Water rushed into Hook's mouth and nose as he went below the surface of the shimmering mirror of water. He choked on the sea water as it flooded his lungs. His eyes burned with the strain to see his crew and Sarah. Then something else appeared in the clear blue water that was darkening with each foot the procession sunk.

A woman.

She was beautiful. Her silvery blonde hair floated around her head as she ascended from the dark depths toward the captives. Her sparkling eyes captured the men's full attention, momentarily taking their awareness off their burning lungs. Sarah felt a flower of jealousy blossoming inside her at the look on Hook's pale face.

"Hello," the woman said, her voice not even faltering under the pressure of the water on her throat, "I am Llana, the water queen." Llana seemed to, for the first time, notice that the group was drowning. She furrowed her slender brows for a moment then smiled. She floated up to Hook and gazed into his forget-me-not eyes that were almost the same color as her sky blue ones. She came so close to his face that her lips almost brushed his. She waved the mermaids off and smiled again. She breathed a soft breath on Hook's face and a bubble instantaneously formed around his limp body. Hook dropped to the bottom of the transparent orb and coughed up almost a quart of water. He was dripping but the bubble seemed to suck the moisture out of his clothes and distribute it back in a light mist around his feet. Hook gasped for breath as he lay back to rest against the barrier. One by one Llana breathed a breath on the group, a bubble forming around each of them; coming to Sarah last, making her suffer the burning sensation gripping her lungs. Sarah refused to show any sign of pain of weakness as she sucked in great gulps of air through her nose. Then Llana spoke again.

"Do not speak." she said, eyeing the mouths of each pirate. But one that was scared half to death by the situation began to scream in terror. Immediately he clutched his throat and began writhing in pain as water filled his lungs. Slowly a puddle of water began to collect in the bottom of his bubble and rise quickly, soon engulfing the man. He sunk to the floor of the sphere. Dead. Sarah fought back the urge to yell in fury at the sea witch who simply floated there, an amused smile forming on her lips.

"I told him not to speak." she said condescendingly. She looked to the glaring Sarah and smiled an evil smile. "I believe I have some one you know." she said. Fear gripped Sarah's heart as she thought of whom she might be speaking of. Llana waved her hand toward the dark depths. Soon three mermaids appeared carrying another identical bubble up from the shadowy nadirs. Inside sat Max, his head in his hands in despair as he waited for the torture he thought was to follow his release. But to his surprise he found himself face to face with Sarah. Suddenly a thought flashed in Sarah's mind, but it wasn't her own.

Sarah, what are you doing here? Came the urgent question. Sarah looked around frantically for where the fear choked voice came from. Then it hit her.

The voice was Max's but he hadn't moved his lips. He had thought it! Sarah's eyes widened in realization.

Max, she thought, trying out the power, was that you?

Yes. Since I cannot speak I have found that I can communicate with others by thinking. I suppose it's some sort of magic Llana used.

That's amazing!

I know. But that's not important right now. What happened? Why are you here?

Llana's mermaids captured us and dragged us down here.

Are you okay?

Yes, we're fine. Are you?

Yes. Just a bit scared.

How did you get to Neverland?

I honestly don't know. All I remember is waking up in the jungle. Everything before that is just a blur.

Must be more of Llana's evil witchcraft.

I suppose. Who are they? Max nodded in the direction of the trapped pirates, eyeing Hook especially.

They are the crew of the Jolly Roger. That is their captain, Jas. Hook. We were coming to look for you when we were captured.

Max continued to watch Hook suspiciously as the man drew shaky breaths to calm himself. Hook seemed on the verge of unconsciousness when he stirred and glared at Max, realizing who he was.

We must figure a way out of this. Sarah thought to Max. Max nodded but thought nothing. It was then that Llana chose to leave them alone with a few of the mermaids as she went to attend to some… business. Sarah did not plan on finding out what that was. She quickly thought to Hook and urgent plea.

Captain, she thought frantically, you must call for Peter.

Hook seemed disgusted by even mentioning the idea.

Never. He thought angrily.

He's the only one who can save us.

I can get us out of here without Pan's help.

Just swallow your pride, Hook, and call him.

Hook sighed reluctantly and held a hand cupped around his mouth to prepare to crow. He hesitated and Sarah grew anxious.

Do it!