A/N - This is an AU Captain Swan fan fiction. The curse never happened, but Rumple is still searching for a way to his son and the past history that he shared with Hook still is all canon in this story. Only Hook returned less than a year ago. Emma will be slightly different because she grew up with her parents in a life of luxury and she is only 21. But she will still have her snarkiness. Henry does not exist in this universe and Emma has never met Bae.

I was excited to post this so I did not have it beta'd but if I continue I will see if someone would like to do it for me. Any and all mistakes are fully mine, and I apologize in advance.

Prologue –

Hook POV

Mr. Smee had brought Hook the invitation to the ball when he found it lying on the deck of the Jolly Roger. He pulled it out to look at it once again. It was written in a flowing script in black ink with gold accents.

You are invited to join us for an evening of celebration

For Princess Emma's 21st Birthday

Masquerade Ball

Dress: Black-tie (and mask)

Date: October 22 at 9pm until dawn

Place: Charming's castle

Gourmet food and champagne will be served

Hook tapped the invitation against his chin in consideration. Someone wanted him to go to this ball, someone with magic he would guess. The invitation had appeared on the deck of his ship while they were out to sea with no other ships in sight. The opportunity to find Rumpelstiltskin could not be passed by, so he would be attending the ball in a week's time. It didn't leave much time to prepare, but he would be at that ball.

He had heard of the Charming's and their name fit them. They all lead a charmed life from all accounts and the whole kingdom loved them. He may be newly returned to the Enchanted forest but he had heard that much about the ruling family in his visits to the taverns. He had also heard of the beauty of their only child. It was said that she shone like the sun and when she smiled at you, it would put you under her spell. He chuckled, fancy thoughts of men. No woman had that power unless you gave it to her.

"Sir, have you decided if you will attend the ball?" Mr. Smee asked as he came into his captain quarters.

"Smee, I do love a challenge, we need to find a mask that will cover my scar as well as a black tie and suit." Hook smirked over his shoulder at his long time friend.

"What if the invitation was sent by the Dark one?" Mr. Smee worried.

"Then I will be one step closer to finding my crocodile, he has been elusive, always one step ahead." Hook mused darkly as he fingered his hook, remembering the long ago day that he lost his hand to the demon.

A/N - So this is a little something I was playing around with. I wrote this and the first chapter so far, because it begged to be written. Actually demanded it. I couldn't even attempt to finish Under the Neverland Sky, my muse refused. So I got this out and now I'm back to Under the Neverland Sky, I think I have two more chapters of that to write to finish it up. Then I will move on to this one if you guys are interested in reading it. No promises on how quickly it will be written or how long it will be, but my muse does want to complete it.