A/N : And from now on, angst you shall read... Sorry, not sorry.
Chapter 11 : Truth
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2 months later
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Emma wandered in the rainforest, desperately looking for coolness. It was awfully hot for a February day, and the air was damp and suffocating. She couldn't help but be amazed by the astounding beauty of this side of the island, wild and dense and colored. Pink and yellow orchids were mixed to the tangled boughs of the immense trees, reaching for a sky somehow hidden by a canopy of green leaves. Silence was a strange notion here, for birds and insects played a vivid music night and day. The princess was very careful as to where she walked, for she remembered the bite of a venemous snake a couple of months ago and it had not been pleasant to see (nor to experience). "Where's this damn lagoon ?" she mumbled, elbowing her way through the thick vegetation.
Finally, she heard a delicate flow of water. A few more steps and she'd be able to dive into the fresh water. She motioned a little faster in the direction of the noise. She was almost there when she saw leather clothes scattered on the ground... along with a hook. So here you are, she thought. Emma spread the leaves before her and made her way to the edge of the lagoon. Indeed, here he was, with his back turned and in all his glorious nudity, slowly disappearing in the clear water. The light danced on his prominent muscles and drops of water draw their curves. He ran his hand through his hair, visibly enjoying his bath.
"So, Captain, how's the water ?" Emma asked loudly, a cheerful smirk curling her lips.
Hook startled and when his eyes fell on her, he smiled. "It'd be better if you were in with me darling."
She didn't doubt that. She started to take off her clothes when she noticed the pirate's surpise.
"I didn't mean it like that", he added, trying to hold back a smirk.
"Of course you did mean it like that", Emma answered with a grin. She took off the last piece of fabric that covered her body and casually threw it on the ground. "It's nothing you haven't seen".
She saw Hook gulp and was much surprised by the sudden seriousness on his face. Was he afraid of losing control in front of her naked body ? She liked to think so.
The shape of her body stood out in the flash of the sunbeams. The gilded flow seemed to glisten on her skin, down the line of her hips and along her curves. She slowly entered the water, her slender legs gradually disappearing into the transluscent liquid, and the delight of its freshness echoed on her features. Soon, the water arrived right under her breasts, underlining her waist. Hook felt a fire growing inside of him at the sight of his temptress, splendid nymph in the midst of an uncanny beautiful lagoon. It all looked like a dream, a fantasy.
Suddenly, he saw a mishievous glitter in her eyes, and without warning, she dived into the water. She came back to the surface a few inches in front of him, her golden hair half covering her breasts. She noticed all the efforts it took him to keep his eyes off of her body. They were locked on hers, and she could see the desire in this deep blue.
"I've dealt with sirens before love", he said in a hoarse whisper that exhaled lust. "You'll need to do much more if you want to drag me into your nets."
Emma shook her head. "Who says that's what I'm doing ?" she susurrated. "I'm just enjoying the freshness of the lagoon." She flashed him a smile and fell on her back, her eyes closed, letting herself drift away from a dazed pirate.
The latter smiled to himself as he gazed at the dance of the sunrays on her silky body, drinking in her every move. How he wanted to kiss every inch of it, devouring her till she begged him to stop. How he wanted to let his hand walk along her belly and drawing on her chest. How he wanted to crush his lips on hers and dive into the water, leaving everything behind in an aquatic swirl.
But he knew he couldn't. It was not the time.
Emma's voice broke him from his fantasy. "How long are we supposed to stay here ?" she asked.
"As long as you wish love, the lagoon is ours."
She stood up straight and tilted her head to the side. "Killian, that's not what I meant and you know it. How long are we supposed to stay here ?"
Hook swam towards her and planted himself in front of his beautiful torturer. "We'll wait for spring to return in Elanoriah. We'll be leaving by April."
"But how can you be so sure they won't find us before ? Four months on the run ? Really ? What makes you so self-confident ?"
The pirate narrowed his eyes. "The island doesn't exist Emma. It's cloaked by a magical spell which makes it invisible, hence its absence from the maps and registers. I bet your parent's flotilla is very competent, but nobody can find this island, except those who already know where it is."
"But how can this island be invisible anyway ?" she inquired. "I mean, pirates don't do magic do they ? Or was the island invisible before they settled down ? But if so, how did they find it in the first place ?"
"Easy now", answered Hook. "I didn't know you were so interested in my kind princess !" Emma stopped swimming and stood up straight, not amused, and splashed him. "Oh you did want an answer, fair enough", the pirate answered between two laughters. "In ancient times, a princess, Andromeda, was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a monster for her mother's pride. She was saved from death by a pirate who took her away and they fell in love, but Andromeda knew the Gods would be furious to be deprived from their sacrifice. So she told the pirate to remain on the island, and for him to be safe, she cast a protection spell that hid the island from everyone, Gods included. The power of her love combined to her magic are the reason why after all these centuries, the spell still works. And eversince, this island became the den of the fellons and the pirates who must hide from the authorities." (1)
Emma listened carefully, captivated by the pirate's knowledge. And the fact that, once again, love was behind this.
"How can love be the reason of everything", she said to herself while sinking into the water until the level reached her neck.
"Aye, I'm afraid no one can escape its nets."
Emma sank into the water, closing her eyes. The strange and muffled sound of the flow couldn't quiet this nagging thought of hers.
I can.
The princess and the pirate spent two more months on the Pirate Island, cautiously remaining on its savage part. They had chosen to live in an abandoned fisher cabin by the beach, nestled in the abundant vegetation. They spent their days swimming and exploring the surroundings, and Emma seemed pleased by this way of life. She liked nothing more than the evenings and mornings, staring at the morning sun in Hook's arms. She didn't exactly know how to describe their relationship. They never kissed, never did anything more than holding hands. And yet, she had noticed how this simple thing made the pirate... happy. He seemed more lively, more mischievous than ever. His innuendoes were countless, and he made jokes all day long, caressing her temples and pinching her nose as if she were a child. Yes, it was all very confusing. But she truly liked it. Well, she could not like it. But it felt good. She was living the life she had always wanted, among the scents of vanilla, salt, orchids and leather.
And yet, she knew it had to end eventually.
By early April, Hook decided it was time to leave. Spring had returned, the weather in Elanoriah would be gentle, and after more than four months of absence, he bet the King and Queen would be ready to give him anything to get their daughter back. He had received many messages concerning the situation : the Royal flotilla had combed the four oceans in order to retrieve the lost princess, but the Pirate Island being off the maps and sheltered by a magic spell, their quest couldn't help but fail.
"Here's hoping the winds will be in our favor", he said to himself. For the Royal vessels were surely still patroling on the seas, and the journey would take them a whole week, five days if the winds were strong enough.
They left the Aestrea Beach the same day. Emma had put her hood back on. Even though her scene at the tavern had happened four months ago, Hook knew the sailors wouldn't have forgotten the hot blonde yelling at Captain Hook. They made their way to the Jolly Roger -which he had kept visiting everyday, of course - more majestic than ever in the sunbeams of this hot day. Many sailors had gathered on the docks, ready to leave the island after their winter break. Emma and Hook elbowed their way through the suffocating crowd. The game consisted in not shoving anyone important or touchy. Because yes, pirates were such drama queens. Why would they wear eyeliner if they weren't ?
All of a sudden, Emma pushed a man stronger than she had intended to. "I'm so sorry S-" she let out. Hook glared at her. He had told her to never apologize to a pirate, unless he asked for it. Understanding her mistake, she tried to move forward but it was too late, the man had grasped her forearm. "Where are you going my lovely ?" he asked, gently removing her hood from her face. Emma swallowed. "I... I'm leaving", she said with determination (at least, she tried).
The pirate's lips curled into a grin. "Oh, you are now ? What a pity." He idly played with one of her locks, removing it behind her shoulder. Emma remained still, and as emotionless as possible. What a joke.
"Drinkwater !" Hook had moved forward and put his hypocrite smile on.
"Hook", said the aforementioned Drinkwater, "I hadn't seen you in a while. This beauty's with you ?"
Hook smiled apologetically. "Aye, I'm afraid she is."
Drinkwater turned his look to the blonde. His eyes roamed hers, and suddenly, a smile of comprehension replaced his grin. Something had dawned on him. "Is she who I think she is ? No lies Captain, you know how I feel about those."
Hook gulped and clenched his fist, visibly not too keen on talking about this. Emma's eyes left Drinkwater, who was still gripping her arm, to focus on Hook's expression. Fear marred his face, and his blue eyes were filled with resignation. "Yes", he finally let out dryly, "she is."
The other pirate's lips formed a significative "o" and he seemed pleased. "And does she know it ?"
"No", Hook answered, unnerved.
"You killed Smith Hook." The pirate opened his mouth to explain himself, but Drinkwater rose his hand to hush him. "Then the code wants you to owe me favor."
"Whatever Drinkwater wishes", Hook let out with a false smile.
"Tell her the truth."
Drinkwater's words had unsettled him and rang in his head. Telling her the truth, now ? No he couldn't, she wouldn't understand, it was not the plan...
"I'm afraid I-" he began.
"Swear on the code you'll tell her the truth before you reach Elanoriah, or I shall keep her for myself, and you know it would be a real problem for you, to say the least."
Hook sighed and gritted : "Deal."
Drinkwater smiled and finally let go of Emma's arm. The latter was totally lost and confused. She was obviously part of some kind of greater plan. What was Hook hiding to her ? The pirate took her by the waist and prompted her to get a move. As they were leaving, she heard the disturbing laughter of the pirate rising in the air, and a bad feeling invaded her.
Somehow, they ended up aboard the Jolly Roger. Emma hadn't paid much attention to the few minutes of walk. Her mind was whirring in too many thoughts and questions. Hook hadn't looked at her the whole time, and now he was just reaching the helm without paying attention to her. He was clearly avoiding her. But she would not let him. He owed her an explanation.
She followed him and a second later, she was standing rooted right behind him.
"What the hell was that Hook ?"
A dark expression appeared under his black lashes. "So back to Hook uh ?" he scowled.
"You are deliberately hiding something from me. So yes, it'll be Hook as long as you'll be lying to me."
"I've never lied to you Emma."
"Lie", she snapped.
He sighed in exasperation and his eyes pierced hers. "I am not talking about this now."
"And when will you ? You heard that psycho down there, you promised him to tell-"
"I didn't make any promise !" he yelled, a dangerous flame dancing in his icy pupils.
"That's all you have to say ?" Emma said, narrowing her eyes. "You are a fucking..."
"A fucking what, your highness ?" he growled.
Emma moved closer to him and peered her eyes into his, mercilessly. "Coward."
Hook's heart sank at the word. Her disgusted look lingered on his face a little more, and then she left without adding anything, leaving him with his wrath and despair. She knew the impact this word had had on him. She knew because, a night during these four months, he had told her everything about Milah's death, thus everything about the coward who had taken her life. He had told her how much he loathed cowardice, that he would never run.
And yet, that's what he had been doing with the stubborn princess, and what he kept doing now.
Smee had popped out behind him. He had visibly heard all of the conversation. He looked fearful but also curious. "I can't tell her now." Hook said lowly to his mate. "She wouldn't understand. She would hate me. And all I've done so far... It'd be for nothing."
Smee approached him, compassion in his little eyes. "If you don't tell her, it'll be for nothing anyway, because she won't forgive you your silence. Plus, Drinkwater will know."
Smee was right. Drinkwater was a privateer, he had an important web of contacts both in the piracy and the royal marines. And among the diverse sea creatures. He would know. And he would thwart them for sure. He had to tell her. Just not now. They still had at least five days of crossing. It was too early.
But he hoped it wasn't already too late.
Four days later, Hook joined Emma in his cabin, a platter in his hand. They hadn't talked in four days, they hadn't even been in the same room. He had slept among his crew and left her his quarters. He knew better than being around a pissed Emma. But it was more than time to have a talk. He cautiously made his way to her, showing her the platter full of food.
"Not hungry", she mumbled, pulling her knees under her chin.
"Emma, don't be stupid, you have to eat", he said to her softly.
"Just because you have to do something doesn't mean you'll actually do it", she snapped.
I see, Hook thought. He sighed and put the platter on his desk and sat beside her. She avoided his supplicant look and locked her eyes on the wall.
"Emma, I came to tell you everything. But I need to know that you'll try to understand me."
"We'll see. Just spill it."
He sighed and bit his lip. This was not going to be easy. "I... I told you I wanted a ransom. But that's not why I abducted you." He paused and dived his eyes into hers. "Actually, I haven't even asked for one."
Emma's eyes narrowed in confusion. "I don't understand, why did you abduct me then...?"
His heart started to pound harder and faster in his chest, the words coming together in all the possible ways in his head. There was nos right way to say it. He took a deep breath and the words just came out, with pain and fear. "I was hired by the Evil Queen. I was supposed to bring your heart to her so that she could crush it. She wants you dead and she knew I could get to you."
A heavy silence weighed over them. Hook was nervously waiting for something, anything, a word from her. But all he could see was her staring at him in disbelief, her eyes darkening, her mouth half open. "You betrayed me ?" she let out, her voice cracking.
"Emma there's more to the story I swea-"
"I don't care about the rest Hook !" she yelled. She felt her blood boiling in her veins, and she didn't know where it came from, or what it was supposed to mean. "You accepted to rip my heart out and deliver it to the Evil Queen so that she could kill me ? So you were just playing with me the whole time ?"
"Emma please..."
She stood up straight, thunderstruck and angry. "I don't want to hear anything more Hook. Once we're arrived at Elanoriah, I'll leave and I will never see you again. You try to hold me back or you try to find me, I will have you hung high, understood ?"
Hook looked to the floor and nodded. He stood and made his way to the door. "We'll be arriving shortly, tomorrow morning I think", he said opening the door. "One more night and you'll never see me again princess."
Whereupon, he left.
He watched her pack her things without a smile and motion to the gangplank. She didn't look at him, she didn't say a word. She had told him everything she wanted to the night before, there was nothing more to add. Their paths would separate in a few minutes. Then, it'd be over. No more Killian Jones. Ever.
She climbed down the gangplank without a glance at him and drowned into the sea of sailors, eager to vanish and be out of his sight for good.
On the Jolly Roger, firmly holding the railing, Captain Hook stood, numb. "Farewell princess..." he whispered as she disappeared in the crowd of Niamh Bay.
Emma felt her heart racing in her chest. Hot tears were burning her eyes, and she couldn't seem to blink them back. It was like her body functioned without her consent, and she felt this ache spreading into her entire being. She stopped walking, suddenly unable to breathe, and leant against a tree. Something cut her breathing and she gasped for air. A raw burn invaded the pit of her stomach and she put her hand on it, desperately trying to ease the pain and untie the sharp knot that had formed there. The pressure in her chest hardened and she let out a cry of pain, feeling weak and sore and desperate. Tears flowed down her cheeks and she felt their burn unbearable. This was all unbearable. This nagging sorrow, this sick feeling was unbearable.
Feeling.
She felt.
Why the hell am I feeling ? Is this pain ? She thought, trying to calm down and taking deep breaths. A crack of bough caused her to startle.
"Welcome to the fold dearie."
She didn't need to turn her back. She knew who stood behind her, even though she didn't remember their first meeting.
Him. Rumplestiltskin.
A/N : CLIFFHANGEEEEEEER AAAARGH LBSLBJSBLBGL shit is going dooooooown ! Did you see that coming ? Poor Killian all his plans, everything just... gone. Fucking Drinkwater (dude buy yourself a better moniker). And about the legend I blended the legend of Andromeda with things from my imagination. Voilà. I hope you liked this chapter ! Writing the beginning was fun ahaha
A review for your thoughts ?