On Stranger Tides

Chapter 10

Emma fell asleep next to Hook after they talked and stole a few kisses every once in a while for quite a long time. Hook watched as she breathed slowly, and noticed how every once in a while her nose would twitch. Her golden curls were spread across the sand, her long eyelashes glittering in the moonlight. He had to admit, she was beautiful, too beautiful to be a shepherd's daughter, he thought. He stared at her for a good amount of time, as if he was memorizing every intricate detail of her face. He thought that maybe this trip was a mistake; maybe if he could let go of the past and of his revenge he could be happy with something else if he tried. It had been over 200 years, most people would have forgotten about the past by now but mostly because they don't even live that long. However, everything good must come to an end, eventually. The forest behind Hook went silent and a familiar figure appeared.

"Hello, Pan. Come to join us this evening I see, eh?" Hook told the looming shadow that he knew all too well.

"I'm afraid this gathering will need to be cut short, there seems to be a bit of a problem," Pan replied.

"What may that be? My crew and I definitely haven't been anywhere we're not supposed to."

"Emma is not cooperating, we sort of had a deal."

"Leave Emma alone, she's been through enough already. It's a good thing she hasn't followed up your deal." Hook spat.

"So it seems, but this is a deal that benefits you as well." He paused. "I've just come for motivation" Pan finished and with a quick motion of his hand Hook disappeared and a note was left by Emma's side.

~

Emma was starting to stir from her sleep but felt like something was missing. His warmth was no longer surrounding her, so she felt around for his body hoping he would be close. She opened her eyes not finding him there. Emma hoped that he was gathering firewood or eating some bread from their packs but he wasn't around anywhere. She got up searching frantically among the sleeping crew, trying not to wake anybody. Hook wasn't among them. The only thing that sat in his place was a worn piece of parchment paper. Emma opened it carefully worrying that it would crumble at her feet.

"I was hoping it would be easier for you to accept who you are because of all the 'hardships' you've been through. I've decided to take matters into my own hands and give you something to work for. I need to prove to someone that magic can be found in unexpected ways, and sooner would be better than later. You're special Emma, it's time you embrace it. You have until sunset to save your precious Hook and his crew. Come alone, to where Bae was last seen. I'll be waiting for your magic. Just remember it always comes with a price. Be careful."                                                                                                                                                                                                      -Pan

Of course, it was Pan who took Hook. Emma was afraid of what Pan could do to him but surely he has been through worse situations here in Neverland. She could only go alone, but the crew needed to continue Hook's mission while she saved their captain. Emma started shaking as many crew members as she could awake. Their tired groans and half-asleep faces were not a good sign, Emma doubted they would even listen to her. She was hesitant to even speak to all of them.

"Our Captain has been kidnapped!" She stated and watched as facial expressions started to change. "By Pan because of a deal I made. But I promise you I will get him back. I need you to continue your captain's mission while I find him, I can only go alone." She said wondering if she could've said it in a more trusting and regal kind of way.

"How can we trust you?" A tall lengthy man with bushy brown curls called out, Emma remembered his name to be Michael.

"You can't, none of you know me. I haven't been a part of this crew nearly as long as you have. But I know your captain trusts me. Isn't that enough?" Emma replied.