A dance with the devil

Brothers in arms

Killian was unsure of his next move. How on earth do you introduce yourself to the brother you thought was long dead? He didn't have much time to contemplate it. A strong gust of wind knocked Killian off balance and the crates he hid behind shook, attracting the attention of Liam and his men.
"Who goes there?" demanded Liam.
Killian took a breath and slowly stood. The angered look on Liam's face soon faded upon the realisation of who stood in front of him. Both men opened their mouths to speak but no sound left either of them. They looked deep into each other's eyes, smiles spreading right to the corners as they rushed forward to embrace one another.
"I've missed you." Killian cried, pulling the hug in tighter.
The two brothers held each other for a few minutes before pulling back. It had been many years but when they talked it was as if they'd never been separated. The discussion ran for an eternity as the brothers told tales of their lives (or afterlife in Liam's case). As Killian spoke about his life as a pirate he saw his brother's eyes light up.
"What is it?" Killian asked.
"It's just that, a little while back I had a disagreement with the man who captained this ship and well, one thing led to another... My men and I wound up sailing away on his boat. We've been living the life of pirates ever since."
Killian couldn't believe it. Not only had he been reunited with his brother, he now had someone with whom he could return to the pirate's life. As much as he'd tried to repress this part of him deep down Killian knew that he missed it. Once a pirate, always a pirate.
"So, any exciting captures recently?"

* * * * *

She was gaining on them fast. The men thrust everything they had into steering away at speed. The wind bellowed against the sails and the water chopped against the underside of the boat.
"What exactly is it that you've stolen from her?" Killian shouted above the noise.
Liam laughed.
"Her crown."
Killian stared in disbelief. Had his brother really attempted to steal the crown from the queen of the underworld. She'd been bad enough back in Storybrooke and the enchanted forest where she'd masqueraded as the queen of hearts, bringing about plenty of heartbreak, but here in the underworld... There were no second chances. Dead was dead.
"You stole the crown from Cora?" Killian questioned. "Are you out of your mind?"
Liam shrugged it off.
"It seemed exciting."
They could see the harbour just ahead and the men made one last push for it. Running onto the docks the men were suddenly stopped in their paths by a puff of red smoke. Killian was able to make a run for it and take cover behind an unused market stall. Liam and his men were not so lucky. Cora froze them where they stood. Killian watched in horror from his hiding place as Cora circled the men like a vulture.
"Where is it?" demanded Cora.
Killian looked down. The jewels of the crown could be seen shining through from his satchel.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Liam stood, defiant. He shot a quick wink at Killian. He knew what Liam meant. Killian stood quickly and tried to escape unnoticed but Cora shouted him down.
"Who goes there?"
Killian stopped. He turned slowly to reveal himself to Cora.
"Hook?" she questioned.
Killian shot her a smile.
"We were friends once captain. I know you don't want to do this. Hand it back to me."
Sighing, almost with regret, Killian looked down at his satchel as if contemplating whether or not to comply. Then with a mischievous smirk he turned and ran for it, heading in the direction of the forest. He ran as fast as he could. Shouts came from Cora's men behind him. He knew he wouldn't be able to outrun them for much longer. Spotting a nifty little space in which he could hide, Killian took the opportunity. The sound of Cora's men faded into the distance and Killian knew he'd given them the slip for now.
With a sigh of relief he leaned upon a big rock covered with vines. Realising too late that the vines were covering a hollow space, Killian fell straight through. He stumbled up to see that the hollow space was actually a tunnel. Cautiously, Killian walked out to the end of it. What he saw surprised him. Beyond the darkness of the tunnel a vast space existed and in the open stood a very tall, beautiful tower that appeared to have no door. What could be up there?, Killian wondered. And how on earth do you get up?