Disclaimer: Don't own these characters or the Once Upon a Time storyline.

Captain Killian Jones, better known amongst the magical realms as Hook, was staring out over the ocean from the bow of his beloved Jolly Roger. A small island could be seen in the distance and the captain had given orders to make sail for it. He had been using the pretence that they were looking for a hidden treasure but secretly he had been searching for Eric, the mermaid Ariel's lost prince. Following his latest order, the crew had muttered discontentedly. They were restless after a long time without loot or bounty. Hook was aware of this but his guilt for choosing his ship over a chance to safe Eric back when Blackbeard made him, prompted his search.

'Land ho!' At least his lookout boy still sounded enthusiastic, even if he was a bit late with his proclamation.

As they approached the island Hook could see that it was far too small to contain anything else but a few palm trees.

'Smee, bring me my map! The treasure must be on another island.'

Smee cast him an unreadable look but he complied after the merest hesitation. Together they bend forward over the map.

'Where is the nearest one we can go to next?'

'That will be Hangman's Island Captain, but it is very close to the Enchanted Forest. Anyone would be a fool to bury a treasure there.'

Hook resists the urge to glare at him, 'No matter, we shall take our chances. We must find it.'

'Must we now?' a voice sounded suddenly behind him. Hook threw a sharp look over his shoulder to see Starkey, his first mate, standing there together with a few others from the crew.

'What's this? You lads have something on your mind?'

Starkey shifted around uncomfortably but the set of his jaw was determined. 'We don't want any trouble Cap, but we also have had enough of this pointless search. This treasure obviously doesn't exist.'

'You're calling me a liar?' Hook said, making sure to put some real menace in his voice.

The first mate hesitated, 'No, but there is something you're not telling us. We want to know what we are in for or we'll quit.'

'Quit? As in mutiny?' He instantly regretted his words as the crew started to mutter restlessly in response to his words. Killian tried to appease the situation. 'Listen mates, when have I ever led you astray?'

'Never!' one of the other men in the crowd spoke up.

Starkey eyed his captain, 'You haven't, you've always been a worthy captain. But lately you haven't been yourself, there's all this talk about you being a hero.'

Hook raised an eyebrow at this, trying to keep his cool, 'Me? A hero? I am not even going to respond to that insinuation. In fact, this discussion is now over, if I want your opinion I will ask for it. Back to your work!'

Eventually the crew did, though with much muttering and uneasy glances in his direction. Hook wanted to make sure they still saw him as the tough captain he had always been. Until Swan came along he thought to himself with a sneer. I am pathetic.

Like with Milah, Hook had devoted mind and soul to the woman. Once more he had tried to change himself, his way of life for someone he loved. But is was not to be. So now he had to prove himself to his crew all over again.

'They still respect you Cap,' Smee's words drew him back from his thoughts, 'but you gotta be careful not to push them too far.'

'I'll decide that for myself.' Hook growled as he stalked off.

A/N: So I got this idea about what happened to Hook between his abandoning of Ariel and his finding of Emma in New York. I hope I will be able to upload some more before the finale this sunday, or it will probably get decannonised soon enough. We'll see. Sorry for any mistakes, a bit unpractised here in both English and writing. Anyway, on with the fun! Reviews are much appreciated.