I couldn't help but continually check the package from Anton while Smee and the rest of my old crew prepared the most sea worthy vessel in Storybrooke for a voyage. The giant and I had bonded during the "lost year" over our mutual concern for Emma. He has continued planting his beans even when he started moonlighting in the mines seeking the magical diamonds with the dwarves.
The beans were useless in the Enchanted Forest while it was under Pan's curse, but here, they worked once more. My mate Marcus had already taken a test trip. He was able to travel there and back again. Anton was thrilled and had given me half of his first harvest. The rest of the beans would allow those who wished to travel back to the Enchanted Forest to do so at their own pace as opposed to being ripped back and forced by powers outside of their control.
All was set now. My goodbyes had been said. I have left a package for David and Snow. The enclosed letter was short, but it told them how to get a hold of me if needed. They had enough magic users around to get the magic mirrors working again. Emma had proven that on at least one occasion. Should they be in danger, I was certain that they had the means to notify me.
I consoled myself with the understanding that I wasn't leaving forever, but just for a time as I took care of unfinished business. If I kept telling myself that lie, I might one day even believe it.
"We are ready Captain." Called Smee.
I reluctantly turned towards the rusty pieces of metal this land arrogantly called a ship, determined to make this work.
"Hook! Wait!" My angel's voice reached me as my feet reached the gangplank. I halted my steps and turned to silently watch her run towards me.
"Where are you going?" She asked.
"To save a maroon prince and his love back in the Enchanted Forest." I answered straightforwardly. "What does it matter?"
"You're just going to leave?"
"My goodbyes are said. Those who need to know, are aware of how to reach me, but yes, I have no place here and I am ready to start finding my place." Proud of myself for not letting my voice or resolve break just at the sight of her, but she had been clear, she did not and could not love me.
She seemed startled at my coldness and her shocked tone when we spoke again confirmed it.
"But leaving."
"Milady," I said with a bow worthy of the queen she would someday be. "I am now as I have been for over a year, your faithful servant, but I will no longer presume to be anything else. Also, as you and yours are safe, my services are not needed here. Are they?" I couldn't help but hope with the question.
"You're right. You aren't needed here anymore." She said with as cold a tone as I had spoken to her.
I turned and boarded.
"Say the word and I'll come back." I called back to her as we set sail, the portal opening in front of us.
She watched us leave. Never taking her eyes off me and I was mesmerized as well, hoping for her to say anything. One word would have had me jumping ship, but her mouth stayed motionless.
As we entered the portal, all sight of her was lost as the whirlpool obscured my vision. All hope that remained, dashed to be washed away in the sea that swirled around me.
A/N I was going to end it on that sad note, but then I got pulled into fanvideos and the hope returned. Thank you for the inspiration :) Please post if you want me to continue. Emma was just so mean to Hook during the entire episode of 3x20, that I want Hook to stand up to Emma saying I'm not your whipping boy even if that means that I have to leave for a while.