Woah. Okay. Got this chapter done. I hope you all like it. :3

Shout outs:

Trustpixiedust: Thanks for the comment, I love Narnia and Inkheart, thought about both of those earlier. I guess you will just have to see, if the story leads us there. :3

Jlm13: Thanks, I really do love banter and these two seem to have such a good personality for it.

As always to all my other readers, thank you. Please don't forget to read and review, if you do the chapters will come more quickly.

~Artimas


Chapter 5: The hunt

They found no excitement on their walk so far, only the drifting sound of snow crunching under them. Compared to Killians careful steps Emma felt like a giant. Crunch. Crunch.

"Is there lead strapped to the bottom of your feet Swan?" Hook cast an annoyed glace back at her.

"…Sorry…" She could only mumble the response. She was tired of walking. When they left the ship hours ago she had thought it would be more adventurous. Hell even the enchanted forest had more stir in it then this place. Instead they were walking through a mixture of white and grey, the castle still miles away. At least she thought it was. The tree's above cast shadows below, blocking off the light and view. Hook seemed to know where they were headed, taking sharp turns before nodding back at his map.

She shivered, rubbing her hands over her arms as she tried to walk a bit more quietly. Before they left he had offered her a long coat, and a sword. She had taken the weapon happily, but the long leather jacket she was to stubborn for. Way to go Emma…idiot. The mixture of exhausted, and annoyed was not doing her attitude any favors. As Hook took another sharp turn she cursed, how long till camp? She heard him growl. They had left the ship in good spirits, but after a half day of walking, and wind nipping at their heels they had become sour. Even Hooks innuendos were gone.

She shifted the bags weight to her other shoulder, What the hell is in this thing? Rocks? Trying to lighten the mood she asked, "If this place is magic, then can we just ask them to take us home, instead of stealing the stones?"

"No."

"Why?" She barked, all attempted civility gone.

"You know Swan, I really wish you knew how to read." He was referring to the book she had never returned. "If one of them leads us, then they will have to come with us. I really doubt the fey have any want or desire to end up in another world." He sighed, "This type of race is different Swan. They just want to be left alone."

"Then why make the portals at all?"

"I don't know! Do I look like a fey?" She glared at the back of his head, wanting nothing more than to chuck something at it. "Alright…now according to this we should find a path soon…" The question in his voice was not missing.

Her mouth tightened. "So…were lost." She stopped. Bitterness taking over. "Why the hell didn't you say anything?"

"We are certainly not lost, Swan. Just…improvising." He didn't look at her. She knew he was lying, what man ever wanted to tell anyone when they had gone astray? They couldn't even muster up the courage to ask for directions. "Now do me a favor lass, and shut that pretty little mouth of yours." An argument on her lips was cut short, "Unless you need someone to shut it for you. Then by all means Swan…try me."

Without thinking she grabbed a glob of snow from a nearby branch, balled it up, and threw it. It hit him square in the back of the neck. His whole body coming to a ridged halt.

Her eyes widened. What the hell did she just do? This was Captain bloody Hook…and she just attacked him? Before she could even complete the thought he had retaliated. A chunk of snow slapping her square in the nose. Her eyes watered, as she wiped away the cold.

"What the-" He was gone. The path now empty before her. "You ass come out here!"

A snicker was her only sign, somewhere to the left. Getting another snowball ready she aimed blindly. She was hit from behind. Spinning on her heels and raising her arm in revenge. Once again, and to her frustration, she was bested. This time the snowball hit her rump. She growled. Even through a fist of snowfall he could be a pervert.

"What lass? Don't like what you started?" He was laughing now, clearly having the upper hand. His ability to blend in was impressive, but not perfect. Letting her fury settle she concentrated. She spotted him as he dashed behind the base of a pine tree. His clothes to dark for their current surroundings. Throwing the pack down she began her own "chase".

"You are going to be so sorry Hook…when I get my hands on you." She whispered.

Don't be rash Emma…do it his way.She slipped into a bush, and moved as quietly as she could to a nearby oak. The snow in her hand melting a bit as she paused. Her mother had taught her one thing on their adventure, patience. To let the opponent come to you. But Emma was not a patient person, she desired action. It was almost painful to stop, her annoyance growing by the second. Her discipline cracked and she leaned out from her natural cover. Her vision went white, skin tingling to the familiar cold sensation. How the hell did he even make these things? One handed bastard.

"Not good enough Swan. Come on now, try a little harder, yes?" His voice echoed from off in the distance. This time he sounded pleased. She ducked down out of view. Biting her lip she let her body relax, concentrating solely on gracefully moving to her next spot. When she had finally made it behind a large boulder she smiled. I'm not that bad am I? Scooping up fresh ammunition she waited.

Off in the distance she could hear him, one soft leather shoe over the other. He had years of practice on her, and her ears strained to assess how far off he was. Then silence. She shifted, cupping the side of her head as if it would amplify any noise made. Nothing. An alarm rang in the back of her mind. Something was wrong. Shooting up from her crouching position she readied her sword. The metal making the tiniest of sounds against its sheath.

"Hook?" Fear rose in her chest. Still nothing. The wind picked up, its breath chilling her to the bone. A few tears prickled at her eyes. If he died, it was her fault. She had started this silly little game. They were in a unknown land with creatures they knew nothing about, what if something had snatched him?

"Hook!" Her heart leapt into her throat, her voice cracking. When no response came she ran. She had to find him! As she rounded the hiding spot her thoughts were cut short, colliding into the very thing holding her attention. One arm wrapped around her waist, while the other disarmed her. She couldn't help but gasp. He pulled her closer, before leaning down to whisper in her ear.

"So you do care…" Pulling back he smiled, all irritation previously held gone.

"…I.." She grew flustered, "I just didn't want to…have to save you."

"Sure Swan." He winked, then raised his hand to her chin gently cupping it. He leaned in, and Emma almost closed her eyes in anticipation. He did not kiss her, only whispered against her mouth. "Listen to me Swan. Never let your guard down…even if I do go missing…you keep going. You must always keep going." Then he dropped his hands and walked away.

What the hell did that mean? She felt her heart grow cold. So if she fell behind, if something happened, he would just leave? Yes. Or was he trying to tell her to protect herself? Slowly she made her way back to the path, feeling bitter. Confusion eating away at her. He was a pirate, he wasn't there to help, he was only here to get to Story Brooke. If he decided she wasn't worth the effort anymore, he would just continue on. Get the moonstones and portal hop till he found a new way. She was not as irreplaceable as she had been lead to believe. Finally, she caught back up. Hook was shouldering the pack as if it weighed nothing.

"Are you ready malady?" He reached a hand out towards her.

"Yeah…" She tried to smile, but it came out as a sloppy half grin.

"Alright…lets get going then." Worry crossed his face as he watched her for a moment more. Dropping his hand and turning he began to trudge the way through the forest. It felt like hours, but the arguments between them did not start again, and Emma was thankful.

"Now…we should be reaching a safe point…right about…" Hook waded through a bank of snow and into a large bush. After a moment his hand blindly reached out for her. "Here! Emma you have to see this!" She slipped her cold fingers into his outstretched palm, and he lead her through. The growth was dense here, and she blindly followed his lead. Finally her vision clearing. No more trees or branches, instead a field lay before her, a small log cabin sitting in the middle.

…Emma…

A burning sensation crept along her neck. Had Rumple known this would be here? She could see hooks smile drop at her lack of enthusiasm.

"Fine…since I did all the work. You can get firewood." He was annoyed again. Ignoring him she eyed the shelter. No path existed here, not even a trail, and as they approached she couldn't help but feel watched. The ground was clear and level. It didn't fit into the forest they had just hiked through, the tameness of this place unnatural.

"Where are we?"

"I don't know. The map just had an X on it, I figured it was either a lookout point…or-"

"Treasure?" She was joking, but the look on his face sobered her quickly. So they really did mark things like that with an X.

"Looks abandoned though."

"Yeah, lets just hope it stays that way. I would hate-" She stopped, gazing down at their still linked hands then dropping hers quickly. The warmth running out of her arm. His response was mere wink, before moving ahead and taking the lead once more. What the hell Emma! Pirate! What do you not get about that? Her heart was beating faster, and she tried to focus on anything but Hook. Eyes settling on the building.

The wood it was made out of was whiter than she had expected, almost shading it into the surrounding forest. The small windows seemed to shine in the winter light, and looking to the roof she could see a small stone chimney. The surprised cry of Hook alerted her attention to the door. Upon it was a large brass knocker in the shape of a head. Its face was split into a smile, and its beady eyes followed them. Its long jagged face looked familiar, Emma just couldn't place it. As she moved next to Hook, a toothy smile grew.

"Answer me this my sir and dear,

What are you doing at my door step here?

Do you need help,

You sniveling whelp?

Or do you need aid on a epic crusade?"

He eyed them both expectantly. Hook answered, "Aid…if you would be so kind." He stepped to the side blocking Emma from it. She noticed his shoulders tense, as it continued to sing.

"Aid you say?

But what will you pay?

You have no gold, or baubles of need,

Pirates are something that just shouldn't breed.

But the one you protect, oh yes its true.

Puck will take his favor from you."

"The swan is off limits…" Hooks voice held no reasoning. The fey's eyes sharpened. "What can I do?"

Nothing! Move on!

Night was coming as the skies began to darken, she shivered at the thought of being in the woods. If they hadn't seen anything yet, maybe the creatures of this world were nocturnal.

"When the hunt starts,

Try not to cry.

as the beasties rip your heart out

and you both die."

"What do you want?" Ignoring the pirates gaze she moved around him. "What is it I can help you with?" The face laughed cynically, the wind picking up his voice and whirling it around. She could feel the trees shift, the ground even moved in a mocking way. Then he continued,

"I left the Queen in such a frigid state

Winter did pass in this current estate.

Then you came along, just the push she may need

To forgive her beloved, because of little old me."

"This is ridiculous." Hook gripped her shoulder, turning her away from the door. He was making the choices, and she knew he wanted them to rough it in the woods. End of story. But, something about this place just screamed at her.

…Emma…

Her hand instinctively went to her necklace, her body pausing for a moment.

"Your actually considering this Swan!?" He yanked on her arm urging her forward. She dug her heels in, resisting his pressure. Puck must have known the offer was still on the table, because his song persisted,

"All you must do is find a love flower.

Polish it into a fine little powder.

Sprinkle this love in the corner of her eye.

All will be well, and the realm will subside."

"Deal." It was a whisper, but she had agreed. The little brass knocker shouted with glee, and as she turned it licked his lips. Sharp teeth showing once more,

"If you fail me dearie,

Your life is mine.

Better get it done,

In four days time."

As the last syllable was released something flooded into her. Her eyes widened, as the brass man faded away. The deal was made. Why didn't she wait? For once she wished Hook had just forced her to walk away.

"Are you mad!?" He was shaking her now. "What the hell is wrong with you Swan!"

"I just…had a feeling." It was a lame response, and she couldn't help but cast her eyes downward. She deserved this. Indirectly he was affected as well. Although in her opinion she had the right to accept and make any deals. It was her life. A small pain pinched at her elbow.

"A feeling? A bloody feeling! Well Swan did you ever stop to think I had a god damn feeling too! Oh I'm sorry, your to busy with YOUR HEAD SHOVED SO FAR UP YOU OWN DERRIERE TO EVEN CONSIDER THE FACT I C-" His eyes flared, and he stopped clamping his mouth shut mid sentence. He looked murderous.

The pain had reached her chest now, and her breathing became more difficult. What the hell was happening? "Hook…I…"

"DON'T GIVE ME THAT LOOK EMMA! YOU STUBBORN LITTLE…" His face was turning a dark shade of purple. Her stomach flipped, and her head began to throb. What the hell was going on? Without thinking she reached out to steady herself against his chest. His shouts stopping in an instant.

"Hook…I didn't…" Her teeth grinded as the feeling reached her torso.

"Emma?"

"I'm fine…I just…" Her body buckled, but before she could hit the ground Hook had caught her. One arm beneath her legs, and the other holding her head to his chest. His heart was beating so fast, she wasn't sure if it was out of anger or shock.

"Swooning over me already Swan…and not even at my best." The comment was weaker than his normal jests. She wasn't sure, but she thought she could hear a bit of fear in his voice.

Hook yanked the door open, cursing the fact that he would have to use the very thing Emma had traded her life for. Eying the cabin fiercely almost waiting for another trick. It was quaint, nothing special. A small fireplace was in the far corner with a whicker rocking chair in front. A wooden table held plates and silverware, large pots and covered trays waiting on its surface. It looked like a dinner party that had never official been started. A straw mattress laid on a simple bed frame to the left. A shelf above holding a few candles and a lamp. She shifted in his arms, her body beginning to convulse. Gently he laid her across the mattress. She was still conscious, beads of sweat falling from her pale skin.

"Infor…information…" She grinded her teeth as she spoke, obvious pain scorching through her. Taking a deep breath she tried again. "I know…I know where to go…"

"Just rest Swan…we'll figure it out in the morning." She closed her eyes, her body fighting the magic swirling with in. After a while she became still, and calm, sleep obviously catching her. God how he wanted to strangle her. He couldn't let her just run off and die. He needed her. Well he needed her to get to the dark one.

Standing up he paced the little room. How many times would he have to pace over the little swan? She was just so damn stubborn. Why couldn't she just listen! He knew the beady eyed man was a problem.

Trying to take his mind off his situation, he inspected their current hideout. Nothing seemed to ornate, but everything looked prepped. The fireplace held fresh logs, just begging to be lit. A delicious smell of meat and potatoes wafted through the air.

He eyed the table suspiciously, before lifting one of the lids off a silver tray. Just as he thought. Freshly cooked provisions. Walking briskly to the door he latched it. Either the fey was being "generous", or someone lived here. Searching the cabin was quick, no clothes, no stored food, nothing but a small leather journal.

"Thanks but no thanks…" He said aloud to no one, waving at the food as he moved to the reading chair. Once he sat down the fire blazed alive. Jumping up he pulled his sword from his side aiming at the air carelessly. No response. Sheathing his sword he eyed the fire. "I seriously hate magic."

Hook glanced at the sleeping blonde before settling back down. Focusing on the leather bound journal. It looked old, ancient even. The pages yellowing at the edges. He fingered through, it appeared to be a series of logs.

"The world here is beautiful, the flowers blooming and the skies always clear. I saw a small song bird near the creek and I swear it spoke to me." Killian rolled his eyes, flipping ahead he tried again.

"The hat brought me and my dear wife, don't know what it wants, but the hat does what it pleases sometimes. The only thing that drives the fear away at night is the fact she is by my side. The world here is beautiful, but dangerous. At night they come, looking for all who do not belong. I made a pact with the spirit here, my last one. I will most likely never return to this realm, and you will most likely never see another entry from me. I must find a herb he told me, and give it to the Queen. She's trusting enough I'm sure it will go fine. The wife is pregnant, and I can't wait to start my life anew. One more mission, and then home. ~Jefferson."

Hook smirked, dreaming up what type of adventure the old hatter must have had. He flipped forward once more, scanning the names for anyone of interest. Spotting another entry from Jefferson he paused,

"Two go in…and two must come out. What have I done? She rests now, my dear sweet little girl. Never to know her mother. I just hope we can get out of this hell hole, before the hunt begins. Just one more job, for the fey, and then we are free."

Hook slammed the book shut in horror. His eyes resting on the fireplace. Was his wife dead? or just left behind? What was this hunt everyone spoke of? Well whatever that was, it didn't sound pleasant. Definitely something they did not need to see. He opened the book again, searching for more answer. None could be found. What he did learn is that the Imp was powerful, a trickster, and he seemed to be the cause of most of their demise.

Raising from the chair he stretched his taught back. Sleep was much needed. Although his mind was full of questions, he could feel it getting sloppy. Walking towards the bed he sighed. It was large enough for the two of them, but then there was the wrath of Swan. Weighing his options, his sore muscles finally won. If they were going to find this stupid flower then he needed to be in tip top shape. He put as much distance as possible between them. He hadn't just 'slept' next to another woman since Milah, but this was Swan he reminded himself. She wasn't a woman. She may have the body and curves of one, but her prude attitude and defiant nature put her in a category of its own.

His eyes finally closed, and sleep claimed him.

When she woke she groaned, her mind foggy. The warmth wrapped around her was nice. Something shifted as she stirred, and her eyes snapped open in attention. Hook's face was nuzzled into her hair, one hand behind her back and the other one resting on her thigh. She almost punched him, but his face looked so peaceful. Biting back the impulse she instead slowly untangling her body from his. He resisted her attempts, yanking her back into his curved form, his hook cutting across her thigh a yelp of pain escaping her.

"What happened!?" He jumped, eyes scanning the little room arms ready to fight. Rubbing his eyes, he looked back at her. All color draining from his face as he noticed her holding her leg painfully, red staining her jeans. "Oh god Emma..."

"Whoa buddy." She held her hand up stopping him from panicking. "Its okay…an accident…but…you were asleep, and I didn't want to disturb you. Did anything…" She was blushing, uncertain how to handle an awkward moment. A small smile crept into his face.

"You mean…did you throw yourself on me in your crazy state of mind?" Like a panther he was creeping closer to her. His good hand slowly inching up her leg, before gently removing her hand. He kept eye contact with her, "No we did not."

All she could do was nod. What was this pirate doing to her?

"Wait here…I'll get some water. We should clean that before we go." She saw the guilt wash over his face, the teasing gone for the time being. As he shifted off the bed she let out a breath of air she hadn't realized she was holding.

Why was her heart racing? Why did he have to be so damn, good looking? No he wasn't. Yes he is. She pushed her thoughts away, this was just part of his stupid little plan. He was just trying to get her to trust him. It hurt to think of it that way. Another Neal, but it was easier. Finally he returned with a rag and his flask.

"No water…just rum." Kneeling down on the bed he turned her towards him.

"I can do it Hook. Its just a scratch."

"It's my fault lass. I was to tired to ensure your safety…it won't happen again." He focused on the small hole in her jeans before setting to work.

"I'm surprised you didn't tell me to take my pants off…" He stifled a laugh, not looking up.

"Would you like me to Emma?"

"No!" Yanking her shirt a little to release the heat she was feeling, and gazing at the wall. A sting caused her to grunt as he disinfected the wound.

"All done. Should be as good as new." He had properly wrapped it and she slowly pulled her legs out of reach and into her chest.

"Thanks…I guess. I mean you were the one that impaled me."

"I'm sure you will never let me forget it Swan."

They were smiling at each other, and she couldn't help but feel comfortable with the Pirate for once. Then that nasty little thing called her brain woke up. They had things to do, a flower to find, and a Queen to steal from. She scowled.

"Your right Swan…time to head out then." His voice became tense, "You said you got some information from the Imp last night?"

"Yeah…but your not going to like it. The flower is in the midsummer valley. Just north of here. We should be able to get there in less than a days time" She waved that off as if it was nothing, "That's not the issue. It's the castle. Not only is it guarded, its almost impossible to get into. The best way I can figure…" She scrunched her eyes as if viewing a map in her mind. "Either climb a tower, or go through the dungeons."

"Ahh, prince Swan? Climbing towers and saving damsels." His voice was cold, and he walked over to the fireplace warming his hands.

"Hook I'm sorry." It sounded strangled, her pride once again in her way. Obviously he was still pissed about the whole ordeal.

"Are you? You do realize you have bargained your life away with some magical element of a realm you don't understand, right?"

The guilt of her actions weighed on her.

"Listen. I just went with my gut. Usually it gets me out of trouble, not in it."

"Swan…if were going to be doing this." He motioned between the two, "I have to know you have my back, because I sure as hell have yours."

The truth of his words rang through her. He did have her back, he hadn't left her the moment she made the deal. He hadn't let Cora kill her. Maybe the pirate did deserve a bit of trust. Not a lot, but a bit.

"Okay." she paused, taking a deep breath "I have your back, Killian." He froze at her words, body growing ridged.

"What did you say?" Turning towards her he smiled, a beautiful heart wrenching smile. It threw her off guard, and she felt a warmth spread in her chest.

"I have your back."

"No…after that."

With a questioning glance she tried again. "Killian."

"Chop, Chop, Princess. We have a damn flower to find." Quickly he grabbed the bag at the door, digging through till he found a large leather coat, and a pair of gloves. "Bundle up, and this time I won't take no for an answer."

Sooner than later they were back on the steps of the cabin staring out into a flurry of snow. The mood lighter than ever before. He took the first step, calling behind him as he did, "You look divine in my jacket Emma…an image I will burn into my memory."

Rolling her eyes she followed him. She had to admit she was appreciative, the padded leather kept the warmth in and the chill out.

As they neared the edge of their 'sanctuary' she asked, "I'm surprised people fear this place, besides the frost bite I'm not really getting a blood shedding vibe."

"Well, its more the stories. People never return from the dark fey. In the Enchanted forest, a long time ago. Two types of fey appeared, the ones from here and the ones from Neverland. Both mischievous and both a threat, but the fey from Neverland frowned upon taking life. Born form a child's laugh they say. The dark fairies, they preferred much nastier methods. So people feared this realm, since they were just a small something the came from it." He stopped, eyeing the ground. "What the hell?"

Glancing down she spotted tracks. The paws of what must have been hundreds of beasts. From the looks of it, they lead all the way around the cabin, in a perfect circle. Crouching down to get a better look she analyzed them. Graham had taught her a few things before he died, a small ach formed in her chest.

"Wolves...they were hunting."

"Yes…most likely us."

Putting a hand up she reached into the path. Her eyes widening.

"Did you see that?" Pulling back she tried again. This time he caught the slight change. On the other side her hand appeared fuzzy. Almost distorted. "I've seen this before…it's barrier magic. In Story-" She caught herself, coughing to cover the mistake. "At home there's one around the town."

"Who put it there?" She eyed him, the mood shifting.

"Trust Swan."

"Your Crocodile." A scowl graced his lips, but instead of pushing her further he looked back to the shield.

"No turning back now. Lets go." With one swoop he stepped through, Emma following him shortly after. Hoping whatever hunted them had given up.

They marched hard, the wind at their backs and the fear of wolves pushing them forward. Neither spoke, but silence was best. If they were being sought after they would have to tread carefully. They were almost there. Emma quickened her steps till she was next to him.

"Up ahead." she whispered, pulling a branch out of the way and passing him. Stopping immediately. The path had taken a plunge, and she was standing on a cliffs edge. Her stomach tightening in apprehension. It was here. Now how the hell were they going to reach it.

The earth cascaded on all sides, like a large bowl. In the center a jagged spike of land rose. Of course it wasn't going to be easy. She sighed.

"Always a climb." Hook was holding one of her shoulders, keeping her from tumbling down to her death.

"Yep…"

"Okay. Just don't leave me at the top this time." He winked, and moved passed her trying to discern the best way down. The comment made her blush, of course she wasn't going to leave him.

"Over here Swan! I think it's a path."

Sure enough it was, small but manageable.

"No time like the present." She shrugged taking the first step forward. Grabbing her elbow he pulled her back, taking a quick step in front.

"A gentleman. Always goes first."

"I thought that was the other way around?"

"Not when its dangerous love."

Slowly they began their descent, one unsure step after another. When they were halfway down Emma smiled, this wasn't turning out so bad. Get the flower, get the moonstones and done. Half of the mission was almost complete. Then she heard it, a snarl. Spinning around she was faced with a great white wolf. Its eyes scanned her hungrily, and its lips pulled back to show razor sharp teeth.

"Killian…" He grabbed her arm, shoved her ahead of him and yelled.

"Run!" As she turned she froze, the howls of a pack echoing through the valley. "JUST RUN SWAN!"


Oh no! What will happen to our daring adventurers!? Tune in next time, for...more amazing moments of Hook and Emma.