viii. the new brother

━ ❝ a replacement for your broken heart ❞

━━━━★✼☆｡━━━━

"AURORA WHERE'S MELODY?" Emma questioned. The sentence caused Emma, Mary Margaret, Aurora, and Mulan all go into a state of panic. Not even two seconds ago did Aurora wake up explaining that she had seen Henry and the teen girl was sleeping nearby. Or so they thought.

The three jolted up and looked around frantically. "Melody!"

———

The magical black cuff curves around her wrist, sending a spark up her arm. Melody looked up at the beanstalk she had climbed just a few hours prior. Only this time she was saving someone she hardly knew. Hook was a pirate who was working with the same person who kidnapped her. And here she was, climbing a beanstalk to save him.

She didn't know why she was risking her life just to save the one-handed pirate. Her first thought was that she was desperate for an older brother. Someone who actually cared about her. Melody thought Hook could be that person.

Nothing had changed when she arrived back in the treasure room; Hook was still chained to the wall, his head hanging low and the Giant was going through his treasure. "Um excuse me," Melody spoke up, grabbing Hook and the Giant's attention.

"Melody?" Hook said confused. "What are you doing here?"

The brunette just looked over at the giant and nodded her head once. "I got it from here, thanks..." she trailed off.

"Anton."

"Thank you, Anton."

The giant nodded and walked away. Hook followed him with his eyes until he was gone. He looked back at her. "Melody, what are you doing?" He seemed genuinely confused as to why she came back to her. Never in his life did he expect that a child would potentially risk their lives to save him. He nearly laughed because of how ridiculous it sounded.

She walked over to the perplexed pirate, grabbed a pin from the floor, and started picking the lock. Without knowing the correct spell, she decided to get him out the old fashion way. "Helping you. You gave Emma your trust and she betrayed it."

His eyebrow rose. "So you're going to let me out?"

"Yes."

Melody had finished picking the lock and the chains fell to the floor with a clang. The two started exiting the castle and made their way to the beanstalk. Hook followed her. "You do realize Cora is probably looking for you while we speak. I don't think it was wise to come here alone," Hook pointed out.

She rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. "Please, I could take care of an old woman like her." The cockiness in her tone raised memories in his mind that he had forgotten even existed. But how could he forget all of those times on that dreaded island? All of the years he spent trying to leave the vile place?

"You know you remind me of someone."

Melody looked back at him and glared. "If you say Rumplestiltskin I'll push you off this island."

Knowing fairly well she was capable of doing so, he chuckled slightly. Now she was definitely reminding him of the immortal leader that tortured for fun. "No, I was going to say someone else."

The teen's interest in who he was talking about perked up. "Who?"

"A boy that I met in NeverLand. Peter Pan, my enemy. You're like him in some ways. The smugness and the anger—"

Melody tensed at the mention of the island. Then she relayed the name he said. Peter Pan. That was the name of the doll she and Rumple got from their father. Malcolm had given it to them before he went off to find a job which they later found out was a lie. Which meant—

"You alright, kid?" Hook asked, his face one of concern. 

She nodded, pursing her lip. Playing dumb like she hadn't a clue what he was talking about seemed like the best route to go. Better than telling him the truth anyway. He for sure wouldn't trust her if she announced that she was the daughter of Pan. From the sounds of it, her father wasn't the best person. That didn't strike surprising. "What's Neverland?"

"It's an island where Pan takes boys who feel unwanted and unloved."

Nothing was different about it from what she already knew so she sighed. "Yeah, I've seen the movies."

"What's a movie?"

Melody smirked, telling him it was hard to explain. The two finally reached the beanstalk and the teen let out a shaky breath she didn't know she was holding. Hook still looked at the teen in a concerned manner so he said, "If you need help climbing down, let me know." She just nodded and then the two started climbing down.

———

Neverland/Enchanted Forest

Pan clenched his fist. His eyes glowing with anger as he watched Melody and Hook climb down the beanstalk. Footsteps approached and Pan didn't need to turn around to know it was his second in command. By now, he knew Felix like the back of his hand. Every single detail about the boy, he knew. And they had a connection that was unspoken. All they had to do was just look at each other and instantly knew what the other was thinking. Which was how the scar-faced teen could tell something was off.

"You ok Pan?" Felix asked.

"Look at this Felix."

The second in command walked over and peered at the crystal ball. He studied it for a second, drinking in the scene before he said, "Is that—"

"Melody and Hook, yes." Due to his hostility and anger laced in his voice, it didn't take much to figure out that Pan was pissed. There his daughter was with one of his enemies. Hook had done a ton of damage to him and the lost boys, including murdering some of them. Rufio included. The fallen lost boy's name was never spoken anywhere on the island.

Felix stayed calm and didn't snap back. But he never did anyway. "Melody's very pretty."

The immortal boy looked at him and narrowed his eyes. Felix winced internally. That was not the best thing to say. "Really? Her father is standing right here—" He gestured to himself and then to the crystal ball. "—and she's only thirteen, nearly fourteen."

"That's not what I meant Pan. She's pretty, but I'm not saying it in that way," Felix explained, keeping his demeanor cool. His expression remained stoic like it usually was.

Pan crossed his arms over his chest and nodded once. "Just making sure." When called for, the leader could be terrifying and wicked. It was only times like this that he wasn't so on edge about everything. Little did Felix know that it was because he was in the room. Alone with Pan.

"Hey Hook, can I ask you something?" Melody's voice came through, breaking Pan and Felix's conversation.

"What the hell?" Pan exclaimed, snapping his head towards the crystal ball.

Felix looked back at it with a questioning look. Never had he seen Pan so shocked before. He knew practically everything so he had an advantage over others. But the way his eyes widened in alarm and shock, he hadn't been prepared for that. The second in command leaned closer to get a look at it. "This isn't supposed to be happening is it?"

Pan didn't respond and listened, watching intently at the scene. Hook continued climbing down, glancing to the side at the younger girl "Sure go ahead, love." The immortal boy's hands tightened around the crystal. His anger was rising by the second.

"You said about me reminding you of Pan. But I thought he was supposed to be the good guy?" Melody asked. Pan could see her emotionless face. Which meant she knew. She knew who he was. And here she was, lying straight to the pirate's face because facing the truth of her father wandering around freely was too much to handle.

Hook stopped climbing and then the teen followed. Pan could tell what was coming from the moment she asked the question. "I bloody swear if he—"

"Whatever those movies or whatever you called them said is wrong. Pan is a bloody demon."

Melody didn't seem so surprised, making a face. Pan glared fiercely at the pirate, even if he could see it. Now his daughter was going to be feed negative things about him. She would most certainly not forgive him if she knew all he had done, all he had become. The brunette shook her head, letting her hair hit her shoulders. "Why is every story I've ever heard wrong?" A humorless laugh followed.

Hook sighed and looked at her again. "Because you are part of one."

She scoffed. "Not one I care to talk about." Her entire life was full of pretending to be happy and lying, saying she was fine when really, she wasn't. In fact, she wasn't even close to being okay or happy for that matter. Ever since Pan abandoned her, everything in her life seemed pointless. If her father didn't love her enough to stay. Why would anyone else?

There was a pause before Hook spoke again. "Emma told me you were adopted."

Melody's teeth clenched and she forced the tears away. "She had no right. That's my story to tell, not hers." So he couldn't see her struggle, she started to climb down again. Hook watched her, frowning a bit. Pan and Felix were even closer to the crystal ball, almost as if they wished to be inside of it.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you upset Melody." Melody didn't respond and he continued to climb down. "You know love—"

"Don't call me that," Melody snapped, cutting him off. Pan couldn't help but chuckle at her firey comment. Felix had a quirk of a smile at seeing the immortal boy relaxing just a tad. He was usually on edge, being moody and arrogant. And as the conversation proceeded, the tenseness he carried dulled.

Hook smirked. The girl clearly needed a good laugh so he attempted at adding some humor to the situation. "Definitely like Pan." She looked up at him, glaring fiercely which reminded him of the said boy. 

"Heard that!" It was almost liked fire licked her skin because Hook got a bit scared for a second. She was more like the boy that she'd ever admit to herself. Both of them could could kill with just a look, luring people to their deaths. Melody was terrifying when she scowled.

Felix looked over at his friend. "Never realized how much the two of you are alike, Pan."

Pan smirked, proud of his daughter. "You have no idea."

The teen and Hook finally reached the bottom and Melody jumped down first with ease. Her boots hit the ground with a thud and she rolled her shoulders, cracking her knuckles. Hook jumped as well but his foot slipped and he landed on his back. "Ow! Bloody hell!" he exclaimed.

Melody started laughing, the musical sound lighting up the area around them. Hook stood up and wiped the dirt off of him. The two Neverland residents couldn't help but laugh as well. The pirate got a hold of himself. "Oh shut it," he bit back, out of breath. The brunette calmed down but still smirked. "How are you not exhausted, that was tiring," Hook asked as he looked back up at the beanstalk.

She shrugged, the smirk still playing on her lips. "Just not I guess."

Pan waved his hand over the crystal ball, making the scene disappear because he didn't want to watch anymore. The longer he saw her state, the more the guilt and pain ate away at him. Pesky shadow, he thought. If only the soul of Neverland wasn't so smart and powerful. Melody would've been on the island years ago.

"Do you think she'll forgive you?" Felix asked, bringing him out of his thoughts.

The immortal boy didn't say anything for a moment as he stared at the crystal ball, still thinking back on his daughter's tear-stained face as he let her hand go. "Honestly Felix, I'm not sure."

———

Enchanted Forest

A gust of wind cut off the conversation between the teen and the pirate. The two then turned to see Cora standing behind them, looking smug. She almost looked as if she expected for this to happen. Maybe she did."Melody, Captain. It seems you've been on quite an adventure. The compass, please."

Hook glanced at Melody with worry before looking back at the older woman. "Yes, that. Well... Matters grew complicated. It's eluded me for the moment. The details of the affair are a bit of a bore."

Melody moved to stand next to him as she flexed her fingers, ready to use her magic. She wasn't afraid to fight her. It didn't matter if the sorceress was more experienced in magic than she was. The girl would fight with everything she had. Cora let out a scoff. "Really? Stealing my protection spell and climbing the beanstalk without me might seem like a bore to you. But to me, it's a betrayal," she snarled.

"I was going to bring it to you. Our agreement remains. We are going to Storybrooke, together. I'll get it back," Hook negotiated. There was a gleam of desperation in his eyes. Because he had crossed Cora and that would not come without a price. She wouldn't just forgive him so easily.

She was right when Cora laughed amusedly. "I don't have time for your games. I've crossed through too many worlds to be brought short at the brink of success." Her chin tilted up. "Who was it who bested you?"

"Emma," Melody answered, making Cora look at her. "But I promise we can get it back." She didn't quite why she was sticking up for the pirate. Yet there she was.

"You might Melody, but Hook here won't."

Hook took offense to that and tried to stick up for himself. "Oh. Are you going to kill me, now? Go ahead. Try." There was fear laced in his voice. Melody could hear it and she was positive that the old woman could as well. He knew that Cora would punish him for betraying her.

"So brave," Cora mused. She smirked slyly. "No, I'm not going to kill you. I have something far more satisfying in mind. I'm going to leave you here with your thirst for revenge unquenched, while I complete our journey without you."

Hook's eyes widened and Melody grabbed his arm when he moved to go towards her. "There's no need to be rash. We can... discuss this."

"Your pretty face buys you a lot, but not my time. It's too valuable."

"I can do this. I can get it back. You need me."

She laughed again, this time full of amusement. She was getting fed up with his games. That portal back to StoryBrooke wouldn't just open by itself. "No, I don't. You've had your chance. Now, it's my turn to do this. The right way." At the last second, Hook lunged at Cora. Melody jumped in surprise but then Cora was gone in a puff of smoke. She hadn't left with the teen which meant she didn't need her just yet. Odd. Hook screamed in anger. He had lost his chance of revenge.

———

The fire crackled as the hot embers flew around it, illuminating the small camp Melody and Hook made. The pirate walked back into the small area carrying more woof for the fire. Melody sat on one of the logs, staring into the hot flames. "I'll take watch," he announced.

Melody looked up at him and frowned. "But I feel bad leaving you awake while I just get to sleep."

Hook looked at her and saw the look she gave him. He knew she wasn't going to budge until she got what she wanted, and he wanted her to rest. "Fine, but I have an idea." She nodded for him to continue and he sat next to her. "Cora. She still needs you and the compass. So she'll try to get both. She needs leverage, and I think that one princess could be it."

"So?"

"So, we find where Cora is keeping her and then take her heart out, giving it to Cora which then would mean we get safe passage to StoryBrooke. I'm sure your friends will follow so no worries."

Melody yawned and nodded. "Sounds like a plan." Her head fell against Hook's keeping her upright, then her eyes drifted closed as she fell asleep.

The pirate smiled and looked at the fire. He knew he wouldn't let anyone hurt her. Not even Cora. It was strange for him to feel that way, but not once had Melody said anything good about her brother. So he assumed that the Dark One was never there for her when she needed her brother.

And Hook wanted to fill the gap Rumplestilskin left.

———

"So what's the plan again?" the teen asked as she and Hook got closer to the place where Aurora was being held captive.

"Cora has Aurora. So what we do is take the princess's heart, give it to Cora, pledging my allegiance."

Melody snorted and nodded. "Sure, like that's going to work."

"Your faith in me is so refreshing," Hook replied with a smirk.

She shoved him playfully and smiled, laughing. This caused Hook to smile and laugh as well. It had been a long time since he had laughed, or even genuinely smiled really. And he could tell the young girl hadn't either. The two of them finally reached the pit and they entered.

Aurora laid unconscious in a cage and Melody walked towards her. Much to her disappointment, after a few shakes, the princess woke up. The teen really wanted an excuse to slap her. "Wake up Aurora. Wake up. On your feet. Hurry."

Aurora sat up and saw the brunette. "Melody?!"

"Shh!" Melody scolded, putting her hand over the princess's mouth. The teen rolled her eyes. "You're just really begging to die aren't you."

The princess noticed the one-handed pirate behind the young girl and raised an eyebrow. Melody grabbed a rock from nearby and hit it against the shackle, breaking it. "So what? Did Cora send you?" Aurora asked Hook.

"Cora has no idea we're here," he told her.

"I don't... I don't understand."

"Isn't it obvious? I'm setting you free."

"What is this? Some sort of pirate's ruse?"

Melody rolled her eyes again, still not caring for the older female one bit. Hook replied to her accusation. "Cora's denied me passage to Storybrooke and my vengeance. And now, I'm going to deny her her wishes, starting with the compass. In pirate terms, you might say I'm firing a shot across my enemy's bow."

"You'd risk your life to break in here, all so you could thwart Cora?"

"He doesn't like being double-crossed. Now, let's go," Melody explained, pulling her up onto her feet.

"Thank you," Aurora said gratefully.

Melody nodded with an eye roll, smiling sarcastically. "My pleasure."

"Are you going to come with me?"

"Nope. I'm not traveling with your annoying butt."

Aurora looked offended but then turned and walked away. Hook stopped her by putting his hook arm out in front of her. "You can thank us by doing me one favor."

"What?"

"Give Emma a message. Tell her, that the deal still stands. If she provides me passage back to her realm, I swear I will help her find that dust that opens the portal. And tell her that I have Melody with me and she is safe."

"You really want to assist us?"

"It hurts Cora and helps me. Of course, I do. Now, go."

Aurora nodded and then ran out of the dungeon.

"Now what?" Melody asked when she was gone. The teen would be lying if she said she wasn't glad the annoying princess was gone. Something about Aurora's personality really just bothered her.

"Now, we wait," Hook replied, sitting down. 

She sighed and sat next to Hook. "Who knew I would ever help a pirate."

Hook chuckled. "Who knew I would be helped by a thirteen-year-old girl."

Melody smiled at him. "Technically, I'm not thirteen."

He rolled his eyes. "Whatever."

———

Some Melody and Hook bonding!

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