The Mermaid-Cursed Pirate

Chapter 49

Recap:

Everyone lets out a cheer. They achieved their goal. The two crews could free their friends. All that was left was getting the dagger back to the Dark One and everyone could get on with their next adventure.

"Well, Pan, how do we get back to the Enchanted Forest?" Hook asks.

"Enchanted Forest?" a voice floats down the stairs. "Honeys, you're not going anywhere." The door slams shut, locking them in the building. Everyone draws their weapons, ready for a fight. "Aw, it's so cute when they think they can fight back."

"Bloody hell," Hook grumbles.

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"Hello, pirates," the voice continues as the crew hears heels click on the stairs. A woman in a red gown emerges from the stairwell. "I should have known it was you, Hook," the woman drawls with a smirk as she approaches the captain.

"Cora," he answers in a stiff voice.

"Who is she?" Sirena whispers to Hook.

"Oh, I have many names, girl." She chuckles. "The miller's daughter, Cora Mills, a number of unsavory monikers. But here, I am the Queen of Hearts."

Sirena attempts to stifle her laughter but fails.

"Is something amusing?" Cora demands.

"I apologize, but based on the stories I've heard, that name does not strike fear into my heart, as I'm sure you wished it had." The defiant mermaid smirks at the queen.

"Sirena," Hook warns in a low tone.

"Sirena who?" Cora prompts, intrigued.

"Depends on why you're asking," she deflects, keeping her smirk intact.

Cora begins to circle the mermaid. "Fascinating. I've never seen these symbols before." Cora grabs her arm, examining the markings. Hook pushes his way between the two, forcing Cora to release Sirena. To everyone's surprise, she laughs at Hook's actions, "Oh, it all makes sense now. I saw a different curse in your future during our time together. I never would have guessed this though," she trails off.

"Never would have guessed what?" Sirena challenges, approaching the woman with a glare.

"That you cursed him. You're a mermaid aren't you?" she laughs. "I've heard the stories of your curses but never seen it myself. That's why he is so protective of you, he's under your spell."

"I don't know what you find so funny about soul mates," Sirena deadpans. "What I do want to know is how you two know each other," she prompts the woman and Hook.

"That's a long story but I suppose you could call us allies of sorts," Hook answers. He then whispers to Sirena, "I'll tell you about it later, let's focus on getting out of here." She nods in reply.

"Well, Cora, is it? We aren't here to cause any trouble, so if you could kindly let us go and we'll be on our way?" Sirena asks innocently, making a gesture behind her back. Hook watches with a careful eye and sees a slight glow shine from Cora's eyes.

Cora tilts her head and smiles. "I don't see why not. Oh, except that you think you can steal from me and that you could use that spell on me. I know mermaid magic is strange and powerful, but I protect myself." Sirena curses under her breath. "Now, what do you want with my dagger?"

Sirena feigns surprise as she looks at the name on the dagger, "Your name is Rumplestiltskin too? What are the odds?"

Cora gives her a sickly sweet smile. "Oh, isn't she just precious? I can see why you two get along," she comments to the captain. "Now, give me the dagger and I'll let you leave."

"Counteroffer, we leave with the dagger and you piss off," Sirena demands. She puts the dagger in a scabbard on her thigh, then stares into the queen's eyes with determination. The eyes of both women begin to glow, an intense silence enveloping the room.

"I've never encountered mermaid magic before. It's so intriguing. You could accomplish great things if you wanted to. It's a shame that you don't."

"You're right, that's not what I want. What I want is to know why you have the dagger. Perhaps as a memento of your Rumple?" Sirena taunts. Cora gasps, the glow in her eyes fading. Sirena's eyes shine brighter and Cora is frozen by her spell. "Alright, we will be on our way now. The spell will fade once we're out of Wonderland. Thank you so much for the dagger," she smirks. She motions for her crew to leave.

"You've made a powerful enemy, girl," Cora sneers.

Sirena whips around and brings her glaring face inches from the queen's face. "Are you trying to threaten me? Because if you were, I'd have to warn you that you are the one that has made a powerful enemy. After all, I've just bested you. I was going to leave peacefully, but I won't have you coming after my family." She reaches for her sword, but Killian stops her.

"Lass, don't do this. This isn't you. We'll handle it if she comes for us, but she is stuck for now so let's take the victory and go."

She concedes, putting her sword in her sheath again. "Remember this, witch. I will not have mercy if you fail to heed my warning." She turns to her crew, "Let's go, men."

Elphaba has the group circle up as she casts the spell to get them out of Wonderland. "Jump in everyone, we're going to Oz!"