After All

Chapter 5

"You know my name too" Emma said trying to hide her nervousness from Peter Pan.

"Yes"

"What do you want?" Emma asked seriously, not leaving the kid's eyes so he learned she wasn't weak.

"I just came here to talk"

"I'm sorry, this conversation is over" she began to walk away, but Pan showed up in front of her again.

"It's not until I decide it"

"You can't force me, kid. Stop bothering me or you'll suffer the consequences"

"I really doubt you can hurt a fly"

Emma clenched her fists. She tried to relax and control herself. She knew strong emotions and situations could unleash her magic, causing her to be out of control and probably hurt someone.

Although she did want to hurt someone in that moment.

"I'm not saying it again: Get out of my way, Pan" she said strongly. The kid just lifted up an eye brow, keeping a serious expression in his face.

Suddenly, Hook appeared.

"Guess you haven't changed at all. Still being annoying" he said taking out his sword. Peter didn't startle nor got surprised by the pirate's spontaneous appearance.

"But you have changed, Captain"

"I wouldn't think so. I can still hurt anyone that gets on my way"

"Am I on your way?" Pan asked ironically.

"Just let us go and we shall bother you no more. Easy as that"

Pan looked at Emma and then at Killian, smiling wickedly.

"Alright Hook. Keep stealing Dreamshade with your mates and your blonde girlfriend"

Killian and Emma grimaced at his comment.

"I'm not his girl-"

Pan disappeared instantaneously. His last words were pretty uncomfortable for them.

"I hate that bloody demon so much. And this island too" Killian expressed as he turned away with Emma following him.

"You both knew each other. You've been here before, right?"

"Aye, two times. Both of them were fatal"

"And you still came back for the third time"

"Because of the plant. If it weren't for it I would have never returned. Just standing here reminds of..."

"Milah?"

The pirate stopped, lowering his head a little.

"No. My brother"

Emma was wordless as she gazed sadly at Hook. He had a painful expression on his face as he remembered the tragedy in which Liam died in his arms, with nothing else to do but scream his name.

During the way back to the Jolly Roger, Killian and Emma walked together without crossing a word. The crew was already aboard and ready to sail back to the Enchanted Forest.

Emma's legs were begging for a break, she had been walking for hours since they arrived and couldn't keep going on.

"Hook... I can't-"

Emma bent her legs and let herself fall to the ground.

"Whoa! It's alright, we can rest for a while"

He sat next to her and watched the sky. Emma looked at him in detail and for the very first time, saw the beauty in Killian Jones. His jawline, his messy dark hair and his shimmering blue eyes.

Realizing she was finding attractive the pirate, she shook away her thoughts and focused on a small green insect flying around.

"Liam" Killian said without leaving his eyes on the sky.

"Hmm?"

"Liam was my brother's name. He was not only my brother but my best friend. He died because..." He made a small pause trying to find the right words "He cut himself with the Dreamshade"

"Why would he do that?"

"He tried to prove me the plant our king asked us to collect wasn't poisonous. And that wasn't the worst" he looked at her "Pan appeared telling me I could save Liam by giving him a healing water. I did that and thought everything was going to be fine"

Killian had a sorrowful face.

"What happened then?"

"We were in the ship when he passed away. Apparently the water only worked in Neverland, not outside"

"I'm so sorry" she said placing her hand on his shoulder. He felt the gesture pleasant and gave Emma a smile.

A crackle sound made them startle. Standing up quickly, Emma and Hook looked behind.

"It was just that bird in the tree" Emma pointed.

"We should keep moving. The faster we leave the better" He started to walk brushing off the leaves from his coat. After some seconds he realized something was wrong. Turning behind him he saw the princess wasn't there. "Emma?"

"Sorry captain" an annoying voice said "Your blonde company isn't here"

"Where is she, Pan?"

"Wow! Since when do you care about her?"

"Stop playing games. Just tell me"

Peter laughed.

"The Dark Hollow. I wonder if she's enjoying the shadows' company"

Killian pushed the boy towards a log, placing his hook on Pan's neck.

"Why would you do that?"

"Nothing, just to have a good time. It's my game board, Hook. I do whatever I please with my players"

"You're bloody insane" Hook let go of him.

"You're not going for her, are you?"

Hook didn't answer.

"If it is about money I can give you all you want, you know I keep some in the Skull Rock. The girl is useless to you"

"I appreciate your offer but I'd rather go for her"

"Pretend to be a hero when we both know you aren't. Bear in mind that the Dark Hollow is a perilous place where you could possibly end up dead"

"I'll take the risk"

Hook began to walk away.

"You're losing valuable time, you could easily return home and not waste hours trying to save a common girl"

"I'm going for Emma, you can't stop me"

"Alright. Don't say I didn't warn you Captain"

Hook walked back to the jungle, straight to the place where ghostly shadows lived.

Why was he even bothering to save her? Was he starting to feel something for her?

He was confused, nonetheless he was sure about one thing: He was damn worried about Emma.

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Hey guys! I had some trouble with my ipod and I couldn't upload the chapter before but here it is! I hope you enjoy it and I'll try to upload the next one soon :) ily!