Once Upon a Time 1. Pilot

"_I'm still coughing up water from the last time you let me drown." -unknown_

The Captain looked at his "crew mates" with a look of dismay. They were not like his previous loyal subjects—these were a new mixture of people. The Evil Queen, her stepdaughter, her Prince Charming, and their daughter, Emma, their "savior". And the crocodile, although he had already left for the island without them.

He was not a man who easily put aside his hatred and it still astonished him as to why he was working alongside that…filth. Bloody hell, he was supposed to be a man of principle. But what if everything—his entire life—has been a complete waste? The creature he set years on trying to kill, he is now working alongside. But what now? What's his purpose now? Does he even have one? Regina said that villains aren't supposed to have happy endings…perhaps she was right. The dark haired captain was lost in his thoughts and was surprised when he noticed all of the people on his ship quarreling.

"Hook!" Emma shouted, "What is that?"

A dark swirl occurred in the water, getting larger and larger. All of those on the boat ran to the edge to observe the growing hole, however just as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared.

"What was that?" Snow asked shocked as her husband, Charming, clutched her to his chest.

"I believe you mean, who is that?" a musical voice rang from behind the group. They all turned to see a naked woman sitting on the bridge of the ship, with her green tail swinging back and forth as she combed her firey red hair with her fingers.

"A mermaid!" Snow gasped.

"I'll take care of it…" Regina started as she began to have a ball of fire grow on her hands as she prepared to throw it at the creature on their ship.

"Not this one!" Hook shouted before throwing himself in front of Regina's incoming ball of fire, protecting the girl sitting on a box and blocking her from their sight. Once he made sure that no one was going to attack the ship's newest member, Killian moved and the mermaid became visible to everyone except now her tail was gone and she had two legs crossed.

Killian smiled at their newest guest before he walked up to her, as he took off his jacket, "Hello, again, love. Long time no see."

The siren's eyes sparkled with mischief as she smirked back at the captain, "Were you hiding from me, Hook?"

He offered his coat to the beautiful creature, to which she stuck her arms inside and wrapped it around, shielding her body from the others. Snow White may have been the fairest of them all in the Enchanted Forest, but she was nowhere as close to being the beauty of the sea.

The Captain helped her down from her spot on the bridge and kissed her dainty hand, "I would never hide from you, lovely."

The siren stepped closer to the captain of the vessel and with her lips almost touching his, she responded, "You couldn't hide from me even if you tried."

Right when their lips were going to meet, the pair was interrupted by a shout, "Wait! Who are you?" Emma demanded.

The siren, annoyed to be interrupted in her own affairs, turned a glare onto the human, however did not respond. The siren, instead, looked at the blonde woman in front of her up and down before chuckling without saying a word.

"You haven't answered my question." Emma demanded yet again, an unwise move on her part. Hook, who had faced the wrath from his redheaded companion before, quickly stepped in before his ship was destroyed.

"This is Ariel."

Ariel, wrapped in Killian's jacket, had her arms crossed hugging the material close to her chest as she felt mist from the salty water splash her skin and the breeze whip her hair. At the stern of the ship she could see the carving of a young maiden in the front of the Jolly Roger and for a moment she felt like that maiden—carved and curved by her experience on the ship captained by a man with a hook for a hand but tied to the water. Half above the surface and half engulfed by the ocean.

She was an outsider to the people occupying the ship; she knew none of them except for Jones. He had introduced her to Regina, known as the Evil Queen, Snow White, Prince Charming, and their daughter Emma who looked to be the same age as her parents. When she raised an eyebrow in question to that fact, they just said it was a long story. Killian had briefly explained enough to them about who she was to temporarily halt their questions, however it was evident that they didn't trust her. The reputation of her kind beseeched her although most of the stories were true—her sisters being the ones who liked to antagonize sailors and lure them into the rocks for entertainment.

Listening to the waves gently crash against the boat as Hook sailed through them made Ariel look at the dark abyss below the ship. Her home. Was the water really her home though? She was a mermaid so yes she belonged there; she ruled it for Heaven's sake. But she was different. She was unlike any of her sisters and with the guilt she had about her father; she was sometimes ashamed to be in the water and to call herself the princess.

The Jolly Roger had been a safe haven for her once, perhaps even a second home in the Captain's quarters. Running her hand up and down the cherry wood bannister, she couldn't help but let out a small smile as her mind plagued with a memory she had on the ship.

_Killian Jones, the infamous pirate thief who ransacked the treasures and goods off of the kingdom's ships, was attempting to teach her how to properly use a sword. _

_All the men of the crew were sitting down on the deck, drinking some recently stolen rum and munching on bread as they laughed at the mermaid trying to learn the "art" of sword fighting. It always looked so simple to her when she watched the men of the ship overtake another, swords clashing as they moved with their feet in a dance. A dance that would prove fatal to the partner who lost their concentration, but a dance that Ariel wanted to learn herself. How hard could it be?_

_Well, for a mermaid trying to become accustomed to two wobbly, clumsy legs it was much harder than she originally anticipated. She could hear the men laugh as she tried to take a jab at Mr. Smee who quickly stepped out of the way of her incoming jab. Granted, the idea of sword fighting was foreign to her but even she knew it was an embarrassment to miss her target—it was Mr. Smee! The man, although loyal to their captain and quick with knowledge, was a pitiful swordsman due to his slow movements. _

"_Well lass," said a deep voice behind her, "even Mr. Smee seems to be too much of an opponent for you."_

_Frustrated, her eyes flashed with anger as she started to make quick jabs at the older man with the red hat who still avoided her aims. She turned to see the Captain slowly walk down the stairs near his cabin, with a smug grin on his face knowing that his words taunted her. _

"_It's this bloody sword!" she shouted frustrated, moving it around for him to see, "It's too heavy."_

"_Hmm…" Hook looked up to the sky for a moment with his hook resting on his chin as if he was deeply pondering something, "I believe I may have a solution."_

_From his belt, he unclasped his slender sword from its holder and handed it to her. It was long but the blade was skinnier with a define point making it easier to slice through the air. The mermaid eyed him before grabbing the sword and lifting her arm up and down with it, moving in different directions. _

"_The trick is, darling," he started as he came up behind her and put his hand over hers; helping her maneuver the lethal object in her hand, "Don't look at the spot you're aiming for. Keep eye contact with your enemy—yes like that—and swing to your target quickly before—no not so quick, you don't want to fall over in the process."_

"_I'm trying!" she shouted before taking a deep breath of air and did as the Captain told her. Eyes locked with Mr. Smee, steady hand, she swung the sword to Mr. Smee's side making him deflect the blow but tumbled to the ground in the process. Delighted at her success she couldn't help but smile triumphantly, "I did it!"_

_The Captain chuckled as his crew roared with laughter, teasing Mr. Smee that a wee little lass knocked him onto his behind. _

"_Why yes, love, you did it."_

Ariel came out of her thoughts as she heard talking near her. Slightly turning her body, she had a better view of the people behind her. Regina had gone to the bottom of the ship to presumably get some rest but everyone else seemed to be up. Emma and her mother, Snow, were in the corner discussing possible ideas on how to get a boy named Henry back. When asked about him earlier, Ariel assured them that she had not heard of him but the women still looked at her with doubt and disappointment. She knew though, that if Pan wanted him then he would have him. The real worry was not to find Henry, but _how_ they would find him. Once a boy became lost—corrupted by the temptations of Neverland—it was almost guaranteed that he would be lost forever.

The voices that shook Ariel out of her thoughts, however, came from the two males on board. Looking further, Ariel could see Hook speaking with Prince Charming and telling him that he needed to get a few hours of rest too before navigating their way through the forests of Neverland. As he handed the wheel over to the Prince, Killian turned and briefly looked at her signaling her that they needed to talk. He didn't have to look at her to know that though—she knew he would never voluntarily give up command of the ship to someone else, regardless of it being temporary.

Carefully sticking to the shadows, she watched Prince Charming stir the ship on the calm waters following Hook's directions as she made her way across the deck and towards his cabin. The Prince did indeed hold up to his name with his chiseled features. Due to the current situation, it was not a time for smiling for his family but she guessed that his smile most likely dazzled the ladies where he came from. She knew she could have fun with him later on. Slipping through the door that led to Hook's main chambers, she made sure to shut it gently as to not pick up notice from the people on deck.

The Captain, who himself had broke many ladies hearts back in the day with his suave and dark mysterious look, was sitting on his bed, cleaning his notorious hook while staring at the window in front him. The light from the candle in the corner flickered making shadows dance on the walls, while lighting up the handsome man's face. She knew that he was aware of her presence but had yet to say anything as he finished cleaning his hook.

"Don't trust your companions, captain?" she asked smirking before moving to sit next to him on the bed.

The man sighed before facing her with a far off smile before raising his hand to rub his thumb over her cheek, "Not while I speak with you, love."

Ariel raised her hand and put it overs his in response as she stared at the man in front of her. The man she spent four years with, the one who taught her how to wield a blade, the one who gave her a new life, the one who left her…

"Why are you back?" she abruptly asked, "You tried so desperately to leave these waters and finally succeeded—all for you to return again with a crew of people who know nothing about this land. And don't tell me it's because of this boy because I won't believe it."

He looked down and avoided her gaze and made a motion with his tongue in his mouth before making a bitter smile, "What if my life has been wasted? I've been so devoted to killing the crocodile, but what happens after? Have I done nothing to prove my bloody worth?"

Ariel pursed her lips in contemplation as if in deep thought before winking, "Well, you did find me."

Hook let out a grin and nudged her shoulder with his own, "Aye, I did."

"But," Ariel said answering his previous question, "I cannot tell you what to do. Even if you did succeed in killing the crocodile, what would you have done after?"

"Oh I don't know," he joked, "Perhaps the two of us would have sailed off into the sunset and I would have finally won you over."

Ariel laughed to disguise the pang she felt in her chest, "You can keep imagining."

Hook surveyed the mermaid in front of him. She was right when she said that he had left without a backwards glance—he was too caught up in his vengeance to kill the man who cut off his left hand that he not only left this land but he left her behind without coming back…until now.

"I'm sorry for leaving you," he murmured as she played with his hand, creating invisible patterns on his skin with her fingers.

"I missed you." She said, ignoring his apology. It wasn't accepted, nor was the conversation over, but she didn't want to get into that discussion at the moment, "The ocean tide has been somber…lonely."

The Captain sighed as he placed his forehead against hers seeing the blank look in her eyes, covering the pain and anger she was trying desperately to hide, "I know, love."

Lifting her head, Ariel brought her lips to his, cherishing the feel of him again. It had been so long and she was still angry with him but as he turned his body towards hers and gently laid her back on the bed, she couldn't help but wrap her arms around his neck and respond back willingly.

This man would be the death of her.

**First chapter! :D Thank you for reading this story—I hope you're interested! This (in case you haven't noticed) takes place at the beginning of season three of Once Upon a Time. I do not own the characters, however, I decided to change Ariel differently than the way she is depicted in the show. I apologize if you're a OUAT-version-of-Ariel fan but I came up with this idea when I first heard that they were going to incorporate Peter Pan in the show. Also, I know that in the first episode of the season, the Jolly Roger is surrounded by mermaids and is practically destroyed during the storm but I decided to leave that part out and have their encounter with Ariel instead (makes it easier for me to follow along with plot this way). From now on, I promise to try to stick as close to the show as possible while adding my own little twists. This is a Hook/Ariel story but there will also be a bit of Ariel/Pan and Hook/Emma to spice things up a bit. **

**Ariel and Hook's history will be revealed through flashbacks in later chapters, similar to the way this one was. Also, since I'm portraying Ariel differently than the way she is in the show and changing her back-story, I personally see Holland Roden playing her. That's just me though. x) **

**Please leave a comment if you have any questions, concerns, thoughts, opinions, etc. **** Criticism is welcomed and much appreciated, whether it be positive or negative! :)**


	2. Part of Your World

**Hello! :D This chapter has a bit of a flashback revealing some of Ariel's back story and how she met our favorite captain. Let me know what you think in the comments below!**

"_Wouldn't I love, love to explore the shore up out of the sea, wish I could be part of your world." -The Little Mermaid, Part of Your World_

"Have I ever told you," Killian began the next morning as he and Ariel lay under the covers on his bed, "How much I like seeing you in my clothes."

The little mermaid couldn't help but laugh as she ran her hand ran up and down his bare chest, playing with a few curly hairs, "I'm sure you enjoy seeing me in them more than I do wearing them."

"Well I must admit I do fancy seeing you without them as well, however," he began as he situated himself so his head wrested on his left hand, supporting his weight on his elbow, "we can't have you flaunting yourself to everyone now, can we?"

"'Aye,'" she began mimicking him to the best of her ability, "'Mr. Smee will have a heart attack on the floorboards there and the seagulls will soon be peckin' at him.'"

"Now you're just being rude," Hook held an arm to his chest as if deeply offended, "That's it, off the plank with you!"

Ariel burst into a fit of giggles before laying still and staring at the ceiling of his cabin. Her companion would have to be joining the others on the deck of the ship soon; it would be his turn to navigate through the waters of Neverland.

She bit her lip and sensing her change of emotion, Hook looked at her intently and asked why she was here.

"Not that I don't enjoy your company, love," he hastily said to not be rude and have the woman in front of him take his words the wrong way, "but your appearance was rather sudden."

"It's the water, Killian…" she said turning to look at his brown eyes, "Something's going to happen. I can feel it. I don't know what it is that you and your 'rescue party' think you're going to do but Peter is dangerous and he's up to something."

The pirate raised an eyebrow when she referred to Pan as Peter. She was the only one to ever refer to him by his first name. He knew of their history but still, it unnerved him to think of their past together.

"Just…do me a favor and be careful." She murmured showing her concern in those green orbs she had for eyes.

Killian grinned and attempted to lighten the mood, "I shall try to appease the lady but my hook cannot be tamed."

"Oh!" she said nudging the pirate with her shoulder making him loose his balance from the weight he was supporting on his elbow, "You're a scoundrel, Killian Jones."

As the hearty pirate smirked with that devilish look he had in his eye, he leaned down and pressed his lips to the woman beside him just as the door flew open.

"Hook! It's-" shouted a surprised blonde upon entering the room before halting at the door and stopping midsentence, "It's your turn to command the ship."

The mermaid in the room growled, "Haven't you heard of knocking?" before turning her eyes to Emma who was standing awkwardly at the door.

"Easy lass," Hook began as he sat up and grabbed for his shirt, "We can continue our…discussion later." With a wink, he quickly pecked her on the lips before disappearing through the doorway and shutting it behind him, blocking Emma's view.

Ariel let out a huff before turning over in the bed and staring at the empty pillow next to her before her eyes began to close and she drifted off to sleep.

_XxxxxxxX_

_Ariel was nostalgic for a life she never knew—the life of a human. The culture fascinated her. The clothes, the dancing, the communication, the work, the ships with their huge sails, the majestic castles, the unique objects the humans produced, the musical instruments, etc. _

_She felt lost. She was one of the King Triton's daughters, ruler of the ocean. She had many sisters and they were all so content with ocean life, happy following the same pattern of events. They followed their father's rules, attended all of the underwater events, helped produce the weather with their father and occasionally played with human males and enticed them into the deepest depths of the water. Always the curious one, always taking each day as an adventure, Ariel was ready to start a new adventure._

_One day she visited the infamous sea witch Ursula. Throughout her childhood she heard rumors of the older octopus, her power was rumored throughout the ocean. Fish and mermen alike spread tales of her true power however when she visited her, asking her about her fate the witch's power was indeed exaggerated. Known for love potions, fortune telling, and messing with people's lives, the witch could not truly help Ariel with what she needed. _

_The only 'useful' information she told her was a bit of a prophecy after reading her palm: "Your life will change when you save the life of the human man with the brown eyes and steeled heart."_

_Weeks later, she saved the life of a drowning man named Prince Eric who she believed to be the man the Sea Witch was speaking about. He had jet-black hair, beautiful brown eyes, a strong jawline, and defined body. She had watched him and the people on the ship before it began to sink. The Prince needed a wife and looking at him on the sand after saving him, she knew that she could be it. This could be her ticket to her new life on the human land that mystified her. _

_After returning to the Sea Witch, she advised her to see the Crocodile. She warned her that not many people were satisfied after visiting the mysterious person but he could give her whatever she wanted with a price. Ariel was confident in her new opportunity and headstrongly visited the creature that could hopefully change Ariel's life._

_The Crocodile giggled as he met her "Princess, how may I be of service?"_

_Ariel did not trust the man but she had waited too long. "I wish to marry Prince Eric."_

"_My, my," he started, "a mermaid in love with a human. You dream big dearie. In order for that, you'll need legs."_

_As Ariel opened her mouth to deny the accusation of loving the Prince, the crocodile beat her to it, "I can give you legs but at a price."_

"_What price?" she inquired unsure._

"_Oh just a small trinket really. We can worry about that later. But," he said holding up a finger, "I have another price. I will give you legs but you must have them for three days and after, you can alternate from fish to human whenever you like."_

"_Why three days?" _

_The Crocodile stared at her with a mysterious twinkle in his eye before smiling, "No reason dearie. It's a small price to pay to live the life you always wanted."_

_Ariel stared at him. She had little to offer him; she would accept the consequences later. "Deal."_

_XxxxxxX_

_With her new long, slender legs Ariel tried to stand on the sand of the beach. She was clumsy and her legs wobbled as she tried to remain standing upright without falling over._

"_Oh my, you can't meet your prince like that." The crocodile tsked before waving his hand and her bare form was then covered in a blue dress with a silver corset. Her toes now wiggled inside the blue shoes covering her foreign feet instead of the sand as they were previously._

_The Crocodile giggled with a wide smile plastered on his scaley face, "Your Prince is away but will be back tomorrow. For tonight, here are some coins to book you a stay at the inn right there."_

"_Thank you." She told him as she accepted the bag full of coins. As she began to gain balance and walk pretty gracefully, she started making her way across the sand and toward the direction of the inn the Crocodile pointed to. _

"_Remember, dearie, three days!" she heard the crocodile giggle from behind her before he disappeared. _

_Sitting on a stool in the tavern section of the inn a couple hours later, Ariel could feel many gazes on her. She had given the innkeeper money from the bag but gaging the reaction she received from the innkeeper, she realized she must have given more money than what was needed and therefore was serviced rum in the tavern. _

_Surprisingly, the rum although strong to the humans, tasted quite well and gave her a tingly feeling that made her light on her feet. Her nerves for the upcoming day made her accept more of the beverage and began to be quite bubbly in mood—a feeling she hadn't had in a long time since her mother passed._

_Sitting at the bar she had a perfect view of the patrons of the tavern. It delighted her to be there; watching all of the humans interact fascinated her. Men came and went through the tavern to get a drink, play a card game (most were loosing by the anger shown on their faces) and some of the men were being entertained by ladies with tight fitting corsets similar to the one Ariel was wearing except theirs made their bosoms lift higher enchanting the eyes of the men. Some of the women left with the men to go upstairs while others drank and whispered into the ears of them, occasionally kissing them. Ariel cocked her head and became fascinated watching these women. Their skirts swayed as they walked like they were floating on air and they held themselves with such dignity yet we were loose and their skirts flowed, following them wherever they went. Their lips were stained beautiful shades of red and some of them may have had laughs a little too loud, but that was probably due to the drinks they were having. Observing them, Ariel quickly learned that the beverage in her hand was the cause for much of the heightened moods in the room but as she grew more relaxed and swayed a bit herself, she knew it was quite an interesting feeling. _

_As she called for another drink, she heard a deep voice beside her, "I've always loved a woman who can hold her drink."_

_Turning to her left, her bright, tipsy eyes landed on a handsome stranger leaning on the bar next to her. She had noticed him earlier, playing cards and being the source of plenty other men's anger—no doubt it was he that winning. As he took coins from the angry men, she noticed that many of the ladies in the room with their red lips and flowing skirts tried to lean on him and capture his attention. With black hair framing his defined face, smoldering brown eyes, five o'clock shadow, and charming face, the man before her rivaled the beauty of her prince. He wore a leather coat, red vest, and a hook for a hand._

"_You must not meet many women." She slurred as she smiled graciously at the barmaid who refilled the beverage in her hand._

"_Aye, not many as pretty as you." He winked as he leaned closer to her, "Now, love, how does a lady so fine as you end up here alone?"_

_Ariel pondered the question as she took a deep drink of the brown intoxicating liquid in her hands, "I quite like observing people—you're all so interesting."_

"_Hmm," he studied the petite woman in front of him. She couldn't have been older than nineteen but something in her green, almond shaped eyes told him that she was older than she appeared. Her long red hair fell down in waves down her back and framed her pale face with such delicacy; she was unlike any other woman in the tavern and could feel something drawing him to her. _

_As Hook opened his mouth to offer her a beverage with him elsewhere, the redhead unexpectantly jumped off of her stool and stared wide eyed at the little band who started to play in the corner. The trio was playing a quick dance tune that was quite common to hear at places like these but the expression on the redhead before him bore pure excitement. _

_He smirked, "Would you like to dance, love?"_

_She was still distant, focusing her attention on the band performing before slowly turning her attention back to him, "Oh, uh, thank you but…I don't really know how." She finished biting her lip and looking down to the floor with her cheeks flushing a light shade of pink. He had to resist from reaching out a finger and grazing the smooth surface of her face. _

"_Well," he grinned, "I may only have one hand but I am a hell of a leader. And you know what they say, all you need is a skilled leader."_

"_Oh but I-" she was cut off as the strange man grabbed her hand and pulled her to the opposite side of the tavern where some couples were already dancing. It wasn't a waltz but it was a quick, fiery of movement. Ariel struggled with her feet to keep up with her partner's movements but quickly found herself laughing with him as they moved all around the floor and holding onto him for support. Whether it was the dancing or the alcohol she had consumed was catching up with her, she was utterly euphoric. _

_As the song ended the two of them moved to a corner of the room where she leaned against the wall trying to catch her breath but still with a smile on her face. The man with the hook was leaning with one arm placed on the wall near her head looking down at her and for some unknown reason, she didn't even notice how close he was to her. _

"_Well, love, what do you say we go off for a night cap?" he whispered huskily as his face came closer to hers. _

_Unconsciously she moved her head to the side but he took it as an invitation as he began to press his soft, full pink lips to her neck. Ariel gasped, never feeling such a sensation before and closed her eyes as her body tingled from head to toe as he moved up to her jawline. Although her eyes were closed, her sense of hearing began to dim and suddenly before she knew it, she fell into a pit of darkness and her mind drifted into sleep. _

_Hook was surprised when all of a sudden the woman before him went limp in his arms and he had to catch her before she fell to the floor. He stared at the sleeping, beautiful girl he now held in his arms and looked around to see that everyone was carrying on as usual. He lifted her, bridal style, unsure where to take her. He had not seen her with anyone nor did he want to take her back to his ship but soon he caught sight of the innkeeper who nodded to the stairway, signaling that she was staying there. He nodded back in gratitude as he carried the sleeping girl upstairs. The tavern only had three rooms and based on the fact that two of the doors were occupied, he proceeded to the third door and gently placed the girl down onto the bed. _

"_Sleep well, love." he smiled as he watched the mysterious woman roll to her side and hug the pillow before closing the door and locking it on his way out to join his crew back in the tavern. _

_XxxxxxX_

Hearing a light tapping on the door, Ariel groggily sat up in bed as the door slowly opened to reveal a certain Prince.

"Charming," Ariel smiled sleepily before rubbing her eyes, "What do I owe the pleasure?"

David let out a low chuckle as he observed the woman sitting in bed. Her flaming red hair was sprayed out in all directions and as she stretched her arms out he couldn't help but feel like he had seen her face somewhere before.

"I just came to wake you…Hook said we'll be docking soon." He replied still trying to place where he had seen her before. He certainly did not remember meeting her.

"_Strange." _He thought to himself before shaking those thoughts out of his head.

Ariel threw a smile towards the man still standing in the doorway before swinging her legs over the side of the bed to stand up with the white sheet covering her form before putting on Hook's jacket again. There was no need for her to change into clothes if they were going to land; it simply meant that it was time for her to leave.

"I'll be out in just a minute," she replied, "Thank you."

Nodding, David retreated back onto the deck and closed the door behind him to return to Mary Margaret. Tying Hook's jacket together, Ariel gave herself a once over in the mirror near the harpsichord Killian had in the corner of the room. Seeing her hair in disarray, she quickly combed it through her fingers deciding it was the best she could do for now before following Prince Charming's leave.

Every passenger of the Jolly Roger seemed to be on deck this morning, working out any last minute details on the plan to save Henry. Personally, Ariel didn't know how she felt about their adventure to Neverland. To be quite honest, she hardly cared whether they found the boy or not—the Lost Boys all loved their home with Peter on the island. Many parents had searched for their missing children to no avail before, what made this family any different? And once the search party was over and if by some unforeseen miracle, the boy _was_ reunited with his family…what would Killian do? Seeing her favorite Captain converse with Emma Swan, Ariel couldn't help but feel a spark of jealousy.

Hook did not come back to see her; he came to save the boy. Emma Swan's boy. Watching him talk with the blonde woman, she could feel her fists clenching together and eyes begin to darken to a richer shade of green. It was evident by the look of Killian's face that he had some sort of attachment to the human woman. She was after all…_human. _The "Savior" was bred on land—she lived and breathed air! And she could give Hook something that Ariel never could…children.

"_But," _Ariel thought to herself bitterly_, "she's not even that pretty. And her last name is of a bird; a stupid bird."_

Trying to unclench her teeth and relax her hands, Ariel was a bit surprised when the Evil Queen spoke to her.

"Keep staring like that and you'll set her on fire," Regina smirked nodding in the direction of Killian and Emma, "Not that I would entirely mind but…it might take more than that to kill her unfortunately."

Ariel turned to the Queen and let out a small chuckle as she imagined the blonde's hair starting on fire. Before she could reply though, Snow White announced that they should all start on foot soon. Each second that went by they were further away from getting Henry.

Taking that as her cue, Ariel pushed threw Emma and Hook who were standing by the plank of the ship and began to untie the knot of Killian's jacket.

"Where are you going?" Emma asked staring at the mermaid in front of her. Although she did not trust the woman wearing Hook's coat, she knew that in order to save Henry they would need all the help they could get.

"What does it look like?" Ariel replied hotly, "I'm going back to the water."

Hook, seeing the dark shade of green in Ariel's eyes, sighed before taking a step towards her, "Come on, lass. We're going to need you."

Ariel stared at him for several moments before silently removing the jacket and throwing it to him, leaving her as bare as a seal to the crowd on board.

"Seems like you have everything you need." She said bitterly before diving into the water and letting her tail splash before swimming under the surface and towards the water's depths.


	3. Fish Out of Water

**Peter Pan has entered the building! I hope you like this chapter but I do have to warn you that there is a weee bit of Peter and Ariel smut in here. Enjoy! **

**Song for this chapter is "Make Me a Bird" by Elektrik People**

Ariel POV

I swam underneath the ocean's surface looking for oysters, but they were all tucked away somewhere. The nature of the sea knew that something was coming, and therefore began to hide. My thoughts were consumed by what Hook and his companions could be up to as they trudged through the island's green canopy in search for that stupid boy named Henry. I knew I shouldn't care about them or pay them any mind; I should be carrying on with my life under the big blue surface. Yet I couldn't let it go. Peter Pan once told me that "curiosity killed the cat" and that may be right but I wanted to know what was going on above the surface. What was happening on the mysterious island known as Neverland?

I was lost in my thoughts but soon the sound of a flute graced my ears. The sound was dim but soon it grew louder, although angelic in sound. Only one instrument made that sound. And it had only one owner.

I took off my make shift bag and hid it under a rock, careful of any of my "sisters" to find it and steal my current findings. Stealers mermaids are. The lot of them! "Finders keepers" should be their permanent motto.

As I inched closer to the source of the sound, I heard little whispers and female giggling.

"Oh Peter, why don't you visit us anymore? I hope you haven't forgotten," Attina pouted, "Maybe you can play your flute for us."

"Yes! Please do!" swooned Aquatta.

"Sorry ladies, but I'm just waiting for someone." Peter replied with devilish grin on his face but his eyes remained cool. It was no question that my sisters were beautiful; their songs would enchant many lost boys to Mermaid Lagoon where they would have their way with them before dragging the boys down below the surface to meet their untimely deaths.

"You can call me anytime, Peter." Attina seductively stated with a twinkle in her eye and glimmer in her voice.

I rolled my eyes at Attina's pathetic attempts at trying to capture the attention of Peter Pan. Creeping up behind them, I couldn't help but smirk as I emerged from the water, "I believe he meant me."

Pan stood up from his seat on the ledge of a rock a few inches above the water upon hearing my voice but he knew all along of my coming presence. He always did. My sisters glowered at me but knew better than to say anything. With looks that could kill, they made unnecessary splashes as they returned to the depths of the water, leaving Pan and I alone. I may not have been the oldest in my family, but I had power over them. Being King Triton's favorite daughter was one thing but my ability to walk on land placed me higher than the rest. Especially when it came to Peter. I was able to do things that my sisters would never be able to do, therefore putting me in charge. And no one dared to cross me.

"How long did my idiotic sisters pester you?" I asked annoyed.

"Oh," he responded, "Not long. As soon as they knew I was here they came above the surface. Took you long enough. Although I do quite like how they worship me; unlike you."

I snorted before lifting myself out of the water and sat on a rock near him, letting my tail sway back and forth in the water, "I worship no one but myself."

"For once you are right," Peter chuckled as he sat down beside her letting his fingers graze against my silky green scales that adorned my tail, making me take an intake of breath. "Your self ego almost matches mine."

"At least we're on the same page," I mumbled trying to distract myself from the tingling coming from my scales as his stroking fingers began to move toward my center. Looking up at him, I could see the permanent smug look on his face before I pushed his hands and contagious fingers away. He knew what he was doing to me.

"Why did you call me here? You look like you've already had a busy night." I asked trying to straighten my posture and regain control of the situation before giving him my attention. Strands of my long hair covered my breasts although the curves of my bosom were still visible.

Silently smirking, Pan looked at me once more before staring at the stars lighting up the sky making their reflections on the water blur whenever a small tide came in.

"I have a job for you." He responded in a casual yet solemn tone as his pale fingers now traced the reflection of one of the star reflections. His restless state always present as he couldn't help but be in some sort of motion.

"Really?" I asked sarcastically, "I was beginning to think you called me for the mere pleasure of my company."

Peter laughed, "Oh my dear, it is no secret that I enjoy your company but there is something I need of you."

I knew what he wanted and couldn't help but fill with dread as I anticipated his response.

XxxxxxX

Wearing one of Pan's green tunics, I walked barefoot around Hangman's Tree feeling the leaves crunch under my bare feet. The sensation of walking on grass or leaves brought a new sensation to me whenever I sported my legs. My skin—my entire being—craved to be in the ocean and sometimes when I walked too long it took all of my strength and energy to remain on land. My body was meant to be in sync with the waves, moving with the tide under the ocean's surface. But it was times like these, as my toes curled to the grass that I needed more than the water. My human form had its own cravings.

With my eyes closed, I inhaled the sweet aroma of scents around me: bark, grass, flowers, and sea salt. Continuing on my trail, I could feel a light wind graze my hair and lift the tunic up from my thighs as it swept through the jungle protected by the canopy of trees above providing a blanket of everlasting darkness. It was moments like this with the breeze kissing my skin like a gentle lover and my eyes closed under the protection of the trees that I knew what I was like to feel peace, no matter how brief.

That peace quickly ended though as I heard a twig snap to my right making me jump into alertness. My eyes soon resumed to their normal shape and size as they landed on the dark silhouette of a familiar boy stepping out of the shadows.

"My, my…what do we have here? A fish out of water." The figure said hidden beneath a dark cloak.

"Felix. What a lovely surprise to see you here. You haven't changed a bit," I winked knowing full well that the boys on Neverland could never grow as long as they stayed on the island.

"Surprise? You didn't seem too stunned when I appeared." He replied stepping out of the shadows and into a better light. His blonde unruly hair was slightly visible as some strands peaked out under the black cloak covering him from head to toe.

"Well, if you really wanted to startle me then you wouldn't have stepped on that twig. We both know full well how much of a silent little creeper you are. Like a ghost amongst the shadows." I told him with a small, humorous smile. Felix was like a ghost. And Pan—his shadow—was his master.

"Always a pleasure seeing you, Ariel. I'd ask why you're here but," he nodded towards Pan's tunic that I was wearing with a mischievous look in his eye, "I see I don't have to."

I narrowed my eyes at him and crossed my arms over my chest before raising an eyebrow and smirking, "Getting any thoughts Felix?"

The blonde teenager in front of me settled his face into a glare before continuing in his monotones voice, "Hardly."

Smiling triumphantly, I still kept my arms crossed covering my chest. I wasn't trying to cover myself from prying eyes; as a mermaid I am very comfortable in my skin and take pride in its unblemished service. Joking or not, Felix knew better than to look at me in a physical light, let alone think of me in that way. I was Peter's. Or at least that's what the never aging boy liked to tell himself.

"So," I began as if we were friends catching up, "What have you been up to?"

The scar faced boy standing before me raised an eyebrow and smirked, mocking my previous facial expression, "Not much that would interest you. Now I'd ask you the same question but," he nodded his head toward my exposed thighs with little pink markings on them, "we both know the answer to that."

"I don't have to explain myself to you." I scowled at him, shifting my weight from one leg to the other. Felix's insinuation made me a little uncomfortable, whether it was true or not. It's not that I regretted it, I honestly don't know how I felt but that was the way it was with Peter. That boy was a whirlwind of emotion, like a bomb that was always ticking to go off but there was one principle he went by. He did not approve of regret so I tried to follow that principle as well.

"I don't need an explanation," Felix said as he took his cloak off and put it in his arms and started to step closer to me till he was whispering in my ear, "Pan always gets what he wants."

With that he thrust his cloak into my arms and walked back into the shadows to whoever knows where. Presumably to the Lost Boys' campsite to rest or get food since he never ran errands for Peter without it.

As if on cue I could hear him at a distance, "Breakfast is served. Pan wants your attendance."

Letting out a growl, I muttered to myself before putting the cloak on knowing that Peter would not want the other boys to see me in such a "revealing" ensemble. Occasionally, he let me roam around the camp wearing whatever I wanted just so he could tease the other boys before he kissed me in front of them. He liked to manipulate people and he loved showing off his toys—I was one of them. Today though, he wanted me to be covered or else Felix would never of lent me his cloak, the boy hardly ever took it off! Regardless of the dirt and grim that most of the Lost Boys had caked on their faces and body, Felix made sure to keep his linens clean fore his cloak faintly smelled of him but in a good way. From appearance the item of clothing looked cold and perhaps scratchy but the material must have been made from a fairy's yarn or conjured by Peter himself with magic. It really didn't matter to me where it came from but I silently rejoiced in its warmth as the air began to cool more. Normally, I swam in the ocean naked with only some shells to cover my bosom area so the necessity to wear clothing on land never failed to boggle me. I usually tried to wear the least amount possible, for it restricted movement. The cloak, although a bit of a nuisance due to its length, moved pretty well with me so it would do for now.

_Stepping out of the water, it took a while to split into two and morph into a pair of legs. The water in my skin had to seep out until I was almost completely dry and once my legs appeared, I would still have to wait awhile fore it took some energy to move around due to their soreness. Every time I changed into my pure human form, I felt like a baby trying its own legs out for the first time—clumsy and awkward._

_I sat on the rock near Peter with my fin stretched out in an attempt for it to dry quicker so my legs would appear when Peter picked me up. Bridal style, he held me close to his warm chest as my fin slowly began to sprout two slender legs. Instantly, I put my arms around his neck to hold on knowing that we would soon be airborne. He smirked at me as we began to lift into the air and he flew us to Hangman's Tree. As we floated above the treetops, I could see all of Neverland spread out like a vast canvas._

_The moon shined on the ocean, reflecting a huge white orb with its light shining on Dead Man's rock. The dense forest landscape could be seen as a few miles of green and it was there in Peter's arms that I momentarily felt untouchable. Although that was not true. My fate was in his hands and he knew it. Unconsciously, I tightened my grip around his neck at the thought of him dropping me up there to fall on the ground although I knew he wouldn't do that. He had dropped me before on purpose but he never actually let me hit the ground; he just liked seeing me scream. If he really wanted to hurt me then he would destroy me slowly, working from the inside out. It wouldn't be any fun for him if he just ripped out my heart. It always had to be a game with him. A never-ending game. _

_Turning away from the beautiful landscape known as Neverland, I looked at the face of an immortal teenager. I could already feel his burning stare on my skin before I turned. A piece of his sandy blonde hair fell across his forehead so without thinking I lifted my hand to brush it off of his face before meeting his piercing green eyes. Touching his skin always gave me a small shock; I could feel the magic coursing through his veins under the surface. I hadn't come to see him in awhile and neither had he called me but the dark look in his eyes hinted to me what was to come tonight. With an unexpected whoosh, he flew us inside of his tree house and flung me onto his makeshift bed of feathers and furs with a plop. Bouncing from the impact, my flaming red hair sprayed out in all directions. _

"_I'm naked," I told him as I sat up on his bed, "Aren't you afraid of your boys seeing me? They might get a few devilish ideas." _

_Pan let out a low chuckle before moving in front of me like a predator taunting its prey as he kneeled in front of me on the bed with his breathe fanning my face. His tree house was higher than the rest of the others, the top of the hierarchy. None of the Lost Boys ever dared to go that high up in the tree to Pan's room. It was his territory. All of Neverland was his territory but this one place was his and no one was allowed in. Except her. _

_Pushing me further back on his bed, Peter crawled on top of me supporting most of his weight on his elbows but the position was still meant to display his superiority over me. The ocean may be mine but this land was his. "I am afraid of nothing," His said in a husky low voice as his face was now only a centimeter away from mine with his ever-intent stare before dipping his head down and kissing my neck, nibbling on his way down to my breasts. Arching my body up closer to his, I let out a soft sigh as he smirked into my skin while continuing his handiwork. Eyes closed, my thoughts drifted to a certain captain who did this to me before…the thought made me clench my teeth though. _No. _He left me…_

_Digging my nails in the back of Peter's shirt in anger only seemed to encourage him as he began to caress my skin with his tongue. I refused to think about Hook. He hurt me. _This is Peter_; I had to remind myself, _crazy, emotional, primal, manipulative…sexy Peter_._

_I let out a moan and intertwined my fingers into Peter's hair as took one of my firm breasts in mouth, sucking as he raised his eyes to look at me. His smug expression displayed perfectly. He knew how to get to me. He knew my sensations. He knew my weakness. Peter Pan knew everything._

"_You are mine." He muttered into my skin but my eyes shot open and in a quick motion, I flipped him on his back with an unexpected force with me now on top of him._

"_I am no one's." I said glaring at him with a low voice. My long, wavy red hair created a curtain between us as I stared at him furiously. _

_Pan smirked beneath me before winking, "Whatever you say, _Princess,_" As he lifted his head and engulfed my mouth with his, molding us together and sealing my fate for the evening. _

Emerging into the Lost Boys campsite, I observed the forever children as they ate their food like savages. Woofing it down like animals, their cheeks were puffed out from all the food they were trying to shove down their throats. Making a face at them, I sauntered over to the fire and held my hands out over the flames, letting the warmth of the orange hue tingle my skin before noticing a boy lying on the ground a few feet away from the flames.

Cocking my head to the side, I pursed my lips as I surveyed the lost boys eating to try and count heads. Felix's tall frame towered over most of the other boys but there were about three extra boys that I hadn't met before. But from my estimation, this particular boy lying on the ground stood out from the rest. His face, peaceful in sleep, looked familiar until a name dawned on me. _Henry_.

I gave a final glance back towards the little savages before walking over to the brown haired kid and sat on a large root of the tree. He looked to be around the same age as majority of the other boys here, younger than Peter and Felix of course. But he was small in frame—weak. He lacked muscle unlike all the other boys who used the jungle as their own obstacle course, climbing trees, running through the dense green. This boy never fought in a physical battle, unlike the others whom I've seen countless of times. I was beginning to grow tired of his sleeping form so I not so gently kicked his shoe making him bolt up and look around like a dog with his shaggy hair shaking back and forth. I could admit that he somewhat had an attractive face but that probably came from his father's side, whomever that may be.

"Who-who are you?" he asked as his eyes settled on me, "There aren't supposed to be any girls in Neverland."

I scoffed, "Well what do I look like to you?" As he stammered to clarify himself I rolled my eyes before answering his question, "I'm Ariel."

"Ariel?!" his eyes widened as he sat up properly against the large tree trunk, "As in the Little Mermaid?"

Narrowing my eyes now, "How do you know of that nickname?"

"Well it's…it's in my book. It's everywhere actually." I still stared at him with a blank look on my face making him continue, "You're a Princess! You marry Prince Eric."

Gasping, I abruptly sat up and crouched myself in front of the child in front of me and used my hand to push him against the trunk more, "I am no wife to that bastard. Now this…this book. What else does it say about me?" I asked easing my grip on him the slightest.

"Not much, to be honest. It just says how Ursula, the sea witch, gave you legs and you married Prince Eric after saving him from a ship and battling Ursula who tried to steal the triton from your father." He said looking at me with a little bit of fear in his eyes. I laughed.

"That old hag can only _dream _to have the power to give me legs. No, it was the crocodile. He was the one that gave me the ability to be here right now. The rest of your story is foolishness." I told him ignoring the fact that I really did save Prince Eric's life. I should have let him drown.

"I don't understand," He shook his head as I leaned back on my heels, "Why are you in Neverland? How do you know Pan?"

Speak of the devil, a loud "_cuckoo"_ noise could be heard from the opposite side of the campsite making me stand up and take a step away from the child who kept staring at me with a wide eyed expression on his face. I couldn't tell if the expression was because he was trying to determine if what I said was true or if he was scared of Peter…probably the latter. I felt an arm snake itself around my waist before I heard his voice.

"I see our two guests have acquainted themselves," Peter began as he smirked between Henry and I before placing a chaste kiss on my cheek making the boy on the floor gasp.

Turning to look at me with that ever present smug look in his eye, Peter directed his attention to me while keeping his arm secured around my frame, "Sorry, darling I had some business to attend to this morning."

"S'okay," I mumbled before directing my attention to the tree trunk in front of me, "I didn't expect you to be there anyways." I could feel his burning stare on me as his grip tightened before he pulled away and threw an apple down to Henry.

"Catch!"

"No thanks," Henry replied as he let the red apple roll on the floor beside him, "I don't apples."

"Who doesn't like apples?" Peter asked bewildered.

"It's a family thing." Henry muttered back in reply as his thoughts seemed to plague his mind.

"They're not for eating," Peter stated as he crouched down in front of Henry the way I was before, "They're for a game. A really fun game."

"Oh Peter, do we really have to do this now?" I sighed irritated knowing full well what his intentions were. I, myself, had once been a key player in this game of his.

Ignoring me—what a surprise…not—Peter pointed his crossbow at Henry's chest, "I call it target practice."


	4. Princes and Pirates

Ariel POV

As the boys gathered to prepare for their target practice game, I moved to see what food was leftover. The Lost Boys already devoured most of it and I was going to be lucky if I found any scraps. Picking up a bowl of berries and a strip of bacon that one of the younger boys no doubt forgot on their plate in the middle of the ruckus, I moved away from the crowd. I had seen their archery game before and Peter had even tried putting the apple on my head for his amusement before I yelled at him and threatened to castrate him.

Sitting with my back against a tree with the boys still in my line of sight, I focused on my berries as I observed Peter walk around his circle of followers. Henry looked nervous and although I disagree with Peter's methods, that child needed to toughen up a bit. Picking up a handful of berries I savored their sweet flavor as they melted on my tongue and tried to block out Peter and the Lost Boys.

_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_

_The morning after her eventful evening in the Tavern, Ariel awoke with a slight headache and fumbled to get up out of bed. She had no idea how she got there. She remembered dancing with the man she had been observing at the card table and she couldn't help but touch the spot on her neck where his lips were hours before. She admitted to herself that he was quite charming but based on the women's reactions to him last night; it showed that he was quite popular there. No doubt he did that with all the women he came across. _

_She shook her head quickly erasing him out of her thoughts as she focused on the task at hand. Today Prince Eric would arrive back to the kingdom and she would try to…try to what? He was in need of a wife but could she marry a man that she did not love? Would he even like her? What if everything she had done was for nothing?_

_Ariel bit her lip before standing in front of the silver contraption before her. It revealed to be her reflection. At first it startled her but she had seen a blurry vision of herself before when she was swimming at the surface of the ocean, however, this vision was clear. Staring at the strange person in front of her, she studied her appearance and the toes she was wiggling on the floor. Upon hearing a bell ring in the distance, she jumped out of her thoughts and quickly ran her fingers through her hair trying to ease the mess that she had created while sleeping. Fixing the dress she wore, she couldn't help but feel uncomfortable as the silver corset she wore made it hard to breath, but she did admit that it complimented her figure quite nicely. Pulling her bosom higher, similar to the ladies she observed last night, she preceded to put on the blue shoes the Crocodile had given her, collected the bag with a few remaining coins, and left the room. _

_Walking down the stairs of the inn, she saw that the tavern was empty for it being around early afternoon except for a few men and women scattered here and there. She couldn't help but feel a little disappointed when she did not see the man she saw last night. _He doesn't matter…_ she had to remind herself. She was here for Eric. He was the one who was going to change her fate. Outside the tavern she was surprised to see people flocking here and there and had to jump out of the way various of times to avoid being hit by carriages and carts being pulled by large animals. People were selling food, cloth, and various items of use and as her stomach grumbled. Ariel bought a loaf of bread and an apple, which quickly satisfied her hunger. The bread was dry which surprised her but the apple was sweet and juicy. _

_After wandering up and down the market place, she heard a trumpet sound in the distance announcing "the arrival of Prince Eric and his companions." People at the marketplace began to move to the sides and kneel as she observed Eric—her Eric—come by on a horse, waving with a woman beside him. The patrons tried to advertise their products but to no effect, the Prince had a smile on his face but it was strained and he waved but rode by as fast as possible. Following him, Ariel noticed he un-mounted his horse at a stable near his castle. The woman of the party carried on with the rest of the members and rode straight to castle. Noticing him alone, Ariel decided it was time to make her move. _

_She noticed at the market place the various glances she received from both men and women—the men with lustful stares and the women with their distaste evident on their faces. It was no secret that she was beautiful; mermaids were known for their strikingly good looks and voices that would seduce any sailor who dared to pass through their waters. _

_Walking near the stable, Ariel observed the Prince as he unsaddled his horse and put it away. She stepped closer to keep an eye on the man in front of her as she pet one of the horses, running her fingers down its mane. The horse seemed to bend its head towards her in acceptance of her touch. She couldn't help but smile at the horses reaction before she noticed that her presence was noticed and she was being watched as well. _

"_What a fine creature," said the voice behind her. Ariel didn't have the chance to turn around before she felt two strong arms wrap themselves around her as she was pulled to the Prince's chest. _

"_Yes," she replied breathless as his hands began to roam around her stomach area, "It is quite beautiful."_

"_I meant you." He said in her ear as he moved her hair and began to kiss down her neck. This was different than last night. Last night her body tingled when the stranger placed his lips to her skin but this…this felt off. Her heart began to beat hard against her chest as she felt the Prince's hands slip lower._

"_Steven told me he was getting me a welcome home present," he told her, flipping her around so she was backed up against a post, "I didn't expect to see you. But that old sport always knows when to surprise me."_

_Ariel was struggling to breath regularly as Eric pushed himself against her, making her back dig into the post making her gasp as it shot a spark of pain up her spine. Ariel looked toward the roof of the stable as she felt the Prince began to bite on her exposed chest area before starting to unbuckle his belt._

"_What are you doing?" Ariel asked wide-eyed becoming more alarmed at the second. This is not what she wanted or what she expected. He was supposed to fall in love with her and she was supposed to be his wife. Then she could be a human in this land forever if she wanted to. Ursula had said so. "Shouldn't…shouldn't we be married first?"_

_The Prince looked at her in disbelief before letting out a dark chuckle and began to drop his trousers and moved towards her once again, "I don't marry whores. Besides, I'm already engaged." _

_Ariel felt winded as he said those words and soon found herself struggling to push the muscular man off of her as he began to lift up her skirts and situate himself between her legs. Quickly, looking around she spotted a shovel a few feet away from her. With all her strength, she pushed the man away from her, with him ripping one of her skirts in the process. She reached just far enough to grab the shovel and whack him in the face with it. The blow stunned him and the sheer force of it surprised her as well but as he lifted his face she could see the damage. A huge gash was spread across his face beginning to ooze blood as his mouth bled from where a tooth had been knocked out. _

_The Prince looked at her with pure vengeance in his black eyes as he shouted, "GUARDS!" and that was all Ariel needed before she took off in a run towards safety, attempting to hold up her skirts in the process. _

_The mermaid had a slight head start since majority of the guards where at the castle but she could hear the loud hooves of the guards' horses pounding the floor as they followed after her. Running through the marketplace, she weaved her way through people as she directed herself to the ocean. It was in sight now, its blue water sparkling with orange and pink hues as the sun began to set. As she neared the docks and was preparing to jump in the water, the Crocodile's words popped in her head._

"_Remember dearie, three days!" _

_Three days! Three days before she could go back to her original form! There was no way she would be able to out run the guards in these legs. Hearing the voices get closer, she quickly jumped onto a ship that was sitting at the far edge of the dock. Since it was sunset, the dock was still full of people buzzing around and she tried to avoid the men at the stern of the ship. As sneaky as possible, she dashed into the room near the steer, which appeared to be empty and tried to find a place to hide. _

_As she stood in the room trying to find a place to disguise herself, a man came from the further end of the room on the opposite side of the wall. Their eyes met and he looked at her in bewilderment as recognition began to fall on his face._

"_I remember you," he started with a grin on his face before they heard a loud noise coming from outside of the door. _

"_Under Prince Eric's orders, this ship needs to be searched! An outlaw tried to attack the prince and will pay for their crimes. If anyone disobeys the law then they will face the consequences. Where is the captain of this vessel?"_

_The Royal Guards began to move closer to the cabin that Ariel and the hooked man from last night were standing in. Silently, her eyes pleaded with him to hide her as she looked back and forth from the door in fear. _

_He stared at her too before beckoning her over and pulling her to the side of the wall he just came from. _

"_Hide in here," he whispered helping her into the hole, "And whatever you do, don't come out until I tell you."_

_With that, the captain of the ship closed the door and walked outside of the cabin and to the Royal Guard._

"_What seems to be the problem, officer?" he asked smugly._

"_There is word that you may be hiding a criminal on your ship sir," the guard responded, as he stood tall against the pirate. No doubt he thought he was higher above the filthy scum, "If you stand in our way, I will be forced to turn you into the authorities."_

_The Captain licked his lips and fixed his jacket before replying, "Well see; there's the problem. This is my ship and I say who or what comes on and what business will be dealt here. May I ask—sir—who this criminal is?"_

"_Female," the guard replied getting upset that he was being challenged, "with red hair and a blue dress."_

"_A lass?" the captain grinned before chuckling, "My, my, the prince sure has lost his touch if a wee lass can assault him...on his own land at that!"_

_The guard quickly stepped up to the captain and lifted him by his shirt collar and glared into the smug captain's eyes, "I can kill you right here..._pirate_," he said with distaste, "and no one would bat an eye. If I discover that you helped the girl escape then I will have no difficulty coming back here and wiping the floorboards of this ship with your blood. Am I understood?"_

_The pirate in front of him just smirked in response, "Yes sir." Before the guard roughly dropped him making the captain stagger before regaining his balance._

_Captain Hook watched as the guards proceeded to interrogate the other ships on the dock before nodding toward his steward Smee. _

"_Set sails Mr. Smee, it's time for us to leave."_

"_Yes, Cap'n!"_

_Hook went back into the cabin and helped pull the girl he met at the tavern out from the hole he had hidden her in._

_She was still in shock but looked relieved as she saw that it was him pulling her out of the enclave and not one of the royal guards. "Thank you," she said looking at him with as much sincerity her eyes could muster._

_Observing her now, he noticed that her dress was torn in the front and he could see some bruising on her arms. No doubt that was the reason she tried to assault the Prince. He knew of the Prince's reputation all too well…except that most women gave themselves up to him willingly. _

"_You're welcome" he nodded, "But now we have a problem…you can't step foot on that dock again or you'll be executed by the morning which leaves me with no choice but to have you come with us. I can drop you off at the nearest town but no doubt our 'beloved prince' will send word of your crime to them and you will then be arrested and sent back to where we just left. Or, you can stay here and become a mate of my crew."_

"_Your crew?" she inquired with an eyebrow raised, "But you're..."_

"_I am a pirate," he winked, "Does that scare you love?" he asked as he stared at her intently before removing his jacket and sitting down._

_Her response was immediate, "You do not scare me."_

"_Well, then, it's settled!" he clasped his hand and hook on his knees, "Now, love, would you care to tell me your name?"_

"_Ariel..." she replied as she stared at him still standing up. _

"_A name as beautiful as you. Pleasure to meet you, Ariel." He said directing her to sit down on the bed with his hook. _

"_Now," he began once she tentatively sat on the large bed covered in a red bedspread, "You cannot wear that in front of the men. You may have charmed me last night in it but you're sure to drive them wild and we can't have that." He said shaking his head before standing up and going to a drawer in the corner that held some of Milah's clothes. He rummaged through it before pulling out a pair of black trousers, black corset, and green top._

"_This should fit you nicely," he grinned holding it up as if imagining it on her before throwing it on the bed next to her._

_Ariel stared at the objects now lying in a ball next to her, "You didn't tell me your name."_

"_Oh," he said as if surprised at his lack of manners, "I am Killian Jones, Captain of the Jolly Roger. Some people may refer to me as Captain Hook. "_

_She looked at him before laughing and grabbing the clothing into her hands, "That's a silly name," she said as he stared at her in bewilderment. Instead of responding, he narrowed his eyes at her before brushing past her and slamming the door closed behind him allowing her to change. _

"_It's a pirate's life for me…" she murmured as she began to remove her gown and change into the clothes Hook had provided her._

Hearing the yelling of boys snapped my attention back and realized their game must have been over. Henry looked defeated as he walked back to his tree but when he threw me a glance, I looked away defiantly. He looked disappointed and confused when Peter put his arm around my waist but why? How had he known about me? His stories were wrong, obviously. How anyone can think that the "outlaw" married Prince Eric is beyond laughable. Still…it unsettled me to know that he may be aware of some knowledge about me. What book was he speaking about?

"Enjoying the show are we?" Peter asked as he plumped down next to me.

Throwing him an exaggerated side glance, the sarcasm was evident in my voice, "Oh yes definitely. My favorite part was when you shot him in the chest and he bled out in the middle of all the other boys."

Peter smirked "I guess you were watching a different show but I like yours more."

I threw him an exasperated look as I put my empty berry bowl down and stretched my legs out from their cris-crossed position letting out a sigh as my muscles ached. One of the newer boys that I had yet to meet gave me a curious glance before swiftly turning away, no doubt when Peter eyeballed him. Simultaneously I could feel him move closer and soon I was resting my head against his shoulder as we watched the boys prance around the campfire with whatever game they were playing now. He was staking his claim.

"Must you do that?" I sighed with my head still resting against him. He could be annoyingly insufferable but he was comfy to lean against.

"Do what?" he asked innocently as I rolled my eyes and turned my head to look up at his face.

"Try to flaunt me in front of them before you show 'ownership' of me—which by the way is something you will never possess."

Peter smirked as he momentarily tightened his grip, silently saying that he would eventually have me as his own. There was no doubt that on the island I was his, fore none of the boys would dare try something with me in fear of facing the wrath of their leader. Peter wasn't one who liked to share his toys and as his favorite, he would most likely severely punish anyone who tried to take me away.

"Never say never," he responded with a devious grin, "Besides, I know you love the attention."

I let out a small chuckle as we watched the boys. I always forget how enticing Neverland is. It's an island oasis, separated from everything where we were untouchable. The only rules are those made by Peter, the King of Neverland, which happens to be that there are no rules.

"You just enjoy showing off."

"You're a prize worth glorifying," he winked as I shook my head and sat up removing myself from his warm body. Grabbing my hand, Peter brought it to his lips while remaining eye contact with me making me feel the shocks of his magic as I always do when touched by him. It vibrated through my skin giving me chills. Oh how easily tempting it would be to stay on this island with him forever.

Staring at Peter I wondered how it would be if my heart skipped a beat for him the way it does when I'm around Killian. While Killian had been away, Peter and I had an arrangement of sorts. We shared a mutual respect and enjoyment of the other's company to the extent that we might even care about one another. Of course "might" being the key word in that sentence. I cared about his well-being and I think he may have cared about mine, at least the way that he cares about his Lost Boys. One could never know of course—Peter Pan cared of no one but himself and his own self-interests. If a Lost Boy truly became lost either by drowning by the hands of my sisters or in some other way, then they would quickly be replaced; which is why I question my own importance to him. I may have power over the ocean but if something were to happen to me then one of my sisters would take my place.

Peter, however, was alone in this world just as I was. He once told me that I was a lost girl…I hated to admit it but I knew that it was true. It didn't mean I danced with the Lost Boys around the fire…only occasionally if he danced with me. He knew how much I loved to dance.

I am one of a kind; the only one that I know of to ever be able to remain fish and still walk on land at will. I'll always be separated from my sisters as we are no longer the same. I'm fine with that, truly I am, as we had never really gotten along that well anyways, but I was alone. Here, on this island, I reveled in being one of a kind. The air, the trees, the earth beneath my feet; they call to me and are always enticing me to stay within its magical compounds. Peter was just as enticing as the island itself as they were one in the same.

Speaking of the boy with the magic coursing through his veins, the mischievous look in his eyes brought me back to reality and I had to force my eyes away from staring at his lips that were forming into his signature smirk.

"What are you doing with the kid?" I asked nodding toward Henry as I tried to draw his attention away to something else.

"That's Neverland business," he responded, cryptic as always, probably upset that I was the one to back off and not him. He liked being the one in control.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as I leaned my head back down and closed my eyes taking a deep breath of air. I was too tired today to mock him on his 'Neverland business' for being too secretive for me to know. It's not as if I had anyone to tell. I normally came to visit him when I was bored and wanted someone to talk to, not that I would ever let him know that. We weren't exactly friends as I don't know how to define our relationship but our witty banter and occasional intimacy kept me entertained.

Peter remained still in his position as he watched the boys buzz around the campsite.

"I think it's about time you paid our friends a visit," he murmured as I opened my eyes. He had informed me of the others returning to Neverland and of those on the island, amusingly watching my reaction when he mentioned Hook. At the time I kept my face stoic to avoid any emotions from appearing on my face. I doubt he knew that I was already aware of their presence, and my facial expression must have convinced him that I was still upset with Hook. Which I was. So I suppose that wasn't totally off base.

Following his gaze to the boys roaming around, I couldn't keep the sarcasm out of my voice.

"Oh joy."

**A/N: I'M BACK! Prince Eric is a scoundrel, isn't he? Bet you weren't expecting that. What did you think about Ariel joining the captain's crew? And are we all still Team Hook or are there any Team Peter's out there? Leave me some love please and tell me your thoughts on how you like the way this story is progressing so far. **


	5. Bloody Boots

How does she get herself into these situations?

After almost falling flat on her face from tripping over another rock, Ariel glared down at the small brown boots covering her feet. Peter gave them to her before she left on her little quest but they were foreign to her and she felt like they were suffocating her feet. In all honesty, they were pretty soft but the feeling of her toes on the fur inside the boots made her grit her teeth. They fit her perfectly but they made her walk funny. Why did she have to wear "boots" to cover her feet? They were supposed to be free and feel the ground beneath, not a cloth of fur. It just wasn't natural.

She was currently wandering through the thicket of the forest as she continued on down the direction that Peter had pointed to. He didn't give her a magical compass or any real sense of direction. Just these bloody boots. Again, she had to ask herself, how does she get herself into these situations?

Why did she have to go on board of the Jolly Roger again? Why couldn't she keep her stupid curiosity to herself and let the blasted piece of wood travel above her and forget about it? Why did Killian have to come back with that blonde woman named Swan? Why did he have to come back at all?

It was _her _fault, Ariel decided.

_Emma Swan._

Glaring down at the boots once more, Ariel continued on her walk and pulled Felix's cloak tighter around her as a wind blew through the trees making the leaves rustle while her flaming red hair was hidden beneath the hood. The knowledge of still having Felix's cloak put a smirk on her face as she knew that he would be furious once he found out that she left without giving it back to him. Peter looked at it before she left but didn't say anything so she knew she wouldn't get reprimanded for still having it. The flicker of amusement that passed through his eyes settled that train of thought for her.

She set out about awhile after Peter told her to so she must have been walking now for a couple hours. Her legs were really starting to drag behind her now and her feet felt numb from being squished into these shoes. Stepping over a fallen tree branch, Ariel continued going straight without straying too much from the imaginary path that she created in her head. She had asked Peter when and how she would find Killian and his little hunting party but Peter said that they would find her.

Great.

Ariel partly wondered whether Peter sent her out here just to mess with her and sooner or later, all the Lost Boys would jump out and laugh at her for spending so much time nearly tripping over any little thing that came her way. Having legs was still a relatively new phenomenon and she wasn't nearly as graceful as she wished. She had spent the last few months in the water and rarely stepped out on land so her walking skills were a bit out of practice.

Speaking of water, her mouth was dry and tasted of salt. She tried to rummage around and find a canteen to fill up with water and pack some berries since she didn't know how long it would take to find Killian and his group but Peter insisted against it. He told her that she would find them before she needed any of that. Oh she was a fool for listening to him.

Ariel sent a scalding glare at the tree up ahead of her picturing Peter's dumb face on it and didn't see the rock in front of her making her fall forward. She didn't have enough time to catch herself so half her face was covered in dirt. Letting out a growl that would rival any surrounding animals, Ariel huffed and stood up making sure to wipe off the dirt from the black cloak. She scowled down at the brown boots and blamed them for her tumble. Bending down, she nearly ripped them off her feet and debated throwing them as far as she possibly could before deciding against it. Peter would have her head if he knew that she threw away his "gift" to her.

She spotted a fallen log covered in moss up ahead and decided to sit down on it for a break. Her breathing had returned back to normal but her throat was dry and screaming for water. She could feel the sweat dripping down her face and shook her head at the irony. Here she needed water to quench her thirst and yet her body was teasing her by releasing its own salt water.

Her boots were still in her hand so she very maturely dropped them and then kicked them off to the side to vent out her frustration. To hell with gifts. To hell with Peter. He got her into this mess.

Sitting on the log, Ariel massaged her aching feet and pulled off a moist leaf that was stuck to the sole of her foot as she felt a hard point press against the side of her neck through the cloth of the cloak. She could see the tip of silver but the person wielding the weapon was standing behind her and away from view. In her frustration with falling over and kicking her boots, she neglected to realize she was snuck up on. But whom did she have to fear? Pan? He wouldn't put a sword to her after last night's encounter and he didn't have a reason to threaten her now. One of the Lost Boys? Peter would have their heads if they tried to kill me.

Besides who did she have to fear? She was Ariel, daughter of Triton, princess of the sea. People should fear her.

"Don't move or I will not be afraid to slice you in half," said a female voice behind her. Ariel sighed. Today was not her day. Why did people keep sneaking up on her? First Felix and now this person. She was getting tired of it.

"Please. Do us all a favor and try; I could use a good laugh." Ariel responded with a smug expression on her face as she lifted her head and turned to see Emma Swan as the beholder of the sword. Behind her now, the rest of the darling "Charming" family could be seen with their companions including a favorite Captain of hers.

"Ariel?!" Snow White gasped as she caught sight of the mermaid face, "Are you alright?"

Ha, who knew that Peter was right about them finding her? She really shouldn't be surprised. After all, Peter Pan knows everything.

Emma Swan looked at Ariel untrustingly without removing the blade from its position near the mermaid's neck. Ariel kept eye contact with her and the smirk on her lips as she raised an eyebrow daring the blonde woman to try anything.

"Jesus Emma, put your sword down." Killian's voice rang out as he stepped out of the brush and moved towards the pair of girls. He walked up to Ariel and helped her stand, pulling the cloak off her head, revealing her long red hair. The color was a stark contrast to the black ensemble she wore as her hair cascaded down her back.

"No," Emma replied lowering her sword a bit but still directing it towards the strange redhead before her, "Not until she gives us an explanation. Why is she wearing one of Pan's cronies' cloaks? Is she working for him? She can't be trusted!"

'_If only they saw what I'm wearing under this...' _Ariel thought to herself.

Hook kept an arm around Ariel's shoulders, supporting her weight against him. He could see the tired look in her eyes regardless of the smug facial expression she wore to piss Emma off.

"If you try to hurt her, you will have to go through me."

"Whoa, whoa, let's not make any hasty decisions," intervened Charming stepping in the middle of the two parties, "We're not going to stab anyone. Emma, calm down and we'll sort through this but Hook, she's right. We don't know anything about this girl and she is wearing something that associates herself with Pan. We don't know if we can trust her. We don't even know who she is other than that you know her!"

"And based on your background, I don't think that gives this girl a glowing reference." muttered Snow which got her a glare from the red head. Sensing that her anger was rising and from past experience knew not to get the little siren angry, Hook gripped her arm.

"I can explain everything," Hook started, "But first, Charming, hand over your flask of water." Prince Charming furrowed his eyebrows in confusion as he tossed his water flask to the pirate and watched as he sat the mermaid back down on the log and pressed the flask to her lips. She closed her eyes and drank from it greedily, slowly feeling her energy come back. She easily drank the entire thing and let out a relieved sigh as she opened her eyes and handed the flask back to its owner.

"Thank you," she murmured to the ground before looking up at him and giving him one of her small, yet enchanting smiles.

"Y-you're welcome." Charming replied with a smile of his own. Hers was so contagious.

Emma rolled her eyes.

"Someone better explain to me what's going on and explain it now." She said putting her sword into the ground with enough force to make it stand on its own.

Killian rubbed the side of his face as he thought of what to say. He knew that he had left Ariel here in Pan's clutches when he went in search for the crocodile but he didn't know the complexities of their relationship. Surely there was something between them for her to be able to walk around the island unaccompanied by the immortal teenager but he wasn't too sure as to what. A few thoughts plagued his mind and his fist clenched thinking of those possibilities before forcing them away. Of course he couldn't tell the group these suspicions that popped in his head or they would surely do something to Ariel. Looking at her now, she seemed to be regaining some of her strength from the water she consumed and he couldn't help but feel the tug in his chest at the thought of her belonging to Pan.

Despite the time spent apart, he trusted her and that wasn't something that he gave out freely. He had told the group of strangers before him that he would use the Jolly Roger and his knowledge of Neverland to help them find Henry but did he trust them? Did he even really like them?

Here was Ariel, his loyal friend and occasional lover? His feelings for her had grown throughout the time they spent together aboard the Jolly Roger and plundering other ships but was she still the same person that she was then? She was a mystery to him. How was he supposed to explain things to this group of individuals when there were some things about her that he hardly understood himself? Then there was Emma. The blonde stirred mixed feelings in him that reminded him of the feelings he felt around Ariel. Now both of these ladies are here and they already despise each other.

Being the "good guy" really was a lot of work.

"Ariel…" he began unsure of where to start.

"-Can speak for herself," said the mermaid surprising him. Her voice relieved yet frightened him in case she said too much. She had a way of pissing people off when she wanted to. "Yes, this cloak did belong to a Lost Boy. Once."

"Once?" repeated the Evil Queen with an eyebrow raised.

"Yes," she replied coolly, starting her web of lies, "when I come out of the water and transform to my human form, I am naked, bare as a seal pup—as you've already seen," she said winking at the party in front of her and smiled as Prince Charming blushed, "And I need clothing to shield my body. Humans are such strange creatures. You were not born with cloth draped around you so why you insist on covering yourselves with clothing and hiding your true self from the rest of the world is beyond me. But, as the people pleaser that I am, I usually cover up my body when I come ashore. Before I used leaves or vines or whatever else I could find on the floor but one day, I found this marvelous thing and let me tell you, it sure beats wearing a dozen leaves. A few months ago, one of my _sisters_ enticed a boy who was sitting on the edge of Mermaid Lagoon. They sang their normal song and as he peered too close to the waters edge, he fell in and drowned. And this is his cloak. Poor thing."

Snow White gasped, "That's awful!"

"Oh I know, my sisters didn't even get to play with him before he died," Ariel cocked her head to the side in feigned disappointment, "Pity."

Emma glared at the red head before her, disliking her more and more as each second went by, "You still haven't told us how you came to find yourself here. Why are you out of the water anyways? And how did you get this far without Pan finding you?"

"That's simple, really," Ariel explained, "He asked me to spy on you."

"What?" questioned Snow White in fear. All her little gasps and noises were beginning to annoy the siren.

Emma, swift as a fox that one was, had her sword in her hand again and was prepared to swing it at Ariel whenever the chance arose. She was the savior. She couldn't let a small _fish_ with legs get in the way of her saving her son or jeopardizing their position in the forest.

"What did you say?" asked the Evil Queen with her lips pursed.

"Eh, I told him I would think about it. Depends how boring I found the lot of you." Ariel replied nonchalantly making Killian laugh.

"This isn't funny, Hook!" Emma's eyes glowered at him. How could he find this funny? Pan could already be approaching them as they questioned the girl with the red hair. She may be distracting them or being used as a diversion.

"I know, love, but this whole time we've been trying to use the element of surprise and he's known all along that we are here," he replied making realization dawn on all of those in his party.

"This is his island," the mermaid spoke up, "Nothing goes unnoticed by him. I'm sure he already knows where you are but won't make contact until the time suits him. The real trick here isn't to hide from him, it's to find where he's hiding your little boy."

A silence erupted over the group like a cloud of fog. They knew she was right. Miss Swan—what a surprise—was the first one to break the silence. Didn't she know that silence is golden?

"How do we know that you're not going to feed information to Pan about us?"

Ariel shrugged, "You don't."

**A/N: Shorter chapter than usual but you guys needed an update. :) Poor Hook's split between his feelings for Emma and Ariel but how do they feel about him?**


	6. Drunken Thieves

_~~~~~Flashback~~~~~_

"_So…if this isn't the Jolly Roger then why do you call yourself the Captain?" she asked with an eyebrow raised as Killian tried to explain to her for the _third _time why he needed to steal—no, no, take back—his ship._

_He stared at her with a vehement expression, "Because she is mine and we will be getting her back."_

"_But it's just a ship. What's wrong with this one? It seems pretty sturdy, you know for as well ships can go."_

"_This belongs to Black Beard."_

"_And who has yours?"_

"_Black Beard."_

_Ariel stared at him before laughing, "You bloody pirates."_

_It was her third day of being human and her second day as a pirate of Captain Hook's crew. They had been traveling away from Prince Eric's kingdom at top speeds to put distance between them. Ariel didn't understand Killian's generosity to bring her along board with him. She decided it was generosity for there were no other alternatives. If he wanted money then he would have handed her over to the Prince's guard the moment he demanded it and would have tried to start a bargain but he didn't. A quick observation of the crew also told Ariel that there were no other females on the ship, which only added to her confusion. Either women in these lands looked down upon the pirating profession or Killian made the exception to bring a female on board. She knew he was aware of the consequences that would follow if he had not taken her along with them or worse, what would happen to him and his crew for harboring a fugitive. Although from what she gathered by observing the hooked pirate, he didn't seem to care about society's rules. None of the crew did. She supposed that's what pirating was all about then: take and plunder whatever one pleased and be damned about the consequences. _

_Realizing that Killian was still standing in front of her and giving her a stare that said he was ready to slice her in half with his hook if she didn't speak up soon, she came back to the present task at hand. _

"_How are we going to get your ship back, Captain?" Her word choice brought a smirk to Killian's face as his eyes darkened. _

"_Well, love, there are very few things that a pirate cannot resist. Treasure, nice ships, rum, and the occasional company of a woman," he winked and smiled smugly as she registered his words, "And that, lass, is where you come in."_

_In the short time that she'd been on Killian's ship, this would be her first real task. They spent the previous day teaching her the basics of pirating, which to be fair wasn't that hard. Mr. Smee partook in a sword lesson with her and some of the other crewmates tried showing her how to work the sails of the ship. Her knowledge of ocean currents and weather patterns surprised the men and she was left alone after awhile. The captain refused to give her a real job and she spent most of her time sitting on deck, staring at the waves the boat rolled over while deciding her next course of action. She knew today would be the last day that she had to keep her human legs before being allowed to return to her finned state but the thought of returning to the water so soon made her chest hurt. Her plan of marrying Prince Eric had been shot out of the window—not that she wanted to now that she met him. He was vile and the memory of his sweaty touch made her skin crawl. The heavy feeling in her heart wasn't sadness; it was disappointment. _

_She wasn't ready to return to her previous life under the depths of the ocean and she refused to believe that all this was for nothing. The crocodile would expect his payment for her legs regardless of her marrying the prince or not. It was then, Ariel decided, that she would try to stay above the water for as long as she could. If Prince Eric's men found her then she would be forced to escape back into the water to avoid capture. Until then, she would stay with the Captain and his crew for as long as he would have her. He gave her protection and immunity from the Prince._

_Ariel was no fool though. Despite the Captain's sudden charitability to allow her place amongst the crew, the pirate still cared about treasure more than anything else. The nets on the side of the deck made her shiver and she knew that his attitude towards her would change if he ever discovered her secret. If she planned to continue her stay here, then she would help the Captain retrieve his precious Jolly Roger back in payment for him helping her but she would remain on her guard. The water was always only a few feet away and an easy escape if she were to ever need it. _

_A few hours later and the plan was set in motion. It was dark when they reached the dock of Tortuga. Ariel questioned how Killian knew where Black Beard and his crew would be but the immediate laughs of the crew made her blush red in embarrassment. The small island was known for its escapades and apparently a beacon of light for all surrounding pirates who needed a break from the sea. Making port at one of the docks, Captain Hook sent a few of his men to scout the island for Black Beard and his men. _

"_Tortuga!" They shouted excitedly before running towards the docks while the men left on board groaned and watched in despair as their brothers ran off to their beloved island. _

"_How do you know that he's not out at sea?" she asked again in vain as the Captain waited for his men to return. It had been over two hours. The mermaid was pretty sure that in their excitement to be reacquainted with their precious Tortuga, they forgot their task and were busy getting drunk in a tavern somewhere. Killian seemed to not have that worry since he was patiently sitting on a box near the steer of the ship and drumming his fingers on the wood. Her constant pestering made him roll his eyes._

"_Easy lass. Why do you think I sent the men out to scout?"_

"_But—" the sound of footsteps walking back on the planks of the dock stopped Ariel mid sentence as she whipped her head around to the noise while Killian calmly stood up from his perch in a much more graceful manner. _

_As promised, the crewmates returned to the ship with news of Black Beard and his men being in one of the taverns. Ariel pursed her lips as she noticed the visible sway and lack of balance in their walks; her earlier thought proved true. One of the men stood out from the group and walked to whisper something in the Captain's ear before handing him a box. Killian gave him a nod of thanks before the man retreated back to his spot in the group. Catching Killian's eye, he beckoned her over and handed her the box. _

"_Put it on."_

_XxX_

_The dress was all black with a lace corset that flattered her figure quite nicely. Killian had to help her lace up the back strings that were pulled so tight she thought it might cut off her air supply. The pain and discomfort that came along with the material seemed to satisfy the captain as it pushed her bosoms up, giving them the false illusion of being almost double in size. Looking in the mirror, Ariel knew she was a worthy opponent for Black Beard. Her red hair fell down in waves, cascading down her back and stood out against the dark fabric like fire. The prostitute whom Killian's man had bought the dress from also managed to slip in a stick of some sort that Ariel was able to draw a smooth line, framing her eyes along with a red rouge that she rubbed on her lips making them a few shades darker._

_When finished, the Captain stared at her before licking his lips; "I might have to take you back to the ship for a night cap of my own." Ariel ignored the comment as she tried in vain to gasp for air while tugging at the constricting material. _

"_Well let's hope your friend feels the same way and we can get out of here," she replied coolly as she fixed the dress to make her bosoms come out more like the women she'd seen at the tavern her first night on land. _

"_Smee will be in the tavern in the corner," The captain reminded her of the plan as he shook his head and tried to keep his eyes focused on her face, "I will be with the rest of the crew securing the Jolly Roger. Most of Black Beard's men will be in the tavern having a drink or upstairs with the ladies. Try to keep him distracted for as long as possible and when Smee gives you the signal, then leave as quick as you can and meet me at the ship."_

_Ariel nodded; the plan was simple enough and she understood it just fine. In fact, she was a little thrilled and could feel a sense of adrenaline start to kick in. In less than one day she joined a gang of pirates and now she's going to help them steal something. Oh, if Flounder could see her now. _

_Killian was a bit reluctant to let her go and he couldn't help but clench his teeth at the thought of Black Beard getting frisky with the woman in front of him. He had no claim over her but the unsettling feeling remained. "There will be other women in the tavern trying to get his attention," he told her, "He's known for tipping the ladies well. Make your presence known but be careful. Here's a knife to keep somewhere hidden in case you need it. Mr. Smee will be watching if you need anything." _

_With a final nod of farewell, Killian and the rest of his men went in search for the Jolly Roger. Ariel followed behind Mr. Smee from a distance as he worked his way through the crowd of men and women on the island of Tortuga. The air reeked of rum, dirt, and cheap perfume as drunken men shouted at each other or sang songs off tune while women dressed similar to her clang to them laughing. She could easily identify Mr. Smee's red beanie ahead of her in the crowd as she worked her way through the passing people. A few wolf whistles were thrown her way and she ignored them as best as she could. She was a mermaid on a mission. _

_Mr. Smee made a quick left turn into one of the larger taverns that seemed to only have three walls holding the establishment in place. It was two stories high and she watched as he made his way to the second floor and turned around to give her a look before disappearing within the crowd. Taking a deep breath, Ariel surveyed the crowd before making her way up the stairs to the second floor as well. On her way towards the steps, however, a tall man with a bandana holding his long hair and braid out of his face stepped in front of her. _

"_Well, hello love. Can't say I've seen one as beautiful as you around these parts before," he slurred as he looked her up in down. Upon further inspection, she realized he had a few coins intertwined into his hair with a black hat perched on top. His dark eyes were smudged with eyeliner similar to the one she was wearing and he had braided goatee. "What brings you to these parts?"_

_His charm aided his handsome face despite his drunkenness. A part of Ariel wished that he could be Black Beard to make her job simpler but alas from Killian's description of the old pirate, this man in front of her was not him. _

"_Do you have a name?" he asked as he allowed his ringed fingers to move a stray hair away from her face as he smiled down at her. His charisma was lost on her as she impatiently looked around him to the staircase he was blocking. She needed to follow Mr. Smee and distract Black Beard. _

"_It's none of your concern," she gave him a tight smile before trying to maneuver around him, "Now if you'll excuse me, I must get going. It was nice to meet you…"_

"_Captain," the man grinned at her and readjusted his black hat, "Captain—"_

"_Jack!" a shrill voice shouted from behind Ariel as they both turned to see a woman in a vibrant red gown and golden blonde hair march towards the pair. She sent daggers in Ariel's direction while she could feel the pirate before her gulp. _

"'_Til next time, love," he told Ariel before jumping down the last two stairs and going in the opposite direction of the oncoming woman who shouted profanities at the man and threw empty bottles off the floor at his retreating figure. _

_Looking at the scene before her with her mouth agape, Ariel quickly shook her head and closed her mouth before climbing up the rest of the stairs. The top floor of the building was smaller than the first and was more of a loft than anything. There were three tables and from Killian's description of Black Beard, it was easy to spot the dark haired captain with the gray specks of pepper outlining his hair. He had a goatee similar to the Captain Jack she was just speaking too but his skin was tanned from the sun and the beginning of wrinkles were evident on his sun-kissed face. He was sitting at the middle table with two ladies on each side trying to get his attention or fill him with drinks of rum. His arm was wrapped around one of their waists as he shook a pair of dice in his hands before letting them roll across the table. The men and women around him cheered as he collected his winnings. _

_Taking a deep breath, she began to walk around the room as if searching for someone while keeping an eye on the man she was charged with distracting. The mermaid went near a group of men and smiled at one of them. Whether it was her enchanting smile or her appearance, the man's eyes widened before grinning and beckoning the woman to sit on his knee. He had an orange shirt on and reeked of alcohol and smoke but he quickly gave her a glass of rum to try and drunken her into staying with him. She accepted the glass and drank a few drinks to loosen her up a bit but enough to still be alert of her surroundings and aware of her mission. _

_As she blew on the man's dice and laughed at his comments as he chattered on with his companions she could feel a pair of eyes on her and looked up to meet the stare of the one and only Black Beard. She looked him up and down seductively and winked at him before returning her eyes to her companion who was too drunk or oblivious to notice her lack of attention in him. Not too long after she could feel a large presence behind her as a shadow appeared on a table and looked up innocently to see Black Beard standing behind the man she was entertaining. The crewmate looked angered but nonetheless allowed his captain to take Ariel away from him. _

_Black Beard grabbed her arm as he drew her to a table alone in the corner away from the rest of the crowd but the sound of the men yelling and shrill fake laughter was still evident to her ears. Sitting down the man pulled the girl to his lap as his fingers grazed her bare shoulder blades as he inhaled the scent of her hair. _

"_Hmm," the man began, "where have you been all night?"_

_Ariel smirked before whispering in his ear seductively, "Waiting for a real man to interest me."_

_She had watched her sisters seduce their fair share of sailors into the depths of the ocean and now it was her turn to lure a man into her trap like a black widow, capturing a fly in its web. She wouldn't admit it aloud but she felt the excitement in her bones, knowing that she was wrapping this man around her finger and could get him to do whatever she wanted. He, however, thought she was one of the ladies of the room trying to entice him upstairs so he pulled her closer to him making her face him as she wrapped her legs around his waist. _

_Slowly, she ran her hand down the pirates chest as she puffed her exposed chest out close to his face and let her hand run past a certain part of him that made him close his eyes briefly before looking up at her with lust in his eyes. The mermaid wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head back as the pirate nibbled on some of her exposed skin. She knew that this probably wasn't the right way to approach this but isn't it what Hook wanted her to do? He didn't give her a step-by-step guide but from her observations of the other night, she knew what he meant and she was enjoying the power she had over this man. _

_Black Beard slipped a hand under her skirt and she could feel it rise as his fingers burned her skin. His touch reminded her of Prince Eric and she tried to block out those thoughts and focus on the present. He moved to kiss her but she ducked her head in time to kiss down his neck, letting her tongue dance across his skin as his excitement grew. It was almost time to go before things got out of hand and she wondered if Hook was almost ready to leave. She looked for Mr. Smee but couldn't find the man's face in the crowd with all of the people. _

"_Let's go back to my ship," the man beneath her drawled, "I'll show you a good time."_

"_Tempting," Ariel replied as she tried to discreetly search for Mr. Smee, "But I don't know. I'm getting a little bored."_

"_What?" the man demanded before recollecting himself and grinning at her displaying his silver tooth, "Don't worry honey, I'll have your attention all night." With that, the man abruptly sat up and began to drag the mermaid behind him down the stairs and towards the docks. _

_The docks were completely quiet when her and the older man in front of her reached them. Where the bloody hell was Killian? Or the rest of the crew? Did they leave her? She couldn't risk them going back to the ship if Killian wasn't ready. She hadn't received the signal—she didn't even know where Mr. Smee went!_

"_You know hun," she began "I'm feeling quite woozy all of a sudden." She said as she began to pull back on his arm._

"_I'll fix you right up lass" he winked at her trying to pull her towards the dock again. _

"_No, really," she said pulling back with more force, "We better head back."_

"_Not after that display!" he shouted and gripped her hard with his fingers where she could feel his dirty nails claw at her exposed arms, "You got my attention and we're already this far."_

_Ariel searched for the hidden knife under her dress that Hook gave her for protection but she couldn't reach. In a panic, Ariel spit in the man's face, which made him loosen his hold on her in surprise. She had just enough time to grab the little knife before he slapped her hard across the face making her head hang to the side. Just then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught a dark figure approach and only saw a swish of leather as Black Beard was punched in the face and fell to the floor with a thud. _

_Killian took hold of her arms then as he stood over the knocked out pirate, "Ariel! Why didn't you wait for the signal?"_

"_Well I'm bloody alright, thanks for asking!" she replied glaring at him, "And I lost sight of Mr. Smee! I tried to delay him as long as possible. Where the hell were you?" _

"_We secured the ship so I went to send word to Mr. Smee but he said that he couldn't find you anywhere and that you must have left so I rushed back here. But that doesn't really matter now. We have to hurry before this lump wakes up." Killian told her as he ushered her to a ship with dark shadows moving around, "The men are ready. Come on."_

_XxX_

_The__y were on the run again and all the men cheered as they sailed across the black waters, waving their celebratory drinks in the air. If it were any other occasion then they would celebrate their success for stealing back the Jolly Roger on the island of Tortuga so the rum passed along the sailors on deck would have to do for now. Some of the men lifted her in the air and handed her swigs of their beverages, congratulating her on becoming an official member of the crew. Ariel politely smiled but she didn't feel in the mood for such antics and quietly retired back towards the captain's quarters where she had been staying. She allowed herself to fall back onto the bed with a huff and stared at the roof of the cabin as the party raged on outside. Killian came in to join her after awhile and she was amazed that he didn't kiss the floorboards—he was so ecstatic to be reunited with it. Ariel, on the other hand, just wanted to be out of that stupid dress and go to sleep but she couldn't reach the strings of the corset to undo it all the way. There was no way she would be able to get any sleep that night without suffocating from lack of oxygen._

_When Killian arrived back in the room he stared at the woman sitting on his bed. In honesty, he secured the Jolly Roger much faster than anticipated. As time ticked by, images of her and Black Beard flooded into his head and he realized that it might not have been the smartest idea to send Ariel in as bait after her encounter with Prince Eric a few days prior. _

"_Are you," he started as she turned her head to look at him, "Are you alright?"_

_She reciprocated his gaze before pursing her lips, "I'm fine. Although I won't be if I have to stay in this rotten contraption for the rest of my life."_

_Killian smirked as he saw the frustration and tiredness in her eyes before walking towards the girl and motioning for her to stand up. Standing behind her, he used his hook to rip each lace tentatively. It was a pity because she looked so…tempting in that thing but he also had to suppress a shudder as he felt the material of the dress become loose. Finished, he respectively turned around and faced the door as he could hear her remove the rest of the clothes and change into one of his shirts that he had lying on his chair._

"_You can turn around now." She said as she folded the dress neatly. Ariel didn't know what was coming over her. Maybe the corset was on too tight and it distorted her thinking but she couldn't help but stare at the captain in front of her. Her body was exhausted from the day and was practically screaming at her to get into bed but she stayed standing, rooted to the spot. Killian, too, looked a little beside himself and she observed as he began to remove his coat and boots before beckoning to the bed._

"_S'pose we better get some rest before the sun rises," he said motioning to the bed with his head._

"_Yes, I-" Ariel murmured back, "I suppose we should."_

_A tense silence hung in the air between them before Killian took a tentative step towards her and cupped her face, bringing her lips to his. It was light and he was surprisingly gentle although the stubble on his chin pricked her skin. Ariel found herself closing her eyes and reciprocating the kiss as she wrapped an arm around his neck, melting into arms as he pulled her closer. The sound of glass shattering against the door of the Captain's quarters snapped Ariel out of her stupor and she abruptly stepped out of his embrace. She felt light-headed but she blamed it on the alcohol running through her system. Killian glared at the door as he could hear his men laughing before turning back towards the red head._

"_It's been a long day," she murmured, keeping her eyes on the floorboards, "Perhaps it's best to get some rest now." _

_She had enough encounters with drunken pirates for one night. _

_~~~~~End of Flashback~~~~~_

Ariel walked with the search party and couldn't help but laugh a little to herself as she observed them all. Snow White, Prince Charming, a "Savior", an Evil Queen, a Pirate, and a Mermaid. What a lovely lot they were.

The group continued to trudge through the thick brush with Ariel getting more bored by the minute. Sometime during the night she slept in Peter's tree, the immortal teenager had apparently visited Emma and gave her a map to find her son. It was induced with magic and Emma would be able to view the contents when she finally acknowledged and accepter herself for what she was—a lost girl. When Ariel tried to hold it and sneak a peak, the parchment sent a shock up her arm and she was able to catch a brief glimpse of the image before it went blank. She fit the lost girl description but the map was meant for Emma's eyes only. Watching the group try to find the place she just came from hours ago was amusing at first but now she was tired and wanted some entertainment. Or sleep. Sleep was much appreciated as well. At one point her boredom grew so much, she even directed them towards Peter Pan's secret hideaway "Hangman's Tree" but Emma Swan quickly dismissed the direction asking what she knew about it. That woman and her blubbering mother Snow White were beginning to agitate her. Whenever either one spoke, she had an itch to hit them just for the fun of it and to see what would happen. She wanted something to happen. Anything.

"This looks like a nice clearing to rest for the night," announced Charming as they walked into the area dropping their bags and excess weapons on the ground.

"Finally!" sighed Ariel as she quickly found a comfy spot near the corner and began to lie down.

"We need to set up camp before you get too comfortable," said Snow in a motherly voice, "We need firewood."

The mermaid rolled her eyes and got up to make her way towards the forest brush again to find some stupid firewood after sending them a glare. Her spot on the floor was claimed and anyone who tried stealing it while she was gone would get a good kick to the stomach.

"I'll go with her." Hook announced as he already saw Emma opening her mouth to comment on how they can't trust the siren to go off alone without any supervision. Although the thought of Hook and Ariel alone did not sit well with her, she let it slide after getting a pointed look from her father and began to help set up camp while Regina started a protection spell.

Ariel ignored the fact that the group believed she needed a babysitter while she waited for Hook to catch up with her. They moved in silence away from the group and Ariel felt her mood lighten a bit after putting herself some distance away from the prying stares and suspicious looks coming from Emma and Regina.

"You know," Hook said breaking the silence after figuring they were far enough from the makeshift campsite to not be heard, "Lying doesn't make friends."

"Whatever do you mean?" Ariel asked feigning innocence as she leaned against a tree trunk before flashing the handsome pirate a cheeky smile, "I wasn't lying…I was merely twisting the truth a little. And who said anything about making friends? I have you and I don't need anyone else. Besides, they should feel honored to have my presence bestowed upon them."

"Oh yes, very honored," Killian chuckled before sobering up, "But since I am your friend, I don't feel particularly keen about being lied to."

The siren observed the man beside her. His big brown eyes were focused on her face and she slowly raised her hand and trailed her fingers across jaw, his eyes closing at her touch. Pushing herself off the tree to lean towards him, she inhaled his scent of cherry wood and salty air, which always reminded her of the time she spent with him on the Jolly Roger. She moved closer and was about to place her lips on his when he suddenly grabbed the hand that was on his face, halting her movements and pushing her back towards the tree again. "Ariel…"

"Oh alright!" she puffed angry that he rejected her advances, "I didn't take this cloak from a dead Lost boy in the ocean. I got it from Felix. But technically my sisters _have _enticed lost boys to come too close to the water so that wasn't a complete lie."

"Felix?" The Captain wrinkled his nose, "The creepy pale kid?"

"Yes, yes, the creepy pale kid," replied Ariel waving her hand dismissing the thought of him.

"Why did he give you his cloak? I've never seen him without it."

"Perhaps because you've only seen him a few times?" Ariel quipped up but rolled her eyes when she saw Killian's stare again, "He must have thought I was cold or something."

"Since when does Felix care about your discomforts Ariel?" Killian shook his head before a realization began to dawn on him and he ripped the black cloak open making Ariel squeal in shock as the captain looked at the green tunic Ariel was wearing with distaste.

"You let him touch you!" he shouted with disgust evident on his face as he backed away from her but the little mermaid grew angry and her eyes flared up.

"I don't have to explain my actions to you!" she yelled back, "You don't own me!"

"Oh yes, that's right. Nobody '_owns_' you! Ariel, the princess of the sea, the unattainable. Firey hair, firey spirit, the one no one can catch and make their treasure!" he shouted back, thrusting his hook into the air in agitation.

"You best believe it! You're just sore because I wouldn't let you put me in a net and gut me like any other fish, you bloody pirate!"

"_Gut_ you? Why would I ever want to gut—oh why am I even trying? Go on then. Go back to your _precious_ Pan! You say no one owns you yet you're wearing _his _shirt! His! Of all people."

"Yes it's his shirt! I would be naked without it and for some reason that disturbs people! If I was wearing _your_ shirt then you wouldn't be having a tizzy fit!"

"No! Because it would be _mine_ and not _his_!"

"You're insufferable!"

"Me? _You're_ the one wearing the devil's shirt!"

"_You're_ nothing but a skimming pirate who only cares about treasures and putting things in boxes!"

"Fucking siren!"

"Blowfish!"

"Kelpie!"

Ariel gasped, "You take that back! I'm not a-a _dog_!"

"Well you're sure acting like a bitch aren't you?"

"YOU'RE INFURIATING!" Ariel screamed ready to rip each and every hair out off of his head, "Fine! If it bugs you that much I'll take it off!"

Pulling the tunic up and over her head, Ariel threw the material to the ground and wrapped her arms over her bare chest as she seethed at him, "Are you happy now?

Yes actually, he was quite happy that the green piece of filth was no longer clinging to her porcelain skin like a snake wrapping around its victim. But soon he noticed that she was starting to shiver, whether it was from anger or cold it could have easily been either one but he saw little bumps begin to form on her arms as she wrapped them tighter around herself. The pirate sighed and reached down to pick up the black cape that had fallen down before and placed it over her shoulders and wrapped her tightly in it, rubbing his hands up and down her arms to create warmth. He brought her to her chest and held her there. At first she was stoic, not moving but slowly she began to relax and melt into him, embracing his warmth.

Killian placed his head on top of hers and with his hook, played with a strand of her hair letting it curl around his metal curve. He could feel her sigh into him and faintly heard a soft "I'm sorry" come from the middle of his chest. He let out a small chuckle as his body rumbled from the sound, "I'm sorry too, love."

She pulled back a little to make eye contact with him and he kissed her forehead while still holding her in his arms. Holding her felt right to him. It caused a little tingling sensation but it was comfortable and he could have stayed in that position all night just staring into her green eyes.

"We should start getting their firewood," she murmured quietly not wanting to get up from their position either.

The captain made a noise to agree with her and let her go as she readjusted the cape she was wearing and watched as she bent down to pick up different sticks of various sizes to put towards their fire at the campsite. He couldn't help but just stand there and observe her as she continued filling her arms with sticks. It felt nice being that close to her naked, slender form again. If it were another girl, one that he used to be with at those taverns he and his men would go to when docking somewhere for the night, he would have ravished her right there on the floor beneath the green canopy of trees. But this was Ariel. His treasure. She was a spitball of fire but she was also delicate, regardless if she wanted people to know. She was different than other women and it wasn't because she wasn't fully human. Maybe her being one of a kind is what attracted him to her—he always did like the rare and exotic. But this feeling that he felt around her was not the triumphant feeling he had when securing a treasure.

Earlier when she almost kissed him, he could already feel the taste of her on his lips. It took all of his willpower to stop her and push her away. The electric feeling shattered when he pushed her away but still gripped him forward. And when he saw that green tunic, _Pan's tunic, _all of his energy burst. Jealousy filled him from head to toe at the stupid teenager he tried to kill once before and in that moment, all Killian wanted to do was thrust his sword into his chest and rip it out with a vengeance. He knew her words were true though. She wasn't his but damnit she was going to be.

The subject of his thoughts spoke up bringing him out of his thoughts, "Stare any longer and the fairies will begin to land on you."

He laughed, shaking himself off, as he took the sticks away from her and managed to carry them in only one arm since he saw her struggling.

She looked up at him sweetly, "Why thank you sir! What a gentleman carrying a wee little lass's sticks for her."

"Oh yes, what my men would say looking at me now." He teased back before leaning down and softly placing his lips to hers. Ariel smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek before grabbing his hand and led him back to the make shift camp.

'_One day, _Hook thought_, 'she will be mine. A captain's favorite treasure.'_

By the time they returned to camp, the protection wards were put in place and everything was set up. The Charmings managed to put together little forts for each member of the party and Hook guessed Regina was responsible for producing the makeshift beds. David and Snow were sitting near their fort whispering to each other while the blanket in front of Regina's fort was closed, the Queen already locked away for the evening. Emma looked up at the pair of them from her spot on the floor in the middle of the campsite where she was sharpening her blade and raised an eyebrow at them.

"What took you guys so long?" she asked with bitterness in her voice.

"Oh, we were just catching fireflies," winked the mermaid as she took the sticks from Hook and dropped them in front of Emma, "Here are your sticks."

XxX

Peter Pan flew down from his spot in the trees and walked amongst the sleeping forms of the rescue party. Everyone was asleep, except for the blonde woman who they called Emma Swan who appeared to be the one on watch. Pan smirked at the idea that they believed to be safe, that he didn't know where they were. Little did they know that he was standing less than ten feet away from them. His eyes drifted over the Charming couple and Evil Queen until they landed on a certain red head and pirate.

'_Hook,'_ he thought as he wrinkled his nose in distaste. He'd had some trouble with the captain of the Jolly Roger in the past but his dislike for him grew as he watched the picture before him. Ariel was lying down with her head on the pirate's chest sleeping silently as the pirate had a protective arm draped over her, clutching her closer.

From the distance, he could clearly see Emma Swan turn with an irritated look on her face as she scowled at the mermaid wrapped in the pirate's arms. Peter's eyes widened in excitement as a grin broke out on his face.

He knew that Ariel held feelings for the hooked pirate even if she refused to admit it to herself but he had been unaware of the blonde's affections. Having Henry's mother harbor feelings for the same hooked-man was an added bonus and worked all the more in Peter Pan's favor. He loved games and what is love but a game of affections?

'_This will be fun,'_ he thought to himself as his eyes gleamed mischievously before retreating back into the shadows of the forest and flying up towards the night sky.

**A/N: Phew this was a long chapter! What did you guys think of Captain Jack Sparrow's cameo? And what mischief is Peter Pan up to now? Leave a review please. :)**


	7. Bruised Egos

Ariel woke up to the evening chill as the personal heater known as Killian Jones was no longer by her side. Sitting up from her position on the floor, she looked around to see Regina, Snow, and David were sleeping in their respective corners. With one quick survey of a missing blonde as well, Ariel put two and two together. She didn't mean to be jealous but paranoia ran through her and she quickly stood up from her position on the floor. Their poor excuse for beds still had her back muscles aching.

Had she woke up from the cool air? Or did her inner raging's send her an alarm to know that Killian and Emma were gone?

Taking a deep breath of air, she slowly released it to try and control herself. She wasn't his babysitter. Why was she so upset? Killian can do whatever and whomever he wants. A rational part of her mind told her that perhaps Killian was just relieving Emma from her lookout duties. But…maybe it's best to make sure. Ariel focused her vision around her, rubbing the sleep from her eyes before deciding to quietly move to the east side of the camp.

Sure enough, there they were. They were standing up in pretty close proximity and having a heated discussion from the likes of it and sounds of their whispers. Emma looked like she was about to leave and head into Ariel's direction so Ariel ducked and prepared to make a run for it when Killian put an a hand to her arm and stopped her. The look in Emma's eyes when she turned back around to meet Killian's softened and Ariel turned her head away and left. She couldn't stomach it to look at them as the truth reignited in her gut. The truth she already knew but didn't want to admit to. She felt like she walked in on a private moment and although she didn't physically see anything spectacular, she knew that she had seen enough.

Walking back towards camp, Ariel observed her sleeping companions and knew that she wouldn't be able to lie down and fall back asleep as if nothing had happened. She couldn't lie there and wonder what Emma and Hook were doing or how long until they came back. Emma's shift should have ended already so maybe she would just stay with Killian and he would hold her the same way he was holding Ariel only moments ago. Wow, she felt pathetic.

As Ariel continued to decide what course of action to take, she realized how quiet the area was. Silent. Complete and utter silence. The campfire had diminished leaving a few small embers that made no sounds. Right on cue, a soft melodic sound pierced through the air and Ariel held back a groan. She should have known.

Following the music to the west side of camp and through the thicket of the trees, Ariel quickly found the one responsible for the tune. Or, he found her. Two arms snaked around her waist from behind and she was quickly pressed against his chest. The sudden movement made her jump but soon relaxed when she came to her senses.

"What is it Peter?" she sighed, not bothering to hide her emotions from him. She hardly could; the boy could read her like a book.

His grip tightened as he leaned close to her ear, his cool breath making her shiver, "Why is it that I never get a 'hello' from you?"

She closed her eyes to lean her head back against his shoulder and smirked. The leader of the Lost Boys smelled of pine needles and smoke fire, an intoxicating combination at the best (and worst) of times.

"Hello Peter," she said turning around in his grip and plastering a fake smile on her lips. Her voice sounding cheerier than she felt but that wasn't saying much.

"Hello Ariel," he whispered huskily as his eyes darkened, "Now that wasn't so hard, was it?"

The siren tried rephrasing her previous question, ignoring his attempt at proper formalities, "Why are you here Peter?"

"Well I just wanted to see how my little spy is doing, that's all." His eyes sparkled with mischief despite the childlike smile on his face.

"Great. Just great," Ariel mumbled bitterly, kicking some of the dirt with her brown boots that Killian forced her to continue to wear.

Peter furrowed his brow and leaned down to look her in the eye.

"Something the matter?"

He was toying with her and she knew it. He had seen Emma and Killian together; his timing was too perfect. It was all just a game to him and she was playing right into his hand. Instead of indulging him in the information he already knew, Ariel decided to take a different route and try altering the game in her favor. She wouldn't allow him to see her upset.

"When can I go back? One day with these people and I'm already trying not to tear my hair out from boredom. They just keep walking in circles and their ignorance is annoying."

Peter chuckled as he stepped back to lean against the trunk of a nearby tree, bringing his flute up to his lips. He tested the small instrument and soon the air was filled with its soft whimsical sound again, instantly calming Ariel's nerves. Her eyes briefly fluttered closed, the magic behind the instrument already luring her to a more peaceful state. Peter Pan observed the siren before him as she silently swayed from the sound and he smirked against the wood pressed to his lips. It was all too easy to play with the mermaid's emotions and manipulate her need for affection. She was a strong one—he had to give her that—but her heart overpowered her will. When he realized the pirate had left camp to converse with Emma Swan, he woke Ariel up and knew she would go searching for the sea captain. Seeing the pair of them together would upset her and all he needed was for the little red head to release the bent up anger that she tried to keep hidden. She had changed since the first time she stepped foot on the island; Neverland had a way of doing that to people. Peter was just the extra push, the one that encouraged her to throw caution to the wind and be ruthless. He could see the change in her eyes, the darker look they took when she occasionally joined in with the Lost Boys or danced around the flames of the fire surrounding the Hanging Tree. She craved acceptance and he was more than willing to give that to her.

Ending the tune he played, Peter pocketed the flute and watched as she snapped out of the blissful trance she was in. She'd never admit to the effect that it had on her but Peter knew better. He always did.

"Soon," he spoke, referring to her previous question, "Your role in my plan isn't over yet and until then, I need you to continue being a good girl."

"I don't like being a good girl," she spat out in annoyance at him for speaking to her like a child before realizing its double meaning as Pan's smirk broadened.

"That's good to hear, love, because it means we're on the same page. However, right now, I want you to continue gallivanting throughout the jungle with this lot. Can you do that?" He asked crossing his arms, challenging her.

She nodded and stepped towards him, nesting her face in the crook of his neck. He released his arms from their crossed position and let his fingers dance across her waist, pulling her closer to him. His grip was possessive but she enjoyed the feel of his firm chest and tried squeezing her eyes shut to block out any remaining thoughts of the pirate that humiliated her.

What a fool she was for believing that things could be the same between them. He had been so kind to her and the feeling of once again falling asleep in his warm arms had brought back memories she didn't want to let go of. When they had returned to camp after collecting the sticks needed for the fire, they secluded themselves away from the rest of their hunting party and spoke of old times, reminiscing over past adventures. But that's all that it was apparently: the past. She still had no idea what he had been up to since he left her here in Neverland in search for the Dark One—a thought that still confused her. His sole purpose in life had been to kill the crocodile and deliver the revenge he deserved. She had learned during their time together that once Killian Jones had his mind on something, there was no stopping him. So what changed? What had he experienced during their separation? Was it all because of Emma? Four years is a long time to be apart, but regardless of what happened, he wasn't the same person anymore.

And neither was she.

Peter's breath tickled her bare skin as he kissed down her jaw. "Where's my tunic?" he murmured against her lips, hands sliding up the black cloak she still wore and resting on her smooth thighs.

Ariel decided it would be best to leave out the fact that it was currently lying in a puddle of mud somewhere after she tore it off during her fight with Killian, "I thought you'd like this better," she replied back coyly making him growl as he molded their bodies closer together.

She was standing between his legs and pressed her lower body against his while capturing his slightly chapped lips to her own. He kissed back forcefully and she knew her lips would be bruised in the morning. Biting down on his lower lip hard enough to draw blood, she pulled at the roots of his soft tresses making him shift their positions. Peter's eyes darkened as he all but threw her against the tree, the hard bark digging into her back. The immortal teenager placed a finger to his reddened lips and stared at the blood that coated its tip. Ariel chuckled smugly as he stepped towards her, blocking her only way of escape before attacking her neck. She let out a yelp as his teeth grazed her tender flesh, sending up a shock of pain before his tongue soothed her aching wounds. Tilting her head up to give him better access, she moaned as reached her collarbone. Cupping his face in the palm of her hands, she brought his lips back to hers and parted her mouth to allow him entrance. Their tongues battled for dominance but Peter refused to let her win. Pressing his body weight against her, she gasped as she felt his growing member against her inner thigh. The brief moment was enough for Peter to take back control and he hoisted her up, legs wrapping around his waist.

The look in his eye was of a predator catching its prey and it excited her. There were no butterflies in her stomach, only the fires of lust in her lower abdomen. The siren inside her begged release and her entire body tingled. She wanted him to take her in the middle of the forest floor and watch him bleed from the claw marks she'd leave on his skin.

The snapping of twigs nearby brought the pair out of their heated moment and Ariel glowered at their intruder. Peter, all too smug with the effect he was having on her, chuckled and released her from her compromising position. Moving a loose strand of hair away from her face, he gave her a chaste kiss and winked at her, "Until next time, love."

Pan disappeared in the shadows of trees just as a figure emerged in the small clearing. Emma held her sword raised in the air as she eyed the siren and the vacant clearing with suspicious eyes.

"Are you coming to finish the job?" Ariel sneered as she made her way over to the woman. Did this woman have a death wish? Why did she insist on ruining everything? "It's kind of cowardly that you waited for the others to fall asleep before cornering me."

Emma narrowed her eyes at the red head after sweeping the clearing again for any signs of an ambush, "I heard voices."

_Is that all you heard, Miss Swan?_ Ariel thought, chuckling to herself before running a hand through her wild hair.

"Well…it's just little ol' me here. I'd be careful if I were you, though. There's stories about these woods and we wouldn't want people questioning your state of mind now, would we?" the mermaid gave her a tightlipped smile and turned to head back towards camp.

Emma stepped forward and grabbed her arm, making her halt, "What are you doing out here?"

"Peeing. Although that's not any of your concern."

"And the voices?"

"I sometimes sing to myself when I'm alone with my thoughts. It's an old habit, you can ask Killian if you like."

It was a threat that didn't go unnoticed by the blonde woman. Saying Killian's name out loud made a pang in Ariel's chest but she knew that her closeness with the hooked pirate irritated the blonde. With the way her current situation was going, however, Ariel would do just about anything to piss off Henry's mother. She could go for a little excitement. What did she have to lose? Nothing, apparently.

"Look," Emma started, "I don't understand why Hook is sticking up for you and letting you parade around camp but I don't trust you. Your poor little mermaid act isn't fooling me and I'll be keeping an eye on you."

"If I'm so untrustworthy then why don't you tell your precious parents to send me away?"

Emma stared hard at the siren and put her intimidation face on, "I prefer to keep my enemies close."

Ariel laughed in her face, annoying the other woman further. Her amusement continued to grow the longer she stayed in Emma's presence. Henry's mother was nothing but a guppy to her and didn't threaten her in the least. She may have a shiny sword and royal parents but Ariel was the true Princess. Killian may have fallen for the Savior's charms but Ariel could drown her within a second and let the Kraken feast on the rest of her pathetic remains if she so wished.

"I'm heading back to camp. Have fun with the voices in your head, Swan," she smirked and left the blonde alone in the clearing.

Emma glowered at the siren's retreating figure as she disappeared through the thicket of the trees. She had served enough criminals to know when someone was lying and Killian's old…"friend" was definitely lying. Pinching the bridge of her nose, Emma let out a frustrated breath as she wondered how she could prove Ariel's guilt. She had been conversing with Pan, Emma knew it. Who else would she be talking to in the middle of the night? How close had she gotten with him in the time that Hook had been away in Storybrooke? Had she always had that cold look in her eye or had she been hardened over time?

If there was one thing Emma knew for certain, it was that Ariel was not the same little mermaid she read about in fairytales.

XxXxX

Returning to camp the following morning after lookout duty, Killian Jones smiled when he saw Ariel sleeping in a curled position on the floor. It was a sight for sore eyes and he was somewhat enlightened in knowing that some things didn't change with her. He had grown quite close to the siren during their time together on the Jolly Roger but during his travels away, he tried putting her to the back of his mind. He knew that she wouldn't leave Neverland or its surrounding waters and he supposed that she would be there waiting for him. Last night strengthened that thought when she fell asleep with her head on his chest after they recalled a story of when Mr. Smee accidentally fell off the plank. She had laughed and he saw the same childlike joy in her eyes that he had grown to know throughout the years but imagine his surprise when she gave him the cold shoulder the next morning. He tried waking everyone up to get a good head start on the day and she bristled past him, not even bothering to look him in the eye.

Now, the notorious captain was known for pissing women off—forgetting their names after night caps, for instance—but he couldn't remember what he did to anger her in the last few hours that he had been on lookout. Emma was acting suspiciously obtuse with him too, puzzling him further. He remembered the conversation they had when he went to relieve her from her watch but they left each other on decent terms. She had asked him about his relationship with Ariel and he tried to be honest but it was difficult. What was his relationship with Ariel? Did they even have a relationship? Regardless, Emma reminded him that they were here for Henry and that's what her number one priority was. Any questions about romantic feelings or attraction would have to wait until they returned home with Henry safely in their arms. It felt like a rejection to be honest, but he took it with stride and that was the end of that.

Or so he thought.

Tensions were high between the group as they trudged through the dense forest. Emma was still having trouble with the map that Pan gave her and complained every ten minutes or so when it refused to show its picture, Ariel was in a sour mood, Regina looked bothered, Snow kept looking at her daughter in concern, and David seemed to be just at a loss as Killian.

Ariel was currently walking in front of him and had a frown edged into her features as she stared straight ahead, biting her lower lip as she did so. The slight pout on her face made Killian smirk, it had always amused him to see her cross—just as long as she wasn't cross with him. Not paying attention to the slight dip in the dirt, Ariel's eyes widened as she tripped and started to fall toward the ground.

"Be careful there, love," Killian grinned, holding an arm out to keep her steady.

Ariel glared at him and shook his hold off, "I don't need your help."

Walking past him, she ignored him and made her way up towards the rest of the party. David let out a low whistle as he moved to walk alongside the pirate. Killian groaned internally, already expecting the lecture that was to come from the royal.

"I can't say that I'm not enjoying this," David chuckled, "Your rejected advances are entertaining to watch but I have to ask, what'd you do to riel up the women?"

"Hell if I know, mate," he shook his head in disbelief.

The group members ahead of them stopped walking and landed in a clearing similar to the one they rested in the night before. Snow had her bow raised as she inspected the area for any signs of movement and Emma had her arm up, telling them to keep still. Regina balled her fists ready to call upon her powers and Hook unshielded the blade handing around his waist. Ariel stood off to the side with her arms crossed against her chest and a bored look on her face. There was no breeze and the area was completely still, not even the sound of a crickets chirp could be heard. Before anyone could react, an arrow shot into the tree trunk near David was standing and wild yells were heard as Lost Boys tore into the clearing. The members of the party pounced into action and the clanging of swords soon filled the air.

Ariel didn't have a weapon and she watched with a perched gaze as the battle went on around her. The Lost Boys ignored her and swarmed the others, knowing better than to attack her. She wasn't the enemy. The siren almost scoffed, unamused by the exchange and wondering how blind Peter could be. How did she fall into his game? Peter Pan didn't make plans; only games with rules that only he was aware of. He asked her to be a spy and she wasn't stupid enough to believe that the others trusted her. He certainly wasn't making things anymore believable either by having his boys leave her alone. She knew she could hold her own against them but maybe only one-on-one. The Lost Boys were savages when it came to fighting—they held no code of honor.

Suddenly she was roughly yanked and pulled off to the side, away from the tousle. The blonde hair and scar across the Lost Boys face immediately gave away his identity and Ariel smirked at him.

"No need to be rough, Felix," she purred, "I would have come willingly for you."

The tall teenager glared down at her and clenched his jaw, trying not to show how her words affected him.

"You have something of mine," he said flatly, referring to the black fabric she currently wore.

Ariel shrugged, "That sounds like a personal problem."

Her quick reflexes immediately caught the bundle of clothes that Felix thrust into her chest. Peering down at the items, she realized it was a forest green colored dress that had been neatly folded with a pair of undergarments. A belt lay on top of the pile and a small dagger lied protected within the folds of the dress. Ariel pursed her lips in question and looked at the older boy for an explanation. His annoyance grew knowing that he had to spend more time standing here in front of the redhead and wondered why Pan kept her around but knew not question his leader's actions.

"_You're_ my problem," he sneered, "Now give me back my cloak. I said you could borrow it, not steal it you thief."

"Since when is thieving not under your code of ethics?"

He threw her a pointed look, signifying that his patience was wearing thin. Ariel sighed and dropped the belt and dagger onto the floor before slipping into the materials he gave her. Felix, knowing that his leader would not want him seeing his plaything undress, swiftly turned around and kept lookout.

"I didn't mean for you to undress in front of me."

"Yeah, well, get over it." She huffed with her hands behind her back, finishing up the laces that tied her thin green dress. Its material was soft and clung to her body nicely. The length was workable too and fell right above her knees, making it easy to move around in. Picking up the belt and pointed object from the ground, she situated the belt to rest around her waist and hooked the dagger into its placeholder. Why had Peter given her a weapon? She wasn't going to fight the Lost Boys and she didn't plan on rolling around in the dirt with Snow White anytime soon. Her daughter, however, was another story.

Picking up the disregarded cloak from the dirt, she threw it at Felix, whipping him on the side of the face in the process, "Your cloak, sir." she mocked with a fake curtsy.

Felix promptly shook the material and slapped away some of the brown dirt before pulling it over himself. Ariel hadn't even noticed that he was the only one without his hooded trademark and was only wearing a green tunic and trousers; the color similar to the dress she was wearing. Peter's fashion sense appeared to be improving, she thought as she admired the dress she wore, but his favorite color remained the same.

The sounds from the fight came closer and Felix looked over Ariel's shoulder with a bored look on his face. Letting out a sharp whistle sound, each Lost Boy ceased fighting and all turned to look at the second in command. Regina, Hook, and the Charmings also turned towards Felix and Ariel's location with surprised looks on their faces. The Boys had been fighting like their lives depended on it and now they all stood still—soldiers waiting for their next orders.

"Fall out," Felix stated in a level tone, the Boys instantly retreating away from the clearing and back into the brush. Hook glanced back and forth between Ariel and Felix with a furrowed gaze, taking note of the outfit she now wore. He wasn't the only one to notice the change.

"You send children to fight us and give her a new wardrobe?" Regina scoffed.

"She is a guest of Pan's. You are not." He replied coolly, observing the looks of disbelief on their faces with growing satisfaction, "Intruders are not welcome here. I suggest you leave while you still can."

His grey eyes trailed to David before he grinned smugly and followed the rest of his brothers into the shadows of tress. Realizing that they left her to fix the mess they started, Ariel groaned and mentally prepared herself. Peter Pan had played his turn by sending the Boys here and now he was waiting for them to make their next move. He was testing her—seeing how she would be able to handle the lot of them—and sending his final declaration of war to the others if they did not heed his word.

She remembered the words her mother used to tell her when she was a little girl and hoped that she was right.

_Storms don't last forever_.

**A/N: This chapter was originally twice as long so I decided to cut it in half but what do you all think of the darker side to Ariel? We got a better look of her relationship with Peter and how its effected her over the years of being on the island but hopefully Killian will be able to help her. Reviews are much appreciated! I'd love to see what you think of the story so far and they help keep me motivated. **


	8. Stolen Children

_~~~~Flashback~~~~_

_Ariel sat on a box near the stern of the ship with pursed lips, surveying the crew with scrutiny. The years had flown by with her time and she was a certified pirate. _

"_Make way for land!" Captain Hook shouted; removing his eyes from the compass held firmly in his hand. _

_The crew of older men had grown within the past few weeks with three teenage boys. _

"_Killian," she spoke up, "Why are we collecting youngins on our ship?"_

_The pirate threw her a sarcastic grin, "Someone has to wash down the floorboards and dispose of the wastes from down under the ship. Since you continue to reject fulfilling such tasks, it only makes sense that the boys do it."_

_She wasn't convinced. _

"_You never complained about it before."_

"_Yes, well…times have changed." He responded as they docked. They were preparing to go on land and they were supposed to "recruit" young boys to join the crew. They didn't have enough room! Or food! How were they supposed to board all these new additions?_

"_How are we supposed to take care of them all? Killian, you're not telling me something." _

"_I've received a request…a message, of sorts. A favor."_

"_How? Don't play coy with me, Killian Jones. There's no way a letter would ever find its way onto this vessel—how could it? We've been at sea for days and it's not like we have an address for post."_

_He waved his hand in dismissal, "Ignore the technicalities."_

_She crossed her arms over her chest, impatiently tapping her foot on the floor. _

"_Fine," he confessed, "We're fulfilling a service." _

"_A service?"_

"_That is what I said."_

"_When the bloody hell did we take orders from others? And whom, pray tell, are we fulfilling this 'service' for?"_

"_He doesn't appreciation people saying his name out loud," he said through clenched teeth._

_She scoffed, "Since when do you care what others think? And_ _why _children_? I'm guessing all our new companions are meant for him, then?"_

"_Ariel," Hook sighed, "I already agreed to this—as did you when you agreed to be a part of my crew. Now as Captain of this ship, I'm giving an order for you not to challenge me on this."_

_She glared at him but bit her tongue to not say anything. He was right; he was her captain and she was expected to take orders without questions. Too bad she was never good at following orders. _

_Opening her mouth to retort, the hooked pirate beat her to it: _

"_The kids are unwanted and have nowhere to go. I have no real use for them here and we cannot provide for them much longer. They need order and someone that can take care of them; they're wasting their time in taverns and soon they will drunkenly end up washed up on the shores, left to die."_

"_Sounds like you're trying to convince yourself," she mumbled to the ground, kicking the floorboard gently with her bare foot. Killian stepped towards her, holding her arms so she would look up at him. Something in his brown eyes told her that there was more to this then carrying about the supposed well being of their newest crewmates. _

"_We can either let them carry on in their merry way until that happens or we can take them to him."_

"_Take them where?"_

"_A place…that can provide a life for them."_

"_What kind of life?" she wondered bitterly, "Not all lives are worth living, Killian. You of all people should know that."_

_Sliding his hands from her arms down to her waist, he ignored her comment and pulled her closer to him, resting his forehead against hers. The siren closed her eyes, enjoying the safety she felt in his arms, although uncertainty still plagued her. She didn't like this. Something wasn't right about this transfer of crewmates. Ariel wrapped her arms around Killian's form, burying her face into his chest hoping that the feeling of caution would go away. Despite the chill that ran down her back, she knew she would be safe as long as the pirate remained by her side. Lifting her head up, she captured his lips to hers and let all negative thoughts go, enjoying the touch of the man before her. His lips increased their pressure on hers, silently asking for her to trust him. Ariel responded back with just as fervently, curling her fingers around the dark hair at the nape of his neck. Killian groaned into her mouth as his tongue slid amongst her bottom lip, begging for entry. The siren granted him permission and allowed herself to succumb to the pirate that bewitched her. _

_She trusted him with her life. _

_Moments later, Ariel sighed and released her hold on him. Her swollen lips tingled and she faintly smiled at the pirate before crossing her arms. The siren's fingernails drummed against her skin as she contemplated their next move of action. Killian remained standing tall, already knowing that she would follow him wherever he went. _

"_So what is this 'magical' place called?"_

"_Neverland."_

_XxX_

_In less than a week, Captain Hook and his crew arrived at the mysterious island that called for wayward boys. The crew managed to pick up six young boys from the ages of ten to sixteen to deliver to man that Killian bargained with. Ariel shivered as she observed the magnificent island that rested before her. The air was thick with electricity she had never felt before and her heart beat anxiously against her chest. _

_She was nearly bouncing in excitement to run her bare feet across the green landscape, yet ready to scream at Hook to get them as far away from the island as possible. It was a sickly bittersweet feeling and she was torn; unable to choose which was worse—the feeling of foreboding in her stomach or the sweetness of adrenaline, pulling her towards the land like a magnetic force._

_Killian guarded the island with a haunted gaze but knew he had a job to do. Pan had visited him in his cabin one night and gave him a deal: he would help deliver young boys to join his ranks and Pan would give him the location of the crocodile. Although it disgusted him to help the immortal teenager and went against what was left of his moral standings, the opportunity was too good to pass up. For the past five years he had searched for the whereabouts of the crocodile but to no avail. His hunt for the man that killed Mila and cut off his left hand came up empty. His need for revenge rose and surpassed any doubts that he may of once had. _

_Mr. Smee secured a paddleboat for Hook, Ariel, and the six young boys. The party travelled the distance between the Jolly Roger and the island much quicker than Ariel anticipated. Stepping foot on the land, Ariel admired its beauty with racking eyes but tried her best not to demonstrate that curiosity. She stood alongside Killian on the bank of the shore and watched as the six boys disappeared into the dense landscape after a nod from Killian. She was confused and wondered how they knew where to go but her internal questions were soon halted as a boy stepped out of the shadows. _

_He appeared to be about nineteen and a bit lean in stature but something about him oozed power. Perhaps it was his strut or the way he stood erect, never failing to quell his confidence. His earthy green eyes bore into hers and she tried to ignore his handsome features, especially when his eyes lit up with something similar to excitement. His presence put her on edge and the darkness that lurked behind his gaze did not go unnoticed by the little mermaid. _

_Who was he and why did he need children? _

"_I see you've brought my delivery," his smooth voice rang out across the sandy beach. _

_Killian rolled his eyes, "Why else would I step foot onto this forsaken island if I hadn't?"_

_The teenager smirked but his gaze hardened, "Careful there, Hook. We wouldn't want to upset the lady."_

_Realizing that he was referring to her, she laughed, "I'm no lady and I doubt Killian would know how to properly treat one if the chance arose."_

"_Oh I doubt that," he spoke, stepping towards her and lifting her hand to his lips, "What is your name?"_

"_Ariel," she said in an even voice, ignoring the jolt that went through her when his lips touched her skin. The moment he released her from his grip, she placed her hand behind her back. His green eyes darkened a shade at the action and the amusement seemed to grow all the more. Killian stiffened by her side and put a comforting hand to the small of her back, marking her as off limits to the immortal teenager._

"_You're an intriguing one, Ariel…Very intriguing. I'm Peter. Peter Pan."_

_She wasn't sure if she liked the way her name rolled off his tongue or the way her heart raced the longer she remained eye contact with him. Despite Killian's touch, it did little to stop the dread that ran through her. Something in the stranger's knowing gaze when he dropped her hand made her freeze and she knew that things would never be the same again. _

_Peter Pan knew her secret. _

"_You have the boys," Killian's voice said, pulling her back to the present. Her heart beat rapidly against her chest and she did her best to keep her composure, especially in front of their new companion, "Now give me what you promised." _

_The green-eyed teenager pulled his predatory gaze away from the mermaid back and tsked, "Now, now Hook. I still require your assistance around here first." _

"_You said—" _

"_I know what I said, but the circumstances have changed." _

_Killian was fuming and his hooked hand twitched, waiting to strike the smug teenager across the face. Peter caught the motion and raised his eyebrow, daring the pirate to try. _

"_How have they changed?" Ariel asked, not wanting to break out in a fight on unfamiliar territory. Anyone could see that there was something different about Peter Pan and something told her not to mess with him. Sure, they had plundered and stole from other landowners, but Peter would fight back. He would win._

_The teenager gave a bitter half-smile, "There are some…indigenous people that need to know who runs this land." _

"_You want to take out the Indians?" Hook asked in disbelief._

"_I want them gone. I don't care what you do, but they refuse to obey my rules and that just won't do."_

_The mermaid glanced back and forth between the pair, watching as Hook rubbed his chin in thought. They wouldn't murder a whole tribe of people, would they? Sure they had fought in battles against other pirates and a few guards but they never murdered anyone. Killian would never massacre a whole population. He must have some other idea up his sleeve. _

"_So that's it? Just remove the natives off the island and then you'll tell me where the crocodile is?" _

_Peter grinned, "Amongst a few other things." _

_~~~~End of Flashback~~~~_

Now that the Lost Boys had dispersed, each member of the Save-Henry Hunting Party (S.H.H.P. for short) bore their gazes into the redhead left standing. Ariel shifted side to side, awkwardly rubbing her arms. She sure knew how to get herself into trouble, didn't she? Damn Felix. He set her up. The scar-faced boy was probably laughing at her right now somewhere in the canopy of the trees or telling Peter about the mess he put her in.

"So uh…that was interesting, yeah?" she chuckled, trying to ease the tension.

It didn't work.

"You sold us out to _Pan_," Regina seethed, taking a threatening step towards the mermaid across from her.

"I didn't say anything!"

"I thought you were better than this, Ariel," Snow said, shaking her head in disappointment.

Emma appeared somewhat pleased at the prospect that finally her companions realized how two-faced the mermaid really was. Said mermaid was shaking her head back and forth, growing frustrated at the looks they were all giving her. Was this what Peter wanted? It didn't make any sense!

Hook never took his eyes off the redhead and studied her, the wheels turning inside his head. He knew Ariel. Or at least, he thought he knew Ariel up until he came back to Neverland but this…there was something off. The ambush of the Lost Boys, Felix calling off the party, Ariel's new clothes—there was definitely a scent of something fishy in the air. No, he thought, the smell of pine. And only one person smelled so heavily of it.

"Wait," he spoke up, "She's telling the truth."

"Oh that's rich," Emma scoffed and crossed her arms.

Killian narrowed his eyes, "I may not be the smartest person here but I am one damn good pirate. Now if there's anything that I know best, it's this bloody island and a specific _boy_ that runs it."

"So you believe her?" Charming asked, looking back and forth between the pair.

Ariel's eyes never left Killian, holding her breath while he contemplated his thoughts. Why did he continue to stick up for her when it was clear that he liked Emma? Was it to piss the blonde woman off? To make her jealous? _No_, Ariel quickly shook the thought out of her head. Killian wasn't that petty.

The pirate was tongue-tied, trying to see how he could possibly phrase this correctly. He didn't want the others to blame the mermaid; he knew how manipulative Pan could be. He just didn't understand his plan. Was the immortal trying to get everyone to distrust her? Why? What did Ariel know?

"I…I think she's innocent from this. Well, perhaps not one hundred percent innocent—she never was, you know—but she was ignorant about the attack. I don't think she told the Lost Boys of our whereabouts and she was as ignorant about their ambush as we were."

"That blonde one said she was a guest and he gave her a change of clothes."

"Well that is a sign of hospitality, is it not?"

"Why would Pan be hospitable to her?"

Hook sighed, "There is no reason for him not to be. Ariel is neither a threat to him or to us."

"But she's—"

"I _know_, but you must trust be on this. You have nothing to fear from her. Pan did not send Ariel out to harm you, nor did he send her to sabotage our search. Yes, he has a reason for allowing her here, but that is not one of them."

"Well then what is it?" Emma asked, annoyed.

Killian looked up, back towards the mermaid who remained still this entire time. Her eyes were wide and her mouth slightly parted open while she waited for his answer. Oh how he wished he could kiss those lips. Licking his own dry ones, he realized something.

"She's here for me," he whispered to himself, coming to the realization.

"What?"

The pirate cleared his throat, "She's here because of me. Pan wants to see how I will react around her."

His words shocked the mermaid and her expression swiftly changed to irritation. She was angry with him, all those feelings of betrayal and isolation returning to her. Pan wanted to see what would unfold between the two while they were reunited. He wanted to see her break, to run back to Killian's arms, but she wouldn't. She refused. Killian would never make her feel that insignificant ever again.

The others pondered his words and after a length of time, agreed to let the mermaid come along. They did not know the details of the pirate and mermaid's relationship but the stiffness in both their postures told them that Killian was partially correct in his assumption.

"Did anyone get hurt?" Ariel asked, trying to break the tension. Her eyes racked over the group, searching for any possible signs of pain or discomfort. She didn't necessarily care if they bled a little but she knew that a swipe from a Lost Boys' blade could be dangerous. It also just gave her something to do.

Emma scoffed, "We can take on a few children."

"Well it looked like you were having some difficulty," Ariel sneered back at the blonde. Emma glowered, taking a threatening step towards the mermaid but Snow pulled her daughter back.

"Calm down, Emma. She's just…concerned."

Killian shook his head, "She has a right to ask. The Lost Boys' weapons are dipped in Dreamshade."

"The slightest scratch can be fatal," Ariel finished, frowning towards the floor. The others glanced back at each other, inspecting for any signs of cuts but found none.

"Well if the mermaid is staying then we better head out," Regina voiced, walking past the group and into the forest. The Evil Queen had enough with their banter. They needed to find her son, not dilly-dally around all day causing feuds. She didn't care for the mermaid or the Savior and if they wanted to go at each other's throats like dogs then so be it, but they were wasting her time. The others quickly followed and they once again began on their journey.

The group continued in silence for the next couple hours, only briefly making comments when one was about to run into a bush or a tree. Regina, Emma, and Snow White led the front of the group with Charming, Ariel, and Hook finally bringing up the rear. Killian watched Ariel as she stood a few feet apart from the others but still close enough to remain intact without getting lost. Her brows were creased, proving that she was deep in thought. The pirate started at her while walked across the path, light on her feet like always. She used to love to dance. He remembered that about her. She would twirl around in a circle, watching the world spin around her, hands out in the air like a bird ready to take flight, and hair blowing in the wind. She was never satisfied with life it seemed; or perhaps she was searching. For a home? A place to fit in? Personally the captain believed she was searching to find herself and he knew exactly how that plight was.

He knew bits and pieces of her story, only knowing the parts she allowed herself to share with him. There were details about her sisters, whom she never really got along with, and tales of her adventures in the ocean, along with her friend Flounder. Whenever he asked why she was allowed to come on land while her sisters were not, she would shut herself in and refuse to answer; always choosing to change the topic or pretend she was needed for something. Killian knew when to take the hint and he had a few secrets in his past that he preferred to keep buried as well so he could not blame her for her silence, but it did nothing to stop his curiosity. Whatever it was, he knew it upset her greatly.

Ariel continued walking ahead of Killian but edged closer to David. Something was wrong with him, she could tell. He had been uncharacteristically quiet when she asked if everyone was all right and unharmed and had a slight limp in his walk. There was nothing wrong with his legs as far as she could tell, but the question kept bugging her. Looking up to make sure the others were far enough ahead not to over hear, she grabbed the Prince's elbow.

David jerked back, surprised by the sudden contact, and looked at the mermaid with wide eyes. Clearing his throat, he gently took his arm out of her hold, "Is something the matter?"

"You're hurt," she stated, not falling for his feigned innocence. "You came in contact with a weapon."

David paled at her words, quickly making sure his wife and daughter did not overhear before lowering his voice, "It barely touched me."

"Where?"

Silently he lifted his shirt, showing her the black poison that slowly seeped through his veins. The toxin was quick and had already expanded even if the wound was only a couple hours old. Ariel shook her head in disappointment and bit her lip in contemplation, "That's not good."

"You think?" David grumbled, but she ignored it. She knew he was worried too.

Killian stepped closer to the pair. He had silently been listening in the whole time. "We need to take him to the waterfall."

Ariel was unsurprised that the pirate had been eavesdropping and gave a slid nod in glum, "I know."

"The waterfall?" David asked, turning towards the pirate. "You mean there's a cure? I thought you said this was fatal."

"It is."

"Then what's the—"

"Magic comes with a price," Ariel interrupted before muttering to herself. "I of all people should know that."

"What's the price?"

Both the pirate and mermaid glanced at each other. David had too much pride to die on Neverland. He would never abandon his family or risk the chance of not saving Henry. The handsome prince would do anything for his grandson and making sure that his family was safe was number one on his list. It was almost sickening, even if it was sweet.

"You'll be bound here forever."

A/N: I know I changed a couple things but I hope you're all okay with that. I didn't want to pull out the identical dialogue from the show so to make it more of my own then I improvised a little. Quick question: How do you all feel about the flashbacks? Next chapter we will see why Hook abandoned Ariel and things will get pretty exciting!


End file.
