Hey guys! I know I've been gone for a while, but I'm back! And hooked on Once Upon A Time!

Hehe... see what I did there? ^.^

I know it's not Legend of Zelda, but I have no inspiration for it. I have tried and tried to read it over and over and force myself to write something, but it just didn't work.

At least I have an idea for something new, right? Right?

No?

Okay, that's cool, too.

I hope you enjoy! And don't be afraid to rate and review! It would be highly appreciated!

Disclaimer: WolfLover117 does not own Once Upon a Time or it's characters. All rights go to their rightful owners. Wolf only owns their OC.

It started in the Enchanted Forest, and moved out towards the sea, where a ship was sailing back from a voyage. On it, besides the crew members, were two men, one of those men having an important role in this adventure. The two had just come back from Neverland, and found out that their search for a cure was a sham. A ruse so their king could harbor an even greater weapon. A deadly poison that took days- weeks even- to kill its victim. Dreamshade. The older of the two brothers had dark brown curly hair, and he was dressed in a military uniform. He was the captain of the ship. His little brother was the leftenant, a handsome broad-shouldered man with slightly longer black hair that he kept in a short ponytail at the base of his neck. He had striking blue eyes, like the color of the sea, and though his older brother, Liam, was a stubborn man, he loved him. Thinking about losing him was a thought he didn't want to bare.

In fact, the younger of the Jones' brothers nearly did. Liam, being stubborn as he is, and wanting to prove that the Dreamshade was actually a cure for all diseases, cut himself upon the thorn of one of it's branches. They both almost believed it for a moment, before dark veins, just as twisted and vile as the vines the Dreamshade grew on, started to spread over his forearm where he made the cut, quickly traveling to his heart. The split second Liam started to stumble and fall, his younger brother was there to catch him, begging him to stay with him.

There was a cure, however, for this dreadful poison on Neverland, and once it was revealed to him, he took his chance. He was warned, that this magic came with a price, and that he'd have to be willing to pay it if he wanted his brother to live. The spring behind the vines of Dreamshade, the spring that held the magic to cure his brother. That's all he needed. He filled their canteen, gave it to his brother, and watched as the once dying man sprung back to life within a few short moments.

Now, as their ship was setting off for their kingdom to expose their king for who he really was, that price was about to be paid. You see... once you drink the water from the spring in Neverland, you can truly never leave. As the two brothers sailed farther and farther away from that realm, the more that magic started to fade. Liam had just started to get his coat back on and head out to the deck, but he stumbled forward to the ground, gasping for breath as the dark veins returned, moving quicker.

"Liam!"

"Killian..."

"No, no, no, no!"

His brother's voice was weak, and Killian's eyes scanned over his brother as he rushed to his side and held him in his arms. His heart was sinking just as he sank to the floor to hold his dying brother. Liam's body started to grow limp and cold as more time painfully passed. His voice breaking, his eyes blurry, he called out as loud as he could, hoping there was some hope for his brother.

"Help! Somebody help! Anybody! Help!"

Wind gusted by a dark figure, flying calmly through the skies. It's dark feathers ruffled as the wind blew through them, and the creatures golden eyes beamed as it scanned the ocean blue below it. It was a griffin, a protector and traveler of the many realms, sworn to be alone for the rest of its days. This particular griffin was also the guardian of the royal family, Snow White and Prince Charming, dedicated to protecting their family and their kingdom when it needed it. It's talons flexed instinctively as it slowed down, sensing trouble, and it flew around in large circles, pinpointing the sound. Once it was locked on it folded its wings up to its sides and started to dive down towards the ship where it had heard the trouble... the pain...

By the time it reached where it could hear human speech, it was too late, hope was lost. It watched from the clouds as Killian came out from below deck and gave the news to his crew. His... he was the captain now. What was he to do? Wouldn't he need help?

The thoughts grazed the griffin's mind as it tilted its head, watching the man as he carried his brothers dead body out. Its heart sunk, seeing them prepare the body to give him a burial at sea. If only I had been faster... It thought, blaming itself, feeling guilty.

Another moment passed by, and unbeknownst to the griffin, it was being watched by a ship who wasn't in mourning. They prepared nets for the "beast" that they had been hunting for a long while now; as soon as the clouds cleared and there was a clear shot, they used their machinery to throw it up into the air in a high arc above the griffin. It didn't notice it, focused on the man named Killian, and when the net came over its wings it let out a surprised screech. The sea was fast approaching, and it continued to screech, hoping to warn the closer ship of something going on.

Killian looked up in time to see a large bird-like creature crash into the sea, and men from the other ship hopping into their row boats to go retrieve their catch. He wasn't sure what they had caught, but he did know that he had to do something. He shouted orders to his men, telling one of them to get behind the helm and get the ship close to where the creature landed in the water. As one of his men did that, he stepped up onto the railing, holding onto one of the ropes connected to the mast. His blue eyes scanned the rippling water, and once he spotted what he was searching for he dove in headfirst, not sparing any moment lest the men in their rowboats get there first.

A woman with a slight tan complexion lay unconscious in the net, brown hair darkened by the water and light it was receiving as she sunk further. From what Killian could tell, she wore a brown cape with a blue and white dress, but he pushed his thoughts away, all he was focused on was rescuing her. As he got closer, she slowly sunk deeper, and he kicked his legs back and forth faster, hoping to close the distance and grasp at the very least the net so he would have a chance. Air in his lungs was starting to run out, and he reached his hand out in front of him to struggle as the rope of the net brushed against his fingers multiple times. With one last burst forward he grasped it and started pulling it toward him as he swam back to the surface where the sun's light was becoming ever so welcoming.

Once Killian gathered up the mess of woven-rope he untangled the woman from the puzzle of a net and wrapped his arm around her thin waist as he used his remaining energy to break the veil between water and sweet, sweet oxygen. He took a large gasp of air as he pulled the woman's head up above the water, letting it rest against his shoulder as to not let her slip back under. He uneasily treaded water with one hand while cautiously eyeing the woman, noticing that she wasn't breathing as they came up.

The men's angered shouts could be heard as the rowboats were closer than Killian would have liked, but he started swimming back to his ship, creating even more distance for the angered hunters to travel. "Oi! Lad! That there girl is our catch!"

He sighed, hoisting the girl up to his men, and once they pulled her up to the deck, he wrapped his hand around the length of rope that was dropped down to him, ready to climb up. "Sorry, mate's, but I don't believe she belongs to you. Best you turn around and head back to your ship."

One of the older men laughed. "Once you learn what that beast is, you'll know she's no mere girl."

Killian snapped, accent thick with something akin to a stern tone. "It doesn't matter! You had no right attacking her when she was defenseless! Now off with you before you make an enemy of me!"

The old man waved his hand dismissively, getting his small crew to turn the rowboat around and head back. "Be that as it may, this isn't over boy!" He shouted.

There was a short silence before Killian Jones' heart rate picked up as he climbed up and landed on the deck to see the girl still lying there, motionless. He already lost one person today, he wasn't going to let this woman haunt his memory also. He carelessly collapsed on the ground next to her and parted her lips slightly with gentle hands, and in an act to help her come back he pressed his lips to hers and breathed out, letting all the air in his lungs go to hers. He pulled away for a moment, watching her for any signs of life as he took a breath again, prepared to repeat to process. Instead, the girls eyes shot open, and she lurched forward, hitting her head against her saviors in the process.

Killian grunted in pain and recoiled backwards, holding his head, while the girl turned to her side and hacked up the salty water that stuck to her lungs. She shook lightly as she gasped in the fresh air, ignoring the pain of her lungs burning. Once she had started to settle she swallowed, sitting back on her hands as her bright blue eyes wandered over to the man that rescued her, and she smiled weakly, giving a nod of her damp brown locks.

"Th-thanks..."

She rasped out, voice rough with all the coughing she had done to ensure the ocean water was out. Killian smiled briefly as he sat back as well, resting the elbow of one of his arms on his bent knee. He simply caught his breath as he studied her. She seemed to be an intriguing character, of that he was sure.

"Not a problem, mi'lady. It was the least I could do."

There was the longest of pause between the two, the only sounds being that of the crew and the waves crashing against the ship. Killian gave one last look over the girl, smiling lightly for a short second, before climbing back to his feet via dangling rope. While still hanging onto the rope, he reached his free hand down to her, offering to help her up.

She warily eyed his hand, seeing full well he was human and not a being of magic like she was. What if he saved me... just to gain my trust... so he could merely kill me... he could be a hunter! She thought, but sighed softly, reaching a hand up to accept his.

Despite them both having been in the cold water, his hand was surprisingly warm, and as his hand wrapped around hers, a strange feeling awakened in her heart. Killian pulled her up with minimal effort. As she reached her feet, however, a strong wave crashed against the side of the ship, causing it to rock back and forth. More importantly, it caused her to lose her balance and fall forward into him. This meeting between the two really was something special.

Think about it. How often does a man save a Griffin from the ocean to find its a woman? How often does one trip into said rescuer after a convenient wave hit the ship? There had to have been some force on this day... something that wanted these things to happen. Because conveniently, as fate would have it, this was just the beginning.

Killian grunted slightly as the girls weight collided into him, and in order to prevent her from falling backwards he wrapped his arm around her once again. He smiled lightly, figuring she didn't have her sea legs. Her face was buried in his off-white tunic, her hands on his chest. She was frozen still, too embarrassed to move, too embarrassed to look up at him.

He wore a teasing grin on his face, and he chuckled softly. "Don't worry, your sea legs will come with time," he paused for a moment, speaking up again, his voice softened, "The name's Killian Jones."

It was obvious that he was trying to ease her in to saying her name. He was honestly quite curious to know. If she didn't want to say though, then he wouldn't push her for it. She pulled away after lightly patting his chest, and his arm loosened in response.

There was a hint of red on her cheeks, but it was fleeting, disappearing as quickly as it had become visible, and she smiled nervously. "Haven. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

She managed to keep her calm as she waited for the waves to settle down, and once the ship stilled, she pulled away completely. Her feet carried her back a couple steps. He noticed she was nervous, worried if others knew about her secret.

"Let's get you out of those wet clothes, and get you some rest, aye?" He asked, to which she merely nodded.

He held out his arm, motioning to the quarters, and once he gave her a wool blanket and a change of dry clothes he left. His last words to her were along the lines of 'get some rest' and 'I'll be back later.' She changed and promptly found a corner to fall asleep in, not even bothering with the blanket in case it was enchanted. Silly, yes. Cautious, definitely. It took a while for her to fall asleep, but with the soft rocking motions of below deck, and the sound of the waves outside; it cast her into a deep sleep.

- - - Several Months Later - - -

Haven stood out on the deck of The Jolly Roger, as it was now called, and she stared out across the sea. She smiled softly, seeing how the stars reflected perfectly in the calm waters, and how the moon cast a calming glow on the sea. She had managed to sneak out from the castle to travel to the realm where Killian resided, and over the course of the past few months, she found herself more and more trusting of him, maybe even finding it in herself to be compassionate enough to love him. Her nerves were the only thing standing in the way, however, as she didn't know if he felt the same. It continued to bother her, even now, but she managed to keep it secret, hiding it away until she was sure.

There was a dull pain the longer this waiting game went on, and she lost more and more hope, wondering if he was ever going to say something. Then she would constantly wonder about if he was waiting for her to make the first move in saying she cared. Haven let her sky blue eyes close, and she took a deep, relaxing, breath, enjoying the smell of the ocean, and of her short freedom.

A small tap of leather boots came towards her from the captains quarters; she knew very well who it was after so long, but she couldn't help teasing him. "I wonder what a pirate would want with a girl like me."

The boots stopped behind her, and before she knew it, she was gently turned around to see a pirate dressed in a black tunic that exposed part of his chest, black pants, and of course, black boots. The only thing missing was his overcoat, but he didn't seem to care at the time being, the night wasn't terribly cold. He had rugged black hair that ended at the base of his neck, striking blue eyes the color of the sea, and a light shadow across his chin and upper lip. The two shared a smile as he placed a hand on her cheek.

"Perhaps you need to stop making such frequent visits, love." His accent had changed over the several months they had known each other. It made her think of him as more mysterious, dark, and handsome, but she would never admit that. Not to him, out loud, on his ship, with his crew members. That would just be awkward.

"Well, perhaps I should, but I wanted to see you one last time."

"One last time?" The pirate repeated, confused.

Haven winced, not realizing that she forgot to tell him when she arrived that this would be her last visit. People were starting to get suspicious of her abnormal disappearances every week. When she noticed that she changed it to every month at a random date, and when that was noticed she changed to waiting for him to call her. This time, however, was her last. The Evil Queen was preparing to unleash her curse soon, and she needed to be ready to follow Snow White through the portal to protect her.

She sighed, closing her eyes, "I forgot to tell you when I got here..."

"Tell me what?" He questioned again, his accent still holding that same confusion.

"Killian, I'm sorry, but people have started to get suspicious about me and how often I have disappeared to see you. I made a vow as a young girl to never let my duty come second to anything... and by visiting you... I wasn't focused... I got... distracted."

Killian smirked, leaning forward, causing Haven to bend backwards slightly and lean on the railing to support herself. "How could you not get distracted? You were simply with the most devilishly handsome pirate to ever sail the seas."

She tilted her head to the side with a grin. "Can't say I disagree with that statement."

He chuckled, maneuvering his head by her ear, lowering his voice to a whisper. "What are you not telling me, H?"

Haven's lips pulled downward for the slightest of moments before she brought it back up in a fake smile. Her hands clasped the one holding her cheek, and she stepped forward, causing him to back up to let her by, and she led the two of them to the captains quarters for a tad bit of privacy. As Killian closed the door behind them she sighed, walking forward to the windows and leaning against the wall. Her arms crossed over her chest, and her head was bowed.

"H...? What is it?" He gently prodded, knowing something was keeping her down.

He hated seeing her like that, but what could he do? He wasn't ready to admit his feelings for her, and she seemed hesitant to do the same. It was a cruel game this... fate... was playing. Toying with their hearts, rendering them unable to tell each other their feelings as if they were under some curse. Haven shook her head, bringing her gaze back up to lock with Killian's.

She smiled lightly at his little nickname for her; she wanted to tell him right then and there that she loved him, but instead she shrugged, letting some other topic drift into her mind. "Nothing... really of much importance... just that... in a couple of months we'll all either be stuck in the Queen's curse or dead."

"Ah, so it's the curse that's bothering you, lass?"

"...Yes..."

He smiled at her as he walked closer, taking her hands in his, only to pull her towards him. She squeaked in surprise, and he chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her. "Don't worry, love."

How can I not worry... She thought, but entirely different words left her lips as she wrapped her arms around him in a hug. "It's hard not to worry... especially when it comes to you."

His chest rumbled with an amused chuckle. "I can handle myself."

Please... say you love me... She begged, but once again her mind had other plans; she had no control over her actions. "Fine then, I guess I won't worry for you."

A long pause as they merely stood there, embracing each other. Another thought crossed her mind, and her fingers wrapped around the cloth of his tunic, holding it tightly. Please don't let me go. "Can I... stay here for one more night?"

"I wouldn't mind the company. Especially if it's you."

They both smiled. I want you to come with me... "Thanks..."

"Sure thing, love."

I.. don't want to lose you... She sighed softly, closing her eyes. Why do I feel like that's a selfish thing to think...

The next couple of months passed rather quickly, the wardrobe was set up for Snow, and the dwarves were constantly on watch for the curse. The ever vigilant Haven, however, was caught. The blue fairy had figured out why she was gone so much, and chastised her that that wasn't her job.

Of course, it was taken to Snow and Charming, to 'Inform' them of their guardians actions. Charming was... annoyed... or... what was that look on his face? Like that of a disapproving father looking at his daughter who just snuck back to the house and got caught. Woops.

Snow was more patient, motherly, gentle, and she gave Charming's hand a squeeze as they stood next to each other. "Haven, I understand you snuck out to... visit someone?"

Why did this feel like an interrogation?

Haven politely bowed. "Your majesty... I offer my most sincerest apologies... the reason I snuck out so often was because I..." she glanced at the prince, then to the princess, hoping her eyes didn't deceive her, "I was trying to visit a dear friend... and say my goodbyes... just in case things don't turn out well." Not exactly a lie, but not the full truth either.

Snow tilted her head ever so slightly to the side, smirking lightly. Charming raised a brow. "Snow? What is it?"

"You're in love... aren't you, Haven?"

"W- what? No, that's ridiculous, my lady! I am sworn not to fall in love!" She responded quickly, suppressing the heat that wanted to rise to her cheeks.

"Yes, but swearing you won't fall in love, and actually falling in love are entirely different."

Haven winced. She knows... she most definitely knows now. She thought, a light shade of apple red dotting her cheeks.

Snow smiled brightly, an idea coming to mind. "Haven. You should go to him. There will be plenty of time, I'm sure. Go. Do what you must, and I trust you will be back before time is up."

A smile crossed Haven's lips. "Thank you, your highness! I swear on my life I'll be back before chaos breaks loose!"

Haven left the great hall of the castle and quickly went outside. The air was thick with fear and dread for what was to come. It gave her all the more reason to hurry. As soon as she was out of the castle she looked to the sky, it was a calm and pretty blue, but with the curse looking ever closer to being released, she didn't have time to admire it. A blue light started to surround her, and before it even disappeared she shot up towards the sky, a few of her feathers scattering off to the ground below.

Killian... I'm coming. She thought, closing her golden eyes and falling silent. A portal started to creak open ahead of her as sje thought of where he was, and without any thought she soared through it, eager to see him before it all went down. Maybe she could take him with her. Maybe she could convince him to come. She at least hoped that would be the case.

The dark blue ocean shimmered underneath her as her black wings were open wide. She scanned below her before diving down, and as she neared the ground her Griffin form started to dissipate into mist. Once she landed, she was completely human. She saw Killian talking to a stranger older woman, and Haven eyes her curiously before calling out.

"Killian!"

He turned, looking a little more scruffy than he did a couple months prior. "H? What are you doing here, love?"

"I... I came to say goodbye..."

"Oh... that time already, aye?" He tried to joke as he walked over to her.

Haven eyed him quickly, noticing an unusual glint of metal as he walked. In place of his left hand there was a metal hook. She kept her worry to a minimal amount, but she couldn't help but warily glance at it, wondering what happened in the past couple months.

He reached his right hand out and grasped one of hers, kissing the top of her hand. "I'm honestly quite glad you came."

She knew he was trying to distract her from his hand, and she sighed, closing her eyes, letting her thumb run over his knuckles. "What happened to your other hand...?"

"Nothing, love. Just a pesky crocodile."

Haven didn't believe him for a second, but she let it slide, considering these could be the last moments they have together. "Well... I just..." she hesitated, now was the best and yet the worst time to tell him. Because if not now then it would be never.

She sighed, continuing her thought. "I actually came... to see... if you would come with me... so we can be together..."

His eyes widened slightly, joy sparking in his eyes, but he glanced back over his shoulder at the older woman. He came here for revenge, but now he was torn. "Haven... I..."

His accent was low and clouded, and Haven smiled weakly as she clasped both of her hands over his one. "Please, Killian, I love you!"

Killian swallowed a lump in his throat. He had been waiting for this moment for so long, and now that it was here, he didn't know what to say. "Haven..."

"Please," she begged, "we can be together... We wouldn't have to worry about a curse or any of it!"

As much as he wanted to accept, his rage towards this 'crocodile' needed to be taken care of before he even thought of going with Haven. He didn't want to lose her in a fit of anger, and he didn't want her to think differently of him. He was an entirely different man now, not the one that she met all those months ago. His hand tightened around hers, and a bleak smile rose to his lips.

"As much as I would love that, you have a job to do. A job that doesn't involve me... it involves the family you are protecting."

Haven shook her head, closing her eyes for a moment, blinking back tears. When her eyes opened, pure hope and determination shined. "I don't care! I can... I can do both! I don't want to lose you!"

"Don't you think that's a little selfish, love?"

"Selfish or not, all I want is to be with you... and... if I can't be with you because of some curse... then I'd rather forget like everyone else. I'd rather not have to live with the pain of knowing that I left the man I love in a cursed and destroyed land..."

"You're not leaving me... I'll always be by your side... No matter what." He spoke, trying to comfort her.

She shook her head, a stray tear slipping free and streaming down her cheek. "Stop... we both know that's not true..."

He sighed, placing his right hand on her cheek, using his thumb to wipe the tear away. "I am sure we will meet again..."

Despair shone in her eyes as she met his gaze. "What's the point? I have confessed my feelings, and all I have received in return is pain. I need to know, Killian-!"

She was cut off as Killian pressed his lips to hers, silencing her immediately, trying to prove to her that she didn't waste her breath for just heartbreak. He had to let her know he felt the same, but he just could never get the words to come out. A moment passed, and they both pulled away. Haven was confused, but she smiled through the tears as more began to fall.

"You... you do feel the same..."

He nodded. "I love you as well, H."

"Then why are you not coming with me?"

"So one day when we meet again... we can have a normal life."

"But we could have that now! What aren't you telling me?!"

Her voice was pained. She didn't understand why she felt so abandoned. Why her? They both admitted to caring for each other, so why? Why couldn't they get their happy ending?

"I'm sorry... I can't say..."

Killian leaned forward and placed a short goodbye kiss on her lips before backing away. A painful silence was shared between the two. Both wishing that things could be different. There wouldn't be a peaceful moment, however, as the ground rumbled. A dark cloud started to roll out from the castle Regina, The Evil Queen, occupied. It started to quickly spread throughout the forest, consuming every conscience that existed. It started to race towards the shores of the island that Haven, Killian, and the unknown woman were standing. Before Haven could react, a protection barrier, apart of a spell, came down and separated her from the other two, trapping her between the barrier and the curse.

Eyes widened as she realized what side she was on and what side Killian was on. His eyes were fixated on her, filled with worry and fear, and a few more tears slipped free as she turned her back on him and glanced up at the black cloud. It was intimidating, daunting, she wasn't sure if she could complete her task now, but she had to try. Disbelief still clouded her thoughts, and the cloud continued to get closer.

There was a pause. A long, frightening pause.

"This isn't real... this isn't real... I'm going to wake up, and it will all be a nightmare."

"Haven what are you bloody doing?! Get the hell out of here!"