❝NOW THAT I SEE YOU.❞
In which the impulsive, prone-to-violence pirate falls for the girl made out of literal sunshine
[ONCE UPON A TIME SEASONS 3 -6]
cover by @girldirt
#1 in #killianjones 4/17/2023
#1 in #ouat 6/02/2023
#1 in #captainho...
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As the group followed the trail they were certain was left by Neal, Aurelia walked beside David, her mind swirling with thoughts. "Can I ask you a question?" she asked softly.
"Anything," David replied, his expression open and kind.
"Did they really never mention me? Mother and Father?" she asked, her voice quiet but tinged with a hint of sadness.
David's smile faltered, turning into a gentle frown. "No, they didn't. But I'm sure it was only because it hurt too much to talk about," he said, trying to offer her some comfort.
Aurelia nodded, accepting his explanation. "You're probably right. Although... I really wish we had grown up together. It would've been nice not being an only child."
David chuckled softly. "You're telling me."
Aurelia glanced at him, curiosity still lingering. "What about James?"
David's expression darkened slightly. "Right... well, we didn't grow up together either. I didn't even know about him until I was an adult. But it's kind of a long story."
Aurelia nodded silently, sensing the weight of his words as they approached the mouth of a cave.
"This must be where Pan is keeping Neal," Mary Margaret said, her voice filled with cautious hope.
David's eyes narrowed as he scanned the area. "If this cave is some sort of prison, why aren't there any guards posted to stop us?"
"Because this prison doesn't require guards," Hook replied grimly, the color draining from his face as recognition dawned.
"It's Echo Cave," Aurelia said quietly, feeling a shiver run through her at the name.
"You two know it?" Mary Margaret asked, looking between Aurelia and Hook.
"All too well," Hook said, his voice heavy. "I lost half my crew inside those rock walls. The only way to rescue someone from inside is to reveal a secret."
"A secret?" Mary Margaret asked, furrowing her brow. "That's all?"
"Your darkest secret," Aurelia added. "Something you've never told anyone before—not even each other."
Emma crossed her arms, her skepticism growing. "Even if we spill our guts, how do we know Neal is still alive in there?"
"Because that's what Pan wants," Hook said. "He wants us to rescue him so that we reveal our secrets. He believes once we do, our secrets will destroy us."
Emma looked at the cave entrance, her expression hardening. "Well, then let's go."
The group entered Echo Cave, which was much larger than the others on the island. The opening led into a cavernous chamber, so deep they couldn't see the bottom. At the center of the room, perched atop a rock formation, was a cage. Inside, Neal was barely visible.
