The days were rather peaceful in Storybrooke and Belle was content to be working in Mr. Gold’s shop while he was out tending to business. He was a very busy man and seemed to always have some kind of deal going, the truth was he ran the town, and at this point she did not know what kind of antics he was using. Her memories of their time in the Enchanted Forest were crystal clear, and she was contently loyal to him. She believed that he was a good man deep down and that his life experiences had made him a monster, and she would be there to remind him that he was a man, not a beast. It had reached three in the afternoon before no time and Belle quickly rushed to put the closed sign on the door. She peered outside and saw that everything seemed to be where it should be, but Rumpelstilskin had not returned yet. He has asked her to tend to the shop and from their days in the Enchanted Forest she was used to cleaning his precious things, and so she went to work.

Belle was still young and vibrant. She turned up some loud pop music and fluttered through Mr. Gold’s shop like a hyped up butterfly. Within the isles of what others would have seen as junk she cleaned and polished. She paused for a moment to admire her work. A soft sigh of contentment passed between her lips. She was done with the main room, and her lover would be quite impressed when he returned. She leaned against the counter again while tapping a finger against the glass. He still had not returned. Her sapphire eyes casually glanced at the clock on the wall, it was almost 4. He had planned a romantic evening for them, or at least he had told her. She knew he was generally true to his word.

Belle parted the curtains to the back room and entered into his forbidden zone. It was cluttered with magical scrolls, magical items, and endless amounts of emergency potions. She smiled fondly at the memories that most of the items held. Belle grabbed her purse and began to dig around for her make up. She wanted to dazzle Rumpelstilskin for their date. In the back of the closed store she changed into the black dress that he loved so much and tall black heels. She might have been a good girl, but she knew how to dress like a bad girl. She curled the ends of her long auburn brown hair just enough to tease. Finally, make up. She found a mirror buried behind some clutter. Belle rolled her eyes and removed the drape Rumpelstilskin had over it. Since the beginning of their deal he had always covered mirrors. She had always called him superstitious and ridiculous. Her reflection was slightly smeared because of the age and dirt on the mirror but she was satisfied with the ruby red lipstick adoring her lips. She tried to clean the mirror by rubbing the reflective glass.

Belle gasped and backed against the wall knocking a few trinkets over as the mirror began to float for no apparent reason. A loud scream belted from the mirror, a tortured and lonely tone. Her reflection seemed to come to life and smirked while motioning in a come here manner. The mirror taunted Belle to get closer. Her eyes transfixed and hazed over in darkness as she closed the distance between the object and herself. A dark shadow reached through the mirror and pulled her through to another land. She was helpless and frozen against her will. The young woman's heart beat crashed in her ears and then her heart stopped momentarily as time stood still.

--- In Another Land --- 

The sound of chattering creatures brought her back to reality. Belle was flattened out against the lush emerald grass of Neverland. Slowly she sat up and looked around the area that she had been transferred to. The moon seemed to be mocking her as it hung low just over the tree tops. The craters indented into a face with no name. The stars were endless and danced with magic. Her admiration of her surroundings quickly crashed as a pain burned through her like a knife ablaze. Belle pulled at the black lace end of her gown and noticed whatever had taken her must have dropped her in a thorn bush of some sort. A large gash lay across her leg. She winced as she tried to move her leg and the pain seethed through her clenched jaw in the form of curse words. She had not dressed for the adventure and a cold wind had befallen Neverland. A chill fluttered through the tree tops and blew her hair back and forth.

It was in that moment she finally absorbed where she was. It was a land full of magic and beauty, and with that danger. A land where time seemed to stand still and secrets seemed to be buried. A land that she would normally have loved to romance about. She stood up slowly and braced herself against a true. The sound of footsteps in the night echoed through the otherwise now silent Pixie Hollow. All creatures of the night and day scattered from the beings that were coming. She placed her palm against her leg in attempt to make the pain stop and the bleeding cease. Someone was coming, and she was helpless, in a dress, and in heels she swore she would never wear again. The Beauty had come to Wonderland.


[ooc: Hopefully this is good enough to get us started. XD ]

It was early afternoon when a small band of Captain Hook's crew first set off into the forest and the day had since darkened into night. The island was a different place when the sun went down, cool and hostile, a stark contrast of the lush paradise it appeared to be in the light of day. Danger lurked in the darkness, danger in the form of deadly creatures and unnatural shadows. The pirates feared none of it. They were counted among the dangers by most of Neverland's residents. The fairy folk were among those that hated them and it was them that the pirates were seeking on this particular day. The fairies had been purposely elusive and an afternoon of cutting through thick forest in Neverland's humid climate had put Hook’s men in a foul mood.

An unexpected lead finally brought them the location of Pixie Hollow. For some time, Hook had been seeking the home of the fairies in order to find out more about their pixie dust, the mysterious substance that was said to let the user fly. The dust was highly guarded and the fairies could make themselves extremely scarce when they wanted to, but pirates were nothing if not persistent in their pursuit of treasure. In the end, one of Hook’s men snagged a lost boy and the location of the Hollow had been interrogated out of him. The trek out to the home of the fairies was long indeed, but the payoff would be tremendous if the dust was even half as powerful as it was said to be.

Hook knew at once that they were in the right place. Untamed forest turned into an open clearing, the rough forest floor becoming a soft grass. It was quiet enough that he suspected their arrival had been heard, but with any luck at all, their quarry would not have had time to flee. Carrying a lantern to guide the way, Hook took the lead and nodded to Smee to put away his machete. They wouldn’t need it now. He called out, "Alright men, spread out. You know what to look for. Those blasted pixies can’t hide any longer."

As his crew scoured the area, Killian approached the large central tree that undoubtedly served as the fairies’ home. It was an old tree, aged and with no small amount of character, but more than that, it held the characteristic glow of fairy lights. He set the lantern down to investigate further but stopped short when he heard a rustling sound not far off. His one good hand slid to the hilt of his sword, still sheathed, and he took a step toward the hiding place. "It’s no use hiding. Come out and this will all go easier for you."

He took another step around the side of the trunk, the soft cushion of the grass masking the sound, and motioned Mullins and Cecco to circle around and prevent flight. Peering around behind the tree, he spied the hidden figure at last, an auburn-haired young woman dressed all in black and favoring one leg over the other. That was not what he expected. Surprised, Killian smirked and raised an eyebrow, giving her an obvious once over. "Well now, what have we here? Not a pixie, I’d wager. What are you doing here, love?"

Belle whispered into the wind hoping that the fairies would calm down and disappear. Normally she would have loved enchanted creatures, but the situation was dire, she did not need any more attention than she already had. Belle had no clue where she had ended up, and as she sat there holding her leg her brow furrowed in attempts to remember how she had arrived. It seemed that with every second something faded from her memory. Her failed thoughts were interrupted by a rather deep voice, one she assumed, belonged to a man. Belle looked down at her attire and cursed her luck. By now the young woman should have known better than to dress in a dress, because she always ended up having the worst of luck.

"It’s no use hiding. Come out and this will all go easier for you." His tone was stern, but instead of listening she crushed her backside against the ancient tree trunk and closed her eyes tightly. For a moment, just a fleeting moment, Belle thought it would all disappear and she would wake up where ever she was from. Without a sound a tall man appeared to her side. She slowly opened her sapphire hued eyes to gaze up into a rugged face that seemed to be lite up with humor at her expense.

He did not seem to be dangerous, but Belle had no way of knowing. She did not appreciate the way his eyes had looked her over and a soft flush rose to her cheeks. Two men appeared at her other side as if to block her only means of escape. She could not remember who she was, but something deep down within her stirred in an unquenchable rage. Belle at the end of the day would always be Belle. She was not about to let a man stand in her way of freedom.

"Well now, what have we here? Not a pixie, I’d wager. What are you doing here, love?” A fairy fluttered across her face and knocked her over before she could respond. It was not about to let Belle stand in the way of getting to Hook. Men seemed to underestimate the powers of Fairy folk. The fairies had heard him coming through the trees of Neverland. They may have lived in Pixie Hollow, but they had created the Island. Their code was to protect their Pixie dust from evil souls, and they had played a part in Belle’s arrival in Pixie Hollow instead of into Pan’s hands. Belle’s heart was pure and true, while as Hook’s was not. The small mystical creature dived and swooped at Hook’s face, it spoke words that no one could understand, but they did not seem to be very friendly words. Belle lay on the soft emerald grass and laughed up at the Captain. The dreamshade that had begun to circulate in her blood had a delirious effect on her. She looked up at him completely forsaking any fears that she had. Her eyes returned the same mocking laughter that he had seemed to hold when he first saw her.

“You know… your big bad men don’t scare me! I could always climb up the tree! I bet you did not think about that did you? Or did you stuff a man up there to block me too?” Belle slowly stood up bracing her weight on her good leg. A look of fierce determination decorated her otherwise very fragile and beautiful features. She raised her fist in his general direction and took a swing, “I have dealt with scoundrels like you! Men who think they can say ‘love’ as a pet name and that a woman will fall into their arms,” Belle really had not, but she had read about them, “This is not a fairy tale, nor is it a happy ending. I won’t go quietly!”

The fairy stopped what it was doing for a moment to look down at Belle. The small glowing creature hovered over her wound. It let out a small shriek at Belle. This time it buzzed in front of Hook trying to get him to notice the gash that was across Belle’s exposed leg. Belle continued to shout profanities from the ground completely oblivious to the fact her life was in danger. She was determined to give that mean ol’ Pirate a fight he would never forget.

---In the Past--- 

Rumpelstilskin had told her to leave. He had told her that magic was more important than the love that she could give him. Her heart felt completely empty as she traveled the world. Belle had planned on seeing the world before the deal she had made with Rumpelstilskin, but things had changed. Now her dreams seemed to be dismal and small in the big picture of things. She had never loved Gaston, but she had loved the Dark One. She no longer had to question the truth that was right before her eyes, and now they would both suffer for the rest of their lives. Belle paused before the Tavern door for a moment to gaze up at the night sky. She wondered if he had figured it out yet, had he figured out what true loneliness felt like. She trusted he was a man and not a beast, but at this point she did not know why he had taken the dark path.

The night was cold at port. She had come to a river town that harbored some of the hardest and toughest Pirates to have ever sailed the seas. For a juncture she pondered on the notion that perhaps she had a death with? Or maybe he would feel her pain and come find her? She was young and felt naïve to believe in a happily ever after. Belle shook her head, auburn tresses cascaded across her shoulders in response. She would drink away her sorrows with the worst of them. She took a deep breath and held it before exhaling. This was it. This was her moment to change her life. She would join the Pirates in a night of gambling and drinking. Perhaps she might even learn a thing or two about forgetting the structures of society and living a life without care. She pushed the door open while slowly slipping inside. Belle had hoped to go unnoticed, but with most of the Pirates being male it was hard to.

“What can I git for cha?” A sturdy bar maiden said from behind the bar. Everyone in the room smelt as if they had only sailed the seas, but never taken a moment to wash the stench of sweat from their bodies. The woman looked Belle up and down, “Why yer sure a pretty thang. You better be careful, girl.” The woman pulled up her dirty gown to show an old scar done by a dagger of sorts by her upper thigh. Belle’s surprised eyes widened in both shock and sympathy, “Watch whut yer gittin yerself into. A Pirate’s life is one of danger.”

Belle nodded slowly digesting the words the woman had given her. It was obvious that the bar maiden had been raped within the last few years judging by the healing pattern of the wound. Belle took out one of her books and began to read while sipping on some Rum. It was a dangerous game she played as a few Pirates had taken a liking to staring at the undamaged Maiden who had entered the room. Her face contorted and she coughed after one sip of Rum. Belle had been a Princess, and wine was what they had given her. She made a funny face and put the Rum back down. It was strong, stronger than she was able to handle safely. An arm soon found its way around her shoulders. The smell that was coming from the man’s arm pit almost made her throw up. She took her hand off of her book and covered her mouth in attempts to hold her stomach bile in. The smell of rum coming from his mouth was now too close for comfort and made her turn to face him. Anger flashed in her eyes, and that to this type of Pirate was only a challenge. The bar maiden spilled some soup on the counter top of the bar and it dripped on top of the man’s crotch. He screamed and cursed them both.

“I’ll get you when you least expect it little wench. You smell like roses, and I have never had a woman with such class. A Pirate takes what he wants.” He grinned a half toothless grin and faded into the shadows. It had drawn unwanted attention to Belle. She frowned and took a shot of her rum. Suddenly she wished she could summon Rumpelstilskin to kill them all, but he had told her that he did not love her, and because of that she knew he would never save her. It was time she saved herself.

“Yer all gawkin, go back to wut you were doin’. Or no moar drinks for the lota you.” The bar maiden said with a stern tone. If there was one thing that Pirates did not want taken from them, it was rum. They went back to their gambling and whoring with local prostitutes. Belle sighed a sigh of relief and thanked the woman who had probably just saved her life, “Think nothin’ of it lass. Be sure to watch yer back when you leave.” She forewarned.

Belle nodded and continued to read her books. There wasn't a pirate in the room that she wanted to converse with, and she figured as long as she stayed next to the angry bar maiden she would be safe. It was after closing that she had to worry about. The man’s words haunted her. As night began to creep towards morning the bar emptied out. Belle had heard that there was a inn above the Tavern.

“Is there any possible way I can get a room from you tonight?” She asked the bar maiden who stopped what she was doing on the counter tops for closing to look Belle straight in the eye.

“Darlin’ I have rooms, but they dun’t have locks. So yer askin’ fer trouble here.”

“That is fine. I can take care of myself.” Belle retorted.

The bar maiden washed her hands in a basin to show Belle that she was clean from whatever might happen to her in the night. She handed Belle a room key and frowned.

“Don’t worry. I will be fine.” Belle smiled trying to reassure the bar maiden, but she needed to reassure herself. She took the key and examined it. It was cold as ice and marked with the number three. She frowned to herself hoping that it was not an omen. Belle hurriedly gathered her books and went upstairs. The bar maiden was too distracted to see the man from earlier slither through the crowd like a snake. His knife was to his side as he followed her up the stairs.

Belle stopped for a moment at the door. Her finger traced the number three cautiously. Would this be the room she would die in? A chill ran up her spine as she tried to shake the feeling of being watched. The logic of having a key for a room that could not be locked confused her. The room opened to a small bed full of hay and a basin of water. The room was rather cramped, but usually Pirates just stayed in the room for a night and then they were off to collect the next round of loot. She lite the small lantern on the table and stared out at the port. Tall and magnificent ships stared back at her. A Pirates life would have been fun, but Belle decided it was too dangerous for her. She had a lot to learn about the world, and the Pirates she had met tonight seemed like a deadly sort of friends to be hanging out with.

Time stopped as her gaze met his. Fate would have her on this day. A cold blade grazed her tender flesh. The blade was in the same place that the scar had been on the bar maiden. A moment of realization reflected across her face from her reflection. This had been the man who had raped the bar maiden. Her eyes narrowed slowly as the man kept his eyes locked with her reflection. This was the first time in her life she wished that she had asked Rumple to teach her dark magic. She would have fileted this man like a fish and hung him. Belle’s fingers were wrapped around the metal of the lantern so tight that her knuckles were ghost white. She refused to go down without a fight. The sound of breaking glass broke the stalemate between the two. Before he had time to react she turned around and smashed the lantern over his head. Darkness overfell the room and she let out a loud scream as the blade tore her flesh. He was upon her and choked her into unconsciousness. That was the last thing she remembered.

She awoke the next day to the sound of seagulls from the harbor. Her head felt like a thousand bricks and her neck was gender. Her hands found the spot where she had been cut and it seemed as though someone had stitched it. She groaned and sat up slowly. The room’s spinning sent her crashing back into the hay bed.

“Careful lass,” A familiar and friendly voice said while placing a cold washcloth over Belle’s head, “You had one hell of a night,” A sting of guilt seemed to echo in the woman’s words, “If it was not fer that fallow we would not be talkin’.”

“What?” Belle blinked and winced as she shifted her weight. The memories of terror from the previous night left her speechless.

“That man tried to do you like he did me,” She paused while checking Belle’s pulse because Belle’s usually vibrant color had faded to white, “Yer lucky that Pirate saved you.”

“Saved me?” Belle coughed out. She would hate Pirates for the rest of her life, “I doubt a Pirate saved me. They are nothing but a bunch of scoundrels. If I find that man I will kill him.”

“No need young lass. Your Pirate hero already killed him. They say this man was not always a man of the thief'in sea, either way… you are lucky.”

Belle was lucky, because if fate had not stepped in on that Eve. She would have been dead and tossed along the dock. She drank her tea, thanked the woman, and faded back into the Highways. She had come to the conclusion that a Pirate’s life was not for her.

---Present Day--- 

The fairy sputtered in a frantic pandemonium as Belle’s eyes closed. Her words of damnation for Hook got softer. Small beads of sweat trickled down her forehead as the fever seemed to overtake her. The fairy rested on Belle’s barely moving chest. It cried a sad and lost ancient song. Belle had the ability to end the evil within the darkest of souls, and here she was about to lose hers. The fairy drifted back up to Hook’s face. The glow faded from the fairy and a small humanoid being appeared.

“Listen Pirate, if this girl dies there will be prices to pay larger than any you could have already paid. This whole island will become unstable, because with her death comes darkness.” She paused knowing that Hook had no idea what she was talking about, “And trust me you don’t want to see that darkness.” The fairy was talking about Rumpelstilskin. The Fae knew the truth about Pan and Rumpelstilskin, the power of both of them being in Neverland and evil would completely disrupt the eco-magic balance, “This woman, who shall remain nameless, because we do not know her name, is important. That is all we know. If you ever want to get out of this land you must make sure she lives.”

The fae faded into the darkness. Her glow ceased to exist and she dropped dead. Belle’s fading life force had a direct effect on the fae. They were so used to evil souls trespassing on their ancient lands, and now their only hope of some goodness was dying. There would be no Pixie dust for Hook on this eve.

Hook’s greeting of the mysterious young woman was interrupted by the long awaited appearance of one of the fairy folk. The pirate captain’s expression darkened as the creature knocked Belle down in order to swoop at him, irately chirping what could only be fae curse words. He retaliated by grabbing for it, intent on catching it in his fist as it continued to elude him. He wouldn’t harm the pixie if it could be helped, but he did mean to acquire some dust this night and he was growing increasingly irritated by the resistance. Didn’t the blasted things want the pirates to get out of Neverland once and for all? Surely it would be to their benefit.

Meanwhile, Belle lay on the ground and began to laugh, a change from the cowering demeanor she had shown only moments before. Her eyes were half mad and bizarrely amused and Hook had to wonder if the pixie hadn’t struck her with some strange magic when it knocked her over. In any case, she had his attention now, at least that which wasn’t occupied by the fairy. The girl rose unsteadily and threw a punch his way and he was ready for her, sidestepping and catching her arm before her momentum could send her to the ground. He released her immediately and frowned as she ranted, “I have dealt with scoundrels like you! Men who think they can say ‘love’ as a pet name and that a woman will fall into their arms. This is not a fairy tale, nor is it a happy ending. I won’t go quietly!”

The hostility seemed to be born of fear, but why was she so afraid? He hadn’t threatened her. Well, not much. “Settle down, lass,” he cautioned, stern-toned but not without concern. “I’ve no interest in keeping you captive. Answer a few questions and you can go on your merry way.” Even as he said the words, he wondered if she was capable of doing anything of the sort. There was something wrong here, very wrong, and the fairy noticed it as well, taking care to draw his attention to the still bleeding laceration decorating her leg. His brow furrowed. He’d seen the wound already and had given it no second thought, but now that he looked again…could it be…?

“Oy, Cap’n, she’s got the delirium,” Mullins said, watching with growing unease. Killian fought off his irritation with the sailor. Pirates could be a superstitious lot and his men were no exception. They were especially wary of the dreamshade plant, fearing its effects could become contagious. It was nonsense, but there was no persuading them out of it.

“Aye, that she does,” Killian agreed, glancing about for any sign of the dreaded plant. He didn’t have to look far. It was growing behind the tree, very near to where he first found the young woman. Belle was on the ground and he knelt beside her, easily avoiding her wild punches. In her weakened state, she was no true threat. The poison was draining her strength by the second. Indeed, the speed of the process was enough to alarm him; she was succumbing very quickly. He bent to examine the wound and scowled when the fairy flew up to his face. He shouted at his men, “Useless cads! Someone catch this damnable pest.”

Cecco was the first to step up and try but stopped at once when the fairy changed form. They would be able to understand her now and all fell silent to listen as she spoke. She had a warning for them and instructions to keep Belle alive, for some unknown purpose except that she would be a necessary part of leaving the island. Hook cocked an eyebrow, ready to question further, but the little creature proceeded to drop dead as soon as she finished speaking. “That was maddeningly unhelpful,” he quipped, though there was no real humor in his voice. It seemed their trek out to the Hollow was all for naught and now he had a dying girl on his hands. He placed his palm on Belle’s forehead and sighed when he felt the burn of the fever.

He made his decision. Standing, he picked up the lantern and called out his orders. “We’ll be getting nowhere with the pixies today and it’s time we return to the ship. Now, the girl’s been poisoned with dreamshade. I don’t know who she is, but we’ll not leave her to die. Mr. Smee, you’ll carry her. Come on now, we’re done here.”

Smee scooped Belle up off the forest floor, cradling her easily as he and the rest of the group followed Hook out of the Hollow. Hook trusted his men and most were decent enough for pirates, but with an unconscious woman, he would trust only his right-hand man. He led them onto the trail they’d carved earlier, making much better time on the journey back. Even so, Killian was anxious. If Belle was going to have any chance of surviving, they would need to bring down her fever soon.

They arrived at the beach within the hour and boarded the ship. The decision as to where Belle should be kept was an easy one; only the captain’s quarters offered privacy. He led Smee into his cabin and had him place the feverish girl on the daybed. Then he bid him to fetch cloths drenched in cold water. It was no cure for the poison, but it might buy Belle a little time. Pacing to his desk, Hook waited. There was something nagging at him, a feeling he couldn't shake. He was sure he had met this girl before.

The moon hovered above the ship and the stars twinkled as if heaven itself approved of Hook’s actions. The waves cautiously crashed against the wooden ship gently rocking it into a sweet lullaby. The sound of drinking men clashing glasses could be heard from the Captains quarters, but Hook was not amongst them. Belle turned in her sleep groaning as every organ in her body fought to continue its assigned duties. The fever had caused her to sweat out most of her hydration and the salt from the ocean was not helping matters. Her mind wandered in and out of dark areas of her life. She was hopelessly lost. She thought of the Enchanted Forest and her life before the one she barely knew now. She thought about her loving mother and her over protective father. She thought of the man she had been promised to but had never loved, and then she thought about the man she had loved, but had been scorned by. A cold, dark, and twisted form of magic seemed to overtake her body. She let out one last loud and violent gasp as her eyes opened for the first time since she had passed out by the ancient tree. Her breathing ceased for a minute as her body stopped. Time froze and she momentarily died. The young woman’s body violently crashed against the Captain’s bed.

Not yet. Your story has not ended – A faint voice whispered into her ear. The voice was one of magic and lost to the ages, even in Neverland.

A warm light touched itself to the tips of her toes. Slowly the warmth rose within her body like the glorious spasms of a long awaited sexual release. This was what it was to cheat death. Her fingers gently closed and opened against her palm. She sighed a sweet and adoring sigh of beauty as her lungs began to push air in and out once again. She opened her eyes once more and took in the room for the first time. She could smell the strong smell of man and rum. Belle quickly, probably too quick, sat up on her elbows. Her head spun from the fast physical motion, but it was an instant reaction to being in a strange man’s room. Her icy hued eyes focused on her tattered and torn black dress. Her arms folded across her chest defensively as she sat up. The bastards had undressed her and done God knows what to her! She gulped and shook her head. What kind of monsters had she become the victim of? The usually luscious brown curls clung to her face from the sweat and cold water that they had drenched her with. She had been covered in wet clothes that smelt like a sweet perfume, and she could not help but wonder what woman they had belonged to before her.

The boards of wood outside of the room groaned against the weight of whoever was pacing outside the door. She arched a brow while grabbing the lantern that had been left by the bedside. She was weaponless and could not find anything to defend herself with if need be. She would use her fists is she had to. Slowly she opened the door and noticed Hook pacing. He looked annoyed and anxious, but he did not appear to be carrying himself in a threatening manner. She grinned and opened the door wider. Her heart stopped for a moment as her eyes locked with his. He looked strangely familiar, but she could not place where she had seen him before.

“Do I know you?” Her eyes narrowed. She whispered soft enough for only them to hear, but Belle was not afraid to deck him if it called for it, “I do not know who you are or how I got here, but you have some explaining to do mister. Unless you rather I break this lantern over your head, jump overboard, and find some way out of this strange world?” She carried herself as though she was not afraid, but deep down she was, “I do not know who my boyfriend is, but I remember someone… somewhere. I think his name started with a R...” She sighed and sat on the steps trying to sort out the mess in her head. Her fingers grasped her wet strands of hair while her palms caressed her forehead. She was obviously frustrated. Her eyes met his once more the depths of her eyes taking him into her soul. She was lost. So hopelessly lost, and for this moment he was the only person she could trust. She would have to put all of her chips in his corner in hopes that he was a decent enough man not to rape and pillage her. A northern breeze blew her familiar rose smell in his direction and his familiar sea salt scent in hers. Her eyes widened and she suddenly realized who he was. She jumped up without a second thought and wrapped her arms around his neck. He had been her savior, she knew the smell well. She had been knocked out, but her sense of sound and smell had continued during the whole ordeal. She could trust this man.

They'd done all they could for her. Smee had assured him that she would live if the gods willed it and that it was in their hands now, for better or worse. He didn't like it and wasn't happy sitting aside passively, but in this case there were no more options. Hook dismissed his crew for the night and the majority had chosen to spend the next few hours getting drunk. He almost joined them. After the disappointment at the Hollow and the unfortunate poisoning of the mystery girl, he would have liked to ease that stress with a bit of rum. His agitation was too great though and it made him restless, and he decided to stay out of the merrymaking and kept guard by the door to his quarters. It wasn't that he didn't trust his crew. He did, but they were unruly when drunk and he wouldn't be taking any chances on the lady's safety, given the state she was already in.

He paced the deck, continually scanning the waters and the shore for encroaching lost boys and any other threats that might present themselves. The last thing they needed was another attack after a day like this one and after the crew had let their guard down, but all seemed clear and quiet for now. Turning, Hook paused mid step as he heard a faint but familiar creaking sound nearby. As Captain of the Jolly Roger, he knew the ship inside out and at once identified the noise as coming from his cabin. He faced the door just as it was opened by Belle, who looked greatly improved since he had seen her last. Relief washed over him and he cracked a smile, greeting her with a simple, "Mi'lady."

Belle demanded answers for her situation, answers he would not be able to provide except to explain how she arrived on his ship. Her threats irked him even as they amused him and his smile turned sarcastic. "Is that all the gratitude you have for the man who saved your life, love? By all means, if you wish to jump overboard and find your own way, you are free to do so. I won't stop you, but honestly darling, you're safer here than you would be out there. Do you really want to take your chances?" She was probably afraid. He considered himself decently skilled at reading people and he could see the hints of fear, but he admired her bravery in the face of her situation. His intentions were good, but she wouldn't know that. All she saw was a pirate and she was right not to trust them. "I don't know where you come from, nor do I know how you came to be in Neverland, but let me assure you, I'm as eager to leave this place as you are."

Hook felt a measure of pity for the girl as she sat on the steps, looking lost and alone, at the end of her rope. Her entry into Neverland had been unpleasant. Stricken with dreamshade, taken in by pirates – it was no wonder that Belle was unhappy with the turn of events. He'd have comforted her if he thought she would welcome it, but –

Belle was in his arms, embracing him like a long lost loved one, and after a second's hesitation he put his arms around her as well. She felt wonderfully warm despite the dampness of her still-wet hair and she smelled even better, like a bouquet of fresh roses. The scent brought forth a memory that had long lain dormant, a memory that had been struggling to the forefront since he first laid eyes on the girl. He had seen her before and now he knew where. It had been some time ago, in a tavern full of rough and rowdy pirates and criminals. The kind of place where he would never have dropped his guard, and that was where he had seen her, a pretty young woman who seemed to have no idea that she was in the wrong part of town. He had kept an eye on her through the night, from a distance, but he was no hero and she seemed to be inviting trouble. He'd tried to ignore the situation…until he saw that scoundrel follow her up to her room. The man had not lived long after Killian caught up to him.

"Well now, this is much better," he said with a smirk. He would hold her as long as she needed if it brought her comfort. He softened his voice to murmur in her ear, "It's alright. I remember you now, lass. You're a long way from home, but you're safe, I assure you. Now let's go inside and you can tell me what do you do remember, hm?"

The moon continued to shine down on them and if there had been a man on the moon he would have been giving Killian a huge thumbs up. The heavens seemed to approve of the rugged pirate allowing the lost girl to take a moment of solace in his arms. To her he smelt like heaven. A gentle breeze blew her now dry hair around them. She sighed against his chest as he whispered in her air, and took a deep breath before she pushed away from his chest and stared into his eyes. A slow and thankful smile played across her face for the first time since they had reunited on this God forsaken island. She followed him back into the Captain’s Quarters.

--In the Past— 

Belle pulled her cloak around herself aware of the prior night in all of the wrong and least desired ways. She frowned and cast her gaze to the well beaten path. For the first time in her life she feared taking the road less traveled. She had been forced to leave the port town that she had planned on meeting her big bad pirate lover in. The young woman had wanted to drink her sorrows away. Belle had longed for a life of adventure, but at this point she had decided it was better to live in her books than on the high seas. The street rubble crackled beneath her shoes and she focused on the sound. People passed her on the highway, or what was considered a highway during this time, and she did not bother to look up. The young woman felt as if she needed a long bath and yet her mind could not help but wander to the mysterious man that had saved her.

The Barkeep had told her he was a handsome and rugged man. She said that he had usually kept to himself when he came into port, and that he had not always been a pirate. Belle managed a weak smile while thinking about the man who had stepped up. She knew had she called up Rumpelstiltskin’s name he would have come and blazed the man up for touching his property, and yet she could never be sure what his reaction might have been. He had casted her aside, afraid of love, and afraid to let her in. Obviously the Beast had been burned by someone before, but what kind of woman would destroy him that much?

The next town she came to seemed to be a little more normal as far as the company that it kept. The streets were well kept and the shops were all open. The town did not seem to have a Tavern, but Belle had her fill of drunkards the prior night. She smiled as a shop with “Books” came into her view. A good book would distract her mind from the near rape that she had just barely survived. It was a rough time to be a woman, especially an unwed woman on the road. She stopped in front of the store and paused briefly. She had been around Rumpelstiltskin long enough to know when there was something off about someone or a place, and this place was giving her all sorts of strange vibes.

“Oh Belle, you’re just being paranoid,” She whispered to herself and entered the bookstore. Her eyes widened in surprise as the store was filled with knick knacks and oddities as well as books. She was not expecting to see such a large collection. A sound from the back of the store startled her to jump back a bit as an old blind woman shuffled towards her.

“Hello darling, don’t be afraid,” The woman smiled in her direction, “I have been waiting for you Belle.”

“What?” Belle blinked backing up against the door and putting her hand on the handle as if she was going to escape. The sound of a lock clicking from behind her made her release her hand. Well this was it. If she was going to die this would be the place. This creepy old woman would be her undoing, but after surviving last night nothing was going to take her without a fight, “How do you know my name?” Her tone was dangerous.

“Hush child. I mean you no harm. It is fate that brought you here,” She laughed a sinister little laugh and opened a very old and dust filled book. With every page a dust storm nearly consumed the room, “You met a man the other night and you will meet him again. Your hearts and paths are not done crossing. The man is a tortured man…” The woman paused for a moment and raised her eyebrows, “It appears you have a knack for tortured men. Rumpelstiltskin? Really? Well this does make things more interesting than I originally thought,” The woman cackled as if she was taking pleasure in Belle’s pain. Belle’s hand unconsciously rested on her chest. The woman’s features changed from laughter to serious, “You will have to pick between those two men in the distant and twisted future. It will not be easy when the actual situation occurs because things will change dramatically.” The woman dug in her pocket and handed Belle a ruby pendant, “When you come close to death and yet close to the truth and find this man this will glow and you will know.”

--Back in Neverland— 

Belle was not thinking about the past and had almost forgotten about what the prophet had said in the small bookstore. She tucked some stray auburn brown hair behind her ear and stood while Hook sat. She was trying to remember herself and that they were not lovers. The light was dim in the room and it felt as though it was playing tricks on her as the small flame flickered across his devilishly good looking features. She sighed and leaned against the oak table.

“I am not which time you want me to try to remember….” Her voice trailed off for a moment but quickly returned, “Do you mean the time where you saved me from the brute that was going to rape me? Or the time you had me scrapped off the forest floor while I was cursing you?” She laughed and apologized for the inconveniences, “Obviously neither of us belong here. To be honest I’m still not sure where I am…” She stopped midsentence and looked on the table behind her. A map was curled up and for some reason she felt drawn to it. If there was one thing Belle could do it was read and figure things out. She smiled over her shoulder at him and uncurled the map.

Belle bent over the table leaving Hook with a full view of her backside as she indignantly worked on getting the map to uncurl. It was apparent that Hook had been here a long while and that he had sent men to survey the land many times. She placed a quill in her mouth while using both of her hands to smooth out the edges. A few brown curls fell across her eyes and her brow furrowed in annoyance. The map had been folded up so many times that it did not want to smooth itself out. She placed the lantern on one end and placed a rock on the other end. Belle’s eyes widened at the great extent of map taking his men had done. The map was well drawn and worn.

“Well this is interesting.” She stated only to be interrupted by a haunting Melody that seemed to seep into the ship from the dark night. A loud crash against the hull could be heard and felt, the force sent Belle crashing onto Hook’s lap. She blinked and wrapped her arms around his neck to steady herself. Her eyes caught his, and something familiar sparked within her, but before she could apologize again, screams could be heard.

“Captain! You might want to get out here!” Hook’s right hand man screamed for him from the deck. Before she knew it he was gone. Belle blew the lantern’s light out hoping not to direct any attention to Hook’s map. She curled it up and stuffed it in her bra. She knew if they were ever going to find a way out of this land they would need the map. In the drawer next to his bed a ruby pendant was glowing enough to light up the night. A cold breeze filtered through the glass pane window of his room and with it a Fairy had come to see Belle.

--Out on the Deck— 

A handsome and powerful man stepped from his ship to Hook’s deck. Even Hook’s men were afraid of the man who had come uninvited. It had appeared as though he had come from the very depths of the sea. He stopped as Hook entered the scene.

“It has been a long time Lad.” His voice was stern, and yet amused, “Tell me, where is your brother?” The man looked around. Smee leaned into Hook.

“Blackbeard.” His voice was low enough only for Hook to hear.

Blackbeard’s eyes scanned the area looking for something in particular and to his disappointment he did not see the treasure that he sought.

“I would love to catch up, but you see…” He waved his hand to stop his men from approaching the ship, “I have come for something and someone very special. Pan himself offered me the lost treasures of this island for the mere price of a simple girl.” He paused, “I am surprised though because I always thought Pan was more into boys, but apparently it is her boyfriend he is more concerned about.” Blackbeard stopped to watch Hook’s emotions, “Her name is Belle. She is the Princess of France from long ago, and her boyfriend, well…” He paused to laugh, “Is none other than the man who took your hand,” He motioned to Hook’s hook, “Now tell me, why do you protect the crocodile’s woman? Or are you going to steal her from him like you did Milah? Don’t look so surprised Hook. My sirens hear everything and know everything. There are rumors that she cannot even remember who she is” He pointed to the wicked mermaids that had betrayed their own to lure men to their deaths in exchange for legs on the night of a full moon, "Would you take advantage of this fact and claim her as your bride? How long has it been Hook?"

--Below Deck--

Belle was still in the other room and completely oblivious at this point to the discussion on deck. She was a bit distracted by the fairy that was buzzing around her head. She sat on the bed trying to dodge the Fairy.

“Come onnnnnnnnnnnnnn,” She whined, “Would you stop! I can’t understand a single thing you’re saying.” Belle was a bit frustrated with the entire situation. The fairy stopped and dimmed her glow to reveal a small humanoid figure.

“Belle you have to get out of here… I can save you. But…” The fairy pointed to the drawer next to the bed, “LOOK.”

Belle arched a brow but did what she asked. She dug through the drawer moving empty bottles of rum. For a moment she paused thinking about how tortured the man had to be in order to drink this much rum. The moment for sympathy passed as the fairy started freaking out again. Belle found the ruby pendant that was aglow, a bright blood red.

“What… my pendant?” Belle blinked as she put it back around her neck. She knew that her life was in direct danger now. She sighed and turned to the fairy, “Alright, what is it you aren't telling me?”

“Pan cannot reach you out here because Hook found a way to protect his ship with a spell from Pan.”

“Wait? Pan? Hook?” Belle looked completely confused.

“Hook is your knight in shining armor.” The fairy paused impatiently.

“Hook? What kind of name is Hook.” Belle frowned knowing that the fairy was still keeping things.

“His name is Killian Jones. He was once a completely different man. His story is not mine to tell, but you really do need to go now.” The fairy exclaimed with panic in her voice.

“I am not leaving without him… he saved me twice.” Belle retorted.

“Belle, do not fall in love with him. It can only lead to disaster.” She warned while pulling out a small bag of Pixie dust, “He has been hunting for my kind for a very long time. He is after this.” She handed the bag to Belle slowly and cautiously, “Be weary of that man.”

“Who said anything about love? I believe in him. I think there is more to him than you are telling me.” Belle took the bag and narrowed her eyes.

“Belle,” The fairy sighed, “You can take that, go invisible and escape the ship.” Belle had always been quick on her feet and that was one of the things that she had always taken pride in. She grabbed a cutlass from Hook’s closet and made sure the map was secure within her bosom. The fairy stopped hovering and sat on the old oak table, “What are you doing Belle… you need to return to Pixie Hollow. The key to getting back to your land is getting Pixie dust from the Fairy Queen… but I don’t know if she will give it to you if you bring Hook. He has tortured our sacred lands. The foe you now face is Blackbeard, and he is much more devilish than Hook. Belle please use the dust and save yourself… or you will bring destruction and the demons of hell to Neverland.”

Belle stopped and looked over her shoulder at the fairy. She knew from the look on the fairy’s tiny face that she spoke the truth. A desperate man would resort to nearly anything, Belle understood this. Belle found a cloak and tied it around her neck to provide some cover against the winds above. A storm had gathered while Hook and Blackbeard stood still. Blackbeard was a fierce foe. He was driven by greed and as powerful as Pan. The only difference was he was a sucker for his pride and often underestimated his foes. Belle knew of him from her books. Tales of his torture and rule at sea had reached the Enchanted Forest. She nodded and instead of using the pixie dust for herself she disappeared into the shadows. The only thing the fairy saw was a cascade of brown curls flying behind her. The fairy sighed as her light faded and before she died she whispered, “Dearest Belle, all magic comes with a price.”

--On Deck— 

Her footsteps were determined and her mind was racing. She pushed her way from behind Hook’s men and stood by his side. Her eyes blazed with rage at Blackbeard and his response was one of amusement and laughter. He did not fear Belle.

“Well I’ll give you one thing Hook… she is quite lovely. I would make this one submissive though. Give her a good night in the Captain Quarters and she would be a good wench.” He grinned, “Unless her boyfriend already has. Pan fears him coming to look for her.”

“Look. I have no idea what you’re talking about. Nor do I give a damn. If it is me you want, then you can have me…” She grinned, “If you can catch me.” Belle grasped Hook’s hand hard enough to break every fragile bone in it. She made note that he only had one hand. To his crew’s surprise she took her free hand and used an enchantment that she had learned from reading books in Mr. Gold’s pawn shop. The treasured and longed for pixie dust flew into Blackbeard’s eyes, “Never shall we die.” She quoted a famous quote from one of the books that Blackbeard was in.

“Damn wench!” He shouted while dropping his sword to frantically rub his eyes. The dust burned like acid in his eyes.

“Now!” Belle screamed to Hook’s men and they all dived off into the ocean swimming frantically towards the main land, “We don’t have time Hook.” Belle screamed at him and used her body weight to pull him to the hull of the ship. She looked down at the forsaken mermaids that hissed awaiting them. She knew if they landed they would devour Hook’s soul and turn her in to Blackbeard. She took one look at his face and frowned, “I promise you. I believe. I won’t let you die. Trust me.” She squeezed his hand and cut the rope. Belle said a silent prayer and jumped pulling him with her. The air was heavy against her and had she not believed they would have been fish food. She let go of the rope and they were cradled by the sky.

It was a funny feeling to feel weightless above demons from the Ocean. Belle flew towards the main land and even after they had landed in the soft sand she refused to stop running. Into the forest they disappeared. The sound of a horn could be heard in the distance. Pan knew they were now on his playing ground. Belle removed the map from her breasts and handed it to him. It was safe, dry, and hopefully could tell them how to get to Pixie Hollow. He knew she belonged to Rumpelstiltskin now, but she still had no idea of their history… or that she belonged to Rumpelstilskin. She smiled an intriguing grin, completely unaware, but proud of herself.

As they moved their conversation indoors, Hook was struck by how long it had been since he'd had a woman in his cabin. Women were scarce in Neverland and that was due in large part to Pan's proclivity for collecting young boys almost exclusively. Others made it to the island, as Hook had done, and women could be found if you knew where to look, but those had always been shallow affairs for him. Being with Belle was different. It was real in a way the other encounters never had been. He sat down in the chair at his desk and watched her across the intimate, candle-lit space. He never expected to see her again after that night at the tavern, but now that she was here, he was glad their paths crossed a second time.

"From what I've gathered, love, it seems you've suffered some kind of memory loss. I'm sure that anything you can remember would be worth hearing, but I'd most like to know where you were before you came to be here. This island isn't easily accessed, nor is it easily escaped. Any route I've not heard about would be welcome news indeed." He saw the map laid out on the table catch her eye. She unfurled it to have a look, bending over the table in order to straighten out the map, and while Hook considered himself a gentleman, he couldn't help but allow himself a brief look. "It's a map of Neverland," he told her. "Its beauty would have some believing they'd found paradise, but don't be fooled. This place is cursed. As you can see, my men and I have explored the bulk of it, but there's still much left to see."

Strange music drifted into the cabin, its source somewhere not far off. Killian frowned and turned his head, about to get up and investigate, when something crashed into the ship with enough force to knock Belle off her balance. She tumbled into his lap and he wrapped his arms around her reflexively. He looked into her eyes – strikingly blue, they were – and found himself, for once, not prepared with a witty remark. Mr. Smee's yelling voice called him back to his senses and he set Belle on her feet and headed for the door. "Stay here," he called to Belle before exiting the cabin.

Upon seeing the state of things out on deck, Hook decided at once that it was a mistake to let his men drop their guard. They'd been taken by surprise and boarded before they could put up a proper fight. It was Blackbeard that stood before him now, a figure straight out of a nightmare, but even as his men lost their nerve, Hook was not afraid. He stood with his hand on the hilt of his cutlass, still undrawn, as a cold smile curved his lips. "Sneaking aboard a ship in the dead of night is the coward's way, Blackbeard. It's bad form for a man of your reputation. Now, not that I don’t appreciate a midnight visit, but would you kindly skip the pleasantries and get to the point? We both know this little reunion wouldn't be happening without a reason."

Hook's eyes scanned the other pirate crew who had thus far stayed out of combat. He meant to keep it that way if possible, with the crew of the Jolly Roger drunk after their celebrations, but if Blackbeard was going to attack, they would have to respond. He listened intently to the man's words and concealed his reaction. He wanted the girl hiding in his cabin, Belle, or rather Pan did, and Blackbeard intended to deliver her to him. This he could not allow, but he was surprised by the last bit of information that was dropped on him. Belle was involved with Rumpelstiltskin? She'd said her boyfriend’s name began with an R…

Hook shifted his weight to a stance better suited for combat. His eyes never left Blackbeard and he tightened his grip on his cutlass, smiling dangerously. "I'm flattered that you've taken such an interest in my affairs, Blackbeard. Honestly, I'm touched." He dropped the sarcasm, his voice turning deadly serious. "But if you think I'm going to hand over anything to you tonight, you'd best think twice. The girl stays with me. If you wish to challenge me, then by all means, let us find out here and now which of us is the better swordsman."

He could feel someone pushing to the front of the crowd and then Belle was at his side, fearless in the face of danger. There was no point in telling her to hide now that Blackbeard had seen her. His jaw tightened at the other pirate's crass comment. "Pan’s afraid, is he?" He liked the thought of that. He didn’t welcome the idea of Rumpelstiltskin showing up in Neverland, but seeing the little demon tremble in his boots would be a nice change of pace.

Belle's tight grip on his hand drew his attention. To his surprise, the girl used some form of magic to blow dust into Blackbeard's eyes and proceeded to drag him to the hull. His crew were abandoning ship and swimming for shore, but with the mermaids on alert, he couldn't do the same. That seemed to be Belle's plan and he pulled her back from the ledge, catching her eye seriously. "Belle, you'll need to go alone. I can distract the mermaids and keep Blackbeard off your tail long enough for you to get to shore."

She promised his safety. He couldn't understand her confidence, but he believed her conviction, and when she pulled him overboard with her, he almost wasn't surprised when they didn't hit water. They floated through the sky, gliding as effortlessly as a bird toward land. It was the work of pixies, he was sure of it, but when had Belle obtained the dust?

They landed easily on the shore and disappeared into the forest at speed and only slowed when they had put some distance between themselves and the pirates that were probably in pursuit. Taking the map back that she'd concealed, he opened it up and glanced sidelong at Belle who looked proud indeed. He smiled at her. "That was quick thinking, love, but you should have told me you had pixie dust. It's a rare commodity in these lands, and useful, as you've seen." He was well aware that time was short. If Pan was truly after Belle, he would seize the chance to get at her now that she was outside the protection of his ship, and catching Killian alone would be a bonus. "Come, we need to keep moving." Unsheathing his sword, he took the lead to cut a path through the jungle. This close to the shore, he could find his way to most places on the isle with ease. He glanced back at her. "Blackbeard wants you, but only so that he can hand you over to Pan. It seems your beloved might be looking for you and the boy likely wants some kind of leverage. What do you remember about your boyfriend, Belle?"

It would have been easy to avoid the subject. Blackbeard's suggestion of taking advantage of the situation had tempted him. How sweet of a revenge would it be to steal away a second woman from the dark one? In a roundabout way, he could almost be considered a hero for doing it. Any woman left with Rumpelstiltskin had to be suffering. Still, his conscience wouldn't allow for it. Belle had an innocence about her that made him reluctant to betray her trust. He would do this the right way, if he could.

She was too busy navigating the high jungles of Neverland to notice his question at first. She was trying to focus on the forest ahead as he slashed his way through the terrain as though he had been in it his entire life. Neverland was a part of him in a way that she could never fathom. She stopped once his question hit her. Her boyfriend? What a curious question to ask in a dire situation. She arched a brown brow and continued to follow him through the forest blindly. At first her words did not come because she did not know what to say, nor did she think it was a good time. He had trusted her when she had asked him to. She knew the trust of a Pirate was priceless and nearly unattainable, but then again, their relationship was far from the normal wench and Pirate relationship. She smiled and tilted her head. The question about her boyfriend had completely sidetracked her from his question about how she had acquired the dust.

“I don’t remember much. I get bits and pieces as time goes on,” She stumbled on a tree root and knocked him from behind. He was strong and unmoving. Belle was thankful for the man that was before her in that moment. Her eyes glanced to the right where she would have landed, dreamshade. It was all over the cursed island. At least now she could recognize it. The young woman sighed a sigh of relief and gently pushed herself off of his back. Belle was going to have to learn to watch her step instead of daydreaming, “Obviously, I should probably focus on getting to Pixie Hollow in one piece…” She said while she motioned to the dreamshade, “Maybe by then I will remember something…” Belle offered a weak and apologetic smile. She could see something different in Hook’s eyes than before. There was an eagerness to his posture. Belle did the best to ignore the rising tension between them.

Her heart was full of regret, the man she could not remember had been very important to her. She found herself ashamed of the fact she could not remember such a vital person. Deep down she knew that she had thought of him as her true love and that he was most likely waiting for her in Storybrooke. Ah yes, Storybrooke. A warm smile of remembrance passed her face. She could not remember names and only but a few faces, but she knew that was home. That was where she needed to be. As Killian continued to slash at the Forest Belle could not help but stop to admire him once more. He was a fierce Pirate, and yet a gentleman. She appreciated his kindness and willingly followed him. The beauty had no clue the restraint that he was capable of performing.

“Wait…” She stopped in her tracks afraid of the sounds that she heard coming. Without a second thought she pulled Hook into a hollow tree, as if it was instinct. Their bodies entangled and she groaned as his sword grazed her leg. Her leg had been beat up too much for her liking. She was thankful when blood did not follow. Belle held a hand over his mouth as screaming wild children ran past them. The look in their eyes terrified her. They were children unlike any that she had been used to seeing. There was something dark in them. The same darkness that drove her to act. She had no clue how she had found the hollowed out tree, but something told her the pixies had something to do with it. She took a deep breath, once again trying to ignore the tension between them. Belle slowly removed her hand and peered out of the tree. They were gone. Her body shook a bit from an unknown fear. Belle had felt the evil approaching and without thought thrown a pirate into a tree. She really had to stop throwing him around like a rag doll and pulling him where ever she pleased, but that was twice her instincts had saved her, “Sorry Hook. I promise I’m not always like this.” She managed a small laugh. No normally she was very proper and rather klutzy.

Belle did not directly recognize her surroundings because when Hook had rescued her she had been unconscious and babbling with insanity. She was sane now, but that was beginning to feel questionable. Belle tucked some hair behind her ear and pushed on. This time she was ahead. Something about the forest spoke to her, she could not place it, but it was as if she had been there before in a dream. The woods cleared to Pixie Hollow and her heart stopped. The light that had once been free to shine down into the hollow was now gone. The blood of fairies scattered across the lands. She raised a hand to cover up her scream. The ghastly scene brought tears to her eyes and Belle felt as though she had lost someone near and dear to her heart.

“No…” She panicked clawing at the brush to reach the dying fairies. Their lights had already begun to fade by the time she had reached them, “No…no no no!” Her tone echoed her disbelief at the brutal scene she had laid her naïve eyes upon, “Hook!” Her voice was now hysterical as one fairy tried to reach out to her.

“Belle….” It whispered, “You have come home?”

“What?” Belle blinked. Her features were both distraught and confused. She could only assume the fairy was delusional as she laid dying. The fairy smiled knowingly.

“There is much to tell you Belle, and yet too little of time to tell you. Your mother was once one of us, but she fell in love with your father and gave up her wings.” The fairy coughed and turned over on her side. Her body transformed into a woman. The small creature was no longer something of her imagination. She was a woman dying. Her voice was labored as she continued, “We felt you come into our world. The only problem is your boyfriend Rumpelstiltskin… he is a demon. We cannot have that darkness on this island. Pan is enough darkness for us. Magic is dying here, Belle.” The fairy pointed a finger at Hook, “I thought we instructed you to leave the Pirate for Blackbeard and escape?”

Belle sat motionless. Memories of Rumpelstiltskin flooded back. She clenched her jaw as the fairy accused her of practical treason for bringing Hook with her. Belle remembered now. She remembered the man who stood her up and had been late for their date. She remembered that it had been her anniversary and that he had not shown. The news that fairy ran through her blood did not seem to phase her. She was too angry with the fact that Rumple had not shown up. If he had shown up maybe she would not be in this situation.

“I am not that kind of person. If fae does run in my bloodline, then you should know better. I will never leave someone behind to die. Especially Hook.” Her voice darkened.

“Belle, this is the man who took Rumple’s wife…. Did he not tell you? He knows who you are Belle.” The fae’s voice trailed off in Belle’s mind as a cold chill traveled up her spine. She knew vaguely of Hook. She knew that Milah had run off with a Pirate and abandoned both Baelfire and Rumple. Slowly Belle turned to face Hook. Her features tormented as her eyes searched the depths of his. Her heart had already given into the man who had saved her. The tension between the two was almost too much, and yet he had known who she was.

“Killian…” She whispered, this was the first time she had said his real name. The sound of it coming from her lips was sweet and haunting, “How could you?” She had already given a small piece of herself to him. She had trusted him, and the entire time he had been the one who had destroyed the good in Rumple. He had turned Rumple into a beast, instead of a man. The pain Belle had endured because of the beast would always haunt her.

“Well isn’t this sweet.” A voice from the shadows taunted. Blackbeard stepped out from the trees on the other side of the hollow. His eyes ablaze with laughter and annoyance. He had caught up to them, "I am going to enjoy you before I give you to Pan, wench."

Belle's eyes widened in fright as Blackbeard had appeared. It was all part of his plan. How had he gotten to the fairies before they had? Pan, she was sure whoever Pan was he was as powerful as Rumpelstiltskin if not more. Belle fell to her knees. It was all too much. The scene in the Pirate Tavern crossed her mind as she stared blankly at Blackbeard. He was amused by the situation and licking his lips like some rabid fiend.

“Belle… you have to survive! You are the last of your line. He…” The fairy pointed at Blackbeard, “Killed everyone else. My light will leave soon as well dear. I give you my last dust. My very life force. It will help you get off the island with Hook’s ship. Just make sure you survive… please Belle.” The fairy looked at Hook, “Belle has suffered a great deal because of Milah leaving Rumpelstiltskin. I tried to warn her to stay away from you, but apparently she doesn’t believe in listening to her elders. Protect her Killian. Be the man you were when your brother was alive, not the man you became. Prove us wrong about you.” The fairy’s thoughts and words were interrupted by Blackbeard smashing her throat with his boot. The fairy had been too weak to fight.

Belle held the pixie dust close to her heart. She would not hand it over without a fight. The words of her ancestor haunted her. This was Neverland. There was no telling how old the Fairy had been, but the fact that her long lost kin were scattered across Pixie Hollow like a bloody battle had transpired bothered her. It bothered her a lot. In fact the only thing that bothered her more… was Hook. She looked over her shoulder and glared at him. She had been a fool to trust a pirate.

“Shame on me for being fooled by your good looks. I should have known better.” She hissed. Now she was trapped between two pirates. The odds were definitely NOT in her favor.

Killian Jones

Killian Jones our thread has moved, pls update your tracker. ouadrpg.jcink.net/index.php?showtopic=83&st=0&#entry192