Chapter 21

As soon as they reached the side of the ship, ropes were lowered down. The rowboat was pulled up quickly. Hook's eyes searched the deck for any signs of an attack. There were none.

"Would someone like to tell me what the devil is going on?" he asked, his voice hinting at annoyance.

"We saw the star Cap'n," Smee said, coming up beside him.

Instantly Hook's demeanor changed. "Are you certain?"

"Aye," Smee answered. "It was as clear and bright as the moon."

"Tell the men to prepare. I'll be in my cabin. Once the wind picks up, we lift anchor and sail to the east."

Smee nodded. Katherine was thoroughly confused. What were they talking about? What was happening?

She followed Hook back to his cabin. Hook opened the drawers in his desk and began searching for something.

"What's going on?" Katherine asked.

Hook paused in his search for a moment and faced her. "I'll explain Miss Black. Once every so often, a star appears in the skies of Neverland. When it does, it signals the opening of a channel that allows the ship to pass to another island. That is why the men fired the cannon."

"I take it this is not a common occurrence?"

"Indeed not. For the way to open, it must be a full moon and Pan cannot be in Neverland. These two things do not very often coincide."

"I thought there was no way out of Neverland?" Katherine asked confusedly.

"There is no way out to the real world," Hook corrected. "This channel allows us to pass to another island, one that is also lost in time."

"And the men saw the star?"

Hook nodded and then continued searching through the desk.

"What are you looking for?"

"I've got it," he said straightening up. He was holding a compass.

"I thought you could tell directions from the stars?" she asked. "Do you really need the compass?"

"Normally I would not. No sailor would. However, in this instant, it is vital that we maintain a heading of due east. Within the channel, it is very difficult to use the stars as a map. Things do not appear as they ought. Therefore, I use the compass to ensure our safety."

"Our safety?"

He nodded again. "To become lost in the depths of time is not a very pleasing prospect Miss Black. It happened only once with my crew and we were lost for weeks without sight of any sort of land. I do not wish a repeat of that little episode."

"So how will we know when the channel opens?"

"We must go back on deck. You will see for yourself."

Katherine started to walk out the door, but Hook stopped her. He went into the bedroom and opened the dresser, pulling out a heavy cloak. He handed it to her and gestured for her to wear it. He pulled out one of his heavier coats and pulled it on.

"It is often a stormy voyage. Wear the cloak for now."

With that said, the two ventured back up on deck. The men were hurriedly at work, readying the ship. Suddenly and without warning, the wind picked up. It was no gentle breeze, but a full force wind. The air around them changed. It seemed almost charged with electricity.

"Lift the anchor!" Hook shouted. "And drop the sails!"

The crew quickly complied with Hook's orders, and the ship began moving quickly. The water had become choppy, and sprays of water flew onto the deck. The wind swirled around them. Katherine was amazed at how quickly the weather had changed.

Hook pulled out the compass and glanced at it for a moment. He quickly crossed the deck and told hold of the helm. He turned the ship's wheel and sent the Jolly Roger turning so that it moved with the wind. Instantly the ship picked up speed and began racing toward the east. Katherine walked up beside Hook and looked around, her face growing more alarmed by the instant.

The sky darkened, and soon no stars could be seen in the sky. All was dark. Suddenly, a piercing light appeared on the horizon. It glimmered and shone brightly. Hook steered the ship straight toward the light. As they grew nearer to the light, the water grew more and more turbulent. All at once, an enormous wave crashed onto the deck with a gush of wind, knocking Katherine off her feet.

Hook looked at her with concern, but could not leave his place at the helm. "Are you alright?" he called over the howling of the wind.

Katherine carefully picked herself up. She steadied herself and then moved closer to Hook. "I'm fine," she answered. "Is this how it always is?" she asked, her voice still riddled with apprehension.

Hook nodded. "Sometimes worse."

They sailed on into the light until Katherine thought that they would be consumed by it. The light grew brighter and brighter, until all aboard had to shield their eyes from it. Just when it had reached its most blinding point, there was a flash. Slowly, the light dimmed.

Katherine peeked out and saw that the light was fading. The waves were enormous now, and Katherine felt that the ship would be torn apart by them. She was feeling very sick.

It was when the waves were at their worst that Hook let go of the helm. Katherine looked at him as if he were mad. How could he let go?

Hook stepped beside her. "Now the ship must find its own way. This is how it must be."

The light had almost faded away to nothing, and it was nearly impossible to see out past the front of the ship. Cold rain began pouring down on them in torrents.

Another wave crashed over the deck, sending Katherine and several crewmen off their feet. Hook held fast to the rigging, and kept his balance. Katherine went sideways right toward the stairs. She braced herself for the fall, but instead felt a strong hand encircle her waist and pull her back.

She looked over her shoulder and found herself looking into the Captain's blue eyes. She mouthed a thank you and he nodded. Lightning struck just off the side of the ship and thunder gave a resounding boom. Katherine jumped and turned her face into Hook's chest. She felt his arm tighten around her.

Hook wasn't terribly worried about the storm. He and the men had weathered many storms, some much worse than this. The journey to the other island was always a stormy one, and he had expected it to be bad. It always was, but it took more than a nasty storm to frighten him.

I should have left her in the cabin, he thought to himself. It was clear that the storm was frightening her. But no matter, he was sure the storm would be over soon. If all went well, the voyage itself would be over soon.

Hook was right. In a few moments the winds began to die down and the rains dissipated. The lightning and thunder vanished as if they had never been there to begin with. The sky lightened and all became still and silent. An eerie mist began floating around the ship. It was as if they were sailing into a giant cloud.

Hook released his hold on Katherine, and resumed his place at the ship's wheel. He pulled out the compass and checked the ship's heading. They were still on the right course.

Katherine followed close behind, suspicious of the sudden calm that had befallen them.

"Is it over?" she asked, looking around warily.

Hook nodded. "We should be there soon."

Katherine sighed in relief. She was glad the storm was over. "What's the other island like? Is it like Neverland?"

"Let us go back into the cabin. The men will call when we have made port." He led Katherine back into the cabin and sat on the couch.

"And to answer you, Miss Black, this island is vastly different than Neverland. The only true similarity between them is that they are lost in the depths of time. This island is a great deal like the London I knew."

"You mean it's like a city?"

"Precisely. There are many people. There are houses, shops, taverns, anything that you would think to find in a sea faring town."

"So the town is a bit like London?"

"As I knew it, yes. However, that was a great many years ago, so undoubtedly it will seem a bit odd to you. Of course," he continued, "there are also other pirates there, so you must take great care once we reach the port." Not that I intend to let you out of my sight, he thought to himself.

A few moments later, Smee knocked on the cabin door. "We've docked Capt'n," he said. "Oh, and I left 'er clothes in your room before."

"Excellent," Hook replied. "Tell the men they may leave the ship at their leisure."

Smee nodded and exited the room. Katherine looked at Hook questioningly.

"All the men are going to leave? How will they know when to come back? And won't anyone try to rob the ship with no one aboard?" Katherine found it very strange that Hook thought nothing of leaving the Jolly Roger unattended.

"Yes Miss Black, all the men are allowed to leave the ship. They will know when to return once the star reappears in the sky. And to answer your last question, do you think anyone would dare to steal from me?" Hook gave her a wicked smile.

Katherine nodded. "An excellent point. I was only thinking that you said there were other pirates. Pirates are known for plundering aren't they?"

"Aye," Hook said. "That is true. But as is true for all things, there are boundaries even pirates do not cross. To steal from another man's ship is not wise. Among pirates it may seem fair game, but there are certain people most do not dare to cross."

"And you happen to be one of those people?" Katherine asked.

Hook smiled again, wickedness crossing his features. "My reputation is very well known here Miss Black, and I daresay there are not many who would like to test its validity."

"Indeed not," Katherine said.

"Then make ready, for we are to leave the ship as well. Both our clothes are dripping from our trip through the rain. Give me a moment." He crossed the cabin and went into the bedroom. A few minutes later, he came back out, dressed in a dry set of clothes. He was wearing another black ensemble and in his hands was a black cloak.

"Go," he said. "Mr. Smee discovered another set of clothes in the hold, and adjusted them for you."

Katherine nodded. She was glad to be out of her wet clothes. They were giving her a chill. She stepped into the bedroom and closed the door. Hook had put the clothes out on the bed. Katherine smirked to herself. The outfit was black, just as his was. She dressed, and slipped her boots back on. She noticed that he had also put a cloak on the bed. It looked just like Hook's, but she noticed that it had been shortened to accommodate her height. She pulled it over her shoulders and fastened it.

When she came back out, Hook was not in the room. She exited the cabin and went out onto the deck. She looked around and was amazed by what she saw. A whole new world had materialized. The weather had turned damp and cool, and there was a light mist floating about.

Hook was right; the city did look like London. From the ship, she could see people bustling around. The roads were paved with cobblestones, and the buildings were brick and stone. The sky was starting to dim and lamplights were being lit along the streets. She hadn't seen anything like it since she had left home. She smiled as she looked over the side of the ship at the dock and what lay beyond.

"It reminds you of home doesn't it?" Hook said coming to her side.

She nodded. "Very much so. It almost makes me miss home."

"Almost?"

She turned and faced him. "I would not trade being here for my old life at home. This ship is my home now."

Hook smiled at her. "Spoken like a true pirate," he said. "Are you ready?"

Katherine nodded. "I can't wait to see what this place is like. What's its name anyway?"

"Black Pearl Island," Hook replied. "Named for the black pearls that can be found in the waters surrounding it."

"Black Pearl Island," Katherine repeated. "So where are we going?"

"I have several things to do, ship's errands and the like. You are to stay with me, Miss Black. Do you understand? Do not wander away whilst my attention is elsewhere." Hook's tone was serious.

Katherine nodded. "I understand. Is it that dangerous here?"

"I do not want you to get lost here, as it is not familiar to you. And yes, it is dangerous in certain parts of this place. I trust you still have the dagger I gave to you?" he asked, his eyes searching over her.

Katherine nodded. "It's in my boot."

"Good. I do not think you'll need it, but precautions are always wise." He handed her another short blade. "Tuck this into your belt, out of sight."

She took it from him and did so. "Alright Captain. May we please go now?" She was eager to see the island, danger or not. It was someplace new.

Hook nodded. "Let's go."

The two exited the ship and stepped onto the dock. As they walked forward, Hook put on his cloak. It was now impossible to see the silver hook that gleamed on his right hand.

Katherine looked at him curiously but said nothing. Perhaps he does not want to be recognized easily, she thought to herself. Hook then pulled up his hood, and Katherine followed suit. She followed him to the dock and stayed close behind him as he led the way through the winding streets.

"How long do you usually stay here?" she asked. "Before the channel reopens, I mean."

"It is never less than a week," Hook answered. "It is usually about two; sometimes a bit less, sometimes more." He gestured for her to follow him to the end of an alley. This was the first stop.

The first stop he made was at a place that sold guns and other sorts of weapons. Hook stepped up to the shopkeeper and made an order without taking off his hood. He dropped a bag on the counter, one Katherine assumed to be full of some form of payment. The shopkeeper nodded. He opened the bag and counted out what was in it. He wrote the amount on a piece of paper and told Hook that he would have the items ready the next day.

They exited the shop. Katherine was a bit confused. "Captain?" she asked, as she followed him down another street.

"Yes?" He continued to walk.

"The man in the shop, he didn't ask your name. How would he know who those things were for?"

"When one does business with pirates, it becomes practice not to ask names. Some pirates do not take kindly to shopkeepers supplying rivals with guns and the like. It was for the man's own safety that he did not ask my name."

"But you paid. What if someone else goes tomorrow to try to pick up what you bought?" she asked.

"I gave him half. That is to ensure that he readies the order. For anyone else to go pick it up, they will have to have the other half of the money. If someone comes in with the wrong amount, the shopkeeper will know that it is the wrong person. When dealing with such people I always take great care to pay in very specific amounts. It lessens confusion." Hook opened the door to another shop. This one sold medicines.

"What can I do for you?" asked the man at the counter.

Hook pulled a sheet of paper out. "I'd like all of these, in bottles with very thick glass."

The man took the paper, and read the list over silently. He nodded. "I've got all of these. Will you be paying now or when you pick them up?"

"When I pick them up," Hook answered.

"Right then. Just initial here, and you can come pick them up tomorrow." The man pulled out a logbook. He wrote down the total of Hook's order, and how many items it was. He left a blank space.

Hook took the pen and signed his initials in the space. "Tomorrow then." The two went back out into the street. Katherine noticed that in both of the shops, Hook had been very careful to keep his face hidden, but more so his hand. He had carefully kept the hook hidden under the cloak. She wondered if this was about him needing to go about unrecognized, or about him being self conscious about the hook.

They walked on for what seemed like a long way. Hook seemed to be taking some sort of back way to wherever they were going. Katherine didn't mind the long walk. It gave her a chance to look around. The city did remind her of London, but perhaps not her London. It looked more like London from books that were written long ago. The clothing the people wore was very different.

Suddenly Hook stopped and turned around. Katherine nearly went right into him. She looked around at where they were. This was not a well lit area, and it seemed to be altogether less friendly.

"Miss Black, listen carefully to me. We are in one of the most dangerous parts of this place. I've another stop to make, at a tavern that is just up the street. Only pirates come to this place. When we go in, I will have to leave you and go to the back. Sit at the bar and do not speak to anyone, save the bartender if he speaks to you first. If the bartender asks you what you'll have, order a drink. It is vital that you blend in. Do you understand?"

Katherine nodded. "I think so. Will you be long in the back?"

Hook shook his head. "I do not think I will be more than ten minutes. Here," he said handing her a handful of coins. "Let's go."

Katherine followed him up the street and saw the tavern. It was called the Deadman's Treasure. An odd name, she thought to herself. She followed Hook inside. The place wasn't very well lit. There was a fireplace along the far wall, which was the major source of light in the room. There were quite a few pirates inside. Some were thoroughly drunk, passed out in corners, while others were only starting to drink.

Hook led her over to the bar, and Katherine sat on a stool. She noticed that Hook kept his hood up and did the same. He left her and walked toward the back. She soon lost sight of him in the crowd.

She looked around. There were a few pirates sitting at the bar, but most were in groups at tables. There was one directly to her left. The seat to her right was empty, but the other two on the right were occupied by two men that were arguing over who had killed more people.

The bartender came over to her. "What'll you have?" he asked.

She thought for a moment. She certainly didn't want to drink but Hook had asked her to blend in. "Scotch," she answered.

"Any kind?" he asked. He was looking at her a bit strangely.

"Whatever you have will be fine."

He nodded and poured her a glass. Katherine quickly paid him and took the glass. The man was still looking at her strangely.

"Something wrong?" Katherine asked.

"Not at all," the man said. "Just a little strange to see a lady drinking scotch."

"How do you know I'm a lady?"

"Yer voice gives you away," he answered with a laugh. "I never heard a man speak with such a voice."

Katherine smiled beneath the hood. "Pirate women don't drink?" she asked.

"Never had one order a scotch before. Most of em like rum."

This made Katherine laugh. "I guess I'm not the average pirate woman."

"You don't seem like no kind of pirate," he said. "But I'm not one to judge. What you do ain't none of my business. Enjoy yer scotch." He left the bar and went over to a table of three men that were calling to him.

Katherine lifted the glass and took a sip. It wasn't quite as nice as Hook's, but it was fine all the same. She didn't plan on drinking all of it anyway.

"How's yer drink lass?" asked the man sitting next to her.

Katherine turned her head slightly. "Fine," she said, keeping her answer very short. She remembered that Hook had told her not to talk to anyone but the bartender.

"Any reason you keepin' yer hood up like some kinda ghost?" he asked.

Katherine shook her head and said nothing. "Listen girlie, when the captain of a ship asks you a question, ye'd do well to answer it."

She picked up her glass and took another sip. She couldn't answer with the glass to her lips. The man moved suddenly and pulled her hood down. Katherine jumped and stood up.

"Well what 'ave we here?" the man asked, looking at her. "How did a pretty lady like you end up in here?"

"I'm waiting for someone," she answered warily. She could feel the eyes of other men in the tavern turning to see what was going on at the bar.

"Well how about you ditch 'em and come with me?" he asked, taking a step toward her.

Katherine took a step back. "I'd rather not."

A pair of men sitting at a table nearest to them stood up. "You think yer too good for Captain Paine?" asked one.

Katherine was getting more and more nervous by the second. She looked around. Where was Hook? Things were going downhill fast, and he hadn't told her what to do if something like this were to happen. Other pirates had stopped their conversations and were looking at what was going on. The room had fallen quiet. They looked very interested. Some were smiling in a way that made Katherine want to run.

"I don't want any trouble," she said.

"That's too bad girlie. You've got it now." The first man, Paine, grabbed her wrist. Instinctively Katherine reached for the knife at her belt, but he grabbed her other hand too.

She fought to free her hands but could not break his grip. "Let go of me!"

The trio laughed. "Or what?" Paine asked mockingly.

"Or I'll run you through," came an icy voice from behind him.

Paine released Katherine's hands and turned. Katherine knew at once who it was beneath the hooded cloak, but the men seemed to have no idea. She quickly moved to stand behind the tall cloaked figure.

"Listen 'ere," Paine said, "I would shut my mouth if I were you. I'll kill you as soon as look at ya."

"Is that right?" came a silky voice. "The last man who made that threat ended up with a slit throat. Perhaps you'd care to retract that statement?"

"Gonna slit my throat? What kind of coward makes threats without showin' his face? Come on! Take off that hood, and we'll see who'll be slittin' who's throat!" Paine drew out a knife and raised it. He slashed the blade downward toward the person's side. His jaw dropped in shock when the knife was caught by the curved blade of a hook.

"It can't be…" he said, pulling the knife away.

Hook pulled down his hood and a blood chilling smile crossed his lips. "Good evening gentlemen," he said, looking around at the shocked faces of the men in the tavern. He turned back to Paine. "Now I believe you were saying something about killing me?" Hook asked, his voice cold as ice. He took a step forward.

Paine swallowed hard. "N...n….no," he stammered, taking a step back.

"Come now," Hook said silkily, "I thought you were about to slit my throat." His irises were ringed in red.

The man looked positively terrified. He took a few more steps back. His two men looked stunned by what was happening. They retreated across the room, leaving their captain to stand with Hook alone.

"I believe you owe her an apology," Hook said gesturing to Katherine.

Paine jumped. "Of course! So sorry I bothered you miss. Never again!"

"Indeed," Katherine said.

Hook turned to the other men in the tavern. "Would anyone else like to make any comment? Perhaps threaten to kill me? Slit my throat?" he asked.

There was a dead silence in response to these questions. "I thought not." Hook turned to Katherine. "Miss Black, I believe you have a drink to finish."

Katherine went over to the bar with him and sat down. Hook sat down beside her. Paine and his two men quickly left the tavern. The rest of the room quickly busied themselves with their cups and glasses. None even dared to steal a glance in Hook's direction. They all resumed their conversations, and the noise level in the room went back to normal.

"Thank you," Katherine said quietly.

"No thanks are necessary Miss Black," he said. "Put it out of your mind." The red had vanished from his eyes and his voice had gone back to its normal tone. He looked at Katherine's glass on the counter. "I see that you've developed a taste for scotch," he said.

She could see he was trying to change the subject away from what had just happened. She gave him a smile. "Something I learned from you."

"How is it?" he asked.

"Not as good as what was on the ship," she said shrugging. She held out the glass to him. He took it from her and took a sip.

"You're quite right," he said shaking his head. He put the glass down. "Are you ready to leave?"

She nodded. "If you are."

"Come then. I have one more stop to make." He stood up from the bar and Katherine followed him outside. It was dark now, and Katherine made sure to stay very close behind him. She didn't want to become separated from him in such a place.

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Author's Note: So I'm back from the beyond again. Hope you all liked this chapter. Thanks to my reviewers. No excuses for being gone, I guess I just lost my direction with the story for a while. Happy belated new year everybody! Don't forget to review! =)