{ Dreamshade }

•Chapter 65•

"So we just hand him over?" Killian questioned. Y/n nodded as she sat on top of the counter. "I told Hades I would have a special offer for him." She explained. "The only thing is, he knows we're here. He knows what we're up to. He might try to stop us." Pan cut in. Killian turned to look at Pan. "He might?" He asked. Pan leaned against the countertop and folded his arms over his chest. "He would have to offer a soul that is of more value to Hades than his soul or mine," Pan explained. Killian let out a deep sigh. "That's why I'm offering him Rumple's." Y/n added. Killian nodded. "Personal value?" He guessed. "I believe so. Besides, it's a soul he has harvested before. The imp just managed to slip out somehow." Y/n replied. "There's a lot of value in that too," Pan added. Killian nodded again. "All right, but what about Emma? And the others?" Killian questioned, "They will not be pleased to see him instead of Rumplestiltskin." He pointed out. Y/n looked at Pan. "He has a point." She said, "We can't disguise him. I can't explain it, but Emma has a sharp eye. She can see through a lot of lies. We cannot risk it." She continued. Killian smiled proudly. "Aye, her superpower. That's what she calls it." He spoke quietly. He had a small blush on his cheeks as he thought about the blonde woman. Pan turned to the Lost Girl. "Emma already knows I traded Regina's life for Killian's. If Rumple disappears they are going to ask questions. Especially Emma." She reminds her boyfriend. Pan sighed. "Talk about a rock in a hard place." He whispered. "If she knows you're back we're dead. For real this time." Y/n added. The three sat in silence for a couple of minutes. How were they going to get this done? There was no way. And they didn't have much time left. Suddenly, Killian raised his head. "I might have an idea." He said. 

"Rumplestiltskin, what a nice surprise." The God of the Underworld greeted him. Rumplestiltskin walked with slow steps. He had somehow escaped Pan's prison. Honestly, Hades didn't care much for the explanation. He only cared for what he had to offer. Because let's face it, everyone comes down here to make a deal with the God of the Underworld. Hades twirled his glass in his hand. A pleasant smile was planted on his lips. "I need to have a word with you," Rumple said. Hades raised his eyebrows. "I'm guessing this is about your soul," Hades replied. "I want to make sure it's secure. No trades will be done with it." Rumple continued. The God of the Underworld chuckled. "Oh, Rumple, we both know that's not how this works. I'm the ruler here. I'm holding the strings. I make the deals." He added. His last words came out in a dark tone. Rumple noticed a few sparks in his hair. "I'm aware of that," Rumple replied. Hades set his glass on the table that stood next to his seat. His throne. "The girl came to offer you a deal. An exchange. Peter Pan's soul for mine." Rumple added. Hades nodded. "Indeed. And a nice deal too. One I am prepared to make." He smiled. "And I have come to make you a different offer. A better one." Rumple replied. Hades looked at him. "Do tell." He replied. Rumple took a few steps closer to the god. "We both know there is someone down here whose soul you value more than mine." Rumple started. Hades narrowed his eyes, listening closely to the words coming out of Rumple's mouth. "Emma Swan, the savior, daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. She must be quite valuable to you." Rumple said. The God of the Underworld sat up straight. He folded his hands together. "You're saying you have Emma Swan's soul. And you're willing to trade it for-" He said. "For securing my own. Yes." Rumple said, cutting him off. 

"Telling the truth?" Pan said. Killian nodded in response. "No," Y/n said. She shook her head and hopped off the counter. "The last time I told the truth, the whole town turned on me. This is about gaining their trust, not losing it again." Y/n tells the pirate. "I'm afraid it's a bit late for that, Y/n," Killian replied. Y/n sighed and folded her arms over her chest. "But it's the best we can do." The pirate started, "Telling them Regina killed me, and that you traded her soul for mine, might gain some of their trust. They might understand why you did it." He continued. Y/n rolled her eyes. "Emma won't go for it." Pan cut in. The demon glanced at Y/n for a quick second. He turned back to the pirate. "Besides, she would still have to explain Rumple's disappearance." He added. "Unless we convince them to leave him," Killian replied. Y/n furrowed her eyebrows. "What are you talking about?" She asked him. "Well, we could convince them that Rumplestiltskin put up a fight. That he came down here to kill me. That his rage took over again." Killian said. "So, you want us to tell the truth... and lie?" Pan questioned. Killian nodded. The Lost Boy and Girl turned towards each other. Y/n's eyes were a bit bigger. They were also filled with hope. "It's actually really clever." She tells him. Pan nodded in response. The two teenagers turned to the pirate. "I'm impressed," Pan said. Killian smiled proudly. "Thank you." He replied. Pan turned back to Y/n. He cupped her face in his hands. He leaned in and pressed his lips against her nose. "I love you." He whispered. Y/n blushed and smiled brightly. "I love you too." She whispered back. Pan turned to Killian again. "I cannot thank you enough, Killian. Without you, we would've been separated forever," he said. The Lost Boy stuck out his hand. Killian smiled and shook his hand with his own. "Drinks!" Y/n exclaimed. She turned around and started to search the cabinets for more glasses.

A few minutes later, Y/n left for the bathroom. Pan and Killian were left standing in the kitchen by themselves. Killian cleared his throat, gaining Pan's attention. "I need to ask you a favor." He spoke up. Pan raised his eyebrows and set down his drink. "I will take you, Y/n, and the Lost Boys back to Neverland. I will not try to tear you two apart ever again." He continued. A pleased smile appeared on Pan's lips. "I like where this is going." The boy said. "But I want to keep seeing Emma," Killian added. Pan nodded, agreeing to his terms. "Of course. We can arrange that." He replied. The pirate furrowed his eyebrows. "Really?" He asked. Pan nodded again. "Yes," He said, "It's the least I can do." He added. "Thank you," Killian replied. "No, thank you. For making this work. It means a lot to her." Pan tells him. The pirate let out a sigh of relief. "I know," he said. Pan reached out to grab his drink again. "Besides, what kind of monster gets in the way of true love?" He questioned. Killian sucked in a breath. Pan chuckled in response. He raised his glass. "To our new companionship." He smiled. The two clicked their glasses together. "A toast?" Y/n's voice suddenly sounded next to them. Pan turned to look at her. "To old friends." He said. "I'll join in on that." Y/n quickly replied. 

"Do we have a deal or not?" Rumple questioned. Hades laughed wickedly at the imp standing in front of him, basically pleading for his life. Although he didn't sound desperate, you could see he was. In his eyes. In those dark eyes, you could see the truth. That he longed for Belle. And Hades could see it. "I'm sorry, Rumple, I can't do that just yet." He spoke up. "You have to!" Rumple gritted between his teeth. Hades shrugged, holding up his hands. "You're wasting your time, Rumple. Your soul is worth hundreds. And I'm not giving that up for just Emma Swan." The god answered. He waved him away with his hand. "Leave," He ordered. Rumple groaned and turned away. Hades' grin only grew. "I love my job." He whispered.