Chapter 11- Taken
Characters:
LJ: Lila Jones
JH: Jefferson Hatter aka The Mad Hatter (Hatter)
KJ: Killian Jones aka Captian Hook (Hook)
AP: Amber Philips aka Orion Constellation (Star)
ES: Emma Swan aka The Savior (Swan)
NC: Neal Cassidy aka Baelfire (Bae)
GH: Grace Hatter aka Paige
HM: Henry Mills
RM: Regina Mills aka The Evil Queen
MG: Mr. Gold aka Rumpelstiltskin aka The Dark One (Rumple)
RQ: Red Queen aka Cora Mills (Queen of Hearts)
Taken
The clock above the library chimed reminded Jefferson and Lila of the time. Time, something they did not have much of.
LJ: Jefferson, I don't know about this. Lila whispered from her hiding place behind the rusted slide.
JH: You want to back out now? He said crouching down to hide beside her.
LJ: It isn't right. She said keeping her gaze fixed on the gun in his hand.
Jefferson looked back at Lila and saw her eyeing the gun.
LJ: You said it yourself in Wonderland... what if it were Grace?
Jefferson let his head fall so that he was looking directly down at their feet. He sighed clearly annoyed.
JH: We lost our right to back out when you told Cora we would do this. He reminded her.
LJ: I know, I know... you are still mad that I agreed to this in the first place, but I thought it was...
Jefferson turned and looked up at her, his eyes wild and his brows raised.
JH: What?... You thought it would be easier, didn't you?
LJ: No..er I don't know! I didn't think about it. She snapped.
JH: I know you didn't. He snapped back. He held his forehead for a moment and took at deep breath, then he looked back up at Lila and calmly said, I don't like any of this either. All I have thought about since we left Wonderland was what if things had been reversed, but we have come to far to turn back now.
LJ: What if there is another way? She asked, What if we could get your heart back without bringing the items to Cora?
A wide grin spread across Jefferson's face.
JH: And how exactly do you think we could pull that off? You know as well as I do it is dangerous to get on Cora's bad side.
LJ: I know. I just thought..., The volume of Lila voice fell even more, I just thought... Maybe we could ask my brother for help.
Initially Jefferson's reaction was complete surprise. His eyes opened wider and he even lend back as if he were blown away by the thought. Then his expression quickly morphed into one of concern and confusion as his brows pinched together and his eyes searched Lila's face.
JH: Your brother? He repeated quietly.
LJ: Yeah, I mean he came to Wonderland to find me.... Lila's gaze met Jefferson's as she searched for some kind of validation. Suddenly she felt self-conscious. The mere mention of reuniting with Killian made her nervous.
*****Flashback*****
Her heart was practically pounding out of her chest when she finally came to a stop somewhere in the middle of Tuldgey Woods. Lila leaned up against a nearby tree and caught her breath. As she did she thought about what Blackbeard had said. He had referred to the Red Queen as "My Queen". It was as if he was bound to her.
In the distance she heard the clanging of metal armor approaching. She knew she needed to keep running but she did not know which way to run. She did not even know where she was.
BB: You go around that way and the rest of you follow me.
Lila heard Blackbeard braking orders at the guards. He had become a puppet to the Red Queen. It was so unlike him. Lila wondered if it had anything to do with when she ripped his heart out of his chest. Either way she did not have time to stand around and figure it out. She took off running again praying that wherever she was running to was safer then where she was running from.
The sound of the guard's armor pounding on the ground filled the air. The sound surrounded her, and she could not tell which direction they were approaching from. Spinning around looking for a way out she became dizzy.
BB: You can never escape from me. Blackbeard laughed manically from behind her.
Lila turn around and looked into Blackbeard's empty eyes. She barely had time to scream before he snatched her up in a sack like some kind of prized animal that he had hunted down.
****Present Day***
Jefferson did not know how to respond to Lila's suggestion.
JH: Do you think he would do it? Jefferson asked.
Lila bit her lip and shrugged. She really couldn't know for sure. It had been so long since she had even seen Killian. Things between them were complicated, and after the way she and Jefferson dogged him in Wonderland there was no telling what he thought of her.
LJ: You said that the woman he was with, Emma... you said...
A yellow school bus pulled up across the street.
JH: I know, I know what I said... Jefferson looked from the yellow school bus to Lila.
Without saying anything Jefferson dashed out from his covered hiding place.
LJ: Jefferson! Lila called quietly unsure what was going on. After a moment she too followed Jefferson. Quickly sprinting across the street and taking cover behind a tree, What are we doing?
JH: We don't know that your brother will help us. We need a plan we can rely on. He said vaguely while keeping an eye on the kids departing from the school bus.
Jefferson tightened his grip on his gun and narrowed his gaze as he saw Henry climb off of the bus and pull his book bag over his shoulder.
LJ: Jefferson, wait. Lila pulled on his arm and looked down at the gun, He is just a boy.
JH: Perhaps but he is smart. He won't come willingly.
LJ: So you are going to hold him at gun point? Lila asked worriedly, What happened to thinking about Grace?
JH: Alright, but you stay here and keep a close eye on the boy. If he looks like he might run...
LJ: You want me to shoot him! She exclaimed.
Jefferson sighed.
JH: No, of course not! Just cut him off.
Lila nodded.
****Flashback***
Tumbling out of the sack like a pile of weeds, Lila fell to the floor at the Queen's feet.
RQ: And what is this, my pet? She asked Blackbeard as she saw the girl at her feet.
BB: The girl who escape from the dungeons, my Queen.
From her spot on the floor Lila looked up at Blackbeard in shock. He was like a puppy, so eager to please his master.
RQ: I see... She said looking down at Lila. I would have thought you would have left Wonderland the first chance you had.
Lila did not reply.
The Red Queen silently paced about the hall.
RQ: I have an offer for you. The Queen said.
LJ: No, thank you. Lila said sternly.
The Red Queen just laughed.
RQ: I am afraid you have no choice.
LJ: There is always a choice.
The Queen smiled slightly then nodded.
RQ: You are right there. So here is my offer, you will work in my court and serve me...
LJ: Or?
RQ: Or you will lose your head. She said simply. She certainly could not have it known that she let a young girl escape from her dungeons and then just leave Wonderland.
It did not take more then a second for Lila to decide.
LJ: I'd rather die then become someone's prisoner again. She said confidently.
A bit intrigued the Red Queen raised a brow then nodded.
RQ: If that is what you want then so be it... Off with her head! The Queen ordered.
****Present Day*****
The Red Guards dragged Killian, Emma, Amber,Neal, and Grace into the hall then they forced the five of them on their knees as the Queen entered.
RQ: More visitors? My we have had a lot of those recently haven't we? The Queen eyed the row of prisoners. She smiled as she recognized the Pirate Captain, the Savior, and the young girl clinging close to Neal... It had been many years but as the Queen's gaze fell over Grace's necklace she knew exactly who the girl was.
RQ: My what a pleasure it is to see old friends again. Captain Hook, I see you have a new crew with you. Cora said gazing over at Emma, The Savior of Storybrooke, Miss Swan. Tell me how is my daughter and the son you both share? Emma glared at Emma, Amber knelt glancing over at Killian, And you... I don't believe we have met before. Cora said standing in front of Amber, Who are you?
Amber looked to Killian, afraid to answer. Killian shook his head.
Cora looked Amber over. There was something very familiar about this girl.
RQ: Who are you? She asked again, Step forward let me look at you.
With another glance towards Killian, Amber did as the Queen commanded. She stepped forward allowing Cora to get a better look at her.
RQ: Why have you come to my land? She asked Amber.
AP: Let us go. We just want to go home.
RQ: Home? Where is home, back in Storybrooke? Cora chuckled, That puny little town.
AP: Let us go. Amber repeated.
RQ: I am afraid I can't do that. She said while stroking Amber's cheek.
Instinctively Killian jumped to his feet. The guards restrained him but her squirmed in their grasp desperate to break free and defend Amber.
Cora laughed again.
RQ: Remember dear, love is weakness. She said to Killian, Lock them in the dungeon for the time being. She ordered.
AP: No! Amber shouted as she reached for her sword, having forgotten that it had been left on the shore.
RQ: Pathetic. She laughed.
AP: I am not someone you should mess with. Amber said.
Cora gave her a sideways glance. As her eyes grew wide with curiosity and fear.
AP: I am Amber the daughter of the Captain Blackbeard.
A wide grin spread across Cora's face.
RQ: Of course you are. She chimed before turning towards her throne.
Amber looked back towards Killian and everyone confused. Everyone knew Captain Blackbeard was a man to be feared. Wouldn't his daughter be also? Apparently not to the Red Queen.
RQ: Take them to the dungeons. She ordered, not even batting an eye at Amber's confession.
****Flashback****
In the royal hall the Red Queen sat upon her throne. The royal court surrounded the hall, and Blackbeard stood behind Lila holding a long executioner's ax.
RQ: Are you sure this is what you choose?
Lila was too afraid to look back at the ax in Blackbeard's hands, but she felt the ropes around her wrist and knew she could never go back to being a prisoner again.
LJ: Yes. Her voice cracked as she fought back the tears.
Blackbeard lifted the ax in preparation.
RQ: Ok... Off with her head. Cora ordered.
Lila closed her eyes and braced herself for the swift cut of the blade.
JH: Am I interrupting something? Jefferson called from the doorway. He strode down the center of the hall up to where Blackbeard stood holding the ax just inches from Lila's neck.
Jefferson glanced at Lila from the corner of his eye and saw a tear roll down her cheek, but he was careful not to hold her gaze too long.
JH: I have brought you back the items you requested. He said bowing before the throne.
RQ: Let me see. The Queen commanded.
Jefferson rose and slowly walked over to Cora. He opened his satchel and pulled out a small hand mirror.
Cora's eyes opened eyed with excitement as she took the mirror from Jefferson.
RQ: I suppose you will be expecting payment now? She said without looking up from the mirror.
JH: I was promised some form of payment. He said as he lifted his bag over his shoulder.
RQ: I will have one of my servants take you to choose whatever you want from my recently acquired treasures. She said glancing over at Blackbeard.
Jefferson pursed his lips and dug his toe into the ground.
RQ: Unless jewels are not what you had in mind? Cora said noticing Jefferson response, What else do you want then?
Now Jefferson turned around and looked at Lila. When their gazes met she caught her breath. For a moment she wondered if it could be possible. He could save her. But then she tore her gaze away and pushed the hopeful thought away.
JH: Let me take the girl. He said turning his attention back to the Queen.
*****Present Day****
The cell door slammed shut. The guards left Neal, Emma, Grace, Killian and Amber in the dark dungeons without a word.
Young Grace started crying in the corner. Neal did his best to comfort her but she just continued to cry for her Papa. Emma sat down on the other side of Grace and opened her arms so the girl could curl up beside her.
ES: We will get out of here. Don't worry, we will get you back to your father. Emma whispered in Grace's ear as she rubbed her back. Emma looked up at Neal, and he knew she was worried about that fact that Jefferson had run from them despite knowing they had Grace with them.
Across the cell Killian had sank down against the wall. Amber stood beside him gazing through the cell bars.
KJ: Are you alright, Star?
Amber smiled and slid down to sit beside him.
AP: I am fine... I was just thinking... Do you think she knew my father?
Killian shrugged.
KJ: I suppose it is possible.
Amber didn't say anything at first.
AP: It is weird to think about the things he must have done and the people he met. She said, I almost wished I could have talked to him about it. Heard some of the stories. She smiled slightly, I am sure half of them would have been made up so he could sound better, but still...
Killian reached out and wrapped his arm around Amber. He pulled her close so that her head was resting on his shoulder and his cheek against the side of her head.
KJ: I am sorry, Star.
AP: You don't have to apologize. She said as she buried her face in his chest.
KJ: No, I am sorry for everything, for taking my frustration out on you earlier. I just couldn't believe I lost the only family I had left. It did not even occur to me that you just went through the same thing before we left Storybrooke.
Amber looked up into Killian's sad blue eyes, so full of remorse and regret. She did not say anything but reached up and pulled his head down so she could reach his lips. She kissed him sweetly then just went back to resting on his shoulder. She hadn't realized it until then but more then anyone else he truly did understand how she felt after losing her father.
*****Flashback*****
Lila remained very still as Jefferson stood in front of her waiting for the Queen's response. Lila felt as though she was in a dream. It all seemed so surreal.
JH: Let me take the girl away with me. Jefferson pushed.
The Queen considered Jefferson's request.
RQ: You want me to spare her?
Jefferson nodded.
RQ: That is a big request, why should I fulfill such a request?
JH: It was no easy task retrieving that mirror. I think my payment should fit the task.
The Queen lifted her chin. She had almost forgotten how cleaver this Jefferson had proved to be.
RQ: Very well. She granted and waved for Blackbeard to lower the ax, However if I am going to continue to let her live then you must continue to work in my service.
Without hesitation Jefferson agreed to the Queen's terms. Then he turned around and sliced the ropes that bound Lila's hands together. In one swift movement her freedom had returned.
RQ: Stay in Wonderland and I will find you when I am ready to send you out again. The Queen instructed.
Jefferson did not respond but both he and the Queen knew that the conditions were clear. If he did not comply the Queen would come after Lila again. Whether he meant to or not he had tied himself to her.
Once Lila and Jefferson had made their way out of the castle Jefferson and Lila walked down the path that looked like a deck of playing cards. They walked in silence for several minutes, but eventually Lila spoke up.
LJ: I feel like I should thank you for saving me again, but I am not sure thank you covers it. She said looking down at her feet as they walked.
Jefferson shrugged.
JH: I wasn't going to let you die.
LJ: Why?Lila asked looking up at Jefferson.
JH: You are really asking me why I didn't let you die? He asked looking at her from the corner of his eye. He watched her fiddle with a gold chain around her neck.
LJ: You have risked everything to help me twice now, and I can't do anything for you in return.
JH: I know. That isn't why I did it. I don't do something nice and expect to be paid back for my kindness.
The concept was not complicated but it seemed so strange to Lila. She was not use to people like Jefferson.
JH: Although if you are looking to help me... He smirked, It might be nice to sleep in an actual bed tonight. If you happen to know anywhere we can stay for the night...
Lila smiled back. She knew just the place. Lila led Jefferson down the path into the Tulgey Woods and to the March Hare's cottage. She was sure he would not mind letting them spend the night there.
*****Present Day*****
As Grace dozed off in Neal's lap he and Emma whispered about a plan to escape. Surely with a team that consisted of a former pirate and two former thieves they would be able to come up with some kind of plan.
NC: Here let me hold her. Neal offered as he saw Emma try to shift positions without waking Grace.
Emma nodded and carefully lifted Grace off of her. Once Grace was lying comfortable in Neal's lap, Emma stood up and stretched her legs. She walked over to where Amber and Killian had been sitting. The both of them had been very quiet since they had been brought down to cell. Emma wondered if everything was alright.
As she came over to them she saw them sitting comfortably with their arms around each other. There was no doubt they were more then alright as long as they were together. Emma smiled thinking about how far Amber had come in the short time it had been since she first came to Storybrooke. Emma was glad to see Hook so happy as well. She had never seen him like this before. Despite the situation with Lila earlier, Hook had fought back his instinct to turn dark and push the people he loves away.
KJ: Swan, how is the escape plan coming? Killian asked as he saw her.
ES: We need to get out of this cell before we can figure anything else out. As far as I can tell there is no way out. She said as she came closer to the couple.
NC: We will think of something, Emma. Neal said confidently, You and I have found our way out of worse binds than this. He smirked.
Emma smirked back, but her smile faded as she heard a familiar voice calling her name.
RM: Emma... Emma... Are you there, Emma? Regina called from the magic mirror.
Emma quickly pulled the mirror from her pocket. She whispered back to Regina telling her she was there.
RM: Where are you? Why are you whispering?... Never mind, we have a bigger problem. Regina said.
ES: We have a problem too. We ran into your mother.
RM: My Mother! Emma, I warned you... Regina shook her head, Listen, you are going to have to handle her yourself...
ES: Why what is going on? Emma asked.
RM: It is Henry... Regina said softly.
Emma's heart skipped a beat.
ES: What happened? Is he alright? She asked, her voice panicked.
Neal wiggled forward a bit so he could hear better.
RM: He is missing, Emma.
Emma's eyes opened wide as her eyebrows raised in shock and fear.
ES: What do you mean missing? She asked terrified. She tried to stop her mind from running wild. She tried to be calm and think logically. She looked back at Neal who seemed just as worried as she was but he was waiting to hear what else Regina had to say, Are you sure he didn't run away again? What happened? Did you look at all his favorite places?
RM: No he didn't run away again. Regina scoffed at the accusation. The last time Henry had run away it was because he believed she didn't love him because she was the Evil Queen. Since then Regina had done everything in her power to show Henry how much really loved him, and the two of them were closer now then ever before, Last I saw him he was getting on the bus to go to school. I talked to your mother and she said he was in school all day, but when I came home for our dinner at five o'clock he wasn't here. I thought maybe he was down at the stables and running a little late but that was almost six hours ago. No one has seen him since he left school.
Emma just stood there staring at Regina through the mirror. She did not know what to say. She could not believe this was happening, and here she was in another world completely powerless to help. Her son was missing and there was nothing she could do to help find him.
