Belle's POV

I took stock of the cage I was in. The bars were made of some sort of metal. And the door was locked. There was a cot with a rough scratchy blanket and a pot in the corner that gave off such a smell, I didn't have to guess what it was used for...

As my panic rose, thinking about Hook and Pan... I noticed something odd.

The ring on my hand was glowing again.

The royal blue gem in it's center, was letting off powerful little sparks of lightning.

Perhaps...

  I took the blanket off the bed. Then, sticking it through the bars I bundled it up on the other side.

  I placed my left hand on the bars, and held on to the blanket with my right.

Then as simple as you please. I closed my eyes and pushed with all my might.

The door gave a mighty creak and the ring sparked. Then suddenly with a massive groan the door launched forward. I quickly let go of the blanket and it muffled the door, as it banged dully off the stone wall.

  My lips curled into a smile.

Fantastic, now all I had to do was leave the castle and meet up with Hook.

My stomach dropped.

That is if I could find him...

 I crept up the stairs, and looked for the nearest door.

If I understood the layout of the castle. And I sure hoped I did. This door should lead to the outside of the castle.

I walked quickly to the door and tried the handle.

It was unlocked.

 I stared out into the enchanted forest and bit my lip. How was I supposed to get noticed by Hook when I couldn't even see the ship?

And if he left... how would I get down from this island?

No.

 I couldn't afford to think like that.

Stepping out into the cool fresh air I walked to the nearest tree.

Perhaps if I climbed it Hook would see me...

  I grabbed the first bow and hefted myself up the tree, one limb at a time.

The tree was beautiful I noticed as I climbed.

The closest tree I can think to compare it to would be a wisteria tree. The flowers on the tree were a beautiful lavender color. And the smell was heavenly. I popped my head up out of the tree and felt the flowers sticking in my hair.

"Come on Hook... Find me..." I murmured.

 I must have sat there for a good half hour before I heard the rustling of something. I froze in fear.

Suddenly, I felt four fingers curl around my ankle and pull me down from the tree.

I shrieked as she hit a tree bow on the way down, and landed flat on my back.

As I gasped for breath, the creature cautiously made it's way over to me, staring at me with evident curiosity.

The creature was humanoid, it looked like a woman.

Her hair was strange though, it wasn't hair, it was leaves. They fell down her shoulders in waves, reminding me of a willow tree. She stood tall and proudly. With tree bark for clothing and moss green eyes.

The creature opened her mouth to speak, and what came out sounded like wind rustling leaves on a summer's day.

As soon as I caught my breath I responded.

"Hello. I don't understand what you're saying."

The tree woman frowned, her bushy brown eyebrows furrowing.

She opened her mouth and spoke again. If you could call that speaking.

I sat up and cocked my head at the woman.

The woman reached down with green fingers and offered me a friendly smile.

  I smiled in return. Offering the woman my left hand. The woman pulled me up.

"Thank you." I smiled.

"You're welcome." The woman replied in a breathy whisper.

  We locked eyes.

"You understand me? How?!" I exclaimed.

The tree woman frowned, looking down at my hand.

"Your ring. Magic?"

"Yeah, I mean I think so. I'm Belle what's your name?"

The woman stiffened, looking at me with a terrified look on her face.

She seemed to be listening to something.

"You must go..." she warned.

"But I-"

"NOW. RUN!!" The woman exclaimed, shoving me farther away from the castle.

 I turned back just in time to see a massive dryad lumber out of the forest, it's eye sockets were filled with a green swirling magic and the bark it was made of was black, cracked, and crumbling.

 I let out a terrified shriek as I ran deeper into the forest.

Then I began to notice more glowing, green eyes. On either side of the path, and I knew I was surrounded

---

Hook

Hook opened the white ivy covered door and gazed on the face of his beloved. He walked over to Rose and knelt down beside her.

"My love." He spoke sadly.

"I'm so sorry you've had to go through this. I'm sorry I'd lost you. I swear Pan will never have you again." he vowed.

He stared at her lips, remembering what Belle had said.

"I know she loved you."

But could Phillip afford to take that chance?

"What do I have to loose?" He asked, his voice echoing off the cold stone walls.

He chuckled to himself, "Only my pride."

Hook looked down at the sleeping beauty.

She lay motionless and grey on her bed of stone.

"I'm sorry I can't ask for your permission. I'm also sorry this has to be our first kiss. Believe me I had better plans." Hook blushed.

"I'm talking to a statue... I don't even know if you can hear me."

Hook let out a nervous shuddering breath.

Then he took the plunge.

Her lips were cold and breathless.

Hook pulled back with a hopeful look on his face.

He watched for a moment his heart sinking.

"Rose please..."

A tear rolled down his cheek and he closed his eyes.

Suddenly here was a loud gasp as if somebody had been submerged under water for a long time and just come up for air.

"Hook?" A sweet melodic voice asked.

"ROSE!" Hook's eyes popped open to behold his beautiful blonde princess.

"Hook!" The girl launched off her bed, and bowled Hook over.

"Oof." Hook grinned at her. 

Rose giggled, still on top of him. "You broke the curse! How?!"

Hook's ears turned red.

"I kissed you." He squeaked.

Rose blushed and rolled off of him.

"I'm sorry it was the only way." Hook replied defensively.

"Don't be sorry I've been waiting a long time for that... I just wish I had been conscious." Rose blushed.

"Oh..." He looked over at her with a roguish smile. "Can I try again?"

Rose smiled slightly. "Well... I suppose since you broke the curse, You may~"

Hook sat up and pulled her face to his in a gentle kiss.

She pulled away with a wistful sigh, and smiled. Then she looked around the room with a worried face.

"Where am I?" She asked.

Hook growled.

Rose jumped.

"Believe me you do not want to know."