When youâre walking home in trackies, weighed down with shopping bags and you see this beautiful angel đą would have asked for a photo but I was too star struck đ
As someone who suffers with depression, anxiety, heart problems and epilepsy I can honestly say: the days will pass, sometimes too slow, sometimes too fast but in the end we will beat ALL illness. I believe in every. single. one. of. you.
I would like an opinion... I have two names I love for my new baby girl, but I canât decide which goes before which.... my moon (Luna) and sun (Thea) or my sun (Thea) and moon (Luna)
Last night, a member of our Once Upon a time family was among those that lost their life in such a terrible, cruel way. My heart goes out to Georginaâs family, friends and all that knew her.
The impact of this event has affected individuals far and wide and many are left grieving this terrible tragedy.
Look out for one another. Be patient with each other. We are a family. At times like this, we must stand together.
I live near the Manchester arena and it scares me to think how close this was to me and how many of my friends were there. Spreading my love to all her family and friends and everyone affected we need to stand strong together â¤ď¸đđđđ¤đ
âWell, I do believe that would be me, Princessâ
The voice was calm, cold and accented. Emma, unafraid and determined, rose to her feet and head held high.
âAnd just who are you?â She asked shortly, huffing out a derogatory scoff as she looked the dark figure up and down. She was unable to see his face but decided to go in strong, acting every bit the Princess she was.
The dark figure laughed, dropping into a low sweeping bow;
âWhy the master of this castle, of course!â He returned to full height, Emma could feel him staring at her, eyes boring into her soul. âOtherwise known as the Dark One.â
He waited for her panic, an unsettled feeling filling his stomach, of resentment and bitter joy. No one had stuck around to accept him as the Dark One, everyone fled eventually. Except those stuck here by his curse, to watch her run would give him a sick sense of pleasure. Everyone leaves in the end.
âYou have to let him go.â She stated, breaking his trail of thought.
âGo? Love, heâs my prisonerâ He shrugged and bent his head to play with something on his left hand, the low light of her torch flickered off it and sent shivers down her spine.
âCanât you see heâs injured? He needs help immediately, didnât you at least try to tend the wounds?â
She bent down again to take a closer look at her fatherâs injuries, she could see someone had attempted to stitch the deep gouges together but it looked as though it had been reopened with quite some force. She could feel her temper rising, her blood running cold. She clenched her hands and rose to her feet shakily, all she could see was red.
âDid you do this.â It wasnât a question, she spoke the words in a low hiss and filled with such malice that he nearly didnât hear them.
âHe trespassed.â As if that was some sort of answer, the anger was boiling inside of her now; any moment she would snap.
âEmma⌠please.â
She looked towards her father once more, saw the pleading in his eyes and took a deep breath; she would never free him if she was to lose her temper.
âBecause.â She started, taking another breath, âHe was injured, as you can see.â She gestured to her father still captive in his cell. She thought it would calm her until she saw her fatherâs wince of pain and the fire relit in her soul, roaring through her.
âWhat kind of soulless, heartless monster are you?!â She screamed at the shadow, hand gripping to the torch, she could feel the elaborate details press into her palms leaving marks there.
Killian laughed again, stepping into the light provided by the torch.
âThis kind.â
The room stood deadly still, the world silent around them. Emmaâs eyes ran over his face, tracing every twisted feature, every scar, and imperfection.
He was tall, well built but not bulky; dressed head to toe in dark clothing, mostly leather. He had a scar on his chin, his hair although hanging over his eyes was thick and black like a ravenâs. His skin was silvery, almost scaly, catching the light every time he turned. She could see the hook attached to his left arm, it was what had caused the light to catch on moments ago. But what had made Emma gasp was the blue of his eyes, the clearness of them; untouched by darkness, deep as oceans and light as her own soul; and yet heavy and ageless, with the weight of all he had seen. He was handsome, if you didnât count his impossibly despicable behaviour and brutish temper.
She pulled herself up to her full height, met his eyes and spoke slowly and with all the authority she could muster.
âLet. Him. Go.â She refused to break his gaze, she stepped closer to him, invading his space.
âAnd what will you give me in return?â he lifted his hook to catch a loose bit of hair hanging around her shoulders, pushing it behind her.
âWhat?â She asked incredulously, âGive you? You should free him because-â
âIâm a good person?â he sneered, the words sounding bitter on his tongue, âPleaseâ he scoffed, âHas any of this given you the slightest inclination that I have a shred of humanity left? So, I ask again: What will you give me?â
âGold. We have lots of it, jewels, and gemstones too.â She offered, his shoulders shook with repressed laughter,
âWhat need have I for jewels darling? Look around you, do I look like Iâm short on clink?â he waved his hooked arm around him. He raised his eyebrow expectantly again; she sucked in a breath, daring to let her eyes flit behind her to her father before facing the monster once more.
âAlright then. What aboutâŚâ She hesitated slightly, caution causing her stomach to tense and knot up inside her. She drew another breath and summoned all the courage she had.
âMe.â
Such a simple word, yet it filled her with such horror. She would hand herself over to this monster to save her father, she had time to escape, she was unharmed and could find a way out. Her parentâs had time to make a plan to save her before it was her turn to ascend the throne.
And yet, she couldnât bring herself to take her next breath. The eyes that were once so clear and blue before were dark and stormy, nearly black against his silver skin.
âA quick fuck?â She gasped, instinctively raising her hand to strike him, which he caught with ease, using it to pull her closer so she could feel his breath on her face.
âNo thank you. I reject your offer, he stays.â He made to turn away, back to the door, repulsed by her offer.
She didnât have time to think, she was drowning in panic and the words tumbled out against her will.
âNo, Iâll stay. Forever. Think about it, a princess as your slave.â He stopped dead still against the door, thinking it over.
What use did he have for a wounded prisoner? She could at least be put to use.
As what? You have servants and what good are they? He argued with himself, hand fisting tightly.
âFine.â He turned, stepping back to the light, reaching out to grab her arm. âBut you must stay here forever.â
Emma winced slightly at his tight grip, nodding, âYou have my word, but first, free him.â
âNo Emma! I wonât let you do this!â She closed her eyes, trying to silence her fatherâs protests, âThis will break your motherâs heart, and mine too, you canât do this!â
âSilence!â Killian roared, lifting his arm.
âNo!â Emma grabbed his arm before he was able to produce any magic, âAt least let me say goodbye.â
He looked down at her, she could see the battle in his eyes, could feel the indecision coming off him in waves.
âYou have one minute.â He lowered his arm, crossing them and staring at her. When she raised her eyebrows in question he responded, âIâm not leaving. Iâm no fool.â
Biting her tongue, she turned to the cell prepared to lower herself to the ground when the door swung open. She turned her head, Killian just shrugged and looked away â almost self-consciously, she begrudgingly gave him a thankful smile.
âFather, youâre going to be okay,â She whispered, bending down and crawling close to him, raising a hand to rest on his cheek.
âI canât let you do this, itâs my job to protect you.â He kept his voice low so the Dark One wouldnât hear, grabbing her hand in his so tightly.
She smiled comfortingly, âItâs my choice this time. I promise papa, Iâll be okay. I will escape, you taught me well, you and mama.â Giving his hand a returning squeeze, tears falling slowly down her cheeks.
âToo well, I worry sometimes.â He chuckled, wincing, âI will find you, I will gather all my men, every man in our kingdom if necessary and we will find you.â He vowed, the truth strong in his eyes as he spoke,
âItâs what our family does. Papa, tell mama-â She broke off mid sentence as her father was engulfed in red smoke, there was nothing left of him when it dissipated; Emma stared at her empty hands, the tears flowing more freely now.
âYou!â She whirled around to face the monster standing outside the cage, âYou didnât even let me say goodbye! Iâll never see him again. You didnât even let me say goodbye.â She doubled over as a sob tore through her throat, echoing off the empty walls, the sound travelling throughout the castle. The following scream was harrowing, one of pain and agony and she cried for everything she had lost.
Her family. Her future. Her soul.
~BATB~
In the drawing room, the servants stood, listening to the screams of torment drifting from the tower. Regina stood facing the fire, watching the flames twist and turn higher and higher, pretending she couldnât hear the pain. Her face sombre glowing red from the fire, eyebrows drawn in concentration.
Robin was pacing up and down the worn carpet, shaking his head and muttering to himself, twiddling an arrow, deep in thought. Granny sat on the sofa knitting forgotten beside her, Rubyâs head on her lap, gently stroking her hair in comfort as the tears shone in her eyes.
âThatâs it. No. I wonât do this any longer.â
The room turned to look at Regina inquiringly as she whirled around and stormed for the door. Robin followed in curiosity, closely followed by Ruby and Granny.
âRegina! What are you doing?â Robin asked, walking quickly to keep up with the long strides,
âI canât take any more of this incessant crying. Iâm going to offer her a better room.â She paced up the stairs, âOne without the acoustics.â She grumbled.
âBut what about the master?â Ruby asked, looking over her shoulder, Granny reached up to place a hand upon it.
âTo hell with him, how he can tune this out I donât know, but I canât and I need beauty sleep.â
Reaching the top of the tower, she threw open the door and stormed inside, grimacing as the crying grew louder, she fished out the key from her pocket and unlocked the cell door.
âOh do stop your blubbering.â The princess looked up in shock to find four people standing outside the cell, she hastily wiped away the falling tears and took a breath to steady herself, âItâs been nearly a day since your father left-â
Robin coughed, âActually itâs been about five minutes, your highness.â
Regina rolled her eyes, âYou donât want to sleep here do you?â She huffed in annoyance, awaiting the answer,
âNo⌠Of course notâ Emma clambered to her feet, straightened her riding clothes and brushed away the stray tears. She stretched out a hand, âPrincess Emma of Misthaven.â
Regina looked down at her hand, and back up to her face, scoffed and turned away walking back towards the stairs,
âThis way then. Hurry or Iâll leave you to sleep on the hay.â
Emma looked after her blankly, turning to the remaining three people in the tower, eyebrows raised in question. Robin was the first to answer,
âShe can be a little⌠temperamentalâ He offered kindly, gesturing for her to go ahead of him.
âTemperamental?! She nearly burnt down my kitchen!â Granny cried, outraged, âYou ignore him, dear, heâs just soft on her.â
âAm not.â He replied petulantly, âShe annoys me to the ends of the earth!â He pushed past Emma and went strolling down the stairs, causing Emma to stop.
Granny gave Emmaâs shoulder a comforting squeeze and carried on walking past her, âCome along dearâ she muttered politely, but it was Ruby who tugged on her arm with a smile and nodded for her to carry on before Emma started walking again.
âIâm sorry about them, weâve been here for a long time and sometimes we forget what other people are like.â She smiled, âIf it helps, I think theyâre crazyâ
Emma found herself chuckling while walking with Ruby, listening to the tales of Regina and Robin fighting, and how they were certain to fall in love if they both just admit it. She told her of the numerous occasions they would fight even when they were on the same team, just because of their predisposition to disagree with each other.
They were following the others through the long and winding castle halls. Emma was sure she would get lost in a palace this size, it was bigger than her own, that is if she was ever allowed out of her room, which she doubted.
A small part of her wondered if the Dark One, her new lord and master knew she was being moved to a new bedroom, wondered whether he had agreed to it or not. Her eyes flickered all around, taking in the design of the castle, the colours and decorations, the time that had gone into building such craftsmanship.
Ruby stopped walking, freezing in place; she threw a quick apologetic glance to Emma before Granny whisked her away. Robin had vanished from the hall, leaving Regina throwing her arms wildly around her. She was a good distance in front of Emma and it looked like she was arguing with herself, Emmaâs eyebrows drew together in confusion. She took a few hesitant steps forward until a figure leapt out of the shadows,
âHow dare you defy me!â Emma swallowed thickly and stepped back cautiously, hoping not to be noticed.
âGoing somewhere?â She whirled around to find the Dark One standing behind her, breathing heavily she took a step back. In response he raised an eyebrow, and tilted his head to the side, patiently waiting.
She looked over her shoulder to find Regina standing there watching them, before huffing in exasperation and walking away, disappearing into the shadows herself.
âI⌠uh.. I was following Regina?â it wasnât meant to be said as a question but with his eyes boring into her she felt a brief flicker of panic.
âAh yes. To your new room.â He raised his hook to his chin and pretended to think, âWhat was wrong with your previous accommodations slave?â
The word was like a slap in the face, of course, she knew she was to be his slave but she never even considered he would be such a brute about it.
âI have a name you know.â She folded her arms across her chest defensively,
âOh! I have one too! Shall we be best friends?â He asked sarcastically and rolling his eyes, before walking down the hall at a fast pace. When Emma hadnât moved he looked back and threw over his shoulder, âWell. Are you coming or not? I donât have time to hold your hand, Princess.â
âNever expected you to.â She bit out, storming ahead leaving him to catch up to her.
The silence between them was thick and loaded with tension, Emma cleared her throat slightly before attempting a conversation,
âSo⌠A Princess as your slave. Thatâll be good, help you to intimidate other kingdoms? Surrender to me or Iâll take your heir?â She swallowed hard, she was sure that must have been what he was thinking when he agreed to this deal.
Killian stopped short, rounding on her with such fury, towering over Emma. His eyes flaring with rage and his brows drawn together, jaw ticking. She could feel his body shaking from where she stood, as he pressed against her.
âIs that what you think I am? Some coward who will blackmail and abuse to get what I want?â His mind raced to a coward heâd once known, an evil, manipulative man. A man heâd killed. The anger flowed freely through him now.
âWell look at what youâve done to me. To my father.â She whispered, looking into his eyes, challenging his power.
âThat was your choice, Princess.â He returned, words low and dark, eyes reflecting the blackness within. âYour chambers⌠your highness.â He mocked her again with another low bow and a smirk plastered on his face as he rose.
She hadnât realised that they had stopped at a door until heâd mentioned it, he motioned to it and it creaked open on its old hinges. She took one last look at her owner before he raised his hand and vanished in a cloud of red smoke; she huffed and walked into the room before her.
She had expected the barest of rooms, no more than a cot to sleep in and a candle for light, although in truth she believed that he wouldnât even leave her with a light.
She wasnât prepared for what was awaiting her on the other side of the door, she gasped as she took a few steps inside. The room was much bigger than her own palace; gold guilding was spun over the ceiling leading down to a four-poster bed with fine silk linen and plump cushions in deep reds and glimmering gold; thin material hung over the top gently moving back and forth. She hadnât realised how much her feet were aching, her body tense, her shoulders stiff until she sat on the bed, sinking into the thick feather mattress.
She couldnât stop herself from taking in every detail of this new room, there was a faint smell of lavender and lemons and her stomach growled quietly in discontent. She hadnât eaten in a while and she was starting to feel it; she took a deep breath and walked to the door, rattling the handle to see if it was locked, it would be just like him to lock her back in a room, like a bird in a gilded cage.
She laughed at that, what a pretty little birdie in a pretty little cage. She smirked. She was not so easily trapped, there were other ways out.
But it was open, much to her surprise, did that mean she was free to go through the castle as she pleased? She was debating whether or not to leave the room when she saw Granny and Ruby bustling towards her with a trolley filled with tea and cake.
âHow about a nice spot of tea, dear?â She asked kindly, âCome on, letâs get inside.â
Emma opened the door wider to allow them to come in, she sat on the bed with Ruby while Granny took the stool and poured some tea.
âWe think you were very brave, for saving your father like that.â Ruby told her, âWe all do,â she offered her a small smile and patted her back.
âHeâs my father, of course Iâd do anything to protect him. But I wonât be here long, Iâm going to leave this place and never come back.â She spoke, her mind far away; assessing how many sheets she would have to tie together to make it out of that window.
âOh, but you canât!â Ruby cried, reaching out for Emmaâs arm,
âSheâs right dear, the master will just drag you back whether you want to come or not.â She muttered sadly, âHeâs been kind enough to let you have this room, youâd be surprised what else heâd be kind enough to allowâ
âHow about my freedom?â she mumbled bitterly, when Granny looked away awkwardly she continued, âWhy do you defend him? Heâs taken my father hostage, and taken me as his prisoner instead. That man is evil.â
âItâs not so bad here, youâll see. Ruby has lessons with Jiminy, and Robin practices archery in the gardens, I prepare the food- thereâs plenty to do here. Why, tomorrow Ruby can give you a tour of the castle?â She offered,
âThatâs all very kind of you, but I donât belong here.â She smiled sadly, âI belong with my family, Iâm sorry.â She flopped backwards on the bed, arms stretched wide. Ruby and Granny began to walk out of the room, deflated.
Once the door closed she could hear them talking between themselves, she pushed herself up onto her elbows but couldnât hear clearly enough. She quietly tip-toed to the door,
âBut Granny, she must be the one! She can destroy the darkness, the one who was foretold, she can free him. Free us.â
Free him? She was the one who was a prisoner not him! She wanted to scoff but held it back when Granny started speaking,
âThese things take time my dear, you canât expect them to fall in love overnight.â
Love! Ha!
Emma wrenched the door open, sending a high pitched squeak echoing through the halls, the two women gawked at her, like prey caught in a hunterâs gaze.
âLetâs make one thing perfectly clear- I am not going to love that hideous beast, not now and not ever. Iâm not the one to break the curse, I want to go home.â She shouted, feeling guilty at the way their eyes bulged.
From the corner of her eye she could see a dark figure looming in the shadow, she knew it was him but she no longer cared. Turning to him she proclaimed,
âDid you hear that clearly enough? Iâm never going to fall in love with you, you monster!â The door slammed closed behind her, Ruby and Granny scurried away to the kitchen, leaving Killian standing alone.
This one would be fun to break, she was strong-willed and would need careful attention, but in the end, they always break. Killian's face lit up with a sickening smirk, plans already forming in his head;
Iâm writing chapter three for Red as the Rose! Iâm very excited after all the responses Iâve been receiving, I hope you guys like it and Iâm hoping to have it up by tomorrow!
Only moments ago, David had been riding in formation with his men, on a perfectly normal patrol of the forest. Lancelot was telling another joke, when every man fell silent, the ground turning white into snow. It hadnât snowed in his kingdom since summer began.
The men drew their swords in anticipation of thugs and ruffians of the forest, not evening stopping to think a pack of hungry wolves would descend upon them.
David hadnât had a chance to think, his horse throwing him to the ground, his knights scattered and their grunts of pain and exertion heard through the clearing.
He pulled himself up to standing, his sword laying in front of him as a wolf sized him up, teeth glinting in the low light.
âNice dog?â he tried, arms spread wide hoping the animal could see he didnât want a fight.
A growl bit out from the beast as David lunged for his sword, the snow breaking his fall. He scrambled around to pull himself to his feet, and took off at a run, he looked over his shoulder but could no longer see his knights. The lack in concentration caused his foot to catch on a root, meeting the floor once again.
Rolling over from his position on the floor, he swung his arm round and the hilt of his sword collided with the head of the wolf, that had chased him through the woods, which in turn snarled and bit into his right leg.
Blood immediately started welling up and oozing from the rip in his trouser leg, David screamed in pain, swinging his sword again, aiming to kill this time. He managed to catch it with the blade but not before itâs claws slashed down his left side leaving deep gouges.
A flash of lightening lit up the clearing, seconds later a deep rumble of thunder echoed through the trees, the wolves whimpering in fear and retreating to the cover of the trees. David struggled to look around in confusion, trying to figure out the source of the noise. Mere moments ago, the sun had been shining brightly in the sky, how could it suddenly be storming?
He shuffled backwards until his back was against a tree, breathing as deeply as he could, while he assessed the injuries.
âSnow is going to be furious.â He chuckled to himself despite the pain lacing through his body, âLancelot? Where are you my friend?â David asked to an empty forest.
He waited a moment, using the tree to pull himself to his full height, attempting to walk back to the clearing but finding nothing. His eyebrows pulled together, where had everyone gone?
âLancelot?â David shouted, louder this time, only hearing the wail of wolves in the distance.
He decided not to stay out in the open anymore, perhaps they had sought refuge in the trees? The sun was beginning to lower in the sky and David swallowed hard, if he couldnât find his way home by the time the dark came, he would be stuck here for the night. The sound of howling wolves sent shivers down his spine.
âThere has to be somewhere nearby to find safety for the night.â He concluded, surely if he carried on walking he would eventually find a place to rest for the night, his injuries gave a twinge of pain and he realised he might not have all night.
As he limped from tree to tree, allowing them to take his weight, David realised this was not the greatest plan heâd ever had. Arguing with himself whether he should carry on walking or stay put and wait for someone to find him, he felt as though he walked through a web, a strange rippling feeling flowed over his skin.
And as if by magic wrought iron gates, rusted and dirty appeared before him. He shook his head, closing his eyes as if the castle would suddenly disappear. The gates opened of their own accord, and a man came running down the path, David blinked hard, clearly his imagination was running wild.
âAre you alright my friend?â The figure asked, blurring the closer he got, David felt weak, shaking violently before his legs gave way.
He heard the figure shout to him to stay with him as the darkness surrounded him, and he lost all consciousness.
~BATB~
David groaned, his body feeling tight and stretched. He quickly assessed himself, he was feeling pain still, although much duller, he was lying down on something soft and there was someone leaning over him.
He sat up quickly, as far as he could, and the woman leaned backwards to avoid bumping heads with him,
âWhere am I?â he questioned quickly, looking around as if he could answer that himself by determining the objects in the room.
âYouâre still injured, lie back down dear.â David looked up into the face of a kindly old woman, âMy nameâs Granny, you rest weâll look after you.â She smiled affectionately towards him.
âWe shouldnât be doing this. Heâll cause us nothing but trouble, what if the master finds out?â A woman in dark clothing, stood tall and proud, she swirled round, her dress twisting around her legs, sharp eyes turning to Granny.
âWell, we canât leave the man injured, now can we?â The man in the corner argued, he turned to David, reaching out a hand towards him, âIâm Robin by the way, thatâs Regina over there, the one with the stick up her a-â
âAsk not.â Granny snapped, rolling her eyes, âThey fight those two, just leave them be, they can fight over anything and everything.â
Davidâs eyes flicked between Robin and Regina, each giving a distasteful stare to the other.
âThe master?â he asked, trying to push himself into a seated position, âWhere is he?â he directed his question towards Granny,
âOh, never you mind about that- would you like a spot of tea? Nothing seems so bleak after a cup of tea-â She started, leaning towards the tea trolley,
âThere isnât time for tea!â Regina snapped, waving her arms wildly around her, âHe could get us all killed! I refuse to be part of this.â
âThank you for your hospitality, but I really must be goingâŚâ David made to stand, wincing and falling back to the sofa he was slumped upon, Granny laying a comforting hand on his shoulder.
As Regina stormed for the door, every candle in the room was extinguished plunging them into darkness, David sat up straight once again, alarmed and barely feeling the pain through the adrenaline pumping through him.
âI told youâ Regina hissed into the blackness, âNow weâre all in for it.â
The wide doors on the far side of the room were thrown open, and banged upon the walls behind them. The air became thick and clammy as David fought for every breath, his heart hammering against his ribs.
âWho dares to enter my castle?â
David could feel Granny shuffle, clearing her throat before replying,
âHeâs injured my lord, we thought best to tend to him before heâs⌠no longer with us.â Although the slight tremble gave her away, David thought she spoke with confidence almost daring the voice to defy her.
âThat wasnât your choice to make, was it now, my dear Grannyâ The voice sneered at the old woman, a tall figure shrouded in black, a fraction darker than the room itself, David could just make out a face twisted into repulsion from the light of the moon.
âI had no part in this master. I told them to leave him be to die.â
âRegina!â Robin elbowed her in her side, âMy lord, we only meant to fix him up until he can make his way home, heâs the-â
âI know who he is. I know who everyone is.â The voice silenced him, âVery well then, if our guest wishes to stay, how about we offer a more comfortable room for him?â
His stomach dropped as the moonlight glinted off teeth, curled up into a sickening smirk. He felt a hand pull at the neck of his shirt, pulling him backwards his skin dragging harshly across the cold, rough stone.
âMaster!â
âStop it, no you canât!â The chorus of protests were drowned out by an almighty growl,
âThis is my castle, and you are all mine! You will do as I say or youâll all find yourselves within the dungeons too.â
David hissed in agony as he was hauled up the stairs and thrown into a cell within the dungeon, the door slammed closed as it echoed through the empty walls. It was dark down here, there was water all over the floor, a leak dripping from the ceiling into one of the puddles, a shiver ran down his spine as it looked up at his captor.
âWhat? Never seen a Dark One before?â it growled out, âNameâs Hookâ he held up a long glistening hook attached to his left forearm.
âPlease enjoy your stayâ he cackled before he retreated down the stairs, the door thumped shut with a final bang and he sighed deeply, how would he ever escape?
 ~BATB~
Emma had been riding hard all afternoon and finally arrived in the eastern fields, she leapt off her horse, still holding the lit torch she had carried with her. She crouched down towards the ground, she hadnât remembered it snowing recently and yet the ground was covered in a thin layer of the stuff.
Her mother had taught her how to track since she was little, she picked it up with ease as she had most things, sword fighting, archery, even dancing and small talk.
She saw scuffles on the ground, deep gouges in the mud and snow where a fight had obviously taken place. She followed each set of footprints but they all stayed within the clearing, she observed the edges of the clearing until she came upon broken twigs hanging from the trees, she smiled to herself proudly as she began to trace her fatherâs footsteps.
âI will find you father, I will always find you.â She vowed to the sky, still following the path he had left for her.
On the snow, there was a pool of blood followed by several streaks and her stomach twisted uncomfortably, he was hurt and she needed to find him quickly, that was an awful lot of blood on the ground.
Racing through the trees she could see the steps becoming longer and dragging more, clearly her father was losing his strength by this point and the knot in her stomach tightened even more.
Suddenly the blood and tracks stopped, she whirled around trying hard to find the next steps but found nothing. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end and she felt a strange prickle coursing through her blood.
She edged forward until she touched something solid, something there wasnât there; pushing forward, she felt as though she was walking through the thick goo the castle serves for pudding sometimes, until she was through the other side.
She was shocked to see a castle standing before her, tall towers, intricate designs surrounding the gates and doorways. She could see another thick layer of blood upon the snow and she was no longer afraid; her father was all that mattered now.
She squared her shoulders and walked towards the huge doors, finding them open she pushed herself inside ready to face someone, anyone who might be in her way.
But she found nothing, nobody. She huffed, relieved for a moment to gather her thoughts, still carrying the torch; she held it high to light the room as best she could.
There were chairs along the walls, a great chandelier hanging overhead, curtains pulled shut over the windows.
âFather?â She called out shyly, taking hesitant steps at first.
âLook Regina, a girl!â Robin whispered, nudging her with his elbow,
âI know itâs a girl. She shouldnât be here.â She turned to walk away, barely noticing Robin leaping from his hiding place and racing up the stairs, âRobin!â She hissed,
âWhoâs there?â Emma called, swinging her torch around to see better only to find an empty hallway in front of her.
The sound of footsteps could be heard and she turned to find a light filtering down from the stairs, expecting to find answers there, she followed the light. No longer taking small hesitant steps, she had no idea what condition her father was in, she didnât have time to waste.
She flew up the stairs two at a time, the light seeming to get further and further away from her, twisting around the spiral staircase going higher and higher.
âIâm looking for my father, please! Slow down!â She implored, âPlease, heâs hurtâ
She continued racing up the stairs until suddenly they stopped, the hallway twisted round and then evened out to show a heavy wooden door.
Emma placed the lit torch in a holder just above her and turned to pull the heavy door with both hands, grunting with the effort. Once opened she slipped inside, plucking the torch out the holder and headed forwards.
âFather? Are you here?â she called,
âEmma!â
âFather!â Emma dropped to her knees outside his cell, hand reaching inside for her father.
He gathered her hand in his and kissed her knuckles, smiling at her gratefully. His back was to the cell wall, dried blood had crusted on his thin shirt and he was looking very pale.
âHow did you find me?â He asked weakly,
âMother taught me to track well, we need to get you out of here, youâre hurt.â She tugged hard on the bars but they wouldnât budge an inch, she looked around for something to use, âItâs okay papa, Iâm going to get you out, just stay with me.â She pleaded.
âEmma, you have to leave, heâs here.â He swallowed hard, eyes begging,
âIâm not leaving you.â She vowed,
âYou have to! Now go, Iâll be okay.â He gave her knuckle one last kiss before letting go of her hand,
âWho would have done this? Youâre a King, they cannot do this to you!â She argued, her chest puffed out, shoulder straight and head tall, looking every bit the princess she was.
He shook his head, âPlease, just go, look after your mother and the baby, we will see each other again.â He reassured her, giving her a comforting smile.
âNo. Not until you tell me just who did this to you.â She was stubborn like her parents and would refuse to move until she got her answer.
David opened his mouth to answer when a cold gust came through the tower, and the torch Emma held flickered low, threatening to go out.
âWell, I do believe that would be me, Princessâ
Emma, crown princess of Misthaven, feels trapped within the castle walls. When her father goes missing on a normal patrol she takes matters into her own hands but wanders into the Dark One's grip. Loosely based upon Beauty and the Beast. AU
Also available on AO3 and FF.net
Chapter 1:
âCome out Dark One, I have come for my vengeance at last!â Captain Hook yelled out across the empty reception room.
The wrought iron staircase twisted unnaturally upward, shining in the dim light. Golden flecks glinted beckoning him forwards, the only metal he cared about was the one in his right hand clenched tightly between his fingers.
âI said appear!â Holding forth the dagger the figure emerged from the darkness atop the stair.
Moving slowly, begrudgingly, down the staircase coming to a stop a few meters before the one-handed pirate; face turned into a sickening smirk.
âI bet you thought you had this well-hidden, didnât you? Where no one would ever discover it? Well guess what crocodile,â He sneered, âI found it.â
He held the dagger in front of him, taunting him, twisting it so that the light bounced off the blade and into Rumpelstiltskinâs eyes, making him squint.
âGet on with it Captain, youâve finally achieved what youâve searched for, for over three hundred years so get on with it.â He bit out through clenched teeth, hand shaking at his side, body fighting to disobey.
âGladly. You took my love from me, and my hand. Youâve tortured my dreams for decades, and now finally, I will kill you-â
âOf course, Captain, but can you live with what comes next?â Rumpelstiltskin asked, features twisting maliciously, a dangerous glint in his eye.
âI know what comes next. I become you. A Dark One.â He swallowed hard, heâd known the price of his revenge and was loath to pay it, but he knew all magic came with a price and however hard it would be; He would pay it.
âItâs not just that Captain. You see, everything that lies in that dark and blackened heart of yours will be on show for everyone to see. Theyâll truly see you for who you are. A monster.â Mouth contorting into a smirk, âWhat I wouldnât give for Milah to see you now. Look at the man youâve become, youâll never find love again, Captain.â
âI donât need love, I had Milah, I donât want it.â He retorted, crying out in rage he drove the dagger through Rumpelstiltskinâs heart, twisting the blade for good measure.
âItâs not over Captain.â He whispered as he fell in a heap on the ground, the blackness oozing from the blade, twisting around his arm, encompassing him entirely.
He screamed and thrashed against the darkness, feeling it snuff out all traces of light. He saw the painful memories of his life that had lead him to this moment, his father abandoning him, the slavery ship, his brother laying in his arms; eyes unseeing, Milah falling to the deck as her heart turned to dust.
Eventually, after what felt like hours of fighting, he felt the darkness release its grip on him, but not its everlasting hold. The room around him blurred into sight, a figure looming over him as he pulled himself up from the ground.
âHiâŚâ The figure said, Hook leapt back in surprise before growling out, âI killed you. That is why I am dressed like this.â
Gesturing down to his thick black robes, shaking his head slowly, raising a hand causing a red burst of magic to swirl around him leaving him in his leather ensemble once more.
âYou killed Rumpelstiltskin, yes, but think of me more as a guide, until you embrace your darkness.â
âI think youâll find Iâve embraced my darkness long ago.â With a wave of his hand the image of Rumpelstiltskin crumbled to ashes, and dissipated across the hall floor.
Hook turned to face a grand mirror in the entrance hall, the silver frame twisting and turning around the edges to form a shining reflection of his face.
His skin had become dark and scaly, much like Rumpelstiltskinâs, his hair had turned dark and hung across his forehead heavily. His eyes however, although heavy bags lay underneath them; dark and hollow, his eyes were still the same bright blue they had always been. He snorted, so that was it then? A reminder of the man he once was, to constantly taunt him for the rest of his days.
âDonât be afraid, come on outâŚâ His face twisting into a dark smile, as the castle staff shuffled nervously from behind the doors, he swung around, long coat brushing around his knees as he extended his arm out dramatically, âThis castle is mine now, and everyone who belongs inside it.â
âIâm your new master now.â Magic swirled around the hall, cloaking everyone in the red haze.
As the years went by the castle fell into despair, for who could ever learn to love a beast?
~BATB~
âEmma? Emma for goodness sake where are you! The ball is about to begin!â Snow was walking the halls down to the stables, calling out for her daughter. âEmma! Must you make me walk so far?â
Snow was in the early stages of her pregnancy and was told to rest as much as possible, but when he daughter hadnât been in her room as the ball started she was too anxious to sit around waiting for her. She stopped short when she saw her daughter, sitting in the mud laughing with the stable boy, Graham.
âYou are the future queen of Misthaven, you have responsibilities of attending the ball tonight and you cannot go looking like that.â She waved her hand to the bottom of her crystal white gown covered in thick brown sludge.
âOh mother, you worry too much, I was planning on changing gowns when the ball started.â She waved her mother off impatiently, turning back to Graham.
âThe ball has already started! Your father is waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs and youâre not even in your chambers, come along!â She hooked her arm underneath Emmaâs and dragged her upwards and pulled her towards the castle.
âIâll see you at the ball Graham!â She called back over her shoulder with a smile, waving wildly as her mother picked up the pace.
âWouldnât miss it for the world, princess!â He returned, the words slipping through his laughter.
It was a few minutes before Emma pulled her arm away from her mother, with a sigh,
âHonestly mother, I was heading to my chambers now, I just lost track of time. You shouldnât be walking this fast, youâre pregnant!â She shrugged, moving quickly to keep up with her.
âYouâre too much like your father, thatâs the trouble, and I am aware I am carrying a child.â Snow insisted while smiling and shaking her head.
âYou say that like itâs a bad thing.â Emma raised her head high, she was proud to be like both her parents, the fierce fighters and loyal, passionate leaders.
Snow chuckled, shrugging, âYes, if being late and trying to charm the pants of everyone is a good thing.â
Emma rolled her eyes at her mother, she knew how much they loved each other- they shared many true love kisses but sometimes Emmaâs heart ached with loneliness, she knew she was never alone in the castle; she had her parents, her friends, but she always felt something was missing.
They reached her bedchamber, Snow pushing the door back and ushering her inside, guiding her towards the bed. There on the bed lay a beautiful dark green gown that matched her eyes perfectly; it had long sleeves and was gilded with gold around the edges.
âCome along now Emma, we donât have much time!â Her mother worried, biting her bottom lip as she undressed her.
Emma span around helplessly as her mother rushed around her like a whirlwind, and before she knew it she was clinging to her bed post as her mother tightened her corset.
âReally mother? Must I- Ooohf!â She inhaled deeply as Snow tugged once more âmust I wear this awful contraption?â Her nails biting painfully into the wood.
âYou must be properly dressed, now come, come!â Snow waved her arms for Emma to stand on a small stool as she carefully worked the dress over her head and body, fastening the laces at the front of the dress.
âThere, your dress looks beautiful, you and Johanna did a wonderful job designing it.â Snow looked at her in awe for a second and before Emma had time to even blink she was being rushed into her chair in front of her vanity table, with Snow pulling and teasing her hair.
âYour hair is so beautiful my dear but it is such a nuisance. Maybe you should consider cutting it?â Emmaâs brows knitted together and she shook her head, causing her motherâs hard work to fall out of place.
âNo, I like my hair the way it is. Iâm a woman now mama, I can decide for myself.â She crossed her arms over her chest and looked away from the mirror.
âDefinitely like your father.â Snow chuckled, picking up the strands of hair and rearranging it once more.
Minutes later, after the torture of make-up and combing her hair, Emma stood in front of the mirror to assess herself. Her eyes growing wide as she took in the young woman facing her in the reflection.
Her hair was beautifully combed and rolling in waves down her back whilst some of it was pulled up in to a delicate up do. The make-up was light and natural with only the slightest hint of rose on her cheeks and lips, with the faintest trace of black under her eyes.
And the dress, oh the dress. It hugged her body perfectly from the waist upwards, like a second skin, but flowed out around her hips down to her feet that twisted as she turned back and forth to see herself.
âYouâve done a wonderful job mother; I barely recognise myself.â Emma whispered reverently, whilst a blush creeped its way up her cheeks.
âOh I did nothing; you were already beautiful darling. Now there was one last thing I wanted to give you before the ball.â Snow turned to the box placed on the dresser; It was gold and had delicate, intricate carvings all around it.
She lifted the lid with caution, and picked up the tiara inside. It shone with diamonds and glittered with every movement, she held it out as Emma lowered her head slightly to accept it.
âMamaâŚâ she choked out as Snow tucked the tiara in place, leaning forward to kiss her forehead.
âDonât ruin my good work, come now, your father is expecting us and I will not turn into him.â She smiled, taking her daughterâs arm and walking from her room.
~BATB~
âPresenting her royal majesty, Queen Snow of Misthaven, and her daughter, her royal highness, Princess Emma.â
Emma clung tightly to her motherâs arm as they descended the stairs, feeling the eyes of everyone in the ballroom staring at her, she was afraid she would slip and fall for everyone to see.
Finally, her foot touched the bottom of the stairs and she breathed a deep sigh of relief, her father was waiting for them and leant forward to place a kiss to Emmaâs forehead, before embracing her mother.
âYou two are late.â He told them with a smug smile, eyes flicking between the two women.
Snow huffed, âBlame your daughter. She was out in the stables getting covered in filth.â Shaking his head her father threw her a quick wink as he guided her mother to the dance floor.
She sighed, it was only a matter of time before she was asked to dance, she looked around helplessly for her friends when she felt a presence behind her.
âYour highness,â the figure fell into a graceful bow, âMight I have the pleasure of a dance?â With one last glance around the ballroom she nodded and took the hand she was offered.
It seemed endless, being twirled this way and that, spun in circles and small talk involving the kingdom and politics with princes and dukes, all vying for her attentions. She spotted Elsa and Tink over by the windows, sending her smiles, hands wrapped around long drinking glasses.
She carefully extricated herself from the arms of the fifth prince of Northwood castle, offering a gracious curtsey and walking to her friends.
âGo on, what was wrong with this one?â Elsa sighed, waving her hand towards the blond hair prince.
âLike youâre one to talk. And how is your love life going Elsa?â Emma smirked,
âBetter than yours it would seem. I have plenty of suitors, just none that Anna need know about.â Elsa nodded towards her sister talking avidly to her fiancĂŠ.
âElsa!â Tink cried, hearing the implication in her voice, âWho is he? Why didnât you tell us!â nudging her friend with her elbow.
âBecause I was trying him on for size, turns out heâs terrible at keeping beds warmâŚâ She giggled, Emma and Tinkâs eyes widening,
âYou have to tell us everything!â Emma urged, reaching over to grab a drink off the serving tray
âI donât think you have time for that my dear,â Elsa nodded behind her, âLooks like prince âme, me, meâ is heading this way for a dance.â
Emma groaned, closing her eyes, scrunching them up tightly and praying he would just walk straight past her,
âYour highness.â
Or not.
She took a deep breath and forced a polite smile on to her lips, turning towards the prince, he bowed low, holding out his hand as he stood straight again.
âI am Prince Baelfire, might I have this dance?â His lips seemed permanently in a smug smile, she extended her hand, allowing him to place a sloppy kiss on it.
Grimacing at the moisture covering her hand, she tried to subtly wipe it off on the back of her dress, glancing at Elsa and Tink who were trying to hide their sniggers in their glasses.
âOf course, lead the way.â He yanked her forwards, harder than she had been prepared for, looking over her shoulder at her friends in distress, pleading with them to help.
He crushed her forwards against him, arm coming around to circle her waist and trap her there. Her head placed awkwardly close to his, his breath clinging to the skin of her throat. She cleared her throat and tried to lean back as far as he would allow.
âSo Prince Baelfire, what brings you to my kingdom?â She tried to force herself to act polite but the constant smugness plastered on his face made her stomach lurch uncomfortably.
âWhy to find a wife of course. You are the picture of beauty my Princess, we would make a fine match.â Emma tried to hide her grimace as he continued blind to her reactions. âImagine the children we would make with my brutish good looks and your simple elegant beauty.â
Simple?!
She tried to tune him out she really did; but the final straw came and she could hide her distaste no longer.
âThink of this, my latest kill roasting on the fire, our children playing on the floor with the dogs- weâll have five or six of them.â
âDogs?â Emma asked hopefully, however futile.
âNo, Emma, children! Of course, my little wife will be rubbing my feet after a long day of ruling both our kingdoms.â She didnât think his self-satisfied smile could get any worse and when his hand drifted too low she barely registered her hand pulling back before launching it forwards to hit him in the nose with a sickening, yet satisfying, crack.
The ballroom gasped and turned to the drama, Emma looked around at all the eyes on her searching for her mother and father.
âCome along Princess, I think youâve had too much wine.â She felt the comforting hand on her shoulder steering her to the shadows of the ballroom and out of one of the doors and into the kitchens.
âThanks Graham, that boarish, brainless brute has no idea how to talk to women. He wanted me to play the meek and mild obeying wife. Me!â She told him in disbelief as he handed her a damp cloth to press against her knuckles.
âI donât think anyone would make that mistake princessâŚâ Graham chuckled.
âEmma!â
âEmma!â
She groaned as her Elsa, Anna, Tink and her parents filtered into the kitchens, she buried her face in her folded arms resting on the table.
âIâm sorry!â She lifted her head up before glaring at her parents, âActually Iâm not sorry, I would rather live my life alone than be with such a selfish, self-obsessedâŚ. Brute!â
She was shocked to see her fatherâs shoulders moving up and down with his contained laughter.
âDavid.â Snow chastised him, slapping him lightly on his shoulder.
âIâm sorry Snow, but I canât help but be proud of our little girl. At least I know she can defend herself while Iâm away- she broke his nose Snow!â
Her eyes narrowed at her husband,
âYes. But not in a ballroom filled with visitors! Really EmmaâŚâ
âI thought she did the right thing, that man has no sense at all, keeps all his brains in his-â
âTinkerbell!â Snow admonished, eyes wide at the insinuated comment.
Emmaâs head fell back, groaning again and throwing the cloth on the table with a small smile towards Graham.
âIf someone is making inappropriate advances I will stop them, I am perfectly capable of defending myself while father is away.â
âGood because I leave in the morning.â David told her, looking awkwardly shuffling from foot to foot,
âTomorrow?â She glanced nervously between her parents, âWell if you must, but take care, and take guards-â
âEmma, stop worrying Iâll be fine, itâs a perfectly normal patrol of the forest, the Dark One has laid dormant for many years, I suspect there will be nothing to worry about.â Reaching out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder, using it to pull her forward into his embrace and cupping the back of her head with his hand.
âCan we please get back out there, I want to get back to dancing!â Anna cried enthusiastically, while Tink merely rolled her eyes and smirked,
âI want to see the damage Emma did.â
Emma scoffed as Elsa pulled her close and walked back towards the ballroom, âI really didnât break his nose, did I?â
~BATB~
Emma was walking her horse through the courtyard preparing for an afternoon ride when the guards came back, shouting and crying for help. She called for more guards and sent for Doc, the castle physician, she helped them off the horses and gently laid them on the grounds.
âMy father, where is he? Where are the others?â She asked impatiently, eyes searching every horse, scanning every path in or out of the castle.
âThe wolves, they attacked us, heâs still out there, Iâm so sorry my Princess.â Sir Lancelot answered, the pain lacing through his voice.
Snow came running down the steps, âDavid?! Whereâs David? Lancelot!â She hurried over to her daughter and the knight.
âHeâs out there somewhere mama, I need to find him.â Emma drew up tall and reached for her horse,
âNo Emma. We will send guards, there is no use you getting lost out there too.â Snow pleaded, âEmma, you canât!â
She swung up into the saddle, âLancelot, where did you lose my father?â Fixing him with a glare heâd dare not refuse.
âIn the eastern fields, just outside the abandoned castle owned by the Dark One.â He swallowed hard looking towards Snow, âIâm sorry your majesty, I couldnât defend him.â
Before Snow could even open her mouth, Emma sharp reply cut her off,
âThat doesnât matter now Lancelot, Iâll bring him back- take care of my mother.â With a firm kick to her horse she raced through the gates and out to the eastern fields.
You guys, I reblogged this 2 days ago out of desperation. Today I was looking through my old wallet for coins to go to the vending machine because thatâs all I can fucking afford. I havenât touched this thing since July/ August. When I found a disappointing 15 cents in the coin pocket I went to the billfold to see if any coins were in there. Thatâs when I saw them. 5 crisp bills amounting to $22. I literally screamed and danced around my room out of joy before remembering that Iâd reblogged this post.
Tl;dr - This post is fucking magical and actually worked for me.
I have a theory that these posts actually gather energy from the wishes of people who reblog them and thatâs why they work. Plus, yanno, they get passed around by witchesâŚa lot. :)
Financials are getting a little rocky here (new job was a pay cut and was supposed to be an hours increase but ended up being more of a cut/lateral move) and Iâm still trying to figure out how to downgrade my spending (seriously how can I cancel some of my cable services and end up paying MORE than before fucking packages fucking VerizonâŚ) so in the meantime I could really go for a cash infusion until I get myself sorted.
Ok this is such a ridiculous coincidence but I JUST reblogged this this morning and between then and now my tax refund hit my account 3 days early.
Draw your own conclusions.
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