Chapter 6 - Hooked on Pan
''BLAST that Peter Pan! Blast that wretched, wretched Peter Pan!'' Captain James Hook, captain of the Jolly Roger and leader of a vicious band of pirates, roared at the top of his lungs. Once again, he had been outwitted by the mischievous Peter Pan, Hook's arch nemesis and rival.
Peter Pan's victories had always been something of a game to Peter himself, but to Hook, it was life and death. And, the anger and frustration that came with Hook's perpetual defeat at the hands of Peter Pan seemed to manifest itself in how he dealt with his crew. This time, well, let it be said that as a result of his anger, absolutely no good would come of this. None.
At his left side was the pleasant company of Smee, his faithful (albeit bumbling) first mate. He tried to comfort the captain with a simple pat of the hand, which Hook retracted upon contact. He gave Smee a look strongly suggesting not to try that again. Another approach, Smee thought.
''Oh come now, cap'n, maybe you're looking at this the wrong way.'' Another sneer from Hook.
''And how is that, oh idiotic one?''
''Well,'' Smee started, ''Maybe it's not such a bad thing the treasure's gone -one less thing to worry about, right?''
Smee's only response was a blow on the top of the head from the Captain's hook.
''Not such a bad thing?'' roared the Captain. ''Why, you blithering idiot! This is the biggest chest we've ever had! You and the boys can divvy up the rest of the booty as you see fit, but I mean to have that chalice! And I'm not leaving without it!''
''But Cap'n,'' Smee objected. We've been searching for that chalice for months- how do we know it'll be there this time?''
''And how do we know it won't?'' Hook parried. ''Even if this chalice isn't in this chest, it must have something quite valuable in it. Otherwise, why would Pan keep hiding it?''
''Well, you do have a point there, Cap'n.'' Smee admitted reluctantly.
''Of course I do, you imbosile!'' ''Now, fetch me my map!'' Smee gave a crooked salute and did as he was commanded. Meanwhile, Hook grabbed a nearby pen from his desk.
Just then, Smee returned with the map, but not before running so quickly that he tripped over himself. Hook slapped his forehead in dismay, and snatched the map from Smee's chubby fingers.
He rolled the map out on his desk, a gleam of delight in his eye. He raised the pen up to mark off the places already searched.
''Pixie Hollow is the only place we haven't searched. '' As he ticked off each place out loud, he made a large X over each one on the map. ''We've searched Mermaid Lagoon, Blind Man's Bluff, Cannibal Cove, and-
''Um, p- pardon me, Cap'n,'' Smee interjected. He knew full well that it was at his own great risk to disturb Hook while he was coordinating, but this was something that could potentially be helpful. Hook looked down at Smee with yet another loathsome sneer.
''What is it now, you simpleton?'' Smee approached Hook's desk, but came around on the other side. He pointed one stubby finger on a certain spot on the map -a place where, it seemed, Hook had missed.
''Well, it seems that we also haven't searched Crocodile Creek. He sheepishly smiled at the Captain, anticipating yet another blow of the hook, which came right on cue.
''Why you bumbling blockhead! How could you have missed it? ''
''Well, I, we um- well, Cap'n, given your bad experience with crocodiles and all, I, uh, thought that we might save that island…for last?''
''Mr. Smee! There's no time for sentiment, you fool! Me treasure's at stake here - and I mean to have that chalice! Do you understand?'' Hook roared this at Smee, and was in such close proximity that his hot breath steamed up Smee's glasses. Smee swallowed - hard.
''P- perfectly, Cap'n.'' He tugged on the collar of his shirt to help him swallow once more.
''Good,'' Hook said through a toothy, sarcastic grin. ''Now pipe up the crew!''
Smee came to attention at once, running in every direction except the correct one, chanting, ''Pipe up the crew, pipe up the crew.'' Suddenly, Smee stopped dead in his tracks. He turned to face Hook, whose back was to him by now. Another bough of bravery graced him as he dared to ask, ''But why, Cap'n?''
Hook slowly turned his head just enough to see Smee from the corner of his eye. ''Do you dare question me?'' As a suggested answer to that question, he held up his hook in a threatening way. Be it said that Hook made his point quite vividly to Smee.
''Oh no, Cap'n never! It's just that-''
''We're going back to Crocodile Creek, Smee! It's the only place Pan will think I'll never look! That young scallywag won't outsmart me this time! Now, for the last time, Mr. Smee, pipe up the crew!''
Smee ran to get his whistle, again, tripping over himself as he went, and earning a heavy sigh at the sight of it from Hook. As he heard the sound of Smee's whistle and far off shouts from the crew, he couldn't help but smile a wicked smile. He rubbed his hands together, and laughed in his throat.
''I've got you this time, Pan!''
Sorry this chapter is so short, everyone, but the next chapter will be longer, I promise! By the way, Hook is looking for a chalice that has magical powers, but I don't know what those magic powers should be? Ideas, anyone? Write me a review or send me a message if you have one! Next chapter up soon, everyone!