AN: I don't claim possession of any characters, lyrics or anything else that someone might want to sue me for.
I've had this idea rolling around in my head (oh those voices just won't shut up). I was re-watching Spaceballs for the umpteenth time and realized how interesting it might be if our favorite pirate had a deus ex machina like Lonestar (hence, the title). I'm trying something new, so be gentle (but generous) with your reviews.
Constance raced through the forest, trying desperately to outrun her would-be captors. She listened carefully as she approached the small fishing village of Anguilla. She could hear the faint pounding of horses as the soldiers closed the distance. She clung the bundle closer to her chest as she made her way to the nearest cottage. It was modest, though well cared for. "Perfect," she thought. Moving swiftly, but silently, she made her way to the front door. Gingerly, she laid the swaddled infant down, tears staining her cheeks. Reaching in her cloak, she withdrew a gold signet ring from the inside pocket and placed it on top of the blankets.
"I love you so much," she whispered, "but I need to do this to give you your best chance." She leaned down to place a gentle kiss on the infant's forehead. His bright blue eyes stared back at her, causing her to almost lose her nerve. Almost, she thought, as the sounds of horses drew nearer. With one last lingering glance at her son, she ran.
His cries sounded behind her, breaking her heart, but she didn't turn back. One day, she thought, you'll know who you are. Until then, be safe, my prince.
"Give up, Killian, you'll never beat me!" Twelve year old Liam couldn't help but taunt his younger brother as they raced to the docks. Every day, when the fishing boats returned, they ran to meet their father.
At six, Killian idolized his older brother, and tried to do everything that he did. Well, not everything, as Liam had a penchant for following rules and Killian liked to test them. Their mother seemed to be perpetually exasperated in his presence, but never without a smile for her boys. She claimed her frizzy brown hair always was disheveled from pulling it out, but always said this while hugging or tickling her youngest.
"When are you going to learn, Killian?" Liam smirked at his brother as he leaned against a cleaning station near the docks. Killian tried to retort, but was still out of breath from the exertion. Liam shook his head and marveled that his brother never gave up trying to best him, though it was in vain. The difference in their ages made their relationship both that of bickering brothers and fiercely loyal to one another. Liam was constantly taunting and picking on Killian, but woe to the lad that tried to even look cross eyed at the youngest Jones.
"One day, I will best you, Liam, just you wait." Killian was also extremely stubborn and refused any ideas that he wouldn't be just like his older brother.
"You two aren't up to any trouble, are you?" Both boys started a little as their father snuck up on them, his stern tone mismatched by the crinkles of laughter around his eyes.
"Da, Liam was saying he was better than me," Killian complained. His father ruffled his hair reassuringly.
"Killy was just sore that I beat him, again," Liam replied, using the nickname he knew irritated his brother.
Their father chuckled at their bickering, pulling each under an arm to wrap around their shoulders. "Boys, you better stop fighting before we get home or Ma will be cross," he warned. Each of the lads shot a glare at the other before declaring a silent truce. Neither wanted to add to their chore list, which was bound to happen if they approached their mother in their current state. "C'mon, let's grab some dinner and head home," he said.
Grabbing dinner meant collecting some of the smaller fish that wouldn't sell at market. Their father always let his crew have first pick, so their choices were meager but sufficient for their small family. Some of the men had a dozen or more mouths to feed, but they always caught enough to go around. There was enough today for some filets for dinner and a stew for tomorrow's lunch. "Ursula was generous with us today, boys," their father said, giving credit to the sea goddess.
They walked back to their cottage on the edge of the village, their father telling tales of his work day. As they approached, their mother was spotted in the yard removing clothes from the line that was strung up between two trees. She placed the basket she used for the chore on the ground as she greeted them all with a peck on their cheeks. "I think my memory's going, Seamus," she said. "I think a playful imp has moved the laundry. I could've sworn I put this skirt on the other side of my blouse. And my apron was underneath it," she looked perplexed, holding up the magenta and orange garments. She shook her head, as if clearing a thought. "I hope you don't mind having a wife going madder than a hatter."
"Nonsense, Siobhan," he chided and kissed her temple. "I only married you for your looks, not your mind." He chuckled as his wife swatted his arm in rapid succession. He captured her flailing wrists in his hands and drew her closer for a lingering kiss.
"Ugh!" The boys made retching sounds next to them before their parents assaulted them both with hugs. The family dissolved into fits of laughter as a full on tickle war ensued.
"Goodnight, Da. 'Night, Ma," Killian kissed both parents before pulling his covers up to his chest. "Da? Will you tell me the story again?"
His father shared a glance with his mother, sighed, and pulled a chair close to his son's bed. His mother smiled before slipping out of his room.
Killian wiggled under the blanket with excitement. "Once upon a time," his father began, "there lived a fisherman and his wife. They were head over heels in love with each other, so much so that they decided to share their love with a child. Soon, they had a son to love just as much as they loved each other. As time passed, they realized that their new son added to their love and they needed another child to share their love with. For many years, they tried to have another child, but the gods did not bless them. Then, one night, they heard cries outside their door. When they went to see who was causing all that ruckus, they saw a baby on their doorstep. The gods did bless them, after all, for their new son was able to share all the love that the family had to spare. They didn't know where he came from and their only clue was a ring." He paused and glanced at the table next to Killian's bed, where a large gold ring rested. Killian reached out and traced the outline of the intricate design with his finger. "And that, my boy, is how I came to be blessed with two sons."
Killian smiled. He had always known that he did not biologically belong to the Jones's, but he never felt unloved or unwanted. Truly, whoever had placed him on their doorstep had given him his best chance at a family.
"Now, sleep, my son," his father laid another kiss on his forehead before replacing the chair and slipping out of the room.
Killian turned on his side as his father shut the door. His eyes were drawn to the ring that glistened in the moonlight streaming into his window. He had stared at it many times, wondering if it was a clue to who had left him. Eventually, he had had the idea that whomever had left it might come back and reclaim him, taking him from his family. He shuddered at the thought and told himself that he would fight anyone that dared take him away from his home. Then again, maybe it was someone who needed to feel the love that his family had in abundance. They could join his family, too.
As sleep claimed him, he settled on the idea that one day, he'd have a son to pass his ring on to and show him the love that the Jones's had shown him.
Oh, we're not done, yet, kiddies! This is so moving into Captain Swan territory in a little bit (give it some time), but backstory is important, too. Also, this wasn't beta-ed, so if you see any mistakes, um, tell me, but gently so I don't develop a complex. I'll try to update soon, but I might be busy having a Summah!