AN: Lo and behold, chapter 1. Though I think I rushed it so if it's too fast, apologies. Also thanks for the positive feedback! That means a lot to me. Anyway, here you go and I hope you enjoy the first chapter!


Chapter 1: The Great Rescue

Years have passed since the curse struck the Kingdom's beloved princess. The prospering land turned into a dead city. Nature was slowly reclaiming its territory – vines everywhere, flowers and leaves plaguing the castle's foundation – what was once thriving with livelihood and happiness fell into despair and isolation. Yet in the middle of it all is the monarch's only hope, their princess who is yet to be awakened from her deep slumber.

Killian took the lead and cut through each vine that blocked his path. The wrath of nature was slowly getting on his nerves. If only there were no vines to chop off then they probably would be in the princess' location by now.

"Are you sure we're not lost? I think we've been through this place before." Jefferson spoke as his eyes wandered, taking in the scenery of their whereabouts.

"Jefferson, I definitely know where we're going. We're quite near actually." Killian responded as he looked at the castle which now looks closer from their spot awhile ago. "You only think we've been here before because all your eyes can see are the goddamn plants." He added as he cut off the trailing pant with disgust tainted on his face.

With a sigh, Jefferson went on with helping Killian defeat the evilness that is the creeping plant to make things faster and easier for the both of them.

And with two men working together, it wasn't long before they were able to reach their destination.

"Ah, finally. We've reached the end." Killian put away his sword, signaling his friend to quickly follow him. He could see her bed chamber now, just a few more steps closer until he sees the famous Sleeping Beauty.

"Is she here? Because if she's not I will be mad. Please tell me we did not go through those vines for nothing." Jefferson muttered and followed Killian.

Killian ignored the statement of his companion but instead walked towards the princess.

She was perfectly laid down on her bed. And she is without a doubt, a sleeping beauty. Her ivory skin has no place for flaws, her auburn hair perfect and despite the many years that have passed, her cheeks remained rosy. She looked like a porcelain doll so fragile that a single touch might break her very soul.

"Did the people of this empire did not consider the fact that their princess might get soaked if it rains?" Jefferson wondered to himself while Killian merely circled the princess. "How do you even know if she's the Sleeping Beauty? Maybe she's just taking a nap."

Killian stopped in his tracks, his train of thought interrupted by Jefferson. "Were you dropped on your head as an infant?"

Jefferson raised both his hands in defeat, not wanting to place his comrade in a bad mood. "Okay, so if she is the Sleeping Beauty, how exactly do you plan to wake her up?"

Of course Killian has a plan. He smiled cunningly at Jefferson before answering his question. "Well how much do you know about fairies?"

"They're magical and – wait, are you planning to use some of your fairy dust on her?" Jefferson arched an eyebrow as he looked at the princess and then Killian, who just let out a soft chuckle and nodded at him in return. "You're really determined to get her, aren't you?"

"Let's just say my eyes are on the prize." Killian took out a pouch from his pocket, and opened it carefully to get a pinch of fairy dust. He then sprinkled the dash onto the fair maiden's face, and tucked the pouch back into his pocket before slowly leaning closer to the princess.

"Wait, you're actually going to kiss her?" Jefferson spoke in time just before Killian's lips brushed against hers.

Killian looked up at Jefferson and gave him an exasperated look. "Don't worry, darling. You'll get a kiss from me too."

Jefferson simply rolled his eyes at the sarcastic comment he had gotten. He decided to just keep his mouth shut until the ritual is over. Killian on the other hand, went back to his business and planted a light kiss on the Princess. It was no passionate kiss nor was it a romantic sight but he assumed it was just enough to awaken the Princess who has been stuck in slumber for a long time. Shortly afterwards, Killian pulled away from the kiss, and stood straight with Jefferson peeking right behind him.

A few seconds later and the girl's eyes slowly opened.

It was too bright for her – it's been a long time since she has last seen the light. She brought one hand to prevent the sun's rays from blinding her and carefully sat straight. Her eyes fluttered as she could make out a silhouette of a man. "Ph-Phillip?"

"She's alive!" Jefferson whispered quite loudly to Killian, who was grinning at the girl.

Killian slowly leaned towards the girl and gave her a smile. "Sorry to break the news Princess but I'm not Phillip, whoever he is. But I am someone better-looking than Phillip."

Aurora looked at both men, dumbfounded. Only true love's kiss could break the spell, "How did you wake me up? Who are you?"

"Fairy dust! Very precious stuff, there's only a little left in the world." Jefferson replied. He was secretly amused at the Princess' bewilderment because for once, he's not the confused one.

"I'm Killian and that's Jefferson. And we're here to rescue you."