DISCLAIMER : the characters of once upon a time are not mine. I'm merely borrowing them to dance to my will.
AN : if I'm to be completely honest...I'm terrible. Petulant Queens and Dear Henry are still being written but this just begged to be let out and it did. All over my notebook. Review and tell me if you'd like me to continue. This is mainly just...a story in progress, something to take my mind off of problematic things so I thought I'd share. Also if there's any mistakes, TELL ME it's four am. I'm sorry.
Once upon a time there lived eight kingdoms, all bore its own magic held together by one powerful object. The first kingdom-Beastia- was ruled by a queen named Ruby Lucas Lycanthrope; her hair flowed upon her shoulders like sand on the shores yet her eyes shown red like a ruby, she ruled with as much an iron fist as the second kingdom. The second kingdom lay just above the mountains, the kingdom in the clouds as they call it but its actual name is Fairabule. This sky world was ruled by a fairy named Blue Titania for she was as blue as the sky and she flew with ferocity to protect her people.
Then the middle kingdom- Agrabah-lay miles away in an almost formidable desert filled with sand monsters and dunes that swirled around the travelers mind corrupting their thoughts. This land was never near barren as it thrived thanks to its ruler- a man by the name of Jafar Aedelstan. He was by far crueler than the first two kingdoms, if only you looked hard enough. He was kind as many saw him, but that's just an act. He'll control you without a second thought with his golden snake scepter if it came to battle.
What's crueler than him?
Well, past the desert towards the farthest reaches of the land, just past the sea is the kingdom of dreams-Neverland. It was rumored that the residents there never grew old because the same person, who came to the kingdom meetings on behalf of Neverlands ruler, seemed never to age a day…for decades. What was even weirder was that the represented person of this land of dreams was young, terribly too young. They hardly let outsiders in for the ones to travel there without proper invitations or requests never returned. This odd kingdom stayed by the order of all the other kingdoms. For this kingdom sent the most glamorous clothing and remedies curing many within the land. This mysterious land was ruled by a person no one has ever laid eyes on; Peter Pan.
Ah- but what of the other kingdoms?
Past the shores of this forsaken dream-like land across the sea of mermaids, sirens, and sea monsters of all shapes and sizes on an island no bigger than the first kingdom lay the fifth kingdom-Atlantis This land was a fishers land owned by a woman with golden hair and a high commanding voice- most would say she a goddess- but she often laid trodden misery to whomever spoke of her as a god. Her name was Ursula. She never gave her last name, rumors speak that names-even last names- speak more powerful than her powers. Ursula was a mermaid once. She'll tell you she had a mishap with her potions but the winds of the sea itself whisper she was cursed by Poseidon.
Next to Ursula's domain, past a channel of water on a slighter bigger than that of the desert, ruled the sixth kingdom-Bipin. A mixture of lands of forest and stone buildings extending so high the kingdom in the sky would be proud. Here the woodland creatures thrived, nymphs of all kinds and shape shifters lived along those respectful to nature. This was ruled by a much kinder king of the name Archie Cricket who had hair as red as the fire that kept his castle of stone filled with vine and watering holes for the weary animal resided. He'll offer you a smile as quickly as the rain falls here.
The seventh kingdom-Chixian Shenzhou, just alongside this forest of creatures, was a city so divine in its advancement it constantly lay in silent battle with their neighboring kingdom. The land was known for its promise of acceptance and filled with warriors other lands have so valiantly proclaimed loyal and worthy. This land was ruled by not one-but two-two ladies sharing the throne. Mulan Zhanshi who was as fierce and cunning as the blade she holds. Some say she stole it from the mythical king, Arthur. The second was a maiden as fair and bright as the name she holds, Aurora Adonia. These queens shared something the other kingdoms did not; understanding. For two minds, as these queens say, are better than one- especially if those minds are different than the other.
Finally, the last kingdom-the biggest one of all; the kingdom of ice and snow called Storybrooke. Filled with more magic than any other kingdom, this is where gods had battled years before, where great sorceresses and wizards have poured their magic into this land, and where most magical beings grew. The nights were even magical, the ground glowed tiny crystals in the ground by the shimmering snow, the day brought enough warmth to pay and gallop about making snowmen or practicing magical abilities. This land wasn't entirely of ice, there were moments in the year, where the tiny icicles melted as the sun sung higher and then green would peak out. Trees sang to the plants as they grew for the summer to arrive. And this….this is where our story begins.
On the brinks of the nearby shore-line, with the land in sight, one ship, the color of bright blue and gold sailed from the first kingdom returning the Jewel of the Deliverance. A special bright purple crystal encrusted with a long golden chain spun by the old fairies long ago. The crystal held power, it's what kept the kingdoms alive with magic but none other than Storybrooke. Of course this jewel is shared among the kingdoms, to bring life into the land, but every ten years it is returned back to the last kingdom for a couple years, then it is passed back onto the next kingdom. There are tales of several other jewels. Tales, which is what they say, because no one's ever seen them nor heard of their whereabouts. Some villagers speak that it's in The Enchanted Forest just further north of both Archies and the two queens kingdoms.
Near the first ship a second sailed, shrouded by magic and light rays, sailed a much darker ship. One that is the color of dark omnipresent blue lining with red along the rails. It is here, in a land of ice turned green brimming with magic, a woman with hair flowing in waves just above her shoulders and eyes as dark as passions arise grinned. She held the rigging tight with both hands, practically dangling off the edge. Her corset squeezed her slender waist so tight her breast peaked, the white blouse she wore swooshed in flippant glory licking the sea water just slightly so. Her tight black pants clung to her in ways to distract her prey. Her knee high boots gave her an aura of benevolent ambiance for it was enchanted by Hermes himself. The little black wings lay hidden in the strap of her boots. Her grin deepened with red lips.
"Captain!" a man with a scuffle in his voice as dark as the beard upon his features called from the crow's nest, "we're getting closer."
She continued smiling then in a voice bordering on velvet intertwined with a queens command she shouted, "Are you boys ready for retirement?!"
Almost in unison her crew laughed, "Only when you bore a boy to learn these ropes!"
She raised her brow then looked to the various men, "Then go fuck those wrenched maids in brothels and bring me children! I could use a few more hands!"
Chuckles came about and slight grunts. Suddenly a hand reached out to her from deck, she grabbed it without thought letting herself be pulled onto the wooden floor. She let her second in command hands go.
"You know, if you keep teasing about that, one day they'll think it's true." His voice was much softer than the others.
She scoffed, "which one? Retirement or my brand new crew? HEY-"she shouted, "cabin boy!"
A boy with sloppy hair that stuck out in tuffs stopped and held his mop to his chest, "y-yes captain?" he wasn't much older than perhaps eleven, and he was lanky but not too tall yet to tower over his dark haired captain.
"Go make yourself useful. Use that fat empty head of yours to find my quarters and fetch me my best sword." She crossed her arms.
"Yes ma'am," he dropped the mop and she did her best not to sigh at his idiotic habits.
"Cabin boy-"her voice was soft laced with anger, he stopped.
"Captain?"
She walked the few feet to him tucked her boot under the mop handle and kicked it up causing the handle to smack into his chest hitting his nose.
"Be a good boy and remember this isn't mommy's kitchen, we have manners, and leaving mops on the desk isn't one."
A man swung from a rope like a monkey and shouted, "Yer supposed tah clean the deck no' make it dirtier lasse."
He nodded ignoring the misuse of gender pronouns then ran across the deck picking up his mop bucket, placing both on the side of stairs besides the entrance to the captain's quarters.
"He's still fairly new, be gentle." Her right hand man spoke.
"That's as gentle as I can be."
He sighed.
"Don't you get too comfortable with that attitude Graham. I may need to cut your tongue out."
She looked to his smiling face, "by the way, Graham?"
"Yes captain?" he wore a loose black blouse that flowed into his loose grey pants tucked and held by a dark red sash, his pants then in turn tucked into his short boots.
"Ready the canons." She then grabbed a nearby rope, "I'll see what can be done about our missing flag."
Without further word Graham sprang into action barking orders and the captain, well…she began her quick climb up the rope to the main mast to stand atop the long board holding the sailing masts.
"August!"
"Yes captain?!" he spoke from the crow's nest throwing rope down below.
"Fly the colors."
He stopped then looked back at her, "Thought you'd never ask."
"It's time the Swan ship learn of the Evil Queen." She snapped her fingers and a clear veil looking like glass shimmered away.
"Captain!" the cabin boy yelled holding up her curved sword in its scabbard.
"Throw it up Henry dear."
He readied himself then with all the strength he's gained from working upon the Black Apple the sword bolted up past the ropes and sails into the hand of Regina Mills. She caught it without trouble pulled the scimitar out letting the sun catch it gleam and dropped the scabbard. With practiced hands Henry caught it.
"Where you found it boy." She said with slight humor and hum in her voice.
"Yes captain!" he ran back across deck.
####
Her hair usually tossed in waves around her shoulders creating a waterfall of seemingly pixie dust was soon bound by rubber and short rope.
"Get ready men." She called grabbing the side of the deck pulling her sword out.
She wore light blue and dark boots. Taking off her jacket she tossed it to the side, her figure was muscle yet petite as the rebel princess she is.
"CAPTAIN!" one of her crew members shouted from the crow's nest.
"YES?!"
"THEY FLEW THEIR FLAG!"
"PIRATE?!"
Silence.
"NEAL?!" she looked up.
"I-ITS-IT'S THE BLACK APPLE EMMA."
The collective gasp shrouded her for a moment, then…chaos of collective arguments.
"But I have two kids!-"
"My grandmother-"
"We can't face the Black Apple-"
"We can still jump ship-"
"The she-pirate controls that ship-"
"We should just give up-"
"I thought she was robbing The Forest of Heoler near the Beastia!"
"HEY!" when that gained no effect she put two fingers in her mouth and whistled.
The calm came as did the deafening silence of the waves.
"No one's dying. No one is leaving. And no one, not even the notorious Evil Queen of the seas is going to take us down." She spoke with such a high voice of command and her emerald eyes reflected both sun and sea.
"My mother, Snow White entrusted us to deliver the Jewel of Deliverance and that is what we will do. Now-I will not stand here like a coward to the Evil Queen as she attempts to steal our lands right. Will you?"
The men looked at one another, then…from the crowd a man, with a lean frame and a determination matching that of any sailor, spoke, "I, Killian Jones, will die before that thieving bitch lays a hand on that jewel."
Emma looked him up and down as he bowed, "the new guy has his head wrapped around this. What do you say men?" she looked and blushed ever so slightly, "and women."
She had a few women upon her ship, but she found it disrespectful if she didn't mention them.
No one said a word, their loyalty extended to the point of actions. One by one each bowed slightly.
"Right," Emma spoke, "Let's capture us a couple of pirates."
###
Regina laughed from her position atop the bulk of the main mask, "well…it seems the princess is determined to get them all killed. It looks like we'll have to actually use our canons this time boys!"
"Finally! Some action!" some shouted.
"Ye-HAH!" followed by, "learned that from a play in Beastia," some yelled as they ran down below deck to fetch swords.
Some laughed with glee.
Her pirates have been restless. It's what happens when you become the best. Less fights. She looked down at her scurrying crew, like ants. She frowned to see Henry shuffling awkwardly.
"August?" she said.
"Yes?" he spoke a few feet above in the crow's nest.
"We didn't teach the boy to fight."
"Oh shit. Well…at least we can be rid of the extra baggage."
Regina snorted, "I saved him from starvation and gave him new clothes. I will not let all those supplies we used on him go to waste."
"Careful Evil Queen, doth protest too much and it may become clear you care for the boy."
"I merely don't want my errand boy to die. Then who'll get my sword and clean the decks?"
August laughed, "Whatever you say captain."
"Good, now that we've come to an understanding go give him the basics."
August sighed loudly as he carefully scaled down the ladder, not as adventurous nor as sure footed as his captain, for his wooden right leg lessened his movements.
"Good boy Pinocchio." She raised her brow with a side grin as he glared at her, "remember I saved you from turning into a wooden crimple."
"Always love, always," he winked and she rolled her eyes to look at the blue boat enclosing in on her ship.
She looked back down. Henry looked scared and small holding the mop to his chest. She saved him back in The Forest of Heoler, it's a rather large town with plenty of loot they don't need. It was when she was driving her sword into the heart of an aristocrat that she noticed him. So small and scared as now. She did think about laying to rest his short life. Until…the wife of said aristocrat screamed when Regina stalked near her. She offered Henry in exchange for her own life. What a cruel joke.
She ordered her men to take everything from this woman, she said, "this wealthy woman has no heart to take, but her treasures are immeasurable. Leave her alone with nothing."
Then she grabbed the sniveling boy, Henry, sharply by his arm and dragged him outside, he begged her not to kill him. She laughed, loudly and venomously. She asked him his name, what he did here, and is he an orphan.
Henry. That's it, that's his whole name. His parents apparently died at his birth, they were staff of the resident she just killed. He was a kitchen boy, a stable boy, a server, and just…the help. Regina asked how much he was paid. He replied, "They said I would've died, I owe them my life. Being alive is my payment."
She was disgusted by that answer.
Then she gave him one piece of advice before offering him a place on her ship, "Henry love, you owe them nothing."
He now works for her in exchange for food, a place to sleep, and a few pennies, when he's older she thinks she'll finally pay him more when he helps in her missions to take our the seas. Although, for now, she's working on making him tougher, loyalty is no problem, he's entirely too grateful. It's the question of how to break him and rebuild him into his own person that's a challenge.
She was so lost in only a few seconds of memories that she didn't notice the slightest of changes in the ship near them.
"Captain!" a voice she knew but couldn't place a name to at the moment shouted because then…
BOOM!
Her boat rocked and swayed.
"AHHH!" she looked down to see August had flown to the mizzen and dangled only holding onto the loose rope.
If he falls he'll go into the ocean.
Regina threw her scimitar hard into the wooden mast, embedding it there, as she grabbed a rope and jumped with quick movements to save a dangling August.
He hung by a finger until…
It slipped and down he went.
Regina crashed her body into his, wrapping her free arm around his chest then used magical strength to swiftly but carefully swirl them around the mast then when they came within reach of the floor, she dropped him. He landed with an oomph-
A loud thump followed.
She used momentum and magic to swing herself back to the foremast to grab her sword.
"FIRE!" Regina yelled.
And just like that the sea and air boomed with loud cracks and shattered wooden bits.