The Dangerous Love Of A Pirate
(A/N) This is a dark hevie story, so it might not be for everyone. I hope you all enjoy it though! It's inspired a fair bit by the Peter Pan movie Hook (1991) and it takes place in that version of Neverland. There's a little inspiration from The Forbidden Games by L.J Smith in there too.
About the quote below, I saw it on tumblr, but annoyingly I can't find a proper source. I think the tumblr blog I've sourced is where it's from, though I'm not 100%.
Disclaimer: I do not own Descendants or any of the characters.
"When a devil falls in love, it's the most hauntingly beautiful thing ever. And you should be terrified, for he will go to the depths of hell for her."
- thathottiesoutofmyleague via tumblr
Dear Princess,
If ye want the runt back, go to the second star to the right and straight on till morning. Come alone and bring yer mother's magic mirror.
H Hook.
Evie read the parchment, again and again, her eyes devouring the words desperately.
This can't be happening, she kept telling herself, shaking her head. Yet the proof that it was was in her hands, crumbled and torn from how tightly she was clutching onto it. She stared at the black cursive writing, her eyes lingering over the signer's name.
H Hook. Harry Hook. The son of Captain James Hook. A man who her heart had crossed what seemed a lifetime ago. A man she had not seen in half a decade. After the incident at the jubilee, Harry had escaped the isle through trickery and deceit, stolen a ship and was never heard of again. The Auradon guards had searched for him but to no avail.
Now... he was back.
And he had kidnapped Dizzy.
If he had not revealed that he was in Neverland through his letter, Evie doubted she could have figured out what he would have wanted the mirror for. But if he was in Neverland then there was only one reason he could want it.
He wanted to use it to find Peter Pan's hideout.
Evie took a seat and breathed in deeply, trying to take control of the anxiety trembling through her body.
Being in Dizzy's room in Auradon Prep was not helping. When Evie had first come into the room to check on Dizzy, who had been late for their movie night, she was startled to find the door ajar and the lock broken off. She had bolted into the room only to freeze at the mess that greeted her.
The room was wrecked. Furniture was toppled over, the window had been smashed, glittering glass scattered across the carpet, and across the walls was a long continuous gash, like a sword had been slashed across it... or a hook. Almost immediately she had found the parchment, pinned to the wall by an intricately designed dagger. After reading it, Evie had felt numbness over take her.
Harry Hook was back... and he wanted her to go to Neverland...
Evie rose to her feet. She held onto the edge of the table to steady herself, her legs feeling wobbly and a wave of dizziness threatening to take hold.
I am not letting you get away with this, Harry. I am going to save Dizzy and haul you and your crew back to the isle!
With her silent promise, Evie found a renewed strength. She grabbed the dagger and parchment and ran out of the room. She hurried along the corridors, her mind mapping out what she had to do.
First, she had to borrow some pixie dust from the chemistry storage room. She wasn't stealing, just borrowing. When she got back she would reimburse Auradon Prep for the borrowed pixie dust. Once she collected that she would need to go home and change before stopping by the museum to collect an old friend.
Don't worry, Dizzy. I'm coming.
Harry better be ready for his reckoning.
Evie never wanted to fly via pixie dust again.
She didn't care what anyone else said. It wasn't a fantastic experience nor was it cool, and she couldn't understand why anyone would want to do it.
It was difficult to steer. The wind hurtling towards you messed up your hair and makeup. The titanic heights were beyond dizzying and just knowing that they were looming below was enough to make her happy thought waiver.
She had never been more relieved than when she had spotted Neverland in the distance. It was a mountainous island covered in lush forests, surrounded by a twinkling ocean and rainbows staining the skies all around it. On one side of the island, she saw a large cove, what looked to be a small town built on the water's edge.
I bet that's the pirate town, Evie guessed.
Last spring, some Neverland fairies who were visiting the Mainland had told her whispers of a new pirate town having been built a few years ago at Marooners Bay, which was said to be ruled by a fearsome Pirate King. What Evie had found most intriguing about their tale was that the bay in which the pirates had decided to build their town was infamously known as the place where Peter Pan had sliced off Captain Hook's hand before feeding it to the crocodile, Tick Tock.
If Harry's going to be anywhere in Neverland, it has to be there.
Evie decided to land not too far away from the town, taking cover in the nearby forest. She had already changed into her disguise before leaving the Mainland. She was wearing a white blouse, a grey corset, a long velvet grey skirt and a dark navy blue cape. Unlike her normal outfits, this one was designed to blend in, not stand out. She grabbed her blue hair and tied it into a messy bun before pulling her hood over her head. Hidden under her cape was a sheathed sword which she prayed that she wouldn't have to use.
Now to find Dizzy.
She hoped that she could find her without the use of her magic mirror. The last thing Evie wanted to do was rely on her magic again. She feared that if she used the mirror then she would fall back into her old wicked habits. Magic was addictive, especially dark magic which fueled the mirror's powers. It had been difficult enough to give it up the first time around. If she had to tap into those powers again, she didn't know if she'd be strong enough to ever let it go.
Evie arrived quickly at the town. It reminded her of Goblin Wharf back on The Isle of The Lost, looking very fitting for a pirate community. There was a large harbour with many docks and large pirate ships stationed at them. On the waters were more ships along with smaller rowing boats with men and women fishing and pulling in their heavy nets. The streets of the town were bursting with life, pirates scurrying about, going about their business, selling, buying, chatting and lazing around.
With her flawless disguise - if she did say so herself - Evie blended in seamlessly. She roamed around, checking taverns and shops, looking for any signs of her villainous pirate.
Where is Harry? Evie thought. Maybe I should ask someone... or would that be suspicious?
Ideally, she wanted to get the drop on him. If she could find out where he was keeping Dizzy then she could try and sneak into his hideout, rescue Dizzy and escape without ever having to see him.
But first I need an excuse for asking about him.
She didn't know what kind of situation she was going into. She needed a legit reason for asking about him, in case the bartender knew him or in case any of Harry's friends - if he had any - were lurking around and overheard, alerting him to her presence.
To her side she saw a lanky pirate man place down a basket, his attention turning to a seller behind a stall of fruit and veg. Subtly, Evie snatched his basket and hurried down the street, leaving the pirate scratching his head when he turned to find his basket missing.
Tsk tsk, Evie thought, remembering the old rules she used to live by on the isle. Never leave your goods unattended unless you want them stolen.
Evie made her way into a busy tavern, snaking her way past drunken, singing and fighting pirates. She approached the bartender, coughing to catch his attention.
"Excuse me," Evie said, trying to sound as indifferent as she could, even going as far to try her hand at what she thought was a pirate like accent. "Do ye know where I can find a pirate called Harry? I have a delivery of"- she peeked into the basket, letting out an irritable sigh when she saw what was inside- "apples... for him."
The bartend spat onto the glass he was cleaning and gave her a bland look. "Harry who?"
Evie looked around nervously, leaning in close in so that only the bartender would hear. "Harry... Hook."
The bartender dropped his glass, shattering it. The whole room suddenly fell into a tense silence, all eyes on her. Evie hoped they were only looking because of the abrupt sound of the glass breaking and not because of whose name she had said. What was Harry's reputation like here?
"Harry... Hook. That's who yer lookin for, is it girlie?" The bartender asked, his gruff voice sounding bewildered.
Evie nodded unsurely.
"And just who are you, wench, to address our Cap'n so informally?" A skinny pirate with an eye patch croaked from his seat at the bar.
"The Captain of The Rising Tide will have yer pretty little head!" someone seated in the dining area shouted.
Oh goodness... what had she done wrong?
Evie ducked her head, thrown into a flustered tizzy. "I'm... sorry, I-"
Oh, poison apple! Do pirates here say sorry to one another?
In Auradon she was so used to using manners that she had forgotten that not everywhere appreciated them. If you said sorry, please or thank you on the isle it was a one-way ticket to getting beat up and labelled a softie. Was that the same here in Neverland's pirate town?
"I mean... I-"
It was then that Evie noticed that several pirates were creeping toward her, unsheathing their swords and pounding their fists. Oh, how she wanted to kick herself. How out of touch was she with surviving in hostile environments? She used to thrive in them when she was younger!
"Oh, look at the time! Gotta fly," Evie said with a fake smile.
She instantly regretted that comment, remembering that only Peter Pan and The Lost Boys flew on Neverland. The fairies weren't fond of the pirates and never shared their pixie dust with them.
Evie raced towards the swing doors and threw herself into the crowds. She pushed her way through the masses of people, not stopping until she was sure that no one was following her.
Great work, Evie. You're going to get yourself killed before you even find Harry!
She ditched the basket by the side of the street, pocketing one of the apples. If she succeeded in her mission, she felt it would be amusing to leave Harry the apple as a calling card to let him know that she had won this round.
So you're the Captain of The Rising Tide, huh? Evie mused, her eyes seeking out the docked pirate ships. Your ship better be one of the docked ones.
An hour or so later Evie found the ship. To her surprise, it was the largest one docked. Evie stared up at the ship in awe. She wasn't an expert on ships but there was no arguing about whether or not this ship was stunning. It was magnificent, beautifully detailed with amazing craftsmanship and vibrantly painted. The sails on the three masts were black as pitch. The only exception was the pirate flag waving proudly from the centre mast. Instead, that flag was blood red, two black hooks and a skull above them sewn on.
Harry, Harry, Harry, you've certainly outdone yourself with your ship, Evie thought as she admired it.
"Quick, lads! Yer gonna miss all the fun! Cap'n's comin up on deck!"
Evie looked to the ship, seeing a grizzly looking pirate in serious need of a stylist, leaning over the bannister of the ship. A dozen or so pirates on the dock all dropped what they were doing and began piling up the ramp that led onto the ship, excitedly nattering away to one another. Evie took her chance, merging in with the crew. Everyone flocked and huddled onto the main deck, some pirates dangling from the shanks and a few peering down from their place in the crow's nest.
The grizzly pirate who had shouted down from the bannister earlier appeared at the top of the stairs. "Give us a big cheer for the Cap'n of The Rising Tide, the Pirate King himself, Captain H Hook!"
Pirate King? Evie's eyes widened.
The pirates began stomping their feets and clapping their hands rhythmically, chanting a name that Evie really didn't want to hear.
"Captain Hook! Captain Hook! Captain Hook!"
From the doors at the top the staircase a tall figure emerged. He was dressed in a long leather jacket, a white flowy blouse with a black best fastened over it, black ripped trousers and knee-high black boots pulled over them. In one of his hands, he held a silver hook. She only saw his face when he reached the edge of the stairs and looked up, unveiling his face from the shadows cast by his hat.
Harry...
Evie felt her heart ache at the sight of. He was as handsome and haughty as she remembered, a wicked devil in red. He was clearly enjoying all the attention from the pirates, the grin making it clear that he was relishing it.
Memories of a time before Auradon bombarded her, each one dealing a heavy blow. She remembered playful fights and banter, kisses on the beach and in the Crow's nest, whispered secrets, mock sword fights and a promise, sealed with a silver ring that was tossed into the sea long after it had all finished.
"Welcome!" Harry shouted, his voice booming across the cheering crowds. "And how are we all, me hearties?"
The crew cheered in response, eliciting a bigger grin from Harry at their ear piercing response. The Captain leaned his hands against the railing, his eyes scanning the crowd. Evie ducked her head, fearful that despite her hood concealing her identity, he would instantly know that it was her, even after all these years. If he spotted her now it was all over. There was no way she would be able to fend off so many pirates.
"Now, where is the ungrateful runt?" Harry asked. "Bring her out!"
A horrible feeling of dread washed over Evie when she heard Dizzy's voice, screaming for the two snickering pirates who were dragging her onto the deck to let her go. The two pirates held her by one arm each, not allowing her feet to touch the ground. Dizzy was trying futilely to jerk out of their grasp, her feet kicking wildly in the air.
"Let me go!" Dizzy cried.
Harry grinned and began waltzing down the grand staircase, his arms open wide. The pirates stomped their feet and clapped their hands more loudly, giving Harry as big an entrance as they could.
Still, as dramatic and egotistical as ever, Evie mused bitterly.
"Miss Dizzy Tremaine," Harry said with a smile. He clasped his hands behind his back, slowly walking around the young girl.
Dizzy was clearly frightened, her body shaking and tear trails staining her cheeks. Yet despite her fear, Dizzy glared up at the pirate as fiercely as she could. Evie felt very proud of Dizzy, seeing her chin jutted out defiantly and putting on a brave face.
"Ye were a welcome guest here and how do ye repay us?" Harry continued, circling her like a shark would its prey before striking. "By trying to escape. Poor form, me lass. Poor form." Harry ruffled Dizzy's hair, messing it up. "We think a lesson is in order, don't we me hearties?"
"Boo box! Boo box! Boo box!" the pirates chanted.
Boo box? Evie frowned. That can't be good.
The crew parted ways to allow two pirates hauling a sinister looking chest through. It landed with a loud clank and bang as they threw it at Dizzy's feet. One of the pirates flung the chest's lid's open and gave Dizzy a cheeky wink.
"Would ye like to know what the boo box is?" Harry whispered darkly, kneeling down in front of Dizzy. "Ye got locked in there and someone throws in some very nasty wee critters in there with ye. Which do ye prefer? Scorpions... or spiders?"
Dizzy swallowed, leaning backwards to put distance between her and the pirate captain. Harry grinned, ruffling her hair again as he rose to his feet.
"Deal with her," Harry said, waving his hand dismissively.
Evie's heart wrenched at seeing Dizzy so terrified. The girl began shouting, trying to break free of the pirates hold as they readied to lift her into the chest. Besides her, one pirate dangled a scorpion by her face, laughing evilly at her distress.
Enough is enough, Evie thought, any fear or anxiety she felt being over-ridden by the fury of a big sister.
She had one target, the lone figure in red walking away.
Harry grinned as he began making his way towards the staircase. He would let the men have their fun, it was would lighten their spirits and teach the runt a lesson. In the short time that she had been there she had tried to escape twice. No more. He needed her to get what he wanted.
At the corner of his eyes, he swore he caught a flash of blue. He narrowed his eye. Either he was seeing phantoms of his lost love or she was finally here. He turned momentarily and scanned the crowds, looking for any signs of her but finding none.
Yer imagination gettin away with ye, Harry grumbled, rolling his eyes.
She would come. He knew she would. He just had to be... patient. All good things to those who wait. Though patience was never a skill he excelled at. But if he had waited this long... he could wait a wee bit longer.
Harry had turned to walk back up the stairs. He paused when he heard a whistle, low and attention grabbing. He turned around just in time to catch something that had been thrown at his head.
Everyone froze, staring wide-eyed at their captain.
Harry snarled, looking around for the culprit. Someone was going to get hooked for that! He glanced down at the item, his heart panging.
It was a red apple. Harry looked at it in awe, a grin breaking out onto his face.
Before he could do anything else the length of a blade was against his throat. He followed the blade to see its owner, his eyes gleaming when he came face to face with the blue-haired princess who had haunted his dreams for half a decade.
Evie...
"Long time no see, Harry," Evie said casually, smiling politely. "I see you're still bullying people."
"Ah, now there's a name I've not heard in ages," Harry drawled. "And a pretty face I haven't seen in much longer. How are you, Princess? Still pretendin to be a goody toe shoes, are ye?"
"I didn't come here to catch up," Evie replied dryly. "Now tell your charming crew, to let Dizzy go."
The crew all looked at their Captain, waiting for his next command. Harry gave them all a glance, a wicked glint gleaming in his eyes. "Royalty or not, I don't take orders from anyone. Especially on ma own ship."
"Unless you want to lose your head instead of your hand, I suggest you make an exception," Evie threatened, inching the blade closer to his neck.
"Then do it," Harry said nonchalantly.
Evie tightened her grip on the handle of her sword, displeased that he was calling her bluff. They were at a stalemate now that could only be broken in one way, and it didn't end well for her. She was surrounded by armed pirates with no escape and they had Dizzy as leverage. There was very little she could do to escape this situation. She had been forced to act on impulse, unable to allow them to torture Dizzy.
Harry knew this, she could see it in his eyes. He quirked an eyebrow at her, amusement on his face as he waited to see what she did next.
Around them the crew began whispering, evil grins and smirks appearing on their faces as they realized how little danger to their captain there was.
Harry lifted his hooked hand, hooking it onto the end of the sword and slowly running it across the length the blade, pushing it away from his neck. His movements were slow and deliberate, a sensual air to them. He then shoved it aside, taking a step closer to Evie, no qualms with getting close to her. Evie had forgotten how he had that unnerving way of making anything seem intimate. It was his favourite method of throwing people off.
"Aww, Evie. Seems yer time in Auradon with all those soppy heroes has made ye soft."
Harry raised his hook to her face, skimming it down her cheek. Evie pulled away with a sneer, raising the sword between them to keep him from getting closer.
"Did ye bring me yer mirror like I asked?" Harry held his hand out expectantly.
"No," Evie lied, acutely aware of the mirror hidden in a pocket in her corset. "I can't just take an artefact out a museum!"
"Aww, shame," Harry crooned, the displeasure clear in his eyes despite the smile on his face. "Well, no matter. I'll make do for now-" Harry turned to his crew -"Take pigtails over there to the galley and put her to work. And throw the princess here in the brig."
Harry made to walk away but Evie would not let him. She let out a snarl, ready to strike him down with her sword. Harry spun around in a blur of red, unsheathing his sword and blocking her blow just before it struck him. He gave her a playful grin, eyes lighting up with the prospect of a challenge.
"So the princess has a spark of fight left in her after all. Good. Let's see how well ye've improved without me as yer teacher," Harry said, giving her a cheeky wink. "If at all, that is."
Evie let out a huff, making a lunge for him. Blow after blow, Harry parried her attack, metal clashing with each attack. The crew moved out the way, forming a large circle around them. They rooted for their Captain, clamouring and cheering for him to put the silly little princess in her place.
"Pirate King, huh?" Evie said, sidestepping one of Harry's attacks.
"Like it?" Harry asked.
"No, but it certainly flatters your ego."
Harry raised his sword in the air, slicing it down towards Evie who caught the blade with her own. The force of the blow sent her back a little, her back hitting one of the masts. Harry put pressure down on the sword, forcing Evie to lean as far into the mast as she could. The pirate leaned forward, bringing their faces very close, the blades barely keeping them part.
"I have to say Princess, the years have definitely been kind to ye. Still as gorgeous as when I last saw ye," Harry murmured, his eyes falling to her lips.
Evie smirked, "shame I can't say the same about you."
Harry scowled.
Evie tightened her grip on her sword and with as much energy as she could muster she pushed the pirate's blade away from her. Harry quickly recovered, striking fast and furiously like a vexed viper. Evie found herself struggling to block his blows.
Suddenly, he lashed out, more viciously than before. Evie let out a startled cry as he disarmed her, her sword scattering to the deck. In one quick movement, he had grabbed her arm and spun her into his chest, her back now pressed up against him. He had one arm wrapped around her waist, the sword still in his hand, while his hooked hand rested dangerously close to her throat. She felt him rest his head on shoulder, his lips brushing against her ear as she spoke.
"I taught ye better than that, Princess."
The crowd erupted into cheers, shouting Captain Hook loudly.
"What will we do with her, Cap'n? Make her walk the plank or throw her in the boo box instead?" one the pirates asked, giving a quick, respectful salute.
"Take her to the brig," Harry said, tossing her over to the pirate. "I'll deal with her maself later."
