Hello all :D

I am back with another Chapter - I think it's because I haven't updated for so long - most of usual readers have left! :( So little reviews on the last chapter!

Ah well, the correct answer from the last Chapter is the cheshire cat from Alice in wonderland :) Congrats to Tigmeyers and Kristy267 :) Please check your DocX Connections and accept my invite so I can send you the story :)

And oh well, we shall continue with the story.


Chester, Hook decided, was a very strange man.

He arrived the next day late noon, when Hook almost thought he had called their deal off. His suit still dark as night and eyes still bright like the moon, he smiled a signature side grin, and nod his head once as a greeting. "Why, it's such a lovely afternoon," he said, twirling his hat in one hand.

"I didn't think you were going to be this late when you said 'tomorrow' last night," Hook leaned on his boat at the dock. He realized he was starting to get even more annoyed at the sly sneaky man.

"Oh why the sour face?" Chester simply teased, "I just couldn't get up early enough," he explained. "Now, where is she?"

Hook led Chester into the lower deck of the ship, and ignored the dagger glares thrown at him by his own crewmen. Who would have thought, that they would despise it so much when Miss Ariel was leaving?

Ariel lay silently on the white sheets, her already ashen smooth skin blended in with the sheets. Her bunch of fiery red hair had long lost their fierceness, and dimmed down like a glowing splint. A flicker of green flashed and disappeared, why is he here now? What does he want? Ariel shut her eyes tightly, not wanting to see the familiar figure. The girl who used to be burning with passion and life now lay lifelessly like a fish waiting to be guttered.

"She sure looks like a fish," Chester commented, while shrugging. "Well, a dead one at least," He added, a little disappointed.

Hook tensed up. He didn't like the way Chester put it. "She's just tired, don't talk like she's not here," He hissed through his teeth.

"Well, then, if you say so." Chester moved swiftly, like a cat on the branch of an old tree, he stopped before the girl. "Hello love," he greeted, eyes turning into thin lines of a new moon.

Ariel opened her eyes. Very close to her face was the brightest pair of amber eyes she had ever seen. Sharp facial features framed the man (or was it boy?) fairly well, and the way his mouth turned up at the side gave off a dangerous vibe. However, unlike the thrilling type of danger Hook gave her, the man in front presented her a feeling of a life threatening danger and an atmosphere of mysteriousness.

Who are you?

She didn't even move her mouth yet, but Chester already smiled deeper, his grin wider. "Excuse me for my tardiness, milady." He stood up and took a deep bow; creases forming in this jet black suit that made him look even leaner and taller.

"My name is Chester, and I am a collector of all things fascinating. And I find you, very fascinating." A very vague explanation that he gave, Ariel thought. Though, he didn't seem to be lying.

Ariel didn't bother to move her mouth. Are you here to buy me off him?

"Him?" Chester chuckled. "Have you two got into a fight or something?" His eyes forming a thin line of crescent moon shape again, "How interesting. And yes I am here to buy you off him." Leaning closer to Ariel, and his soft moist lips almost touching Ariel's ear, he continued, "I promise I will treat you well, my little goldfish."

All this time, Hook stood there, watching the two communicate in a way Hook could not understand. What was this? He could understand her without her telling him?

Who is he?

Chester turned around at the moment, almost as if hearing Hook's question. A startled Hook tried to keep a straight face, but really, this Chester collector was starting to creep him out. Chester, however, let a smile play among his lips, and gestured to door, "Outside, shall we?"

Ariel watched at the man in suit and her pirate walk out the door. She couldn't make out what they were talking about, no matter how hard she tried. Was Hook finally selling her off for money? She sighed a little, and remained in a sleeping position on the bed.

Chester closed the door behind him, just like a real gentlemen. His long fingers scratched at the doorknob, and locked it tight. Hook swallowed a little, it wasn't that he was afraid of him – oh he was a pirate for god's sake! – But because of the abnormality and unknown mysterious vibe around him. Just who is he?!

"You were correct," Chester began, "She really is a damaged good."

A wave of guilt crept into Hook. Did me mean…? Certainly he couldn't have been able to tell that just from their little contact previously, could he? Hook swallowed hard, but remained silent.

Chester continued, "but the goldfish has grown on me," He grinned. "I won't pay a lower price, don't worry. I'll take her as she is with the same price I had previously offered."

"I see," Hook nodded. He paused for a while, not sure if he should remind Chester of the agreement they had earlier…

As if understanding Hook's worries, Chester reassured him, "Of course, she will be kept in a safe place with lots of things to entertain her. I am a collector of unusual pets, not a collector of jarred meat."

"… Thank you."


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