Intermission # 2 - Light and Dark

Hey everyone and welcome back to the Realm! After so many articles for Starsea, I figured you could use a little break. There is still a lot to be covered, but I know that there are plenty of people believing that some of my articles are too dark or too graphic. Trust me, I've read smut, romance novels, and have done a ton of research into the human condition. What is depicted in this blog is so tame that it's laughable.

That's not to say that there aren't any dark spots and to that end, I have attempted to place warnings at the beginnings of those darker themed articles. I don't always remember because nine times out of ten, I have no idea what the article is going to be about. Like this one for instance... absolutely no clue whatsoever.

Other people are probably wondering why I keep shifting towards the darker themed genres which usually lands in one or more of the four main categories; drinks, drugs, sex and murder. Thank you, Captain Jack Harkness and Captain John Hart. That is a reference to Torchwood Season 2, Episode 1: Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang.

Now the reasoning behind the darker themes is actually multi-faceted in nature. The first being that writers write what they know and quite frankly, I have little to no personal experience in any of the Big 4. I know a little about beer and can rattle off the names of the most commonly known liquors which is about it for me. 

The second was limited to weed but I swear every kid in high school has to have at least tried it once. My friends at the time decided that I shouldn't smoke it and just get the contact buzz. Between you and me, I think they got tired of me eating them out of house and home. I hate the effects of weed but boy did it make me absolutely starving afterwords...ravenous.

The third I would rather not comment on and not because of your normal or average reasons, but mainly due to it being so damn depressing. I've never been seen as an actual girl. I am going to be one of the guys for the rest of my life. No one reads the book, just glance at the cover and walks away. *dark cloud hangs over her head*

Hook: Now hold up one bloody minute, wench! We've talked about this before. You can't keep degrading yourself like this.

Yuna: He's right, ya know. You have the mind of a genius, the heart of an explorer, the spirit of the Paladin, the soul of the Doctor and an imagination straight from Chuck's head. Aw whoops...Supernatural, sorry if its a spoiler. Chuck is God!!!

Artz: *rubs forehead in exasperation*

Goldeneye: The point everyone is trying to make, dearie, is that you are different, that you are special, something so incredibly unique that everyone else in the world is simply too dumb to understand.

Lumina: *flies out of a nearby mirror* Which means cheer up, little miss starshine, and do what you do best.

Blood Guard: *in unison* The impossible.

Right then, moving along before I start crying. The last category is murder and the only information I have available is what I've learned from TV shows and books; NCIS, Forensic Files, etc. So yeah, I'm trying to to expand my repertoire and have a greater versatility to work with.

Poseidon: The irony is that she only seems capable of making true humor is when she is breaking the fourth wall.

Durga: I like it when she breaks the fourth wall...especially when the Team Rocket effect is utilized via Poseidon.

Loki: I agree as well. I do believe Number Nine also used it, but do you remember the My Little Pony incident?

Durga: *snorts* The look on your brother's face while you're strutting your stuff like the ultimate badass just to get Yuna to laugh and here comes Thor, sees you and just says nope and walks away.

Loki: Only to end up with a rather lovely baby pink and baby blue tail with sparkles.

Poseidon: The funny part was that you gave him said tail by farting a rainbow out of your ass at him.

Crowley: *heard the last comment* I didn't know you were into that kind of thing, fish boy. Perhaps Missy and myself can whip up something for you.

*face palms before punting the Guard out of the article*

Good grief, how do I get anything done around here is beyond me. Okay, now where was I? This was meant to be an intermission piece about the current styles of my articles thus far. Sadly Dean Winchester said it best during Season 4, Episode 2.

Bad crap happens to good people.

Much of what I write is based on what I have researched or experienced first hand. Being lonely and kind, a willing ear and blunt honesty...these are things I know personally. I also know how it feels to bottle it all up inside, stick it in a chest, bury it in the core of the planet, then sink that planet into a black hole, only to blow up on the other side and causing all sorts of chaos. 

Even now, I wear a mask but not to protect myself but to protect others that would be affected by my words and actions. It infuriates me, biting my tongue, not being in a position to basically get the fuck out of dodge, and not able to be true to myself nor able to express it. These are things that I know so my character, Artz, exhibits similar traits though not to the same degree of severity as I do.

I'm also very insecure, uncertain, and I have the self esteem the size of a mustard seed which just so happens to be one of the tiniest seeds in the world. I will admit that it's grown a bit since meeting several amazing and wonderful people on fanfiction.net which I highly recommend you check out the site. Not just my account but there is a plethora of stories on there that just...the feels, man, The Feels!!! There are currently three people I interact with via fanfiction.net.

Serenity Rose aka Ren - This guy drives me insane but has the uncanny ability to spark some of the most intense surges of imagination that I end up sending multiple private messages because I hit the character limit so many times.

Timelady Hope aka Hope - She's a walking billboard which I absolutely love because I don't branch out much culinary wise. She paints, her job is making jewelry, and it is an absolute joy to converse with her. Not to mention that she leaves reviews for both my stories and my blog, so I will love this woman for eternity.

Anna Lanaria aka Yuna aka Amethyst, etc - the reason for all of her titles is because she is the reason. That's it...The Reason. She believes I can do the impossible and I believe her. I've always said that I don't believe in myself, because that's what I've got her for. I believe in everyone else and she believes in me. She is my truest believer. 

Hook: You best stop it there, wench, otherwise you'll be launching into her profile.

Yuna: What am I? A ship? *glances at the image below* That doesn't count, damn it!

Hook: *chuckles before being pulled away by Poseidon* What the...*wide eyed as Yuna summons Artz's Prism Fire* Run! *disappears*

Artz: *sighs heavily as she rubs a hand down her face in exhaustion* This is my life...and I wouldn't have it any other way. *winks before pulling a Vash move*

Starsea - Part X - Shattered Sight

Hello all you lovely people and welcome back to the Realm! Last time, the article ended in a rather odd way. Killian Jones has to decide whether or not to break the mirror containing the image of Erin Oswald aka Silverfrost. Let's see how that turns out, shall we?

The Terror of the Deep stared at the man in the mirror, his heart in chaos. Could he actually do it? Yes...yes he could. The problem was whether or not he should. Just because he has been supplied with a mirror that is not his own, it does not mean that it is the mirror he needed to break. When Hook first emerged, he was extremely dark, volatile, wrathful even but how did he end up that way if his soul was wiped clean from breaking the mirror?

'Sometime today, brat.'

'No.'

'What?'

'I said no.'

'What the bloody hell does that mean?'

'It means no.'

'You cannot be serious? She's gonna die!'

'NO!'

The mirror vanished and he was falling through the air. The pain was intensifying and he could barely breathe. He was blinded by a golden light, one he had not seen or felt in a long time...Swan Lake. A woman wrapped her arms around him and brought them down to a gentle landing. The light faded along with the pain, leaving him and the woman standing in front of each other. She lowered her hood to reveal the Magi of Light.

'Hello Killian.'

'Swan Lake. What the bloody hell is going on because I honestly have no idea what I'm doing?'

'Really because you looked like you were doing rather well.'

'How so?'

'Everything up till now has been spot on, completely seamless. Then you hit a snag and no, I don't mean that whole thing with the bubbles and mirror. I mean the bastard that's trying to have your soul for dinner before moving onto Jimmy. *is very confused*

Several years ago, I met a man named William Smee. He was infected with a specific kind of creature that is often referred to as a demonic parasite. This particular parasite is rather resilient and every few centuries he gets loose. Don't ask how, we still haven't figured it out.

Anyways I made him a vessel a power so that he couldn't be reinfected, but in doing so, he managed to get away from me. I hadn't been able to find him until now. A few months ago, he managed to infect Kali, but she's too strong for him so he decided to manipulate certain bonds. Specifically your bond to Kali which you instinctively answered but instead of being able to infect you like he wanted, he was repelled.

I didn't actually mean for this to happen. Didn't even know it was going to happen in the first place. I was just trying to save someone and that someone used my power to repel him away from you. *Smee* Yeah, he protected you without even realizing it but because Kali didn't come when you called, you instinctively called out for help which resulted in your rather brief interlude with a kraken...'

Kraken?! Koschei was a bloody kraken?! No way, he was far too kind to be that infamous and terrifying creature. Sure he was rather lather and was undoubtedly part squid/part octopus but he wasn't a kraken. The younger Jones would have been bloody terrified if that were the case. The blonde hairrd woman giggled at his reaction.

'Killian, everything you've heard about krakens, all those horror stories...bullshit. Every bit of it is complete and utter bullshit. Krakens are considered to be the kindest and most gentle creatures in the entire ocean. In fact, they try to protect people...keep from entering dangerous places like sailing into whirlpool country, sailing into serpent territory, and basically keeping them from them from dying some rather gruesome deaths.

Their reputation as sea monsters is due to their size and the fact that they use their tentacles to wrap around a ship to slow it down or halt it altogether, but no one actually stops to consider the why when presented with giant tentacles that are breaking the mast and sails into mulch by accident. *off topic* Ah yes, sorry. I just love explaining the whole Terror of the Deep thing to people...the expressions are priceless. *Swan!* Okay, okay. Don't get your knickers in a twist.

Now then...when you called out for help, albeit unknowingly at the time, the parasite used you like a relay and infected Koschei, who went in search of Kali as requested. Unfortunately some of his limbs were not under his control which has resulted in our current predicament. The parasite used Koschei to put Kali in such a position to where she would gradually weaken and after who knows how long, he would take over body which would result in everybody dying.

Magnetic resonance, dude, and the whole planet is boned. However Koschei is clever and knew that you would eventually cross paths with them and decided to pull a Look at me, I'm a target maneuver. How you may ask by literally using your sorry ass as a bullseye because there was no way Balthazar was gonna pass up such a golden opportunity. The time in which the God of the Sea is at his weakest, unaware of who and what he is.'

'I'm not the God of the Sea. Hell at this point, I don't want to be but I have to because otherwise Artz and my son are gonna die and lord know what will happen to Koschei and Kali. I don't want to be Poseidon Jones! I want to be Killian Jones! I want the woman I love to look at me and see me and not him! She wants Poseidon!'

'Dude, take a chill pill already. You're never gonna stop being Killian because your full name in the future is Poseidon Killian Jones, so you are actually both. As for all this emo crap you got going on...why does it matter. *opens his mouth* Hear me out, okay. Okay, let's start with something simple, shall we?

Has she ever deliberately called you Poseidon? *no* Okay, next question. Has she ever said that she wanted Poseidon? *yes* You sure because I'm pretty certain that she said she needed Poseidon and not because you think she loves him more than you. She needs his power as a water elemental and that exceptional control of his, but she never actually said that she wanted him.

Hmm...okay, I'm gonna have to take you somewhere. Fortunately, it doesn't require leaving the mindscape. Just a little fourth wall breaking. Take it away, oh great authoress! *scenery blurs from a forest to a hall filled with floating fragments*'

Killian inspected his new surroundings, fascinated by all the things he was seeing reflected in each fragment. Every fragment seemed to have a different reality but then narrowed it down a bit because some fragments clustered together. He assumed that they did this when they all pertained to that particular universe but showed different places within that universe.

He couldn't help but notice that many of the fragments depicted Artz or himself and sometimes the Dark Captain. There were also other people that appeared frequently but he had no idea who they were...well there went Yuel and Noel...and the creepy butler. He smiled slightly upon seeing Silver in almost as many fragments as he and Artz were.

'Welcome to the Hall of Shattered Sight. This place is created by the consistency of breaking the fourth wall. Should people ever stop breaking the fourth wall then this place would simply disappear like it never existed in the first place. Here...you can peer into other worlds, realities, time periods, specific locations, and even inside a person's mind, but be careful with that last one. If you go too deep, you'll lose yourself and be forever caught within their subconscious mind.

The fragment you want is over there. *points at a small sliver almost invisible to the naked eye* The size of a fragment tells you just how narrowed down your search perimeters are. In this case, my search perimeters were of the thoughts and feelings of my mother in regards to Killian Jones before she came on board with Silver. Trust me...this one tiny shard will most certainly alter your perception of my mother. To activate it, just touch it.'

The former lieutenant stared at the fragment a moment before hesitantly lifting his hand. He looked over at Emma who gave him a smile of encouragement and he touched the sliver. Said sliver shattered into dust, the particles flowing into his eyes and being absorbed.

Artz: And that's a wrap on this one. The next bit takes on a different tone than this one and don't worry, I'll be swinging back around to the pesky parasite soon enough.

Hook: You could have made it easier if you just stayed with your original train of thought.

Artz: True but Erin's soul comes to the Sanctuary verse in a different way so by not touching the mirror, Killian insured that you actually came into being.

Hook: Fair enough. Is it wrong to say that I absolutely love the concept of the Hall of Shattered Sight?

Artz: Not at all. Plus it's something that I haven't seen anyone else do so if it is entirely new and original then copyright! I own that bitch! *maniacal laugh*

Yuna: Thanks a lot, moron. You've set her off. Do you know how hard it is to turn off her genius mode?

Hook: *smirks* Indeed I do and I do so love watching her work. Intelligence, particularly high intelligence, is an incredibly attractive quality to me.

Yuna: *rolls eyes* Dude, stop insulting her...high intelligence? Can you be any more degrading?

Hook: *deadpans* We all know how biased you are when it comes to my wench's intellect and creativity, Yuna.

Durga: There you are! *grabs his sister and starts pulling her away* I guess you forgot about that appointment with a certain terratologist.

Artz: He's off to see Hella...well that's gonna be interesting.

Hook: To say the least, considering that her daughter is insanely attracted to the brat and flirts with him constantly. It's hilarious. Right then, I'm off to cause some mischief and mayhem. *jumps into a puddle and disappears*

Starsea - Part IX - Guardian of the Ocean

Hey everyone and welcome back to the Realm, but let's be honest, a novelty I know, you're probably binge reading the whole damn thing. Why? Because my fan fiction also has this unusual phenomenon. Anywho...last time, I just went ker plop because I had a massive headache that decided to take up residence in my cranium for several hours. Ugh, you just gotta love allergy season, right? I've been whipping out articles like mad though. 

This particular article will involve a time skip because outside of those two *points to Artz and Killian making out nearby* shagging like a pair of Nubbins and some too sweet, makes your teeth hurt, family time for Killian, Artz and Silver...not much else happened. Hey! It can't all be action packed adventures and whirlwind romances. Sheesh. Go on, go on, shoo. Go read Part IX of Starsea.

The ocean eyed man was currently sitting with his legs crossed on the the floor. His eyes were closed and his breathing was slow. He was practicing a meditation technique that Artz had apparently taught him as a child though he still has no recollection of any of their time together. The purpose of this exercise was to allow him to consciously access his personal mental landscape but in his case, it was a seascape.

Why did he want to enter this so called aquatic paradise? To communicate with the one known as The Scourge of the Sea, James Hook. He had been meaning to do this since he had learned the truth about his son, about Clare and Emma, and about the woman that tied them all together. He and Hook still had to clear out the alterations made to the dark captain's memories, but he was also very worried about what the future Poseidon had said to the Star Child.

To shatter a mirror that wasn't his own.

Yes, he definitely needed to speak to his counterpart sooner rather than later. That was the plan but then the entire ship lurched and practically threw him across the room. Artz, who had been sleeping at the time, snapped her fingers and both of them were fully clothed. Was there anything her powers couldn't do?

The two made it top side and were greeted by the sight of a very large tentacle covered in suckers. There was another near the front of the ship and one behind them on the back of the ship. The men went to attack the tentacles with their swords and something inside him screamed.

'Stop! Don't hurt him! *rebuttals from his crew and a name popped into his mind, along with the brief image of the creature he had met before when he couldn't find Kali* His name is Koschei and he's my friend! So please don't hurt him!'

'Holy shit, little Killi! You actually remember him?!'

'No. I met him in the seascape. Kali didn't come to me when I called so I asked him to find out what happened. I'm guessing he did. Otherwise he wouldn't have stopped us.'

Silver finally made it topside and the saw the tentacles. He immediately jumped overboard and disappeared into the darkness of the ocean. Artz's head snapped up and she raced to the nearest tentacle. She reached out and touched it, only to yank her hand while hissing in pain.

'Something's wrong, isn't there?'

'Koschei...he's hurt badly. Several of his tentacles are trapped under a giant pile of rocks, possibly from an underwater earthquake. The ones that are not trapped or wrapped around the ship are keeping Kali from being pushed into what I believe is a developing volcano.'

'There must be some way we can help him!'

'Not we, just me. Silver doesn't have the raw power and might required to even extract Koschei, let alone Kali. Not to mention that his control is learned, not instinctive. I need a true Child of the Sea.'

'What the bloody hell does that mean?!'

'It means that I need Poseidon and Hook! Poseidon is a natural elemental, meaning that he was born with his powers already active. Hook is considered the Heart of the Ocean, capable of withstanding the true force of the Sea and direct it towards Poseidon. When they work together, they can flood the entire planet and wipe out all life on said planet.

As for Silver, he is what's called an awakened elemental, meaning that his powers were activated later in his life and is therefore weaker than a natural elemental. He can't convert to his elemental form without killing himself but he can breathe underwater and communicate with most of the higher life forms of the sea like Koschei.

Now if you excuse me. I need to go and do what I do best...the impossible. Stay here where you won't get yourself killed. Better yet touch one of the tentacles and connect to Koschei. Who knows...he might be able to restore some of your lost memories.'

Before he could object, she jumped into the water and disappeared. Killian had never felt so powerless in his life. Smee pushed him over to the closest tentacle and gave him a look that said to do what he was told. He reached out and touched the suckered appendage. He lost all awareness of his physical surroundings but he still had the sense of touch, almost like he was in between the seascape and the physical world.

Bubbles floated around him, all of them depicting some kind of event. Some were from his childhood. Others were from a world unlike anything he had ever seen before and then there were the ones that vibrated violently, their surfaces constantly rippling. He couldn't actually tell what was going on within the bubbles themselves. All of it was distorted but color him surprised when his counterpart seemingly stepped out of him like before.

Something was wrong. The Scourge of the Sea barely looked conscious. His eyes were half closed and out of focus. He walked...staggered towards the violently rippling bubbles like he was drawn to them against his will. He tried to call out to him but he found himself locked into place, unable to move or speak. The bubbles started spinning around the Dark Captain and Killian watched as the man transitioned from looking like him to someone else entirely.

The man had short brown hair, amber brown eyes and was a few inches taller than Artz, but his face is what gave him pause. It was like he was seeing a masculine version of Clare. What did it mean? The clothes the man was wearing were similar in nature to the ones in the mysterious trunk that appeared from nowhere. The man smiled at him and it made the Captain's heart ache.

'Erin!'

The younger Jones watched as a woman with short dark blonde hair and forest green eyes ran up to the former captain with a smile on her face. Up until she smiled, she seemed a bit plain, ordinary even...he would even go so far as to say unimpressive but then she smiled and his heart sped up from intense attraction. The way her smile lit up her face, making her eyes sparkle with happiness...absolutely breathtaking...and then he received the shock of his life.

'My Artz.'

'My Silverfrost.'

She was Artz?! How could that be?! They looked nothing alike?! As if answering his question, one of the nearby bubbles burst and he thrust into a different environment. People were running and screaming and he didn't know why until he heard a woman shout Artz's name that he realized why. She was disintegrating, literally falling apart...like sand caught in the wind.

The one known as Silverfrost was dragging a nearly catatonic Artz who was having the mother of all emotional breakdowns. Whoever that woman was, she had been precious to her...someone irreplaceable. He pushed her up and over the fence and began climbing the fence, only to fall victim to whatever force was causing such destruction.

'Run, you clever girl, and remember. RUN!!'

And she did, tears streaming down her face...but how was he following her if he died? His soul...it was his soul. Even in death, he refused to abandon her...just like James had said.

'Wherever you go, I will always follow.'

Hook was Erin, Erin was Silverfrost, Silverfrost was the name Artz had given his son in honor of her fallen friend, but what if that friend had followed her somehow? What if his soul got trapped in another's body and rendered dormant until the original had been destroyed? His soul had shattered which caused Erin's soul to awaken but because he had been inside him so long, he had become warped or maybe molded by his past?

His attention returned when he heard the blonde screaming in agony. A man with electric blue eyes was attacking her with lightning bolts...what the hell? Standing within some kind of rift or a tear in the fabric of reality...was himself, but why would he be there?

'I hate to rush you, Light, but we've got company!'

He wasn't able to see much beyond the rift but there was definitely movement on the other side.

'If I go any faster, her heart will stop!'

'So get part of her through and I'll take control of the water in her body to keep her heart pumping!'

'You idiot! Both you and Jimmy would feel it too! You'll essentially be dying with her!'

'Just shut up and do it because we're running out of time on both sides!'

Suddenly he was seeing through his future self's eyes...no, it was more than that. He could feel it. Something was moving within him but it felt so natural. It made him want to cry from relief. Something inside of him had given way...physically. And then there was pain, every part of him in searing agony. His mouth was open in a silent scream. He couldn't think, he couldn't feel, he was splintering apart. Someone called his name.

He opened his eyes to see a mirror before him. The man known as Silverfrost was within its reflection, his hand pressed against it like it was a glass pane. What was he trying to tell him? The man removed his hand from the surface of the mirror then placed it on the surface again. Did he want him to touch it? Would it make the pain go away? There was something at the back of his mind telling him not to do it. Silverfrost kept repeating the action, his face becoming more and more desperate.

A small portion of the mirror darkened and began showing images that were underwater. Artz was sinking like a lead weight a trail of blood coming from the back of her head attracting quite a few sharks. His son was doing his best to keep them away from her but was clearly struggling. Koschei was too far away to actually reach her, not without abandoning Kali. What was he supposed to do?

'Break the mirror, you stupid brat, and save them.'

No! That would destroy Silverfrost! He couldn't do it!

'You have to, Killian! If you don't then James Hook never exists! Erin knows this and he is willing to make that sacrifice, to give up everything from that lifetime to be with the woman that is his soul...to be the Captain she loves so much. Please, Killian...she needs a true Child of the Sea. That's who you are but to save them all, you have to be more than that. You have to become the God of the Sea and to do that, you have to let him go. *tries to object*

Damn it, brat! Were you not paying attention to the wench earlier?! She said she needed Poseidon and Hook, a true Child of the Sea and the Heart of the Ocean. If you don't break that mirror, she'll die and I don't mean here. She'll die in the other world, alone in the dark. Is that what you want?!'

Artz: And....CUT!!!! *snaps a clap board together*

Hope: Ooh...suspenseful.

Ren: More like Typical Artz. Just couldn't resist a cliffy, could you?

Artz: *sniffs indignantly* I have no idea what you're talking about.

Hope/Ren: *deadpans* Uh huh. *gets shot into the sky by a stream of water* We're blasting off again! Whee! *ding*

Artz: Thanks, Tsukimi. 

A well endowed woman with long blonde hair walks out of the shadows.

Tsukimi: I am more than happy to aid thee in thy plight, Your Ladyship. May I inquire as to when the Order of the Birds will have its grand debut upon thy blog?

Artz: *shrugs* Depends on how I feel. Could by the Sekirei, the Sins, the Wizards, the Blades, the Librarians...

Tsukimi: Thou hast spoken enough, Your Ladyship. I shall not impede thy work any further. *turns to leave*

Artz: You drew straws and lost, didn't you? Otherwise you wouldn't have asked.

Tsukimi: *blushes in embarrassment* I shall bid thee good night, Lady Artz. *walks away*

Artz: Thought as much. *goes back to work*

Starsea - Part VIII - Silver and Gold

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Realm! Last time I kinda lost my train of thought a sort of just trailed off. With that being the case, there will be a minor time skip of maybe a week or so, maybe two weeks. I don't want to do much longer due to a certain plot device that I need to get to. Now venture forth into the next segment of Starsea!

The Terror of the Deep had spent almost two weeks confined to bed rest so that the Dark Captain could finish recalibrating their shared body. During that time, he had attempted to calm the Star Child who had spent the first two days as a broken record, consistently apologizing. The only reason why she stopped was because he had slapped her. He didn't like the fact that he had to strike her but there was no other way to break through to her.

She did go quiet after that and quite often had to stop herself from crying, knowing that her Captain would take control and he really needed to focus on the task at hand. Killian eventually coaxed her into talking and by coaxed, he meant dropping the cannonball that the love she had felt from him was actually Hook's and not his own. She had raised an eyebrow at that statement, a knowing look in her eyes and a small smirk on her lips. The former lieutenant was surprised by how one simple expression had him wanting to pin the woman to the closest flat surface and make love to her.

In the days that followed after he was no longer confined to his bed, he did as his counterpart suggested and spent as much time with her as he possibly could. He oftentimes had to go in search of her and more often than not she was either with Mister Smee in the ship's library or in the kitchen with Mister Silver. After a while, his curiosity got the better of him and he asked about the Magi of Light that had made his first mate into a vessel of power.

'First Mage of the Blood Guard, Commander of the Medical Corps, the Magi of Light, Scheherazade. She is Venus of the Prism Guard and she is my daughter...and yes, she is actually my daughter by blood.'

'You make it sound like you're surprised she even exists.'

'That's because I am. Killian...I can't have children...and before you ask, it's a tale far too long and complicated to even attempt to explain it to you now. It would just give you a massive migraine.'

The younger Jones didn't press for more, despite wanting to know exactly how and why she couldn't have children. He also promptly ignored the feelings of sadness and disappointment he had felt upon learning that the woman he cared for would never be able to have a child with him. He knew from his interactions with Silver that she was, in fact, an absolutely wonderful mother...though she could use some help in the naming department.

'*scowls at him* For starters, Silver is short for Silverfrost. I gave him that name in honor of a fallen friend from long ago. He was the one that chose the last name of Jones. I never really understood why he was so adamant about it, but I figured that it probably had to do with my God of the Sea. Poseidon helped me raise Silver in the Realm before telling me that the boy's father served aboard the Jolly Roger. 

Still trying to work that one out. *he comments about the name Venus* Venus is her title within the Guard. It's not the name she was given at birth, ya numpty.'

He then asked what the woman's birth name was and his entire world turned on its axis...figuratively speaking.

'Emma...Emma Swan Lanaria. I don't know if Silver ever told you this but my daughter was his governess...such a sweet kid. When I received word that Torrin was heading towards the port town where my daughter and her charge were currently living, I set out immediately but I was too late.

The whole town was in ruin, the fires still burning. I found my daughter rendered powerless by a radahan; battered and beaten, wailing in despair next to what was left of her charge. That poor boy...to this day, it still haunts me. When my Captain ordered me to kill my godson as proof of my loyalty...for a brief moment, I didn't see my godson. I saw the boy that called me His Blue Eyes...I saw Erin.'

Killian Jones fled from his quarters with the Star Child following after him, asking him what was wrong. He needed to know...were they truly the same? Was Silver Jones the son he believed to be forever lost to him? Was he Erin Clarence Oswald? He practically ran through the galley and straight into the kitchen, but the boy wasn't there, making him growl in frustration.

He looked down when the redhead touched his arm gently and his body relaxed...she had no idea. She asked if he was looking for Silver and he nodded. She pointed towards a specific wall and he realized what she was trying to convey. He was in one of the storage rooms, probably gathering provisions for the evening meal. They made their way to the storage area and sure enough, the silver haired lad was going through a check list for all the ingredients he needed.

'Silver...we need to talk.'

The boy glanced his way briefly before returning to work and like the smartass he was, he said they talked all the time...what made this time any different from the last?

'I didn't know who you were the last time or any of the other times before that...Erin Clarence Oswald.'

'I'm sorry. Did you just say Oswald? Silver, was Clare your mother?'

'You knew my wife?'

'If you're referring to Clare Ravenwood Oswald then who do you think raised her?'

They both looked over at the oddly silent silver haired chef that currently had his back to them.

'I'm not Erin Clarence Oswald. He died when he was eight years old. My name is Silverfrost Jones.'

'Erin...'

The room began to ice over, the temperature dropping drastically and swiftly. The cook of the Jolly Roger turned just enough so that they could see his face. He had tears in his eyes, tears of rage.

'I am not Erin...because Erin was nothing more than a defenseless child that watched his big sister be tortured and raped right in front of him! Erin was a child that was powerless to stop the bastards from killing him in front of his godmother! I am not the boy that she *gesturing to the ginger* nearly killed herself trying to save.

*tears slip down his cheeks* I am Silver Jones, a child of the sea and snow. I am the son of the Star Child and her God of the Sea. I am the man that can go toe to toe with the Scourge of the Sea, the Chef of the Jolly Roger. I am finally the person I always wanted to be, someone my papa would be proud of...I am the son of Killian Jones.'

That did it...the Captain of the Jolly Roger crossed the room and pulled the boy into his arms, embracing him tightly and never wanting to ever let go. All this time, his son had been alive. That didn't really explain how he had met the boy prior to his demise, but since it was impossible, he knew the Star Child and her Guard were involved. Speaking of which...he turned to look at her but she was no longer there.

'*releasing him* You had best go find her before she goes spiraling into another depression. *asks why* My mother crossed paths with a woman she had believed was in an abusive relationship. So...she did what she has always done. She was kind. She gave the woman two pieces of advice. 

The first was to get out. If you don't like the situation then remove yourself from the equation, but as most women commonly do, she said that she could never escape him. Thus leading into the second piece of advice...the only power anyone has over you is the power you give them.'

Those words...he recognized them. Hook had used them to describe the crimson haired woman, but going further back in his memories...he inhaled sharply, his eyes widening as he realized why they had struck such a familiar chord...Milah. Milah had disappeared and was gone for almost four days. Upon her return, he had snapped at her and she looked him square in the eyes, saying those exact words. 

That single moment of defiance, grit and determination...that was what started it all and he realized that the woman he had truly fallen for was Artz. After that day, Milah's personality had shifted radically and he now knew that it was nothing than a farce. She was pretending to have the same kind of personality that both Artz and Clare possessed because she knew that he would be sucked in by the lie, blind to everything else.

'After what happened at Port Rhianna, Emma regressed her age to that of a ten year old girl so she could grow up with me, but before she did, she told mother about that fucking bitch. It took the combined efforts of quite a few people to keep her from dropping like a stone or blowing up a planet.'

'Are you saying that she blames herself for the destruction of Port Rhianna, for what happened to her daughter, for your...death?'

'No, she blames herself for being kind, believing that it was her kindness that got hundreds of people killed. That it was her kindness that destroyed Emma and killed me, but the worst thing of all...she believes that it was her kindness that shattered your soul. And to find out that you're my father...'

He didn't have to say anything because the Terror of the Deep didn't need to be told. He kissed his son's head before begrudgingly leaving the room in search of the impossible woman that had saved the life of his only child. He immediately went above deck to speak to Mister Smee. If anyone knew where the redhead had went, it would be William.

He didn't even get a chance to speak, his first mate gesturing to the crows nest high above them. As hiding places go, it was a damn good one because even if you knew they were there, you would have a hard time getting to them...unless you were him. Killian Jones knew his ship and he was able to get up there quite easily...though it did mean that the crew would to redo some of the rope. 

He looked inside the nest and sure enough, she was there. Her arms were wrapped around her legs and her face was buried in her legs. She looked so small, curled up like that, and so very fragile which was quite the contrast to what he was used to seeing from her. He climbed into the crow's nest and sat down next to her. They sat there for some time before she finally raised her head enough to speak, her hair preventing him from seeing her face clearly.

'I would say I'm sorry but I don't want to be slapped again. It doesn't make it any less true though. The one thing I never wanted to do was hurt you and yet...that's all I ever seem to do.'

'Am I right to assume that we knew each other in the past...and possibly the future?'

'Yes...for both of them. My past is your future. You, my Captain, and my Light...the three of you saved my life. You literally saved me from the end of the world, the world I originally came from that is. *multiverse?* How did...Emma...of course she would.

As for your past, I ran across you quite by accident. I was taking Graham on a pilgrimage so that he could meet the people that he would one day lead. We were walking along the beach when Graham suddenly took off and I had to keep an eye on him otherwise a war was going to break out.

When I caught up to him, he was being held by a boy with eyes the color of the ocean and when I learned his name...I can't even begin to tell you how happy I was. You never did tell me how we first met. You did say that I came on a bit strong after you had become a pirate and tried to jump your bones every chance I got, so you can blame yourself for that.

Okay...you are just sitting there, letting me ramble away like an idiot. Aren't you mad at me? It was my kindness that destroyed your life!'

He pinned her to the floor of the crow's nest, bit of a tight fit but that did not stop him from kissing her. She tried to push him away but her attempts were half hearted at best. He kept her head in place with one hand, the other wrapping around her back to pull her closer to him. Unfortunately they did have to breathe which made them separate far too soon for his liking. He stared directly into her eyes. 

He remembered everything his wife, his Swan Lake, and his son had said about her though he hadn't known it was her they spoke of at the time. His son had spent night after night with Hook, talking up a storm about the Star Child. Every time he returned to Port Rhianna, Emma would regale him with tale after tale of her mysterious mother with a heart like no other. Clare...his beloved Clare had been raised by her godmother, said godmother being the woman currently pinned beneath him. She always said that her godmother was her personal hero, the woman she aspired to be like though her godmother always insisted that Clare add her own flair because she didn't want Clare to be her. She wanted Clare to be Clare.

'Don't speak, just listen. Thank you. *attempts to speak but he silences her with another kiss* I'm serious, love, because of you, I had the privilege of loving and marrying one of the most impossible women in the world. Because of you, I was able to become a father. Because of you, I have made life long friends like William and Emma. Because of you, I have learned that just because something is dark does not mean that it's evil. Because of you, this body still lives. Because of you, my shattered soul was born anew and is stronger than it ever was before. Because of you...my son is alive, he is a good man, he is strong and kind...he doesn't hate me for not being there, for letting him die.'

'He did once but then he forgave you once he realized that the only reason why I was alive after saving him...was you. *looks at her in confusion* You have not yet been named or granted your purpose because you are not ready to receive them but you will. *still confused*

Third Captain of the Blood Guard, Commander of the Shield Corps, The Terror of The Deep. Poseidon of the Prism Guard and he is my God of the Sea.

That's who you will be one day but only when your own soul has deemed you ready. You already possess the brand, just as my Captain did. He needed to accept who he was meant to be in order to be claimed, but I don't know what it is that you need to do. You wouldn't tell me in the future. You just kept saying over and over that in order to become my god of the sea, you had to shatter a mirror that was not your own.'

Killian could only stare at her, for many reasons. One...he was Poseidon or would be at least. Two...he was a water elemental or would be because Silver had said that Poseidon was a water elemental. Three...he was somehow able to travel through time, into the past to save Artz, and subsequently raise his son. Four...he had to shatter a mirror that was not his own...Hook. No...no way in hell. He may not fully trust the man but he sure as hell believed that he loved the Star Child and he would never do anything that could take him away from her again...once was enough, thank you very much, lesson learned.

He pushed those thoughts away as he lowered his head and kissed her again, gently and full of unexpressed emotions and desires. He pulled back when he got a bit light headed, only to realize that they were no longer in the crow's nest but in his quarters...on the floor to be exact. He looked at her and was immediately entranced by her eyes. They were glowing with ethereal light from within and sparkled like stardust. He smirked, causing her to frown.

'You really shouldn't have done that because I'm going to show you exactly how I feel.'

Artz: And....CUT!!!!!

Hook: Seriously, wench?

Artz: Not good?

Poseidon: Leave her alone. She's got a headache. Besides I absolutely love that bit with Silver. Bloody impactful that was.

Hook: She still petered out at the end.

Poseidon: She usually does. That's why she breaks it up into so many articles, to limit just how much that situation occurs. Doesn't like inflicting bad writing on people.

Hook: Just bad grammar and spelling.

Yuna: Now hold up one damn minute! Its not her fault that the phone can't keep up with how fast she types. It doesn't even register some of the words despite the fact that she actually did type them in!

Artz: *wanders off to find some media, leaving them to argue as much as they want*

Starsea - Part VII - Through The Mirror Darkly

Hey everyone and welcome back to the Realm! I know you're all dying to know what happens next considering I kind of left the last article as a cliffhanger and for good reason. Up until now, Killian has believed that Hook was a monster and should he ever rise again, then the Star Child would pay the price. He has spent all of his time with Artz trying to shield her from Hook which was a very bad thing to do. Why because there is nothing she would not do for her Captain.

The man known as Killian Jones could only stare at the sight before him, a horrified expression on his face. He had rushed at the Dark Captain, hoping to save the Star Child he loved so much, but she jumped in the way. His sword was now about two thirds through her chest, blood dripping off the blade. Why...why would she protect a monster? Had Hook truly broken her? He was taken by surprise by the Dark Captain's next words.

'Damn it, wench, not for me! The brat was supposed to protect you from me, from yourself and now you're dying...again! You're dying again...for me, but this time is different...this time you will not embark on this journey alone.'

The former lieutenant gasped in shock as the Scourge of the Sea reached around her and wrenched the hilt from his hand, making him stagger back a few steps to regain his balance. His eyes were wide and unblinking as the man he had once viewed as a monster drove the sword completely through her while simultaneously plunging the sword into himself until there was no room between them. Why...why would he do that? Killian was extremely confused, both his mind and heart in chaos.

'Wherever you go, I will always follow.'

'My Captain.'

'My Wench.'

In that moment, the younger Jones had a revelation. Hook didn't hate her...he loved her. That's why he couldn't remember a good chunk of their time together because the Scourge of the Sea had been falling in love just as he had, but why make himself out to be a monster? There was so many contradictions and empty spaces...too many unanswered questions.

He was broken out of his thoughts as the Captain and his wench fell to the floor, the ginger letting a quiet cry of pain. He moved forward to try to help, only to be stopped by Mister Silver.

'Stay back. If you come into physical contact with him, he'll be absorbed back into your body and the two of you will trapped inside the same body together for a very long time before another opportunity arises to separate you. *to Mister Smee* William, attend to my mother while I try to save the idiot I view as my dad.'

The ocean eyed man could only watch, feeling absolutely helpless with the guilt burning and churning inside his stomach. He caused this. If he hadn't been so focused on trying to be her shield and instead embracing her as he wanted to, he would have learned the truth about the Scourge of the Sea and this entire thing could have been avoided.

The golden light emanating from his first mate's hands gradually healed the wound and she let out a relieved sigh before falling unconscious. He looked over at the Dark Captain to see him standing on his feet, his left hand pressing against the wound. He noticed the brand on said hand which proved that the so called monster had been radically altered by the Star Child, resulting in his recruitment and it proved that he was completely wrong about Hook.

'Come here, brat.'

'I was told to stay away or we'll get stuck together again.'

'My wench is no longer dying but I am and I won't let her lose me because of your stupidity. You have two choices, brat; willingly or forcefully. Either way, it's gonna happen because I am a selfish bastard that will never that woman go.'

'Dad, just give me some time. I might be able...'

'I'm sorry, son. Truly I am, but I can't and won't take that chance. I can already feel my heartbeat slowing down, it's getting harder to breathe, my internal organs are starting to shut down and I can barely see. *sees the tears in the man's eyes* 

I know that you hate me and you think I'm a monster. *tears slipped down Hook's face* Yes, I altered my memories so that you wouldn't associate yourself with my actions, so you could be your own person and not a reflection of me. *more tears and is being supported by both Smee and Silver*

So much of what you remember about me is a lie, but you need to understand why. She died for me. It was her love for me that got her killed. Every day she drank my evening wine...slowly being poisoned by diluted Dreamshade. I never saw the effects because she had altered my perception. All I ever saw was the feisty wench that refused to yield yet obeyed every order I had given her.

*coughs up some blood, his body sagging and he was forced onto his knees* Every time she called me Her Captain, she was saying I love you. All that time and when I finally worked it out...she died...she died in my arms in the middle of the night...less than ten minutes after I told the bloody wench that I loved her. She was already unconscious by then.

I made you hate me so that you would protect her, not just from me but from herself. I pushed you forward, fully intent on never breaching the surface again, but when I no longer felt the constant warmth of her pendant, I began reaching out. It took some time but...*coughs up more blood, gasping for air*'

He didn't get the chance to continue because he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up, his eyes coming back into focus and mirrored obsidian met ocean blue...an ocean blue that shimmered with unshed tears.

'Shut up, idiot and get back in here before you keel over. We'll sort this out later.'

Both Silver and Smee assisted in reintegrating the two pirates back together and Killian lost consciousness but not before hearing the Scourge of the Sea say Thank you, Killian.

When the younger Jones awoke, he found himself floating underwater...the seascape again but why was it so dark? He couldn't see anything. Hell he couldn't even see himself. He shifted slightly, only to become aware of another body behind and a pair of arms wrapped around him.

'I wouldn't suggest moving, brat. I'm still trying to rebalance our body's life force. My brief stint outside caused me to have the majority of our physical energy. Now it's just a matter of finding the right amounts for everything.'

'Why's it so dark?'

'This is where you put me. Your anger and hatred shoved me to deepest recesses of your mind, but it's your fear and uncertainty that causes the darkness. I've actually gotten used to it. If you wish for it to be brighter than your feelings towards me would have to change and as of right now, I have done nothing to warrant your favor.'

Killian didn't respond right away, simply stayed still and silent. After several minutes, the water directly surrounding them became a little brighter, the darkness being pushed back enough so that they could at least see each other.

'How about we finish that conversation we were having before...that is if you can call it a conversation. I stood there, you rambled, and now is as good a time as any to continue.'

The Scourge of the Sea started laughing, true and genuine laughter. The younger Jones couldn't help but smile because it wasn't the laugh of a tyrannical monster rather the laugh of a good natured man. Hook managed to calm himself then cleared his throat.

'Right then, where was I? Ah yes, it took me some time to breach the surface considering you were actively trying to keep me inside, but I had to keep trying. I may not have been able to feel her emotions but I sure as hell felt yours and I knew that it was only a matter of time before you would try to send her away.

My wench...I knew she would never leave you. She's extremely stubborn when it comes to the people she cares for. Good ol' William can recount many a tale to you about that bloody minded wench. The problem lies within her loyalty to me and her feelings for you. She could not in good conscience allow you to keep suppressing me, but at the same time, she didn't want to hurt you.

Every tear that she shed was like a beacon, so I followed them and then I saw it...her pendant, shining like a star and I heard her crying out to me. To hear her screaming like that, so much anguish and grief, I finally just said to hell with this shit. The wench wanted her Captain and I promised Yuel that wouldn't hesitate, that I would go to my wench. I didn't actually expect us to split apart like that. Came as a bit of a shock.'

'That's putting mildly. I bloody panicked. The Scourge of the Sea was free and heading straight towards the very woman I had been fighting so hard to protect...only to end up running her through with my sword.'

The Captain of the Jolly Roger told the former lieutenant that the moment he had seen him draw his sword...he knew his wench would undoubtedly do something insanely reckless that would more than likely get her killed. Had he known that their first mate had the ability to heal, he wouldn't have acted so foolishly though he didn't regret his decision. He had spoken honestly and passionately, making it perfectly clear to his wench that he meant every word of his vow, that he would always follow her wherever she went.

The longer they conversed, the brighter their mental seascape became. It was still murky beyond the reefs but there was an entire patch of beautiful light colored sand and there was a light projecting through the surface of the water which just added a prismatic effect to the sand. All-in-all, it was utterly gorgeous and the ambience really helped to calm Killian's heart and mind. 

There was still a lot that they had to overcome because questions needed answering, memories needed revealing, and there was a crimson haired goddess waiting for them to wake up...to which they had spent a great deal of time debating. Killian wanted Hook to take control so that he could once again be with the woman he loved, but the Dark Captain refused on the grounds of the wench's actions towards the brat.

'You need to go back. *cuts off the brat before he could start arguing again* You're not a member of the Guard so you can't hear it, but the wench is begging you to come back. You, not me. She didn't mean for things to end up like this and right now she is scared out of her mind because she can barely sense you at all. She is terrified of losing you. 

That's why you need to go back. You take care of the wench while I focus on our body. Lord knows how much time has passed but I do know that she has cried herself to sleep many times then called out to you in her dreams. There'll be plenty of time for me to be with my wench later but for some inexplicable reason, I have this feeling...like I know that you need to be in control. Most likely Yuel's doing, she was the one to put me asleep after all.

The point, Killian, is that your feelings for the wench are not your own. They're mine. I may have made your mind forget but I couldn't contain my heart. Even now it's still effecting you...you need to go back, sort yourself out, spend some time with her, and don't be surprised when you wake up one day and realize that she's stolen your heart. She makes it so easy...to fall in love with her. Don't be afraid to love her, brat.

One final thing before I punt your sorry ass out of this little piece of aquatic paradise...don't make her cry. I will know if you do and I won't hesitate to take control. She's gone through enough, damn it! She deserves some bloody happiness already! Now get OUT!!!'

The younger Jones awoke with a gasp, his eyes flying open. He let out a low groan of pain because it was rather difficult to breathe, but he soon understood why. The ginger haired woman that had come crashing into his life was currently asleep on his chest. He sighed quietly, knowing it was no use to move nor was it any use to argue with the Dark Captain.

Artz: Hmm...that's a first. I blanked mid thought. I was going somewhere with this but now I can't rightly recall exactly where. Oh well, it's a good place to stop anyways because the next segment of Starsea takes on an entirely different tone. Just a forewarning...the exact timeline of Killian's origin story has yet to be fully ironed out so if you get a little lost, its okay because I'll post a revamped version later.

Poseidon: Now she just has to find some images or gifs for this thing and she'll be able to post it...hopefully.

Hook: Oh yes, by all means, brat, go ahead and jinx the bloody woman.

Poseidon: And you might want to rephrase that. *pointing to the first image*

Hook: *rolls his eyes* Come on, brat. *kicks his legs out from under him, grabs the right ankle and proceeds to drag him away*

Poseidon: Seriously?! Let me go, you bastard! *is ignored and dragged down a different hallway and out of sight*

Hope: *pops up* That's what he gets for making his cameo too long. *shakes her head but then waves at everyone before slipping out of frame*

Ren: *drags herself into frame, waves lazily, then promptly falls asleep*

Anna: *sighs* And as always, I'm on clean up duty. *drags the out cold Ren towards the opposite frame*

Artz: Hey don't look a gift horse in the mouth. She's out cold so no social interaction.