The Mysterious Girl 2 (Peter Pan) (Book 2)

12. Fighting Against Death

Neal and Emma have left to get a car. When Emma asked why Rachel is not just teleporting them to the ship, both Neal and Rachel pointed out two problems with that.

First is that Rachel doesn't know where the ship is so she can't teleport them onto it. Second is that teleporting will result in blood flowing out faster than it already is.

Henry is in the next room right now leaving Gold and Rachel alone. "Why are you saving my life?" Gold finally asks breaking the silence between the two.

Rachel laughs lightly at the question. "Because I prefer you as the Dark One not Cora."

"You really have no optimism", Gold says sarcastically.

Rachel rolls her eyes. "If anyone should kill you it will either be me or Peter", she responds. "I will be damned if I let someone else kill you."

"I doubt either of you will kill me. You both are a lot softer than you let on."

Rachel scoffs. "You have seen my heart, Gold. Tell me. From where did it look like I am 'a lot softer'?"

"Your heart isn't as black as it should be if you have always been evil. Once you were an hero, how long ago is the question."

Rachel had been looking out the window the entire time. She notices Emma and Neal exit a car. "Maybe we can continue this conversation later."

------

"Cora has the dagger." Emma informs Neal and Rachel. Gold and Henry are below decks.

"Is she alone or working with someone?" Rachel asks, her brows furrowed.

"Regina is with her", Emma says looking anywhere but at Rachel.

Rachel sighs. "I actually thought her hatred for her mother is a lot more than that."

"Who is Cora and Regina?" Neal asks.

"Regina is the Evil Queen in Snow White's story", Rachel replies. Neal nods seemingly understanding what she is saying.

"So is she as bad as in the movie?" Neal asks.

Rachel and Emma both scoff. "A lot worse", Rachel replies.

"And not only that but she adopted Henry which complicates a lot of things", Emma adds.

Neal looks between Rachel and Emma. He sighs heavily. "And Cora?" He asks.

Emma looks clueless as to who she used to be. "She is Regina's mother", Rachel begins. "And also the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland."

"How bad is she?" Neal asks, a hand on his forehead as if he has a headache.

"Ten times worse than Regina", Rachel informs him. "And let me take the helm while you take care of your headache."

Neal laughs. "I think that will be for the better", he says stepping aside and letting Rachel take his place.

"What will happen if Cora uses the dagger?" Emma asks.

"She can make him do anything", Neal replies.

"Including killing all of you", Rachel replies. Emma and Neal looks at her curiously. "The only thing that can kill me is the dagger. If they want me dead they would have to give the dagger back to Gold which is a bit problematic for them."

"Not a bit a lot", Neal mutters.

"But they can use the dagger on you still", Emma points out immediately.

"If someone does that then I will have all the Dark One power instead of dying", Rachel explains. "So do me a favour and stay away if something like that happens."