Longer update tonight, not sure when I be able to do the next one as I have a busy few days ahead.
As always please review
Enjoy
:)
Emma realized as she sat with Junior on her lap that the Kid really needed to know that they were one step closer to getting Hook home so she waited until he had finished his apple juice then spoke to him.
"You feel better now?"
He gave a little nod and gave her a smile before snuggling into her front and mumbling "When will Henry be home?"
"Soon" she soothed giving him a little squeeze and meeting her Mom's worried gaze "He was going to see if he could bring you some homework home, would you like that?"
She felt him give a little nod but he just pulled P.B. in closer and let out a sigh "I miss him"
"I know Kid but he will be back before you know it. Why don't I go and get your photos and the glue? You could have your book done by the time he gets home and you could show him."
He pulled himself up and scrubbed his face with his hand "Will you help me?"
"If you want me too" she said with a smile "And you know what? See that book that Gina is holding?"
Junior's gaze turned to Regina and he gave another little nod and a frown "Aye, what of it?"
"While we do your scrap book Gina is going to study that book, do you know why?" Emma asked with a smile.
The corners of his mouth turned "Will it help bring Papa home?"
"We hope so. I wasn't lying earlier, I meant what I said. We are doing EVERYTHING we can to bring Papa and Grandpa home. Just because you don't see us doing something doesn't mean that we're not all working REALLY hard to make it happen. I promise you kid... they WILL come back."
"May I look at the book too?" he asked with wide pleading eyes obviously thinking that she was about to say no but if he wanted to feel like he was helping who was she to stop him.
"Sure" she said bouncing him a little on her knee "You want to sit with Gina while I go grab your stuff?"
"Aye" he replied with a nod and a smile
She pulled him up into her arms and walked over to Regina who readily held out her hands and took him sitting him on her lap.
"Right young man." she said cheerfully "Let's see what we can find shall we? Now I will need your help in some places, your Momma told me you speak some Latin so I may need you to read those bits if you can."
"I will do my best" he replied turning to look Regina in the eye
"That is all we can ask of anyone no isn't it? Regina said with a kind smile as she opened the book and held it so he could see.
"Look Momma, it's a Dragon" he yelled pointing at the page
"Cool, I'll be back in a minute OK. I'll go get your things"
He just nodded but he was no longer interested in what she had to say, he was engrossed in the book and as she walked out the door she heard him saying.
"This spell is no good Gina, this says that it is to close a portal we want to open one"
"Clever boy" Regina cried out "You saved us some time there. Let's look at the next page then"
Regina really was a natural with Junior. Emma gave a smile, both her boys were lucky to have the former Evil Queen in their lives... and so was she.
Emma quickly grabbed the photos and the glue from the floor before collecting the Kid's crutches too and heading back to the hold. She lent the crutches against the side of the couch and put his things on the table before sitting herself down on the floor.
"Do you want to stay and help Gina or do you want to do your book?" she'd let him decide
He chewed his lip for a few seconds before looking at Regina "You keep looking for a way to bring them home. I need to do my book, if Papa and Grandpa are to return soon I must have it done. P.B. wants to make sure that it is perfect so that Papa will be proud of us for being brave when he was gone"
Regina nodded her head and gave him a serious look "That sounds like a good plan, I like it. If I get stuck I will give you a shout. OK?"
"Aye" he cried out climbing down onto the floor where he gave a little hop to get to Emma's lap "I will just be here Gina"
Regina gave a little smirk and Emma grinned, the kid was just too adorable and she couldn't help dropping a kiss onto the top of his head as he settled on her legs. Emma and Junior worked on his book, Regina worked on her book and Mary-Margaret hummed to herself as she carried on sewing P.B. jacket and before Emma knew it Henry was coming in from school.
"Henry!" Junior yelled pulling himself up and struggling out from Emma's legs
"Hey Junior" Henry said dumping his bag on the couch "What ya doing?"
"My scrap book" Junior grinned back "We are nearly done"
Emma was happy to see that he was obviously feeling better and his grin only got wider when Mary-Margaret suddenly declared that she was finished.
"Someone pass P.B. over" she said and before Emma knew it P.B. was wearing a very impressive Pirate Jacket and a little red vest underneath it.
"Take a photo Momma" Junior squealed in delight as he took his bear and turned back to face Emma with a huge grin on his face.
Emma snapped of a couple of photos, she was smiling widely when her eyes fell on Regina and that's when it slid from her face when her friend raised an eyebrow and nodded her head towards the door in a clear indication that she wanted to talk out of the room.
"Right" Emma said pulling herself up "I think that it's time that me and Gina went and started on dinner"
"May I help?" Junior asked immediately but Emma was quick with her reply
"If you want but I thought that maybe Henry could show you what he brought from school for you" she looked to Henry and gave him a knowing look and a wink.
"Yeah" Henry agreed "I got loads of cool stuff for you, come on, sit on the couch and I'll show you"
It worked as Junior was suddenly distracted freeing Emma to follow Regina who held the book tightly in her arms. Mary-Margaret got to her feet too and spoke to Henry.
"Can you keep an eye on Neal, if he gets fussy give me a shout but he's not long dropped off"
"Sure Grandma, no problem" Henry replied with a smile then said "Go help with "Dinner", we'll be fine, right Junior?"
"Aye" Junior grinned
The minute Emma was in the galley she closed the door and turned to Regina "What? Please tell me you found something"
"I have" Regina replied but she wasn't smiling
"What's wrong?" Mary-Margaret asked dropping down onto one of the bench seats with a sigh "I can tell by your face that it's not good"
"Just wait, it's not all bad" Regina replied laying the book down and opening it "This potion WILL open a portal BUT one of the things we need to add is three blooms from a white Jasmine"
"AND" Emma said jumping up in excitement "Surely we can get that at "Game of Thorns", Belle's Father would help... I'm sure of it"
She was grinning now, Hook and her Dad were coming home but Mary-Margaret looked at her with such anguish that the smile fell from her face once again.
"Emma, I think what Regina is trying to say is that we CAN make the potion... but white jasmine only flowers in winter." her Mom sighed
Emma's stomach dropped as she finally understood.
They could make the potion but not for months... Emma felt sick.
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David was happy that he'd dosed Hook with tea again as they made their way across a particularly rough bit of ground. Hook was sleeping but he still let out a low groan as the stretcher was jostled and Robin winced when he looked to David.
"It's not much further" Robin said with a frown "But the ground is quite rough from here on in, perhaps it would be better if we all worked together and lifted the stretcher"
"Good plan" David replied with a nod.
Before too long they were moving much more smoothly. David was happy to see Hook's breathing settling into a steady pattern as he slept soundly and about half an hour later they reached the sandy shores of Mermaid's Lagoon. Hook's stretcher was laid down gently and immediately the scouts were making a fire so that they could prepare lunch.
"Just wait until you try their cooking" Robin whispered as he came up to David's side
"Yeah? What's on the menu?"
"You know I have never actually asked" Robin laughed "All I know is that it tastes good"
"Well "good" will do me fine right now" David replied with a grin "I'm starving"
He found himself walking towards the edge of the lagoon and staring out over the water just taking in the beauty of the place when Robin spoke again.
"Do not get too close David. As Hook already said Mermaids can be nasty creatures and will think nothing of dragging you into the depths of there before you can even bat an eyelid"
David took an unconscious step backwards shaking his head "Why is nothing in this place ever just how it seems?"
Robin just shrugged and walked back towards the fire where he dropped down onto a large log, David gave the lagoon one last look then followed him. They sat and chatted in hushed tones for a while but after a short time David noticed Hook stirring on the stretcher. He thought for a minute that the Pirate was simply waking but in seconds he knew he had been very wrong as Hook practically launched himself upright and screamed.
"JUNIOR!"
David was at his side in seconds, Hooks eyes were frantic and he was hyperventilating as he looked about himself obviously very confused.
"Hey, it's OK" David soothed reaching out his hand but Hook batted it away and tried to back off.
"JUNIOR..." he screamed again looking around the bay "Where is Junior?"
"He's not here" David said quietly kneeling down by Hook's side "You were dreaming, we're in Neverland remember?"
Hook gave another couple of quick glances around before he finally looked at David with wide frightened eyes, he blinked a couple of times before closing his eyes. Hook was suddenly listing to the side, David found himself catching hold of him and he was surprised when the Pirate's arm suddenly came around the back of his neck and Hook's head tipped so that his forehead rested on David's collarbone.
"Gods David... I need to know that he is alright" he whispered
"Well we're in the right place for that to happen" David whispered back bringing his hand up to the back of Hook's head "Just take a few minutes. Lunch will be ready soon then we'll get you up OK?"
He felt Hook give a slight nod but was surprised when he didn't move he just sighed again "The voice is still there"
David didn't need to ask what voice he was talking about... it was the same damned voice that had been taunting him for months so he just gently squeezed the back of Hook's neck to show that he wasn't going anywhere.
Finally after a few minutes he felt Hook pull in a deep breath and knew he was ready to move, once David was sitting back on his heels again and could actually see the Pirate's face he wasn't surprised to see the wetness on his cheeks. David moved quickly grabbing the thin blanket and wiping the tears away so that the others wouldn't see.
"Sorry" Hook mumbled tipping his head back to look up at the sky and closing his eyes again
"You have nothing to be sorry for" David replied bringing his hand down onto Hook's shoulder
The Pirate opened his eyes and met his gaze with a small smile "You have put up with so much already yet you are always there when I need you... thank you Brother"
"Hey, that's what family does" David said with a smile "Now, are you ready to get up for some food?"
"Aye" Hook replied with a nod.
It took a bit of manoeuvring but David managed to get Hook upright and they slowly made their way over to the log. Robin gave Hook a slight nod of his head before he stood up and grabbed a bowl.
"Sit down you two" Robin cried out with a wide grin "Food is ready"
Hook just sat quietly as he ate, David held the bowl for him and was happy to see him get stuck in. Robin and the two scouts chatted about nothing in particular something David was glad to see, the last thing he wanted was an awkward silence. Hook ate the whole bowl of food before looking to the scouts and smiling.
"Thank you" he said with a nod "That was most appreciated"
"You are welcome" the elder scout replied standing and taking the empty bowl before handing David a full one for himself.
"I didn't catch your name Mate" Hook suddenly said and David instantly relaxed, the Pirate was obviously feeling a bit better.
"My name in English is Bear and that is Willow" the scout said pointing to his companion. When David's eyes fell onto the younger scout he suddenly realized that he was little more than a boy, maybe sixteen or seventeen at most... although in all honesty he was probably older that David, Hook and Robin combined.
"Have you encountered the Lost Ones that have returned?" Hook suddenly asked in a small voice
"We have" Bear replied "They came to us a mere day after arriving. It would seem that they were ill prepared for the snow that had been falling. They are back at camp but do not worry they are not free to roam, they will be punished for what they have done to you..."
"You know?" Hook suddenly gasped
"We do" Willow replied in a low voice "The Chief forced the truth from them using an ancient brew made from the truth root."
Hook's head dropped in shame but Bear surprised David when he stood and crossed his arms across his chest.
"You have nothing to fear here Apenimon and nothing to feel shame for" he said in a clear voice "You were yet again trying to help a boy that others would have deemed unworthy but you saw the truth and you helped him to return to his family. It is the Lost Ones who shall live in fear now. What they did was cowardly and they will not go unpunished"
Hook looked up and gave a thin smile "Rapha is a good Lad, he was just a little lost"
"And now he is not and that is down to you"
Hook suddenly smiled widely "Do you know who Rapha's family are?"
Both Bear and Willow shook their heads and suddenly Hook grinned widely "Well in that case I think we should maybe get on with trying to contact Ariel so that we can get to camp... I have a feeling that the Chief will want to hear all about Rapha's Brother and his wife"
David chuckled too, Hook was beaming now at the thought of telling the Chief about his daughter being back in Storybrooke. David put his empty bowl on the ground and pulled himself up to his feet before rummaging in his backpack and pulling out the shell.
"Come on then" he said turning to find Hook standing up with a grin on his face "Let's go see if we can get a message home"
Hook gave a vigorous nod and reached out his hand to wrap his arm around David's shoulder. The sand was soft and easy on their bare feet. David's own feet were in tatters but he knew that it didn't matter, he had to just keep going, he'd get them sorted at camp. They moved slowly and by the time they were nearing the lagoon Hook was breathing heavily but he didn't let this stop him, he just grinned even wider when David stopped and handed him the shell. Hook gripped it tightly to his chest before his smile faltered and he gave a small frown.
"What if he is gone?" he asked swallowing hard
"Then we will deal with it together but have hope Hook, he could be fine"
"Aye" he replied with a sigh "Well there is only one way to find out"
With that he lifted the shell to his lips and blew with all his might, the long eerie noise carried across the water and at first David thought that nothing was going to happen but just as he was beginning to lose hope he saw a ripple and a head broke the surface. It wasn't Ariel but she swam closer.
"What do you want?" she asked in a harsh tone pulling herself up onto a rock with a huff.
"I require your help" Hook said seriously "I am a lost soul trying to find my way home to my one true. My love is in another realm and I have no way of reaching her. Will you help me in my quest?"
The mermaid suddenly looked so pleased, she lifted her hands and grasped her own face "Oh, you poor poor man. Of course I will help you. Now what realm is your love in?"
Hook gave David a sly smirk before schooling his features and stepping forward towards the waters edge. David put his hand out to stop him getting too close.
"Robin said not to get too close" he whispered
"Aye, he's right" Hook muttered back before yelling to the mermaid "She is in a land of Magic known as Storybrooke"
"I have heard of it" the mermaid cried back "My Sister Ariel was there for a while, do you know her?"
"Aye" he replied then added "And Prince Eric"
The mermaid gasped and dropped back into the water swimming quickly towards the shore where she popped up with a huge smile on her face "This is so exciting. Give me your message and I will be sure to deliver it."
"You are too kind" Hook said with a little bow before he turned to David briefly then carried on "My love's name is Emma Swan. Can you please inform her that I, Killian Jones and her Father are just fine? If I may ask a further favor... I need to know that our Sons are alright, can you please bring that news back with you?"
"Of course" she replied with a sad smile "I will return as soon as I can but to get to Storybrooke may take a day or two. Will you remain here?"
Hook gave a sudden frown but Bear answered for him "I will be here, when you return I will send a message back to camp to alert... Killian... that you are back. Is this satisfactory?"
"Perfect" the mermaid replied before turning in the water, she dipped beneath the surface and at first David thought that she had simply gone but she broke the surface a little way out and yelled "I will be back as soon as I can"
"No mermaid can resist a tale of true love, they are hopeless romantics" Hook sighed
David turned to look at the Pirate who was just staring out across the water, he lifted his hand and laid it on the Pirate's shoulder "That's a good thing for us and at lease this way we will know about Junior"
"Aye" Hook sighed again dropping his head to look at his feet and when Bear walked back to where Robin and Willow sat the Pirate added "I'm not sure I can do this David"
"Yes you can" David replied straight away "You would do anything for those boys and my girl"
Hook suddenly looked up and met his eyes "I would die for them"
"I know" was all David could say in return... it was the truth and they both knew it.