Hello fantastic readers,
This chapter I must admit, was one of
the hardest to write. It saddens me,
because I'm coming to the realization
that this story is almost finished, and
I've enjoyed writing it so much, that
I almost don't ever want to finish.
But don't worry, I shall. The next
chapter is already in the works as
we speak. Again thank you for all
your fantastic reviews! They spur
me on to continue.
- R.H.J. )-
Chapter 17: When Wendy grew up
And now dear readers, up until this moment we have only known a small mite of the Captain's affection for Wendy Darling, and the almost grown up fury of Peter's. As we draw into this battle, I must warn you that all cannot end happily. As with most grown up tales that come from children's stories, there is loss and sadness, and not all can be happiness and hope.
And so we continue.
Ah, there is Captain Hook now, gazing through his telescope rather fiercely. His tall frame seems dwarfed by the enormity of the Jolly Roger, but his mere presence has his mates cowering like mongrels, waiting for his orders, which are delivered with such precision, it is fairly reminiscent of an artists working upon a blank canvas.
There is the waiting, the intense agony of those first moments until like a thunderbolt, a stripe of crimson, then deep Mediterranean blue, and more inspiration until you're left quite awestruck. So is the leadership of James Hook.
His eyes are burning with fire within as he lowers his telescope, and his claw seems newly sharpened. Let us see what he has in store for our hero...
"The savages," Hook observed absently. Smee was already calling the crew, and they were hurriedly grasping at their weaponry, shouting obscenities at the natives as they rushed towards the ship.
And it was Tiger Lily's tribe coming up over the hills and beaches, armed with arrows and spears, and crying something terrible! And there were the Lost Boys and John and Michael looking older than they ever had!
But...where was Peter?
Hook stood his ground stoically a moment at the helm of the ship, his planning at a loss. His mind was filled with other, more lovely things that such ugliness of war was more than depressing, and he could not focus as he had in his sinister prime.
"MEN!" He bellowed loudly, and in a matter of seconds all the pirates were at his elbow, looking up to him with all the ardent hope and respect they could manage. Some nearest to him trembled, not at the thought of fighting the savages, but at the thought of Hook turning on them.
Hook as you know has a temper to be reckoned with. He has little humor in matters of battle, and those who cross him rarely live to tell the tale.
He surveyed the eyes of his men, their broad shoulders, their glistening faces, their tattooed forearms and chests. It was a powerful moment in that silence.
"Men," Hook said again, although more sinisterly quiet than before. "We are on the brink of something monumental here. Pan has gathered the forces of the savages. They will quickly overtake us if we do not fight with all the conviction and power we have."
He took a large breath here, and saw with hidden glee that they were clinging onto his every word. Even in the face of such adversity, Hook was a man of vanity. He loved to be admired, and in such times as these, he felt invincible.
"Hold nothing back," he continued with fervor, "The aim of battle is to come out the victor. If we lose to savages and children, we will forever be a laughingstock. And I assure you whoever does not ensure such victory, will feel a touch of the cat before they walk the plank! Or if I am truly angered, you shall shake hands with this..."
Hook held up his claw to punctuate his point, and surveyed the sea of faces as he did so, seeing sudden indecision and fear at his words and weapon.
"But we shall not falter men, we shall not lose." He assured them of this with a tone that demanded no opposition. "We shall win. We shall have our victory. We shall be free!"
The last word was almost drowned out in the thunderous applause and calls of acclimation from the crowd. And Hook, despite the occasion, felt his chest swelling with pride, and a small smile entered onto his features. It lasted only a second, for he was still a man of tactics and practicality. Too soon he was again pragmatics and orders.
"Jukes! Furnish the men with weaponry, hurry! Cecco, arm the cannons. Take Smith and Curdoy with you around the ship! I want every cannon used and precise. The rest of you mangy dogs, find any item that could be used as a weapon against those sniveling creatures, and bring me my victory!"
Again the thunderous cries of admiration and agreement rang out over the sea, and the men were at it, going off to their tasks and preparing for the worst.
When there was a moment of calm, and privacy Smee drew over to Hook, whose stern eyes were cast across the wide ocean in still calculation. He almost didn't want to break the thick reverie, but knew he must. If the savages took the Captain, all would be lost.
"Captain?" he offered in a small voice, trying not to snivel.
"They have come for Miss Darling," Hook whispered to Smee whom he'd just realized had reconvened at his side just then. His eyes normally so ethereal were now turning a quite unsettling shade of what could only be later described as crimson. Smee, who knew not of the Captain's deeper regard for the girl could only stand stupidly before him.
"Fetch me my cutlass," Hook finally barked at Smee who reappeared moments later, cutlass in hand. By then the savages were ducking the cannons that the pirates shot out at them, twisting and turning and shouting foreign calls to one another.
Hook readied himself, in prepared fighting stance. To back down from such an onslaught would deem him unmanly to say the least. He rushed amidships, to aid his followers.
Upon the back of the ship there was a small scuffling sound, barely heard. And slowly, a familiar figure lifted itself upon the ship, a dagger clenched in their teeth. Two moccasin covered feet silently fell upon the hull of the ship. Slowly, the head was lifted, and there she was. Princess Tiger Lily.
If you were to see Tiger Lily in the flesh, you would undoubtedly find her a rare beauty. Her skin is a tawny shade of caramel that no painters mixings could ever recreate, made even more exotic by the thick black plaits that hang at either side of her head. With soulful dark eyes that seem to entrance, and a smile rarely seen, she is revered by all those that know her.
She is shorter than most, and of slim build, but she can scale a ship better than any of her tribe mates. And she possesses a rare regality that none can master save for those who are born with it internally.
She surveyed the events upon the ship quickly, and took the dagger from her mouth, placing it securely under the string of leather around her waist. She looked behind her quickly, seeing as another familiar figure sail up with ease.
Peter Pan in all his youthful glory sank lightly on the planks of the ship, looking more than pleased with himself. He had gathered all his mates here to help him, and even Tiger Lily's tribe to boot! John hadn't been that pleased with him, but when Peter returned with promise of saving his sister, what else could he do?
It had been a matter of hours before they had all set out to strike at the heart of the Jolly Roger. Weapons had been fashioned quickly; the boys had been more than ready and excited at the prospect of a new adventure.
"Peter," Tiger Lily said in clipped tones now, "Careful."
"I will be," Peter chided in a dull tone.
"I find Wendy now," Tiger Lily said with a short nod in Peter's direction before she had melted into the shadows the ship would allow, leaving Peter to muse over when to strike.
Hook himself had slipped down below deck during all the madness, and had rushed in on an empty chamber. He felt his heart give a sickening lurch, before he saw two pale hands almost hidden under the bed.
"Wendy," he whispered softly in relief, lurching towards the bed.
"Captain?"
Wendy slid out from under the bed and allowing the Captain to wrap her tightly within his embrace, responding back with vigor. Their prior animosity seemed to fade as quickly as the red mark on Hook's face had from her harsh slap prior.
"I didn't know what to do!" She cried clinging to him. "I was shouting and calling, but the door was locked. Then I was so worried that horrid mermaid would be back for me so I hid. Is Peter overtaking the ship?"
"And if he is?"
The tone in Hook's voice was icy, and he pulled away from the girl just then. Wendy saw the flash of irritation cross his features and felt her own stony resolve forming.
"I wish to see him."
"You know that to be entirely impossible."
Wendy's eyes darkened. "I wish to see Peter. I will tell him not to harm your men."
"And you know that this isn't at all possible," Hook repeated with a roar, looking to her furiously. "Firstly I would be a laughingstock to my crew if you were to defend my honor. And we both know that Pan would never back down from a quarrel with me. You may not be a total prisoner here, but I will not relinquish what is rightfully mine."
"Stop," Wendy said angrily, shutting her eyes and holding up a hand to slow his speech. "Just stop all of this. For the final time James Hook, I am not your property. I wish to see Peter that is all."
"And he will capture you and take you back for himself," Hook replied, irritated at her words.
"How is that any different than what you've done to me?"
For once, Hook was at a loss. They stared at one another before there was a sudden boom above deck, and the ship rocked violently.
"There isn't any time."
Almost immediately the Captain had tied a scarf loosely around Wendy's eyes -despite her protests- and dragged her even further into the bowels of the ship.
Above deck, the Lost Boys were having a marvelous time, slaying pirates, and picking up scattered treasure. Oh, they would have so much to tell Peter when they returned! Tootles had already found a gold tooth, and Curly a small jeweled dagger! They had a great many tricks up their sleeve, having been preparing for this moment a long while.
There was a rousing match on either side and almost an even playing field. Tiger Lily's tribe was proving to be a force to be reckoned with. You may not know this, but many in Tiger Lily's tribe had been waiting for such an occasion. They mainly kept to themselves, never really invited to join in on such adventures.
The duels eventually led right off the ship and onto the beach! There were much more exciting weapons to be found there and the pirates were eager to be on land for such a fight. Some men stayed upon the ship, fighting vigorously against one another, the cannons at the ready for a familiar young man.
It was when the first of Tiger Lily's tribe fell dead upon the sandy beaches, that the entire adventure took a rather dark turn.
It was an awful sight to witness, and not one I wish to discuss at length here. I shall leave it at, a very young member of Tiger Lily's tribe fell to their death, defending what they believed to be right. It was a sickly, grown up moment when all sides witnessed such.
The fighting stopped for a full moment, until the body was on its way back to the tribe before resuming, but from that moment on the fighting had a less fun, and more deathly grip to it.
I would write more dear readers, if I didn't think the carnage would be too much. But it was. Several lives were lost from each side, Hook's crew; not prepared for such another onslaught of battle (since children are notorious for forgetting things and coming back to them after a while), were quite unarmed and therefore, easy to capture. But they were not willing to go down easily.
Peter was still hidden behind a large barrel of ale for the most part, plotting his revenge on old Hook; this was a new tactic for the boy. He was normally headstrong, and went with the moment. But this needed a more premeditated approach.
Suddenly Peter realized the uncomfortable stillness upon the ship. He peered over the top of the barrel, seeing that it was almost empty. Where were-
A hand grasped his shoulder roughly then and he turned quickly, his dagger at the throat of Tiger Lily. His own pale face reflected in her widened, dark eyes. He immediately took it down, kneeling slightly before her in respect.
"Peter," Tiger Lily said through tears as he stood, her English choppy. "Too many of mine hurt; I must take them back to chief-"
"But Wendy-"
"I cannot find." Tiger Lily's eyes were imploring forgiveness.
"I told you of that underground cove in one of the cabins-"
"Empty."
Without another word she had rushed to the hidden foliage of the beaches, guiding her injured back to their tribe. Peter felt his heart sinking at the realization that he may lose Wendy once again to the scoundrel James Hook.
On the beaches, rapier in hand, John prepared against a large pirate with a ring through the middle of his nose. His breath was rank, and his arms as thick as tree trunks.
Michael was fighting a rather lithe pirate, who seemed far too wiry to be captured.
The rest of the Lost Boys were either atop of trees tossing down rocks at their enemies, or hiding in bushes, preparing to strike at any wayward pirate that attempted escape.
And all the while, only one figure noticed as Hook attempted to slip up from the cabins. The villain was halfway to the helm of the ship when a familiar crow sounded above. He didn't even have time to speak the boys name aloud before he felt the sharp tip of the dagger behind his left ear.
"Turn Hook."
Below deck, Wendy was crouched in the corner of a small room that smelled of charcoal. She could feel the splinters of wood under her fingertips. She could hear cries from above, and was sweltering from the heat of the small confine.
She had been there who knew how long, and was only now finished wriggling out of the ropes the Captain had placed around her wrists to "keep her from acting foolish" as he put it.
Wendy's hands ripped the cloth from around her eyes and she blinked, not used to the darkness. In front of her was only a sliver of light near the bottom of what could only be a door, and Wendy realized she was hidden in a small cubby within the ship without a candle to use leverage.
She pushed roughly at the small door in front of her, seeing that it only offered a slightly bigger slice of air and light. She could just reach her fingers out and feel the cool air. She could see and now feel the lock and chain that held the small passageway shut, and she now recalled the metallic click as the Captain had locked her in.
She knew it was pointless to scream. No one could hear above the crashes on deck. How was she to be released? She knew the Captain was overreacting, and if he'd been listening properly, he would have heard Wendy expressing her desire to stay with the Captain. He would have heard her feelings on the matter, and how she merely wished to see Peter once more and have no more animosity.
But James Hook was a man of jealousy, for it seemed that something within him had not matured as he had over the years. Or almost as if being around such youths so long had somehow affected him. What he wanted was Wendy, and he was not about to give her up without a vicious fight.
She had to escape. She had to explain. She had to see Peter!
But how? How would she ever be able to pick this lock? Frustration consumed her, after rattling the chain and calling for help did little to further the situation.
Wendy felt bitter tears biting at the back of her eyes, but she swallowed them thickly down. This was no time to panic. She crouched at the side of the small room, holding her head in her hands. She was about to sit more fully when something scratched at her ankle.
Wendy cried out, looking down quickly and unfortunately not able to make much out in the dark. What was that poking her? - Ouch! There it went again. Wendy stood as best she could in the small space and reached quickly to the base of her gown, and found there what she recalled had been an accident.
When sewing, she'd placed the thick sewing needle at the hem of her dress so that it wouldn't be lost in all the clothes she was darning. She'd merely forgotten to remove it after all the clothes were finished!
She contained the cry of hope that begged to be heard and plucked the needle from its current confine. And with a look of concentration and a needle within her fingertips, Wendy began to pick the lock.
Hook swallowed thickly at the feel of the sharp blade. It was beyond insulting to be addressed in such a manner. In Hook's logic, a battle should be dealt with the utter most decorum and respect. But to an ever youthful child like Peter, it is in the moment one must act, consequences be damned!
It was also insulting to have a child as a foe, Hook decided, turning rather slowly, covertly reaching for a small dagger he himself kept in his left breast pocket should an occasion such as this one arise. A boy of no more than twelve that managed to usurp him more than once.
His face was contorted into stilled rage, and he forced a most gentlemanly smile upon his features as he turned to face the pixie featured boy floating inches from him, the dagger fiercely raised at eye level, and a look of pure loathing upon the boy's face.
"Ah," Hook said, as if delighted with the new guest. "What a treat. Peter Pan himself, in the flesh. How have you been, dear boy, without your Wendy to coddle you?"
You can see from this dialogue in itself that Hook was a man of true courage. For even at the face of adversity, with Peter's sharp blade inches from his face, he had the gall to taunt the boy even then. This is because Hook is a careful study of his opponents.
"I must say," he continued unnerved, "she has made a most complimentary addition to our crew here. Her stories are unsurpassed, as is her company in general. But of course...you knew that."
"I shall give you the count of ten," Peter said stonily, his dagger still poised for injury. "If you believe in God I suggest you pray to him now, for when I reach the count of ten, you will be finished James Hook."
"Now now," Hook replied smoothly, though internally he was beginning to panic. This was not the normal way Peter behaved. Where was the boasting? That was always an ideal way to grasp the upper hand! "There's no need for such vicious talk. I am more than willing to strike a bargain."
"I have no need for bargaining," Peter said, a familiar smug look of victory upon his tanned face. "I have the upper hand."
"You do indeed my boy," Hook said, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible under the circumstances. "But you have no yet procured your beloved Wendy, have you?"
"I shall have her in the end."
"Ah," Hook said smirking slightly. "Such bold words coming from a boy who doesn't even know where his treasure lies. I saw you coming a mile away boy, what makes you think I haven't hidden her again? It would appear you foolish boy, we are once more in the position we were so many months ago. My life or hers? What decision shall you make this time, boy?"
At this, Peter faltered for the first time. His blade, no longer so steady, now lowered slightly, his eyes warily upon his sworn enemy. And as the child that he was petulant at being deceived once more.
"You let me live before," Hook taunted, his eyes dimming. "Will you make that same foolish mistake?"
Hook could see the boy's determination faltering. He'd also been eyeing the dagger at the side of Peter's hip. If the boy came just a bit closer, preparing to strike a fatal blow to him, Hook could easily reach out for that dagger and come out the victor. But Peter wasn't biting.
"I shall not kill you," Peter said slowly, "until I have Wendy."
"Come now," Hook said, irritated at the juvenile logic. "You simply cannot have it all. Either my life, or your precious Wendy's."
There was little hesitation in Peter's face, and in the end his answer was simple.
"Wendy."
"Of course," Hook said, watching closely as Peter lowered his dagger and stepped back. "You've made the right decision, Pan, for the first time in your life."
Peter scowled, and looked angrily to the Captain. "I want Wendy. Where is she?"
"She is in the main cabin," Hook answered with a grimace, pointing towards the door to the cabins. Peter started towards them but stopped, looking back.
"How do I know this isn't a trick?"
"On my honor," Hook said innocently raising a hand to his chest. "She is in my cabin."
Now Peter was at a crux. All his boys were upon the beach fighting, they wouldn't be able to assist him. And suddenly, without warning Peter had advanced on Hook and punched him soundly across the jaw.
Hook's eyes widened in disbelief at the boy's actions before he fell to the ground loudly. If he had been able to as he fell, he would have jeered 'bad form' at the boy's atrocious sportsmanship. His eyes however were closed, his mouth slightly open and his body crumpled upon the ground.
Peter surveyed the Captain's stilled body a moment, proud of his workmanship. He'd promised to let Hook live, he'd never promised not to injure the monster. And now, for Wendy. What he'd been searching for all this time!
And as if his luck couldn't get any better, the door to the cabin's suddenly burst open and Wendy, who had freed herself from the confines of her prison at the bottom of the ship suddenly, saw Peter standing there.
"Peter!"
Wendy rushed forward, her eyes resting on Peter! Peter at last! She felt her heart swelling at the mere sight of him! She grinned widely as Peter turned, his own face breaking into a most warming smile. He came quickly towards her, his light eyes merry.
Hook's eyes slowly opened, his lips curling into a most sardonic grin as he brought himself up from the ground, wiping the blood from his mouth carelessly. His movements were silent. Victory. Freedom, all within his grasp.
Wendy's smile died upon her face, her dark eyes darting slightly to Hook who was advancing rapidly behind the oblivious Peter. Wendy saw the claw raised, its sharp tip glinting in the light, and what chilled her to the core, was the sudden crimson light in the Captain's eyes. Never before in all her life, had Wendy seen such hatred up close. Never before had Wendy seen true evil.
Before she could say a word, Hook had kicked Peter to the ground roughly, the boy's blade skimming across the planks of the ships floor. Peter's eyes rolled around in his head, his hands groping blindly around him. And in an instant, Hook was over him, his claw raised. He quickly relieved Peter of the dagger at his hip, throwing it over the ship as it slipped into the water.
"I have won this time, I have my victory." Hook ground out angrily, raising his claw, and leaning over ever so slightly he looked into the unfocussed eyes of Peter. He could not contain his smile any longer.
"Thus perished Peter Pan."
The tip of the claw glinted maliciously against the sun, casting a dark shadow the length of Peter's body. And then with a sickeningly quick swish, the claw began coming down on Peter.
"NO!" Wendy screamed shrilly, covering Peter's fallen body with her own. Hook's claw narrowly missed her, instead cutting harshly into the planks beside her. He felt his heart beating viciously at the realization she could have been easily killed.
Before words could be spoken, Lost Boys and Pirates alike began swimming onto the main ship see what was unfolding. It was a strange, rare moment in which the opposing sides could not fight one another, but instead witness true history in the making.
"Wendy!" John and Michael shouted victoriously, losing hope as they saw the tears in their sister's eyes.
"Wendy," Hook growled, looking down at her with fury in his eyes. Such cruel repayment for his obviously wasted adoration. He felt his good hand trembling into a fist, and felt the eyes of those around him watching.
"Move."
"I cannot," Wendy whispered lowly, her face tearstained as she held the slight form of Peter to her, like a mother holding her child. Her eyes looked up to him imploring, silently begging for mercy. "If you kill him, you shall kill me in the process."
Hook was dumbstruck, merely staring at the girl as she breathed heavily, holding Peter ever more tightly to her. Hook knew there was little persuading her to release him. Hook surveyed the crowd, and then back to Wendy.
"Bind him," Hook said simply. Wendy was about to scream something fierce, but the Captain continued.
"But do not harm the boy."
The pirates looked confusedly to one another, but bound Peter's arms and ankles as told, and due to his dazed state, Peter's attempt to fight back were weak. They finished, leaving Peter bound before Wendy and then they stepped back, looking expectantly to Hook.
"Good." Hook's voice was dark.
"What do you want?" Wendy demanded.
"For you to make one, simple choice," Hook started somberly, walking around the girl as he spoke, his voice evenly delivered. "Either you must return to London and grow up, never to see the Neverland or all it has to offer again and have your precious Peter live."
The Captain slowly turned to Wendy, looking at her with dead, hollow eyes.
"Or...you may stay here in the Neverland and never grow up. But with Pan's life as the price."
All those surrounding the two figures thought the reply to be an obvious and truly easy one. The girl would pick home, and save her dear Peter. But for Hook and Wendy, they knew it was the ultimate decision. Pan or Hook.
It was the ultimate test of Wendy's love.
"Why must it always be choices with you?" Wendy asked in anger and frustration. "Why cannot you not be content to find middle ground?"
"You know as well as I do that there is no middle ground here, girl," Hook spat out angrily. "I make choices, because it is in the face of such that the truth is uncovered. And so, what is your decision?"
There was a long pause.
"You are unfair, sir."
"Your decision Miss Darling, if you please," Hook replied coolly, looking darkly to her face as she raised it to him. The pirates laughed darkly around him, but he heard nothing. He felt his stomach bottoming as he saw the determination in her dark eyes. Wendy's answer came before her first word was spoken.
"I shall leave."
"As you so desire," Hook replied with little hesitation. He turned to the Lost Boys and his men, noting the awed silence. Wendy watched all of this silently, seeing the way he barely took notice of her.
"Leave Pan bound," Hook finished, finally looking gravely to Wendy.
"Bound?" Tootles inquired angrily, "how are we to know you won't murder Peter?"
"He is a gentleman of his word in this count," Wendy replied with confidence, noting that the Captain still did not meet her eyes. "He shall not harm Peter."
"I shall untie the boy and not harm him further," Hook said, suddenly interested, looking to Wendy from head to toe. "For the price of one favor."
"Ask it."
"I wish for a private meeting with you, Miss Darling."
Wendy was silent a moment, calculating.
"After all this," Hook said moving his hand about the Jolly Roger's deck. "I doubt that a mere few minutes could cause much more harm."
"NO!" Peter cried out, suddenly alert, waking from his daze, wrestling with the ropes that bound him. "Don't go Wendy! He'll kill you!"
"You have my word," Hook said, never looking beyond Wendy's face. He saw the indecision that flickered within her eyes, and the crease between her eyebrows as she considered the proposition.
"If you wish to stay here with your leader, do so." Hook said lazily motioning towards the dark form of Peter. The Lost Boys hurried to his side, guarded by pirates.
"You'll be sure that no harm comes to any of the boys?" Wendy asked tentatively, motioning towards the group.
"Wendy, what are you thinking?" John called out, stepping forth. Wendy did not hear him.
"You have my word." Hook gave Smee a quick nod that the older man returned, watching the pirates warily. Wendy was torn, but knew she had to save the lost boys, for they were in part her children. Wendy stepped forward, nodding slowly.
"Release him," Hook said lazily to the nearby pirates. All looked rather confusedly to one another, and knowing that to voice opposition against Hook would result in death; they did as they were told slicing through the ropes that held Peter prisoner.
He wrenched from their grasp as the last rope was torn from him, standing and looking to Wendy with hurt in his eyes.
"Wendy…don't do it."
"I have given my word," Wendy said with hope. "I shall return momentarily Peter."
Unhappily, she saw the confusion in the boys eyes, the hurt at her easy departure and the youthful ignorance that let Wendy know that he was still angry with her for wanting to stay with Hook in the first place. It was a look that made Wendy realize, she truly could never return to the Neverland, even with Hook's consent.
Wendy followed Hook past the door to the cabins below, wincing as it shut loudly behind them. She suddenly felt Hook's hand wrap around her own, and she did not pull from him as they made their way down the steps.
Instead, Wendy observed Hook's profile, seeing his mouth terse in concentration. The cornflower colored eyes fixed unblinkingly before him into empty space. This was the last she would see of him. Wendy drew unconsciously closer to him, gripping his hand tightly.
What did he want her audience for? What was he planning? She was almost certain he wouldn't harm her...but then what? She hadn't time to question further, for they were at the door of his cabin at that moment, and inside a moment after that.
"Take a seat," Hook offered, pointing towards the two chairs before the fire. Wendy did as he asked, watching as he removed his thick, decorative jacket. He drew towards her, his eyes boring holes into her own.
"I could not have you leave without seeing you once more," Hook finally voiced, seating himself across from her in the plush chair. "I wanted privacy."
"For what?"
"For my goodbye." Hook's eyes were everywhere but her face now. "I may not appear it Wendy, but I do believe in good manners. And I do believe in formal goodbyes."
They lapsed into silence for what seemed eternity. Wendy suddenly started as Hook launched off his chair, and came before her, slowly lowering his face to hers. His mouth was tempting, full and powerful. Her mouth was willingly captured, and she did not protest as Hook's arms came around her, pulling her tightly against him.
Their kiss ended prematurely when Hook pulled away, unable to take it anymore and pressed his cheek against her own, closing his eyes tightly as he spoke.
"Do not leave me Wendy."
Wendy heard the passion in his voice, and the strength in which he held her against him. Hook opened his eyes only when he felt the wetness of her tears against his cheek. He moved his back back, scanning her face quickly.
"I must," she responded softly, sniffling lightly. "I could never harm Peter."
Hook stood, looking down at her with an unreadable expression upon his face. He glanced her over, unsure of what to do, but knowing that he had again lost to Pan.
"He has won," Hook said sorrowfully, knowing his fate. "I am never destined to win, Wendy. Never. It is my curse to live upon this blasted ship. My fate. To witness a thousand carefree children come and go, hating them all the while for I know that I shall never leave myself. But of course you're just a child at heart...you couldn't possibly- Can you even imagine what torture this is Wendy?"
Wendy could only shake her head as Hook continued, not even seeing her.
"...Knowing that I am never to hold you again? Never to touch you? Never to have you all to myself again? My fate is one of solidarity and stinging disappointment that accumulates with every year that passes in this blasted place. Who knows how many wasted lifetimes I've spent upon this cursed ship. Can you even imagine what torture this is?"
Hook was angry now, furious even at the thought of losing and knowing that it was inevitable. He was outnumbered, and it would be a matter of hours before the entirety of the Jolly Roger was seized by that little Pan hellion and his ilk if he further kept Wendy captive. The savages would be back, and his men were already weary.
Hook grasped his jacket, pulling it over his shoulder, preparing to rush out the door, not able to take this agony, when a small voice reached out to him.
"Yes..."
Wendy viewed the Captain still, his hand upon the handle, waiting. What had she said?
"...And I fear it the same."
"Then...why?" His eyes were brimming with confusion. "Why leave?"
"Because I could never be the cause of someone's death," Wendy stated matter of factly. "I could never live with it. And if I were to stay as your captive, it would never truly be living. And if Peter were to die for my happiness...it would be for naught. I would never be happy again."
"But in your leaving..." Hook began sorrowfully, wanting to go on but finding it useless. He shook his head, sighing deeply as if he were an infant, trying to breathe for the first time. He remembered she and the mermaid. No matter what harm it would do to her, she could not raise a cruel hand against it.
Suddenly, the Captain had turned, tossing his jacket off of him as he did. Wendy had barely a moment to gasp before the Captain had grasped her roughly by the shoulders and begun to kiss her intensely. Wendy felt her body already responding, and did not move under his ministrations.
She let him carry her hurriedly to the large bed, crawling atop it and her in the process. She felt herself almost melting into the sweet smelling blankets and pillows, her eyes hazily half open. She was no longer scared. She had known this was destined the moment she had been brought in.
His fingers drew hastily to the drawstring of her nightgown, and he expected protest. Instead, he viewed her head tilting back in rapture, her body pressed willingly against his own. He viewed the hollow notch at her neck, and pressed his lips gingerly to it. His movements were quick however, time being of the essence.
"Oh Wendy," Hook whispered, wanting to pull away, but finding it impossible. Wendy felt the Captain doffing his shirt, tearing it away in frustration and she wished she could help, but felt so utterly weak from all that was coursing through her, she was unable.
Too many clothes between them.
She felt the Captain's insistence now, and gasped as he ripped her chemise completely open, exposing her and she did not shy from his wanting gaze. She let his eyes wander around her exposed flesh, doing the same with his bared chest. She let an inexperienced palm slide across each pectoral, stopping just at the base of his pale throat.
"Wendy," Hook growled huskily against her mouth, trying his best to press her more firmly against him. He shifted his pelvis against her own, feeling her desire and worry now. He nipped hungrily at her lower lip, feeling a rush of pure lust covering him as she gave a whisper of a gasp.
Wendy's eyes slammed shut, her body tightening at the fierce pleasure the Captain was bestowing. Did he know how mad he was driving her with the simplest touch? He must. She forced herself not to cry out, fearing that the moment would be lost if she did.
She felt his hand slipping her dress above her waist, and heard the unmistakable sound of his trousers being shifted. Everything was happening so quickly. His kisses were intoxicating, and her back arched now, and she felt all worry slowly fading, and instead was this new, formerly suppressed feeling. One that grew with every thrust the Captain delivered against her clothed body.
And then- there was a searing, flash of pain and Wendy cried out softly, feeling as the Captain pulled slightly away. She heard the shallow pant of his voice.
"What have I done?"
Wendy felt him begin to move away, and she gripped him tightly around the elbows, her eyes snapping open. She saw the panic and regret in his eyes, as he obviously felt he had gone too far. Seen that he'd done something irreversible.
"No," she begged, shifting him closer. She couldn't bear the thought of having him leave her now. She willed him to stay, holding his elbows tightly.
Her eyes shut again as she felt his chest lower against her own. She sighed in relief, gritting her teeth as he continued, slowly at first; she could feel his eyes upon her, gauging her. Then the speed began to accelerate, and the pain was replaced by a build up of pleasure that Wendy never thought was possible.
"Don't...cry out," Hook whispered raggedly against her earlobe, causing more shivers to invade her. "He...mustn't hear."
Why Hook didn't want Peter to hear was beyond Wendy. Wendy only nodded her head weakly, but feared she was about to lie. There it was this feeling of elation that Neverland and Christmas combined could never have given her.
It was a baser fulfillment that had her whimpering at Hook's mere touch. And the build up was so intense, that she felt the cry already building up in her throat. The Captain's hips ground deeper against her own, and thrust roughly until the pleasure was too much, and Wendy's cries sounded.
The moment the first cry had begun to escape her lips; the Captain's mouth had ground firmly against her own, causing her cry to be muffled until she felt she could cry out no more. She felt the Captain's body slowly stilling, and as he buried his head in her neck, she heard the suppressed moan and felt the tremor of his body against hers.
They lay together, entwined against one another until they felt the moment slipping. The insistency of Peter just upon the deck, waiting for what he believed to be rightfully his. The second part of the bargain.
Wendy was then standing, her face flushed, and looking in Hook's opinion, more beautiful than she ever had before. And he realized with mingled awe and regret, she had finally grown up.
He watched transfixed as she came over, looking expectantly to him. Opening his slender hand with her own, she placed something small but heavy into it. He did not look down, for his eyes never left her face.
Her own dark eyes made their way to his face then, and in a soft, childish sort of fashion, Wendy placed a tender kiss against the Captain's rough cheek.
"Goodbye."
Hook looked after her, never speaking. His pride and his heart demanded not to yield. And so in silence he watched her leave him, watched her open the door and slip out of it. Hearing as she and the rest of that lot flew away, never to return.
Slowly, in a daze he let his eyes move down to his still clenched hand. Even more slowly did his pale fingers part, revealing something that signified more than he could even comprehend.
In his palm, lay a thimble.