...
Chapter Two
"I'm Sorry David, Hook. I have no idea where this Sapsorrow princess might be," Jekyll said, his voice trembling slightly, expecting to be punished for giving the wrong answer.
"Did you know her or the soldier?" David asked making his voice as non threatening as possible.
"Sorry," the doctor apologised again. "I was in the institute for the most part. The warden, I mean Hyde, he didn't like me socialising."
"It's OK, we just thought we'd try. Should have known it wouldn't be this easy," David replied.
"I might of heard of them though," Jekyll said frowning in an effort to draw up the memory. "An ex-soldier did you say? Was he very serious?"
"Aye Mate, that's him," Hook replied. Jekyll tapped the side of his head as if he could physically jar out the memory.
"I think this Sapsorrow was known to be serious too, the two of them would make people feel uncomfortable."
"Sounds like they were made for each other," Hook commented.
"No, I don't think that's what people said," Jekyll frowned deeper and then sighed in defeat. "I'm sorry I can't be more help."
"It's OK, Really." David repeated patting the doctor on the shoulder as they left him.
"So what now?" Hook asked.
"Now we hit the streets and ask around until we find something," David replied, saying exactly what Hook had been hoping he wouldn't say.
...
"Sapsorrow? What kind of name is that?"
"I actually have no idea Mate, had any dealings with the new people from Untold Story?"
"Not yet, they're sticking to the west side of town. Seen a few on the main street just looking around. Not spoken to any yet though."
...
"The people from Untold Story? Oh they're so...eclectic! Its exciting."
"That's not most people's opinion."
"I don't see why not, they're just people looking for their happy endings, just like us."
"So you've spoken to someone from there?"
"Oh no! I couldn't."
...
"Cheeks like carved marble you say?"
"That's just the description we've been given."
"Can't say I've seen a woman like that. I'm sure I'd remember, if you know what I mean..?"
...
"Oh wow! Prince Charming and Captain Hook! I've heard of you, I mean of course I've heard of you, everyone's heard of you, you know? Of course you know. Sorry, this is so exciting and I didn't do my hair properly this morning. Both of you are so handsome!"
"Er, thank you."
"Aye lass, but about the woman we just described?"
"Oh Vicki at work is not going to believe this, she's always going on about when Prince Philip saved her from ogres, as if half the village wasn't there too, but now she'll have to suck on it…."
...
"Suspicious."
"That's one way to describe a missing princess, yes. So have you heard-"
"No, them, these people from Untold Story. What does that even mean? Means trouble if you ask me. Not everyone's story is worth telling you know? And how does someone's story stop without them dying anyway? I bet they're young people. The kids these days, no idea what hard work is. You can't expect life to just work out, you have to work for it, make your own story happen."
"I couldn't agree more. So, have you-"
"If this princess has run off, good for her, at least she's doing something."
...
"I'm from Untold Story."
"Ah, we are glad to hear it, if you mean us no harm, we welcome you to Storybrooke."
"I'm just looking for my fortune."
"Who isn't."
"Actually, we're looking for a Princess from your realm. Sapsorrow."
"Oh aye, that too."
"Never heard of her."
"Are you sure? She's got dark hair and she's known for being serious-"
"I've never heard of her."
"..."
…
"Yes, I know of her."
"Really? We were starting to wonder if she actually existed."
"Poor thing."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I shouldn't say."
"It's alright, we're looking for her for her husband."
"We just want to know she's OK. Did she make it to Storybrooke?"
"I haven't seen her since we arrived here. In Untold Story they kept to themselves. They weren't trusting people."
"Too much to lose or too much to hide?"
"Both."
...
"Why are you looking for her?"
David and Hook exchanged a look at the stranger's sharp tone.
"As we said," Hook replied. "She's been reported missing and we've been asked to find her and make sure she's OK."
"Reported?" The man scoffed. "Was it a soldier?"
"Yes it was," David answered. "What do you know?"
"I don't know anything," he said abruptly. The man took a step back and visibly forced his face into a blank mask. He looked normal enough, Hook noted. Young, probably late twenties, medium build, clean shaven, dark hair and eyes. He was dressed in Enchanted Forest clothing suited to a merchant, with a dark green jacket over pale brown trousers. There was no obvious reason for him to look so nervous. His eyes flicked to the alleyway next to them and Hook shifted his weight subtly towards it.
"Somehow I don't believe you Mate," Hook said with a false smile. "What do you think Dave?"
"Is there a problem?" David asked the man, whose eyes flared with anger at the question.
"Yes, plenty. Maybe Sapsorrow left the soldier because she wanted to?" he snapped. Hook raised an eyebrow.
"If that's the case why not tell us where she is and we can ask her ourselves? If what you say is true, we'll leave her to her life and tell the soldier to stop looking," the pirate captain said.
"Why would you do that? Don't you work for him?" the man asked suspiciously.
"I was asked by him to find her, what happens after that is up to them. Her as much as him," Hook replied seriously.
"Why should I believe you?" came the blunt reply.
"You haven't explained what it matters to you yet Mate. The new boyfriend are you?" Hook asked, done listening to evasive answers, his temper showing.
"Hook," David warned.
That tiny word was all the distraction the man needed. As Hook glanced at his partner he lunged forward causing the pirate to instinctively dart further away to avoid collision. Hundreds of years of combat had increased the Captain's reflexes however and he was already spinning towards the fleeing man, his hook catching the edge of his jacket but only just snagging the material. The young man didn't lose a step as the stitches tore and he raced into the alleyway, the prince and pirate chasing after.
…
David had been sure they had him. When the man had made that last turn he'd felt a premature blush of victory, knowing this alley was a long straight shot back to the main street and would give them chance to catch up, but then Hook and he had skidded to a stop in the mouth of the narrow space, beside a wooden fence, brick walls and no fleeing suspect.
Hook was cursing and shoving at the fence's slats, trying to find an opening, his hook digging into the wood in frustration while David looked around them for anywhere the man could have hidden. An overflowing garbage bin and a pile of wind swept rubbish held no surprises. Then a motion caught his eye inside the shadows of a dark doorway. Hook had noticed it too and pressed himself against the adjacent wall out of sight as David eased out his gun and gave him a nod.
"Gotcha," Hook yelled as he spun into doorway grabbing the person hiding inside. "Mullins?"
"Aye, Captain," a slurred voice replied. Into the light Hook dragged a balding pudgy man with poorly shaved stubble and dark brown leather clothes.
"Started a little earlier than usual today did we?" Hook asked as he helped the man stay upright.
"Something like that Captain," came the reply. At least that's what David thought he'd said through the mumbled slur.
"David," Hook said proudly, clapping the man on the shoulder and then grabbing him quickly to stop him falling. "This is one of the last remaining members of my crew in Storybrooke, Mister Mullins. Mullins may I introduce Sheriff David Nolan." Mullins squinted at David and frowned.
"That's P'in Char'ning," he said in confusion, a large belch obscuring half of the words. David definitely understood though and made no effort to hide his disgust at the state of the pirate in front of him.
"What were you doing skulking about there?" he asked.
Mullins looked around himself as if seeing the alley for the first time, he looked back at his Captain, his eyes half closed and shrugged.
"I think I was sleeping. Where am I?" he asked. "Can I sit back down Captain?"
"Aye mate," Hook smiled, apparently finding the situation amusing. Mullins fell more than sat on the stoop of the doorway and closed his eyes. "You see a man come running through here?" Hook asked. Mullins looked around the alley again as if the man they were looking for might still be around.
"No Captain," he said.
"Come on Mullins, I'll see you back home," Hook sighed, leading the inebriated man in a controlled stumble back to the main road. David looked around the alley one last time. In a dark corner between a broken plastic crate and the wall was a pile of something green and pale.
Just before his hand closed around the thing he felt an odd tingle on his arm, as if his hair was standing on end. It was a surprisingly soft and clean patchwork cloak. It had irregular green and pale brown patches sewed in between what looked like pale leather. The hood was the strangest part, it had several different sized holes in it but they looked intentional with nicely hemmed borders.
"Hey! Hang on," He called after the pirates. "Did you see where this came from?" he asked Mullins, holding up the cloak. "Doesn't look like it's been in the alley long."
"That's the same colours our suspicious young man was wearing," Hook noted. "But I don't recall him wearing a cloak."
"Maybe he dropped it earlier?" David suggested. He turned expectantly to Mullins who was staring at the cloak, his eyes wide. "So?" he asked.
"No," Mullins said.
"No what?" David asked.
"Huh?" Mullins replied.
"The cloak, Mullins," Hook prompted, the slight change in the Captain's tone shifting it from conversation to command. Mullins flinched.
"I don't know Captain," the pirate mumbled staring at the ground. David watched Hook's reaction to his old crew mate and was concerned to see confusion flash across his face. Did Hook think he was lying or surprised at his incompetence? The silence dragged on for a long moment during which Mullins kept his gaze fixed on the ground.
"We're looking for a Princess. Sapsorrow," Hook said eventually in a low voice patient voice. "She's from Untold Story. Dark hair and cheeks like cut marble." Mullins shook his head at the ground. Hook licked his lips studying his reaction. "Know where the people of Untold Story can be found? We've hardly met any walking around." At that Mullins perked up.
"Aye, Captain. There's a pub," he said.
"Of course there is," David groaned.
"The Rooster and Kitten," Mullins continued. "Those from Untold have sort of taken it over. It's on the west side of town near the woods."
"Thank you Mullins," Hook said formally. "Let's get you home now."
"I'll be fine. I don't want to keep you. Really Captain," Mullins said as he backed away. He certainly seemed to have sobered a bit, he was steady on his feet now at least.
Hook frowned a little but gave a nod of dismissal and Mullins walked quickly away only stumbling over a couple of times.
"You believe him?" David asked Hook as they watched the other man disappear down the road.
"My crew wouldn't have dared lie to me in the old days," Hook replied. "But the old days are far behind us all. One thing's for sure he was not as drunk as he was trying to act."
"Really?"
"I know my drunken pirates."
"I don't doubt that."
"Something about the way he spoke was not correct either," Hook mused, lapsing into silence as he thought about the encounter they'd just had.
"So?" David prompted not hearing an answer to his original question. Hook shrugged. David closed his eyes and asked the Gods for strength. "I guess we're off to the Rooster and Kitten then."
…..
"I can't believe I didn't realise what the name meant," David groaned as they approached the entrance to the pub.
"I think it's sweet, young people lose their innocence so fast these days," Hook chuckled.
"Alright old man," David said eyeing the building. "How should we play this?"
"Let's walk in and have a drink," Hook replied and did just that.
The walls of the pub's main room had been wood panelled, probably aiming for a cosy traditional feel but the wood had been stained too darkly and absorbed almost all the daylight giving the place a claustrophobic dimness accentuated by the dark faux velvet of the seat covers.
"Hello," Hook greeted, walking right up to the barman. "Do you serve grog?"
"Haven't had anyone request that in a long while," the barman replied with a frown.
"Ah I heard you catered to travellers. I thought you might have had a few sailors through," Hook replied. David couldn't decide if the opening was subtle or brazen.
"Sailors normally keep away from here," he replied, his face and tone both letting them know he knew who they were and was not overly happy about them being there. He shifted and the light from the open door caught a large heavy pendant hanging around his neck. Hook froze as he saw it and took an unconscious step away from the barman who gave a heavy sigh. It was a large bird in cast bronze but David was slightly perturbed to see that it had been designed so it lay as if it was twisted, it's wings hanging limp, the chain of the pendant wrapped around its neck.
"Mistake or arrogance?" Hook asked.
"Ignorance," the barman replied stiffly.
"Well, you want to pay back some of your debt?"
"What would you have of me Captain?" the man replied in a resigned voice.
"For a start two grog, for a second information on a princess named Sapsorrow from Untold Story," Hook replied.
"She was married to a soldier. He's been in a couple of times, not what I'd call a cheery sort," the barman said as he pulled out two tankards from under the bar and started filling them.
"Aye, we've met," Hook agreed.
"Never seen his princess. He's not the sort you usually see princesses with. The others from that realm seem to avoid him and he seems to avoid them."
"A loner then?" David asked. The barman shrugged.
"If you ask me, and I guess you are, he did something that's put the fear in them all. What? I don't know, but I've not seen any other reason for them to treat him as they do."
"See anyone who knew them in Untold in here at the moment?" David asked scanning the few patrons in the pub.
"No, that group at the back are from Untold. I'd steer clear of them though. They're Hyde's men and they've been in here a while getting nicely worked up before they head to the docks later."
"You have a pen?" Hook asked. The barman pulled one out of his apron. Hook plucked it from his fingers, the other man looking surprised that he'd voluntarily moved so close, and started writing on a napkin. "Here," the pirate said, handing both items back. "That is the code for my phone. Call me if you hear anything else about the princess, especially where she might be." The barman nodded and Hook picked up their drinks, walking away to one of the tables.
"What was that business with his necklace?" David asked as they sat down keeping the group of Hyde's men in sight. "And why was he so helpful?"
"That is a talisman of a curse," Hook nodded back at the barman. "He committed some great sin and until he is forgiven for it misfortune will follow wherever he goes. It's ancient seafaring magic so earning our gratitude will probably help rid him of the burden." Something pinged in David's memory.
"An albatross," he said.
"Yes, you know of it?"
"It's a saying, from an epic poem. Snow taught a lesson on it once I think." Hook gave him an unimpressed eyebrow and took a sip of his drink.
"Hey this is good, drink up while it's still hot," he said, a nostalgic smile flowing over his face as he felt the liquid slip down his throat.
"No thanks," David replied grimacing in disgust.
"Do you know what grog even is Mate?" Hook asked. "Have a sip. Trust me, it's good for you."
"That's code for it doesn't matter how horrible it is you have to eat it," David stated, but the pirate's condescending smirk was so irritating he lifted the tankard and took a gulp anyway. It was warm and sweet and citrusy and surprisingly refreshing. David stared in amazement into the drink. "It's a cocktail!" he spluttered.
"Hot water, with rum, lemon and sugar to taste," Hook explained. "Keeps the water from stagnating, fights scurvy and helps you feel merry all at the same time. Saved many a crew on long voyages. One of the greatest inventions of our age. This has a little more rum in it than necessary though, so don't get carried away." David took another gulp and licked his lips as he put the tankard back on the table.
"Oi!"
Looking up at the thin weasely man who was glaring down at them David cursed himself for forgetting why they were here. You're on the job Nolan, not out for afternoon drinks with a mate.
"Is there more to that statement or should I reply now?" Hook asked while taking another casual sip of his drink. The man visibly vibrated with anger.
"You're not welcome here," he growled. His voice was heavily nasal and grating, probably due to his long thin nose, which matched his long thin face and body. He was dressed in a pale pink blazer with wide shoulder pads over a dark pink tie and brown trousers, all of which were at least one size too big. The combination made him look like a kid in a school production of the untouchables. The heavy revolver hanging out of his pocket said otherwise though.
"Oh are you the proprietor?" Hook asked his voice still irritatingly casual. "The prince was just saying how he wanted to compliment you on your fine grog."
"Oh, you're a funny guy," the weasel sneered.
David tensed as the group at the back got up and started to move towards them. They were an odd group and each as weaselly looking as the next. One was dressed in a green pinstripe suit with thick braces, another was all in grey, a cigarette hanging from his mouth, the last two looked like they'd got lost on the way to a costume party, one in a tight t-shirt and helicopter hat and the other wearing what looked disturbingly like an open straight jacket.
"We heard you stopped Mr Hyde from getting 'is dues this mornin'," the smart pink weasel said to David. He pulled the revolver from his pocket and waved it loosely at the ceiling as he spoke.
"That's not quite what happened," David corrected, smiling even as he dropped his hand to his own gun at his hip under the table. The revolver did another lazy twirl, Pink's grip tightening as he started to bring it towards David's face. David's fingers were already resting on his gun's safety.
Suddenly the table shot away from him and slammed into Smart Pink's gut who doubled over and stumbled backwards, dropping his revolver as his arms wrapped around his middle. Hook lazily lowered his leg and got to his feet.
"I had him," David complained as he got up to join the pirate.
"You can have the next one," Hook replied.
Pink's gang had fallen into a laughing rabble at the sight of their leader hunched over groaning and had offered him no help at all.
"Stop that laughin'," Pink wheezed as he managed to stand straight. He smacked the two nearest him. "Get 'em."
Grey and Green launched forward. David and Hook split apart at the last second, each side stepping around their clumsy attacker and striking out. David catching Grey in the side of his head while Hook caught Green in a sweet spot just under his chin. The two were knocked straight into each other and fell into a tangled heap. David shook his head as he pulled out his gun ready to put a stop to any further attacks of stupidity but before he could bring it up he was shoved to the side and landed awkwardly on another table, jarring his arm and sending his gun sliding away across the room.
A sharp pain shot along his side but he was up again in an instant kicking out at Straight Jacket who giggled manically as he dodged away. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hook grappling with Pink and called out a warning as Green came up behind him with a flick knife. The pirate knocked Pink back and spun, his hook flashing alongside the edge of Green's knife but David had his own punches to avoid and had to focus on Straight Jacket as he came flying at him again.
Hook felt his blood pumping in his ears as he twisted his hook and sent the flick knife sailing away, Green growling through clenched teeth as he finished the movement with the other man's wrist still trapped, wrenching it backwards and giving Hook an opening to punch him in the face again. The man fell to the ground and Hook didn't waste a second turning away to check on David. The prince was holding his own against a particularly deranged guy in a strange buckled jacket. Hook was about to leave him to it and take on the remaining gang when a large hulking shape stepped behind his partner.
Straight Jacket's high pitched giggle was really getting to David, the guy was enjoying getting beat way too much. He darted right and left, hopping from foot to foot taking a jab right in gaping smile before striking out catching David on the ear. The prince cursed and stepped back. He saw Straight Jacket's eyes grow wide with glee and felt the whoosh of air by his head as something swung towards him, but instead of a flash of pain he felt a soft knock against his shoulder and heard a grunt. He could only half turn his head or risk losing sight of Straight Jacket but it was enough to see the familiar black leather jacket leaning shoulder to shoulder with him before they both had to move again.
Hook cursed himself and his throbbing shoulder for throwing himself bodily between the prince and the largest brute in the T-shirt. He was better than that. He also vowed never to go anywhere without his sword or pistol or both ever again. Why the hell had he stopped carrying in the first place? T-shirt had recovered from the pirate's surprise appearance in front of him and swung his long smooth club over his shoulder for another strike. The man had no finesse and moved so slowly he might as well announce his intentions. Hook caught the club at the mid-shaft, using the brute's poor balance to wrench the weapon from his hand and slam the end back into his nose. He fell like a sack of potatoes. Behind him the rest of the weasels had ganged up on the prince who was being progressively forced into a corner even as he landed more blows than they did.
"Dave," Hook called and threw the club.
David looked up just in time to catch a baseball bat sailing towards him and in a beautifully smooth arc swung it around to catch Straight Jacket on the temple and send him spinning away. Grey and Green took a step back and frowned with uncertainty at their now armed opponent. David gave them a wide grin, his hands slipping comfortably into a strong grip on the bat while his body fell into stance. Their hesitation was all Hook needed to surprise them.
Grabbing a nearby chair Hook swung it at Grey who stumbled backwards and tripped over a fallen stool landing hard on his back. Hook lifted the chair above his head preparing to send the weaselly man into oblivion, but someone slammed into his back driving him into the wall next to him. He struck out with his hook and heard a satisfying rip and snarl of pain. The weight on his chest disappeared and he lashed out again as he turned, smiling in satisfaction as Green caught the backside of his hook in the neck and fell to the ground.
David felt a chuckle escape involuntarily from his mouth as the baseball bat sent Pink sprawling under a table. He hadn't fought like this in a long time. He'd fought plenty since the curse broke, but not an all out fists flying bloody brawl like this. Adrenalin was racing through his system, his chest heaving and ears ringing, making all his recent doubts and feelings of powerlessness dissolve in the frantic hum of battle. Then the mist cleared from his eyes and he saw a cold black muzzle pointed at his face.
"Keep laughin'," Pink smirked, his yellow teeth grinning at him, his lost and now found revolver not wavering a millimetre from between the prince's eyes. "You can die laughin'."
"No," a firm voice denied. They all turned to see Emma standing with her gun pointed directly at Pink. "Hand him your gun," she ordered. Pink growled, his teeth clenched but spun the gun in his hand so David could grab the handle. "Turn around."
As she manhandled Pink's wrists into handcuffs behind his back they heard a door slam and looked up in time to see two of the gang disappear out the fire exit. The door was slammed shut just as the guy in grey reached it, flying past his face close enough to knock the cigarette from his mouth. He jerked back and landed on his ass turning a shocked face to stare at Emma whose hand was still raised. With another flick he found himself dragged across the floor and banged into Pink.
"Magic's cheatin'," Pink grumbled.
"Not like five against two?" David asked as he got his handcuffs onto Grey. The two weasels grumbled under their breath together and David went to check on their big t-shirt wearing friend. Steady pulse, regular breathing, it was like he was just having a nap on the pub's floor, except for the blood running out of his nose. As he stood back up David felt a wave of dizziness and had to grab a table for balance.
"Whoa there Dave," Hook said, holding his elbow. "You took a couple hits to the head. Take it slow."
"I'm alright, just a bit shook up," he replied.
"Do you need to go to the hospital?" Emma asked concerned.
"No, no," David replied reassuringly. "No permanent damage I promise."
"Good, good," Emma replied. "So what the actual hell were you two doing?"
…
Author's note: Yeah...a written montage, that's a good idea. Did I pull it off? Also bar fights are difficult to write. Disclaimer's at the end of the story but I hope you recognised the goons. Thank you for reading and please leave a review. I look forward to hearing what you thought.