#beauty and the pirate (killian x belle)

[dreadpiratejones]

@travelingthroughworlds

ONCE UPON A TIME 6.04, Strange Case

[lotornomiko]

The Untitled Pirate AU story (Once Hook Belle, worksafe for now) Chapter One revamped

Okay so I revamped a plot element for this...to make it work better for what I wrote/implied in later chapters!

It is from a young age that I have known my fair share of heart break, my life left in shambles and uprooted as a result. Starting with the mother who was taken from me far too soon, to the father who could not truly love me, to so much in between, it's not been the traditionally charmed life of a princess that I have led. For all the riches, for all the indulgences, the endless toys and then that of books, I've always existed as separate from other people. With barely a friend to my name, just servants and those angling to elevate their own status, just about everyone, even that of my own father would seek to use me.

With no true affection, and little ability to tolerate the reminder that I was, there had never been a doubt in anyone’s mind, let alone mind, that my father would one day try. Left existing as nothing more than his pawn at best, a tool that he could barter with, I had always known that my life at the convent would not continue on endlessly. Burdened with that truth, the weight ridden responsibility of my crown, there had never been a chance to breathe, to truly be FREE. Always, always I was aware, and counting down the uncertain seconds as to WHEN the summons would finally come. I had spent too many a sleepless night worrying, wondering what destiny would ultimately be shaped for me, and just how desperate would my father let things get? Would there be any inkling of kindness in his heart, any saving grace that would buy me just one second more of freedom? Alas, the answer to those questions was never ones that had required much thought and consideration, my father a cold, hard, and practical man who at the first stirrings of true war, immediately sought to make an alliance. Only then did he truly think of me, only then did he want to be bothered with the daughter he had cast away. By my virgin blood, and by my hand in marriage, my father, the King, would seal the alliance.

I had always known it would come down to this. I had always known I would have no say in who I would marry. Never was the hope of marrying for love and respect. And never for the idea of family and friendship. I was a political tool, a means to an end, a pretty bauble meant to dangle before the most powerful of Lords. And there were few as powerful as the house my father meant to tie me to. The House of Hunters, the slayers of ogres, amd the ones who had brought a definitive end to so many wars already. A far too distant neighbor of ours, the House of Hunters shouldn't have even been interested in the troubles of the kingdom of Avonlea. We weren't the richest of kingdoms, neither in land, money, or people. And yet, my father did have one thing to appeal to them. To appeal more specifically to their unmarried King. Gaston of the House Of Hunters, had always been a great lover of beauty. At least in the physical, feminine form. I am no conceited twit, but I have been told I am beautiful, and that I only grow more so with every year.

Rumors of my supposed beauty were all that it took. Not talk of my intelligence, my courage, my heart that was so ready to love and be loved. Gaston cared for none of it. For him, only the best would do, the most beautiful of females rumored to exist in all of the Enchanted Kingdoms. Only THAT woman would do as his wife. I was sent for almost immediately, the summons arriving, and within the hour I and my entourage were hustled onto a ship. There hadn't been any time to pack. There hadn't been any time for any real goodbyes. I had been collected, along with my chaperon, and several of the women who had worked closely with me as servant and aide over the thirteen years I had lived at the convent.

The convent is as close to home as I could claim, the castle I had lived in with my father a distant, blurred memory at best. I had barely been eight years of age, the last time I had set foot there, and my mother hadn't been dead for more than a week. I hadn't been allowed to cry, hadn't been given any true comfort or attempts at solace. I had worn a pretty dress of black silk, and was paraded out with the coffin, the brave little princess who had lost her mother too soon. The kingdom had wept for me, and then just like that, I was all but forgotten.

I have just one special memory of that time before I was shipped off to the convent. The one sympathetic face, the sad but knowing eyes, and the crooked shape of his lips. He had been handsome even then, with his boyish good looks already hinting at the devastating beauty he would one day grow into. To me alone did he speak. To me did he offer condolences, a plain cotton handkerchief being pressed into my small hands. Telling me that it was okay to cry, to let it all out, with a wisdom that belied his young age.

With eyes that should have been colored a bright blue, but were instead as dark as the sea, Killian Jones was a lad who had been weighted down too soon with the sins of a careless father, and his own brand of trouble and tragedy. Lowborn of status, but not that of feelings, that striking youth was not considered someone worthy enough to approach that of someone ranking so above his station. Let alone that of a princess. Yet for all my noble blood, all the vaunted titles and responsibilities laid on me by my crown, I too was little more than a misfit, an outcast in my own court. Even before my mother had passed, I had been considered an odd one, with my love of books and my spirit that yearned for adventure. For the kindness that had been nurtured within, my mother so different from that of my cold and uncaring father, teaching me to value those that he wouldn’t, there had been no greater worth to me than that of a true friend. Killian blazed bright as just that, the boy not caring about what I was, how a feigned friendship with me, might have improved HIS lot in life. He had seen a like minded soul, a heart that was hurting and lonely, and had defied all rhyme and reason of the court’s rules, to befriend me.

Killian, with that dark eyed sorrow that was so often a match to my own, was both playmate and confidante to a girl who would otherwise have had none, I have so many fond memories of moments stolen by his side. Even the ones tinted with sadness, can still make me smile, as I remember skinned knees, and grief stricken tears, and the handkerchief meant to stifle them.

Overcome with the memory of that suppressed emotion, I shake now just as I had then. I’m no more prepared to deal with such feelings now as I was then, neither the child I had been, nor the young woman I was now, having true permission to just let go and cry. I hadn’t even known how to try, always aware that as princess, eyes were upon me, and that my head must be held high and proud.

I feel weighted down from all that effort, just as I did back then. A child of eight is not one prepared to deal with the grief and the responsibilities brought with her mother’s death, and with my world so shattered, I could barely managed to play the part of the princess in mourning properly. I could be sad, but only to a point, decorum would not allow such unseemly sights as that of a heartbroken child wailing in grief. Of the panic that would follow, the fat tears on my face, the pathetic sniveling my father had warned me against voicing before the eyes of any one, be they of the court or that of our private servants.

All that had threatened to come undone by the boy who had appeared before me, the proffered cloth bringing me so close to the tipping point, that all I could do was stubbornly blink back the tears while shaking my head no. My sight almost blurred with the effort, the flood gates would indeed open the instant Killian moved as though to touch me. Those unsightly tears had fallen, big fat gobs of them that quickly soaked through the fabric of the handkerchief I attempted to muffled them with. I had shaken with my sobs then, so overcome, and again Killian looked as though he would touch me, decorum and rules be damned. Ready to throw away my status as princess, and his life to comfort me, to that boy, that dear, sweet friend, I was not just that of any ordinary girl. The rich and noble blood in my veins, the station and status it had afforded me, I wasn’t to be touched by those of common blood. Let alone by any males deemed beneath me. Surrounded and served by those who been of the lesser nobility, though none moved to comfort me, neither would any not hesitate to tell, should this boy, Killian, lay so much as a finger upon me.

It was HIS death he was a courting, in trying to console a heart made broken over the loss of my mother. Killian didn’t seem to care, this boy, so beautiful and brave and ever so caring, had risked so much just by approaching me. A fact that was not appreciated by his older brother, Liam. Already closer to an adult, than that of the children Killian and I had both been, Liam had never appreciated the friendship fostered between us, or the danger that it had put his young brother in.

With a face that was that of a young man, the thin cheek youth was not anywhere half as handsome as the boy, Killian already was. Nor had he ever been anywhere as kind, and even then, with the excuse of the fear that had driven him, his eyes had been angry, colored a blue so similar to that of his younger brother, but sparkling wild with his shock and his fury. In his panic, he not only lunged for his young brother, but seized roughl hold of him, while snarling his name. So absolutely furious had Liam been, a flash of that blue spared my way, as though the young man would have words with me too. But even with his terror so stark, Liam had never forgotten the eyes that were always watching. It made him bite back whatever he might have wanted to say, to instead force Killian to one knee, as though prostrating him for forgiveness. There was none need to be given, my voice falling on ears that would not truly listen. I had tried to soothe them both, to reassure and explain to Liam that his brother had done no wrong, was in no real danger, but Liam would not have it. I was a brand of trouble he had never wanted this near to his brother, inviting disaster not just to Killian, but to what remained of their house.

With those blue eyes flashing so angrily, there is no doubt in my mind, that Liam would devise a suitable punishment for his brother. Just as he had in the past, Liam always trying to impress on Killian through the harshest of ways, why he should keep far, far away from me. I’ll never know if his last and his latest had finally proved effective or not, if the lesson had finally been learned. For two days later, I would already have been sent away, my mother barely cold in the ground, when my father washed his hands entirely of raising me.

I had lost so much in so short a time. My mother, my one true friend, even the only home I had ever known. I went numb with the shock of it all, might have proved even catatonic when escorted onto the ship that would bring me to the convent. That of my second home, a place I spent more time at, than at my parent’s own castle, a good thirteen hears having passed, before that too would be taken from me.

This is the second time I’ve had to stand on a ship, and watch what had become home to me, grow smaller and smaller, the further out to the sea the ship took me. This time however, I am more clearheaded, not lost to that numbness that had overtaken me as a child. I stand at the ready, aware of the destiny taking me away from the convent and the island that had let me be a more freer version of myself. One who was without the frills of the heavy dresses, or the immediate burdens of my crown. What a fool I must have been, to let myself ever dare hope I could remain there indefinitely. Time always catches up, one way or the other, its unpleasant realities thrust upon all.

I feel sad, but lack the ability to cry. Is it resignation I feel, or is it only slightly easier each time I have to abandon a home? I do not know, but I cannot take my eyes from it, knowing I will probably never set foot there on that island again.

Even after I can no longer see it, can no longer spy even a glimpse of the convent's grouping of islands, I stay situated at the rail. The chill wind blows through and rustles my clothing, tugs at the curling strands that have escaped my otherwise tightly bound hair. The cloak about my shoulders is the softest of fur lined velvet, and the many layers of heavy dress that I wear, help to keep me warm. Still I can barely breathe for the tight corset, the confines of a princess' gown so vastly different from the simple shifts and dresses that I had worn when at the convent.

Already caught in the trappings of my title, the ship that I ride on, has come prepared for a princess. Made heavy with my dowry, with the many chests of gold, along with dresses and jewels and an assortment of toiletries, I go not to my father, but travel instead to meet my soon to be husband. I grip the rail of the ship, grateful that the kidskin gloves that I wear, hide how white my knuckles have gone. I will not cry, will not let them see my proud and haughty facade crumble. But I mourn the life that I am losing, the freedom that was never truly mine to command.

My chaperon, an older woman newly appointed by my father, stands off to the side of me. She wears a disapproving frown, fusses with her own cloak, and makes muttered comments about how we should get below deck before the storm hits. I tune her out as best I can, staring, staring as though my will alone will get the ship to turn around. It doesn't, and it wouldn't, not even at a request from me. Princess I may be, but I am not in charge here, not in command of even my own destiny. I can only hope that my husband, will be a kinder man than my father ever was, that Gaston won't make too many demands of my time, and allow me the chance to just be.

With that hope in my heart, I stand for just short of forever at that railing. Around my chaperon and I, the sailors run rampant, rushing to and fro to ready the ship for the approaching storm. I hear the hard sound of canvas flapping, the men trying to tie it up, so that the storm's winds won't rip the sail to shreds. And then I hear a cry of the man up in the crow's nest, the sailor shouting out word that another ship has appeared over the horizon. I turn in the new ship's direction, and can barely make out anything, not even with the aid of a looking glass. I catch snippets of conversation, the sailors describing a ship that match that of one of my father's fleet. They assumed it is just one more escort, a ship to join the half a dozen that are sailing with us towards Gaston's kingdom. There is a relaxed air about them, the men confidant and unconcerned, until another ship is spotted. And then another, and another, and then the sky is cracking apart, rain falling and thunder booming as a cannon ball careens into the side of one of the escorts.

My chaperon turns pale faced and screams. Others scream as well. I hear one word repeated over and over, pirates, and it moves the crew into new action. The sailors run to arm their cannons, and the soldiers that had been resting below deck rush up top ready to lend a hand, ready to fight and die to protect the ship's cargo. My chaperon nearly faints, clutching at my arm for support. I stand frozen, my mouth agape, and then a cannon ball takes out the mast of the ship that I am on. Suddenly I can't move fast enough, dragging the older woman with me, as I look for what exactly I do not know. There's no truly safe spot aboard a ship that is being attacked, that is constantly being bombarded with cannon fire, and there is no real escape either.

"Get below deck!" Screams a commanding officer. I balk at the idea, thinking it a sure death sentence should the ship start to go under. My chaperon reacts to the soldier, to the order that he bellows. She's already dragging my unwilling form forward, and down the creaking steps. I can still hear the explosions, still hear the storm and the screams. But most of all I hear the crying, the women below deck fearing not just for their lives, but for their virtue. I should fear for my own as well, but I am in state of shock. I remain that way as I am hustled into the royal cabin, as other women are brought in to tend to my needs. I have none in the moment, and just stand there as the women weep and huddle together for support. They envelope me within their fold, and together we hold hands, and many pray. And then we feel the ship rocked hard in place, the worst of the cannon fire yet, which galvanizes one of the servants to start screaming.

Her screams get through my shock, and then I am slapping her, trying to make her calm down and be quiet. It doesn't quite work, her muffled whimpers an accompaniment to the new sounds that we hear. That of the ship being boarded, the battling taking on a more personal desperation as pirate and soldier fight, and sword meets cutlass. The sounds of the fighting, of men dying, and the occasional boom of cannon fire? it lasts for what feels like hours.

It's no better when the worst of the fighting just stops. We hear the death rattling above us, hear the victors laughing and securing the ship. Most of all we hear the torture, the interrogation that goes on.

"Where is your princess?! Where does she hide?!"

Wide fearful eyes look to me for guidance. I can't be frightened now, I can't afford to be. I lift my head proudly, tear the jeweled tiara off my brow, and throw it to the floor.

"They can't know that I am the princess." I say. The women just keep looking at me, and I snap out louder. "They cannot know! Do you understand?!" They react to the authoritative sound of my voice, nodding dumbly.

"Quickly!" I hiss, shrugging out of my cloak. I then start pulling off the jewels that they had covered me in, the necklace and the many rings of a princess. I even go so far as to wash off the make up, but there's not time to change out of the dress. Even if there was, there's nothing like what I had worn at the convent to fit me here now.

I make do with what I have, trying to help some of the women of a similar size and build fit into some of my wardrobe. Soon enough there is at least three of us dressed somewhat similarly, that it won't be immediately apparent just who is the princess.

We stand together, and await our fate, and then the door to the royal cabin is kicked open. No one screams, though there is a collective gasp, the women huddling closer together at the sight of the group of pirates. They look and leer at us, but more than that, the jewels on the floor catch their attention. Suddenly the room is full of pirates, a dozen or more, and they are looting the place, taking everything of value from it. I hear excited shouts from elsewhere in the ship, and realize the pirates have found the chests of gold that make up my dowry. I don't try to delude myself into thinking that is all they have come for. And I'm right. The women and I are herded upstairs, out onto the deck. It is a scene straight out of a nightmare, for though the blood has been washed away by the rain, the bodies remain. I close my eyes against the sight, then whip my head around at a shout.

One of the officers is still alive, battling with a dark haired pirate. The pirate is clad all in black leather, and is a dark shadow against the storm. The soldier is clad in the blue and gold military uniform of my kingdom, and he fights with all that he has left. It's not enough, even my inexperienced eye can see that the pirate is toying with him, his laughter carrying to me over the roar of the wind. A woman cries out, and as one we all turn our heads away too late to block out the sight of the sword stabbing straight through, the officer being viciously impaled. A cheer rises up from the pirates, and I want to clap my hands over my ears to block out that mocking sound.

I don't do it, anymore than I close my eyes to what is happening around me. Past the women I stay huddled with, I can see at least two of our six ships already floundering, taking on water. It'll be a few hours yet before the ships actually goes down completely, but it's already started.

Surrounding us, with still smoking cannons are four ships. Three of them look very much how a pirate's ship was expected to be, right down to black canvas flag with the skull and daggers painted on it. But the sight of the fourth ship shocks me, for it not only mimics one of my father's fleet, it IS one in truth. I recognize the name, react with shock to see the lost Jewel of the Realm before me and under these circumstances. Lightning flashes brighter, and I see that the stolen ship bears the pirates' flag as well. I have so many questions, wondering what has happened to its crew, and then the pirates are grabbing at us, pulling us out of the huddle that we had clung to for comfort.

"Which one of you is the princess?!"

I can feel harsh fingers digging into my arms, shaking me for an answer I won't give them. None of the women will, we stand united, ready to die if need be, if it means thwarting the pirates in this much at least. I stand just as brave as any of them, silent in the face of this threat, and then lightning illuminates the sky. I gasp, my eyes widening, staring at the pirate who is slowly approaching. He is casual as he wipes off the blood and gore from his sword, but that proof of his brutality is not what I am reacting to. It's him, his appearance, the boy now a man but no less handsome here than he was then.

My mouth opens without my thinking, the word, a name, issuing out of me in a strangled sound.

"Killian?"

Instantly he is before me, his hands reaching for me. One touches my shoulder, the other grips rough hold of my chin. I shake in shock, never having known the touch of a man beyond that of my father. My skin prickles with cold and awareness, the blue eyes familiar but not. Gone is the sympathy, the gentle caring. In its place is a blazing coldness, a narrowed stare as he studies me intently. With his hand as the guiding force, he turns me so that he can admire my profile from another angle. This way and that way, does he look at me, and then at last he nods.

"It's her."

"How can you be sure?" asked a red cap wearing pirate.

"Don't doubt me, Smee." The pirate, Killian, hasn't let go of me. He's almost smiling, but there's a world of cruelty in that look. It's so foreign and unrecognizable to the boy I had remembered, my lips parting to ask, to demand, what had happened to him to make him become this....this menace.

"This is her. This is the princess of Avonlea...." He speaks it so certainly, and with a dark purring undertone of satisfaction to those words. "Belle..."

I react to hearing my name on his lips, shaking my head no. "What? I'm not..."

"Don't LIE to me!" His voice cracks like a whip. The women cry out, fearing for me. I don't blame them. He looks so furious now, like a demon ready to strike, and I wonder if he will slap me. He doesn't, instead dragging me with him, towards the railing.

"Vengeance is ours!" That makes the pirates cheer. I've no idea what this means, what vengeance I could possibly play a hand in. And then I hear the pirate say words that made my already cold blood freeze.

"Sink the ships." Killian orders. "Let there be NO survivors...."

"What?! No! You can't!" I start to say, and find myself suddenly lifted up. I fight him, I scream, and then find myself thrown over his shoulder. I scream harder, start beating at his back, and he slaps a hand on my bottom. It shocks more than hurts, the heavy layers of my skirts, protecting me from the worst of the slap.

"You can't do this!" I still scream as he carries me off. "You can't...." I shake my head, trying to plead with him. "Haven't you killed enough?! At least let the women go!"

"I'll not have word of this reach your father until I want it to." He retorts.

"Please!" I beg this time. "The women...they have done nothing, they don't deserve..."

"They deserve less what will happen to them on board a ship with pirates." Killian retorts. I shake in response, knowing he is right, but unable to reconcile the idea that the women would be better off dead than raped.

"Please..." I all but whisper it. "At least...least let the women decide..."

I don't believe for a second I've reached him, that I've appealed to whatever shred of decency a pirate is capable of having. But then he stops, turns to the man that he had named Smee. They hold a muttered, and hurried conversation, and all the while I whisper please. I almost wilt with relief when the pirate Smee hurries off to relay the captain's words, the women being offered a choice. Come with the pirates, or stay here and die. Most choose the fate worst than death, weeping and hysterical, but ready to live rather than drown.

I'm about the only one not crying, not hysterical, too limp with relief and the fear of what had almost happened to the women. What could still happen. I block out the thought that that same thing might happen to ME, instead whispering my questions.

"Why are you doing this?" I ask. "What does your vengeance have to do with my father?"

He doesn't answer me, not right away. He takes the time to get us onboard the Jewel of the Realm, and actually leaves me to dangle from his shoulder as he gives out orders. The women are then brought onboard, but it will take time for all of the loot to be secured. When at last he does slide me off of his shoulder, it is done slowly, menacingly, letting me feel every hard inch of his body. Shorter and softer than him, I have to stare up to meet the hard, unforgiving gaze of his blue eyes.

"Everything." He snarls. "My vengeance is owed everything to your father."

That only leaves me with more questions, a dozen or more racing through my mind. My lips tremble as my mouth opens to speak. "This is not the way....vengeance is never the way."

"I'll be the judge of that." Is his retort.

"You'll spark a war that will devastate our homeland!" I stare at him, my gaze searching his. "Is whatever my father did, do the people of Avonlea deserve what your vengeance will bring them?!"

That gives him pause. And then his eyes narrow with a hateful gleam. "It's no less than what Maurice would do to so many others!"

"What are you talking about?!" I cry out. "He is trying to STOP the war from happening. He wants peace..."

"Peace?" He snorts. "Peace is the furthest thing on that King's mind."

"That's not true!" I protest. "The alliance..."

"The alliance isn't about peace, but about securing and maintaining his power. He'll do anything for it, to keep it, and to expand it...even whore out his only daughter."

The slap I give him turns his head to the side. "Bastard!" I seethe. "How dare you."

"It hurts, doesn't it?" Killian asks. "The truth..." The flash of lightning illuminates his smile for one second. "Well there is a lot more truth and hurt to be had!" He shoved at me, and I stumbled, crashing into the waiting arms of the pirate named Smee.

"Captain?" He inquires, and Killian motions with a jerk of his head toward the railing.

"Let her see just a taste of what her father has wrought..."

"Aye aye captain!" Smee exclaims, and starts dragging me to the railing. Held there, I am forced to watch the ships that we leave behind. They grow smaller and smaller, but the many flames destroying them light up their positions on the water. It's not until we are quite some distance away, that the pirates open fire, mercilessly pummeling the already floundering ships.

"So cruel..." I whisper. It's all I can manage, standing and staring, then sagging weakly in Smee's grip. It's all too much for me, the storm and the pirates, and especially HIM. What has happened to Killian, what has made the man so different from the boy that I remembered? I don't know, but I am determined to find out.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To Be Continued....

Hate my ending paragraph. =/

So...this is an AU idea I have been trying to start for over a year. I could never get it started to my satisfaction. Originally, my ideal was to have to all be a Belle POV up to the middle of the story, than switch to Killian telling the rest. But it's not gonna work out that way. I'll be switching between them as the story deem fit.

Originally, the drafts I had were VERY different. I wanted it to be set in the future, where Killian wakes up Belle and they have a intimate encounter. Then one of them starts reflecting on how this all had happened. but I could never get that version right. Damn it!

For the most part I am happy with what I ended up with! Yay! Still need a title though. Glad to finally have the first chapter written. By the way, not sure if it's apparent, but Killian here has BOTH his hands. XD

Laters! Oh wait...taking title suggestions as I have none at the moment!

6/12/2022 Slight update of Chapter One’s contents. Okay more than slight, as I ended up with like nearly an extra thousand words. The big change here is...well it always bugged me that I implied as children Killian and Belle only interacted that ONE time, when clearly I wrote somethings in later chapters, that made it seem like it would be better suited if they had known and had some kind of friendship. So that has FINALLY been corrected. Here’s hoping I’ll finally get unblocked and get to continue with the rest of the story now!

---Michelle

[courtorderedcake]

Riptide 7/13 CSBB

@captainswanbigbang & @captxinswans present:

RIPTIDE by @courtorderedcake Beta’d by the wonderful @ultraluckycatnd

An Enchanted Forest AU where the dark one was never released into the world in a vessel, thus causing a massive shift in timelines. The ogre wars have ravaged kingdoms, untold destruction spanning continents, rulers displaced. Even as the wars sputter to ash, the safest place to be is at sea, and that’s not very safe at all - as Emma and Killian find out, fates intertwined against all odds.

Rated: E/X - heavy content : warnings of assault, rape, noncon, just everything, I feel like the rating says enough. It’s something.

WARNING: READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

Read on Ao3 HERE .

Chapter IX : Shell & Bone

I can be quick and then I'm deadly,

I am a rock, shell and bone medley.

If I was made into a man, I'd make people dream,

I gather in my millions by ocean, sea and stream. 

What am I? Sand of course, dear one

- Unknown

 Emma woke next to a sudden jostle, Killian tensing above her and words, laughing words that weren’t his. The fuzzy bits of sleep fading, she could hear Killian’s voice now loud above her. “Don’t you dare touch her. I’ll kill every one of you if you touch her -”

Emma’s eyes shot open as Killian’s body was pulled away from her and the warmth of his embrace was gone. Two men were pulling him away, his hand reaching for hers across the floor.

“No!” Emma reached for him, pulling his hand into hers, fighting and kicking the other man who stepped into the space to grab her. “Killian, Killian! Let me go, let me go!” Wailing and reaching for him, his body was pulled behind hers to keep him moving.

“Ain’t it sweet? Keep struggling and I’ll give you a chance to hold your baby.” The man holding her pulled her hair, and she yelped, his other hand squeezing her windpipe.

“Emma, you have to stop struggling love, you’re going to hurt yourself. It’s going to be alright.”

They were both pulled on the wet deck with rain still falling heavily, chilling her again. James stood looking over the docks in front of them as Emma was thrown down, Killian over her protectively a moment later.

“I’ve made two decisions, for the sake of my dear little sister and her unborn.” James smirked down at them as Killian gathered her shaking body close to his. “The first is that you get to say goodbye to your beloved before he hangs. I do follow Navy protocol, after all, so you can say goodbye here and as he hangs.” Emma sobbed into Killian’s chest, both of them holding each other tightly. “And I’ve arranged for you to be delivered to a beautiful holding cell to wait for your bastard to be born. Then off you go to whatever fate I decide, and your bastard goes to a nice home.”

“You will not take my child -”

“See, the thing is dear sister, you’re not exactly in the position to make demands. Or to be a mother,” James sneered. “Now say your goodbyes.”

“Emma, I love you. Look at me love,” Killian kissed her, wiping tears away from her face in earnest. “You have to keep our child, beg them, do whatever you can. Do you understand? Don’t you dare give up, Emma -”

“I won’t but you have to fight them too, please, I know you can figure a way out of this. We have survived everything, everything, Killian. You have to see your child. He can’t grow up without you.”

Killian opened his mouth to say something more, but was stopped by James waving a hand to pull Emma from him, his fingers holding hers until the last second. “I love you, Emma.” She continued reaching for him, and he pulled against the two men holding him, continuing to try and touch her fingers.

James laughed, his continued laughter eventually drowning out Emma’s pleading.

The day he was led out to be hung was exactly ten days after his capture. He’d counted, scratching long groves into the wall of his cell with a spoon, sharpening it to carve Emma’s name and his into the wooden door frame along with a small picture of a swan. Tracing it kept him sane when he imagined he heard her cries or a phantom squall of a baby somewhere in the evenings, his body unwilling to rest.

Off of the coast of King George’s miserable land, Korumpiran, lay the island he sat in now. It was unnamed, just referred to by people who knew what lay on its rocky face as ‘Prisoner’s Keep’. Emma was somewhere in the compound, it was where people the Navy wanted to parade out with pomp to a gaggle of noble watchers were held.

Hanging was a sport, and it needed spectators.

James was in high spirits when they came to fetch him, dressed in his full regalia and grinning. As they climbed the stairs to the deck of the gallows, he whispered gleefully, “Today’s the day!”

Killian grunted.

James’s boots were a shining dark black in the noon sun, in stark contrast with the washed-out boards. As his death necklace was hung around his neck, Killian whispered goodbyes to those who would never hear them. His crew, his few friends, his child, saving the last for Emma.

James stood next to him, no executioner’s cowl to mask his glee. “Do you know what the best part of this is going to be?” James’s eyes glittered with excitement as he whispered, “My deal with you ends when you expire. You’ll have your whore and child with you in hell soon enough!” James laughed, pointing out into the crowd where several naval officers flanked Emma’s body. 

Killian struggled in his bonds, trying to get off the stage to her in blind panic. Their audience whispered in confusion as she cried hysterically. James tried to redraw the crowd’s attention, not to be outdone. “I hereby judge the pirate known as Captain Hook as guilty of crimes against the crown...” A wail went up in the crowd, pained as a naval officer started yelling, “...desertion of the Navy, Piracy...” A low moan soon followed, and one of the naval officers ran back into the base, eyes wide. The crowd began to turn and soon, the original crowd was turning towards low keening cries. 

The hair on Killian’s neck stood. 

Navy officers yelled, and James became angry. “...and stealing a ship from HIs Majesty’s fleet. The punishment shall be death, by hanging. Any last words?” James removed the rag he had stuffed in Killian’s mouth. 

“Emma, my wife, please tell me she’s alright. She’s pregnant and I can’t see -” Shouting at the crowd, he struggled, and several women covered their mouths in horror. 

It was taboo for any wife to be present for a hanging, as the gentry were prone to swooning. A pregnant woman being forced to stand privy to an act of such violence was beyond cruel, practically sacrilege, and put both her and child at risk. A scream tore through the crowd, and he could see Emma on her back, naval officers holding her as one came back with a cloth. Her mouth was a tight lined grimace. The crowd was booing the hanging now in favor of the poor woman who seemed to be having stress complications. Killian was barely aware of anything else except trying to see what was happening. Officers ran on the platform to help James hold Killian as he fought to get to Emma with every fiber of his being.

Fists landed blows on his face and a boot connected with his ribs until he knelt, bleeding on the platform’s drop door, the first real prayers to any God who’d listen running through his mind. He heard James pull the lever, and closed his eyes, unable to stand the nightmare any longer. The door below him gave way and he fell, time slowing as he heard James yell in fury. Killian’s knees connected with packed ground. The rope had snapped, cut through almost completely.

Killian’s body registered its living state before his brain, scrambling to move as James shouted orders. His blood beat in his ears to the sound of her name, every part of him trying to protect both his child and his wife. A guard caught his arm half way and shoved him, a strange movement that was neither defensive or offensive. Sprawling forward, he noticed a heavy weight in his coat pocket. Reaching in and touching cold metal, he looked up to watch the guards surround Emma and understood.

James shouted more commands as Killian pulled his hook out of his pocket, taking it in his good hand awkwardly without his brace. A few paces ahead of him, he saw Ruby adjust her stolen Naval uniform, sending a signal to however many others had infiltrated, and he realized that the ever clever crew of The Gilded Wing had each put a swan patch under their shoulder stripe.

Killian slashed through an officer with slight difficulty, continuing towards Emma as he watched the infiltrators from The Gilded Wing shed their disguises. Two guards with a swan patch held Emma's hands, kneeling as the crowd surrounding them began to realize that they were caught in the beginning of a blood bath. Men started to scream as Merida, Ruby, Rory, Phillip, Graham, Fa, Regina, Robin, Z, and others he didn’t know began to carve through them.

Finally reaching Emma, he felt life return in full color. Wearing a ridiculous full satin gown, even in labor on dusty cobblestone she took his breath away. He rubbed blood from his face and ignored what was most likely a broken rib. Snow looked at his dumbstruck face with a small knowing smile, as Emma and Belle beamed up at him. He knelt by her side, or more truthfully, dropped to his knees.

“Emma are you? Please tell me you're alright. Seven Hells and the damned -” His wheezing questions were answered with a soft kiss as her hand threaded through the hair at the nape of his neck. She pulled away, motioning a hand to the bodice of her dress and bringing him back to the peril of their situation.

“We're fine. Help me get out of this damned thing before we all wind up dead, because that would be depriving a nice end to my dashing rescue of you. Oh, and take off your shirt.” Emma reached below her skirts and pulled out his extra brace, a cutlass, and her preferred scimitar. He pulled off his coat and shirt as she and Snow struggled to get her out of the gown. Belle stood guard, easily dropping men with a crossbow.

“You know, there's a thousand other ways to get us both naked love,” he grinned. He put on his brace with ease, relishing in the feel of the soft leather and the plush embrace of the fitting for his hook. Snapping buckles tight, he clicked in his hook. With a flourish he ripped the gown, revealing her breeches and tunic below. “When we get back, I'll show you a few of the ways I thought of on the gallows.”

“Gallows humor. That's appropriate,” Snow smirked, as he shrugged his shirt and coat back on. Helping Emma stand, he embraced her tightly.

“I love you, Emma. We'll talk about how mad I am that you are here later,” he whispered into her hair. “If I told you to stay out of trouble you'd never listen, but please be careful.”

Emma smirked, looking up at him. “I'll do my best, Killian.”

Another round of shouts began as another James appeared from the nearby doorway, screaming that the man on the gallows stand was an imposter, a wizard from the Far East.

Anyone from The Gilded Wing would recognize the slightly darker tanned skin, or the top of his ring finger missing on his right hand. But dressed in a captain’s uniform, the Navy became more confused. James sputtered on the gallows stand about his twin brother, while David shouted back towards the crowd. The Gilded Wing members took advantage of the chaos, attacking without mercy.

“Welcome to the party, Hook,” Belle said as she stood, joining the fray with Snow just behind, pulling a bow with quiver from her pant legs.

Killian kissed Emma one more time as they began making their way towards James.

Emma slashed through men easily, avoiding attacks as Killian moved faster, slicing with both hook and sword. Gunpowder filled the air as blood spilt; dying shouts heard over the smell of fire shot from Regina's hands. Robin, Belle, and Snow had taken high perches, shooting targets with keen accuracy. Men ran to get to safety.

Killian reached the platform first, and James backed away as he approached. Parrying back and forth, Killian was surprised that such a coward was actually an adept swordsman. A well aimed kick from James landed squarely in his broken ribs, the crunch and pain throwing him back on his elbows letting out a strangled cry. James raised his weapon high, the sword shining in its cruel metallic glory. Killian turned to Emma and watched her, unwilling to spend his last moments watching James’s sadistic snarl.

A shot rang out, James stepping back and looking at his stomach in surprise. Killian took no chances, digging his hook deep into James’s neck, ripping his face apart in a clean motion. Killian heard the bastard gurgle but threw him down, unwilling to give him any more attention. Looking up, Charming nodded to him over the smoking barrel of a pistol, a calm ripple of understanding coming between the two.

It was done. Men ran in all directions, fires started in several places along the keep, and cannons sounding from what sounded like several ships. Glancing at the smoke drifting off of the towers, he would swear he was hallucinating. Two dragons circled, one dark, massive, and sleek, the other a soft pearl color with somehow more delicate features. They were stunning in their fierceness.

The island was in ruins as nobles cowered, fleeing to ships that sped away from the rubble.

“Killian?” Emma called through the smoke, and he stumbled off of the deck into her embrace. She smiled and let him lean into her body, face pressed against her neck as he took a breath. “You’re heavy. As much as I -”

Rough hands pulled him aside, helping him stand fully. Charming stood next to him, propping him up. He grunted, growling out lowly, “You have legs, lean on someone who isn’t pregnant.”

Killian could feel his ribs throb as they walked along the cobbled path, Charming under his arm letting him lean and Emma by his side trying to keep him talking. His lungs burned, and he was painfully aware that breathing was becoming harder. “How did you manage this?” he coughed, and Emma looked at her brother, then away quickly.

“Will is alive. Belle took him back to The Gilded Wing, and they caught the Jolly on its way here to save us. Regina popped into my cell, letting me know the plan and helped me smuggle the things we needed. Hey, hey. I need you to stay awake.”

“And you tamed dragons in your cell?” Blinking groggily, he shook himself further awake, not realizing his drooping eyelids as his lungs tightened.

“That’s… That’s actually Z, and his, um… Friend? or Lover, I guess?” Emma said unsurely, glancing at David. 

“Mal, the blonde woman, new to The Gilded Wing’s crew. Old friend of Regina’s, and a powerful sorceress. Transformed Zorro, your Z, into a dragon for revenge and the spell accidentally hit them both. They can change forms when they’re around each other,” David grumbled.

“You know I think you’re magnificent, Emma. Did you manage a Kraken too?” Emma laughed, moving closer into his side. “Don’t laugh, love. I’m trying to share a moment with you while staving off choking. And you, my dear brother-in-law racing to save me. Now that I wouldn’t have bet on.”

“Never call me that again. Could you focus?” Charming gritted out. “If you died, I’d never hear the end of it from Emma or Snow. And,” he mumbled under his breath, “I cannot be left alone with Scarlet or Robin, who would join you in hell. I can’t be killing crew. That’s, what do you say? Ah, yes. Bad form.”

“Dave, you truly do care,” Killian groaned when Emma gently prodded him gently in the ribs, shooting him a look, but Charming actually gave a forced smile.

“Don’t make me stab you when you have cheated death thrice today, to my sister’s delight.” As they approached the Jolly in full glory next to The Gilded Wing, they were met by a crowd of crew members, Graham taking over for Charming. Before he was completely pulled away, Charming slid an elbow right into where he ached, hard enough to bruise but not to cause any more actual damage. Killian sucked in as much air as he could get through his teeth, trying not to vomit. “And never call me Dave ever again either.”

Emma helped him settle into their bed, helping to ease him down and help make something comfortable for both of them. She’d washed his face, and taken off his bloody clothing, soft touches that reminded him her finger was painfully bare of his ring. Before he could say anything, Regina had come by for more healing and a round of her truly noxious potions made to induce bones to knit together with the added bonus of making a grown man fall back into the mindset of a whiny child.

His lucidity began to fray, and Emma lay next to him quietly, looking over their handiwork on his battered body. “You’re starting to get a little bit magic sloshed. I can see it in your eyes,” Emma giggled. “You always look so intense before you let go and get lost in things.” She reached for his hand, surprised when he moved to kiss her, searching her eyes as they broke away,

“You shouldn’t have been there. If you had been hurt, Emma, I can’t... I couldn’t even watch you pretend to suffer because I thought...” His voice caught, and she held his hand tighter. “No more. Stay off your feet. I know you’ve been hiding how exhausted you are, and I’m worried for you love. I’m worried for our child.”

 “I’m ok, I promise,” she lied, and adjusted herself. Wincing, she did not sell her lie. 

“No. You’re not.” 

“Killian, I -” 

“When was the last time you ate and really rested? You were in a cell, probably not much nicer than my own. And your wound? See to it you actually get it cleaned, love,” he sighed, gathering her into his arms. “Of course.” He nuzzled into her neck, his words slurring softly as the potion helped mend his broken bones. “You could just rest with me. Help me get better. Stop me from worrying about the dragon we unintentionally signed on as crew.”

“Of course,” she whispered against his chest, as close as she dared with his broken ribs snug under bandages. “Captain's orders, hm?”

“Quite right.” he sighed.

The sky was a sickly green as rain drizzled over the Jolly, the clouds casting strange shadows through the windows in the Captain’s quarters. Emma still felt uncomfortable on her ship, rather spending her time watching Killian heal and helping out on the Jolly. Her main tasks were easy to fall into, and she enjoyed laying in his arms as his wife.

Married life suited her, although Killian’s boredom did not. He entertained himself by wrapping yarn around his hook as Maggie had taught him as lumpy blankets as soft as clouds littered their bed. He also read, and occasionally sketched her changing form with rapt fascination. She'd begun to truly show, her body suddenly ballooning everywhere as her sickness was replaced by unending hunger.

Killian still not only assured her that she was beautiful, but made it very clear that he enjoyed every bit of what he saw. Every time she left him in the mornings he’d groan, sleepily begging her to stay; either trying to ply her with his words… or other things. “You could lie here with me all day,” his voice said with a low, husky rumble. He stretched his arms around her as she sat on the edge of their bed, and she heard the hiss of pain, even as he tried to hide it. “I’d show you how well I’m healing by licking every inch of you -”

“Killian!” she laughed, as he kissed her neck. “While that’s tempting, and it is oh so very tempting, the ledgers need to be balanced to account for repairs, stock needs to be counted, and you need to rest -” “Do the ledgers here, and I promise I’ll rest,” he nibbled her earlobe and she let out a gasp. “After I taste you. You don’t understand how beautiful you look, Emma.” She pulled away from him, and his face fell.

“Mmmhm, well, we can discuss this more when I bring you lunch.” His face brightened and he licked his lips. “With Mal, for another bout of healing.” He flopped back, with a wheeze, groaning. Emma stood, bending to kiss him, and made her way to the door. “I will do the ledgers here though, to ease your suffering.” 

She heard his hum of approval as she walked to the deck. He was healing nicely luckily, and would be better in a matter of days. Emma was grateful to have Regina and this newcomer, Mal, around to work healing magic, even if it wasn’t as powerful as her own. His ribs had set which was a great comfort to Emma. She had been worried with them sleeping together that she’d hurt him somehow. Regina had even suggested he could be on deck but not working as early as the next day, but Emma hadn’t told him in case they were wrong.

It was cool, the rain picking up as Emma stepped on the deck and took in a deep breath. Walking to the railing, she looked over the waves, peering behind them where the Gilded Wing followed. A hand automatically rested on top of her stomach. The child was quiet today to boot, and would be until after breakfast. Although her sickness was blessedly gone, she’d noticed how easily she got winded or tired while working. She’d learned some ways around it; eating a good breakfast, snacking, breaks to sit down, drinking water, and other small tricks. The fresh air was another trick, the sea breeze felt good in her lungs.

Will stepped over to her, handing her a bowl of sweet rice and dried fruit. “Good morning. How’s Jones?”

“A few more days. Unless he does something stupid.” Tipping her bowl, she swallowed greedily. Every meal felt like she hadn’t eaten in days. “What still needs to be done this morning?”

“Jefferson says there’s a storm about to roll in, so we need to tie off some barrels, and move some crates.” He ticked off his fingers, while she continued eating. “There’s some damage to the sails that need to be tied off, and a little damage to the rigging. I think we should be storm ready after that.”

Emma nodded, finishing her meal. “Let’s start.”

They worked tirelessly as a unit as lightning crackled close by and a boom of thunder echoed only slightly to the west. The rain began to pummel them, and Emma started to shiver; her fingers going numb as she tied things off. A tickle ran across her back, and she looked up to see a loose rope dangling. She pulled gently to tie it off on a stable weight. It wouldn’t give so she pulled harder, letting her muscles strain as the wind whipped. She let go, dizzy and winded, her body protesting even standing.

Internally, she began to panic. She hadn’t been working that long, but she was exhausted already? This couldn’t be, and she wouldn’t accept it. She’d push through.

Smee looked at her in concern. “Miss Emma, are you alright?” She nodded and reached for the rope again, numb fingers gripping to pull even harder. This time it gave and she tied it off triumphantly, panting to catch her breath.

She realized something was wrong before she saw black creeping towards the edge of her vision. Turning to stumble towards Smee, she heard his surprised question before darkness took her.

When she blinked her eyes open again, she was laying bundled under far too many blankets by candle light, a cloudless night sky laid outside the open windows wherever they were harbored. Killian sat beside her, gently stroking her hair as he read. She went to ask him what happened, but could only rasp out a questioning noise before coughing.

“Well, my darling, you’ve gotten yourself sick and pushed yourself to fainting, per Regina. She sends her regards, with strict instructions for both of us,” he whispered. Killian smiled at her, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Emma groaned. “If that’s your apology for scaring us all half to death, it needs some work.”

She coughed, trying to clear her voice. “Sorry.”

“Emma…” A look of concern and tired frustration crossed over his face. “Regina and I talked, and you shouldn’t be doing anything but light labor, if that. We’re concerned for you.”

Emma scoffed, her eyes narrowing. “No, I need to work. I’m not weak -” “No one thinks you’re weak. You’re building life, the farthest thing from it - but this was a close call.”

“I just fainted. It’s not -” Killian’s hand balled into a fist, and he interrupted her, his voice quiet, but filled with worry and anger.

“You were bleeding.” His jaw ticked, and Emma immediately felt her heart sink as she rubbed where she could feel the baby resting, stretched along her entire frame. 

“I was…?” Emma saw him soften, and he took her hand. “The baby is alright though, right? Killian, I didn’t mean to -” 

“Z carried you in, and somehow got Mal and Regina over here almost immediately. He’d noticed you were bleeding after he picked you up.” He sighed. “Regina said you just strained yourself, and you needed to rest. You need to rest. She thinks… She thinks something might be wrong, and we should get a midwife.”

Emma’s heart froze, panic rising in her tone. “Why would she think that? There’s nothing wrong with him, the baby. You’ve read everything, we’re fine. We’d know if something wasn’t right, wouldn’t we?” 

He rubbed her hand, kissing the knuckles he'd just traced. “It’s alright. She just said she was worried. The baby is rather big and your symptoms and swelling have been really severe, that’s all. A midwife is not a bad idea. We should find one just to be safe. There’s one she recommends that is available a few months from now, and another available in a month or so. How about we try the one available sooner and see what she thinks?” 

Emma nodded, tracing where she could feel the slightest movements. “Better safe than sorry. I’ll stay on light duty.”

“Good. Never a dull moment around here.” He smiled at her adoringly. “One of us is always down, it seems.”

“Oh, how are you? Did they -”

“I have been told I’m fine besides light bruising.” He laid next to her, putting his book aside. “Which is truly too bad, I had planned to keep you totally and completely enthralled during our bed stay together.”

She laughed, which turned into coughing. “Ugh. I really did get sick.”

“Aye. You were ice cold. I wrapped you in every blanket in here. I thought…” She stopped him with a kiss, pulling him close.

“I’m not going to leave you, I promise. I learned my lesson this time, and I’ll take it slow.” Burying herself in his chest, she could hear his heart race. Emma closed her eyes, letting her entire body relax into his, feeling his warmth through her blankets.

“I love you, even when you’re a stubborn woman intent on shortening my life with fear.”

She yawned, feeling another round of exhaustion settle over her. “You love it.”

“Indeed, Emma, I do.”

[celticheartedfangirl]

Some commentary on the S4 Episode of OUAT -- The Apprentice . . . .

I wanted to unpack this episode, and my feelings about it, to accompany @sieben9’s watching of it, and thought this would be better than reblogging their post.  They know that I’m posting this, and are aware that it will be snarky, bitchy, and negative, so please don’t go pestering their inbox with “oh don’t listen to that bitch, she’s a bitch” because A) they KNOW THIS already (it’s not a fact I’ve hidden from ANYONE) and B) again – they know I’m making this post instead of reblogging theirs and that it’s not going to be all glee and squee.  

This episode is one I have never revisited.  (To be fair, I’ve not revisited MOST of the episodes from S4 on.)  But this one is forever seared onto my brain.  This is a LONG POST so under the cut . . . . .

 This episode was a turning point for me for 4 reasons:

 1)      I got a CLEAR PICTURE of what trajectory Rumbelle was on (as a pairing AND as individual characters) and I wasn’t happy

2)      I got a CLEAR PICTURE of the Hook trajectory and again – I wasn’t happy

3)      What VERY LITTLE remaining respect and/or admiration I retained for Adam and Eddy (which was not much at this point) VANISHED after this episode aired

4)      This episode forever changed the fandom dynamic for me

Now . . . . . let’s unpack this and start with #1 . . . . Rumbelle.

Rumbelle had just gotten married, and up until this point, aside from E1 with the dance (which to ME, although it was lovely and wonderful, also screamed “HEY!!!! FROZEN FANS JUST NOW WATCHING!  LOOK! IT’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!  YOU KNOW THEM!!!!”), we’ve gotten pretty much NOTHING for them.  So . . . . . . . let’s chat about the dock scene.

 Yes, that DELETED DOCK SCENE.  This one right here:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELkuD6zpZ2U

And look at that – not even cleaned up.  Which tells me that A&E decided to CUT THIS SCENE – this 37 second scene that they could NOT SPARE 37 SECONDS FOR – before they even started the editing process. Because otherwise – this would be a cleaned up scene.

And we wouldn’t even know it EXISTED if it hadn’t been for the fact that it was an outdoor scene and there were a FUCK TON of people on site that day taking photos.  

LOOK AT ALL THE BTS:

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95364011977/attackontaetan-emilie-de-ravin-robert-carlyle 

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95373664507/you-guys-this-episode-wont-air-until-october-19

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95364068497/betsypaige22-thatravenclawbitch

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95373377122/tjmystic-rumbelleotp-on-scene-pics-update

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95396861777/scififantasytv-robert-emilie-filming-aug-20

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95397126162/ouatwholock-august-20th-4x04-filming-x-i

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95395846932/vicieinatv-aaaaah-kiss-rumbelle

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95327102332/myaussiebelle-rumplestiltskin-rumbelle

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95327345502/fairytaleasoldastime-emilie-de-ravin-and-robert

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95320025497/delintthedarkone-itssandgirl-can-i-just-say

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95327073767/lulices-rumbelle-cuddling

And of course, my personal favorite:

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/95468578777/mrgoldsdearie-ouatcrack-he-does-things-to

I’d say I’m sorry for that last one but . . . . I’m really not so . . . .

Anyhow . . . the Rumbelle fandom was so excited about this scene.  Cause we’d had these BTS photos for WEEKS . . . and then they just . . . . CUT IT . . .

And Adam posted it on Twitter two weeks later because the Rumbelle fandom had a collective shit fit directed at him and he basically wanted to shut us the hell up.

And this all makes me wonder . . . .  what ELSE had they filmed up to this point that we’ll never see?  Because it’s OBVIOUS that at some point, between Episode 1 and Episode 4 – they changed the trajectory of what the had in store for Rumple, Belle, and Rumbelle.

Why, you ask?  Well first of all – don’t forget that in E2, they cut that scene with Rumple and Henry.  A scene that Bobby GUSHED ABOUT at SDCC (starts at 1:40):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqYngk_12Sw

Also Bobby talked about Rumple being ADDICTED TO MAGIC several times at SDCC.  Here’s one example (mentions it at the end):  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OCtgv4nX24

So . . . . . what we’re seeing to this point is so far TWO significant scenes that show Rumple as a caring human being have been CUT, one of them before the editing process even began.

And if they’re telling an addiction story . . . . . they’re sure as fuck not SHOWING US that here. They’re showing us Rumple being shady and an asshole . . . . but they’re not showing us addiction.  And even though Bobby is PLAYING IT that way . . . . . most viewers don’t do subtle.  The narrative must CLEARLY and UNEQUIVOCALLY TELL US that this is, in fact, what is going on.  And it doesn’t.  

Also – Belle has BARELY been on, and when she has been, it’s with Rumple.  I mean . . . . . gee, it’s like they don’t know what to DO with her without Rumple . . . . . . amazing that the fandom, at this point, has LOTS of ideas . .  . but the people who get paid for it?  Nothing.

So anyhow – that’s point ONE.

Onto point TWO . . . .

By now, we get it. They want Hook front and center. He is their pet, they want to go with Captain Swan.  Okay. But here’s another instance of “SHOW DON’T TELL.”  Having Hook follow Emma around like a lost puppy and just standing there isn’t TELLING. And also Emma has already had scenes with Regina and Elsa so far this season that show WAY more chemistry than any of the schmoopy shit they’re giving us with Emma and Hook.  

But here’s the kicker – instead of – you know – actually putting Hook on an actual, real, redemption arc – it just seems WAY easier to have him bully and blackmail Rumple (to get his HAND BACK so that he can play grab and tickle with his new boo without stabbing her, BTW) and make it look like RUMPLE is the baddie and Hook is just trying to be a good guy.  Basically they’re tearing down Rumple to prop up Hook.  Instead of showing Rumple’s struggle with addiction and Hook’s struggle with dealing with all the criminal shit he’s done in the past – THIS is the path they’re going with.  This is a disservice to BOTH characters.  And this episode, combined with the aforementioned factors, told me that yup, we’re doing this.  Because . . . .

Point THREE . . . . .

These writers are lazy as fuck and don’t want to be bothered writing complexity for literally ANYONE. Let’s not even discuss my issues with the Rumple trajectory.  Let’s look at Emma and her stupid little Pink Sandra Dee dress and the Charmings fawning over their damn date with a polaroid camera.

Who ARE these people? Did someone do a body swap with the Charming family?  Because that was some serious OOC shit, and for what?  To PROP UP HOOK.  So not only are they making Rumple an ass to prop the pirate, they’re making Emma and her parents into people I don’t recognize.  Because A&E are gross and seem to think that a woman must look and act a ‘certain way’ in order for a manly man like Hook to want to date her.  (I swear there’s some quote out there about “Hook makes Emma feminine” or some shit like that post-this episode.  Anyone have that link?)

Can you say misogynist?

And FOUR . . . . fandom . . . . . *sigh*

First of all, and example of post-episode banter from the pro Hook brigade:

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/101264943652/killian-wasnt-making-a-death-threat-against

So that was fun.  Now let’s move onto the Rumbelle fandom and a variety of commentary:

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/100465938827/so-it-doesnt-bother-you-that-while-gold-is

http://pamchenko-twist.tumblr.com/post/100272360750/mentemmortalia-if-the-writers-want-to-turn

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/100460351767/so-are-they-cutting-that-cute-little-romantic

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/100466470197/you-are-not-a-real-rumbeller-please-leave-your

http://thestraggletag.tumblr.com/post/100604059906/somewhat-pessimist-mini-rant-below-more-i

http://pamchenko-twist.tumblr.com/post/100608988655/charmedrumbelle-cartoonjessie

So the above is a mix of positive, negative, and general frustration.  

But THESE were the kicker for me (this is ME):

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/100499172547/thatravenclawbitch-spottytonguedog

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/100497962147/you-know-what-i-dont-know-what-is-more-hurtful

This is kind of the beginning of my PERSONAL trajectory within the fandom  . . . . . . . FYI . . .

This was the point where I realized that I was watching a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SHOW than about half of the fandom . . . . . . . .

All of the above posts were written post-episode 4.  

So I walked away from E4 frustrated about Rumple, Belle, Rumbelle, the propping of Hook, the shitty writers and their inability to write a complex story, and the obvious to me early beginnings of the breakdown of the Rumbelle fandom.  

Of course I had no idea what was coming, nor am I going to say because I know @sieben9 is spoiler free.

I just wanted them (and others who may have come in late in the game) to have a full grasp of WHY this episode, which in hindsight probably isn’t THAT BAD, was a turning point for me and many others.  Cause I know I’m not alone.

On the PLUS SIDE . . . . . we did get some lovely dock scene fan art:

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/100698762707/spottytonguedog-delintthedarkone-the-lost

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/101345237832/retrogrlfan-rip-docks-scene

And some ‘let’s make fun of Hook’ stuff which is always amusing:

http://celticheartedfangirl.tumblr.com/post/100594138302/winterelf86-mathematicaltardistime-this-is-a

Look, I obviously kept watching the show.  But this episode?  It was just NEVER THE SAME FOR ME after this.  

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

Cameo Fic #3: “Friendly” Fire

This week, as I’m finally finished with my 3 summer mc’s, I’m trying to catch up on the “cameo” fics I promised followers during my last follower milestone event.  Next up is Sandra, @laschatzi.  She asked to “meet” Killian and chose the prompt: “You shot me?”.  Enjoy!

Sandra made her way from the room she was sharing with her husband and daughter to the diner and placed an order for hot cocoa and cinnamon before finding an empty booth. (Not that that was exactly hard to do. It was 10 pm, and the place was just about deserted.  Small town life, she supposed)

Sandra and her family had just made it to the states for a nice long vacation abroad when, quite by accident, they found themselves in Storybrooke, Maine.  Real Storybrooke, Maine. Sandra shook her head, still amazed that the place existed.  Not only did it exist, but so did all the people she’d been watching on her TV (and blogging about) for the past several years.

Which….also meant that magic and fairy tales and fairy tale villains and different realms of legend were real.  It was a lot to wrap her head around.

So far, she hadn’t met anyone too exciting.  They’d come across Dopey when they first made it to town, but he, of course, was no help in giving them directions.   But other than Storybrooke’s resident former-tree, they hadn’t met anyone she knew.  (Even when they checked in at Granny’s, it was an employee—Little Miss Muffat, who assured them that they did not need to worry about spiders while eating curds and whey—who checked them in and gave them their room key.)

Sandra figured as long as she was in Storybrooke she had to find a way to meet Killian, even if she had to break the law so he’d come arrest her.

The bell above the door chimed, and Sandra looked up in time to see a very amused Henry Mills step inside, followed by an equally buoyant Killian and a grumpy Charming.  Speak of the former Dark One!

Henry looked around the diner and then caught Sandra’s eye.  She smiled politely at him, and he returned the gesture, walking in her direction.

“Hi,” he said, “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.  Are you one of the out-of-town people who’s visited since the curse on the town line was lifted?”

Sandra laughed.  “Yeah, I’m from out of town.  Waaaaay out of town.”

“My name’s Henry.”

“Pleased to meet you,” she said, “I’m Sandra.  My family’s asleep already—jetlag—but I couldn’t sleep.”

“You mind if we join you?” Henry asked, gesturing to Captain Charming themselves.  “I figure gramps is a lot less likely to kill Killian if we have witnesses.”

“Didn’t stop him before, lad,” Killian said, stepping forward and offering his hand after performing an elaborate bow.  “Killian Jones at your service.  Pleased to meet you love.”

Sandra wanted to say something clever or witty or entertaining, but all she could do was offer her hand in complete silence.  Gods he was beautiful in real life.  The TV screen didn’t show the half of it.  A woman could have a coronary with those blue eyes trained on her.  (And for those who wondered, yes, he did indeed smell like leather, rum, the sea and something distinctly Killian.) Finally, she swallowed hard, figuring “Dasdflkjsadflkjasdflkjasf” would not be the world’s most appropriate response.

“P-pleased to meet you too,” she finally choked out before gesturing toward her booth, inviting the men to join her.

Killian gave her a slow wink, and she nearly gasped aloud.

“Killian, stop trying to kill the visitors,” David said irritably before turning to Sandra.  “I’m David Nolan, former sheriff and current farmer.”

“He’s a regular Old MacDonald with a baa baa here and a baa baa there,” Killian smirked.

David glowered at him, but was saved from answering by the waitress who’d come to take their orders. The slight reprieve gave Sandra a moment to recover from the shock of seeing Captain Cobra Charming and sharing a late-night meal with them.  By the time they’d ordered and turned back to her, she felt less like a tongue-tied fangirl and more like herself.

“Okay,” she said, “so clearly there’s a story here.  Why is David so obviously out of sorts while the rest of you are having the time of your lives?”

David glared at his son in law.  “You want to tell the lady what you did to me tonight?”

“What I did to you?” Killian said, his face a mask of (fake) innocence.  “Whatever do you mean, mate?  I was merely playing the game.”

“You shot me!” David thundered.  “You shot me in the back!”

Sandra looked between the two men, brow furrowed.  “Um…if he’d shot you, shouldn’t you be more, I don’t know, bloody?”

Henry chuckled.  “Not real guns or bullets,” he said.  “You see, tonight’s guys’ night while mom and grandma had a mother-daughter spa day.”

“Aye,” Killian said, “and after consuming a rather delectable dish called ‘pizza’, the lad asked if we would like to play a game on his magic box.”

Henry rolled his eyes good-naturedly.  “Killian, it’s called an X-Box.  Anyway, we decided to play this new game I just got called ‘Ogre Wars’.  Basically the players team up to try to save their village from an ogre attack.”

“Team up is the key phrase,” David said, turning a glare at Killian.  “We were on the same side, yet this idiot decided it would be fun to shoot me in the back!”

“I was merely trying to make a point,” Killian said.  “Stepping forward like that without even checking to make sure the coast was clear, you were fairly asking to be cut down, mate.”

“Silly me,” David said, “I had this weird notion that I didn’t have to defend myself against my own fellow soldiers!”

“You know what they say,” Killian continued, “all’s fair in love and war.”

For a moment, Sandra was afraid David was going to reach across the table and strangle his son-in-law.

“Well, to be fair,” she said, “David, you did stab him in the back in the author’s AU.  At least with a video game you didn’t suffer any real physical injury.”

“I knew I liked you, love,” Killian said with another wink.

David looked back and forth between the three of them.  “I’m really not going to win this one, am I?”

“Sorry, Gramps,” Henry said. “I think this is one you’ll have to just let go.  Better just call it even.”

David sighed deeply.  “Fine, but you know what this means, Killian? You’ve got to let the whole author AU go.”

“On my honor as a pirate,” Killian said, crossing his heart with his finger.

David looked skeptical for another moment, but then nodded and all, it seemed was back to normal with the world’s best bromance.  The four of them passed a pleasant hour talking and laughing and enjoying their food. Their little party broke up amicably, with Killian inviting Sandra and her family to join the Charming-Swan-Jones family for breakfast in the morning.

All in all, this was shaping up to be one of the best vacations Sandra had ever had.

[phantomofthebroadgrass]

I'd join in but i'm still undecided if i will watch S7 to begin with maybe after the first 2 episodes and I see what they've done with Emma, CS and if they give him a cursed LI,. Besides i do not want to be on a podcast with HQ shippers, most of which don't even like Hook.

Ummm…what gave you the impression that this podcast is anti-Hook? It’s called the Captain. Hook. Podcast. My podcasters and listeners have migrated over from the Captain Swan Podcast. If anyone is pro-Hook and pro-Colin, it’s us. Killian, Emma, and CS will always be number one for us.

As for season 7, I don’t know what to tell you other than you do you. If you’d like to join in for the first few episodes to get a feel for the new season, that’s fine. It is absolutely your right to bow out if the show no longer appeals to you and you want to walk away. We will never begrudge anyone’s personal decisions. After all, this is just a bunch of fans gushing about a pirate on a fantasy show. Real life needs come first. That being said, if you want to wait a bit to see how it plays out before participating, that’s fine, too. No worries. I would advise, though, to at least watch the premiere, if nothing else. Everyone has been so divisive since the season 6 finale and speculation has run rampant. None of us can say for sure what’s going to happen just yet. Even the actors don’t know. Getting all catastrophic at this point doesn’t do anybody any good, least of all yourself.

Fandom is tearing itself apart right now for no good reason making an assumption that Jen’s exit is going to be disastrous for CS. No seems to want to believe a word that Adam, Eddy, or Colin says on the matter. Now, Adam and Eddie I understand, because they’ve trolled us in the past and we’re tired of being burned, but Colin has never been anything but honest to us. I don’t think this man knows how to tell a lie, honestly. I mean, he keeps spoilers close to the vest, but he also wants to keep his job. The man has no poker face. Seriously. I really do agree with what Colin and Bobby said in this instance: change is hard. They get it. It’s not easy for them either after 6 years, but the show is not going to destroy the bedrock it has built itself upon just to pull out another season. Everyone has a right to be upset, but how can a judgement be made about season 7 when we literally know next to nothing? We all said the show was getting stale and would have preferred they stop at 6, but shows like this can only repeat the plot so much before change becomes inevitable. Some people are going to complain no matter what, but instead of throwing actors under the bus for doing their job, why not at least try to give it a chance, and if you don’t like it, well, just walk away. No one will fault you. As I said, you do you. (And I mean this in the larger you-all sense, not you specifically)

As for crackships, I can promise you, there will be no Hooked Queen here. When I said crackships, I meant more along the lines of rare pairings that have SOME basis in reality, like Red Beauty, Frankenwolf, Frozen Swan, Snook, Red Warrior, Mulan x Merida, Merintosh, Liam x Elsa, Liam x Belle, Captain Charming, Captain Cobra, Manny, Henry x Violet, Liam x Emma x Hook, etc. These are cute, non toxic, and acceptable, as I’m sure are some others I’ve probably forgotten. Toxic pairings are not welcome or discussed. We may discuss Hook and Regina as a partnership in aiding Henry or reluctant family members, but never in a LI capacity.

Sorry this got so long, but I guess this had been brewing for a while since all of this fandom craziness started. Whatever you decide, we will respect. We’ll be glad to have you on board if you wish it! Hope to hear from you soon!

[opotakuism]

ANOTHER NEW OCs~!!!

From left to the right:

Nerfertari Valerius (20): The only heir to the throne of Alabasta and son of Vivi who is currently the Queen. Valerius is currently a crowned prince of Alabasta. Just like his mother, he cherishes his country as his home, loving his people as his family (he is seen holding hands with his subjects and hang out with orphans). Regal yet modest, Val loves history and is very interested with anything related with oceans. His mother's councils always nagged him to find any woman to court or marry before his birthday in the next year. He is one of the people who agreed with Luffy and his daughter Anna's idea of giving the villain children second chance. Mostly he is curious of the former boss of Baroque Works' daughter. Despite Lady Gustavia's cynical and antisocial behavior, he continues to stay genuinely cordial to her.    Fun Fact(s): He also have a big mouth just like his mother and often outwits or beats his friends (especially Ace), much to Val's own guilt. (like this situation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1FuN2BBZQE)

Samora (18): The new marine commander who is a daughter of Smoker and Hina. Most of the marine men are afraid of her, but genuinely respects her. She DOES not follow the absolute justice as she has her own; Hardcore justice (if anyone messes her or her allies, she would be hard to get rid of than any criminal or pirates). Surprisingly, she possesses the strong samurai sword and she wants to challenge Zoro when she is strong enough. Sometimes, she wonders whether she could join Anna and Ace's crew because she had grown tired of allying herself with fictitious "absolute justice" and wants to pisses off the World Government. Samora was alarmed when she heard about the release of villain children, but is extremely hostile towards the son of deceased believer of "absolute justice", fearing that he will follow the same path as Sakazuki.    Fun Fact(s): Despite born as a woman, due to the "conflict" with certain queen of Okama kingdom, her gender actually remains unidentified and found herself surprised with the fact that she almost thought Anna was cute...(I might post male version of her later)

Richter Dold (25) & Victoria (16): Two children of Viola and Rebecca's nephew and niece. Richter is a crowned prince of Dressrosa. Mature, yet passionate and quite a romantic one just like Remy, Sanji's son. He was surprised with the idea of villain children being released, but he warms up to them. He is Babette's first crush and he is seen friendly with her and Remy, his best friend. Even though he was seen anxious around Alonso and Rosi, he knew that Doflamingo's sons are no harm (though he is quite freaked out by Alonso's Sleep Panic Disorder) and he judges that based on their healthy status, Richter believes Doflamingo is a good father and might have a chance of redemption. Richter seems impressed and amazed by Alonso's talents (such as designing and making outfits/costumes) and is seen wearing some of them.    Fun Fact(s): Richter is quite an expert with Thai kick and flamenco dance, just like his sister.

Victoria, or called as Vicky, is naturally royal and pretty much confident (vain, if it goes too far). She is also known to have been the most prettiest princess in the world and deeply idolizes Boa Hancock. When the children of villains got released, she's the least accepting along with Ace, especially towards Alonso and Rosi, displayed some rudeness towards them. She even showed a cruelness to Rosi calling the poor boy as a "child of Lucifer" or for being a son of former Celestial Dragon, much to Alonso's seething wrath and Luffy's disappointment. Later, her hostility towards Alonso grew as a romantic attraction in which Franky called as "Bad Romance". Eventually, she regrets for being mean to Rosi when she received the beautiful flower crown from him (though Rosi forgives her already as he is a sweet child). Currently, she was sent to Rebecca's (as what her aunt says; to learn how to be humble and modest), but Alonso sometimes visit her, much to Rebecca's appreciation and Kyros' surprise (Now, Vicky is literally Rosi x Bell shipper).    Fun Fact(s): She was originally arranged to marry Valerius, but eventually had annulled. Unlike her mother and aunt who are sweet and kind, Vicky is a typical self-absorbed teenage girl, which Luffy and Law bluntly point out as a "spoiled brat".

(From bottom to top) Stacy, Amy, Cameron, Kevin, and Killian (5): They are human/mer-human hybrid quintuplets of Kidd and Keimi. Though, they were born when Kidd was at the New World, become a Yonko. During Luffy's twin children's thirteenth birthday, Kidd watched them and couldn't help but feel envious. Apoo and Killer asked him if he would meet up with cute girls, but Kidd rejected the offer and as he was about to say the truth, Keimi appears with Hatchan, looked sulky (because she and Hatchan was invited to Luffy's kids' birthday banquet). Kidd apologized for not being with her when she was "moody", but Keimi brought something or someone special: Kidd and Keimi's five hybrid offsprings, much to Kidd's shock (and his elation). Kidd literally exclaims: "Look at our mutant babies!!!" and Hatchan is like: "I gotta get additional job as a babysitter...". And~ Apoo, Hawkins, and Killer congratulates Kidd and Keimi. Recently, these five children are babysat by Anna, Ace, Bell, and Rosi. But, mostly Hatchan is their official babysitter. Stacy is the oldest who literally resembles her father. Amy is the second-born who likes robots (she is often seen marvelled by Franky; much to Kidd's dismay). Cameron is the third. Kevin is the fourth and Killian is the youngest one. They all love Hatchan's takoyaki.    Fun Fact(s): They all ask their father where do they come from, Kidd always spat his drink blushing...(no one knows how...)

Villains’s Next Generation: https://opotakuism.tumblr.com/post/157607843866/i-watched-disneys-descendants-a-few-days-ago-and

Straw Hats’ Next Generation: https://opotakuism.tumblr.com/post/157607900046/i-now-introduce-you-the-descendants-of-strawhat

[jeichanhaka]

If Any Would Avenge: 28

Chapter 28: Reflections

"No…." Belle muttered, backing away from the sealed wall, her expression horrified. Tears of anger and regret filled her eyes as her cerulean gaze shifted from the wall to her hands. "Come on." She muttered, struggling to summon back the magic that had allowed her to trap Fortunato. "Why…argh." The chestnut haired beauty grumbled, scowling at her hands, her attention so focused on reigniting the magic Nemesis' mark had given her that she didn't hear the footsteps approaching.

"...Belle?" Regina called out, thrown off at seeing the librarian standing in the cavern. Following close behind her was Maleficent, the two of them having decided to search for Kidd's accomplice. A difficult task that had become easier once the women realized the pendant Kidd had was enchanted to track the magic used by his fellow assassins. "What are you doing down here?"

"I…." Belle faltered, feeling drained now that her anger and desire for vengeance was sated. Replaced instead by anxiety over whether Fortunato's claim was true or just a lie. Had he really cursed her to be infertile?

"Belle? What…."

"Here." Maleficent interrupted, having continued forward following where Kidd's pendant led, all the way towards the wall Fortunato was sealed behind. She clicked her tongue, her brow furrowing at sight of the wall. "He's...here."

"In the wall? How did he get there?" Regina grimaced, turning her attention away from Belle and towards the cavern wall. Maleficent shrugged. "Whoever or whatever sealed him behind here used powerful magic to do so."

"Do you think Rumplestiltskin…?" The dragon sorceress said, mulling over the traces of magic she sensed from the stone wall. Neither she nor Regina noticed Belle backing away, at least not until Kidd's pendant started pulling away from the wall. Its ruby eyes glowed fiercely and it pulled against Maleficent's grip, towards the chestnut haired bookworm.

"What…."

"...Ah." Belle gasped, the markings on her palms and neck reappearing, reacting to the pendant. Each line of the mark on her skin grew warmer, until it felt painful, like a brand being scorched into her flesh.

"Belle?!" Regina hurried towards the librarian, her words of concern dying in her throat seeing the scarab-skull mark on the younger woman. A revelation that Kidd made about the mark shortly before he turned to dust pushed itself to the forefront of her thoughts.

-"Once marked, any completed act of vengeance a potential recruit makes, seals their soul to Nemesis and its realm." Kidd growled, a smirk on his face and his eyes shining with amusement at Regina's question regarding the mark on Killian. "That's why I marked Hook, on the off chance he wasn't blamed and killed by the Dark One for the brat's death, he would have to spend the rest of his life avoiding all possible revenge or be enslaved by Nemesis."-

"Regina, that mark…." Maleficent gasped at sight of the scarab marking on Belle's hands and neck, thinking the same thing as the former Evil Queen. The one who sealed Fortunato behind the wall hadn't been the Dark One, but rather the young woman wincing in pain before them.

Regina simply hurried to Belle's side, hoping to be able to halt the mark's insidious magic. Though even before checking the chestnut haired woman's hands and neck, she sensed the markings on Belle were far more potent than the one on Killian. Kneeling next to the bookworm, Regina held her hands over the mark on the younger woman's neck and focused all her magic on sealing the mark. Unlike with Killian, the mark on Belle resisted her, its magic fighting back against being contained.

"Ah!" Regina pulled her hand away, hissing in pain, the scarab-skull mark zapping her with a bolt of piercing magic. Her eyes widened, the irises gleaming with frustration and stubbornness. Nemesis magic was powerful, but so was she and she was loathed to lose to some cowardly assassin's magic.

Centuries Ago: Enchanted Forest

"A deal?" Isobelle muttered, scrutinizing the bizarre being, leery of trusting him. Considering what happened the last time she trusted a strange man - her gaze darkened and her chin scrunched up as she thought about her uncle and the man sealed in his crypt.

"Yes. One that will benefit both of us nicely." Rumplestiltskin crooned, handing the chest back though he continued to gaze at it greedily. "You use that enchanted chest of yours to summon what I require and I'll provide your kingdom with a chest filled with gold for each and every citizen."

"...you'd do that? Provide gold for every one of my people?" Isobelle took in a deep breath when Rumplestiltskin nodded, her heart racing thinking about how much that would help. And though she was tempted to simply agree to the deal, her brain screamed at her to be wary. Nothing could be that easy - the gilded chest she held was evidence of that. It too provided her with gold, silver, and jewels that made her small kingdom the envy of the realm, but at a cost. One she only realized after it summoned to her a unique blue diamond brooch called the Blue Rose, which she knew was owned by a noble in a neighboring kingdom. It was the only one in existence. Upon seeing the brooch in the chest, Isobelle had realized the truth - contrary to her assumptions, the chest only summoned things, it didn't create them. And all the wealth it bestowed on her and her kingdom was in essence stolen wealth.

Catching both the hesitance and the way the woman stared at the enchanted chest, Rumplestiltskin tittered and slithered up next to Isobelle. "Don't you fret, dearie. Unlike your magic chest, I can create gold from something as petty as straw." Magicking a strand of straw to himself to emphasize his point, he eyed Isobelle and grinned seeing the knight's face light up. The expression evidence that she was close to accepting his deal. "So, do we have a deal?"

x

Standing beside Sadie's crib, having just finished lulling her back to sleep by conjuring up a bottle of milk for her and feeding her, Gold gazed down at the five-day-old. His brown eyes staring down at her softened watching her sleep, nearly making him forget why he was still there. He needed to take her. To kidnap her and hand her over to Nemesis.

Despite knowing what his Unwritten son planned to do with the unfortunate baby, he…had to take her. Not only to get his dagger back, but also to help his son. Nemesis was cold and ruthless, but he was still his son and his only remaining child. The only one he could actually bring back. After everything he endured in his life and in the past week alone, he couldn't lose another child.

Not even if the cost was the newborn slumbering away less than a foot from him.

'What will you do?' His Dark One consciousness questioned, sitting on the windowsill about four feet from him and the crib. 'You must understand Nemesis' plan and what he must do to renew his story. Sadie's magic is...powerful. But...ephemeral. Its effects only last as long as she can consciously will it.' The imp glanced briefly towards the crib and the slumbering newborn. 'Her being not even a week old - that won't be long.'

Gold ignored his Dark One subconscious, and instead gazed down at Sadie, his thoughts and emotions storming beneath his stoic expression. His darkened heart hissed at him to take the selfish choice, to help his son regain his story and existence. It didn't matter what happened to the pirate's daughter - if her parents had done what they promised they'd do and protected Gideon, he'd still have a living son. Nor would he be facing this choice: to sacrifice a newborn or doom his Unwritten son. He should do what any parent would do and choose his own child.

'But…' his conscience whispered back, arguing against the darkened mass of his heart. 'You know the devastation of outliving a child...are you willing to cause Sadie's parents that kind of pain? Her mother is the mother of your grandson!'

'Her mother should've took better care of what was mine then!' Gold mentally hissed back at his conscience, mindful not to make a sound that would alert Emma or the Charmings to his presence. The former was already sleeping, but at least one of the Charmings was awake downstairs judging by the footsteps and such. Unless the pirate had returned home sometime in the past twenty minutes or so he'd spent debating whether to kidnap Sadie. Filled with anger as he thought of Killian, Gold made his decision that moment to take Sadie, his darker instincts relishing seeing the pirate's devastated look at the loss of his daughter.

The moment he grabbed Sadie though, he felt the same strange feeling from earlier pass over him, robbing him of magic and restoring his leg. His eyes widened and he gaped at the newborn in his arms, who once more was awake.

"...Not fair." He muttered, his heart racing as he stared at Sadie a few more seconds before visually searching the room. Panicking a bit when he heard footsteps ascending the stairs, he considered leaving with Sadie via the window. This was the second floor however and he would be holding a baby. 'How the hell am I going to do this without my magic?!'

Sadie giggled and reached out towards Gold's face, recognizing the man as someone who'd fed her. Nothing in her eyes and smile revealed that she considered him a threat, or that she knew she was in danger. All she knew was he had fed her and soothed her to sleep.

'Why? Why are you using your magic against me if you don't see me as a threat?' Gold muttered and shook his head, before laying Sadie back in the crib as the footsteps drew nearer. His magic returned just in time for him to move towards the corner and cast an invisibility spell to conceal himself as the nursery door opened.

David stepped into the room, turning on the adjustable light at the lowest setting on his way towards the crib. "You're awfully quiet tonight." David said softly, gazing down at his granddaughter who he'd expected to be asleep. "Your mommy said you've been fussy and crying almost non-stop the past few nights, but look at you now. Quiet as a mouse." David mused, leaning down to pick Sadie up, planning on rocking her to sleep. It was then that he noticed the baby bottle set on the shelf beside the crib. "That's...not yours."

'Shit.' Gold tensed, realizing his blunder a bit too late. When he'd rocked and fed Sadie earlier to get her to sleep, he didn't see her bottle, so he'd conjured one. Or rather, summoned one of Gideon's old ones and filled it magically with formula. Seeing the alarm rising in the shepherd-prince's face, Gold took a final survey of his options.

If he simply left, Charming would still know he'd been there, or at least suspect. That would lead to questions of why and why the secrecy. And considering how he attacked Emma five nights ago, Gold felt certain none of them would believe his reason was benign. Especially not Emma's overprotective father.

"Who's here?" David tensed, hovering over Sadie's crib protectively as he glanced around, his senses keen for movement. Not that it would help much in detecting someone using magic. "Show your…."

"Shut up." A voice growled, surprising David and Gold, its owner entering the room from the hallway door. A gun in his hand. "I'd gladly put a bullet in your head. Now hand over your granddaughter."

"Damn it." Regina hissed, nursing her hand, the palm scorched by the scarab-skull mark fighting against her. It'd taken a while and a huge reserve of her magic, but she managed to stop the mark on Belle progressing. Although whether it was solely her doing or the result of Belle passing out and somehow weakening the mark's active magic, the mayor didn't know 100 percent. She did know that, at the moment, Nemesis' mark on Belle was stifled. It wouldn't be controlling or harming anyone.

"That...was unexpected." Maleficent stated, eyeing the unconscious librarian carefully. "Her being marked, that is. Considering what Fortunato and Kidd did to her children, I expected her to snap and attack the bastards."

"Really? You really expected the bookworm to do that?" Regina stared askance at the dragon sorceress, disbelieving the assertion. She shook her head, still nursing her palm. "Belle's a hero, she wouldn't…."

"Tell that to the man behind the wall." Maleficent replied, gesturing towards the cavern wall behind which was Fortunato. "Besides, I've seen even the most saintly of mothers avenge their children in the most brutal ways. It's not just those like us who'd kill or maim to avenge the loss of their child, Regina."

"Well…." Regina paused, considering the sorceress' statement, the next moment shrugging. "True enough. I just never imagine the bookworm…." She grimaced and glanced back to Belle lying unconscious on the cavern floor. "Anyway, we still need to figure out who or what Nemesis is and figure out how to counteract its mark permanently."

"His." A voice snapped, echoing through the cavern, its timbre and cadence identical to that of the chestnut haired librarian. "His mark. Not its, his."

Regina jolted up at the voice, her eyes wide in suspicion and confusion, but before either she or Maleficent could act, they were thrown across the cavern. The impact strong enough to knock them both out just as a woman wearing a donkey skin cloak approached Belle.

The woman glowered coldly, her eyes narrowed as she glanced around, a fiery hatred filling them when she noticed the wall behind which was Fortunato. It switched to a cool indifference when she shifted her gaze to Belle lying just inches from her. Lowering her hood, she grimaced at the scarab-skull fading from the younger woman's hands. "Not exactly to plan, but…" She paused and knelt down next to Belle, her face fully visible under the cavern's semi-natural, semi-magical, lighting. Though slightly creased with age, her face was a replica of the librarian's and her hair the same chestnut hue, aside from one curl that was graying. "...not exactly against it either."

She muttered, the next moment waving her hand and teleporting away in a cloud of magic, bringing Belle along with her.

[freechoicedreamer]

Blog Summary Update - B

It seems that the summary has become so big that tumblr can’t handle all the links in just one post, so here goes the (musical) second part…

One of the premises of this blog is to navigate into musical waves that, somehow, translate my perception of characters and plot lines in season 5, mainly, and, more broadly speaking, in the OUaT universe, as a whole. So, instead of just writing meta texts, I have been also speaking by means of images (pictures, screen captures and gifs, which I don’t make myself but indicate their credits), sounds (music clips) and someone else’s texts (again, credits are given).  

The following list summarizes the soundtrack (song title and related theme):

1. Os Argonautas - blog presentation; 2. Lovesong - Captain Swan (The Cure’s version); 3.Almost like the blues - Distinguished Gentleman; 4. Demon Days (do it all again) - Jennifer Morrison direction; 5.Fields of Gold - Rumple and Belle; 6.My Father’s Son - Mid season finale first feelings; 7. Black Magic Woman - Regina and Robin; 8. Claire de Lune - Season Five; 9.Moonlight Sonata - Emma (feminine essence); 10. Little Girl Blue - Mamma Snow; 11.Wild Horses - Henry (Henry and Violet); 12. Father and Daughter - Papa Charming; 13.Libertango - Zelena; 14. Corcovado (Quite Nights) - a serenade for Killian and Emma; 15. Peace - To Kitsis, Howoriwtz et al.; 16. Gimme what you got - Colin O’Donoghue playing with Keb’ Mo’; 17. Here comes the Sun - Emma and Killian nurturing Life; 18. The Sacrifice - Swan Song (Mark Isham); 19. Nature Boy - a song for Little Killian (Papa Jones); 20.Who’s gonna stand up? - David and Mary Margaret; 21. You are a Memory - Emma and Hook; 22.Miss You - Killian and Emma; 23.Woman - From Killian to Emma; 24. E La Nave Va - Migratory Moment; 25. Rattle That Lock - Season 5B; 26.Beethoven Silence - blog pause; 27. All of Me - From Emma to Killian; 28.Something - From Killian to Emma; 28.Luz do Sol (Sunlight) - Sun: 2016 Ruler. 29.Stairway to Heaven - Killian and Emma Waltz; 30. Wish You Were Here - Captain Swan; 31.Heroes - RIP David Bowie; 32. Love Song - Captain Swan(Adeles’s version). 33. Who Wants to Live Forever - Emma and Killian; 34. Shy Moon - Emma Swan; 35.Symphony of Science “We are all connected” - All of us; 36. I will wait - Captain Swan (and all of us) waiting for 5B; 37. Home - Killian and Emma; 38. Walk on the Wild Side - From Storybrooke to the Real World; 39.Time/Oração ao Tempo (Prayer to the Time)/Tempo Rei (King Time) - Once Upon a (Non)Linear Time; 40. a) Songs and Moments, b) No More Longing, c) Only a Dream in Rio, d) Dreams Merchant, e) Perhaps it means Love - Killian and Emma Love Story; 41. The Words - Christina Perri’s homage to Captain Swan; 42.Because she was she and I was I (Porque era ela, porque era eu) - True Love; 43. Agua e Vinho (Water and Wine) - Stained Glass Windows (Killian and Emma: Light from Within); 44. As time goes by - Waiting for Killian and Emma’s fight for Love and Glory; 45. Tchaikovsky: Suite from Swan Lake /Cruzeiro do Sul (Southern Cross) - Killian and Emma navigating with the stars and finding their true north; 46. Iemanja, a Rainha do Mar/Yemaya Assessy - Feb 2nd, Queen of the Sea day; 47.Hope of Deliverance - From the dark that surrounds us; 48. The look of love - Killian and Emma (Valentine’s Day); 49. Arms - You put your arms around me and I’m home; 50. Firebird - 5x20 speculation and parallel; 51.Into the mystic - Bringing Killian Jones back; 52. Souls of the departed - 100th episode; 53.Every breath you take - watching you; 54. Doomsday Theme (Dr. Who) - CS Parallel in 5x12; 55.In a Sentimental Mood - Feelings on Captain Swan; 56. Fragile - My feeling after 5x12; 57. Only You - 5 x 22; 58. Only You - 5 x 22 (again); 59.Three little birds - Labor of Love feelings; 60. Awaiting (a medieval ballad) - A ballad for Robin Hood; 61. Let us go into the house of the Lord - A song for the moment; 62. Locked out of Heaven - A song for Killian and Emma (after 5 x 14); 63. I want the world to stop - A song for Milah; 64. Bach’s Arioso and Ceu de Santo Amaro - Killian Jones and Emma Swan deconstructing the high bar; 65. Chasing Pirates - Once Upon a Time, in Summary (under a Captain Swan perspective, obviously); 66. Us and Them - Personal Stuff; 67. Belle (Little Town) - What a puzzle to the resto of us is Belle; 68. Beautiful Lie - 5 x 22 Only You Soundtrack; 69. I don’t want to set the world on fire - A song for Hades and Zelena; 70. The Firebird suite - Episode 5x21; 71. All along the watchtower - True Love is the way out of it; 72 - You’ve got a friend - a song for Sean; 73.Chopin Nocturne Opus 9 No. 2 - a song for love and gratitude; 74. Kiss the Rain - Reunion (kissing in the rain); 75. You Have the Lovers - Reunion; 76. Lost Opportunity - Unfairness, Forgotten and Wasted Plots: Lost Opportunities; 77. Maybe - I love you; 78. Ribbon in the Sky - Dancing; 79. New York, New York - Killian and Emma in Ney York; 80. Nobody’s fault but mine; Learning to fly - 2 songs for Regina in season 6; 81. Eleanor Rigby - 1 thousand posts (personal); 82. All We Are Saying - Personal; 83.Earth - There is no sight like a full Earth on the waves; 84.Me and Mrs. Jones - On Killian’s mom; 85.Overjoyed - Emma and Killian in their reunion; 86.Foxey Lady - From Colin to Rebecca; 87.Cosmic Love - Captain Swan; 88. The Ocean - The Jolly Roger is coming back; 89.Redemption Song -  Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds!; 90.Paciência (Patience) - A song to celebrate 100 followers; 91. Baby - Dancing; 92. Pressure Off - Killian Jones (Colin, Bob and Josh & Duran Duran); 93. Where have all the flowers gone - Missing characters/plots; 94. Under the Sea - for Jules Verne quotes; 95. As long as it goes - Captain Swan forever, as long as it goes; 96. Seven Devils - Dark Hook; 97. Hair - Hair; 98. Third Eye - Captain Swan feelings; 99. Better off Dead - Captain Swan feelings; 100. Turning Page - 100 song links; 101. I’ll be your mirror - Episode (6x07) title; 102. Emalyn and Emalyn’s Resolve (medieval ballads) - Princess Emma portrait; 103. Home - Killian and Emma at home; 104.  Duality - Season 6 Theme (Duality of Ourselves); 105. The Look of Love - Looks that change everything; 106. When you’re smiling - Emma’s smile;  107. Teenage Dream - Henry; 108. Our Own House - CS Home; 109. Happiness is a warm gun - Killian and Emma; 110. Fifteen Men (bottle of Rum) - Drinking Rum; 111. Song of Roland - A song for Roland; 112. Perfect Stranger - Captain Swan; 113. Tears dry on their own - The Evil Queen Hair Style; 114. Reino das Flores - A song for Adriana; 115. Forever Young - Personal; 116. Pela Luz dos Olhos Teus (From the Light of Your Eyes) - Killian’s eyes; 117. Rise - The rise of the Savior and the Pirate; 118. Por una cabeza - Killian and Emma dancing Tango; 119. Swan Lake (Bolshoi Ballet) - Killian and Emma Pas de Deux; 120. Patience - Killian’s patience; 121. The Charleston - Killian and Emma dancing the Charleston; 122. I wish you where here - 6x10 Title; 123. Honesty - Honesty; 124. The Three Fates - Atropos shears; 125. 20.000 leagues under the sea sound track - Waiting for Nemo; 126. Father and Son - Killian-Nemo-Henry-Liam 2.0; 127. Godspell - A day in the Life of the Swan-Jones Family; 128. Murder Most Foul - Hamlet original soundtrack; 129. Dance Shiva Dance - personal; 130. Colors - Sleeping Snowing; 131. Hallelujah - RIP Leonard Cohen; 132. I’ll be your mirror - wondering; 133. Fairytales - Take my hand; 134. Bullet in the head - Colin performing live (Vancouver); 135. Wish you were here - going to the origins; 136. Dreams; 137. Someday my prince will come - Emma in the Wish Realm; 138. Once Upon A Dream - Sleeping Beauty; 139.  Falando de Amor - Abenção maestro soberano, Antonio Brasileiro (personal); 140. Chega de Saudade - personal; 141. Birthday - The Argonauts 1st year; 141. 5x15 - “The Brothers Jones”: Mark Isham’s recording session; 142. Across the Universe - John Lennon; 143. Who wants to live forever? - Captain Swan; 144. A Wondrous Place - Aladdin (and Tarzan); 145. The Dust Storm Sound Track - Colin’s project; 146. Calling the Light to our Humanity - personal; 147. Mother’s little helper - 6x16 title; 148. The Forest of Enchantment - A musical… really?; 149. A selection of classic musicals - musical episode; 150. Sailing - the Jolly Roger; 151. Over the Rainbow - Where blue birds fly; 152. Your Song - RIP Al Jarreau; 153. Sail Away - Closing scene for CS family (speculation); 154. Imagine - Mckenna Grace; 155. Third Bank of the River - personal; 156. Where have all the flowers gone? - on the hears of Regina’s vault; 157. The song in your heart - the musical episode.      

More random thoughts may be depicted from the tags: more than legends, they are thought- and guide- lines, as the posts succeed (from bottom to top).

As a chronological note, the blog has started in between the first airing date of episodes 5x10 and 5x11 (beginning of December 2015).

[snowbellewells]

B7, C5 and D5!

Thanks for the ask @optomisticgirl ! I had never seen this list of questions before.

B7) Which character is your favorite to read about? Why?

Well, I mean the obvious answer here is one irresistible pirate, Killian Jones! 😉 But that could be true of many fic readers I know. Other than him, I get most excited for a Graham who is still alive and present in the story, has his own heart back from Regina’s clutches and gets to live the whole way through. (Actually, that makes me pretty doggone giddy as a reader! 😆) I also love reading and involved, heroic, self-sufficient, not-just-a-prop-to-Rumple, Belle or to read some Belle x Liam (Naval Beauty).

C5) What character that the fandom loves are you just kinda “meh” about?

Lots of people seem to like Viktor Whale (Dr. Frankenstein) and evening to ship him with Ruby early on when they both appeared on the show more. I never liked him very much, and I definitely didn’t think he was cool enough to be a match for Ruby. (I always thought she and Graham would have been a cute couple myself.). The one exception to this is in @thisonesatellite’s current detective noir au “if you live by the word” - somehow she even has me rooting for Dr. Whale himself!

D5) How many authors are you subscribed to?

Weirdly, I am not exactly sure what this means - which makes me think it’s probably an AO3 term. AO3 is not really my preferred posting spot or place to read (though I have one since most other people do seem to prefer it). If that’s the same thing as “favorited” authors on ff.net (which I’m going to go with) then I have about 36 on there, and that’s from back in the day - I’m sure many more need added. There are a LOT of talented folks in this fandom whose writing I enjoy!!

[jeichanhaka]

If Any Would Avenge: 24

Chapter 24: Beauty In The Shadows

"Bloody hell!" Killian exclaimed again, scrambling towards his father's remains, and not quite believing what he'd just seen. Neither did he fully believe his father's warning about Nemesis and the scarab-skull marking, despite the sinking feeling in his gut. Shaking away his trepidation, Killian knelt beside his father's remains and hesitantly reached out his hand towards them.

Centimeters away from touching the ash, he heard footsteps behind him and he tensed. The next moment a cloud of magic enveloped him and the remains of his father, transporting him. When the smoke dissipated he found himself in a brightly lit study, just feet away from a woman in a donkey skin cloak.

"Who are you?" Killian scowled and climbed back to his feet, his gaze lingering over his surroundings and the woman in the cloak. His eyebrows rose when a sound drew his attention, and he glanced behind him, surprise filling his face at the sight of George tied to a chair and gagged. "...bloody hell. Wh…."

"Don't mind him." The woman spoke and with a wave of her hand the wizened, former king vanished along with the chair. "He's not your concern." Lowering her mask and hood, the woman approached Killian, her lips forming a cold smile as the pirate gaped in recognition. "I am." She growled and plunged her hand into Killian's chest.

Centuries Ago: The Enchanted Forest

The scent of pine was strong on the breeze that passed through the valley and caused the fields of heather and honeysuckle to sway. Along with the lilies and violets that, once contained in the gardens of a nearby castle, now grew rampant throughout the valley. It was a beautiful sight, especially at this moment with the sun at its zenith and its brilliant rays illuminating the valley.

It was also poignant, with its ruined towers that stood watch in the valley's center covered with moss and vine. Its azure masonry grown gray with age, its foundation weakened by annual flooding from rain and the melting snow from the northern mountains. Isobelle sighed, her cerulean gaze lingering on her surroundings. Though it was much decrepit, she recognized the valley from her mother's stories. Her mother's childhood home.

Gazing at the valley just a few more moments before picking up her satchel, Isobelle turned to leave the valley. Following the trail she first made upon approaching the valley, she fell into deep thought and clutched the satchel tightly against her chest. "What am I going to do?" She whispered and sighed, stopping briefly midway down the path to take out a gilded jewelry chest from her satchel. "Now that I know the truth about this, I can't keep using it. But…."

"But your kingdom is counting on its magic." A voice interrupted, startling her as she hadn't heard anyone approach. Turning to face its owner a bit too quickly she nearly tumbled, encumbered by the silver and steel plated armor she wore. Before she completely lost her balance, the owner of the voice conjured a log bench beneath her, and as it broke her fall Rumplestiltskin materialized beside her. Close enough for him to catch the jewelry chest that had fallen from her arms. "Careful, dearie, you don't want to break this. This may well be one of the most coveted magical objects in all the realms. An enchanted chest that can summon and conceal anything."

"I…." Isobelle blinked, studying the strange man standing in front of her. Her cerulean eyes darkened as she watched him, noting the greed in his eyes as he scrutinized the chest. "That isn't yours." She said and held out her hand in a 'give it here' gesture. "It won't work for you. It only works for…."

"...I know." Rumplestiltskin replied, his dark eyes shifting from the chest to Isobelle. "That's why I'm here, dearie. I want to make a deal."

x

Present:

Gold tensed, his pulse racing as he felt the Dark One dagger pressed against his neck. Its wavy blade edge cold. "Think...think about it. Stabbing me with that could destroy you. Even if it doesn't...if you kill me and become the new Dark One, you won't be able to hide from the Savior for long. Once you do whatever it is you're here to do, she and the rest of the heroes will be after you before you even know much about your newly gained powers." He paused, a chill going down his spine as he felt the blade of the dagger being pushed tighter against his skin. "But if I'm kept alive, I can get you what you want without the heroes finding out."

The youth mulled over the offer, his mouth twisting into a devilish smirk. "Quite tempting. And it would save a lot of hassle...considering what I'm after." His cold eyes darkened, his lips pulled into a thin and mirthless smirk. "The only drawback is if the Savior and the others find out I controlled you to do it, I'm just as screwed as if I did it myself."

"Only if you control me." Gold replied, latching onto the possibility of manipulating the young man. "If we instead make a deal, one where you give me back the dagger and I then get you whatever it is you're after, no one will be any the wiser."

The youth stared askance at Gold, thinking about the Dark One's offer. "That's an interesting plan...but I'm not an idiot. You won't get this dagger until after you get me what I want."

Gold scowled, his brown eyes narrowed and studying the young man closely. As long as the youth had the dagger, no deal they made would matter - and regardless of the truth of the young man's origins, Gold didn't trust him. The anger he sensed from the other for him was too palpable, the youth's bloodlust too great. If he didn't get the dagger first, he had no doubt the young man would kill him after he retrieved whatever it was the youth wanted.

As Gold considered his options, the youth backed off a few feet taking the dagger with him. And allowing the Dark One a chance to relax however slightly now that its blade was no longer dangerously pressed against Gold's throat.

"Seems we're at an impasse." The youth muttered, tapping the dagger blade against his palm and mulling over things. Glancing at the dagger briefly and then back at Gold, his lips spread out into a cold smirk. "Guess it is best if I just kill you." He hissed and started to approach the older man.

"Wait, wait, dearie. Wait." Gold bristled and stared fearfully at the dagger in the young man's hand. "We can use this. Here." With a swoosh of his hand, he summoned a small, gilded chest to him, and offered it to the young man who eyed it curiously. "Fortuné's chest. It's enchanted and can conceal or summon any item for its owner. I received it many years ago hoping to use its magic to..." He faltered briefly, recalling the day he discovered the chest and its owner near the ruins of an old kingdom on the Front Lines. Having lost Baelfire through a portal only a fortnight before, he'd been ecstatic upon learning of the gilded chest that could summon anything for its owner, hoping it would provide him with a magic bean or some other means of traveling to The Land Without Magic. Needless to say, it hadn't worked quite as he'd hoped. "Lock the Dark One dagger in here while I fulfill my part of the deal, and when I succeed, you'll open the chest." Gold paused and watched as the young man eyed the chest, reluctant to put the dagger inside. "I won't be able to unlock it myself. Its magic doesn't work for the Dark One."

"...hm. I see." The youth muttered, eyeing the chest closely, a smirk on his face. "All right, it's a deal." He paused a moment until he saw Gold nod in agreement for the deal, before placing the dagger inside the chest and latching it shut; a key appeared in its keyhole the moment it shut, and the young man turned the key, locking it. Once it was locked the youth chortled, his smile widening. "Interesting. You agreed to this deal without even knowing what it is I want."

Gold cocked an eyebrow, shrugging. "What you really want is obviously not the dagger or to kill me, otherwise you wouldn't have agreed to this deal. You'd just have used it." He paused, whooshing the chest back to where he'd summoned it from. "The only other thing in this whole town that I care about is Belle, and if you truly wish to convince me you're our child from Isaac's book, you won't hurt her."

"True." The youth nodded, agreeing with the older man's assumption. His brown eyes gleamed with glee though and a quiet laugh escaped his lips. "It's still interesting. Because you see, what I want you to get me is the Savior's newborn child."

Her eyes red-rimmed and cheeks puffy from crying, Belle walked slowly down the road, her arms wrapped protectively around herself. She couldn't endure staying a moment longer at the hospital, nor could she bear heading home - not after all that happened. Losing Gideon, being attacked, losing her unborn child. Finding out that her father had angered the assassins who had killed her son and never bothered to warn her, nor mentioned he had once hired the same assassins to kill her husband.

It was all too much.

"I wish we left last year." She whispered, her throat tightening as she continued walking along the road, aimless in her destination. Though one glance around her revealed that she had inadvertently made her way towards Storybrooke's main street, where most of the shops and the library were. Tears blurred her eyes as she glanced over at Granny's Diner patio, and remembered Gideon's first birthday party. Along with the promise her husband had made. He promised they would leave town and travel through the realms, going wherever she wanted.

A promised trip that kept getting postponed, and that now would never happen.

"We really should've left last year."

"Indeed, you should have." A voice growled and a hand grabbed her arm, digging into her flesh with sharpen nails. Belle froze, the tone deeper and more menacing, but unmistakably that of Fortunato. Her eyes wide and round, and her cheeks ghostly white from fear, she stared at the assassin. Unable to move or scream as his eyes bored into her, their crimson glow more piercing than his nails in her arm, Belle shivered. Fortunato held her arms tightly, his nails drawing blood that slipped down the chestnut haired beauty's arms. Hunger twisted his face, his fangs more prominent than they'd ever been.

"S...s...stay away." Belle stammered through quivering lips, her heart beating frantically beneath her ribcage as the man who'd stabbed her - killing her unborn child - lowered his mouth to her neck. She trembled the moment Fortunato's sharp fangs touched her skin: terror stronger than any she'd ever felt before flowed through her. Along with dread and feelings of helplessness, mixed together with anger. Anger and hate for this monster Fortunato who'd killed her father, her unborn child, and who helped kill Gideon. "Stay away!" She hollered and pushed against the assassin with all her strength. To both their surprises it worked and Fortunato tumbled onto the pavement.

"Well, well." Fortunato hissed and climbed back to his feet quickly, his crimson eyes gleaming as he watched Belle run towards her husband's shop. "Seems you do have some fight in you."

"Stay away from me!" Belle screamed as she ran to the pawn shop's door and opened it, her hands tingling. Anger and fear welling up within her, she hurried into the shop and locked the door, barely noticing that her shoe had fallen from her right foot. Or that she had stepped on something sharp on the street, which had cut her heel. She swallowed and hurried to the back of the shop, hoping to reach the protection potion her husband had prepared for emergencies.

It wasn't until she was in the back room and searching through the shelves for the potion that she noticed her hands. Both were glowing, a pale ocher hue. Her eyes widened, staring at them and the mark which had appeared on her palms - that of a gilded skull-scarab. "What's…?" Her breath caught, feeling the power emanating from the glowing marks on her palms and spreading through her body.

Author's Note: Once again I must say that this fanfic is much different than I first planned it, though I am bringing it gradually back towards where I initially planned. Furthermore, I'm sort of regretting including the donkey-skin cloak wearing woman, whose identity is...well, her presence in the story is just making leading the plot to where I want it to go more complicated/difficult.

I'm also dissatisfied with the interaction between Gold and The Unwritten Youth (AKA Belle and Gold's child from Heroes And Villains); I had written the scene before I finished the previous chapter (a version of it was written prior to chapter 22), but I didn't know how to continue from it. I guess I'm just at a loss with how to portray Gold interacting with the (his) Unwritten Child, considering everything that's happened so far and that he (Gold) doesn't really believe the Youth is being truthful.

[freechoicedreamer]

Blog Summary Update - B

It seems that the summary has become so big that tumblr can’t handle all the links in just one post, so here goes the (musical) second part...

One of the premises of this blog is to navigate into musical waves that, somehow, translate my perception of characters and plot lines in season 5, mainly, and, more broadly speaking, in the OUaT universe, as a whole. So, instead of just writing meta texts, I have been also speaking by means of images (pictures, screen captures and gifs, which I don’t make myself but indicate their credits), sounds (music clips) and someone else’s texts (again, credits are given).  

The following list summarizes the soundtrack (song title and related theme):

1. Os Argonautas - blog presentation; 2. Lovesong - Captain Swan (The Cure’s version); 3.Almost like the blues - Distinguished Gentleman; 4. Demon Days (do it all again) - Jennifer Morrison direction; 5.Fields of Gold - Rumple and Belle; 6.My Father’s Son - Mid season finale first feelings; 7. Black Magic Woman - Regina and Robin; 8. Claire de Lune - Season Five; 9.Moonlight Sonata - Emma (feminine essence); 10. Little Girl Blue - Mamma Snow; 11.Wild Horses - Henry (Henry and Violet); 12. Father and Daughter - Papa Charming; 13.Libertango - Zelena; 14. Corcovado (Quite Nights) - a serenade for Killian and Emma; 15. Peace - To Kitsis, Howoriwtz et al.; 16. Gimme what you got - Colin O’Donoghue playing with Keb’ Mo’; 17. Here comes the Sun - Emma and Killian nurturing Life; 18. The Sacrifice - Swan Song (Mark Isham); 19. Nature Boy - a song for Little Killian (Papa Jones); 20.Who’s gonna stand up? - David and Mary Margaret; 21. You are a Memory - Emma and Hook; 22.Miss You - Killian and Emma; 23.Woman - From Killian to Emma; 24. E La Nave Va - Migratory Moment; 25. Rattle That Lock - Season 5B; 26.Beethoven Silence - blog pause; 27. All of Me - From Emma to Killian; 28.Something - From Killian to Emma; 28.Luz do Sol (Sunlight) - Sun: 2016 Ruler. 29.Stairway to Heaven - Killian and Emma Waltz; 30. Wish You Were Here - Captain Swan; 31.Heroes - RIP David Bowie; 32. Love Song - Captain Swan(Adeles’s version). 33. Who Wants to Live Forever - Emma and Killian; 34. Shy Moon - Emma Swan; 35.Symphony of Science “We are all connected” - All of us; 36. I will wait - Captain Swan (and all of us) waiting for 5B; 37. Home - Killian and Emma; 38. Walk on the Wild Side - From Storybrooke to the Real World; 39.Time/Oração ao Tempo (Prayer to the Time)/Tempo Rei (King Time) - Once Upon a (Non)Linear Time; 40. a) Songs and Moments, b) No More Longing, c) Only a Dream in Rio, d) Dreams Merchant, e) Perhaps it means Love - Killian and Emma Love Story; 41. The Words - Christina Perri’s homage to Captain Swan; 42.Because she was she and I was I (Porque era ela, porque era eu) - True Love; 43. Agua e Vinho (Water and Wine) - Stained Glass Windows (Killian and Emma: Light from Within); 44. As time goes by - Waiting for Killian and Emma’s fight for Love and Glory; 45. Tchaikovsky: Suite from Swan Lake /Cruzeiro do Sul (Southern Cross) - Killian and Emma navigating with the stars and finding their true north; 46. Iemanja, a Rainha do Mar/Yemaya Assessy - Feb 2nd, Queen of the Sea day; 47.Hope of Deliverance - From the dark that surrounds us; 48. The look of love - Killian and Emma (Valentine’s Day); 49. Arms - You put your arms around me and I’m home; 50. Firebird - 5x20 speculation and parallel; 51.Into the mystic - Bringing Killian Jones back; 52. Souls of the departed - 100th episode; 53.Every breath you take - watching you; 54. Doomsday Theme (Dr. Who) - CS Parallel in 5x12; 55.In a Sentimental Mood - Feelings on Captain Swan; 56. Fragile - My feeling after 5x12; 57. Only You - 5 x 22; 58. Only You - 5 x 22 (again); 59.Three little birds - Labor of Love feelings; 60. Awaiting (a medieval ballad) - A ballad for Robin Hood; 61. Let us go into the house of the Lord - A song for the moment; 62. Locked out of Heaven - A song for Killian and Emma (after 5 x 14); 63. I want the world to stop - A song for Milah; 64. Bach’s Arioso and Ceu de Santo Amaro - Killian Jones and Emma Swan deconstructing the high bar; 65. Chasing Pirates - Once Upon a Time, in Summary (under a Captain Swan perspective, obviously); 66. Us and Them - Personal Stuff; 67. Belle (Little Town) - What a puzzle to the resto of us is Belle; 68. Beautiful Lie - 5 x 22 Only You Soundtrack; 69. I don’t want to set the world on fire - A song for Hades and Zelena; 70. The Firebird suite - Episode 5x21; 71. All along the watchtower - True Love is the way out of it; 72 - You’ve got a friend - a song for Sean; 73.Chopin Nocturne Opus 9 No. 2 - a song for love and gratitude; 74. Kiss the Rain - Reunion (kissing in the rain); 75. You Have the Lovers - Reunion; 76. Lost Opportunity - Unfairness, Forgotten and Wasted Plots: Lost Opportunities; 77. Maybe - I love you; 78. Ribbon in the Sky - Dancing; 79. New York, New York - Killian and Emma in Ney York; 80. Nobody’s fault but mine; Learning to fly - 2 songs for Regina in season 6; 81. Eleanor Rigby - 1 thousand posts (personal); 82. All We Are Saying - Personal; 83.Earth - There is no sight like a full Earth on the waves; 84.Me and Mrs. Jones - On Killian’s mom; 85.Overjoyed - Emma and Killian in their reunion; 86.Foxey Lady - From Colin to Rebecca; 87.Cosmic Love - Captain Swan; 88. The Ocean - The Jolly Roger is coming back; 89.Redemption Song -  Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds!; 90.Paciência (Patience) - A song to celebrate 100 followers; 91. Baby - Dancing; 92. Pressure Off - Killian Jones (Colin, Bob and Josh & Duran Duran); 93. Where have all the flowers gone - Missing characters/plots; 94. Under the Sea - for Jules Verne quotes; 95. As long as it goes - Captain Swan forever, as long as it goes; 96. Seven Devils - Dark Hook; 97. Hair - Hair; 98. Third Eye - Captain Swan feelings; 99. Better off Dead - Captain Swan feelings; 100. Turning Page - 100 song links; 101. I’ll be your mirror - Episode (6x07) title; 102. Emalyn and Emalyn’s Resolve (medieval ballads) - Princess Emma portrait; 103. Home - Killian and Emma at home; 104.  Duality - Season 6 Theme (Duality of Ourselves); 105. The Look of Love - Looks that change everything; 106. When you’re smiling - Emma’s smile;  107. Teenage Dream - Henry; 108. Our Own House - CS Home; 109. Happiness is a warm gun - Killian and Emma; 110. Fifteen Men (bottle of Rum) - Drinking Rum; 111. Song of Roland - A song for Roland; 112. Perfect Stranger - Captain Swan; 113. Tears dry on their own - The Evil Queen Hair Style; 114. Reino das Flores - A song for Adriana; 115. Forever Young - Personal; 116. Pela Luz dos Olhos Teus (From the Light of Your Eyes) - Killian’s eyes; 117. Rise - The rise of the Savior and the Pirate; 118. Por una cabeza - Killian and Emma dancing Tango; 119. Swan Lake (Bolshoi Ballet) - Killian and Emma Pas de Deux; 120. Patience - Killian’s patience; 121. The Charleston - Killian and Emma dancing the Charleston; 122. I wish you where here - 6x10 Title; 123. Honesty - Honesty; 124. The Three Fates - Atropos shears; 125. 20.000 leagues under the sea sound track - Waiting for Nemo; 126. Father and Son - Killian-Nemo-Henry-Liam 2.0; 127. Godspell - A day in the Life of the Swan-Jones Family; 128. Murder Most Foul - Hamlet original soundtrack; 129. Dance Shiva Dance - personal; 130. Colors - Sleeping Snowing; 131. Hallelujah - RIP Leonard Cohen; 132. I’ll be your mirror - wondering; 133. Fairytales - Take my hand; 134. Bullet in the head - Colin performing live (Vancouver); 135. Wish you were here - going to the origins; 136. Dreams; 137. Someday my prince will come - Emma in the Wish Realm; 138. Once Upon A Dream - Sleeping Beauty; 139.  Falando de Amor - Abenção maestro soberano, Antonio Brasileiro (personal); 140. Chega de Saudade - personal; 141. Birthday - The Argonauts 1st year; 141. 5x15 - “The Brothers Jones”: Mark Isham’s recording session; 142. Across the Universe - John Lennon; 143. Who wants to live forever? - Captain Swan; 144. A Wondrous Place - Aladdin (and Tarzan); 145. The Dust Storm Sound Track - Colin’s project; 146. Calling the Light to our Humanity - personal; 147. Mother’s little helper - 6x16 title; 148. The Forest of Enchantment - A musical... really?; 149. A selection of classic musicals - musical episode; 150. Sailing - the Jolly Roger.      

More random thoughts may be depicted from the tags: more than legends, they are thought- and guide- lines, as the posts succeed (from bottom to top).

As a chronological note, the blog has started in between the first airing date of episodes 5x10 and 5x11 (beginning of December 2015).