Rippling water was the only sound resonating between them as Emma continued to row the boat with Hook silently watching her. The sound itself should have been comforting to a pirate like him but he only found it more and more excruciating as time went on. It had been only a few minutes since the distant sound of the three men's frustration back at the dock died away, and the blonde in front of him remained completely mute the whole time, staring at the shore where the fire had now diminished into smoke.

Hook still had his hand on her shoulder then and knew it wasn't long until she told him to bugger off, but contrary to his expectations she simply took the wooden paddles and began to row without a word. Ten minutes later, the silence still remained between them; the length of it testing both individuals' patience to stay in each other's presence like this. Yet Hook sat still with his hook resting on one bent knee, pensive as he watched the Bounty Hunter. Her eyes pointedly avoided his, eyebrows scrunched in concentration and labour as she rowed on. He knew that she most likely detested his searing gaze, but Hook was a daring man and so he tested her patience, continuing to watch her intently.

One visible wound glowed against her pale skin: a bloody gash on her cheek from the arrow that had nearly missed her and Ruby earlier. His eyes trailed over to the deep, long cut made on the length of her sleeve, a dark liquid stain on the rip that let Hook know that there was definitely another wound under there somewhere. Sometimes her eyes would twitch slightly while she rowed, and he knew right away that the cut on her arm was no petty bruise. He had to admit that her tolerance was admiring, as most would have winced frequently at such an injury. But from the two days he'd observe her, he learned that Emma Swan was a stubborn lass.

"Care to pass one of the paddles, love? I may have one hand but I can help."

His offer was met with her ignorance of his presence, and Hook wasn't really surprised. The lass believed to have lost a friend, after all, along with her irritable pet and the cheery werewolf, and if the ever-moody Bounty Hunter could be even angrier and more bitter than she was before… Well, he could only imagine the raging storm within her right now.

But he was a pirate, not to mention one who owned a ship and led his own crew, and so the Captain within him was frustrated with the fact that he had to sit in a boat with nothing to do but watch the bounty hunter work in front of him. While the hook was a trusty companion, it was situations like this that made him loathe the Dark One even more for depriving him of his hand. But of course, he was first and foremost a gentleman, and Emma's injury gave another reason for his offer.

The sound of a loud creaking and a bump caused him to slightly startle - after what seemed like an hour, it seemed they finally reached a shore. Emma didn't even give him a single glance when she hopped off the boat and began dragging it further into the shore. Hook followed suit and helped her, both of them wading through the water as they approached land.

When they finally exited the lake, Emma shook the excess water off her pants and turned towards her right and began to walk, still ignoring his eyes that remained trained on her. Hook opened his mouth to speak, but instead raised an eyebrow when she suddenly stopped walking abruptly.

"Thanks."

Unsure what prompted her to say so, Hook stared at her back, which was still turned to him. Finally the Swan acknowledged his presence, but her first words since the long silence weren't exactly what he expected.

"Pardon me, lass, but I don't follow," he said slowly, watching her carefully.

She still didn't turn around but he saw her shoulders slightly raise in what could only be a frustrated sigh.

"I know why you pushed me when that guy threw the bomb," she said quietly. "You were going to try to save them. You didn't have to, but you tried. So… thanks."

Hook blinked at her words. Indeed, he had attempted to run towards the huntsman and the wolves to save them somehow, possibly by throwing his cutlass towards the bomb and interfere it in its path. He knew that it was pointless to do so, considering they probably could have moved out of the way themselves. And not to mention that he didn't exactly need them alive in his revenge - after all, Emma fully said that after Hunter's Point their journey will only consist of them two. Hook wasn't sure what motivated him to do it - he was never one to risk himself like that, unless it ultimately ended to his advantage. But he knew how important they were to Emma, and so he did it anyway. Besides, he bristled at the thought of unnecessary casualties... And his advantage? He told himself it was to make sure the Bounty Hunter's spirit remained satisfied and whole, so as to make his goal easier. But clearly things did not go as planned…

Hook shrugged, suddenly feeling uncomfortable - he wasn't very used to be thanked. "Perhaps I grew fond of wolves."

She turned her head slightly towards him so that he could only see the tip of her nose and her lips, and Hook could've sworn he saw a ghost of a smile. But just as quick as the smile came, it left, and she turned abruptly and continued walking. He could only imagine that the 'thanks' either made her even more frustrated with herself, as her walking became more hurried. For a moment Hook wondered how much pride she had to push away to do so - especially if it was thanking someone like him.

"I'm sure they're alive and safe," Hook continued as he followed her. "The huntsman seems like a reliable bloke, especially if he was the Bounty Hunter's mentor."

Unfortunately his compliment didn't stir her this time. Though what he said wasn't truly a lie - after all, they were never able to fully see whether or not they escaped the fire. But at the same time it wasn't a truth, as the fire caused by the men was clearly some sort of Black magic at work.

It seemed that Emma thought the same thing. Abruptly, she stopped walking again at his words and turned to look at him. The look was cold yet surprised, as if she didn't want him there and yet wondered why he still was.

"Count me out, Hook. The deal's off."

Not wanting to hear his protests, she turned to walk away once again, but he caught her arm with his hand.

Hook couldn't believe what the bloody woman was doing. "Have you been blind to what just happened? Have you seen what those bloody men-"

"Yes, I've seen what just happened," Emma snapped. "Those men are fucking insane and almost killed us, not to mention they most likely burned…" She trailed off, her finger pointing shakily at the lake beside them, her eyes ablaze with all the anger and pain inside of her as she looked back at him.

"I shouldn't have agreed to do business with you. I should have never met up with you. It was stupid and reckless, and now it cost me everything. I'm out, Hook. The deal is off."

She roughly shrugged off his hand and turned to walk away, leaving Hook to stare at her incredulously.

"And where will you go then, Swan? Find the men and kill them yourself? See if your friends survived? And if you do succeed, what then? Will you thrive on your revenge-"

She finally spun around and glared at him. "Funny how you should be the one to speak about revenge."

Taken aback, he stared at her, carefully guarding his expression as he did. He had never told her the true reason as to why he wanted to kill Rumpelstiltskin.

"How did you know about that?" he asked in a low voice.

"You're not the only one who can read people." She crossed her arms and gave him a hard look. "The reason you want to kill the Dark One - it's for revenge, isn't it? That's why you've been on the lookout for centuries, trying to fulfill this lifelong goal of revenge for whatever Rumpelstiltskin took from you. Doing whatever it takes; taking whatever risks." She took a step forward and jabbed a finger to his chest. "Well listen here, Hook: you and I - we're one in the same. Only two days, but somehow we understand each other. So understand this: us? This deal; our association? It's off and I'm out. So goodbye and good luck on your revenge, Jones. It was nice knowing you."

With that, she looked into his blue eyes one last painful time and turned on her heel, determined to get as far from him as she could. But it shouldn't be this hard to walk away from him, she thought to herself. Odd. It was the first time she referred to him by his actual name and not his moniker. Hook realized that too, and strange enough this made him even more adamant to stop her.

"This is bigger than the both of us, Emma."

She cursed herself for freezing at the sound of her name, and even more so when she heard him take a step forward closer to her.

"You may be as notorious as what your reputation says, Bounty Hunter, but you and I both know that what lies ahead of the path you're about to take will only result in a tragic failure on your end."

She told herself to move away when he took yet another step, to keep on walking and never look back, but still, she remained frozen.

"If they already haven't, they will kill Graham as soon as you find them," Hook continued. "They will capture you and imprison you; force you to work for them. And knowing you, love, you will never comply to murderers, and so they will dispose of you when they see it fit."

Emma clenched her fists at his words and tried to appear indifferent when he finally stood in front of her. He continued. "There is something bigger and darker at play here, Swan. Something you don't quite understand yet. I know you feel it too. You've seen the Black magic they used. I know what they're capable of. Whoever they work for most definitely is not here for child's play, and from the looks of it, those men are looking for much more than just your bounty hunting talents. So walk away if you must, Swan, but if you do so, know that the path you choose is suicide."

Blue seared into green as his eyes bore into hers; a silent challenge of who would break away first for what seemed like the longest time.

"Come with me," Hook finally said in a firm voice.

She scoffed and finally looked away, unable to take his knowing gaze any longer. She turned to leave but was only stopped by his hand, causing her to glare at him. "You really expect me to take you up on that offer? Didn't you hear what I said earlier? Did you not see what happened to them?" she hissed.

The determined look on Hook's face hardened. "Swan-"

"No, Hook," she said firmly, yanking his hand off her wrist. One more touch and she swears she will cut his throat. "I don't even give one fuck what happens anymore. They're dead and gone - it's over. I'm going to find those three bastards and give them what they deserve. This Bounty Hunter will have her last hurrah."

It was Hook's turn to scoff. "With what, Swan? Swordplay and your unwavering determination? While you've impressive form, love, it's hardly enough compared to Black magic."

She glared at him. "And what do you suggest? That I forget everything and just run off with you on your ship? Continue to run the deal like nothing happened? Because I'm so sure that will stop those bastards-"

"What I'm suggesting, Swan," Hook said in a low voice, not removing his eyes from hers as he took a step closer. "Is that we work as a team. Come with me and together we can find out what those three men want, and even find a way to stop them. And for certain, too - not just a blind course of action resulting from an impulse to avenge your friends."

Emma narrowed her eyes at him. Why did it feel like he was hiding something? "What's in it for you?" she asked slowly.

To her surprise, he gave her a mischievous smile. "Oh believe me, I haven't forgotten about my own needs. You see, love, I've just thought of a plan. And the place I intend for us to go to just so happens to be the very kingdom the Dark One currently resides in, so believe me when I say we will both get what we want."

Emma had to raise an eyebrow at that. "And where is this place, Hook?"

An unreadable emotion flickered past his eyes before he spoke, until it was replaced by a guarded expression.

"The White Kingdom."


Playing with fire was something he was used to doing; in fact it was all he has been toying with his entire life. But at that moment Hook wondered if today was the day he finally feels the burn, because such a risky business was too dangerous - especially if he was trying it with the Bounty Hunter.

The thing is, however, he wasn't lying entirely. He just wasn't so sure if his 'plan' would work. Yes, the White Kingdom was where he knew for sure the Dark One was concealed, and if those three men were involved with the Black magic he believed them to be… The haunting image of the curved blade flashed through his mind. If those men are working for who he thinks they are, well then his original plans must change. It was crucial that they journey to the White Kingdom as soon as possible.

Of course, another reason he introduced this new 'plan' was to ensure to Swan that she gets what she wants. He needed to convince her. He needed to sell it to her. It was a long shot, considering Swan's irritating ability to see right through him, but if it works… Then it works. And he will be able to complete his end of the deal and skin the crocodile.

But there were other obstacles to take into account; other holes to this plot. Risky, dangerous fire, but he'll find a way through it. Captain Hook always does.

His attention went back to the blonde in front of him, who looked at him as if he had just grown two heads.

"You're not serious," she stated, looking at him incredulously. "The White- where Cora lives? No, scratch that - where Cora basically rules?"

At the mention of her name, Hook gritted his teeth. He knew he would have to answer questions like these if he intended for them to journey there. But luck was on his side as he remembered that Swan apparently had little knowledge about the White Kingdom.

"I escaped her before and I can do it again," Hook replied quickly. That definitely wasn't a lie, which was why Emma's skeptical look slightly softened.

But as quick as it left, the suspicious look made its return, though more cold this time. "Something doesn't make sense. You came to me saying you needed me to help you find the Dark One, but now you tell me you knew where he was all along?"

"I didn't lie to you, Swan," Hook said, looking at her straight in the eye. "I told you I had many leads in regards to his location, but not his exact dwelling place. You said yourself you look for people who don't want to be found, am I not correct? Well, the Dark One has concealed himself somewhere in that kingdom. And I've heard of and seen what you're capable of, Swan, so I truly believe that despite that fact, you can still track precisely where that is."

Emma peered at him, and Hook knew she was carefully evaluating his words for any lie. Finally, her eyebrows relaxed, causing his own tension to release as well. He watched as her look softened - ah, so she's going to do it; she's going to say yes-

But she didn't. Instead, to his complete bewilderment, Emma burst out laughing.

"Wow," she said, shaking her head as her laughter died down. "You selfish bastard. You really got me there."

But just as sudden as her laughter came, the hard, cold look returned once again. "All right, Hook, let's get on with it. What do you know?"

She watched as he deadpanned, looking back at her with the same carefully guarded expression. Impressive. The Captain would be an excellent poker player. But she wasn't an idiot - she didn't miss the flicker of frustration that briefly clouded his eyes. Did he really think I would fall for that? There was definitely a reason why he conjured up that plan out of thin air. Yet he wasn't completely lying. Obviously he kept gearing towards the White Kingdom mainly so he could get his revenge, and he honestly needed her help, but Hook knew better than to carelessly by bring up such an excuse of a plan. There must be another reason why he introduced this plan to her - one that would get Emma to comply for sure. The pirate knew something about those three men, and from Emma's readings, it had something to do with going to the White Kingdom.

"Forgive me, Swan, but I'm not so sure what-"

"Cut the bullshit, Hook," she snapped, her eyes dangerous as she stepped towards him. She wasn't going to let his pretty words beat around the bush this time. "You know something. I saw how you looked when that guy pulled out that blade. You know something about those men, Hook, and you better tell me everything before I cut that last hand off."

He remained silent, carefully guarding his expression as he crossed his arms, watching her intently. She could tell he was trying to choose his words carefully.

"Well?" Emma said irritably, tapping her foot impatiently.

Hook shifted at her demanding tone but his expression remained the same as he spoke. "Cora…" he began in a low voice. "…Is definitely not who those men are working for. That I am absolutely positive."

"Hook…" Emma warned dangerously. He was telling the truth but she was getting impatient with the way he liked to beat around the bush.

"But there is another witch," Hook continued, his expression darkening as he spoke. "One greater and more fearsome than her. One that happened to be Cora's very mentor and leader, at one point. I believe her to be the one who sent those three men."

She stiffened at this revelation. "And who is she?"

"I will not speak her name," Hook hissed, momentarily losing his cool, though he collected himself shortly after. "But the Witch has many titles. For example-"

But before he could finish his sentence, a loud screech filled the air above them, and they both looked up to see where the sound had come from.

In the sky was a black soaring figure - a bird, from what it looked like. It screeched loudly once again before swooping down towards where they stood in the forest. Emma and Hook ducked, reaching inside their jackets in case it was an attack. But instead of aiming rapidly towards them, the bird flew around them in a circle, gradually and gracefully, before finally slowing down towards where Emma was standing, dropping something into her palm as it settled gently on her wounded arm.

Completely bewildered by what just happened, she looked at the strange bird curiously before looking down at her hand to see what it had dropped.

Her heart stopped when she realized what it was.

It was a message.

And wrapped around it was Graham's bracelet.


A/N: Oh Hook, you selfish, selfish pirate… And you really didn't think I was really going to kill Graham & Ruby just like that, did you? ;)

Thank you for such great reviews! I'm so glad you enjoy it so far. Lots & lots of mysteries and development being unfolded the next few chapters!