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delightfully-difficult-pirate · 7 years ago

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Assassin’s Creed: Misthaven (16/18)

Summary: For hundreds of years, the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order have waged war. For Princess Emma of Misthaven, that war has become personal. After a mission gone wrong, the Templar Grandmaster, placed a curse on Emma’s son that is slowly killing him. Emma will stop at nothing to save Henry, even if it means going rogue from the Brotherhood and consorting with pirates.

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Sex, Adult Language.

AN: A special thank you to @preciouscucumber for being an ever patient and diligent beta. To @cocohook38 and @utopiozphere for the awesome artwork they have created. And to @icecubelotr44 for her encouragement every step of the way.

AO3

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Art for Chapter 16 by @cocohook38

“Captain Nemo told me that Shay Cormac was once an Assassin,” Killian told Kenway as the Aquila neared the area where they had spotted the Morrigan the day before. “That he was trained by some of the best men and woman the Brotherhood ever had.”

Kenway nodded as he retrieved the Templar flag Nemo had provided and ordered one of his men to raise it.

“We cannot underestimate him and he may attack before we get close enough to execute our plan,” Killian continued. “If that happens, I need to know that you are committed to seeing this mission through, Captain Kenway.” He stared straight into the eyes of the young Captain as he finished.

Kenway’s dark eyes stared right back. “I’m no coward, Hook. This may not be Arandelle’s fight, but Her Majesty has ordered me to do everything I can to see that Princess Emma has every chance of rescuing her family. Regardless of the danger.”

Killian smiled. Even though Edward Kenway hadn’t had much influence in his son’s life, Killian could see the same stubbornness and pride in the younger Kenway that Killian respected in the elder.

“I’ll distract Captain Cormac as long as I can,” Kenway said, reaching up to pull at the collar of his vest. Like Killian, he was also dressed in a Templar uniform. This was in order to fool Cormac into believing that a member of The Order had captured the Aquila.

Satisfied with Kenway’s answer, Killian went below to the gun deck. There, the three Assassin’s he had recruited from Nemo’s crew, two men and one woman, waited. Illya, the eldest of the group, was a stoic man who had been with the Assassins for nearly thirty years. He reminded Killian of Starkey, which was one reason he had chosen the man for this mission. The other was that Nemo had assured him that Illya was an excellent fighter in close quarters, though Killian hoped their mission wouldn’t come to that. The other two members of his team were a set of twins a few years younger than Emma, Ciaran and Siobhan, who were supposedly from a small kingdom near Camelot that Killian had never heard of. Regardless of their origins, Siobhan had a talent for passing unobserved and Ciaran was reputed to have never met a lock he couldn’t pick. Both were talents Killian needed.

“We should be nearing the Morrigan soon,” Killian told them. Illya nodded, his face serious, but the twins grinned at his words.

The four of them waited on the gun deck for the Aquila to get close enough to the Morrigan for them to sneak aboard. Killian had to mentally remind himself to breathe the whole time, nervous that Cormac would decide to fire on the unknown vessel approaching. No cannon fire came, though, and when the Aquila had drawn abreast with the other ship, he led his team to the bow.

They had moved one of the forward facing cannons out of the way earlier and one by one, they climb out of the porthole and moved along the hull of the ship toward the bowsprit. The Aquila’s bow was positioned next to the Morrigan’s stern, where the Captain’s Cabin was located. Cormac would be on deck, speaking with Kenway, so his cabin would most likely be empty.

Illya was the first to make the jump from the hull of the Aquila to the Morrigan and once he had knocked the glass out of one of the windows, he climbed through into the room beyond. He would take care of anyone unexpected. The signal that the room was clear came and Killian, followed by the twins, boarded the Morrigan.

Killian gestured the rug-covered floor in front of the large desk that dominated the room. “The trapdoor is under here,” Killian told them. Since the rug was nailed down, so that it didn’t shift during rough water, Killian made a large slice down the middle of it with a dagger. Illya assisted in widening the opening once they located the exact location of the door.

The trap door led to a small, empty room with two, locked, portholes. This was where crewmen would either drop barrels of the flammable oil into the sea for pursuing ships to run into, or pour oil onto the water for another to ignite with a flaming arrow once the Morrigan was a safe distance away. However, no oil was stored in this room. It was all kept on the bottom level of the ship, below the waterline, where they were safe from any cannon fire. There was, however, a bundle of the long, slow burning wicks that were sometimes used with the barrels and Killian pocketed it. Using them would give them more time to escape the Morrigan before the fire overtook the ship.

Ciaran crouched in front of the keyhole of the door. “I don’t see anyone on the deck beyond,” he told them.

Killian smiled. He had been hoping that the hold would be empty of crewmen. They were all likely manning the cannons on the gun deck, which would make their mission easier. Though they were dressed as Templar officers and most of the low-level sailors would ignore any officer they could, he didn’t want to risk someone looking to closely at them.

“Let’s go, than,” he said and the four of them made their way out of the small room. They proceeded directly down the stairs that led to the lower level of the hold. It took Ciaran a minute to unlock the room where Killian remembered the barrels of oil being kept and his heart beat loudly in his chest as he waited. Once the door was open, Killian lit the wick of one of the hanging lanterns and carefully entered the room.

Two dozen barrels of oil were stacked carefully against the walls, thick pads of cotton keeping them from knocking together.

“Siobhan, go to the gun deck. Come back once the Aquila begins to sail away,” Killian ordered. The young woman nodded and made her way back up the stairs.

While she was gone, the three of them carefully inserted the wicks Killian had found earlier into the barrels. They wove the wicks of adjacent barrels together with lengths of fast burning cotton fabric. They then braided the cotton strips together until they had a long rope.

By Killian’s estimate, the process of preparing the barrels took around fifteen minutes. When Siobhan hadn’t returned ten minutes after they had finished, he began to get nervous. He was about to order Ciaran to go check on his sister, but he was interrupted by the sound of boot on the stairway outside the door.

Killian barely had time to pull his sword before nearly half-dozen men began to flood into the small room. He and Illya rushed forward and skewered the first men they men. Together, they pushed, forcing the group of men to step backward or topple over. They kept pushing until the doorway was clear and the door slammed shut behind them.

Ciaran was still inside. The young Assassin would barricade the door against the crew and then light the braided wick. That would give Illya, Killian, and Siobhan, if she still lived, five minutes to escape the ship.

Five minutes.

Pushing Ciaran’s fate from his mind, Killian fought against the Templar sailors. He and Illya were almost finished with the original six men when a dozen more came down the stairs and overwhelmed them. A knock to the head with the hilt of a sword sent Killian face first onto the deck. His sword was tore from his hand as his arms were wrenched behind his back. He heard a familiar click when his hook was removed from his brace.

“Bring them above. Captain will want to deal with this himself,” an unfamiliar voice said and Killian’s shoulders strained as he was pulled to his feet. Killian glanced at Illya and was glad to see that the man was still alive, though he was bleeding profusely from a cut on his forehead.

Killian didn’t resist as he was pushed toward the stairs by his captor. He wanted to be as far from the oil as he could get before it ignited. Once on deck, he blinked as his eyes adjusted. When he could see again, he saw that the Aquila was still next to the Morrigan, and that there were dozens Templar’s sailors milling about its deck.

Things had not gone as planned.

Four minutes.

Captain Kenway and three of his officers were bound and kneeling in front of the mast. Captain Shay Cormac stood in front of him, his sword held loose in his hand.

There was no sign on Siobhan.

“Captain, we found these men below deck,” one of his and Illya’s captors said as they were marched forward.

Shay Cormac turned and when Killian’s eyes met his, he felt a pulse of hatred. Cormac had been the one to convince Liam that joining the Templar Order would be the best for the two brothers. It had been he, years later, which had suggested Liam as Captain for the voyage to Neverland. If it hadn’t been for him, Liam would not have died, blindly convinced that the Dreamshade they had been sent to retrieve was medicine and not a deadly poison as Killian had learned.

“Killian Jones,” Cormac said with a sharp laugh. “So the rumors are true, you have returned from the dead!”

Killian stayed silent as the Templar Captain circled him, though he was disturbed by what Cormac had said. He had gone to great pains to prevent the knowledge of his survival from reaching the Templars. He was disheartened to hear that it finally had.

“Captain, they were outside the hold where the oil is stored,” a crewman said as he handed Cormac Killian’s hook.

He held Killian’s hook in one hand, studying it for a moment before pressing its sharp tip to the underside of Killian’s jaw. “Are there any more of you?”

Kilian stared straight ahead and refused to answer. Cormac pressed harder and Killian could feel blood running down his neck.

“Are there any more of you?” He asked again.

Killian lunched forward and his forehead connected with Cormac’s nose with a satisfying crack. A blow to the back of his knees sent Killian forward onto the deck until someone pulled him up by his hair. He smirked when he saw that Cormac’s nose was streaming blood.

“Get the hold open,” he ordered some of his men before he turned his attention back to Killian.

Three minutes.

“Did you know The Order still has a bounty of 1,000 gold doubloons on your head, even after all these years?” Cormac asked.

“Only 1,000?” Killian quipped, unable to help himself. “How disappointing.”

Cormac laughed. “You’d think the murderer of a Templar Grandmaster would be worth 2,000, at least, but I doubt Regina really cares if you’re brought to justice or not. After all, your actions allowed her to assume power. She should really be thanking you.”

Killian rolled his eyes. The idea of Regina thanking anyone was absurd.

“Tell me, Killian, did you really think I would fall for such an obvious ruse?” Cormac asked.

“I was hoping you had gotten slow in your old age.”

Cormac snorted. “Even an initiate would have seen through this ploy.”

Killian shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t care.

“I’m disappointed. I thought I had taught you better,” Cormac remarked.

“Your memories starting to go, old man,” Killian snarled. “Liam was the one who actually cared about anything you tried to teach us. I spent most of my time aboard this ship either scrubbing the deck or bleeding on it.”

“You did spend a lot of time under my whip, didn’t you?” Cormac mused. He brought the hook to Killian’s face and traced the scar that adorned his left cheek.

Two minutes.

A wicked grin spread across Cormac’s face and he turned toward one of his crew. “Get my whip.”

Two men grabbed Killian’s arms and dragged him backwards. Killian struggled against them, but more crewmen joined them and forced him against the mast. Just as an iron manacle was about to close over his wrist, the Morrigan lurched underfoot.

Killian fell to the deck and felt a wave of heat pass over him. Ciaran had either speed up the ignition of the oil or Cormac’s crew had inadvertently ignited it when trying to get into the hold. Either way, the Morrigan would soon be engulfed in flames and heading to the bottom of Davy Jone’s Locker.

He stumbled to his feet. Crewmen were running about, hauling buckets from the sea and tossing them on the rapidly spreading fire while Cormac yelled orders from the quarterdeck. No one cared about him or his compatriots anymore; they had a bigger problem to deal with. Killian grabbed a stray sword from the deck and made his way over to Captain Kenway and the others. He quickly cut their bonds.

They rushed back toward the Aquila. The flames hadn’t spread to the other ship, yet, and there was still a chance she could escape going down with the Morrigan.

Out of nowhere, Siobhan appeared, Ciaran over her shoulder. He helped her get her brother onto the Aquila. Though parts of his clothes were burned, Killian was glad to see that the young man was still alive.

Killian was cutting the lines holding the Aquila in place when one of the sailors from the Morrigan attacked.

“Traitor!” The man screamed as he swung a sword at Killian’s head.

Killian ducked the attack with ease and countered with one of his own. He had the man disarmed and up against the rail within moments. Just as he was about to give the man the option of dying then or burning to death, Killian felt someone approaching from behind. With his sword still at the one sailor’s throat, Killian turned and lashed out with his hook.

The young man, who Killian guessed to be no older than he himself had been when he sailed on the Morrgan, froze, one hand raised. “I don’t want to die,” the lad cried out.

After a moment of thought, Killian quirked his head toward the Aqulia and the lad quickly scrambled over the rails and onto the other ship. Killian made to follow but a sharp yank on the hood of his coat pulled him off balance and he fell to the deck of the ship.

Captain Shay Cormac stood above him and the man stabbed downward with his sword at Killian’s chest. Killian rolled and the tip of Cormac’s sword impaled the wood instead. Killian hauled himself to his feet as Cormac yanked it free with a growl.

The infuriated Captain attacked again. Killian caught the blade with his hook and sword. The maneuver brought him and Cormac toe to toe.

“Revenge after all these years, Jones?” Cormac spat out as he tried to dislodge his sword.

“Nothing personal, actually. Your ship just happens to be in the way,” Killian said with a shrug.

The deck of the Morrigan rolled under his feet. The ship started to tilt, which told Killian that it was starting to sink. He needed to get off the Morrigan before it was too late.

Cormac pulled his sword free with a heave and Killian sidestepped in the direction of the rail. Normally, he’d avoid a positon that kept him from the open deck during a fight, but his goal was escape, not winning the fight.

Cormac, though, seemed to have predicted this and did his best to prevent Killian from getting too close to the rail.

“If I’m going down with the ship, so are you!” Cormac snarled as he attacked.

Killian countered. His sword came close to piercing the Cormac through the shoulder but the other man dodged at the last moment. Killian stumbled forward. Cormac took advantage of the opportunity and the tip of his sword sliced through the layers Killian wore and into his back. Killian hissed through his teeth in pain.

He spun and slashed wildly with his sword. It slashed across Cormac’s face. The man stepped back, his cheek dripping blood. He pressed his hand to his face and stared at the blood on his fingers when he pulled it away.

“If I’m to die, answer me one thing first: Who told you I was still alive?” Killian asked.

He had gone to great pains to prevent the knowledge of his survival from reaching the Templars and he was disheartened to hear that it finally had. It would also put Emma at risk if the Templars renewed their interest in killing him in revenge.

“There have been rumors for years, truthfully, but no one believed them. Not until an agent in Camelot sent a very convincing message,” Cormac answered.

Camelot…

Cormac attacked again before Killian could contemplate who in Camelot had betrayed Emma. The Morrigan lurched and Cormac lost his footing. This gave Killian an opening and he rushed forward. His sword slid into Cormac’s stomach until his hilt pressed against the man’s gut. Cormac looked down, blinking.

Killian he pulled this sword free and Cormac fell to the deck. He coughed and blood poured from the wound. Killian had thought that seeing one of the tormentors from his past dying would bring him pleasure, but as he looked at the dying man, he didn’t feel anything.

The Morrigan pitched underfoot and Killian decided it was well past time he get off the foundering ship.

“May Poseidon keep you,” Killian murmured as he walked past Cormac. The other captain glared at him, but otherwise did not move.

With the assistance of a shroud that had miraculously not yet burned, Killian hauled himself up to stand on the rail of the ship. He studied the waters below in search for a place free of debris for him to dive into. He spotted one that would work and prepared to jump, but a sharp pain ripped through his side.

Killian tumbled off his perch with barely had enough time maneuver his body to protect his injured side before he hit the water. Regardless, his still healing ribs flared with pain at his hard landing and the air was knocked from his lungs. Killian struggled to catch his breath as waves caused by the sinking Morrigan washed over his head. All he got was seawater, which burned in his lungs and the edges of his vision began to darken.

I’m sorry, Emma.

---

Unable to be still, Emma paced the bridge of the Nautilus. It was akin to torture, Emma decided, that there was no way of them knowing what was happening on the sea above without Kenway telling them through the mermaid shell. However, the other Captain had gone silent once his ship had drawn close to the Morrigan, with promise to contact them again when it was safe for the Nautilus to head toward the cove. She and Killian had decided it was best he not use his shell to communicate with her until he had completed his part of the mission, but she was now regretting that decision.

While they waited, Emma’s mind had been supplying her with images of the worst possible outcomes as time passed.

What if the Morrigan had attacked the Aquila despite the Templar flag?

Or if Killian and his team had been unable to rig the oil for a delayed ignition, something he had assured her could be done, and both ships had been destroyed? Or been caught when they first snuck aboard the ship and had been killed?

Emma was rounding the area where Captain Nemo stood when the sound of someone coughing emitted from the mermaid shell. She immediately stopped, her heart sinking in her chest.

“Go, go now!” Came Kenway’s panicked sounding voice once the coughing had subsided.

Captain Nemo wasted no time in following the instructions.

“Kenway, what happened?” Nemo asked into the shell once the Nautilus was moving forward to the cove.

More coughing came through the shell, but no answer.

Nemo sighed. “We continue as planned,” he said, looking at his crew, who nodded in response.

He turned to her last. “We cannot afford to deviate from the plan.”

In her mind, Emma knew Nemo spoke the truth, but her heart was screaming at her that they should go and see what had become of those aboard the Aquila. She fought back tears as she stood in front of the window. She could see very little of the ocean beyond, except for a couple of fish.

When the Nautilus surfaced, Emma rushed out of the ship and onto land at the first opportunity. She turned and looked out toward the entrance of the cove, where she saw a ship in flames. That was, the bow of the ship was burning, but the stern was already below water.

“That’s the Morrigan,” Aziz said as he pointed toward the figurehead on the ship. Emma jerked at his sudden appearance. She cursed herself for having been too absorb in the sight of the burning ship to notice his approach. She couldn’t afford to be distracted.

“I don’t see the Aquila,” Aziz continued, “She must have gotten away.”

Emma hoped that was the case. But if it was, why hadn’t Kenway contacted them again?

“Once I determine what has become of the Aquila, I’ll take the Nautilus south to Blanchard. If I can, I’ll draw a ship or two stationed there away,” Captain Nemo had told her as they said their goodbyes. He had agreed to her request that he search the area around the Morrigan for any survivors. Though Emma didn’t care about the Templar sailors, she was worried about Killian and his team and the idiotic plan to swim to shore if they couldn’t make it back to the Aquila.

Content as she could be with the situation, Emma led her team of twenty Assassin’s toward the smuggler tunnels carved into the cliffs. It took them nearly two hours to climb the winding tunnel the smugglers had created to move their illicit goods. It was well constructed and Emma felt a twinge of regret that she would need to inform her parents of its existence once they had retaken her kingdom. Perhaps she would pardon the smugglers themselves, but she couldn’t allow them to continue their operation.

It was midday when she reached the top of the cliffs and Emma once again looked out to the cove. The Morrigan was gone; a few bits of debris floated on the surface where she had been.

She would remain a permanent addition decorating the floor of the cove.

Chapter 17

#CSBB #Assassin's Creed: Misthaven #CS ff #AC:M

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darkcolinodonorgasm · 5 years ago

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CS Fic Rec Monday: Assassin's Creed: Misthaven

Assassin's Creed: Misthaven by @delightfully-difficult-pirate

Rating: E.

Chapters: 18/18.

Plot: For hundreds of years, the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order have waged war. For Princess Emma of Misthaven, that war has become personal. After a mission gone wrong, the Templar Grandmaster, placed a curse on Emma’s son that is slowly killing him. Emma will stop at nothing to save Henry, even if it means going rogue from the Brotherhood and consorting with pirates.

Again, I’ve never been into Assassin’s Creed, and I was honestly shocked this fic escaped me until the first time I stumbled upon it .Bad form, really, because it’s a freaking wonderful story y’all need to read.

#csfrm #cs fic rec monday #captain swan #cs fic rec

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cssns · 7 years ago

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Please welcome @delightfully-difficult-pirate to the CSSNS!!!!

Tonight we feature @delightfully-difficult-pirate in our author spotlight!

How long have you been in the CS/OUAT fandom?

Started watching the show as soon as it started, but I didn't join tumblr or become active in the fandom until season 3 or 4.

When did you start shipping CaptainSwan?

The instant Emma held a knife to Killian's throat.

What drew you to this event?

I LOVE supernatural stories.

What inspired your topic?

Kelley Armstrong's Underworld book series and how she blends supernaturals into the modern world.

Well, I can’t wait to read what Lena dreams up for us! Lena is a fantastic writer and is the author of one of my favorite CSBB fics from last year Assassins Creed: Misthaven. You can find all her works here. So everyone go say hi and welcome her to the CSSNS!!! Her fic drops on July 20.

#CSSNS #GTKM interviews #@delightfully-difficult-pirate

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shady-swan-jones · 7 years ago

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Do you have a list of the fics for The 2017 Captain Swan Big Bang?? Thanks for being so nice 😊

Captain Swan Big Bang - The Complete List

I Thee Wed

Killian Jones and the Girl Who Lived

A Wing and a Prayer

Not in the Game Plan

Wait for the Moonrise

The Long Way Home

This Graceful Path

Drowning is Too Late to Learn

Part of the Narrative

Assassin’s Creed: Misthaven

If the Stars Align

Nuuk

Model Behavior

Heathens

Tripping Over the Blue Line

Echoing Souls

Family Ties

To Every Thing a Season

When the Tide Turns

more at @captainswanbigbang. check out the Spotlights

#csbb17 #csbb #captain swan big bang #cs big bang #captain swan #cs ff #Anonymous #answered

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delightfully-difficult-pirate · 7 years ago

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My bestie @scienceisfood had this commissioned for me, based on my fanfic Assassin's Creed: Misthaven. She is amazing!

a fluffy captain swan commission from @scienceisfood to her friend @delightfully-difficult-pirate ~

thanks again and hope you both have a great christmas!!

#captain swan #fan art #Assassin's Creed: Misthaven

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yayimallamaagain · 7 years ago

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Last Week in Fanfiction

List #28 of my weekly Captain Swan fic roundup. This list covers 12/10-12/16. If I missed something you’d like added just let me know. Christmas fics are marked with a 🎄. Happy reading! Remember likes, comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated by the writers ❤️

*psa* Next week is super busy for me, I’m not going to have much list making time, but I am going to try anyway and that being said, if any of you lovely writers would like to tag me in your fics that would cut down on my fic searching time and be a huge help. Thanks!

MCs

Castle on the Hill ch.10 by @secret-captain-swan-blog

Between Now and Nether ch.13 ch.14 by @artistic-writer

Broken Souls Mend Hearts ch.87 ch.88 ch.89 by @overlordofthelollipopguild

Dark Hook Comes to Storybrooke ch.8 by @hollyethecurious @winterbaby89

Never Inconstant ch.5 by shireness

Alternative Season 7 ch.8 by @captainswanseven

Rule the World ch.91 — ch.96 by @kymbersmith-90

What Lies Beneath the Mask ch.6 by @hollyethecurious

Hell or High Water ch.1 ch.2 by @gusenitsaa @pirate-owl @justmilah

Something Like You Love Me ch.14 by @kittennharington

To Make the Season Bright ch.2 ch.3 by @welllpthisishappening 🎄

Your Case of Mine ch.6 by @blowmiakisscolin

Going Home for Christmas ch.5 ch.6 by @secretcswriter 🎄

The Promise ch.19 by @flslp87

Of Cars and Bars ch.4 by @donteattheappleshook

Awake and Alive ch.10 by @captainswanandclintasha

The Sound of a Love Song ch.15 by @dancingnancyy (complete!)

North Star ch.22 by Emma_Jones

December 15 ch.3 by @katie-dub (complete!)

Through the Hat ch.20 by @ashar663

Fairytales ch.21 by @kymbersmith-90

CSBB

Part of the Narrative ch.16 by @emmaswanchoosesyou

—Image set by @shady-swan-jones

Assassin’s Creed: Misthaven ch.17 ch.18 by @delightfully-difficult-pirate (complete!)

—ch.17 Art ch.18 Art Art by @cocohook38

If the Stars Align ch.17 by @swanslieutenant (complete!)

—Image set by @captainswanandclintasha

One Shots

The Tackiest Wreath Competition by @katie-dub 🎄

Twas the Night Before Christmas by @katie-dub 🎄

The Unofficially Official Most Handsome Man in Storybrooke by @blowmiakisscolin

Christmas Tree Lot by @alexandralyman 🎄

The Very Secret Santa by @katie-dub 🎄

Armful of You by @youre-not-a-cat-youre-a-rat

Feel a Little Rush (I Think I’ve Got a Crush) part 1 by @piratesails

Operation Secret Santa by @katie-dub 🎄

Revelation by @totheendoftheworldortime

David verses Goliath by @alexandralyman 🎄

The Life That You’ve Lost by @laschatzi

Prompt by @unfolded73

Anonymous Swan by @swanandapirate

Christmas Fluff by @dani-ellie03 🎄

December Magic by @secretlessvicki 🎄

Untitled by @awkwardnessandbaseball 🎄

Workaholic by @captainswanatk

Coming Home by @captainswanatk

Princesses and Pancakes by @captainswanatk

#cs ff #cs ff rec #cs ff rec list #last week in fanfiction #28 #my lists #a lot of reading to do

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utopiozphere · 7 years ago

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Assassin’s Creed: Misthaven

Story by: @delightfully-difficult-pirate Co-illustrated by: @cocohook38

“I did horrific things on my quest to destroy those who had betrayed my brother and I. Same after I lost Milah. But you know what? I can’t bring myself to regret my actions. Because despite the fact that I may have damned my soul, I rid the world of evil men.”

“We work in the dark to serve the light,” Emma whispered, reciting the motto of the Assassin Brotherhood.

Chapter 9

#csbb 2017 #cs au #Captain Swan #Ravenz Art #SCREAMS #I AM SO SORRY I FORGOT TO PUT THIS ONLINE #I WAS AT SCHOOL THE WHOLE DAY AND CAME HOME TO SLEEP #OIAWSFDVCJNAS #OTL

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icecubelotr44 · 7 years ago

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Captain Swan Big Bang Master List

Because I’m having trouble remembering which fics I’ve read and which I still need to from the @captainswanbigbang challenge:

@xhookswenchx: A Wing and a Prayer | Ch2 | Ch3

@onthecyberseas: Not in the Game Plan | Ch2 | Ch3

@accio-ambition: Drowning is Too Late to Learn | Ch2 | Ch3

@lifeinahole27: Wait for the Moonrise | Ch2

@pocket-anon: The Long Way Home | Ch2

@justanotherwannabeclassic: I Thee Wed | Ch2 | Ch3

@welllpthisishappening: Tripping Over the Blue Line | Ch2 | Ch3 | Ch4

@unfolded73: This Graceful Path | Ch2

@swanslieutenant: If the Stars Align

@icecubelotr44: To Every Thing a Season

@wellhellotragic: Nuuk | Ch2

@shippingtheswann: Model Behavior

@trueloveseyeroll: When the Tide Turns

@mahstatins: Heathens

@delightfully-difficult-pirate: Assassin’s Creed: Misthaven

@like-waves-on-the-beach: Echoing Souls

@a-winterprince: Family Ties

@thegladelf: Killian Jones and the Girl Who Lived

@emmaswanchoosesyou: Part of the Narrative

Complete list, will update with chapters as they come

#csbb #csbb fic #cs ff #cs fic #cs fic rec

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captainswanbigbang · 7 years ago

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CSBB Weekly Round-Up: Week 17

Here’s this week’s round-up of story updates and artwork for the Captain Swan Big Bang! You can check out all of the story updates here and artwork here. Past round-ups can be found here.

This is the FINAL weekly round-up!

December 12th through December 18th:

If the Stars Align by @swanslieutenant Chapter 17 (FINAL CHAPTER!) Image set by @captainswanandclintasha (formerly @acaptainswaneternity)

Assassin’s Creed: Misthaven by @delightfully-difficult-pirate Chapter 17, Chapter 18 (FINAL CHAPTER!) Illustration, Illustration, Illustration, and Illustration by @cocohook38 (yes, that many!)

Part of the Narrative by @emmaswanchoosesyou Chapter 17 (FINAL CHAPTER!) Image set by @shady-swan-jones

Completed Fics:

I Thee Wed Killian Jones and the Girl Who Lived A Wing and a Prayer Not in the Game Plan Wait for the Moonrise The Long Way Home This Graceful Path Drowning is Too Late to Learn Nuuk Model Behavior Heathens Tripping Over the Blue Line Family Ties To Every Thing a Season When the Tide Turns

#csbb #captain swan big bang #weekly round up #week 17

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delightfully-difficult-pirate · 7 years ago

Text

Assassin’s Creed: Misthaven (15/18)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Sex, Adult Language.

AO3

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Art for Chapter 15 by @cocohook38

Emma and Killian returned to the palace when the chill of the day reminded Emma had she hadn’t dressed for an extended day outdoors at the end of autumn in Arandelle. They returned via carriage, since Emma wasn’t going to risk magic after helping Killian polish off the bottle of cheap rum, and opted to return to her room to sleep off the alcohol. It wouldn’t do to seek an audience with the Queen, to inform her that the plan Emma had proposed that morning would need to be adapted because of the Jolly Roger’s unexpected departure, when inebriated.

After her nap and a quick bath, Emma sought out Elsa and the Admiral. They were in conference with various royal advisors.

Emma decided against interrupting. Instead, she left a message with Elsa’s steward that she needed to speak with the Queen at her earliest convenience. Since Killian was still sleeping off the rum, Emma opted to spend the time in the library reading a book on elemental magic. When Elsa had stopped hiding her powers, she had started to collect as many writings on elemental magic as she could find so that she could better understand her gifts.

When the temperature of the room dropped a couple of degrees, Emma knew her regal friend had found her. When she saw that snowflakes were drifting around her friend, she suspected that the meeting hadn’t gone as well as she had hoped. Elsa sat in the chair across from Emma, and it was immediately covered in a layer of frost.

“They aren’t completely opposed,” Elsa stated with a huff, “But most of them would like to know whether Arandelle stands to gain anything besides the goodwill of Misthaven for our assistance.”

Emma couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Arandelle and Misthaven had had strong relations since her parent’s had ascended to the throne of the kingdom thirty years ago but Emma knew that it was one that tended to favor Misthaven more often than not. It wasn’t surprising that Elsa’s advisors would take this opportunity to try and even the balance a little.

“I can’t make any promises, but I can guarantee that I will advocate strongly on the behalf of Arandelle should they wish to pursue a change to our trade agreements,” Emma informed Elsa.

Besides the Southern Isles, which Arandelle refused to deal with anymore since Prince Han’s attempted coup, Misthaven was the small kingdom’s closest neighbor. Most of their imports went through Emma’s kingdom’s three ports at some point. A decrease in the taxes that the merchant’s paid to Misthaven would decrease the overall cost Arandelle paid for the imports.

Elsa nodded. “I’ll pass that on. Now, what did you wish to speak with me about? Your message sounded urgent.”

“Just after I finished speaking with you and Admiral Morten, I was informed that the Jolly Roger had left port.”

Elsa’s face shifted from one of annoyance to one of concern. “And her Captain?” She asked hesitantly. Emma had confided in her friend the unexpected relationship that had formed between her and Killian during the time together.

“Remains in Arandelle and is sleeping off an excess of rum.” Emma had suspected from the way Killian had swayed as they walked down the dock that the bottle of rum Smee had brought was not the first bit of alcohol he had had that morning.

Elsa smiled and the frost around her began to melt. “I’m glad, for your sake. You and he make quite a pair.”

Emma smiled at her friend. Elsa’s support for her and Killian’s relationship meant a lot to her. She could only hope her parents would be just as supportive.

---

With Emma’s assurances of political reward, Elsa’s advisors gave their approval for the Kingdom’s involvement in Misthaven’s issues. When the scouts the Admiral had sent out returned with news that the blockade did, in fact, extended north enough to hinder access to the cove, Emma was glad Elsa had seen fit to work on her advisor’s agreement in advance.

The next five days were a flurry of activity as the Arandelle’s navy prepared for departure. It was decided that the Aquila, the navy’s fastest ship, would accompany the Nautilus in place of the Jolly Roger.

The Aquila was under the command of Captain Connor Kenway. The young man, Emma quickly learned, was the bastard son of notorious pirate Edward Kenway. Too young, she thought, be to a Captain already, but Admiral Morten had assured her that he was one of the best sailors in his Navy. So good that the Admiral had formally adopted him as his son in order to make him a citizen of Arandelle and eligible to serve in the kingdom’s Navy.

Even knowing all this, Emma was still hesitant to place her kingdom’s fate in his hands.

“I’m worried, Killian,” Emma confessed late one night.

“About Kenway? He’s not as green as you think, Emma,” Killian told her. He drew her further into his arms before continuing. “the Jolly Roger faced off with The Aquila a couple of years ago. We may have escaped their pursuit, but they put up a good fight trying to prevent that.”

Emma laid her head on his chest. “It’s a good plan, and the only one we have, but I felt better about it when it was you and The Jolly Roger that would be escorting the Nautilus to the cove.”

“As did I, but at least this way, I will be aboard the Nautilus with you and be able to accompany you to the castle,” Killian replied.

That, Emma had decided, was the best outcome from Killian no longer captaining the ship that would go north with the Nautilus. If they met any resistance trying to reach the cove, it would be The Aquila’s job to draw them off or engage them in battle long enough for The Nautilus to pass unseen. Killian would be further from harm’s way, for a time, by being on the underwater vessel with her.

When the day came a week later for the Arandelle Navy and the Nautilus to depart the northern kingdom, Emma bid a fond farewell to Elsa, Anna, and Kristof.

“I’ll keep Rumpelstiltskin secure until you are able to reclaim him,” Elsa informed her. Emma had decided against bringing the sorcerer into the battle. No matter that she held his dagger and he was thus hers to control, she was too fearful to use the power she had over him. Not yet, at least.

“Thank you, Elsa, for all that you have done.” Emma drew her friend into a fierce hug.

“Don’t be afraid to return to Arandelle should things go badly,” Elsa told her. Emma hugged her tighter in response.

After, she and Killian boarded The Nautilus.

“Welcome aboard, your Highness, Captain,” Captain Nemo greeted them. “Aziz will show you to your temporary quarters.”

The two of them followed the young assassin, who guided them to the far end of the ship. The quarters were small but the bed was large enough that she and Killian wouldn’t be sleeping on top of each other, so she was pleased.

However, they spent little time in their quarters. Instead, they were often on the bridge with Captain Nemo as the Nautilus made the two day journey to the waters around the north part of Misthaven. The Arandelle Navy had gone south and would arrange outside the blockade around the port town of Margaretville. If all went to plan, the Templars would summon ships from this area of the blockade to defend against the new arrivals.

“How long do you think it will take for the ships here to get word that they are to travel south?” Emma asked the day after they arrived.

Both Nemo and Killian shook their heads. “It depends on their method of communication. If they are relying on messenger ships, it would take a couple of days.”

“So we wait,” Emma said.

“We wait,” Nemo agreed.

Emma sighed in frustration. The Nautilus was keeping in contact with The Aquila via mermaid shells that both Nemo and Captain Kenway wore, which allowed instantaneous communication between the two ships. However, because the shells were only ever given as gifts by mermaids to humans they liked, it was unlikely that the Templars had shells of their own to use. Therefore, they would have to rely on either magical or more traditional means of communications.

Learning of the talking shells had reminded Emma that she had been given a set of shells strung on leather. That night, after she dug them out of her gear, she showed them to Killian.

“You said you were given these in Camelot?” Killian asked as he held one up for inspection.

“When I purchased the squid ink,” Emma replied.

Killian hummed. “They look like the ones I’ve seen before, but there is only one way to know for sure.”

Emma nodded and after looping one of the shell necklaces around her neck, left their shared quarters. She wandered a few halls away.

“Killian, can you hear me?” Emma said into the shell. She felt a little like an idiot.

“That I do, love,” Killian’s reply came from the shell in her hand, sounding small.

“Why would the woman just give me these?” Emma asked when she returned to the room. Killian was in the process of removing his top and she was treated to the lovely sight of his muscles rolling under his skin when he shrugged in response.

“I try not to look gift horses in the mouth, love,” Killian said as he turned around to face her. When he moved his hand to remove the necklace from around his neck, Emma reached up and stopped him.

“Keep it, please. There is no one I would rather have the other half,” Emma told him. She laid her hand on his bare chest.

Killian grabbed her hand and brought it up to his lips. “You honor me, love.”

---

After four days of waiting, they received word from Captain Kenway that two ships had departed the area. After another day, two more ships left. With those ships gone, the Templar presence in the area was decreased by half and Captain Nemo declared the area clear enough for them to make a go at the cove.

Emma dressed in her borrowed gear in preparation. After, she and Killian joined Captain Nemo on the bridge of the Nautilus. Captain Kenway kept them up to date with what was going on above the sea as the two ships headed west toward the cove.

“The cove is in sight,” Captain Kenway’s voice said from the mermaid talking shell resting on Captain Nemo’s helm.

“Is the path clear?” Nemo asked.

“It is… wait, no. Sail spotted.” Connor’s voice sounded stressed and Emma’s heart started beating hard in her chest.

Captain Nemo grabbed the shell and held it in his hand as he spoke. “What type of ship?”

No sound came from the shell for a couple of minutes.

“She appears to be a sloop-of-war,” Kenway finally said. “A well armored one, with red sails.”

Emma felt Killian tense next to her and she looked up to see him frowning.

“Connor, does the ship have any other distinguishing markings?” Nemo asked into the shell.

More silence followed.

“She is outfitted with a large ram on her front,” Kenway eventually replied.

Killian’s frown deepened. He approached Nemo and held out his hand. Nemo passed over the shell.

“Kenway, can you see the figure head?” Killian said into the shell.

“It is in the shape of a wolf,” Kenway answered.

Killian closed his eyes and sighed. “I suggest you retreat. That ship may be the Morrigan.”

---

“The Morrigan?” Captain Nemo asked as Killian passed him back the shell. “Are you sure?”

“I’ll need to see for myself to be sure,” Killian replied.

Captain Nemo nodded and ordered his men to bring The Nautilus to the surface. The process took a bit, so Killian took a seat on one of the benches and leaned his head back against the cold metal of the wall.

Why would the Morrigan be here?

The ship was easily the most formidable in the Templar’s service, so why would it be stationed guarding some out of the way area?

“You served on the Morrigan, didn’t you?” Emma whispered to him, interrupting his thoughts.

Killian gave a small nod. Emma’s hand moved to his shoulder and gently rubbed at the tense muscles there. Her touch calmed his nerves some.

Once Nemo informed him that the top of the underwater ship was clear of the sea, Aziz escorted Killian above.

It was a clear day and Killian squinted in the bright sun. It had been days since he’d left the confines of the Nautilus. Once his eyes had adjusted, Killian pulled out his spyglass and pointed it toward the ship to the west. It took him only a moment to confirm his suspicions.

Without a doubt, the ship was the Morrigan.

The sight of the ship caused memories of his life aboard to flood Killian’s mind and the scars on his back itched in response.

“Plague seize you, Cormac, what are you doing here?” Killian cursed as he stowed his spyglass back in his coat. He returned to the bridge with a sick feeling in his stomach.

“It’s definitely the Morrigan,” Killian stated.

Captain Nemo dropped his head forward and sighed.

“We need to withdraw,” Killian told him. “The Aquila cannot face the Morrigan in battle without being destroyed.”

The Captain picked up the mermaid shell and relayed the message to Captain Kenway. In his reply, Kenway suggest they meet at the island a few leagues to the east that The Aquila had spotted earlier in the day.

After setting the course to the island, Captain Nemo turned to Killian with an inscrutable expression on his face. Killian wasn’t at all surprised when the Captain asked him, “How are you so familiar with the Morrigan, Hook?”

Killian quickly glanced about the room. Besides himself, Emma, and Nemo, there were half a dozen crewmembers on the bridge. Though he’d been on the ship for over a week and had become relatively friendly with Nemo’s crew, he wasn’t sure how they would react to finding out about his Templar past.

“Let’s just say that Captain Cormac and I have a history,” Killian told Nemo.

Killian hoped the other man would be satisfied with that answer for the time being.

Nemo frowned, but he didn’t press for a more complete answer on what type of history.

“I hope that history will be helpful in coming up with a plan to get around the Morrigan or this mission will need to be abandoned.”

---

The crews of the Nautilus and the Aquila made camp on the small island Kenway suggested while Captain Nemo, Emma, Killian, Captain Kenway, and his first mate, Robert Faulker, met to discuss the situation on the bridge of The Nautilus.

Kenway was unhappy with Killian’s insistence that The Aquila was no match for the Morrigan.

“If the Morrigan is outfitted even half as well as the Queen Anne’s Revenge was, she’ll have more firepower than your ship can even carry,” Killian informed Kenway.

“That means she’ll be weighed down. The Aquila is small and fast. If we keep moving, we can out maneuver the Morrigan and slowly wear her down,” he argued back.

Killian roll his eyes. “the Morrigan was outfitted with steel plate over 20 years ago. It would take days for The Aquila to do enough damage to render her immobile.”

The younger Captain glared at him. Kenway opened his mouth to reply, but his first mate laid a hand on his arm and shook his head at his Captain.

“So we can’t outfight the Morrigan,” Emma interjected. “Is there a way we can sneak past her?”

“She was directly in front of the entrance to the cove. There is no way to get past her without being seen,” Kenway answered.

Emma turned her attention to the other Captain and asked, “Nemo, do you know how close you can get to the Templar ships without them detecting the Nautilus?”

Nemo’s forehead creased in thought. “A quarter of a mile, I believe.”

On a map of the area, Killian lightly sketched The Morrigan’s location in relation to the cove and a circle to represent a quarter mile circumference around her. He frowned as he studied it.

“Could we draw her away from the cove?” Faulker asked. “If we attack and then retreat, won’t she give chase?”

Killian snorted and looked up from his map. “Captain Cormac will see that for the ploy it is. He’s a smart man. I bet he’s ignored orders to go south because he suspects that the attack by Arandelle’s navy is some kind of distraction. If so, he’ll be prepared for some kind of attack.”

“He wouldn’t attack another Templar ship, though,” Kenway eventually said. “Captain Nemo, do you have any flags you’ve taken from a Templar ship? With it raised, we could sail right up to the Morrigan. Once close enough, we could attack, which would distract her from the Nautilus sailing into the cove.”

Killian gaped at the man. “That’s suicide. Everyman on the Aquila would be killed.”

Kenway rolled his shoulders before saying, “I know.”

The room was silent until Emma spoke. “Absolutely not,” she said in a forceful tone. “Under no circumstances will I allow you or your men to undertake such a dangerous mission on my behalf.”

Kenway turned to Killian, obviously seeking assistance, but he shook his head. This was Emma’s mission and therefore, her decision. He wouldn’t do her the injustice of trying to change her mind.

The young Captain sighed and Nemo patted him on the shoulder in a fatherly manner.

“You’re idea does have some merit, though,” Captain Nemo told him. “With a Templar flag raised, the Morrigan should let the Aquila approach. We can use that to our advantage. The question is, how?”

Killian tapped his hook on the table as he thought about the situation. What would distract Cormac and his crew enough that it would allow the Nautilus to pass into the cove?

An attack, yes, but not without great loss of life on their side.

“When I sailed on the Morrigan, Cormac was a fan of leaving trails of burning oil to slow any ships in pursuit,” Killian mused. “Which was one reason she is so heavily armored; one shot into the hold where it is stored and the ship would be engulfed in flames.”

“He still uses the same tactics,” Nemo told him.

Killian grinned and continued, “Once the two ships are close, it shouldn’t be hard for a couple of people to sneak aboard the Morrigan and ignite the oil.”

“And the Aquila? Won’t she be in danger of being caught up in the flames?” Kenway asked, frowning.

“It’s a risk, but if she is as fast as you say she is, the Aquila should have ample time to sail far enough away to avoid any damage,” Killian replied.

“And the men who sneak board the Morrigan?” Emma inquired. “Will they have enough time to escape back to the Aquila?”

“We can rig the oil with slow-burning wicks. That would give us a couple of minutes to get off the ship, but not much,” Killian admitted. “If we can’t make it back, we would need to jump overboard and swim for shore.”

Emma’s eyes narrowed. “We?”

Realizing he was in trouble, Killian scratched behind his ear. He turned to the other three men and asked if he and Emma could have a moment of privacy. All of them readily agreed and left the bridge, closing the door securely behind them.

Killian grabbed Emma’s hand in his own and pulled her toward him. She didn’t resist, but she also didn’t relax into his embrace as she normally did.

“Emma, I’m the only one here familiar with the layout of the Morrigan. It only makes sense that I be one of the people to go aboard,” Killian explained.

Emma’s lips pursed. “You can draw them a map.”

“And if Cormac moved the oil to somewhere new? They would have no idea where to look next,” he argued. “I will.”

Emma stared at him for a moment and then sighed. Her head dropped and thumped against his chest.

“I don’t like it,” she muttered.

Killian kissed the top of her soft hair. “Neither do I, but it’s the only plan we have.”

---

Killian chose three of the Brotherhood trained sailors from among Nemo’s crew to accompany him onto the Morrigan. He spent the rest of the afternoon with them going over the plan with them while Emma consulted with the Assassin’s who would be traveling overland with her to the castle once they made it to the cove.

Nemo had brought out some Templar uniforms for Killian and his chosen crewmembers to wear when sneaking aboard the Morrigan. Despite their separate activities, Emma had a hard time keeping her eyes off Killian.

He looked dangerous, dressed in the black frockcoat and red vest of a Templar Captain.

Unlike his normal heavy leather, which hid Killian’s lean build, this outfit highlighted it. The leather straps that crossed his chest and the sharp angles of the cut emphasized his broad shoulders.

Even though he was dressed in the uniform of her enemy, she wouldn’t help but feel a flutter low in her stomach at how attractive he looked in it.

Between that and the knowledge that this could very well be the last night she and Killian would be able to spend together, Emma was keyed up by the time she returned to their quarters on the Nautilus that night. Killian must have felt something as well, because as soon as the door closed behind them, he pulled her into his arms and forcibly pressed his lips to hers.

Teeth knocked as lips fought for dominance. Emma roughly shoved the Templar coat off Killian’s shoulders and made quick work of the vest. At the same time, Killian wasted no time in removing the Assassin garments Elsa’s seamstress had thoroughly repaired that Emma had returned to wearing once they had left Arandelle.

The coat had caught on Killian’s brace and hindered Emma’s removal of the top below. Being the last layer of clothing that hid her lover’s bare chest from her, Emma grasped the two sides of the collar and pulled until the thin fabric ripped down the middle.

Killian started to laugh but it quickly turned into a loud moan when Emma latched her lips around one of his nipples. He worked on getting himself out of the remaining clothes while Emma moved onto his other nipple but continued to tease the first with her fingers. After a bit, Killian’s fingers wove into her hair and pulled her away from his chest.

His arms wrapped around Emma, gripped her bottom, and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around him as he walked forward to lay her on their bed. She lifted her lower half and pressed herself against his trapped erection.

She continued to grind herself against him as Killian made quick work of her waistcoat. He, considerately, took the time to properly remove her top. He buried his face in her breasts and his scruff scratched along the soft skin.

Emma worked at the belts securing Killian’s trousers. When she had them undone, she used her feet to push them down his hips. They caught on the top of his high boots and Emma growled. Killian rolled off her and pulled his boots off. At the same time, Emma removed her own boots and trousers.

Both of them now naked, Emma climbed atop Killian. She pressed her lips to his as she lined his cock up and slid down onto him. They both moaned. Emma would never tire of how Killian felt within her.

Killian began to pump his hips and Emma rocked hers to match his pace. Her breasts swung with each movement and Killian lifted his head so that he could sweep his tongue along her nipples with each swing.

As she felt her orgasm near, Emma moved one of her hands between the two of them and rubbed at her clit. Killian’s hand on her hips braced her as he increased the pace of his pumps. When her climax crested, Emma dropped her head, buried it in Killian’s shoulder and bit down on the muscle there. Killian groaned.

In the aftermath of her orgasm, Emma collapsed forward, her heart beating wildly in her chest.

“We’re not done yet, Swan,” Killian said with a laugh. With a roll of his hips, he turned the two of them over. He undid her legs from where they were wrapped around his waist and pushed them back until he could secure them over his shoulders.

This was not a position she and Killian had had sex in before, but Emma resolved that this would not be the last time, either. She quickly found herself cresting to the peak of another orgasm.

Emma grabbed Killian by the hair and dragged his head down to hers. His hips began to move erratically and Emma knew that he was close to his own climax.

Emma caught his lips in a passionate kiss. Her climax hit and she bit down on his bottom lip. She tasted blood.

Killian groaned and his hips stilled within her as he found his own release. Emma could feel his cock twitching within her. Killian rested his forehead against hers for a moment before rolling off her. Emma immediately cuddled into his side, headless of the way their skin stuck together with sweat. She rested her head on his chest, just above his heart.

“Did I ever tell you that my father isn’t really royalty?” Emma asked. It seemed like an odd topic to bring up, after just having sex, but she had a point she wanted to make.

Killian lifted his head to look at Emma, his face twisted in confusion. “Isn’t your father the son of King George?”

“Nope,” Emma said and proceeded to tell Killian the tale of how her father, David, had been forced to pretend to be his twin, James, who had been raised as King George’s son after he had died. How he met her mother when she’d robbed his carriage and how the two of them had battled against their feelings before finally giving in.

“This does not make me any less terrified to meet your parents, Emma,” Killian told her once she had finished.

Emma laughed and lifted her head. “I didn’t tell you this so you’ll be intimidated by them.”

“Oh?”

“I just want you to know that while my mother was born a Princess, she chose to marry a shepherd and she did so because she loved him,” Emma told Killian as she laid her hand on his cheek. “So while we’re apart, try not to panic too much about how we’re going to be together after all this is over. I may be a Princess and you a pirate, but that doesn’t matter. I love you, Killian Jones, and regardless of what anyone may think, I’ve chosen you, and people will just have to deal with that.”

After Emma finished, Killian just stared at her before eventually giving her a wide grin.

“I love you too, Emma,” he said before he pressed his lips to hers.

The kiss intensified and Emma felt Killian’s manhood begin to stir against her thigh.

“Already?” She asked with a chuckle.

Killian grinned. “With you, love, anything is possible.”

---

The next morning, Emma woke before Killian for once. It was still early, based on how quiet the ship was, and she spent some time just starting at her lover. Her heart clenched at the thought of never seeing him again, if their missions didn’t go as planned, and her eyes filled with tears. She tried to muffle the sniffles that followed, but when she felt Killian’s hand gently teasing out the knots in her hair, she knew she had failed.

“I know what you’re thinking about, love, but I promise you, we will see each other again,” Killian murmured.

Emma pressed her face to his chest. “You can’t know that,” she whimpered.

Killian lifted her head so that she was looking at him.

“I have faith in you, Emma. I know that you will succeed in freeing your parents and home from Regina’s control,” Killian told her. “Please believe me when I say that I have no intention of dying today.”

“I do believe you, Killian, I do! But whatever we intend, the world often has a way of doing whatever it wants, regardless.”

Killian hummed in response. “I agree. After all, I didn’t intend to fall in-love with an Assassin, one who is also Misthaven’s Royal Princess. Nevertheless, I did, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that I return to you once this is done.”

Emma closed her eyes to hold back a new wave of tears and pressed her lips to Killian’s. The kiss started out slow, but quickly gained in intensity, and Emma soon found herself on her back below Killian. He settled himself between her thighs and gradually entered her. When he began to move, he did so with a torturously slow pace. Emma whined and tried to spur him into moving faster by pressing on his ass with her heels, but he only chuckled and continued his steady movements.

“I have fucked you many times, Emma, but this morning…” Killian whispered in her year, “Allow me to make love to you.”

At those words, Emma gave up her fight and allowed Killian to do as he wanted.

And she was glad she did.

By the time the two of them left their quarters for breakfast a few hours later, Emma had experienced more pleasure than she thought was possible. Killian was a skilled lover, but he had been extra attentive to her that morning. He had made love to her, as he had said he wanted to and Emma was beyond thankful for it. Though her muscles were sore, she no longer felt the overwhelming levels of worry that she had that morning.

After breakfast, Killian dressed once more in the stolen Templar outfit and Emma helped him buckle the leather straps across his chest without him needing to ask.

Before she finished, though, Killian reached through his collar and removed one of the necklaces from around his neck. He held it up for Emma to see. On it was strung a silver ring set with a red jewel, which she remembered toying with the night before.

“This ring was Liam’s and is one of the few things of his I have left,” Killian said as he looped necklace over Emma’s head. “Take this with you and every time you begin to worry, remember that there is one thing I am good at and that’s surviving.”

Emma nodded, unable to speak, and grasp the ring in her hand while she gave him one final kiss before he left to board The Aquila. She tucked Killian’s ring under top and it bumped against her breastbone with every step she took as she made her way to the bridge of The Nautilus.

“Everything is ready, your Highness,” Captain Nemo told her as she joined him at the large window. So little light penetrated this deep into the sea that Emma couldn’t see anything beyond the few fish swimming right in front of the glass.

“Then let us be off, Captain.”

Chapter 16

#Assassin's Creed: Misthaven #CSBB #AC:M #CS FF #Captain Swan

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ao3feed-captainswan · 7 years ago

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Assassin's Creed: Misthaven

read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2wI8cxP

by DelightfullyDifficult

For hundreds of years, the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order have waged war. For Princess Emma of Misthaven, that war has become personal. After a mission gone wrong, the Templar Grandmaster, placed a curse on Emma’s son that is slowly killing him. Emma will stop at nothing to save Henry, even if it means going rogue from the Brotherhood and consorting with pirates.

Words: 4804, Chapters: 1/17, Language: English

Fandoms: Once Upon A Time - Fandom

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: F/M

Characters: Captain Hook | Killian Jones, Emma Swan, Red Riding Hood | Ruby, William Smee, Snow White | Mary Margaret Blanchard, Prince Charming | David Nolan, Elsa (Once Upon a Time), Kristoff (Once Upon a Time), Anna (Once Upon a Time), Belle (Once Upon a Time), Rumplestiltskin | Mr. Gold, Ratonhnhaké:ton | Connor, Shay Cormac, Pinocchio | August Booth, Arthur (Once Upon a Time), Henry Mills (Once Upon a Time), Captain Nemo (Once Upon a Time)

Relationships: Captain Hook | Killian Jones/Emma Swan, Prince Charming/Snow White

Additional Tags: Sex, Explicit Language, Captain Swan Big Bang 2017

read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2wI8cxP

#IFTTT #ao3feed #fanfic #Captain Swan #CS fanfics

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delightfully-difficult-pirate · 7 years ago

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Assassin’s Creed: Misthaven (17/18)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Sex, Adult Language.

AO3

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Art for Chapter 17 by @cocohook38

Emma sat on the high branch of a tree, her eyes on the Royal Castle of Misthaven. She had been there for hours, contemplating the best means of retaking her longtime home without getting killed in the process.

Her parents had taken the castle by turning the locals against King George and driving him out; Queen Regina through a combination of surprise, magic, and military might. Emma didn’t have time for the first, nor the manpower for the second.

Her best bet would be to take the castle from the inside. As a child, Emma had explored every inch of the Royal Castle of Misthaven. She knew every nook and cranny of the old stone fortress. She’d been twelve years old when she discovered the hidden passageway behind the kitchen’s fireplace that lead to the library. Fifteen when she had first used it to sneak out for a rendezvous with one of the grooms who worked in the stables.

Regrettably, there were no secret passages that led off the island on which it was built. The only way on or off the grounds was by the long bridge that connected it to the mainland.

“Just like Camelot,” Emma muttered to herself. Except this time, there was no ball to use as cover, or sexy pirate captain watching her back. She had twenty of the most highly trained Assassins in all the realms but she would feel more confident on her chances of success if Killian was there with her.

Emma grasped the mermaid shell she wore. Two days had passed since the events at the cove and she hadn’t heard from Killian. She had tried to use the shell to communicate with Captain Nemo, to ask if he had located The Aquila, but she had received no response. Emma theorized that her shell could only communicate with the one Killian wore.

Romantic, in a way, but inconvenient.

When night began to fall and Emma could no longer see the movement of the guards on the bridge, she climbed down from the tree and headed back toward the camp her group had set up. She joined Aziz at the fire and absorbed its heat.

She’d left Misthaven nearly three months ago, at the beginning of autumn, and had returned to find it in the grips of an early winter. The trees of the forest protected them from the worst of the snow and wind, but they still had to contend with the blistering cold of the season. The frozen ground made for an uncomfortable bed as well. Once again, she wished Killian was with her. He always seemed to be warm, no matter the weather.

Emma shook her head to clear her mind. She had a mission to plan and thoughts of Killian would only distract her.

She picked up a stick and sketched a quick drawing of the castle and the surrounding area in the dirt. She was making notations about guard movements when Aziz handed her a bowl of rabbit stew.

“Thank you,” she said through a mouthful of food. The stew was surprisingly good. Some of her group must have found some herbs to make the dish more flavorful. It was a huge improvement over the bland, roasted boar they had the night before.

Aziz sat down next to her. “Work anything out yet?” He asked as he studied what Emma had drawn.

“Not one I like,” Emma admitted, “but that seems to be the trend with every situation I’ve found myself in lately.”

Her fellow Assassin chuckled. “Never imagined you would have to sneak into your own castle?”

Emma shook her head. “The only way I see we are all going to get in is by using the bridge,” she said as she tapped her drawing with the stick. “We’re going to go under it.”

---

Every member of the Brotherhood of Assassins undergoes extensive physical training. Not just so that their bodies are as much of weapons as the blades they wore, but also so they can access places most think impossible. Her home was that impossible place and the only way she and her group of Assassins were going to gain access to it was going to be by climbing their way across the underside of its bridge.

Emma’s plan, when she proposed it to her fellow Assassins, was not met with enthusiasm. None, however, had any other ideas, so they all agreed it was their only option. Just before dawn the next morning, Emma led her team to the base of the bridge. As the genius behind this plan, she climbed up the inside of the archway first.

When she reach the midway point, she curled her legs up and, with her feet flat on the stone, pushed off, launching herself across the gap to the other side. She could feel her nails bending as she grasped at the stone before the metal hooks of her climbing gloves found purchase and halted her downward fall. Her heavy breathing was visible in the cold morning hair as she carefully positioned herself near the edge of the archway.

There, Emma waited.

A whistle sounded through the air, telling Emma the coast was clear. She scrambled out of the first archway and across the pillar to the next. Once there, she repeated the leap from one wall to the next. Then she waited again.

A whistle and Emma swung her body out onto the side of the pillar. This one was larger than the last and took more time to cross. Emma’s heart beat in her chest the entire way, afraid one of the guards on patrol would look down and see her. However, no cries of alarm rose and within a minute, Emma was safe in the curse of the third and final archway.

One more leap and Emma was across the final gap. After, she climbed down the wall until she was able to grasp of sturdy branch of a nearby tree and pull herself onto it. From her perch, Emma watched as, one by one, the twenty Assassins she had recruited had their climbing skills put to the test.

The fall would be deadly for anyone who lost his or her grip on the stone or was unable to find one after a jump.

There were a few near misses, but after what felt like hours, every one of the Assassins had made it safely across the bridge. After that, they traversed the trees that surrounded the walls of the castle until they were at its back.

“Onward and upward,” Aziz murmured as they prepared to climb the exterior wall.

Emma chuckled at him as she brushed moss off the stones, looking for good hand or footholds. Once she had found a few, she began her accent. It was slow going. The stones had been worn almost smooth by years of wind blowing water from lake upon them. More than once, Emma had to dig in with the claws of her climbing gloves and make a hold where there were none to be found.

Emma’s muscles were shaking by the time she reached the battlements at the top of the wall. She had no time to rest, however, when she heard the boots of a guard on patrol. With nowhere to go, Emma crouched and waited for the guard to come closer. When he was finally within reach, she grasped both his ankles and gave a sharp pull.

The guard went down with a thunk and Emma jumped across his body to plunge her blade into his neck. He jerked under her when she pulled it free and blood gushed from the wound. A moment later, he lay still.

Aziz joined her on the battlements as she was cleaning the guard’s blood off her blade. After they stripped him of his armor so that one of the Assassins could use it as a disguise, they dropped his body off the wall.

Emma itched to get moving but she forced herself to wait until all twenty of her fellow Assassins had successfully climbed the wall. After that, though, they split up. The plan was for most of the Assassins to take out the black guards patrolling the castle. She, Aziz, and two others, Olivia and Jacob, would deal with Regina.

Knowing Regina’s love of opulence, Emma guided her group toward the finest living quarters in the castle: the royal apartments. They killed a dozen guards as they navigated the halls of the castle. They stashed the bodies in empty rooms or behind decorations so that their brethren would be unlikely to stumble upon them and raise the alarm. Emma tried not to think about doing this with Killian in Camelot as they did so.

A pair of guards were outside the door that lead to the suite of rooms Emma shared with her parents and Henry. They were quickly dispatched and their bodies dragged away as Emma reached out with a little of her magic to check for protective wards placed on the room.

Finding none, Emma decided that it was unlikely Regina had taken-up residence in those. Regardless of that, Emma wanted to be completely sure so she used her key and slowly crept into the sitting room beyond. She had to keep herself from sneezing when her movements disturbed the fine layer of dust that had settled in the room. No one had been in them for some time.

Contrary to the undisturbed sitting room, Emma found her own quarters in disarray. Her armoire hung open, her books were tossed about the room, and every single one of her gowns lay in shreds.

“Was she searching for something? Or just taking out her frustrations?” Aziz asked as they took in the sight.

“From what I know about Regina, it could easily be either,” Emma replied. She lifted her mattress and pulled a small box out from underneath it. Inside were the other ingredients Emma would need to lift the spell on Henry. None were particularly rare or hard to come by, so even if Regina had found them it wouldn’t have been too much of an issue to find replacements, but Emma was glad she wouldn’t have too.

Just as Emma and her group were about to leave the royal apartments they heard footsteps in the hall. The steps stopped outside the door to the sitting room, and Emma signaled her team to conceal themselves. In a matter of seconds, all four of them were hidden behind various pieces of furniture and would not be seen by anyone entering through the door. Emma released her hidden blades in preparation as a key clicked in the lock.

The door opened and her son walked into the room.

Emma forced herself to assess the situation, barely resisting the urge to jump from her hiding spot and wrap her son in her arms. She wouldn’t put it past Regina to use Henry as bait. However, it was her mother who entered next, then her father. Emma tensed when she saw a black guard enter the room after the three of them. She relaxed, though, when the guard removed his helmet and she saw that it as Graham. Since her family did not appear to be in distress, she figured he was acting on his own and not following Regina’s orders. That was enough to convince Emma that it was safe to reveal herself. She rushed from her hiding spot and wrapped her arms around Henry.

“Mom!”

“Emma!”

“Sweetie!”

Emma fell to her knees and pulled her son as close to her as possible. A couple of tears fell as she buried her face in his shoulder.

Her mother and father kneeled on either side of her and wrapped her in their arms. For just a moment, Emma allowed herself to relax. After so many months away, she was finally reunited with her family.

“Emma, sweetie, what are you doing here?” Snow White whispered against her daughter.

“Me?” Emma said through a laugh. “What about you? I thought Regina would have you locked in the dungeon!”

“She did,” Graham said from behind Emma. “When I saw Assassins sneaking about, I released them.”

Emma lifted her head and smiled at her friend. “Thank you,” she choked out.

Graham returned her smile. “I was hoping they would be safe from any fighting here.”

Emma studied her longtime friend and fellow Assassin. Regina must have treated him well in the time he had been her captive; he showed no signs of having been starved or physically abused. He looked tired and his beard was a bit shaggy, but that was all.

“Is it true that Regina has your heart?” she asked.

Graham’s shoulders slumped and he nodded.

Emma detangled herself from her Mother’s arms and approached Graham. “Is it here in the castle?”

“I believe so. She has used it to influence my actions a couple of times since the takeover,” Graham answered.

Emma frowned as she contemplated the implications of Regina having control of her ally. Longtime friend that he was, at any moment, Graham could turn on her and her family.

She laid a hand on Graham’s arm. “I’m sorry, Graham,” she said to him, “Having you with any of us is too much of a risk.”

Graham sighed. “I understand,” he said.

Emma reached into one of her pockets and pulled out a sleeping potion tipped dart. She knew Graham saw her action but he made no move to stop her. If anything, he tilted his head to give her a better target. Emma jabbed the dart into the curve of his neck. He gave her a wild grin before the potion took effect and his body began to collapse. She and Aziz, who had been standing behind him, help lower his body to the floor and position him comfortably.

Emma ignored her Mother’s disapproving look as she took a moment to study her family. Captivity had not been easy on them. Her father had dark bruises under his eyes and more wrinkles than she remembered him having. He also had a beard, which was not a look he usually favored, and even though its color was as light as the blonde hair on his head, she could see the grey hairs mixed in.

Her mother looked a little better, but not by much. She was far too pale, even for a woman known for her light complexion. Her lips were dry and nearly bloodless except for a vivid red streak where one had been recently split.

Only Henry looked no worse for wear, once Emma got past the dirty clothing he wore. All three were in desperate need of a bath and fresh clothing.

“Was there anyone else being kept in the dungeons with you? Red? Or Belle?” Emma asked her parents. Though she had been predominantly worried about her parents, she had also been concerned with the fate of her friends and the other inhabitants of the castle.

“Everyone loyal to your Mother and I was kept in the dungeons,” her father told her. “Belle ran off to the library the instant Graham released us.”

“The library?” Emma interrupted, incredulous.

Snow White gave a soft smile. “You know Belle. She values her books more than she does her own life. Red and Dorothy went with her to keep her safe. Granny, the dwarves, and some of our guards said they were going to head to the armory.”

Widow Lucas, or Granny as the inhabitants of the castle knew her, was Ruby’s grandmother and a Master Assassin. She had been the one to assist Snow when she had been on the run from Regina and later establishing the Brotherhood’s foothold in Misthaven. Though elderly, she was still a force to be reckoned with, especially if she got her hands on a crossbow. Emma was pleased that her mentor, even after weeks in the dungeon, was willing to take up arms to retake the castle.

“There are sixteen Assassin’s in the castle working their way through Regina’s troops,” Emma explained to her parents. “I plan on confronting Regina. It is long past time we dealt with her head on.”

Snow White stood and brushed her hands down the ratty dress she wore. “I’m coming with you.”

“No!”

Emma wasn’t sure who yelled louder, her or her father. Regardless, Snow White only crossed her arms and glared at her husband and daughter.

“I started this, long before you were born, Emma. It is only fitting that I help end it,” Snow White stated.

“This has moved far beyond that, Mom. If Regina was after you, or your heart, she could have ended it as soon as she took the castle,” Emma argued. Her father nodded in agreement. “I believe the only reason she has kept you alive is so she can use you against me.”

Her mother’s lips drew together in a tight line, but she didn’t argue.

“Olivia, Jacob,” Emma called to the other two Assassins that had accompanied her besides Aziz. “You two are going to take my parents and Henry to the stable and get them out of the castle.”

Her father frowned at her. “We should all escape while we still can,” he said.

Snow White nodded solemnly in agreement.

Emma thought, for one instant, about leaving, but her mind flashed back to the sight of the Morrigan burning in the cove. Had all the men aboard died? They may have been Templars, or in the service of the Templars, but had they deserved the deaths they had gotten? And what about those on the Aquila? Killian and his team?

“I can’t leave with you,” Emma told her parents. “Men died so that I could get here today. If we don’t succeed in retaking the castle, the Kingdom, their deaths would have been in vain.” Emma fought tears as she spoke.

Snow White grabbed Emma’s hand and gave it a squeeze. Her father continued to frown, but he softly nodded his understanding.

Emma took a deep breath to compose herself before she turned back toward Olivia and Jacob. “Hide in the forest and only return after another Assassin comes to bring you back. If no one comes within a day, find a way to take them to Arandelle.”

Olivia and Jacob nodded their acceptance of their orders.

Emma kneeled down so that she was face to face with Henry. “I need you to go where you’ll be safe, okay?”

Henry nodded and Emma pulled him into her arms again. Emma hated herself for being unable to protect him from Regina’s retribution. He was too young to have dealt with all he had in his ten years.

“Please don’t do anything rash,” Emma whispered as she hugged her mother, who chuckled in response. Emma had grown up hearing stories about the adventures of young Snow White from her father. She knew exactly what her mother capable of.

“I would never,” her mother admonished, though she wore a mischievous grin.

Her father rolled his eyes. “I promise to try and keep her out of trouble,” he said as he pulled Emma close. His hand cradled the back of her head, as it had always done, and Emma relaxed into his embrace.

After allowing herself one final minute of familial comfort, Emma pulled back. At her nod, Olivia and Jacob guided her family from the royal suites.

“May the Gods protect you,” Emma whispered to herself as she watched them go.

With a sigh, Emma turned to Aziz. “We’re going to the library. Despite what my mother said, Belle wont risk her life over a couple of books. It is likely there is something there she thinks can help with the situation.”

“I hope so,” Aziz breathed as they made their way toward the library. “I wasn’t keen on the idea of taking on Queen Regina with just our wits and blades.”

Emma let out a light chuckle. Though she wouldn’t admit it, neither was she.

They encountered only a couple of black guards, they easily dispatched, before Emma lead Aziz through one of the lesser-known entrances to the castle library. They entered cautiously, in case there were any of Regina’s men lurking within. They followed the low murmur of voices until they came across Belle, Red, and Dorothy. The three woman had taken a moment to change from their dungeon-grime covered rags. They all wore a mix of various Assassin uniform items, many in Red’s preferred colors of black and red, plus an assortment of weapons. Even Belle had a dagger tucked into her belt.

Red was glaring at the white crystal she held in her hand. “What do you mean you aren’t sure if this will even work?”

Dorothy was holding another crystal in front of a lantern and it glowed in the light. “Is this fairy dust?”

“Of a sort,” Emma said as she stepped from behind the shelf she had been concealed behind. Both Belle and Dorothy startled at her sudden appearance, but Red only smiled. She’d evidently known Emma and Aziz had arrived.

Emma gestured to the two crystals that Belle had in front of her. “These were developed by the Brotherhood as a way to incapacitate magic users. When all four are crushed, the shield spell they hold will release and form between the four points. No magic can be used within it.”

“Except, the shield only lasts a couple of minutes,” Belle interjected. “Less when used against powerful sorcerers or those who practice dark magic.”

“So on Regina…” Dorothy’s voice trailed off.

“A minute, maybe less,” Belle confirmed.

The hidden blade on Aziz’s wrist snapped free with a soft click.

“A minute is all we need.”

---

According to the information Red had overheard from the guards, Regina spent most of her time in the in the east wing of the castle, so that is where Emma decided the group would resume their search. As the group of three Assassins, a librarian, and adventurer slowly traversed the corridors toward the east wing, Emma recalled the conversations she had had with Belle before they had left the library.

She had cut straight to the point with her friend and had asked, “If I die, how long will Henry have to live?”

Belle’s brow had wrinkled. “The spell we cast that bound Henry to your magic halted the progression of the curse Regina placed on him. It has been draining your magical energy instead of his life force. Essentially, your death would be the same as if you ran out of magical energy to give. The curse would start acting on Henry again.”

“How long, Belle?” As much as she usually enjoyed Belle’s very thorough explanations, she wasn’t in the mood for a magic lesson.

“There is now way to be sure,” Belle eventually said. “Based on what I was able to learn of the curse, I believe Henry will have only a couple of weeks.”

This, in Emma’s mind, was good news. She had been extremely worried that Henry would die the instant her magical reserves could no longer sustain the spell that bound them, or if she were to die.

“Robert Gold is in Arandelle,” Emma told Belle, whose eye’s had widened in surprise. “I already told my parents to go to Arandelle if they do not hear from me by tomorrow. I need you to promise me, that if the battle with Regina appears to not be going in our favor, that you will join them.”

“I can’t just abandon you!” Belle argued.

Emma shook her head. “You know the spell that will save Henry. The ingredients we gathered are in my chambers. Take them, and save my son.”

It had taken some persuasion, but Belle had ultimately agreed to the request, which put Emma’s mind at ease. Even if she failed to free her castle and kingdom from Regina’s grasp, Henry would be free of the curse and be able to live a long, happy life.

Emma was still wrapped up in these thoughts when Red raised her hand, signaling them all to stop. Her friend crept forward, crouched low to the floor, and looked around the corner into the next corridor. After a moment, she darted forward. A surprised yell sounded before it was abruptly cut off.

Emma rushed forward, Aziz and Dorothy at her heals. One black guard lay dead, his throat slashed and a large pool of blood forming below his body. Red had the other pinned against the wall, his arm twisted behind his back.

“Where is Regina hiding?” Red hissed near guard’s ear.

The guard’s body bucked in attempt to dislodge Red, so Red twisted his arm further up his back. Emma flinched when she heard a small pop and guard let out a grunt of pain.

“Red…” Emma cautioned.

Her friend ignored her. “Where is Regina hiding?”

The guard muttered something Emma couldn’t hear, but whatever it was only made Red twist his arm harder. Another pop sounded and the guard screamed.

“The council room!” He yelled through sobs of pain. Red released him and he dropped to his knees. He gently cradled his arm against his body. From the awkward angle, Emma knew that both his wrist and shoulder were dislocated.

“Was that really necessary?” Belle said reproachfully.

Red shrugged. “Would you rather we wander the halls like lost children?”

“No, but…” Belle stuttered.

Emma ignored the two of them as she knelt next to the guard. She laid a hand on his shoulder but he jerked away from her touch with a whimper of pain. His shoulder, and from the look of it, his wrist, were both dislocated. With a sigh, Emma pressed the tip of a sleeping dark into the guard’s neck. The drugged slumber would, for a time, spare him some pain.

“The council room is one floor above,” Emma said as she stood. Her movement interrupted the glaring match that had begun between Red and Belle.

“We should take the old servant’s stairwell,” Belle suggested. “Very few people know of it, so I doubt Regina knows of its existence.”

“And once we’re there?” Dorothy inquired.

“The four of us with crystals will need to surround Regina as best we can before we crush them.”

Aziz tapped his lips. “There are columns in the council room, aren’t there? One between each window?”

Belle nodded.

“Enough space between the column and the wall for a person to hide?” He inquired.

Belle’s nose scrunched up. “It’ll be a tight fit, but, yes.”

Emma nodded in agreement. She and Red used to hide behind the columns in the council room when they were younger, so they could spy on her parent’s meetings. She’d still fit behind the columns, however, when Granny had used the room to train she and Red in moving silently between hiding spots after she had joined the Brotherhood.

The plan set, Emma lead the group toward the rarely used servant staircase. Queen Snow did not conform to the belief that servants were not to be seen by the people they served, so few people made use of the small, confining staircase that connected the lower and higher levels of the castle.

The interior of the stairwell was covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs and Emma had to suppress a shudder when her lantern revealed a spider skittering along the wall. She remembered Killian’s disbelieving laugh when he had discovered her dislike of the eight-legged creatures one evening after the Jolly Roger had left Camelot. She’d let out a rather shrill shriek when she had come across one in the hold, one afternoon after her shift watching Rumpelstiltskin. Killian and Starkey had come running into the hold, thinking that the sorcerer had attacked her, only to discover her grinding the offending spider under her boot.

The memory brought a smile to Emma’s face as she picked the lock on the door that led to the council room. Even after hearing the final click of the lock releasing, Emma didn’t open the door immediately. Instead, she grasped the collection of necklaces she wore and brought them to her lips.

She laid a kiss on the golden rose that represented the magical connection she had to her son. It was a relief to know that Henry would survive, at least for a time, even if she died fighting Regina.

The silver ring pressed against her lips as Emma whispered into the mermaid shell, “I love you, Killian Jones. I don’t know where you are, if you can hear me, or if you are even alive, but know that I love you.”

AN: Surprise!

Chapter 18 (end)

#CSBB #Assassin's Creed: Misthaven #CS FF #Captain Swan #CaptainSwan!AU #AC:M

18 notes · View notes

delightfully-difficult-pirate · 7 years ago

Text

Assasssin’s Creed: Misthaven (18/18)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Sex, Adult Language.

AN: As this story comes to an end, I must thank all of those who made it possible” @preciouscucumber for being an ever patient and diligent beta. @cocohook38 and @utopiozphere for the awesome artwork they have created. @icecubelotr44 for her encouragement every step of the way and moderating the CSBB. Her co-moderator @phiralovesloki and her were very understanding about the issues I ran into when writing this fic; broken computers, depression, and two chapter 10′s.

And of course, to each and every person who commented, reblogged, liked, and shared this fic. All an author wants is for people to read and enjoy what they have written.

AO3

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Art1, Art2, Art3 for Chapter 18 by @cocohook38

Vomit spattered across the sand; a disgusting mix of seawater, bile, and small chunks of the bread and oats Killian had had for breakfast. The smell of it made Killian heave again and blood dripped from the wound in his side as his muscles seized.

Killian collapsed face first once his body was done expelling the contents of his stomach, as far from the mess he’d made as he could get. He groaned as he pressed his hand against Cormac’s parting shot. He could feel the bullet, so the wound wasn’t as deep as it could have been, but he would need to take care of it sooner rather than later.

Fighting against the vertigo, Killian forced himself to sit up and take stock of his situation. Glancing around, he saw that he was on a large beach, a forest behind him and the Smuggler’s Cove nowhere in sight.

How did I get here?

The thought flitted across Killian’s mind. He was too far up on the beach to have washed ashore, even if it had been high tide.

On edge, Killian reached for his sword, but his hand closed around nothing. He vaguely remembered being disarmed aboard the Morrigan and frowned; he’d liked that sword.

“May I borrow your coat?” A high voice asked.

Killian glanced over his shoulder in the direction the question had come from. His hand dug through his pockets in hopes of finding a throwing knife or something to use as a weapon.

A pale face framed by wet red hair poked out from behind a large rock, a shy smile on her face. Killian relaxed and returned her smile.

“Ariel,” he said as he slowly shrugged out of the waterlogged Templar coat. A flare of pain along his back reminded him of the sword wound he’d gotten during the fight with Cormac. “To what do I owe the pleasure of being rescued by the Queen of Vand?”

Killian tossed the coat behind him and kept his eye’s forward until Ariel kneeled next to him. A mermaid by birth, Ariel had fallen in love with Prince of Vand. She’d run afoul of Regina shortly after and the Queen had stripped her of her voice in punishment. Ariel’s search for a way to break the curse had taken her to Neverland, to consult with the mermaids of that realm. That was where Killian had met her, only a few months after his own arrival. They’d formed a tentative alliance for about a year, until Ariel had determined that Neverland didn’t have what she needed. He’d been glad to learn, upon returning from Neverland, that Ariel had somehow succeeded and married her Prince.

“Vand has a standing policy not to get involved in Templar and Assassin disputes,” she said. “But Snow White is a good friend of mine, so I have been keeping an eye on the situation. When I saw the Nautilus, I followed. I didn’t expect to find you floating in the wreckage of a Templar ship. I thought you’d left the Order after your brother’s death.” Ariel gave Killian a stern, yet inquisitive look.

“I did,” Killian answered. “I was… assisting the Brotherhood with getting through the blockade.” As Killian spoke, he tore the sleeves off his shirt. One he folded and pressed against the wound on his side. The other he wrapped around his torso and Ariel tied it over the makeshift bandage to hold it in place. The pain made Killian light headed and Ariel gave him a worried look as he laid backwards.

“We need to get you out of the sun.” Ariel grabbed Killian’s arm and helped him to his feet. Leaning heavily on the small woman, Killian stumbled the twenty or so feet to the edge of the forest. Ariel propped him up against the trunk of a tree. He hissed in pain as the bark dug into the wound on his back.

“Nemo has a surgeon aboard the Nautilus. Do you think you could… guide them here?” Killian asked.

Ariel’s eyes were wide as she nodded. “As fast as I can.”

Killian closed his eyes as Ariel removed the coat she had borrowed and laid it over him. He heard her run across the beach and then a splash as she returned to the ocean. He leaned his head against the tree behind him and fought against the urge to fall asleep. Between the blood loss and the afternoon sun, it was harder than anticipated.

Jerking awake after dozing off, Killian found the sun much lower in the sky. Almost dusk, if he gauged its position correctly. He squinted, hoping to see sign of the Nautilus. He was already feeling cold and sunset would mean a drastic drop in temperature. He didn’t think he had the strength to build a fire in the forest.

A flash of light caught Killian’s eye. Squinting, his heart jumped when he saw that it was the sun reflecting off the hull of the Nautilus. A long boat was making its way toward the beach, Captain Nemo at its front. Killian couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face.

Saved from death once again.

When the longboat reached the shore, Nemo jumped from the prow. He raised a hand in greeting as he made his way across the sand.

An arrow pierced through his shoulder.

“No!” Killian croaked.

A few brave sailors ran forward and grabbed their Captain, hauling him backwards toward the longboat. More arrows rained from the sky. One pierced a sailor through the thigh and he fell, screaming, to the beach. One of his compatriots picked him up and tossed him roughly into boat.

Killian sighed as he watched the sailors push the longboat off the beach and away from the sudden attack. He gripped the one knife he’d found tucked in the pockets of the Templar coat in his hand and waited for whoever was in the forest to come for him. Between it and his hook, he planned to do some damage before they took him out.

Footsteps came from his left.

When a leg appeared next to him, Killian hooked his arm behind it and jerked forward. The person fell with an oomph and Killian rolled on top of them. It took Killian only a second to recognize the man below him as a Templar and he buried him hook in the man’s neck.

Hands grasped Killian’s shoulders and yanked him back. He lashed out. The knife cut across the shins of the person next to him. A hiss of pain and then one of the legs came up to level a kick at the side of his head.

Killian’s vision went black.

---

“This is going to hurt,” was all the warning Killian got before one of his captors, Mulan, poured a liberal amount of his rum on the wound on his back. Killian hissed in pain and bit down on the bit of leather she had provided him just for that purpose. After, Mulan wiped softly across his back with a bit of boiled cloth.

“This needs to be closed,” she told him.

Unable to see his injury, Killian had no choice but to agree to her assessment. He spat out the leather and pushed out his arm, opening and closing his hand. His flask was placed in it and Killian took a hefty swallow before he passed it back to Mulan. He placed the leather back in his mouth and then gave her a nod.

Mulan went slowly, giving Killian time between each stitch to deal with the pain. It was during one quick break that another of the Templars that had captured him came up. It was Little John, one of the members of Robin Hood’s Merry Men. Killian had always gotten on well with the large man, when he had been a Templar. Now, the man looked at him as one usually did when staring at a pile of horse dung one just stepped in.

“Why are you bothering? Grandmaster Regina is only going to kill him,” he asked.

“Do you want to tell Regina that we captured one of the Assassin’s, but let him die before she could interrogate him?” Mulan retorted.

Little John snorted. “Jones here isn’t an Assassin. He was a Templar, years ago, before he betrayed the Order. There is a bounty on that bastard’s head.”

Killian forced himself to breath as Mulan applied another careful stitch as she replied. “I don’t care who his is. Our mission was to collect anyone who survived the battle at the cove, Templar or Assassin, and bring them to her.”

Another of the Templars, who Killian vaguely remembered to be called Alan-of-Dale, made a sound of disgust. “A waste of our talents.”

It was no challenge for Killian to imagine the exasperated look on Mulan’s face. In the short time since they had captured him, he had learned that Mulan did not fit in well with The Merry Men. Not because of her gender, no, but because she didn’t suffer fools. And without Robin to lead them, The Merry Men were no more than a group of Templar fools.

After an hour or so, by Killian’s estimate, Mulan was finished closing both of his major wounds. Afterwards, he was piled into the back of a wagon with two well-armed Templars as guards. Killian made himself as comfortable as he could, though the bounce of the wagon along the rough road irritated his wounds.

Killian made no attempts to escape from their custody. From Mulan and Little John’s conversation, he knew that they were taking him to Regina, who was at the castle of Misthaven. Which was exactly where Emma was heading and therefore, where he wanted to be.

They arrived at the castle after a day and a half on the road. As he was marched through the halls of the castle, Killian thought about how be could help Emma retake the castle. As long as Regina didn’t kill him on sight, of course. He knew he was far from fighting fit, but his wounds were healing clean.

Killian was so absorbed in his machinations that he didn’t notice Mulan on his left side. He jerked his arm back when she grabbed his brace, but she held it firm in her grasp. He gaped as she slipped a small knife between its straps. He was so shocked that he didn’t get a chance to ask what she was doing before she slipped away.

The guards outside a large double door stopped them and Killian turned his arm so that no one would notice the new accessory in his brace.

“The Merry Men are here to see the Grandmaster,” Little John informed them.

One of the guards tilted his head at Killian. “Aren’t you supposed to be dead?”

Killian rolled his eyes as he was escorted into Regina’s presence. He hoped the Queen could come up with a more original response to his reappearance.

She did not disappoint.

Queen Regina barely looked up from the map she was studying to instruct someone to tie him to one of the many columns in the room. Mulan did the honors, tying him at the elbows to accommodate his lack of hand. It wrenched his shoulders backwards, which exasperated the cut on his back, but it left his hand free to draw her hidden gift should he wish.

Little John laid his hook on the table in front of Regina and then the Merry Men were dismissed. Regina continued to study the map laid out in front of her. While she ignored him, Killian studied the Queen. It had been many years since he had last seen her during his revenge-driven murder spree. Back then, she’d favored riding outfits and spent as much time as she could on horseback. A far cry from the black leather, velvet, and feather get up she wore now. He wondered how many ravens had died to make the train of her coat.

Regina was close to Killian’s age, he knew, and the years had sharpened her features. Gone was the slight softness of her face. It had been replaced by sharp cheekbones and perfectly coifed hair that gleamed in the candlelight. She was nothing short of beautiful, much in the same way he consider a black viper pretty, despite its deadly venom.

“So the Princess is coming to retake the castle,” Killian heard Queen Regina mutter and his heart dropped.

Emma, he knew, had hoped to take the Templar Grandmaster by surprise. Without her magic, Emma knew she would need any advantage she could get if she had a hope of defeating the trespassing Queen.

Killian slipped the knife in his brace free and angled it toward the ropes that bound him. If he could get out of here, he could find Emma and warn her. Now that they were in Misthaven, they could come up with another plan to free her family from the castle.

Regina chuckled and Killian returned his attention to her as she approached him. He paused his efforts to escape so that she wouldn’t notice the movement. “Don’t look so surprised, Jones. I’ve known that Princess Emma was coming for some time now. Your ship,” Regina paused, giving him an arrogant grin before she continued, “Your former ship made port in Blanchard and its new Captain traded the information in return for my favor.”

Killian vowed to hunt down James and gut him like the yellow-bellied swine he was when this was all over.

With a twist of her wrist, his hook appeared in Regina’s hand. She laid the tip of it on his chest, just above his heart.

“Does she really think she can defeat me with only a handful of Assassins?” Regina asked as she pressed the sharp point of his hook into his flesh. Killian ignored the pain, and the question.

Regina smirked. “No matter. I have the upper hand. My sources tell me that the two of you grew quite close on your journey to Camelot and back.”

Killian clenched his teeth.

“What do you think the little Princess will do, when she finds out I have you as my captive?” Regina drew the tip of the hook down his chest, opening a shallow cut.

“With the lives of her parents and son hanging in the balance, and the fate of her Kingdom, do you really think she’ll sacrifice anything to save you?”

Regina had leaned in close to whisper her taught in his ear, so when she began to pull back, Killian snapped his head forward. His forehead collided with the Queen’s nose with a satisfying crack. It was short lived, however, for a moment later a sharp pain radiated through his chest. He looked down and the blood drained from his face when he saw that it wasn’t his hook imbedded in his chest, as he expected, but Regina’s hand.

She grinned at him as she yanked her hand out and held his heart up for him to see.

“Let’s find out, shall we?”

Fuck.

---

The next day, after spending a sleepless night in one of the castles guest rooms, Killian found himself once again tied to a column. The guard who tied him had been inexperienced at restraining someone with only one hand, so bindings were easy to cut with the knife Mulan had given him. Not that he thought his escape would do much good, since Regina had his heart, but he wanted the option open to him.

Around midmorning, based on the diffuse sunlight coming in through the windows, a guard came to report that bodies had been turning up across the castle. Most killed with single stab wounds.

Regina snapped the guard’s neck with a careless wave of her hand and the body fell at her feet. She reached within her ornate coat and pulled out a heart. “Come to the council room,” she said before slipping it back into a pocket.

Her heels click loudly on the stone floor as she crossed the length of the room to stand in front of Killian. “Do you know how many Assassin’s the Princess has with her?” she asked.

Killian stared solemnly ahead, ignoring her.

He gasped when he feels a sharp pain in his chest and he looks down to see his heart, red with liberal swirls of black, in her hand.

“I said, do you know how many Assassin’s the Princess has with her?”

“Yes,” Killian choked out.

“How many?”

Killian clenched his teeth, fighting the magical compulsion, but Regina only squeezed his heart tighter until he relented and gasped out “Twenty.”

Regina raised one perfectly shaped brow. “Twenty? I had no idea there were so many Assassin’s in Arandelle.”

James, Killian decided, must not have known enough about the Assassins and Templars to mention the Nautilus to Regina. If he had, he would have known that the ship’s presence in Arandelle would have been information of some value.

“How did she plan to get…” Regina started to say before she cut off. Her right arm snapped up and a dangerous smile spread across her face.

Killian turned his head to see one of the Assassin’s Emma had brought with her standing a couple paces away, frozen in place. Sara, he thought her name was.

Regina approached Sara and ran a nail down the woman’s terrified face. She shoved her other hand into Sara’s chest and pulled a bright red heart.

“You’re young,” Regina said as she studied the heart.

Then she crushed it in her fist.

Killian flinched when Sara’s body collapsed to the floor. Regina dropped the dust from her heart on top of her body. With a thoughtful look on her face, Regina pulled a heart from her pocket, one that did not have enough darkness to be his.

Regina marched over to a large mirror on the other side of the room. “Sydney, find me Graham,” she demanded.

Killian stared at Sara’s body and fought against his urge to pull his hidden knife and plunge the blade between Regina’s shoulder blades. He knew he wouldn’t get more than a couple of feet before his body joined the fallen assassin’s.

Absorbed with his inner battle, Killian almost missed the words that floated up from the mermaid shell around his neck.

“I love you, Killian Jones. I don’t know where you are, if you can hear me, or if you are even alive, but know that I love you.”

After confirming that Regina was still at the mirror, Killian pulled his hand free and brought the shell up to his lips.

“Emma, Regina knows you’re in the castle. She’s prepared for you.”

Killian dropped the shell and returned his arm to its previous location just as Regina turned from mirror.

“It seems the Princess has disabled my Huntsman,” Regina fumed as she crossed the room. She held the other heart from her pocket her hand. “Such a pity.”

Dust floated to the ground in front of her.

Killian wondered if somewhere in the castle, a person had just dropped to the ground, inexplicably dead.

Emma’s voice floated up from the shell again. “Killian, if you can still hear me, tap your foot,” she said.

Killian tapped his foot.

“If you can get free, tap your foot again.”

He tapped his foot again.

“If Regina has taken your heart, tap it again.”

Reluctantly, he tapped his foot again.

A colorful collection of curse words issued from the shell and Killian had to suppress his grin.

Regina was pouring a glass of wine from the decanter on the table when Emma stepped out from behind one of the room’s pillars. She rushed forward, her sword pointed aimed at Regina’s back. Regina sidestepped at the last moment, avoiding a killing blow, but Emma redirected her strike to score a long cut across the Queen’s upper arm.

Regina scowled at the wound before waving her hand over it. When the purple smoke cleared, her flesh showed no sign of the injury.

“Princess,” Regina greeted Emma.

Killian’s heart beat loudly in his chest. Emma looked pale and had dark circles under her eyes. Her blonde hair was braided in a crown around her head and her waistcoat was splattered with blood.

“It’s over, Regina. All your men are dead.”

Regina’s laugh echoed off the stone of the room. A fireball formed in her hand.

“Do you really think I need those worthless solders to keep this castle?”

Emma summersaulted under the path of the fireball when Regina threw it at her. She came out of her crouch with her sword aimed at Regina’s legs, but the Queen had transported herself out of the way in a puff of smoke. She reappeared a few feet away, another fireball burning in her hand.

A rush of wind moved through the room and the fireball sputtered out.

Regina blinked down at her hand. Her fingers flexed as she tried to summon another fireball, but none appeared. Regina glared at Emma, and then smirked as she reached into her coat and pulled out Killian’s heart.

“Hold, Princess, or your lover dies.”

Emma froze. Her eyes met Killian’s over Regina’s shoulder and he gave her a small nod.

“I must say, I was rather disappointed when I’d heard you’d taken up with a pirate. It was bad enough, your mother marry that worthless shepherd. Perhaps a taste for low-bred men runs in the family? Remind me again who the father of your bastard is?” Regina taunted Emma as she made a show of inspecting Killian’s heart.

Killian sneaked forward in a crouch as quietly as he could, Mulan’s knife gripped lightly in his hand. When he was close enough, he stood and laid the blade along Regina’s throat. He pressed it against her skin just hard enough to draw a few drops of blood.

“She’s all yours, love,” Killian said.

Emma nodded and stepped forward, the hidden blade on her right arm extended. But just before she could strike the killing blow, Killian was flung backwards. His back hit one of the columns and he had to fight to remain conscious as darkness overwhelmed his vision.

“Killian!” He heard Emma scream.

He lifted his head. Emma was kneeling on the ground, blood dripping from a wound on her forehead. Regina stood a few feet away, a fireball dancing on her fingertips.

“Was that it? Your big plan to take me out?” Regina asked. “Rid me of my magic and stick a knife in me?”

Aziz appeared at Killian’s side. The young man helped Killian to his feet and tried to get him to move, but Killian shoved him off. “Help Emma!” He yelled as he leaned his body against the wall. Aziz rolled his eyes before moving to follow his command. Aziz rushed forward at the same time as another Assassin, which Killian recognized as Emma’s friend from Alexandria, Red, attacked from Regina’s other side.

Regina flung both her hands out. Both Red and Aziz froze on the spot. With a satisfied grin, Regina stepped forward and grabbed Emma by the hair, forcing her head up. She held Killian’s heart in front of her face and slowly began to squeeze.

“Watch, Princess, as your friends die,” Regina sneered. “All because of you.”

Killian fell to his knees and screamed as a sharp pain radiated through his chest.

“No!” Emma screamed. “Take my heart instead!”

Regina stared at Emma, her head tilted in thought. After a moment, the pain in Killian’s chest lessened.

“No, Emma,” Killian croaked. He tried to stand, to make his way to Emma. “No!”

Emma glanced in Killian’s direction and gave him a sad smile. Then she took a deep breath and plunged her own hand into her chest. She pulled it out, her heart a beautiful dark red with swirls of black, and held it out to Regina.

An arrow came out of nowhere and pierced through Regina’s hand.

A moment later, a small silver bean landed between Emma and Regina. A portal began to form just as the first drop of Regina’s blood fell.

Not wasting her chance, Emma reached out and grabbed Killian’s heart from Regina’s hand. She flung her body as far from the portal as she could. She let go of the hearts in her hands and they rolled across the stone floor as Emma’s legs descended into the portal.

Mustering all the strength he had, Killian dashed forward. He grabbed Emma’s arm at the same time as a small woman with dark hair and a quiver on her back grabbed the other. Together, they pulled until they had Emma clear of the portal. The dark haired woman gathered Emma into her arms and hugged her tight. With their two faces to close together, Killian could see the physical resemblance between the two. Emma was safe with her mother, so Killian turned his attention to Regina.

The Queen’s hands scrambled for a hold on the edge of the portal. No one in the room moved as the portal started to shrink.

“This isn’t over!” Regina screamed as the portal closed in around her.

Red approached and looked directly in Regina’s eyes. “Yes, your majesty, it is.”

The portal closed.

Killian collapsed onto his back and breathed a sigh of relief. Before he could take the time to process the fact that Regina was gone, Emma flung herself upon him.

“What are you even doing here?” She exclaimed as she covered his face with kisses.

Killian laughed and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. “It’s a long story, love,” he told her. He buried his face in her hair and took a deep breath.

Someone coughed and Killian and Emma both looked up to find her mother standing over them. In her hands, she held two hearts. Emma sat up and took the hearts from her mother.

Side by side, the two hearts were nearly identical. Each pulsed a bright red but had liberal swirls of black.

“I…don’t know which is which,” Emma said, wide-eyed.

Killian sat up and reached out to close his hands over Emma’s own, covering the two hearts.

“It doesn’t matter. My heart belongs to you.”

---

A week after defeating Regina, Emma stood on the same spot where she had offered the Queen her heart and prepared the spell that would break the curse on Henry. She and Belle had spent the better part of the day preparing the potion that now sat in a large cast iron brazier. Emma lowered the end of a burning candle into the bowl and softly blew on the small flames until all the wood caught fire. The scent of pine filled the room.

“Once we add the blood and the fire has burned down, Henry has to drink the potion, right?” Emma asked Belle.

The royal librarian had an exasperated look on her face when she answered. “For the fifth time, yes.”

Emma heard Killian’s badly disguised chuckle and shot a glare in his direction. He, her parents, and Henry had gathered on the far side of the room to watch the proceedings. Red stood some distance away with Rumpelstiltskin, who had arrived from Arandelle that morning aboard the Narwhal.

Emma picked up a small dagger and slid the blade across her palm, creating a cut almost identical to the one she had given herself at Jenny’s graveside. Blood filled the wound and Emma moved to hold her hand over the burning brazier. The fire hissed as her blood dripped into the flames and the smell of copper overwhelmed the room. Belle’s nose wrinkled in distaste as she cleaned the blade of the dagger.

Belle indicated that Red should bring the sorcerer forward and Red gave the man a hard shove between the shoulder blades. He glared at her, but Red just smiled. Once he was next to the brazier, the Dark One lifted his arms and shook the squid-ink manacles that still bound his wrists.

As Emma unlocked the cuffs, she saw Killian’s fist tighten on the hilt of the magical dagger that controlled the sorcerer. He would only use its magic if Rumpelstiltskin tried to flee before completing his part of the spell to free Henry from Regina’s curse.

However, Rumpelstiltskin held out his hand and allowed Belle to cut across it. Because his unnaturally dark blood was slow to flow, so Belle had him open and close his hand as he held it over the brazier. Finally, a couple of drops fell into the flames.

The fire tripled in size, forcing Emma to take a step back. When it subsided, all that was left in the brazier was the small clay bowl Emma had placed amongst the wood at the beginning of the spell.

“Was that it?” Rumpelstiltskin asked as one of Red secured the manacles around his wrists. She would see that he was safely returned to the dungeon.

Emma pulled the bowl from the ashes, surprised to find it cool to the touch. Small bits of herbs floated on the top of the potion it contained.

“Henry,” Emma called, beckoning her son forward. She wrapped her arm around his shoulder as she handed him the bowl. “I doubt this is going to taste pleasant.”

Henry sniffed the concoction. “It smells like cinnamon.” He brought the bowl to his lips and quickly drank its contents. His face scrunched up and he coughed. A shiver moved through his body.

“Gross,” he exclaimed. He stuck out his tongue and Emma couldn’t suppress a small laugh at his youthful antics.

“How do we know if it worked?” Snow White asked from where she and David had watched the spellcasting.

Emma looked to Belle, who studied the book in which they had found the spell. “Once we undo the spell that is binding Henry to Emma’s magic, he should be able to tell us.”

Emma took a deep breath before removing the rose necklace she had worn for the past few years. Once the spell between the two of them was broken, there would be no going back. If they had managed to break the curse, Henry would be able to live a long and healthy life. If they hadn’t…

Henry would die.

Emma pulled her son into her arms. She kissed the top of his head as she muttered I love you over and over again against his hair.

“Mom,” Henry whined after a minute.

“Okay, okay,” she said, letting him go. She laid the golden rose in her still bleeding palm and closed her hand over it. Eyes closed, she mentally reached out and found the small bit of her magic that was housed in the charm, connected to her by a small, glowing thread. She slowly pulled on that thread drew her magic back into herself.

When the final bit of magic left the charm, the spell broke.

She opened her eyes and saw that Henry was grinning ear to ear.

“It worked!” He yelled, jumping up and down. “I feel… I feel amazing!”

Henry threw his arms around her stomach for a quick hug before running over to his grandparents. Emma swayed on her feet. A leather-clad arm wrapped around her waist to steady her.

“You alright, love?” Killian asked. His face was pinched in worry.

Emma leaned into his embrace.

“I’m fine,” she told him. “Just… overwhelmed, I think.”

Killian chuckled and looked over at where Henry was begging his grandfather to spar with him. “Understandable. You’ve saved your son and your kingdom from a dreadful woman’s revenge. I think it’ll take some time to process it all.”

Emma frowned at the mention of Regina. Though it had been over a week since the Queen had been defeated, Emma had yet to figure out where the magic bean that had opened the portal had come from. She has spoken to everyone who had been in the council chamber at the time but no one had had any idea.

“She’s not coming back, love,” Killian whispered. Emma looked up at him and allowed herself a moment to get lost in the love that shone in his eyes. “Regina is gone and she cannot hurt you or your family ever again.”

Emma pitched her voice low so that her parent’s and son did not hear her reply, “But she is still alive and we don’t know where she is! She could get hold of bean, or some other way to travel realms and come back!”

Belle, however, was standing within earshot. She closed the spell book she had still been reading and closed her eyes for a moment, before saying, “It was me.”

Killian and Emma turned in unison toward the librarian, Emma’s mouth agape and Killian’s eyebrows high on his forehead.

“And trust me, she won’t be coming back. I sent her to the land without magic.”

Emma blinked a couple of times before asking, “Where did you get a magic bean?”

Belle sighed. “I’ve had it for years. I… stole it, from my husband. Just before I left him.”

Emma stared at Belle in shock. The royal librarian had been in Misthaven for nearly ten years and had never once mentioned having been married.

“My father needed money to fight off the ogres attacking our kingdom, so he arranged for me to marry Gaston, the prince of a rich neighboring kingdom in exchange for gold.” Belle busied herself cleaning up the supplies they’d used to cast break Regina’s curse as she talked. “He was a cruel, disgusting man. So I stole the bean from his kingdom’s treasury and ran away. I had intended to use it if he ever found me.”

Killian nodded in appreciation. He’d come to like Belle in the short time he’d been in Misthaven. He’d spent the first few days after the battle with Regina on forced bedrest due to his collection of injuries. Emma had arranged for her to bring him a number of books to read while he was convalescing. “He never has?”

Belle smiled. “Gaston had me declared dead and found himself a bride much more to his taste within six months of my departure. I doubt he even remembers me by now.”

“Belle… I had no idea,” Emma said.

Her friend shrugged. “We all have things in our past we would rather forget. I’d much rather concentrate on my future.”

On that, Emma had no problem agreeing. She leaned her head on Killian’s chest as she watched her son and parents.

“That sounds like a great idea.”

#Captain Swan #CSBB #Assassin's Creed: Misthaven #CS FF #CS AU #AC:M

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delightfully-difficult-pirate · 7 years ago

Text

Assassin’s Creed: Misthaven (13/18)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Sex, Adult Language.

AO3

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Art for Chapter 13 by @cocohook38. This artwork is sexually explicit.

Killian stood on the bow of the Jolly Roger with his spyglass pointed at Arandelle. There were a few ships docked in harbor. One of which, Killian was dejected to see, was the navy’s powerful flagship, the Narwhal.

“How do we approach, Captain, without being blown to bits before we even make it to port?” Joshua Wyatt asked. The crew had elected the elder of the Wyatt brothers as quartermaster a few nights ago. So far, Killian had no qualms with their choice. Joshua had proven himself to be a levelheaded man during the seasons he and his brother had sailed on the Jolly Roger.

“We run up the white flag,” Killian informed him. Joshua made a face in response and Killian chuckled. The white flag meant surrender. Raising it went against everything that made Killian a pirate. It would hopefully guarantee them passage into port, but afterwards, they would be at the mercy of the local authorities.

Killian went to his cabin. Emma had been recovering slowly from her magical exhaustion and still remained abed. Her periods of consciousness had been lengthening, though, and Killian was thrilled to see that she was awake when he returned.

“We’re about to sail into Arandelle, love. Do you feel up to joining us on deck?” Killian asked. He knew it was vital that Emma be visible when they arrived in port if they wanted to avoid being arrested on sight.

Emma nodded and Killian helped her from his bed. He wrapped his arm around her waist to take most of her weight and guided her from the cabin to the quarterdeck. Together, they stood and watched as Arandelle drew closer.

One they were spotted, yhe Narwhal was heading their way with a swiftness that impressed Killian.

“How close of a friend are you to the Queen?” Killian asked. His stomach was turning in knots as the large naval ship headed right toward them.

Emma leaned heavily against him before she spoke. “There is one last thing I haven’t told you, Killian. And I’m so sorry I haven’t done so before this. I’ve just been scared by how you might react.”

Killian frowned, gathered Emma into his arms, and lifted her face to his. “I love you, Emma. Whatever you have to tell me, that won’t change,” Killian told her.

He and Emma hadn’t spoken about Killian’s confession of love in the few days since the Queen Anne’s Revenge’s attack. He had no idea whether Emma returned his feelings or not, but it wasn’t going to stop him from ensuring her of his deep attachment.

“My name is Emma, as I told you. However, that isn’t all of it. Officially, I am Emma, Duchess of Swan, and Princess of Misthaven.”

If Killian hadn’t already suspected that Emma was likely nobility by her manner, her revelation would have shocked him to his core. Instead, he was only moderately surprised.

“Princess, huh?” Killian muttered. At Emma’s nervous expression, he calmly continued, “Lass, you sure are full of surprises.”

“That’s it?” Emma stared at him, eyes wide.

Killian grasped one of Emma’s hands and brought it to his lips, where he pressed a kiss on her knuckles. “Once we are safe in Arandelle, I’ll be happy to show you all the proper reverence due to a lady of your station. Please, grant this old pirate clemency until then.”

Emma laughed at his melodramatic words. “Clemency granted, Captain.”

Together, they watched as the Narwhal pulled alongside the Jolly Roger. An imposing man in the uniform of Arandelle’s navy approached the rail.

“This is Admiral Morten of the Narwhal. I wish to speak to the Captain of this vessel,” the Admiral yelled across the gap between the ships.

Killian stepped forward, Emma pulled securely against his side.

“Admiral, I am Captain Hook of ihe Jolly Roger. We seek safe passage into Arandelle,” Killian replied. Even from a distance, Killian could see the distrustful look on the Admiral’s face.

“I know who you are, Captain Hook, and I know you to be a pirate. What business brings you to Arandelle with the white flag raised?”

Killian looked at Emma, who stepped from his arms and grasped the rail to keep herself up right.

“My business, Admiral Morten. I am Princess Emma of Misthaven and I seek an audience with her Majesty, Queen Elsa,” Emma shouted as loud as she could.

If the Admiral had looked skeptical at a pirate vessel boldly sailing toward Arandelle’s port, it was nothing compared to his look of disbelief at seeing Emma.

“Your Highness!” The Admiral bellowed in astonishment. He executed a perfect bow, removing the large hat from his head as he did so. “Her Majesty will welcome the news of your arrival. Captain Nemo arrived last week with a distressing tale from of Misthaven.”

Emma grinned. “I’m glad to hear it. I look forward to speaking with him.”

“Your Highness, please come aboard The Narwhal so that we may transport you into Arandelle with all the honor due to a woman of your rank.”

Killian bristled at the Admirals insinuation that the Jolly Roger was unworthy to carry royalty. While his ship was in a rough state, she had gotten Emma this far.

“I am content here, Lord Admiral, but I would be honored by your escort,” she replied, her words brusque.

The Admiral must have realized he had offended Emma, for his “Of course, your Highness,” was apologetic.

After that, there was no more talk and the Jolly Roger sailed into port of Arandelle until the protection of the Narwhal.

“Would you like to come with me to the palace?” Emma asked him as they sailed into the harbor.

Killian shook his head. “I would, love, but I need to remain with my men.” At least until he knew they wouldn’t all be arrested as soon as Emma disembarked.

His crew was, understandably, tense as they dropped anchor. Even Killian found it hard to relax at the sight of the dozen men in uniform that waited on the dock. Thankfully, not one made a move to board the Jolly Roger after they lowered the gangplank.

Though Emma was dressed in a simple tunic, trousers, and a salt stained vest, Emma walked down the plank and approached the Admiral with a regal bearing.

“Admiral, this ship and all her men are under my personal protection,” she informed the admiral in a tone that invited no argument. “I will be very distressed if anything untoward were to happen to them.”

The Admiral’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, hard, and Killian could only imagine the look Emma had on her face to elicit such a reaction. “You have my word, your Highness,” the man replied with a half-bow.

Killian’s heart clenched in his chest as he watched as Emma climbed into the waiting carriage.

This wasn’t goodbye, he told himself.

This wasn’t goodbye.

---

Emma rolled her eyes at Admiral Morten’s formality as he announced, “Your Majesty, may I present her Highness, Princess Emma,” as he escorted her into Elsa’s private study.

A yelled “Emma!” was all the warning she had before she found herself wrapped firmly in the arms of Princess Anna.

“Emma, what is going on? How did you get here? Why do you smell so badly?” The exuberant younger woman peppered Emma with questions without giving her a chance to respond.

“Anna, please. Emma doesn’t need to be told she smells,” Elsa interrupted and Emma glanced over Anna’s head to see her beautiful friend approaching with a wide smile on her face.

“My apologies if I do. I’ve been aboard a pirate ship for nearly six weeks,” Emma explained.

Anna pulled back from her hug. “A pirate ship? Really? Why? Were you taken prisoner?”

“Anna,” Elsa warned in a firm tone. “I’m sure Emma will be happy to explain later.”

“Of course, sorry Emma,” the contrite Princess said.

“It’s alright,” Emma comforted her. Once she was released from Anna’s grasp, Emma found herself pulled into Elsa’s arms in a rare show of affection from her less physically affectionate friend.

“Emma, we have been so worried!” Elsa exclaimed. “Captain Nemo told us that you weren’t present in Misthaven when Regina staged her coup, but we feared the worst!”

“Coup?” Emma squeaked in shock. “Elsa, I’ve been at sea for weeks. All I know is that there is a blockade preventing me from returning home, which is why I came here.”

“I’m so glad you did and we will do everything in our power to assist you in returning home,” Elsa said as she grasped Emma’s hand. Admiral Morten coughed in response to his Queen’s words and Elsa shot him a glare.

“Thank you, Elsa, for your offer. But first, will someone please tell me what happened to my kingdom while I’ve been away?”

---

Elsa was more than happy to update Emma about the situation in Misthaven, but insisted in doing so while Emma had a bath.

“Do I really stink?” Emma asked as they waited while the bath was filled by some of the palace’s maids. She’d grown accustomed to the smell of her own body odor while aboard The Jolly Roger, since there was little water to spare for more than a quick scrub down with a wet rag every so often.

“Rather badly, yes,” Elsa admitted. “Though that isn’t a surprise if you’ve been at sea for weeks. Also, here, you can tell me what adventure you’ve been without Anna interrupting every minute.”

Emma chuckled. Anna was a wonderfully carefree woman, but she tended not to always think about her words before speaking. After the bath was ready, Emma told Elsa her tale while relaxing in the hot, lavender-scented water. Her friend listened in silence until the end.

“No wonder Regina has blockaded Misthaven,” Elsa finally said. “If you can’t get back to Henry, you can’t break the curse.”

Emma nodded. It was a pity that she needed Henry’s participation in order to lift the curse on him.

“You said Captain Nemo arrived a week ago?” Emma asked.

“Yes. He said Regina invaded one night and placed the castle under siege with the help of troops from Briar. He was in Blanchard with his ship, apparently, and was able to leave before the blockade was fully in place. He came here to request aid in locating you,” Elsa explained.

Emma was thankful that Captain Nemo had avoided being trapped in the castle. Half of the men and woman who served aboard The Nautilus were trained Assassins and they would be invaluable in her efforts to liberate her kingdom.

Once Emma felt that she was rid of the weeks of built up dirt and grime and would no longer offend anyone’s noses, Elsa arranged for Emma to borrow a few of Anna’s dresses. Autumn was almost over and Arandelle was already feeling the chill of winter. The locally clothing would keep Emma warmer than anything Emma had brought with her when she’d left Misthaven almost three months before.

“May I have Rumpelstiltskin transferred to one of the cells in your dungeon?” Emma requested. “I’m be more comfortable if he was kept in a more secure location than the brig of the Jolly Roger.”

---

An escort of palace guards was arranged and Emma went down to the harbor to retrieve her prisoner from the Jolly Roger. The ship was at the same dock as when she had left it earlier in the day, though there was a larger presence of navy men in the area than she remembered. Likely assigned by Admiral Morten to keep an eye on the pirate ship.

Word must have traveled ahead of her coming, because the crew of the Jolly Roger was assembled on deck when Emma arrived. Killian was front and center, leaning against the mast, and Emma’s heart thudded in her chest at the sight of him. His hair was still damp and his beard trimmed, so he must have taken some time to clean up. He’d also forgone his greatcoat and was wearing a red vest Emma hadn’t seen before. Overall, he looked quite formidable and the group of guards that had come with her hesitated at the bottom of the gangplank. However, she knew the man beneath the Captain Hook persona and stepped aboard the ship without hesitation.

“Princess,” Killian said with a smirk as she approached.

“Captain,” she replied. “I’m here to collect Rumpelstiltskin.”

Killian nodded. “Joshua, bring our prisoner up from the brig,” he ordered.

The quartermaster and his brother disappeared below deck. While she waited, Emma turned to Killian and asked, “My apologies for taking so long to return. Have you and the crew been treated well?”

Killian shrugged and crossed his arms across his chest. “We’ve been ordered not to leave the ship, but some food and drink was brought a couple of hours ago.”

“I plan to speak to the Admiral about finding a shipwright to come see to the repairs the Jolly Roger needs. I’ll ask him to lessen the restrictions on you and your crew as well,” Emma told him.

“That is appreciated, your Highness.”

Emma frowned, bothered by Killian’s use of her rank. He had seemed unbothered by her confession of her royal status, but perhaps he had had second thoughts since arriving in Arandelle.

Killian’s eyes narrowed when he glanced over her shoulder. Emma turned and watched as Rumpelstiltskin was brought on deck.

“Arandelle?” The sorcerer asked after looking around.

“A necessary detour, I’m afraid. Don’t worry, Her Majesty assures me that she has had the palace’s finest cell prepared to receive you,” Emma informed him, the last part dripping with sarcasm.

“I can’t say I’ll be disappointed if I never have to see that bastard again,” Killian said to her as they watched the sorcerer loaded into the back of a secure carriage the palace guards had brought with them. However, now that you’ll no longer be needing our services, my crew are anxious to see the reward promised them.”

Emma’s stomach dropped at Killian’s words.

Oh.

“Of course, the remaining half of your payment, now that the job is complete.” Emma tried to keep the hurt out of her voice as she spoke. “I’ll need to speak with Elsa, but I’m sure she will be willing to lend me the amount I owe you. You’ll have it tomorrow.”

Emma turned and disembarked the Jolly Roger. She climbed back into the carriage that had brought her and refused to look out at the ship and her Captain as she was transported back toward the palace.

Though the job she had hired Killian and his crew for was ending in a different destination than originally intended, it had been successfully completed. Therefore, it was understandable that he was curious about the gold she had promised when she had secured his services.

He was a pirate, after all.

So why did she feel like her heart was breaking?

Back at the palace, Emma made sure that Rumpelstiltskin was securely locked away. To ensure he couldn’t escape, Rumpelstiltskin would have two guards outside his cell.

After supper, Emma claimed exhaustion and made her way to the suite of rooms Elsa had long ago set aside for her. She had intended to go straight to sleep, but found herself unable to do so. She couldn’t stop thinking about the way she had parted from Killian.

Killian had professed that he loved her. Not just once, while under duress, but again before her confession. Though she hadn’t been able to get herself to say the same words to him in return, Emma knew that she loved him in return.

Had he been lying?

Had he only said it because he thought that was what she had wanted to hear?

Emma cursed at herself for her doubts as she punched at her pillow.

She’d been staring straight into Killian’s eyes when he had told her that he loved her and there had been no deceit in them.

He loved her.

And she loved him.

So why?

So why did Killian seemed so keen to remind her that he had fulfilled his end of their contract?

Long after night had fallen, the sound of glass breaking startled Emma out of her ruminations.

She immediately pulled the dagger she had hidden below her pillow and slowly crept from bed. Hidden behind its bulk, she waited.

A shadow passed outside the door that lead to the balcony.

Emma repositioned herself so that she would be behind the door when it opened.

A few minutes passed and Emma had begun to think that she had imagined the shadow when she heard the telltale click of the lock of the door being released. She readied herself.

The door crept open without a sound.

As soon as her mysterious visitor set foot within the room, Emma launched herself forward. Her shoulder connected with a solid mass, which cried out in pain.

Recognizing the voice of the intruder, Emma scrambled backwards and reached for a lantern. When she turned up the flame, she found the pirate Captain who had been occupy her thoughts sprawled out on the floor, a pained look on his face and an arm wrapped around his ribs.

“Killian! What are you doing here?” Emma yelled.

“Learning a lesson about sneaking into a Princesses’ chambers uninvited,” Killian moaned.

Emma couldn’t help the short laugh that escaped her as she helped Killian from the floor.

“Seriously, Killian, what were you thinking? We’re on the third floor! What if you had fallen? Or been caught by the guards?” Emma berated him as she guided him to the bed.

“Truthfully, love, I wasn’t really thinking. I just knew that I had to see you,” he told her as she helped him sit.

“Really? And what is so important it couldn’t wait until morning?” Emma asked. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, from both the adrenaline caused by his sudden appearance and her nervousness as to the reason.

Killian grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him. She stepped between his legs and was drawn into his embrace.

“I realized after you left, my love, that my words to you on ihe Jolly Roger may have been misconstrued,” Killian told her.

Emma’s heart skipped a beat.

Killian continued, “It wasn’t my intention to imply that since my services were no longer needed, I wished to collect my payment and leave.”

“It wasn’t?”

“No, love. But since the job is over, I felt it only polite that I give you the option of ending our association.” Killian reached up and scratched behind his ear. “You’re a Princess, Emma. What use could you have for an old scoundrel like me? I figured I would make it easy for you to send me away, if that was what you wished to do.”

Emma’s heart broke again at hearing the strong, incredible man in front of her speak so calmly about his motives. Did he really think that she would be so callous as to just toss him aside?

Emma kneeled down so that she and Killian were level and told him, “Killian Jones, I have no desire to be rid of you. Not now, not ever.”

Killian smiled, but she would still see the hesitancy in his eyes.

So Emma continued. “I love you, you daft pirate,” she told him, his face grasped in her hands.

The grin that followed her confession was filled with joy, and only a tad salacious.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Killian whispered as he leaned his forehead against hers.

The two of them stayed that way for a moment, until Emma lifted her head and pressed her lips to Killian’s. He returned her kiss with enthusiasm and pulled her close.

Things heated up quickly and Emma soon had Killian bent backwards and pressed against the bed. However, her passion cooled swiftly when her knee accidentally pressed into Killian’s side and caused him to let out a noise of discomfort.

“Your ribs, I’m sorry,” Emma cried as she, once again, removed herself from atop Killian.

“I’ll be fine, love,” he said as he reached for her. Though she was hesitant, she allowed herself to be pulled forward until she stood between his legs.

“I may be injured, love, but I am still capable of bringing you to new heights of pleasure,” Killian purred. His hand skimmed down her side before disappearing underneath the bottom of her nightgown. His knuckles brushed against the skin of her inner thigh, which caused Emma to shiver.

“Killian,” Emma moaned as his fingers teased at her entrance. She parted her legs to give him better access.

“Relax, love,” Killian whispered as he slipped two fingers into her. His other arm wrapped around Emma’s waist and pulled her close to him. Though the fabric of her dress covered her breasts, Killian immediately found one of her nipples and proceeded to tease it with his tongue and teeth. He did the same to the other until both were hard.

Emma heard a ripping sound as Killian’s hook tore through the thin fabric of her nightdress. The cool air of the room on her back caused her to shiver.

“I borrowed this from Anna,” Emma whispered as Killian helped her remove the now useless nightgown with his hook.

“I’ll buy her a new one,” Killian replied before he buried his face between her breasts.

Getting close to the edge, Emma started to rock her hips in time with Killian’s hand. Killian repositioned his hand between her legs so that he was able to tease her clit with his thumb. When he flicked this thumb across the sensitive nub, her orgasm washed over her.

Killian’s fingers continued to pump in and out, which extended her climax. When it subsided, Emma slouched forward until her head rested on Killian’s shoulder. This gave her a perfect view of the bulge in Killian’s leather pant. Emma reached down and palmed Killian’s cock. He moaned and turned his head to capture her lips in a kiss.

While they explored each other’s mouths, Emma worked on opening Killian’s trousers. Once she had the knots undone, she was able to release Killian’s cock from the tight confines of the leather. She gave him a light squeeze and Killian broke their kiss to let out another moan.

“Let me take care of you, Captain,” Emma whispered in Killian’s ear before she dropped to her knees and took his cock in her mouth.

“Bloody hell,” Killian groaned. His hand wove into the strands of Emma’s hair but he didn’t try to guide her movements.

Emma took her time. She slowly circled the head of his cock with her tongue and lapped up the salty pre-come that followed. She teased him with hard sucks and soft licks before she leaned her head forward to take as much of his cock as she could. It took some effort, but eventually she had all of him in her mouth. She then hummed and would have grinned at the string of barley articulate oaths that spilled from Killian’s mouth had she been able.

Emma pulled back for a moment to catch her breath, but her hand still stroked up and down Killian’s hard length. It twitched in her hand as she teased the tip with her thumb. When she ducked her head to continue her ministrations, Killian’s hook on her chin stopped her. His hand closed around her upper arm and with a tug, she was back on her feet.

However, she wasn’t standing for long. Killian pulled her close with an arm around her waist and guided her so that her legs straddled his.

“Your ribs,” Emma whispered as Killian’s hook on her back pressed her down.

“Aren’t important right now,” he replied as he lined himself up and slid into her quim.

“By all that is great and good, love…” Killian swore once she was fully seated on his lap. Emma braced her knees on the bed frame on either side of Killian, careful to avoid his injured side. This position gave her enough leverage to move herself up and down on Killian’s cock.

“Oh sweet Aphrodite,” he muttered as she rode him.

Emma quickly headed toward another climax when Killian began to move his hips in time with hers. When his breath picked up Emma knew that he was also close. Emma moved her hand down to where they were joined. She circled her clit with her thumb and stroked Killian’s cock with her fingers each time it emerged from within her.

Once she reached her orgasm, Emma’s back arched and Killian buried his face in her breasts when he followed her to his climax shortly after. In the aftermath, Killian collapsed backwards on the bed.

Emma smiled down at her lover. He looked utterly wrecked with his hair sticking up in every direction and Emma felt a twinge of pride that it was because of her.

---

If the unexpected guest at the breakfast table surprised Elsa the next morning, no sign of it showed on her face. She simply introduced herself to Killian and thanked him to transporting Emma safely to Arandelle. Admiral Morten and the Captain of Arandelle’s Royal Guard, however, were less than thrilled at the pirate’s presence in the palace, if the looks they sent Killian when Elsa wasn’t looking were any indication.

Killian hadn’t told Emma how he’d sneaked his way into the well-guarded palace, though she had asked. He’d simply grinned and told her that “All men need their secrets,” and left it at that. She’d been tempted to kiss the cocky smile off his face, but knew if she did they’d be late for breakfast, so she restrained herself.

After breakfast, she left Killian telling tales of his adventures to Anna and her fiancé Kristof. Though Elsa had gladly given her the 500 gold doubloons to settle the monetary debt between herself and Killian, there was still the matter of Liam Jones’ location.

Emma found the Captain in the palaces sumptuous library, going over what looked to be old building plans.

“Trying to figure out how to break into my castle, Captain?” Emma asked as soon as she realized that the plans spread out were old architect’s schematics for the royal castle in Misthaven.

“Trying and failing, I’m afraid Princess,” Nemo admitte

Emma sighed. The monumental task of rescuing her parents and liberating her home from Regina’s control was not one she felt at all prepared to handle.

“I’m sure we will think of something. Until then, I would like to fulfil my promise to Captain Hook and give him the location of Liam Jones. Was he on the Nautilus when you escaped Misthaven?” Emma inquired.

“He was,” Nemo replied.

Emma waited, hoping Nemo would give her more information on the boy’s whereabouts. The last thing she wanted was for the lad to come across Killian while wandering the halls of the palace. Right or wrong, he blamed Killian for his father’s death and an unexpected meeting would not end well for either of them.

“Captain, I can assure you that Captain Hook means Liam no harm. From what I have gauged, he is simply concerned for the lad,” Emma told Nemo, choosing her words carefully. Killian had shared the reasons he sought Liam to Emma one night aboard the Jolly Roger but she didn’t want to reveal her the closeness of her relationship with Killian by telling Nemo his motivations.

After a few minutes of silence, Nemo relented and told her that Liam remained aboard the Nautilus, where he would be assisting with restocking the vessel for its inevitable return to Misthaven.

“Regina won’t kill my parents, Nemo. She wants to make them suffer, which means she will continue to target me, or Henry,” Emma told the Captain. “That means we have the time to come up with a good, solid plan before we strike.”

Reassured by her own words, Emma returned to where she had left Killian. He was still entertaining Anna and Kristof with tales of life on the high seas, though the Official Arandelle Ice Master had a rather credulous look on his face.

“I hate to interrupt, but Captain, may I have a word?” Emma asked when Killian finished his latest story.

“Anything for a Princess as lovely as you,” Killian said with a overdramatic bow.

Emma placed a large satchel containing the promised 500 gold doubloons on a table, where it made a satisfying thump. Killian whistled as he open the flap and ran his hand along the gold coins. Thankfully, Elsa had the Misthaven coins in her treasury or Killian would be paying his crew in thousands of small silver speciedalers, Arandelle’s local currency.

“I should get this to my crew, love,” Killian said as he hefted the heavy satchel on his shoulder.

“May I join you?” Emma asked. She wanted to take Killian to the Nautilus so that he could see his brother.

Killian held out his arm in the way he did the night of the Camelot ball. “I would be honored to escort you, m’lady.”

Emma and Killian made their way toward the docks. The crew of the Jolly Roger were happy to see their Captain, and the gold he brought. As Killian oversaw the divvying up of shares, Emma wandered the ship. It had been her home for months and it felt odd not knowing the next time she would be aboard the ship.

“Be careful, your Highness,” Victor told her when she stopped by sick bay, “some of the men aboard were less than thrilled to learn of your heritage.”

That explains the cold looks, Emma thought. Even a few of the men she had become friendly with had given her what she could only describe as stink-eye when she’d come aboard with Killian.

“Nor are they too pleased with your relationship with the Captain. There have been whispers of sirens and love potions,” Victor continued and Emma couldn’t help but gawk at him in shock.

“Surely you don’t believe I’ve cast some kind of spell on Ki… Hook?” she asked, correcting herself midway. It suddenly didn’t seem wise to show just how familiar she was with his Captain.

Victor shrugged. “Sailors are a superstitious lot, m’lady, and they are having a hard time understanding why their Captain, a pirate, seems unbothered by your royal status.”

Emma slouched against the wall, dejected. If Killian noticed a change in her demeanor when he found her sometime later, which she was sure he had, he didn’t mention it. He simply rested his hand on the small of her back and guided her off his ship, jovial as he had been all morning.

Knowing she had a job to do, Emma tried her best to shake of her melancholy caused by learning she was causing a rift between Killian and his crew and suggested they stop by where the Nautilus was docked.

“I never believed men could travel under the sea as well as a top it until I first saw the Nautilus in action. She’s a magnificent vessel,” Killian told her they watched a few of Nemo’s men as they loaded the ship with anticipated supplies.

“She is. Though I must say, I much prefer being aboard the Jolly Roger. I’m not a fan of being cooped up in small spaces without any means of escape. At least on a normal ship, you can always go on deck. But on the Nautilus, you can’t,” Emma admitted. She wouldn’t say she was claustrophobic, per say, but small enclosed spaces tended to bother her.

Killian cocked his head as he studied her. “Is that why you were so out of it when you came out of the orange barrel?” He asked.

“I think it was the knowledge that I was being lifted and had no control over what was going on that really bothered me,” Emma told him. After she did so, she spotted a small figure climbing from the top of the Nautilus. She wasn’t sure if Killian recognized him, but she immediately knew it was Liam. He was the youngest member of Nemo’s crew.

“Killian, what do you plan to do once you know where Liam is?” Emma asked.

It was Killian’s turn to shrug. “I don’t really know. Nemo once assured me he was being taken care of, but I just want to confirm, with my own eyes, that that is true. If it is not, I would do what I could to find a better situation for him. Not with me, of course; maybe a school? Somewhere he could have opportunities of a better life.”

Emma pressed her lip’s to Killian’s in a quick kiss after his answer. She knew it took a lot for him to admit that his being in Liam’s life may not be the best thing for his younger brother.

“I think he’s doing quite well,” Emma whispered as she lifted her arm and pointed to where Liam was passing a crate of oranges to another of the Nautilus’ crew. She and Killian were partially hidden behind the harbormaster’s office, so Liam wouldn’t be able to see them watching him.

Killian’s eyes followed to where she was pointing and a dozen emotions battled for dominance on his face after he spotted Liam. Sadness, joy, hope, and even a little anger.

“He looks like him,” Killian murmured. Emma was confused for a moment before she remembered that his older brother had also been named Liam. She then wondered what kind of man Killian’s father had to have been, to name his third son after one of those he had abandoned years before, but she forced herself to ignore that train of thought so she could concentrate of supporting Killian.

“He’s Nemo’s apprentice. While I’m sure you probably aren’t thrilled to learn he is part of the Brotherhood, I know Nemo takes excellent care of his initiates,” Emma told him.

Emma explained what she knew of Liam, and Killian nodded, but his eye never left Liam. Nemo had taken the boy in not long after his father’s death, when he’d been maybe ten or eleven years old. He was a gangly teen now, not entirely in control of his limbs and unsure of his height.

“Would you like to meet him?” Emma inquired.

Killian hummed. “Not today, I think,” he said. He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her away from the Nautilus.

---

Emma and Killian returned to the palace and spent the rest of the day in the library with Captain Nemo and Admiral Morten brainstorming possible ideas to liberate Misthaven from Regina’s control. Sadly, until the scouts Arandelle had sent out after the Nautilus’ arrival returned with information on the blockade, they could only come up with theoretical plans.

Emma was in a morose mood that night, so Killian did his best to distract her by reminding her of how far she had already come to saving her son. When that didn’t work, he settled on wearing her out physically until she fell into an exhausted sleep.

The next morning, Killian made his way down to the harbor to see to his ship. He found his crew glaring sternly at the two Navy shipwrights Elsa had provided to begin repairs on the Jolly Roger.

“I have to say, Captain, I’m amazed she is still afloat,” one of the men said as he inspected the holes the mortar fire had left in her deck.

“It was a close thing,” Killian admitted. Though he had been willing to sacrifice himself, his crew, and his ship in order for Emma to escape, he was glad that her timely magical intervention had prevented that fate. The Jolly Roger had weathered many battles in her years but none had come as close to sinking her than the one with the Queen Anne’s Revenge.

“I don’t think we have any spare cannons to replace the ones you lost, but we should be able to get her fixed up so you can be on your way in about a week or so,” the other shipwright told Killian.

Killian nodded and left the shipwrights debating the best manner to go about repairing the ship. He convened his crew on the lower deck and informed them that they would be remaining in Arandelle for at least another week.

“She be seaworthy now, Captain,” one of his crew objected and a few others yelled their support.

“That may be, but she’ll decorate Davy Jones’ Locker if we were to get caught in even one of the smaller storms,” Killian countered. The more seasoned men among the crew nodded their heads in agreement. Though the warmer waters further south would get the worst of the storms, it was not uncommon for some of the strongest to make their way this far north.

“It’s only a four day sail to Alexandria, surely we could make it that far,” Ollie called from the back. “They have better brothels!”

Hoots of laughter and a slew of bawdy remarks followed Ollie’s declaration. Even the normally serious Joshua chuckled.

“That may be, but do you really want to risk death to scuttle a doxie?”

His men laughed at his flippant remark, but underneath the jovial sound Killian heard someone say, “Why not? It’s what you’ve done.”

The crew fell silent.

Anger welled in Killian’s chest and he turned his gaze toward James. The young man was leaning against the curved hull of the ship, his arms crossed on his chest. James pushed off the hull and returned Killian’s glare once he realized that the whole crew had heard his flippant comment.

“We all know you’re rogering that drab up at the palace,” James said with reproach.

Unhappy with the insulting term James had used to refer to Emma, Killian snarled his reply, “I advise you to choose your words carefully, mate.”

James continued his tirade, headless of Killian’s warning. “It’s not for fear of storms you don’t want to leave Arandelle, Captain, it’s so you can continue to have that strumpet’s lips around your cock.”

Killian reached out with his hook and snagged the collar of James’ shirt. He dragged the other man forward until the two of them stood nose to nose.

“My relationship with Lady Emma is no business of yours,” Killian growled in the other man’s face.

James only grinned. “It is when that wench is the reason you’re neglecting your Captainly duties, sir.”

Killian shoved James away in revulsion. His words had done their damage, though, as Killian heard a grumble of assent from the rest of the crew. Killian looked at Joshua and the quartermaster had a deep frown on his face as he studied the crew.

Killian turned and addressed the assembled men. “Is that the way of it? You feel that I’m not serving the interests of the crew?”

A number of men nodded. Killian was unsurprised to see that many were men who had not sailed with him much before this job. The men who had seemed to have less issue with his actions or agreed with his assessment of the risks of leaving Arandelle before repairs could be made to the ship.

As Killian studied the twenty remaining members of his crew, he reviewed his options. If he pulled rank and as Captain insisted they remain in Arandelle, he could fan the flames of discontent among the crew. Since he served as Captain only by their will, they could hold a vote to see if the majority of the crew wished to remove him from that position. As it stood, Killian was unsure if such a vote would go in his favor.

Joshua cleared his throat and stepped forward. “Let us ignore the supposed relationship between her Highness and our Captain,” he said in calm voice. “Hook speaks the truth that sailing to Alexandria now could see the Jolly Roger at the bottom of the ocean with the state she’s in. As your chosen quartermaster, I second our Captain’s desire to remain in Arandelle until repairs are made.”

“Why don’t we put the matter to a vote?” Ollie suggested and most of the crew nodded in agreement.

“A vote it is,” Killian said. “All in favor of remaining in Arandelle for repairs, say aye!”

Chapter 14

#Assassin's Creed: Misthaven #CSBB #CS FF #Captain Swan #OUaT FF #AC:M

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delightfully-difficult-pirate · 7 years ago

Text

Assassin’s Creed: Misthaven (12/18)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Sex, Adult Language.

AN: A special @preciouscucumber for being an ever patient and diligent beta. To @cocohook38 and @utopiozphere for the awesome artwork they have created. Last, but not least, this fic wouldn’t exist without the encouragement from @icecubelotr44 every step of the way. This chapter is for her!

AO3

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Art by @cocohook38 (SPOILER!!!)

Killian told Emma that the journey north to Misthaven would likely take between four to five weeks, depending on the severity of the storms they encountered. Much to Emma’s chagrin, they suffered almost two storms a week. Some small, but others made Emma fear for the lives of all on board. The Jolly Roger was just passing the port of Alexandria five weeks after leaving Camelot.

But besides the storms and the increasingly bland food, the weeks at sea were almost pleasant. Having become more familiar with the ship and the crew during the trip south, Emma spent almost all of her time on deck. She busied herself with any task she could find, even those that took her aloft into the rigging of the sails.

When Emma wasn’t learning the how to sail, she took her turn standing guard over Rumpelstiltskin. Starkey had deemed it prudent to keep the sorcerer under guard at all times. He may be chained and without magic but Logan’s death had proved that he was far from harmless.

Everyone, save Killian, spent time in the brig watching over him. Unsurprisingly, those were the times Emma enjoyed the least. Rumpelstiltskin needled her for information almost incessantly, and when she refused to give him any, he told her in great detail what he planned to do once he was free of his bonds.

It was after enduring the evil goblin’s taunts that Emma found herself most thankful for Killian and his caring nature. No matter how upset, downhearted, or all-out infuriated she was after a few hours of being verbally assaulted by her prisoner, Killian always knew how to help afterwards. He’d be there with a cup of rum-spiked tea to sooth her nerves or an offer to spar so she could work out her frustrations on something productive. Or, he’d just hold her as she cried, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her back, just as he had after she’d killed Jenny.

Killian was a man unlike any other, Emma had decided. He wasn’t perfect, of course: he had a bit of a temper and an infuriating tendency to hold himself responsible for anything that went wrong. However, where so many men in her past had been intimidated by her brusque nature, Killian seemed almost drawn to it. He’d never once suggested that her behavior was inappropriate for a woman or something to be ashamed of. Instead, he helped her calm her own doubts about the path she was on when she’d begun to waver.

After their first night together once back aboard The Jolly Roger, Emma had been loath to return to the solitude of her own cabin. It seemed so stark and lifeless compared to the cluttered confines of the Captain’s cabin. So when night fell their second day after leaving Hedge’s Run, she’d gone to Killian’s cabin instead, even though she knew he’d be at the helm for a few more hours. She awoke the next morning to Killian curled against her back and no comments about her choice of sleeping quarters.

Killian was a remarkable man.

And Emma…

Emma was lying to him.

Almost every morning, knowing they drew closer to Misthaven, Emma woke tangled in a mad whirlpool of emotions. Despite how open and honest Killian had been with her for the past weeks, Emma was still hiding one very important piece of information from him; that she wasn’t just from Misthaven, as she had implied, but was in fact the realm’s Princess and Heir Apparent.

He’d shared so much with her. He was open about himself, his history, and had even storied of Milah, so that she might relay to Henry tales of his fearsome and strong-willed grandmother. While she had told stories of her own, they were always carefully edited to hide any information about her special heritage. Emma was hiding her true self from him, and every morning when she woke, it was to the face of a man who had done and shared so much with her.

After they passed the Port of Alexandria, Emma knew that she was running out of time to tell Killian her identity before she risked him finding out in another way. It would only take them two more days to arrive in Misthaven, where they would make port at the small coastal town of Blanchard. The town was only a few hours away by horseback from the lake where the Royal Castle was located, and it was quite likely she would be recognized.

Emma could only imagine how infuriated Killian would be to discover that his patron (and the woman he had been bedding) was the local Princess, simply because some careless dockhand referred to her as “Your Highness.” After all, if the situation were reversed, she would probably be wild with rage. With that in mind, Emma gave herself until the end of the day after they passed Alexandria to tell Killian the truth about her identity.

That evening, she waited for Killian in his cabin. She had two plates of the evening’s dinner and a bottle of fine rum which she’d won off Tristan in a game of cards a couple of nights before. They both normally ate with the crew, but Emma wanted privacy for this conversation--something, she had learned, that was hard to come by on a ship.

“What’s this, love?” Killian asked, frowning as he descended the ladder that connected his cabin to the quarterdeck.

Emma opened her mouth to reply, but stopped, unable to find the right words. Everything she could think to say would immediately put him on his guard, which she didn’t want to do.

“I thought we could eat alone,” Emma eventually stuttered out. Killian raised a brow and tilted his head just a bit: he plainly didn’t believe her. Still, he was ever a gentleman and helped her into her own seat before taking the one across the table.

“What has Tristan prepared for us this evening?” Killian asked as he lifted the second plate Emma had placed over the dishes in an attempt to keep them moderately warm.

“The last of the shark that Javier speared a couple of days ago, I believe,” Emma answered. She hadn’t known when she’d come aboard that sailors often supplemented their rations by fishing and hunting while at sea. She’d been unprepared the first time the crew had brought up a net full of fish during their voyage south and absolutely shocked when they’d caught a shark a few days later. Now, she was beyond thankful for the fresh meat, different as it was.

Killian took a bite of the shark fillet and grimaced. “It’s a good thing we’ll be making port soon, because even Tristan’s talents are being stretched thin,” he commented wryly.

Emma almost choked on her own bite at his offhand comment. “It’s a pity Misthaven doesn’t have many ports,” Killian continued before Emma had her nerves under control. “I’ve heard wonderful tales of the realm but rarely visit it. Is it true there is a lake that can cure all ills?”

Emma blinked, taken off guard. “Yes, Lake Nostos,” she said, before quickly correcting herself. “The lake is gone now, though. The siren that guarded it was killed, and it dried up.”

“A pity. I would have loved to see it,” Killian said with a frown.

“That lake is actually the reason I exist,” Emma said casually, toying with her fork. Killian’s eyebrows rose in shock and Emma couldn’t prevent herself from laughing at his expression.

“Years ago, my mother was tricked into drinking a curse that prevented her from having children,” she explained. “Not long after, my grandmother, my father’s mother, was poisoned. My father went to Lake Nostos so he could save her, but found it dried up. All that remained was a small amount of water in a seashell.”

Emma paused for a sip of water. Killian’s eyes were wide, which was the same look that Henry always had when her parent’s told him stories of their adventures.

Thirst quenched, Emma continued, “Ruth, my grandmother, knew of my mother’s curse. She tricked her son into thinking she’d drank the water, but when she failed to heal, said it must not have been enough. She stated that before she died, she wanted to see her son happily married to his true love, my mother. So there, on the shores of the lake, a family friend who was a knight performed the marriage between my parents. At my grandmother’s insistence, the knight poured the water from the lake into the marriage chalice. Thus, the curse on my mother was lifted and I was born around a year later.”

Killian gawked at her. “Your parents have led very interesting lives it seems,” he remarked.

Emma chuckled. Then she took a deep breath, steeling herself. “That’s one of the tamer tales, I assure you. But speaking of my parents, there is something…”

She jumped as a loud and furious boom resounded through the cabin. Killian immediately jumped from his chair and hastened above deck. Emma followed, cursing under her breath.

“Theo, what in the seven hells was that?” Killian demanded of his navigator.

“Cannon fire, sir. We only just spotted the sail,” Theo answered as he yielded the helm to his Captain.

“Hands to stations!” Emma heard Starkey yelling as she watched the crew scramble from below, their dinners abandoned.

“Javier, what colors are they flying?”

The crewman hastened to the portside and pulled out his spyglass to assess the ship that had attacked them. His fingers were shaking when he lowered it and looked to his captain.

“Crimson, sir,” he answered, eyes round. “Just crimson.”

---

Killian swore. Crimson meant the ship was likely a fellow pirate and that they intended to give no quarter.

“Starkey, do you recognize the ship? I can think of only a few Captains who’d be out this late in the season,” he called, trying to remember who among the brethren had cause to want him dead. Mercifully, it was short list, since most didn’t know of his Templar past. He’d gone by the name Hook to all but a select few since returning from Neverland a few years ago.

Killian watched as Starkey climbed to the crow’s nest with bated breath. When his quartermaster descended and approached with a dark look across his face, Killian knew he wouldn’t like the news.

“It’s the Queen Anne’s Revenge, sir.”

Blackbeard.

Of all the pirates that sailed the seas, Edward Teach was one of the worst. While most pirates preferred to simply disable a ship before pillaging, Blackbeard would shower his targets with heavy cannon fire until they were barely able to stay afloat. Afterwards, he would descend with his crew of cutthroats, who would murder almost everyone aboard. Only a few would be left alive, to tell the tale of the terrifying Captain Blackbeard if they ever made it back to shore.

His ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, was a beast of a ship. She was a frigate that Blackbeard had captured from Vand over a decade ago. Over the years, he’d outfitted her with iron plate to better protect her hull and had a large ram installed on her bow. Last Killian had heard, she carried at least forty guns.

Forty, to The Jolly Roger’s fourteen.

“Starkey, get a long boat prepped. Javier, fetch the crocodile,” Killian instructed, and turned to Emma, who had been hovering at his shoulder. “Love, grab whatever you need from your cabin.”

“What?” Emma stared at him.

Killian gestured for Theo to take the helm again. “The ship that has attacked is the Queen Anne’s Revenge. Her Captain is a ruthless, bastard of a man,” he explained, ushering Emma toward the gangplank. “He’s also a Templar, though few know it.”

Emma froze, her cheeks going pale. “If he’s here, that means the Order knows you have Rumpelstiltskin and they’ve sent him to stop you,” Killian continued. “My ship’s a marvel, but she can’t outfight the Queen Anne’s Revenge. She’s already too close for us to out run. So you need to get off this ship.”

Killian grabbed Emma by the elbow and pulled her below decks. “I’ll send Starkey and Javier with you. There is an island a few miles east of here that you should be able to make it to before nightfall.”

“Killian, I can’t just leave,” Emma protested.

“You can and you will, love. Blackbeard means to destroy this ship and everyone on it. If I trusted that crocodile, I’d say use him and his black magic to get yourself home. But I don’t. He will betray you, somehow. So please, only do that as a last resort.”

Killian guided Emma into his cabin and started to grab what possessions of hers that had made their way to his cabin from hers. Emma grabbed his arm, stopping him.

“Killian, I’m not leaving,” she said quietly. But her voice began to rise as she continued, until she was shouting. “I’m not just going to abandon you. I’m the reason he is after this ship and I can’t just run away and let you pay the price for my actions!”

“You don’t have a choice!” Killian said tightly. “If you stay, you will die right along with the rest of us. And while I draw breath, I will not let that happen.”

Emma’s eyes filled with tears and Killian pulled her into his arms. “I love you, Emma,” he whispered against her hair. “And if I am fated to die this day, I at least want to do it knowing I’ve done everything I could to ensure your survival.

---

I love you.

That was all Emma heard after Killian crushed her against his chest.

I love you.

Three small, simple words. Yet they held so much meaning.

The Jolly Roger rocked violently and Emma could hear the boom of the cannons on the deck above. But for a moment, all she cared about was the man who held her in his arms. A man who loved her. Who, at the moment, was resolved to face death so that she might live.

I love you.

The words stuck in Emma’s throat as she unburied herself from Killian’s chest. So instead, she grabbed his hair, pulled his head down to hers, and gave him a kiss that she hoped conveyed the words she was unable to say.

I love you, Killian Jones.

When she pulled back, she saw that he, too, had tears in his eyes. “You need to go, Emma,” Killian said hoarsely.

Emma could only nod. With the bag that contained the preserved flowers for Henry and a few other items thrown over her shoulder, she followed Killian back above deck.

The Queen Anne’s Revenge had drawn closer in the few minutes they had been below. She was a beautiful ship, with three tall masts filled with billowing sails. Beautiful, and deadly.

There was another loud boom as the crew fired on the advancing ship. She couldn’t tell if any had made contact, but if so, they did nothing to stop its approach. A minute later, the Revenge returned fire, and Emma flinched as she heard the cannon balls tear into The Jolly Roger’s hull. She’d grown to love this ship and her Captain, and the thought of it at the bottom of the sea made her cry even harder.

The longboat was nearly ready. Starkey and Javier had it on the starboard side of the ship, so their departure would be hidden by the bulk of The Jolly Roger. Emma knew that if they wanted to survive, they would need to row hard and fast to be out of the Revenge’s sight by the time she was finished with The Jolly Roger.

Just as Emma was contemplating the seemingly impossible task ahead, another boom sounded from the other ship. “Mortar fire!” someone screamed, and suddenly Killian’s body crashed into hers.

Death rained from the sky.

Emma watched in horror as multiple steel balls ripped through the wooden deck of The Jolly Roger. She heard screaming to her right. When she turned her head, she saw Javier lying upon the deck, one of his legs suddenly ending mid-thigh.

Killian let her up and Emma rushed to Javier’s side. She ripped off the arm of her shirt and quickly tied it around the stump of his leg. She grabbed a sturdy bit of wood debris and used it to tighten the tourniquet. It was of no use. The damage was too severe for a simple tourniquet. The artery high on the inner thigh had been severed and all Emma could do was hold Javier’s hand while he bled to death.

Once he was gone, Emma stood up and searched for Killian. She found him kneeling next to Starkey’s body.

The quartermaster had was still alive, but barely. There was a large fragment of wood embedded in his chest and bloody froth was already forming on his lips. Emma dropped to his side and grabbed the hand Killian wasn’t already holding.

“Starkey, I am so, so sorry,” Emma muttered as she placed a kiss the older man’s knuckles.

With surprising strength, Starkey grabbed the neck of her top and pulled her close to his head. “Take care of him, Princess,” he whispered in her ear.

Startled, Emma pulled back. How had he known?

But she would never find out. With one last bout of strength, Starkey reached up and laid his hand on Killian’s cheek. “You’re a good man, Killian Jones,” he said to his Captain. “Your brother would be proud.”

---

The longboat had been destroyed. One of the projectiles from the mortar had torn a hole right through its hull.

“Emma, how many petals do you have left?” Killian asked, and reached for her necklace with shaking fingers.

There were five. Emma shook her head before he could even ask if that was enough. “Transportation defies the laws of nature. Technically all magic does, but transportation more than most. I haven’t dared risk it since binding Henry to my magic,” she explained.

Killian glanced about, searching for Rumpelstiltskin. He found the sorcerer casually leaning against the rail, an amused look on his face.

“Crocodile, can you get yourself and Swan to Misthaven?” Killian demanded.

“Not like this, dearie,” Rumpelstiltskin replied, holding up the chains that bound his hands and magic.

Killian was pulling the key that would unlock the chains from his pocket when he was suddenly thrown backwards. His body hit hard against one of the cannons. His side flared in pain when he tried to stand. In pain and dazed from his fall, he wondered what the loud cracks sounding across the deck could be. He looked up, and saw in horror that the mainmast had begun to topple toward the deck.

Theo yelled, “Captain! The mast!”

Panic surged through his veins as he realized the mainmast of his ship was bearing directly down on him. Ropes strained and broke. The sails tore. Nothing could stop its descent.

“NO!” Killian heard Emma scream as he tried to scramble out of the way, his hook scrabbling uselessly against the deck.

It was no use: the mast was falling too fast. “NO!” Emma screamed again.

Suddenly, there was a bright flash and the mast froze where it was. Killian looked toward Emma. She stood on the quarterdeck with her arms outstretched, beautiful white magic flowing from her hands. The men around her were gaping, frozen at the sight.

Killian forced himself to move despite the pain in his ribs, limping toward her. Emma didn’t simply let the mast fall. He stared in awe as the mast slowly rose back to its original height. When the broken ends were in alignment, the wood began to twist, and slowly, the mast repaired itself.

Turning back to Emma, Killian watched as she moved to the port side of the ship, all her attention focused razor-sharp on the Queen Anne’s Revenge. Blackbeard’s ship was still coming at them.

Emma raised her arms again: but this time, the magic that flowed out of her hands was not the soft white he had seen before. This magic cracked with energy and raised the hairs on his arms.

It shot like a bolt of lightning toward the Queen Anne’s Revenge, where it tore through the hull of the armored ship. Everywhere it touched, the wood ignited. Soon, the entire ship was engulfed in flames.

When the fire reached the powder magazine, the resulting explosion blew a large hole in the side of the hull. After that, the ship began to fill with water and within minutes, the once great Queen Anne’s Revenge was on her way to Davy Jones’s locker, along with her Captain and all hands that had been aboard.

---

When only a foaming patch of flotsam and wild sea remained to give evidence of the once-great ship, Killian turned his head back to where he had last seen Emma. His heart jumped in his chest when he saw that she no longer stood on the quarterdeck, but lay upon it.

Killian wrapped his arm around his ribs and hauled himself up the stairs to the quarterdeck. He collapsed at Emma’s side and checked to see if she was still breathing. Feeling a tiny quaff of air against his hand, he sighed in relief. He carefully inspected her for any wounds.

When his hand skimmed across her sides, Emma’s arm snapped out. Her hand smacked into Killian’s chest; he cursed, wincing.

But there was a light tug on his collar. Emma’s eyes were open but unfocused and she was muttering something, her fingers locked onto his coat. Killian leaned closer to try to hear what she was saying. ”Blockade,” she breathed. “Around… Mist… haven.”

Shit.

If there was a blockade around Misthaven, it could only be the Templars trying to prevent Emma from making it back with Rumpelstiltskin. It seemed extreme for the Templar’s naval contacts to be mobilized just to prevent a woman from breaking the curse on her son, but Regina had never been entirely rational when it came to her revenge.

Sucking in a breath and trying to ignore his injured ribs, Killian gathered Emma into his arms. He carried her down into his cabin and laid her on his bed, tucking the covers tenderly around her. He would send Victor to take a look at her as soon as the surgeon was done treating the injured members of the crew.

Six men, including Javier and Starkey, had been killed in the Queen Anne’s Revenge’s attack. Two others were severely injured and Victor wasn’t sure they would survive the night. One man had lost an arm, and another a leg. Killian thanked the gods that he had any crewmen left after what they had all just endured.

Killian found Starkey’s body amongst the chaos of the deck and kneeled next to his stalwart quartermaster. Smee joined him and together, the two of them wrapped Starkey in the canvas of a hammock in preparation for burial.

“I’ll see you on the other side, my friend,” Killian said as he watched Starkey and the five other men who had perished tipped over the side of The Jolly Roger.

Afterwards, he located Victor. “I’d like you to take a look at Swan as soon as you are able,” he commanded the surgeon.

Victor nodded and followed him to the Captain’s cabin. Killian paced while Victor poked and prodded at Emma. After a bit, he pronounced Emma physically fine.

“I imagine she is simply exhausted. That was quite a feat of magic we witnessed,” Victor informed him. “If she doesn’t wake, you’ll probably want to consult with your prisoner. He’ll be your best bet if this is something magic-related.”

Killian delicately lowered himself into his chair. Talking to Rumpelstiltskin, who had been returned to the brig, was last on the list of things he wanted to do.

“Let me take a look at your ribs, Captain,” Victor said with a nod at his midsection.

With a reluctant sigh, Killian carefully shrugged off his jacket and Victor helped him remove his vest and shirt. The left side of his chest had begun to turn pink, blue, and purple. The surgeon carefully poked at each rib. Killian tried not to flinch, but failed.

“Only one rib seems to be broken. It’ll take a while to heal, but you should be fine. Try to take a deep breathe every hour or so, even if it hurts,” Victor instructed him.

Killian raised his brows. “You’re not going to bind them?”

Victor snorted and pushed his glasses higher onto his nose. “A foolish practice. That’ll only increase the risk of pneumonia or your lung collapsing.”

Normally Killian would have been fascinated to learn a new fact about the human body. But he just nodded, too tired to care.

He stood slowly and grabbed all the charts he had of the area around Misthaven, then unrolled them across his desk. The country only had three decent ports, and the one they had intended to use, Blanchard, was the largest of them. The other two were small, but Killian didn’t certainly think that the Templars would leave them unprotected just because of their size.

“We need to go to Arandelle.”

Emma’s voice, little more than a whisper, caused Killian to jump. He hastened to her side.

“Arandelle?” he said helplessly. “Love, they’ll have all of us dancing a gallows’ jig as soon as we make port.”

But Emma shook her head. “Elsa is a friend,” she murmured.

Killian blinked, not sure that he heard her correctly. She’d just named the reigning monarch of the country as ‘Elsa,’ as if they were old friends. “You’re friends with the Queen of Arandelle?” he asked in disbelief.

Emma nodded and her eyes fluttered shut. He called her name softly, but she didn’t answer. She was asleep again, and Killian would be getting no more of an explanation.

He sighed again. Arandelle. The crew was going to love that.

Killian went in search of Theo to inform him of their new destination. Arandelle was one of the last places a pirate wanted to go. Killian hadn’t been jesting when he told Emma that they’d all be dead if they went there. The northern kingdom had no tolerance for pirates. Their trials were swift and their punishments even quicker.

The navigator’s eyes went wide. “Captain, have you lost your wits?” Theo asked, aghast.

“It’s not my first choice either,” Killian explained, resigned. “But I have reason to believe that if we continue toward Misthaven, we will be met with more resistance.” He gestured to the chaos that surrounded them. “And we won’t survive another battle, lad.”

Theo glanced about. Emma may have repaired the mast with her magic, but there was plenty of other damage that remained. Numerous sails were already in the process of being repaired or replaced by the crew, but they’d lost two cannons, their only longboat, and his recently-repaired ship would need another visit to a master shipwright.

“Arandelle it is,” Theo said with a sigh. “May the gods have mercy on our souls.”

Chapter 13

AN: MS Word is still being a bastard, so please let me know if there are any formatting issues with this chapter.

#Assassin's Creed: Misthaven #CSBB #Captain Swan #CS FF #captain swan fanfiction #sorry not sorry #AC:M

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