Frozen Dreams
The Creatures of the Mist
They were moving as silently as they could, Hook leading them carefully through the labyrinths of the Enchanted Forest. He had a gut feeling something was wrong, as if somebody was watching them, luring in the elaborate trap. He clenched the sword even more tightly, the cold steel and familiar weight of it calming him slowly but surely.
They stopped abruptly, Aurora bumping into his back. He looked at her over his shoulder, shushing her reproachingly. The Princess pouted and stood on tiptoe to look over his shoulder.
They were at the small quiet clearing, covered with a very thick mist. Hook eyed the white substance suspiciously, something holding him back from going further. He heard Aurora's panting behind him and whipped around, putting his hand on her shoulder firmly.
He didn't have the chance to say anything as another deafening scream sounded, sending creeps down his spine. He glanced at Aurora, trying to catch her eye.
"This is a trap, isn't it?" The Princess asked, tearing her eyes away from the curling mist.
"No, of course not!" he huffed, letting go of her hand. "It's all just perfectly normal, don't you see?"
She gave him the look and he sighed, defeated.
"You really should have stayed at the camp." he grunted. "We're not that far from Cora's Den. This forest is soaking with her foul magic. It could just be another magic trick."
The scream sounded again and the princess paled visibly.
"And if it's not?" she asked quietly.
He looked at her, all trembling but her chin up high, the determination shining in her eyes. He smirked.
"Just try not to get lost." he muttered, heading right into the mist.
The Princess hurried after him, the hem of her dress rustling the leaves on the ground.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
The mist became thicker and thicker with every step and Hook couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.
"Take my..." he stretched out his hooked hand behind his back. "...my hook, Princess. And don't even think of letting go." he added.
He waved his hook a little, when no response came.
"Seriously, it's for your own..." he whirled around and trailed off.
There was no sign of the Princess.
"Aurora!"
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"Hook!"
Aurora looked around desperately trying not to panic.
She cursed softly at her dress for getting caught in the log, while Hook moved forward swiftly, successfully leaving her behind.
The Princess heard some noise and stilled completely, fear making its way into her heart.
"Reveal yourself!" she found the last beats of courage, shouting into the silence of the mist around her.
A few agonizingly quiet minutes and she finally heard the rushing steps. She closed her eyes, praying, begging for something, anything to save her.
Whoever was approaching stopped a few meters away from her.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Killian finally stopped. He was running in circles for the last few minutes, calling for Aurora, searching desperately for any sign of the Princess.
But to no avail.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling the oncoming headache building up in his temples.
His head shot up as he heard another scream.
"Hook!"
He rushed forward, his heart pounding in his chest.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Nothing seemed to happen and Aurora dared to open one eye, taking in the figure standing relaxed right in front of her.
"Phillip?"
The man smirked and bowed, his eyes shining mischievously. Aurora took a few steps forward then halted, frowning.
"You are not him. What are you?" she demanded, voice slightly trembling.
The prince didn't move, but his face fell and he looked down, shuffling his feet nervously. Aurora took a deep breath, feeling hot tears starting to roll down her cheeks.
"Why would you say that?" he finally asked, his voice a little gruff and distant. He looked up at her, his lips graced with a sad smile. "I thought you... would be happier to see me."
Aurora faltered for a second, searching his face.
"It's really me, Rora," he took a few steps in her direction. "I'm here. I'm with you. It's all over."
"Stop it!" she screamed, anger and fear and other emotions she couldn't truly decipher tearing her heart. "You are not him!"
The prince leaped to her, embracing her tightly. She froze for a few moments, breathing into his scent and then started sobbing in earnest, clutching at his jacket.
"I missed you so much."
He kissed the top of her head.
"I missed you, too."
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Killian stopped abruptly when his eyes caught the familiar lilac dress lying on the ground, few meters away from him.
A witty remark froze on his lips when he finally noticed the dark spot on her chest, right where her heart should felt panic slowly tightening the grip on him, as he rushed to her, kneeling down beside her still form.
"Hey, sweetheart, wake up," he shook her slightly. "Come on, don't do this to me!"
He cradled her head, rocking her in his arms, whispering soft pleadings to gods he never really believed in.
He didn't hear the quiet sound of approaching footsteps until it was too late.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Aurora sighed contented. He was here. It wasn't a dream. She smiled up at her prince, feeling peaceful and happy for the first time in many, many days.
That is, if not for that nagging feeling that she was missing something. She frowned, biting her lips, when she heard that scream again. She pulled away from Phillip, her mind reeling.
"Hook! He's there, somewhere. We need to find him..."
Phillip looked at her, his brow arched in silent question.
"He was helping me on this quest. Please, I can't just leave him there! He saved my heart," she added, when the prince looked at her with doubt.
"And here I thought he was the one to steal it, in the first place," he shook his head with disbelief.
Aurora smiled when he finally moved and rushed ahead of him, feigning annoyance as she scoffed over her shoulder:
"Don't ruin my perfect logic!"
She heard him laugh and her smile widened.
Realization hit her only after five blissful minutes. She stood stock-still, afraid to voice the question that popped up in her head moments before. Phillip stopped, too. She could almost feel hos gaze on her back. She pulled herself together and turned around, facing him.
"How did you know that?" she asked, holding her breath.
Well, I hope this chapter isn't half as bad as it seems to me right now. I tried to rewrite it a few times (hence the long wait), but I'm still not sure about it.
Anyways, Ogukk will make another appearance in the next chapter and we will finally get to know how did Aurora manage to charm our cutie-pie.
A shout-out can't think, starryeyedgeek, Black Heart, Judi92 and littlenorthernsparrow! You are all awesometastic! x
And, of course, thanks to all the readers for bearing with me. You are the best!
Take care. x
