I finally open my eyes, to discover what Hell looks like and a handsome man wearing a little too much leather looks at me.
"What kind of devil are you?"
His face contorts into something between confusion and amusement, "devilishly handsome. Don't you think?"
I hear a loud laugh and look around, there are several people, all dressed it a similar fashion. I'm on a boat. I roll out of the Devil man's arms and stand up.
"I didn't... I didn't die?"
"No need to look so disappointed." He smirks, I'm not used to adults finding suicidal thoughts amusing but there you go, finally I've found one who might just help.
"Where am I?" I've backed myself up to the edge of the boat, if a quick escape is necessary I can take it.
"The Jolly Roger" he holds out his hand, "and I am Hook or Killian, but my men call me Captain."
"Your men? Are you gay?" I feel embarrassed at my boldness but I stick to my guns, something tells me weakness will get me killed.
"Gay? Of course I'm happy. What does that have to do with my men?"
"Not... Not what I meant. It's not important. Where am I? What is this sea? Who was that shadow? Are you real?" I shout each question, knowing I'm letting my anger take over - I didn't hurt yesterday, the emotions are getting big.
He suddenly looks quite serious, he is obviously fighting over whether to look me in the eyes but he does, "you really don't know?" I shake my head, "you're in Neverland, the shadow belongs to Peter Pan and I'm real."
"Why am I here?"
"Pan wants you and Peter Pan never fails. If he wants you he'll get you and I'm sorry but I can't change that."
"How do I find this Peter Pan? How do I find out why I'm here?"
"If you get to the island, he'll find you. He knows everything about that island, including whose touching the soil. But," he started towards me, "you don't want to go near him. We'll hide you."
"I've waited my life to be wanted. I'm not giving it up now." With that I throw myself backwards, there's just enough time before I hit the water to hear Hook scream.