A/N: Hello Lovely Readers! Our lovely pair is finally going to be able to do what was needed when they arrived in Tortuga and spend time with Nairobi and Greta; of course Emma has to deal with a wicked Hangover first.
This story will likely be 1 – 3 more chapters long, although I have the final plans mapped and outlined sometimes the in between to get there changes based on what my muse wants. Sometimes my mind goes somewhere with the story I'd never thought to go.
I hope you are enjoying this and if you are leave me a note, leave me a review, send me a comment. It's great to hear from readers so I know if I'm on track. I hope this is going where you expected. Thank you so much for giving your time to my little story.
32.
He woke up with the sun as usual and looked over to see his beloved sleeping soundly. He ran his fingers down her bare back softly and she didn't stir. He carefully swiped her hair over her shoulder out of her face. She looked so peaceful. She was going to wake with quite a headache. He pulled the blankets up over her sleeping form and tucked her in.
He noticed their clothing lying on the floor behind him. She'd even remembered to bring them back with them after their excursion. He picked them up and placed them over a chair. He really did want to go back to the cove with her under better circumstances.
He followed his usual morning routine, the one he'd followed long before she'd come and turned things upside down in his life. He kept his beard neat for her since she seemed to like the scruff.
He peered towards her through the mirror and she still hadn't moved. His princess was going to be in for a long day. Perhaps he should rope a healing charm around her neck now. He had a feeling she was going to need it. He laughed. She drank his whole flask of rum in one sitting.
He knew she planned to spend time with Nairobi and Greta in Tortuga to get help with the translations of the texts. He hoped she would be able to find what she needed. He'd heard stories about the Dark One and his power. Even though he'd witnessed Emma gain her full power he still worried if it would be enough to defeat him.
He would be helpless, useless to her in a magical fight. He shook his head of the negative thoughts that started to swirl around. She was amazing and there would be no way that the outcome could not be favorable for them. That was what he would tell himself and her. If anything he could be supportive.
He was still trying to deal with everything he'd witnessed the day before at their shop. He didn't think he would ever get the image out of his head of her dangling in the clutches of that bastard. He pushed the anger he felt towards their prisoner down as he looked to see her alive and well. He hoped she was having a happy dream.
He pulled on his coat and walked over to check on her once more. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "My wild naughty princess, I shall be back for you." He hastily walked towards the door. He decided he would visit with the prisoner in the brig while she was asleep, perhaps this morning he would be more cooperative. If not, he may let the anger loose.
"Captain on deck!" called Smee as he ran towards him and stood at attention.
He rocked back and forth on his heals as he gazed over the ship. "Smee, report."
"Capt'n all appears to be in working order. We can leave port whenever ye wish. We are fully stocked. The men are taking turns visiting the island."
"And the prisoner?"
"He's being watched round the clock as ye asked. He hasn't asked for anything since the Princess left him yesterday."
"Good, I plan to visit with him. My lady still sleeps. Do not disturb her."
"Aye Aye Capt'n."
He waved him off and continued towards the brig. He needed to see what they were up against. He didn't want anything hindering Emma's attempt to find her son. He walked down the dark hallway towards the brig. The two men guarding the cell quickly rose to attention as they acknowledged his presence. The prisoner was sitting with his head in his hands.
"Leave us. I'll call for you when you are needed." He commanded. "Aye Aye Capt'n" He watched the men walk through the hall. His jaw clenched as he looked over the prisoner. He was still seething after what he witnessed and the rage came bubbling up. He could have killed his Love and there wouldn't be anything in this world that would have stopped him from releasing his wrath upon him if he did.
The man looked up towards him with his muddy brown eyes and scowl on his face."What do you want?" He held his hand over the hilt of his sword."I want you to tell me where Henry is." Neal grumbled and wiped his hand across his mouth. "He's with my father. I know now you were telling me the truth. I remember everything, what happened with the witch, what he did to my mother, and what I did to her." He hung his head.
He clenched his jaw. He tried to remain calm. "I won't let you hurt her again." Neal shook his head."I won't, I shouldn't have, I just want to help her. I promise you that I won't stand in her way. I see what my father is capable of and I can't let him do to my son what he did to me. My whole life has been a lie."
"How do I know this isn't some ruse to get me to release you?" He searched the sincerity in his face and he wanted to believe him, to hope he would have an ally against the Dark One. Surely he would listen to his son and leave his Love unharmed. It was just too convenient to believe that he would change just like that so he remained skeptical.
The man looked to him with a blank expression."I need to make amends for all the harm I've caused and I love my boy. I can see you care for Emma and she deserves that. She deserves someone who will make up for all the pain I've caused her. I don't want her forgiveness; I don't think I can ever forgive myself. "
He huffed out a breath."She's an amazing woman. She should never forgive you but her heart is too good and I believe one day she will take that step. I love her with everything in me and will protect her with my life. If you ever do anything to hurt her, in anyway, again I will make it my life mission to make you pay for it. The torture will be slow and painful. You'll wish you were dead. Do you understand?"
He nodded. "I do."
"Do you have any idea where he would take Henry? Will they be at the castle?"
"I don't know. He showed up to tell me that Emma had been spotted in Tortuga and to seek out the Eye. He said she would come and to just wait. He told me he would take care of Henry until I came back with her."
He felt his insides twist at that comment. He never wanted Emma to go back to the hell she left; he would never have allowed him to take her. "I see. There was no further discussion about where he would take care of Henry?"
"No, I never realized I needed to worry about him with Henry. Not until now." Neal hunched over putting his head in his hands.
He shook his head. He feared Emma having to go to an unfamiliar place to fight for her son. He needed to get back to her; give her the news. She would surely be waking up soon. He began to walk away and turned back. "I don't know what we plan to do with you yet. I trust you won't give my guards any further trouble?"
"Just leave me with my thoughts. It's punishment enough to see the memories of the pain I caused."
"So be it." He walked away with the taste of blood in his mouth from biting his lip so hard. He could see the man was trying to repent but that didn't erase everything he did to her. He nearly killed her and he would never forget what happened.
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She opened her eyes slowly; there was pounding in her ears. She licked her dry lips and her tongue felt thick. She groaned when she tried to get up, everything was still spinning so she lay back down into the soft pillows. "What did I do?" She opened one eye and looked to the side for Killian. She groaned when she saw he wasn't there and sat up slowly pushing herself to get her feet over the side of the bed.
She looked over and saw the glass of water sitting on the nightstand. She picked it up and took a long drink to try to relieve the dryness in her mouth, vaguely remembering what happened the previous night. She took a deep breath and stepped onto the cool wood floor. She pulled the sheet around herself to cover her bare body and stumbled towards the window.
She quickly realized it was a bad idea as she watched the sea rock back and forth. Luckily there was a bucket next to the bed because she quickly dropped to her knees to rid herself of the evil liquids that remained and anything else in her stomach.
When it felt like she had nothing left to give she sat back against the wall under the window and closed her eyes. She couldn't remember ever feeling this sick. At the sound of the door clicking open she felt her cheeks redden and turned her face down in shame as surely this was no way a lady should act in the presence of anyone let alone her true love.
"Love, are you alright?" His voice was soft and full of concern.
She couldn't open her eyes. She didn't want to see the look on his face. "Don't look at me. I can't believe I did this." She heard him shuffle towards her and then felt his warmth around her as he picked her up from the floor and carried her to the bed.
"My poor naughty princess, there's nothing to be ashamed of. There's been many a morning that I've suffered a similar fate." He pulled the blankets over her and tucked her in. She opened her eyes to see the concern written on his face. She gave him a slight smile and he smoothed her hair back from her face.
"I'm so sorry Killian. I feel like such a fool." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Love, you have no need to feel foolish. Yesterday was quite a day and if you felt nothing I would be worried. I think you reacted like any normal person would. It was nice to see you so free and happy, even if it was due to the rum."
She groaned."Oh please don't say that word. It will be quite some time before I'm able to drink that." He laughed. "Aye, that is generally the reaction from most." She huffed a breath."What am I going to do? I need to get to town, I can't go like this." He sat down on the bed next to her."Love, I shouldn't remind you of this because part of drinking too much is knowing your limit so next time you won't overdo it but you do possess a healing charm."
She sat up quickly and realized her mistake when things began to spin again. She closed her eyes."Relax Love; I'll get it for you." She smiled. "I love you Darling. Thank you for taking such good care of me. "He caressed her face."Love, it gives me great joy to do so."
He lifted the necklace over her head and she immediately relaxed back against the pillows. "I know why Nairobi wanted these. I hope she fetches a great deal of coin for them. They are a wonder." She sat up again slowly, this time feeling much better.
He sat next to her and grabbed her hand. "I need to speak to you about something." She looked into his eyes and his face was full of concern. "What is it? Is it bad news?" He gave her hand a little squeeze. "I spoke with Neal this morning. Henry is with his grandfather." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath." I suspected as much. I'm glad he finally saw reason to confirm it. Luckily we have the compass so no matter where he is we will find him."
She noticed he still looked as though something was heavy on his mind."Darling, are you alright? He wasn't awful to you was he?" He shook his head."It's not that. I believe he is thinking about what he's done. He knows the evil he lives with now and he also seemed remorseful." She let out a huff of air and crossed her arms over her chest. "I don't care about him. What he did to those women; he deserves far worse than what we've dished out thus far."
"Speaking of the women, I assumed you'd like to go to see Nairobi and Greta as soon as possible. I asked Smee bring breakfast here to the cabin." She looked up in alarm and then down at her bare body. "Oh." He laughed."Fear not Love, I'll make certain Smee remains outside the door so you can prepare for the day."
She leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek."Thank you for being so good to me. I know I've made a mess of things for you and your crew." He held her delicate hand."Love, we're pirates and have been for quite some time. This is just another adventure for us that I'd happily take again if it meant I found a treasure like you."
She caressed the side of his face and thought about what was to come. She'd make this ok. She had too. "I'd say you're more than pirates. I'd say you're heroes. After all you did rescue me and I plan to repay your crew for that once this is over." He kissed her softly on her cheek. "Let's get you ready for the day."
He helped her clean up and get dressed to meet their friends on the island. They made arrangements with Smee to look after their prisoner and took two men along with them to stand guard in front of the shop. After the prior day's ambush he didn't want to take chances.
Emma decided it was best for to transport them rather than be seen walking through the town. The four appeared in the opening of the shop to see the women cleaning up the mess from the day before. He gave his men orders to keep watch out front and they approached their friends quietly taking in the damage.
Nairobi looked up to greet them first."Good Morning Love birds."
Emma felt her face fall as she saw all of the damage caused because of her. "I'm so sorry. How can I help?" He put his hand on the small of her back to offer her some comfort.
Greta stood and smiled."How about ye work yer magic and clean up this mess." Nairobi laughed heartily and stood from the floor with the broken pieces in her hands. Emma's eyes widened."I could do that." She looked to Killian and he gave her some room.
The women came over and stood behind her. She closed her eyes and she felt the magic prickling over her skin. She thought about the shop before the incident occurred, the prominent glass cases in front with their trinkets on display, and she waved her hands over the mess.
She felt the magic pulsing from her as she reassembled the mess she'd created during the fight. She heard a sigh behind her and a soft touch on her shoulder. She opened her eyes to see everything was back the way it should be, all damage was repaired. She looked up to see Killian's approving nod and then the smiles on her friend's lovely faces.
"Oh, Thank ye Princess. Now we don't have to close the shop for repairs."
"Nairobi, it was my fault. It's the least I could to do set that right. I'm sorry I can't take the memories of what Neal did to both of you away." She said looking away shyly.
Greta laid a hand on her shoulder."Ye made things right. Tis not yer fault milady."
"Princess, actually you do have the power to alter our memory but if it's all the same to ye, I'd prefer to remember. He caught us off guard and we will be better prepared next time." Said Nairobi.
Emma's eyes went wide and she looked to Killian who was shaking his head."That is amazing. I suppose that is what Regina and the Dark One have done to Neal. I didn't realize I was capable of such magic."
The wise woman looked down."Aye, Princess. He was most certainly a victim of that spell. His thoughts were muddy and he was fueled more by emotion. I sensed his thoughts during our time together."
"Well, I've taken care of him. He is now a whole man; given back his full heart and the weight of his memories are bearing down upon him. If he has any goodness within, he will never do such heinous things again."
Greta came walking back into the room with her arms full of the magical texts. She really wanted to get copies for herself.
"Now that we've cleaned and disposed of the immediate threat we can get down to business." Said Killian smiling.
Emma grabbed his hand and squeezed."Darling, if you want to go back to the ship I can take you." He laughed."I'm not leaving your side. Last time I left you alone in this place I came back to find you a hairs breath from death Love." She squeezed his hand. In all that happened she needed to remember what he witnessed was important too.
"I'm sorry you had to see that. I want you to stay I just feel like I've taken over everyone's lives." He kissed her cheek softly."Love, you are my life now. I will be anywhere you need me to be. When this is over we shall go on great adventures together."
He looked so hopeful. She kissed him softly."I can't wait."
"Princess, ye know he enhances your magic. Tis best he stays, ye should see yer aura today. It's actually rather unusual, are you feeling a bit off this morning?"
She nodded."I used a healing charm this morning after a thoughtless night of too much rum."
Nairobi walked over and placed a hand on her loving partner's shoulder."Ah, that explains it. The rum can do that to ye. Let's get started." Greta looked up and smiled."I can't wait to see what ye can do. I'm sure ye've much improved since we've last seen ye."
"Oh yes. I've been having great fun." She said smiling.
Her power was amazing. She defeated the evil queen. My crew was brought to their knees as she completed the task because she was magnificent to behold. She transported the entire crew along with the Jolly Roger to her parents land. She's quite the marvel." He boasted.
She patted the hand he had wrapped around her arm lovingly."I've been having a bit of fun with color changing and other small things too. I also created additional healing disks and black magic charms. Thank goodness I had one of those today. I know why you wanted those now."
"Princess, the change in ye is simply amazing. I'm proud to see ye this way, so powerful and strong." She looked to Greta and smiled."Look at her." The kind woman smiled." I know, she is amazing."
Emma could feel the heat rushing to her cheeks. She never thought to be described as powerful. It was a good feeling. "Please, if it weren't for the three of you I would be nothing. I owe it all to you." She leaned into Killian's chest and he kissed the top of her head.
"Princess, what is it that ye wanted to try first?" asked Nairobi. She hurried to the counter and quickly flipped open the texts. She was so excited to finally get some answers. They studied the pages that she found most difficult to translate. Once they explained the key she was able to grasp the symbols and decipher their meaning. It was yet another thing to understand pronunciation.
Try as she could, she couldn't get some of the incantations right. There were chickens, lizards, and frogs hopping around the store at different times that afternoon. Killian sat back and watched her. He was fascinated at her every movement. She would get this adorable little crinkle in between her eyes when she was frustrated beyond belief.
He would walk to her and hold her for encouragement when she seemed overly frazzled. She practiced cloaking and illusion charms with Greta and Nairobi. It was amazing how she could make them look or appear anyway she needed. She also protected their store the same way she protected the castle and the ship from intruders who may wish to eavesdrop on the open minds in their store He knew those spells were dangerous, that knowledge was something he planned to keep to himself.
He also recognized the great power she possessed. Greta and Nairobi may have a sense but she had great magical power. They could teach but they could not do. He was never happier to have found an ally for her in them. His guards were required to remain outside as well. He didn't want her abilities to get out to anyone. The fewer people who know what she could do the less of a threat they would face.
The ultimate threat of the Dark One was already looming over them. He prayed that she would be powerful enough to face him. All of this preparation was in anticipation that he would fight them if they tried to take Henry. Based on the conversation with Neal, he suspected they were in for a fight, he would never let go of the boy willingly.
He was snapped from his thoughts when he heard her calling. "Killian, come and see!"
He was quickly at her side, arm wrapped around her waist."What is it Love? Is everything alright?" Her emerald eyes were sparkling with excitement."These are the instructions to travel realms. We can move between the spaces to get there. All those places that I thought were just legends are real! Oz, Neverland, Camelot, Narnia, Wonderland and Arendelle, they are all real and this spell is the key to unlock them. I believe that my magic can support this type of travel without a portal."
He cocked his head to the side and looked at the wonder in her face. His memory also drifted slightly to the treasures that he'd heard of in those lands. He smiled." That's wonderful Love, would certainly make for the adventure we spoke about."
"Oh Darling, Can you imagine? Henry will be so excited to hear this. I can't wait to tell him." She said with such excitement that he couldn't contain his own. He looked to the other women who were smiling.
"Greta, do ye see what I mean. Their love is incredible. Ye should have seen them the first time I met them together." She pulled her close. "Aye, they do make quite a pair. I think we should let the princess take this one. Can ye bear to part with it?" Nairobi nodded."I think it belongs to her, she's taken to it and the spells have taken to her."
Emma looked at the pair of women with a look of surprise."Do you mean to give me the Blumier?" She looked to Killian and he smiled.
"Princess, I think this book was meant to be with ye, just as the Captain was meant to be with ye. These texts are just words to some but for ye, they unlock mysteries, take ye places, and protects ye. We would love for ye to have it. Tis a gift from us."
She rushed around and gripped both of the women together in a tight hug."You've no idea what this means to me. If all should go well." He interrupted that statement.
"Love, don't you mean when, when all goes well." She looked over at the certainty on his face."When all goes well, I will take you somewhere. That is a promise." She walked back to Killian and took his hand."Aye, we shall take you anywhere you wish."
"That is very generous of ye. We shall be ready to celebrate when ye succeed. I can't wait to meet yer boy." She looked over at the pair of women."I can't wait for you to meet him too. He is quite inquisitive and will love your shop."
He saw a thoughtful look upon her face and he knew it was time for them to take leave. They needed to plan their mission to get Henry. "Shall we go Love?" He studied her expression and saw the hesitation in her response."Yes, we should. We will see you both soon. Thank you for everything."
"Of course milady; best of luck to you." Said Nairobi.
He placed the Blumier into his satchel and walked her to the door. She looked back to see the two women huddled together that she hoped she would see again. They were the closest thing to friends she'd had in a very long time. They gathered the two men and she transported them back to the ship.
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Once on board the ship she felt the weight of what must be done. It was up to her now to get her son back and face the demon holding him. Killian insisted on coming with her and they debated about how to go about it. Since the compass would pinpoint the exact location of Henry they would certainly find him, the only question was where. There was no way to determine where they would land once they left.
They also still had to deal with their prisoner. If only he hadn't have come and distracted them, this could be all over now. After some discussion she and Killian decided that they would talk to Neal together. He took her hand and they walked down to the brig together. He brought her strength and even though she'd shown him how strong she is, she couldn't erase the years of fear and torture that existed within her head.
Killian had her hand in a tight squeeze. He approached the cell and merely looked at his men to dismiss them. Neal looked up to see them together and she felt a nagging pit in her stomach to see his face once more. He stood and approached the bars. He looked them over cautiously.
"I'm glad you're here. I've been thinking and I want to help you get Henry."
She looked to Killian with the question behind her eyes. He blinked slowly as if to answer her and she cautiously asked. "Can we trust you?"