A/N: So. A year later... thank you all so much for your patience! You deserve a reward. :)
Chapter 12
The Captain burst upon the scene, taking it in at once as two men jumped guiltily away from the wall and a third figure slumped to the floor, gasping for breath. His dagger was out in an instant, slicing deep into the belly of the man closest to her, taking vicious pleasure in the kill, twisting as he pulled it out. The second man gave a strangled whimper and turned to flee, but the Captain's hook flashed out and sank into his shoulder, pulling him back towards his inevitable doom.
His red eyes looked down at Wendy, watching her breathe, and his jaw tightened. He sheathed his dagger and twisted the pirate's arm behind him, forcing the coward to his knees. The man began babbling apologies and pleas for his life, but the Captain twisted his arm further with a snarl, resulting in a satisfying crack and a squeal of pain, then silence.
"Smee!" he bellowed, as his concerned gaze focused on the girl on the floor. "Red, can you speak?" he asked urgently.
She looked up at him, her face pale but resolute. She nodded silently, working her jaw for a moment. "Yes," she said hoarsely.
Smee appeared, taking in the scene at once. "Captain?" he asked, his face lined with concern.
"Gather the crew on deck," the Captain growled. "Now."
He disappeared without another word and Hook focused on Wendy once more. "Can you walk?" His voice was tight with controlled anger, and his hook dug deeper into the pirate's shoulder, resulting in another grunt of pain.
She nodded again and slowly got to her feet. "I'll be fine."
He ignored her comment. "Follow me." With that, he yanked the man to his feet, forced him to step over the body of his compatriot on the floor, and marched him up the stairs towards the deck of the ship.
As they emerged, he saw his men silently waiting, standing at attention, and he spared a fond thought for Smee. The man was truly worth his weight in gold. He heard Wendy's labored breathing behind him, and his anger rekindled.
He pushed the pirate in front of him, and he stumbled, falling to the deck. The pirates watched him, their faces carefully blank. The Captain's eyes were still flashing red, and they had already heard rumors of the bloodshed below deck. Whatever followed did not bode well for their fallen brother.
The Captain gestured at Wendy, who was standing slightly behind him. "Many of you remember Red-Handed Jill." His voice almost sounded cordial, affectionate. Dozens of eyes focused on her, and she shifted slightly, uncomfortable with their attention. "She is a Storyteller who has come to stay with us for a time. I thought I had made it clear that she is under my protection." He growled that last bit through clenched teeth as he kicked the man kneeling on deck. His voice dropped to a purr, and the pirates stirred uneasily. "However, perhaps I need to rephrase myself."
With a swift movement, he yanked the guilty man to his feet. "She is a Storyteller, with powers to rival the fairies, and influence as great as Chief Tiger Lily's."
Wendy blinked, confused. She had no powers, and her 'influence' had barely granted her an audience with the Chief. Perhaps the Captain was trying to bluff his men.
The Captain continued, his voice calm, even, and deadly. "This Storyteller is not only under my protection, but under yours. You are to see that she is secure at all costs, even giving your lives to ensure her safety. If any among you is so foolish as to look at her the wrong way, you will not only have to answer to one another, but you will give an account to me."
It was clear to all gathered that the verdict would be certain and unequivocal death. With that, the Captain's hook came whistling through the air, and blood splashed upon the deck once more.
He lifted the body and tossed it overboard, turning to glare at the men gathered on deck. "Now. I believe I've made my point. Are there any questions?"
Silence stretched over the ship. Gulls cried out from their dance on the wind, and the waves slowly rocked the boat.
At a nod from the Captain, Smee suddenly bellowed, "Back to work, all of ya!" The pirates scattered across the ship, eager to show the Captain their willingness to comply with his regulations.
The Captain finally turned to Wendy. He said nothing at first, simply looking her over. He did not reach out to touch her, for which she was grateful, but the concern in his gaze caused her throat to close up again, this time from within.
When he spoke, his voice was still even, but gentle. "If you would care to accompany me?" She gave a small smile at the familiar phrase, and willingly placed her arm at his proffered elbow once more. He walked slowly, and instead of taking her below deck, walked her toward the rowboats along the side of the ship. Two of his men came forward and began to prepare one for descent.