After All

Chapter 4

The pirates where about to leave the Jolly Roger in small boats when Emma appeared.

"I don't want to argue," Hook began "so you have the option of staying here"

"Actually, I'd like to go. I can't stand another second in this ship"

"Bear in mind the dangers. Don't think I'm having your back during the expedition"

"I wasn't expecting it anyway. Besides, I can protect myself. You don't know what I'm capable of"

"Fine. Hop in quickly, this isn't a holiday trip"

The princess sat in the boat next to Killian since there wasn't other place available. It wasn't long until they reached the island.
Hook's crew wasn't a numerous one, fifteen men at most, including him and Smee.
Half of the men stayed near the shore looking for fruits and supplies while the rest made their way to the jungle.

Emma refused to stay in the shore even though Kiilian explained, again, the terrible dangers they could encounter.
She loved to have adventures and experience new things in her life, but she didn't like to admit it. Also, she had no one left. If she died or not was indifferent to her.

They walked in silence for some minutes with Killian leading them. Emma began to wonder what were they searching for.

"So..." She broke the silence "Are you looking for someone or something?"

"Not trying to be rude but that doesn't concern you, your highness" They continued talking without stop walking.

"I just wanna be nice" she rolled her eyes "I don't  even know why I'm trying. After all, you're pirates. Nothing begins nor ends up well with you"

"You're talking as if you had met a lot of pirates before, pretending to be an expert in the topic. Believe me, you haven't met anyone, not even other pirates, like us"

Emma rolled her eyes once more.

Maybe I should've stayed in the ship.

"We're almost there" the Captain said as he stopped near a relatively small mountain "Hand me the rope and let's climb"

I could easily use my magic to get up there. Emma thought, watching the men preparing the ropes and climbing with difficulties. But I won't. They can use it against me or abuse of it.

"You're gonna come or continue laughing at us?" Killian asked annoyingly.

"You gave me no rope"

"Oh..." He looked around trying to find one. He sighed "Guess we'll have to share it"

Damn it.

Emma walked reluctantly next to Killian's side.

"Have you climbed before?" He asked.

"No"

"Put these around your palms" he gave her a pair of old fabric "this way you won't hurt your hands"

Emma did as he said and then took the rope. His voice was sort of tender and that confused her.

"Now what?"

"Lean your legs as you go up, but not that much. It's just to give yourself an impulse to continue. It's not very tall, a piece of cake. Ladies first"

Emma let out a small but sarcastic laugh.

"In your dreams, captain, I'm wearing a dress. I'd sooner you go first"

Hook smiled.

"I didn't think about that. I was just trying to be a gentleman"

He began to climb swiftly. It was incredible how he could do it single handed and with a hook.
Emma followed him once he was some steps ahead. Wearing a dress was pretty uncomfortable.

At least it isn't a ball gown.

After some seconds, Emma and Hook made it to the top of the mountain.

"Alright let's keep moving, the plant is some feet ahead"

"Plant? We're here for a plant?" Emma said "What are you gonna do with it, tea?"

"You have a good sense of humor, love. But no, we're planning something bigger"

Thy walked til they reached the mountain's peak, the whole island could be seen from there.

"Captain, you think Pan hasn't notice us yet?" Smee asked concerned. "We've been here for hours and still haven't seen him nor the lost boys"

"He must be busy with other stuff"

"Or planning his movements to attack us"

"Worry not. As long as he doesn't mess with us everything will be fine"

"Captain!" A man exclaimed "Here it is"

With his skinny finger, the pirate pointed a large bush of what seemed to be dark spines. Hook smiled wickedly as he approached to it.

"And this, mates, is how the Jolly Roger's crew discovered how to give a good use to the Dreamshade: Using it as weapon by spreading it on our swords and bullets. When battle calls, we shall be ready, with no mortal who can defeat us"

Everyone, except for Emma, yelled euphorically.

"A poisonous plant. You'd be invincible" She thought out loud.

"Yes indeed" There was a small pause, the wind and the spring's water were the only audible sounds "Aren't you going to give me a sermon or something about reconsidering this?" He asked surprised.

"Why should I even bother? You won't listen anyway" she said crossing her arms.

"Perfect. Come on mates! Let's take it to the ship!"

The men began to cut carefully the branches and kept them in boxes. It seemed like they were going take a long time to finish their work.

Meanwhile, Emma walked close to the small spring on the other side of the peak. Its water was crystalline and quite shiny, probably caused by the moonlight.
It looked so beautiful, so pure and natural.

"Lovely, isn't it?" A young voice said, causing Emma to startle.

"I think so" she responded. A boy was standing in front of her, gazing at the water and then at the sky. He was just a teenager, however, he had an evil look on his eyes filled with madness.

"It is said that the stars fell one night, landing right here, leaving their essence and shimmer in the water. That's the reason why it is so important. It has magical properties that can cure anything"

"Oh, that's amazing... I should be leaving"

"Don't you wanna hear more?"

"Thank you but... I must to back"

"With those despicable pirates?"

"I never told you about them"

"You didn't have to. I'm aware of everything that happens here, Emma"

Oh. No. This is terrible. Even worse than Killian Jones.

Emma learned she wasn't talking to a lost boy, she was facing the one and only ruler of Neverland:

Peter Pan.

***

Hey sweeties! Happy New Year by the way!! Hope you all have an excellent 2015! 😘 Thanks for your support and I hope you're liking my fic so far :) more to come soon! Things are gonna get intense...