A/N: This chapter is only two pages; I'm sorry everyone! I actually had more planned for it, but it's almost midnight and I'm traveling to another city tomorrow-I'm still on school break, but I also didn't want to not stay on my chapter-a-week schedule. Fair warning, until school starts back up the next few chapters might be just as short. I know that sounds like the opposite of what normally happens, but I actually have a lot of free time this semester. Anyway, I'm really sorry for the short as hell chapter and for dragging out Killian's rescue-this was not my intention at all. It's just that, well like I said I'm on holiday so...sorry again, but I hope you enjoy it anyhow.

In the Underworld there was no wind when you traveled outside the pocket of afterlife you were given. No gust of air on the sickly green rivers to move the water or assist the ferryman's boat—not that it had a sail to begin with, but still…

As Emma sat in the old rickety dingy next to her current not-so-biggest-fan, the stillness of air was creeping her out. Add that to the dark caves they were traveling through and it almost brought forth a droplet of regret. Regret that she couldn't bring her family with her, as currently estranged from her parents as she was.

That was one thing, though. As unsettled as this whole kingdom made her, Emma was also thankful that she was traveling with folks who didn't want to speak with her. It gave her a much-needed peace and quiet to finally think over and process a few things. Things other than her parents; she was so sick of going back and forth on her feelings toward them right now.

Emma sighed and looked out at the vast water around her. Nope, still creepy. She turned and discreetly watched Liam as he too looked over the river. That was another thing. Liam was Killian's brother, his hero, his captain. As much as she tried not to let it, that fact had been eating at her since they found out his identity. She didn't want to be selfish, she knew the importance of finding and keeping your family…but…Killian had promised her…and it was her fault he was down there in the first place. There was absolutely no way she could leave him, not again…not ever.

"Is there something you want, Princess," Liam frowned, but kept his gaze forward.

Emma blinked and realized that she's ended up blatantly staring at the man. She bristled at his tone, but couldn't really fault him for it, could she?

"No, I was just thinking."

"Hmm…have you come up with a plea bargain for my brother?"

"Not really, I was just going to—"

"You were just going to demand that they let him go topside?" He turned to fully face her, the frown darkening his entire face.

When Emma bristled this time, there was zero attempt at giving him the benefit of the doubt. She clutched the ring around her neck and frowned back.

"I'm not going to demand anything, but Killian doesn't belong down here."

"He's dead, Your Highness, of course he does." Liam cut her off before she could argue, "It doesn't matter how or why he died, just that he did and now he's where the dead belong. Now he can be reunited with his family."

Emma squeezed the ring harder, "Yes I agree."

They were both jostled when the boat suddenly hit land, but Liam was able to right himself a little quicker than Emma and exit their ride. Ever the gentleman, once his boots touched the wooden dock, he offered his hand to Emma. Which she begrudgingly took and dropped the secound she was steady.

Liam gave her a mock of a smile and turned all his attention on the ferryman. They conversed in…okay what the hell? What language was that! God how many did this guy know? Could Killian also speak at least three languages? Maybe she should ask—Emma shook her head at herself. All this time, she and Liam had been clashing when really, they should be friendly. The brother and the girlfriend—and she didn't want to fight with him, as insecure as he made her.

So, when Liam was finished with Charon—or whatever his name was—she squared her shoulders and offered up what she hoped was a pleasing smile.

"Look, sniping at each other constantly wouldn't make Killian very happy." She swallowed and took a deep breath when he didn't return her smile. "Can we call a truce?"

Liam folded his arms over his chest, "Why, Princess? Hoping to gain my favour so I forget that you and your family plan to steal away the only brother I have?"

Emma's smile didn't melt, it fell right off and was replaced with a glower.

"Excuse me?"

Liam walked off the dock and onto the cobblestone path that led to Hades' palace, completely ignoring the blonde woman glaring at his back. Emma quickly caught up to him; she grabbed hold of his shoulder and spun him around to face her pissed off expression.

"Look buddy, I'm not down here to force anything on anyone! Killian died because of me and all I want is to make up for that."

"By taking him away from his mother and brother? Yes, I completely see the logic in that."

"Oh screw you! It's not like I'm going drag him back kicking and screaming—"

Suddenly a loud, ferocious growl sounded off in the distance. They both froze, mouths clamping shut.

"W-was that…"

Liam nodded, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"Our screaming woke up our host's favourite pet."

"Shit."

A/N: Again so sorry for the super short chapter! But hey, bonus points for anyone who correctly guesses the language Liam spoke in. Hopefully, next week's chapter will be longer, but no promises or expectations. I hope you liked what I did have for this though. As always, please leave feedback.