Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time

AN: Thank you to GranddaughterOfCaskettAndTivia for being an awesome beta! ~ XOXO MAS

Chapter Eleven

Killian let out a low snarl as they sat in the tavern by the port. Mr. Smee, it seemed, had landed near the port and was now groveling at his captain's feet. Regina, Robin and Tink had Roland and Henry in the opposite corner of the tavern, keeping them occupied while Emma and Killian pumped Smee for all the information they could. "He just took the ship, Captain," the little man stuttered out. "He took it and I didn't know where you were and so-"

"You ran," Killian finished.

Emma placed a hand on top of his. "Killian," she tipped his chin to face her, "forget about him, he's a weasel and we all know it." She ignored Smee's presence. "Let's take the ship."

Killian's eyes darkened. "Are you going to show me that there's a bit of pirate in you, Princess?"

She chuckled. "Last night there was quite a bit in me, Captain," she purred. "Now, Smee," she faced the man, "what exactly is Blackbeard's schedule?" The man swallowed hard at her question.

Fifteen minutes later, Killian had dismissed Smee, telling him if he could find any former members of their crew, to do so before joining Emma, Regina, Robin, Henry, Tink and Roland in the back. "I think we have the information we need," he admitted. "You two," he pointed to Henry and Roland, "will stay with Friar Tuck and some of the Merry Men."

"But-" Henry started to object.

"No, buts, kid, you're staying with Friar Tuck and we're going to handle the ship. Understood?" Emma cut in before Henry could fully voice his disagreement.

The boy scowled, but didn't respond. "Henry, your mother asked if you understood," Regina stated slowly. "And now your other mother is asking. Do you understand?"

With a resigned sigh, he nodded. "Yes, I understand."

Roland grinned. "Me too, Regina, I understand, too!"

Regina face fell into a soft smile and she reached over, cradling the little boy in her arms and pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "Good," she murmured. "Now, Captain, what's the plan?"

OUAT

Mulan, Red and Leroy stood in one of the gardens, ignoring Shang who was listening intently to their conversation. "They don't honestly believe that, do they?" Mulan asked. "I know I wasn't Killian's biggest fan, and believe me, I had my reasons, but even I know that's not true."

"They wouldn't just believe it without proof," Ruby murmured, her mind flicking over the possibilities. "Neal and Belle would have to have something to substantiate their claim. The question is, what is it?"

"Who are Neal and Belle?" Shang asked impatiently, inserting himself into the conversation. "And where are they?"

The three turned to face the prince. "Neal is Henry's father. He's the Dark One's son. Belle is the Dark One's, um," Ruby glanced questioningly at Leroy, "girlfriend?"

"Girlfriend?" Shang and Mulan echoed.

"Um, true love, I guess. I don't know. She loves him and he's dead and that doesn't matter," Ruby continued. "Last I heard they were headed towards Gold's home to see if they could find a way to bring him back."

Shang considered this new information for a moment. "We leave today," he told Mulan. "We will bring this Neal and Belle back if we have to, but we need to find out where they got their information from before Emma leaves for Oz. Have the horses prepared and find me a map," he ordered, turning back towards the palace.

Mulan narrowed her eyes and yelled, "Did you forget that I am not a member of your kingdom or guard any longer?" She snapped.

He paused and turned. "But Emma is your friend. And so is Robin. And they may be heading straight into danger."

Ruby nodded. "He's right, Mulan. Someone has to go get Belle and Neal. Someone has to find out what's going on and we can't all leave. We have to stay here to protect the kingdom and neighboring villages in case this Zelena comes to attack."

Mulan let out a small groan. "Fine, meet me in the stables in thirty minutes."

OUAT

"Do you really think challenging him to a duel is the best idea?" Emma asked again.

Killian scoffed. "Are you really questioning my ability as a swordsmen, Swan? I'm offended!"

She rolled her eyes. "I did beat you, remember?"

He scowled at her. "Did you ever think I let you win?" Her brows rose at his accusation. "I'm a three hundred year old pirate. Did you really think you could best me in your first sword fight? Swan, I'm quite worried about your abilities of deduction," he admitted.

It was her turn to scowl. "Fine, just go, board the ship or whatever."

With all the swagger of the pirate captain he was known to be, Killian stood and sauntered onto the deck of his ship. "Hello, lads." He latched his thumbs into the belt of his sword. "I am looking for your captain."

"Well, Jones, looks like you are alive. What exactly are you doing aboard my ship?"

Killian turned at the deep voice, his eyes narrowing in on the older pirate. "Ah, Blackbeard, I do believe we have a particular matter to discuss." Blackbeard raised a brow at his words. "That would be the matter of my ship."

Blackbeard let out a loud laugh at that. "Your ship, that is a good one, Jones, but I do believe that you abandoned her, and that is no way to treat such a fine vessel." He grinned. "But I am a man of honor." He withdrew his sword, letting the tip rest on Killian's collarbone. "You could fight me for her, but when you do lose you will walk the plank and I don't think your ah," he paused and sent him a feral grin, "lady friend," he used the tip of his sword to pull at the linen of Killian's shirt, revealing a rather large hickey Emma had bestowed on him the evening before, "would like that. Then again, perhaps what she needs is a real man to please her." He dropped the tip of his sword and gave a mocking bow. "So, Jones, what do you say? Will you fight me for your women?" He threw a glance over his shoulder where Tink, Robin, Regina and Emma stood. "You are quite a pretty, little wench."

Emma growled and stepped forward, her hands raised to do something, she just wasn't sure what. Regina placed a restraining hand on her arm. "While I'd like to see the pirate burn to a crisp as well, Emma, you may burn the ship, too."

Blackbeard raised a brow. "Burn to a crisp? Do your little whores have magic?"

This time it was Regina who raised her hand, a fireball already alight. "Regina," Robin warned. "We want the ship," he reminded her. With a glare, she put it out, muttering under her breath about pirates and respecting her royal status.

Killian growled and pulled his own sword out. "Leave them out of it, Blackbeard. This is between the two of us." He raised his blade.

Emma sucked her bottom lip between her teeth as the blades clashed. "If anything goes wrong, Emma, I will step in. So will you and Regina," Robin murmured softly to her from their place by the gangplank on the dock. "We need to let Killian handle this on his own, though."

Emma nodded, shuddering as Killian twisted out of Blackbeard's way just in time. "He can do this, Emma," Tink murmured softly. "He's a better swordsman than Blackbeard is. I promise you, he will be fine."

For the next few minutes, swords clashed, boots pounded on wood and no one seemed to be gaining ground until Killian landed against the mast with a thump. Regina raised her hands and Robin withdrew his bow and arrow, ready to step in. It was Emma who held up a restraining hand. "Wait." She murmured.

"Well, Jones," Blackbeard chuckled, "ready to surrender?"

Killian swallowed hard and asked, "Tell me, Blackbeard, do you think you know this ship well?"

The older pirate snorted. "Every last board," he murmured.

"Clearly not." Killian stepped on the plank nearest Blackbeard and it shot up, hitting the pirate square in the jaw, causing him to stumble backwards. In moments he'd been disarmed and Killian had the tip of his sword pointed at his throat. "This is my ship."

Blackbeard glared up at him defiantly. "Go ahead, Jones, skewer me."

It was Emma's hand resting on his arm that stopped him. "Killian, we need to go," she murmured.

"Aye, too right, love. And the little lads will not need to see us dispose of him. I want all of your men off the ship right now." He turned slightly. "Robin will help you. Swan, you, Regina and Tink go get the rest of our group," he ordered. "The ship will be ready to depart the moment you arrive." He hauled Blackbeard to his feet.

"So, the rumors are true, you've gone soft, Jones," Blackbeard teased.

Rolling his eyes, he shoved the pirate forward. "Off the ship, Blackbeard. You'll have to find some other vessel to commandeer. This one has a very specific voyage to take." He jerked a pouch off of Blackbeard's body, tossing it to Robin. The thief dumped it out, revealing three magic beans. "And we will be requiring those to take it."

Emma turned back to Killian, yanking his head down to press a hard kiss to his lips. "That was incredibly hot," she murmured against his mouth. Stepping back, she gave him a sultry wink before following the other women off the ship.

Grinning, Killian jabbed his sword into Blackbeard's back. "Off," he ordered, shoving the man down the gangplank.

OUAT

"It's a two day's journey from here." Mulan tossed Shang the reigns to his horse. "I've got enough supplies to last us, but we need to leave now while Snow and David are distracted." She mounted her horse. "Let's go," she ordered.

Shang grumbled to himself as he mounted his own steed, sending him into a gallop to catch up to Mulan. "You really are difficult," he muttered.

The female warrior rolled her eyes. "And you are not particularly nice," she shot back.

He glared at her. "I'm perfectly nice. It's not my fault you don't know your place."

She scoffed. "Please, when I was a member of your guard, you were more disrespectful to me than any of the men because-"

"Because you're a woman. You shouldn't be fighting," Shang reminded her.

"I'm aware of what my place should be in society. I'm also aware that I'm a far better swordsman than you are. Than most of your army is. It doesn't matter any longer, though, I'm more than happy serving under Robin Hood," she informed him.

"Working under a thief."

"He's an honorable man," Mulan cut in. "From what I have seen, there is often more honor amongst thieves than royalty. Emma, Regina, Philip and Aurora have been the exception." Shang had nothing to counter that point with, so he kept quiet.

OUAT

"Maybe Red is right," Snow sighed as she paced their bedroom. "Maybe we shouldn't have trusted Neal so easily."

David placed his hands on her shoulders to still her. "We didn't just trust Neal. We trusted Belle. And Belle had proof. Belle has never done anything to hurt us. And we have to trust her. She's our friend and our ally and has been long before Hook decided to play nice." He sighed. "And we have to protect Emma."

A sneeze sounded and they both turned. "Snow, David, I think there's ah" he sneezed again, "problem. It seems that no one can find Regina, Emma, Tink or Henry. And Robin Hood and Killian and the Merry Men are gone. Also, a stable boy has reported multiple horses missing and Mulan and Prince Shang were seen leaving the castle grounds fifteen minutes ago." The last word was echoed with another sneeze.

David's eyes narrowed. "Ruby! Leroy!" He shouted.

Sneezy cringed and backed out of the room. In moments Ruby and Leroy were standing in front of the king and queen. "What did you do?" Snow asked quietly.

"Emma and Regina decided they wanted to leave," Ruby responded coolly. "Of course they took Henry with them and of course Tink, Robin Hood, Killian and the Merry Men followed. No one was going to stop them. They're too powerful."

"And Mulan and Shang decided to go off in search of more information on this witch," Leroy explained. "Since Emma's left with another guy, I don't think he wants to marry the sister anymore."

"Well, isn't this interesting." The four of them turned at the voice. "They've gone in search of information about me?" She shook her head. "Well, I'm right here, they could've just asked!" She laughed. "No matter, soon you all will know everything about me. And you'll be powerless to stop me." David stepped forward, but she just waved her hand, a broom appearing. "Not quite yet, Charming, but soon you'll know what it is I want." She was flying out the window before anyone could even respond to her presence.

Snow swallowed hard. "She's already here," she murmured. "I hope, wherever Emma is, that she's safe."

OUAT

Later that night, long after the Jolly dropped through the portal to Oz, Tink and Little John were manning the helm and the rest of the group was scattered throughout the cabins. Emma hovered over Killian, dressed in one of his linen shirts. "For a second today, I thought he had you," she admitted softly, her fingers skimming over his bare torso, tracing over the scars. She took a shuddering breath. "It scares me, Killian," she told him, her voice just above a whisper. "It scares me how I can't lose you now. If I lose you, I don't know what will happen to me." Her eyes flicked up to his face uncertainly.

Gingerly, Killian brought her back down to his side. "I know, love. I feel the same about you." He pressed a kiss to her temple. "We'll just have to be careful. Very careful," he murmured. "Know this, Swan. I've got your back. I'll not leave you behind."

She nuzzled her nose into his neck, inhaling his scent. "I know, Killian. I know." She pressed a kiss to his clavicle. "I love you."

He tugged her even closer to him, his fingers tracing where the hem of his shirt hit her mid-thigh. "I love you too, Emma."

OUAT

XOXO

MAS