In my Once Upon A Time fanfic, Mr. Jones, Killian Jones finds himself alone in a strange place, with no memory of his former life. When Emma makes it her mission to find him, she’ll have some convincing to do–and a big, big secret to reveal. In this opening chapter, we get a feel for what Killian’s new life is all about . . .

Killian Jones was not having a good day.

He stared up at the darkening sky from the bottom of the canyon, then back at the line of boys trailing behind him.

“Look alive!” he shouted, and their three heads came up in unison. Jack, the eldest, circled back as Will – who was right behind him – quickened his pace. Killian could hear Jack encouraging John, who was youngest, but John was having none of it.

“-dragging us out here when it’s a hundred degrees outside,” young John grumbled. “I hate hiking.”

“Come on,” Jack cajoled. “We used to hike with Dad, remember?”

“He’s not Dad.”

“No, he’s not,” Jack said tiredly. “But we’re gonna be out here all night if you don’t get a move on.”

Will made a rude noise from up ahead. “One night in the desert is enough for me with this clown.”

“Hey!” Killian called out sharply. “That’s enough lollygagging. Those are storm clouds overhead.” He pointed up, above the ridge. “We don’t want to be caught on the canyon floor when the rain hits.”

“It’s desert,” Will pointed out. “It would have to rain for ten hours before the ground would even get wet enough to make mud.”

“My point exactly,” Killian said, putting his hand on his hip as he surveyed the terrain. “The water will run first, and with great force and speed. A flash flood will take you down before you even know it’s upon you. Let’s get higher and find shelter before that occurs, shall we?” Continue reading →