Summary: Loosely inspired by an episode of Lost Girl...
When danger looms over Emma Swan, Killian Jones offers to give up a major part of himself in exchange for her safety, but the Norn has different ideas for their deal and he may have to relinquish more than he'd planned. What is the Norn scheming, and what consequences will Killian face for the decisions he makes?
The Wolf and the Savior
Once upon a time, the realms lived in harmony. The peace came to an abrupt end once the Darkness found a vessel. That Darkness spread corrupting Fae and humans alike like a plague. Some ran to different realms, but in the end, there was no place to hide. The Darkness consumed them all, and only one realm remained. In order to control the shared evil foe, they became the Light and the Dark to keep a balance. Every Fae had to choose a faction. Families were torn apart by the choice. Each region had an assigned ruler. Peace was never meant to last. Multiple Kingdoms fell as the Darkness sparked a long war that led to many deaths on all sides.
Unbeknownst to the Jones brothers, their King was a selfish coward with an unquenchable thirst for power.
Killian Jones, alongside his older brother Liam, served the corrupt King Robert Fitzroy who was a recent widower. His wife had fallen ill during her pregnancy, and both she and the child died during childbirth. The King had been looking for a new Queen but none had captured his interest until he met Captain Liam Jones's vibrant wife, Belle.
The Jones brothers were sent on a mission to obtain a weapon that would help them win the war that was currently waging. The King took that time to endear himself to the lovely woman. He was smitten quickly by how well-read she was, and she surprised him by also turning out to be an amazing strategist.
The mission failed and turned out to be a death sentence for the elder Jones. They had been ambushed and Liam had suffered a deadly wound made by silver nitrate as it spread throughout his body. In an attempt to save his brother's life, Killian Jones went to go see the Norn.
The Norn's deal was simple. She wanted what Killian held dearest: his wolf. The ability to transform into a wolf was the best part of himself. To be able to run wild was an exceptional experience. The choice was simple. Killian's wolf in exchange for his brother's life. Killian was unable to go through with it. His wolf was a vital part of his identity. Without his wolf, who was he?
Unfortunately, Liam wasn't lucky and died. Not long after his death, the King's betrayal was revealed. Without a second thought, Killian Jones turned against the crown. He would no longer serve a wicked King. His beloved brother was gone, and with him, the yearning for being a man of honor died too. For centuries he lived a life full of debauchery and revenge against the King and his new bride. His guilt over the selfishness of keeping his wolf haunted him long after he had avenged his brother. With the King dead, his new Queen had taken the throne. She was a righteous ruler and had tried to reach out to Killian to explain that she had only agreed to marry the King in exchange for his and Liam's safety, not knowing it was a trick.
After a long time after the Great War had passed, there was a truce between the Fae and the humans. They worked together to stop their common enemy, the Dark. They had to ensure the scale was never tipped in the Dark's favor because allowing it to consume too much could lead to another war.
After decades of tranquility, an evil witch wanted the crown.
On an evening he was brooding over a bottle of rum, he was approached by a man hidden by his cloak. "Killian Jones?"
"Aye, what of it?"
"I have a proposition for you," the man answered with a smile.
The newly crowned Fae Queen had married a lowly human and soon they were to become parents. Sadly the very existence of the witch threatened the safety of the unborn Princess. It was decided that she would be hidden with the humans. A trusted friend would take her upon birth to keep her safe since it was foretold she would be the Savior of the Light and the end of the Darkness. On the day of the birth of the beloved princess, the witch cast a spell to stop time and take their memories, then she would have all the power. In order to save their newborn daughter, who was prophesied to save them all, they sent her through a magical portal to safety.
Emma Swan grew up loved and adored by her adoptive mother Sarah. The years passed by and the woman became afraid of losing her daughter; Sarah refused to tell Emma the truth of her parentage. She was supposed to prepare her for the future but instead decided to keep Emma as her daughter.
Young Emma sensed that Sarah was keeping her in the dark for a selfish reason, and in her frustrated state, she took off on her own. If Emma were being honest with herself, she had always felt like something was missing. She wasn't running away, she was running towards something.
At barely seventeen years, she found herself out on the streets. She gained employment in a small dive diner. The glimmering green-eyed golden-haired beauty captivated everyone she met.
She was befriended by a man about five years her senior. In a moment of vulnerability, Emma allowed herself to be comforted by the man. She felt so alone. He decided that friendship was not all that he wanted from her and attempted to take by force what was not offered freely.
Although she was afraid, Emma was not willing to be taken advantage of without a fight. In an effort to survive as the man groped and touched her as if she was his to do with whatever he wanted, she felt a surge of power as a white light submerged the room and the man collapsed to the floor.
Emma Swan ran once again afraid~~ she was a runaway ~ lost girl ~ waitress ~ a murderer.
Days before her twenty-eighth birthday, Emma Swan stumbled on to a small unheard of town. Storybrooke, Maine. She never heard of it but somehow she felt a pull to it.
All her life she had run in search of something that was missing; she didn't know that the truth was that she was seeking for her family. Their motto being, I will always find you.
She meets and bonds with the town school teacher and the town's dog catcher from the local animal shelter. The brave Deputy becomes a fast friend as well. The Sheriff is a stickler for the rules and that was more difficult to break through.
It doesn't take long for the curse to be broken. Emma Swan falls in love with Deputy Jones. A true love's kiss reveals the truth. Soon, other enemies make their way to the town.
The teacher, Mary Margaret, is her mother, and the animal control officer is her father, David Nolan.
The dashing Deputy is Killian Jones, ex-Navy Captain, and former scoundrel, and he is the man her heart chose.
As a family, they had quickly overcome so much to be together, and now the final battle was fast approaching.
The problem was the Savior was still weak from the previous battle.
They had survived a curse cast by an Evil Queen, a vengeful Dragon, a crazed former ally, and time travel.
Emma had found her family after being a lost girl. She had found true love too in an unlikely place, a redeemed villain. Some days it was surreal she was the daughter of a Queen. No, the Rioga. There were no more monarchs.
As a last resort to save the woman he loves, Killian goes to the Norn for help. He offers a deal, his wolf in exchange for her to transfer his strength to Emma, but instead, she takes his love passion - the love for his mate - as payment.
At the last battle, Emma feels a sudden rush of power that has her overwhelming her foe, the Black Fairy.
The Fairy shrieks as the light magic consumes her and she is absorbed by it.
After the dust settles, Emma is embraced by her parents and she looks around trying to find her anchor, her love, but he was nowhere in sight. Where was he?
Killian leaves the Norn, shifts into a wolf, and runs. His animal takes over as he whimpers for the loss of his love passion. His black fur coat shined as he galloped across the forest. His blue eyes were a dark storm. He found a spot overlooking the ocean and howled. Right now, Killian didn't know what could have been worse, losing his wolf or the love for his mate. How could he ever face her?
The Norn laughed as she put away the vial that held Killian's love passion. She found the wolf fascinating, and he was beautiful. Part of her wished it was hers. His love. Technically it was hers now. She smiled wickedly.
Killian decides to visit an old friend. He needs to make sense of his life.
He knows he is being a coward, but how is he going to face Emma? Look into her eyes knowing that his heart won't speed up at her touch. That he will feel nothing. If he is lucky, he will still hold a fondness for her, but nothing romantic. No spark.
Killian called Graham to let him know he was taking some time off. In reality, he hopes he can figure something out before coming face to face with Emma.
Graham agrees hesitantly after urging him to talk to Emma but he cannot deny him; he has all the time accrued.
Emma has been looking for Killian, calling him non stop. Voicemail has become her new enemy. She knows it's because of him she is still alive, the surge of strength that went through her when she defeated the fairy was proof of that.
She freezes as she is going through his room looking for clues. He had told her about a Fae he had visited years ago in hopes to save his brother. Maybe he went back but this time it was to save her.
Emma runs out of his place and goes to ask her parents if they know of this Fae.
Once Emma reaches her parents' home, she bursts in. "Mom, Dad!" she yells for them.
"Emma, what's going on?" Her father reaches her first.
"I think Killian went to go see that Fae, the one that does deals? I think he traded his wolf for me. To save me."
"Wait, Emma calm down."
She was walking back and forth. "Dad, I can't find him anywhere and during my fight with the fairy I felt a rush of strength and I was able to beat her. Dad, it was something I hadn't felt before. It was raw and powerful."
Her father tilts his head and smiles, "He does adore you. I'm afraid your mother might know. I don't know all the kinds of Fae that exist. Let me go get her. Just stay here, and sweetie, please calm down."
Emma continues pacing the room.
Her father comes back with her mother in tow. "Emma, sweetie, your dad says you can't find Killian? I didn't know he was missing."
"Mom, it's a feeling I have. I think he is in trouble. I haven't seen him since before the battle with the Black Fairy. He was supposed to meet me there but never showed. I was telling Dad that during my final battle with her, I felt a surge of energy and it felt like him. I don't know how to explain it."
"Your father mentioned you had questions about a Fae that grants deals..."
Emma sits down and her foot keeps tapping the floor rhythmically. Her parents follow suit and sit across from her. "Killian told me once that he could have saved his brother but that he was a coward. He couldn't go through with it." Emma sighs, "He felt guilty for so long, and that was the reason he went after the King."
"And you think he did this for you?" her mother asks.
Emma sniffles, "I was afraid I wasn't going to make it, for a moment. I thought the Black Fairy was going to win, but then I felt his presence. I felt his love and strength around me, and then I was able to destroy her."
"Okay, I know there's a Fae called Norn. She trades for favors. Emma, if Killian went to her, I don't know what to say. She tricks and takes what's dearest to you. Sometimes the price outweighs the benefit."
"Where can I find this Norn?" Emma stood up, determined.
"Emma, she's not someone you can deal with. She is a dark Fae."
"How could Killian go to her then?"
"The rules are simple, dark Fae deal with each other only in the case a light Fae wants to talk to or has a problem with a dark Fae. There's a protocol that needs to be followed. Killian is a deputy, he deals with both dark and light Fae to do his job."
"Mom, why can't I? I'm the stupid Savior. I don't understand."
"Emma, we need balance. If the balance is lost, we end up fighting battles with Black Fairies because of that imbalance."
Emma yells, "Then what's the point of being the Savior if I can't help the man I love?" Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears.
Her father is the one that tries to soothe her, "Emma, Killian is a survivor and he will be fine. He might need time alone. Just wait until you hear from him. He wouldn't want you to react before you know what exactly you're up against."
What her parents had failed to tell her was that since she was half-human, the Norn wouldn't see her.
Emma leaves her parents' home in a huff and decides on a new tactic. Ruby is a wolf too, so she is going to have her confirm Killian's presence at the Norn's.
With a smile on her face, Emma enters Granny's Diner. Ruby smiles back at her, but the closer Emma gets to her, the more Ruby's smile shrinks.
"Hey, Ems. The usual?" Ruby busies herself getting a cup ready.
"Rubes, I need a favor and you cannot tell anyone."
Ruby sighs, "I don't know how to feel about this. What favor?"
"I need you to take me to the Norn."
"Emma, the Norn is not someone you can just see."
"Why not?" Emma rolls her eyes.
"Look, she is one of the oldest Faes and she is not a fan of humans. Not only that but she's a dark Fae. Whatever the issue is, she is not the answer."
"I think Killian went to see her. I haven't seen him since the battle with the Black Fairy. Ruby, his phone is off. Killian told me that, a long time ago, he went to make a deal with her. He was going to give his wolf to her in exchange for Liam's life. At the last minute he changed his mind and Liam died. Killian has hated himself for that decision."
"Emma, trading your wolf is not something one can do lightly. Our wolf is part of us. Imagine if someone took your hand." Ruby made a pained face. "If he did that, he will never be the same. Emma, he will not be able to run free. His wolf will be gone. He is going to need time," Ruby whispered.
Emma's eyes water, "Is he going to hate me?"
"Killian could never hate you. He loves you. You two share True Love."
"I just know something is wrong," Emma said as she stared her friend down.
"Okay, I'll take you, but you're going to have to let me take the lead," Ruby hissed.
"Fine. I'll be on my best behavior. When can we do this?"
"She lives in the woods, just passing the toll bridge. We can go early tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? Ruby, can't we go today? Killian has been missing for almost a week."
"Fine, but if anyone asks, we are just going to have some drinks. We are lucky Granny is out with Marco 'cause if she heard any of this conversation she would have my hide." Ruby shutters.
"Drinks to take my mind off my missing boyfriend."
"I'll meet you at your place right after my shift ends." Ruby nods at her friend.
Emma and Ruby arrive at the toll bridge. "We need to walk the rest of the way," Ruby says.
Emma simply nods.
"Ems, the Norn likes to trick, and she loves deals. Just let me talk."
"Okay. Ruby—" Emma hesitates.
"What is it?"
"You're a wolf, right?"
"Yes…" Ruby rolls her eyes.
"Uhm, do you know Killian's scent?"
Ruby stops and turns to her friend. "I'm familiar but not in the same way you are familiar with it." Ruby waggles her eyebrows.
"I mean, you say the Norn likes to trick. Could you tell if Killian was there? I mean could you smell if he was there?" Emma takes a baggie from her back pocket.
Ruby thinks about it, "Yeah, I should be able to. His scent might be a little faded, but I should be able to make it out."
Emma smiles, "So you won't need this?" She pulls out a black scarf from the baggie.
Ruby grabs the scarf and smells it. Her eyes turn to her friend. "I know you are worried about him, but Killian is a survivor. He knows what he is doing. I can't say I agree with his decision, but I understand why he would sacrifice half of his being for you. Emma, that man adores you and if something happened to you, it would destroy him."
The trek is faster than they thought it would be.
They reach a big tree trunk. Emma looks around and turns to Ruby, "I thought you said you knew where she lived!"
Ruby shushes her and knocks on the tree trunk. The trunk transforms into a door and creaks open.
They enter hesitantly.
An older woman appears out of thin air. Emma curses, I should be used to this by now.
The woman glares at her, "Human, how dare you enter the Norn's home?"
Ruby clears her throat. "She's here with me."
The Norn's attention turns to Ruby and studies her. "Anita's daughter, granddaughter of Granny Lucas. One dark, one light. What sacrifice do you have for me?"
Ruby's eyes turn golden at the mention of her mother.
Emma speaks, "She only has some questions for you."
The Norn hisses at her.
Emma stands her ground. "Look, lady, we only have a few questions for you."
"I don't answer questions to humans, but I'm willing to excuse your behavior in exchange for a single hair." She was human but there was strong magic around her too and yes, a hint of familiar energy.
"You can have a single hair if you answer my friend's questions." Emma ignored Ruby's growl.
"I sense these questions aren't hers to ask, you are the one who needs them answered. One question." The Norn held out her hand.
Emma plucked a hair out and handed it to her.
The Norn examined the hair and put it in a small vial, "I'm waiting."
Ruby is looking around trying to catch a scent but there's nothing
Emma looks at Ruby for confirmation. The other shakes her head. "I want to know if—" she sighs as her eyes drift back to Ruby.
The Norn snarls, "Sorry, no cheating, you and your pretty friend forfeit the deal."
Ruby and Emma are thrown out. They land on their asses.
"Shit," Emma mutters.
Ruby groans, "Ow, that bitch just reeks darkness but no Jones scent. I'm sorry, Ems."
"Could she mask the scent somehow?"
"I suppose if she wanted to keep her clientele secret."
"I know he was here," Emma states. "When you love someone you just know."
"So what now?" Ruby asks.
"Now I track myself a wolf," Emma says.