The Hero’s Journey (5/?)
Sorry for the delay, I've been on vacation, but I'm back with many ideas in mind, I hope to be able to transmit them in writing. I've been thinking about a new story that will allow me to keep practicing, I'm looking forward to start it, but in the meantime here's a new chapter. Any comment that helps me to improve will be welcome. Special thanks to captain-k-jones, for all her help.
Previous chapters: 1 2 3 4
FF.Net: here AO3: here
Summary: After saving Emma from the darkness, all the people back to the Enchanted Forest. Everybody find their happiness, but one day, five years later, Killian has to carry out a mission that will make him become a pirate again.
The next day, Henry awoke early. After a light breakfast, he went to the office to study the map. He could see his mother and Killian had been sailing overnight and it seemed that they were going to one of the busiest ports, possibly for answers. Henry was eager to know the reactions of the "Pirate Ghost" at the news of the kidnapping, he wanted to find out if they were able to incite him to make a move.
"Henry!" He heard a joyful shout behind him and turned to see Liam running toward him.
"Hey, little brother!" Henry hugged him tightly and held him in his arms. “What are you doing up so early?”
The night before Henry could not talk to him because he was asleep, exhausted from the journey. "You have to tell me all about your adventure. Did you have fun on the Jolly Roger?"
"Yes!" The enthusiasm of the boy was contagious. Henry was pleased to see that, at least for the moment, Liam was not affected by being away from his mother. He knew it was a momentary relief because Liam was extremely close to his parents and he would soon begin to miss them, but at this time he was excited about the trip. Henry was determined to stay close to his brother while his parents were away, to try to do everything possible to make the separation easier.
Henry and Liam spent the morning together. First, Liam told his brother about the adventure he had just went on, explaining it as well as he could considering his baby talk. Later, they went to play with Neal. While Neal was actually Liam’s uncle, their relationship was almost like two brothers. Late in the morning Liam began to feel a bit down, the reality of his absent mother hitting him hard.
"Henry, when will mama return?" Liam asked, pulling on his brother's shirt to get his attention.
"She will be back soon, Liam, sooner than you think. In the meantime, I want to show you something."
Henry and Liam entered the office. Henry wanted to teach him a way to stay close to his parents. He showed the map and tried to explain him that the point that was moving periodically on the map was the Jolly Roger, so if he felt alone and sad he could go to the room and look at the map, thus he would feel closer his parents. He seemed to succeed because Liam would not stop asking questions about the map and the locator spell.
After a light lunch David joined them, realizing very quickly that his younger grandson was spellbound by the map. He also saw that Henry was taking care of his brother at all times. Henry was only 18, but the experiences he had lived made him mature quickly. Although he had never lost his essence. Henry was a very special young man. David would never forgot that thanks to him his family was united and happy. A surge of pride ran through him as he saw how Henry looked after his brother. David hoped Emma and Killian would return home soon, the palace seemed more empty since they left. David was curious, wanting to know how they were carrying out the mission.
After the first night on the ship, Emma spent most of the time on deck. She hoped no one could see her sailing the high seas. She could not stay locked in the cabin and miss the pleasure of sailing. Emma had always been attracted to the sea and since everyone had returned to the Enchanted Forest, she had gone sailing repeatedly with Killian which had only increased her passion. But travelling on the Jolly Roger, the ship that had meant so much to her husband and, in a way, also for her, was an unique experience. It was all amazing, the speed, the wind ruffling her hair, having the vastness of the sea at her disposal, the feeling of freedom. She understood now more than ever how Killian could have survived 300 years aboard the Jolly Roger.
Emma also admired how Killian behaved on the ship, his ability to give orders, how everyone respected him. She admired his face marked by the concentration and also his smile of satisfaction that appeared unconsciously when he was at the helm.
Emma was overwhelmed on these occasions, now that she knew what the ship meant to Killian. She felt a knot in her stomach every time she remembered that he didn’t hesitate to trade his ship just for the mere possibility of seeing her once again. Until then no one had done anything like that for her, and the feeling that overcame her when she remembered that moment was overwhelming. Killian could have been a villain for 300 years, but he had nearly always behaved like a hero with her. He saved her in so many ways and at such times she thanked the gods, any of the deities of this universe or the others, for letting this man crossed her path.
Killian seemed to know what she was thinking, because he gave her a warm smile from the helm, his eyes inviting her to come closer.
"What are you thinking, love?"
Emma placed herself between Killian and the helm, both of them facing forward. "Teach me to sail, Killian."
He was surprised, until then Emma hadn't shown any interest in knowing how to handle a ship. Killian knew that she liked sailing, but it had never gone further. Only once, some years ago, when they traveled to Neverland she helped him with the helm. "And why the sudden interest in sailing?"
"I want to know what it feels like to be in control." She did not look at him, staring straight ahead.
Killian leaned toward Emma, he put his hand over hers, holding the helm, his hook rested on her hip. He put his lips closer her ear and, using that seductive voice that always made her melt, whispered, "You're always in control."
Emma stiffened when she heard his voice, a chill ran through her body. How could this man have such an effect on her? But two could play that game and she was thrilled to participate. Emma moved closer to him, she turned a bit to look at him, well aware of the contact between their bodies. "Captain, perhaps you are afraid to reveal your secrets." She turned back to look ahead, a smile escaped her lips.
"A captain always has his secrets, Swan, you’ll have to be much more insistent if you try to unlock them." She felt his suggestive voice at the ear and, once again, an electric shock ran through her.
Still looking ahead, Emma leaned back further, uniting their bodies. "I already know all your secrets, sailor."
"Swan ... do you want us to give a show to the whole crew?" His breath caressed her neck while he moved his arm around her waist.
Emma gave up, let out a heavy sigh, and put some distance between them to try to resist the temptation. They could continue playing later, in the privacy of the cabin. In addition, the crew probably had had enough to hear their activities the night before. She blushed a bit at the thought and turned back again, to give him a light kiss "Ok, Captain, then will you teach me to sail? I want to feel what you feel."
Killian grinned and stole another quick kiss, he replied, "As you wish. I will be pleased to teach you, anyway you are the first mate. Should I call you Lieutenant Jones?"
"Lieutenant Swan-Jones" She seemed to reflect a moment. "Yes, I like how it sounds"
They spent the day sailing in front of the helm. Time flew, as they enjoyed their time together. Emma knew Killian was a good teacher, because she had learned how to swordfight from him. He was a patient and tenacious teacher, always using words of encouragement, but also showing persistence and perfection until he was sure that his student had learned the lesson completely. Therefore she was not surprised when his behavior on this occasion was exactly the same.
As the hours passed, the feeling of freedom, of having the power to decide her own destiny, was increasing by the minute. Given the interest that Emma was showing, Killian suggested teaching her to use the stars as guides. It was already getting dark, so they decided to grab some food and retire to rest. Emma wanted to keep sailing that night and by the next morning they would arrive to one of the most important ports, so they should finalize the details of the mission.
A few hours later, they lay in bed hugging each other. Their initial idea was to rest when they went to the cabin, but they could not help making up for the lost time during the past three months. Now, they lay both together before returning to the deck to resume Emma’s lessons.
Emma rested on Killian's chest, looking thoughtful. Killian assumed that she was thinking of Liam, so he embraced her tightly.
"Liam will be fine, honey." Killian intended to show confidence, to try to reassure her.
Emma seemed to reflect before replying. "I know, Killian, I'm sure that both Henry and my parents take care of him, but ..." She hesitated again and then continued "since you left, he has not slept well. Some nights Liam had nightmares and I can not help thinking that he probably is already trying to sleep. I feel like the worst mother in the world because I will not be there to comfort him." The last words were barely a whisper, Emma was not able to hold back the tears.
Killian sat up a little, and with his hand caught her chin so that their eyes were in contact. "Hey, don't do this to yourself, love. You're the best mother that Liam or Henry could have. I've never known anyone to be so concerned about the children as you are, so I don't want you to think that way because that's not the reality that you show me every day. "Now they both were sitting, Killian ran his fingers down her cheeks to catch the tears that were shed. "We are here to protect our children, we do not know what that damn pirate is capable of."
Emma replied. "But you wanted me to return to him."
"Emma, please, stop this. I did not want you to be here because I was terrified to put you in danger, I have lost too many people on board this ship and could not bear to add you to the list. I can never thank you enough for being the perfect mother for our son, Emma.“ Killian’s eyes filled with the pain and longing that showed at the times when he remembered his deceased brother, Milah, or even Bae, who in one way or another, he also lost aboard the ship.
Emma took refuge in Killian's arms as he whispered words of encouragement. "Our son will be fine, so entertained that he will not have time to miss us." Emma ,of course, did not believe him but his tone somehow managed to alleviate the pain, as it always did. They were both very tired, so they decided to continue the sailing lessons another night.
Killian got dressed and went on deck for a moment to make sure that everything was under control. When he returned to the cabin, Emma was already asleep. Her face still reflected some concern and Killian felt helpless not being able to allay her fears even during sleep. He slipped under the sheets, trying not to disturb her, put his arm around her waist and went to sleep, hoping that the next day will bring news about the mission. They needed to go home as soon as possible.
It had not been a bad day for Liam, everyone had managed to keep him entertained. In the evening they had met with Regina and the rest of the family. They all lived in the same palace but in different wings, so that each family retain some privacy. Henry had bedrooms in both wings, but spent most of the time helping David and Killian. Regina accepted it willingly when, after all, she could see him every day. She was also very proud of the level of involvement that her son had with the kingdom.
Regina and Robin were married a few months before Emma and Killian do the same. They had always been one step ahead in their relationship and they were very happy looking after Roland and Lizzie. Zelena remained imprisoned, since she had not shown signs of repentance, though she saw her daughter whenever she could and left the cell several times, always guarded, of course.
Robin was a member of the royal council and was part of the royal guard with the rest of the merry men. Sometimes life can be very ironic. Regina, meanwhile, helped with everything she could to Snow and Emma. She did not need to govern to be happy, all she wanted was being surrounded by her family. But her years of experience, first as the evil queen and then as a mayor, were very helpful when making decisions especially the controversial ones.
Liam loved all the children in the family, he was happiest when everyone was gathered together. Despite the age difference they all enjoyed playing together and this time it would not be different. They were running, jumping, and shouting over the palace gardens.
The adults watched them from a distance. They had gathered together to discuss the latest events. Henry was also with them.
"Knowing Emma it does not surprise me she made that decision, the strange thing was that she had not gone with the pirate from the beginning." Regina was using that term to call Killian as an affectionate nickname. In recent years, they had grown closer. They both admired each other in secret, but they tried to conceal with jocose comments and sassy answers.
Snow replied. "I did not think Emma would do that, although it is true that since Killian left she was not the same. She was like ...."
Her husband interrupted her. "She behaved as when we met."
An awkward silence reigned for a moment, but Henry cut it quickly "Mom is the savior, always has been and always will be, is something innate in her. She felt that staying with Killian she saved him on one side and helped to save the kingdom on the other "
Regina looked proudly at her son, in fact all they did. Henry was overwhelmed, showed some shyness when he noticed he was the center of attention. "What? Don’t look at me like that. I had good teachers over the years to make me who I am." His clear intention was that everyone felt identified with his words.
"Aunt Ginaaaaa." Liam interrupted them, shouting as he approached the adults. "Neal says that today we can do a sleepover. Can we, please?" His big blue eyes shone hopefully, no one would be able to deny him anything.
"Of course, Liam." Regina replied with softness, which had become habitual to her. She tried to show that tenderness only in private, still trying to maintain an image. "Roland and Lizzie can stay the night with you."
"Great!" Liam shouted with joy, he threw his tiny arms around Regina's neck and gave her a smacking kiss. Then, he released her and went to give the news to the rest of the children.
All adults were smiling, they were going to do everything possible so that Liam was happy during the absence of his parents.
Emma and Killian awoke at dawn. They were finally able to rest despite the concerns. When they slept together they found safety in each other's arms, the warmth of their bodies in contact had a calming effect. It felt like nothing could happen to them if they remained united.
They had a few hours to go before reaching port and they needed to discuss the aspects of the mission.
Emma was quite upset when Killian refused to allow her to disembark with him. She tried to convince him, arguing that she was fully capable of making inquiries and obtaining information. Killian was unmoveable, stating that he wanted to test the waters first, to know if the news of her disappearance had spread.
Finally he managed to convince her, not without some effort, assuring her that at the next port they would think of something she could do. Emma didn’t believe him, but did not insist. At least for now.
The idea was that Killian would try to inquire about the whereabouts of Blackbeard. It was a busy port, whereby hundreds of people moved daily and also it was a regular target of pirates in the area. So Killian was confident he could find someone to give them a lead on the pirate.
"I do not know what I'll do all this time locked in the cabin. If I were in my world, at least I could listen to music, or surf the internet ... " Emma sulked.
Killian smiled tenderly, as he always did when Emma referred to her world, which was quite often. Even though five years had passed since they left Storybrooke. "Love, the ship is full of books, you see, that is a great entertainment in both your world and mine."
Emma sighed with resignation, she would try to keep her mind occupied during his absence. Emma approached Killian, and they intertwined their fingers. "Be careful, Killian." She stroked gently his cheek while their gazes were connected.
"I will Swan, in a few hours I will be back. Emma, cast the protection spell as soon as I leave the cabin. You also have your sword, just in case." Killian wanted to make sure she was safe on the ship.
"I'll be fine, Killian, now go, come back to me soon." Kilian gave her one last gentle kiss and an encouraging smile in farewell, then he left the cabin.
Killian began to give orders as soon as he appeared on the deck. He was going to leave with some of his men, but the rest of the crew, the undercover royal guards, would stay on the Jolly Roger.
Killian talked to them before leaving. His voice was steady, conveying the necessary authority. "You know the treasure that hides in this ship, protect her with your life if necessary. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Captain." They answered in unison.
"And one more thing" Killian continued. "If I’ve not returned by this evening, take her home"
"But, Captain ..." one of the sailors tried to reply, but Killian interrupted.
"When the sun goes down, if I'm not back, you are to go home, you must ensure that she arrives safely. That's an order." And with these words he walked away.
