Disclaimer: Any characters, places, events, etcetera, that you recognize are not mine, they belong to the wonderful writers of Once Upon a Time. I just like to steal their voices and make them dance.
Summary: AU: Killian Jones gets the odd job from the Evil Queen, but this one doesn't go quite according to plan. Apparently Amaira's a special delivery for Prince Charming, but what Killian doesn't know is that she'll challenge him in ways he can't even begin to imagine. Killian's in for the adventure of a lifetime that may or may not involve horses, lip-biting, and the occasional dragon. And if he finds his true love along the way, well that's just bonus. KillianXOC (Amaira)
Sea Horses:
Storybrooke:
Killian Jones storms into the sheriff's office intent on wiping the grin off of Charming's face. Permanently. The door's bell tinkles pleasantly as he slams it open, the door's resulting crack against the wall, not so much. The prince barely has time to turn his head before Killian's barrelling into him, grabbing ahold of the front of his shirt and shoving him up against the wall with a thud.
"Where is she!" he snarls, lip curling back as he stares the prince down.
"Hook? How did you even get here?"
Killian smiles snidely, loosening his grip for a second as he takes a step back before striding forward again, shoving the prince just a little harder as he gets in his face.
"I'll say it again as I know royalty's made you slow. Where. Is. She."
"What are you even talking about?" Charming finally reacts, eyes narrowing and hand twitching down to reach for his sword.
"You're Captain Hook?"
The small voice causes Killian's head to snap around, gaze drifting down to meet that of a young boy, red striped scarf firmly fixed around his neck.
Killian jerks his head back in question, "Who's the kid?"
"My grandson," Charming's voice is hard.
"You have a grandson?" Killian asks incredulously, "Older than you look, mate."
"I'm not your mate."
"Clearly. That position had already been filled before-"
"Henry why don't you go get your moth-"
"Oh no," Killian takes a step back, "Lad should stay for the show. It certainly promises to be one for the ages. Henry is it?" He asks, keeping his gaze trained on the prince's.
The boy nods gravelly.
"Why don't you tell your dear grandfather to answer my question. See I've only got the one hand," Killian makes a show, releasing the prince's shirt to waggle his fingers. He brings his hook up abruptly, letting the point drift across the prince's throat as he swallows reflexively, "And I would so hate to slip."
Charming's hand closes over the hilt of his sword at that moment, whipping it up to clang sharply against Killian's hook, knocking him back a step.
Killian chuckles darkly, reaching down for his own sword, letting it twirl loosely in his grasp before raising it to mirror Charming's.
"Oh I was so hoping it would come to this."
Fairytaleland:
"So what's in here anyways?" Killian Jones, better known as Captain Hook, asks, nudging the large crate in front of him with the toe of his boot.
"Hmm, you see, that's for me to know. And it doesn't concern you. Now can you get it across the ocean or not?"
Killian looks the queen up and down, eyes lewdly drifting over the clinging velvet she's settled on for today,"Yeah. Now, and I know stupid question, but what's in it for me?"
"I won't kill you?" the queen states pointedly perfectly groomed eyebrows raising, "and I'll overlook the stolen goods charge." She finishes settling into an oversized plush chair, draping her arms over the sides before reaching for her glass of wine, eyes meeting his as she dares him to disagree.
"See, now how hard was that?" he smirks. "Oi! Let's go!" His crew grabs the ropes of the crate and starts pulling it out of her castle.
She wakes up and it's dark. She blinks blearily, trying to adjust to her surroundings, feeling her stomach give an impressive heave. It's like the floor is rolling underneath her. She blindly stretches out her hands, feeling along the rough hewn edges, a cloth covering the floor. She goes to stand and bumps her head, reaching her hands up to find that sealed off as well. It's a crate. Her mouth feels dry, her mind hazy even as her breath starts coming in short little puffs as the panic sets in. She's trapped. The walls feel like they're closing in, suffocating reaches instinctively for her power, pulling at it, but it shrinks away from her grasp. She closes her eyes concentrating, feeling the barest pulse thrum through her blood before going dark.It's not working. It always works. It doesn't just not work. It can't! Panic flashes in her eyes, hands shooting forward to press against the walls. She beats at them, feeling the skin on her knuckles split, but there's no give. She bunches her legs up in the tiny space, getting them just far back enough to kick out at the far side, but the crate only gives a hollow thud, the wood not even groaning in protest. She drops to her hands, breath coming in ragged gasps. It's shrinking. I can't breathe! Oh my god I'm gonna suffocate! Out, out, OUT!
"Help!" She screams, hysteria setting in, "Please! Somebody let me out! Please! HELP!"
Killian stands at the helm, hand resting gently on one of the spokes of the wheel, staring out at the cold blue waters.A cry on the edge of the wind catches his attention.
"Shh!" he holds up a hand to silence his crew. There it is again, a muffled scream.
"Captain?" a voice speaks up hesitantly.
"Well go on then, find it!"
His crew scurries away, thudding down to the bunks to search the ship.
A stow-away? No they would have heard something by now.
It had been a week since they had set sail from the queen's palace. Killian's eyes narrow.
Whoever had dared to set foot on his ship was going to have hell to pay.
He trots down the stairs, seeing his crew darting about the hallways, throwing open the doors. He goes down another flight to the hold, leaving them to clear the prior floor.. He steps among the mess of crates and barrels, unsure where to start. His eyes are drawn to the large crate the queen had given him. He has an idea of what is in everything else, but for all he knows there might be a dead body in her crate. Based on her reputation, it wouldn't be that surprising. As he draws near the crate, he hears a soft sob. The floor creaks beneath his feet.
"Is someone there? Oh please help me! Let me out!"
Killian's eyebrows draw together as he steps towards the crate. He dig his hook into the wood, and pries it open with a screech of protest as the nails fly from their posts, clattering to the floor.. A pale young woman tumbles out, waves of light brown hair flying. She scrambles into a sitting position, glancing around eyes wide before settling on the black clad figure before her.
"Who are you?" he asks voice hardening, hand settling on the hilt of his sword.
The girl bites her lip keeping her gaze trained on the ground, "Um, Amaira, sir. Thank you for letting me out." The lip clasped between her teeth trembles, "Um, where am I?" Her eyes lift to meet his, and he fights the urge to take a step back, his own widening in surprise. Her eyes had changed. They had been blue as the sky one minute, and then the next a rich emerald green. They flicker again.
She can't help it, he realizes. They don't stop, do they. Can't decide on a shade.
She waits nervously at his feet, fingers fiddling at the edge of her tattered dress's skirt. Killian shakes himself from his thoughts, general confidence sliding right back into place seamlessly as he clears his throat and throws his arm wide, gesturing to the hold.
"Welcome aboard the Jolly Roger."
"The Jolly Ro- Then you're," she glances towards his arm, seeing the silver glint back at her.
"Captain Hook, at your service." He bows, brow arching in question. "Now what are you doing aboard my ship?"
She blinks. "Nothing, sir. I was trapped in that crate!"
She gets to her feet, brushing off the skirt of her dress, both she and Killian taking stock of all the rips in it. . His crew thumps down the stairs then, talking eagerly amongst themselves when they catch sight of Amaira. A few elbows are thrown, and many a grin exchanged. Killian smirks.
"Take her to Smee."
Two pirates rush forward and grab her, hauling her up by her arms.
"What? No, let me go!" She fights against them, as they drag her forwards. Her legs kick out, churning the air, as she attempts to hit one of the pirates. Cold metal brushes against her skin, and she freezes. Killian catches her ankle in the curve of his hook.
"Now, none of that, love, we wouldn't want you to get hurt."
Amaira gulps, and goes limp, eyes wide with fear. Killian chuckles darkly and turns around to climb the stairs. She shoots a glare at his back, mind working rapidly as she formulates her plan.
Just you wait Hook. You won't know what hit you.
The pirates finish hauling her up the stairs and toss her onto the deck. Her knees hit the hard wood, but her hands keep her from slamming her face against it. Killian steps around and wrenches her head up by pulling her hair. She grits her teeth and squints at the bright deck of the huge ship as the sun reflects off the water. He laughs and strides out in front of her, forcing her to look up to see him, as his thumb continues to brush through her curls.
"Ah Mr. Smee, it appears I've found some help for you after all."
The pirate grins roguishly as a portly man in a red hat approaches the rest of the crew.
Killian claps the shorter man on the back, "As thanks for us letting you live, you'll be helping Smee here in the kitchen, and scrubbing the decks. Any questions?"
He arches an eyebrow daring her to disagree. She smirks.
"Just one. How does the fearsome pirate feel about wolves?"
Killian's brow furrows in confusion.
"Time's up."
She shifts. Killian stares in shock. Where the girl had been a black wolf stands, hackles raised. She leaps at the captain, glistening fangs snapping inches from his face. Killian backs up in a hurry, drawing his sword. The wolf circles him. It almost looked…amused?
Amaira bares her teeth in some semblance of a smile. This was all just too easy. She shakes her fur out, glad for the Captain rushes at her with his sword. She sidesteps his attack effortlessly and flows into a buckskin horse. Killian gulps. He comes at her again, sword swinging skillfully, a deadly opponent for most men. But then again, she was most definitely not a man. She trots just out of reach and rolls her eyes. Time to end this. She stumbles. Oh my god, what is that! Falling to her knees, she shifts back. Something was choking her. She gasps at air, but none comes. She claws at her throat, but to no avail. The pressure builds and builds, tightening around her, cutting off her breath. Then as quickly as it had come, the sensation is gone. She props herself up on her hands, panting, only to look up into the point of Hook's sword.
"Well look at that, not so scary now is she boys?" Killian grins to the rumble of approval from his crew. Amaira winces as she realizes just what they were looking at. The Captain's eyes roam over her body, his heated gaze lingering.
"Are you what scared the queen?"
Her eyes widen, The queen? When had she scared the queen?
Hook's crew was slowly creeping closer, vying for a better view.
Shift back. SHIFT BACK! Amaira searches frantically for an escape, but her stomach drops at the Captain's next words.
"Take her below."
No sooner had the words left the Captain's mouth, than Amaira felt far too many hands in far too many places. She claps her thighs together and crosses her arms to cover her chest. She struggles as the band of pirates practically carry her down the stairs. They turn a corner and throw her into a cell made of wrought iron bars.
"Leave us." Killian barks the order to his crew, who retreat up the stairs with a few grumbles and dirty looks thrown Killian's way.
Amaira crosses her arms and glares daggers at Killian.
If looks could kill. Still. What a way to go.
"What do you want Hook?" she growls.
"Oh you mean besides you?" he smirks, "I'm not quite sure yet. Enjoy your stay."
"You're just going to leave me in here!"
"Pretty much, yeah," his mouth quirks, "unless you'd like to join me in my bed."
"Go to hell."
"I intend to."
She rolls her eyes, "Can I at least have my dress back?"
"Now why would you want that old thing, this view is so much nicer."
"Hook." She grounds out.
The Captain turns and leaves ignoring her.
Amaira sinks to the floor, and tucks her knees up to her chest. She was so tired. God shifting was hard. It's usually so easy! What's blocking it?
She lifts her head at the sound of footsteps. Hook was back.
"Here." He tosses a light purple nightgown at her.
She tilts her head, "I thought there were only men on this ship?"
"There are, well except for you." He motions towards her with his hand.
"Then where?"
"That doesn't concern you," Killian's voice hardens.
Was that pain she saw in his eyes?
"You lost someone didn't you?"
He avoids her gaze.
"You asked me my opinion on wolves? They're cowardly killers always going after the weakest."
"I came after you, Hook."
"Your mistake."
He pushes himself away from her cell. Amaira glares at his back until it vanishes around the corner.
Sighing, she slides on the soft cotton nightgown. She was exhausted, and all she wanted to do was sleep. She lay down on the mattress in the cell.
Why was she here? How had she even gotten inside a crate? Her! Why couldn't she remember being captured? If she had been captured…Was Red okay? Red. Her best friend. They had met during the full moon running into each other in the forest. Literally into. They had bonked heads and gotten into a territorial war. They had been best friends ever since. Amaira wasn't a werewolf like Red though. Amaira could control her shifts, and she didn't lose her humanity...most of the time. She also had a larger range, shifting into just about anything. Red had helped keep her sane, helped her reign herself in. They had learned together. God she'd been such a mess...so many dead...Whoever had taken her must have known that. Hook had mentioned the queen. Was she the one who had sent her? Where was she even being sent to? Was she supposed to kill Hook, was that it? He certainly seemed like something the world could do without, especially if the stories were to be believed. No, that wasn't right. Something had stopped her from killing him. That force…could that have been the queen's magic? Could it really stretch this far? Did the queen want him to kill her? No, that wasn't right either. If the queen wanted her dead, she could've ripped her heart out when she had captured her. If she was the one who had captured her... I wish Red was here, she'd help me figure this out. Then again she'd probably also be teasing me about Hook.
Her thoughts drifted to the handsome captain.
His dark hair was practically begging to be ruffled, his scruff was kept just enough to be attractive, and the eyeliner drew attention to his stormy blue eyes. They were so full of pain. What had happened to him? Could it have something to do with his missing hand? Not that she cared, she was just curious. Curious was perfectly acceptable. But what did it matter to her?
She shakes her head firmly.
He was keeping her captive for god's sake. Imprisoned even! And thinking like that wasn't going to do. It wouldn't answer her questions, and she needed her energy if she was going to escape. Sleep, she should sleep.
She closed her eyes, slowly drifting off.
Killian had left the girl in her cell and gone to check the crate she was in. Who was the queen sending her to anyway? Charming, figures. Wait a second, that didn't make sense. Why would the queen send such a powerful weapon to her enemy? Ohhh, she wasn't a weapon for Charming, she was the queen's weapon. Well, the queen's assassin. Probably. Maybe. But she didn't seem like a mindless killer. She was clever he admitted grudgingly. She had tricked him into believing she was some poor girl the queen had kidnapped. And such power. Even the most powerful magic wielders struggled to change their form. She had done it in seconds and shifted between more than one. He only knew of one other person who could shift that well and that was Maleficent. Even then, she could only become a dragon. She could fight too. If he hadn't reacted so fast, he would've fallen victim to her jaws. But she had looked good under his sword, under his control. Such lush curves. She certainly wasn't lacking in any area. And those strangely beautiful eyes held such intelligence, like she knew some big secret that you didn't. Well, he wanted to know what it was. And Killian Jones always got what he wanted. And right now, he wanted her. He grinned. Thankfully she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon, and he did so love a challenge.
Author's Note:
Repost, neatened up a bit. Nothing changed aside from a few horrid phrases on my part. Eventually will get around to redoing all these early chapters.
Thanks for reading,
TheSparkedInfinity