Chapter 2.

Ariel felt the blow land, a stinging, burning sensation as his fist connected with her face. She reeled backwards, stumbled and lost her footing, tumbling down the tower stairs. She could hear him running down the stairs after her and she struggled to stand. She stumbled to her feet, and at the same time he grabbed her by the hair, pulling her down the corridor into the drawing room. He drew his sword and held it to her throat. "This is all your own fault, you did this to me with that witch's magic, this can't go on" he growled into her ear. She struggled to free herself from his grip, feeling the blade cut into her skin, certain she was going to die, that he was going to kill her. Suddenly purple smoke filled the room, and out of it stepped a woman. A woman Ariel recognized. Regina, the Evil Queen. The Queen threw out her arm and Eric was thrown away from her, his sword clattering to the ground. Ariel stumbled backwards. Before she could draw breath, the Queen strode up to Eric and thrust her hand into his chest, ripping out his heart. Then before Ariel's eyes, the Queen crushed his heart. Eric choked and gasped for breath, then fell motionless to the ground. Ariel stared, stunned at the body on the floor, then turned to look at the Queen, knowing she was next. "It's okay dear, i'm not here to hurt you, Stiltskin only wanted him dead", the Queen threw a contemptuous look at the man on the floor. She hadn't cared to ask why Stiltskin had wanted the Prince dead, but the scene she had seen before her showed her why...or atleast partially. The Queen looked at the young girl pitylingly, "come here". Ariel moved towards the Queen, who held out her hand and passed it over Ariel's face, healing her wounds entirely. "Thankyou" Ariel stuttered. "I will give you two choices, you can stay here, or you can come with me, and stay as my guest" the Queen said as she studied the poor girls face. Ariel thought about it, there was nothing for her here, and the servants would probably accuse her of the Prince's murder. She hesitated then made her decision, "Take me with you". The Queen grasped her arm and they vanished into a swirl of purple smoke.

When the smoke cleared from Ariel's vision, they where standing in the Queen's palace. The Queen turned to face her and smiled, "Come, let's get you into something more...suited to my domain". Ariel followed the Queen and soon found herself in her own room wearing a gown of dark red. She'd half expected the Evil Queen to throw her in the dungeons, but the Queen was treating her like a guest. Over the weeks, Regina and Ariel became fast friends, the only friend the other had. Mermaids have their own unique magic, mostly power over water, the necklace Stiltskin had given to her allowed her to tap into it in her human form, and Regina helped her learn how to use it properly. Then one day, a few week's later, Ariel heard whispers, rumours, of a pirate that was looking for her. She came striding into Regina's room. "We have a problem. There is a pirate looking for me, he thinks I have the information he wants. He can't find me living here, if anyone where to find out about our friendship it would be a threat to both of us. You know the plan" Ariel stated calmly. Regina looked at her, embraced her briefly. "Don't fear, i'll let him take out a few guards, but i'll have others hidden in case he tries to harm you" and with that Regina summoned her guards who took Ariel to a cell in the dungeons.

~AK~

Ariel started awake, her back sore from the small wooden pallet. She heard crashes and shouts from outside her cell. She bolted upright as the door crashed open. A man stood in the door, dark and handsome, with a hook for a hand. He came forward slowly. Ariel watched him approach warily. "I don't have the information you want" she said quietly. He regarded her, head tilted to the side, "ah, that's a shame love" he said with a rakish grin. "I suppose this is the part where you kill me?" She inquired. He looked at her closely, "I see my reputation proceeds me", as he looked at her, he noted the look in her eye. The look of a person who'd long abandoned all hope, faith and trust in people. He felt a stab of emotion, and a connection with this woman. "Ah shit. No love, this is the part where I rescue you, come on get a shift on" he held out his hand to her. Ariel hesitated, this wasn't anticipated. She'd learned what happened when you make rash decisions involving men, but she felt a connection she couldn't shake. Slowly she took his hand. He pulled her out the door and down the corridor, they didn't encounter any guards as they ran through the castle, and eventually made it out the doors. As they got further into the woods away from the castle, Ariel pulled her hand free, instantly missing the feel of his hand in hers.

"I'll be on my way then" Ariel said as she started to back away. "Not so fast love, you're coming with me" he stated. Ariel glanced down. She'd known he wasn't rescuing her out of the goodness of his heart, but she certainly wasn't going to go with him to be sold to someone, or whatever nefarious plans he had. She allowed him to move towards her then kicked out, catching him in the stomach, "i'm not the defensless princess you think I am" she stated archly as she took advantage of his shook and punched him in the face. She ran into the woods, her dress catching on branches, she could hear him coming after her, then she felt a hand grab her arm and spin her round. She struggled to get free, bad memories resurfacing. "Calm down sweetheart, i'm not going to hurt you. I don't think it's wise for you to wander round these woods alone. There's far worse things than me out there. Come with me to my ship, and i'll take you wherever you want to go" he said, tightening his grip on her. "I don't have anywhere to go" she stated, not looking at him. "Ah. Well, no harm in coming with me for now is there?" He grinned at her. Siging in defeat she nodded and allowed him to tug her in the direction towards the docks.

~AK~

Ariel stood on the deck of the Jolly Roger, dressed in full pirate regalia, tall boots, leather trousers, a shirt and corset. Killain watched her from where he stood, leaning against the mast. They'd been at sea for over a week, he'd spent alot of time with Ariel, trying to get her to open up about her past with no such luck. He'd gotten to know her, and now he couldn't deny what he felt for her, the question was, did she feel the same. "Oh captain, please tell me you're not in love with a mermaid" Smee muttered. "I fail to see how that would be anything to do with you" Killian said archly, then turned back to gazing at Ariel across the deck. He shook himself, then walked over to her. "Enjoying the view princess?" he said jovially, "we'll be docking soon, what say you to indulging me and accompanying me on an exploration of the town?". Ariel tried to ignore how her heart jumped at him being so close, and cursed herself for managing to fall for a pirate of all people, and in a week no less! She looked at him, studying his face, noticing the hopeful look in his eye. "Of course, Captain" she finally said. Killian tried to fight down a triumphant smile. Suddenly the ship jerked as it came into port, Ariel stumbled and fell into him, Killian grabbed her, and closed his arms around her. "uuhh Hook..you can let go now". Killian looked down at her, enjoying the feel of her in his arms, "Killian. My name is Killian" he whispered into her ear, then released her and stepped back.