Author's Note: So, my lovelies, this is a story set in Neverland and Storybrooke, which will undoubtedly be AU the moment 3x01 airs, but I hope you'll stay with me. There'll be some heated interactions, a lot of arguing, and some truly dark deeds. Rated T at the moment, but who knows how these things turn out?
Oh, and I do not own Once Upon a Time or any of its fabulous characters, alas. I just have a lot of fun with them in my head…
Spray surged as the Jolly Roger plunged through the waves, her bowsprit glistening with water and shedding droplets to dance and gleam in the sunlight. The sky above was a pure, cloudless blue and small greenish-blue waves buffeted the sides of the ship, rolling towards the horizon without interruption. There was no land visible, not even the break of white surf crashing against a submerged reef. Emma hung over the side, taking deep breaths of the cool sea breeze and trying to calm her roiling stomach as she stared down into the dark blue depths. It wasn't working. They had been sailing for two days, and despite having thrown up what felt like everything she had ever eaten, she still felt horribly queasy. Once this is over, she thought grimly,I won't get on another damn ship if my life depends on it. She straightened up with a groan, pushing her long blonde hair out of her face and looking around. To her great annoyance, she was the only one suffering from sea-sickness. David and Mary Margaret had stayed below deck for much of their time at sea; she suspected they merely wanted time alone together and she had granted them some privacy. Regina paced the decks, growing increasingly agitated the longer they were sailing. Emma could understand the other woman's mood; the longer they travelled, the further away Henry was likely to be. Gold had told them little about what awaited them in Neverland, merely stating that they had to be very careful and avoid being seen. The Lost Boys, he had explained, were dangerous. Killers, and unpredictable. He had suggested that they track and rescue Henry without drawing attention to themselves, if at all possible. Hook, somewhat surprisingly given his known enmity towards Gold, had readily agreed with this assessment of their predicament, and the two men had eyed one another cautiously ever since, stepping around each other like strange cats forced to occupy the same space.
Emma took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, feeling momentarily as though she herself was one of the ship's sails, flapping desperately in the stiff wind. She swallowed hard and flicked her gaze to the side. Gold stood a few feet from her, looking out over the cresting waves. He was dressed as immaculately as ever, long fingers folded over the handle of his cane, his body moving easily and gracefully with the ship's rolling motion to stay upright and steady. She shot him a glower that he didn't notice, hating the ease with which he had taken to sailing these waters. The strange globe he had brought with him had provided a rough setting for Hook to follow, and the pirate was at the wheel of the ship, glancing up every now and then to ensure they held course. He shot Emma a toothy grin, amused by her sickness, and she scowled in return.
"I had no idea I was carrying such a dreadful land-lubber," he called, and her scowl deepened.
"Just get us to land, Hook," she said repressively. His grin widened.
"And here I was about to offer to sail away with you when all this is over," he quipped. "Then I find you can't set foot on my ship without hurling over the side every five minutes. It's not quite the romantic ending I had in mind. I was going to teach you how to trim the sails."
Emma muttered under her breath about exactly where he could shove his damn sails, and Hook chuckled appreciatively.
"You know, that greenish tinge does nothing for your complexion, my dear," he said kindly.
"Bite me!" snapped Emma viciously, and he burst out laughing.
"Oh, that would be my pleasure," he chuckled, as she shot him a furious look.
"Couldn't you have opened the damn portal nearer to land?" she demanded waspishly, and he shrugged.
"Give a fella a chance to get his bearings, Emma," he said reasonably. "I've not been here in a while; it's good to get a feel for the place."
"All I feel is nausea," she snapped. He grinned, turning the wheel slightly.
"You'll be pleased to know the torment is almost over," he said, gesturing in front of them. "Take a look."
Emma looked up, squinting at the skyline. She could see a faint, dark blue line against the flat expanse of the ocean.
"We'll be there in a few hours," added Hook, and Emma nodded, relieved.
The globe had steered them towards a large, forested landmass, purple hills climbing up out of the green canopy of trees, like dark fists jabbing at the sky. Hook dropped anchor some way off shore, letting down a small rowing boat to transport them to the pebbled beach. David and Mary Margaret had been over the cache of weapons on the ship, and everyone but Gold and Regina armed themselves from the collection. Mary Margaret had also packed bags with useful things they might need, including pots, pans, utensils, rope, blankets and tinderboxes. The bags were stowed in the bottom of the boat, swords sheathed and arrows stored in quivers before the small party climbed in. Everyone kept a watchful eye on the surroundings, running anxious gazes along the distant beach and treeline above the shore, but it seemed, for the moment at least, that they were undetected.
"Although I like jumping in with no thought for my personal safety as much as the next man," said Hook cheerfully, as he rowed them across. "I think a plan might be good right about now." Emma and Regina shared glances.
"We need a way to find out where he is," said Regina firmly. "Gold, is that globe any use to us now we're here?"
Gold grimaced, his fingers tightening on the handle of his cane. "The magic's different here, I'm sure you can feel it. It could find him if he were still and settled somewhere, but he's on the move. I could only get a rough estimate. We need another way." He eyed her knowingly. "I'm sure you've thought of something."
Regina gave him a flat look. "As a matter of fact," she acknowledged. "I thought of a locator spell, but then I figured we would want to find out some more about exactly who has him before we go charging in." The others nodded.
"If it's still just Mendell and Tamara, I think we'll be okay," said Emma. "And if we come across them any time soon, I'm gonna bitch-slap Tamara into next week!"
"Mendell's mine," added Regina, her voice a low, dangerous drawl. David held up a placating hand.
"Let's consider Henry's rescue first," he said quietly. "We can argue about revenge later." He shot Emma a meaningful look, and she sighed. She knew she should not be seeking vengeance; that it would only consume her as it had Regina, but the pain of losing Neal was too raw for her to think straight. She met David and Mary Margaret's eyes and nodded reluctantly, shifting uncomfortably on the hard wooden seat of the boat. Gold watched her closely, saying nothing, a tiny, amused smile on his face. It made her nervous when he did that; it was as though he knew something no-one else was privy to.
"No revenge," she agreed. Regina said nothing, her face impassive. Emma opened her mouth again. "I think we have to grab him sooner rather than later. Once they take him – wherever it is they're taking him – I think the odds could turn against us."
"Agreed," said David, grimly. "We need some surveillance before we attempt a rescue."
"So what we need is something that will show us what we want to see, without being seen ourselves," mused Gold, waiting for the information he knew was coming.
Hook cleared his throat as he worked the oars. "Although it's been a while, I've heard rumours concerning this side of the island," he began. "Rumours that the caves contain a great wonder that will enable you to see whatever you desire."
Gold smiled briefly.
"Then what are we waiting for?" asked Emma bluntly. "Take us to these caves and let's get whatever the hell it is!"
Hook pulled a face. "As much as I admire and appreciate your enthusiasm, Emma," he drawled. "Bear in mind that something labelled a 'great wonder' is invariably very well-guarded by something equally terrible."
"So what guards this?" asked Regina curiously, and Hook chuckled.
"You know, I never had the opportunity to find out," he said, amused.
"Then today's your lucky day!" said David loudly. "You, me, Snow and Gold go to the caves, Regina and Emma can set up the camp and make sure we're shielded from unfriendly eyes."
There were nods from the others, and Hook rolled his eyes before assenting.
"Don't blame me if we're all killed," he muttered darkly.
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
Having watched the ship plunge out of sight into a swirling vortex of blue and green, Belle made her way slowly back from the docks, her heart heavy with loss and sudden fear. She felt incredibly tired, bone-weary to the point where she just wanted to sit down and curl into a ball, and it was an effort to keep one foot stepping in front of the other. Tears stung her eyes and she wiped them away furiously. She refused to give in to despair, even though Rumple's face had convinced her that he thought he was going to his doom. She tucked the tiny scroll wrapped in its red ribbon into the pocket of her blue pea-coat; she had not yet opened it and would not until she reached the shop. Part of her was afraid that, once she had opened and read it, it would disappear, and she wanted to hold onto something of his for as long as she could. She trudged across the road to Granny's diner, unseeing as the townsfolk called a greeting to her or shouted to one another. Ruby was standing just outside, righting the sign that had fallen over in the tumult of magic that had engulfed the town.
"Belle?" she asked softly, looking over her friend. "Is it – is it you?"
Belle looked up at her and nodded wearily. "It's me," she confirmed, and burst into tears. Ruby, bless her, said nothing, folding her arms around Belle and holding her close. Belle explained, in broken, halting sentences, what had happened, and Ruby murmured her sympathies, stroking Belle's hair, worry growing in her own heart for her friends now sucked through a portal to some other land. After a few minutes Belle's tears turned to snuffles, and Ruby gently drew back.
"Do you want something to eat?" she asked softly. "Tea? Cake? More chocolate and alcohol than the human body can stand?"
Belle laughed tearfully, wiping her eyes. "Sounds good," she agreed. "But first I need to take a shower and change into something that doesn't make me look like a streetwalker." She took a deep, calming breath. "And then I need to talk to you about something," she added seriously. "Give me an hour?"
Ruby nodded, curious, and Belle squeezed her hand and made her way to the library, and her apartment.
She pulled off the ridiculously short dress and threw it into a corner, making a mental note to burn Lacey's entire wardrobe at the earliest opportunity. She removed the necklace Gold had given her, setting it carefully down on the dresser to put on again once she was clean. After showering and dressing in a dark blue tea-dress, red belt and matching peep-toes, and feeling much more like herself, Belle packed a case with her clothes and toiletries and carried it to Gold's house. She wanted to be there, despite his absence. She wanted to pretend that, at any moment, he would walk through the door. Once inside, she carried the case up to his room, their room, and put it down next to the dresser, noting the familiar furniture, the neatness of the room. She sat down on the edge of the bed and stroked a hand across the silken coverlet, smiling slightly, and momentarily blushing, as she recalled the last time she had been there. Memories flitting through her head and making the blush intensify, she lifted his pillow to her face, breathing in his familiar scent, losing herself for a moment in the illusion of his closeness. No more tears, she told herself angrily, putting the pillow aside. She could always cry at night. For now, she had a job to do. He had faith in her to protect the town. She wouldn't let him down.
Belle took a deep breath and entered the diner, smiling at the happy townsfolk milling around inside. The atmosphere was cheerful and boisterous; she assumed they hadn't yet heard what had become of Mary Margaret and the others. Ruby caught her eye and beckoned her to a stool at the bar next to Leroy, who pulled her into a wordless, crushing hug that almost made Belle cry again. She hugged him back, smiling over his shoulder at Tom, who was drinking with his brothers, memory clearly restored.
"Ruby told us what happened," said Leroy quietly. "Most people don't know yet. I thought perhaps we could hold a meeting at the town hall later on. We need a new Mayor. And a sheriff. Town'll go to hell if we don't look out for it."
"I am looking out for it," said Belle earnestly. "Rumple told me we're in danger; whoever sent Greg and Tamara, they know the town's here. They'll come looking for us. We have to hide."
"Hide?" said Leroy, confused, and Belle pulled the tiny scroll from her pocket.
"He gave me this," she explained. "It'll hide the town from unfriendly eyes, make it impossible to find even though they know where we are."
"A spell?" queried Leroy, brows wrinkling. "The Blue Fairy?"
Belle sucked her lips over her teeth, unsure. "I think I want to find out what kind of spell it is first," she said quietly. "I have a feeling she may not be too eager to cast one of Rumple's creations."
Leroy grunted agreement. "Let me know if you need help," he said gruffly, and Belle hugged him again.
"Ruby and I will look into it," she explained. "And if we need help you'll be the first person I'll call."
Leroy pulled a face. "Just be careful," he pleaded. "I don't want either of you getting sucked into another dimension because you didn't add enough eye of newt."
Belle grinned. "Call the meeting," she advised. "Perhaps we'll know more by tonight."
XxXxXxXxXxX
As dusk was approaching, Hook, David, Mary Margaret and Gold approached the yawning black mouth of a cave cut into the hillside by wind, rain and the sea-currents of centuries past. Hook had found his way to the area with ease; his many years in Neverland had made him familiar with its landscape and, although he had previously avoided the caves themselves, finding them had not been an issue. Mary Margaret had scouted for a suitable base for them to camp, and eventually she had settled on a clearing in the trees with a view of the sea, so that a swift escape to the ship would be possible, and a stream nearby. The campsite was sheltered from the wind and the surrounding trees and bushes provided sufficient cover, as well as fuel for the fire. Regina had some difficulty harnessing the local magic, but eventually she managed to start a small blaze that sent out a lot of heat but little smoke. They took stock of their provisions; Hook had brought dried food from the ship, and Mary Margaret had gone around setting some snares to catch any edible wildlife in the area. Having established their camp, she, David, Gold and Hook had made their way to the caves. Regina and Emma watched them leave anxiously. They had agreed to take it in turns to act as lookout once the sun set, and before leaving Gold had suggested, softly and somewhat ominously, that they remember to watch the skies. At the caves the tide was out and the entrance was dry sand underfoot, strewn with driftwood, shells, and the knotted strands of dead seaweed.
"If these caves contain something powerful," said Mary Margaret, stumbling a little on the uneven ground, "how come you pirates have never tried to find it? Aren't you all obsessed with treasure?"
Hook put a hand to his heart with an expression of mock hurt. "I assure you, love, we do have other priorities. Staying alive being one of the most important."
"So, what's the story here?" she asked curiously. "Magic and power, and you guys aren't the least bit interested?"
Hook laughed hollowly. "Fools rush in where mermaids fear to swim," he said dryly. It sounded almost like a curse. Mary Margaret suppressed a shudder, and looked up at the rocks above her. Over the entrance to the cave, strange runic letters were cut into the stone in jagged lines.
"What does that say?" asked David warily, and Gold frowned, running a long finger over the dusty markings.
'"If you look, you will never see,"' he read slowly. "Or possibly 'open your eyes, and see no more'. A literal translation is difficult."
"Comforting," acknowledged Hook. "And cryptic. I like it."
"So, what does it mean?" asked Mary Margaret.
"It means we must be very careful," said Gold quietly. "This is a very ancient language, which means whatever is down here is equally ancient. I suggest we make as little noise as possible until we find out exactly what awaits us." He stepped forwards into the cave, Hook dodging past him and lighting the end of a piece of driftwood with his flint and steel to show them the way. David and Mary Margaret picked up branches of their own, but Gold simply waved his hand and created a ball of cold blue light to hang in front of them.
"Keep the fire, it may come in handy," he said quietly, as David looked to discard his piece of wood. One by one, torches in hand, with Gold bringing up the rear, they walked deeper into the cave.
A/N Hope I've whetted your appetite; please review if so. Point of interest: Hook's line to Emma about her green complexion was my husband's opening line to me when we met. Hmm. Not that I'm saying I'm a Captain Swan shipper - I'm trying to remain ambiguous on the ship front other than Rumbelle. Read into my tales what you will, dearies!