Hooks and Heartstrings

1 ~ What's My Name?

The wind outside was sharp, carrying the tang of salt and smoke from the harbor fires. The door to Ursula's Fish & Chips creaked open, letting in a rush of cold Isle air.

Reagan stepped inside, boots clunking against the warped floorboards in a steady, purposeful rhythm. Each step echoed faintly through the cramped space, the kind of sound that made heads turn. Her long black hair spilled over her shoulders in loose waves, catching the dim light from the grimy lanterns above. Crystal-blue eyes swept the room like a blade — cold, calculating, and unreadable — a look that promised she wasn't here for pleasantries.

The murmur of the pirate crew faltered for just a moment as she passed, a ripple of unease moving through the crowd. Wherever Reagan went, trouble tended to follow, and tonight was no exception. The faintest smirk played at the corner of her mouth, not from joy, but from the power of knowing every step she took left a trail of tension in its wake.

She threaded her way through the tables, boots leaving tiny scuffs in the worn wood, until she came to a stop along the back wall — close enough to hear, far enough to observe. Her gaze locked on Uma at the center of the storm, her presence blending with the room's rising energy.

The creaking wooden floorboards of Ursula's Fish & Chips echoed with sharp voices as the crew crowded around. Uma's fierce glare cut through the smoky air. The pirate gang was restless, their nerves tangled with hunger for more than just food.

"Poser." Uma's voice snapped like a whip.

"Traitor!" Harry Hook shot back, his dark eyes flashing.

"Hello?" Uma challenged, narrowing her gaze.

Harry leaned in, his smirk playful yet dangerous. "Oh, I would love to wipe the smiles off their faces. You know what I mean?"

Gil choked down a bite of egg yolk, trying to keep pace.

Uma jabbed a finger at him. "Gil! You want to quit choking down yolks and get with the program?"

Gil nodded, swallowing hard. "Yeah. What they said."

"That little traitor," Uma spat venom, "who left us in the dirt."

Harry's voice dipped low, full of bitterness. "Who turned her back on evil."

Gil chimed in, eyes wide with memory. "Who said you weren't big or bad enough to be in her gang. Back when we were kids. Come on, you guys remember. She called her Shrimpy, and the name just kind of... stuck."

Uma's nostrils flared. "That snooty little witch, who grabbed everything she wanted and left me nothing."

Gil shook his head quickly. "No, she left you that sandbox, and then she said that you could have the shrimp—"

Uma cut him off sharply. "I need you to stop talking."

Harry crossed his arms, a grin creeping across his face. "Look, we have her turf now. They can stay in Bore-adon."

Uma's glare turned to a blaze. "Harry, that's her turf now! And I want it, too. We should not be getting her leftovers. Son of Hook, son of Gaston, and me, most of all, daughter of Ursula! What's my name?"

Without missing a beat, Harry snapped back: "Uma!"

Uma repeated, louder this time. "What's my name?"

Gil answered uncertainly, "Mm. Uma?"

Uma leaned forward, voice ringing out. "What's my name? What's my name?"

The whole crew roared together, "Uma!"

(What's My Name? plays)

Reagan stepped slightly forward from the shadows, her voice steady but clear. "And don't forget your cousin." She flashed a mischievous smile at Harry. "We're family — and family doesn't settle for scraps."

Harry caught her eye and grinned, elbowing her lightly. "Looks like I've got myself a partner in crime."

Reagan laughed softly. "First mate reporting for duty."

The chant continued, the pirates pounding their fists on the tables, filling the room with power and promise.

Suddenly, Ursula's harsh voice sliced through the noise. "Shut your clams!"

Uma groaned. "Mom!"

Ursula waved a soapy rag around. "These dishes ain't gonna wash themselves!"

Uma threw up her hands. "It's fine, it's fine. 'Cause when I get my chance to rain down the evil on Auradon, I will take it! They're gonna forget that girl and remember the name—"

Gil interrupted with a grin, "Shrimpy!"

Harry smirked knowingly. "Mm-hmm."

Gil laughed awkwardly, and that's when Harry gave Reagan a glance. Without a word, they both stepped toward Gil and gently but firmly steered him toward the door.

Outside, under the gray sky and salty breeze, Harry let out a quiet sigh. Reagan sat down beside him, her tone soft but teasing. "You know, Uma's got a fire in her you don't want to get caught in. She's family, but she's a hothead."

Gil let out a nervous laugh. "Yeah, I'm starting to see that."

Harry smiled, watching Reagan and Gil. "Don't worry man. We'll keep the storm in check."

Reagan bumped Harry's shoulder lightly. "You're the first mate. That's your job."

Harry winked. "And you're my favorite troublemaker."

Reagan grinned, linking arms with him as they headed back inside. "Let's go remind everyone who's really in charge."