Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your comments. Man I'm blazing through these chapters. I'm sorry I'm just having a great time writing them. Please don't forget to read and review. I really look forward to knowing how I'm doing. Just a couple shout outs:
Alexandra . sarafolean: Love seeing your comments they always make me smile.
Nouqueret: France! I wish! thank you though, your comment made me happily start this chapter.
Also, a big thanks to the rest of my story readers out there.
~Artimas :3
Chapter 4: Beyond the Forest
The world beyond land was a vindictively beautiful killer or lover. A planet of its own. Killian stood at the helm of his ship, one hand hooked on the wheel while the other constantly tested the wind. This was his world. He smiled as the salty air tussled his tresses, and the boat rocked to and fro. The birds of the sea sang their tunes, as he spun the wheel. Three notches will do. He missed adventure, living on the edge, doing what he wanted and when he wanted. There was nothing else like this, his ship, his crew…his way.
His eyes scanned the deck. The men aboard were happy to see the anchor up and the sails set. The air was that of excitement, even as they swabbed and polished, knotted and pulled. They couldn't help but feel at home. The blissfulness of his surroundings halted when he spotted her. Mop and bucket in hand, blonde hair flailing in the wind. Emma Swan.
Where did it go wrong? He had graced her with the beauty of the Jolly Roger. Introduced her to the crew, filled her stomach with a hot meal. Everything had gone swimmingly. He grimaced, that was until her sleeping arrangements had been brought up. Her heated response still rang in his ears.
"Excuse me! I am not some bar wench hitching a ride Captain." She spat his title as if it was dirty. "I will not be sharing any bed, with anyone."
He rolled his eyes recalling his idiotic reply.
"This isn't some vacation Lass. And if your not gonna warm my bed, then you'll be sleeping in the brig, and swabbing the decks." He didn't know what he expected from her. To be like every other conquest, and swoon at the proposal? Your such an idiot Jones. Emma Swan was far from any other woman. She was a fighter. With a sharp nod she accepted his offer and left.
Angry at the response he resumed his position at the wheel. Fine, if she wanted to be treated like a man, then who was he to stand in her way?
Her sea legs were not yet acquired, and on more than a few occasions she sloshed the water over the buckets edge. One of his men offered to help but she denied him. Stubborn mule.
She followed Mr. Smee's instructions, biting her lip in concentration as she scrubbed the grime and muck from the ships floor. The vessel needed it. It had been a while since their last voyage, and the depression among the men had not gone unnoticed. Cleanliness being one of the first things to go.
She stopped for a moment pulling her hair back, and shrugging off her leather jacket. Her camisole leaving little to the imagination. Her skin glowed in the heat, and as she bent over the little bucket he couldn't help but drop his gaze to her chest. You dirty little minx. As if on queue she gracefully lifted her middle finger towards him. An arrogant smirk held to her lips. Quickly he shifted his gaze to the horizon. She would not best him. Not at his own game.
"Captain?" Hook almost jumped out of his skin at the voice.
"Y-yes… Mr. Smee?"
"The winds are on our side, I suspect we will be there in four days time."
"Good, and the swan?"
"Her cot is set...she works hard. Not much more we could ask for."
"No special treatment Mr. Smee." His eyes darkened. If she wanted to be difficult, then he could equally match her. Smee only nodded in response, turning to continue his rounds. What hook couldn't see was the large smile spreading across his rounded face.
The day drifted by. Every so often he would steal glances at the blonde lioness, and before long it was time to anchor. She must have lost her self in the task, as accustomed as she was to being alone, she jumped when he barked out his orders.
"Anchors down, sails in. It's resting time boys!" The crew cheered. Buckets were being dumped over the sides, sails were being hoisted, and the ship finally came to a stop. Usually Hook would sail through the night, but the crew was not well rested. They needed to once again become a well oiled machine.
Gliding down the steps to the deck he found himself next to her. Drawn like a moth to the flame. She struggled with the bucket as it tried to slip from her grasp. Reaching out he looped the handle and returned it aboard.
"Were almost there love. How was your first day?"
"You're all a bunch of slobs…" She grimaced at the soiled rags and mops laying in a pile.
"Not used to having a woman aboard is all. Bit of a bachelor pad I'm afraid."
Instead of a smart remark she faced the boats edge. He followed her gaze, to a large stretch of land. Ruins of a castle shimmering in the setting sun.
"King Midas's…" He leaned closer to her motioning towards it. "From there…all the way to there. The story unfortunately a sad one…" She nodded. "King Midas was not the wisest of kings, but he was a gentle man. He treated all with respect and kindness. His greatest gift being his green thumb."
Emma smirked, "Really?"
"Shut up Swan, I'm telling a story." He cleared his throat, her lips twitched. "Now, he quite literally had a green thumb. I mean…He would touch things and crops would grow…and god I don't know." Irritation at her disbelief jarred him.
"Okay…got it green thumb."
"Right so. Magic. Crop. Growing…thumb." Real smooth Killian. She was laughing now, "Do you want to hear this or not?"
"I'm sorry...yes…continue."
Clearing his throat he began again, his voice taking on a scholarly tone. "After many years, King Midas finally fell in love, with a farmers daughter. Shortly after the wedding she was with child, but the labor was difficult. Too difficult for her delicate body to handle, and she died. He was grief stricken, without her he was no longer complete. Soon the land reflected this. He would try to help his people, but everything beneath his hands would turn sour. The fields turned to ash, the crops and animals died. He could do nothing. They were starving, and his kingdom failing."
Hook turned his back on the city, leaning against the wooden railing. "It is said a man came to him, offering him the chance to regain what he had lost. In desperation to save his citizens he accepted. What was it that he wished to create with his touch? the man asked. He glanced to the ring upon his hand, the same one his dear wife had granted him on his wedding day. Without even thinking he told him, Gold. But magic always comes with a price Emma."
Hook bit back a smile as she moved in closer, "Everything the man touched would become this. He was cursed. He hadn't thought of consequences. For instance, he could never hold his baby girl, nor rest a comforting hand on another's shoulder. He begged the Fey to take it back. To undo what was done, but his only response was a laugh."
Emma shivered at the thought.
"The king searched high and low for a cure. I'm glad to say he did succeed in his quest. In the darkest hole, in the deepest mines he found it. Cold Iron."
"What's that?" Her eyes were wide, and she was leaning into his every word.
"An iron that can only be forged by the Dwarves. It's method a mystery to all. You see, fey magic is so abnormal, so unreal, that it can only be diminished by the most natural of stones. He commissioned for a glove to be made."
"Is that it?" This time he ignored her.
"Many years passed for the King, and then one frightful day a fairy came to him. She told him of a curse." Emma's eyes widened in realization. "Yes, you know the one. It was said that there was a way to save everyone, a chance. That in twenty eight years, a woman would come. Their savior. So, he gathered all his people. Wanting nothing more than to protect them. Sadly, he turned everyone and everything in the city to gold. But alas, his faith was put in the wrong hands. For there the city stands still the same as that fateful day. Golden statues flood the halls, of the great king." He spun around pointing at the castle, turning back to her with a smile. "The curse never broken." His eccentric story came to a halt, concern now creasing his brow. "Emma…are you okay love?"
She was paler than the moon. Her body trembling. The wind picked up and he almost missed her next words. "…because of me…"
"What?" Her eyes flashed and her hand clasped over her mouth in shock.
"Nothing. Thanks for the story." She went to turn away, but he was to quick for her. Grabbing her by the forearm he spun her back to face him.
"What did you mean by…" The guilty look plastered over her face held the answers. "You're the savior."
"Not a very good one." Emma snarled finally. Red mottled her face and neck. Growling, she ripped from his grasp, and turned away.
He was lost for words. So this was Snow Whites daughter. It made more sense now. The woman she called Mary Margaret had been incredibly protective of her. She had even threatened to disembowel him if he even glanced at Emma the wrong way. The sun finally settled, and the stars began to shine. They stood there frozen, his hand slowly reaching out to her shaking shoulders.
"Rum rations! Captain." The spell broke as they both turned towards a large man with a goofy smile.
"Yes of course, thank you Christopher." Gladly he reached for the brown liquid. Thank the heavens.
"Miss Emma."
"No…thank-you." She had quickly reconstructed her mask to hide behind. A small smile adding the finishing touches. It wasn't good enough for Hook, but he would let her pretend for now.
"Don't be rude Emma, it's tradition. It wouldn't be wise to object." Her old self seeped out as she glared in his direction. Yanking the cup out of the unsuspecting sailors hands.
"Of course, Captain."
It bothered him, the way she mocked his title right to his face, but he would let her have this one. Soon they were back to silence. The joyous laughter of men escaping the lower decks.
"Are there any other cities? One's I…ones the savior didn't save?" She took a large swig, one eye twitching at the taste.
"No."
Her jaw hardened. She knew he was lying, but didn't push the subject.
"Good work today Miss Swan." With that he lifted the cup tapping it against hers. "Tomorrow…we'll teach you the ropes." He waggled an eyebrow while pointing up. Her face going pale once more.
"Great…"
"But for now. I must join my merry men." and with that he left her to her thoughts. She was almost grateful.
Emma frowned at the mostly empty mug before her. It had been a while since she felt tipsy. But this stuff was stronger than what she was used to. Hook had been gone for more than an hour, and she was grateful. Legs over the edge of the ship, shoes off, and taking in the night sky. Was she actually enjoying herself? She had plenty to worry about, but the hard work of the day, and the rock of the sea seemed to remove all negative thoughts. She eyed her cup suspiciously, it could have also been the rum.
"How many lives did you ruin Emma?" She asked herself. Obviously Hook didn't want her know. But, it stung all the same. These people putting all their faith in a baby. A baby who grew up to be the opposite of snow white. A thief, sent to jail, pregnant at eighteen. The list could go on forever.
"Just handle it Emma." She closed her eyes, bottling away any and all emotions. Taking a deep breath she downed what was left of her rum. With the world a bit loopy now, she laid flat on her back. The stars twinkling brightly above her.
This world had the clearest skies, no pollution to cloud them over. Although she did miss knowing the constellations, she allowed her mind to make up some for the moment. The room below erupted in laughter, and she couldn't help but smile along with them. They were not bad men. Most of them had even thanked her. For what she didn't know, but they were nicer than anyone she had met so far in this god forsaken place.
Then of course there was Hook. He was a mystery. She shivered as a splash of water hit her bare ankle. A mystery she did not want to untangle. Dangerous.
She stretched a hand up to the sky. How she wished she could just pluck a star out of the air and hold its warmth in her palm.
"It's beautiful."
"Aye, that it is." Propping herself up on her elbows she turned towards the familiar voice. Her vision swirling at the quick motion.
"You…Hook…are seriously to quiet for your own good."
"And you my dear, are a bit to drunk."
"I am not." She stuck out her tongue. Okay. Yes. Yes you are.
"Whatever you say Swan." He quickly settled down next to her, a fresh bottle of rum in hand. "Enjoying your solitude?"
"I was." She returned to her laying position, removing him from her sight. Maybe he would get the hint and leave. She felt the ground next to her shift. Nope. Instead he mimicked her.
"I was curious why you knew nothing of the enchanted forest." She heard the liquid in the bottle swish. "But now I know. Princess." A smile could be heard in his voice. "Alas, these are not my favorite stars to gaze upon." He waited for a response, and when nothing came he merely persisted. "Neverland…those are the brightest."
"Peter pan huh?" He shifted uncomfortable next to her. Glancing over she studied his profile, hardened jaw, and eyes simmering with hatred. His voice was tense, "and how do you know about that?"
"I…I don't. It's a story. A story from my land."
"Tell it to me?" Almost instantly he relaxed. Mentally she sighed.
"Um…there's a boy. He doesn't want to grow up. He goes to Neverland. Fights some pirates and Indians. Saves some chick named Wendy, and then…The end." She shrugged.
"You're a horrible story teller Swan." The laughter was back in his voice. "Am I in this tale?"
"Yeah…but…" He rolled to his side, and she could feel a strange sensation at the crown of her head. With a quick glance she noticed he had captured a lose strand of her hair and was playing with it.
"But what?" He inched closer. "Is he as handsome as me princess?"
She laughed. "God no." Almost immediately she saw her mistake.
"So…you think I'm handsome?" His voice was smooth and seductive. She didn't like the way it warmed her body. Slowly he lifted the golden lock to his lips, gently planting a kiss, then another, following it like a trail of bread crumbs.
"Hook…" The mixture of rum and spices tingled against her cheek as he licked the soft skin under her ear. Get up! Run!
"Emma…" It was as if her body was in slow motion, her muscles unable to receive any commands.
"Sto-" It was to late, his lips had claimed hers. One hand trailed across her stomach sending an electric shock through her. It snaked its way behind her back pulling her into his embrace. His hook amplifying the feeling as it gently ran down her arm. Metal against flesh, her body on fire. A warmth pooled at her core, and she couldn't help but yearn for his touch. His mouth trailed to her neck, and she held back a gasp.
"Princess…" She scowled her mind finally connecting to her body.
"No…" He must have felt the change, because before she could shove him off his mouth had returned to hers. His lips trying to dislodge her once more. The sound of voices and footprints could be heard making its way towards the deck. The crew. It didn't stop Killian, only caused him to pull her closer. Emma, you are not some hormonal teenager! Get. Out. All survival instincts kicked in, and she clawed her way out of his hold.
"No!" She was on her feet, lightheaded and dizzy. She didn't know how, but she had managed to run past the crew, through the mess hall, and into the brig. The image of Hook sprawled out on the ground glaring at her fresh in her mind. The cot was small but comfortable supporting her weight as she crashed down on it. A pirate Emma! a pirate!? Pushing all personal scorn away she tried to sleep.
Hook was mad, no not mad, livid. He paced about his quarters. She was proving far more difficult than he had expected. What in the nine hells was wrong with her! Wrong with him? No. Definitely her. First, the deck "incident" then…avoidance. How she could ignore him on his own ship was infuriating, and a tad impressive. It was like she had disappeared!
After that first night Hook had divided the crew. They couldn't risk stopping anymore. When he made the groups he knew he put Emma on all the same times as him. How had she successfully avoided him? It was like she was a ghost, he would hear about how well she was doing, what a great worker she was. No complaints Mr. Smee would always say, unless it had to do with him…Damn her to hell. He grabbed the nearest object, a rather old tome wrapped in a rich purple leather, and threw it. Screw her! Another book joined the first one, and before long one wooden shelf was bare.
Calm down Hook, he instructed himself. She's a woman. She was the biggest challenge he had ever faced, but everyone has a weakness. The fact that she met him with resistance only made her more appealing. It had been a long time since someone was able to get under his skin. Not even Milah caused him this much rant and rave.
"Captain?" A weary voice echoed in from the door way.
"Yes…Mr. Antin?"
"Were an hour off sir."
With a sigh he retorted, "Bring me Emma Swan."
"Yes Captain."
She came much quicker than he had hoped, although the look on her face suggested she would rather not be anywhere near him.
"Spring cleaning Hook?" The moniker was back. Her eyebrow raised at the pile of manuscripts.
"I've recently realized I may have a bit to many is all. Three hundred years of reading material." He kicked one of the spines with his toe, as If it was the cause of his anger. He didn't notice the thin smile she wore. "Now, Swan. We will be at the rift in one hour. The passage through is simple enough, but once we are on the other side…well that's were the real fun begins."
"I thought you said it was all random." She walked over to the beds post and leaned against it. Arms and legs crossed, mocking his usual relaxed state.
"Not this one. Portals, and rifts are different." He noted her eye roll as she awaited an explanation, "Portals take you to any place, and rifts take you to specific places. Rifts are where two worlds collide in a matter of speaking…to difficult for a mind like yours to comprehend…"
He was impressed she didn't fight him back, shrugging away the insult before asking, "Okay…so…where is this Rift taking us?"
"To the fairy realm." She snickered. "This is not to be taken lightly swan. We are not meeting up with tinker bell or the blue fairy. These are wild fey. They are the originators of all magic. Powerful, and dark." Her smile melted away, finally listening.
"How do we do this then?"
"Its simple really. We float in, we check the weather, and we continue on."
Quirking an eye brow she questioned, "We check the weather?"
"But of course. Two seasons reign in the realm. Summer and Winter. If it is summer, well lucky us. They'll practically hand over the moon stones. If its winter…then a bit of pirating may be in order."
"Moonstones?"
"Well there more like crystals. The fairy's don't just have portals randomly open for anyone to pass through. They create them."
"So if its summer, we can just…buy one off them?"
"Don't be daft Swan. They have no need for gold, or treasure. They want things far more important. Tokens, memories…hearts." A much more sinister and dark smile formed. "They name the price."
"Why couldn't we find-"
"An easier path?" She scowled at the interruption. "There are two rifts left in these seas, one here and one to Neverland. This one honestly seemed like the better choice. Neverland is extreme, a single day." He held up a finger for emphasis, "a week here, and If the enchanted forest runs on the same timeline as your world, then it could take years. Trust me I spent 300 of them looking for a way out, and the one I found can't be used again."
"And this rift?"
"Literally the opposite."
"How do you know all this?" He reached behind him, two shelves up three books in. Never glancing at the title, before tossing it to her. She eyed it suspiciously, before answering.
"You have got to be kidding me…him!? He's crazy."
"So you know Jefferson, interesting. Before he went mad lass, he was a rift jumper. A portal hopper, a man of adventure and daring. Quite a good read."
"Have you ever been to the…"
"Fey Courts. No."
"Okay...not much choice huh…so when do we arrive?"
"Why don't you go see for yourself lass." He motioned to the door, waiting for her to accept her fate. With a sigh she followed orders, clutching the book to her chest for support. When they were finally on the deck he motioned her to follow him to the wheel. "What do you see love?"
Her eyes scanned the waters edge, "Nothing."
"Really? Nothing…" A bit of disappointment laced his words. So she didn't have it.
"Wait…" Taking a few steps forward eyes scrunching for clarity, "What is that?" She pointed to their left. His eyes following her direction. He could only see the open sea. He smiled.
"What do you see Emma?"
"It's a…a bubble. I…I don't know." Emma had smoothed her exasperation by the time Hook looked at back at her. "A dome. A rift?"
"Excellent." He turned the wheel quickly, and headed straight towards it. Orders were being barked madly as he informed the crew. "Now Swan, you must be my eyes. How far off are we love?"
"A few seconds?…wait…you can't see it!?" She didn't look pleased.
He gave her a careful look, "I can answer that, sort of, but not now." Taking her arm, he pulled her gently towards him. "Right now…you need to hold on." The ship rocked, and he found himself clutching her waist. She was to stunned to protest.
With one large gulp the ship's front disappeared. It was agonizingly slow. First, the masts, sails, and crew faded from existance. Like someone had taken an eraser to a drawing. The barrier continued to absorbed them. The last two being Emma and Hook. He pushed her body in-between him and the wheel, pinning her down.
"Here we go Lass!"
He could feel a frigid chill run through him, and a wind, bringing ice. It was like a blast of air off a snow covered mountain. Hooks first instinct were to curl into himself, but that would do him no good. His bones ached, and his body felt as if it was freezing solid. Get a grip Hook. The ship was holding, but trembling with the stress. He tried to glance around eyes stinging. The world was a swirl of colors, a tunnel of smeared paint.
The ship was in tact, but they were not out of the rift yet. Emma's hands were still closed around the book, as if it was an anchor. She did not protest the push of his body, just stared wide eyed ahead. He didn't blame her. He was the same way on his first jump. Her body relaxed a bit as he began to instruct the crew.
"Open the sails! Lets push through men! Out of the belly of the beast!" They felt the ice, but jumped quickly to their duties. The sails finally fell, filling up, and lurching them forward.
"You never forget the first time love." He leaned into her shoulder, whispering against her ear. He smiled as she rolled them forcing distance.
"Its cold…what does that mean?" She was smart, and quick to catch on. He knew the moment they had entered it was not going to be a open armed greeting.
"Winter. Once we are there…we find the stones and leave. They won't even know." He returned his head to her shoulder, placing a small kiss on her earlobe. She shivered.
"Do you ever give up?"
"Where's the fun in that?" He bit her neck. She didn't respond, didn't even push away. Just stared straight ahead like a statue. It was frustrating.
"Emma love, do you ever just live in the moment? do you always have such a stick up your as-" She spun around to face him, her palm making contact with his cheek. He could feel the red mark of a hand print forming on his already frigid face. He was obviously onto something.
"Hook…" She leaned in, her eyes softly gazing into his. Was she going to kiss him? She licked her lips seductively, "you couldn't handle me in the moment." She brought her hand up letting the knuckles softly glide over the skin she had just marked, and then smirked. Her spell broken.
With that the world folded back the ship crashed down in their designated waters, and Emma distanced herself, ducking under one of his arms. He just stood their, mouth open. Damn. Bloody hell. Snap out of it! It took him a moment to clear his head, and take in his surroundings.
Snow fell from the open white skies, blowing gently across the ships surface. It was already beginning to catch, threatening to coat them in a white tomb. Each breath could be seen as a small puff of smoke gathered before them. The world looked beautiful, yet deadly. The boat glazed along breaking iced chunks here and there. The call of land being shouted from the crows nest. Off in the distance a frozen forest could be seen. The tree tops heavy and sagging under the weight of winter. Brown and white as far as the eye could see. A large mountain protruded from the barren land. The very top flat, as if someone had just removed it. Growing in its place was a castle. You could not see it well from where they were, but its shadow cast a eerie and watchful eye.
"Welcome to King Oberon's Court." He smiled at the blonde goddess, and to his pleasure she actually returned it. It was time to have a little fun. To see what she was capable of.
Super excited for the next chapter! Can't wait to show it to you guys. Please please review for me. I would love to hear what you have to say. Also, if anyone has any "fairy tale" / mythological places they would like to see, I would love to write them in. This is a world to world adventure and we could always use more ;3
Hope you guys liked it, and next week the real fun begins...time to do some pirating! *eyebrow raise*
