So this is a new fic I'm in the process of writing! I'm also working on its sister story, Were the Wild Things Are which tells more about Emma's life as a kid.
Chapter 1- The Jolly Roger
I meandered around listlessly, unsure of what I should do. I had come into the city in order for some money and supplies before I returned to my forest home.
A sudden spasm of agony ricocheted through my body upon seeing a poster of the princess with her description as usual- fair hair, blue eyes and freckles. Should be at least 18. My age.
The dear princess had always matched my age, though I had never thought much of it. My real family- Geppetto and Pinocchio- were gone. Abandoned my, albeit accidently. They couldn't have care that much, after all, its been 11 years and -which I highly doubt- they're still looking. Over the last 11 years, everything has become frantic- the search for the princess, my scramble to find a family, food, shelter, any type of protection.
11 years earlier...
A smile played across my face as I walked along the isolated beach. This was one of the rare times that I could be alone and away from the pleasant though suffocating company of-
"Emma!"
Speak of the devil. I turned around and gave Pinocchio a tight smile. He hurried towards me, scolding me for leaving and not telling him. "Emma, someone could have hurt you! Or worse, kidnapped you!"
I slowly peeled his fingers off my arm. "Look, Pinocchio, I may not know magic, but I do know how to defend myself." A pause, a raised eyebrow. "OK, I know how to defend myself on the most part!"
Pinocchio sighed and grabbed my arm again, dragging me along. "Come on!" He urged me. "We need to go back home!" Most 7 year olds would listen to their older siblings (partially, at least) but I liked to be 'independent' and I hated being bossed around. As Pinocchio continued to drag me, I saw another sign for Snow White and Prince Charming's missing girl, whom should be around my age by now.
"When do you suppose they'll take down the posters and stop looking for the princess?" I wondered out loud to no one in particular. As usual, Pinocchio answered.
"Probably never."
I grunted in response. He always got upset when I didn't respond, like I'd disappeared in that short second.
We neared Father's workshop. Pinocchio and I were Geppetto's only children. He loved us with all his heart, though I had the strangest feeling that he wasn't my Papa. Nevertheless, he love me and I he.
"Papa! Emma and I are home!" Pinocchio called out. Geppetto ran out from the maze of wooden carvings and scooped us both up in a hug, even though a) he was old and probably shouldn't being doing this b) we both were too old and heavy for that and c) HE. IS. AN. OLD. MAN!
I laughed anyways, hugging him tightly. I had had no idea this would be one of the last happy memories I would share with Papa and Pinocchio.
The Docks.
I had a sudden strike of 'inspiration'. There was always work at the docks! I rapidly jogged thought some back alleyways to reach the docks. I remember Pinocchio always telling me that while alleyways were notorious for people killed there, a killer could just as easily grab me in a crowd, and I could make a quicker escape if I went through alleyways.
The unnatural feeling of being watched raised goose bumps on my arms and I picked up the pace, unknowingly evading capture quite a few times. Just when I was nearing the exit, I ran into a large wall and bounce backwards onto my backside. When did that get there?
I glanced up to see two men with crossed arms looking down at me. They looked a little on the dirty side, cutlass at their sides, a few tiny bulges and dents indicating that they were hiding a gun and a few more small knifes, and sturdy boots. Pirates.
I scrambled to my feet, only to be grabbed my both arms with an explanation of, "Cap'n wants t' see you lass." A smaller man was revealed and I took him in- red woolen cap, sword, strong frame (much like the jerks dragging me along now), and a nervous look about him.
"Sorry miss, but the Cap'n wishes to see you now. He jus' needs t' ask you a few questions."
I smiled at him reassuringly, "No hard feelings. Nothing personal right?" He seemed surprised at my different accent, but quickly shrugged it off. He grinned back at me and led the men to the docks.
The two pirates carrying me tossed me down on the wooden deck, much to the red-capped man (whom I now know is Smee, the first mate) mortification. I chuckled and stood up, brushing myself off.
"Don't worry Smee, I was going to the docks for work anyways!" I soothed him. Laughter rippled through the men. I glared at them at, silencing them immediately.
Smee smiled a little and said softly, "Welcome to the Jolly Roger…"
"Ah, you found her! That took a bit long, didn't it?" I looked over at the man who had just entered. Judging by his apparel, he was the 'Cap'n' that everyone was so scared of.
"Like what you see, princess?" The captain smirked at me. I frowned at him disdainfully in response.
"Smee. What took you so long?" The captain turned his gaze onto poor Smee.
He stuttered, "Uh, apologizes Cap'n, she was rather fast and managed to avoid…" The rest of his sentence was lost as he bent his head down.
The captain sighed and waved a hand at him before turning back to me, his eyes lingering on my chest. I crossed my arms protectively over myself. He chuckled and walked over to me, leaning unnecessarily close and whispered with his hot breath fanning my already warm face, "Follow me lass."
Then he grabbed my arms and pulled me along. "What, don't trust me to follow? What better things do I have to do? Try to escape a ship full of pirates? I'm fine."
He smirked at me as we entered what I assumed was his cabin. "I knew you would follow, love. But I rather like the situation now…" He still hadn't let go, instead pulling me closer to him. I smacked his chest angrily, pride rearing up.
"Why am I here, Captain." My voice was dripping with displeasure and distrust.
He smiled, "Captain Hook, lass. But you can call me Killian. Killian Jones." My eyes narrowed. I'd heard of Captain Hook, and I really tried to convince myself that loads of captains have hooks when I had seen him. But now he proved me right.
Sometimes I really hate being right.
"And what would this beautiful women's name be?" His smirk intensified and his gaze became heated.
"Shouldn't you know? I mean, you did send some men after me. It would be ever so impolite not to know."
An unknown emotion lit his eyes and he purred, "Ooh, feisty. Emma Swan, correct?"
I nodded and crossed my arms. "Still haven't told me why I'm here?..." I prodded.
He waved his hand aloofly, "All in good time lass. Now, you're rather lucky, you came just in time for us to cast off."
Cast off? What does he..? My eyes widened in realization and my gaze fell on the smug captain, palms against the sturdy desk behind him, one foot crossed lazily in front of the other. A mask of perfect calm concealed my face and I said, "Kidnapping is, believe it or not, illegal Captain."
Captain smirked, "It was the intention. Anyways, you call me Killian," he shifted into a fully standing position and started walking towards me at a measured pace, "and it has come to my attention that you had a rather... colorful... history?" he inquired, looking down at me, our chests nearly touching.
I raised an eyebrow, refusing to be put off his close proximity, although a faint blush dusted my cheeks. "Depends on your definition of colorful. I'd say the years have been a bit dull for my liking."
He leaned a little closer, challenging me. Never one to turn down a challenge, I stayed still and didn't give him an inch. His smirk intensified and his gaze was smoldering as he continued to move farther and farther into my personal space, so close our noses were only centimeters apart…
The door banged open, "Cap'n, we're- oh!" Smee had barged in on us. Never had I been happier for an intrusion of that sort.
"So-sorry sir I di-didn't-" Smee stuttered.
I waved it away, interrupting Hook, "It's fine. Hook probably needed to go outside to stand at the helm all dramatically or something like that." I grinned at me, "Is that the jist of it? 'Cause from what I've seen… well."
My smile was one of pure 'innocence' and mockery. I was pissed. I had plans tonight! Sure, it was work at the docks and go back to the forest after I get some money and buy some supplies, but still! Plans all the same!
He smiled back at me, grabbing my arm and pulling me out with him. "For a guy with only one hand, you're pretty grabby." I observed.
He laughed softly. "What, you expected me to leave you all alone in my cabin? Why, I'd never want you to be lonely in there…"
I scoffed and flipped him off and he outright laughed at me, saying, "You've got gall, lass. You'd make a hell of a pirate. Though," he abruptly spun me around to face him, his hot breath blasting on my face, "I would not advise doing that to any of my men. While I may not hurt you, they may… Until I tell them not to, of course."
He resumed walking and dragging me along, "What, you want me to ask you to?"
Hook bowed melodramatically, "Just say the word. And why yes, I do mean both for this and some… other services." He winked and smiled suggestively.
I groaned and rolled back my head, then looked to Smee. 'Does he does this all the time?" I questioned.
"Yes." All the pirates in earshot answered. Smee added, " 'Cept usually by now the lady is in the room-"
"Yeah yeah get your point." I interjected hastily, much to Hook's amusement.
"Alright lass! This," He gestured around theatrically, "is what we do." He lithely bounded up the steps to the steering wheel or whatever you call it. I followed him, my feet making no noise that you could hear unless you were really listening, to the point of breaking your ears and having your brain explode from too much focus.
I watched curiously as he relieved the man currently at the helm and spun the wheel expertly. Show-off. I crossed my arms and waited for him to stop bloody showing off. *Finally* he stopped and looked over at me with a smile on his. He must really love this ship, I thought, he doesn't seem like a man of many smiles. Just because he was still looking at me and I guess he expected me to, I smiled tentatively. His smile became a grin as he directed us towards the shimmering horizon.
"So, princess, ever been to Tortuga?" Hook asked.