A/N: Here's another chapter completed! The next one should see everyone safely back in Storybrooke. With regards to Hook's flashback in this chapter, the story is a Japanese fairy tale, called Lord Bag of Rice. I tinkered with it so it was more Killian's style. Also, it explains the moves Killian did during his sword lesson in the previous chapter. It's a Japanese martial art called iaido. My Captain Hook (only in my dreams) is very well-traveled, so you'll probably see a few more stories from other cultures in his back story as this tale continues.

Legal Disclaimer: I do not on Once Upon a Time or its characters

Chapter 6

Later that day, Regina and Rumpelstiltskin reappeared in a cloud of purple smoke. Henry excitedly greeted his adoptive mother with a tight hug, which Regina was all too happy to receive. "I was worried about you," Henry murmured against the fabric of her jacket.

Regina smiled, fighting the urge to tear up, just a little. "Really? I've been gone less than a day." She pressed a kiss to the top of Henry's head and returned the hug just as tightly.

Henry nodded. "I worry about you when you're not around," he replied sincerely. What he didn't say aloud was that he'd been gripped with fear the moment Regina had left his line of vision, afraid that he'd never see part of his family again.

"Is it done?" Mary Margaret asked hopefully.

Rumpelstiltskin nodded and held up a tiny glass vial. "The elixir to counteract Dreamshade," he pronounced. He offered the vial to David. "Your Highness, as promised."

"Thank you." David took the vial, opened it, and drank its contents quickly. He sighed in relief as he felt the potion starting to work inside his body. He met Mary Margaret's gaze and nodded in confirmation. He was thrown back by the force of her hurling herself into his arms. He laughed and spun her around joyfully as she covered his face with kisses. They moved to a semi-secluded spot on deck to have a private conversation.

Emma couldn't help smiling at the way her parents were acting. It was heart-warming to witness the depth of love they shared; just as long as they kept things G-rated in front of her. They were still her parents, after all, despite being the same age as her.

"Thank you, Papa," Neal said gratefully.

"You're welcome, Bae," Rumpelstiltskin replied, smiling tiredly. "Now if you'll excuse me, it was quite exhausting to make that, so I'll go below to get some rest." Neal realized how draining the effort was to make David's cure and helped his father down below deck.

"What was Mr. Gold's lab like?" Henry asked. He'd yet to let go of Regina's arm.

"Pretty boring," Regina replied with a smile. She jokingly attempted to downplay the lab. "Dead things in jars, powdered gems, dried plants…"

Henry's eyes lit up with interest and he pulled Regina away to pepper her with questions about potions and magic.

"So all we're waiting for is Tinker Bell, and we can get back to Storybrooke," Emma said.

"Someone mention my name?" A flash of green, and the aforementioned fairy appeared human size, standing before them. She appeared to be recovering nicely. Her outfit seemed more polished, more green. She turned to Killian. "Head out for the open ocean, Captain, and I'll be able to create a portal by tomorrow morning."

"Aye, Tink." Killian nodded from the helm and proceeded to take the ship out of the bay. There was a good amount of wind blowing; it would be easy work to get the Jolly out to sea.

Tinker Bell reverted to fairy size and flew up to the top of the mainmast to resume her magical recuperation. Wendy climbed up the rigging to join the fairy and keep her company. With the agility of a cat, she settled into the crow's nest and looped her arm through some rope for safety.

Once Killian was assured of everyone's location and safety, he focused his attention on navigating his ship through the rocky bay. He wasn't surprised when Emma joined him at the helm. He nodded, but didn't acknowledge her presence any further, unsure of where things stood between them after their previous discussion.

"Can I get you anything?" Emma offered after several minutes of silence.

Killian fought down a smile at Emma's attempt at small talk. While he was still a bit sore from their earlier conversation, he recognized an olive branch when it was extended. He decided to have mercy and refrained from his usual teasing. "No, thank you, I'm fine for now," he replied. He gestured to the wheel. "Would you care to try?"

Emma eyed the wheel doubtfully. "I don't know," she said uncertainly. She looked out at the water and the jagged rocks at the mouth of the bay. "There are a lot of rocks out there."

"I'll help you, of course," Killian promised, stepping back from the wheel. "Trust me."

It's called trust.

Emma nodded, knowing she needed to try and fix things between her and Hook. "What do I do?" she asked.

Killian tapped at the scratch marks by the wheel. "Port. Starboard," he said, stepping back. "Turn the wheel when I tell you to."

"Aye, Captain," Emma replied with a smirk. She expected a smile, but as with Henry's sword lesson Killian's demeanor was authoritative. Emma placed her hands at the wheel and awaited further instructions.

"See the largest gap between the rocks? That's where we want to go," Killian told her. "Look all around the ship. See the strips of cloth? Telltales. They show you which direction the wind is coming from.

Emma looked up and nodded, seeing the brightly colored fabric flapping in the breeze.

"Now, go two notches port, to point the ship into the wind," Killian instructed. "The idea is to have the least amount of wind resistance. In this position, the sails won't snag, either. The ship will turn readily because it's already under way, but it won't always be the case, such as when you're taking her out of dock."

Emma turned the wheel as Killian directed, and felt the ship change its direction. The sails billowed with wind and the ship headed towards the mouth of the bay. She looked to Killian for approval, who nodded encouragingly.

"You're doing fine," he assured her. "Go another notch to port."

Emma turned the wheel and felt the ship move again. She smiled, feeling a sense of power as she controlled the vessel. "Maybe after we're done with sailing, you can give me a sword lesson," she suggested, striving for a casual tone.

Killian accepted the unspoken apology. To him, the intent was more meaningful than hearing the actual words being spoken by Emma. Especially when they were on such tenuous ground at the moment. "One thing at a time," he promised. "I'll make a sailor out of you yet."

Emma laughed self-deprecatingly. "Sure, just give me ten years on board," she responded.

"With pleasure," Killian replied, forgetting himself. Inwardly, he winced, cursing himself for falling back into flirting with Emma again. He had to prove that he was honorable. To Emma and to himself. Steeling himself, he called to mind all of his officer's training.

Suddenly, the wind changed, causing the ship to lurch, and Emma found herself pinned between the wheel and Killian's body. His arms reached around her to grasp the wheel and adjusted the ship's heading to accommodate the direction of the wind. Emma's heart was pounding at the feeling of being so close to Killian, his head beside to hers. She risked a glance at his face and couldn't help being disappointed that his attention was solely focused on maneuvering his ship through the rocky bay.

Emma took advantage of Killian's focus and savored the raw maleness of his presence. Her nose was filled with the scent of leather, salt and rum. Eau de pirate, Emma smiled to herself. It would fly off the shelves. His body radiated warmth, something she appreciated as wind rippled across the deck.

"Everything all right, Hook?"

Killian stepped back quickly, releasing Emma from the confines of his inadvertent embrace. He turned to the speaker of the question, David, who was eying the pair at the helm with mild concern. "Apologies, your Highness. I needed to make some hasty course corrections to avoid the rocks," he explained. Killian raised his voice. "All present and correct?" He listened as various passengers voiced their state of well-being.

Killian turned his attention back to Emma. She was looking at him oddly and he realized that he'd almost crushed her beneath his body moments earlier. She must have been caught completely off guard. He was surprised he hadn't been punched for invading her personal space like that. "Sorry for usurping your lesson," he apologized. He indicated the wheel. "Fancy another go?"

Instantly, Emma pictured Hook pressing her up against the wheel, face to face this time, and her cheeks flushed with heat at the mental image. She coughed, embarrassed. "Um, I think I'll leave it to the experts," she stammered. "Thanks for the lesson." She beat a hasty retreat.

Killian stared after Emma, puzzled.

Henry woke up, choking back a scream. He looked around and realized that he was in his bunk on the Jolly Roger. He clenched his fists in his blanket as he reminded himself that he'd been having a dream. He wasn't in Neverland anymore. He looked around the crew cabin and sighed in relief that everyone was still asleep. Quietly, so as not to disturb anyone, he made his way topside. There, he found Hook at the helm. A full moon was out, washing the deck of the ship with soft light.

"Shouldn't you be asleep, lad?" Killian asked once he'd caught sight of the boy.

Henry shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm not tired," he replied, taking a seat next to the pirate on a nearby barrel.

Killian's gaze narrowed as he studied the boy. Henry's eyes carried a haunted look that was all too familiar to the pirate. He'd seen it in the eyes of anyone who'd been in Neverland for any amount of time, himself included. "Well then, make yourself useful," he ordered, stepping back from the wheel. He smiled to himself as he watched Henry's eyes light up as he leapt to his feet, eager to steer the ship.

"What are you going to do when we get back to Storybrooke?" Henry asked, holding the wheel steady.

Henry's question caught Killian off guard. In all honesty, he'd been so preoccupied with what Henry's rescue that he hadn't had time to think about the future. "I hadn't really thought that far," Killian admitted. "I definitely need to restock my supplies and put in for some repairs. With everything the Jolly's been through, I've no idea how long that will take."

"And after? Where will you go?" Henry questioned. He was enjoying Killian's company and wasn't looking forward to him leaving. He was Captain Hook, for goodness sake! An honest to goodness pirate! If that didn't top the list of coolest people to know, Henry didn't know what did.

Killian shrugged. "I haven't decided. There's time, yet."

"You could stay," Henry suggested. "In Storybrooke, with us."

Killian laughed humorlessly. "I appreciate the invitation, lad, but I don't think your townspeople would welcome a pirate," he replied. "Besides, you've already got enough villains."

Henry frowned at the self-loathing in Killian's tone. "You're not a villain," he objected. "You helped save me, my dad and Wendy. You're definitely a hero."

"Heroes save everyone," Killian countered, thinking about Milah, Liam and the crew he'd lost on his first trip to Neverland. He couldn't keep the bitterness out of his voice.

"David was a shepherd before he slew a dragon. Emma was a thief before she broke the curse," Henry argued. "Maybe you've just got a more complicated path to follow."

Killian was touched at Henry's words. It had been many, many years since anyone had tried to justify his actions, to himself, no less. He reached out and squeezed Henry's shoulder in gratitude. "You're a good lad, Henry."

"So you'll stay?" Henry asked hopefully.

"At least until my ship is repaired," Killian promised. "After that, I'll have to re-evaluate the situation."

Henry smiled with satisfaction. Unable to stop himself, he let out a jaw-cracking yawn.

"You should get back to bed," Killian advised, observing Henry's exhaustion. "There's a big day ahead for us."

Henry shook his head stubbornly. "I'm not tired," he insisted. He gripped the wheel possessively. He didn't want to sleep. Sleep meant having another nightmare. Nightmares meant that things were not normal, and he wanted things to be normal.

Killian nodded, understanding Henry's emotional state, and let the matter drop.

"What was Pan like when you first met him?" Henry asked after several minutes of silence. He wasn't sure why he wanted to know. Maybe it would help him analyze and work through his difficulties. Maybe it was just morbid curiosity.

"He was still an arrogant prat," Killian replied wryly. "Though not as ruthless as you knew him. I suppose that was desperation on his part; trying to keep his magic." He then proceeded to recount the tale of his first encounter with Peter Pan that ultimately led to the loss of his brother's life. Recalling the memories were still painful, but not overly so. It had been so long since he'd spoken to anyone in depth about Liam's death. It was almost a relief to get the words out.

"I wonder what Neverland was like back then," Henry mused. "When Pan first got here."

"Best not to think about it, lad," Killian advised. "It's in the past. Ancient history."

"It's hard not to think about it," Henry argued. "The Lost Ones couldn't have always been like that. What do you think will happen to them now that Pan's gone?"

"I don't honestly know, lad," Killian confessed. "There was a tribe there, the Piccanniny; they helped whoever was in need, never choosing sides. If the Lost Ones know what's best for them, they should seek the tribe out."

"You mean Tiger Lily and Great Big Little Panther? In the stories, Captain Hook tries to kill them," Henry pointed out.

Killian was aghast at his depiction in print. "That is reprehensible," he spat out, disgusted. "I had no quarrel with them." Unable to keep his emotions in check, he slammed his fist against one of the ship's railings. He saw Henry staring at him with wide eyes, and forced himself to calm down. "Apologies, lad. Please forgive my outburst."

Henry nodded awkwardly. He felt bad for telling Hook about his literary counterpart. It was plain to see that, along with everyone else from the Enchanted Forest, Disney had used a broad poetic license. "I'm glad you think the Lost Ones will be all right, especially the younger ones," Henry remarked, changing the subject. "But Felix-"

"Git," Killian interrupted with a sour expression on his face. "An arrogant bully. The only reason he was Pan's lieutenant is that he's a head taller than any of the other Lost Ones."

Henry tried to protest. "And Devin-"

"Tosser," Killian declared. "Bitter that his stones haven't dropped, and never will, not while he's in Neverland."

Henry snorted with laughter.

"Please refrain from putting filth in my son's mouth," Regina said icily, announcing her arrival on deck. She smiled softly at Henry and touched his face tenderly. "I was worried when you weren't in your bed."

"I wasn't tired," Henry lied. "I wanted another sailing lesson." He smiled brightly at Regina. "I'm fine, I promise."

"He's doing me quite the service," Killian added. "I was likely about to fall asleep on my feet. I'll keep watch over him, your Majesty."

Regina nodded, placated. "I'll go see how Tinker Bell is doing," she said. In a puff of smoke, she vanished from the deck. An instant later, she rematerialized at the crow's nest and began a quiet conversation with the fairy.

Henry turned to give Killian a grateful smile. "Thanks," he said. "I really didn't want to get into an argument with my mom."

Killian nodded. "Just as long as you don't expect me to lie to your other mum," he replied. "I highly doubt that would go over as well."

Henry laughed and nodded in agreement. "Can you tell me another story?" he asked hopefully. "Emma and David both fought dragons. Did you ever fight a dragon?"

"Aye, but not all dragons are bad," Killian pointed out. "In some lands, they're kind and benevolent, and revered as gods." He watched as Henry tried to stifle another yawn. Killian went to the wheel and gently nudged the boy out of the way. "Just need to make a course adjustment," he explained.

Henry climbed onto a large crate and patiently waited for his turn to steer again. "So what happened with this benevolent dragon?" he asked with interest.

"It happened in Lake Biwa in a land called Oyashima…" Killian began.

*****Flashback****

Killian nodded with satisfaction as the Jolly Roger slid into port and his crew scrambled to tie down her moorings. It had been a long journey at sea, and his crew was eager for shore leave and to take on fresh supplies.

"Orders, Captain Jones?"

Killian turned to face his boatswain. "We set sail at sunset, four days hence, Mr. Smee," he replied. "Any man not on board at that time is considered lost. I trust the crew been have given their tasks?"

Smee nodded. "Aye, Captain. We will be ready," he promised.

Killian clapped Smee on the shoulder. "Good man," he said, smiling. He checked to make sure his sword was strapped securely to his hip and his satchel was properly packed. "Enjoy your leave; I know I will." With that, he strode down the gangplank and disappeared into the busy port city.

After a hot meal at a local tavern, Killian headed away from the city, on a path up into the mountains. After so many days spent in the cramped company of others, he longed for a little solitude and space. His wandering led him to an ornately carved bridge over a beautiful glittering lake. He'd taken no more than ten steps across the bridge when he discovered that his path was blocked by a huge dragon that was splayed across the entire width of the bridge. Its body was covered in thousands of blue-green scales and a ridge of red and gold spines covered its back. It had legs as thick as tree trunks and each foot had five spiky gold claws that looked razor-sharp. The dragon seemed to be asleep, and tiny flames emerged from its nose as it snored. Each breath the dragon took make the its red mane ruffle and its golden horns twitched in time.

Killian put his hand to his sword, but did not draw it. "Oi, Dragon!" he called out.

The dragon opened one eye, revealing a pearlescent orb with a large black pupil. It looked Killian up and down, then lazily drifted closed. It snorted, sending out a puff of fire that didn't cause any damage, but was big enough for Killian to feel its heat.

Killian took a step forward, his hand still on his sword. "Oi, Dragon!" he repeated, a little louder.

This time, the dragon opened both eyes and stared almost challengingly at Killian. Killian met the dragon's gaze and held it steadily. Slowly, the dragon's eyes blinked closed again and it let out another dismissive snort.

Killian was almost insulted by the dragon's behavior. Deciding that he was not going to let it ruin his shore leave, he made his way closer, always keeping his eyes trained on the sleeping beast. When he was finally face to face with it, he studied the creature. Its nose twitched once, but made no other movement. Carefully, Killian climbed over the dragon and made his way to the other side of the bridge. As he continued onward, he heard someone calling from behind. He turned to see a man on the bridge, bowing. He was wearing blue-green robes edged with red and gold. On his head sat a golden crown set with red stones.

Killian looked around, wondering where the dragon had gone. "Were you calling me?" he asked.

The man nodded. "Yes, I need your help," he explained.

"Who are you?" Killian asked curiously.

"I am the Dragon King of this lake," the man replied. "You are the first soul ever brave enough to cross my bridge. I know you will be able to help me and my family."

"What do you need of me?" Killian asked curiously.

"My mortal enemy is a giant centipede that lives just beyond the mountain," the Dragon King explained. "Each night he steals into my palace in the lake and steals one of my family. I am powerless to save them. With each visit he poisons the lake water, killing the fish and the plants. Eventually, all of my family will be gone, and then he will come for me. All who depend on this lake for water will perish as well."

Killian's mouth set into a firm line as he remembered his King's intention to poison an entire race to win a war. He would not let another group of people fall victim to the same fate. "I will help you," he told the Dragon King.

"Oh thank you!" the Dragon King said joyfully. "Please, come to my palace as my honored guest. The centipede comes at the same hour each night. We will wait for him to arrive tonight."

Killian followed the Dragon King into the lake. His eyes grew wide as he entered the underwater palace. Its white marble walls glowed with an ethereal light. He was led to a lavishly set table where he was served a delicious meal on dishes made of crystal. He had some difficulty using the ebony sticks to pick up food, but the Dragon King and his family were patient teachers. As they ate, the Dragon King regaled Killian with stories, making him feel at ease.

As Killian took a sip of wine, the walls of the palace began to shake. The Dragon King looked alarmed while his family scattered and hid. "The centipede! It's here!" he cried.

They ran out on one of the balconies, and saw two balls of fire at the edge of the lake, heading towards them.

"Those are its eyes," the Dragon King said. "Please! You must kill it before it takes more of my family!"

Killian stared in disbelief as he realized how large the centipede was. It was the same size as the Dragon King. Its body was black and shiny, with more legs than Killian cared to count He reached into his pack and pulled out a crossbow. He was dismayed to see that he only had three bolts. Loading a bolt, he took aim and fired. The bolt slid through the water and hit the centipede right between the eyes, where it bounced harmlessly off the skin and fell to the lake bottom. Angered, the centipede charged towards the palace with a roar.

Killian cursed and reloaded. He fired again, and achieved the same result, the bolt falling to the ground. Taking the final bolt, he licked his lips and whispered a desperate prayer. He pressed the bolt to his lips and then loaded it into the stock. He took aim and fired. The bolt hit between the centipede's eyes again, and this time it pierced the skin and sunk into its brain.

The centipede twisted and convulsed in agony for several long moments, and as it died, the light faded from its huge eyes. Its body dissolved into a mass of black foam that dissipated in the water.

Killian sighed in relief. The empty crossbow fell from his hands and clattered to the floor.

"You did it!" the Dragon King exclaimed happily. "You saved us all!"

Killian found himself surrounded by well-wishers shaking his hands and expressing their gratitude. The next few days went by in a happy blur as Killian was celebrated as a hero and the bravest warrior in the land. The Dragon King's family and servants showered him with countless presents and trinkets. On the morning of the fourth day, Killian knew he had to leave to rejoin his ship and crew.

The Dragon King tried to persuade Killian to stay longer, but understood that the crew was like family. He begged Killian to take a few small gifts as a token of appreciation for delivering them from their feared enemy. As with all the previous gifts he'd received, Killian tried to refuse, but the Dragon King was most insistent, and once the gifts had been explained, Killian knew he had to accept them.

The first was a roll of silk that would never get any shorter, regardless of how many pieces were cut from it. Killian knew that it would be useful for repairing sails, clothing, and bandaging injuries. The next was a bag of rice that would never empty. He accepted it, knowing that his crew would never go hungry, regardless of how many days had been spent at sea. The last gift was a beautiful sword and knife set that would always give its owner victory.

Killian packed up his things, shook hands with the Dragon King, and headed back to the Jolly Roger. Once he was back on board his ship, he put the left the bag of rice and the roll of silk with his Chief Steward without any explanation of the uniqueness of the items, so they would not be exploited. He mounted the sword and knife set on one of his cabin walls so he wouldn't be tempted to rely on them, rather than his own skill.

As the Jolly Roger sailed away, Killian listened to his crew's excitedly exchange stories about their shore leave, but never contributed his own, preferring to keep this particular adventure to himself.

*****end flashback****

Killian smiled slightly when he saw that Henry had fallen asleep, curled up on top of a crate. He'd tucked a spare piece of canvas under his head as a pillow. Killian took off his coat and draped the black leather over the sleeping boy and studied him for a moment. He didn't seem to be burdened by any bad dreams while he slept. A feeling of tenderness towards the boy washed over Killian as he reached out and touched his hair softly. Then, he resumed his position at the wheel and continued to guide his ship through the open water.