It was a great day to be outside in the open bay. The castle was getting to squishy and father was making me get ready for my first presentation. Why did I have to do this? All my sisters did, but it was something they all wanted to do. They all like preforming to the others. I just want legs so I can explore the world above. It looks so magical and from what Jefferson tells me it's full of all kinds of different people but it can be dangerous. He promises though that when I do get legs he'll protect me. I know he'll never break his promise with me. Wait where is Jefferson? He said he'd met me here. I guess he's late. Maybe with Grace or Alice. He hasn't seen her in a while. Hearing a noise behind a tree I jump back in the water from my sitting place on a rock. Sneaking a peek I see a tall man with a hat on his head. Jefferson! As fast as I can, I swim over to him and pull him into the water. He squeaks in surprise but doesn't fight me. He's too busy laughing.
"Hello Ariel, my little mermaid how are you? Awfully excited I see. I have a surprise for you that you'll love. But we have to get out of the water for that."
"We as in both of us? But -"
"You'll be fine and you will love the surprise. It took me a very long time to find it, you see."
Slowly we swim to the edge. Getting out of the water Jefferson squeezes out his hat and jacket. I slowly get out and sit with my tail still emerged in water.
"You still want legs right? Well I did a favour for the Evil Queen and she had to do one for me. So here you go."
Looking at his hand I see he's trying to give me a bottle of something. A potion! Quickly I chug it down.
"I guess that's a good an answer as any. How do you feel?" I felt fine until my fin felt like it was breaking in every direction. Letting out the loudest scream I could possibly make. Jefferson rushes over but didn't touch me. He standing over me in aw what is he looking at? Slowly the pain stops. And I can close my mouth. I look down to see if everything's okay and see no fin but a pair of legs. I have legs! Trying to get up looks easier then it is. After about 5 attempts Jefferson has to help me. Walking isn't much better. After a few minutes I can do it though. Jefferson takes a shirt from his bag and hands it to me.
"Come on before someone comes looking for what the screaming was about." Before we can leave we hear a deep chuckle.
"A little late for that, are we." We slowly turn to see a gorgeous man with black hair and blue eyes. Wow. Realization dons on Jefferson but I still have no clue who this man is.
"Captain hook how nice to meet you. I've heard so much about you. Now what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to see what was screaming. I was very curious and understand my surprise its a young girl. And let me guess who you are. The mad hatter right? Never thought I'd meet you. Oh I've tried. Just never knew to look in Neverland of all places. This girl must be oh so important to you for you to come here."
"If Peter's who you're worried about don't be, he allows me to come. You on the other hand, I don't believe have permission."
"Don't worry about me. Peter wont do anything while you both are here. From what I've heard and by your appearance love, I'd say your his friend the mermaid. Is that correct? Ah the mad hatter and the mermaid!"
"That's correct, Captain.. Um.. Oh right hook! Hahah right hook! So what could you possibly want with Neverland. If you want a mermaid you can make a deal with another. We best be off. Got places to go. Goodbye."
Then I begin slowly walking away from the Captain. Mermaids can make deals and some even have magic. I could have gotten on my 300th birthday, but I couldn't wait that long under the sea. Oh all the places I'll go and people I'll see. By the time I'm almost at the bushes, I'm so lost in thought. Feeling a hand on my arm makes me pause for a moment though.
"Now love, why don't I make a deal with you? Let's see. How about a year on my ship for some help with an enemy? You'll be able to go on adventures and see the world. What do you say?"
"No" Before I could reply Jefferson cut in.
"Why not? This could be a way to see the world! I can finally leave Neverland! Please! You'll come with me right?"
"I can show you other worlds you know that. We could leave Neverland without the Pirates help."
"That's true but how about a few weeks on board his ship and then we will go somewhere else. Maybe even met Alice? Please?"
"Fine, but I don't like this."
Turning to Hook I hold out my hand. "The deal has changed are you willing to make a new one?"
Hook takes my hand and slowly shakes it. "Sounds good to me. By the way love, the names Killian Jones."
"Ariel. And this here is Jefferson. It's nice to meet you Killian."