Author's Note: Thank you everyone for your patience with this story. I began this story in a dark place, that I couldn't revisit until now, in a healthy headspace. I'm very happy with what I've done with it- so I hope you enjoy!

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Chapter 2

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Conversing with a young lass

Who seem'd to be in pain

Saying, William, when you go

I fear you'll ne'er return again…

Captain James Hook was unclear as to what brought him to the offshore cove. No sailor dared step on the land after nightfall, as Neverland's rumors told of dark mermaids and creatures with ill intentions.

Yet, here he was, drawn to a cavern within the cove; the only light was the illumination of the moon and stars that filtered through a gap in the ceiling. This gap was perfectly mirrored to a small pool of water below it, its depth unknown. Although this situation might inspire foreboding in any lame man, James Hook was a man of calculation and opportunity. Certainly there was something worthwhile that had led him here.

Drawing closer to the edge of the pool, he sank to his knees, his good hand anchoring him to the spot as he peered at the dark water below him. He observed a small movement of silver and blue below the water, before a woman rose from the water.

Her hair was a dark blonde, slicked back against her head down to her lower back due to the sea water. Her features were fair, with high cheekbones and rosy lips that spoke of secrets. She could not be older than twenty. It was her eyes that caught his attention. It couldn't be…

"James…" A melodic voice called him out of his reverie.

"Wendy." He breathed, his eyes widening in his shock. He faltered only for a moment before recovering to his neutral, gentlemanly expression. "Why have you brought me here?" He inquired, searching her eyes.

"I have a favor to ask of you." She replied simply, her voice thick with a siren's call, unlike the young girl he had come to know. He blinked, searching for logic through whatever spell she had cast upon him.

"Hm?" Was all he could manage.

"You must kill Peter Pan."

The mention of that blasted boys name snapped him out of his haze. His hook snapped forward, threatening her supple throat before trailing upwards. His lip curled in a sneer, his silver appendage delicately tracing the outline of her jaw.

"And just what exactly do you have to offer, Wendy Darling?"

She breathed the words like a reprieve from her own agony. "My death."

Eyes searching and mouth still curled with a hint of distaste, he studied her in near awe. "You would die for him?"

Her countanence shifted to that of near exasperation. Emerald eyes met his icy blue forget-me-nots. "Can't you see? I'm already dead. I have become this…thing… that even my own imaginings could not have prepared me for." Wendy stilled, her shoulders hunching in pain. "I ask that you release me from this existence."

Hook appeared to consider this, his eyes narrowing. "And if I avenge you?"

"Freedom. Youth. Beauty, though you already seem to be in plentiful supply… Revenge…. A wish in exchange." She murmured silkily, her seductive mermaid tongue betraying the true depth of her intentions.

His mouth quirked with a sly smile, the blue forget-me-nots of his eyes darkening stormily at the mere possibility… It was tempting to say the least. "My, my, Wendy Darling…. For that, we have an accord."

"Good form…" She mused, rising ever so slightly to equal his eyes in his leaning state by the mouth of the cove. Her exhale hissed in his ear, her rose lips gently brushing against his cheekbone. "…James." Slowly slipping back into the water, she paused ever so slightly as her lips paralleled his by centimeters.

"Do you swear it?" Her hand rested against his cheek, her eyes questioning his promise.

"Aye. I swear it." His smile remained, regarding her as she drew closer. The moment to turn back, to never speak of this again vanished as her soft lips met his. A small glow emanated briefly from their lips, the feeling of delicious electricity passing between them.

Wendy withdrew, sinking down into the water, her hand now firmly against his chest so that he would not follow her movement in his dazed state. "Then, James… it is done." With that, her head disappeared below the water, a small current and a stunned Captain the only remains of what had transpired.

"My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glittering gold

There is nothing can console me

But my jolly sailor bold…"

All mistakes are mine! Let me know what you think.