Woot woot here's the eighth chapter and we get to see Team Alien and Team Human working together for the first of many times to come. Can't believe that the show as we know it is basically over :'( but hey that's why we've got fanfic, right? And to be honest I was liking the fanfics I was reading waaay more than I was liking the show recently anyway. Either way, Long live Captain Swan Thank you for all those that left a review, I really appreciate hearing your reactions and thoughts on the story! If I forgot to send you guys a sneak peek for the next chapter, really sorry and I will definitely keep it going for the future chapters! And of course thank you the ever talented and lovely lookingforgrowth!
Here's a recap of the previous chapters:
Emma Swan is shot in her father's diner one afternoon and finds out her classmate Killian Jones is more than just the boy from science class after he uses inhuman abilities to heal her wound and save her life. While grateful he did, Emma is wary and wants to believe in Killian but a seed of doubt is planted by the town sheriff, Arendelle, who is suspicious of Killian Jones and what really went down at Granny's Diner. After Emma is shown a picture of a dead body with the same silver handprint that appeared on Emma's stomach after Killian healed her wound, she confronted him only to find that he is just as mystified and concerned about this as this means there's another alien out there that he doesn't know of and he leaves in a hurry. Meanwhile Emma's friend, Ruby is closing in on her and knows something is amiss. After giving Emma an ultimatum, she finds out what really happened on the day of the shooting and her reaction was less than graceful. Despite her skepticism she stands by Emma in her attempt to help the aliens as they head out looking for them.
Hope you guys like this chapter and let me know what you think!
"So, what's the plan? Where do we go from here?" Victor rummaged alongside Regina, gathering as much non-perishable food he can find in the Jones' cabinets. Killian stood by the door, fiddling with the note he meant to leave for his parents.
"We have to head out soon. Stay clear of the house because that's the first place they'll look for us," he muttered, the reality now beginning to dawn on him. Were they really in danger that they had to leave Storybrooke? And is leaving going to help answer the questions they've had about themselves for all these years?
Regina turned to Killian as she stuffed the last of the crackers into her bag. Her eyes narrowed as she inspected him. "Killian, what aren't you telling us?"
He sighed, realizing there was no point in keeping this from Regina and Victor. "I think there's another alien out there."
There was a moment of silence before Victor let out a stunned, "What?"
"Wait, wait, how do you even know this?" Regina asked holding out a hand.
"I don't. Not really, at least." He sighed through his nose as he rubs his hand across his face. "Today, Arendelle pulled Emma out of class and showed her these pictures of a corpse. A corpse that had the same silver handprint across his chest that Emma had where I healed her."
"Is that why you think she's after us? Because she thinks you're connected to the corpse guy and his death? And how long ago was this? I don't remember hearing about any recent deaths." Regina said.
"According to Emma, the photos were marked 1959. Emma thought it could have been me, but I told her we only came out of the pods in 1986. She also said that Arendelle asked about me. Out of the blue."
"Ok, wait just a minute," Victor interjected. "You're telling me there's someone else out there like us? That there's a fourth alien?"
Killian stifled the annoyed sigh as he took in the barely concealed hope in Victor's face. It seemed Regina was on the same page as he was, though.
"Don't get too excited, Vic. For all we know this guy-person, alien was a killer."
"Exactly, I don't think it's a good idea to try and get close to this guy," Killian agreed.
Victor jerked his head back in shock as though appalled. "Well, how do we even know he's a killer?" he cried in defense. "What if he was trying to save the dude just like Killian?"
"If that was the case, then there wouldn't be images of a dead guy would there? And who says that he has the same healing powers that I do?" Killian countered. "Neither of you guys do."
Victor clapped his hands once as though making a point. "See? So many questions and the only way we can get them answered is by going straight to the source."
"Whoa, there is no way we're seeking out a potential killer," Regina argued.
Victor gripped his spiky blond hair in one hand while tilting his head back in frustration. "Ugh, what the hell-"
His tirade was interrupted by a knock on the door. Regina smacked a hand against Victor's mouth while Killian slowly turned toward the front door behind him. There's another series of knock, tentatively rapping against the wood. It didn't sound very threatening but after the conversation they were just having, Killian took caution as he carefully approached the front door. He peeked through the front door window and lets out a sigh of relief.
"It's fine," he said quietly. "It's Emma." He steeled himself as he grips the doorknob.
"Wait, what if she's with Arendelle?" Victor hissed. Killian rolled his eyes at the door and didn't dignify it with a response before opening the door.
Emma stood there with a sheepish smile while she fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. The rumble in his stomach returned as he smiled back. "Hey."
"Hi." He could tell she's nervous as she continued. "I'm so glad you're here, that you haven't left."
"Um, we were actually on our way out."
"On your way out where?" she asked as though she already knew the answer. Killian looked down, scrunching his eyes shut before looking up just past her shoulder. It was then that he noticed there was someone in her car. Emma looked back and followed his gaze.
"That's Ruby," she said hurriedly. "But, don't worry she won't tell. She's actually the one who helped me come up with the plan."
"What plan?" Victor made his way to the door, harshly pulling it wider, his eyes set on Emma.
"To help you guys." Emma looked back to her car and jerked her head, signaling to Ruby it was ok to come out.
Killian looked up and down the street, getting worried they may be drawing attention to themselves by talking outside. "We should talk inside," he said as Ruby nervously walked up.
Victor looked like he wanted to protest before stepping aside with a clenched jaw. Emma shut the door behind Ruby who stood close to Emma's back, unconsciously holding onto the back of Emma's sweater.
"Are you kidding me?" Regina exclaimed , taking in the scene. "What is this? 'Expose the Aliens' Day?"
"Look, Ruby won't tell."
"I swear, I won't," Ruby added. "I may not know you guys but I trust Emma and if she believes in you guys, I do too."
"Well, that's all sugary sweet, but it doesn't help us." Regina retorted.
"Actually, it does." Emma turned to Killian. "Look, I know what I told you this afternoon spooked you and judging by the duffels sitting around, you're planning on leaving. But I'm telling you, Killian, it's not a good idea."
Victor took a step toward her. "And just what would you know? You're not the one in danger here, you're not the one anyone's after."
Emma pressed her lips together, trying to keep herself from getting defensive. "Actually, if anyone is after you, they definitely would be interested in me seeing how as far as they know I'm the only human that survived an alien encounter."
"Oh god," she heard Ruby whisper behind her as Killian looked at Emma with furrowed brows. Of course they'd take Emma, too, of course they would. Which is why he had to leave to keep her safe.
"But, the point is that whether you like it or not, we're in this together," Emma continued.
"Bullshit," Victor muttered, shaking his head as he turned away to lean against the couch.
"No, not bullshit," Ruby stepped out from behind Emma, glaring at Victor. "She's trying to help you here at her own risk and you're acting like an ungrateful butthead."
"Oh is that right?" he asked sarcastically, turning to glare at Ruby.
"Yeah."
"Ok, enough!" Regina stepped forward and faced Emma. She always had the uncanny ability to make a person shrink under her gaze, but Emma refused to back down. "Let's pretend you actually have a plan worth listening to. What have you got?"
Victor whipped his head to look at Regina. The look in his eyes was of abject betrayal. "What? You're actually entertaining the idea?"
"Hey, I'm not about to lose my home and everything I have over one photo from 1959. We don't have all the facts yet and that's why Ms. Scientist here is going to spill everything she knows." Regina turned back to Emma. "Everything about the picture, everything about what Arendelle knows, and your plan."
Killian stood off to the side watching the interaction in frustration. He rubbed his hands through his hair, wondering why it was so hard to turn Emma away. She was right, of course in every regard, but the thought of someone coming for her made his insides churn.
"I don't know if this is a good idea."
Victor and Regina reacted in shock. "Excuse me?" Regina hissed while Victor mumbled, "Killy and I on the same page. Who would've thought..."
"If we go now, we can leave this whole mess behind us. I know it's my fault and this is what we have to do. Emma can go back to her life and we can just settle somewhere new, away from Storybrooke." He tried to reason but the narrowed glare of Regina's gaze told him she wasn't buying it. "Better yet, let me leave on my own. As far as Arendelle knows, I'm the one who went up to Emma and neither one of you are involved."
"No," she said simply. "That's not an option." When he looked like he was going to argue, she went for the low blow. "Are you really prepared to leave mom and dad behind?" Killian fiddled with the abandoned note. "To not see Emma again?"
It seemed as though despite the dire circumstances they were in, his blush was ever loyal to his cheeks. But even so, he looked to Emma as the words sunk in. A life without Emma. He never had her to begin with but seeing her everyday, working with her in bio lab every other day-something he wouldn't admit to having an influence over-for the last two years was the brightest spots in his life. And of course his parents. The two wonderful people who provided a full life for him. As much as someone like him can have. They had given so much to him and Regina and it was because of his parents he grew up loved despite the shadow he always lived with, the ghost of his unknown past.
Emma's eyes didn't waver as she met his gaze. There was something in the way she looked at him, it was unlike anything he ever saw directed his way-mix of concern and...affection? It nearly stole his breath away. To never see those eyes again with a warmth as they looked back into his.
"We need to be pragmatic about this," he finally said, looking at Regina.
"And this is the way to do it," Emma answered. His eyes flickered back to hers and after a moment of pause, he nods almost imperceptibly. "And we start by taking the focus off Killian."
Victor who had oddly fallen silent turned to Emma with a weary sigh. "So what do we do?"
Emma quickly changed into her costume as Ruby took the wheel. She grunted as her elbow awkwardly hit the window as she tried to cram in her arm into the sleeve.
"Whoops, sorry!"
"Ugh, would you be more careful with the turns, Ruby?"
"Hey, take your complaints to Granny. If she hadn't gotten a car as ancient as she is, it would be smoother."
"Sure, blame your poor driving skills on the car, Ruby," Emma muffled against the fabric of her costume. She fidgeted in the front seat a bit longer, adjusting the dress over her legs. It was a lot more modest than Ruby's, but still uncomfortable to wear.
"You good there?" Ruby asked, quickly glancing over to Emma before turning back to the road ahead.
"Yep, all good." But, Emma was a little less than good. She couldn't afford this plan to fail. She couldn't be the reason why Killian Jones' life comes to end. It was as though she had spoken the words out loud when Ruby broke her out of her thoughts.
"It's going to be ok, Emma. You and I came up with this plan and it's a good one."
"Is it really, Ruby?" Emma asked, straightening out an imaginary wrinkle on her dress. "This is Sheriff Arendelle we're talking about here. You should have seen the way she was looking at me when she showed me those pictures."
"Oh, I don't even need to imagine. I remember perfectly her creepy knowing eyes back when I was trying to smuggle away a dog from the county fair in fourth grade. I literally peed my pants."
If the situation hadn't been so dire Emma would have laughed at that like she usually did. Ruby really did pee her pants but it may have had something to do with the XL soda cups she was gulping down that entire day.
"Yeah, well this time it wasn't so funny."
"It wasn't funny back then either!" Ruby exclaimed defensively. Emma huffed out an exasperated breath lolling her head to look at Ruby, who met her eyes before turning back to the road. "Ok, fine-yeah I get your point. But we have to keep cool about this, right?"
"Ruby Lucas keeping cool. Now that's a sight. You're right though. I have to keep Killian safe and it's not going to happen if I think of the worst case scenario before anything even happened. I'll cross that bridge when I have to. If I have to," she corrected.
"And you won't," Ruby nodded confidently. "By the way, you're looking pretty hot in that. He won't know what hit him."
Emma rolled her eyes but couldn't help but ask. "Who?"
Ruby laughed, shaking her head. "Oh Emma, Emma. Sooner or later, you're going to stop being in denial. But both, I guess."
"Let's just get on with it."
Emma stepped up nervously, fiddling with the skirt of her dress before forcing herself to stop and take a breath. She tilted her chin up and let out a smile before reaching up to knock on the door. She waited patiently as she let her heart settle.
The door swung open and there was a surprised 'Emma' that greets her.
"Hi, Graham," she said softly, tilting her head slightly to the side.
Killian took a deep breath, his worried eyes scanning the large mass of people. He spotted Victor in the distance walking in the opposite direction but turned away toward the food cart. Victor was doing his part and now he had to do his.
"Hi, could I get a corn dog, please?" The truth was the last thing he wanted to do was eat and even the smell emitting from the food cart was almost nauseating, but he forked over the two singles in exchange for a large corn dog. Any other day he'd enjoy the smell of carnival food but tonight his stomach was in knots as he thought of what was to come.
He felt a prickle travel up his back as his right ear lifted. "Mr. Jones. I was hoping I could have a few words with you," he heard a voice speak up from behind him. The soft, cool lilt was unmistakable and the matching cool blue eyes confirmed his suspicions as he turned to face the voice.
"Sheriff Arendelle." He tried to muster up a calm smile but most likely managed more of a grimace. "Is everything ok?"
"Well, you tell me because I sure hope so." She stepped closer to him, her hands on her hips, and still in her uniform.
The corn dog felt heavy in Killian's hand as he faced the sheriff and looked her square in her eye. "I don't understand."
She stopped just a foot away from him, her cool gaze proof she was clearly not fooled for a minute. "Hm, see I don't know about that. Why don't we head over to the station and have a talk?"
Killian took an imperceptible step back which her eyes honed in on. "Did you speak to my parents about this? You know I'm only sixteen, right? According to the law, a minor can't be questioned by the authorities without a parent or guardian present."
"Oh, I know the laws just fine Mr. Jones. I just don't believe you have any."
Killian's heart stuttered in his chest, his brain wracking to remember the layout of the crash festival. Where to run? "What do you mean by that?"
Sheriff Arendelle took a slow step forward. "I think you know exactly what I mean," she said in a low voice.
Killian's eyes flickered around, taking in the carefree students dancing to the beat of the music, or others laughing as they milled about food carts while he remained stricken. But, now was not the time to be wistful and stay paralyzed. There was a way out of this. And without another thought Killian bolted.
It wasn't a struggle running away at first, the path in front of him clear until he saw the large mass ahead of him. He looked back to see her catching up, but he pumped his legs faster. He shoved his way into the crowd, hoping to lose her in the midst.
Killian ran and ran, losing track of everything else until he hit a dead end. He panted as he looked around, his lungs desperately seeking air. There was nowhere to go unless he climbed the tall fence. There was no other choice. Killian ran toward the fence, his fingers gripping the space between the wires when suddenly he was jerked away.
"Mr. Jones, explain something to me," Sheriff Arendelle began breathlessly, catching her breath as she shoved him against the wired fence. "Why did you run from me?"
Killian's heart thundered in his chest, feeling the cool metal of the cuffs click into place against his wrists.
"I-I don't know. You frightened me, Sheriff."
"Oh, is that right?" she asked as she turns him around roughly to face her. "Now, why would anyone fear the sheriff? I tend to find that people who are guilty of something very bad are the ones that run," she said.
Killian watched the Sheriff as she placed a hand on the gun still held by her holster. He knew that without even a thought he'd be able to melt the metal within seconds, make it disappear. But, he was hoping it wouldn't get to that. All he had left to do was bide his time.
And it was a good thing he did. Just then there was a loud screech and crash not too far from where they were. Sheriff Arendelle swiftly turned toward the noise, her eyes narrowing. She slid her eyes to look at Killian before speaking. "Don't move a muscle." And with that she took off toward the crash.
Killian slumped against the wired fence with a deep sigh, letting his head loll to the side. Better be you, Regina.
Thanks for making it to the bottom!