Chapter 16
The fight was still in full swing as Lucy stepped out on to the deck, swords flying everywhere, clashing against each other. The sound was deafening, like a thunderstorm. Even the sea seemed to be joining in the fight smashing against the side of the boat in heavy waves, splashing their foam onto the deck. Lucy stood for a moment watching the fight, fear filling the pit of her stomach, not for herself but for the lost boys, who looked so young next to the pirate counterparts. She couldn't remember feeling this kind of emotion for anyone else before she had never had anyone to feel it for.
She spotted her target fighting with the real Peter at the other end of the deck. Peter's face was lite up with delight as he teased Hook hovering just above him and coming down to make a strike with his small dagger before darting just out of reach again.
"You wouldn't have the courage to fight me on land like a man, boy!" Hook screamed in frustration, as Peter spun in the air out of his reach laughing and screaming in delight.
Monica ran towards the pair sliding between them.
"Fight me instead," she said, facing her father. "The winner gets the ship."
Hook sneered at his daughter. "You really think that your experience compares to the years that I have spent on this island. You really think you can defeat me, you traitor!" He spat at her feet.
"Maybe," Lucy replied shrugging. "If I play my cards right."
Hook struck at her. Lucy blocked his blow. The weight heavy on her arm, she let out a little gasp.
"Your weakness…." She said, grimacing through the pain. "Is your inability to love. You never loved me or wanted me as a daughter. You came back for me because you needed someone to do your dirty work. But I have found people who really care about me on this island. And that's something that you will never have."
A flash of emotion passed over Hooks face. Then suddenly he dropped his sword. "You're right," he said. "I have no one that cares for me. No one ever did… Apart from her."
Just then a low tic, tok, tic, tok, approached the boat from underneath them. The whole boat heard it and the storm of clashing swords went quiet to listen. All eyes went to the captain.
"I guess my time has come," said the captain quietly. "I have known for a while now that I can't go on like this forever. I've turned into an evil man, but I promise I wasn't always like this. I'm sorry Lucy, it is time for me to join her… join my Evelyn." And with that Hook turned and ran towards the edge of the ship, with a graceful leap he flung himself off the side of the ship and into the stormy water below. Lucy screamed and ran after him, but it was too late. The sea was empty and the tic tok of the crocodile had disappeared into the depths, satisfied with its meal. Lucy took a few heavy breaths before turning to face the rest of the ship. All eyes were on her now. Lucy stood tall, trying to look a lot more proud and confident than she felt at this moment. "I am the captain of this ship now," she announced. "Either you submit to my rule. Or you leave…"