Chapter 10

The huge, muscular man had carried Belle straight to a large sort of tent. A so-called wigwam as Belle proudly recalled from one of her books. When he carefully laid her down, he opened his mouth for the first time.

"Sahakawe will be here any minute. She will take care of your ankle." He simply stated with a powerful, dark voice and turned to leave.

"Wait!" Belle heard herself suddenly saying. The big man looked back at her, apparently startled by her sudden advance to speak.

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I didn't get your name earlier. The whole situation was quite overwhelming." She let out a brisk, bright laugh to hide her nervousness.

"Kocoum." The giant answered.

Belle sighed inwardly. This man in front of her was apparently not one for many words. Or smiles. Or any emotions. But she kept on beaming at him.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Kocoum. That's a very beautiful name by the way. I've never met someone who was called like this."

She gave him another disarming smile.

And finally, the corners of his mouth twitched slightly upwards and softened the stony-faced expression.

"Thank you, Princess Belle."

"Oh, no." Belle immediately waved her hand. "No. No princess. Please just call me Belle, alright?" Kocoum only nodded in response. "Oh, and thank you for carrying me all the way. That was very kind of you!"

Before he could answer, Sahakawe entered the wigwam. As if by command, Kocoum's tiniest of smiles was again replaced by a serious inexpressiveness.

"Kocoum" the old woman said. "Please leave us alone now. I need to examine the girl's injuries. But stay near. I need to talk to you afterwards."

The obedient warrior nodded once again and turned to leave the wigwam. When he was close to the entrance, however, he faced Belle one more time and said: "Get well soon … Belle." And the tiniest of smiled reappeared on his face before he walked out.

Belle and Sahakawe sat some moments together in silence. Alone with the old shaman, Belle felt suddenly a little bit uncomfortable. She had lived long enough in the Dark Castle to sense any kind of magic. And as it felt, the old woman was surrounded by a hell of a lot magic. Although Sahakawe's power felt different from Rumple's dark one, Belle was not entirely sure if she should trust the woman in front of her. But then again, she remembered the cordial welcome between Hook and Sahakawe. He apparently trusted her. Even more, he seemed to really like the old woman. They had hugged and had teased like a granny and her grandson would have done. Maybe Belle just had to trust her, too.

Sahakawe broke the silence, apparently sensing Belle's inner conflict. "You don't need to be afraid, child. I don't mean you any harm. I'm just an old woman who wants to help."

"Do you mean with magic?" Belle replied suspiciously.

The old woman let out a low, clattering laugh. "No, my dear. No magic. Just with the help of some indigenous herbs and tried and trusted domestic remedies."

Belle had often read about herbalism and was admittedly curious about the whole process. Maybe she could learn some useful things from the old shaman, too. But her feeling of distrust had not been completely vanished yet.

"But you hold magic within you, don't you? I can sense it." Belle said reluctantly.

"Yes, I do, my dear." Sahakawe confessed with an amused smile on her face. "But your ankle will be fine tomorrow even if we just use Mother Nature's magic, don't you think? You must know magic is quite a tricky thing. Because all magic …"

"… comes with a price." Belle whispered, ending Sahakawe's sentence herself. That's what Rumple always used to repeat.

The old woman cocked her head and smiled at Belle. "That's it, Belle. It's useful but dangerous at the same time. But you seem to be quite familiar with this topic, aren't you? How so? I do sense a faint pulse of magic around you, but it's nothing you did produce, right?"

"Oh." Belle blushed a little bit. "Uh … back in our homeland, I used to live with a powerful sorcerer. I was his caretaker. He used magic quite often, so maybe some of it got stuck on me."

The thought of Rumpelstiltskin made her smile which didn't go unnoticed by Sahakawe.

"I see my girl." She said softly, giving Belle a knowing smile. "And your heart tells me that he soon became more than just your master, right?"

"Yes" Belle answered sheepishly. "Rumple has started to change for me. He has become a better man." Belle's smile broadened. "I love him."

Sahawake suddenly grabbed Belle's hand.

"That's a good thing. The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. Don't forget that. Love is the most powerful protection spell against any kinds of dangers." She said, looking straight into her eyes.

"I'm happy for you, Belle." Sahakawe added more quietly, squeezing Belle's hand tightly.

Belle felt a pleasant warmth running through her body and knew instinctively that the old woman meant every word she had said.

It was the first night that Hook was dreaming of Belle. Different from what had really happened, Hook had decided to rescue the beautiful princess from the Queen's tower and took her with him on board of the Jolly Roger. She became part of his crew and his life and together, they sailed around the world. In his dream, she was on deck at night watching the peaceful sea when he joined her. She leant her head on his shoulder and Hook put an arm around her waist, holding her tight like a lover would do. Then, she turned in his embrace to look at him. The moonlight bounced off her porcelain skin and made her glow. His hand and hook still rested on her hips, pulling her carefully closer.

"You are so beautiful. I don't deserve you, my princess." Hook said with a strangely hoarse voice.

Belle tilted her head and gave him one of her warm, disarming smiles. She lifted one of her small, soft hands to gently touch his cheek and whispered: "A man who is willing to fight for what he wants deserves what he gets. Don't you think, Captain?"

Belle wetted her lower lip with the tip of her tongue and Hook slowly bent down, aiming to feel those delicate lips on his own, desperate to taste her soft skin. But just before their lips were able to meet, Belle's eyes suddenly widened in horror and she brought both hands to her throat. Panting for air, she fell hard on the ground, choking desperately as if an invisible hand was trying to choke her to death. Hook tried to get down, but some strange power prevented him from helping her. He was not even able to move one singular muscle. Instead, he just had to stand there completely frozen and had to watch Belle's death struggle with tears in his eyes. Suddenly, purple smoke appeared and enveloped her body completely. When the smoke vanished, Belle was gone and a distant high-pitched giggle was the only thing that broke through the silence of the night.

Hook jumped awake, sweating all over his body and with his heart pounding hard in his chest

The first thing Hook did the next morning was to march straight towards Sahakawe's wigwam to look for Belle. Although he knew that it had just been an evil dream, he urgently needed to check on her, see her. But when he arrived at the wigwam, the only person who sat inside was … oh bloody hell, seriously?! … Kocoum. He was sitting on the floor, mingling some herbs in a small, wooden bowl. He didn't even bother to look up when Hook entered.

"Where the hell is she?!" Hook spat, darting daggers with his eyes at the huge man in front of him.

"Sahawake went to the forest to collect some herbs." Kocoum replied dryly, still not raising his head.

Hook felt how the anger started to boil in his stomach. Was this oaf really trying to play games with him?

"I think you know damn well that I wasn't talking about Saha, man!"

"If you were talking about Belle" Kocoum said, shrugging his shoulders innocently. "She will spend the day with some of the tribe members. She is quite eager to learn more about our culture. So as her ankle was much better this morning, Sahakawe sent her away with Nakoma and some of her friends. You won't see her until the big feast tonight."

This morning?! Does this mean this bloody hulk of a man has spent the night with her in this tiny tent? Oh he better not …!

"And what exactly are you doing here?" Hook growled.

"I was just getting ready to get some sleep when you stormed in." Kocoum replied nonchalantly. "I've been awake the whole night to watch over Belle."

Hook sighed. He somehow had the strange feeling that Sahakawe was trying to keep him away from Belle. But why would she do that? He needed to talk to Wily Hawk about yesterday's council meeting anyway. Maybe he also knew something about this particular matter. Well at least they won't be able to keep him away from Belle at tonight's feast.

When Hook headed towards the tent's entrance, he suddenly stopped and turned, addressing Kocoum one more time.

"Ah and Kocoum, my old friend. Just a word of friendly advice." Hook fiercely flashed his eyes at the other man. "You stay away from her or I'll make you remember why everyone is calling me 'Hook'."

It was the first time that Kocoum raised his head to look at the pirate. But before he could answer anything, Hook had already turned around to walk out of the tent.

The big celebration started just before sundown and the whole tribe had already gathered at the huge fireplace in the middle of the tribe. Oh, Hook remembered the tribe's celebrating quite well: A lot of drumming, a lot of food and fire-water (not as good as rum, but it fulfilled its purpose after all), and a lot of lovely Native American women dancing all night. In short: something always to look forward to!

But as Kocoum had been right and Hook hadn't met Belle during the entire day, fire-water and lovely ladies definitely had to wait some more minutes. When he finally spotted Nakoma and her group of friends, he practically ran towards them.

"Hook!" Nakoma said surprised when he reached them. "Are you looking for me, honey?"

"Hello, love. No I'm afraid not this time. But I'm sure you are still going to help a devilishly good-looking but desperate young pirate, won't you?" Hook replied, winking at her. His charm always worked with Nakoma. "I'm always in quest of a beautiful woman as you know. Brown hair, beautiful blue eyes, an accent you wouldn't soon forget. I was told you guys spent some time together today, right?"

Nakoma grinned broadly at him. "Oh Belle is really such a sweetheart, Hook. Everybody adores her already – including me. We had a fantastic day together. She's with Tiger Lily at the moment. Lil wanted to give her something more appropriate to wear for tonight. Belle was so excited. They should be here any minute."

Appropriate? What does she mean by "appropriate"?

"Ah, speaking of the devil." Nakoma added some seconds later and pointed over Hook's shoulder. "Wow, she looks amazing!"

When the pirate turned, the sight before him literally caught his breath. The woman in front of him wore a beige-colored top and matching skirt with fringes. He swallowed hard when he noticed that the outfit was with bare midriff and revealed more of her soft skin than he had seen before (not that he hadn't imagined, though). The same held true for the skirt. Admittedly, he had seen her in shorter skirts in Storybrooke, as this one she wore now ended decently mid-thigh. The difference was, however, that she had always worn dark tights as well which were covering her legs. Looking at her bare skin now made him immediately regret her unnecessary addition of clothing in Storybrooke. When Hook finally managed to tear his eyes away from her well-toned curves, he noticed that her upper arms were colored with beautiful Native American symbols and pictures and she wore two big, golden armlets with feathers around them. There were even two small black stripes under her beautiful blue eyes. Belle wore a leather strap around her head which was neatly decorated with small, fluffy feathers. Her dark curls, however, fell loosely on her slender, white shoulders. She was beaming at him, her bright, blue eyes wide open and shining with a pleasant anticipation.

"Well?" she finally stated a little unsure. "How do I look?"

Adorable! Amazing! Beautiful! Hot! Sexy as hell!

Those descriptions, and many more, were pounding vigorously in his head. But somehow, they didn't reach his mouth. He just stood there, overwhelmed by her appearance and not able to think straight.

"Oh honey you just look so amazing!" Nakoma screamed and pulled Belle into a big hug. "I'm sure every man wants to dance with you tonight! You just look like a real tribe member, doesn't she Hook?"

Hook finally managed to overcome his speechlessness.

"This is … um … I mean you look …" he stammered.

Bloody impressive, Killian. You should have really stayed with silence!

But Belle obviously knew what he wanted to say as she gave him a bright, shining smile. And Hook couldn't help but smiling back at her.

"Come on, girl. I need to show you everything. We'll have so much fun tonight!" Nakoma declared happily. She immediately grabbed Belle's hand and pulled her away and towards the fireplace. Belle gave Hook an apologetic smile and mouthed: "See you!" Hook was about to follow when his shoulders were grasped by a strong, huge arm and turned around. Wily Hawk broadly smiled down at the pirate, his face already flushed from too much of fire-water.

"Killian! What a great night to celebrate, isn't it? Are you sure you already want to leave us tomorrow?"

Hook somehow managed to free himself from the tribal chief's embrace.

"Thank you Wily Hawk. But I'm afraid we still have some distance to cover."

"Oh, come on boy! Stay with us a few more days." Wily Hawk roared cheerfully. "It's been a while! And your lovely companion enjoys her stay as well, you know. She appears to be quite talented. At least that's what Kocoum told me."

Hook cocked his brow angrily. "Did he?!"

"Well yes. After all, he spent his afternoon with the girls. Poor boy but he didn't really seem to mind, actually." Wily Hawk chuckled loudly. "Now boy, you're way too sober for such a big celebration. Let's get you something to drink!"

Hook desperately turned around once more and searched the place for Belle. When his eyes found her, she was already surrounded by a cluster of young men to whom she was talking cheerfully. At least, Kocoum was none of them. So he finally gave in and followed the tribal chief to get something to drink. Maybe alcohol would help him enjoying this party.

Well, it did not. The celebration was in full swing now and everybody was dancing wildly to the beatings of the tribal drums. Well everyone except for Hook. He was sitting sulkily on the ground, one cup of fire-water in his hand and watching Belle dancing. Or talking. Or laughing. Or clinking cups with one of the tribe members. And Kocoum never seemed to leave her side.

"If looks could kill …" Hook thought angrily. "Well, Kocoum wouldn't be a problem anymore. Does she even remember I'm still here? Bloody woman. With her way too short top and her way too blue eyes."

"So? Who is she?"

Tiger Lily's voice disrupted his angry thoughts.

"Who is who?" Hook asked annoyed while Tiger Lily was sitting down next to him.

"The girl." She simply stated, pointing one finger in Belle's direction. Belle was still talking to Kocoum, still holding this way too sweet smile on her face.

"Oh Lil. You should stop smoking this bloody tobacco. You are too young to be that forgetful. Her name is Belle." He answered sighingly.

Tiger Lily simply rolled her eyes. "That I know, Hook. I was asking who she is to you."

Startled, he blinked at her in confusion.

"Last time I checked she was my travel companion."

Tiger Lily let out a cheerless laugh. "Is that so? And you're not possibly trying to have more than that?"

"Well I'm a pirate, love." Hook answered, forcing himself to put on his seductive smile. "Kind of inherent instinct to try to bed a beautiful woman."

Tiger Lily narrowed her eyes and watched him closely for some moments before she spoke again.

"Don't take me for a fool. I see the way you look at her. There is longing, I don't doubt that. But there's something more. The urge to protect? Maybe the urge to possess, too? And still, here you are. Sitting on the ground and watching Kocoum and her."

"That's really none of your business, Lil." Hook answered dismissively. He was really not in the mood to discuss something he didn't really understand himself with some sort of ex-girlfriend. But when he faced her, he saw a hint of frustration in her face. And then he understood.

"Wait a minute. Don't tell me you're in love with the oaf?!"

Tiger Lily started to blush and Hook laughed out load.

"Oh love. That's a really interesting turn of events." He said, winking at her. "Alright then. Can't have let your love-life being screwed up again because of me."

Tiger Lily glared at him sulkily. But when he reached out to grab her hand and squeezed it tightly, grinning at her, her features, too, turned into a tiny grin.

"Thank you."

"No matter, love. I'm always the one to call to save a poor damsel in mistress."

With those words, he stood up and headed towards Belle. He was a pirate for God's sake.

And a pirate always takes what he wants.

When Hook approached her, Belle was once again completely pored over dancing with some of the tribe members. Her body moved gracefully to the rhythmic sounds of the drums and Hook caught himself staring at her for one moment. Maybe the fire-water had admittedly been a little stronger than he remembered, but when he watched her dance, he suddenly felt dizzy.

After a few moments, however, he gathered his wits again and joined the dancing group. Belle was spun around and her body was shaking with laughter. After a few moments, she stumbled over her own feet, and fell directly into Hook's arms. When he looked into her face, those adorable eyes were looking straight back into his and they were shining like blue diamonds.

"Oops!" she giggled, clinging at him. "So there you are, finally!"

Her breathe came quickly and her face was flushed from heat, exhaustion and … alcohol?

"Love you look rather exhausted." He purred. "How about a pause and maybe something to drink?"

"Oh no!" she giggled once again. "I had quite a lot of those funny tasting drinks. But a break would be great." she chirped and took his hand in hers.

Giving Kocoum one last victorious smile, Hook led Belle to a silent place slightly away from the celebration. When they were alone, he turned to face her again.

"So, guessing from your enchanting dancing performance, I'd say your ankle is alright again?"

Belle let out one of her heartwarming laughs.

"Yes. Thank goodness! Thank you so much for bringing me to the tribe. They are all so adorable!"

Hook cocked his brow. He immediately had to think of Kocoum and couldn't prevent himself from asking his next question.

"Adorable? Like Kocoum?"

Belle started to giggle heavily. "Well I'm not sure if that's the best word to describe him. He's nice, but maybe not very adorable. At least for my taste."

Slightly pleased by her answer, Hook moved closer towards her.

"So his stony-faced, silent nature didn't win your heart then?" he quipped.

His joke was rewarded by another of Belle's chuckles.

"Most definitely not, Killian! I've spent some time with him but he's not so much into talking I guess. And he's always so …" she waved her hand in the air to find the right word to express Kocoum's nature. But due to the impact of the fire-water, she lost her balance and was about to fall to the ground. But Hook jumped immediately to her side and caught her. When he pulled her up, their faces were only inches away and she was staring at him with wide open eyes.

"… serious." she breathed to complete her sentence.

Looking into her face, Belle just looked like in his dream. Gentle, tender and glowing from the moonlight.

"Maybe we should go back to the celebration?" she whispered.

"No." Hook answered silently, his hand and hook remaining around her waist so he could feel the softness of her skin under his palm.

"Why did you bring me here?"

Hook lifted his hand and gently brushed one loose flick of hair from her porcelain-like face.

"Everyone spent so much time with you. I was jealous, love." He admitted softly. His hand rested on the crook of her neck, pulling her gently closer to his face.

Belle's eyes widened in astonishment, but she didn't pull away. Quite the opposite, actually, as she leaned into his soft touch.

Their faces were so close, Hook could already feel her warm breath on his lips. Just one slight move of his head would be enough and he would finally kiss the endearing princess in front of him. He would feel the softness of her lips, he would taste her sweet flavor and he was all too willing to get lost in her.

But suddenly, Belle shoved him gently away from her.

"I'm sorry." She said and sounded somehow confused. "Killian … I … I just … I can't."

And with those words she quickly spun around and ran towards the wigwams, leaving behind a sad looking pirate.

After some moments in silence, a deep, female voice startled him from his thoughts.

"You can't have her, boy."

Hook spun around to see Sahakawe standing in front of him, a serious expression on her face.

"Go away, Saha. I don't feel like talking at the moment." Hook said dismissively. He liked the old woman but he was sure, when she kept talking, he would probably vent his frustration on her.

"No, boy. You have to listen to me. This is important. You must stop this before it's too late."

"Before the Crocodile comes and kills me? I don't care." Hook spat.

Sahakawe cocked her head and whispered: "Before she falls in love with you, too, and ends up with none of you, Killian."

Hook blinked at her in confusion. "I don't understand."

Sahakawe sighed deeply. "Love can be our strength, but also our weakness, boy. If you truly feel something for the girl, you must stop. For her sake."

Hook felt a familiar stitch of pain in his heart. When did this start? When did he once again start to feel something for the Dark One's love? Why can't he care for another girl and have finally his happily ever after? Maybe because he was a villain. And villains don't get happy endings.

"I'm sorry." Sahakawe said softly and patted his shoulder.

"Don't be." Hook answered sadly. "I'm just losing what I don't deserve."

NOTES

Hey guys! Thank you so much for reading my first facfic. And thank you for your kind reviews! :)

Actually, I'm a really huge Rumbelle – shipper (the winter final's episode really broke my heart! :( I'm still recovering). However, I really do love the idea of Captain Beauty as well. Especially after I've watched some Hook x Belle videos on youtube which have actually inspired me to start. *.*

I already have some ideas where the story will lead to. But not telling ;D I don't want to spoil the fun ;)

Have a merry Christmas 3

PS: I hope you recognized Kocoum and Nakoma from Disney's Pocahontas ;)