Disclaimers: See Chapter 1 for more info.

Killian opened his eyes. Everywhere he looked, it was bright. He checked himself. His clothes were blue, but also red. Had he done something wrong? He stood up, realizing he was on the pirate ship. The colors dampened, right as a man with short black hair and wearing a long leather trench coat and other pirate-y attire approached him. Honestly, Killian thought this pirate captain was a rock star.

"Keep your spirits up, lad!" The pirate captain said, cheery. "You've had a nasty fall."

"Am I dead?" Killian asked the pirate, confused. "Why am I dressed like this?"

"Ah!" The pirate explained fully, "You're not dead yet, neither can I explain the wardrobe change. Rather, you are in an in-between space. You're – how shall I put it – morally savvy, if you get my meaning. Really, you'll wake up soon and this nightmare will be over." He asked, curious, "Is there something you're looking for?"

"Who are you?" Killian asked, demanding answers.

"I can see you're shell-shocked. That's all right. It happens to the best of us." The pirate showed the hobbit his hook. "Killian Jones." He smiled at the lad. "I'm also known as Captain Hook."

"Hook?" Where had Killian heard this name before? Stories, of course! But how could they be true? Hook was here like he came out of a bloody book! It didn't make sense!

"Ah!" Hook smiled again. "I know what you're about to say: that little argument you had with your dad is his fault."

"He thought I was a sacrifice, that I had no choice except to do it. Is that bad?" Killian asked the pirate, deliberately.

"Therein lies the problem: you want to blame your father for his wrongdoing. But if he's a good man, then you have nothing to fear. Perhaps it's best to just let bygones be bygones and move on." Hook made his way up the stairs and over to the helm.

"Wait!" Killian stopped the pirate. "Before I go back, there is something I need."

"Right!" Hook pulled out a small flag and threw it down to him. "Here. May the sea guide you home."

"What is it?" Killian asked, confused. He stared at the flag. It was red and donned the Gryffindor crest. He sighed, realizing he had come to the right ship.

"It's the Red Flag." Hook explained, "Since I am the King of the Sea, it's only fitting this flag came to me. But then, only a brave, brave man would stow away aboard my ship and ask for such a prize!"

"I didn't ask. You gave it to me." Killian admitted, astonished.

"Did I?" Hook smiled a third time. "Well lad, I bid you adieu." He nodded. Killian felt a tug. Invisible hands grabbed him, pulling him back into the darkness. The last thing he remembered was holding the flag, which stayed clutched in his hand—

.

"Killian…."

"He's coming to… wake up, Killian…."

Killian heard his parents' voices grow clearer with each passing second. His body felt heavy, heavier than he thought. He was lying flat on his back, with the spray of the sea drowning out his hearing and the smell of saltwater plugging up his nostrils.

He opened his eyes to a familiar world, a world he was beginning to remember. He could feel his arms and his legs again. He was getting stronger, able to move. His chest bruises had healed, making it easier to breathe, easier to move. At last, he sat up, embraced by his father and mother.

"What happened? What?" He looked at the red flag in his hands. It was still there. "It must have come with me after I stowed aboard Hook's ship."

"Hook?" Aria asked, confused. She looked at Frodo, telling him aloud, "I think we should investigate, Frodo!"

"No!" Frodo shook his head. He patted Killian on the back of the head. "Our son is fine. It was part of the ritual, and now that's done!"

"You knew I'd be aboard that ship, didn't you Papa?" Killian accused his father.

"Don't be too hard on me. I'll make it up to you." Frodo said, smirking. Killian smirked back, wondering if Hook was right: that his father meant well.

"I almost believe that," Killian smiled, glad his father and mother helped him back on his feet. He looked up, watching the pirate ship sail off into the distance. One thing didn't add up: the golden light portal that suddenly appeared on the beach. Godric, Rowena, Helga, and Salazar floated towards it, looking at it with intrigue, before waving to Killian. He waved back, grateful to see the ghosts altogether. "Goodbye Godric! Thanks for everything."

Godric nodded. "You're welcome." He turned to the portal and glided through it, with the other Founders following him. The portal disappeared, allowing Killian to see no more ghosts on the beach. The Founders had moved on.

Thanks for reading. :)

References:

Captain Hook/Killian Jones is from ABC's television show "Once Upon a Time".