Caroline awoke on her little stump, squinting her eyes when light shone through the curtain of tree vines. So she was still alive. Good. The Huntsman hadn't found them. They were still going to be able to find their friends.

She stretched her arms out, letting out a small little groan of sleepiness. Resting on a tree stump did not leave one feeling refreshed in the morning, but it was better than nothing. Caroline still had no idea where they were going, or how they were going to get there. Maybe a look at the map would be a good way to start the morning.

The bag she had used as a pillow should have had it somewhere inside, but when she went to check, it wasn't there. Caroline began searching frantically again, but found it wasn't anywhere in their bag of provisions. Had they left it back where the horse was lying? What if they were indefinitely lost now?

Where was Klaus? Did he have it? Caroline looked around and saw that Klaus was exactly where he had been last night. Leaning against the tree trunk with his arms crossed behind his head. Was he sleeping? Should she even ask him about the map, or would he get mad at her for losing it when it was right underneath her?

Caroline clenched her fists, having a silent fit of anger for somehow losing the map. This was not how she wanted to start her morning! She began swearing under her breath as she carefully got up, so that she was on her knees.

That was when her eyes caught sight of the little raccoon standing nearby, a piece of rolled up paper in his tiny paws. So he had the map.

"Come here little guy," she coaxed him quietly. "I'm not going to hurt you."

The ball of fur just stared at her though, tilting his head at her in confusion. Very slowly, Caroline began crawling toward him, biting her lip in determination. All she had to do was get close enough to gently take it from him. Nothing difficult. Not difficult at all.

But then he made a dash for it. No! Don't run! Klaus would drain him if he woke the hybrid!

Caroline was about to vamp speed to him, but was quickly thrown back so that she was on the stump, holding herself up with her elbows. She looked around in confusion as the raccoon was hanging upside down, a vine grasping his tail firmly. He looked unmoved, his face never changing as he bit the piece of paper. Ugh, now she would have bite marks and animal saliva on it.

"Enough!" an elderly voice reprimanded.

Caroline's eyes widened. What had that been? Who was there? Her mouth opened, and she tried to yell the first thing that came to her mind. "Kl—"

Of course, a vine wrapped around her mouth, keeping her from screaming anymore. What was this?!

"Calm down, child. Do you want to alert the whole forest of where you are?" the voice asked. Well, it was a sensible voice at least. Caroline shook her head, and the vine released her mouth instantly. Wait! She looked up at the tree trunk, and saw the bark moving. It had human features, and in them, she saw an elderly woman.

"Grandmother Willow," Caroline breathed. So they had stumbled upon the exact place they needed to be. What luck.

"The one and only," she chuckled happily. "Now…could you tell your handsome puppy to calm down?"

Caroline's face froze, her gaze moving to where Klaus had been sleeping. He was still within the protection of the vines, but he wasn't sleeping anymore. Instead, he was standing, facing Caroline with his fists clenched by his side, and fangs at the ready. She nodded to him, signaling that she was okay. It took him a minute or so to acknowledge her request, but his eyes eventually stopped glowing, and he only had his usual glare directed at Grandmother Willow.

"There's a good lad," the tree said softly. "Now tell me…what has brought you here? Meeko seems interested in your possessions, which tells me you are not from around here."

The little raccoon smiled widely, still trying to bite the map as if it were food. Caroline tilted her head, digging into her pack for any leftover snacks. She found a small loaf of bread, and tore a piece of it off. The raccoon seemed to hear her rummaging, and his ear perked up almost immediately. The tree vine let him drop unceremoniously as soon as he started to wiggle out of its grasp. Meeko-as he seemed to be named-somehow landed on his feet, and started scurrying over to where Caroline sat. He slowly reached for the bread in her hand, but she pulled away just before he could grab it, reaching for the map with her free hand.

"Trade," Caroline said firmly, making her motives clear.

Meeko's little arms held out the paper to her in a flash, waiting patiently for her to do the exchange. Caroline smiled at how cute he was, and took the paper slowly before giving him the bread. He made a noise of happiness, and ran off to climb up Grandmother Willow's trunk to eat his treasure hastily on one of her branches.

Caroline waved the rolled up map at Klaus, whose glare had faded into a smile while watching her work with Meeko. He began walking toward her, stopping to stand on the tree stump. Klaus offered Caroline a hand, and she took it gratefully, standing in front of him as she faced the elderly tree. Now that the map issue had been settled, they needed to find a way out of this world. Grandmother Willow waited patiently for them to begin, like she knew more than she was letting on. Caroline knew she was a wise tree though. It wouldn't surprise her if the tree knew they were seeking guidance.

"My name is Caroline, and this is Klaus. We need to find a way home…and Snow White said you could point us in the right direction?" Caroline told her. The trees "eyebrow" rose inquisitively, and seemed to think about this.

"Where exactly is your home, child?"

"We…we don't know," Caroline stated lamely. "But we need magic to get back. We don't know who to go to about it."

"I see. How long have you been stuck here?"

"Two days," Caroline answered.

"And you have not found a way yet?" the old Willow tree asked again. Caroline heard Klaus groan quietly behind her.

"We wouldn't be here if we knew that," he sighed.

"Temper, young man. Temper."

"But I wasn't—" he began, his voice rising in frustration, when Caroline placed a hand on his chest.

"We just really want to go home. We have people we need to find, and get back to."

"So you have friends in this world as well?"

"We don't know," Caroline shrugged. "We don't know if they're even here."

"I'm afraid I have never dealt with your kind of situation before, Caroline. My only suggestion would be to go into town and ask around. But whatever you do, do not seek out Rumpelstiltskin. You do not want to get tangled up with him," Grandmother Willow warned.

"Would he not be able to help us?" Caroline asked.

"No. His help comes with a price. He will con you, and he will trick you into doing his biding. There are plenty of others with magic who can help you."

"Why can't you give us a name then?" Klaus asked through gritted teeth.

"Do not give me attitude!" she chided, snapping a vine on Klaus' bum. He grunted in discomfort, but kept silent. Caroline was sure she heard him mutter something about setting fire to the forest, but she ignored his mad ramblings.

"Thank you for your help, Grandmother Willow," she said softly.

"One last piece of advice, my child. Before you go."

"What is it?" she asked, feeling Klaus move to gather their belongings behind her.

"If you ever find yourself lost or confused, just listen with your heart. The spirits will guide you to where you need to be," the elderly woman advised.

Caroline nodded her head, thinking about her words of wisdom. Listen with her heart. That was what Caroline normally did, wasn't it? Did she not always follow what her heart said?

The blonde tilted her head, moving to climb Grandmother Willow's trunk. Maybe…if she climbed to the top, then there would be a chance she could see the lay of the land.

"What are you doing?" she heard Klaus call to her.

"I want to see the land. We need to know what direction we're going in."

"Caroline, we don't have time for—"

Another vine whipped at Klaus, and she could hear his growl of anger. "For such a handsome fellow, you don't seem to have much patience," Grandmother Willow mused.

"But she—"

Klaus was cut off again when the flapping of wings buzzed by Caroline, and zipped toward the hybrid. Caroline turned to see a hummingbird trying to attack Klaus, poking at his head. Klaus' hands moved about, trying to slap him away, but the hummingbird was quicker. She couldn't stop from giggling.

"I think Flit likes you," Grandmother Willow teased, chuckling to herself. "But who could blame him?"

"To think I ever liked these damn birds," Klaus groaned.

Caroline shook her head, and continued to climb, leaving Klaus to his hummingbird problem. Despite being in such a dress, she found it easy to maneuver through the branches. Once she was at the top, and popped her head through the leaves, she realized she had been right. Caroline could see far beyond the forest. It all looked so small from where she sat, looking out above the treetops.

Just a little farther from where Klaus and Caroline were, she could see the small town that Grandmother Willow had been talking about. Even by walking, they should be able to make it before the next night. She grinned excitedly, working her way down the trunk.

When she got back down, she saw that Meeko was holding the hummingbird's tail, keeping him from attacking Klaus anymore than he already had. As for Klaus, he was standing on the ground, ready to leave when Caroline was. He watched her expectantly, following her movements until she came to stand beside him.

"Thank you again, Grandmother Willow," Caroline said gratefully. Really, the tree had helped them out immensely. If anything, they now had a safe haven to return to, in case the danger they would surely face became too unbearable.

"You are most welcome, child. And remember…listen with your heart," she smiled, her face slowly morphing back into the form of a regular tree trunk. Caroline sighed, and began walking away. She would need to remember that.

Klaus and Caroline didn't say anything to each other for a while, walking through the forest until they came to a dirt trail. Once they were following that toward the direction Caroline had seen the town square, she turned to Klaus. There was still something they hadn't discussed since last night.

"Are we ever going to talk about…you know…"

"How you finally cracked last night?" Klaus smirked, waggling his eyebrows. She rolled her eyes.

"No. That's not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean?"

"I mean…how we…I just meant how we almost kissed!"

"You said it, not me," he noted, feigning innocence. Well this had been an obvious mistake.

"Look, I don't want to have to sanitize my mouth, so can we not do that again? I have Tyler to get back to."

"Ah yes, your epic romance. How could I forget?" he asked sarcastically.

"Just don't, okay?" she huffed, storming ahead of him. What an ass. Caroline should have known there was no point in talking to him about it. The sooner they forgot about what almost happened, the better.

This was going to be a very long walk to town.

In a castle off by the mountains, a queen clothed in all black paced around by the fireplace, her robes whipping around as she turned. She had sent the huntsman out to kill that godforsaken wolf that had been lurking in the forest. What was taking him so long? He should have reported back to her with a dead animal by now. Did she have to do everything herself?

As if on cue, the man in question came striding down the hall toward her, a spooked look covering his features. She didn't like seeing such a cute face covered in worry lines. Regina marched over to meet him halfway. It didn't pass her attention that there was no animal with him.

"Well?" she spat, "Where is the creature? Did you find it?"

"Your majesty, what kind of beast did you say was out there?"

"Have you forgotten that you're supposed to do as I say from now on, Hunstman? Or do I need to remind you how powerful a simple squeeze can be?" she threatened. Regina had no time for his compassion for animals. No doubt the animal had reminded him of his old hound.

"That's not why I'm asking," he began calmly. "The man I saw had yellow eyes, but I shot two arrows through his heart! Regina, he didn't die."

"What? That's impossible? They aren't invincible for crying out loud," she sneered.

"He was about to make a snack of a girl in the forest, and he took off with her after I shot him. I don't know if they were together or if he kidnapped her. He's a monster I've never come across before. I don't know how to stop him."

"Then find a—" Regina started to say, but stopped midway, an idea hitting her. "You know what…don't. I want him alive. Think about it," she began excitedly, "A creature that cannot be killed living amongst us? Immortality? I want to study him. I want to use him."

"Can you not find a spell for the same purpose? A girl could die soon!"

"Capture the monster, and you save the girl. It's a win-win," she smirked. "Besides, the only magic I know that allows for such a long life is magic that Rumpelstiltskin uses. He would never share his secrets with me."

"I'm not sure you realize what we're dealing with. What if I die and cannot bring him back to you?"

Regina smiled coldly, walking calmly to her Huntsman, and cupping his chin between her forefinger and thumb. The queen would get what she wanted. This opportunity was too wonderful to pass up.

"Unless you bring me my monster…you're dead either way."

Two days ago

Matt looked around where he had woken up. Where was he?

Wait…Bonnie's spell. What had he been thinking about before she zapped them all somewhere? Surely a farm hadn't been it, could it? Though…popping up near a barn wasn't the worst thing that could happen. Maybe a nice old couple lived there. If he could just find the rest of the group, maybe they could get a meal and some shelter. Anything was better than running from Esther, honestly. He was going to enjoy pretending to have a normal life for once.

He stood up slowly, looking around. The white house looked welcoming, with the white picket fence and lawn ornaments. Acres and acres of land surrounded it, along with the red barn he was beside. Matt looked down at his shirt, noticing it was dirty from where he had fallen in the mud. Now he really hoped someone lived there. Surely with all the animals, there had to be someone. They had to be taken care of.

"Eww," he heard a girl whine from inside the barn. He sighed. Of course he wouldn't be zapped somewhere with anyone other than Rebekah. He had been hoping her and Klaus were across the world. Please let there be someone else there too.

Matt made his way to the barn entrance, opening one of the doors to carefully look around inside. He couldn't help but grin a little at the blonde haired girl lying in a haystack, her face showing how absolutely disgusted she was. Her nose scrunched up as she waved a hand in front of her face.

"I don't suppose you've seen anyone else?" Matt asked, amused by her predicament.

"Does it look like I've seen anyone?" Rebekah groaned, standing up quickly and staggering away from the hay. She looked down at her nice clothes and grimaced. "Ugh! I'm filthy!"

"Come on…there's a house beside the barn. Maybe someone will pity us," he tried gently. If he was going to be stuck with Rebekah for the time being, he was going to at least be civil.

"But what if they only have flannel wear?" Rebekah complained, strolling to where Matt stood by the entrance.

"I know from experience that flannel isn't so bad," he chuckled. Rebekah's eyes softened when she realized that she might have offended him, but he waved her off before she said anything. "It's fine. Let's go see if they've seen anyone else too."

"Where are we even? Besides a barn."

Matt bit his lower lip in thought, looking around for some kind of sign. There had to be something that gave them some sort of hint. He moved out of the barn, listening to the hay shuffle as Rebekah followed him out. Ah, there it was. He walked over toward the truck parked in the grass. The license plate held all the answers.

"Texas," he told Rebekah, surprised at how far away from home they were. "We're in Texas. Now come on. Let's go say hi to these hopefully nice folks, cowgirl."

"Oh god. Don't ever call me that again," she sighed. Matt laughed, helping her move through the grass while she was in heels. He would suggest taking them off, but Rebekah didn't seem the type for sensible.

If they couldn't find anyone else soon, Matt was sincerely going to worry about his sanity.

Fairytale Land / Present time

It was nightfall before Caroline and Klaus made it into town finally. Her feet were killing her, she had only gotten a few animals worth of blood, and Klaus had kept trying to talk to her, when all she wanted was peace and quiet. How many times did she have to say that they needed to forget their almost-kiss?

The square was bustling with people, selling goods and entertaining those who walked by. Caroline smiled, not used to this kind of activity. She was surprised there were still so many people out after dark. Well, it had only just turned dark not long ago. Maybe they would be packing up their inventory soon.

"See something you like?" Klaus asked quietly. Caroline pursed her lips. She would not tell him anything.

"Can't ignore me forever, love," he persisted, catching on to her plan. Ugh.

"I don't see anything I like," she told him curtly.

"Are you sure?" he drawled. Caroline turned to face him, wanting to wipe that smirk off his face.

"Actually, I do. That tavern. I need a drink," she retorted, walking off toward the building she had set her sights on. Caroline heard Klaus following, but quite frankly, she wouldn't give a damn if he didn't. For just one moment, she needed a break from the constant pestering.

"What a coincidence, I do too," he said happily, walking ahead of her to open the door. Caroline tried not to grin. She was still mad at him. No grinning.

But for being such a villain, he was indeed a gentleman.

The first thing she noticed upon walking in was that the place was packed. There were so many people getting drunk, playing darts, socializing, dancing, and singing. Whatever a person could think to do.

"Well this is certainly quaint," Klaus remarked, looking disgusted at all the drunken fools by the bar.

"It's not an upscale lounge, but it will do," she shrugged.

"If you can find a table with all this riff raff, I'll attend to the drinks," he said, bowing his head slightly before walking off to order.

Caroline had to do a little sidestepping and pushing, but she got through fairly unscathed. Besides a few wolf whistles she could have done without. Idiots. They were lucky Klaus wasn't there.

Not that he would have done anything. Nope.

She arranged her skirts so that she could sit down on one of the benches, clasping her hands together while she waited for Klaus. Caroline looked anxiously around, afraid someone would bump into her and be an ass. Obviously she could snap anyone's neck if she wanted to, but that wasn't what they needed. In a crowded place no less. She just wanted to get out without making a scene.

But that probably wasn't going to happen.

There was movement beside her, and she thought it was Klaus coming over with the drinks, but it was instead another man. A very handsome man with short, black hair, blue eyes-surrounded by black eyeliner-that could somehow compete with Klaus', and stubble to match the rough appearance. His dark clothing and sword framed his lean body perfectly. He was the epitome of tall, dark, and mysterious.

"Well hello there, love," the man said. "What's a pretty thing like you doing all alone? And in a place with such brutes."

"Waiting," she said curtly, tapping her fingers on the table impatiently.

"You don't strike me as the waiting type," he observed, his voice a sultry rasp. Damn he was really smooth.

"And how would you know, exactly?" she retorted, raising her eyebrows in challenge. Oh god. He gave her the brightest smile she had ever seen. Someone help her, he was too good looking.

"Are you serious?" he laughed. "The guarded posture, the biting words, the intensity in those sparkling eyes…you don't do the waiting. Others wait for you."

"Charming, really, but is there a point to this?" she asked sarcastically, sighing. She was trying not to get drawn into his addictive personality, and unbelievable charisma, but it was proving to be hard.

"All I wanted to do was have a drink with a pretty lass while I was in town. And who doesn't like a challenge?" the man asked rhetorically.

Caroline looked him up and down, scrutinizing his every action. He didn't seem to be lying to her. Which made her wonder even more what he was up to. But considering it was nice to see an attractive male besides Klaus—and that did not mean she found Klaus attractive—she thought she would give her possible suitor a chance.

"Fine. You can stay," she nodded, giving him a small grin.

He returned her grin with another bright, wolfish smile. "Excellent. Now, who is this man that has kept you waiting? Will he be displeased to have competition?"

"Niklaus Mikaelson. And yes. I doubt he would be very fond of you," Klaus said, walking up at that time with their mugs of, what she presumed, was ale.

"No need to be a bad sport, is there? We can all be friendly," the dark haired man said with a smile. "Tell me, what brings you two into town?"

"I'm afraid that is none of your business," Klaus replied, hiding his dangerous tone with a smile.

"I was only making conversation," the man replied, turning his attention to Caroline. "If you don't mind me asking, of course. I understand if you have your reasons for secrets. I have too many myself to judge."

Well wasn't she in a tough spot? There was Klaus to one side, not enjoying the man's company at all. Then there was Caroline, who was slowly warming up to him. Something about him just made her want to give him a chance. It wasn't just his looks either. But Caroline couldn't put her finger on it.

"We need to find a way home. And we don't know where our friends are."

"Oh. I'm so sorry. Is there any way I can help?" he asked sincerely.

"Leave us to discuss our next plan," Klaus added, taking a sip from his mug. The other man only ignored him though.

"Whatever you need, tell me. I can point you in the right direction," the man said enthusiastically. Caroline smiled, trying to think.

"Well…we need magic. But all the magic here is apparently the wrong kind of magic. Do you know of what would help us get to…you know, another world? I don't know how to explain it."

The man's eyes lit up then, and he leaned in closer to Caroline. She could literally feel Klaus tense up beside her because of it. "I think I know how to help. The magic you're looking for may be in another land entirely. And I have the ship to get you there. My men are around here somewhere enjoying the night, and then we plan on leaving by morning."

"A ship? You could help us to another land?" Caroline asked, not wanting to get her hopes up. What if that was their problem? The magic they were looking for wasn't where they were?

"I'd be more than happy to. But…in exchange, I want just a little of your time. Give you a real chance to know me," he drawled seductively.

"I don't think we need your—" Klaus began angrily, but Caroline interjected. If she didn't stop him soon, there would no doubt be a scene. They might need this man though. Klaus' temper couldn't get the best of him. It would ruin their chances.

"Fine. You have a deal," Caroline said decisively.

"What?!" Klaus hissed. "Caroline, there are other ways of getting what we want. We do not need this man's help."

"It's fine," she assured him, turning back to the stranger. "If my time is what you want in exchange for our ride, then fine."

"Wonderful," the man smirked.

"What land are we going to? Where is this magic that we might be able to use?" Caroline asked.

"Have you ever heard of a place called Neverland?" the dark haired man whispered. Caroline's eyes widened. Neverland? That's where they were going? Like…the second star to the right Neverland?

"Yes…I've heard of it," she breathed.

"All the better then," he said happily. "If you don't mind now, may I ask what your name is?"

She could hear Klaus give a grunt of displeasure, downing the rest of his drink. They really needed to talk later about controlling the urge to rip everyone's head off. They couldn't risk being on a ship and having him kill everyone, just because it was more secluded. Someone would eventually realize they were gone, and start to ask questions. They could always compel the shipmates to forget, and then heal them to hide the bite marks. And...

Wait…this man had a ship…he was going to take them to Neverland…and she hadn't seen his left hand all night, because it was behind his back. Why had she not connected the dots sooner? Ah. Right. It was probably because of the rugged good looks that she hadn't expected to be associated with him.

"Caroline," she said, giving him her left hand on purpose, expecting his in return. "And your name?"

The man gave a devilish smile, reaching for her hand with the very one that had been hidden since he first arrived. The feel of metal stroked her palm softly, moving her hand closer so he could easily place a kiss to it. Her eyes met his, and for the first time that night, she saw the glint of mischief she had managed to miss before. Oh. God.

"Killian Jones, love," he introduced quietly, his voice husky and enticing. "But most know me as Captain Hook."

A/N: So many things this chapter. What is our evil queen up to? (I didn't think there was a spell for immortality in FTL, but if there is, well then this is an AU, so I'm making it where there isn't. Haha.)

Matt and Rebekah are not in Fairytale land either. So now it's just Bonnie and Tyler unaccounted for. Where could they be?

And as requested by some, we have our favorite captain ;) but will Klaus really go along with this? Or will another adventure be in store? He certainly isn't happy about Killian's offer. But only time will tell. Jealous Klaus is fun though. Mwahaha.

Sorry again for the long wait, but I write when the muse says to. Hope this chapter was what you wanted!

Until next time =]