Author's Note: I hope you enjoy this latest chapter! I cannot say how much I appreciate the follows, favorites, and reviews.
And, as always, thank you for reading!
Killian didn't remember where he was or how he'd arrived here. All he knew was that his entire body ached.
As his mind started to clear, he recognized he was lying face down in the dirt, and he remembered the events leading up to this.
There was a woman. She'd turned his crewmen into animals, according to what she'd told Killian and Swan.
Swan.
The princess had been standing next to him. He pushed his arms against the ground, lifting himself up to search his surroundings.
He was no longer in the jungle, but rather in dark room. There was a small amount of light entering the space from a hole in the ceiling, but there were no doors or windows in the walls that Killian could see.
His eyes adjusted to the lack of light, and he could discern a still form beside him.
It was Swan, laying on her side. Killian turned her toward him, letting her lie flat. He pressed his fingers to her neck and felt relieved to pick up on her pulse and breathing.
"Swan," he whispered, trying to wake her, but he knew that name didn't hold the same meaning for her as it did for him. She didn't move, so Killian tried again, "Princess."
Again, she didn't stir and her breathing didn't change.
"Emma," he said more firmly, and he saw her head shake before her eyes opened, a startled look in them.
She scrambled away from him, backing up using her hands until she was pressed against a wall.
"It's alright," Killian said, trying to reassure her. "It's me."
"Is it?" she asked.
"Who else would I be?" he questioned.
"I don't know," she replied. "I just met someone who could turn a person into an animal. My guess is that she could change her own appearance as well."
"You think I'm that Circe woman?"
"You could be," the princess said cautiously.
"I'm Killian Jones," he began, trying to earn her trust. "I'm Captain of the Jewel of the Realm. Until late, I was a Lieutenant in service of King Francis. I met you after the witch Cora had you kidnapped and brought aboard my ship. She was also the reason we were sent to this cursed place."
"You should ask me questions too," Swan said.
"Why?"
"We're dealing with a possible shapeshifter, based on her abilities," she explained. "She might be able to impersonate either one of us."
"Very well," Killian replied. "Tell me what I gave you right before we left the ship."
"A compass and a cutlass—neither of which I seem to have with me now."
"I don't have my weapons either," Killian said.
"Great," Swan said sarcastically. "You know what the legends say about Circe, right?"
"Aye," he answered. "She used to lure sailors to her island and keep them as her pets, and apparently the latter part of that story was more literal than some storytellers thought."
"I'm not sure if she's the real Circe or not, but she is definitely following the pattern in the legend."
"I don't remember the stories mentioning a way to defeat her," Killian added.
"The last thing I can recall was something about banishment, which—given where we are—might explain why she's here," she said.
"But it doesn't help us figure out a way to escape this cell."
A shuffling sound from beyond the wall caused both Killian and Swan to look up in the direction of the noise. Killian quickly moved to his feet and offered his hand to the princess to help her up as well. He placed himself between Swan and the sound that seemed to be drawing nearer.
It stopped suddenly, and a small beam of light appeared where the wall met the floor. Killian's eyes stayed fixed on the strange light, as it began to move upward, over, and then back down again, until it had formed the outline of a door.
The piece of wall within the outline vanished before Killian's eyes, and he could see the source of the noise standing on the other side.
"It's a gorilla," he said, staring at the large animal.
"Look at the necklace," the princess added, and Killian glanced at the unfamiliar gold chain holding a large ruby. "I don't think he's one of your crew."
"Which means he may only be loyal to Circe," he said, keeping one of his arm's at Swan's side, trying to make sure she stayed behind him.
"What do you want?" the princess asked the ape.
The gorilla pointed at them, and then pointed to the now visible hallway. He wanted them to go somewhere.
"If we're to venture out of this cell, you'll be leading the way, mate," Killian told the animal, not wanting to lower his guard and allow for a possible attack from behind.
The gorilla grunted and began walking away. He turned back after a few paces to make sure they followed. Killian moved forward, and he could perceive Swan walking just a step behind him.
He felt her fingers reach out and lock with his.
"Be careful," she whispered. "Avoid food or drink, and be wary if she offers you anything."
Killian squeezed her fingers in acknowledgement. He understood her warnings. The legends of Circe often described men falling under her spell after feasting.
The gorilla proceeded to lead them up a cavernous stone staircase. There were still no windows. The only light came from torches hanging from the walls.
It took time, but Killian could finally see an end to the stairs—and with it, the first hint of sunlight since the small amount that had entered their cell. The light brightened as they reached the last of the stairs, and Killian could see its source as soon as they entered a small hallway at the top.
The hall led into a large room supported by rows of marble columns and only three walls. The fourth side was open, and it gave Killian a clear idea of where they were on the island. This room was on a cliffside, overlooking the center of the island. Beyond the far shore, Killian could see the Jewel, waiting for their return.
He made a note of their location, trying to determine the fastest way to make it back to the longboats.
"Thank you, my darling, for bringing our guests here," a woman's voice said from the other end of the room.
Killian turned to see Circe, moving to sit at the head of a long table. The gorilla walked up and pulled out her chair for her, and Circe petted him fondly on his arm in return.
Once she was seated, other animals began to approach the table from every corner of the room. Bright birds flew overhead to take up perches closer to Circe, and a variety of four-legged beasts ambled toward her.
Killian felt Swan's fingers tighten around his, and her other hand gripped his upper arm as she pressed herself against him. He turned his gaze to follow the princess' and saw a snake—larger than the mast of his ship—slithering along the floor near their feet. Killian led them both a step to the side to distance themselves from the creature.
"You two," Circe began, and Killian looked back at the woman to see that her eyes were now fixed on them. "What are you doing on my island?"
"We're travelers," Killian replied. "We didn't know this island was occupied when we came here merely to restock our supplies."
"And what were you prepared to offer in return for the splendors in which you partook?"
"We sought only food and freshwater," he stated firmly. "Nothing more."
"Your men sought a great deal more than food and water when they realized what this island had to offer," Circe replied.
"We have gold," Killian said, wondering if the purse they had onboard the Jewel would be enough to cover the woman's needs.
"Boring," she said, exasperated.
"What do you want?" Swan demanded.
"Now that is a much more interesting question," Circe said. "You see I could always add you both to my menagerie with a snap of my fingers."
As she spoke, her hand mimicked her words, and the noise sent an uproar amongst the animals. Squawks, squeals, and grunts sounded throughout the room, until Circe raised a hand to silence all of them.
"But that would be a bit boring too," she said. "As you can see, I have quite the collection already."
Circe did have a number of beasts in this room and potentially more creatures on the island that answered to her. Killian wanted to know if all of his crewmen on the island had been transformed, or if it was just Hale and Pickett.
"So I believe the real question is—what do I want that either of you could provide to me—wouldn't you agree? But where are my manners? It's been so long since I've properly hosted humans, I almost forgot to offer you both a bit of rest and food," Circe said.
As she spoke, a brown bear pulled out the chair on her right, and an orangutan pulled out the chair on her left.
"Do have a seat," she told them.
Killian knew they didn't have a choice in the matter. The minute they disobeyed, the princess might be turned into a literal swan, and he could only guess what sort of creature she would turn him into.
He gave Swan's hand one last squeeze before stepping towards the chair on the right, and the princess went to the chair opposite him.
"How splendid is this?" Circe said. "Now you both must be famished. Please help yourselves."
With a wave of her hand, trays of food appeared across the table—meats, fruits, and all manner of sweet delicacies. Next to his plate, a goblet appeared, and Killian watched as it filled itself with a deep red wine.
In that moment, Killian felt hunger gnawing at his belly and a desperate thirst in his throat. He didn't know if the feelings were real or if this strange woman was casting some sort of spell to influence him, but the look on her face suggested that this was all part of her trap.
Killian rested his left hand on the table and clenched it into a fist, knowing he would damn himself if he gave into Circe's offer. His eyes went to Swan's, and he could see concern there. He remembered her warning. He had no interest in being Circe's pet, so he touched nothing on the table. Swan did the same.
"Aren't you two interesting?" Circe questioned, before plucking a grape from a tray in front of them. She closed her eyes and moaned when she bit down on the piece of fruit. Her fingers then brushed against Killian's hand as she reached for another morsel from the table. "Are you sure I can't tempt you with something?" she asked.
"We just want to know what it will take to leave this island," Killian replied.
"All of your companions that are now on this island or just you, Captain, and the people you left behind on your ship? The cost will differ depending on the request."
"All of us," Killian answered. "I'm not leaving anyone behind."
"Pity," Circe replied. "I could have had some fun with at least a few new pets."
Killian didn't care for the way the woman's gaze had shifted toward Swan as she spoke.
"What will the cost be for all of us to leave?" he asked impatiently.
"Very well. To business then," Circe began. "I need one of you to accomplish a task that will end my banishment in this godforsaken realm."
"I thought the only means of escape was to spend the required amount of time in this place," Swan questioned.
"Not for everyone," Circe explained. "For those of you common folk who manage to find yourselves trapped here, yes, you serve your sentence and then you go home free and clear. For those of us who've been cursed to remain here, there are limited opportunities for escape."
"How can you escape then?" Killian asked.
"Apparently, I need to undo a great tragedy I caused before my banishment."
"How can we help with something like that?" Swan asked in disbelief. "We're stuck here just like you—how can we undo something you did outside of the Timeless Sea?"
"Because this tragedy was sent here with me. Right now, it resides in the center of the island," she stated.
"It resides?" Killian repeated, wanting to know exactly what this tragedy was.
"I may have turned a rival into a hideous monster when she attempted to steal away the attentions of a rather tasty human."
"So how are we supposed to undo you turning this woman into a monster?" Swan asked.
"There's a cure that must be administered, and a reunion must take place."
"Why haven't you given the cure to the monster before now?" Killian asked.
"Because I'm not permitted to deliver the cure," she answered. "Someone else must carry out the task, and they must do so willingly."
"And no one else who's visited this island has been willing?" Swan asked.
"Looking back," Circe began, "I believe they lacked the proper motivation." She looked around the room at the various animals that served her before she continued, "They only wanted the immediate rewards that I could provide to them."
"They wanted to be like this?" Swan questioned.
"No, my dear girl," Circe replied. "They wanted everything I could offer to them, and they didn't care if it cost them their human form. They were much more interested in my delights than in some sort of quest. You and your captain, though, present me with such a different opportunity."
"How so?" Killian asked.
"Because, Captain, I already have the crewmen you brought to this island, and with a wave of my hand, I can have all the others from your ship. And believe me, they will share the same fate as your associates here. With that sort of leverage at stake, I'm sure you'll be willing to handle this task," Circe looked down at the pig that was once Hale as she spoke, but then turned her gaze back to Killian. "And if that's not motivation enough for you to succeed, I'll be happy to torture your princess until you feel willing to assist with my problem," she threatened.
The gorilla started to move toward Swan. Killian was ready to fight off the beast barehanded if he had to, but one look at Swan kept Killian in his seat. She hadn't flinched, instead the princess just stared down Circe.
"And what happens when the Captain succeeds?" Swan asked, without any doubt or hesitation in her voice regarding whether Killian could accomplish the task.
"You wish to discuss a reward?" Circe questioned. "Your lives aren't enough?"
"You're asking for an end to centuries of banishment—that has to be worth more to you than just a few lives," the princess replied.
"What do you have in mind?"
"In addition to our lives, we'll also need the members of the crew restored to their human forms—"
"Easy enough," Circe interrupted.
"And," the princess continued firmly, "you will return us to our ship and send us back to the waters of my kingdom."
"I can't provide you with a means of leaving the Timeless Sea before your years are up," Circe replied. "That is beyond my ability."
"Very well then. As an alternative, you will fill the hold of our ship with freshwater and food supplies—as much as the ship can carry," Swan stated with authority.
"Demanding creature, aren't you?" Circe said, almost gleefully. "You're making me hope that your captain fails, and then I can keep for my own devices."
"What needs to be done?" Killian asked, knowing that he could not afford to fail.
A cloud of billowing, blue magic surrounded Circe's hand before dissipating and revealing a sapphire sphere the size of an apple.
"This is the cure," she began. "It needs to be ingested by my old friend, and it will return her to her former state."
"What is her current state like?" Swan asked.
"Do you know the stories of the beast known as Scylla?" Circe asked, and Swan nodded. "Well, that's her," Circe explained. "Six heads at the top of her body, springing from long serpentine necks—those heads have four eyes each and jaws containing three rows of shark's teeth. Along her waist are the heads of a few rather feral dogs, and beneath those you'll find the tentacles of a squid—with a few razor sharp additions—and a cat's tail for good measure."
"Let both of us go to deliver the cure," Swan said, after hearing the description of the monster. "The two of us would have an easier time with this task than just one."
"It has to be just one, willing individual—those are the rules," Circe replied. "And look at what you've allowed to happen to yourself," the woman said as she grabbed Swan's right arm and held it aloft—the leather cuff clearly visible. "If you couldn't prevent something like that from happening, you won't stand a chance against that monster—but you would still make an excellent plaything here."
Killian grabbed the orb from Circe's hand and stood, putting the round sapphire in his coat pocket. "I'll deliver the cure," he said. "And you will fulfill Swan's conditions and one of my own—no harm will come to either Miss Swan or my crew while I am accomplishing this task."
"Your terms are acceptable, Captain," Circe replied. "But know this—I don't consider it harm if I'm just giving them something they want—what they beg for. Or if I'm defending myself should they decide to become rebellious. And keep in mind, the minute you fail, your crew and Miss Swan—they'll all be mine, and I'll do with them as I please."
Killian had no reply for the deity before him. He knew he couldn't fail—it would cost him everything he had, and he wasn't willing to lose anything more. He strode away from them, headed toward the hallway and what appeared to be an exit from this place.
"Wait," he heard Swan say, before she made her way to join him at the far end of the table, and Killian halted.
The princess turned back to Circe and said, "His weapons—you need to return those to him if you're expecting him to do this on his own."
"Very well," the woman replied. "Although it would've been far more interesting to watch him try to handle this task without them."
With a wave of Circe's hand, his sword and knife were returned to his belt, and then Swan's eyes went back to his.
She closed the small space between them and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Killian welcomed the embrace. His arms went around her lithe form and pulled her toward him tightly, as a now familiar warmth spread through his body at her touch.
"Be careful, Captain," she whispered into his ear. "Don't try to take on each head on its own—the other heads will just attack you at that same time. Try to find a way to distract them all at once. And be careful afterward—I'm not sure whether Circe will be done with us, even after you succeed."
Killian knew she was trying to help him in the only ways she could under these circumstances. She couldn't go with him, so she was imparting her knowledge to him.
And she was trying to make him believe that he would survive this task and save them all. She'd said after he succeeded, rather than if.
She believed in him.
"Come back to me," Swan added, and her breath upon his neck and the desperation he could hear in her voice made him want for more than he'd ever allowed himself to dream of before.
"Enough!" Circe's voice sounded, bringing Killian's moment of peace to a shattering end. "Lead him down to Scylla, darling," she said to the gorilla, and Killian stepped away from the princess.
The gorilla began to lead him toward a hallway out of the room, and Killian turned to look back at Swan only once. Their eyes met, and he gave her a brief but firm nod, hoping that she would understand.
He was making a promise. He would come back to her, no matter what it took.
