Over the next few days, we explored Neverland. The ship was relatively friendly, but quiet. Occasionally, while having breakfast someone who is not really there would sit down next to you and tell a joke. On the whole, it should have been creepy, but somehow it was comforting. It was like someone was taking care of you, wanting you to be there, and had a really weird way of saying so. It actually helped keep us all from spiraling into dark frustration.

We found out about another quirk of Neverland. The islands floated. Not in the air or anything, thankfully, but they floated like logs in the water. You could never be sure what you were approaching until it got close. We passed by many islands in our search to the Shadow's base. Hook seemed to be reading some signs when he looked at them. Often, he would turn the ship around, not even stopping. Gold was regularly fighting with him that they were being fools not to explore, but Hook stood his ground and while not revealing how he knew Henry was not on the land in front of us, he would exert the "I'm the Captain" air that I was so expecting the first night. Unexpectedly, it was Regina who sided with Hook against Gold every time. Reminding Gold that Hook had the knowledge that we needed to get to Henry. Inevitably this would end with Regina and Gold having a fight while both ignored Hook. I realized about the fourth time this happened, that Regina was doing this on purpose. It allowed Hook to get back to work while she distracted Gold.

Some of the islands were obviously inhabited, some were barren. We didn't set foot on a one, until we got to a larger island. This place was different in that it was teaming with people and had obviously busy fishing ports and markets which were surrounded by ships and various docks and one large town that seems to be overtaking the island. Hook finally declared that we would be docking. He ordered us around letting us know what to do, as he eased the ship into one of the larger docks.

"So this is where the Shadow is hiding?" asked Gold when we were all assembled getting ready to step onto the gangplank that would finally take us to land.

"Nay. This is just a stop along the way." replied Hook. "We need supplies. David, take Snow and see if you can't get us some decent food. It may be weeks, so stock up." He tossed a bag of coins at the man.

"Take Snow? You mean you won't be interrupting every few seconds?" asked David, who has finally resolved himself to the constant over-protective father act that Hook had been playing.

"Off the ship, your free of prying eyes" Hook continued. "Regina and Gold, see if you can't find appropriate attire for the rest of this crew. They stick out like sore thumbs."

"What no purse to spend?" interrupted Gold with a sneer.

"I didn't think I needed to care for you my poor old man."

"You're right you don't." said Regina stepping in between Gold and Hook. Taking Gold's arm, she gently propelled him down the plank and towards a shop sporting a sign with a spool of thread. Followed slowly by David and Snow. David still looked apprehension, but Snow laced her fingers with his, bringing a smile to his lips as they darted off.

"So, I guess I'm with you then." I said turning to Hook.

"I'm sure you'd like that love, but not today. I've got people to see, debts to call in, and information to extort. I can't have you tagging along."

"Then what am I supposed to do?" I asked with a huff. "I'm not staying on board if that's what you think. Everyone has been doing everything you want since you seems to know what your doing, but your bossing around…"

"Ho, Hold up. I never said anything about you staying." He interrupted me, taking hold of my forearms so that I would have to face him.

"I still need someone to get fresh water. It doesn't just magically appear, ya know. Here, take this pouch, follow that path to the third shop. Ask for Maggie, she'll help know what we need. Let her know that I sent you. I'll be back before dark. Do stay out of trouble, but if you run into any." He pushed a short, sheathed dagger into my hands. "Don't hesitate to use this."

He dared to smirk at my stunned reaction but then practically bounced off the ship and was lost in the crowd before I could truly process what he had done.

He paired everyone else up, but he trusted me to take care of myself. This man is constantly surprising me. I smiled as I headed down the plank in search of Maggie.

Author's note.

Thank you everyone for your reviews. Along with the new promos, I was inspired once again. I'm working on a Chapter 5 and 6 now.

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters herein.