A/N: A huge thank you to everyone who read/followed/favorited/reviewed the first chapter! It truly means the world to me!
Chapter 2
Killian wasn't quite sure how to describe what had just happened.
Oh, most of it was quite clear. His ship had been attacked by approximately a dozen mermaids, and he'd been dragged underwater by one of the finned creatures. Luckily, he'd managed to rid himself and the ocean of her pitiful presence.
It was the next part that confused him. He should have drowned. He had been dying, he was certain of it. And yet, here he was, coughing up the last remnants of the water blocking his airway.
He could have sworn he had felt something amidst the pitch black of his unconscious state. It had been, most simply put, a light in the darkness. Warm and radiant, rushing through his veins with unprecedented fervor. It was unlike anything he'd ever felt before in the multiple centuries he'd walked the soil of varying realms. It felt far too vivid to have been a hallucination. He couldn't possibly describe it as anything but a legitimate memory.
When he'd opened his eyes, he was greeted by a sight he wouldn't soon forget; a gorgeous woman with emerald eyes that reflected the bewilderment in his own, long blond hair hanging over her shoulder in a messy braid. She seemed incredibly startled by his return to consciousness. He could hardly blame her. After all, it wasn't easy for him to believe either.
She must have saved him somehow. But when he asked for her name, her expression had grown fearful and hostile. Not quite the reaction he was hoping for. Especially paired with the threat of a knife mere inches away from his face and a strict order not to follow her. She was gone before he could even utter another word.
After that, it was eerily quiet apart from the various noises of the wildlife in Neverland. It made him realize that he could no longer hear the mermaids, and he feared the worst. He stumbled to his feet in a hurry, looking around frantically for a sign of his ship. A breath of relief escaped his lips when he found just that. On the opposite side of the bay, just around the corner, he could see the white of the sails though the thick greenery of the jungle.
However, his reassurance at having found the Jolly roger was soon interrupted by a voice he'd been dreading to hear since the moment he decided to come back to this hellhole.
''Captain! Didn't expect to see you here again so soon.'' Killian clenched his jaw at Pan's mockery, the memory of having sailed away from this place with the intention of never coming back still painfully fresh in his mind. He supposed it had been nothing more than a pipe dream. Fate had a funny way of reminding him that he'd never truly escape the clutches of the decades spent on the island also known as the home of the Lost Boys.
''Aye. Well,'' With a heavy heart and a sarcastic smile he turned around to face the boy with the eternally smug grin, ''guess I must have missed this place.''
''Right,'' he scoffed, nonchalantly stepping away from the edge of the jungle and closer to him. ''As convincing as that argument is, I'm going to need your actual reason,'' Within a fraction of a second, he was gone from the spot he'd previously been occupying and appeared right in front of him with a whooshing sound. ''Why are you really here?''
Bloody hell. Killian couldn't claim to never invade anyone's personal space, but Pan seemed to be completely oblivious to the entire concept.
''Because my purpose hasn't changed. I need a way to kill the Dark One.'' He remained cryptic, hoping Pan would lose interest and drop the subject, despite knowing better.
''That doesn't answer the question.'' The boy slowed his speech, emphasizing every word. ''You wanted to leave, to try your luck elsewhere. So why did you come back?''
''Because he's here,'' he replied, stating the revelation matter-of-factly while lifting his chin and leaning back slightly with his hand on his belt.
''What?'' Pan temporarily dropped the threatening stance, his eyes widening at Killian's response.
''He lives somewhere on this island, and whatever it takes, I'll make sure he dies here as well,'' he vowed, gradually growing impatient of Pan's interruption of his plan now that revenge seemed within reach.
''What exactly makes you think Rumplestiltskin is in Neverland?'' the demon questioned, although it sounded like he was trying to cover his surprise with a snarky comment. ''Haven't you lived here long enough to know that we're only boys here? Well, and a fairy,'' he added with a raised eyebrow and a smirk, ''but that's still not quite the same as the Dark One.''
Either Pan wasn't aware of the blonde woman living on the island, or he was leaving that information out on purpose. Killian was leaning towards the latter, because Pan was never one to be trusted. He just couldn't quite figure out what the reasoning behind that choice could be. Why would he cover up her presence here?
He pushed the question aside for now, focusing instead on getting this conversation over with as quickly as possible.
''After I left, I started working for a sorceress for a while; Cora, the Queen of Hearts. I'm sure you've heard of her, you two share a certain type of smug villainy. But it matters not,'' Killian interjected, keeping himself from going off-topic. ''What does matter is that I did her some favors and in return, she provided me with the information I needed. She used some kind of blood magic that tracks down the oldest member of a family. As for the Dark One, I doubt any of his relatives outlived him for the past few centuries. So when the spell pointed to Neverland, I knew he had to be here.''
After the explanation for his most recent visit to this realm, Pan reacted in a way Killian hadn't expected. His surprise had faded and he chuckled as if he was enjoying an inside joke with himself.
''What is it?'' Killian asked in a distrustful tone, narrowing his eyes at the boy. He did not share his suddenly oddly cheerful mood, much less understand the abrupt shift in attitude.
''Oh, nothing. I'm just amused by the fact that…'' he visibly hesitated, looking for an answer. This was the strangest part. Pan was always prepared for anything, yet now he was struggling to come up with a believable lie. Something Killian had said apparently really caught him off-guard. ''You can't seem to leave this island, no matter how hard you try.''
While Killian had thoughts similar to those Pan expressed, he wasn't about to let him get away with the obvious distraction.
''No, there's something else you're not telling me.'' This time he was the one completely disregarding personal space, ignoring the dangers of close proximity to the bloody demon in order to attempt getting some answers out of him. ''What are you hiding? Do you know the Dark One's whereabouts?''
''Look, if you really want to stay here and search for him, then be my guest.'' Pan clearly wasn't budging. ''But permission to reside on this island doesn't come for free. After all this time of us doing business, one would think you'd remember that.''
''Aye, about that…'' Killian backed off slightly, not quite certain of how the boy would react to the news. ''I wasn't able to procure any magical items this time.''
''Oh, that's not what I'm looking for anymore.'' he replied casually, as if the magic he'd kept requesting over the past few decades suddenly didn't matter to him anymore. ''All I ask is for you to be in my employ. Do my dirty work.''
''What dirty work?'' He couldn't imagine a single scenario in which that could possibly be a good thing.
''When the time comes, I'll let you know.'' Pan smirked, and before Killian could blink, he vanished into thin air.
/
It didn't take long until Emma had almost made her way back to her tree house. Wrapping her head around what had just happened was proving to be a lot more complicated. She couldn't explain the bright lights that had danced at her fingertips, beyond her control despite coming from somewhere deep within herself.
She pushed a few large leaves aside, stopping dead in her tracks when she saw Tink standing right in front of her in the clearing, arms crossed like a mother impatiently waiting for her teenage daughter to finally come home at night.
''Where were you?'' she asked, cutting to the chase right away. ''I wanted to borrow a needle and thread, but you weren't home.''
''Yeah, I know, I was just… collecting berries.'' This was never going to fool Tink, but she couldn't think of a better excuse quickly enough. She really didn't feel like explaining the actual story, as she was having doubts about her decision to save the stranger. Who knew what consequences that could have?
''Collecting berries? And what, you ate all of them before you got here?'' Tink didn't even make an attempt not to chuckle at the statement that sounded ridiculous even to Emma's ears. ''Emma, for someone as good at spotting a liar as you are, you'd think you'd have better material yourself.''
''Okay, okay. Fine. I'll explain.''
She told her about everything that had occurred that night. Well, not quite everything. She carefully left out the part about her hands glowing like fireflies. Perhaps she'd get back to that once she found a way to make sense of it herself.
''You did the right thing, but…'' the former fairy started, always quick to encourage Emma's empathy, while also preparing to forewarn her of the disadvantages of having a kind heart. ''You know Pan generally doesn't take well to outsiders.''
''I know, I know. But he doesn't need to find out. We can just-'' she paused, distracted by the sound of twigs snapping nearby. ''Wait. Someone's here,'' she whispered cautiously, sliding the dagger out of her boot in one swift motion. ''Grab a weapon, I'll ambush them from the other side.'' Having said that, she snuck out of the clearing, stealthily wading through the greenery in search of the intruder. She frowned when she saw the back of a long leather coat. Seriously? Did he really want to make her regret saving him already?
She quietly positioned herself behind him, and within the next couple of seconds, she'd grabbed a fistful of dark hair while firmly holding her weapon to his throat.
''I thought I told you not to follow me,'' she hissed, ignoring his protesting grunts.
''Oh, I'm not here for you, love, but this is certainly a pleasant bonus.'' His voice was strained and his neck was exposed to a sharp blade, yet he decided to flirt. Unbelievable. She didn't return his teasing expression, instead pressing her dagger threateningly against his skin. That effectively reduced his smug grin to a wary smile and a slightly worried gulp. ''Or at least it would be if you didn't insist on greeting me with a knife to the throat every time we met.''
From the corner of her eyes, Emma could see Tink burst through the leaves, cutlass in hand and ready to protect her friend if necessary. However, after taking one brief glance at the man, she let out a chuckle and rolled her eyes.
''Hello, Hook.''
''Lady Bell,'' he replied politely, smiling through the discomfort of his current situation.
''Wait, you two know each other?'' This casual exchange was baffling to Emma. She gaped at them, repeatedly shifting her gaze between the two.
''Yes. He may be a bit of a cocky prick, but we can trust him.'' Tink flashed him a lopsided smile while insulting him with the ease of a couple of old friends meeting once again.
''I can buy that first part, but I'm not so sure about the rest.'' Despite her claims of still being suspicious of him, she reluctantly let go of his hair. She then moved to stand next to Tink, but kept a firm grip on her dagger. Just in case.
''Then allow me to disabuse you of that notion. Killian Jones.'' He introduced himself with a smile and a bow. ''But most people have taken to call me by my more colorful moniker. Hook.''
''You're a pirate,'' she stated matter-of-factly. Only just now did she notice his missing limb and its replacement; a weapon fit for a pirate.
''Ah, what gave it away?'' he replied with a sarcastic smirk and raised eyebrows, theatrically waving his prosthetic around. ''Now, you already know my profession and here you haven't even told me your name.''
At first she scoffed, followed by a tight-lipped smile that practically screamed 'yeah, not happening buddy', but Tink shot her a look that made her sigh in resignation.
''Emma. Emma Swan.''
''Hook, why are you here?'' Tink cut the conversation short, promptly questioning Hook. ''I thought you'd left Neverland for good?''
''Aye, so did I. But it appears fate had other plans for me. A spell led me here, to the Dark One. He's in Neverland.'' He paused briefly, allowing the information to sink in. ''I came to ask if you happen to know where he is.''
''No. No, I don't,'' she replied, anxiously shifting her weight from one foot to the other. It was clear that the Dark One possibly being nearby made her nervous, which was understandable, seeing as people in every realm feared him. ''Are you sure he's here? Wouldn't we have have seen him?''
''Now now, It's not exactly fairy-like to doubt magic.''
''I was a fairy.'' Reminders of who she used to be always hit her hard, but Emma could see that she was putting on a brave face. ''That was a long time ago.''
''What do you want with the Dark One, anyway?'' Emma tilted her head slightly, crossing her arms in front of her chest. Hook was interesting, she'd give him that. Not much more, though. Certainly nothing about his distractingly good looks.
''To kill him,'' he replied, voice suddenly cold while a shadow darkened his blue eyes.
''You know, these murderous intentions are not really convincing me of the whole 'trustworthy' part.''
''He murdered the woman I love. I intend to make him suffer for it.'' The way he looked at her while explaining his purpose, so earnest and so heartbroken, immediately told her it was the truth and left her unable to form a witty response. She couldn't imagine what it must feel like, losing someone you loved like that. She had known loss herself in the twenty-seven years of her life, but it wasn't the same as his. ''Look, if neither of you has any information, I'm heading back to my ship. It was attacked by-''
''By mermaids, yes, I know.'' Tink cut him off before she was forced to endure a retelling of the events.
''Ah, you told her all about our adventure together, did you?'' A wide grin spread over his face, one teasing eyebrow shooting up. Well, that certainly cheered him up. Luckily his reaction left her enough room for a reply equally as ridiculing.
''Yes, I told her in detail exactly how I had to save your sorry ass from drowning in the three feet of bay water.''
Her sneer wasn't met with the response she was expecting. Instead of his smile fading even slightly, it only grew (and with it, her exasperation).
''Oh, you're a tough lass. You'd make a hell of a pirate,'' he said, and she never thought she'd hear that word used as a compliment, but genuine admiration rang true in his tone. ''Speaking of, unfortunately I have to leave you two lovely ladies. I need to make sure the Jolly Roger will still be able to set sail after I've fulfilled my purpose here.''
''Right.''
''But don't worry, I'm sure I'll be back before that time comes,'' he called over his shoulder, already having turned around and started his way back to his ship.
''Yeah, I was afraid you'd say that.'' But she couldn't entirely fight off the smile pulling at the corners of her lips. Alright, that was another thing she could admit; he was quite amusing.
/
Killian stared at the gaping hole, his heart hurting at the sight of it. He and his ship had weathered many a storm together, traveled between numerous lands, seen many strange, glittering shores. But in all those years, this had been the first time that it had become so gravely damaged.
He took a step closer, running his hand along the jagged edges of the splintered wood. With him having ended up in the water, there had been no one left with the same expertise to guide the ship to safety.
His men had eventually been successful in defeating the mermaids, sending some of them to an early grave and others swimming off in self-preservation. However, their attack had accomplished at least one thing; rendering the ship helpless against the water littered with wild currents and dangerous rocks. Those two elements combined were the reason for the Jolly Roger being in its current run-down state.
Fortunately, the rocks were positioned very close to the shore, and so the ship had washed up on the sands before it could take on enough water to sink. Still, their foes had inflicted a fair amount of damage. The hole in the side of the ship was almost as tall as himself, and it would definitely be a pain to repair. They'd need enchanted wood, the material that the majority of the vessel was made of, which was not easy to come by.
Suddenly, his ears caught the sounds of leaves rustling behind him and he spun around, swiftly unsheathing his sword. His eyes scanned the trees of the jungle, the eternal darkness in Neverland making it nearly impossible to see anything amongst them. The island was filled with numerous dangers. The odds of whatever was hiding behind the bushes actually being friendly were awfully low. He knew it couldn't be a member of his crew, as they were all aboard the ship, relieving it of the water that it had collected through the rain and the leak.
''Who's there? Show yourself!'' he snarled, adopting a fighting stance.
''Calm down, it's just me. You can put your toothpick away.'' The woman who had saved him the day before pushed aside the leaves, casually trudging over to him with nothing but sheer disregard of his weapon.
''Swan! This is indeed a most pleasant surprise,'' he replied, his voice devoid of the wariness from only moments before while his sword smoothly slid back into its sheath. ''May I ask what prompted you to bless me with your ever cheerful presence?''
''I was just hoping to get a look at your ship without you seeing it as an opportunity to bond or whatever.'' She was still regarding him with a certain coldness, but seemed to at least trust him enough to stand in front of him without threatening him with a weapon. That was undoubtedly a step forward.
''Well, that's a plausible excuse for visiting me, but next time don't stand on ceremony.'' He grinned at his own comment, before he turned away from her unamused glare to face the ship. He spoke with considerably less levity while he overlooked the sight. ''You caught her on a bad day. Blasted mermaids almost managed to claim her as theirs at the bottom of the ocean.''
He glanced sideways momentarily, and saw that curiosity and intrigue colored her eyes at the sight of the ship. That admiration was something he could relate to. He'd been captaining this ship for centuries, knew every inch and loose plank, and yet he still felt the same wonder when he looked at her as when he first saw her. Just a boy back then, fresh out of slavery, seeing a second chance in the colorful vessel.
''But she's a marvel. Made of enchanted wood. Which is unfortunately why it'll be difficult to patch her up.''
''Not really.'' That caught his attention, and he looked at her in anticipation. ''There's enough of that on the island, you just need to know where to look.''
''And I gather you do?'' he inquired, trying to pace the optimism welling up in him in order to keep himself from pushing too hard for further information.
''Yeah. But it's about a two day's trek from here.''
''Look, Swan, I know you don't really trust me-'' he started, not at all sure he would be able to convince her to accept his idea.
''That's right, I don't.''
''-but I wouldn't be asking this if it wasn't necessary.'' When his eyes turned pleading, hers turned a tinge softer as well. ''The Jolly Roger can't travel between realms without the magic of that wood. So, please, will you help me find it?''
''Fine.'' Her voice was all business, but she agreed to aid him in his search, and that was all he needed. ''At least that way I can keep an eye on you.''
''Ah, I suspected you'd enjoy that.'' A teasing grin spread across his face as he leaned back, resting his hand on his belt and raising a teasing eyebrow.
''Let's go,'' she grumbled, turning around immediately after shooting daggers at him.
She was a challenge and a woman of action, that much was clear. Not that he minded either of those characteristics. He actually found himself quite eager to start on this journey with her.
