Chapter 24
Enchanted Forest, several months before the first curse
Ursula looked dispassionately down at the pirate captain who was still passed out on the sea bed next to her garden. Good grief! Was this guy ever going to wake up? She'd harvested his soul a good half day ago. None of her other pirates had taken so long to snap out of it.
He groaned and began to stir. Now that was more like it. Ursula waited and watched as the man pushed himself up from the ground and shook his head. It was obvious just when the pirate realized he was submerged in water. He waved his hands frantically, and his blue eyes widened. He gasped, and then his eyes narrowed in confusion.
She was ready for it. The other pirates had gone on and on and on about the whole under water thing. You'd think men who spent their lives out on the water would be a little less freaked out by it, but, then again, no one'd ever claimed that humans were logical!
The pirate captain turned in place and eventually spotted Ursula sitting regally on the lawn chair she used when she wanted to hang out at her garden and gloat over the souls.
"Who…who are you?" he asked.
"Ursula, the sea witch, at your service," she said, spreading her arms wide and sketching a mock bow.
"The sea witch? Am I dead then? Have I landed in hell?"
Ursula narrowed her eyes. Hell? He thought she was from hell? Well that was just plain insulting.
"No, you little grub worm!" she growled. "You're not in hell. You're at the bottom of the sea."
The man shook his head. "No. Sailors do not live under the sea. I'm either hallucinating, or I've passed on. This certainly isn't heaven, so I must conclude if I have passed on, I've been sent to hell."
Ursula rolled her eyes. "You complaining about my hospitality, already."
The man glared at her, clearly utterly unintimidated. "What hospitality, pray tell? You've offered me nothing, nor have you laid me upon a bed. I wake to find myself sprawled on the ocean floor next to a garden full of the ugliest plants I've ever seen."
"Careful what you say, bucko," Ursula said, "those 'ugly plants' happens to be none other than the souls of my slaves, and see that one back in the corner? The one that's shriveled and blackened? Yeah, that one's yours."
The pirate gasped and put his hands to his head in obvious shock. "My soul? You took my soul?"
Why was it these humans always thought their souls resided in their heads? "Yep," she said smugly. "Took it first thing this morning. You've been out cold since. Must have a pretty poor constitution."
"But that's impossible!" the man thundered, "when the soul leaves the body, a man is dead!"
"Turns out that's not so true when the man has warped his soul so much with dastardly deeds that it's a blackened as a loaf of bread left in a hot oven for three weeks."
"I don't believe it," he said brashly. "This isn't happening! That Evil Queen put a spell on me; that must be it. I'm out of my mind!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Ursula said with a roll of her eyes. "Get it all out, pirate boy. 'I'll make ye walk the plank' and 'Shiver me timbers', 'and ahoy matey', and 'I'll devour yer parrot ye barnacle bottomed blowfish', and 'I'll cut out yer tongue and feed it to the sharks ye one-eyed bow-legged scabby sea bass.' I've heard it all before. Your new crew had quite the impressive vocabulary when it came to insults."
"My new crew? What in all the realms are you talking about you sharp tongued harpy?"
"Sharp tongued harpy?" she said with a shake of her head. "Captain, it's positively insulting how lame your insults are. You need to work on that. You really do."
"Listen here!" he thundered, "I grow tired of this game! I demand you release me from whatever infernal spell you are holding me under!"
She slithered from her perch and got in his face. "You're in no position to demand anything, you big fat bilge rat! I'm getting tired of your sass; don't have all day, you know."
"How the hell would I know how much time you have to terrorize poor unsuspecting sailors?"
What was it with pirates? Absolutely no respect for authority. No fear of those stronger than them. Sassing back like nobody's business. They were going to drive her up the wall!
She sighed. Perhaps it was time she tried a different tack.
"Look," she said calmly. "I think we got off on the wrong tentacle here. You're stuck here with me for all eternity, but there's no need to make this unpleasant. Let's start over, shall we? My name is Ursula; what's yours?"
She extended one hand. He eyed it skeptically for a moment, and then finally sighed and shook. "Blackbeard," he said in a defeated voice. "My name is Blackbeard."
"What kind of a fool name is that?" she asked, forgetting she was trying the 'let's be friends' strategy.
"Fool name or not," he said frostily, "it's served me well. It is a name that inspires fear and dread on sailors the world over."
"I apologize," Ursula said with a nod. "That was rude."
"Apology accepted," Blackbeard said stiffly. "Now, suppose you tell me just why you've kidnapped me and are holding me as your slave."
"Captain, Captain," Ursula tsked with a sad shake of her head. "Such strong words. I didn't kidnap you; you were sold to me. The Evil Queen gave you to me in exchange for information about Snow White."
"She did what?" Blackbeard thundered.
"Sold you to me," Ursula said. "Ain't that a kick in the head."
The pirate got up and began to pace. "I don't believe this!" he shouted. "She'll rue this day! Mark my words, she'll rue it! I will get my revenge. I'll vent my wrath on both of them, her and that lecherous pirate!"
Ursula gave him a sharp look. "Might be hard to do from the ocean floor, don't you think?"
He stepped up to her, spat an obscenity, and gave her a look so angry, it likely had most grown men quaking in their boots. But Ursula didn't wear boots…nor did she get intimidated by her slaves.
"Look, buddy," she said with a hard stare. "I don't know who you were on land. I don't know what kind of power trip you were on, but it's time to get off of it. Like it or not, you're mine for eternity. You've got two choices. Either you oppose me, and I make your life a living hell from now until the sea horses come home, or you help me and you live a life of comfort and luxury. Your choice."
His glare intensified, and he flashed her a distinctly impolite hand gesture. She was going to wring Albert's sorry neck! Why the hell had she ever listened to him. 'I know Ursula! Get yourself some pirates. They'll steal the trident for you. Oh the pirates are unruly? I know, get yourself a pirate captain. He'll keep them in line.' Ha! Fat chance.
Ursula put her hands to her temples and gently rubbed. She was getting a headache. She'd try one more tactic, and then that was it. She'd had it! She'd lock this pirate's sorry ass in a prison so far under the ocean floor, he'd have to swim up a mile just to reach hell!
"Didn't anyone ever teach you manners?" she asked.
"Didn't anyone ever teach you if you had a little self-control around food you wouldn't balloon up to the point you might be mistaken for a whale?"
Patience! Patience! She needed him.
"My body weight is not your concern," Ursula said very softly and very deliberately. "What is your concern, however, is helping me out. You see, if you scratch my back, I just might scratch yours."
"I hope to heaven you mean that merely as a metaphor."
She ignored that.
"You see, now that I have your soul, you'll have certain advantages on land."
That pricked his interest; that was clear enough.
"What kind of advantages."
"You will be impervious to attack," Ursula said. "No land dweller will be able to wield a weapon that can touch you. They try? It'll just slide right through you, not even causing a nick."
"What use is that to me if you're imprisoning me on the ocean floor?"
"Like I said, you help me, I'll help you," Ursula said. "You talked about vengeance and enemies and all that kind of messy stuff. You do your job for me, I let you at 'em. They'll be like fish in a barrel; ripe for the shooting."
A feral grin spread across Blackbeard's face. "Well, madam sea witch," he said with a bow. "It looks like you just found yourself a willing and eager employee. Now what might my first assignment be?"
"Now we're talking!" she said gleefully. "Triton has something I need. A trident. You're first assignment is to go corral those clown-fish who call themselves pirates, plan a mission, and steal me a trident."
"Consider it done."
Enchanted Forest, present day
It was going to be a beautiful day. The sun was shining brilliantly, the birds were singing their little aviary hearts out, a pleasantly cool breeze wafted its way through the open bedroom window, and the most beautiful, amazing woman in the world slept within the circle of his arms.
Killian lifted his hand and gently brushed Emma's hair from her face. Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead, love and relief pouring through him. Thank God the rift between them had closed. If he'd lost her, either to her injuries or to guilt over what happened to the baby, the wound would be unendurable,
Emma's eyes fluttered open, green meeting blue. She slowly smiled, leaned forward and softly kissed him. "I love you," she breathed against his lips.
It was like a warm blanket on a cold winter's night. He smiled tenderly and stroked her face. "I love you too, lass."
She leaned over and laid her head against his bare chest and he tightened his arms around her. "I missed this, Killian," she said on a sigh. "I missed you."
"And I you, Emma, but I vow to you, you'll never have need to miss me again."
"I'll hold you to that."
For long minutes they merely lay there, holding each other, Killian carding his fingers through her soft hair. He could happily remain like this all day. The lass seemed no more inclined to move.
"How are you this fair morning, my love?" he asked.
He felt her smile against his chest.
"You know, Killian, so much of the things you say really should sound cheesy, but you pull it off."
"Consider it a singular talent of mine," he said. "Now, have you an answer for my cheesy question?"
"I feel better this morning," she said slowly. "I don't hurt nearly as much as I did. Every day it's getting better."
"Good," he said. "And you're happy?"
She was quiet for some time. "That's kind of a hard one to answer, actually," she said. "I'm still sad beyond words about the baby, but, yeah, I think that's better too. I have this…I don't know…renewed optimism that things will get better. I think I have a certain sexy one-handed pirate to thank for that."
He smiled and leaned down to kiss her. "We'll help each other to heal, lass."
"Yeah," she said softly, and then after a moment. "I suppose we really should get up."
"We've got some time yet," he said. "The sun's barely risen. It will be a bit before anyone thinks to miss us."
"Good," Emma said, burrowing even closer into him.
"Aye, good indeed."
"So," she said, "what all's been happening in the last week while I've been basically out of commission?"
"Nothing has proceeded in our search for Blackbeard or Ursula," Killian said. "It is generally the consensus that we must wait for them to contact us or for Ariel to return and agree to be our liaison to the underwater world."
"I think that's about the hardest part," Emma said, "the waiting, the knowing that there's nothing we can do."
"Aye," he agreed, nodding his head.
"So aside from the fight against the big bads, what else has been going down around the castle?"
He chuckled softly to himself. "Well, the most note-worthy item would have to be the fact that Robin and Regina have been exhibiting so much PDA, as Henry would call it, that even your parents have started to become disgusted."
"Really?" Emma asked in surprise. "How'd that happen? Last I knew he still pretty much hated her about the whole Marian thing."
"It seems," Killian said, "angry though he was, it came to the point where the outlaw simply could ignore his feelings no longer. He held a conversation with Regina which resulted in a real, genuine true love's kiss. Robin's memories have now been completely restored."
"Good for them!" Emma said. "I guess it's true what they say, you know, that true love conquers all."
Killian chuckled and held her closer.
Emma sat up and shot him a look of mock outrage. "And just what is so funny?"
"You," he said, pulling her gently back to his chest. "I was just remembering the hard, closed up lass who tied me to a tree and almost fed me to the ogres. Can that lass have really just gushed about true love conquering all?"
Emma planted a soft kiss just above his heart. "She can," she said. "Maybe that 'lass' just needed to meet the love of her life who could bring out the best in her."
"I'll remember that, darling and remind you of it the next time you start yelling at me."
She laughed. It was a light, joyous sound that warmed his heart.
"I'm more pleased than I can speak, love, to hear you laugh again."
"Me too," she said.
There was a pleasant silence for another long moment, then Emma spoke up again. "So Regina's happy?"
"Aye," Killian said carefully. "Where Robin is concerned, it appears she is incandescently so."
"But…"
Killian shrugged. "It's clear she and Robin worry about his lad."
"Killian," she said intently, "we have to get him back. Somehow we have to find him. We can't leave him with that monster anymore."
"I know love," he said. "And we will. We will get him back."
Emma sat up. "When we finally corner him, I'm coming with you."
"Emma…"
"No, Killian," she said, and he saw the anguish, the pleading in her face. "Please don't ask me to sit at home like some stupid damsel in distress. I know you want to protect me, and I appreciate that you love me that much. I do, but I'm a fighter; I've been a fighter all my life, and I'll be damned before I sit back and let others do the fighting for me." She shrugged. "Maybe it's part of the whole 'savior' thing."
Killian looked at her for long moments, and finally nodded. He was intelligent enough to know he couldn't stop her if he wanted to. "Very well," he said, "I won't ask it of you."
He cupped her face in his hand. "But just remember this, love. If you take unnecessary risks and are injured or killed, I will feel as though the very heart has been taken from my chest."
Emma smiled, leaned forward and kissed him again, slow and deeply. "Same goes for you, pirate.
….
By the time Hornigold served the mid-day meal, Blackbeard had made his choice. For the greater good, he would take Hornigold's advice. For the greater good, he would cast his lot with those inhabiting the castle. For the greater good, he would put aside his hate and vengeance.
Just after the mid-day meal, Blackbeard went to the nursery to speak to Roland. As soon as he'd entered the whimsical room, the boy gasped and hid behind his nurse's skirts. "Roland, lad," he'd said gently, hunching down so that he was on eye level with the little one. The child took one step to the left until his curly head looked out.
"Y…yes, sir?" Roland asked, a small quiver in his voice.
"You have no reason to fear me lad," Blackbeard said gently. "You remind me of my little sister. She had curly dark hair just like you, and she was often frightened of strangers."
"I'm not scared of strangers," Roland said in an accusatory voice. "I'm just scared of you 'cause you hurt Papa."
Blackbeard dropped his head and sighed. "I know lad, and I'm sorry. I've done some terrible things; things that hurt good people like your Papa."
"Is…is Papa alright?" Roland asked in a small voice.
"Yes," Blackbeard said earnestly. "I've seen him not a week hence. Regina came and healed him."
"'Gina?" he asked excitedly.
"Aye," Blackbeard said with a smile. "Regina."
Roland's face fell, and tears filled his eyes. "I want my Papa. I want my 'Gina. I want to go home."
"Lad," Blackbeard said, "if you would like, I will take you home this very day."
Roland's eyes lit up, and then the wariness entered them. "I…I have to go with you?"
Blackbeard sighed and closed his eyes for a moment.
"I'm afraid so, my boy," he said gently. "I know you fear me. I'm sorry for the harm I did to you, to your father. I swear on my honor as a pirate that you are safe from you. Your father and all you love are safe from me. I want to learn how to be a good man."
Roland peered at him intently for several moments, and finally nodded. "My Papa is a good man."
"Aye lad," Blackbeard agreed. "That he is."
"Maybe he can teach you how to be a good man, too."
"Maybe so," Blackbeard said with a small smile. "Maybe he can at that.
….
Regina sat with Robin on a blanket the two had spread beneath a large shade tree in the inner bailey. He reclined with his back against the tree, and she sat beside him in the circle of his arms.
Robin sighed loudly, and Regina moved so that she could see his face. He was clearly troubled.
"What's the matter, Robin?"
He shrugged, leaned down and kissed her. "I'm sorely concerned about my little lad. What has happened to my Roland?"
Regina returned the kiss. It was a soft, gentle kiss, a giving and receiving of strength. "I don't know. The question has haunted me since I came back here almost two months ago."
"Shouldn't the blackguard have sent another ransom demand?" Robin demanded. "I would gladly find a way to pay any sum he might desire."
Regina sighed. "You know it isn't money he's after. He's after my head. Mine and Hook's, it would seem. I'd gladly give myself up to him if it would ensure Roland was returned safely to you."
Robin shook his head. "No," he said firmly. "I can't bear to lose you; either of you. My men and I are nothing if not resourceful. Come what may, we will find a way out of this tangle."
She looked up at him, stroked his stubbled cheek. "I believe you will."
"Never bet against a merry man, my lady, particularly one in love."
"Do you have any idea how good it is to hear you say that…that you're in love with me?"
She asked wistfully.
"Aye," Robin said with a smile, "likely it is nearly as wonderful as it is to hear you declare your love for me."
Their kiss was longer this time. Longer and far more passionate. Robin reached up, began pulling the pins from Regina's hair, and laid her back against the blanket. Her heart hammered against her chest as she pulled him down to her and deepened the kiss. She'd waited so long to be with him! Finally she was here, her Robin was back, and they were so very much in love. Nothing could make this moment more perfect. Nothing but….
A shout rang out from the watch tower. Was that Little John?
"He's here!" the man shouted frantically. "He's coming!"
"What now?" Regina asked as Robin got to his feet and helped her up. Regina hastily straightened her considerably mussed hair, and then followed her true love to the gates where the rest of the Storybrooke group had already congregated.
"What is it?" Regina asked, running forward. Hook, Emma and Charming had their swords out and pointing toward the gate. Rumple held his hands out, clearly ready to cast a spell.
"Blackbeard," Hook said in a hard voice.
"What?" Regina asked. "You mean he's sent another note?"
"No," Emma said in a voice nearly shaking with anger. "This time the bastard decided to drag his sorry, cowardly ass to the castle himself."
"Anyone with him?" Robin asked urgently.
"Impossible to say," Charming answered, "but given his record, I wouldn't count on it."
Robin took his place beside Charming and drew his bow. Regina readied her fireballs. The pirate had gone too far this time. He'd pissed off everyone in this castle in some way or another, and he was about to find out that they were a force to be reckoned with!
When he was about 100 yards from the castle gates, Blackbeard dismounted from his jet black horse. He drew his sword…and then deliberately threw it to the ground. He did the same with his pistol and with the knife he kept in his boot. He slowly walked forward, his arms before him in a gesture of surrender.
What the hell kind of twisted game was he playing now?
When the pirate was mere feet from the assembled group he stopped, and spoke for the first time. "I've come in peace," he said wearily. "I merely wish to parlay."
Emma growled. "You killed my baby, you son of a bitch! Give me one reason I shouldn't rip you apart piece by piece."
"Perhaps it would be better, Mrs. Jones," Rumple said, "if I were to ask him to give me one reason why the Dark One shouldn't curse him into oblivion?"
"For once I agree with the Crocodile," Hook said, "but I would go one step farther. Blackbeard, give me one reason why all of us gathered here shouldn't totally, utterly and completely obliterate you where you stand?"
"Very well," Blackbeard said, voice still weary. "You should refrain from attacking me for two very important reasons. Firstly, I believe we can be useful to each other. We have a common enemy who must be defeated. Secondly…"
The pirate motioned behind him. "Secondly, I've brought you a present…a present I know will be very dear to you. It would be a tragedy should he be harmed."
Blackbeard stepped to the side to reveal a child. Was that…
"Roland!" Robin shouted. And then the little boy was running. Before she knew what was happening, Regina was running too. The tears streamed down her face as the little family was finally reunited, arms wrapped around each other, holding each other as if they'd never let go.
Notes:
-Yay! Blackbeard decided to do the right thing. And yay! The Hood/Mills family is reunited. Now the question is will the Storybrooke gang be willing to actually listen to and team up with Blackbeard? Can Killian and Emma get past their very recent pain and loss enough to even have a civil conversation with him without trying to do him bodily harm?
-For the back in time section, I googled "pirate insults" to come up with some material for Ursula. It was quite entertaining.
-Up next: About 2 months ago in the Enchanted Forest, Blackbeard escapes Ursula for the first time. He has a chance meeting with Robin Hood (who has no idea who he is), and learns some interesting information about how to get to and defeat Regina. In the present, the Storybrooke/Enchanted Forest people have to decide whether or not to trust Blackbeard.