On The Way to the Castle
"What's your name?" Snow White yells to the older boy, over the thundering of the horse's hooves.
"Liam," the boy says nervously. "Liam Jones."
"Well Liam, I'm Queen Snow White of the Enchanted Forest. It is a pleasure to meet you. The man carrying your friend is my husband King David." She replied
"He's not my friend, he's my brother," Liam shouts back. "Did you say, qu- queen, and k-king?" he stutters, his confidence faltering in the presence of what seems to be royalty. Snow White chuckles a little nervously, looking between the dying boy and the older one. How did she not see it? Of course they were brothers. And Jones, where had she heard that name before? She would ask David about it once they got the boys back to the castle.
"Yes honey and we are going to take care of you okay?" she said reassuringly. Just as Liam was starting to feel a little more relaxed, King David shouted something unintelligible, and started to urge his horse faster towards the castle. Everybody in the royal party followed suit, and they reached the gates just as the castle staff was getting around to opening them. The courtyard was a bustle of activity, people were shouting, and guards were rushing around, preparing for the worst.
"Mama, Daddy!" Princess Emma yelled, breaking free of Graham's arms, and running to her parents. "Who's that?" she asked curiously.
"Not right now sweetheart," David replied quickly, looking around for the medic.
"Your highnesses, are you alright?" Graham shouted, sprinting over to the family.
"We are, this boy isn't!" David shouted. "Where in God's name is that medic?"
"Sir, the medic is off with his family," Graham stated matter of factly, a bit confused as to who the young boys were.
"Well someone should go get him!" Snow White cried, with her eyes wide, wrapping one hand protectively around Liam, the other around her daughter. David winced as she said this.
"It'll be too late," he said quietly.
"NO!" Liam shouted. "It can't be too late! You promised me! You promised that you would help us!" he screamed, beating his fists against Snow's chest weakly. With all the strength he could muster, he broke out of her grasp, and ran to his brother. "Please Killian, hold on. Please," he cried, his tears falling on his brother's face. Emma was crying too now, even if she didn't know who these boys were. She felt a strange kinship to them. She was drawn to the young one, like a magnet. She slowly walked over to the brothers, and tapped Liam on the shoulder. He turned glaring at her.
"Go away," he whispered. She shook her head stubbornly.
"I can help," she whispered back. She looked over her shoulder to see her parents engaged in an animated, almost angry conversation with Graham. She caught only bits and pieces, like the medic, hopeless, and burial. She looked back at the brothers with renewed determination.
"Please, let me try," she said pleadingly. Liam nodded and shifted so he was holding his brother's head in his lap. The girl can't be any older than Killian, but if she wants to try, then I won't stop her, he thought miserably. The poor boy watched as Princess Emma placed her little hands on his dying brother's chest and closed her eyes. At first nothing happened, but the little girl only furrowed her brow, and took a deep breath, her concentration never waning. Slowly, but surely, her hands started to glow, as did Killian's whole body. Silence fell across the courtyard, and they all watched, mystified. A little color returned to Killian's face, so that he no longer looked like death itself was waiting for him. His breathing became deeper. Whatever the princess was doing, it was working.
KEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEK
He felt light, like air. All around him, there was blackness, and it consumed him. He hung there, scared, but curious at the same time. Suddenly, a ghostly figure appeared. His jawline was dotted with stubble, and he was dressed in all black leather. His hair was artfully styled, making it look almost like he had just gotten out of bed. His eyes were a piercing blue, and he had a hook for a hand.
"Wh- who are you?" Killian asked the strange apparition. The man looked down at himself, a smile growing on his face.
"I'm death boy, and I think you have a decision to make," the figure, replied, in an accent so similar to Killian's own, it made him shiver.
"Why do you look so familiar," the boy asked, gaining confidence in his new surroundings. Death looked down at himself again.
"Well boy, I'm appearing to you as one of your future selves," he stated. Killian's eyes grew wide.
"One of them?" he asked.
"The future isn't always certain," Death replied. "But I think I like this one the best." Killian shrugged his shoulders, looking Death over.
"You said I had a decision to make," the boy stated.
"Ah yes. Do you want to stay, or do you want to go?" Death giggled. Killian was sick to his stomach.
"I have to choose?" he wondered aloud.
"Yes lad. With a prominent destiny such as yours, it's only fair that you get a say in the matter isn't it?" Death replied impatiently. "Hurry up, I have people waiting for me."
"A prominent destiny," Killian mused. "What can you tell me?"
"Not much lad, only this," Death responded, his eyes darkening.
Two people, from different vines
Cross paths, their destinies intertwined
One, a girl, born of true love
A boy born at sea, his heart from thereof
A wandering soul
And a brave one
Destined to be together
But forever apart
Separated by tragedy,
Though they are two parts of the same heart.
The fates continue to try to unite them
But forces unknown, continue to fight
It is inevitable.
But the book, never lies.
If they succeed, the boy will be the girl's protector, she the realm's salvation.
If they fail, the forever couple, will be the realm's undoing.
And then the cycle will start again.
Killian took a deep breath.
"I see you've made your choice," Death said with a grin, his eyes returning to normal. "I must take my leave boy; it seems that you are waking up." Death's form shimmered, and smirked at the very confused child. "Oh and Killian, you won't remember any details of this encounter." Killian opened his mouth to protest, but the scene in front of him faded, and he took a deep breath of fresh air. He opened his eyes cautiously, coming face to face with the tired eyes, of a triumphant looking blonde girl. His deep blue eyes looked into her emerald green ones, his mind swimming. But the blissfulness of unconsciousness called to him, and just as the girl collapsed on top of him, too exhausted from the ordeal to stay awake, he collapsed, his body aching, his mind tired, but strangely content. Together the boy and the girl fell into unconsciousness, and off in the distance, the shimmering white butterfly fluttered its wings.