No Place Like Home [Jefferson Hatter || OUAT || Mad Red #3]

Chapter 2

In the jungle, David was cutting down branches as the other's followed behind him, "The ridge is just a few hundred paces up ahead," Captain Hook said.

"You really think we're gonna be able to see Pan's hideout?" Emma asked.

"From there, we should be able to see everything, including where he's keeping your son," Captain Hook said.

"You know, I could have just poofed us up here in an instant," Regina said.

"Where? Have you any idea what's up here and anywhere? There are dangers all about. Only I can guide us past them," Giselle said.

"She's right. Hook and Giselle have lived here before. If they say hiking up is the best way, then we listen," Rose Red said.

"Here, dear," Jefferson said and handed a water canteen to Rose Red.

"Thanks," Rose Red said and drunk some.

"You doing okay?" Jefferson asked.

"Yeah... You? You're here, and not there," Rose Red said and pointed to David and Captain Hook.

"I want to walk with my wife, is that so bad?" Jefferson asked.

"No... But I think you're here so you don't punch someone," Rose Red said.

"Yeah, that's true," Jefferson said.

"You know I'd pick you over any man right?" Rose Red questioned.

"Really?" Jefferson said.

"I stayed married to you when you were sent to Wonderland didn't I?" Rose Red said with a smile.

"That you did," Jefferson said with a smile.

David was cutting at the branches when he was about to cut a branch with thorns on it but Captain Hook and Giselle stopped him, "No. No!" The pirate twins said.

"I can handle a couple of thorns," David said.

"That's dreamshade. It's not the thorns you have to worry about. It's the poison they inject you with. This plant is the source of the toxins I used on The Dark One," Captain Hook said.

"The poison that almost killed Gold?" Emma asked

"Indeed. I used a concentrated dose. In its natural form, death would be much slower and far more painful. I suggest we go this way," Captain Hook said as he pointed to the left.

"We'll go this way," David said as he walked to the right and everyone followed him.

"Your father and brother-in-law's a distrustful fellow," Captain Hook said to the Hatter couple and Emma who were in front of him.

"He's just not used to working with the bad guys," Rose Red said.

"I can assure you three, on this island, I am not the bad guy," Captain Hook said.