A/N: Hello everyone! I'm sorry that I've been slow in updating my story, but right now I am extremely busy with school. Finals week is here and I have been studying nonstop, giving me barely any free time to write. Since I won't be able to completely update the next chapter anytime soon, I decided to post what I had written so far. I didn't want you guys to think that I gave up on the story; so know that I'm alive and will continue to write lol! Once the semester ends, I will have more free time to write over summer. I hope you guys like this small chapter and I promise the next one will be longer (and more exciting) ;D ENJOY!
Thank you so much to everyone who follows and favorites my story! Having 200+ followers and 130+ favorites is beyond amazing! Also a big thank you to those of you that review my story! I'm glad so many of you like it! Your support motivates me to write more! ^_^
Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time, except for my own original characters.
Specks of silver decorate the night sky as the Jolly Roger approaches Storybrooke's dock. The moon is hidden behind a veil of clouds, further cloaking the ship in darkness. The harbor is completely empty meaning there are no witnesses to the ship's arrival. A pirate dressed in black and an elder sorceress dismount from aboard the vessel.
"Well my dear Cora, this is where we part ways." The eagerness in Killian's voice wasn't hard to detect. Finally he had arrived at his destination. "Thank you for everything. It's time for me to skin my crocodile."
However, just as he turned his back on Cora, she reappeared in front of him in a cloud of purple smoke.
"You might want to rethink this."
"We had a deal. Get out of my way." He threatened.
"Believe it or not, I'm doing you a favor –"
He cut her off, "By preventing my vengeance?"
"Ask yourself how I'm doing that."
Killian stayed quiet, realizing just what she meant. There was only one way Cora could just 'poof' out of nowhere. "By using your dark magic."
"Exactly," she nodded, "magic is here and that makes matters a bit more complicated. If you go off half-cocked after an empowered Rumplestiltskin, do you know what will happen?"
I wouldn't stand much of a chance… But there has to be another way.
With a wave of her hand, Cora made the Jolly Roger disappear completely. It looked like it was never even there to begin with.
"What did you do to my ship?"
"I hid it from prying eyes. For what we both want to do we need the element of surprise. Now are you ready to listen to me?"
He sighed, "Go on your majesty, what now?"
"I'm going to have a little look at this Storybrooke. I need to find my daughter." Cora tilted her head toward the direction of the ship. "However, I suggest you stay here with the ship."
"Why must I stay behind?" Killian growled. This isn't fair.
"It's easier to be spotted if there are two of us." she stated without hesitation. "Trust me; I will help you quench your thirst for revenge, of that you can be sure."
"Whoo-hoo!"
Cheers erupted as Emma and Mary Margaret entered Granny's Diner with David and Henry following behind. A 'welcome home' party was being held in honor of their return from the Enchanted Forest. Almost everyone in town came to celebrate.
"Oh I'm so glad you guys made it back safely!" exclaimed Clarissa as she hugged both women tightly. "I've missed you so much!"
"We're glad to be back," smiled Mary Margaret.
Clarissa looked at Emma with a smirk, "How did you like your first time in the Enchanted Forest?"
"Let's just say I'm happy to finally cook something that I didn't have to kill first."
The two blondes laughed as drinks got passed around. Once everyone had a glass, David tapped his cup with a spoon to get everyone's attention for the toast.
"I just wanted to, uh, thank you all for joining us tonight. Um, Mary Margaret and I – we have a saying – that we will always find each other."
Aw, so sweet. Clarissa smiled to herself, remembering when he told her that just yesterday before they arrived. I'm glad that some of us can still have a happily ever after.
He continued, "And while I believe that with all my heart, I'd like you all to raise your glasses and join me when I say, here's to not having to look for awhile. To Mary Margaret and Emma!"
Glasses were raised and laughter filled the room while everyone clinked their cups happily with each other. However, the joyful atmosphere didn't last because at that moment Regina opened the front door. Smiles quickly disappeared and the room became uncomfortably silent.
"Sorry I'm late." she said, stepping inside with a tray of lasagna.
Immediately Grumpy grabbed a knife, "What is she doing here?"
"I invited her." retorted Emma sharply.
The room stayed quiet as Regina awkwardly headed toward the counter with Henry. People stepped away from her and split into small groups, conversing quietly within themselves.
Ruby stood next to Clarissa and whispered, "I hope she doesn't cause anymore trouble."
Clarissa watched as Regina happily served Henry some of her lasagna. "I don't think she will… She's trying really hard to change for Henry."
No one had walked over to her yet, so Clarissa was the first to bravely make her way toward Regina. She heard of the all the terrible things the Evil Queen had done, but right now, there was nothing evil about her. She was just a loving mother looking after her child. People change.
"I'd like to try some lasagna,"
Regina looked at the young blonde woman surprisingly. Unlike the rest of the town, this girl did not seem afraid of her. She was bold enough to be the first one to come up to her. Regina was fairly familiar with this girl; she had seen her around town before, mainly playing with Henry.
"Sure," Regina took a plate and cut out a nice big slice of lasagna for her. "I put in red pepper flakes to give it some kick."
Grinning, Clarissa took a bite of the lasagna. "Oh wow, that's delicious!"
Regina smiled; getting a genuine compliment felt nice every once in awhile. She never received nice compliments as the Evil Queen or in Storybrooke for that matter. Mostly everyone in town was against her.
"Thank you. You're April, right?" Regina asked curiously.
"Yes, but back in our land my name was Clarissa."
"Had we met before the curse?"
The blonde shook her head, "No, I was a traveler and never really stayed in one place for too long."
"Ah, well it's good to properly meet you. Henry talks a lot about you."
"'Cause you're cool!" piped up Henry who was eating his lasagna.
Clarissa looked down at Henry sitting on the stool and gave him a hug. "Aw, thanks Henry! You're pretty cool too."
Soon after, more people eventually came and tried Regina's lasagna. It was actually a big hit. The atmosphere lifted once again and everything was going great. Everyone started to relax and enjoy the party.
"Clarissa! I have good news to share." Mary Margaret waved, calling over Clarissa to where she and Emma were standing.
"What is it?"
"We saw Aurora." her pixie headed friend beamed with excitement, "I remember you once telling me you lived in her kingdom."
Great joy overtook Clarissa as she thought about her best friend from home. "You did?! How was she? Is she okay?"
Emma placed a hand on her shoulder merrily. "She's alive and safe,"
"and she says she misses you." added Mary Margaret.
I miss her too! After all this time I can finally be relieved of worrying now that I know she's safe. Hopefully I'll see her soon. "Thanks for telling me, I'm so happy she's alright."
"She was a really good companion, unlike that other character." Emma's tone sounded exasperated; someone must have caused them some trouble.
"Who else did you guys see over there?" It was an innocent question, but the answer was far more than Clarissa ever expected.
"A pirate."
Clarissa's face suddenly turned white while she took in a sharp breath. Her fingers twitched as her heart began to race. It couldn't be him? Could it?
"He went by the name Captain Hook." stated Emma.
Killian sharpened his hook with a metal filer silently by the docks. Small clanks echoed off into the quiet night as he waited for Cora. She had been gone for a couple of hours and as each minute passed, his patience diminished. Luckily, he started hearing footsteps making its way in his direction. Cora strolled back to him slowly, holding her black parasol tightly in her hands.
"You're back," His tone came out stiff and tired; he's done enough waiting. "So did you get what you wanted?"
"Yes, my daughter's lost everything now." Cora's plan to break her daughter was slowly coming together. After what she had done tonight, surely everyone would be against Regina by morning.
Killian smiled at her sarcastically, "Well aren't you mom of the year."
"I did what was needed –"
"What about what I need?"
"I've already started helping you," her reply made Killian arch an eyebrow, "or didn't you notice the gift I left you in the hold of your ship?"
"A gift? What is it?"
"Not what." she corrected, "who."
Following Cora into the ship, Killian found himself in the storage room. She lifted a flap of wood that led to the ship's hold and to Killian's surprise there was someone actually in there. The man had short curly brown hair and wore glasses. He was tied up and gagged, leaving him with no room to escape.
"Who's that?'
"Someone privy to Storybrooke's deepest secrets; including Rumplestiltskin's. Someone who can help us determine his weaknesses here." She looked at the man with an evil glare, "Isn't that right Dr. Hopper?"
Killian had to admit Cora finally pulled through for him. "Nice work."
"Thank you. Now you'll have all the knowledge you'll need. It may take some work, but this cricket will chirp."
"Aye, that he will."
If you skipped the "author's note" in the beginning, please go back up and read it. Thank you :)
