Chapter Twenty – Hook's Secret

Wrapping her arms around Peter's neck, Wendy looked down at the treetops below, hearing the call of strange, exotic birds screeching and chirping from somewhere in the deep green depths.

"I forgot to ask," Peter said suddenly, his eyes still looking ahead. "Would you prefer to fly on your own, or do you mind having me carry you? I have fairy dust in my pouch…"

She listened to his voice, the tone somewhat reluctant to inform her. "Well, I guess it'd be easier on you if you didn't have to carry m-"

"Oh, I don't mind," he said carelessly, swooping around a tree. Cautiously setting Wendy's legs down, he snatched a vine and swung full force forward, the world around them blurring.

Despite herself, she ended up laughing, the feeling of exhilaration filling her as she tightened her grip around Peter. She could feel his arm pull her closer to him, and when she looked up, she saw a beaming grin on his lips. Suddenly, he released the vine. Wendy gasped as they shot through the air, Peter gathering her in his arms again and carrying her off. She felt rather important as he held her closely, holding her the way a prince might carry off his princess.

"That's silly,"she shook it off. "He doesn't think like that! He's still a little boy at heart…"

The memories of the story he'd told of his capture and imprisonment filled her mind. She could almost see his little face as he fought and cried out against the man who called himself his father. Wendy pitied Shade, but she also feared him, not only for herself, but for her brothers, the Lost Boys, Violet, Tink, Neverland, and most of all, Peter. Hugging him tightly, her face buried in the crook of his neck, she felt her blush return as she remembered how they had awkwardly, accidentally kissed back in the hideout.

"Am I going too fast?" Peter asked, noticing how she'd been silent, hiding her face and closing her eyes.

"No, no," she shook her head. "Just…thinking. Do mind carrying me, Peter?"

"Nope," he chirped, spotting the Lost Boys at last deep within the forest. Tiger Lily had already joined them, rolling her eyes at their notions of how to find buried treasure (if there was any at all). "LILY!" he called out with a crow, earning every child's attention. Landing lightly on his feet and setting Wendy down like a gentleman, he greeted Tiger Lily with a bow. "What're you doing up?"

"I came to see if J-, I mean, if your friends were still here," she smiled politely, Jon blushing behind her.

Ruff smirked. "Uh-huh. Sure." He received a stomp on his big toe from the Indian princess, yelping in pain and hopping up and down.

"Lily says treasure hunt's silly," Mikey pouted, standing beside Peter.

"Because there's no real treasure here," she argued.

"There's plenty of treasure, we just have to look for it," Peter grinned.

"I'd rather play hide and seek," she said coyly. Grinning at Wendy, she asked, "Did you know Peter's the best at hide and seek? He finds everyone so quickly, and when he hides, it takes forever to find him!"

"That's only because he cheats," Tinker Bell smirked.

"Hush, Tink!" Peter snapped.

"Cheats?" Jon asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," Ruff laughed. "He'll hide, and if he hears someone coming, he'll move to another spot. One time, we played for three days straight because he kept moving!"

"Not my fault you can't catch me fast enough," Peter huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and looking away.

Wendy giggled. "They're right, that's not fair." Peter pouted. "…but it is funny and clever of you." He spun around to face her, beaming at her words. "A little boy to the end,"she thought to herself.

"Let's play hide and seek, then!" Partly suggested, and the boys nodded their consent.

"Peter's it!" the twins exclaimed, pointing at their leader.

"As you wish," he chuckled, turning around and covering his eyes. "One…two…"

The boys split off, scurrying away to find places. Tinker Bell shrunk back to her fairy size and hid behind a mushroom.

"C'mon," Violet grinned, dragging Wendy further into the woods. Scanning the perimeter constantly, the girls struggled not to giggle as they ran down the path. "Oh, look there!" Violet whispered, pointing at a tree. It had a space big enough for one person, a curtain of moss hanging near the entrance.

"You go ahead," Wendy urged her.

"What? Are you sure?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ready or not, here I come!" they heard Peter shout.

"I'm sure!" she whispered. "Go, Vi! I'll find my own place!" With a wave and a smile, she took off, hurrying down the path. Panting, she ran further and further into the woods, looking up at the trees. She wasn't much of a climber, but it seemed to be her only shot…

Suddenly, the ground beneath her vanished and she plunged into darkness. A screech escaped her as she landed harshly in the pit, her heart racing as she looked around, struggling to grope the dirt walls around her for support.

"Looky! Got ourselves a wench!" she heard a voice cackle overhead. Raising her eyes, she gasped when she saw three pirates looking down on her, grinning wickedly. "The Cap'n will be pleased!" said the skinniest. "She's a treat!"

The dragged her out, gagging her the moment she tried to scream for help. She fought them but they bound her tightly in coarse ropes. Leading her away, she looked back to where she'd stood. In all the commotion and the pirates excitement, her necklace had fallen off. She prayed that Peter or the others would find it and find her soon after. She was in no hurry to go back and see Captain Hook again.

~NEVER-NEVERLAND~

Hook studied the book before him, sipping his fresh orange juice. If there was one thing he liked about being in this real world was that he didn't have to worry about constant morning attacks from the Lost Boys and could enjoy a late morning breakfast provided by Smee (he was the only one Hook trusted to make or fetch his breakfast for obvious reasons). Biting into a piece of toast, he glanced up as the sound of guffawing buffoons became louder. "Idjits," he muttered, turning the page and continuing his pleasure reading time.

When a heavy fist smacked his cabin door, he lifted his head and snarled. "What is it, you parasitic seabugs?! I'm busy reading Shakespeare!"

"Cap'n, we caught something!...er, someone!" he heard a slurring voice on the other end.

Heaving a sigh, he marked the book and placed it beside his breakfast. "Where's that bosun when you need him?" he grumbled, getting up and twisting his hook a little tighter. "Make it quick," he called them, shaking his head. He'd already explained five dozen times that they were not to capture or kill the Lost Boys, Injuns, and especially Peter Pan. Lately, they seemed to think he desired company, so they tried to bring in females visiting the park or even a mermaid! If he wanted female companionship, he could find one on his own bloody time, thank you very much.

The door slammed open, making him grimace at the sheer unsubtly of their entrance. Sighing once more, he looked to the open doorway, catching sight of four figures standing in the sunlight. His forget-me-not eyes became huge at the sight of Wendy, gagged and bound, handled roughly by the pirates.

"Caught her in the woods, Cap'n!" the chubby one grinned proudly.

"Pretty, eh?" another teased, running his fingers through her hair, laughing as she pulled her head away from him.

"So, what do you think of this one, Cap-?" the skinny started.

BLAM!

Wendy stood frozen in fear, her blue eyes huge in terror as she saw the skinny pirate collapse to the floor, a bullet in his chest. The other two looked up at their captain, trembling at the sight of his eyes flashing crimson red.

Setting down the smoking pistol, Hook glared ominously at the others. "Take that thing out of here and be gone. Leave the girl with me."

Shaking in their boots, the other two complied, not bothering to salute as they dragged out their dead comrade and left Wendy to Hook. As they hurried, Smee appeared, watching with wide eyes behind his spectacles at the sight. Peeking into the cabin, he was stunned to see Wendy bound in rope before his captain.

"Uh…Cap'n? Was that really necessary?" Smee asked tentatively, noting the pistol on the desk.

"The seaweed scum got what was coming to him," Hook sniffed. "Get inside and shut the door already, Smee. Close the curtain, too, won't you?"

Smee did as he was told, casting an embarrassed and apologetic look towards Wendy. Stalking forth, Hook raised his metal appendage at her. She squeezed her eyes shut, awaiting the worst. With a swift movement of his hook, the ropes went slack. Opening one eye, she saw what he had done, remaining still as his hand went to her mouth and removed the rag.

"There, that's better," he nodded, tossing aside the cloth before taking her hand and placing a kiss upon it. "Please, Milady, sit down," he urged her, waving at Smee to bring a stool over. "Care for something to eat?"

She swallowed silently, deciding it would be best to play along for the moment. Shaking her head, she declined. "…No…thank you." Sitting down, she couldn't help wringing her hands in anxiety. She had to figure a way out of here and fast.

"Terribly sorry about them, my dear," he shook his head, making his way and sitting on the other side of his desk. "I may be captain, but when on land, they seem to get a little…rambunctious, shall we say?"

Wendy said nothing, casting her eyes to the floor.

Hook gave a weary sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I understand…you're frightened of me. Reasonably so, I might add. I am a villain after all, even if I try to be a gentleman." He frowned sadly as he murmured, "No little children love me."

"'Course dey do, Cap'n!" Smee insisted, going over to the man and diligently polishing his hook. "They just don't know it, that's all!"

"Smee, it's fate," Hook shook his head. "Pan is revered by brats all over the globe. Hook is forever hated."

Wendy's brows furrowed at this. Despite herself, she whispered, "…you envy Peter?"

Hook turned to face her, startled that she'd spoken. His eyes locked with hers, sending a chill down her spine. "…Aye. In a sense, I envy the confounded boy. I hate him…and admire him." He looked away, his lips pressed together in frustration as he seemed to debate with himself. Wendy watched, intrigued, as Smee came around with a dark bottle.

"Muscat? Rum? Cigar?" he asked politely with a bright smile.

She gawked at him. "…I'm only a girl!"

"…champagne?" he offered. Hook smacked his face in embarrassment.

"No, thank you," she shook her head, forcing a smile on her face. Looking back to the brooding captain, she took a deep breath and asked, "…why do you hate but admire Peter?"

He gave a harsh chuckle, lifting his eyes to the ceiling as a memory passed through his mind. "How much do you know about Pan's past? How he became what he is?"

"…I know enough. He told me plenty," she admitted carefully.

"Then you know that when Pan came back to Neverland, that beast called Shade had already made his way to the island and was about ready to suck the life out of me," Hook stated.

Wendy's jaw dropped at this. "He what?!"

"Hm. Seems Pan didn't tell you about that much did he?" he mused. "Then allow me to add to his little tale. That monster," he spat, his eyes glowing red at the thought of Shade. "He tried to destroy the island. Storms wracked our shores, everyone went into hiding. The Injuns teamed up with us. Finally, the creature came to me ship, pinned me down, and accused me of being the cause of Pan's grief. He started sucking me soul out when Pan attacked from behind. You couldn't imagine the relief and shock I felt when I saw him…the same cocky boy, and yet, he was different…he'd grown. There was a new band of brats with him, and somehow, his little fairy grew, too. She and one of the other little devils cast a spell from some special book that banished Shade from the island."

His eyes dimmed at the thought of Peter kneeling before him and offering his hand to help him up. "…it was humiliating for me, being saved by me own adversary…but I'm grateful to him." His eyes narrowed. "It's that thing that I want to kill, let him shake me iron claw and see how he likes the taste of the hook." He snapped out of his rant and noticed how Wendy looked away, pressing her lips together as so not to make a comment at his behavior. "Alas, I digress…do forgive me."

Smee made himself busy, bustling about in the cabin with a feather duster and whistling some pirate tune.

"When Shade had gone, Pan told me 'We need to talk…'"

Peter's face was solemn. It didn't suit him. Hook was still struggling to breathe as he stood, staring at Peter.

"What…what was that…thing?" he gasped, looking towards the sky.

"I'll explain, but not out here," Pan insisted.

Hook was stunned by how much he'd grown, he was almost as tall as him! He nodded to the cabin door, coughing. "In me cabin, boy. We talk there."

Peter agreed, looking back at his band. "Tink, take them back home. I'll be there once I'm done here." Seeing the fairy's uneasiness, he took her hand and gripped it, smiling boyishly. "Nothing can hurt me now, Tink. Not even Hook."

Biting her lip, she nodded reluctantly, herding the boys off. As Peter turned to face Hook once more, he felt a hand grab his shoulder. Turning, he caught sight of Ruff.

"Let me stay with you," the boy with the Mohawk pleaded, his eyes glaring at the pirate with suspicion. "Just in case."

"Next time," Peter chuckled, patting his friend on the shoulder. "I promise. But I have to do this one on my own."

Ruff frowned, but bowed his head in compliance, leaving with the others. Smee helped Hook stumble into the cabin, Peter following close behind. Shutting the door behind them, Smee looked to Hook, now seated on his bed. Hook waved at him to leave, and the with a little bow, the bosun left the two alone.

Hook sat in silence, allowing his body and mind to recover from the recent ordeal of nearly dying. Peter sat Indian-style in the air, waiting patiently.

"…care to tell me, boy, where you've been this whole time?" Hook said at last, raising an eyebrow. "And who your charming friend was?"

"He's no friend of mine," Peter sniffed. "He's the reason I've been gone all these years."

"Years?" the captain echoed, frozen in shock.

"Four, I think," Peter shrugged.

"What…how…?"stammered Hook.

"That monster captured me and kept me locked away for years…" Peter bit his lip, frowning. "…he's my father."

The pirate's head jerked up, his eyes locked on Peter, his jaw hitting the floor.

"Before you start, I didn't ask for any of this," Peter said sharply with an angry frown. "Shade wanted to keep me and make me grow up. If it weren't for Tink and the other fairies, I'd probably be stuck back there in the real world. You all might have been destroyed. I only found out about his attack on Neverland when I finally escaped. Even then, I had to find some new Lost Boys. See, Hook, this battle isn't over."

Peter floated over to the captain and looked him in the eye once more. "Shade says I remind him so much of my mother that he won't stop at anything to get me back. He hates all of this…the magic, the adventures, the hopes and dreams the stories of this place gives to children…he hates Pan and only wants Peter."

"I'm afraid to disappoint," Hook sneered. "But you can't separate yourself into two. It's only one half."

"EXACTLY!" Peter laughed, flipping backwards in the air. "Even YOU get that! He's so evil and grown up he can't and won't understand."

"Evil, indeed. He was born that way?" Hook asked, testing himself and standing on his own two feet.

"Oh no. He killed some wizard or something and because of that, all the wizard's powers transferred to him. But it's so strong and wicked that it takes over more often than not, especially at night."

"Then why, pray tell, did you have to take a detour and pick up new brats to bring home?!" snapped the captain.

"Because this is just the beginning," Peter explained. Leaning forward so that his face was in front of Hook's, he said, "Now that I've escaped, Shade won't stop 'til he's got me. And I am never,never going back again. But I can't fight him alone."

His brows furrowed, he processed the words for a moment. "…what do you suggest?"

"I may have to fight him again…but he's strong, even without his book," Peter admitted. "I can't fight him without some help. That's why I got the Lost Boys…Tink and her new friends…I'll need the Indians and mermaids…and even the pirates. I need ALL of Neverland if we want to go on the way things were."

Hook's eyes widened at his words. Pan was asking HIM, Captain James Hook, for help? "And if I refuse?" he asked indignantly.

Peter landed on the floor, looking strange in jeans, combat boots, a camouflage jacket, and green t-shirt. He stood tall and proud but did not stick his nose up at Hook. "I won't force you to join. But I do need your help, Captain." Nodding politely, he walked off, heading for the window of the cabin.

"Pan!" Hook cried, leaping to his feet. Peter stopped, turning around to face him. Straightening himself, he cleared his throat and said, "…we'll join you. I want to plunge my hook in that demon for what he's done." He offered his hook to Peter, expecting the boy to eye it with suspicion. "Then, when we're through…I'll be back to chasing after you 'til I've run YOU through."

Peter laughed merrily, stepping towards him and grabbing his hook, shaking it in agreement. "As you say, Captain. It's a deal. I'll be sure to let you know when it's time to head out and face him."

"Who said I'd be taking orders from you, boy?!" he shouted in exasperation.

Hopping to the window, Peter grinned as he glanced back at Hook. "Thanks, Hook."

His eyes grew wide in shock as the words came out of Peter's mouth. Watching the boy leap out from the window, he could hear the happy crow of the Eternal Youth as he flew away to the island. Coming to stand by the open window, Hook felt a small smile grow on his lips. "…you're welcome, Peter."

Wendy was agog as Hook finished his account.

The captain poked at his food, having lost his appetite ages ago. "I pray you won't breathe a word of what we've said here to Pan?" asked casually, though she could tell he was somewhat embarrassed at having shared this with her.

"I promise," she nodded.

He gave a grateful nod to her and leaned back in his chair. "…I suppose I should be getting you out of camp. Pan must be looking for you." Standing up, he came around, offering her his hand.

Accepting it without fear this time, she cocked her head at him and said, "You care for Peter, don't you?"

"Heavens, no, child," he scoffed. "But it's been proven that Neverland can't exist without that brat, which means neither can I. Without Pan, there is no reason for Hook…" His voice became wistful as he added softly, "For what is Captain Hook without Peter Pan?"

Smee smiled as he listened, pretending to polish a boot.

A cry of surprise followed by a crash made the three of them jump out of their skins. "What-?!" Hook started, running for the door. Yanking it open, he grimaced as he saw Lost Boys attacking the pirates. "Oh, for the love of Blackbeard-!"

"HOOK!"

Glancing skyward, he caught sight of a blade coming down at him. With a yelp, he ducked, Wendy stumbling to the side. She gasped when a set of arms caught her and she found herself staring into a pair of mischievous green eyes. "Peter!" she cried, a smile automatically stretching upon her lips.

"You're safe now, Wendy," he grinned. "Sorry it took so long." He placed the acorn button necklace into her palm, picking her up as he had done so earlier that morning. "Let's go, boys!" he commanded, shooting off into the sky. "Later, Cap'n Codfish!" he laughed, crowing as he took to the skies with his band of boys.

Smee grunted as he helped Hook up, the pirate captain snapping at the other to leave him alone.

"Really, he's so overly dramatic and self-righteous," Hook scoffed, brushing the dirt off his shirt. Seeing the flock of children move towards the exit of the island, he sighed. "That boy shouldn't be going back and forth so much. It's dangerous."

"Aye, Cap'n. But when has that stopped him?" Smee asked with a chuckle. "He truly cares for that girl, doesn't he?"

Hook nodded, a sad smile on his face. "Aye." Getting up, he couldn't help the pang of jealousy and loneliness that pierced his heart. "I just hope he realizes what he's gotten himself into. If that girl decides she'd rather stay in the real world and grow up…" He shook his head. "Pan may have been able to forget about other girls when he was younger, but he's a bloody teenager, Smee…dare I say it…? It could break his blasted heart."

Smee patted his boss's shoulder comfortingly. "I have faith in the girl, Cap'n. Who knows? Maybe you'll find someone, too." He grinned at the idea. Perhaps then the captain wouldn't be so moody!

"HA!" the pirate snickered. "That'll be the day dogs fly!" He stalked off back to his cabin and slammed the door.

Smee blinked, scratching his chin. Looking up at the sky, he fixed his spectacles and squinted. A smile grew on his face when he saw that Peter was flying back to town with the Darlings and their faithful dog, Nana.

"Looks like it's your lucky day, Cap'n!" he giggled.