kid, but I don't need your mom seeing you got much more on you or she'll know how to pin the blame on."

"True, summer break is almost on us so I can't hide any contraband at the dorm."

"You staying at Demeter's, or does your sister have a place for you?" Hermes asked as he tied up a string of smoke bombs between a pair of columns.

"What do you mean?" the Godling's brows furrowed as he titled his head in confusion.

"Your mom doesn't exactly have a base of operations as far as I know," tutted Hermes. "She plays diplomat in the summer with the other pantheons, so we don't see her as often as she's out travelling. Though I know Steph's got permission to go back and forth between the Isle now, that still leaves you, since she told me you can't go back to the Isle yet."

"Oh, yeah…" Hadie hesitated. He forgot that even his mom's closest friends didn't know about the apartment in Auradon. "I think I'm mostly visiting friends. Otherwise, I'm primarily staying with Mal at Ben's when I'm not with mom."

"I'm sure you'd be welcome to stay up here or your grandmother's, if you'd like," said Hermes. "Besides, I bet I've got a place you'd like up here."

"Yeah?"

"Absolutely! I'll show you as soon as our trap has been sprung," Hermes grinned mischievously. "Now follow me, we've got one more spot we need to set these up."

"Lead the way, Hermes!" said Hadie excitedly, gathering up the last few smoke bombs.

A few minutes later, Hadie happily lounged across a cloud. A bowl of grapes laid between him and Hermes, the pair munching away as they patiently waited for their victim to appear.

"Oop, there he is," whispered Hermes, flipping onto his stomach. "Trap one, ready to snap."

They had spread out the smoke bombs across key places Hermes knew Zeus was often around in order to maximize their chance of hitting the God. If they hit one of the other Gods? Well, Hadie wasn't picky at the moment, and Hermes would take the heat anyways.

Zeus was far less intimidating from an above view, Hadie decided.

'And is that a bald spot?' Hadie snickered to himself. An elbow from Hermes had the Godling refocus. 'Closer…closer…'

A sound similar to a pillow hitting someone erupted as a falling smoke bomb exploded on contact. Bright blue clouds filled the air, followed by purple, encapsulated the white-haired God of the skies.

"Who dares—?!" Zeus' coughing filled the air as he waved a hand to clear the smoke from his vision. The God looked around, head swiveling in hopes to catch a culprit. Only for a gold and another blue smoke bomb to get him right in the face.

"Quick, let's move to the next spot," Hermes quietly said, grabbing Hadie by the arm and flying off above the clouds, staying out of sight. "He still has to pass through another trap to get towards the rotunda."

Hadie grinned at the idea of getting Zeus twice.

A few minutes later, the smoke wiped from his eyes, they spotted Zeus approaching. Stepping right into the hidden wire.

POOF! Another cloud filled the air, mixed of orange, purple and blue. In the throes of another coughing fit, Zeus once again missed Hermes and Hadie zoom away.

Giggling alongside Hermes, Hadie sighed happily. 'The only thing that would've made it better,' he wished, 'is if mom and dad had let me get a phone already, so I could've taken a picture.'

'Or…' Hadie grinned mischievously, 'I can just do it again and have mom and dad lurking if I get the chance again.'

"Alright, let's skedaddle, kid," Hermes said. "I've got that meeting to go to, so let's drop you off at Athena's where you can hopefully hang out for the afternoon."

"Athena's?" said Hadie, taken aback. "I don't need to be babysat!"

"What're you talking about? You'll just be hanging in her stretch of the clouds. She's gotta go to the meeting too," Hermes tutted. "If she lets you that is."

"Let's me?" asked Hadie. "Look, if I shouldn't be there, I can just go hang out with Hestia again. She was asking if I could bake with her while I waited for Mal or mom to come back."

"Fair enough, but I'm sure you'd rather get Athena to let you hang out at her pad," chuckled Hermes. "You can hang with Hestia another time."

"I guess it'd be cool to see what different weapons she's got, I figured she'd have a collection like Ares…"

"Oh, no, kid, I'm not about to leave you alone with anything sharp!" Hermes grimaced. "Nah, this is a different kind of weapon, you could say…"

As Hermes led the giddy Godling further away from the crime scene, Hadie couldn't get rid of the feeling that he might've forgotten something. Until the sight of their destination distracted him.

The pair approached a towering door, gilded with silver and gold. Images were twisted in the façade of the metals, of war and art. The most prominent of which was of the Goddess of Wisdom and War herself, spear in hand, shield at foot, as one hand held an open book. As they drew closer, the doors slowly opened. There was no audible sound, but Hadie could feel the air change as the heavy doors moved.

"Did you need something, Hermes?" Athena's voice was a sharp drawl, though not unkind in tone. Simply powerful with grace. The goddess herself was relaxed upon a klinē, an owl roosting next to her at the headrest, as she perused a book aloft in one hand. "If you're here to fetch me for the meeting, I'm aware it starts soon. I'm not totally embroiled in my studies this time."

"Nah, just wanted to ask if it's alright for Hadie to chill out amongst your collection while we're discussing the latest shenanigans," Hermes explained, pushing Hadie forward.

"Ah, yes, Persephone did mention her son was a bit of a…what do the mortals say these days? Bookworm?" Athena's hooded eyes stared piercingly at Hadie, as unblinking as the owl next to her. "Would it keep you from trying to sneak off the mountain, young Godling?"

"It might," Hadie smirked, though his eyes betrayed his shyness.

Athena raised an imperious brow. With a snap of her book, she stood.

"So be it." Her voice boomed. "Do not cross the blue line. I will know. Maybe when you're older and have earned my trust and blessing, may I allow you to see the more intensive readings."

Hadie perked up. Forbidden books? Now he felt things were getting interesting.

'Though Athena is definitely one of the ones to not anger. I'll have to see how I can gain her favor,' plotted. Looking down at the floor, he found the glowing blue line Athena spoke of. 'Neat. It's actually pretty far out. Plenty to explore still.'

"Thank you, Lady Athena," spoke Hadie, an excited grin breaking free. "I feel honored just to see your collection with my own eyes."

'Best to play safe until I learn more about her.'

"Oh? Are you a studious godling, young Hadie?"

"Mom, uh, mother, likes to say I go through my books to quickly. That I'm a monster if I get bored. I always say I would be in less trouble if I had new things to read. Fiction, nonfiction, I love them both!"

Hadie bit his tongue as he felt himself began to ramble in excitement. Next to him, Hermes smirked, nudging him with encouragement as Athena moved close.

"Good luck kid," Hermes snickered before zooming off.

"Is that so? We'll have to find time to discuss where you're at in your studies," Athena mused. "I pray that you are up to the challenge."

"I look forward to the opportunity, Lady Athena," Hadie grinned, politely bowing his head as he stepped to the side.

"Enjoy the materials, young Hadie," Athena waved as she turned to join the meeting. "Glaukopis?"

The owl on her shoulder 'who'd' in response.

"You shall stay and keep watch, alert me if he strays, will you?"

Hadie eyed Glaukopis curiously, as the owl fluttered to a gilded stand in one corner, but let the owl be once Athena left.

Alone at last, minus one owl, Hadie stood at a crossroads of decisions. Did he enact his search to escape Olympus, damn the consequences? Or fall into the trap Hermes and Athena had set, of a world of books open for his enjoyment?

His eyes lit with a mischievous fire. There was no way he could pass up access to the library of the literal Goddess of Wisdom. With a twitch of an eye, and a shiver up the spine, Hadie turned towards the towers of shelves. Books. Scrolls. Collections of loose-leaf parchment. It was time to get happily lost within a dream.

The chthonic godling struck out on the first few cases of shelves. There, heavy scrolls with only a few books placed amongst them were all in an Ancient Greek script Hadie wasn't fluent enough to decipher. From the little bit he could, they appeared to be history texts, or treaties, but he wasn't entirely sure.

'Not really interested in that at the moment anyways,' Hadie thought to himself as he carefully combed through the shelves, one by one, in order to catalog the room and avoid missing anything. 'Oh, hello.'

A large bookcase, still old enough to be cluttered with scrolls, also had a good number of books alongside. The table next to it seemed to consist of similar topics, though in the form of pictures and schematics. On the shelf below the table, and beautifully displayed on racks on an alcove tucked, hidden by the large, towering frame of the bookcase, were physical examples of the subject that caught Hadie's attention.

Weapons.

His eyes gleamed at the sight of the polished metal, in shapes and styles he'd never knew existed. A treasure trove of dangerous artifacts lay before him, with the ones on the table most definitely not secured away from his troublesome plotting.

Plotting that was shut down by the disappointed voice of his mother as a hypnotized hand slowly reached out to touch one of the blades. Though he wasn't sure why her voice was emanating in his mind's eye in the shape of a cricket in a top hat complete with cane. A loud 'hoo' errupted from Glaukopis, the wide-eyed bird flapping his wings irritatedly.

"Yeah, yeah...no touchy," Hadie sighed, running the near guilty hand through his blue locks. "Do you think your mistress would be up to showing me one day? I'd love to learn."

He wasn't sure why he expected to get any information back other than another 'hoo'.

"Alright, stick to reading, got it," Hadie nodded with resignment, grabbing an intricately designed book titled The Art of War and another called Cultural Weapons through the Ages. Cradling them carefully in his arms, Hadie made his way to a cushy looking chair to begin his reading in earnest.

A small slip of paper fell out as he opened the first pages of The Art of War, written in characters he recognized as similar to those as the notes Lonnie got from her parents. The only part he could read was the Greek penmanship that labelled the book as a gift 'To Athena'. With care, Hadie made sure to tuck the note back under the cover as he got comfortable on the chair. Feet tucked beneath himself, Hadie began to lose himself to the first few chapters of the book.

He forgot all about his plan to spy and check on Mal again. The Godling had been so enraptured with his finds, distracted by the rabbit hole of research for each question that popped up, that it wasn't until his studies were interrupted that he realized several hours had passed.

"I was surprised to hear you'd taken up refuge in Athena's room."

Hadie looked up in surprise at the sound of his mother's voice.

"Mom!" Hadie gleefully said, leaping up to his feet. He rushed over to her, book still in hand.

"I should've known you'd be found where knowledge was to be had," Persephone smiled, pulling her son into a brief hug.

"You're back sooner than I'd thought," he said with a smile. "Is everything okay with Mal? Did they catch Freddy?"

"Soon?" Persephone raised a confused brow towards her son. "Love, it's been hours. Have the books distracted you that much?"

"What?" Hadie reddened, his mind going blank as he registered Persephone's words.

Persephone smiled softly, reaching out to brush his bangs out of his eyes.

"Mal is fine, managing to catch both perpetrators with Uma and Macaria's help in the end thankfully. Even managed to do it without turning into a dragon, again."

"I thought you weren't against her thing with dragons?"

"I'm not, but it was tied to her emotions the first couple times and I don't want that becoming habit where she does it out of nowhere at the slightest inconvenience." Persephone explained. "She proved today that she's capable of different strategies without falling back into her dragon form."

"Not to mention animal forms, are just that, animals." Athena appeared behind Persephone, joining the mother and son, Hermes floating lazily beside her. "Animal forms are basic, and if not properly controlled with that in mind, can easily go rampart based on instinct and emotion. Luckily Malinda has always had a focus and isn't used to magic enough to keep the form prolonged once the mission is fulfilled."

"It's why a good chunk of us aren't known for shapeshifting," Hermes said. "It's not that we aren't capable, but just like any magic, it's finicky at best."

"Yes, well," began Persephone, "while the capture is complete, there are still some legal processes to go through tonight, emergency council trails and all that. So, I would like to ask if you're okay with staying the night here on Olympus? Or with Herkie at his family's home? Though I'll need to contact his parents first to make sure it's okay, so don't get your hopes up on that yet."

"Could I go to Herkie's?" grinned Hadie. "Oh, please ask! The school said we might be roommates next year since there's only supposed to be two to a room anyways and the arrangement with Harry and Jay was only meant for my first term, and Hyllus graduated, so Herkie doesn't have a roommate anymore and his strength is still a concern and—"

"Hermes?" Persephone interrupted her son, shaking her head in amusement. "Do you mind running down to Hercules and asking it it's okay for Hadie to stay the night?"

"Not at all, Steph, be back in a few!"

"Thanks Hermes!" Persephone called after the blue blur, already long gone by first word. "And thank you for letting Hadie explore your library, Athena."

"I'm glad to indulge a fellow knowledge seeker," said Athena. "May I ask what caught your eye in particular?"

She motioned towards the book in Hadie's hands.

"This? I saw your assortment of weapons—I didn't touch anything though!" Hadie hastily added at the squint from his mother. Mumbling under his breath, he added: "Glaukopis wouldn't let me."

"I think your mother would prefer a trainer with thumbs over my spoiled owl," Athena said good-naturedly. "So instead of playing with the sharp things, you managed to settle on something at least."

"Yeah, this strategy book by Sun Tzu is pretty interesting," Hadie held the book out to its owner. "There are a few notes in there I couldn't read though. I can sort of read the Greek, so I know it was a gift to you."

"An excellent choice of reading material," Athena gave an appraising look towards Persephone, an odd smile on the Goddess of Wisdom's lips as she took the book. "And yes, the book was a gift from someone who ascended sometime after the original was written, but found it a pertinent one considering he also become considered a deity of war. Guan Yu is his name. Part of the Jade Pantheon, or Chinese if you will."

"I thought the characters looked familiar," said Hadie. "I know Mulan's daughter, so it makes sense that she knows her family's language too, like how mom and dad want to make sure I learn ours."

"It's important to know where one comes from," Athena nodded. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get some sleep. Do let me know next time you'd like to visit my library, Hadie."

"I will! Thank you again for letting me stay, Lady Athena."

"Athena is fine young one," she waved a hand tiredly. "We're family, after all."

"Goodnight, Athena," Persephone said cheerfully, taking her son by the shoulders to steer him through the doors, Hadie waving in turn.

"Goodnight, both of you," Athena returned, closing her doors behind them as Glaukopis, 'hoo'd' brightly, eyes glowing bright in the dimming evening light.

"Have you eaten yet?" asked Persephone, leading them back down the hall towards the main courtyard. "If you've been that distracted since the meeting started, you must be famished. Dinner on Olympus is usually held about an hour or two ago."

"I'm not aware of anyone coming to get me, so no, I haven't eaten yet," Hadie shrugged.

Persephone hmphed in displeasure at the idea of her son being forgotten. He'd already missed meals on the Isle, and he would not miss any now that he was in Auradon if she could help it.

A bluster of wind whipped around them as Hermes reappeared.

"Herc and Meg says it won't be a prob, babe. Just give them a bit to set up the guest room—"

"Hermes, did no one fetch Hadie when dinner service was prepared?" Persephone glared at her cousin.

"Your mother and I both tried!" protested Hermes. "No offense Hadie, but you were clueless to the world. Athena's owl even landed on your head and you barely even blinked. Proof!"

Hermes whipped out an instant film square. Lo and behold, there was Hermes, throwing up a peace sign as he posed in front of an oblivious, reading Hadie with an owl on his head and Demeter looking nonplussed in the background.

Persephone snorted back a laugh as she took the photo.

"May I have this?" she asked, throwing her son an amused glance. Hadie blushed.

"Not a problem," smirked Hermes. "I think Hestia packed up the leftovers, so you'll find them in the kitchens if you want to eat what we've got here."

"Knowing her cooking? I think Hadie would be happy to have some, leftovers or not."

"I'm not as picky as most kids," shrugged Hadie. "Unless it's bitter. I hate most bitter things."

"Oh Gods, does he ever," muttered Persephone. "He despises zucchini, and that's a family staple. Hades has to fry any of the more bitter vegetables I bring back. Okra is possibly the worst offender."

"Blech. Okra." Hadie stuck his tongue out in disgust. "Fruits are okay, like lemons! I just avoid the white bits. But cranberries? I'd rather take them raw and use 'em as ammo back on the Isle."

"I'd wondered where they'd been going, your father likes them but could never figure out where his supply was going," Persephone gave Hadie a stern look, the godling whistling innocently despite giving himself away. "He's been blaming Pain and Panic."

"Eh, he'll blame them for anything," said Hadie as they made their ways to the kitchen. "Dad could trip on the stairs, imagine a rock was there or something and yell at them for not sweeping that morning. As if we don't live in a cave and maybe it fell from the ceiling."

"Thank immortality you don't need to watch Hades' blood pressure, ay Steph?" Hermes jokingly nudged Persephone. The Goddess could only sigh in exasperation.

"I thank Gaea every day that Zeus didn't punish Hades by making him mortal," Persephone quietly said. "He likely would've spontaneously combusted before it'd finish draining him of his power."

"Heyyyy, Hestia!" Hermes loudly greeted as they entered the kitchens, quickly ending the depressing turn of topic. Hadie stared wide eyed in alarm between his mother and elder cousin, the two Gods purposely looking far too interested in the baking Hestia had going on. "Whatcha got going there, evening dessert? I thought your date and ice cream cookies were delicious enough!"

Hestia raised a suspicious brow at the interrupting party.

"I'm just making some orange and rosewater custard..." she said slowly, stirring a pot over a low flame. "It's for tomorrow, so I need to let it set overnight."

"Mmm, shame," Persephone sighed, a smile plastered on her face. "It smells wonderful. Even if you haven't added the spices yet."

"Oh yes, it's actually about time to add them, if you'd like to grab them for me, dear? You know the ones."

Hadie's nervous confusion faded as a real smile took its place in Persephone's expression. The Goddess brightly stepped towards the pantry, coming back with handfuls of spice bottles.

"Come here and help, Hadie," said Persephone. Nearby, a clattering of noises as Hermes dug through the fridge, piling up a plate of leftovers for Hadie's late dinner.

"Do you remember?" asked Hestia.

"Of course," replied Persephone, carefully measuring the spices out and handing them to her son to slowly add to the swirling pot. "I was about Hadie's age when mother finally deemed me responsible enough to leave her side. Despite having a home here, she always kept us on the farms, so I think even the very first time I got to be on my own up here was with you, helping make this very treat. Though we had a very different kitchen setup some hundred or so years ago."

"What, not a thousand?" snarked Hadie as he tossed in a handful of chopped rosemary. He got a light whack on the head for his words.

"That's all the spices, why don't you go dig into dinner while I help Hestia finish this up," Persephone shook her head and pushed Hadie towards a low table in the back corner with cushions littered around it. "Hermes, any word from Hercules yet?"

"No, not yet," Hadie heard Hermes say as the boy dug into the newly warmed plate of moussaka, pita and tzatziki on the side. "He said he or one of his boys would send up a quick beseech to let me know."

"Not over the link?" Hadie asked, swallowing thickly before Persephone could scold him with more than a glance.

"Do you know how many would have access to my link if I kept it open? I use that for emergencies only," grumbled Hermes. "It's already 'Hermes go fetch this', 'Hermes go tell that', 'Hermes, where's my thunderbolts', never 'Hey Hermes, wanna go to that cool concert?' or 'Hey Hermes, a neat food joint opened up, wanna go chug wine and devour food till dawn or we vomit whichever comes first?'."

"Ahem."

"Which I always say no to that last one because that's irresponsible and I would never do that," Hermes amended quickly as both Hestia and Persephone suddenly seemed far more threatening than normal. "I would instead prefer showing someone how to steal Apollo's cattle again. He never catches me no matter how many times I've pulled that old trick."

"Oooh, tell, tell!" Hadie excitedly said, paying rapt attention as Hermes began to spin a tale of when he was young, far younger than Hadie was.

An hour later, Hadie found himself standing nervously on the receiving hill of Hercules' acres of land.

'It's not like it's my first time here, but let's be honest Hads,' the Godling monologued to himself. 'We were only here for a brief bit before heading to the family Islands that one weekend.'

The earth quake, reminding Hadie of one other 'small' detail that he'd forgotten.

"Oh crap, I forgot, mom there's something you should know—"

"Hello, Kerberos."

To Hadie's surprise, the ginormous hound flomped to a halt just before he reached the top of the hill, laying his heads down at their feet.

"Have you been a good boy, boy, boy, for Hercules?" Persephone asked, patting each head as the oversized dog whined. Cerberus' tail slammed repeatedly into the earth, the thwomps echoing from the forest to the mountains in the distance.

"You knew?!" Hadie gaped at his mother.

"Of course?" laughed Persephone. "Your father hasn't asked me to do any digging after the beast, but if he ever did, I would tell him the truth. He was always so anti-Auradon until the last few months, I decided not to tell him otherwise. Hercules offered to look after him when Zeus...'rearranged' the Underworld all those years ago, so I simply took him up on the offer."

"So, if dad were to ask while I just happened to be around...?"

"Tell him if you so wish," shrugged Persephone.

"Are you coming down or what? Or do you just plan to take back your dog, never to be seen again?"

"Herkie!" Hadie shouted, losing his step as he tried to make his way down the hill due to Cerberus' quakes. He felt himself roll several times before slamming into his cousin.

"Oof!"

"Oh my, are you two alright?" gasped Persephone, vines quickly reaching out to grab the pair of Godlings before they tumbled further. The Goddess herself was held fast by a large, white petaled crocus; one hand was pressed firmly against Cerberus, her experience as one of his masters calming him from causing shakes any further.

"Knocked my noggin, but I'll be alright," groaned Hadie. "How 'bout you, Herk?"

"Just learning to breathe again," wheezed Herkie.

"Sorry."

"Not...your fault..."

"Υασσασ!"

"Υασσου, 'Ερκουλες."

"It's sounds like it's been a tiring day, thank you for trusting me with Hadie tonight," Hercules said as he approached Persephone.

"Yes, and the day's not over yet," Persephone sighed. "Thank you, I'll be back in the morning, if not by lunch to pick him up depending on how things go."

"He's family, no matter what," Hercules shrugged, smiling awkwardly. "He's welcome to stay anytime, how long as he likes. We've certainly got the space."

"I appreciate that," Persephone said in return, though her own smile seemed a bit forlorn in contrast. Her demeanor changed to a serious one just as quickly as she snapped her fingers. A small bag appeared in her hand. "Pajamas, a change of clothes, and a toothbrush for Hadie. Oh, and some emergency money if he needs it."

"I've got plenty of that, no worries," Hercules said, taking the bag.

"I'm sure, but I'm quite positive Hades has much more going mostly unused," Persephone said with no small amount of amusement. "Hadie!"

"Yeah, mom?" Hadie clambered over Cerberus' paw.

"I need to head out. You be on your best behavior, you hear me?"

"Yes, mama," Hadie gave her wide, innocent eyes. The Goddess spotted Herkie grinning out of the corner of her eyes.

"May the Fates keep Olympus standing," she sighed. "I mean it, Hadie. I'll see you tomorrow."

With a kiss planted on her mischievous son's head and another thanks towards Hercules, Persephone's flower glowed. When the bright light faded, both flower and goddess were gone, leaving Cerberus to whine once more.

"Couple hours before bedtime," Hercules said to the two boys as he climbed atop of the three headed dog. "I'm taking Cerberus to his shelter, but go ahead and take Hadie inside and show him around Herkie."

"Aye, aye, pops!" Herkie crowed before grabbing Hadie by the arm and yanking him towards the classical villa down the other side of the hill.

"Come on, Hadie, you're staying in the room next to mine!"

Chapter Text

Rooster crows broke through Eos' soothing light. Snores of the largest Cerberus on earth quaked the house as the giant beast opted to sleep outside of the young boys' rooms rather than his usual burrow. Hadie stretched as he sat up in the guest bedroom Megara had set him up in. Twisting his sides back and forth, he slid out from the bed and swapped his comfy grey-blue pajamas for a pair dark blue jeans and a grey tank for the imminent sunny day. He tossed on a thin flannel, left unbutton, in expectation of the spring chills that still occasionally appeared.

Socks tucked into his pocket, and toothbrush in hand, Hadie stepped still somewhat sleepily towards the bathroom. Quickly, he brushed his teeth and relieved himself in the facility before returning to his room to put away his belongings for when his mom would come back to pick him up.

With ease due to how little he'd brought over, he zipped up his bag and plopped it in a corner. Following his nose as delightful smells wafted up from downstairs. Exiting the room once more, Hadie ran into Herkie as his cousin, too, left his room for food.

"Please don't mention my room to anyone at school."

Hadie blinked blearily at a blushing Herkie as they made their way down to breakfast. They'd gotten to stay up a couple hours past their bedtime due to the impromptu sleepover and excitement. It helped that it was the start of the weekend. Considering all the drama on top of that, thankfully it meant Mal and Ben would have time to process everything without having to worry about school.

Still, he hadn't expected his cousin's first words of the morning to be that.

"I won't, it's none of my business," shrugged Hadie. "Though, reminder that you did offer to have everyone over during summer break."

"I'm planning to update it," sighed Herkie, his blush fading. "I admire my dad, but...it feels like such a little kid room now that I'm not in a place that practically worships the air my dad breathes. Plus, most of it was gifted and it just feels like a constant reminder of what I have to live up to."

"But…you don't have to live up to his legacy, you're his son, not a carbon copy," Hade pointed out. "I'm only half Hades, like you're half Hercules, we can only be ourselves. If we were, I don't think anyone could comprehend the fact that we're friends, less than they already do."

"True that," Herkie snorted. "I still can't believe that someone tried to tell us we can't be friends, just because our parents weren't exactly besties. As you said, we're not them. Besides that, we're still related. Our family already hates each other on and off, but that's basically our normal."

"Who said this? It wasn't Aaron or Devon was it? I thought they'd finally laid off."

"Eh, some nondescript character who bears no need of naming. I think their parents are one of the general noble populaces with no real power amongst the kingdoms. But yeah, I think it was Carmin or Zal, someone who was part of their group of sheep.,"

"Someone bothering you two at school?" Hercules frowned at the two boys as they entered the dining area.

"I don't think you'd understand," sighed Herkie. Hadie only responded to his pseudo-Uncle with a nonplussed look and shrug as the youngest godling began piling a plate. "Legendary, popular Hero of Greece and all."

"Trust me, I had a lot of my own bullies growing up," Hercules muttered as he fixed himself a cup of caffeine.

"Really?" Herkie frowned.

"Not everyone believed I was a son of Zeus," Hercules shrugged, carefully swirling a spoon to mix his coffee. "And many would only remember when it was convenient for themselves, but otherwise go out of their way to make my life an embarrassment. I was clumsy as it was, but they made my teenage years more torturous than any real monster."

"Oh, those types," grimaced Herkie. They'd dealt with 'those' often enough in Greece. It had been part of why the family had left to take the offer to represent their slice of the union of Auradon. "No, no one so difficult. There are a few kids who act like they should run the world, but if you're referencing that Adonis dude who you ranted about when he became King of Thrace, there's no one with that kind of inheritance to be more than a bothersome fly."

"There's always a few in a good bunch. No sheep at least, I hope?" the retired hero took a seat across from the boys.

"Only amongst the upper years it seems," Hadie said tiredly, still waking up as he began to dig into his eggs and potatoes. "Mal has more trouble dealing with anyone dumb enough to follow Audrey's vitriol."

"Yeah, but only the Fates know now what's going to happen now since Audrey is gonna be tried for treason," Herkie gave a wide-eyed grimace.

"Wait, is that what was going on yesterday?" sputtered Hercules. "I guess I didn't fully follow what everyone plus the news were saying yesterday. Your sister is okay right? She came home rather tired last night and I thought—"

"I'm fine, papa," yawned Macaria as she made her appearance descending the stairs. "I think only a few on our side got hurt, and certainly no lasting physical injuries."

"Mentally though?" Hadie gave Macaria a quizzical look, having caught her specific use of 'physical'.

"Dunno how Chad will be, he was...tormented in a sense, but not physically harmed as far as I could tell," Macaria carefully said, well aware of Mal's preference to keep Hadie on the innocent side of things. Not to mention her father was a bit of a prude, having been pretty ignorant most of his own life. "Some of the party goers were temporarily under a sleeping curse, and..."

They all glanced at Macaria in concern as she trailed off.

"That Frollo guy was definitely targeting the younger years," Hyllus growled, picking up where his sister trailed off as he joined the table, waving a fork. "Claims he hates magic, but hid behind Audrey using magic against anyone his own size."

"Absolute hypocrite," Macaria shook her head as she took her seat.

"Up to talking about it? You didn't get hurt did you? You came back pretty late and went straight to bed before anyone had the chance to check in on you. Should we call over Panacea, or Apollo, or Ascle—"

"I'm fine, dad," Macaria rolled her eyes, but mustered some energy to give an honest smile. "Just used up a lot of magic having teleported more than usual in a day. Not to mention summoning a storm and have to try to control each strike so I didn't hit any allies or hostages. I don't think Uma would've appreciated her sister getting struck, even if it was to take out Audrey or Freddy."

"Hostages?"

"I guess you'll find out from your friends anyways, since you're all so close," sighed Macaria, glancing at her cousin. "Since they couldn't take you captive as a way to get at Mal, Hadie, they...took Celia instead."

"What? Is she okay?" Hadie gasped.

"Mal and Uma got to her pretty fast, and she didn't seem too cut up about it. But I don't know her well since, y'know, day one off the Isle." Macaria shrugged with an apologetic smile.

"Celia is pretty tough, have to be on the Isle. She'd probably want to get even, more so than be shook up about it if they didn't have time to pull anything," Hadie sighed in relief. "I'll check in with her as soon as I'm back though."

"I heard the Charmings got the rough of it after we left the party," frowned Hyllus. "I heard Chad got a nifty punch in, but Freddy got his payback with them taking him and torturing him or something. I don't know the details obviously. Went back to the party site after they'd already left to see if I could help out. Good thing too, since Carlos and Jane were pretty much on their own to wake everyone up with the enchanted lake water. The twins were amongst all the other partygoers hit by the sleeping curse Audrey cast."

"What about Alex-Alexandria? Or Evan and his sisters? Melody?" Hadie gulped, correcting himself. Alexandria was always early, and if her siblings were there, there was no way she wasn't.

"I...actually don't know, sorry," Macaria sighed. "Apart from what I said already, details for what happened to everyone are still coming in."

"We can check in on Melody though! I know you've got the older girls' phones, but us younger years don't have cells yet," Herkie said. "But we've at least got the link to check in on Elle and Melody, and there's nothing like seeing them with your own two eyes just to make sure they're safe, right?"

"Fair point little brother," Macaria fondly ruffled Herkie's hair. "Shall I tag along, or are you awake enough to teleport you and Hadie yourself now that you know how?"

"Uhhh, maybe a bit after breakfast? I'd prefer time to adjust," grimaced Herkie. "Just because I learned doesn't mean I've been using the ability that often. I doubt I could withstand teleporting shortly after gaining a full stomach."

"Wish I'd managed to learn teleport already," Hadie bemoaned. "I managed to learn the link earlier than most, why can't I learn that?"

"I know I'm not considered particularly intelligent, but if I had to wager a guess, it'd be because you're still a bit young in addition to building up your magic from being stuck under a magical suppressing barrier for most of your life," Hercules gave Hadie an apologetic look as he spoke.

"Oh joy, yet another blessing given upon me by the great, wise and powerful barrier," huffed Hadie, rolling his eyes.

"Right, sarcasm," Hercules shook his head after a wide-eyed moment. "I swear I should be used to it by now after years of knowing Kassandra, but noooo..."

"Or after years with your wife," smirked Megara, throwing a napkin at her husband's face.

"From what I know," Hyllus slowly began, "is that due to the limitations in place by Olympus joining the states of Auradon, magic for us has become streamlined to stay under the radar. No need for the mass population to get jealous that gods and demigods can use magic, but not them."

"So, the Gods developed the mental link since we no longer can just teleport back and forth without permission for States within Auradon. This way we still have ease of contact," added Macaria.

"On the upside, it's lessened Hermes' workload," pointed out Hercules.

"My theory is that King Beast had Fairy Godmother hide runes across the States to weaken magic," Herkie whispered conspiratorially to Hadie.

"Oh, not that again," Hyllus rolled his eyes.

"Well, we know the school has anti-magic or some level of protection, so it's not like Herkie is totally off," shrugged Macaria. "I do doubt it's as far reaching as nugget here likes to preach."

"Mica!" protested Herkie. "I'm not four anymore!"

"Nugget?" Hadie smirked at his cousin as the rest of the table chuckled.

"Herkie was addicted to them when we first had McDingwal's," Hercules gained a nostalgic look in his eyes.

"Again, I was four, I've been over that for almost decade!"

"I heard Mal had you on Olympus pretty much all of yesterday, how'd you find it?" Macaria turned back to Hadie, changing the subject to her little brother's relief. "It was your first time up there, right?"

"Yup," sighed Hadie. Even though Hermes had helped him realize just why he was on Olympus instead of helping Mal, it didn't really ease him on the whole being sidelined bit. "There was a council meeting, so it was pretty boring. Though Athena let me check out the front part of her library while the meeting was going on."

"That's good! Means she likes you. I'm not allowed in there without supervision," snickered Herkie. "That it? You just hung out in the library all day after I left?"

"I mean...De-Grandmother...Grandmother showed me around a bit," Hadie said slowly, making sure to leave out the bits about the goddess dissing on his host family's grandfather. "And I tried Aunt Hestia's cooking! She was super sweet at first, but I can't help but get the impression she's just as scary as grandmother..."

"Yeah, Hestia's known for that. The 'Three Sisters' are known for their gentle ways, but are just as fierce and easy to anger." Hercules said.

"Speaking from experience dad?" Macaria asked.

"Maybe," Hercules said noncommittedly, eyes shifting back and forth as he sipped his coffee. Instead he turned the focus back to Hadie.

"That it then? You wormed your heart's content through Athena's books, and ate Aunt Hestia's yummy food?"

"Pretty much," Hadie shrugged, before perking up. "Oh yeah, and Hermes showed me a couple pranks! Those were good!"

"Ooooh, those are always fun! What'd you get to do?"

"W-well, first we sorta pranked Apollo, Artemis and Athena who were looking for me by letting them see me and then hiding—not very well mind you, they must've not been trying hard. But it was funny to watch them be baffled when I was just on the other side of a pillar. A-and then, Hermes helped me alter Mal's smoke bomb recipe with the ingredients on Olympus, which well,"

Hadie trailed off, unsure if he should continue, but Herkie's enrapt attention pushed him to finish.

"W-well, we set some traps and...let's just say instead of his white beard, it was a very colorful Zeus who went into the meeting."

"No way, you pranked Grandfather?" exclaimed Herkie excitedly.

"Don't encourage him, Herkie!" frowned Hyllus, turning to Hadie. "I know your father and our grandfather don't get along, but that's no reason to be disrespectful."

"Hyllus," scolded Megara, one of the rare instances she'd spoken all morning. "You're not his keeper, and a few colored balloons are hardly going to hurt the old god's ego."

"Yeah, father has engaged in a fair few of his own games," said Hercules, giving Hyllus a pointed brow to calm down. "Honestly tame in comparison, innocent fun even if a bit targeted knowing our family history. But let's remember Hermes encouraged this, Hyllus, which practically feeds his position as a God of Pranksters."

"Fine, whatever," muttered Hyllus. The eldest godling turned his focus to his food and phone, pretending to ignore everyone.

"Sullen teenager," Megara smirked with an exasperated roll of her eyes, far too used to Hyllus' moods.

"Come on Hadie," Herkie stood, shooting his big brother a light glare. "Gimme a bit to let my stomach settle and then we'll head over to Mel's. And you know what? Maybe we can see if she wants to join on us on Olympus and you can show us how to repeat that smoke bomb prank."

"Dad!" Hyllus protested as Herkie pulled Hadie back up the stairs to his room. "You can't seriously just let them—!"

"Hyllus," Hercules' voice was stern. "They're harmless pranks. Let them be."

"I can't believe Hyllus sometimes," sighed Herkie quietly, though his feet spoke of his anger as they pounded up the stairs. Hadie followed, unsure what to think.

'I hope it's all the Zeus propaganda he ingested as a kid and not anything I actually did,' Hadie rubbed at the back of his head as he entered Herkie's room. 'Maybe it's just like how it was with Meg? Wait no, she was just standoffish. But despite minimal interaction, Hyllus has helped Mal and she openly hates Zeus more than I do! Besides, it's like Hercules said, it was just a few harmless smoke bombs. But I'd hate to create a rift between Herkie and his brother—'

"Hey," Herkie laid a hand on Hadie's shoulder, shaking the younger boy out of his thoughts. "Don't worry about it. It's like I told you months ago. Hyllus might as well be a sycophant when it comes to Grandfather."

"Him and half the Olympian Council," scoffed Hadie. "How long do you think it'll be before your gut is rested from all that food?"

Herkie chuckled at his cousin's impatience. "Mmmm, half an hour? I was going to wash up and wear a chiton if we're actually going to go to Olympus for the day."

"Chiton? That's the dress thing right?" Hadie wondered aloud. "Oh, I should probably wash up too. Where is your shower by the way? All I've seen in this house are toilets."

"Dress thing? It's more of a wrap, but sure," Herkie chuckled again. "I've got extras if you want, there's one from a couple years ago that should fit you perfectly. And the reason you haven't seen showers is because we have a traditional bath house, though it's made with modern plumbing. Saves water according to dad. Though I doubt that with how much Hyllus bathes."

"That's not a prissy prince thing is it? I thought he wanted to go into law," Hadie asked as he accepted a towel and a loose feeling cream colored cloth.

"He has permission to teleport over to Philoctetes' Isle after school pretty much any time. I'll probably be doing the same once we're in Prep instead of Middle, since our strength makes us too dangerous to join the sports..."

"Ah, right," Hadie quietly replied. He knew how self-conscious Herkie was about his strength. Even before the gym accident with Ky, Herkie always wanted to be strong as a protector not in offense.

Though there'd been one incident when Darwin, who had apparently gained the confidence to belittle the group without Aaron backing him up anymore, had something extremely crass that Hadie was sure Aaron would've been offended as well. Unfortunately for Darwin, there'd been no Aaron to reign him in and Herkie had shut the lad up with a single punch to the locker behind him. Luckily, Fairy Godmother had believed in an accidental 'trip' and collision had been the cause of the incident and a check for the damages from Herkie's parents quickly had everyone moving on. Everyone except Herkie given how he still glared at Darwin any time the boy was within his sight. Hadie couldn't help but side with Herkie as everyone took offense differently, and it'd been Herkie's mother to have been insulted this time instead of Hadie's.

'Yeah, Herk's pretty much the embodiment of Mal and Uma's slogan just in reverse. Loyal yet ruthless when he needs to be.'

"You comin', Hads?"

"Oh, right!" Hadie shook himself out of his stupor, throwing the towel over his shoulder as he followed Herkie back down the stairs to the bathhouse.

Twenty minutes, a quick mindlink to Melody for permission and one goodbye to the Hercules' household later, Herkie grabbed Hadie by the arm to be swallowed up by a cloud of lightning the moment they stepped outside.

"Hiya, Cousin Ariel!"

Herkie brightly greeted the mermaid-turned-human as the ran up the stairs into the castle.

"Hello, Lady Ariel," Hadie followed quietly, realizing belatedly that this would be his first meeting with yet another branch of his family.

"Nope! I expect you to call me cousin too, Hadie! If not by my name!" Ariel said cheerfully, the red-headed woman quickly snatching the godling up into a hug. "Oooh, it's so nice to meet you at last! You're so much cuter than the photos Melody sent of you three! Oh you absolutely must come over more often, this will just be the first of many—!"

"By Okeanos, calm down mom!" Melody giggled as she ran down the castle steps into the foyer. "Or you'll scare him off and Hadie'll never wanna come visit again."

"Oop, sorry! Let my excitement get ahead of my brain again," Ariel laughed lightly, quickly dropping the hug and stepping back from Hadie. "I still need to remind myself that not everyone is touchy-feely like me and I should be asking permission..."

"It's alright, A-Ariel. I feel like we know each other already through Melody's letters so I'm okay with hugs," Hadie blushed before perking up. "I'd pay a tidy sum should the Fates allow it, to see you give dad a tackle hug though!"

"Maybe one day," Ariel chuckled. "Though if the rumors are true that King Ben has been sneaking to the Isle, maybe I'll just do the same."

"What? Mom!" Melody's older sister Elle appeared between the bottom of the stairway. "I told you that in confidence!"

"Why? It's not like we don't all know about it," Melody shrugged as she held the gate that protected anyone from falling into the elevator shaft, open for her sister to roll through.

"Except the teachers, or likely Ben's parents," Hadie sighed.

"The only reason mom knows is because she overheard Emma and I discussing it," Elle blushed. "Though when I say discussing, I mean Emma ranting. I think she's begun to pick up the habit from Emir when Ben does reckless things."

"I won't say anything to the other adults," shrugged Ariel. "Though it wouldn't surprise me of Eugene or Aladdin know. Especially if Emir is ranting as well, and Aladdin tends to manage a thieves bond with Eugene."

"That sounds really suspicious mom," both Melody and Elle squinting up at the woman.

"Have everything you need to head to Olympus?" Ariel smiled innocently.

The two sisters sighed. They knew when their mother was in one of her teasing moods, it'd be difficult to get anything more out of her. Not to mention how hard it would be to tell which words were truth or misdirection.

"You're going to Olympus today?" Elle glanced at her sister. "You said it was so boring the first couple of times you went that you never wanted to go again. Except for Auntie Hestia's food of course, but she's rarely up there now that she has that private villa she retired to."

"Well, Hadie and Herkie said Auntie was on Olympus yesterday, so I'm hoping she'll be there again today!"

"Man, we just had breakfast and just thinking about her food is making me hungry again," Herkie smiled wistfully.

"I'm down for sticking around for lunch," said Hadie. "We'll be burning plenty of energy running away from Zeus anyways."

"Wait, what are you doing?" Elle stared wide eyed at the trio while Ariel just giggled.

"Hadie's gonna show us how to make smoke bombs like Mal and Uma!" cheered Herkie. "Prob have plenty of crossfire, so we'll have to watch out for the other gods. Don't wanna have to worry about being chased down by Ares."

"Well, if you're going to cause trouble, keep it safe, and try not to get caught!" Ariel smiled brightly as she gave each godling a hug as they headed outside for Herkie to teleport them to Olympus.

"Why do I feel like I just saw the second coming of Chaos?" Elle sighed.

Ariel simply shrugged, smile still on her face. "It runs in the family, dear," she said, placing a kiss atop her firstborn's head. "No choice but to accept it."

A crack of thunder was heard across Olympus, heralding the arrival of the youngest of the Big Three's descendants. Not that the Gods knew that yet, the main lobby being devoid of their presence. In his office, Zeus felt a shiver run down his spine as his ears picked up the familiar sound.

'That's not my thunder and lightning...' Zeus thought to himself, placing his pen down on his desk. 'One of my grandchildren then?'

The God departed from the room and headed down the upper tier of clouds to join a few of the others who seemed to have the same idea.

"That wasn't you, dear?" Hera asked in surprise as Zeus joined her at her side.

"Not at all," he replied, shaking his head. "I had assumed one Hercules' children may have decided to make an appearance."

"Bah, if it wasn't you, I'm going back into the training room," spat Ares, stomping back up the hall towards his chambers.

"Still no progress on controlling that temper I see," tutted Hera. "No clue where he gets it from."

Nearby, Artemis and Athena glanced at each other. Silent, incredulous pain was shared between their eyes as their memories recounted centuries of revenge lists; Hera and Zeus having the longest out of everyone.

'Hades at least wasn't offended by every single slight,' Athena pursed her lips. If she hadn't sworn fealty to her father in her younger days, she might've been able to play a more neutral party like Hestia.

It really put a kink in her whole 'wisdom' business. Not to mention the whole hypocrisy when Athena escaped unscathed when she assisted Hera, Poseidon and Apollo in overthrowing Zeus. Granted her part was small, which was her plan in the case Zeus decided to deal out punishments. Which he did.

Considering she was the known favorite, with Artemis just after, Athena was glad it ended up with such benefits. Even if she was sure due to one of many family prophecies, the threat of her wisdom was part of what held the God back.

'And now we're about to see a new generation involved with our idiocy,' Athena sighed as she saw the source of the thunder.

Three godlings, whispering intently to the God of Mischief himself.

"Right, I'm going back to my library and locking the door. Good luck." Athena spun on her heel and quickly walked away from what she just knew would eventually be the scene of some crime.

"I'm heading out," Artemis drawled. Her bow magically appeared in her hands, quiver manifesting across her back.

"But you just got back from a hunt—"

"I'm heading out," she deadpanned, acknowledging the godlings with a short nod before dashing across the cloudy bridge to her chariot.

"Right," Zeus sighed. He brightened up at the sight of Herkie speaking animatedly to Hermes. Another shiver ran up his spine much to his confusion...Until Herkie stepped aside to give Hera and Zeus hugs, that the King of the Gods caught a glimpse of the bright blue hair of his nephew.

Zeus patted his grandson's head as he surrendered to the realization that he was in for another long day. Herkie's definitely far too innocent smile cinched it.

'And I can't even get away with hiding in my office since Herkie knows Olympus in and out...'

"Hera?" Zeus said, as he watched Herkie run off with Hadie, Melody and Hermes.

"Yes, dear?"

"Could you ask the nymphs to have the good soaps out and a bath ready by the end of the night? I feel like I'm in for more smoke bombs today..."

Hera gave her husband a pitying look.

"Yes, dear."

The God was various shades of blue within the hour.

Which is how the mother of his troubles found him when she came racing up the bridge to Olympus. Curls in disarray, just beginning to frizz from the late spring heat, Persephone stared at the rather blue Zeus in surprise.

"I have no clue where he is," grumbled Zeus. "I catch a single glimpse of those three and they're gone within a blink."

"My son is here then?" worried Persephone.

"Oh yes, he, Melody and my own grandson have tormented the gods, me most of all mind you, for the last thirty minutes," Zeus huffed. "There's smoke dye everywhere."

"At least it's just dye," smirked Persephone. "It'll come out."

"Ah, yes," harumphed Zeus. "If I recall correctly, you and Artemis were responsible for stampede of squirrels after you got back from Lesbos. We were finding acorns for a month."

"Don't forget the date syrup spill," Hestia swiftly added as she approached. "The batch over boiled and a certain eight-year-old kicked up such a fuss, she knocked over the vat."

"I recall none of this," Persephone denied, although the mischief in her eyes certainly knew what the other Goddess spoke of.

"Wouldn't have been a problem if it hadn't been a shared bacchanal in which it was being made with everyone's help in the middle of the dining hall," mused Hestia.

"Had to rain for three weeks to unstick everything," Zeus grumbled again.

"Like mother like son, I think," Hestia grinned, ignoring Zeus' grumbling for a moment before turning to scold him. "Don't you have more work to do than stomp thunder all over the clouds?"

Zeus frowned but walked away. They could still hear his grumblings beneath the sulking clouds filled with thunder.

Persephone released a breath of amusement. Not to mention the stress and worry she'd been retaining.

"So Hadie truly is here? I went to Hercules' home and he told me he was coming to Olympus, but Hadie hadn't even messaged me-!"

"Hadie knows telepathy?"

"He does," nodded Persephone. "Learned it quite young. Which is why he has no excuse to not use the mind link to let me know he's going off places!"

"That's children for you," Hestia smiled softly. "Come along. Now that Zeus is out of ear shot, I can lead you to where the rascals are."

"...you have no idea how happy I am that Hadie is getting along with Melody and Herkie," Persephone said softly as she walked side by side with her aunt towards wherever the children were hiding.

Hestia gave her niece a smile, but stayed silent. She was often the ear of the Gods, someone to trust and vent to. It was her favorite thing, being a family member everyone, even the angry members, could trust and love.

"Knowing that he'd have family closer to his age was one thing," continued Persephone," but with...Hades' choices...whether or not the other Gods would continue to shun or handdown the stigma against Chthonians, or if the kids would get along even if they never learned that behavior was always a worry. To see Mal and Uma with Macaria and Elle, and now Hadie with Herkie and Melody, is an utter relief."

"Very valid worries to have about your children," Hestia nodded. "I agree, especially seeing that there've been no quibbles amongst this new generation...or very minor ones expected of children, but compared to our family history? They're all saints."

The two goddesses chuckled at the comparison as they turned to genial chit chat while they wandered down the various, cloud and marble-magicked halls.

"Here we are," Hestia finally said at last, after a couple minutes of walking.

"Aphrodite's rooms?" Persephone raised a brow in confusion.

"Dye, a place the other's wouldn't expect...plus as one of your friends, I think Aphrodite is oddly keen on being seen as a close aunt...I imagine it'd help her keep an eye on their love lives too," Hestia wryly said.

The rooms were brightly colored, with cushions and fabric strewn around artfully. Low lying couches blended in amongst beautifully carved tables, each Persephone knew were a risk for hitting a toe or shin if one wasn't hyper aware. Mirrors, rugs, and carpets filled up the last visible floors or walls, giving the room an optical illusion of being infinite.

'You've redone your room again? By the Gods Aphrodite it's like you want your room to be a deathtrap...' Persephone sighed as she ran a hand through her curls, pushing the wild waves out of her face.

"Good luck dear," Hestia beamed before heading off to the kitchen to finish off lunch preparations.

'Well, Tia says they're here...and is that faint giggling I hear? Oh sod it...it'd take forever if I simply kept staring until I see movement.'

"Hadie!" She called out, an eyebrow raised, hands on hip in the way she knew her family had to learned to associate with 'now'. It wasn't like she was truly mad, just relieved to see that her kid was safe with her own eyes even if she had no reason to not believe in Hercules when he said where her son was.

Underneath one of the piles of cushions, the bright blue hair of her son popped out, looking wildly around. One, two three...four? Persephone shook her head as she saw Hermes burst out from beneath the pillows, winged sandals flapping wildly. She couldn't help a smile break onto her façade at the dark blue chiton with gold sash, and leather sandals Hadie wore, looking more Olympian than ever. All he needed was his father's skull shaped fibulae and he'd be perfect.

'Maybe later I can dig one out for him and snag a photo.'

"Mom!" Hadie jogged over, his cousins trailing shortly behind him. "What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you, young man," she sternly said. "I told you I'd come by Hercules for you, remember?"

"Ohh," came her son's intelligent reply. "I'm sorry, mom, we just got so caught up in reenacting the prank from yesterday because Herkie wanted a crack at it!"

"Well, no harm, no foul, I suppose," sighed Persephone. "I wish you'd reached out over the link before popping away. Honestly! I had to get to Hercules' and be told you'd run off to prank the King of the Gods on a whim again, instead of waiting for your worrying mother as promised."

"Aw, mom," groaned Hadie. "I'll try to remember before I go somewhere on last minute again, but it's just Olympus!"

"I'm glad you're already feeling at ease on Olympus," chuckled Persephone. "But there's still so much you don't know, I'd feel better if you didn't rush off without me knowing or without adequate supervision."

"You wound me, Aunt Steph!" Herkie protested with faux offense.

"You're thirteen, Herkie," Melody rolled her eyes. "The only thing you're good for is enabling the chaos and being a bottomless pit for food."

"Considering the amount of trepidation my instinct is telling me will only follow the three of you so long as you're all companions…I think my desire for a proper watcher is understandable."

The Goddess eyed Hermes as he fluttered over.

"I don't think I can include you on that list, cousin."

"Aw, breaking my heart Steph!" Hermes grinned as he straightened up to land on the cloud floor. "You can at least trust me to get them out of trouble too!"

"Legal counsel and abetting?" she said with an eyebrow raised. "That's something, though I think Jay's rule is to not get caught in the first place."

"An admirable rule for a thief to have," Hermes winked. "You here to stop us, or enjoy the next show before lunch time?"

"You've made more smoke bombs?" Persephone laughed lightly as the image of Zeus, dyed blue, returned to her mind's eye. "I don't think there's any part of Zeus' beard white anymore."

"Of course!" giggled Melody. "We made some different colored ones this time, and we're gonna see if we can't hit Apollo or whoever else is unlucky enough to walk into a very obvious trap before lunch!"

"You know you have to sit with them at lunch, don't you?"

"No proof, no conviction!" Hermes shoved his chest out proudly. "Besides, it's not like it's harmful. Plus, Athena's taking her lunch in her rooms, and the only one idiotic enough to hit a 'don't press me button' are Apollo, Dionysus and Ares."

"...Lead the way," Persephone sighed and shook her head in amusement.

Not twenty minutes later found Persephone leaned back in the shadow of a pillar as she watched the children set up their 'innocent' planning and traps. She could hardly believe that just a couple of months ago she had caught the three sneaking around the school kitchens. If she'd been told her son would easily frolic around Olympus after only a day or two, she would've called whoever said such things crazy. Yet here she stood, staring at the mischief with her own eyes once again.

"Not even a season since I returned, hardly a week between times I see him again, and Hadie always seems like he's grown in some way. Though few can claim a smoke bomb prank upon the gods, it's not much different than the time I got this little trio sneaking candy from those kitchens."

Curls fell around her as she shook her head as the memory of when she caught the children sticky-handed came back to her.

Jay had just finished freshening up from a practice when Persephone knocked on her son's and adopted sons' dorm room.

"Hey Steph!" Jay greeted, rubbing at his long hair with a towel. "Looking for Hadie?"

"That I am," the goddess smiled at the teen. "How've you been Jay?"

"Pretty good. Working hard in preparation for our next bought against the next school," he shrugged.

"Oh? Let me know where and when, and I can see about coming by to watch," said Persephone. Her smile softened from Jay's surprised, albeit pleased look. All of his teammates had a parent make it now and again, some even making it to every game. It was only fair, she felt, that if she claimed to be his adoptive mother that she try to make a game now and again as well.

"It's this Saturday,' grinned Jay. "I'll ask Coach for the address. I only pay attention to what school and when, the bus gets us the where."

"Fair enough," Persephone shook her head in amusement. "I'll make sure there's an opening in my schedule."

"Sounds great, thanks Steph," replied Jay. "Now as for Hadie, I believe he went off with Herkie and Melody not too long ago. I'd check the kitchens since there's still a couple hours until Dinner, and normally when Herkie is involved, it usually means those growing boys are too hungry to wait."

"Well, I'm glad they're able to eat outside of normal meal times," there was honest relief in her voice. "You all look so much healthier, and I'm glad you're each doing what you can to help your crew get proper food more now until Ben can figure out why the barge is still slow on getting unspoiled supplies to the Isle."

"But of course! We may not be blood, but we're family," Jay said brightly. "You took care of me despite my family's affiliation with Maleficent. I'll never be able to pay you back for that."

"I'd never put a value on that Jay, your forged brotherhood with Mal is more than enough," Persephone said softly.

Jay blushed and rubbed at the back of his head, a rare moment of emotional openness.

"D-do you need help finding the kitchens, or?"

"Jay?" A girl with black hair appeared in the open door way, peering around the room for the boy.

"Oh, Lady Persephone!" Lonnie spoke in surprise before freezing. Her eyes roamed over Jay's shirtless form before blushing. Normally, even after a rough practice, his jersey still covered everything. "S-sorry for interrupting! I'll meet you at the library Jay!"

Persephone chuckled before turning to the still red Jay. "Forbid it be me that holds you up from your study date, I'll see you later Jay."

She was already out the door, halfway to closing it behind her when she heard "I-it's not a date!"

Somehow, the Goddess was able to find her way down to the kitchens where indeed the youngest trio of godlings were huddling around a pair of baskets.

"Getting a snack, kiddos?"

They jumped in unison, turning around in shock.

"Mom!"

"Aunt Persephone!" Melody and Herkie shouted in unison. All three smiles suddenly became very fixed.

"Mhmm, what are you up to?"

"What?" Hadie blinked. "It's just like you said, snacks!"

Next to him, Melody nodded emphatically. Herkie had no such poker face. Ears bright red, eyes refusing to meet Persephone's eyes even though he nodded, told her all she needed that something suspect was afoot in the terms of 'snacks'.

"Mhmm," she repeated. "Let me see it."

Gracefully moving forward, she peered into the baskets as the godlings groaned. Candy...chocolate... sugary gummies, marshmallows, teacakes and cookies... every corner was stuffed with junk food.

With an amused sigh, Persephone walked over to a platter of fruit and handed a piece to each child.

"You're not gonna tell the kitchen staff are you?" Hadie asked forlornly as Persephone picked up the heavy baskets. Melody pouted next to him as she stared at the tangerine in her hand. Herkie simply ate his banana, but Persephone could tell he was moping.

"No," Persephone shortly said as she led the trio out of the kitchens. Just in time too as the staff began to enter to begin the mise en place. WIth a respectful nod to the goddess, the staff ignored the small group and carried about their business. Once further away Persephone spoke again.

"Where's your dorm room Melody? Herkie and Hadie room with their brothers, so there's no way to hide this from them."

The trio stared at her in shock, faces turning quickly into bright-eyed joy.

"Mind you, you need to share this, because a chunk of this isn't made to last more than a few days outside of a refridgerator..."

"Thanks mom!" Hadie jumped excitedly forward, taking one basket to help her carry.

"No, I'll carry it!" Herkie protested. "I'm way stronger than you!"

'I need to be on the Isle to see Hades' face for full live reaction though,' Persephone thought to herself. 'No way I'm missing every detail for when he finds out our son has become best friends with the son of the man once considered his enemy. Though that's reverted mainly back to Zeus now, who is, may I remind myself, still the grandfather of said friend and cousin.'

She watched as the two boys bumped shoulders good naturedly.

'I should make sure Hadie is okay with telling him though. He never really said anything about who he's friends with whenever we talk.' She continued to follow in the steps of the trio as they led the way back towards the dorms. 'I need to make sure he knows there's no shame to be friendly in Auradon and there's no need to keep an Isle front just because Hades is still part of that 'world' so to speak.'

Persephone blew a strand of hair from her eyes as she sighed, memory fading. It was so surreal after years of her children being stuck on the Isle to now see them in Auradon, let alone Olympus. Where they all belonged. Even if Mal refused to acknowledge the mountain as a home. It only just began to make up for the many days that the children should've been off the Isle to begin with.

BOOM

Various smoke clouds could be seen erupting into the sky above Olympus. Indignant shouts of rage or surprise quickly followed.

"Where are they!" Came Ares' bellow.

"Who did this?" Apollo cried out.

"At least it's easy to wash..." mumbled Hephaestus, only partially covered as he came out behind Ares. Clearly a side victim than directly intended.

"I don't care!" growled Ares. "Those brats—"

A bell rang out across the sky, halting the angry shouts. Lunch time.

Persephone smirked as the children ran out of their hiding places, sticking to Hestia's skirt as she directed nymphs and dryaids to set out the food.

Mealtimes were Hestia's domain, and all bouts and tiffs were left at the door. Only grudging peace as everyone got to enjoy everyone's food.

'Too bad for Ares, we'll be teleporting back to Hercules' as soon as lunch is over,' Persephone grinned as she watched her son dig into his food. Hestia quickly curbed anyone's 'hangriness', and the room interrupted into conversation. 'Though I wouldn't mind seeing my branch of the family finally amongst the whole again.'

Chapter Text

Spring break's conclusion was a solemn affair.

Across the States of Auradon, children grumbled as they were roused early. It was an end to any sleeping in, with dreams of a homework free life shattered as the school's bells tolled for its students return. For most, the return was simply a nuisance of reluctant normal. For a select few, those most affected by the attempted coup, would unfortunately find themselves face to face with their uncensored peers embroiled with gossip.

Gossip of memories and newfound trauma those few children would much prefer to forget.

A daughter, once the 'queen' of the school, fallen from grace.

A son, once the most confident flirt, now a silent shadow.

A little sister, whose rose-colored glasses were shattered.

A spare, unsure if they would be trading their title of 'brother' in its entirety, for 'king'.

The most anyone heard from Prince Phillip Jr were in the form of single emoji texts. As responses. The Kingdom of Auroria had gone virtually radio silent after one emotional press conference too many, with King Phillip cancelling any reporter access that were considered of an 'unprofessional' standard. The family had enough to deal with, without incessant gossipers trying to stick their nose in their business. Ensuring that the impending new addition was welcome despite the unfortunate circumstances would remain their focus.

It was a nest of snakes and vultures. Neal and Melody had volunteered of the little friend group to check on Phil Jr, their parents already long, close confidants of Phil Sr and Aurora that could visit the castle with barely any notice or invites. The prince had essentially lost his sister and just wanted to mourn. Unfortunately, he had to do it alone. Mourning for himself, and his parents who did not have the time. They had a kingdom and grandchild to prepare for. Instead, the usual study bug that was Phil, was instead buried under new materials to learn, as his sister's old tutors took it upon themselves to begin his lessons as future king.

As far as he could tell, they weren't Natalie levels bad, but he definitely did not like them.

'But mom and dad have enough to worry about right now.'

Phil stared unfocused at his desk. He wasn't even sure his parents remembered that he'd be returning to school that day. He shrugged his backpack on. It didn't matter. He knew they were stressed and busy, and they'd seen him off plenty of times before.

He shoved down the thought of how even with Audrey going to prison, he was still treated like a forgotten spare.

'Not anymore,' Phil thought sternly. 'I'm going to be king. I won't be an afterthought anymore.'

With a stomp of his foot, Phil marched from his room. The limo to school had waited long enough.

It wouldn't be easy. For his parents, for his unborn niece or nephew, for himself. He would fight every step of the way.

A couple kingdom lines away, the grassy hills of Charmington glistened with Spring's early morning dew. Mist slowly dissipated in a pastel rainbow of sunrise. The beautiful imagery did not bely the unhappiness within the palace.

"Do we have to go?"

The youngest princess of Charmington glared at the pretty scene outside her window as her mother tossed the curtains open. With a moan, she pulled her blankets around her, and turned to face the wall in hopes the bright light would disappear. Ella bustled over and carefully sat on Alexandria's bed, shaking her head in amusement.

"I know the school year is almost over, but you and your siblings still need to sit your tests," the queen said and patted at the blanket where her daughter's leg was.

"Must we?" Alexandria sighed as she sat up. She tucked her legs beneath her chin and wrapped her arms around them, pouting. The idea of going back to school was surreal to her. An afront; trying to return to normal when it was anything but.

"Yes, Alexandria," replied Ella, with a gentle firmness. "Come along my dear, sit at your vanity and I'll help you get ready."

Sighing, the princess slid from beneath her covers. The softness of her rug tickling between her toes as it protected them from the icy marble floors. With a sweep of her nightgown, she sat. Her mother quietly handed her a hairbrush and let the girl work her long, golden tresses while Ella looked through the large closet for the outfit of the day. Everyone's bags were already loaded into the limo, packed a couple nights before. More spartan than normal as none of the children truly wanted to return to what would likely be a short stay anyways.

"I still don't think we should go…" Alexandria whispered as she stared forlornly at her reflection. Placing the brush down, she threw her hair into a quick braid.

"You need to go, sweetie," her mother said softly as she returned to tie the youngest princess' braided golden tresses off with a blue satin bow.

"But mom—"

"Alex, just through exams, I promise," Ella gently said. "You, Chad, your sisters, will all come home as soon as you finish sitting them, okay?"

"…Okay."

"Yes, I could ask to have you sit them early, but I think the best thing for you and your siblings right now are to be around friends you know you can trust too." Ella gentle cupped Alexandria's face. "Isolating yourself and focusing on your brother isn't healthy in the long term."

"Okay." This time Alexandria answered with more resolution. She wasn't quite there yet, but it was improvement.

"Now let's get you dressed."

The roads were stretched bumper to bumper with limos and cars of all different styles as the bells of the schools tolled. It'd become something of a tradition every year, every return from holiday, over the last twenty something years for them to ring. Mainly to warn the city of the exodus of the country's students for those lucky enough to go in the capital.

There were plenty of schools for the public through grade twelve. Only seven were invite only, servicing the country as a whole, rather than the city masses. Auradon Academy owned four of them; preschool and elementary were at the center of the city, while Middle and Preparatory sat on the edge of the outskirts in the old castle.

"Glad we get to skip all that," Hadie smirked smugly as he stared out the window of Herkie and Hyllus' dorm. "To think the other's had to get up as early as six in the morning to drive here!"

"Yeah, I'll stick to sleeping in, thank you," snorted Herkie. "Though if Hyllus had been in charge, we would've been late."

"Oy, I haven't been that late to stuff in ages!'

"Still late," chuckled Macaria.

"So whatchu think, Hadie? Good enough for you?"

"Decent enough, I 'spose," he shrugged with a snooty air. His fake pout turned into a grin as he jumped down from the loft built at the top of the window.

"Hadie!"

"What?" Hadie blinked owlishly at his mother as he calmly stood up from his leap.

"Be careful, please," tutted Persephone as she bustled over to look him over. "Why you insist on leaping from ridiculous heights I will never understand."

"Maybe it's because one of your symbols are various birds, eh mom?" Mal smirked from the door frame.

"There's plenty of grounded reptiles on that list as well," sighed Persephone. "I suppose my dislike of heights had to be balanced out somewhere, but I'd still appreciate my children practicing basic safety!"

Mal and Hadie grinned bashfully at their mother's scolding.

"No clue where you got your wild ways and recklessness from," muttered Persephone.

"Alright there Macaria?" smirked Uma as an odd sounding cough came from the named cousin.

"Fine," she replied innocently. "Well, while we await Hadie's verdict, how about we head to our rooms?"

"How long do we have?"

"Until end of July," replied Mal. "Fairy G will want all paperwork in to have time to process by the time school starts after Summer. So if you want to be grandfathered into a room on the upper levels by joining Herkie, unless you and he will get put in a room actually meant for your year, you'll want to make sure she gets your application for transfer."

"A real loft certainly beats the small bunk bed, eh cuz?" Herkie slung an arm across Hadie's shoulders.

"I feel like I should veto this because I know as soon as he's back in that room, he'll be jumping unsupervised…" muttered Persephone as she followed the Godlings out of Herkie and Hyllus' room.

"And yet he did it under supervision anyways," smirked Mal.

"Yup," Persephone breathed another sigh.

"Although, couldn't Hadie still stay with Harry next year?"

"Jay isn't graduating yet, he'll finish with us," Mal replied to Uma. "Remember, he started with us too, even though he's a year older."

"Ah, right. Because of Jafar's greedy ass."

"Uma…" Persephone pursed her lips.

"Right, right, sorry Aunt Steph." Though Uma didn't look that apologetic. At this point, it was far more one of the tamer words kids used when swearing, and it wasn't like Uma was saying anything new around the younger years.

"Let's just drop off the rest of y'all's things and get headed out for lunch," Persephone said, shaking her head.

"Yes! Food!" Cheered the two youngest godlings.

"Let's go, Mal!" Hadie and Herkie grabbed Mal by the hands a la Dizzy and began to drag her down the halls to the girls' dormitories on the other side of the building.

"Guess we're speed running this," Uma groaned to Macaria.

"I wish I'd gone with Elle's plan of dropping stuff off early and going on a date," pouted Macaria. "I haven't gotten to see Gil since the party."

"Really? What's he been up to?" Uma asked in surprise. "I'm so used to seeing him lagging in Harry's agitated shadow that I figured he was with you if he wasn't with us."

"At Evie's!" Hadie popped up between his cousins.

"Gah! C'mere you!" Uma swiped at Hadie half-heartedly as if he were a fly.

"Nope!" He ducked with a laugh, quickly returning to Herkie's side at the front of the group.

"I'm fixing up to get him chains for 'aesthetic' like Uncle Hades and Harry so I can hear him coming," Uma sighed, braids swirling as she shook her head.

"Want me to nab him? Winds are a pretty effective trap," joked Macaria.

"Pass. We even turn around to look at him, he'll blow a razz and look so smug I'll want to drop everything to spar."

"Which means as soon as weekend hits, we're making him run drills?" smirked Mal, having let her brother lead the pack and dropping back to talk to her cousins.

"Yup," Uma deadpanned.

The whispers in the assembly hall had been oppressive. The entirety of Fairy Godmother's speech and announcements could not silence the rumble of several hundred gossiping voices. The confirmation of the coup and the direct impact or involvement of several of the students did not help.

Half an hour later, they were released from the hall. The whispers followed the close-knit group that Hadie had befriended over his time in Auradon. He couldn't help but pity Phil in particular. The boy barely spoke, and carried a defensive air about him as they passed through the school. He even seemed to tense around the Charming family when they came near to talk to Alexandria, going so far as to stand on the most opposite of the group from where they ever would be.

He didn't speak until his cousin appeared.

The group fell silent as Aaron stood at the edge of the table by Phil, glaring down at them. Behind the boy stood Darwin as usual, and a couple others of his hanger-ons.

Hadie and the others traded unsure looks, waiting for the first words to be thrown. Phil, on the other hand, stared vacantly at his plate. The veins of his hand clenched around a fork were noticeable even across the table.

"So, it is true then?" Aaron sneered. "I'd heard—"

Phil stood abruptly, rolling his eyes.

"I'm not sure I give two shits as to what gossipy trash you've heard, Aaron," the prince of Auroria was almost nose to nose with his cousin.

"I know my parents spoke to yours before announcements went out from my kingdom and King Ben's. So, unless you want me going back home with a formal complaint to my parents, keep your damn mouth shut," he hissed.

Aaron glared, but did as he was warned. He disappeared as quickly as he came, Darwin and the other prats following in disappointment.

Neal placed a hand on Phil's arm, calming his friend without words. His brown hair swished back and forth as he shook his head as his sister and a few of the other older sibling-friend group looked over in concern. Hadie did the same as he saw Harry begin to stand.

"I'm just going to go back to my room," Phil said softly. "I'll see you guys later."

"But Phil—" Melody began to protest.

"Let him go, Mel," Neal said quietly. "He's got every right to be like this. Just give him some time and space right now."

"So, uh, anyone made plans for summer break yet? I know we meant to do that over spring break…" Evan awkwardly said.

Melody sighed, but took hold of the topic. "Well, I know myself and a couple others of us have birthdays over the break before the new school year…"

"Right, yours is in July, isn't it Melody?"

"Mhm, mom will be sending formal invites once school is out."

"Right on! I look forward to it," Neal smiled brightly. "My birthday is the following month, though I haven't decided what I'm doing yet."

"Neither have I," said Melody, shaking her head. "Probably something water centered now that my birthday is kind of the anniversary of the event that caused the sea wall to be torn down."

"Mine's about a week after school's out," Herkie supplied. "Dad was talking about holding the party on Philoctetes' Island or somethin' again. Apparently, the reason no one saw him much at my last party here in Auradon is because Cerberus nearly broke out of his makeshift kennel and dad had to check on it a lot and hold it shut."

"Yeah, Estelle is one thing, he's technically the size of a normal dog. I don't want to know what a giant version of him would be like bounding around a bunch of partygoers," Ashaki pointed out.

"He's just a big softy, really," shrugged Herkie.

"Seconded," smirked Hadie. "You'll just want about ten or twelve showers after he's done slobbering all over you."

"Ewwww," was the consensus of the table.

"Well, apart from the birthday parties, it's supplemental lessons as usual as a royal, and a little bit of travel," said Evan.

"Even you have royal lessons? Even though school's out?" Hadie asked in surprise.

"Yeah, I still have a title after all," nodded Evan. "Even if I don't get a throne, I represent the family and will probably get a seat of land or a branch or something to maintain."

"Similar to how your stuck taking Όλυμπου lessons with us now," grinned Herkie.

"At least you're starting with me," pouted Melody.

"Sorry to burst your bubble Melody, but my parents did teach me up to third stage," Hadie said, shaking his head. "Granted it's mostly to Chthonic magics since they never thought I'd get off the Isle to use anything, but I won't be going in totally blind to family traditions."

"Is that what Uma's been griping about?" Celia finally spoke up as Melody deflated. "She's been complaining in all her letters to dad that Poseidon's expecting her to go through some sort of introduction."

"Yeah, her and Mal both, since they're older than fifteen," nodded Hadie. "Anyways, what about you Celia? I know you're freshly from the other side and all, but have you got any summer plans going?"

"I just know I'm stayin' with my gramama according to dad and Uma," shrugged Celia when the group turned to her.

They'd gotten to meet Celia and Dizzy a few days after they were first brought off the isle. It was still a little awkward between the two groups, despite the AKs having heard so much from Alexandria and Hadie. Dizzy was already sociable and had branched out from sending letters to just those two, to a few towards the group as a whole. Versus Celia who was always reserved and suspicious at first to anyone who wasn't family. They were hopeful with some more invites to hangouts and enough time, that she'd eventually open up.

"Did you meet Opal already then?" asked Ashaki.

"Ah, yeah, 'Auntie' Opal," smirked Celia. "Briefly, but she seems alright. Seems about as goody two shoes as the rest of y'all in Boreadon, but Uma swears she's got a wild side to match."

Resisting the urge to face palm at his friend's undertone dissing his other friends, Hadie sighed and glanced at his Auradon friends, hoping none picked up the insult. Though knowing them as long as he had now, he knew that was wishful thinking for most of them.

"I'm staying with Evie!" Dizzy said happily from her seat next to Celia. She was the only boundary between her fellow red-head and the Auradon kids. "Doug's even got Ben's permission to let Mal do magic on his head so I can practice my hairdressing skills over the summer between make up classes!"

"Wait, is that why Doug's hair is suddenly super long?" said a gobsmacked Evan. "Think Mal would do that to my hair? It'd be hilarious to go back home and have insane amounts of hair like mom did even just for a bit. I'd let you cut it too once the joke is done!"

"Oooh, would you?" Dizzy said excitedly. "If Mal is okay for it, I'd thank you very much!"

In the corner of Hadie eye, he caught sight of the silent Alexandria. Normally she spearheaded these sort of talks alongside Ashaki, being just as talkative of a social butterfly. Just about all of them were pretty outspoken in some sort of way, but today, between a stern Phil, and a quiet Alexandria, there was an odd, unnerving undercurrent of emotions tainting the group.

'Wasn't Dizzy supposed to be staying a good chunk of the summer with Queen Ella, to get to know her aunt's family a bit more?' Hadie thought with concern. 'What changed that Dizzy's no longer talking about that anymore? I'm absolutely positive that's what her and Alex were talking about in their letters…'

No one else seemed to bring up the fact that Alexandria wasn't talking. He wasn't sure if it was something he should leave alone, or if he should indeed bring it to the attention of the others.

'There's no way I'm the only one to have noticed, not when the other's have been friends with her for far longer. Maybe Phil's just way more obvious that it's overshadowing her from being noticed?'

"What about you Hadie?" Evan asked, pulling the godling out of his thoughts.

"Me? I thought I already…"

"Apart from the Olympus bit between you, Mel and Herkie, you never actually said if you had independent plans or not yet."

"Oh, uh…apart from hanging out with you guys, visiting Grandmother again…yeah, I dunno yet. It'll be mom's off-farm work soon, so maybe she'll have any ideas of stuff we can do? Otherwise it's just, read, spar, summer credit," Hadie said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly as he glanced away from Alexandria.

"Nerd," joked Herkie, playfully bumping his cousin with a shoulder. "Of course, you would've signed up for more homework during vacation."

"Geroff!" laughed Hadie. "For your information, 'Mr-three-years-older-than-me', if I finish them and pass the entry test for the classes next year, it means I can graduate the same year as Evan, Mel, Ash and Alex instead of being stuck behind another year while you're all out enjoying the world!"

Maybe it was just part of getting used to seeing his Isle friends under the new bright lights of Auradon, but he could've sworn he saw a frown flicker across Celia's face.

"I thought you were already placed in the same year," asked Dizzy in confusion.

"I got placed to take classes of the same level, but we graduate based on filling a certain amount of credits in different categories," he replied, shaking his head.

"Aw, does that mean I'm gonna be stuck here for years, without you guys?" pouted Dizzy. "I'm like two years younger than Hadie!"

"I guess you can just try to power through it all like flametop," said Celia, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her seat to stare at him.

'She's definitely annoyed about something,' Hadie thought to himself.

"Who else then?" Hadie cleared his throat awkwardly. "Or, heck, I could use some ideas for what kind of stuff I can do once I can get out of school! What about you Alex?"

He felt the table tense immediately, from everyone except himself and Celia.

'Oh…they did know something then.'

"I'm gonna go," Alexandria softly said, eyes downcast. She swiftly stood up, skirt flaring for a moment behind her as she fluffed the creases out. "Thanks for hanging out, guys."

She disappeared quickly out the cafeteria doors.

"Well, uh, I guess you've never been camping right?" Neal offered up. "Might be fun if you want to try it out with me and Evan and…" He trails off, eyes darting to Phil. "Well, as long as mom and pop know, the more the marrier, y'know?"

"What exactly is camping?" Hadie asked curiously. He tried to force his shoulders to relax, but the worry he really messed something up by asking Alexandria a moment ago kept his muscles wound tight with stress.

'I'll explain later.' Came a subtle, mouthing of words from Dizzy, making eye contact with him.

Hadie grimaced as his eyes bounced away and around the room. Nodding in part to Dizzy, and mostly to show he was listening to Neal as the other boy thankfully continued to carry the desperate conversation. The warnings of his captains from years on the Isle, and even more so before returning to school rang through his mind. Allies, friends, family, all should be people he could rely on and trust. It was a two-way street. He'd hoped everyone he relied on knew they could rely on him too. Something was going on that he wasn't aware of, and he was going to get to the bottom of it.

It felt like the temporary eye of the storm, calm, but everyone still on edge waiting for the next wave. It wasn't safe to be running off alone. Hadie could only hope that Phil and Alexandria would be okay in the newly tumultuous times.

"How are you guys settling into your new room," Hadie asked as he followed Celia and Dizzy into their dorm a short while later. "Been alright sharing a space?"

"Oh, it's been great!" Dizzy said excitedly. "There's so many great new things to experience here!"

"Let's be honest, my room back at daddy's was technically shared and only separated by some curtains for each of girls," Celia grinned at her friend's excitement, plopping onto what must've been the bed she claimed to the left of the room. "This place is huge, and if we really need privacy, Uma said we could get some sort of collapsible divider."

She kicked her shoes off and fwomped back against her mountain of pillows.

"Don't think I'll bother for now, since it's not like we're staying through summer break."

"True. It's a shame we're only rooming with each other for the few weeks here," sighed Dizzy. "But I look forward to our new roommate assignments for next year since it means we get to befriend new people!"

"Easy for you to say," snorted Celia. "You know the person you're rooming with already. I only know my roomie's name. We'll see if I'll need that curtain, divider or whatever with her."

"Oh, you're not staying together for your first official year?" said Hadie, surprise coloring his voice. "And you already know who you're rooming with next year?"

"Yeah, Mal and Ben are going to try and push one VK with one AK for people who join the program," shrugged Celia. "Something about it helping us Isle kids assimilate better with someone to show us the ropes."

"So, who are you guys rooming with if not each other then?" Hadie asked.

"Some girl named Nikki Ramirez," Celia shrugged once more. "I'm supposed to meet with her later this week to establish at least an acquaintanceship with them."

"Is that even a word? I didn't know that was word," Hadie chuckled. "It's got no autocorrect on it at least."

"What?"

"Nothing, fourth wall stuff," Hadie waved his hand dismissively. "What about you Dizz?"

"I'm supposed to room with Alexandria," quietly said Dizzy.

"Supposed to? That have anything do with how's she's been acting lately?" asked Hadie, worriedly. "I'm missing a lot of info still from whatever happened over break since I was stuck on Olympus. And even if I ask, a lot of people either don't have the answers, or aren't willing to share with me since I'm 'too young'".

"I guess I did sort of say I'd explain later," squeaked Dizzy.

Celia just huffed and rolled her eyes. She shoved herself up and scooted up to lean against the wall her bed was against.

"Alright, I'm listening," Hadie said slowly.

"WhenFreddyAttackedJane'sPartyHeAssaultedAlexandriaandKidnappedChad!"

It was like the world froze. Only it was Hadie who had, like some part of him couldn't process the sounds around him anymore. Only, after years of knowing Dizzy, years of getting used to her rapid, excited way of speech, he knew exactly what she had said.

"What?" He wasn't asking her to repeat anything. His mind just couldn't process the information, still sluggish with shock.

"Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?" he demanded.

"I thought you knew…" mumbled Dizzy.

"I know Mal goes out of her way to protect you, but I figured she, or at least one of your friends would have told you," she began to wind up into a rant. "Like, okay yeah, it's technically Alexandria's business. But considering you didn't know why everyone else was just letting her stay quiet at dinner today, that could've hurt her more if you were trying to force her to talk."

"I wouldn't have done that," Hadie said, blue bangs swaying with the shake of his head. "I could tell something was off, so just in case, I tried to just leave an opening for her to take on her own, but it got kind of obvious it was a no go. Though you're right. I'm starting to get sick of Mal keeping things that happened to my own friends' secret from me. She doesn't want me in danger? Fine. But let me know things that would let me help or comfort my friends!"

"What's the big deal?" Celia rolled her eyes, interrupting with a grumble. "So, the little princess got a little scared."

Dizzy and Hadie turned to their friend with varying degrees of frowns decorating their faces as they listened to Celia's dismissal.

"Her big brother came to her protection like any of our own siblings would do, and he came out fine even if a little worse for wear? That's nothing. Boreadon should learn to toughen up a bit."

"You know it's not like that over here, Fox," scolded Hadie. "The whole point of living here is to know, and feel you can be safe. Okay, it's a little unfair considering we're supposed to be apart of this after having to grow up in their garbage for the longest time, but that doesn't mean they should face these dangers or just simply 'toughen up'."

"Pfft, whatever."

"Yeah, whatever," Hadie shook his head incredulously before heading back towards the door. He was used to Celia's nonchalant attitude. "I'll see you guys later."

The godling walked alone to his dorm. Something he would've never considered ever doing a few months ago. After the recent events that even a princess could still go bad in a supposedly perfect world, Hadie at least didn't let his mind wander about. Wits kept about him, the walk was only a short few minutes. Pulling his keys from his light coat's inner pocket, Hadie unlocked the door to his dorm and stepped inside.

'Looks like Harry and Jay still aren't back,' thought Hadie as he flicked the nearby light switch. Dark room no more, Hadie closed and locked the door behind him. His brothers would have their own keys and if they didn't, were capable of picking it open. They, Mal and Uma liked to push safety first on him, and all preferred to lock their doors even if a roommate was inside.

Taking a seat in his chair, Hadie pulled out one of his journals. Outside of his secret magic notes, he hadn't had a chance to write in a while. Especially since Harry tended to tease him about keeping a 'diary' for a while until Mal and Uma took him to task. Not that it matter, Hadie was far more careful about when and where he wrote from then on.

That didn't stop him from making sure his little desk alcove gave him line of sight of the room as well as keeping anything he was working on out of immediate sight.

With a pencil he managed to rummage from his desk, he began to write short summaries of his experiences over the last week. He paused as he got to the current day. He still wasn't sure how to process the snippet of information Dizzy had rapidly spewed.

Hey, Melody? You free to talk?

Of course! Face to face or did you want to stick to the mind link?

Um…either or is fine? I just wanted advice about how to help Alex…andria.

Ah.

Dizzy gave me a condensed version, but I'm still not clear on what happened. Could you help me understand?

Hadie sighed and tossed his pencil onto his desk as minutes began to pass without a response from his cousin. With whatever state his mind seemed to find itself stuck in, he couldn't seem to focus on his homework. There wasn't even any guarantee that Melody would be willing to tell him anything. She had been a friend longer to Alexandria than with him. Being cousins didn't mean anything when it came to having the trust of a friend.

'Or allies. Blood loyalties aren't as trust worthy as action or common opinions when it comes to the Isle. One look at how shitty the majority of the parents are over there proves that. Plus, how long has Melody even known I was her cousin? Apart from Grandmother…with next to no one expecting me to ever make it off the Isle, what if I was just like one of those dirty little secrets that most families don't like to mention? Since dad's that 'estranged uncle' basically…'

With a growl, Hadie pushed himself away from his desk and threw himself on Harry's bed. Snatching up a pillow, he curled around it and pouted.

'I guess some people just need space,' he thought. 'It's only been about a couple weeks anyways, it's not like anyone's going to get over it anytime soon. Certainly not those from Auradon.'

"Augh, I need something mindless to do!" Hadie shouted, throwing the pillow with all his might.

Unfortunately for him, the door happened to open just then.

"Incoming!"

"Oof!"

Jay chuckled as he snapped the pillow up from the floor with one of his feet. It leapt back into the air for him to grab neatly.

"Oof!" Harry voiced again as Jay proceeded to whack the taller teen on the opposite side of his head from where he'd been assaulted mere moments before. "Hey! Wot's this? Attack Harry Out of Nowhere Day?"

Jay and Hadie smirked at each other. It would definitely be going on their calendar for future years now.

"Aw, don't be giving that look, you two," growled Harry. "Now, would little lord like to tell his big brothers what's got him in a snit?"

"Nothing, really," shrugged Hadie.

"Really? Nothing?" Jay asked as he tossed his bag into his closet.

"Eh," Hadie replied, unsure of what to say. "Just bored I guess."

"Uh oh." The two older boys immediately straightened up.

"How about joining me and Uma for sparring practice?" Harry offered. "Been a while since we checked where you were at."

"First off, no thanks," drawled Hadie. "Now that you and Uma are out of denial, you're worse than mom and dad! Second, you say a 'while'? You had me practice with you guys like eight different times during the last week of break!"

"Aw, that's nothing—"

"Eight, Harry. Eight!" the little prince glared. "That's more than once a day!"

"You're improving every day, though! And a growing lad to boot, it's healthy for ya!"

"Okay, so no more than once a day, got it," Jay spoke up, giving Harry a heavy pat on the shoulder. "I know you're interested in your own things, and you deserve that freedom. But Harry's got a point. Trust me when I say that you'll be thankful for all the precision training, because at your age, you hit the clumsy growths and it'll help you keep some balance while you're getting used to longer limbs and such."

Hadie squinted at the older boys. They had a point…

'I guess the others have the right idea…I could ease up a bit on going so hard on school work…Let's be honest, it's not like I really need to study.'

"…No more than four times a week while we're at school." Hadie counteroffered. His sessions were only like half an hour to an hour at most anyways. Though now that he thought about it, he wondered if he had the stamina to go for nearly a day's worth of sparring like Harry or Henry.

Not anytime soon though. Hadie had the slightest worry that he might get bored. His brain needed to be occupied by something more so than the activity of actually doing things. Lest he somehow cause a small calamity to occur again per last time he was bored on the Isle.

In his defense, the timber of the houses were already water logged. The sea level rising due to recent storms were definitely not his fault in additionally flooding that part of the Isle near the docks. And he definitely hadn't pulled some of the iron wrought bonds to experiment with from important hidden spots that caused them to collapse into the ocean when the waves receded.

"Speaking of sparring…"

Meet me at the indoor pool? It's open until 10pm.

"Actually I'm going to meet Melody. I'll see you guys later," Hadie happily said, perking up that his cousin had finally responded. He searched his closet real quick for his swim trunks, still practically brand new.

"This late?"

"Yeah, uh…she's going to help me learn how to swim," he replied, coming up with the most logical lie.

"But I could teach you!" argued Harry.

"Harry, did you ever offer?" said Jay.

Harry pulled up short, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I s'pose not."

"Then there you go. Plus, she's his cousin. Let them bond."

"Not to mention, if something goes wrong, or I don't feel safe, though I doubt that'd be the case around Mel, but I mean like if someone else shows up that I don't feel I can trust—I promise to reach out on the link to Mal or Uma."

"Alright…have fun I guess." Harry pouted, but quickly ran into the bathroom to grab Hadie a towel. "You'll want that."

"Thanks, Harry," smiled Hadie.

"And good on you, trying to learn," smiled Jay. "Gods know I have yet to try anything more than wading in shallow waters."

"We all move at our own pace," shrugged Hadie. "See ya."

Heading out of his dorm, towel and swim trunks in hand, Hadie sent a message to Melody.

Heading over there now.

Chapter Text

In a fit of coughs, Hadie burst up from the water for air.

"You're supposed to tread the water, not drink it." Melody lightly teased her cousin as she moved quickly to his side. He coughed a few more times as she whacked him between the shoulder blades harshly a few times.

"Really? I hadn't figured." He spat the chlorine out in disgust.

"Come on, let's sit up on the ledge again," offered Melody. With years of practice, she gracefully pulled herself out of the water and onto the ledge. Hadie clumsily followed suit, splashing water everywhere as he flailed.

They weren't even in the deep end, the water only a few feet high. Either godling could've easily stood up, but the point was to practice. An impromptu practice, considering Hadie had originally only intended to come for help and more information regarding their mutual friend. At least, that was the plan until he fibbed to his big brothers as to why he was meeting up with Melody so late at the school's indoor pool. He knew he'd likely get roped into swim lessons sooner or later by his cousins, but did he really have to volunteer himself so soon?

The godling sighed as he rolled his head back, resting back upon his elbows against the cold tile.

"No need to rush, since this isn't what you're here for," said Melody. "You'll have plenty of time over the summer."

"True," sighed Hadie.

"Right…so, you want to know about Alexandria," Melody began carefully. "Just so you know, I wasn't there. I've overheard bits and pieces from the older girls visiting Elle, but they go mum if they know I'm around. Alexandria herself has barely spoken a word to anyone that isn't her family…"

"And from what I've gathered, it's not like Chad is saying much either."

"No," sighed Melody.

"It's okay if you don't know much though, I'm not digging for that kind of information." His voice was serious and firm. "I just want to know what I can do to help cheer Alexandria up a bit. It's not even been a day, and it already feels so weird to not see a single smile or hear a laugh from her."

Melody stared at Hadie from the corner of her eyes. It was easy to tell her cousin had a kind heart despite his years on the Isle. She was sure that was in part due to the love and overprotectiveness of his older sister and the rest of the Isle bound family. The immediate bond the three youngest of the cousins had formed was proof of that, with each of their little fears diminished from the moment they were put in a group together.

Now her question was whether this was how loyal he was with all of his friends and kin, or if she should start tallying days until he learned what the difference between familial and romantic love were.

"Good." She said firmly after a moment. "Not that I doubted you, but the girls and I protect each other, y'know?"

"Even though you've got all the guys around and the Overprotective Sibling Brigade?"

"It's a checks and balances kind of thing," Melody chuckled. "The boys can be idiots, and we all gotta remind the big kids that they were our age once too."

"I feel that," huffed Hadie.

"Anyways…I know enough. Ashaki was still there, even if Aziz tried to prevent her from seeing much. He probably would've succeeded if Emir had gotten there on time."

"Dizzy told me a very short summary. Dunno where she learned, seeing as she was bunkering at Evie's, but she did visit Alexandria over the break, so maybe she was told something." Hadie shrugged. "I'm confused by what she said at dinner, though. She's not staying the summer at Charmington anymore?"

"She will if Queen Ella says things have relaxed enough, but until then, yup. She stays at Evie's." nodded Melody. "Queen Ella doesn't want Dizzy to feel sidelined when it's meant to have been a family reunion sort of thing. Hence the delay."

"That makes sense," Hadie nodded as well. "But does that mean no visitors at all or can we still try to request hangouts?"

"Huh?" Melody started. "I mean…I guess. I didn't really think about that. We all kind of agreed to just let them be based on what our parents said to give them some space."

"Yeah, well, that's sort of what happened with Mal, and that didn't turn out too hot," Hadie grimaced. "I'll ask Alexandria later if I can visit them. Otherwise, I guess it's official channels ahead, and have my mom contact her mom."

"Don't smother her either though," Melody pointed out. "You're right. As her friends, maybe too much space isn't the answer, but that doesn't mean we need to be up in her business all the time."

"Fair."

Skrtch skrtch.

Tick.

Only the minute click of the clock and the scratching of pencils and erasers jarred the silence of the room. Every students' breath felt held, their nervousness easily felt in the air.

Sksh Sksh Skrtch Skrtch.

Tick.

With a quiet release of breath, Hadie carefully returned his pencil to its case, snapping the lid shut with as little sound as he could in hope to not disturb his fellow test takers. He had one more tomorrow, and then his first official school year would be done. He hoped he didn't do too badly. Homework was one thing; he could double check and reference with others. Tests…he struggled not to rush, but he'd get bored having to sit it all at once or start making mistakes. Evan and others joked that he could fail every test and still pass, seeing as these were just a max ten percent of the grade, but that didn't mean Hadie didn't want to do well. He'd be damned if he didn't let his parents' efforts go to waste.

Tick.

'Let me out!' Hadie whined his head. 'Mr Delay doesn't let us doodle on tests like the others do, and I'm getting borrrred!'

Tick.

Neal glanced at Hadie after Mr. Delay passed. It wouldn't do for it to seem like he was looking at the other kid's test. He couldn't help but be concerned as he felt the desks near the godling begin to shake as the blue-haired boy literally vibrated with impatience. Somehow, even though Hadie was resisting the urge to bounce his leg, the whole rest of his body continued to shake.

Across the way, Neal met Evan's gaze, the other boy also tense at the energy radiating from their friend.

Tick.

"That's five minutes till the end!" Mr. Delay called out, ending the silence. "For those of you who have finished, either recheck your work or set it in the finished box! If it's your final exam for the day…I suppose you're free to go."

In less than a blink, Neal stared as Hadie seemed to disappear and reappear in his seat, paper gone from his desk. A second later, he was gone again, backpack slung over his shoulder.

Neal met Evan's eyes again. He could tell they were on the same wavelength.

'Bruh.'

Seeing the near empty halls, Hadie pursed his lips in disappointment.

'Guess I'll drop my bag off at my dorm…I think Alexandria finished her exams for the day already, so I should try to find her to talk to now.'

"Don't run, don't run, running's not allowed," Hadie hissed to himself as he sped walked as fast as he felt he could get away with through the densely crowded halls.

"Whyyyyyyyyy," he whined, as if the inability to break a rule nonexistent in his years on the Isle brought him real pain.

Happily, when he finally reached the dormitory, he found his room door wide open, Harry and Jay relaxing inside. No locks to hassle with.

"Hi, Hadie!" The older boys greeted.

"Bye!" Hadie shouted at them, chucking his bag into the room aimlessly and pivoting to head back the way he came in the hopes to find his query.

"Ow!" Came an annoyed cry.

"Oi, not again! Hadie get back here!"

'Oops,' Hadie giggled to himself as he sped faster to the turn of the hall as the squeak of Harry's shoes echoed on the marble. 'Bag must've hit him instead of the bed I was aiming for. But how was I supposed to know he was getting up to come closer! Pirate of his abilities would totally be able to dodge that.'

Knowing his brother would be hot on his heels if he wasn't already out of sight, Hadie detoured down another corridor. With a leap of faith he grabbed onto a banister pole, and jumped into the tiny stairwell usually reserved for the janitor to avoid foot traffic.

Locking his body and feet in close, he rotated down the pole to a landing a couple floors down. The echo of Harry's pursuit faded away.

He knew she wouldn't be in her dorm. Alexandria seemed to spend more and more time outside of the rooms, often found to be with her brother or sisters.

The most likely of places for all three of the sisters to be at, was the ballroom where the dance club took practices.

Nope.

He swept through the study hall areas.

Nada.

Through the blooming gardens, the one with the most fountains that he knew Chad liked to tease Alexandria with light splashes. Where the eldest Charming would get completely soaked in revenge and laugh it off instead of worrying about his appearance when they thought no one else was watching.

Zilch.

The rubber of his black sneakers squeaked in protest against the waxed marble floors. Even the few mutuals he'd ran into seemed to have no clue as to the whereabouts of the Charming family.

He was about to give up the hunt when he finally found Alexandria. She didn't notice him approach, staring as intently as she was at her cellphone.

"Alex!" He called out. Giving up on the restraint he'd had for the last near half an hour of searching, he broke his walk into a run.

"Er—Alexandria," he said courteously as he came to a halt before her.

"Oh, hi, Hadie."

'It's only like twenty feet anyways, and no one else is in the hall to catch me.'

"A-are you going somewhere?" Hadie asked, noticing the suitcase next to her.

"Yes," she said quietly. "We've all had early end of year exams, so mom planned for us to return once done."

"You wouldn't happen to have some time to talk before you go, would you?" Hadie asked hopefully.

"I'm sorry Hadie," Alexandria gave him an apologetic look. "We're supposed to be loading up the car now. This is the last of my luggage.."

"Oh," he said disappointedly. "Uh, safe travels?"

"Thanks," she smiled slightly.

"Come on, Alex, the limo's waiting!" Kitty popped back around the corner.

"Coming!" Alexandria called back. "Guess I'll see you around, Hads."

"Wait, Alex!" Hadie said again, as he lightly grabbed her by the hand before she could sprint off. If he didn't get his foot in the door soon, he had no clue when the next chance he'd get to see his friend again.

"Yes, Hadie?" her voice clipped. A small shiver ran up his spine as their eyes met. Gone was the excited mischief of bright sky blue. Instead, he noticed the flash of annoyance before her eyes faded to replicate a sad, cloud filled day.

"Would…would it be alright if I came to visit later this week?" he awkwardly asked, unable to hold the gaze long. "I have some family stuff, but I could have my mom contact your mom…?"

"I…guess? If you want," she shrugged. "I don't have plans anyways."

"Aren't we supposed to meet up with the others sometime this summer?" Hadie asked worriedly.

"If I feel up for it," mumbled the blonde.

"Alex!"

"I should get going. Guess I'll see you later, Hadie."

"Right." the godling let go, not wanting to keep her any longer despite feeling like the issue should be pressed. He stared at his own hand in surprise, not realizing he'd still been holding onto her hand.

He sighed, finally waving belatedly as her back was already facing him, rounding the corner to the outside.

"Bye…"

Despite the forlorn mood that had taken over him the evening before after his lackluster talk with Alexandria, Hadie kept focus on the positive things.

Like school being out for the summer. Basking in sunshine. Having fun instead of worrying about being harassed on the Isle.

Getting to stay with his mom over an 'away' season for the first time ever.

"I don't remember having so much stuff." Hadie grunted as he hefted his near bursting backpack onto his and Harry's bed. Jay and Harry stood nearby, equally frustrated as they tried to force their stuff into the few bags they had.

The three boys glared at their mountain of belongings.

"Even after returning the school supplied stuff like the fat laptops, we've got too much stuff," groaned Harry.

"You barely even used your laptop, Harry," smirked Jay.

"That you know of," Harry stuck out his tongue. "How'd you think I get so much more stuff? I bought it."

"Ah, so that's where Hadie picked that up."

"Huh?" Hadie whipped his head to look at his eldest brother.

"Blowin' razzes and the like."

"Oh, yeah, probably," Hadie shrugged. "Better that than letting mom hear all the swears I've learned."

"What swears?" came a clipped voice.

"Mostly classics, like fu—"

The trio immediately froze. Straightening up, with painted smiles they slowly turned.

"Mom, hi!"

"Mornin', Lady Steph!"

"Boys." Persephone crossed her arms. "What was that I heard?"

"Definitely not Hadie learning things he shouldn't, nor about to say naughty words!" Harry saluted.

"...You three are so lucky we're in a time crunch," Persephone sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Three? I had nothing to do with it!" protested Jay.

"I doubt you ever attempted to put a stop to it," said Persephone, wryly. "Now, are you all packed?"

"Uhhhh—" Harry stalled.

"We underestimated how much stuff we've gained over the last nine months, sorry," Jay gave an awkward grin. "Granted some of it was gifted from our friends when we needed more clothes, we should've remembered to give them back—"

"Somehow, I doubt your friends had intended to temporarily lend them, but you can ask that later," smiled Persephone. "This should do in the interim."

One snap of her fingers later, a couple more bags appeared. Within the same moment, the last of the boys' piles neatly packed themselves away.

"And no need to apologize. In my opinion, you could do with more clothes and the like, you're just used to having minimalist wardrobes from limited Isle resources."

Jay and Harry looked at each other in surprise.

"Yeah…I suppose you're right," nodded Jay.

"I usually am," she smugly replied. "Now let's go grab the girls. They had the sensibility to ask for additional suitcases, but to be fair, with Evie as a roommate, they were bound to pick up far, far, more outfits than you three combined."

"Thanks again for teleporting us to our summer stays, Lady Steph," Jay began as the group gathered their things to follow to the girls' dorm. "I hope we aren't inconveniencing you at all."

"You know there's no such thing when it comes to family," she said to them. "And for the millionth time, neither of you have to use my title."

"Only the millionth time?" smiled Hadie.

"Hush you," Jay reached over and pulled Hadie into a side lock.

"Yeah! We just payin' the proper respects your mom deserves!" Harry protested.

"And I expect you'll do the same, at the homes that are taking you in for the summer?" Persephone interjected.

"Of course!" Both young men spoke indignantly.

"As if I wouldn't pay back the kindness Emir has shown me all year!" Jay grinned, thoughts already beginning to fill with the fun he knew the youngest son of Aladdin had plotted up for the break.

"Not sure I'd like to find out what it takes to be excommunicated as a pirate should I ever get on the wrong side of the blade of King Elizabeth," snorted Harry. He didn't look nearly as excited as Jay.

"I'm curious," supplied Hadie.

"Yeah, well, you can be the one to piss 'er off then," teased Harry.

"Boys," warned Persephone.

"Making trouble for mom already?" said Mal as the group approached her open dorm room.

Evie had already left. The castle she'd managed to pay down on was mostly ready to move in as of a week ago, allowing her to slowly begin moving things over between exams. Even the extra third bed and desk, to the normally doubles room, had already been replaced by a couch and settee. Uma only celebrated a little.

"Can't make trouble, when the trouble already exists!" Hadie proudly stated.

"Isn't that one of Harry's sayings?" smirked Uma, looking at her aunt.

"It would explain so much if it is," deadpanned the Goddess. "Are we good to go?"

"Ben took my stuff," shrugged Mal, a single backpack slung over her shoulder. "This is all I have, but I can teleport to my room at his place if I'm missing something."

"Opal did the same for me," nodded Uma.

"So, we're the only ones that have to lug all these bags?" whined Harry.

"Aren't you always saying you're the big and strong one?" Uma said amusedly.

"Yeah, we got this!" Jay cheered, flexing his muscles slightly.

"I'm a mean, lean, sword precision machine," grumbled Harry. "Not a muscle meathead like you 'n' Gil."

"I wouldn't be captain of a team if I was an average musclehead," argued Jay.

"Now, now, gentlemen, you're both pretty," sighed a bored Hadie. "Can we go now, please?"

"Let's," laughed Persephone.

A short while later saw Harry left awkwardly standing at a port where a receiving party that included his sisters was waiting for him. A similar, but more joyous, scene was waiting for Jay when Persephone teleported again to drop him off at the palace in Agrabah.

Finally, despite being capable of teleportation herself, the dwindling group saw Uma off to Mama Odie's.

"Ooh, that's a close one," gasped Persephone as they appeared. Vines crawled at their feet, keeping the large body of water that surrounded them at bay. Across from the tiny little island they'd landed upon, a giant, twisting tree stood in the water. Its roots weaved up and down, creating a bridge to the house nestled at the top of the giant branches.

"You're on your own for this one Uma," Mal recoiled, stepping as far away as she could from the water's edges that surrounded her.

"No sweat, Mal. See you guys later," Uma said, giving everyone a quick hug. She stepped out onto the water, waves beginning to swirl at her feet as she began to cross them towards the tree.

"Damn, that's cool," Hadie said gleefully, his smile turning sheepish at his mother's glare for his choice of words.

"Shall we?" Persephone then smiled. At the nods in return, she gently grasped each of her children close to her, hugging their shoulders. The smell of earth permeated the air, overpowering the smell of the water and mossy trees. Flower petals and leaves whipped around them as a wind manifested itself as their mother glowed. Within seconds, the worrying waters faded away into a bright light, the same color as Persephone's aura, and the familiar pull of teleportation traveled up their spines.

Stepping apart, Mal and Hadie looked around.

The forest was thick with pine and fir. Still, rays of light poured through the needle canopy and illuminated the root-knotted ground. A path lay before them, noticeable only if one knew where to look.

With a flick of her hand, the ferns and crawling ivy parted. The path was now perfectly clear, showing the well-trod upon way from the Goddess' years of visiting.

Quietly, the children followed their mother, taking care not to trip upon the uneven ground.

The walk was short. Within a few minutes, they reached a small clearing. In a neat little area, the brush and trees were thicker than ever; the path the only way in or out. Even the canopy was darker. Only a few beams poked through, illuminating the makeshift space. A stump of a tree sat prettily to one side of the entryway, covered in forget-me-nots and nettle.

"Just in case you need to find the way yourselves," smiled their mother. "You'll get used to precise teleporting with practice."

Hadie sighed. He still hadn't performed the magic successfully yet, and probably wouldn't for a while.

The beautiful greenery was nothing compared to the object their mother beckoned them toward.

Fatter than any of the other trees they'd seen so far, towered an imposing oak. Nestled within its roots and deeply embedded into the tree, sat the Auradon side of their mother's portal.

Stray beams illuminated the glass. Shining brightly along the ornate, metal frame, and casting a dusty, golden gleam, they reminded the siblings of the fairy dust they'd seen in their school books.

An excited smile appeared on Persephone's face. With a barely audible squeak of glee, Hadie and Mal couldn't help but smile as their mother raced forward.

Her aura brightened with a brief flare as she reached out to touch the runes upon the gilded frame.

"Hades?"

Immediately, the surface of the mirror warped into waves. Lights danced across as the colors swirled into focus.

"Persephone!" The fond voice of Hades came through first. Slowly, the God came into view. His hand pressed against the glass; Persephone moved hers to meet his.

"It's good to see you again," he sighed.

"I'll be by in person soon," replied Persephone. "The Solstice is next week."

"I look forward to it."

"Ahem."

"Ah, is that the impatient cough of one of our sunspots I hear?"

"Schools out!" cheered Hadie, rushing up to his mother's side. His smile widened at the sight of his father. The god looked far better than Hadie remembered after not having seen each other in months.

"You're looking well, dad! I miss you."

"I miss you too, kiddo; both of you." Hades amended as Mal entered view. "And with better access to food, I definitely feel myself filling out again. Not that I was ever like my brothers, mind you, but I wasn't as lithe as I've gotten to be on the Isle."

"Gotta say, it's definitely weird being on this side for once," said Mal.

"Tell me about it," agreed Hadie.

"I'd rather you both get to telling me about your plans for the summer," smirked Hades. "You both have doctor appointments coming up as well, don't you?"

"In a couple of weeks, so mom can be there," nodded Mal.

"Here's to hoping Asclepius gives you a clean bill of health so I can see you soon, Hadie," the God said to his son sadly.

"Hopefully," grumbled Hadie.

"As for plans," said Mal, "it's mostly helping out Ben, hanging out with friends."

"Gonna travel at all, outside of just where your friends are? There's a lot of world to see now."

"I haven't decided yet. It'll depend on how busy things get," shrugged Mal. "Things still haven't really settled down with Freddy breaking out, so my focus is on learning about the kingdom I'm supposed to run eventually."

Hades huffed at the reminder that his daughter was getting married.

"I wanna travel!"

"Mmmm, I'm leaving that one up to your mother."

"Mooom!"

"Maybe, Hadie," chuckled Persephone.

"Can I visit Alexandria this summer?" Hadie asked instead.

"Who the who now?"

"Dad, I told you about Hadie's friends," laughed Mal.

"Aha! So, you were reporting on me!" accused Hadie.

"Hadie what did I tell you about pointing?" Persephone pressed down on her son's hand.

"It's not like I was the one not talking to mom and dad," groused Hadie. "I told you about my friends! It's not my fault dad pretends to not remember Ashaki or Alex just because they're friends, who happen to be girls, that I'm not related to."

"No dating!"

"That's not what I'm asking!"

"Enough, both of you," groaned Persephone. "And Hadie, you didn't tell us about all your friends at first. And Mal, while I know you mean well, your brother's old enough that you can give him space to go things at his own time rather than report every little thing to us anymore."

"Yes, mom," pouted both her children.

"Which friends would those be?" Hades asked suspiciously.

"Dad knows I'm friends with Macaria," Mal said shaking her head. "I don't think he's gonna blow a lid that you're besties with her little brother."

"Ah. Considering Jer-" Hades paused at Persephone's expression. "Ahem, Hercules, is nigh a saint, I'm sure he's a good friend."

"And to answer your question Hadie, I can reach out to Queen Ella about visiting. If you don't want to stay at my mother's while I wrap up Spring."

"I don't mind Grandmother much anymore," shrugged Hadie. "But ever since Freddy attacked Chad, Alex hasn't been the same, and I just want to be there for her."

"That's very nice of you, Hadie," Persephone smiled, shooting Hades a glare as she heard him grumble.

"Demeter's been alright then?" grouched Hades, changing the subject.

"She is now," Hadie shrugged again.

"I wouldn't know, still haven't seen her," spoke Mal.

"I'd appreciate it if you did, sooner than later," said Persephone. "Do you really want to have it in front of all the other Gods when you and Uma have to go in July?"

"...Way to drive a hard bargain, mom," grumbled Mal.

"You're going to have to at some point," laughed her brother.

"How about in a hundred years," whined Mal.

"Mal, I know we haven't painted an appealing picture for you, but I'd really appreciate it if you could at least be cordial and meet her," Persephone frowned.

"But you guys said not to trust her!" protested Mal.

"Malinda."

Mal looked in surprise at her father. She'd expected defense from her mom, but was Hades really about to defend the goddess that had made his marriage so difficult?

"Demeter, while we have our differences, still deserves our respect," he said quietly. "You don't have to like it. You don't have to do one-on-one or answer her every time she wants to see you. Only ever on your terms. Except for this first time with your mom. And maybe your brother will distract her since they've already met."

Apparently so.

"I'm always ready to distract with chaos!" cheered Hadie.

"Of course you are," Mal said proudly.

"Would you mind next week?" Persephone asked softly. "My wrap up day. That way it's pretty much in and out."

"Yeah, alright," Mal shrugged, sighing. "No promises on keeping my mouth shut if she says something I don't like though."

"I don't think you've got to worry there, Mali," grinned Hadie, recalling his earlier meetings with Demeter only to watch their mom take her mom to task.

"Besides," Persephone began, a thoughtful expression taking over her frown. "I might know a way to add some extra distractions for her."

"Really?" Mal said skeptically.

"Really."

The next week seemed to come sooner than expected.

Queen Ella and Persephone had spoken, as promised. Unfortunately, neither of the families' schedules lined up yet, so Hadie found his potential playdates postponed to another few days waiting. At least a date had been set, and he could stay for a couple of nights.

He wasn't sure how he felt about staying overnight, but as awkward as it seemed, no one felt it was much of a problem. All that mattered to Persephone and Mal was that it kept him from being trapped alone in the apartment while the last dregs of Spring were under way.

Mal ended up giving in to their mom's normally Hades' reserved puppy dog eyes. To be fair, the God usually let his wife get whatever she wanted as money was immaterial, but convincing their fellow stubborn family members to do anything they even slightly didn't want to was a task of Atlean proportions. Hades refused to use the evolved word of Herculean.

It seemed Ben's own puppy eyes had caused a weak point to form in Mal, and the moment her own mother pulled out a rarely seen card, Mal's stubborn walls budged just enough to say yes.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," lamented Mal.

"I can't believe you're doing this," grinned Hadie.

"I think the best idea would be to keep any association with my mother outside," explained Persephone after they appeared in her grove. Mal looked around in mild curiosity.

"Yeah, Mal, don't need you burning the house down," teased Hadie.

"What, and miss me going dragon and setting the fields on fire?" Mal said dryly.

"No," their mother chuckled. "The fields are enchanted. We wouldn't be known in the business for being able to harvest during any season if things even as simple as random weather affected mother's perfect crops."

"Was that a touch of sarcasm at the end there, mom?" smirked Mal. The children followed their mother out of the grove and into the open expanse that was Demeter's farm.

"Me? Sarcasm? Never, Mal," said Persephone.

"At least it doesn't have any of the stuffiness of Olympus," Mal acquiesced as she looked around. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she was mildly curious. The farm wasn't the only supplier Auradon had, but as future Queen, it was still good to know about the place that was essentially the backup in case a drought or famine occurred across the mortal ran businesses.

"Gods, no!" scoffed Persephone. "If there's one thing you would agree upon with my mother, it is the absolute waste of opulence Olympus likes to posture. She far prefers getting her hands dirty."

"She is pretty formal though, mind," supplied Hadie. "No offense mom, but I think grandmother might be more traditional than Olympus, just without the parties and gold!"

"Joy," deadpanned Mal.

"Just think of dad!" Hadie laughed. "One second he says, "Go forth and sow chaos!" and the next he's "Not in my cave, ya don't! Get your shoes off my sofa!", or "Oi, stiff, shut your trap and bow before I make ya!""

Mal giggled at her little brother's poor facsimile of their father as they approached the neat looking home of Demeter.

"Go ahead and wait on the patio, you two," Persephone rolled her eyes. "I'll let my mother know we're here."

Hadie plopped down onto the porch swing. He patted at the cushion for Mal to take the seat next to him.

"She's mostly learned not to talk about dad, y'know," said Hadie. Mal silently sat next to him.

"Don't you think that's frustrating though?" said Mal, pensively. "He's a huge part of our life. It feels wrong to pretend he doesn't exist just to placate her."

"You're right. Which is why I bring him up sometimes," Hadie grinned cheekily. "And since Demeter doesn't want to push us further away, she zips lip and is pretty much forced to listen."

"Ah, I've taught you well," smiled Mal, touseling her brother's hair.

"Oi!" Hadie protested, smacking her hand away. "How many times do I have to say no touchy!"

"Touchy touch!" Mal teased, poking Hadie at his ticklish sides.

"Noooo!"

"Well ain't you two just having a bundle of fun."

The pair tensed with a newfound alertness. They quickly spotted a woman a few yards away from the porch. The swirl of light around her feet told them she had just teleported in. A Goddess, then. The nymphs couldn't teleport, and they always had some sort of pigment of bright colors to their skin or hair. She didn't even have flowers, vines or moss growing out of her either.

The feather in her hair gave her away though.

"Howdy there!" The brunette grinned at Hadie and Mal as she approached the porch.

"Aunt Leith!" The duo cried excitedly. Mal lightly shoved her brother to the side as they raced back down the porch steps to greet their mom's older sister.

"How have you been?" said Mal. "I'm glad to see you again, when it's not under unfortunate circumstances."

"It's good to see you both as well," smiled Eileithyia. "Honestly I'm never up to anything exciting outside of work, so no need to ask after me."

"It's the nice thing to ask though, Leith."

Persephone returned from whatever she'd been doing inside and made her own way down the steps.

"Hello, baby sis," smirked Eileithyia. The sisters shared a brief hug. "Think I could get away with stealing your kids for a day at the amusement park during their break?"

"Really?" sighed Persephone. "You know how I feel about…"

"Watch from the ground then," Eileithyia shrugged. "Gotta play up the cool Aunt, don't I?"

"You're their only actual Aunt, I'm pretty sure," Persephone pointed out.

"And she's pretty cool," Mal shrugged. "You think I could get a feather braided into my hair?"

"If you want," said Persephone. "But good luck with trying to get Evie to match it all the time with her designs."

"Oh right," pouted Mal. She perked up shortly after. "Maybe just on occasion then. I've got another 'Learning to be Royal' meetup. Might be fun for then."

"I can show you how I do mine later," offered Eileithyia.

"Yes, please!"

"Is this your way of corrupting my daughter?" asked Persephone.

"Sure, why not?" replied her sister.

"Is everyone just milling about outside?" Rang out Demeter's voice. "Honestly! Had me worried why the house was so quiet all of a sudden."

"I'll run interference," Eileithyia winked, whispering to the little family.

"Thanks, Leith," laughed Persephone.

"What's so funny?" asked Demeter as she approached. "Eileithyia? I don't recall you saying you were coming."

She looked between her daughters expectantly.

"Oh, it's nothing mother," said Eileithyia innocently. She intertwined an arm with Demeter's. "I just wanted to visit! It's been so long since I had time to spend with you and Steph, but getting to enjoy time with my niece and nephew is a most welcome surprise!"

An awkward silence settled upon the group as Demeter and Mal met for the first time.

"Uh, hi," Mal tried.

Hadie snorted. It might be a long day.

"Mother, Mal. Mal, Mother." Eileithyia introduced nonchalantly.

"Eileithyia!" Both Demeter and Persephone gasped.

"I'm the eldest child, I get to do the intro, and I don't feel like putting up with the stuffy stuff today," she shrugged. "Now come along, you've got Spring to wrap up, Steph!"

"Y'know, I've said it before, and I'll say it again," Mal whispered to Hadie as he snickered about 'stuffy stuff'. They watched as their aunt pulled her mother and sister away towards the fields, giving Mal some breathing room.

"Aunt Leith is cool."

Chapter Text

The water lapped against his legs, bringing a refreshing coolness in contrast to the intense heat of the sun overhead.

Where he had once avoided water unless for baths, or for rain, being exposed to the sun made Hadie feel the need to seek it. Being on an island, one of course was surrounded by water, but the clouds kept the blazing star away, rendering the need to swim as unnecessary.

He wasn't on the Isle anymore. Nor would he, for at least another three months.

Damn the Isle for his stunted growth.

Asclepius was trying his hardest, but even with his schedule being upped to monthly checkups it looked like Hadie wouldn't be able to visit his father before September.

Hadie sighed as he splashed his way through the gentle lake's waves. Nearby, his official watchers of Hyacinth and Cassia waded more carefully. They'd been told he hadn't learned to swim yet, so where most nymphs tended to frolic in their free time, they were mindful of not their actions in case of knocking him down.

Demeter's protectiveness saw a line of buoys placed where the waterbed dropped off. He couldn't help but roll his eyes, but he appreciated the thought.

Flopping down onto the towel covered beach chair that'd been laid out for him, Hadie closed his eyes as he felt the caress of the sun dry him off. A few minutes later, a voice interrupted his blank solitude.

"Enjoying yourself, dear?"

Hadie brought up a hand to shade his eyes, finding himself squinting up at his mother.

"Mhmm," he replied.

Persephone smiled and turned away. Slipping her sandals off and lifting fistfuls of her skirt, she stepped into the lake herself. She sighed in content as the cool water lapped at her ankles. Hadie watched with amusement as Demeter stepped up next to him with a frown.

"Really, Persephone?" sighed Demeter. "That's a perfectly good dress you're getting soaked."

"We're barely into summer, and it's already stupid hot here," whined Persephone. Hadie snickered. It was funny to learn how unruly she could be with her own mother. "Besides, it's just a chiton. It'll dry on the line easily!"

"That'll take time away from the nymphs' tasks!"

"You have the largest employ of them. A few being waylaid to do laundry will barely affect anything," Persephone scoffed. "Besides, I bet you they'd rather have the break in doing so, than toil in the humid fields all day."

"Honestly–," Demeter began, rolling her eyes. Whatever she was going to say was interrupted by a mischievous splash from her daughter.

"Persephone!"

"Ha! Now your chiton is wet too!"

"That's it!"

There was no anger in Demeter's tone. Instead, Hadie was caught off guard as his grandmother dashed past his seat and dove into the water herself.

Squeals of laughter peaked through the air as Persephone found herself tackled into the lake. The Goddesses resurfaced moments later, drenched. Either's luxurious, well-kept hair now undone into messy, soaked tresses.

"Now, who's at fault," taunted Persephone. "I was only getting a bit of my hem wet!"

"Nope, still your fault," smirked Demeter.

"Mother!" Persephone yelped as Demeter tripped up her daughter on the way back to the shore with an overpowered hip bump.

"All packed up, Hadie?" asked Demeter as she approached once more, wringing excess water from her hair and chiton.

"I think so," chuckled Hadie. "Alright there, mom?"

Still spluttering, Persephone reached the edge of the water. With a glare, she splashed at her mother.

"Mom!" Hadie whined. He moved to protect his backpack of dry clothes and books.

"Sorry, dear," smiled his mother.

"Uck, mom!" Hadie complained again as the Goddess reached over to give him a hug. He wanted to dry off so he could go to the Charmings' again, not be doused with more water!

Persephone responded by planting a kiss on his cheek against his will.

"Guess I have to go change, I'll see you in a bit to take you to Charmington."

"Yeah, you do that," grumbled Hadie as the women around him, nymphs included, chuckled at his despair. He wiped at the newly clinging water in distaste.

He reclined once more, ignoring his family while he tried to continue drying off in the sun.

There was too much worry plaguing his thoughts. Hadie had no clue what he'd do when he got to the Charming's. No plan had been made, no itinerary or anything. Queen Ella had simply accepted Persephone's inquiry of "Keeping Hadie from under foot while the seasons were in transition", and said he was welcome to stay for a few days just in case the Goddess needed more time.

'What to do?' Hadie worried silently. 'I don't even know what state they'll be in when I get there. Would they be interested in still going horseback like they talked about last time I was there? Or are they as listless as they were at school?'

When he felt adequately dry again, Hadie sat up from his seat. Pulling out his bag from beneath his chair, he tugged on a shirt and a pair of shoes. The swimming thing was kind of growing on him, and Kitty had mentioned there being a small swimming hole at their castle as well. Was it overly casual of him to appear in swim trunks and a tee? Absolutely. The likelihood of anyone at an informal playdate caring? Nada.

"Ready to go?" Persephone still had an energetic grin as she approached once more.

"More clothes in the bag in case I stay longer, only some of my homework and toiletries?" exclaimed Hadie as he stretched up. "Check, check, check!"

"Alright," chuckled Persephone, reaching down to pick up the bag in question.

"...Hadie, what's this?" she asked, instead pulling out some loose papers that had been peeking out. She frowned as she read whatever was on them. Demeter came up behind her and peered over her shoulder, an eyebrow raised.

"...Homework," replied Hadie.

"Your school assigned compound runic formulas?" chuckled Demeter.

"Mother…?" Persephone wondered. If the far more strictly opinionated Goddess didn't see a concern, maybe needn't Persephone. That, and the fact that Demeter seem3d to recognize it over Persephone.

"Athena wanted to see what I came up with," shrugged Hadie.

"Well, maybe don't bring these," sighed Persephone. "Anything else like this in the bag?"

"Fair enough," Hadie shrugged again. He pulled out one of the two notebooks and handed it over.

"You're going to a mortal household after all," nodded Persephone as she handed the 'homework' to her mother. "But I'll be double checking with your father on this."

"If you must," pouted Hadie.

"I'll keep put it in your room," smiled Demeter. Now that things were a bit warmer between them, Demeter had cleared out one of the barely used rooms for her grandson, near Persephone's room.

"Thanks, grandmother," said Hadie. "See you later."

"Until later," nodded the Goddess, standing back as Persephone's magic began to swirl.

"I'll be back shortly, mother," Persephone waved.

Hadie recoiled as they appeared at the steps of Charmington Castle.

"Here," Persephone softly spoke. Hadie took the offered pair of sunglasses with a thanks. The white gleam of the castle stones made the sun brighter than it'd been in Greece, and even with all the time he'd spent off the Isle now, there were days his eyes were still extra sensitive to light.

"Keep in mind the rules like always," his mother began, though her voice wasn't firm. They'd been over them so many times, it was old hat, and he'd earned her trust. Even if it was helped that it wasn't the Isle that he was being left unsupervised at. "You're a guest, so remember to follow any rules they set too."

"Of course," nodded Hadie as they made their way up the stairs.

"Lady Persephone," greeted Queen Ella at the approaching guests. Her husband, King of Charmington stood next to her.

"Queen Ella, King Kit," Persephone said in turn. Hadie gave a small bow to each monarch.

"Thank you for allowing me to visit, your majesties."

"Of course, Prince Hadie, any friends of our children are always welcome," smiled Queen Ella.

"I'll see you later, Hadie," said Persephone.

"No time to stay for tea, Lady Persephone?"

"Thank you for the offer, but I've left my mother waiting," smiled Persephone apologetically. "Rain check?"

"On your return, perhaps?"

"I'll see if I can make do," replied Persephone. She turned to her son, dropping him a quick hug and kiss. "I'll see you in a few days, υιóς μου."

And if you feel the need to leave early, I'm only a thought away.

"Love you," Hadie whispered.

"Love you too."

Hadie followed Kit and Ella through the castle's never-ending halls. A servant had come up to take his bag to wherever the room he'd end up staying would be, but he was to follow their majesties to wherever their children were currently holed up.

"Good thing you're already in your swim trunks," started Kit. "Chad took the girls out to the pond in the garden to cool off."

"Alexandria warned me it was a popular pastime during summer," said Hadie. "So, Melody started teaching me how to swim."

"You don't know how to swim?" worried Kit.

"Not very well yet, but I can make myself float without panicking," explained Hadie.

"Neither of my parents were comfortable enough to teach me on the Isle, and I don't blame them seeing there's a lot of sharks…Mom's been letting me play in the lake at grandmother Demeter's farms though," Hadie hastily added at the adults' shocked looks. He didn't want to hold the others back by not being allowed around a pond. Those didn't have a habit of being very deep.

"As long as you feel comfortable then," smiled Ella. "We don't want any of our children, or guests, to do anything they'd rather not do."

"I dunno," Kit frowned. "I'm not comfortable with you not having at least some sort of supervision if you're going to swim. It's not fair to leave it on Chad or the twins to play lifeguard."

"Then we can arrange for a servant to take part," Ella offered.

"I suppose that could work," acquiesced Kit. "I'll go find Prudence—"

"Rudy is certified, ask her," chuckled Ella.

Kit smiled fondly at his wife. "Leave it to you to know our staff so well."

"Keep at it, and you'll get there one day too, dear," Ella said, kissing Kit's cheek lightly. "Now I'm sure Hadie would rather not be hindered by displays of affection, so I'll be continuing to show him the way to the pond."

"Appreciated." Hadie sighed, choosing to stare pointedly down the hall instead of at his hosts.

The king and queen chuckled, and parted; Kit down an adjacent hall, and Ella continued the le

ad as promised.

'I really need to start remembering to carry sunglasses around,' thought Hadie, squinting as they exited the castle into the sprawling back gardens. 'If only I could learn to summon stuff like the Gods yet."

His mother's only reaction was 'no' and a twitch in the eye. She thought he already had enough ammunition to get in trouble with.

"Hadie is here!" Queen Ella called out as they rounded a path surrounded by tall, well-kept shrubbery. Some statues and benches littered the area, and a stone creation funneled a waterfall into a large, shallow pond. Trees, even taller than the shrubbery walls, cast shade across the clear waters.

An odd fluttering feeling appeared in his stomach as Hadie caught Alexandria's eye, so sure that he had seen the girl perk at the sight of him.

"Hiya, Hadie!" Lucy greeted. Kitty waved enthusiastically next to her.

"Hi, everyone," Hadie returned the greetings, a small bout of shyness filling him.

A quiet nod was all Chad offered, avoiding eye contact.

"Well, don't have too much fun," Ella chuckled. A touch of sadness tainted her joke as her smile turned weak at her eldest and youngest.

As he bowed a light farewell to the queen, Hadie watched from the corner of his eye as Lucy elbowed Kitty. If his ears didn't deceive him, it was for muttering something that sounded very much like "We won't."

Within moments, Hadie kicked off his shoes and splashed into the water with the others.

"Sunscreen?" Offered Lucy.

Hadie stared owlishly. "...I don't burn."

"Godling. Right," Lucy snorted.

"But Mal still wears it," said Kitty.

"Have you seen how pale Mal is? She'd rather not take the risk."

"Fair enough," shrugged the darker haired twin.

"Are you guys going to Herkie's birthday party this weekend?" Hadie asked nonchalantly as he waded deeper. He rolled his shoulders to relax as the water began to rise to his waist.

"Sure are!" Kitty said excitedly. "His first open one here in Auradon was pretty fun!"

"I preferred Macaria's, but I guess that's a given, huh?" laughed Lucy.

"It felt like any other giant ball we've been to, just in a laxer, Mediterranean setting," sighed Kitty. "There were games!"

"Oh, like pin the tail on the satyr? Get real, Lucy, learning to throw a javelin and the discus toss for prizes was way cooler!"

"Sometimes I wonder if I don't have a brother for a twin, than a sister," Lucy groaned.

"I like plenty of stupid, stereotypical things, Luce, but that doesn't mean I can't like reckless stuff."

"Alright, alright, take a chill pill ladies," Chad finally spoke. "You said you'd keep the squabbling down if you were going to hang outside with us."

"I guess we did," the twins groaned.

"That doesn't sound like they're going to settle back down," Alexandria gave a short laugh.

"Booooo," pouted Lucy.

"Lucy, don't make him mad," hissed Kitty.

Chad just rolled his eyes and sighed, continuing his lazy back float.

The twins seemed to hold a brief, silent conversation, before Lucy spoke again.

"Why don't you come inside with us, Hadie?"

"Oh, it's alright. I don't mind staying out a little longer with Chad and Alexandria," said Hadie.

"Are you sure?" she hesitated. "Even if it's inside, we won't have to use our quiet voices out here."

"No, I want to stay out longer," Hadie said firmly. "Besides, we were cooped up in the school halls for so long, I like getting so much sun."

The fact that he'd never gotten any sun for the first 11 years of his life went unsaid.

"Suit yourself!" Kitty and Lucy spoke in tandem. The pair grabbed their towels and headed off, nodding to the awkward, hidden in the shade, Rudy.

Hadie turned his attention back to the last Charming children still in the pond. Taking a leaf out of Alexandria's book, he sank down to his shoulders, and, giggling to himself as he walked funnily beneath the surface, towards his friend who was occupied in rearranging the water lilies in pretty patterns.

"Hewwo," Hadie gurgled, his mouth halfway submerged with the rest of him as he reached Alexandria.

"Aah—! Hadie!" squealed Alexandria. Petals rained upon them from the lilies she'd tossed up into the air. A hardy slap echoed as one broadleaf hit the water, followed by another lily pad; this one missing the water entirely.

Instead, the painful crack of flesh being hit resounded. A short yelp burst from the unfortunate Chad as he spluttered upright, the plastic-like leaf sliding from his chest. Red angrily marked his abdomen, stark against his 'yet to tan for the summer' skin.

"Sorry," the preteens recoiled.

The older teen pouted sullenly at the cloudless sky.

"We should get out of the water anyways," sighed Alexandria. "I know you haven't been here long, Hadie, but I'm starting to prune."

With a nod, he jumped out of the water, and lent her a hand to climb over the edge.

Chad, however, didn't respond. He simply stood up and got out of the pond.

Hadie watched awkwardly as Alexandria sighed once more, keeping a straight face as the princess finally accepted his hand to join him outside of the water.

A few minutes later, the three were dried off. The godling didn't bother trying to change yet, content with the drying from the sun. Chad, however, had thrown on an informal button up as he sat on a towel reapplying sunscreen. Next to him, his littlest sister did the same, with a sundress now over her swimsuit.

"Rudy?" Chad called out. "I'll call you back if we decide to enter the water again, but you can leave for now. No point in being stuck out here with us when I'm sure you have other things to do."

"As you say, your highness." Rudy bowed away.

Hadie kept quiet, continuing to absorb the heat of the sun. He closed his eyes as he heard the rustling of paper from where the other two sat.

"You don't have to stay, Hadie," the soft voice of Alexandria reached his ear.

He took in the booklet in her lap as she settled next to him. It seemed so long as Chad was in her sight, she wasn't totally hugging his side anymore.

"I came to see you though," he replied quietly. "Even if we're not doing anything exciting, I did promise, didn't I?"

"...Hadie…" she stared at him, wide-eyed. Alexandria blushed and looked away. "Still, I'd hate to keep you from having any fun."

"I may be excitable, but I don't need to have fun every day, Lexi," chuckled Hadie.

A glint appeared in the girl's eye. A whap from the sheet of papers in Alexandria's hands sent Hadie scrambling.

"What did I say about calling me that?" scolded Alexandria.

"Sorry, sorry!" laughed Hadie.

He rolled back over and grinned. "Alexandria, then." His voice was haughty, purring the last half of her name.

She smiled.

And then she smirked.

A moment later, Hadie found himself back in the water, her giggles echoing through the water. The crystalline sound was music to his ears as he resurfaced.

It was a small improvement, but it was something.

Some hours later, Hadie followed his queenly hostess down the always confusing halls towards the guest quarters.

"You'll be staying here," Ella stood aside as she opened the door, allowing Hadie to enter his guest room first.

"Thanks, Queen Ella," Hadie smiled tiredly as he looked around.

"Please, Ella is fine outside of formal events," chuckled the queen. "And even then, I honestly can't bring myself to care."

"With your permission then, Ella," Hadie gave her a cheeky grin.

"Breakfast is at half past seven in the morning," Ella continued. "Would it be alright to have a servant wake you?"

"I'm fine with that."

"I'll let you get to bed then," Ella said as she stepped back towards the door. "Oh, and don't forget to brush your teeth!"

"Of course," laughed Hadie.

"Oh! My apologies, a mother's habit," Ella sighed bashfully.

"It's fine, it's fine!"

"Ah, one last thing, Hadie?" the queen turned, one hand on the doorframe.

The godling paused and looked up, toothbrush held between his teeth as he ruffled through his backpack for pajamas.

"Hesh, mr'rm?"

"Look, I need to be honest," she sighed again, this time forlorn. "It's not fair to you to be here, when Alexandria isn't willing to do much without Chad. Unfortunately, I can't force her to be a better friend, because there's nothing wrong with being a good sister. Even if it's a little unhealthy right now."

"It's fine," Hadie said again, taking the toothbrush out of his mouth. "I wouldn't be here if I minded. Even if she doesn't want to hang without Chad, I'd just like her to remember that she has more than just family to turn to."

"Well, don't feel pressured to do anything…and if something is out of your comfort zone, I heard you like libraries."

"...You drive a hard bargain."

"Can you blame me?" laughed Ella. "I saw your face over dinner when the others spoke about taking their horses out tomorrow. Might've been only a second, but I caught it."

"You did, huh?" Hadie sighed. "Honestly I wouldn't mind it, but I'd rather not hold them back from full sprints when I'm not ready."

"And that's kind of you, but I would also expect my children to be proper hosts and not leave a fledgling rider in the dust. Especially when teaching you was their idea."

"I'm interested in learning!" Hadie protested. "I just feel like I'd be lagging behind, since Chad and Alexandria, a-and the twins, all said they wanted to race! And Chad seemed excited, so far be it from me to interfere with something that would help his recovery!"

"So, it has nothing to do with VK's refusing to show fear?" said Ella.

"Y-you know that rule?" winced Hadie.

"Your sister does go to Learning to be Royal meetings," Ella said softly. "She's let a few things slip."

"But I wouldn't be a good guest either," hesitated Hadie.

"Hadie," Ella interrupted. "I'd rather you learn in a safe and comfortable environment, where you are willingly making the choice to participate. Far be it from me to be a hypocrite and say must's must. We'll gladly host you for lessons any time that you are ready for them."

"...Thank you."

"Good night, Hadie," she smiled, retreating from the room at last.

"Good night!" he called after her distractedly.

Hadie kept Ella's words close to heart the next morning. It came helpful when the discussion from dinner ultimately came true.

"We're going to go for some sprints around the fields! Want to come?" Alexandria said excitedly as her older siblings headed out the door about an hour after breakfast. The five of them had taken an easy morning; talking and, in Hadie's case, getting to know each other better as they digested the early meal.

"I…I think I'll pass," frowned Hadie.

"Why not? You did well enough your first time," smiled Alexandria.

"Exactly, first time," Hadie pointed out. "You and Chad were looking forward to racing when you made plans last night, there's no way I'd keep up."

"W-well, we don't have to go at a sprint," she offered.

Hadie smiled sympathetically.

"Alex…you clearly want to go, and run to your heart's content. Far be it from me to be the one to hold you back from having some of the first bit of joy that you've finally decided to pursue."

"It's been pretty obvious that I've been moping while I focus everything on Chad, huh?" asked Alexandria, eyes full of trepidation.

For a moment, Hadie took the chance to channel his inner Dizzy. It was a bit awkward at first, reserving such an action for adored family. The friendly group at school, including even Herkie and Melody, only ever saw the allowance of thrown over-the-shoulder versions.

This was the first real hug Hadie had ever initiated with anyone not family.

"Go on, have fun," he said quietly into a shocked Alexandria's ear. "I'll see you at lunch."

He smiled a bit as Alexandria briefly tightened the hug.

"I'm glad we became friends," sniffed Alexandria. He realized his shoulder had become a bit wet.

"Me, too," he said, pulling away gently to offer the princess the handkerchief he'd started to carry ever since his second lesson of Chivalry.

"Thank you," she gave a short laugh. With a light dab to each eye, she folded it into the pocket of her dress, blushing furiously. "I'll have it back to you as good as new, later."

"Take your time," Hadie laughed. "You're far more important than that little square. Now, I believe your siblings are long gone, so you might want to avoid keeping them waiting any longer."

"Good point," Alexandria nodded. She flashed him a proper smile this time before running towards the garden doors. "See you at lunch!"

As he watched the sun hit her golden tresses, Hadie sighed and turned back into the palace.

"Welp. Guess I'll spend my time exploring yet another new library. Although I finished all the homework I'd brought already since that's all Chad and Alexandria really did after getting out of the pond."

Hadie paused and glared at his reflection in a nearby window. Luckily, there had been no servants nearby since everyone parted from breakfast.

"Evan's right. I need to find another hobby."

Chapter Text

Chad took a deep breath. Pumping more power into his long legs, he quickly sped across the fields to leave a bickering Kitty and Lucy behind.

He loved his sisters, truly, but he could do without the clinging. The prince had to wonder, if he hadn't been tortured, would the twins be as attentive as they were now? For the last year they'd done nothing but belittle him. That he was a disappointment of a brother, a bad friend, a poor student, a playboy. The list went on.

Deep down he knew they weren't wrong. It didn't matter that they understood he'd been under hypnosis after all this time. He hated that it came so naturally to him to be that smarmy; 'charming'. For other students, for his own sisters to see his charismatic behavior and think it normal, instead of question his behavior left him feeling ugly inside.

He hurt people. Disappointed them.

Bullies targeting his sisters; he'd failed to protect them.

Using girls in multitude to do his homework for them so he'd have time helping the school bring home Tourney trophies. Besmirched, dishonored his team. Not to mention the brothers of those girls he was teammates with. Or friends with.

By Gods, his friends!

How they hadn't given up on him, well deserved it would've been, he didn't know!

Especially Ben.

Every word hissed behind his back — and he knew there had been — he deserved. Plenty had even been said to his face.

Ben never did.

Through thick and thin, Ben had been there. Even when Chad himself knew he'd messed up, Ben was barely audible in his disappointment. Oh, but those puppy-dog eyes cut more than any blade he'd crossed!

A servant greeted Chad as he approached the stables. The Royal family took care of their animals themselves, something Ella had been adamant about if they wanted to bring in any creature. Animals, pets or otherwise, should be treated like family in her opinion, likely stemming from her own history with mice and birds. Apart from basic care, like feeding and light grooming while the Charming children were away for school or travel, the servants were rarely responsible for the horses. Even Kitty's cat was solely her responsibility when she was home.

'She would've had that giant feline of hers declared an emotional support if she was less honest just so she could take it to school with her,' Chad snorted to himself as he approached Arthur's lot.

A jolt of electricity tingled up his nose. Blinking, Chad paused to shake his head. Now there was an idea.

"Hello, Arthur," Chad smiled, unlatching the door to enter his horse's stall. He laughed a bit at Arthur's grumpy whinny, hooves striking the ground in impatience as the prince rolled his shoulders.

"Just a minute, just a minute," he chuckled again. "Let me stretch out first, can't saddle you up and be injured before we ever get on the trail."

'Definitely putting that idea in my back pocket for later though,' Chad hummed to himself.

The echoes brought him the catty cackling of Kitty and Lucy, the twins making up as quickly as they would start to bicker as always. He ignored them as he got himself and his stallion fitted for the hard riding, they would perform that morning.

Leading Arthur towards the exit, Chad looked around as he saw the twins also just about ready. He frowned as he noticed the lack of one Alexandria.

"Where's Alex?" he shouted over the still bickering girls.

They popped out to look at him from where their own stabled horses resided. For a moment they looked at each other, and then turned back to him shrugging. Whatever their argument had been started back up, but Chad couldn't bring himself to care and figure out the details. Instead, he tied Arthur to the back post and returned to the entrance to check for Alex.

While the fences surrounded the immediate gardens of the palace, they didn't quite reach the stables. A natural river carving through a forest marked the property line. Guards regularly patrolled the area, but that didn't mean someone couldn't get through. Not that they'd ever had, to his knowledge, but if there was one thing the VKs taught him, it was to never let your guard down.

As another minute passed, he was just about to rush off and mount his horse to follow the path back to the castle in search of Alexandria when a glint from the sun pulled his attention back.

He sighed a breath of relief as he could finally make out the form of his littlest sister flittering across the field, a song alight in her voice as if heralding her arrival. She waved at him as she approached, just a few hundred meters away. Returning the wave, he headed back inside. The prince knew she would be impatient at having to be the last to get ready, so he began to gather and set up her gear. Even if Alexandria complained about being 'babied', he'd rather her be ready and properly secured than rush and not have her equipment safely fitted.

"Hey, why'd you do my equipment for me?" The predicted complaint pouted behind him.

"Are you going to do redo it, or did you want to ride?" smirked Chad. He tossed her helmet.

Alexandria caught it and glared. "Shut up and ride," she scoffed, striding to her horse.

With a single swing, she sat comfortably in the saddle, helmet clipped tight a moment later. A snap of her reigns later, Alexandria trotted off with Mirabelle.

Chad gave a light laugh as he returned to Arthur.

"Come on, buddy," he said, patting the side of Arthur's neck. The freshly brushed steed glinted with tones of red and gold as the deep brown fur entered the sunlight.

The four Charming children lined their horses up at the edge of the forest track.

"On your mark!" cheered Alexandria.

"Get set!" called back Lucy.

"Go!" The girls took off, the thudding beat of the hooves bringing dry thunder to the woods.

Their brother waited. One...Two...Three...He rarely did this, but today...Chad wanted to win.

Feeling the squeeze behind his shoulders, Arthur took the signal to bolt off. Despite having the mildest temperament of all the Royal horses, the Prince's stallion was built for war. The earth broke beneath his hooves, roots and fallen branches cracking into tinder.

The pair took a nice break at the victory line while waiting for the girls to catch back up. By which time a rematch was demanded.

They were trounced again.

Cheeks were pink from the sun and wind. Legs, abs, and back all hurt from holding their riding posture for hours. Nothing felt more freeing or brought the siblings closer than racing through the fields of their home.

The girls were long gone by the time Chad finished. Stepping outside, he looked around. The sun signaled noon. Lunchtime. A couple servants could be seen in the distance, pale specks amongst the vibrant greenery. His main target was for the gold of Alexandria, in case she hadn't followed their sisters as promised. So far, it looked like she was obedient. For once. The teen understood their worry, but it shouldn't have been so difficult to ask for some riding time alone.

Equipment placed in storage, and Arthur stabled with fresh water and food, Chad headed back to the castle.

He desperately desired a shower.

Chad paused as he was just about to open the door that led to the large shared family room from the girls' hall. He could hear his mother's voice through the slightly ajar doorway. Stepping to the side in case he was visible through the gap, Chad pressed against the wall to eavesdrop.

"He's here to visit you, Alex," scolded their mother. "You're his friend. Not Chad, not Kitty, and not Lucy. You."

"He said he was happy to explore the library on his own!"

"Did he?" Ella raised an eyebrow. "Because I was just off the hall when you decided to continue off this morning, despite his clear reluctance to join the ride considering he is very inexperienced."

"He wouldn't have gotten hurt," tried Alexandria. "He's a godling anyways."

"Godling or not, I don't think his parents would appreciate him taking risks. Even if it was something that he was happy to try, remember that you've been around horses all your life. They can be dangerous," Ella frowned. "I'm sure he got enough of that on the Isle."

"I—" Alexandria hesitated. "No, you're right. I should apologize to him..."

"Just do better," Ella said softly. "Spend time with him this afternoon, Lady Persephone will be coming sometime tomorrow."

"But Chad said we should ride more after lunch—"

"I know you want to be close to Chad right now, but your brother is...well, not fine, but safe here at home. You don't need to coddle him. If he feels like he needs to be, that's my job."

"But you and dad have to run the kingdom, and Chad won't even talk to his friends!"

"The kingdom is important," nodded Ella. "But so is being a parent. Your father and I have delegated and moved our schedule around to accommodate Chad as need be. That's our responsibility to all of our children. You're being a great sister, but you're neglecting your other duties."

"Fine...I'll be a better hostess," sighed Alexandria.

"I don't expect you to play hostess, Alex," said Ella. "I expect youto be a better friend."

"Mom..."

"Spend time with him this afternoon," Ella repeated sternly.

The doors opened, and Chad held his breath as his mother emerged. Luck sided with him as the opened door blocked view of him, and the queen turned the opposite direction of his hiding place.

Sighing once she was out of sight, Chad turned into the room.

"Hey," he greeted his pensive sister quietly.

"How long were you standing out there," she squinted at him.

"Just a minute or two," he shrugged.

"Hadie loves the library," Alexandria said unconvincingly, as if trying to explain herself to Chad for whatever he heard. "Bookworm just like Ben."

"If you say so," shrugged Chad.

"Well, do you think I shouldn't have gone riding?"

"I think we could've done the races any other time if he wasn't comfortable," Chad shrugged again, making his way towards his wing of the rooms.

"He said he'd be fine," pouted Alexandria.

"Saying one thing doesn't always mean what we feel though," reminded Chad. "Also, Hadie isn't like Ben when it comes to books."

"Uh, yeah he is?" Alexandria gave a confused laugh.

"Have you noticed the kind of books he reads?" Chad pointed out. "Only a small portion of it is fiction compared to Ben's choices. He's reading science and history books way outside of his class requirements. Not to mention the rigged 3D printer from Carlos, has helped those two make some cool custom pieces. Some of those STLs came in handy for my project re-do's. If FG allowed more magic outside of outlets, I'd bet he'd be devouring any books we could have had on the subject too."

"Look at you, complimenting VK's," smiled Alexandria.

Chad looked down in shame.

"You should go," he mumbled.

"I'm not leaving you to your lonesome," pouted Alex. "Why do you act as if the VKs are still bad?"

"That's not why I'm frowning. And I need to take a shower," Chad rolled his eyes. "I stink."

"You sure do," she wrinkled her nose. "But what's wrong then?"

"Alex," Chad grew frustrated, but his voice was firm and quiet. "I'm not going to be better instantly, and I don't expect you to be either, but you shouldn't glue yourself to me and miss out time with your friends."

"Pot, kettle, then," Alex sighed. "I think you've spoken to your friends even less than I have."

"They're busy," he said, looking away. "Ben's got his engagement party coming up, and he's king now. I don't need to add more to his place."

"You know he'd make time for you."

"And that's the problem, isn't it? Even when he has no time, he'll try to make some. The King's got too much on his plate, and I'm not about to bother him with my problems compared to leading the united kingdoms on top of it."

"Don't sell yourself short, Chad! And even if he is busy, that doesn't mean he doesn't have time for friends!" fumed Alexandria. "How many times has Mal stopped him from overworking? How many times have Emir and Akiho forced the logic of delegation on him? Being a king is just a title with more than liked responsibilities. But a Good king is one who takes care of himself, and his friends. Just like he would his people."

"I'll remember that," Chad smiled softly. His baby sister had come a long way from her daydreaming ways with no throne in sight, to quite the opinionated preteen. "But the friends he makes time for, don't you see the difference? And you still haven't explained why complimenting the VKs is a bad thing."

Alexandria cocked her head to the side, eyeing him confused.

"I'm the one friend who always stood against him. As for the VKs...I stood against the children of villains; children who had never done a foul thing the moment they realized they had a chance. Emir, Lonnie, Akiho, and everyone else did. He made time for them, not for me."

"But we know now that those weren't your own decisions!" protested Alexandria. "You were just parroting whatever Audrey said!"

"No...not really," Chad quietly said. "Even without the hypnosis, in moments of clarity, I remember being against Ben back then."

"...You said, 'back then', though." hummed his sister. "What about now?"

"Well, now I know the VK's, even if not very well," shrugged Chad. "And so long they keep being vetted to keep people like that Frollo guy out, I guess...I'm not totally against it anymore, yeah."

"Then you have nothing to worry about," she offered, placing her hand over his. "People change, Chad. I'm sure Ben would reach out, just because he's Ben, but I know he'd be happy to hear from you. You've been friends the longest out of everyone, and just because you haven't been a good friend lately, doesn't mean you can't be a good friend now."

"Don't tell Kitty or Lucy, but you really are my favorite little sister, y'know that?" chuckled Chad.

"Well, duh, I'd expect that to be obvious," Alexandria replied haughtily. She smiled softly as Chad pulled her into a hug.

"Apart from Ben, I think you're the only one who never gave up on me. Never only seeing the worst of me. Thank you."

They enjoyed the hug in silence for a moment longer.

"Are you going to go? To Ben's engagement party then?" Alexandria asked after another beat, pulling away.

Chad took a minute to think about it.

"I'd like to try," he said honestly. "I think it's being held in the gardens since it's summer, but the idea of being at a party with a lot of people again...I'm not sure yet."

"You've got a couple weeks to decide, in the meantime, I think you should go," supplied Alexandria.

"Of course you think so," said Chad, rolling his eyes fondly.

"No, well yes, but I mean like, right now." She skipped to the exit. "You really do stink."

It'd been a long time since he last let himself wander the halls blindly. When he'd first gotten back, running home with his tail between his legs, Chad had sought out places he'd long felt attached to. Places he knew he could feel safe in, even if the walls sometimes still felt like they were towering over him, ready to collapse at any moment.

Hopefully the servants didn't blame him too much that the floor of his bathroom was so wet. There was just no way he could close the door to the shower stall, glass or no, if it still built up his anxiety!

Slowly, he took the long way round on his way towards the dining hall. As hungry as he was, he was in no rush to be gawked at and pitied by his servants or family.

'Speaking of...' Chad looked on in concern as he saw one of said servants fidgeting at the entrance to what he realized was the library.

"Gervaise? Is something the matter?" the prince asked.

"Not exactly, Prince Chad," sighed the man. "But I can't seem to grab Prince Hadie's attention for the lunch bell."

"Ah," nodded Chad. He'd seen this phenomenon at school a few times from afar.

It wasn't like Ben getting caught up in paperwork, or falling asleep. When Ben got his hands on a book for leisure, even fully immersed, he would still have open ears and wave off whoever interrupted. Just until he got to a stopping place to lovingly place a bookmark to pause.

Hadie, Chad had seen, blocked the world out and had to be carried off by Jay or Harry, and eventually Herkie, until he somehow managed to snap out of whatever kept him in his intense trances. If it were a particularly stubborn episode, that was. At least there were a few options Chad felt comfortable enough to try before defaulting to attempting to bodily move the kid. Gods, he hoped so. He didn't know Hadie that well, and he wasn't sure how it would look to Mal if it got back to her if her brother turned out to be less than pleased.

"Just in case I can't snap him out myself, could you bring some chocolate?" Chad asked Gervaise.

"Of course, my prince," Gervaise bowed off.

Taking a deep breath, Chad entered the library.

The library wasn't as large as, say, the Le Bête's, but it was sizeable nonetheless. Gilded arches flew several stories above, leading the eye up to intricate patterns across the ceiling. The bookshelves themselves were only about two stories along the walls, with shelves only a few feet tall lining the pathway. The rest of the height along the walls were just like the rest of the castle; filled with impressively tall windows and glass art.

'This is...actually perfect for my claustrophobia,' Chad thought in surprise. There were some rooms tugged beneath the upper walkways, hidden behind the side shelves to create private studies, so he'd avoid those. The rest of the library felt open and welcoming for the first time in his memory after a long history of uncaring avoidance. 'Now that the hypnosis is off...I wouldn't mind doing my homework in here.'

All the way on the far side of the library, sat Hadie, back towards the bookshelves in order to see anyone who would come through the main doors. The moment Chad stepped into the room; the clack of his boots echoed and piercing blue eyes immediately met his.

"Uh, hi, Hadie," Chad awkwardly approached the guest.

"Hi, Chad," Hadie replied courteously. He placed a bookmark and closed the book he'd been reading.

'Well, would you look at that. Something not non-fiction.' Chad thought to himself. He couldn't resist smiling as he saw the cover.

"Princess Bride?" he asked.

"It's less girly than it sounds!" Hadie said defensively.

"I know what it's about," Chad said. "It's one of mom's and the girls' favorite books, and I like the movie a lot, too."

"There's a movie?" perked Hadie.

"Yeah! Maybe we can put on the tape after you finish the book?" offered Chad. "Since you leave tomorrow, if you don't finish yet, I'm sure mom would let you borrow it. Then, when you come visit again, have a movie night."

"I'd like that," Hadie smiled bashfully. "I could probably count on one hand how many movies I've seen."

"Really? Even at school?"

"A couple for classes," shrugged Hadie. "And mom took me to see El Dorado before Spring Break."

"That was a good one," Chad nodded, taking the chair diagonal to Hadie. "Or rather, I thought so. What'd you think of it?"

"Um," Hadie furrowed his brow in thought. "I liked it! Not everything, but I love adventure stories, and I'd never seen animation before, so all the colors were very hypnotic."

"Your first cartoon, huh? We'll have to catch you up on pop culture then," said Chad. "I'm sure your friends know plenty, but I personally think we have the best home theatre. Shows and books are easy to access at school, but I'll make sure Alex knows to invite you to buff up your movie knowledge here."

"Sounds fun!" It was Hadie's turn to smile. "Herkie and Carlos are at least working on my video game know-how, but I'm not sure I'm into the same genres as them."

"I remember Hyllus complaining about the FPS game Herkie dumps his allowance into, so I'm not surprised," smirked Chad. "I've never really had the time, so can't help you there."

"Would...you want to try though?" Hadie asked carefully. "You could with me and try the latest game Carlos preordered! He said it's more of a 'pick your poison' adventure game."

"Maybe," hummed Chad. "I'll ask Carlos if it's okay for me to join next time I see him."

"Oh yeah, I probably shouldn't be offering the use of someone's room without them knowing," blushed Hadie.

Chad simply gave another small smile. "Well, I originally came in here to let you know lunch starts soon."

"Already?" floundered Hadie.

"Don't worry, we're not late, but we shouldn't keep everyone waiting."

The pair stood, book still in Hadie's hand, as Chad led them through the halls.

"Is there anything else planned for today?" Hadie asked. "Apart from dinner of course."

"The twins have some summer work left, but Alex and I were going to go riding again," said Chad. He didn't miss the grimace on Hadie's face.

Chad eyed the son of Hades carefully. The words he'd overheard from his mother talking to Alexandria returned to the surface of his mind. Then, in turn, his heart-to-heart with said sister, and realized this was his opportunity to give the VKs a chance. A true chance.

"Come with us."

"Pardon?" Hadie choked.

"You heard me," shrugged Chad. "No race this time. It'd mean a lot to my baby sister if you learned to ride."

"I trust you have a plan? It's not that I wouldn't like to learn, but your sister rides like she's possessed by a demon."

A small chuckle escaped Chad's lips, surprising both of them.

"Yeah...I honestly don't know where she gets it...But she gets out there and it's like she and her horse are one, carried by the wind."

"Maybe my Uncle Poseidon would know," Hadie laughed lightly. "He did invent these 'ἰππος, after all."

"Oh yeah, I guess he did," Chad mused, shocked at the reminder. It was hard for him to comprehend that there was a time the animals didn't exist, and to remember there were still people alive who knew that time...Even if they were Gods.

"Wait, did you call them hippos?" startled Chad.

"Well, I guess it's ἀλογο, but originally it was 'hippo', yeah," Hadie thought aloud.

"W-wha—no, these are hippos," Chad rushed to pull up the search on his phone. He turned it around to show Hadie the hulking river beasts on his display.

"Ah, yes, those are ιπποπόταμοι; river horses." Hadie nodded with finality.

"I—" Chad paused. Another chuckle slipped out and he shook his head. "If you say so."

"Anyways," Chad began again, "I'm going to have Alex ride with me. Dad makes sure to get each of us a sturdy horse in case anything happened, so you can borrow Arthur who I can command with clicks instead of needing to hold the reins for you."

"Arthur was the really calm one I rode last time, right?" asked Hadie. He nodded a moment after Chad did.

"Alright, I'm game."

A small perk appeared in Chad's posture at the positive response. With the smallest of smiles, he beckoned Hadie to follow him back towards the stables the Godling had only visited once before.

"Hadie?" Alexandria said in surprise as she turned to greet the footsteps that approached. "I'd thought, since you weren't interested this morning, it'd just be me and Chad..."

"Sorry to disappoint you," Hadie joked. At least Chad thought he was joking, or rather, hoped. He didn't know any of the VK's that well, least of all Mal's little brother. Jay and Carlos, sure, but his memory under hypnosis was foggy at best. Either way, Hadie's awkward smile was either because, well, everything was still awkward with the whole situation when it came to Chad, or because it was a poor facsimile of a smile at his sister's unspoken desire for brother-sister time. That, Chad knew for sure considering he'd known his littlest sister all her life. Being the oldest came in handy sometimes, with having the ability to remember things to blackmail a sibling, or three in this case, since before they could remember.

Chad gave Alexandria a pointed look just in case. He hoped she'd get the clue to remember their earlier conversation about friends.

"No! I'm happy you're joining us this time!" she backpedaled, getting the clue to Chad's relief. He turned to hide a smile as Alex's eyes caught the book in Hadie's hand.

"Ooh! The Princess Bride? How are you liking it so far?" Alexandria gushed as they entered the dining hall.

"Well..."

"Another ride, another shower," groaned Chad as he toweled his hair dry. The day was finally coming to an end, the sky filled with a dusky rose. He would need to do some stretches before bed to help the sore muscles from riding, but he always felt satisfied from the pain of racing and school sports.

Tossing the towel into the laundry basket, Chad took a seat at his desk with a groan. He was sure Hadie might be doing the same, as the novice had mustered through almost two hours of practice. The Charming prince had learned much gossip, as well as about what his sister and her friends had been up to this last school year before he was shaken out of hypnosis. There was even a dynamic he couldn't help but appreciate between his baby sister and the VK.

Barring that Frederick guy, Chad was beginning to understand where Ben and the others were coming from when it came to the new kids. Bad to the bone, but not bad to the heart.

Despite being a slower ride, the calm discussions between the two boys had eventually lulled Alexandria to sleep in Chad's arms. The additional one-to-one time had the son of Hades growing on Chad.

They'd even returned to the library with a groggy Alex in tow, Chad lending the godling some of his own favorite books. Not all of them had a movie to add to the list after being finished, but the fantastical genre was something Chad had been interested in as well when he was younger. There may have been a running theme of the hero having some sort of steed. Horse, dragon, or otherwise.

A packet of papers fell from his desk as Chad adjusted his keyboard to boot up his PC. Reaching down, he realized it was the set of brochures the school psychiatrist had given his parents after he's come home. The brightest colored one caught his eye, and he began to peruse it as he waited for the loading screen to finish.

Something in his mind clicked. As soon as he could, he researched the topics more and began to weigh his options. One in particular stood out to him.

For many, an animal companion can go a long way to helping work through mental traumas...an ESA can accompany their person in public, and even be trained to determine when reprieve is needed...

'An animal?' he wondered to himself. For a moment, he considered his horse, Arthur, but while he took care of and felt attachment for the equine, he wasn't able to go about town into stores with Chad. Riding out to the markets were one thing, but in the tight, small shops...And he doubted he'd be able to swing a horse when it was time to return to school.

'I think some of the girls at school have cats, and Carlos has Dude...'

Dude.

A dog. He could get a dog!

Well, he'd have to run it by his parents first, but he was confident they'd agree.

"Hey, mom, wait up!" Chad bolted off his chair as he saw his mother walk by his wide-open door.

"Chad? What is it, dear?" Ella asked worriedly. She calmed at the sight of his hopeful look, the most positive expression he'd had in weeks.

"Mom...would...would it be alright if I got a dog?"