Captain Swan: Protection

Chapter 4

Killian's POV

I was supposed to die?  Originally, I never got to hold Emma again, never got to be with her again.

"Killian?"  I suddenly felt Emma's hand on my shoulder.  I looked at her concerned.

"Emma, I-"

"I know."  She cut me off and hugged me, which I gladly returned.  I felt my chest get tight, and I know that it's fear and heartbreak.  I've felt them before, but never this strong.

After a few minutes, I realized that David and Natalie had left and given us some privacy.  

"Come on, love."  I pulled away from Emma and we walked, hand in hand, out into the hallway.  I saw David talking to Natalie, who was smiling for first time.  It was a pleasant sight.

She saw us and got a little tense.  David started walking towards us. 

"You ok?"  He asked cautiously.

"I've had better days, but I've had worse ones too."  Then I looked at Natalie and smiled.  "Thank you for saving me, for making it possible to be with Emma again."

She relaxed and smiled back.  "No problem.  But you should know that the Snow Queen will probably try again, like she did earlier."

"Hey, why were you in the woods?  Both times?  And how did you know Killian was in trouble?"  Emma asked.

"Excellent question."  David said and looked at her.

Natalie took off her scarf and then a necklace.  On the necklace was one of my rings.  "I enchanted your ring before I came here.  It electrocutes me for a half second when you're in danger.  Then I teleport to your location and, well, you saw what happened the first time when Elsa was there."

"How do you know where he is?"  Emma asked.

"I don't know.  I just have to picture him in my head and concentrate.  Then I teleport and end up wherever he is."  Natalie explained as she replaced the necklace and scarf.

"Well, thank you for saving my life."  I said. I'm really grateful to her, but the fact that she can pop up at any given time is a bit unsettling.

She smiled, but probably felt a bit awkward.  I mean, in her timeline, I'm dead.  She's basically talking to a ghost.  I'd feel a bit awkward too.

"Natalie, how old are you?"  Emma suddenly asked.

"15."

"And you came 16 years from the future?  So you haven't been born yet?  In this time?"  Emma continued.

"Not in this time." She answered.

I realized what Emma was saying and asked her next.  "But your mother is expecting?  Isn't she?  We need to protect her.  If the Snow Queen realizes you're from the future she might try to kill you mother to stop you from born so you can't stop her."

"That would be difficult considering my mother doesn't even know she's pregnant at this point."  Natalie smiled.

"But wouldn't people recognize you?  I mean, every kid has some features similar to at least one of their parents."  Emma said.

"I do look a lot like them.  I get, or got, or will get, comments all the time that if someone didn't know me they could just look at me and know exactly who my parents are.  So I used a cloaking spell so no one can recognize me."  Natalie said calmly.

"Wow, you thought this through.  But what happens if you see your parents?  You won't be able to show any familiarity."  David said with worry.

Natalie looked sad but put a small smile on her face.  "I know, but I'll be fine.  I was the first time I ran into them.  And I'll protect them."  She said with determination, but I caught a faint sadness and got the impression something happened to them.  I gently asked her about it.

"The Snow Queen killed my dad before my mom knew about me.  Mom never got over it, but she did her best for me and my brother.  But I won't let that happen.  Not this time." Natalie said determined.

"You're very brave.  And determined, I see.  That's good.  Your level of courage isn't found in every person."  I said.  There's something familiar about her, well, the way she acts.  Maybe I know her parents.

David smiled and talked next.  "Well, I think you should meet the rest of the family.  Come on."  He said as he started walking towards the door. 

"Thank you, but I already know everyone, from the future, that is.  And I should probably be going."  Natalie started walking towards the door but Emma grabbed her arm.

"Just because you know us from the future doesn't mean you know us now."  She said.

"And besides, I'd like to get to know the girl who saved my life."  I added.  Natalie looked hesitant.  

"Hook's not the only one.  I'm sure Snow would want to meet you, and everyone else.  Besides, I have a feeling you're gonna be around for a while and I don't want you being much of a stranger, in this time."  David said.

"I guess I could come."  Natalie said reluctantly.  She seemed somewhat happy, but scared.  Why?