Sorry this took so long. I'm taking summer classes and every one of them had projects/exams due this week. Plus work. But here is the update, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
"Now was there anything you required here? Or was this entire excursion just a ruse?" Killian asks looking down at Henry.
"Can't you just ask if I lied about needing something to get away from everyone?" Henry asks still smiling.
"If you would like." Killian says with a smirk and a small nod.
"No it's fine, I kinda like the way you talk…when I can understand you."
"I speak quite clearly Lad. It is not my fault your education is lacking." Killian says starting to wonder slowly around the room. "Look at all of this. Something here might very well be the clue we need, but who would know it?"
"I know." Henry says following Killian's gaze around the room. "I thought the same thing when I was working undercover here when trying to track down anything on the Author."
"And did you ever find anything?" Killian asks, stopping his pursuit of the room to face Henry again.
"Nothing to track the Author…but I know now that Gold always knew what I was up to and that was probably why."
"And anything on the Sorcerer…this Merlin?"
"No nothing about him either." Henry says feeling as disappointed as Killian looks. "Just the broom that belonged to the Apprentice."
"The broom?" Killian says looking around the room again, faster this time. "Where is it?"
"I don't know." Henry says with a puzzled look. "What does it matter? It's just a broom."
"Come now Lad, surely you've realized by now that nothing is a simple something." Killian says, his search of the room becoming more vigorous.
"What." Henry asks even more confused now. "You're really not making sense now."
Stopping his search Killian turns to give Henry a patient, understanding smile. "The broom belonged to the Apprentice in the other realm, it held magic within it. In this realm I witnessed the Crocodile use that same broom to locate the Apprentice and then watched it be used again to free him from the enchanted hat." Turning back to look behind the counter Killian keeps talking. "That broom is more than just a simple broom Henry. We need to find it."
"You think it will lead us to my mom?" Henry asks excited now.
"If not your mom then maybe this Merlin, being as the broom belonged to his Apprentice." Killian says stopping to look at Henry. "I'm not seeing it here Lad, are you sure you saw it?"
"I think it's in the back." Henry says stopping his search as well. When Killian heads that way he follows behind him, but has to stop abruptly.
"What's the matter?" Henry asks standing directly behind Killian, who stood frozen just inside the backroom. When he doesn't answer Henry steps around him to see what has his attention. The first thing Henry sees is Gold laying completely still on the cot, looking back over his shoulder he seems the look of total contempt on Killian's face and the muscle in his jaw flexing…a clear sign he was upset. "Killian?" Henry asks hesitantly.
"Look at him lying there so peaceful." Killian grounds out between clenched teeth. "Why should he be at peace when we all are suffering. He is the cause of all this…" Stepping towards the comatose man with his hooked hand raised Killian practically vibrates with rage.
"Killian!" Henry says lunging forward and grabbing on to his other arm. "Don't!" But it's no use, Killian was still moving as if Henry wasn't even there. "It's not what my mom would want!" He shouts and only then does Killian stop, but he doesn't turn around, leaving Henry to talk to his back. "You aren't that vengeful pirate anymore. And as much as he might deserve it, you'll only hurt yourself in the long run." Killian finally turns to look at Henry.
"You always were a very smart lad." Killian says with a wry smile.
"Well I learn from some of the best." Henry says and the look on his face tells Killian he's not just talking about his mom and grandparents, but he's also referring to him.
Unfamiliar and slightly uncomfortable with the feelings inside him Killian clears his throat and looks anywhere but at Henry. Which is how the boy is able to surprise Killian when he steps forward and wraps his arms around his waist. "What's this for?" Killian asks, quick to return the embrace.
"I could tell you wanted to, but didn't know how to make the gesture." Henry says stepping back and smiling up at him. "I thought I would just help you out."
"Well thank you." Killian says clearing his throat again and smiling.
"Anytime." Henry says and means it. And then to ease the look of discomfort from Killian's face Henry looks around the room. "The broom has to be back here somewhere."
"Aye." Killian agrees wandering slowly around the room on the opposite side of where Gold lays. Purposely avoiding the man and the temptation.
"I think I found it!" Henry calls excitedly and Killian turns quickly see if he is right. Sure enough, mixed in with another broom and a mop, is the Apprentice's broom. Hidden in plain sight.
"She's pretty brilliant." Killian says of Belle and shaking his head as he steps forward and grabs it.
"Do you really think that can help us?" Henry asks staring doubtfully at the pitiful looking broom.
"There is only one way to find out." Killian says feeling hopeful. Surely this had to be a sign of the tide turning in their favor. At the very least it was a step in some direction, whether it was right or not, remained to be seen.
"Well let's go!" Henry says grabbing the broom from Killian's grasp and racing out of the backroom.
Killian doesn't follow him right away, waiting to be sure Henry is out of earshot before stepping forward and glaring down at Gold. "You best stay in this state Crocodile, because if you do wake, you won't be the Dark One anymore. And this world won't be as kind to you as it once was." And with those final words Killian turns and leaves, not giving Gold a second thought.
They had a Sorcerer to find.