Once again I would like to thank everyone for the comments. I have been super motivated by you all to work on this next chapter. I can't wait to see where this grand adventure will take us. Just another reminder I own nothing! *sigh* one day maybe I will... Thank you, and please remember to read and review. :3 Artimas
Chapter 3: An Accord
Darkness. Never ending, incredibly tormenting…Nothing. No place to go, nothing to do or see. Their was no up or down. No direction at all.
I'm dead…
She had really done it…
Emma's eyes tried to focus on anything, but a blanket of black wrapped its self around her. There was nothing. There was no wind, no images, empty. Emma had been struck deaf and blind. Her skin felt no sensations, she smelled no odors, even her own sense of her body was gone.
If she had a mind it would be shrinking. She should be terrified but fear was beyond existence. Her heart should have been beating fast in anticipation, but it couldn't. She didn't have a heart. She was damned in this eternal limbo, somewhere between heaven and hell.
A small speck in the distance caught her eye, a star. It was calling to her, beckoning for her to come closer. She didn't move, her mind not grasping onto the concept. An eternity seemed to pass, her gaze never leaving the focal point. It appeared to give up, blinking out and returning her to her fate.
All at once without warning it was back enveloping her. Her body finally responding.
"Emma?" She recognized the voice, head snapping in attention. She was now on a small hill. The sun bright above her, the scent of freshly cut grass drifting on a light breeze. A thick forest swam around the perch, giving the feeling of a natural made pen.
Her jaw dropped, and her heart leaped. He was standing in front of her. Looking identical to the day he died, brown leather jacket and vest, perfect hair, even his stupid sheriffs badge still pinned proudly to his chest. A genuine smile graced his lips, and his eyes sparkled.
"Graham?" She blinked a few times, trying to push the image away, torn between the urge to run into his outstretched arms, or to ignore. She choose the latter, she would not let her death torment her. This could not be real. He could not be here. He was dead…and…and she was…she was dead.
Her mind hit the breaks. He was here! Graham. Leaving all cares behind she ran towards him tackling him down to the ground. His laughter filled her ears, and his warmth touched her heart. He flipped her over on her back. The sun shining behind him like a halo. He just felt so real. So alive.
"Why are you here?" He had the most handsome features, even the stubble on his chin was perfect, she couldn't help but touch it. The hair so soft.
"I came to see you." Oh god how she missed that accent, he lovingly pushed a strand of hair behind one ear, his thumb calloused yet soothing. The happiness etched across his face turned to disappointment. "But, you can't stay Emma. This isn't meant for you. Not yet at least." She shook off the comment.
"I just wanted to know why you're here…" She went to continue but his smooth voice cut into hers.
"That's not important…but, you..." His features softened.
"You were right...Oh god Graham. You were right!" She ignored him, remembering his warning about Regina.
"It's okay. That's in the past, but Emma. You must listen." He turned her chin, chocolate brown eyes bearing into emerald. "I'm dead. And you need to wake up."
She felt the ground shift. No, she would not leave him. They had finally found each other. She yanked at his collar, his mouth only inches from her own. His expression heartrending.
He wasn't really Graham. This was just a trick her mind was playing, something for her accept the past. To release the guilt.
"I know your not real…but…I miss you." Tears flowed freely as she gently touched her lips to his. Let go. Forgive yourself Emma. The kiss was warm, and as she felt him pull her closer one arm around her back, the other trailing up her side, she opened her heart. Willing him to feel her grief. She had let him die. Her stubbornness had killed him.
As if he was reading her thoughts he lurched away, eyes wide.
"Emma…Listen to me." He seemed to be fighting himself, looking at her lips longingly every so often. Finally his mind won. "You can't be here! If you stay..." She nodded, reaching one hand out over his heart. She didn't understand, but she knew he was urging her to continue on. But, if he was real…she had to let him know.
"I'm sorry…I…I couldn't save you." Willing the tears away didn't work, but she tried anyways. For once she wished she was invincible like Henry always claimed her to be. "I couldn't..."
"No…you did save me." Graham grinned. "I'm finally free, and one day…" He lifted her chin with a finger. "We will meet again. But at that time…" he looked past her, into the forest as if he was being watched, "…it will be different." He gave her one last peck, "Good bye Emma."
The world shattered, Graham disappearing from sight, and Emma falling.
A gasp shook her body, pushing away slumber. The dream was still playing out, causing nothing but depression to sink in. She snuggled deeper into her comforter, letting the rock of the bed sooth her.
Wait, why was her bed rocking? She gagged. This was way to early even for her parents. A flush grew across her face as her mind protested the images coming forth.
"I swear to god…If I have to talk to you two one more time about…" That's when it all slammed back into reality.
She wasn't at home. She wasn't in her apartment. She sure as hell was not in Story Brooke. Throwing the covers off she bolted upright, her first readied. Slowly the blonde beauty lowered her arms, she was alone. A sigh of relief escaped her as she patted herself down. All clothes were still in tact. Good don't have to skin a pirate.
The room was brightening as she glanced around, the sun obviously rising for the day. How long had she been out? Her heart pinched when she spotted the bandages carefully wrapped around her wrist and the bloody basin next to the bed. Hook had tended to her wounds? Most likely he was just trying to get back in her good graces, she wasn't useful dead. Seriously! I can't even die when I want too. She would never admit it, but she was happy to be breathing.
She scooted towards the edge of the bed. Her jaw hardened, this was not the best predicament to be in. Scanning the room she spotted a familiar item. Her wallet. Jumping up and striding to the table she reclaimed her personal property. While pocketing the leather she took in the rest of her "new" quarters. Obviously her gun had been taken, along with her cuffs. She smiled, at a small flash of silver, he had forgotten the key. She pulled her necklace off, and slid it behind her pendant for safe keeping.
She decided to make quick work of snooping, not knowing how much time she actually had before someone would come to check on her. Most of the items strewed about were of little use, maps, books, a small chest of clothing. For a moment she pondered using them, they were made for a woman and the soft smell of lilac filled the air. They looked ancient though, and she couldn't help but feel they were more a treasure than a resource.
A small door in the back led to a wash room, where yet another hearth merrily crackled. A solitary window looked out to the ocean. Sunlight filtered through its top pain, splashing bright blues and greens across the floor. An eccentric brass clawed bath stood in the center of the room. A small wooden bucket and ladle perched next to it on a stepping stool. Oh how she would love to soak her aching joints in a hot bath. Leaning over the edge she noted the lack of plumbing. Well, how the bloody hell does this work?She shook her head away from the thought continuing through the wash room. A small porcelain bowl served as a waste bucket, and she cringed at the thought. God how she couldn't wait to get back to Story Brooke. She never realized how much she missed the basic things in life.
Across from the "toilet" was a floor length mirror. Trimmed in gold, beautifully chiseled edges displaying images of wildlife, swans, birds, even a wolf could be found in one corner.
Taking a moment she checked her own appearance. A blonde mop of hair tangled beyond belief, dark circles forming under eyes, and pale skin. Just as she thought to turn away her reflection disappeared. Fragments folding into place of a all to familiar scene.
It was Mary Margaret. She was standing in front of the waters of the lake, staring down at the compass. Happiness etched across her face. They were going home. They had battled through thick and thin, together. Her smile cracked as if she had just realized what was going on, but it was to late. Betrayal. Betrayal from her own daughter.
Emma tried to rip her eyes from the mirror, but she was unable. It was not done with her yet. The scene dissolved, changing to a quaint little shop. Trinkets, gadgets, and glass cases were here and there. It was Mr. Gold's pawn shop. She knew it quite well. He was standing with Regina his mouth forming a thin line. Regina on the other had looked pleased, a small smile spreading across her lips as he gently touched the tip of wand to a small pendant. Emma scrunched her eyes to see, that was not just any trinket. That was hers. She tried to grasp at her necklace, but her body would not comply. He nodded at the Queen, before she marched out of sight.
Gold gradually moved forward, rotating his head to gaze in Emma's direction. He smiled. She felt his cool gaze as if he could see her where she stood. His voice rang through her mind. I'll be needing that favor now Sheriff. Bring the Hook to Story Brooke. Finally, all that remained was her own reflection.
She paced the little room. What did he mean? She growled, she knew what he literally meant, but why would he want Captain Hook in Story Brooke? Secondly, how the hell was she going to get them there? It would have to be without Cora. She very much doubted Hooks deal still stood, she had left that behind when she handed him over to the giant. There was no other way. She just couldn't follow through. I mean she couldn't be certain that was actually Rumple. The pendant on her neck burned.
"God damn it! You stupid little…idiotic…" swiftly she removed it, scrutinizing its very existence. She turned towards the window. This was ridiculous he would not control her from here. Before she could take one step forward it rematerialized around her neck. You dirty little Imp.
A sense of helplessness rolled over her, that was why she didn't jump with Mary Margaret. It wasn't her mind that thought they didn't have time, that Cora was to close, that she had to protect her mother's heart. It was magic. Magic had prevented her from returning to her son.
Dejectedly she revisited the bathroom mirror. Maybe it would work again. Maybe it would show something else. She reached out running a finger across the etchings. Nothing happened. Anger swelled from her belly up.
"I'm no ones play thing!…I'm no pawn…" She screamed at the inanimate object. The rage built over the last month pouring out. Hadn't she been through enough! Where was her happy ending? She had nothing anymore! Henry was gone, a million planets away, Regina had won. Snow was back with her bloody prince charming. Yeah she had found her family, but after twenty eight years of searching! She was not going to put everyone in danger over one stupid promise. Yes. Yes you will. You have too.
She grabbed the first sturdy thing she came in contact with. A telescope. She smiled happily, it looked expensive. Good, Hook can just get over it. Holding it like a baseball bat she returned to the mirror. She scowled at the weak girl staring back at her.
"I do like it when your mad." His body was relaxing against the door frame, one leg crossed over the other. How long had he been there? In her rage she most likely never noticed. He was grinning like a school boy. "Now Swan…would you be so kind as to not smash my personal effects, I've grown rather fond of them."
For the first time in a long time, she was speechless. She must have looked ridiculous. Wild even. Slowly she lowered her attack, embarrassment creeping up her neck. Gracefully Hook pushed himself upright, holding one hand out for the looking glass. Without looking him in the eye, like a child caught in the act, she handed it back.
"Thank you." Spinning on his heels he returned to the tripod, gently settling the item back into place. "A gift." She glanced up, regaining her composure. "From my brother."
"So he was a pirate too?"
"No no…nothing of the sort." With a swish of his coat he was once again facing her. Both hands against the door frame blocking the exit. "Now Love, tell me why your in such a heated state?" He waggled an eyebrow.
"I just don't like you." It wasn't a lie, at this moment she hated the leather clad man. For all she cared this was his fault, if he hadn't paired up with Cora she would be blissfully sitting at home watching TV.
His eyebrow quirked, "Really…"
His long legs brought him closer, causing her to back up against the wall.
"Because I do like you Miss Swan…"
His hands rested against the wall, caging her in. The distance between them closing quickly. Danger lurked behind those eyes, she didn't know if he was going to kiss or kill. Get out!
Pain etched across his devilishly handsome face, mouth opening for air. Her knee jabbing hard into his groin. He doubled over to ease the pain and she stepped away. She would have to take her chances with the crew. She ran. The door handle only seconds away, but before she could make contact she was shoved against the wall.
"You are a challenge." She felt his good hand clasp her wrists together, pinning her arms behind her. His hooks pushing dangerously into the skin next to her temple.
His hot breath tingled against her neck, and she forbid herself from enjoying it. "Now Swan. Tell me you'll behave?"
She didn't answer, only tried to kick her legs backwards. He was ready, pushing into her, causing a pain to shoot up her arms.
"A simple Yes, Love."
"God damn it…" Her eyes were watering now, but she wasn't ready to submit.
"Just say it." It felt like her arms would break. The pressure on her temple growing.
"Yes."
Upon her release she crumpled to the ground. Humiliated.
"Some gentleman you are…"
"I'm always a gentleman Swan. That is to a lady." Their eyes met, fire blazing on both ends. They held each others gaze defiantly, until Hook sighed. Raising both hands in the air. "I give up. Please Emma. Just hear me out." His voice was sincere, "If you still don't trust me by then you may jump off my ship and attempt swimming to shore."
"Like your really gonna give me a choice…Pirate."
His dazzling smile returned, and he held out a hand to help her. She stared stupidly, not sure if she should accept. The smile he held dropped from his eyes as he waited. A small part of her wanted to accept the act as kindness, to reach out and allow him his gratification. But that simply wasn't Emma Swan. She brushed the hand away and helped herself up, brushing off her pants as she did so. The frown creasing his brow not lost to her.
"Alright then. To business." He sauntered off towards the table and leaned against its edge. "First off, Cora is gone. We have banished her from the ship, and set sail."
"Banished her?"
"Yes."
Truth. Leaning against the wall she felt her body relax. At least Cora was currently out of the picture. Biting her lip nervously she continued,
"Why?"
"Why does it matter. I'm here to help." She didn't like his answers. He knew she could detect lies, but half lies. That was a whole new game.
"Help who? Help yourself, or me?"
"A bit of both." He shrugged.
"Where are we headed." There was no denying it, she needed him. I don't need him, I just need his help... That most definitely did not mean she had to trust him. She would take him back to Story Brooke, hand him over to gold and be done with it.
"That was easier than I thought. Its my charm isn't it. Just can't wait to be on a escapade with me?"
She rolled her eyes in disgust, "I'm not telling you where to go until I know Cora isn't in on this. Do you understand?"
He shrugged as if it didn't matter anymore. Picking up his left over bottle of rum and taking a swig. "It wouldn't help now anyway." As if answering the question in her eyes he continued. "No magic to direct us…my dear Swan I'm afraid we will have to do this the hard way." He winked and took another swig.
"And what Captain does that mean?"
A large smirk grew on his face. "That does sound nice coming from your lips swan." She felt her cheeks grow warm, "You need magic to guide you through portals. All she needed from you was the name of the place. She's powerful, well trained. After that it would have been smooth sailing, well sort of...a bit more taxing on her I presume. She wouldn't be in tip top shape, but never the less still dangerous. The wardrobe dust, and compass would have just aided her, used less magic. But without her at all... well there's no hope getting there conventionally." He eyed her, studied her.
"What?"
"Nothing Lass." His smile faltered, "So, we will be doing this the old fashioned way. Portal to Portal. We just have to hope we find the right ones along the way."
"Okay…so lets say we do find a magic wielder. I trust. With just a name they could take me home?"
"Precisely."
She could hear the truth in his voice.
"Then that's what we'll do." With a sigh she closed her eyes, this was going to be a long journey. She just hoped Henry could wait for her, that he would't give up hope. She found herself playing with the charm on her neck. It wasn't reacting to the plan, it must be satisfied. Be careful Emma, don't trust him. The moment he gets that name, he's gone. When she opened her eyes Hook was next to her, hand on the door handle. He really was to quiet for his own good.
"Now love, how about I show you my ship." If it wasn't for the fact they were literally on a boat she would have knocked him out.
"Pirates…" She rolled her eyes as she brushed past him into the brisk morning air. This was her path, and she couldn't help but feel a bit of excitement.
