A/U Sorry about the long wait! I've been simultaneously working on this and my new AU, Provocatuer so my time's been divided. This chapter is the smallest thus far because next one is going to be a mammoth. I love your comments and feedback and I hope you stick with it. Keep following and favoriting!
Chapter Eight: Preamble
The sun was at its peak when they reached the line of trees that signified the beginning of the Neverwoods. Killian looked over his shoulder to where the Jolly Roger sat, unable to calm the anxiety that arose from leaving it unattended. Their entire congregation was to make the trek to Lilith's Lagoon; her immediate family and Neal had outright refused to be absent from the ritual and Regina had explained that her magical assistance might come in handy – and she was not leaving her son for a moment in this godforsaken realm. And, since Killian was their only guide in this particular section of the Neverwoods, the party of six left the ship vacant to make the arduous trek to Lilith's Lagoon.
Charming carried his daughter's body since it was required to be present at the ceremony as the soul would vanish without an open vessel. He cradled her lifeless form in his arms, and for one reason or another there had been a rueful far-off look in his eyes as he initially lifted her – as if the prince were reminiscing in times gone by. Snow had touched his arm gently and the pair exchanged a silent message.
Killian shrugged off the desire to understand their prior exchange and turned to face the five people behind him. Henry, whom he had expected might display signs of eagerness at entering the forest, was standing beside his father with an expression of determination on his face. Killian would have been impressed had he not been so disheartened at inadvertently destroying the boy's innocent misperceptions.
David shifted his weight so that he could get a better grip on his daughter, and it was obvious from his expression that he was anxious to get going. However, the pirate needed to make clear a few things if they wanted to get in and out of the woodland alive.
He did not bother with preamble, "Follow my lead and we should arrive at the lagoon just before the sunset. The Neverwoods are dangerous but the majority of the creatures in this leg of the forest are nocturnal so it should be a clear path. If you get bitten by anything, inform me immediately. If a plant of any definition seems to follow your movements, kill it. And most importantly, try not to call out lest you wake up one of the aforementioned beasties – and trust me when I say they do not take kindly to being woken up."
With a curt nod, Killian withdrew his sword and turned around, heading into the forest. David was behind him, followed by Mary Margaret who secured her backpack once and held her bow ready with an arrow already aligned. Henry was quick to sidle up beside his Grandfather and Neal and Regina walked at the back. They surveyed Henry carefully, as well as his surroundings and their own – searching for potential roots of danger.
However, with the pirate leading their group, the vast majority of threats that they encountered were quickly dispatched. He decapitated seemingly harmless flowers that, when punctured, emitted a foul smelling red pus. With a half-hearted glance behind him, the pirate said, "Do not touch that – it's poisonous and heavily acidic."
After ten minutes of walking, the path was relatively clear of plants which indicated it was probably used by the Lost Ones. Killian scrutinised their surroundings heavily, continuing to walk though he strained his ears to identify anything out of the ordinary. There was nothing but the sound of leaves and branches crunching underfoot.
The shrubbery became increasingly dense as they ventured further into the Neverwoods and Killian could hear the man behind him start to waver in energy as the exertion it took to carry the lass took its toll. Emma was certainly not heavy by any standards but, trekking through a forest at the hottest point of the day was bound to be physically straining – even for someone as fit as Charming.
Finally, Henry seemed to notice his grandfather's situation and Killian heard as the young boy implored the prince.
"Grandpa, why don't you take a break? I'm sure Hook or Neal can hold her," he said. There was a long pause after he spoke, during which Killian assumed Charming probably gave his grandson a long look. And knowing Henry, the lad would have held is gaze as self-assured as one can be under scrutiny.
Charming sighed heavily in what sounded like defeat. However, he assumed he would pass his daughter onto the father of her child before entrusting her to a pirate.
"Hook!" Killian's head snapped up in surprise and he stopped walking to turn around. Their entire party of six came to a stop and Neal and Regina appeared to be watching the exchange carefully.
"Would you be able to hold Emma for a while?" Charming asked, studying the pirate. He still seemed to be deciding on whether or not he should actually do it despite the words that came out of his mouth. Killian, smartly, chose to remain serious – if he ever wanted the approval of Swan's family, he would have to refrain from using innuendos around them – what? Something in his mind halted the thought.
Why are you trying to get their approval? A voice hissed in the back of Killian's mind. He shrugged it off but the prince had already noted his pause and had taken a minute step backwards.
"Yes – yes, I'll take her. But I'll need you to lead; just follow my directions and cut down every single plant that crosses our path – harmless in appearance or not," he said, nodding quickly and putting away his sword. It was Charming's turn to pause uncertainly and Killian held out his arms expectantly.
After a long moment, during which the prince sized the pirate up pretty evenly, he placed Emma's body gently in Killian's arms. He rolled his shoulders, his arms now free of the weight, and stepped around the man to pull out his sword. The pirate looked up and quickly noticed Neal's eyes on him, and for some unknown reason he felt tense under the scrutiny; something uncharacteristic for Killian. He quickly turned around; all the while watching to make sure none of the branches scratched Emma.
David had already started walking and Killian moved quickly to make up the space between them. Henry was walking beside his Grandmother now, and the pirate took the opportunity to speak to the woman in his arms.
"You're a bit heavier than I would have thought, love," he whispered sarcastically. He could immediately imagine her scathing retort and laughed quietly to himself.
"Why is it every time you end up in my arms it is from some external force? Do you really go to this much trouble just to get me to hold you – you should know all you have to do is ask." He glanced down at her and smirked, remembering the time atop the beanstalk when she had abruptly pulled him away from the tripwire. Something that had always bothered him about that particular experience though, was that she'd had his attention when she pulled on his elbow. He wasn't going to walk any further.
And yet, she'd felt the need to embrace him. He had been safe, and yet she'd reassured herself by holding his body to hers. At the time, Killian had obviously taken advantage of it – using it as fuel for his innuendos as he reciprocated the action. She'd pulled away (obviously) but it had thrown him for a loop.
He knew her well-enough to know that the action wouldn't have been out of affection. He also knew that she wouldn't have done it just to give herself an excuse to hold him. But, the memory still forced him to pause.
"Why did you grab hold of me?" he asked, less humour in his expression as he made the inquiry.
"Are you talking to yourself?" Henry questioned and Killian started at the boy's sudden appearance.
The pirate looked down at the kid, a smirk forming on his lips as he sighed to release the apprehension Henry's abrupt arrival had created within him.
"No, actually," he replied, "I was talking to your mother."
Henry smiled and Killian stepped carefully over a fallen log in their path, waiting momentarily as the young boy did the same. They fell easily into step, though for every one of the pirate's stride, Henry took two steps. Surprisingly, Emma's son didn't question Killian's sanity nor did he inquire as to what the man had been saying to his mother. In fact, he changed the subject.
"How did you become a pirate?" he asked out of the blue.
Killian glanced down at Henry with a look that questioned the boy's mental stability – he really did jump from one thing to another. The kid didn't react to the scrutiny though, he just continued walking.
"Um… well, I became one after my father abandoned me," he said after some pause. Henry nodded and waited for him to elucidate.
"I joined Blackbeard's crew and we came here, stayed for quite a while. Then, when we were leaving to come back to the Enchanted Forest, Blackbeard decided to stay and I was promoted to captain. And I guess I've been one ever since."
Henry nodded appreciatively again, "I thought Blackbeard was a villain in all the stories?"
Killian bit his lip and glanced down at the child; he had one of two options. He could tell the child the truth or spare him what little he had left of his innocence. But then, lying was just as bad as the destruction of innocence and Henry deserved nothing less than honesty. And after everything, the pirate truly believed he was strong enough to bear any harsh truth now.
"He is," he said truthfully, finding that his mind decided that was the moment to replay all the vicious things he'd seen the man do. And yet they were still friends, purely because Killian refused to make an enemy out of a man who he'd seen do some abhorrent things. Granted, they were centuries ago – back when vicious brutality was the only way to get things done.
But it didn't matter how long he lived, the worst things always stayed with you.
Killian watched Henry carefully to gage his reaction, which appeared almost… grateful. He looked at the man walking beside him and though he didn't smile, there was a sense of respect in the way he observed the pirate that made fondness bloom in Killian's chest.
Comfortable silence descended between them and they walked without speaking for a long time. In fact, it wasn't until Killian began to feel his arms cramp up that they spoke.
Swallowing his pride, he turned to the boy, "Henry, will you get your father?"
The child nodded and dropped back to fetch his father who immediately sidled up to the pirate.
"What's wrong?" Neal asked, his eyes on Emma.
Killian pulled on the leash attached to his ego; he really hated having to do this but the alternative option would likely result in Emma's body being dropped to the ground.
"I'm going to drop Emma if I carry her any longer, would you please?" he said, hiding his dismay with forced nonchalance. The man quickly put his arms out and before Killian could take a last look at her face, Neal had her cradled in his arms.
"Stay in the middle now, I'll send Charming to the back to bring up the rear with Regina while I take the lead," he said, walking quickly up to where the prince was still slashing at the thick greenery. He glanced back at the pirate as he approached, clearly having heard his footfalls.
"Where's Emma?" he asked, though he wasn't concerned.
"Neal has her; I was unable to continue without compromising her safety," Killian said, walking beside the prince who grunted in reply, "I'll take the front; you bring up the rear with Regina."
Surprisingly, Charming simply nodded, walking to the back of the group as Killian withdrew his sword again.
He quickly went back to cutting through the greenery that impeded their path, although every so often he would glance over his shoulder to where Neal was holding the blonde. The man had his eyes on Emma and Killian had to subdue the urge to yell at him to keep his eyes in front of him should he trip and drop her. He also noticed Henry making his way up again and smiled as he thought of the child falling into stride with him again.
However, the young boy's voice was speaking from behind him and Killian glanced over his shoulder again. Henry had sidled up to his father, and the pirate felt immediately stupid for thinking the child might actually enjoy his company. He was a pirate. The bad guy.
Smile vanishing, Killian focused on the task before him, shutting out all other thoughts by concentrating on efficiently slicing through the plants in their way.
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Neal was surprised to say the least when Killian had handed her over without so much as a fuss. Nonetheless, his concise instructions and succinct departure relayed more about his feelings towards the man than any words could convey. The pirate walked to the front, and after a brief exchange with Emma's father, took the lead as David headed to the bag of their small congregation.
He watched the ground for a moment before finally letting his gaze wander up to her face, and he was consumed by it. Her head lolled back due to her unconscious state and her blonde hair fell like a golden waterfall over his arm. She really was beautiful. As materialistic and shallow as it was, her beauty had been the reason he had treated her so warmly when she stole the car all those years ago. All he would have had to do was ask her to pull over immediately with some excuse about not telling the authorities because he was a believer of good will and second chances or something bogus like that. But no, the girl with the thick glasses, red lips and blonde ponytail had drawn him in.
And there he was, carrying her through the Neverwoods after what felt like centuries of history between them, and he still felt the giddy warmth blossom in his chest. It was like experiencing it for the first time. It was really quite nice.
"Hey Dad?"
Henry suddenly appeared beside him and Neal momentarily stumbled, gripping Emma tightly as he regained his footing and continued walking. This time, though, he kept his eyes ahead of him.
"Yeah?" Neal replied.
"How do you reckon Mom's going to react when we tell her we're in Neverland?" he asked enthusiastically and ostensibly optimistic considering it was still a coin-toss as to whether the spell would work. Neal pursed his lips in thought.
"I think she'll probably take it in her stride – I mean, she dealt with the fact her family come from the Enchanted Forest didn't she?" he admitted. Henry nodded appreciatively and apparently agreed with him because he didn't bring it up again. In fact, the child just kept talking – like a motorboat. He powered through a variety of un-linked subjects like it was a race and Neal found himself smiling.
Definitely Emma's kid; the poor boy was obviously nervous.
Nevertheless, Neal dutifully listened and replied at appropriate intervals, all the while feeling someone's eyes on his back.
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"How you holding up?" David asked, walking closer to Mary Margaret. She smiled half-heartedly, looking back over her shoulder as he fell into step beside her. Regina still walked behind them, her hands buried in her pockets as she trudged along after them.
"I'm fine… I just want this to be over," the small woman admitted.
"I know," her husband replied, patting her arm reassuringly.
Silence passed between them and Mary Margaret found herself looking ahead at Neal and Henry who appeared deep in conversation – however, calling it a conversation would imply an equal amount of talking. Henry was clearly speaking a million miles a minute and the princess found herself inadvertently smiling at the boy's nervous tendencies.
David noticed her smile and followed her gaze to the two individuals walking behind Killian. He too smiled and shook his head lightly. As the young woman watched them interact, she caught sight of her daughter in the man's arms and her thoughts began to turn over another curiosity.
She found herself staring intently at them and once again her husband was quick to notice.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked curiously.
"Just wondering what Emma's going to do once all of this is said and done."
"What do you mean?"
She paused, frowning, "Well, I just wonder if she's going to get back together with Neal – Tamara's no longer an issue and Henry sure as hell wants it to happen. Do you think she'll take him back?"
David watched Neal and Mary Margaret could see as the wheels in his head began to turn with thought. He considered the notion calmly and rationally before addressing his wife.
"Neal's not a bad guy," he admitted carefully, "But… I don't know if he's what Emma needs."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I just think that – I mean, I know he cares about her – I just think she needs someone who will challenge her. She doesn't need someone to molly coddle her; that's our job," David explained, looking at his wife to see if she understood his reasoning.
Mary Margaret nodded, "Okay," she answered.
Satisfied that the subject had run its course, the prince returned his eyes to their course and he scanned their surroundings once. When he was finished, he found his gaze locked on the back of the pirate leading their group. The man, clad in leather, appeared to be all but attacking the foliage attempting to hinder their path, as if it had personally offended him.
He couldn't fathom what might have prompted such focus on destroying the vegetation – David had watched him earlier when he'd led their group and he had been efficient but not harsh. Something had obviously prodded him the wrong way and he tried to think what could have done that.
No one had recently offended him (as far as the prince knew), no one had disobeyed his orders (yet) and thus far the trip was proving to be quite simple. In fact, if it weren't for the continued precautions, David would have sworn the pirate was lying when he claimed Neverland was a dangerous land. They were, after all, yet to run into mortal peril.
"David?" Mary Margaret's voice garnered his attention and he faced her again.
She raised an eyebrow, "Why are you looking at Hook like that?"
"Like what?" he asked, unusually defensive.
"Like – I don't know. Like, you were sizing him up or something?"
"I wasn't."
"Well it looked like you were."
"Why would I be sizing him up?"
Mary Margaret opened her mouth but stopped herself, waiting a moment to clearly process her thoughts so she didn't blurt anything out unintentionally. David waited patiently for an answer and she finally gave one.
"I just thought it was strange that you might be looking at him after we discussed Emma's romantic life," she said, letting her words drift off and her eyes land on the leader of their crusade.
David was shocked into silence, "Sorry – what? Did you – you thought I was… Snow." He scoffed the last word, barking a laugh that lacked sincerity. She narrowed her eyes at him playfully, knocking his arm affectionately and letting the subject drop.
However, as she turned away, David found his thoughts mildly interested by her implication.
Killian was, after all, a lot like Emma. From what he knew about the pirate's past, he shared a lot in common with the blonde. More so than that, he was stubborn like her and determined. He also didn't play well with people who tried to tell him what to do. It was no wonder he pushed her out of her comfort zone (or at least that's what Snow had related to him upon their return from the Enchanted Forest).
David would happily admit that for all of Killian Jones' flaws, he was not an inherently bad person; their adventure across the realms proved as much. What kind of 'bad' person would risk everything to save a woman he'd only known for little over a month? The pirate wasn't a villain – he was a victim of unfortunate circumstances and the emotions that followed.
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Someone was staring at him.
He could feel eyes on his back and he wondered who might be observing at him. Killian subdued the urge to turn around and identify the person and continued walking, swiping his sword with methodical grace.
He felt as the shrubbery became less and less dense, the trees sparser and path wider; his sword requiring less use as the amount of deadly plants subsided. He lifted his eyes from where they had been focused on the path and looked out ahead and what greeted him had his heart beating faster. His pulse quickened and the moisture in the air felt like it would suffocate him. Ahead of them, approximately fifty metres in the distance, was a clearing. And, even from fifty metres away, Killian could just make out the sparkling opalescent waters of Lilith's Lagoon.
They had arrived.
Dum dum DUUUM! Guess what next chapter will revolve around?
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