Disclaimer: I do not own anything about OUAT – if I did you can bet I wouldn't be writing fanfiction. All for fun only, no money being made.
A/N: I know it took an incredibly long time to get this chapter out. I apologize for that. I honestly did work on it a little every day over the last month but I found my muse lacking for this particular chapter (not for this story as a whole, I still promise I have plenty planned) and I would rather take awhile then half-ass it. I was motivated to finish this chapter by all the amazing reviews and the many follows/favorites this fic has received. You guys are awesome motivators! Thank you!
Reminder: This fic is rated M for a reason, though nothing about this chapter warrants the rating please just keep this in mind for future chapters. Also, this fic is tagged AU (Alternate Universe) for a reason, obviously ;)
Posted: 11/28/13
Part of His World
By: Morgansgurl
This time around Ariel awoke with a start, her heart beating rapidly in her chest and her breath catching in her throat, an incessant fear inexplicably holding her hostage for a few moments as she registered where she was and the room she was in – again.
"You alright there, love?" came the smooth but sudden question breaking through the silence around her and she turned quickly to face the source, meeting the gaze of none other than the pirate Captain himself. His features were hard to read but she could discern something akin to concern mixed with amusement as she watched him pull a shirt over his head, carefully working his hooked hand through the sleeve and tucking the material into the hem of his leather pants – which she was thankful were already on.
"I'm fine." She muttered to herself but still loud enough for him to hear as she ran her fingers through her red tresses, pushing some stray's from her face. "Just – just a bad dream." She explained a bit more fully as she pushed the blanket she had off of her and swung her legs over the side of her makeshift bed, her bare feet touching the cool wood flooring.
"About anything in particular?" he asked sounding marginally interested as he made his way to the armoire, pulling out and on a red vest swiftly working the buttons closed. For a man with one hand he was very capable and she felt the sudden urge to ask him how long he had been that way but pushed the urge down. The last time she had brought it up she could practically taste the shift of his mood in the air. It wasn't open to conversation, which was easy enough to gather.
"I…I can't remember." Ariel answered softly, sounding unsettled about that honest realization as she stood and stretched just a little bit, her focus turned back to the ground as her brow furrowed in thought. She kept trying to remember what it was exactly she had dreamt about but couldn't recall. She remembered the feelings and emotions all too well, but they were lacking the events and context that had created them. There was a lot of terror, making her dream more of a nightmare. When she was in it, it had felt all too real, as if it were a second life or premonition.
"I would say that's for the better then darling," she heard him say easily as he walked over to the desk chair and pulled on his jacket after having secured his belt and sword to his hip. "You were tossing and turning something fierce last night, I toyed with the idea of waking you more than once when your ministrations roused me – decided better of it." He winked and didn't offer further explanation as to why he made that particular choice and she didn't exactly expect one and she certainly wasn't going to ask. It did make her feel uneasy to think he had been watching her while she was lost to slumber through, no matter how restless. It made her wonder just how long he had been awake before her.
She wasn't completely naive, she suspected him to be the culprit that put the blanket on her in the first place the other day but she had a feeling that that was done more out of making sure she didn't get ill and die before he was done with her then out of genuine concern for her well-being – at least that's how she was going to reason it. She also knew that he had been awake before her all those other times, but regardless, to awake with him still in the room normally preparing for his day was strange and unsettling to her. It felt almost like she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar before dinner when she knew better, even if that notion was ridiculous for her to have given her current situation.
"I didn't mean to wake you…." She mumbled lamely, feeling almost as if she were in trouble for it even if his tone and actions didn't belay that in the least.
"We all have our demons to deal with lass; you don't ever have to apologize to me for yours – especially when you don't even know what they are." He told her easily enough, brushing off her apology with an absent wave of his hook. She watched as he picked up a pile of neatly folded clothing from the corner of his bed, that she hadn't noticed before, and set them down on the desk near her. "You can wear these today; they should fit as well as the others you had yesterday…" He told her simply while patting the pile with his good hand, a distant and haunted look clouding over his eyes for a moment before it quickly passed "Then you will join me for breakfast." He told her a bit more sternly as he turned and went into the bathroom, closing the door a little harder than necessary behind him.
Ariel let out a soft sigh at the order, tempted to retort but thinking better of it before pushing her dress off to pool around her feet – after all she was very hungry and a hearty meal would do her good, no matter who she had to suffer through it with.
She worked as quickly as she could, dressing much faster than before. She didn't want the Captain to come out only to catch her half-dressed `he would be far too delighted to happen upon that` she thought with disdain, so with a grunt of annoyance at yet again not having any under clothing she tugged on the black pants and the red peasant top, tucking it into the hem of her pants quickly as she picked up the black leather corset with a slightly quizzical expression.
At least her pants and top were made of cotton, but a leather corset. `Really?` She thought with a bit of indignation feeling that it was a little tasteless. At least the crème corset from yesterday was a lacy and womanly number that could at least pass for being lady like, this just seemed – a little too pirate-y. With another huff of breath she pulled it around the back of her waist and hooked up the front, only having to adjust the back laces a few times before it fit her form nicely and belted up the three buckles in the front over the hooks. At least the garment provided support for her chest and she wouldn't feel the leather against her skin with the red cotton in the way, she could only imagine how hot and uncomfortable leather against the bare skin could feel. The only time she had come close to wearing leather in the castle had been when she sat atop a woman's saddle for the horses – and it was only the riding boots which didn't much count.
She remembered the discussion her and Eric had had about her wanting to ride like a man with a foot on each side of the saddle. He had thought it absurd at first and after a few nights of arguments and begging he finally gave in with a wistful smile – he really couldn't deny her for long and taught her how to truly ride and she remembered once how she had smiled and felt so free as she rode through the forest with the wind brushing across her face and skin as the scenery zipped by, her lover riding behind her yelling for her to slow down before she was tossed to the ground. She didn't though, she kept on, and never once did the horse throw her off like Eric had feared. She imagined the beast felt as free as her running at full speed and denying the rules of her high society.
No matter how endearing Eric found her curiousness and free spirit there were still times when he would become impatient (even if he tried hard not to show it) at her for her ways, for not catching on to proper society quickly enough. What he didn't realize was she had caught on well enough in good speed, but that she didn't quite like all the rules and expectations of being a princess or a queen. They were often restrictive and overly demanding – she simply didn't care for it all the time. She wanted to explore and learn and just….well live.
"I'll give you a few minutes and we will be on our way." Hook's voice broke through her reminiscing; she noted he was holding out his hand indicating the bathroom door. She wondered briefly how long he had been standing there watching her and a rose huge spread across her cheeks at being caught so off guard. It had never been a problem for her before, she could daydream and fantasize all she wanted in the safety of the castle and in the sea, now she was learning she would need to be more aware and careful, being snuck up on would be a issue later if she didn't reign it in now she was sure.
"Are we not eating here?" she asked, crooking her head to the side, a curious expression on her pretty features. When she was a princess they would always eat their meals in the lavishness of their own quarters when on one of the ships. Roasted duck or lamb would be brought to their room, an elaborate table set up for them by the servants who would make sure their wine and bread baskets stayed ever full. The Captain's genuine laughter at her brief inquisition bouncing off the walls of the room answered her question.
"Most assuredly not my love," he told her, his chuckling amusement making its way into his words "We are going to dine in the galley with the rest of my crew." he explained, adjusting the lapels of his leather coat and running his gaudy ring adorned hand through his stylishly messy locks. It made her wonder if he actually styled his hair that way on purpose for a rouge rough around the edges look, or if he truly didn't care and it just ended up that way out of sheer luck.
When her face blanched at the revelation that they would be sharing the morning meal with the rest of the crew he smirked at her knowingly, as if he was fond of her discomfort at the impending situation. She brushed past him and into the powder room, shutting the door softly behind her before moving quickly to sit at the vanity, feeling slightly breathless as her hands brushed across the length of the smooth polished wood surface.
Ariel took in a shaky breath before looking hard at her reflection in the mirror. It was only breakfast – true it was with the rest of the crew, but it surly wasn't like the Captain was going to hand her over to his men as the morning treat as per his many threats. She remembered her various interactions with the crew thus far and she wasn't keen on spending any time with or around them, and especially not when her goal was to get off this blasted ship as quickly as humanly possible. The less time she could spend around the lot of them the happier she would be.
However, regardless of her feelings on the situation, she also didn't want to incur the wrath of the Captain on the other side of the door – again. Her hand grazed lightly across the wound on her chest that was still glaring pinkish near the incision, the black stitches prominent against her pale skin. The last time she had angered him, it hadn't ended well and she had the physical proof of that transgression. It wasn't something she wanted to repeat.
So she would endure this breakfast with the crew and the bloody Captain. She would put on her brave face and act every inch the fearless royal and mermaid she could be. She just knew the Captain was keeping her around for some reason or other, so all she had to do was tolerate her situation with as much dignity as she could muster for as long as possible until John could make good on his promise to help her get free. Ariel had to start acting like the survivalist she was. With a firm resolve in place she picked up a delicate brass comb and brushed out her hair, the now smooth waves falling pleasantly around her shoulders before she worked the locks into a loose braid that fell over one shoulder – precariously placed to cover as much of the wound on her chest as possible that wasn't already covered by the red tunic.
After washing her face and applying some sparse makeup to her face from the jars set out on the vanity she took in a deep breath to steel her nerves and solidify her resolve and pushed the bathroom door open, taking self assured confident steps into the room and meeting the gaze of the Captain with a determined smile. "Shall we?" she asked lightly, holding her head high and her back straight, never breaking the gaze of the Captain or faltering in her smile.
"Of course milady," Hook responded just as wistfully with his ever present trademark smirk, she didn't even falter when he presented his hooked arms elbow for her to take. She was sure the gesture was simply to make her uncomfortable but she pushed her initial reaction of disgust down before it ever blossomed on her face and took his proffered arm, much in the same way she had used to take Eric's, and she allowed the Captain to escort her out of the bed room and out onto the deck, the cool morning air of the ocean causing goose bumps to raise across the portions of her exposed skin. She took a moment to breath in the crisp fresh ocean air deeply, letting it carry her away for a moment before her thoughts took over again.
The fact that both of them were wearing red and black and unfortunately also leather clothes didn't elude her notice; it was almost as if the selection of his clothes and hers were intentional on his part. As if he were trying to make some hidden point, assert some type of authority, or claim her as his with the similar attire they both wore, yet still she didn't let her distaste show and kept her smile calm and collected as he basically (in her perspective and opinion) paraded her along the top deck of the ship and down the few flights to the galley. There was the possibility she was looking too much into the clothing thing, after all his room was decorated in the same colors, maybe it was just the colors of a pirate in general. Still, she was going to cling to any infraction to assure her hatred of the man – imagined or not.
Below decks, the galley was bustling with lively activity; laughter could be heard ringing out as the rambunctious crew joked about with each other freely. There were three long oak tables set out in the room parallel to each other with oak bench seats, the best kind to make as much room possible for many men. It was discerning at first to hear their easy conversation, as if they hadn't a care or concern in the world – as if they weren't murderous leeches. A very human display of camaraderie with the men packed in close to each other as they ate. It was a very lively unexpected start of the morning.
Ariel did her best to keep both her surprise and discomfort from showing through, but even at her best she was sure the Captain felt the small falter in her step as he lead her past the threshold fully into the galley. He paused for a moment as she took the scene in, her lips loosing the calm collected smile she had forced herself to wear and instead presenting themselves in a thinly pressed line as her displeasure at being among so many pirates rose up and reared its ugly head.
This was not her setting and these were certainly not her people.
Everything in her wanted to head back to the safety of the Captain's quarters, and of course that whim-full desire had her mentally scoffing –since when of all things did she consider the Captain's room the safe place on the ship to be. Every day she was aboard this blasted vessel seemed to compound itself into something more absurd than the previous day. It was both bothersome and tiring at the same time. She was becoming weary of how accustom she was becoming on board.
Her eyes scanned the room carefully as they stood in front of all the men who hadn't seemed to notice them yet, that was until the Captain cleared his throat rather loudly in a very purposeful action.
The hushed silence that followed as the all the eyes in the room turned to her and the Captain was like a bucket of ice water being tossed over her head and she wished the men would go back to ignoring them and horsing around with each other instead. The grip she had on the Captain's arm tightened and she leaned unconsciously closer to him, as if his presence was her form of protection in this moment - and she supposed it was. Ariel pointedly ignored his arrogantly triumphant smirk that resulted from her actions in doing so.
However, despite it all she didn't cast her eyes down, regardless of her strong desire to look anywhere but at the many varied men in front of her. She could feel her unease growing exponentially the longer the silence stretched on around them.
As she scanned the room and the packed tables she would catch a glimpse of someone she recognized and her heart would skip an unsteady beat in her chest. There were moments like this that made her wish she was still a deadly magical sea creature, something to at least make a male pause if he so choose to attack her.
When her quick scan of the room brought her gaze across that of none other than Kamal, the dark skinned bull of a man she had strangled to unconsciousness and tossed down a flight of stairs into the brig was sitting near the far end of the room, his expression unreadable. She quickly moved her gaze from him, yet still she could feel his scrutinizing stare on her person causing a chill to shiver down her spine. It didn't help her confidence to know that she was now very much human, with measly human woman strength. She had the sudden urge to apologize profusely to the dark skinned man but bit it down and kept the facade of her confidence in place even if she felt as small as a mouse in a room packed full of cats.
"Come pet, let's have a seat shall we." Hook said, leaning over to whisper it softly into her ear, taking a few small steps forward and waiting for her to follow. He was leading them to a table near the back of the room and she did her best to keep her head held high despite how much the term `pet` irked her. When she finally started to move after what felt like forever she could hear the murmurs and whispers erupt around the room. It was when she passed the end of one table that a sudden commotion caught her attention and had her heart jumping into her throat.
Max, the young sandy haired boy she had killed while in the brig– no eaten, and then brought back to life had stood up so quickly when she passed by too close to him that he had tripped over the back of the bench and fallen to the ground, sending his dishes flying to the ground in front of her feet and he was now scrambling backwards down the table row on the floor away from her, his eyes filled with fear. Her heart was racing at the scene, and she could feel the Captain's body tense under her touch.
"Get a grip boy!" he snapped, and it caused Ariel to jump at the harsh sound of it resonating through the room. She watched as Max froze in place, biting his lip, and he looked every bit the helpless kid instead of a ruthless pirate.
"S-s-sorry Cap'n" Max stuttered quietly, his voice laced with fear and uncertainty and he glanced rapidly between herself and the Captain. The boy's terror was almost palpable, even to her muted senses. For the briefest of moments her heart went out to the boy – after all she did eat him and kill him then save him, in that order.
"You will be boy, if you don't get it together." Hook threatened darkly and Ariel looked up at him to see that darkness she was all too familiar with cloud over his blue eyes. "Does she honestly look harmful anymore to you?" he asked, raising his voice so everyone in the room could clearly hear his rhetorical question. It was a barb at her as much as it was an attempt at reality for the rest in the room that had once had the good sense to be wary and fear her. She was human now. If the Captain didn't see her as a threat why would any of his men after that declaration. "Back in your seat." He ordered, and the boy scrambled to comply, picking up his wooden bowl and silverware hastily.
"It w-w-won't happen a-again sir." The boy promised, taking his seat and casting his gaze down to the table as his shoulders sagged and his cheeks flamed with his palpable embarrassment.
"See that it doesn't." Hook warned, his annoyance with the lad showing as he began nudging Ariel along continuing to their table. She couldn't help but glance over her shoulder at the boy with a sad expression on her face at his predicament. The Captains treatment of the juvenile only solidified her feelings of how horrible the man was – after all, to her he was just a kid, undeserving of the harshness bestowed upon him. She was tempted to say something, but she was trying to keep up her charade of brave collectiveness, if she intervened now it would surely end much the same way the map fiasco at the helm had. It was just foreign to her to see someone treated in such a despicable manner, especially by a group that was supposedly so loyal to one another.
Instead she turned away and looked ahead doing her best to let the incident and her resulting feelings pass. When her gaze caught that of John's and his easy smile she visibly relaxed and her own calm confident smile was easily back in place – if not a bit more true now. She noticed Doc sitting a few empty spaces away from John and he gave her a reassuring smile, as if he understood all of her worries and concerns and was brushing them away with a supportive glance. Both were a friendly face she was grateful to see in a room packed full of faces she didn't know and frankly didn't want to - in this plethora of unfamiliar enemies.
Hook removed her arm from his gracefully and motioned for her to take a seat, which she was thankful was next to John. At least she could sit crammed next to someone she knew and somewhat trusted. The Captain soon followed suit and sat uncomfortably close next to her on her other side, with Doc on the other side of him. She had the feeling that this was his usual spot between Doc and John, but with the addition of herself now involved it was a bit more lacking in space than usual.
Each time the Captain's thigh or shoulder brushed against her own she tried to move away, but it was of no use because each movement only served to cause her to brush against John. Everyone was seated so close, at every table, that there was practically no breathing room. It was like the only one that understood or cared about personal space and comfort was herself. It was vastly different from the expanse of room she was afforded as a mermaid in the sea or as a princess on land. It was certainly something one had to acclimate to, as it were now she was very uncomfortable trying to fold herself as compactly as possible without being conspicuous. If either man on either side of her noticed or cared they didn't let on.
It wasn't long after they sat down that a man with a dirty and stained tattered white apron (which had clearly seen better days) came out from a smaller attached room carrying a large silver pot swinging by the handle. He spooned out some oatmeal and slopped it into her waiting wooden bowl without so much as a word – a glaring scowl etched onto his features. He stared at her long and hard for a few moments in a way that made more chills run down her spine before he moved a step over in front of the Captain, filling his bowl with the steaming grain as well – albeit with a much kinder expression and gentler motion.
"Ariel this is Chef Louie– the finest cook any ship has ever had." Hook introduced, picking up his spoon and digging in, chewing fully before speaking again, twirling his now empty spoon towards Ariel's form. "Louie, this is our new guest Ariel." He added, stressing the term guest with an underlying warning she didn't quite understand until Louie opened his mouth to speak, a thick accent accentuating his words.
"Patches was a friend o` mine" he sneered – and suddenly she understood the stressed warning on the word `guest` the Captain had used. Great, another enemy that hated her for more than just being a hybrid mermaid - it was exactly what she needed on this ship - that right now was decidedly too small. Louie didn't look the type one wanted to quarrel with – he was unreasonably tall like Kamal, with a body type mixture of blubber and muscle like some sort of linebacker. His fair skin complexion made the black curly mop of hair under his chef's hat stand out even more. He was rather intimidating looking, even with the thin lined mustache that appeared to be styled in a way that curled up the edges.
"I am…sorry for your loss." she said quietly after struggling with what to say, giving the cook an unsure hint of a smile – even to her own ears the words sounded lame and inadequate. She was tempted to look down at her hands that she had placed in her lap, she felt inexplicably guilty over the loss of the pirate she had never known or seen when her so called sisters had attacked the ship. Unfortunately she had learned that no one was going to listen to her or believe her about her role in the attack, not after the Captain had become so irate the first time she denied the accusation. Even if the cook wasn't saying it outright she could tell that he blamed every fiber of her existence for the loss of his comrade.
Louie didn't accept her apology; in fact he didn't say or do anything else as he turned away from the two fashionably late comers, stalking back towards the kitchens from whence he came. She could practically feel every inch of the Chef's irritation that showed in every agitated step he took away from them. As soon as he turned the corner into the true galley Ariel let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, and with forced steady fingers picked up her spoon and started eating.
It wasn't the worst food in the many worlds or decades she had tasted. It was actually better than she expected from a pirates galley but she supposed she shouldn't be too surprised. They did steal and plunder for a living, why would they pass up good food as well as pretty treasures. They were men with illusions of grandeur and probably felt they deserved the best of the best from women to wine and everything in between.
When John set down a basket of bread rolls her eyes lit up and she reached for one eagerly, tearing at the day old morsel like some ravenous beast, an action that brought a chuckle from the blond man. As soon as the first spoonful hit the pit her stomach she felt the full effects of her hunger like she had been starving. The last thing she could remember eating was the apple the Captain had given her, and before that was the flesh of Max. Thankfully the thought of human flesh and blood wasn't at all appetizing or tempting anymore as a human, she was so grateful to be rid of that disgusting craving. No matter how natural Aladdin had said her urges as a mermaid were she was ashamed of that instinct most, and wasn't the least upset to have it gone.
When the Captain poured a glass of wine and set it in front of her she didn't even balk at the fact that he had provided it, and without so much as a thank you she gulped down nearly half the glass in one go – washing down the bites of food she was stuffing her face with. She could care less about impressing these men or acting a lady, she was starving, and she was going to eat like she didn't know when or where her next meal was going to come from. She would pack in as much as she could now so as to stave off hunger later – if it were to come to that.
"There is plenty more where that came from Ariel," John said with a lighthearted chuckle, tearing his bread roll in half and sopping up some of the oatmeal in his bowl with it. "I promise you." He said heartily, amused by her actions.
"You would think we were starving the chit." Hook commented conversationally looking across her at John between his own spoonful's, a comment that had her shooting him a pointed look that was almost a glare and almost a `no-shit` expression, to which he only responded by shrugging one shoulder and spooning in another mouthful of the steamy oats. "You are right to eat up, because you my dear, are going to contribute today." He said lightly through bites, a hint of amusement glittering his eyes at the revelation.
"Contribute?" Ariel asked, her spoon stopping midway to her mouth, her eyebrows shooting up at the revelation. Her reaction had Hook chuckling as he drank his wine.
"Certainly you didn't expect to stay on my ship, eat my food, sleep in my room with no benefits to myself, and not have to put in any work to earn your keep…" he trailed off casually.
"Earn. My. Keep?" Ariel said tightly under her breath, setting her spoon down in the bowl of her now forgotten meal that not seconds ago she was practically inhaling. "In case you have forgotten…." She stopped before her tirade even began when she felt John's hand on her thigh, under the table and out of view of the Captain, squeezing lightly in both warning and comfort "fine!" She snapped under her breath, sitting up so straight that it hurt, bringing her wine glass to her lips so that she would have something to do with her face other than glare daggers at the dark haired man that thought this was some sort of vacation for her that she had to pay for in some way. Like she was enjoying her stay on this vile ship.
How keen of him to forget she was a prisoner, a captive against her will, his prized pet and slave. Hook's reaction to her short lived outburst was a single raised brow, a brewing storm of anger flashing behind his eyes mixing in with his amusement at her irritation. She was sure her outburst, had it continued in front of all his men, would have resulted in the same consequences as that of the wound on her chest if not worse. John was wise to silence her when he did, for in her anger, had she kept on, would have only risen the volume of her voice to match that of her rage.
"Any particular task in mind Captain?" John asked, trying hard to not sound as interested as he truly was. Attempting to divert the direction of the conversation from an explosive scene that would only cost Ariel in some way.
"Captain," she heard the quiet voice of Doc speak up as he laid a hand on Hook's wrist to capture his attention "Sir, if I may have a quick word about this very topic?" he asked quickly, continuing when the Captain turned towards him slightly and nodded for him to continue . "I would be grateful for the extra helping hand, a delicate and gentle touch would be most appreciated down in the stores with all my fragile items and the company wouldn't hurt if you plan to put her to work – that is of course if you can spare her and didn't already have a task in mind for the girl." Doc said. He was the kind of man that earned the respect he was given despite his old age, and he had a way of wording things to his advantage while still acquiescing to the Captain. Ariel imagined in his younger years he would have been a dangerous charmer of the ladies, if not a capable con man.
"That is a splendid idea Doc!" Hook agreed loudly, sounding pleased with the plan, clapping the older man on the back gently and flashing a smile at him. "I much prefer her being of use to you old friend, than scrubbing docks, which is about all I would trust her to do, if that." Hook said seriously and with far too much mirth in his expression. Ariel clenched her jaw at the insult but let it slide, she was going to get what she wanted, what her and Doc had discussed in private and Hook would be none-the-wiser that he was being played in a way. It gave her a bit of a thrill to think that she was going to pull one over on the irritating Captain, with the help of Doc of course.
"Solid plan that, Captain." John said in an agreeing tone, nodding his head and giving Ariels thigh one last quick squeeze of encouragement before bringing his hand back up to the table to finish his meal.
However, through the rest of the uneventfulness of breakfast that followed, Ariel failed to notice the eyes of one man discreetly watching her from across the room.
Well into the day and Ariel could feel the layer of light dust that had worked its way over her hair, skin, and clothes. On more than a few occasions she sneezed when she brushed away a layer of dust off of this shelf or that item. When she imagined helping Doc per their deal of sorts, she didn't quite picture actually cleaning. That however, is exactly what they were up to.
After breakfast, the Captain had allowed Doc to escort Ariel out of the galley down a few more flights onto the lower deck that held his office and store rooms with the understanding that if she were to try anything funny it would cost her dearly, and threats of her supposed innocence may or may not have come up during said threat again.
Along with the office, and a large store room, there was one small adjoining room that had a few cots for the `more serious cases of illnesses aboard ship` he had explained with a grim look on his face.
"I have to say Doc, I imagined a bit more learning going on." Ariel said, a wide smile still on her face as she started returning various books, vials, and containers to the shelves she had just dusted off, making sure the items themselves were clean as well before they were put back in place.
"But my dear, you are learning." Doc insisted, looking at her from over the rim of his glasses with a sly smile as he blew the dust off one of his many books and handed it over to her to put back on the shelf. "Everything has a place and there is a place for everything – what better way to learn where everything is kept and stored then to clean its keepings." He told her with a hearty laugh, but there was a truth to his words. There wasn't a single thing he let her put away without explaining its name and function.
This elixir reduced fevers.
That tool is used for extracting teeth.
This balm prevents infections.
That powder eases pain.
This plant dulls the senses.
That tool is for mixing medicines and potions.
This book has recipes for remedies.
That item helps stabilize a fracture.
Ariel had to admit despite the non-stop cleaning, minus the short lunch break in between, she was enjoying her time with Doc. She was learning so much about his practice of healing, and true to his words she was learning a lot about where everything was kept and stored along with a little about its applicability and purpose. She might not remember the name for everything or the use for it all later, but that was the beauty of learning so much in one day. With each new shelf and each new item her curiosity and knowledge equally grew.
For the briefest of moments, as she surveyed the work of the now nicely clean store room and office, she entertained a sad smile at the thought that she would actually miss this opportunity for knowledge and learning when she made her escape. She took in a deep breath as she wiped her brow with the back of her red sleeve – they had worked up just the slightest of sweat working so deep in the belly of the ship where the warm air seemed to linger around them.
Their conversations up to this point had been relatively safe and nonchalant. Mostly Ariel inquired about various odd objects she hadn't seen before and Doc would explain them to her. If it wasn't that Doc was telling her stories of the various wounds he had treated and seen after this adventure or that. It was all rather impersonal really and not once did he question or bring up her unique aquatic heritage – not that she would have minded.
"Here my dear," he said, catching her attention as he rustled through a desk drawer and pulled out a necklace, holding it up by the chain, the small silver pendant swinging slightly.
"What is that?" Ariel asked, wiping her hands on her pants as she stepped up to him and let her fingers graze the swaying pendant, the silver glinting off the light of the oil lamps and candles lighting the room.
"This is a talisman, do you know what that is?" he asked, and when she shook her head in the negative he continued "a talisman is a special object of some kind, it is thought to have mystical properties that bestow upon the wearer whatever it is inscribed to do – this particular one is inscribed for protection." He told her, dropping the necklace into the open palm of his free hand gently before his fingers closed over the item. "It is yours now." He told her softly as he reached out with his free hand and took her hand, setting the necklace into her upturned palm.
"I couldn't possibly…." She breathed, attempting to give it back to Doc, his generosity too much and surly the Captain wouldn't allow her to keep the item.
"Please, it is my gift to you." He insisted, stepping back from Ariel with his hands up in the hopes of deterring her.
"It's too beautiful, I can't possibly –" she changed her train of thought and reasoning as she set the necklace down on the corner of the desk with a sad regret filled smile. "The Captain would never allow it." She said with a bitter tone.
"The Captain would never know." Doc said with a knowing smile as he picked up the chain again, fingering the silver pendant.
"How could I keep such an item from his knowledge?" Ariel asked grimly, biting her bottom lip. Doc motioned for her to take a seat and she did as he leaned against the desk, a sad distant look in his eye, similar to that of the likes she had seen on the Captain's features, but without all the rage, anger, and darkness hidden along with it beneath. Stripped down to only the sadness and pain.
"This item has been in my family for many generations, passed down from mother to child – seeing as in my lifetime I have lost both my wife and my daughter…." He choked up at the statement and Ariel quelled the surprise that wanted to show on her face at the revelation that this kind gentle soul of a man had once had a family and life outside of this ship. Doc cleared his throat and continued "This was to be my daughter Catalina's, with her passing there is no women in my family to continue the tradition, so I always told myself after her passing that I would give it to a woman or child in need of protection to honor her name – it's what she would have wanted." He said softly, tears glistening in his eyes to the point where he removed his glasses and wiped at the moister with the back of his button down sleeve.
"Forgive an old man tearing up on you like this," he said with a rueful smile.
"I am so sorry," Ariel said genuinely, her heart going out to the man before her that had been so welcoming and kind from the very beginning. She could sympathize very much with the loss of significant other and child and she wished she could share that pain with Doc – but for her safety she had to keep that information to herself. She trusted Doc and believed in his kindness, but his loyalty she imagined if tested would fall on the side of the Captain. It would be selfish of Ariel to put him in a position to where he had to choose which allegiance and confidence he was going to uphold and honor.
"Oh it's quite all right," he replied with a heavy breath "I have long ago accepted my trials in this life. Now it is time for me to help you with yours." He said with conviction as he stood up, walking behind the chair Ariel was seated in, unhooking the chain of the necklace he placed it around her neck and clasped it into place. Ariel looked down at the talisman with awe and surprise, still feeling the urge to return the item that meant so much to the man. Feeling incredibly undeserving of such generosity or kindness of such magnitude.
As her hand reached up to touch the engraved silver dial, the necklace started to glow a deep shimmer-y blue against her pale skin, and she stopped short of actually touching it. In a matter of a few seconds it had vanished from view against her skin, yet she could still feel the weight of it there.
"I hope it brings you the protection it never had the chance to bestow upon Catalina, Ariel." He said with a proud smile. "For so long I have waited for the right person to give this gift to, one that both needed it and would fully appreciate it, and perhaps continue the tradition of one day passing it on to a daughter of your own if you should have one," he said with a playful tone, the heaviness of the prior emotional moment dissipating "If not, then perhaps in your old age you can do the same as I have for you today." He added with a wink when the little color she did have had drained from her face at the mention of children of her own.
Doc had supposed the reason for it had been her young looking self not being prepared for children of her own yet. In truth it was the thought of what had happened her first and only child, her son. It was a topic she had closed off from her heart long ago and she had sworn she would never bear another soul into this world. Like Doc with Catalina, she too had felt the pain of a lost offspring – still did to this day. A small tear slid down her cheek at the thought and she brushed it away quickly.
"I could never repay your kindness." Ariel said seriously, running her hand over the spot the necklace rested, feeling it move under her touch but invisible to all eyes including her own. Now she understood what he had meant by his comment that the Captain would never know, how could he take away something he couldn't even see. She wasn't sure if the new and improved Genie gifted her would age if she were to leave the influence of Neverland's world – for the power of agelessness stretched far beyond the island itself. Ariel wasn't sure if she was ready to accept mortality again, but that was a thought to be mulled over another day, as it were now none of them were aging a day more, including Doc himself.
"My dear by accepting my gift, you already have." He told her seriously with a kind smile. As far as Doc was concerned Ariel was in most need of any protection she could be afforded. Once a beautiful mermaid captured by pirates and given legs, as far as he knew she had been thrust into a new world with no know-how or say in the matter. In his heart he knew it was exactly what Catalina would have done, in all his years holding onto the talisman he had been waiting to come across the right person in need that would be worthy of the gift. As the years continued on and passed him by he had become increasingly worried that he would never come across someone as deserving as his Catalina or any grand-daughter she would have had. As it were, the perfect person had found him. Watching her today while they worked had been a real treat; she was filled with such curiosity and wonder, a real thirst for knowledge that reminded him of his Catalina.
He missed the days when his own daughter had run about under toe, asking every question under the sun the young girl could think of while he worked on his patients. He had imagined the small town they had lived in to be safe, a good home for him and his wife Yolanda to raise their beautiful daughter – he had even hoped to one day pass on the practice to Catalina, social rules about women be damned.
That was such a long time ago.
It was hard for Ariel to imagine that such an honest and beautiful soul resided in such a place amongst such awful men. In her many lifetimes and varied lives, she had never met a single individual that was so true to his kindness and caring as the man she was with right now. It made her ever curious as to how such a person ended up where he was today, amongst these pirates. It was a question she had been yearning to ask since she had first met Doc. She hoped that his story wasn't as sordid as John's own tale, though she could imagine it had something to do with the clear loss of his family.
"I think that is enough for today," He told her solemnly, with a rueful smile as he made work busying himself with cleaning his glasses. "Don't you agree?" he asked rhetorically but still conversationally as he closed the drawer he had pulled the necklace from, heading over to the hour-glass he had turned over when they had started their day, the top almost void of any more grains of sand. "Our day is about finished anyhow, quitting a little early won't do any harm." He said with a short chuckle.
At his words Ariel made to stand and brushed off her clothes as best she could, they weren't too dirty but there were certainly area's covered in the dust they had been cleaning all day. "Same time tomorrow?" he asked as he shrugged on his coat.
"As long as the Captain is willing," Ariel answered with an equally rueful smile.
"I don't foresee him being a problem." Doc said easily, a knowing almost conspiratory smile playing on his lips.
"Just why is that?" Ariel asked curiously, she knew he was cunning in the way he worded his offer this morning at breakfast, making it seem a question while still implying that he understood if the Captain had other plans, influencing the man by letting believe the ball was in his court so to speak. Which it still would have been, had he said no Ariel couldn't fathom that Doc would have argued his point, but then again, she couldn't be sure of that either.
"Well Dear, me and the Captain, we have come to an understanding of sorts." He explained as he held the office door open for her, making sure to lock it behind him, even setting out a hand written `closed` sign, as if it truly were a business and not a room on a ship. "You see, I do the Captain a unique favor being on his ship, I can guarantee this is the only pirate ship in any water that has a professionally trained healer or doctor aboard it's crew. That alone affords me favor." He continued as they walked down the hall towards the set of stairs that would take them up to the top deck.
"That isn't all though is it?" Ariel asked curiously, sensing there was much more to the explanation then what Doc was providing.
"Quite perceptive, but that is a story for perhaps another time on another day." He added, giving her a sidelong look with a playful wink. It seemed as if though he too had secrets that were best kept hidden for now.
When they finally stepped onto the top deck, the sun was already setting on the horizon, painting the sky and sea in an array of beautiful oranges, pinks, yellows and reds. She took in a deep breath, replacing the musty air from below with a fresh crisp ocean breeze. With that action alone she felt refreshed, she had just an inkling of respect for those that had to work under the top deck, with only the first few lower decks having any sort of windows for ventilation.
Ariel walked easily side by side with Doc up to the helm, where the Captain was posted at the wheel. She glanced around for John but he was nowhere to be seen on the top deck or on the half deck with the Captain. They walked a leisurely unhurried pace across the deck, almost as if having a stroll, but that would only put of the inevitable for so long. She did her best to calm her nerves and keep a calm collected composure. Around Doc it was easy to be more herself, to enjoy her time on this ship just a little bit because something about his reassuring nature put her at ease. She could trust that Doc wasn't out to hurt or harm her or to selfishly gain something from her. Ariel trusted him more wholly then she did the First Mate John.
Hook watched them out of the corner of his eye as they ascended the steps towards him. He noticed the very moment when her relaxed posture faded and her smile turned tense – a small part of him was glad to see she was still rightfully wary of him. Another even smaller part of him wished she would be as relaxed around him as she appeared to be around Doc – it made him wonder what had transpired between the two to have earned her cautious trust so easily. Knowing what he did about Doc and his character though, he wasn't all that surprised, if anyone of all people on his crew had the ability to sooth a captive it was him.
"I hope my pet didn't give you too much trouble today?" Hook asked before either of the two could say something first, glancing at Doc with his question and smirking at the way Ariel's lips pressed into a thin line that he was quickly learning signaled her annoyance at the term `pet`. If only she realized her reactions only egged him on to use it more often.
"Quite the opposite, she was immensely helpful!" Doc answered quickly, his tone sounding almost prideful. "I got more done with her help today then I possibly have all week." He added, patting Ariel on the shoulder gently a couple of times in silent thanks.
"That is," Hook paused, sizing up the red headed woman in front of him whose posture was still poised with underlying defiance "good to hear old friend. I am glad she was put to productive use for someone around here." His tone took on a suggestive quality that made Ariel press her lips together tighter as she fought against turning her face into one of disgust. The wretched man never seemed to let up no matter how subtle his sexual comments.
"There is still much I need to get done though, despite as big a dent we made today." Doc hinted conversationally, his voice feigning a heavy fatigue as he adjusted his glasses.
"Of course," the Captain agreed with understanding, there was always more to be done on a ship of this size "You are welcome to have her for as long as you need, until we reach Delphi that is." Hook agreed easily, and his comment brought a hint of a smile to Ariel's face. She would take any opportunity to spend time with Doc learning more things about his craft – and it doubly served to ensure she spent as little time as possible with the Captain himself. Sharing a room at night was plenty enough time around him for her taste, despite being blissfully unaware of his presence in the fog of slumber.
"When will we be reaching Delphi sir, if you don't mind me asking?" Doc asked, looking out ahead at the ocean and knowing it would be time for all of them turn in and the sparse night crew to take over.
"I would say we are about four days out, if these nautical charts are to be trusted." Hook answered, sounding both confident and annoyed at the same time.
"At least we are not heading towards Lydia anymore." Ariel muttered under her breath, but Doc had caught her words and a smile tugged at his lips despite himself.
"I trust you will have the usual supplies ready for when we make land, unlike the island this time I plan to take a party inland, can't very much search from the sea." Hook said, even though he didn't specifically mention the Oracles, both Ariel and Doc knew that was what he was talking about going in search for.
"Of course Captain, I will mix up the usual and have them packed and ready for the voyage at the end of sun down tomorrow."
"Fantastic, I can always count on you my good man." Hook said appraisingly, giving Doc a curt nod, his only physical display of his gratitude. Ariel supposed he didn't often show his gratitude for anything he requested, automatically assuming his orders as Captain would be followed as he designated them. There was certainly a different dynamic with the way in which he interacted with Doc, especially when contrasted to that of Max. At least the way he treated John could be understood, by the blonds own admission they were best friends.
"Now if you don't mind, I aim to retire for this evening, my weary bones simply aren't what they used to be." Doc said, his face still lit up with a small smile but weary none the less.
"Certainly," Hook agreed a mirthful smile playing at his lips as he waived the healer on his way "Rest well you old sod." He called out playfully to Doc's back; in return Doc raised a hand up behind him in farewell as he made his way down the steps.
That left her alone with the Captain. Again. Something she was completely uncomfortable with. Without Doc standing next to her as a proverbial buffer she felt decidedly less protected. Ariel watched the Captain wearily as he worked at steering the ship, waiting for him to say or do anything – it was a habit of his that was less than endearing. As the silence seemed to stretch on her agitation grew and she could see the hint of a amused smirk pulling at the corner of the Captains lip. `he is doing this on purpose!` she thought with indignation.
She decided then and there to beat him at his own game.
"Captain," she said, trying to quell the strain in her voice caused by her agitation at the situation, and she was becoming entirely too used to calling him by his title but found it simpler than an impending argument fueled by perceived rudeness – if Doc of all people still called him Captain she could certainly tolerate it from herself. He didn't turn to look at her, but she could practically sense the way his ears perked up at the sound of her voice breaking the silence, he certainly heard her. "As much as it may pain me to do so, I wanted to say I am grateful that you graciously allowed me to work with Doc today – it wasn't half bad and I actually learned a few things from him." As polite as she was, there was still a bit of her spitfire spark thrown in, especially when she stressed the word graciously with a hint of sarcasm, even though she truly was grateful, she wasn't going to kneel at his feet and praise him.
At that statement, Hook did turn to look at her, his expression unreadable as he stared at her long and hard, trying to discern if she truly meant it or not. His unwavering stare had her shifting her weight from foot to foot uncomfortably despite how much she tried to stay still – this man was so unsettling in almost every little thing he did or didn't do. After a few long moments it appeared he decided he liked what he had heard and seen, his lips turning up in to a smile instead of a smirk that for once wasn't suggestive or lecherous.
"It truly pleases me so to hear such, Ariel." Hook answered, the sincerity of his words coupled with his seemingly genuine smile had her narrowing her eyes in uncomfortable suspicion. That honest revelation left Ariel unsure how to respond, however she was inwardly questioning the motivations of the pirate captain for such a statement. "You are free to retire for the evening as well love," he added, gesturing towards the stairs with his good hand.
Ariel wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth and took her leave of the Captains presence trying not to look too eager as she made her way down the stairs, knowing she would only have to tolerate him later in the evening when he joined her in his quarters, most likely when the sun had fully set and the night watch had taken over his post at the helm.
As grateful as she was to have been dismissed, his comment was still curiously mulling around in her thoughts. It greatly puzzled her, why on earth would anything about her having a seemingly alright day truly please him in any way. It just came off as sinister no matter how she looked at it – now had it been John to say the same she would have taken it at face value for what it was, someone that was truly glad she had had a good time with Doc, even if it had been spent cleaning.
Making her way to the Captain's Quarters hidden away under one side of the helm's double stairs, she still failed to notice the curious contemplative eyes that had followed her every move since she had stepped above deck until her form had disappeared from view.
The lost boy bolted through the jungle at break-neck speed, running faster than he ever had in his entire life. He could feel the burn blossoming in his lungs and a pain spread across one calf and still he continued. Peter would want this news as soon as possible and any delay would incur his wrath.
He jumped over a log effortlessly, and brushed the leaves and branches out of his way easily enough, earning minor scratches along his hands and arms for his troubles.
When he finally hit the clearing of the camp, he pressed on further, ignoring the looks and calls from some of the other boys as he passed them by. When he finally stopped in front of Peter Pan's dwelling he didn't even stop to catch his breath as he climbed up and he pushed the tree house curtain aside.
At the intrusion Peter looked up, his features contorted in anger at the disruption.
"What is it Joseph!" Peter snapped.
"I bring pressing news," Joseph said through his efforts to catch his breath, his heart still hammering in his chest. "The pirates are making way to Delphi, word is they will arrive any day now."
Peter contemplated this news carefully, "I see." He answered, seeming displeased with this change of events before a wicked smile broke out across his face and a devious glint entered his eyes. "No doubt with the help of that interfering mermaid." He said to no one in particular, as he turned away from Joseph and paced over to the window to look out on the camp grounds.
"What should I tell them?" Joseph asked after a long pause.
"Tell them," Peter paused to tap a finger against his chin, "Tell them to let it play out for now." He decided, Joseph nodded and turned to leave before pan stopped him "Also, let our friends know to expect guests shortly – and to deal with them appropriately." he finished. With a curt nod of understanding Joseph rushed back down the tree, and again took off running from whence he had come, he had order to deliver and he couldn't be late.
Open Invitation: Please let me know what you think so far in a review ;) I would love to hear all your thoughts and ideas for this fic so far – even though I still have plenty of my own. Who knows I might include your idea (with credit of course).
A/N: I hope you all caught it, but the Chef in this chapter I pulled from The Little Mermaid Movie (his name is actually Louie). I know it's messing with the time line a bit but I didn't care, it was too much fun to pass up.
Plugs: I am going to shout out a few of the fics that I am loving so far and follow because I think they are amazing and well written, all of them can be found on this site: Neverland, A Cursed Place – by ARCreader / The Trade Off – by LotomoMiko / Linked – by Nenny / Maze – by psychoswan / Poor Unfortunate Souls – by A Bee Cee
Playlist:Dia Frampton –Inventing Shadows / Scars on 45 – Change my Needs / Rachel Yamagata – Spinning in Circles (since I wrote this over the course of a month there were plenty of songs, I choose the 3 I listnened to the most while writing this chapter)
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Copy the bunny to your presentation to help him achieve world domination,
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***Lastly Happy Thanksgiving to my readers that celebrate***