Happy 19th Birthday to me! I want to think you all for reading. Your support means so much to me. I never would be able to do it without you and your support. You, my wonderful readers are the reason that I am pursuing a degree in Screenwriting for television and I just wanted to thank you. What better way to celebrate my birthday than to give you a chapter with one of my personal favorite characters to write for? Oliver, Kendra, and Leif, as well as all of the existing characters have always wanted me to keep writing for you all. Thank you again. It really means a lot! 3
-Madison
CHAPTER FORTY-Back in the Enchanted Forest, On the Docks
"Captain Jones? Liam told me you needed help with something?" Oliver called out as he boarded The Jolly Roger.
"Actually, lad, I have a job for you, or more like a favor." Killian came down from the helm.
"Sure, Captain, anything."
"What is with all the sudden formalities? You can still call me Killian. Captain sounds weird coming from one of my children's closest friends," Killian gently slapped Oliver on the shoulder.
"Sorry Killian, I wasn't sure if things changed since I am no longer a child and now somewhat part of the royal guard. So, what was the favor you needed?"
Killian glanced around the deck to make sure no one was around to hear what her was about to say, and dropped his voice down to a whisper. "Well, mate, I need you to be prepared to do something for me upon the girls' return, but you mustn't tell anyone what it is. Can I trust you?"
"Of course," Oliver gave a salute to Killian, "pirate's honor, if that's a thing…"
"How much experience do you have around your mother's magic?" Killian raised his eyebrow.
"Mother was never timid to use it around me, so I've been around it as long as I could remember. Why?"
"Are you comfortable around it?"
"Yeah, why?" Oliver scowled.
"You aren't scared of it, even one bit?" Killian stressed.
"No, why?" Oliver's voice wavered.
"I need someone to keep an eye on Kendra when she gets back. I presume she won't be quite like herself when she returns," Oliver caught a hint of sadness in Killian's tone.
"If this is about Kendra, then why ask how I feel about my mother's…you don't mean…" Oliver's eyes grew wide.
"Aye, lad. Kendra…will have obtained dark magic in Storybrooke," Killian sighed.
"But Kendra wouldn't do that, would she? What could possibly drive her to do such a thing? No offence to Rumplestiltskin or my mother, of course."
"I believe that information should come from either Kendra or Colette. I really don't think it is my place to tell. I will say she had her reasons."
"If you knew, why didn't you warn them? According to Kendra and Colette, the only thing they were told about their mission was that they had to save Storybrooke."
"I know it seems awful that no one told them exactly what they were going back to Storybrooke to do and what to expect, but your mother, Belle, The Crocodile, Emma, and I decided that it was for the best. If you knew that you would be tempted by dark magic, you would want to try to avoid it at all costs, would you not, mate?"
"I guess so…"
"What if that dark magic was the only hope of those two getting home safe? I don't think any of us would be able to forgive ourselves if something happened to them…"
"It is already too quiet without them around and it has only been a couple days. I am sure that they will understand when they get back. You just want the best for your daughter and future daughter-in-law. So, what exactly do you need me to do?" Oliver stood tall.
"I just want you to be Kendra's personal guard of sorts. Stay close by to her and make sure that she doesn't do anything that she'll regret," Killian explained.
"What if she does something I can't stop?" Oliver questioned, concern rising in his voice.
"Just make sure she is safe. Do whatever you can to make sure Kendra is alright. She has been known to shut people out when her powers get out of control. Just try and be her friend like you always have. Can you do that for me, lad?"
"I think so. I trust her and I don't think she would purposefully do something to harm me or anyone else. I'd be happy to help her. She would do the same for me," Oliver grinned.
"Thank you, mate. I am forever in your debt," Killian nodded. "You should probably get back home before your mother starts to worry."
"She should know by now that I can take care of myself," Oliver looked annoyed.
"Aye, but even though I know Liam and Kendra can take care of themselves, I still worry," Killian smirked.
Oliver turned to get off of The Jolly Roger, pausing right before he stepped onto the gangplank. "Killian?"
"Aye, lad?"
"Why me? You could have easily chosen someone else," Oliver didn't even look back to meet his gaze.
"Why wouldn't I ask you? You have been her friend for as long as I can remember."
"In that case why didn't you ask Liam, Neal, or…Leif?" Oliver practically growled the Prince of Arendelle's name.
"My son will most likely be occupied with his new fiancée when he gets back. Neal's table is full with the amount of royal duties his parents are throwing him in preparation to take the throne. As for Leif, I don't feel particularly comfortable leaving that boy alone with my daughter for an extended period of time." Oliver could hear the annoyance in his tone.
"Thank you for entrusting me. I know that she means the world to you," Oliver said softly.
"Aye, the world and much more. I give you my permission to do whatever you need to do to make her happy," Killian sighed, "just make sure my little swan is safe and sound."
"Just send for me the moment the Savior Swan is spotted off port. I'll be here as soon as I can to help." Oliver took one final glance at Killian before heading to his home in the forest.
"There is always room for you at the castle once you begin your task!" Killian called to the prince as he started back home.
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