Captain

Chapter Sixteen

Parting of the Ways

I couldn't believe my ears.  My own daughter, betraying me and for him!  Given the chance, Hook would turn on her in a snap.

"No Captain.  If he asks me, I'll leave with my father peacefully, I never said I wanted him out of my life.  But only when you are guaranteed safe passage, at least to give the navy a startling chase.  My loyalties lay with you both."

"Tristen…"

"Trent…" Hook and I glare at each other.

She does have a point.  I was never there for Tristen, and it's really been my fault because all those years after my Margaret had died I tried repeatedly to push her away.  And only once I'd finally given up did she disappear right out from under my nose.  Really, I should be thanking Hook for watching over her those six months.  Having met Mullins myself few times before, perhaps I owe Hook my life as well?

"I'm overstepping my rank, but Captain you will not harm my father until I lie cold in the dirt.  As for you, dad, I don't think I'm out of order by telling you this.  Captain Hook was never here, nor the Grey Ash's crew."  She speaks in a tone I've heard forlornly as my own when I've turned serious, meaning if I'm denied they're be hell to pay, and having watched her when she was once happy as a child, I think I'm quite right in saying the same will be for her if she is denied.  "Agreed?"

Slowly I nod, as does Hook.

A smile sneaks upon Tristen's lips as she takes a step towards me, however turns to face that Captain Hook. 

"I'm afraid I won't be returning with you Captain, though I believe I'm quite right in saying you wouldn't have me back if I begged, which will never come to be."

"No, you were never much of a beggar." Sneers Hook and I can feel my hand inching towards my sword, but Tristen only giggles lightly.

"I believe your Cabin Boy will be returned to you if you stop by a Master Takahashi's, he's a healer.  Nat was injured when we were, er…" She throws a glance over her shoulder at me, "when we were leading the navy members away from your trail.  He's not doing terribly, but do me a last favor and tell him I'm sorry and-,"

"You can tell him yourself.  Mullins retrieved him not long ago after neither of you returned.  Look to your right." And there was the great oaf Mullins.  Instincts kicked in and I began to draw my sword, but before I could blink Tristen was at my side, her hand on the hilt of my sword, pushing it back into its scabbard with surprising strength.

"Mullins and me have come to a bit of a truce.  Suppose my lies might have dented it a bit, but I believe I'm right in saying it still stands, aye Mullins?" With surprising bravery she turns to face the giant, wearing a mischievous smirk and having the nerve to wink at him.  Mullins scowls but nods nonetheless as his hands are already full supporting the lad Nat, who wears an angered glower.

"Liar." He growls at my daughter who only smiles gently at him.  "Traitor." A brief flicker of hurt flashes through her eyes but still she remains smiling calmly at him.

"I've been a turn-coat all my life Nat, I've already admitted to being a liar.  You'd wretch if you really knew just how traitorous I am." Her smirk remained, but you could hear the sadness in her voice.  "I'll miss sparring with yah though.  Always was the only decent opponent I had."  She paused, the tears from earlier still fresh dripping down her cheeks.  "Suppose I'll go back to living ashore since Starsky can't keep his trap shut."  She giggled lightly at this and even the boy she addressed cracked a very slight smirk.  "Well that's my apology.  Be seeing you, you as well Captain.  And Mullins," She winked at the giant who glowered at her, "Mullins I think I'll miss you most of all.  But you left me one hell of a goodbye gift," rubbing her ribs, it seemed the giant was having a hard time keeping his scowl.  Then she turned to me and bowed her head.  "Whether you want me or don't, all that's needed is a word or two."  She fell silent and I smiled brightly.

"Come on then." I said and turned.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: be a pretty crappy ending if it didn't have an epilogue, aye?

Disclaimer: I don't own Peter Pan.  I do own any of my original characters.