Chapter 1: Young Volcanoes

When Rome's in ruins, we are the lions

Free of the coliseums
In poison places, we are anti-venom
We're the beginning of the end

Tonight the foxes hunt the hounds
It's all over now before it has begun
We've already won

We are wild, we are like young volcanoes
We are wild, Americana, exotica
Do you wanna feel a little beautiful baby?
Yeah!

-falloutboy

…...

...I own nothing but Luci

…..

...

The ship crashed into the ocean below rocking everyone on board Luci had been laughing the entire way she couldn't help it the rush of jumping worlds as always fun. The others slumped to the deck gasping for breath as they adjusted to the world and tried to shake off the nausea. Rumple coughed shaking his head he managed to walk to the railing looking over it he saw nothing but ocean in all directions.

"Welcome to never land "called hook waving to the ocean around them he chuckled at their glares.

"Really Killian?" Emma made her way up the stairs smacking the pirate's shoulder Luci laughed at the two they were impossible sometimes. It was hilarious how in love they were yet they weren't ready to admit it. It made her feel a tiny bit sorry for killian but then again he tried to kill her and separate her from peter so ehh no he handed her over to Greg and what's her face and took the magic bean so they weren't exactly on the best of terms even if she'd called him captain.

Rumple scowled at the two before his usual storybrooke attire started to change making a rather familiar burgundy alligator skin jacket, black boots and pants. The others stared at the dark one in his new clothes it was odd yet fitting Luci couldn't stop herself from smirking at the sight. Rumple stretched his arms rolling his shoulders he gave Emma and killian one last look before going below deck their loving gazes made him sick and reminded him of Belle.

"Bloody pirates…"

Ignoring the grumpy imp Luci made her way to the railing and took a deep breath as they sailed on the high seas it had been a long time since she was on a ship and even longer since she was in never land.

A great wind blew making them all shield their eyes breathing in she smiled as the dimension jump began to alter her clothes. The jeans and tank top glowed as never land changed her making her sneakers into worn leather boots that reached her knees, blue jeans turned darker till they were black leather, the shirt became her white pirate top and her tiger skin hooded vest last was the long eagle feathers that were braided into her hair.

"What is up with everyone getting a wardrobe change?" Emma looked the girl up and down her eyes wide seeing the drastic change.

"Not everyone just those who have been to the island" said hook unphased by this as he continued to steer the ship.

Luci dusted off her sleeves smiling to herself it was nice to be back in the land of original magic and dreams. It was going to be quite an adventure this time around that's for sure. If she was getting a wardrobe change then the island must sense her magic which meant she do magic again. Holding on to the railing she watched the calm seas it wouldn't be long till someone noticed them nothing went smoothly in never land when you wanted them too.

"We'll have to wait and see what the island has in store for us"

It was to unexpected when the seas suddenly grew rough as they got closer to never land the ship was starting to go off course Snow and charming were holding the helm for dear life. Luci misted from her bunk below deck to the crow's nest looking all around the boat trying to find the cause of the loud banging noise. Hook and Emma came running from below deck Regina grabbed on to the railing.

"What was that?" shouted Emma

"I don't know!" shouted Snow taking the helm.

"It looks like we have some rather angry mermaids!" called Luci misting to the edge of the deck beside Charming, watching the enraged females bash the ship.

"I'm not getting capsized by some fish!" Charming ran to the cannons loading it with explosives and nails.

"Don't!" warned Luci but it was too late the boom from the canon sounded the pained screeches filled the air.

"You idiot your only making it worse" hissed Luci as if on cue the whole boat rocked at the crashing of the mermaids.

"well what do you suggest?" shouted hook

"I don't know I'm only the girl from never land so keep you hook on and get us back on course! I'll deal with the mermaids" Luci snapped, rolling her eyes she jumped onto the ships railing keeping her balance she put her fingers to her mouth letting loose such a high pitched whistle they all covered their ears.

The banging stopped for a moment a soft screech sounded Luci smiled chuckling to herself she turned to the others giving them a thumbs up.

"Mind telling us what's got you so giggly?" called Emma gripping the rope alongside snow.

"oh you know just some old friends " floating off the railing Luci flew down to the water a few of the mermaids came to the surface all of them wore jewelry made of seashells and all of them had different colored hair.

"sorry for that but we didn't know we were going to have trouble " Luci shrugged all the mermaids nodded, some of them glared at charming as he stared at them over the railing snow at his side watching them suspiciously.

"We knew that if hook was back then peter was going to have him busy again" muttered a dark haired mermaid.

"yes he hasn't been up to any good " muttered a blonde one

Luci smirked "well when has that boy ever been up to anything good?"

"Luci he isn't the same "said a tanned one her eyes filled with worry.

"What'd you mean he isn't the same? What happened?" Luci's smile dropped

"He got darker "said the blonde

"Peter went off the deep end when you were gone" whispered the dark haired one

Luci started to sink closer to the water her shoulders slumped sighing she shook her head.

"Look I'm gonna fix this, just steer clear of the island for a while ok girls?"

"Yes Luci" they said in unison giving a wave they swam away flying back to the ship's deck she sat on the ships railing. Regina saw her friends slumped shoulders and deep frown joining her by the railing she lay a hand on her shoulder.

"What's wrong?"

"If the mermaids are scared then something is seriously wrong "

"and you didn't believe me when I told you he lost it" huffed hook

Luci leveled him with a predatory glare. "With how many times you have lied, cheated, and killed just to hurt him, how could I not doubt you? When you found out he loved me you did everything you could to make him doubt my love for him!"

With every word her fingers grew darker as claws started coming through her skin, her fangs elongated, and her blue eyes turned a deep red. The air crackled at the magic coming from the girl. Hook tightened his grip on the helm but he wouldn't meet her eyes. He knew what he had done but after everything peter had done to him the boy was on his list almost as high as Rumple. Regina hugged Luci from behind knowing that even if it was futile she should at least attempt to save hook.

"Luci please he may be a bastard but we need him, please don't kill him" Regina whispered

Taking deep breaths Luci gasped pulling the darkness back in. Her hands were killing her as the black claws were pulled back in to her skin the fangs receded in to her gums but the worst was her eyes she cried red tears as they faded back to blue. All of them stood watching the transformation in horror and awe it was so frightening yet you couldn't look away. Emma was the first to speak seeming to have no control over her mouth.

"ok what the hell was that?"

"Really Emma?" hissed Regina

"No Gina I believe they might as well know for future reference" panted Luci taking a moment she patted Regina's hand letting her know she was fine. Leaning back on the railing she sighed before meeting Emma's eyes.

"what you all saw is what's called "nightmare magic" and as part of my magic I have both dream and nightmare magic and when me or my lost boy are threatened I tend to use darker means to protect him since my stronger magic is under Rumple's lock and key"

"so what you literally turn dark and scary just because hook here dissed you boyfriend?" Snow said incredulously.

" not my boyfriend, my peter " corrected Luci smirking as Snow rolled her eyes she would do anything to bug snow even something as small as peters nickname.

"ok so no dissing Luci's boyfriend " Emma clarified

"sure lets go with that" hook muttered Luci gave him another glare.

"do you really want to lose the other hand hook?"

"what you gonna tell peter on me?" hook spat

"oh I wasn't Tiger Lily for nothing and killian, what Rumple did to you doesn't even come close to what I could have done and we both know it or do you need to be reminded of a certain hospital visit" that mad glint flashed in her eyes making the captain look away.

"Wait you were Tiger lily?" Emma's eyes widened at this.

"no I am Tiger Lily, that's what peter called me after I had been on the island for a while, he liked my spirit"

"so you were jealous of Wendy?" Emma tried to clarify

Hook started laughing at the incredulous look on Luci's face Emma and the charming's were left in confusion. Regina rolled her eyes.

"Miss Swan Disney is the worst source for information on fairytales"

"What that's how the story goes?" Emma shrugged

"oh hell no I was not nor have I ever been jealous of that spineless little mary sue, I will have you know that peter threw that little wench off the island " Growled Luci crossing her arms the feathers that were braided in to her hair went straight back as if to show her displeasure.

"Sorry I didn't know sheesh"

"With that little tantrum I would have to say otherwise "chuckled Hook

"really? you want me to go there?" Luci raised a brow Hook coughed trying to clear his throat turning back to steering the ship.

"that's what I thought" muttered Luci.

"ok now that that's out of the way when are we gonna get there?" asked charming looking around at the empty sea around them.

"Easy you don't find never land, never land finds you "said Luci nodding to hook.

"its true we just have to wait and the island will come into view " hook nodded pointing to the dark horizon with his hook.

"that could take days " protested Snow

"and there's no telling what happened to Greg and Tamara or what they've done with henry " all of them glared at charming who raised his hands in surrender.

Needing some kind of assurance Emma and Regina turned to Luci shaking her head she pushed off the railing.

"What'd you want to know?"

"What are their chances?" asked Emma her eyes filled with worry

"Honestly slim to none "

All of them hung their heads Regina clenched her jaw not wanting to accept this.

"but henrys chances are quadruple that" Luci assured them

"that doesn't make sense " said snow

"the island itself don't react well to adults but the younger you are the better chance you have and henry's probably one of the youngest on the island at the moment" Luci explained a far off look in her blue cat eyes.

"so say we get to the island with you and hook as our guides what are our chances then?" asked Emma wanting to know what their chances were.

The two never landers looked at each other hook actually looked nervous Luci pursed her lips humming. Making a clicking noise Luci turned back to Emma.

"you'll live but then you can't leave "

"What!" they all shouted Luci covered her ears glaring at them all.

"its true peter controls the island and once you set foot on the island you can't leave unless he lets you or you make a deal with him like hook did" said Luci

"How were you able to leave and help Regina then if you were from the island?" asked snow confusion coloring her features.

"first of all I was taken from the island when that happened and it wasn't till you tried to execute Regina that I found a way to get back to him but before I could the curse was cast" Luci growled her eyes narrowed locking on snow.

"look can we not bring that up right now we have other things to worry about like henry " Emma pointed out

"now then, I do believe you should help with finding the island " charming stepped between Snow and the commander, Luci glared at him floating to the crow's nest she sat on the rim looking in every direction.

"if I were an island where wouldn't I be?" looking up she searched the clouds.

Regina watched her friend fly to the crow's nest turning her glare to charming she shook her head.

"you're an idiot"

"Regina I thought we were past name calling " Emma rubbed her temples wondering how they were going to survive this boat trip let alone save henry.

"with you miss swan yes I am but not them , you do not just tell L what to do she is just the kind of person who will do the opposite of what you want out of spite "

"look were all tired want to give the whole nemesis thing a rest?" called hook

"oh butt out Killian and steer the damn ship" Regina hissed

"fine , fine just try and conserve your energy for when we get there " Killian raised his hook in surrender keeping his hand on the helm.

Shaking her head Regina went to the front of the ship looking out to the ocean looking for that god forsaken island. Snow and charming went below deck leaving Emma at the base of the mast. This whole rescue mission wasn't looking to good now but it was the only way to get henry back and there wasn't one thing Regina wouldn't do for her son even work side by side with Snow white.

...

It was disorientating when the sun never rose or fell forever at sunset but that was just part of never land. When on the island you never age when there isn't any time in the first place so the sun would never rise or fall. Sadly, this meant that finding the island could take days or weeks and they would never be able to tell but the moment the island came into view they couldn't care less about the whole time problem.

"Welcome to never land!"

Luci flew around the ship a few times before landing on the sand loving the sight of the thick jungle that covered the island. The others followed her to the forests edge Hook was quick to join them.

"hey you can't just go walking in like that!"

"Yes we can as long as we stay calm freaking out like that will get people hurt and I plan on getting some help first"

"What kind of help?" asked Charming

"a little help from the natives an Indian tribe to be specific "

"Wait Indians seriously?" Emma pushed aside some vines giving L an incredulous look.

"Yes, I did them a big favor saving their chief a long time ago and he said that if ever I came to their tribe I would always be welcome so I'm hoping to call in a favor"

"And that's why you're called tiger lily that's your "Indian" name?" Emma clarified

"No peter was calling me Tiger Lily long before that, they just took to calling me Tiger lily too"

"again miss swan Disney is a horrible source of information" called Regina

"What is this pick on Emma day?"

"Nope that's next week" Emma glared at the commander as she pushed her way through the bushes

"ok were going to the Indians for supplies ?" asked Snow

"yes and maybe the latest outsiders sightings, if the Indians have seen them or come across a trail then we can find Grrreeeggg and what's her face with henry unless some trouble has run into them"

"and what kind of trouble would that be?" Regina wanted to know of every threat on the island she didn't care whose heart she had to rip out as long as they got to henry.

"oh you know poisonous plants, killer animals, quicksand, shadows, and of course the lost boys " Luci went down the list all of them stopped walking completely horrified.

"I thought the lost boys were supposed to be good" muttered Emma

"oh they are good, at killing, stealing, and keeping you on the island" said Killian nudging the blonde on ward.

"damn this is the convict island more like it"

"eh sort of but you have to remember the shadow doesn't bring wanted children only the unwanted, abandoned, and for a lack of a better word the misfits" Luci paused looking at some tracks before floating over the small path not trusting the poorly placed rope trap that had been set up or the large boulder above it.

"watch your step here"

"Wait so if this place is for all the unwanted kids why wasn't I sent here?"

"Emma!" Snow looked hurt but Emma shrugged.

"hey it's just a question"

"well maybe because the shadow can't go to the land without magic very much, I mean think about it if Regina nearly destroyed the enchanted forest getting all of us there, then just imagine the amount of magic needed for a thing like the shadow?" Luci floated on her back seamlessly weaving through the trees.

"Besides you were wanted and had the whole savior thing to do think of it like this as long as someone wants you then the shadow can't really take you but then again from what Casanova and the mermaids have told me the island has started to fall and that means that my Boy is having some kind of problem too"

"Again you with the "your boy" bit really L?" Killian shook his head.

"Yes Killian again with the Boy bit and I intend to fix whatever's screwy with him then the island should go back to normal"

"the island has been this way since before you got here L, its only gotten worse"

"then I better get too it "

They walked or flew in Luci's case for hours the sun was always high so they couldn't tell how long they'd been walking but they were covering a lot of ground. To help pass the time and fill the silence Luci filled them in on which plants not to eat or warn them of the dangerous parts of the island not that the whole place couldn't kill them but there were some places worse than others. They were nearing the center of the morning side of the island when Luci dropped to the ground raising her hands in surrender the others stood there wondering what the heck she was doing when they suddenly notice all the arrows pointed at them.

"No one move got it" called Luci

Reaching up she pulled down her hood the tiger head with fangs worked as a mask her eyes glowed through the modified eye slits making all the Indians start to whisper amongst themselves. The arrows disappeared and a single Indian stepped out of the foliage he was tall maybe about twenty years old his clothes were that of a typical Indian animal hide pants a quiver of arrows and feathers braded into his hair like Luci's. They stared at each other for a moment before she stuck out her hand he grabbed her forearm in greeting she did the same nodding to each other she whispered her greetings. The others waited anxiously the Indians knew of hook and his job with Peter so they kept their bows pointed at him but aside from that everything seemed to be fine.

"Looks like we're in... just don't cause any trouble and no one dies got that killian?"

"What? me cause trouble? You must have the wrong pirate"

"Very funny now follow tall skin and remember your manners " Luci kept her hood up but her glare was directed at Rumple.

"and just cause you're the dark one doesn't mean your exempt"

"fine, fine we'll all be on our best behavior Mother"

Luci huffed before following tall skin they had a ways to go and the day was still young at least by never land standards. It was nice to be back in the village again seeing all the people working and the children playing Luci couldn't help but smile. Coming home to never land was something she had wanted for so long and it was a smaller dream of hers now she was back and the rest of her dream was going to come true she would make sure of it.

The group was openly stared at by the village's inhabitance honestly Luci thought they were doing pretty good Emma, Regina, and Rumple ignored them. While Snow and Charming looked a little unnerved by so much attention again this wasn't their kingdom or their people here they were simply snow and charming nothing more than names, nobodies. Tall skin stopped them just outside a large tepee signifying it as a meeting place and probably the place where the chief was. Eyeing them again the Indian entered the tent the villagers started getting closer looking over these strangers with fascination and disgust mostly directed towards Hook, but Emma took his hand in hers not even bothering to look at him knowing it would give him some comfort.

The deer skin flew back and a giant of a man stepped out of the tepee his entire frame was nothing but sheer muscle. He wore animal hide pants and a thick vest upon his head sat a large feathered headdress that held so many feathers it was hard to tell where his hair started and the headdress began. One thought was going through most of the group's minds right then: it was impossible for a man of such height and muscle to fit in such a tiny structure. The giant man looked down at them his face set in a sneer he looked them all over before landing on Luci he crossed his arms lifting his chin she mirrored his stance crossing her arms she glared at him through the slits in the tiger head hood.

It would have been comical to see a girl that was only 5"7 glare at a man who was at least three hundred fifty pounds of pure muscle and 6"6 but any form of jest at this point would never leave their lips. Finally after what felt like hours the giant of a man broke out in a bright smile pulling Luci into a hug both of them laughing their heads off. They all let out a breath they had been holding as the chief set Luci down slapping her on the back as their laughter tapered off. The chief started chatting with Luci making the others feel a little awkward being out of the loop but when he turned his attention back to them he nodded.

"What'd he say?" asked Rumple wanting to get the pleasantries over with the sooner they got weapons the sooner they could go after Pan and get henry.

"I told him of our journey and what we aim to do and he says it is a noble cause and he will give us any supplies we need he only asks that he can bless us before we go so that we might have a better chance against the darkness that poisons this land"

"Sounds good"

"yeah just make sure to keep an eye on hook he's still on a lot of peoples shit lists "

"Will do" Emma tightened her grip on killian's hand the pirate smirked as the blonde lead him to the spot by the fire. Turning to the villagers he started announcing something and all the tribe shouted something swarming towards the chief and Luci. The small storybrooke group stood off to the side watching as almost all the members of the tribe placed a hand on her saying something before returning to their tasks.

"Do you know what they're doing?" Regina was curious as to what the tribe was doing with her friend it was obviously a ritual of some kind.

"They're welcoming her and saying good bye "said killian

"I get the welcome but why goodbye?" Emma eyed the villagers before returning her attentions to the pirate.

"things have changed and since Tiger lily was taken from the island all of it went to shit, believe it or not she was the one keeping Pan from slaughtering all the inhabitants on the island just for fun and since she's been gone he has only gotten worse believe me I've seen it first-hand no pun intended" Hook explained

"So you just pass the buck on to Rumple?" muttered Regina

"What the dark one here? Compared to me? I'm pretty clean when it comes to Tiger Lily "

"Very funny Hook like your one to talk, from whatL has told me you were the first to try and split them up" countered Rumple smirking at the pirates glaring.

"Hey I thought we were past the whole relationship stuff back on the ship "charming didn't want them fighting here, they were outnumbered and had no clue as to the terrain.

"He brought it up" chuckled Rumple

"And now were done talking about it"

"Actually I'm curious what did you do?" Emma nudged the pirate they all turned to the blonde.

"what?"

"Emma you have to understand I was different back then than I am now" Killian wanted her to know the difference between his former self and the current captain of the Jolly Roger.

"not by much " muttered Regina

Ignoring Regina's comment Killian scratched his chin trying to find a way to break it to them but it was impossible really. Sighing he dropped his hand.

"well I tried to kill her"

"what!?"

"hey you wanted to know "

"fine go on"

"so it was a few years after she had come to the island and I saw how they acted but I thought she was using him, I mean in the era where I came from there wasn't one woman who wasn't after a man for his wealth or power"

"but this is L you're talking about power means nothing she had her chance to kill me and she turned it down " Rumple pointed out.

"I know that now but back then I had no idea what she was like and thought there had to be something darker behind that mischievous smirk so me being the idiot I was at the tried to kill her it was a pretty good trap I invited her to my ship for a talk but when she got there I had my men corner her but trying to corner an angry Tiger Lily was a dangerous mistake, I learned that real quick" Killian rubbed his eyes.

"she nearly killed you didn't she?"

"Worse she killed half my crew wiped them all out with a few swipes of her paws she took my hook and buried it into the mast so I had to watch as she wrecked the Jolly Roger it took months to fix all the damage"

"That's f# ked up" Emma shook her head

"Well when you mess with a tiger you get a warning if you keep it up they kill you" they jumped as L sat across from them the fire illuminated her tiger skin mask.

" Got it no messing with "the tiger"

"good on a lighter note I want to give you each something that although I know some of you won't want the gift it could save your life" Reaching back Luci started taking the feathers out of her hair holding them all in one hand she held them out to Rumple, who eyed the feathers.

"I want each of to take a feather think of it as a last resort, if you're in trouble and I mean serious trouble then you snap it and I will come save you ass"

"so we just break it and you will appear out of thin air?" Charming always the skeptic.

"If I can fly then I can mist without problem and since were on the island of dreams itself" she glared at Rumple. "I should be able to sleep if someone lifts the curses they put on me"

"Sorry dearie but the breaking of curses is not my department"

"But the casting of them is, so just give me a solution and things will go a lot smoother"

"Again wish I could but I can't the only way to break it is for you to do it and that isn't going to happen now that were here"

"Well leave it to Rumple to ruin my mood you glad I broke meals face if I see him I'll be sure to do it again"

"That was a low blow L"

"please Rumple with how many low blows you've thrown I feel entitled to throw some of my own now get some weapons and supplies because once we leave this village we aren't coming back till we find henry"

The two stared neither willing to back down the others watched nervously Hook squeezed Emma's hand he was honestly scared in all his life very few things or people scared him but Luci did. He'd seen the scared girl from the enchanted forest grow into a deadly predator but that wasn't what scared him no her skill wasn't what scared him it was what she was willing to do for family that did. If ever pushed Luci would keep going till she was pushed beyond her limit and on the island she was literally limitless even with Rumple's curses if she could fly and mist then it was only a matter of time before she broke said curses.

The two greats continued to stare till Rumple stood his jaw was clenched he was fighting the urge to look away but he could only handle so much turning away the dark one left the group. Luci turned to the others.

"as I said get supplies and weapons were going to need them"

Still stunned Charming managed to pull snow away heading off to find a bow and probably a sword Emma on the other hand wanted to know what the hell was going on. Pulling Killian along, she followed Luci to the small selection of weapons.

"what the hell was that?"

"be more specific white knight" Luci looked over the knives but found none of them to her liking she wanted her original hunting knife but that was lost when she was taken.

"you know what I'm talking about"

"Emma you should let go of killian's hand so he can stalk up on weapons"

"what?"

Looking down the blonde gaped quickly pulling her hand away Hook smirked blowing the embarrassed blonde a kiss before picking up a cutlass.

"now what are you muttering about?"

"the whole stare down with Rumple"

"oh that"

"yes that now explain"

Rolling her eyes Luci set down the spear she'd been looking over.

"it's a power thing Rumple is technically the strongest thing in existence next to you but you're not trained in magic any way if he removed the curses then he and I would be close especially now that I'm on the island"

"so you got a power boost?"

"yes and here in never land I am the dark one, I am the one people fear yet trust more than they're willing to admit I don't misuse my power I try and fix things with it"

"what kinds of things?"

"the Indians before I came here there were nearly fifty tribes here but they were slowly being killed off by the lost boys, when I came I convinced peter not to kill them, I gave him a distraction I gave him a better game trying to chase me and make the boys smarter and we did"

"but now?"

"now I'm weaker and I can't find peter or the shadow without my magic both are very elusive so I'll have to do it the old fashion way"

"wait you said shadow before what is it?"

"just that it'd like peter's shadow but he cut it off so it could watch the island for him warning him of enemies or new lost boys which the shadow usually takes from other worlds"

"so it's like his henchmen?"

"sort of yes"

"so it knows we're here?"

"no it probably thinks killian's back from his "sight-seeing" as he put it" Handing Emma a sword and sheath Luci continued looking for her knife.
"so we have the element of surprise?"

"no"

"no?"

"No peter will always have the jump on his players but you have me and I know Peter like I know myself and Peter is never one to make first impressions without a making a game of it" giving up her search for her hunting knife she led the blonde to a small group of women all of them had been packing a small bag for each of them.

Stopping in front of the eldest Luci pushed back her hood meeting the old woman's gaze. Those eyes looked her over before a small smile graced the elders lips Luci returned it. It was good to see the great mother again it had been far too long. The great mother placed a hand over her heart closing her eyes she felt the organ beat under her palm it was strong and full of love, just as it had been all those years ago but now it had grown in size and love the heart lines went to a few of the new comers but two went out into the jungle the darker line could only lead to the coyote that pretended to be a boy the trickster that he was. Pulling away she nodded one of the younger women handed the elder a bag that she handed to Luci reaching her own belt she drew Luci's hunting knife smiling to the young commander taking the blade she smiled. Bowing her head Luci stepped back the schwa turned to Emma looking at her expectantly.

"What?"

"Stand before her"

"Why?"

"Because she's making sure your heart will make it through the journey"

"Why wouldn't my heart make it through the journey?"

"Just do it"

Emma rolled her eyes stepping forward she watched the older woman she must have been a rare sight on an island where people never grow old. Dark eyes scanned the blonde taking in everything flaws and all it was unnerving having someone look at you almost through to your soul but she didn't move no matter how much she wanted to. Regina joined Luci watching in awe as the old woman placed her hand over Emma's heart.

"what is she doing?"

"checking our hearts to know if we're strong enough for the journey you should go next"

'what?"

"you heard me"

"no"

"Gina you'd be surprised"

"oh I don't doubt it I mean a woman who can tell the strength of people's hearts without pulling them out of your chest? That's already a surprise"

"who said she doesn't look at people hearts that way?"

"Because she doesn't have magic"

Luci smirked. "Who said she doesn't have magic?"

Regina looked from the schwa to Luci now she was curious.

The elder felt the snow haired ones heart it beat strong and full of love that was just waiting to bleed through. It had many heart lines leading to the outsiders who'd come to the village as well as to the jungle but the strongest line went to the pirate. As much as the elder despised the pirate she knew that this snow haired woman needed his love as much as Tiger lily needed the coyote's. Opening her eyes she pulled away from Emma handing her a bag the blonde nodded before joining Luci.

"God that was weird"

"It feels like she's looking into your soul right?"

"Yeah"

"Don't worry it used to creep me out too till I realized you only felt that way if your heart was strong"

Regina glanced in the elder's direction she was looking right at her waiting for the former queen to stand before her.

"Why is she staring at me?"

"Because you're next"

"What!?"

"Go on she won't bite"

"I doubt she's old enough to lose that"

Regina looked back at the elder she had folded her hands in front of her those dark eyes bored into her.

"Gina don't worry she isn't bad if anything she does this so the weak of heart can be helped and so far a weak hearted person hasn't been found if they were she would whisper in their ear a way to make their heart stronger"

"Well I'm not going to be the first"

"Regina Mills you are one of the strongest people I know and she will think so too now get over there before I carry you there" Luci was dead serious Regina raised a brow she had to bite her tongue because she wanted so badly to challenge her commander but she knew Luci would do it.

Taking a deep breath she turned to the elder woman she uncrossed her arms and nodded to the former queen ignoring the chill that went up her spine Regina stepped forward till she stood before the great mother. Those dark eyes bored into her it was such an intense feeling her mother used to look at her in a similar way trying to figure out what she was thinking but this was so much more intense she almost felt her legs give out then the elder gently placed her hand over the former queens heart closing her eyes she listened to the organ.

Unknown to them the great mother remembered every heart she ever touched and often found that although no two hearts sounded the same some were damaged in the same way like Tiger Lily and the emotionally masked woman before her, the woman could hide behind a mask all she wanted but nothing could hide a heart and the great mother could see everything the pain of loss both of family and love yet the resounding sound of hope came with every beat. Yes this one would make the journey and so much more she just needed to let down her mask with Tiger lily's help as well as the snow haired one all three had a connected love line that reached deep into the jungle if that line stayed strong then so would they.

Opening her eyes the elder pulled away holding out her hand for a bag handing it to Regina she patted the brunette's hand before pulling away. Confused and admittedly shocked Regina slowly bowed her head backing away she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Luci took her hand smiling she knew Regina had a strong heart and judging by the soft look in the elder's eyes she'd seen the Hope that lay there.

"Wow Regina I never thought I'd see the day you were speechless"

"Oh shut up L that was the weirdest thing I have ever experienced"

"well we are in never land so get used to weird out of body stuff because there's nothing here that can't kill you or help you it all depends on how you look at it"

Nodding Regina looked down at the bag wondering what was in it.

"Keep it with you at all times it has supplies that can help with wounds as well as food and water"

"Why not just use magic?"

"because magic is a little wonky here the island itself produces magic and unless you can tap into it without getting flooded you can't use your own magic without the island counter acting whatever spell you want to use" Luci shrugged it sucked but that how it was when she'd first arrived on the island and after weeks of practice she'd finally been able to tap into it without problem eventually she did it without even thinking.

"So I'm back to apprentice status?" hissed the former queen.

"No its just the stronger your magic the more time you have to spend practicing so technically Rumple is below you"

Regina smirked at this maybe being weaker was good for once.

"So are we all gonna go through that heart reading ritual?"

"Probably"

"Then we won't be leaving to night"

"Yes we will its morning on this side of the island and we have a ways to travel before we reach the nighttime side that's where the lost boys are it's easier to hide there anyway"

"Great" watching the others finally leave the weapons chest they all stood together ready to go.

"so when do we leave ?" charming was rearing to go he wanted to find henry as soon as possible.

Crossing her arms Luci shook her head. "First things first a man is only as strong as his heart and we need to know all the weak spots in this little rescue party"

"What?" charming looked at the schwa she was ready for the next one happy that at least Tiger Lily knew what was happening honestly new comers were worse than children when it came to their customs.

"One by one you stand before the elder she will read your heart and then give you a bag it's the blessing the chief was talking about"

"but we need to-"

"it would be a great offense if you refuse the blessing" Luci wasn't letting them get out of it this was an important custom and Never land was her home this was her domain and if the charming's thought they could disrespect its inhabitants then they would be dealing with a pissed Tiger Lily till they found Peter.

"Fine so who goes first?"

"the three of us have already gone so whoever the elder calls is next"

The royals shared a look Killian didn't want to do this he already knew the natives hated him he didn't need this little "blessing" to prove it. Rumple was uneasy this whole heart reading thing was not such a good idea true he'd done good things here and there and loved Belle with all of his being but he'd brought the dagger with him and that was proof of his dependence on magic. Still the dark eyes of the elderly woman made him want to step forward she was probably older than him. Pushing his anxiety aside he stepped forward the sooner they got this done the sooner they could find Henry.

The moment he stepped forward all the women stepped back feeling the powerful essence he gave off as the Dark one yet the elder stayed she merely blinked gesturing for him to come closer. Standing before the short woman he watched her as her dark eyes took him in she must see things like him every day judging by her calm demeanor she raised her hand placing it over his heart. It was a tough one this crocodile he had a strong heart but it was surrounded by doubt, fear, and guilt such emotions would cause problems later but his love and determination were more than enough to keep his heart strong. His heart lines were few two went to the jungle one went to the mask hearted woman and another went to Tiger Lily it was odd but fitting the last heart line left the island back to the ocean whoever was on the other end was loved so deeply by the crocodile it almost made the elder smile.

Pulling away she nodded to the Dark one reaching for a bag the woman was hesitant to hand her she gave it to Rumple. Eyeing the bag he joined Luci and Regina having nothing else to do.

"That was interesting"

"Of course it was the great mother has always kept things interesting"

"Great mother?" Rumple turned to the girl raising a brow.

"Yes I wanted to do proper introductions earlier but we're pressed for time and she doesn't want to keep us long"

"So her name is great mother?" asked Emma watching charming get his heart read.

"No she has been alive so long that no one remembers her real name but after the tribes came together to form one tribe she became the shaman and speaker for the spirits"

"quite a title" Rumple turned his attention back to the heart reading.

"yeah I figure I'll tell you guys some more stories to pass the time because we have a ways to go before we reach the edge of the morning side of the island"

"Why not just mist us there?"

"Dear Rumple have you forgotten the shadow?"

Rumple frowned he would never forget that damned shadow.

"no"

"And it never forgot you, it would know of us the moment we materialized and then the lost boys would be after us and that would get you all killed and henry would be lost"

"not if we do this Right" said Regina she'd heard the entire conversation and wasn't about to let Rumple ruin their chances of finding henry.

"exactly so our number one priority is not letting Snow and charming lead this little search party if they do then they'll get distracted by something shiny and get themselves killed" Luci crossed her arms watching Snow take the bag before joining Charming last was Killian and he didn't look happy.

"Killian just go you might be surprised"

He glared at her before turning his attention back to the elder she eyed the pirate it wasn't the first time they'd met in fact they'd met long ago when Luc was younger before the island fell to the darkness in pan's heart. Sighing he stepped forward he towered over the old woman her face was hard as her eyes drilled into the pirate he had cause their tribe a lot of problems with the coyote and his little minions but still here he stood ready to help these new comers.

Placing her hand over his heart the great mother felt the strength and love but like the crocodile fear and pain clouded it but the love he felt for the snow haired one grew with every beat. It might be possible for the pirate to redeem himself. Pulling away she smacked him upside the head.

"Hey!" killian clenched his jaw he wanted to raise his hook to the old woman but Luci and the natives would get him for it. She handed him a bag before she pushed past him to Luci.

Seeing the woman she considered her grandmother she smiled brightly being pulled into a back breaking hug she couldn't help smiling. Returning the hug she took a deep breath the scent of the great mother was like the forests of the enchanted forest but mixed with the wild flowers that grew on the island. When she was little this woman had been a giant to her wrapping her up in her arms telling her amazing stories and adventures now Luci was the taller one her mind full of stories she could tell to the great mother but that would have to wait.

Leaning back great mother kissed her forehead offering a gentle smile before she pulled away they had a long ways to go before stories could be told in front of the fire and she had a nephew to find.

"Alright guys lets go we have to cover a lot of ground with a time limit"

"Time limit?" Charming crossed his arms.

'Yes the time limit is how long it takes the lost boys to not only find henry but convince him to stay on the island"

"Then we better get going"

"Exactly"

Leading them to the edge of the village Luci nodded to the natives as she passed them she had a lot to fix and so little time to do it all. Looking up at the trees she couldn't help the smirk that made its way across her lips.

"come along we have some lost boys to find"

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HEY GUYS HELP ME THINK OF A SHIP NAME FOR LUCI AND PETER!

So that's the first chapter I want to let you know i'm gonna kick start the CAPTAIN SWAN ship and a few others so be happy. also I had to add the Indians because they were part of the original story and who are you kidding its just awesome having them in it. yes Luci is Tiger Lily she isn't a princess but eh if you guys want I can make her princess tiger lily just ask I don't know. anyway I will have plenty of peter and Luci interaction later but right now I just want to get this started so yeah.

-ECHOXKNOX OUT