Title: The Swan Prince
Pairing: Tony DiNozzo/Jethro Gibbs
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Supernatural themes, sorcery, angst and general Tony!Whump. I don't go easy on his this story. Also? Very AU. Like, out-of-this-world AU. Though I do slip in enough references to amuse. Try to find them all. ^^
Spoilers: None whatsoever... unless you've watched 'The Swan Princess' and even then you probably won't know where this is going.
Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS or The Swan Princess. It would be very odd if I owned them both as only I could think they could possibly work well together. Also, the poem, while mine, was inspired by the fanfic "The Train to Nowhere" by Pain au Chocolat. Which is awesome.
Summary: Young Tony, the crowned prince of the Kingdom of Fidelis, has everything he could ever want. Then the sorcerer Ari takes it all away. Now, on the run and suffering under the worst curse black magic has to offer, can Tony ever find his way home? And, more importantly, will he want to? Or will our prince sacrifice his kingdom, his identity and his humanity for something he's never known: love.
Authors Note: A story that insisted on being written. This uses the NCIS characters but isn't based in the NCIS world. Heck, it isn't based in the real world at all. In this universe, the world is divided into Kingdoms rather than countries, magic is very real and everyone is bisexual and identifies as either a dominate or a submissive. These themes aren't overly important to the story but the foundation is there.
Huge thank you to wintermute_lj who edited this. I'm currently building a shrine in her honour. Any existing mistakes are 100% mine.
I don't know what I want
I can't say what I need
I can't find my life's map
The whole world's a stampede
My hands feel so fragile
My days seem so short
I want to taste and savour
But I feel hurried and distraught.
Things move so quickly
We dismiss and we ignore
We're blind to all the colours
That lie by our front door
I want something else
I want something real
And yet I want something magical
Something iridescent teal
I know it's a contradiction
And my own soul is unsure
I could live with having less
But I live with wanting more
I tell myself relax
But I can't deny the truth
It stares steadily back at me
And says coyly as a sleuth:
"Deny the many rainbow paths
Deny your heart its sorrows
But one day, someday, soon
You'll run out of your tomorrows."
Chapter One: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
It was the first day of summer, during the seventy-sixth year of King Anthony the twelfths reign, and the crown prince was causing trouble.
Again.
"This is such a bad idea."
"Shush!"
"We really shouldn't be doing this."
"Shh!"
"...Can we go back now?"
"Damn it, Timmy, shut the hell up!"
"What was that? Did you hear it? It came from over there!"
"Fuck! Run – move darn it!"
The two men scurried to their feet, throwing caution out the window and making a break for it. Behind them came a barrage of cries as the guards gave chase but Tony wasn't the crown prince of Fidelis for nothing –he knew the palace grounds like the back of his hand and lost the horde easily.
"I hate my father," Tony complained as he stood propped, panting and exhausted, against the nearest stone wall.
"Because he knows you too well," Tim retorted, red-cheeked and breathless, "Every year Tony. Every goddamn year. You're not hard to predict."
Tony scowled, crossing his arms defensively over his chest.
"It wasn't even that good a plan!" Tim continued, ignoring Tony completely. "I mean, sneak through the gate? What kind of strategy is that? Last year's plan was much better."
"And didn't work," Tony retorted. "And now all the walls are covered with thorns."
"We should have taken the secret passageway," Tim muttered darkly, "But noooo, god forbid we do that."
"I'm honour bound to not reveal it to anyone not of royal blood," Tony complained for what had to be the hundredth time. "Unless you'd like to be left behind?"
"Doesn't matter to me," Tim bluffed, "I'm not the one whose father is trying to marry off."
"But you would be the one forced to explain my absence to the King," Tony pointed out. Tim grimaced at the thought, conceding the point.
"Get married then," he suggested, "Then he'll stop holding annual balls and you'll stop having to attend them."
"Have you met the people he invites to these charades?" Tony asked, knowing perfectly well he had, "No thanks."
"What about... what's his name...? King Vance. He didn't seem that bad."
"He was awful," Tony protested vehemently, "What the hell was with that toothpick? And besides, Em-tac is so far away."
"I hear it's nice there in summer," Tim tried half-heartedly.
Tony's venomous look said it all.
"Tony," Tim broached, tentatively, "You have to get married eventually."
Tony sighed, running a wayward hand through his hair and bowing his head.
"I know," he admitted softly, "But I wish father would stop forcing it on me. Like love can be engineered. But it can't be. And I won't end up like my mother, Tim. I'd rather abdicate."
"Then Lord Tobias would get the throne," Tim reminded him, blanching at the thought, "Just imagine what he'd do to the kingdom."
Tony smiled despite himself. Tobias Fornell was a good guy but a horrible leader. He'd make an absolutely terrible king and everyone that came in contact with the man knew it –even Tobias himself.
"At least he already has a daughter," Tony pointed out, "And, from what I've seen, Emily has a good head on her shoulders."
"There is that," Tim conceded, "But I'd still have to suffer decades living under Fornell's rule first. Urg."
"Fine, fine, I'll go to the stupid party," Tony finally relented, "Who knows? Maybe I'll find my one true love at this ball –preferably at the stroke of midnight. Isn't that how it's supposed to happen?"
"Beats me," Tim shrugged.
"Great heap of help you are," Tony grumbled darkly, "Come on then. If I'm forced to go to this thing, you'll be forced to suffer along with me. But hey, shouldn't be too bad right? It's only a ball."
He swept off before Tim could answer, leaving the younger man to fully realize the horrible consequences of his actions.
Dancers fluttered like butterflies, weaving intricate patterns around each other that repeated themselves endlessly in and out, in and out.
Tony was utterly bored.
Dressed to the nines and salivated over by ever Tom, Dick and Harriet, he had long since entered the ninth circle of hell.
"Okay," Tim sighed, standing by his side as always, "So you might have had a point."
Tony smiled despite himself, if only because it was true. Even if he had been actively trying to find a bride or groom it was clear that this wasn't the way to go about it. Everyone in this room was there for three things: his kingdom, his money and his looks.
"Anthony," a familiar voice called. Tony turned his head reflexively, eying his father wearily. Every year his father would present him with his favourite candidate and every year the experience scarred him for life.
"Hey Dad," Tony greeted when he approached, just because he knew it would piss the old man off. Indeed, King Anthony the XII eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
"Anthony," his father returned, voice as dark as ash, "I'd like you meet Ari Haswari, a Lord from Terra."
Tony eyed the man cautiously. He was handsome enough (more than, actually) and his eyes were oddly soft... but he came with the recommendation of his father and that wasn't a good thing.
"A pleasure," Tony muttered, nodding his head slightly.
"Prince Anthony," Ari bowed, and his voice was as sweet and gentle as his eyes, "I have heard tales of your beauty but such tales pale in comparison to your loveliness."
Was this guy for real?
"Thanks?" Tony tried, raising an eyebrow. He was strongly tempted to remind this guy that he wasn't a chick (thank-you-very-much) but, eyeing his father's expression, he thought he'd pressed his luck enough for one evening.
"You have a breathtaking home," Ari added, though his eyes never left Tony's, "The grounds must be spectacular."
"Of course," King Anthony agreed, giving his son a firm look, "My son would be delighted to give you a tour, isn't that right Anthony?"
"Well actually," Tony began before caving to his father's foreboding expression, "I was just about to suggest that myself."
"Wonderful," Ari agreed, looking far too amused for Tony's liking, "Shall we?"
Horror of horrors, he actually offered Tony his arm as he said this. Internally rolling his eyes at the gesture, Tony nonetheless took the offending limb and began to lead the man outside, heading immediately towards the gardens.
"So tell me a little about yourself," Ari requested as they walked through an archway made entirely of roses.
"Well," Tony began, a little sardonically, "I'm the heir to the largest kingdom in the known world, richer than most people put together and when I grow up I want to be a ballet dancer."
Ari snorted, halting their movements and eyeing Tony speculatively.
"You're more than just a pretty face, aren't you?" he observed wryly, "From what I've heard, you've caused you father all sorts of heartbreak."
"He's a manipulative old coot with a business sense that makes him a tolerable king and an intolerable father." Tony snipped, just to shock. To his surprise, Ari laughed.
"Oh, I do like you," Ari declared, smiling, "I knew the moment I saw you that you were something different."
Tony didn't know what to say to that, so he said nothing. He had to admit though, if only to himself, that this guy wasn't too bad. Better than the chick his father had hoisted onto him last year –she'd actually swooned when he accidentally brushed his hand against hers.
"Tony! Tony where are –oh! Sorry, am I interrupting?"
"Not at all," Tony assured Tim, relieved to have someone there to run interference, "Have you met Lord Ari of Terra?"
"Timothy McGee," Tim introduced himself, still looking sheepish, "Sorry. Thought for sure Tony had run off again."
Ari grinned at that, shooting Tony an amused look.
"That's perfectly fine. Are you a lord of Fidelis?"
"Who –me?" Tim asked in surprise, "Not a chance. My parents both work in the castle."
"Tim and I grew up together," Tony added, "He's probably my best friend –as tragic as that is."
Tim looked torn between pleased and insulted.
"Terra isn't far from here," Tim decided to change the subject, "Nice place... but apparently they have quite a bit of trouble with rogue sorcerers."
"Oh yeah," Tony remembered, "Didn't they have one just recently? That lord?"
"I heard that!" Tim agreed excitedly. The complete dork –he'd always been fascinated by the magic arts and Tony knew for a fact that's he'd dabbled in some of the lighter magic, "That was last month, right? Can you believe it? What was a lord doing playing with dark magic?"
"Trying to take over the kingdom is my guess," Tony shrugged, "That's what the bulletin said: 'Accused of dark sorcery, high treason and crimes against humanity' was the phrase."
"Tony has an obsession with law," Tim confided to a bemused looking Ari, "He's always checking the list of fugitives. In another life, he would have been a soldier, mark my words."
"Some of them have rewards," Tony grinned, secretly pleased by the idea, "I'll have to look into that one again, though. I think there's something about it I'm forgetting... that's going to annoy me."
"Do you know anything about it?" Tim asked Ari eagerly, "Were you there? Did you know him?"
"You could say that," Ari agreed.
"Really?" Tony prompted, surprised and curious. He made to take a step forward and flailed slightly, finding his feet stuck firmly in place. "What the..."
"Sorry about that," Ari apologised gently, "I really didn't expect you to be so clever, you know? Still, you must think my manners entirely lacking, which I assure you isn't the case."
"What are you doing?" Tim managed, voice wavering slightly and as stuck in place as Tony.
"Ensuring the safety of my secret," Ari replied, almost kindly, "I don't believe we were properly introduced, young Tim. I am Ari Haswari, exiled Lord of Terra, all powerful sorcerer."
"Oh god," Tim gulped, trying to bolster up his bravery, "What do you want with Tony? You're a fool if you think the King will pay a ransom for him."
"I assure you, I don't intend to harm the Prince," Ari began, eyes as soft and kind as ever. It was beginning to creep Tony out, "I intend to marry him."
There was a long silence as Tony processed this answer before –
"You're out of your fucking mind."
"It's very possible," Ari conceded, the tone so at odds with the admission that it caught Tony off guard. "But I'm willing to rule with you by my side, young Anthony. Is that not a consolation?"
"Not really," Tony snarked, "And not going to happen. You want the kingdom then you're going to have to take it by force."
"Tried that already," Ari dismissed idly, "Does no good. If you take something by force you spend your whole life fighting to keep it. But... if I marry the only heir to the throne we can rule your father's kingdom legally and no one will be able to dispute my claim."
"I'll never marry you."
"Now, now," Ari placated, holding up his hands in a gesture of surrender, "Don't be so quick to decide. I may not be able to take the kingdom by force but you have no such recourse. Last chance, my lovely Anthony. Agree to my proposal or suffer the consequences."
Tony raised his chin stubbornly. He might play the clown a lot but, when push came to shove, he'd do anything for his kingdom and his people –and that included enduring whatever Ari could throw at him.
Ari, seeing his pride as the refusal it was, sighed sadly.
"Very well." He breathed, looking honestly regretful, "You'll not be able to tell a soul what has happened to you, either in words, gestures or writing. From midnight to midday, your form shall not be your own.
"I'd recommend that you never stray far from water –it, as your natural element, will dull the pain. But for this, your very first transformation, I shall provide no such mercy. Do keep in mind, as your trying not to scream, that even my death shall not end the curse. The only way to break it will be to place your hands in mine and swear in front of a priest and God that you belong to me. After you experience this you'll recognise the wisdom in that, Tony. You'll realize that you won't be able to resist me –not forever. Eventually, you'll do anything you have to in order to get to water and gladly give up your tomorrows."
Tony struggled in his invisible bonds but it was no use. Ari raised a hand and Tony's body exploded in pain.
It was akin to covering someone with gasoline and setting them alight.
Tony was sure that he was screaming, but equally as sure that he had no voice in which to scream with. His body was bending itself out of shape, snapping and moulding into a form that wasn't his, a body he had no right possessing. It was a violation against nature, against everything Tony was, and it hurt.
It hurt beyond words, beyond boundaries, beyond expression. For a single crystallised moment in time, Tony's body was built of nothing but pain.
Then someone was speaking and everything went black.
Tony came to awareness slowly.
He noticed, almost at once, that there was no longer any pain. The lack of pain was so unexpected that Tony was unable to comprehend the very idea of it.
Then he remembered what happened in the garden and he groaned.
Only, it wasn't a groan.
Rather, it was oddly squawk-like. Starting to panic now, Tony clamoured to his feet.
It was instantly apparent that he'd lost several feet worth of his height. Turning his head, Tony also saw that he was covered entirely in white feathers. He gave a surprised cry and, as before, all that sounded was the cry of a bird.
"Tony?"
"Tim?" Tony tried to say –it came out sounding nothing like that.
"Tony, just calm down," Tim begged, approaching him cautiously and settling himself within arm's reach, "Apparently you'll turn back into a human at midday but until then..."
Tony shook his head, took some deep breaths and tried to think. He explored his new body (still not panicking) and noted that his neck was long, his body curved and his wings (definitely not panicking) at least three feet across. He was also entirely white –not a patch of gray on him.
He was a swan.
Ari had turned him into a swan.
He'd then proceeded, judging their surroundings, to lock them inside an isolated room in the castle. Tony, who knew the castle better than anyone, knew exactly where he was. He also knew he couldn't stay there. The pain he'd felt –it was pure agony. Water would dull it apparently, but Ari wasn't about to let him near any while he was still trying to convince Tony to marry him.
And, to be honest, Tony wasn't sure he'd be able to last more than a week under that sort of torture. The very thought of experiencing it again was terrifying.
Feeling a fierce sense of determination rush through him, Tony straightened himself up and took a step forward –.
–Only to fall flat on his face.
His centre of gravity had shifted dramatically during the change and, clearly, it wasn't as easy as knowing his new form instinctively. Tony wasn't one to give up lightly, however, and he climbed bravely to his feet to try again.
It was slow going. Tony was likely the least graceful swan in existence, and it didn't help that Tim was there to see it all –though, mercifully, he remained silent about Tony's lack of coordination.
Finally, he was walking somewhat shakily around the room, Tim looking on with a weak smile. When he was relatively sure he had it down pat (or, at least, when he'd walked a few laps of the room without tripping) he made his way to the corner of the room and began to tug at a tapestry there.
Tim remained where he was, clearly not understanding. Tony gave a sharp cry, gesturing his overly long neck towards the tapestry and, finally getting the hint, Tim made his way over and pulled the tapestry aside.
Tim had been certain the tapestry was hiding a door but it wasn't. Instead, it was masking the corner of the room and the fact that the two walls didn't meet. Instead, there was a narrow gap that led into another room. Tony, in his smaller form, fit through the gap easily but Tim had a little more trouble. Luckily, the passageway (if it could even be called as such) was only the length of the bricks themselves and so the ordeal was over with quite swiftly.
The door of this room wasn't locked.
Tony peered around the frame, using his new neck to his advantage. There was a slight curve in the wall to his left but he could still just make out the two soldiers that were guarding the door of the room they'd just vacated. Keeping himself as small as possible, Tony hugged himself to the wall and skittered silently around the corner, Tim following like a shadow.
It was annoying not being able to speak. Tony lived for lively conversation and it would have made things much simpler if he'd been able to explain to Timothy where they were going. As it was, all he could do was lead and hope that Tim had enough faith in him to follow.
Eventually, they made it to the library.
Tim looked around the circular room with utter bewilderment, wondering what the hell they were doing there. Tony, however, made his way right to the centre of the library where a magnificent half sun/moon lay imprinted into the stone, its slivers of light reaching out to brush the stray bookcase.
The circle of light that surrounded the half sun half moon was incomplete, as though the mosaic had been broken years before. Putting his beak there, Tony tried to tug. Tim, watching him closely, brushed Tony aside and curved his fingers into the groove, pulling for all he was worth.
The circle turned slightly.
Encouraged, Tim continued to pull until there came a soft click and the sun/moon sunk slightly into the ground and shifted to the side completely, revealing a hidden staircase.
Tim spent an awkward moment just gaping until Tony, very aware of how little time they had, gave him a sharp nip and hastened down the stairs.
Tim barely had time to follow him before the mosaic was rotating back into place and the passageway was plunged into darkness, the only light coming from an odd sort of mould that appeared to be growing along the very walls.
"I thought you were honour bound to never show this passageway to anyone not of royal blood," Tim whispered with the reverence this breach of trust was due and very aware Tony could have simply left him behind.
Tony, had he been human, would have laughed him off. He didn't have that option now, and Tim wouldn't have bought it anyway. The promise Tony had broken for him had been one he'd made in his capacity as a prince and the both of them knew how seriously he took such vows. Breaking one was a big deal and there wasn't any denying that.
But, to Tony, Timothy was worth a thousand broken promises.
To Be Continued
Authors Note: Never written anything this left field before so please comment and let me know what you think so that I can stop stressing over it. ^^
Next chapter will be up as soon as it's edited.