A/N: Is anyone still even reading this anymore? I don't blame anyone if they've given up on a new chapter. BUT if there IS still someone out there still reading and waiting. HERE YOU GO! Almost 3 years later... Wow I am a horrible person and I am sorry. :( I will try never to do that again.
Chapter 6
Following The Captain, The Captain, The Captain, Where Ever He-Mermaid!
Getting shore took about 10 minutes. Though to me it felt much longer.
For one very distracting reason.
Hook stood at the front of the boat. A foot up on the bow and letting a hand rest comfortingly on his knee. He looked very cool like that. His coat blocked a perfect opportunity to admire his lower backside. That thought lasted a lot longer than I meant.
The ride felt a bit awkward. Especially since I was averting my gaze every 10 seconds, only to look back. Whether or not Starkey or the other pirates noticed was impossible to say. None of them said anything at least. Smee on the other hand was looking far too giddy. Giving me a quick smile after looking at his captain. Thankfully he did not say anything.
At least not until we landed, "The captain sure is something isn't he?"
I was taking in the view so he startled me. I jumped at his voice but held back a squeak. No need to get the attention of the others if I can help it.
"Oh don't you worry your pretty little head." He continued, "He knows how you feel about him. And the feeling is mutual." He glanced over at Hook with a smile. "The captain went through a lot of trouble to get you here after all."
I had an idea. "I bet he did. I probably can't imagine how much trouble."
"Oh yes, lota trouble just to find you too." Smee sounded like he was going to tell me everything. "Why he had-"
"Mr. Smee!"
Hook must have a six sense for this bubbling pirate. That or very good hearing. Either one sounds plausible at this point. Without a moment's hesitation, Smee spun around and took off, only to spin back around to me.
"Pardon me Miss Regina."
Hook yelled again and this time Smee dashed to the captain's side. Despite Smee's speed, Hook hit him on the head with the blunt side of his hook. The other pirates finished securing the boat and gathered around their Captain. Coming in was the second long boat. After a few insults from Hook, the pirates secured the boat at top speed and ran to join them. What ever they were talking about, the pirates were listening to Hook very carefully.
I decided to take advantage of their distraction and enjoy this moment of peace. By admiring the beauty that was Neverland. Or try to get an idea where on the island I am.
The beach stretched around in a U shape so I guessed this was a cove. Though it seemed a little too small for Cannibal Cove. Which is where Hook would usually dock the Jolly Roger. Instead the ship was farther out from the island. Around the beach going inland are palm trees. Lots of palm trees quickly turning into a forest with other tropical trees. Back out at sea is the ship. I suppose the crew is drinking to their heart's content again with their Captain gone.
That's when I saw something flying to the Jolly Roger. I first thought it was a large bird but I second-guessed as Peter Pan.
I listened for some sort sound of guns or canons but none came.
It must have been a bird after all. However, Peter is clever and sneaky so they may not have seen him. Or maybe we are too far to hear. Should I alert the captain? Then what? Would he take me back to the ship and lock me away in the cabin again? Is it even my responsibility to tell him about a possible threat? Eh, Peter isn't really a threat. At least not to me. I think.
Hook and his crew are still talking, barely taking notice of me anymore.
I could probably run off and none of them would even notice. It was tempting. Of course it was also tempting to take off my shoes and socks to go run in the waves like I usually would at the beach. Of course I could do that after I run away. This is an island after all, finding a beach should not be very hard. Hopefully getting lost would not be a problem either. Maybe I'd get lucky and run into Peter Pan and find a way home. If I was going to run, now may be the perfect time. Maybe even the only time! I picked a random spot in the forest. I'll count to three and run.
A hand placed itself firmly on my shoulder.
"Leaving would be unwise me dear."
Hook stood behind me. His voice soft but firm and cold. He spoke as though I were a child about to do something very stupid. When I did not change my "ready to run for it" stance, his grip tightened.
"Neverland is not a safe place to travel alone, it has its dangers."
At that, I relaxed. Hook gently turned me around to face him. I stared at the ground. Out of shame of being caught or embarrassment, I can't decide. Of course now there was no way I'd get away with anything. I'll have an escort or guard where ever I go.
"You are free to run away if you wish it."
That got my attention. I looked up and I found his eyes staring straight into mine. They were not the same warm almost seductive eyes I had got used to. These were cold and frightening. The eyes of a pirate, the true captain Hook his crew feared and Peter battled. His eyes are deep and old despite his youthful appearance. It would be easy to get lost in those eyes.
"But know this, if you leave the safety of me company and crew, I will not be responsible for your fate." It was a warning.
Running away aimlessly into forest is a very bad idea. If I get hurt, lost, or caught by Indians, I'm on my own.
I nodded. It was not until he smiled that I was able to brake away from his gaze.
Hook turned and shouted something to his men. I was too lost in my own thoughts of what just happened to hear what he said. When I thought about it more, I knew that Peter Pan would be unlikely to help me since I am a grown up. Relying on the boy who never grows up was not the best plan after all.
"Get to it you slimy dogs!" Hook yelled.
Most of the crew dispersed. I managed to glimpse two of them running into the woods. Hook watched until they had completely disappeared from view. All that was left, was Smee and the short pirate with the large hat. Think I'll give him a silly nickname.
"Smee, stay here with the long boats with Mr. Jukes until I return." Never mind then. Hook headed to the forest. "Coming Regina?" He turned his head as he spoke.
"Y-yes!" I answered and ran to follow him.
Five minutes of walking later and neither of us spoke a word. Those five minutes felt like hours. My 'attempted' escape was plaguing my mind. Mostly if it really was a bad idea to try escaping again. Would staying with Hook really be safer? I followed him from about six feet away. Not too far so I wouldn't lose him, but not too close so I wouldn't go bumping into him if he stopped. Also I felt a little awkward after what I did. The silence passing between us though was starting to drive me nuts and I couldn't even enjoy the amazing forest around me.
"Sorry." Apologizing was sort of my fall back, unfortunately.
Hook paused to look back for a moment. "What ever for?"
"Trying to run."
He chuckled, "You mean being caught." He corrected. "You'll simply have to do better next time."
Finally I felt like smiling. "If I'm to pull one over you?"
A little boost to his ego might not hurt, to stay on his good side. Although, it seems like he's almost encouraging me to try again. Does he expect me to. Well, I'd need an actual plan next time. Maybe a weapon too, just in case. I doubt any of the branches laying about would be much help. His sword would cut it in two easily. A sword is not a bad idea. But how to get my-
"Not unless you want to see the mermaids."
My thoughts vanished at his comment. Hook stopped. A hand gestured to the brush ahead of him. "Quietly now." He told me as I pushed forward.
Breaking through to the other end, I saw some rocks. Beyond that I heard running water and some light chatter of women below. As I neared the edge of the rock, Hook came up next to me and knelt down, looking over it carefully. I did the same and I looked down. Below I saw Mermaid lagoon with 8 different mermaids. Two blondes, two red heads, two black haired, and two brunettes. The brunettes I do not remember in the movie. There are probably more than just the six shown in the movie anyway.
One of them did catch my attention. She has a red tail instead of a turquoise tail and is also the only one wearing clothing. A black corset with white lace and a black choker. But like the other mermaids she had placed red flowers in her hair.
None of the mermaids noticed Hook and I watching from above. We were far enough that we could speak without them hearing. Good thing to since I was making all sorts of happy noises. I was too busy admiring the mermaids to notice that he was paying close attention to them.
After a while I pulled my self away to thank him, "This is just so amazing! I never dreamed I... real mermaids! Thank you so much!"
For the second time that day, I got too excited and hugged him. This time I did not pull myself away the moment I realized what I was doing. I was far too happy to care. When I let go I tried getting a little closer to the edge. The mermaid with the red tail looked up at that moment.
She stared straight at me.
Was she going to alert the other mermaids now? Should I move back so she can't see me? Neither of us did anything except stare. She didn't seem too startled by me so I sheepishly waved hello.
Hook noticed, "What are you doing?"
I turned to him. "I've been spotted."
"By which one?!" He demanded quietly and edged closer to look.
I turned back to point her out but she was gone. "She was right there..." I looked around for her. "On the rock looking-" The mermaid came out of the water next to the other brunette mermaid. Her hair was a lighter shade of brown and shorter. They seemed to be talking.
"There she is, with the other one."
I did not really care if the other mermaids saw me. What did it matter anyway? The only thing they would be afraid of is the company I keep.
Speaking of Hook, he spotted the red tailed one who was now pointing up at me.
I was ready to wave hello again when Hook's hand wrapped itself around my wrist. He pulled me farther from the viewing point before the other mermaid turned. Soon I was back into the forest. Guess that's over then. I sighed and turned to Hook's hand. It was starting to hurt. I tugged a little from him and he pulled me forward even harder.
"Ow! That's enough!" I hurried forward so I was in front of him. With this new angle I was able to free my wrist. "What was that all about?"
Hook smiled, "We can't have you seen by the locals, at least, not them."
"Ok, is it because of Peter Pan?"
The name made him sneer momentarily. "No."
"Then why?"
He moved closer to me and smiled again. "Me dear Regina, I can not explain just yet."
Maybe it was all in my mind because he said 'me dear Regina', but that almost felt like a warning not to ask about it again. Of course this only made me want to know more. As much as I wanted to ask him again, there was no way I'd get him to talk unless he wanted to. He could easily back up any threat, if it was one, with his sword. But maybe if I took that away from him. This is probably not the best idea I came up with but I went with it.
My action was quick enough the catch him off guard and pull the sword out from it's sheath. It was surprisingly heavier than I thought it would be. I held it awkwardly in one hand. I tried to make it look like I knew what I was doing. I'm not sure I if I succeeded but Hook did seem a little stunned. If only that I managed to take his sword away.
To gain some distance I stepped back, "Tell me-" and tripped. Now I was on my knees with sword in hand. Still trying to be intimidating, I carefully pointed the sword at his chest.
Hook overcame his initial shock and chuckled. "You are acting rather reckless Regina."
Okay, definitely not the reaction I was hoping for. "Oh? How so?" That felt like a dumb question.
He bent down smiling. There was something about that smile and his eyes that was frightening. I wanted to look away but I could not take my eyes off his. Hook ran his metal hook down the blade, moving it aside as he got closer. Obviously he does not see me as a threat, and I don't blame him. Uhg.
"Me dear, if you challenge a pirate, I would advice you be ready to fight." He moved his hook to rest under my chin. "And it is quite obvious that you do not know how to handle a blade."
My grip on the hilt lessened. The ridiculousness of my threat now coming into full view. I had just pointed a sword at a very likely master swordsman when I never even held a real sword before. Yeah, I'm moving this to the top of dumbest ideas I've had. Hook moved his hand to the hilt, brushing my fingers briefly, and took it away.
He stood and placed the sword back into it's sheath. "If you wish to learn how to use one, all you need to do is ask."
"Wait, say what now?" It was a little too unbelievable. "You'll teach me how to use a sword properly? After just threatening you?"
"It was a poor attempt," Hook smiled, "But, if you ask nicely."
He held out his hand. The offer felt too good to be true. Yet the prospect of actually learning how to sword fight. Was also too good, yet here it is.
I took his hand and he helped me up. "Would, you please teach me... James?" I added for good measure.
"Of course." He bowed.
"Really? Just like that?"
"Just like that." He snapped his fingers. "We can start tomorrow if you like."
"Dinner yesterday, mermaids today, and sword fighting tomorrow. What's next, you going to make me a pirate?"
He smiled and started walking.
"Noooo." This left me a little dumbstruck with my own thoughts. Is this his plan? To make my childhood dream come true and become a pirate? I found myself thinking back and believing him. That all he told me is all there was. No ulterior motive or secret plan to kill Pan behind it. Maybe I should try enjoying myself here. It is the chance of a life time.
"I know you are not too terribly fond of being kidnapped. So unless you follow me willingly, I may have to do it again." His voice low as he spoke.
That did not sound like a threat. More like, 'hurry up and stop dawdling'. Or maybe even... flirty? Not wanting to test his 'threat', I hurried along beside him.
We walked a short distance with neither one of us talking.
Before I could even think of speaking, a twig snapped loudly beside us. Hook tossed me aside. Unsheathing his sword with a look that sent a chill down my spine. He listened and waited for something to come out. The sound more twigs breaking and of men talking came. The captain lowered his sword but still held his chilling stare.
Emerging from the forest are the pirates he sent off. They looked rather frustrated. Until they saw their captain and each froze instantly.
"Well, gentlemen." Hook said sarcastically.
"We found it Captain!" One of them spoke up, but backed down when Hook's eyes fell on him.
"Did you now?"
"Aye." They all said, except for one. Hook noticed, turning his icy gaze on him.
The pirate kept his head down. "It was..."
You could almost feel the cold coming from his intense gaze. "Was, what?" His voice sent another shiver down my spine. The pirates looked rather frightened and almost desperate. Each of them looked at the other for the right words. Or excuse to give. Hook moved forward, the blade pointed at the pirate's throat who spoke up. "Well?" The blade met the pirate's throat, drawing a trickle of blood.
Something told me this was not going to end well. In the movie, Hook killed a pirate and tossed his first mate Starky overboard. There was also that one pirate he shot just the other day. It was obvious he had no qualms in killing any member of his crew. By the look in his eyes, he was ready to cast judgement upon the pirate. I did not want to see anyone killed. I cleared my throat and all eyes fell on me. This suddenly felt very awkward.
"Sorry. But um, weren't we heading back to the ship?"
The pirates exchanged looks, glancing at their captain. Hook watched me a while, the cold stare warming to a smile.
"Of course Regina. Let me deal with this just a moment more."
"Okay." I replied a little unsure but hopeful.
Hook spoke in a low voice to his crew. "Do not return until the task is finished. Understand?" The pirates nodded fearfully and ran back the way they came. Facing me again he smiled. "To the ship."
Ok, that was weird. It is becoming more clear to me that he is in fact keeping up appearances as a gentleman around me while still being the ruthless pirate captain around his crew. As to why, I still have yet to discover, if I can.
Back at the beach, Smee and Mr. Jukes are resting against the long boat talking. Once we came into veiw the two quickly came to attention, looking as alert as humanly possible. It was too late for pretenses but Hook did not scold the two. Instead he passed them, gave the order to 'ship off' and got into the boat. Smee did as ordered but the other looked out to the forest.
"The others are coming later I think." I told him as I passed by. This did not seem to comfort him but he did help Smee with getting the boat off the beach and back out to sea.
Strange how leaving usually feels shorter than arriving. What had felt like forever was suddenly too short. No one said much which allowed me time to think, but we reached the ship too soon.
Hook was the first out, helping me out a moment later. Some of the crew looked a little disheartened by the lack of people coming aboard. The moment my feet were steady on the floor, Hook took off to his cabin. From the silence of the crew, it felt as if his footsteps drummed loudly across the deck. Until the door slammed behind him.
Smee and Jukes were almost instantly bombarded by the crew. All of them in hushed voices. No one approached me so I listened in. They asked about the pirates that got left behind. Mostly if the Captain had killed them off for loosing, something. None of them were clear on what they had lost. What ever it was, it must have been very important. It wasn't until Smee began acting like all was well that the pirates started assuming the worst. Smee did not seem at all bothered by the possible lack of crew. Unless he's just as good at putting on a show as Hook is.
I should have stayed quiet but, "They, they're not dead." Heads turned with unreadable expressions. "The pirates that got left behind," I continued. "he didn't kill them."
The crew looked at each other with this new information. Smee smiled brightly with more reassuring words. This did not help though. In fact the pirate crew looked even more disheartened than before. Some of them were giving me dirty looks now. What did I do? Did I not just give them helpful information about their... friends? Crew mates is more accurate I think. Several of them grumbled silently as they walked off. The few who walked by either avoided me or purposely bumped into me. What is this all about?!
"Seriously?" I asked no one in particular. Mostly since none of the crew was paying any attention. "Seriously?!" I asked again.
"Best not be bothering them now Miss." Smee advised.
"What is all that about though?!"
The portly pirate shook his head. "Not to worry about, their just worried about the captain."
"Really? I never would have guessed." My gaze turned to the Captain's quarters. "I thought they were worried about the guys left behind."
"Oh them too." He nodded quickly.
"Ok. Then why are they... angry at me?"
"It's the captain." He explained again. I feel like were going in circles here. "They want to go back out to sea, and the Captain wants to stay here. What ever the Captain says goes." Smee said as-a-matter-of-factly.
"Of course. But that still doesn't explain-"
"Why don't you go see the cook!" Smooth Mr Smee, very smooth. I never would have guessed you are trying to avoid the subject. Smee already started walking me over to the stairs leading down to the kitchen.
"Sure, why not. I've already bothered these guys, why not Silver?" That is still way too weird of a coincidence.
Smee's smile brightened as he walked off to go do something else. I couldn't help noticing a pirate or two rolling their eyes at him when he walked by.
"Excuse me, coming in." I called out as I reached the bottom steps.
"What are ye doing back 'ere?" He replied with a hint of annoyance.
"Smee sent me." The sentence made me chuckle. I am way too easily amused sometimes. "The crew is... um... not pleased for some reason and Smee won't tell me why."
"Ah, be upsetting the Capt then eh?" He poked his head round a beam where he was working.
"I didn't do anything! I just told them the crew was left behind on the island! Alive!"
"Are ye sure?" What if the reason they've been left behind is to be killed. There be lots of dangers in Neverland."
I did not think about that. "But why me?"
"Why indeed." He smiled and went back to his work.
Silver is not going to be of any help either. No one is! Either I try interrogating the crew, which seems a mite too dangerous, or just give up. Smee and Hook are not going to be telling me anything. It is rather frustrating. Every time I try and get answers, I get a vague one or round about one. Or none at all! What was I thinking about before all this extra craziness, just enjoy the ride?
"If ye be staying in me kitchen, ye either be helping me cook or be cooked."
"I'll help. It's not like I've anything better to do anyway."
Helping was more like constantly being corrected on everything. How to cut the vegetables. Peal the potatoes this way. That's not how you slice and so on. My favorite has to be,
How haven't you cut off any of your fingers yet?"
"By not cooking." I told him. "I'm a terrible cook."
"I can see that." He laughed. Silver then set me to setting the food out on the table. It was my first time in the eating area. Just below the kitchen. It was nothing impressive, just a long wooden table and equally long seat for the crew. "Will you be eating with the crew tonight or the Capt?" Silver asked as he placed the last of the food down.
"Back in my room... cabin. If that's alright?"
Silver lifted his hands. "Don't be askin' me. Ye should be askin' the Capt."
I shook my head. "I'll just take it, he knows where to find me."
The cook laughed and patted my head. "Ye'll be a hand full for sure."
With a plate of food I head back on deck. The Captain's door was still closed and showed no signs of having been disturbed. So I took my food down to the cabins and into my own. Eating alone would allow me time to think. But as I ate, I could think of nothing helpful. I was not bothered for the rest of the evening. So, I headed to bed early and wondered what would await me the next day.