It came as no surprise to the three of them when summons for an urgent mission cancelled their shore leave. It was a rush job between them, Liam going to get the top-secret orders, Killian to begin inspection of ship and crew, and Emma who volunteered to see to their packing. She had just finished the final touches to settling back into Killian's quarters after ensuring their trunk was safely returned onboard. Mostly just to make sure it was put in its proper place at the foot of the small bed, otherwise being the subject of his grumblings over "proper places" for the next few days. She glanced around the small cabin happily, glad to call the small space her home. Small and cramped, but it was theirs.
Folding up her dress, she was happy to slip back into the comfortable tunic and leggings and trotted up to the main deck to see if there was anything she could help with. The line of sailors and her husband prowling before them had her ducking back out of sight, though not a man dared even glance her way. Not with the way Killian's intense gaze was scrutinizing over them and the ship.
His pace halted in placed, fingering at an unbuttoned uniform that the sailor hastened to corrected.
"Apologies Lieutenant."
"Its Lieutenant Jones sailor." Killian sighed coolly, his shoulders squaring and voice growing louder. "The captain is in transit with new orders from the king himself. Before his arrival this ship will be swabbed from stem to stern-" His pacing paused as his gaze locked onto a lump that was being poorly concealed. The deck crew deathly quiet, Emma holding her breath as Killian withdrew a small drinking flask from the waist pocket. He turned it over in his hand, she could feel his vile repulsion of the flask. The aversion she never truly understood of that liquor that he always seemed to abstain from.
"Rum sailor?" He asked coldly, turning away before the man could even utter a word. "Does anyone know what happens to sailors when they drink rum?" He paced before them, waiting only a second before continuing. "They get drunk. And drunkenness leads to bad form…if there's one thing that will not be tolerated aboard this ship, its bad form." With that he tossed the flask overboard without a glance.
Emma bit her lip down, knowing she was smiling at the clearly nervous expressions her lieutenant was responsible for.
"I knew I couldn't leave my ship in finer hands." Liam greeted in return, moving from gangplank to ship with ease.
Liam handed over his satchel to Killian with a wide grin. Her husband just looked at the bag in confusion, glancing to his older brother before flipping open the crested flap. From the confines of the leather case, he pulled out a strange looking golden instrument. Emma blinked at it in confusion, wondering just how it was used, but not willing to ask what it was so openly.
"A sextant?" Killian asked, turning it over to look at the engravings along the bottom. A collection of shapes that were indented into the metal with the semblance of stars. "You always were the sentimental type."
"Are those supposed to be constellations on the bottom?" She asked, raising a brow to the two officers. Killian nodded to her but frowned down at them as well.
"Yes, they are. I've never seen strange markings like this." The two turned to glance at Liam who was just beaming eagerly. "Exactly to what land are we headed?"
"I'm under orders not to say until we arrived." Liam whispered conspiratorially, shooting Emma a playful wink. "But brother, this is the mission of our dreams. A mission to bring peace to the kingdom and glory to the Jones brothers."
Killian's grin lit up his entire face, turning with a glance to her.
Hope. Excitement. Pride.
"A hero's journey, that is indeed good form brother." With pleased grin he turned to look down on the half deck. "Master bosun, all hands prepared to set sail! Make speed."
The crew moving around seamlessly, Emma held back to watch. With the few new additions to the crew, she wasn't going to intrude on their work just yet. Instead, she just relished in the blowing breeze as the wind caught the sails and once again the ship was drifting out of port, out into the blue to follow the open horizon.
.
.
"Wait, so you two sailed under Long John Silver?" Emma raised a brow to Killian skeptically. Days passed and the sailing patterns were returning to normal between them all. Liam and Killian were usually pouring over charts and maps, leaving Emma to work about the ship as usual. Bored of just scrubbing, the decks needed a fresh coat of paint, and she was happy to spend the time conveniently close to where her husband was busy charting course.
The way his teeth clamped down on his lower lip, she could tell he was attempting to hide his own playful grin, clearly pleased to have impressed her.
"He was a right bastard. I take it from your tone he was another story from your world."
"Yeah, from Treasure Island. Although I was pretty sure he was a pirate in that story."
"Well, that would explain his cold-blooded character. He was nothing more than a bully of his ship."
His eyes stayed concentrated on the navigation charts he had been pouring over all morning. While she was busy applying fresh paint to the quarter deck, she found herself questioning him again on more details to how he joined the navy. Hearing that her husband served under a fictional pirate was not exactly what she had in mind.
"So, you were working for Captain Silver." She said carefully. "Why did you work for him if he was a horrible captain?"
Shame. Fear. Anguish. Hit her consecutively, sinking in the pit of her stomach with a sickening dread. She watched him with bated breath, watching the pain flash through his eyes at a painful memory as his tongue ran over his bottom lip in hesitation.
"Because…slaves don't get much of a choice Emma." He whispered. Her mouth only clicked open and shut as she dropped her brush back into the pail. Rising, she moved closer to him, brushing a hand along his clenched fist.
"I'm sorry." She murmured, clutching tighter to his hand. His pained smile in answer told her how he was brushing away the memory.
"It's no surprise. When we were younger, Liam and I were indentured servants, call it whatever you want, it was still slavery."
"So, you were recruited by the navy, and they set you free?"
"Not exactly." He sighed heavily. "I was a different man back then, love. A weaker man."
"I find that difficult to believe." She grinned to him, shoving at his shoulder playfully.
"Its true Emma." He smiled, though the expression faded quickly. "You know how I told you I was a drinker, a gambler…"
"A 'temperamental fool' too, I think." She used his own words with an eyeroll. "Really Killian, that was in the past."
"It was in the past, but because of that I cost Liam and I our first chance of freedom. We were sailing with that crew when we hit a horrible storm. Silver wanted to sail through it in hopes of finding a treasure. No one else on the ship survived the storm but Liam and me. It was by pure luck Liam was able to save me, and he was blessed enough to find something that earned us a place in the academy." He looked up, his blue eyes locking onto his brother a few feet away. "I owe him everything, I don't know what I would do without him."
"Killian," Emma whispered, cupping his face to meet her gaze. "You are so much more than you think you are. Watching you even the other day, preparing to set sail, you inspire your crew. You are a great man and leader. With or without your brother."
He cracked a smile to her, leaning up from across the table and wrapping his arms around her waist, bringing her closer to him.
"Aye, because even without my brother. I'll have you." He pressed a kiss to her head, resting his cheek against her hair. "I'll never be prone to that path again with you beside me Emma. Never."
"Lieutenant, I trust you have our course charted?" Liam's lilting voice drew closer, clearly hiding his own laugh. "Or was it a mistake of the king to allow dear Emma to travel with us."
Killian's deepening blush had Emma groaning for them both as she walked by the captain, nudging him with her shoulder.
"Payback is going to be sweet Liam. One of these days you will like someone. And when that day comes, you're going to regret all your teasing." She smirked to him.
"The day I regret any teasing to my little brother will be a cold day in hell indeed." Liam laughed loudly, earning the stares of their fellow sailors. It only helped to deepen the flush of red on Killian's face as his blue eyes looked icily to his older brother.
"Younger brother, please." He huffed. "As for these charts, they are like nothing I've ever seen before."
"No one has." Liam stated. "We are going to a new land brother."
Emma grinned in excitement, eager to see this new world and explore even if it was on mission for the king.
"Enemy sighted at the port quarter!" One of the newer sailors, Collin crowed, pointing from across the deck. Immediately Liam and Killian were reaching for their spyglasses, extending them out in the spotted direction. Emma could only squint to make out small shapes of three ships, small but making great speed to catch up with them.
"Master gunner, run out the port canon." Killian shouted, jumping closer to get a better angle and nearing her.
"Parlay that order." Liam negated just as the sound of a canon fired.
"Get down!" Killian's arm landed around her back pulling her in closer away from the edge of the ship. The sound of a heavy splash and spray on the quarter deck was the telling sign of how close the attack had come from hitting them.
"Whoa!" Liam laughed, as if amused with how a canon landed but two feet away from the tail of the ship. "That was close."
"We'll never outrun them." Killian huffed helplessly, looking to his brother in clear confusion for why his order was blatantly cast aside. His worried gaze flickering over to Emma. "Get below deck, love."
"Have faith, lieutenant." The captain grinned. "All hands, release the Pegasus!"
"The Pegasus?" Emma repeated. Her brow scrunched in confusion as the men began working, releasing a new sail in record time to fall over the main sail of The Jewel. Squinting her eyes, she examined the triangular sail with a dropped jaw.
"What is that?" Killian voiced for them both, his own gaze scrutinizing it perplexingly. Clearly not knowing what the sail was himself."
"That brother, is a sail woven with the last feathers of the legendary horse Pegasus."
"Pegasus, like the Greek horse?" She asked.
"Aye, legend had it that horse could fly." Killian added.
"Indeed," Liam winked. "So can we."
The ship lurched, Emma stumbling back, steadied by Killian's grip on her elbow until she grabbed hold of rigging. She watched in fascination as the bow of the ship began lifting out of the water, leading to the stern rising as well. Not only rising but flying. Catching on the wind to rise higher and higher. The feeble sounds of canons rapidly firing, trying to catch them and send them back into the water were fruitless to the cheers of the sailors.
Leaning over, Emma looked down at the distance to the water, looking across at the beautiful view the ocean had from their height. They were truly on a flying ship! Killian exchanged a smile with her, as the looked down in wonderment until the ship was even brushing out with clouds. She couldn't stop herself from reaching out a hand and touching the collection of water. Dampening her fingers as she drew them back in.
"This is unreal."
"I take it flying ships are impossible in your realm to?" Liam teased.
"Let's just say I've never heard of one."
"Your land is strange indeed Emma. But for now, lieutenant, its time for you to chart our course."
He reached over, picking up the sextant and placing it in Killian's hands.
"Set a course, to the second star on the right and straight on until morning."
"Did you just say second star to the right?" She repeated, blinking at them. The two turned to her, brows raised at her sudden interest.
"That's right." Liam confirmed.
"That's to Neverland."
"Aye." The captain's voice turning cautious then. "You've heard of it?"
"Of course, its one of the most popular stories of all time back home."
"Oh?" Killian asked. "Why is that?"
"Probably because every child dreamed of going there growing up. There was story of a boy that lived on the island, Peter Pan, he lived wildly with his group of lost boys. Never growing old and spending centuries fighting pirates, befriending pixies."
"What child wants to fight pirates?" Liam laughed. "If they are anything like the odd stories you share at night, then I'm sure this land will be much different than what you've been told before."
Emma shrugged, curious still as she looked to Killian with a sly smile.
"Well, as they say, we're off to Neverland!"
Flying towards the second star to the right took on to the late hours of night. By the time they were descending in the dusky darkness, Emma was eager to catch sight of the mystical island she had only heard before in fairytales. Of all the stories she heard growing up, Neverland was the one she loved the most. Flying away to forever be a kid with no mean adults at the orphanage was a dream come true, to know it existed was exciting. But the moment the ship landed in water again, Emma sensed something was wrong. Amidst the dark night, the moon created the perfect spotlight for the island in the distance. Already the air was balmy and warmer than Killian's world, but there was something strange in this land. It was something tangy and magical here, much more potent than the Enchanted Forest. She hadn't realized how she had gotten so used to it, that she could tell the difference to the aura of this acclaimed island that lived in children's dreams eternally.
The waves rocked the ship harder, both by impact and the temperamental waters that were cresting in the distance. Not enough to threaten a storm, but roughly crashing their way closer to the island. Even in the setting sun, the trees and everything Emma could make out on the shore looked…darker. As if the island was perpetually cast in an eternal shadow. It sent chills down her spine.
Since they landed only a few short miles from shore, it took little time at all for The Jewel to move over the waves closer to the island. The terrain of the forest getting closer in view, and much more ominous with the strange sounding screeches coming from it in the night. Emma recoiled at the sounds, each crow digging at something deeper in her, like something that she had forgotten for some time.
"It sounds horrible." She murmured. Killian looked up from where he stood fastening a line.
"What does, darling?"
"The island."
"Just the wildlife, I'm sure. Probably won't disturb us if we don't disturb them." He smiled to her, carefree and calming as usual to comfort her. And it would have been, if not for the awful noise coming from the island that she decided did not belong to any sort of animal, magic or otherwise. Emma moved closer to the bow, holding to one of the sail lines as she leaned closer. It sounded familiar, and it was soft at first before it began getting louder and louder. Each one calling to an empty part of her that was never filled, even with her newfound family.
It took her a moment to remember what it was.
Crying. Children's crying.
"That's no wildlife Killian." She murmured, her chest feeling even heavier now. "Listen to it." Her eyes scanned the tree line, looking for some sign of the voices. Some sign of the children and hopping to signal to them. To let them know that she would help them. She saw nothing but heard the sobbing, crying, and other horrible sounds get louder. From the corner of her eye, Killian moved closer, scanning the island to see it to.
"Hear what?" He asked, a worried tinge in his voice as he glanced to her with concern. She blinked to him. Looking from her husband to the island and back. Maybe he couldn't tell it as clearly as she could.
"The voices. The crying."
"What crying Emma?" Killian whispered, moving closer to her. Her mouth only clicked open in disbelief as she brushed past him and towards Liam. Nothing evading the captain's senses.
"Liam, do you hear that?"
He just blinked at her before looking between the two of them.
"Hear what?" He repeated Killian's question.
"The crying!" Emma snapped, suddenly frustrated with their confusion. She pointed a finger furiously towards the island. "Children's crying from the island. Something is wrong!"
The two brothers shared a look, a mutual concerned look that told her exactly what they were thinking.
"Emma…we don't hear anything." Liam said cautiously, glancing to Killian.
"Is it something from your story?" He asked, trying to find a reason for what she heard. Emma just shook her head, a bad feeling sinking in her gut as she looked at the ominous island.
"No. But I think this one is nothing like the story I know." Her instincts were roiling at her, screaming for her to get them away. To not go anywhere near that island, but she pushed it down.
"Don't fear Emma." Liam grinned. "This is such a sensitive mission, only Killian and I will be going to the isle at first light."
"What?" She and Killian spoke up at the same time. Her voice clearly more displeased than her husband's. The last thing she wanted being the two people she cared for the most going to the island alone.
"It won't be long. We are just searching for something to bring back for the king."
"What could he possibly want here?" She whispered, more to herself than an actual question.
"That's for us to know Emma." Liam gave her shoulder a friendly pat before nodding to Killian. "Make sure to rest well brother, we leave at first light."
Emma only stared back out to the island, wondering where those cries were coming from. Who the cries were coming from. With it so dark, she knew this was not going to be a magical island from a children's story.
"I don't think any good will come with going to that island, Killian." She whispered, looking up to him. "What would the king send you all the way here for? What is so valuable on this island?"
"Like Liam said Emma, its confidential." Killian sighed, taking hold of her hands in his. "I wish you wouldn't worry so much about the king, I understand your…discomfort with him, I felt that way too at the ball. And we will never have to go to another again if that is what you wish."
"It isn't just about that. Don't you find all this odd? The princess gets kidnapped, and we happen to be there to save her, then the king is so eager to reward us. Afterwards then immediately giving you and Liam an important mission to this realm?"
"Emma, darling, I trust you more than anything." He pressed a kiss to her hands, squeezing them tighter within both of his. "Do you trust me?"
"Yes," She answered without hesitation. Her green eyes roaming over his face, trying to depict what he was meaning by this.
You're the only one I've ever trusted. She wanted to say aloud. He smiled softly to her, cupping her cheek with his hand.
"I know, love." He whispered. "Trust me with this then. You don't have to trust the king, just trust me."
Love. Fear. Hope. Anticipation. Love. Hope.
His expression was so hopeful. Of all that he was willing to give and trust in her, this was one of the few times he asked of her in return. He knew her so well to understand the proof she sometimes needed, the affirmation and dedication to reaffirm she was valued and loved by him. He always gave it without question, only taking whatever, she was comfortable to give. Emma knew she couldn't deny him this. Could not deny him the faith he constantly held in her, even if it meant she would ignore her instincts.
She shallowly nodded, standing up higher to wrap her arms around his neck, pressing closer to him. His hold around her eagerly tightened, accepting her embrace as acceptance.
"Come on now, darling, let's get some sleep." He murmured into her hair. Emma allowed him to lead her away, though her eyes trailed on the island in the distance. An uncomfortable feeling weighing in her stomach as they tucked into bed. Emma found herself clutching to him as tightly as possible. As he fell asleep hopeful and content, while her fear never left her brain.
.
.
"We'll be back before you know it." Killian grinned to her hopefully, lowering both of their cutlasses and a canteen of drinking water in the dinghy. Emma stood next to him, her hand clutching the locket at her neck, running her fingers over it as if it was his actual heart she was protecting. He couldn't help but smile at the gesture. He dropped the oars he was adjusting gently into the boat, crossing over the ship to grip her arms in his hands.
"Hey," He whispered, trying to catch her attention. Stubborn as she was, her green eyes bounced around before meeting his, so open and concerned for him.
Worry. Love. Fear. All raging down the bond, even though she was trying to hide it. Trying to mask it from him.
"It's just being in this new realm." He murmured. "Liam and I will get what we came here for and be right back. You won't even know I'm gone."
"Liar," She smirked with a huffed laugh. He smiled bitterly at that as she fingered the locket again, twirling it on its chain. "I'm pretty sure thanks to this bond, I'll feel every step you take away on that island."
"Then that just means I'll feel every right step back to you."
A gagging sound from behind them as Liam crossed into view, throwing a leg over the lip of the ship into the dinghy.
"Do we really need the sappy romantics when we are going on a tropical hike Killian? Honestly, you two would think you were saying your final goodbyes."
Killian closed his eyes to count his breaths, at his brother's poor timing. Opening them to see Emma's stifled blush and giggle.
"He is right, you can be pretty sappy." She grinned fully. Seeming as if for a moment she had forgotten the worries she had of them going inland. He smiled to her in return, resting his forehead against hers.
"Only when it comes to you, love." He pressed a chaste kiss to her, ready to pull away when she boldly held tight to his cravat, pulling in for a full kiss. It didn't last nearly long enough for him, even with his brother and Matthews watching, he always wanted more of her. His eyes opened to look down at the blissful love on her face, as her own green eyes were heavy lidded and looking at him.
"You better." She whispered hoarsely, running her pink tongue temptingly over her lips as she stepped further away. As close to her urging him to go as she would possibly show. He blinked in confusion at her words.
"Better what?" With the smirk he dubbed belonging solely to Emma Swan she nodded to him.
"Come back to me."
His own grin stretched across his face, as he shot her one last wink. "Always."
The row to shore took shorter than a quarter hour for their dinghy to make the shore of the island. Now alight by the full morning sun, held some beauty. Though as Killian helped his brother drag the boat further upon the rocky shore, could see the dark ominous shadows that Emma seemed so worried about.
"What exactly does the king have planned on this island?"
Liam finally withdrew a folded piece of parchment tucked within his jacket, holding it out for his brother to look at.
"A plant?" Killian asked. "We journeyed across the realms for a plant?"
"Our sources say it is full of magic, potent enough to cure any injury." Liam nodded.
"So, we'll never have to bury a sailor at sea again?"
"Now you understand the importance of our mission."
Killian smiled, looking down at the macabre drawing of a thorny plant that was said to cure. If that was what they were here for, medicine that their kingdom could study and use to help people in need, it was a worthy cause. Nothing to worry about.
"This is so secretive I couldn't even tell my wife? I'm sure this is something she might have known about, we could have used her knowledge."
"Are you two lost?" A voice spoke from behind them. Immediately the two brothers had cutlasses drawn, pointing to a figure that somehow appeared magically behind them as if coming from the water. A young boy, no older that fourteen and clad in ivy green. His pixie face was stretched in a smile that sent chills down Killian's spine. He didn't seem phased at all with the swords pointed at him, but clearly amused. "You look lost to me. I'm Peter Pan, I live here."
The two blinked, exchanging a simple glance at the story Emma told them aboard the ship.
"Peter Pan?" Killian repeated.
"Just like Emma said." Liam muttered, his blue eyes narrowing at the boy. The boy's smile widened, and he tilted his head to the side curiously.
"So, you heard about me? From Emma you said."
"No." Killian immediately blurted out, shaking his head. "It's nothing."
The boy ran his tongue along the hollow of his cheek, clearly thinking before shrugging casually.
"Very well. But you know my name, who are you?"
"Captain Jones." Liam introduced nodding to Killian. "And this is my lieutenant. We were sent here by our king to find this plant. Now tell us boy, where can we find it."
Peter Pan took the parchment from Liam, examining it before looking up to them with bored expression.
"Your king sent you for this plant?" He asked skeptically.
"You know it?"
"Dream shade. It's the deadliest plant on the island." He quirked a brow, appraising the two with almost approval. "Your king is really ruthless."
"Nonsense." Liam immediately defended. Killian glanced to him, picking up on his brother's frustration at the notion of their king being anything less than honorable. He was just glad Emma hadn't spoken to him about her opinions.
"Its medicine." He added.
"It's doom." The boy declared. "Why fight a messy battle, when you can kill an entire army with the sap of one plant?"
Killian looked at him carefully, he knew when he was being lied to. A child lying was even easier to spot and this lad was not lying. The pit in his stomach only grew, Emma's warnings and questions the previous night circling in his head. Why would their kind send them here so urgently for a plant? Medicine would be good, but with their kingdom on the edge of war, a weapon would be far more urgent and more likely. Pulling on his brother's elbow, he turned his back away from the boy.
"Is it possible for the king to turn poison on our enemies?" He whispered. Liam's expression turned exasperated.
"Don't be so gullible." He murmured. "This boy is playing games with us, and I'm growing tired of it. Come, we should keep moving."
Without even acknowledging the boy, Liam stormed off further up to the forest line. Killian waited a moment, clenching his jaw in frustration before following his brother. Every step he took increased the feeling of dread in his stomach. This mission was starting to give him a bad ominous feeling. He turned to glance back, seeing the boy waving cheerfully to them.
"Don't say I didn't warn you." He shouted in farewell. His smile making Killian feel sick. With where he stood, and The Jewel so close in the background, he only hoped the lad didn't take an interest in how they knew his name.
.
.
Emma had gone from pacing, to peeling potatoes, pacing again, and now was sitting on deck furiously working with a piece of rope to make another monkey's fist. Killian always claimed that typing this knot was the best way to distract your mind, she however was not seeing how it could work at a time like this. If anything, it was only making her more frustrated as she dropped the coil of rope down beside her. Fishing into her pocket, she drew out the successful knot Killian helped her make all those months ago, that night when she secretly wanted to kiss him but didn't want to get attached.
The bond spiked with a painful of ache of longing, only multiplied from her own.
"They'll be back soon Emma." Matthews sighed, climbing up from below deck. His jacket now gone, and sleeves rolled up. Without the breeze of sailing the air grew muggy and hot. Emma wished she had a camisole to wear instead of just a cotton tunic and leggings but knew it would scandalize the men if they were to see as much as her exposed shoulders.
"Do they often have to do something like this?" She asked, turning the rope in her hand. "Go off into enemy territory alone?"
"Well, no, I believe this would be the first. But this isn't enemy territory. The island looks uninhabited, the most they might have to face is some sort of wild beast."
Her head shot up at that.
"You think they could have some sort of jaguar or something hunting them right now?"
Matthews looked pained at having introduced a new anxiety to her his gaze flickering from her to the island. She couldn't stand it anymore. Jumping up, digging the knot back into her pocket she strode over to the second dinghy already hoisted over the deck of the ship in case needed for an emergency.
"I'm going after them."
"Emma, please, I didn't mean to scare you."
"You didn't. I'm not." She jabbered, working with the pully, thankful that Killian taught her how to prepare one herself incase she needed to get off the ship. "Something feels wrong here, and I can't let them be out there alone."
"Emma, they'll be fine. I assure you."
"Yeah? Well bugger your assurances as you all say, I'm trusting my gut on this, like I should have from the beginning."
"My, my," A new voice crooned. Emma spun to see a lanky young boy, several years younger than her playing with a spare piece of rope. "I like you. You have spunk."
Clad in green and a pixie face, she knew who he was without question. Her gaze flickered from the young boy to Matthews, who shared her expression of confusion, but his first response was to begin drawing his cutlass. The boy just looked at him harmlessly before turning wild green eyes to her.
"Who the hell are you?" The good doctor snapped. "How did you get on this ship?"
"I flew." He stated casually.
"And who the hell are you?" Emma asked coldly. The boy's smile grew as he sauntered closer.
"You already know the answer to that, don't you Emma?"
"Pan." She whispered, his eyes glinting with interest. "How do you know my name though?"
"I know everything that goes on this island. When I heard those two naval officers refer to you, I was curious. I don't like being curious."
"Too bad for you then." She turned away from him, back to working on the pulley for the dinghy. He laughed amusedly.
"Oh, no wonder that Lieutenant is so smitten with you. You're a beautiful spitfire."
"Listen here boy." Matthews sneered, his blade withdrawn and pointed to Pan's neck. "You should be more respectful to your elders."
Pan turned to him with a pleased smile.
"You are absolutely right. I am being dreadfully rude." He waved his fingers and Matthews collapsed onto the deck, cutlass skidding across the deck. Emma's mouth dropped in shock as she moved next to the doctor, shaking him when he wouldn't awaken.
"Wh-what did you do?" She asked once she was assured, he still had a pulse.
"Just offered a nice nap to the hard-working sailors of the ship a break. Guarantee they don't get in the way. Now," His face scrunched up in a sneer. "How did you know who I was?"
"That's for me to know." Emma's eyes narrowed. He smiled then, clearly pleased by her refusal.
"You're smart. Smarter than your other companions that is. Killian and Liam, right?" He circled around her then and she fought every instinct to turn and follow him. She had to play it cool even as her heart rate spiked at what he said. "I've been observing you, poor thing pacing the deck. Like a wife awaiting her husband to come home from war. Wondering if she will see him alive again. War would have been better for them, at least then they would know of the dangers they are facing."
"What dangers?" She blurted. Cursing herself once she saw his pleased expression.
"See Emma, we can help each other. I'm not unreasonable, I can bargain fairly." His eyes flashed cold despite the wide grin. "When I want to that is. Good for you I'm in such a generous mood today. So you share with me…and I'll share with you."
Dangerous. She knew telling her secret could be dangerous to share. But she couldn't risk hiding it and leaving Killian in danger.
"I come from a different realm." She admitted. "A different time."
He raised a brow, interested but not shocked at all.
"Are you a seer there? Is that how you know this place?"
"No, I…in my time you…are a fictional character. Just a harmless boy who plays pranks on pirates and stuff."
His grin was beyond amused now.
"Oh, that's very funny. Here I thought you could tell my future." He clicked his tongue. "I could really use a seer. But it seems your world really doesn't know me."
He turned away, looking back to the island as if to leave when she stepped closer.
"You said you would tell me."
"I did, didn't I. But it appears I was too late." Her heart sank, the only way she was preventing herself was crumbling onto the deck was her catching hold of the deck. No. No, he couldn't be dead she could feel it. But like an alarm blaring down the bond.
Fear. Anguish. Pain. Loss. Fear. Regret.
"He's hurting." She whispered. "But not physically…emotionally."
Pan regarded her with an interesting expression. His gaze ping ponging to the island.
"Interesting." He leered. "You and that naval lieutenant, there's something special about you isn't there?"
"He's my husband."
"Oh, more than that I take it." His grin widened. "How about instead of just telling you what they are after, I just show you."
He held out his hand to her in invitation. Emma looked to the boat, it would waste time to row to shore. Time to somehow find where Killian and Liam are. And time was in short supply, even in Neverland. Despite her gut urging her away, she took his hand. Not caring what danger, she was entering as long as she could help protect those she loved.
A green smoke surrounded them, and Emma felt the surface she was standing on leave her feet. It was only for a disorienting moment she felt like she was on nothing before her feet were placed on uneven, rocky ground. She wobbled, trying to keep her balance as the smoke cleared and she was facing a narrow peak. Covered in thorny foliage that looked threatening along the rocky face while two figures were kneeling in the sand. Her face lost all color when she saw Killian crying for his brother to wake. As Liam was unconscious to the world.
"Killian! Liam!" She screamed, releasing Pan's hand, and rushing over. Killian looked up, blinking at her in confusion and then horror.
"Emma? Emma, you shouldn't be here!"
"Like hell I shouldn't be. What's wrong with him?"
"I…I don't know." He stammered. The confident and controlled lieutenant was stammering, his emotions roiling everywhere just like his thoughts. "The king claimed this plant was medicine, I was starting to doubt the king and Liam tested it on himself. He collapsed moments after."
Emma looked down at the scratch on Liam's arm, black veins were sprouting against his skin, slowly growing further across the length of his arm. It was unlike any poison she had ever seen in her world or in the texts Matthews had helped her with.
"There has to be some cure, we have to get him back to the ship. Matthews will know the best way to help."
"I tried to warn you." Pan swaggered closer, feigning concern as he looked down at the captain. "He'll die as soon as the poison reaches his heart. He won't even survive before you make it down the peak."
"There has to be some kind of cure, some kind of antidote to this!" She screamed to him.
"Please!" Killian begged. Red rimmed eyes looked up to the boy hopefully, making him look so young. "He's my brother he's…he's all I have left."
It hit like a punch in the gut, immediately the bond flooded with tension. The regret he felt at saying the words when she was right there. Emma didn't even glance towards him. His brother was dying, the brother he loved dearly, she understood that. She would make herself. Pan's eyes flittered between them, his grin spreading as if noticing an opportunity.
"Out of curiosity Lieutenant Jones, if you had to choose between the two who would you pick?" The boy asked before grinning, as if this was nothing more than a fun game. "The brother who practically raised you or your beautiful bride whom you love so much. Surely there is one that is worth more than the other."
Something hurtful flashed in Killian's eyes at just the prospect of possibly having to make that choice. His slip was an accident, a moment that he was so focused on his brother he forgot who else he had in his life.
"You can't make him choose like that." Emma defended, moving in front of the two.
"Oh, can't I?" Pan's grin grew wider. "Well than what about you Mrs. Jones. Then how about I make you a deal. There's a spring here that can cure dream shade poisoning. I'll share it with the Captain and his brother, but only if you use this."
In his hand he held up a strange looking bean. At first, she thought it was a plastic toy, because she had never seen a bean a sickly shade of purple and sparkly. But she could feel the magic from it on the roof of her mouth.
"What is that?" She asked, taking a small step back.
"Why it's a magic bean of course. A very special one I enchanted. I control the ins and outs of Neverland. From here, if you use this, you go back to your realm and time, I'll show them the cure. Don't worry I'll keep my word on it."
The grin on his face didn't bring her any comfort in believing that.
"No Emma, don't." Killian argued, though he didn't dare leave his brother's side. Pan only smiled at that and sauntered closer to her, his breath against her ear making her flinch.
"Do you really want him to watch his brother die? Especially when there is something you could do about it." He dangled the bean in front of her, and her eyes drifted down to it.
Already she could feel the grief raging from Killian. He watched her with a hurt expression, for once he didn't know what to do. But she knew. She was willing to die for him. She would do anything to make him happy, anything to help him, because he was the first one to ever be willing to do the same for her.
"I just use it…and Liam will live?"
"If he follows the instruction of the medicine." His smile was deadly. She bit her lip before snatching the bean from his hand.
"We have a deal."
"I'll give you a minute for your goodbyes. But any longer and I'm afraid Captain Jones won't need saving anymore." Pan turned and sauntered off into the jungle, once Emma was sure he was at least not openly watching them as entertainment she went to Killian.
"You can't do this. You can't." He argued, gripping her arms. "There has to be something else we can use to buy off the boy."
"There's no time." She soothed a hand down his face. She didn't want to spend this moment thinking of a plan or anything else. "Get the cure. Help Liam. It'll be okay."
"Not if it means losing you." He hissed, his hands trailing up her arms until he was gripping her wrists to the point bordering on pain. "I can't…I can't lose you. Emma please don't. Don't go. Don't leave me."
"I never will. I'll be with you. You told me that you wouldn't stop fighting for us." She felt a tear roll down her cheek. "I won't either. I'm going to find a way back to you. There's going to be a way back. I promise Killian."
She leaned closer and pressed her lips to his, kissing him hopefully as a goodbye and not for the final time. The bond rippled between them, sad and morose, but still full of love. She didn't want to stop, but she pulled away.
"He's your brother. We have to save him." He finally nodded in assent.
"I won't stop looking for you Emma. I'll find a way to get you back. Liam will know of a way." His blue eyes focused on her, determined. "I will find you."
She smiled sadly before turning to look down on Liam's head.
"Take care of him for me Liam." She gently pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Killian, I love you."
"And I love you." He whispered back, leaning in to kiss her again before a rustling of leaves pulled them apart.
"Such romantics. But I'm afraid the time is up."
"What do I do?" She asked, holding up the bean in confusion. Pan smiled and walked closer.
"It's really quite simple." He started and then grabbing the bean he threw it off the cliff into the water surrounding the island. Emma couldn't even ask what he was doing before he pushed her in as well, sending her tumbling off the cliff and into a formed whirlpool bellow.
"No! Emma!" Killian's voice was the last thing she heard before hitting the water. "EMMA!"
She only had time to reach her hand out to him, wanting nothing more to hold tight to him again.
"I WILL FIND YOU!" She screamed, not knowing if he heard her over the wind. "I WILL FIND YOU!"
Landing in the water knocked the wind out of her, right before she drowned.
.
.
"Don't worry brother." Liam reassured him, moving around in his cabin with ease. He awoke with Killian forcing water down his throat claiming it was from some enchanted spring, and his brother's anguish told him he was a fool to test the plant on himself. Killian's whispered explanation had him furious for his brother who seemed shut off in his own mind. They returned to the ship to see the crew fast asleep, explaining how Pan even got close to Emma in order to whisk her away for a horrid deal.
He could only imagine the pain Killian was feeling as he looked blankly down at his hands, eyes lost and away from the present moment. Liam just hoped that it wasn't a permanent fixture if they didn't get Emma back as soon as possible. Hopefully it was just a form of shock.
"We're first going to see that the king answers for his crimes regarding this medicine he claimed would help people. Who know what else he's lied about. Then, then we are going to get Emma back."
"How?" Killian's voice was empty, and he looked up to his older brother. Liam almost winced at the hurt on his face already.
"We are going back to the port, the one where the girl told your fortune. She can help us." Killian's brow crinkled in confusion.
"How? You thought she was nothing more than a swindler."
"There's more to that night that I didn't tell you. But there is something you should know." Liam stopped before him. "I went back to her that night and asked about your soul mate. She told me some things, but I asked her if there was a way you could meet your lass sooner. And she gave me a spell of sorts. I spell I think that summoned Emma. Emma landed out of time and in another world to meet you because of it, it was the strongest form of magic I had seen."
"You did that?"
"Aye brother. And I'll do it again. I don't care if I have to sell my soul to get her to provide another spell, but she can do it." His face crumpled in despair. "I've meant to tell Emma. I am ashamed to say…I never could work up the courage to tell her I was the one responsible from dragging her across the realms. But it was to meet you, and you two have become so happy together. I don't regret doing it if it meant giving you both a chance to experience that kind of love."
"She will forgive you for that brother." Killian's lips twitched into a smile as he clapped a hand onto his brother's shoulders. "I know it. You give me hope that there is a way."
"All hands brace for landing." Their helmsman called. The two lifted up, grabbing hold of the crossbeams of the cabin when they felt the ship hit the water. Killian rushed to the window, glancing out to confirm they were back home when Liam crashed to the ground, letting out a strangled cry.
"Liam?" Killian asked before his older brother slumped forward into his arms. "Liam! No! No! No! Help! Somebody help!"
"Forget about me." Liam choked, feeling the same pain of the poison ignite to life in his body. He knew he was a dead man, knew that there was little else he could do for his beloved brother other than giving him what he needed most. "Find the girl. Get Emma back."
"I will brother. I will." Killian sobbed, holding him close. "Just don't leave me."
Liam could only offer a smile, his vision blurring. The black veins crawled up his neck to his face.
"I love you Killian." And then he slumped in his little brother's arms. Dead.
Epilogue
Killian stood, watching as the wrapped bundle that held his brother's body was thrown into the ocean. Buried like a true sailor, he watched Liam disappear into the blue. He felt hollow inside now. First Emma, now Liam, he was alone. How did this come to happen? Less than a week ago the three of them were together and happy on this ship as a happy little family. Now? Now he lost them both on the same day, by the same cursed island. Neverland.
It wasn't the island's fault though. It was just a nightmare playground full of poison and sick twisted little boys who thought it was fun to make people choose between who they loved. It was his fault! Anger. Pure anger and rage boiled within him. An anger he hadn't felt since before he met Emma. Familiar it was, coming back through him and coaxing him to lash out. Coaxing him to fight and make someone else suffer. But he wasn't going to go back to that cursed land. He wasn't going to fight the demon. There was someone else to blame. Someone else who sent them to that accursed island no doubt already knowing the trouble that awaited there.
The king.
"This belongs to you now…Captain." Smith, the bosun offered up the satchel. His brother's satchel. No men objected to the use of title, a unanimous vote that he was to lead them. He took hold of it, running his hand over the engraving.
"You'll never leave my side…brother." He whispered in farewell. His heart was aching. Raw and growing with something bitter and dark. Liam was gone. Emma was gone. He was all alone. All alone with nothing but the crude reminder of what was on this ship for all that he lost in a single day.
"We are sworn…to serve the king and the realm." He gritted, taking hold of one of the torches. The men watching with varying looks of confusion. "They sent us to retrieve an unthinkable poison. One that killed our dear captain."
His voice was raising, just as the shocks of horror flashed around. Running across the deck to the main mast, he took hold of the rigging, pulling himself higher up to look down to the crew.
"Never again. Shall anyone set sail to that accursed land." He spat, lifting the torch to catch the ending feathers of the Pegasus sail. In a storm of ash it ignited, raining down bits of ember and black soot feathers. "And never again shall we take such orders!"
Concerned expressions drifted from several crew members. Several older ones loyal to the crown just as Liam had been. Just as he had foolishly been. Emma was right all along. She saw what that filth was on the throne. And he was blinded by loyalty to a man that didn't care for the value of life.
"And never again shall we fight his wars! That is the way of dishonor! And all of you who disagree, flee now, or walk the bloody plank!" A few hoots of agreement, several men nodding along in agreement. They cared for their captain. They cared for the beautiful girl that toiled with them on this ship and shared stories of her world. "But those who stay will be free men! And I will be your Captain."
Cheers, several lifting their own torches in agreement.
We shall sail under the crimson flag, and we will give our enemies no quarter. We'll take what we please! And we live by our own rules, for that is the best form of all! Our kingdom is corrupt and immoral!" He spat. His blood boiling. "They took my brother from me. My wife sacrificed herself in hopes to save him for naught. They were everything I had! And now I'm going to take everything they've got! Starting with this ship! Bring the pain from below! We'll rename this vessel. We no longer sail as The Jewel of the Realm, now we sail as The Jolly Roger!"
He stripped off his coat, tossing it aside as others followed suit. Stripping off their naval uniforms, casting it into the water. Everyone on board cheering in agreement to his speech.
"When we come for them, I want them to know exactly what we are. Pirates! For at least among thieved there is honor!"
"Long live Captain Jones!" Smith shouted, earning the start of a new chant around the deck.
"Captain Jones, Captain Jones, Captain Jones." It should have filled him with pride, but it just made him feel emptier. The only recognition that name brought other than his brother, was the memory of when he heard it last. In a port on that night.
"Your destiny is the sail the seas, freely and you will be known by every man, woman, and child as one of the greatest sea captains across the realms."
His teeth ground together at her baiting. Legend, she called him. He thought she meant through the navy, but the witch truly did prove capable of seeing the future. Liam said she brought Emma to him, he knew the first thing Captain Jones was going to make legend. He was going to make her give his wife back to him.