After All

Chapter 7

The rest of the journey was walked in silence til they reached the Jolly Roger. Surprisingly, it was completely empty. Not a single soul was aboard.

"I thought your crew had arrived before us"

"I thought it so. Something's wrong here"

"We both know who was the brains behind all this"

"But why- hold on. Everything was a test"

"I don't follow"

Once more, Peter Pan made his appearance as he landed in the ship.

Emma put her hands in an attacking position, ready to use her magic against him. Killian took out his sword.

"Why am I being welcomed to The Jolly Roger this way? I thought we were friends" he exclaimed squeakily.

"We're not friends, Pan. You have owned our distrust" Hook answered.

"Whatever. So, you have figured out why I made all this show, don't you? A test to prove you have changed. That ruthless pirate you used to be disappeared in the moment you chose the girl over power and riches. And the best of this is that you are stubborn enough by thinking you can fall in love again"

Hook clenched his jaw angrily, aiming his sword closer to Pan, almost touching him.

"Villains don't get happy endings. Much less one like you. A man who has the darkest heart... and a hook instead of a hand. You'll die alone and unloved, Killian"

"Shut up!" Hook yelled as he tried to hurt Pan with his sword. Unfortunately, the boy was quicker and vanished the weapon before it hit his chest. Instantaneously, a rope appeared, tying Killian and Emma together.

"Listen, you want your crew and the Dreamshade back?"

"Yes"

"Let's make a deal then. I 'll let you leave Neverland, but only with one of the things you appreciate the most: the Dreamshade, your crew, or the princess"

"That's the worst deal ever." Hook said.

"Is it? You just have to chose one of them and leave this place sooner than you think" Pan said cracking his fingers "You have my word"

"Your word can't be trusted"

"Fine. I swear I'll keep my promise" the boy traced a cross on his chest with his finger "Now pick one"

This was the stupidest deal ever! How could he choose only one? Why? Nothing made sense.

"It's not gonna be the crew for sure. A pirate can succeed alone, so they are disqualified"

"You have two left. Chose wisely"

Without thinking about it twice, Killian spoke.

"The Dreamshade was my objective, an ambition which I've been trying to fulfill for a long time. We- I was going to become the most feared pirate captain of the seven seas" he said with a nostalgically voice and looked at Emma right after it "But I can't choose it over you Emma, because I..." He stopped without knowing how to continue.

"What?" she asked calmly but impatient to hear what he had to say.

"I care about you a lot"

Her jaw drop instantaneously, her eyes wide opening. Was he really meaning it?

"Hook..." She began before Pan interrupted.

"Aw. Lovebirds. Such a pity you're lying"

Killian glared at Pan and then smirked.