From a tunnel of water, we emerged to the calmest sea I've ever seen. It was twilight and the water glistened. There was no wind and the water reflected back upon us like a mirror. The portal was already closed and the sea showed no signs of it ever having been. The sky though was different. The stars were bigger. They seemed closer somehow.

Regina hadn't taken her eyes off the horizon since we came through and it was impossible to know what she was thinking. I caught myself thinking about the mine and how willing she was to give up her life to stop the magic she had unleashed. Maybe Snow had been right and there was some good in her.

"Welcome to Neverland" Said Hook from behind the helm, interrupting my thoughts. "I'm not sure what you know of this land, but I'd wager my life, I know more about it and this ship. Speaking of which, let me tell you the plan. This ship is our lifeline, not just back to Storybrooke, but it's the only safe place in this world. Treat her well, protect her and she'll do the same."

He paused to let this sink in.

"Young man, I think I know how to take care of myself and nothing will keep me from my family," said Gold, his voice dripping with distain.

"Oh this is going to be fun" I said to myself with an eye roll for good measure. I expected an "I'm captain on this ship and you better listen to me" speech to come out of Hook's mouth, but he surprised us all when he just stared. He looked Gold straight in the eye, looking not angry but somehow sad. Very softly, so softly that David and Snow (Dad and Mom, hhmm not yet), had to lean in to hear.

"This ship loved Mila" he said. "She has a memory and is more then just wood. You've collected things all your life to horde, hold over others. Your pawn shop was all about power by keeping other people's precious memories away from them." At this Regina's eyes finally shot up to Hook's face, Hook though did not break eye contact with Gold.

"In all your long years," he continued, his voice picking up volume "you've never experienced a ship like this. She's got a personality, she's got a name, you will never hear, she breaths life from the world around her. Wrapping the magic in the air to bring herself to life. It took her years to adjust to the magic in Neverland, but when she did, she ignited like a lighthouse, bringing the souls of her crew to safety. If you can earn her love, be worthy of it, she will always remember and protect you."

"How?" I asked. Hook and Gold both turned their stares at me, seeming to have forgotten anyone else was there.

"Ask her," replied Hook cryptically.

Suddenly a man's voice I didn't recognize boomed through the air: "Ahoy Captain." a slightly over-weight pirate in a white and red stripped shirt, appeared scrambling down the mast. He was slightly transparent and made me think of all those ghost stories I was told as a kid. The apparition went over to the port-side dock, facing away from Hook. "Bring any Rum?"

Another man suddenly appeared with a clear and distinctly male, laugh. "Oh course Smee. Did you ever doubt I would remember how I keep you so loyal?"

It was Hook, but without the Hook, right in front of the apparition called he called Smee. Ghost Hook grasped Smee's hand and clapped him on the back showing 5 whole fingers.

Staring in shock, we watched several more men appear all around the ship. Some carried barrels, some coils of rope. They all seemed busy, happy, and in a hurry to get things done. They called out jokes to each other as they worked, the noise echoing in the quite waters.

"I believe that's her answering your question, lass."