Hi, my dear readers!
Ooooops, there I thought that mainly the cliffhanger would get some reactions, but no review? Sigh, and there I hoped that you liked the last chapter.
Nonetheless, here comes the next one – and be ready for an emotional rollercoaster, because Peter learns the truth about Hook and Wendy, and about Hook being banished from Neverland.
Have fun
Yours Lywhn
Chapter 59 – Fathers, part 1
The shout and thump woke Peter. He struggled to sit up, and gasped when he saw Hook on the floor, lying still. Standing over him was a strange man in modern clothes. In a flash, two members of the crew were holding him fast.
"That's for compromising my daughter, you unconscionable pillager! You aging rake! You PIRATE!" the stranger roared, fists clenched standing upright between the two buccaneers.
Peter didn't understand what was going on. There was only one thing that mattered for him: Hook had been attacked again! The memory of that moment back in Neverland at the portal by the Black Castle, watching the captain get struck by a bullet and fall, was too fresh. Something like panic clutched his heart, and with a horrified "JAMES!" he threw the covers aside and jumped up. Stumbling over to the captain's side, he knelt beside him. He heard the man groan. A good sign – he wasn't dead! – yet Peter's hands trembled as he reached for his former nemesis. "James, are you all right?" he demanded. The fear of losing Hook was so close ... To his utter astonishment, the man slowly smiled, chuckling, then laughing, then he propped himself up on his right elbow, and rubbed his chin with his hand.
Turning around on his butt and looking up at his assailant, Hook worked his jaw (nothing broken, good). Wendy's father was firmly held by Bollard and Robb, who were peering at their captain, very concerned, while Mr. Darling glared daggers at him. James felt a bark of laughter threatening to escape him. The man had gall, definitely! The door to the cabin flew open and a few other crew members entered; pistols or cutlasses drawn, expecting trouble.
Bending his left leg and propping his elbow casually on his knee, he ignored his men, and, swallowing his laughter, observed Wendy's father. "You know, Mr. Darling, attacking a captain aboard his own ship could be deadly." He felt the boy's arm around his shoulder, and turning his head he added with a lopsided grin, "Just ask this little tike here. He could sing you a song or two about it." He realized how startled the boy was – on his behalf! – and said softly, "I'm all right, Peter, don't fret."
"He hit you!" the youth blurted, concerned. The other pirates who had just stomped into the cabin, gasped at the boy's words and closed around Mr. Darling; threatening and angry. A blade actually appeared at his throat. Yet George was too furious to care.
"Stand down, men. I think he has every right to deliver that blow at least once," James replied. "My thanks for your diligence, but release our visitor. To repeat, he had every right to act as he did." They reluctantly released the visitor as Hook easily rose, straightening his clothes. He felt Peter at his side, the bright blue eyes narrowed at the stranger. He saw the boy was ready to defend him, and so he placed his hard cuff on the boy's shoulder. "Stay put, Peter, this is between Mr. Darling and me."
"Mr. Darling?" Peter asked, looking at the man who seemed familiar. "Wendy's father?"
"Yes, I'm Wendy's father," the man answered with a tight voice. He looked over the bruised, pretty boy beside the captain. Sandy curls, crystal blue eyes, around twelve … no doubt who the lad was. "And you're Peter Pan."
The boy straightened, raising his chin, propping fists on his hips. "Aye, I'm Peter Pan, and the best there ever was!" Despite the bruised face and the large shirt, the youth appeared dignified – with a challenging expression in his eyes. George could tell the boy was in bad shape, and might have felt compassion if he hadn't been so angry, but just that moment, he only saw the two who had turned his life upside down!
"So, rescued. Good to know," he said, scowling. "The last five years have been filled with 'Peter did this and that' and 'Peter would have'. Because of you, young scamp, I had some dreadful weeks of worry and fear for my children. But that was nothing compared to what you did, Captain," he turned his attention back to the man, spitting the title at his foe. "That was the tipping point! How dare you compromise my daughter by kissing her in public! You might behave that way with the tramps and floozies in the Caribbean, but not here in London! And never with my daughter!"
Peter scratched his head. "You kissed Wendy?" he asked Hook, who nodded absently, eyes still on the angry father.
"Aye – just as before," he told him casually.
"You two and your thimbles," the boy scowled, unaware that there was a big difference between the 'thimbles' from five years ago and the embraces the two now shared.
Hook's eyes never left the visitor, whose face was flushed. "Pray tell how you learned about Wendy's and my little display of enthusiasm?"
" 'Little display of enthusiasm'?" Mr. Darling snapped. "You kissed her in public, in front of dozens of strange people and reporters with cameras, in the middle of a busy wharf! And then I learn about it from a gossip column showing you two in that scandalous position!"
Hook sighed. It seemed those damned newspapers could spread information and gossip quicker than fire in dry kindling. He felt Peter's curious gaze resting on him, but continued to ignore the boy for now. Rising and sweeping an arm toward the table he said, "Please, have a seat, Mr. Darling. I think we need to talk."
Bollard and Robb exchanged glances, confused about their superior's reaction. Usually Hook would never let something like this pass without retaliation. Point of fact, he would have killed his attacker, but now … now he remained calm; no red sparks in his eyes! Could it be that he was – indeed – not angry? Robb shrugged, jerking his head toward the table. One thing certainly hadn't changed: Orders had to be obeyed. And so Bollard and Robb dragged Mr. Darling to one of the chairs at the head end of the table and forced him to sit down.
"You may return to your duties," James told them, face neutral. He was very aware of the men's uncertainty and could tell that the boy was equally astonished. But this situation had to be handled … tactfully. After all, the visitor was, indeed, Wendy's father, his future father-in-law and hopefully his ally. He waited until the cabin door clicked close, then he glanced back at Mr. Darling. "Aye, I kissed your daughter and she did not disapprove. She -"
"Of course she didn't disapprove! She's been smitten with you since she was a little girl!" At this Peter winced; knowing that Wendy's father spoke an uncomfortable truth. Wendy always cared about Hook in a way Peter never understood. "But she's not a little girl anymore! An innocent, adventurous and romantically inclined young woman, and you used this inclination to get close to her, to take advantage of her!"
" 'Get close' is appropriate -" James began.
He couldn't finish his sentence, as the other man snarled with blazing eyes, blurting, "What did you do? Did you seduce her?" he demanded, pointing to the bed.
Peter frowned. He could tell from the man's tone that Wendy's father was referring to something terrible, something forbidden. Had Hook risked Wendy's health somehow? No, the boy couldn't imagine him doing that. But what did 'seduce' mean, and why would it make Mr. Darling so angry? "What … what is seduce?" he asked carefully.
George glanced at the boy, "To seduce means to -" George began with unabated anger, but this time it was Hook who interrupted him sharply.
"STOP, Mr. Darling. Stop right there!" The direct order made the other man pause. "Peter knows nothing of such things, and must never learn them, or he cannot remain the eternal boy any longer!"
Now Peter really was alarmed. "What do you mean? Why shouldn't Wendy's father tell me what you did?"
"It has nothing to do with what I did, but what you do and do not know," James replied. He raised his hand as Peter opened his mouth to protest. "Listen, m'boy, this knowledge …" he searched for the best words, " …this kind of knowledge could make the difference between you remaining a child and you becoming a grownup – at least in mind and soul. When you know that there is more than pretense and thimbles, you go far on the path to growing up with no chance of return."
Peter gaped at him. The words he was using – he knew them. "Wendy … Wendy said during her first stay in Neverland that there is more than … than pretends, but she didn't know what it was."
Hook nodded solemnly. "Yes, I remember that night. I was only a few yards away when you two had your little quarrel after your waltz in the air." He saw Peter rolling his eyes and murmured something about "… always had to be sneaking around …" James continued. "Wendy couldn't know then what 'more' meant, but now she knows."
"My daughter knows about …!" Mr. Darling slowly rose, face still flushed. "What. Did. You. Do?" he demanded.
Sighing again, the captain replied, "First, Mr. Darling, your daughter attends a boarding school where older girls attend as well. I can only speak of my own experiences at Eton when I was a boy, but there were many conversations and revelations among the older students which would have shocked my father if he'd known what I heard. And I'm sure the same goes for the gossip of growing girls, so – YES – she knows of things which are not meant for children." He cocked his head. "And second, sir, what Wendy and I did is not open for discussion, I only want to say one thing about it: I love your daughter with all in my black heart, and I will marry her."
George Darling could only gasp and stare at the other man, sinking back into the chair, as if deflating.
Peter froze. "You … what?" he asked Hook, eyes large as saucers.
James knew that it was far more devastating telling Peter about his intentions concerning the storyteller than talking to Mr. Darling, so it had to be done with great care. Alas, he wasn't known for being sensitive, but for Peter he had to try. Taking a deep breath, he, too, sat at the table. "Come here, Peter, I have to tell you something."
Hesitantly, the youth obeyed. Deep inside he knew that he would learn something he didn't want to know, but Peter Pan had never been a coward, so he stood next to Hook, crossed his arms and looked at the captain cautiously, their eyes now level.
James pondered his next words, then he began carefully, "Peter, I'm sure you realize by now that Wendy has … grown. Grown enough to be considered a young woman."
Promptly the eternal boy violently shook his head. "No! No, she hasn't." He stopped as the man's warm hand came to rest on his arm.
"Peter, denial is no solution," James said softly. "Only cowardly people use that device, but you are the bravest boy I ever met. So I know you won't close your eyes to the truth, even if it is unpleasant. Wendy has grown. She'll turn eighteen soon and the law already regards her as a grownup." He watched how the boy bit his lips, eyes full of defiance, and so he continued gently, "She isn't the little girl you once brought to Neverland, but -"
"- but she is still our Wendy!"
"Aye, she is still our Wendy Darling. She is still the girl with the most wonderful stories. She fights for those who are dear to her, she stands up for her values and she is there for her friends whenever they need her. She is still a bit of a rebel, but she is also charming and kind to everyone. She still has the same merry laughter, winning smile and shining eyes." He ignored Mr. Darling stiffening at the other end of the table, and added, "But she isn't a child anymore. She has grown. I'm sure you've seen it, haven't you?"
Reluctantly, gulping, the boy nodded. "She shouldn't have done that," he whispered unhappily.
"When one is here, in the Mainland, she will age. You know this," James reminded him. "Didn't you tell me that what you fear most is to be captured and forced to stay, to grow up?" As the boy nodded a second time, Hook continued, "There's your answer. Wendy had no other choice but to grow up. She even wanted it from the first visit. Remember what she told you aboard my ship? That she was sorry to leave you behind but that she had to grow up?" This time the youth didn't say anything, only looked helplessly at the captain with wide, tear-filled eyes. "And this has happened now. And when becoming a woman – as young as she still is – everything changes. For her, for you, for me." Hook's voice was unusually soft.
Peter chewed his lips. He had denied a truth even he had seen. He had denied it from the moment he had returned to London and found Wendy now taller than he. He had denied it until now, except for those moments he talked with Frank. And he knew that Wendy hadn't only grown in body. She had been different than earlier times, her attachment to Hook had been stronger somehow. Both had looked at each other in a way Peter hadn't seen before. And when he remembered how those two had danced around the bonfire in the Indian camp, he began to grasp what had changed. They were equals, both found something in each other no one else had seen.
"She … she said once that you're a man of feeling. And now she has feelings for you. Feelings I … I don't understand," Peter croaked, his sight blurring. He was the eternal boy, but not completely naïve. He knew what Hook was telling him without using hard words: Wendy loved him now, James Hook, and he – Peter – had lost her. Was that the strange sensation of something being taken away from him back in Neverland, before Wendy and he had been kidnapped? Wendy had been aboard the Jolly Roger, safe from the viscount's attempt to get her. Had something happened there that had separated Wendy from him, Peter? He roughly brushed away the excess moisture in his eyes.
"Those strange feelings you don't understand, the ones you ran from that night, are those grownups have. You felt their beginnings, back during Wendy's first and second visits, but they remained what they are: The first soft hint of something wonderful – something that is out of reach for you as long as you're a child." There was no malice in Hook's voice or on his face, no mockery, no taunting, no desire to hurt. He even tried to sound as sympathetic as he could, because he knew that there was no way to talk about these things without hurting the boy. And this time, he didn't want to bring the lad pain.
'As long as you're a child.' Wendy had told him that there was 'more' but that it would only become clear when you are older. Peter had been frightened away by the mere thought of it. And now, he realized, the opportunity of learning what this 'more' could be – at least with Wendy – was forfeit. "That's … that's not fair," he muttered.
"Life is rarely fair. And you had your chance, Peter," James continued as kindly as he could. "Back then, when you brought her home the first time. You could have stayed with her. You would now be a young gentleman her age. You even got a second chance when you brought her home after the battle with the warlock and -"
"There are no second chances," Peter whispered hoarsely. "Salomon Caw said so, and he was right."
"I don't know who Solomon Caw is or was, but he was wrong," Hook objected. "Most people get a second chance, but they don't see it. Look at me. I got one and I took it."
"With her," Peter breathed, lips trembling.
"Aye, with her."
The first tear slipped down the boy's cheek. "But she is my friend!" he burst out. "She gave me her thimble, she gave me her hidden kiss! She is my friend and -"
"Yes, she is your friend," James agreed while his large hand now clasped Peter's smaller one. He felt how the youth's cold fingers trembled in his with anguish, while he continued mildly, "And she will always be your friend, no matter what. You always will hold a special place in her heart. A place no one else will ever be able to conquer and occupy, not even I. You were her first love, you might say, but she is a grown young woman now, and you're still a boy."
'You're just a boy…' Wendy's voice echoed in Peter's memory, and pressing his burning eyes shut, he shook his head, yet no words escaped him.
Hook sighed soundlessly. He was not accustomed to giving comfort, so he thought, but instinctively he knew what to do; what the boy needed now. He reached for the pillow Peter had used during dinner, put it on his lap and pulled the boy there. Peter obeyed without any protest. The lad was hurting, but he couldn't and wouldn't regret falling in love with his sweet storyteller. Yes, Peter would have a hard time accepting it, but he would sooner or later. He wouldn't forget Wendy, but he would forget his present hurt. Contrary to James' accusations for so many years, the youth was anything but stupid.
George Darling watched the two – the boy and the pirate captain. Two strong-willed individuals who had once been mortal enemies; Wendy told him and Mary about them after she and the others had returned the first time from Neverland. Now those two sat there at the other end of the table. They seemed to have forgotten him and talked like … like a father and son. And, one thing George had to admit, James Hook seemed to be an empathic man. The way he spoke with the boy was something Mr. Darling was envious of. He himself had never been able to talk with his sons like this, but here was this man, this criminal who had plundered, pillaged and killed, bringing bad news to a child with a deep sensitivity. There was more to James Hook than George could have guessed.
Peter sat on Hook's lap, attempting to sort out the turmoil in his heart and soul. Wendy had grown up. Yes, he couldn't deny it any longer. He had admitted this to Frank and he had himself already recognized this afternoon how grown she appeared. Peter knew that he had lost a very special playmate – someone whose dancing eyes and adventurous imagination had made his boyish heart beat faster. But not so much since she had accompanied him back to Neverland the third time. She had changed, he had seen this from the beginning. And Hook had grown closer to her in a way Peter would never understand. Wendy had become Hook's … well, what exactly? Friend? She'd been that before. They shared real kisses – not thimbles – and when he remembered how upset Hook had been when Wendy had shielded him against Ashford's attacks and how fiercely Wendy had told him that she would not lose him, then … Then it was clear that those two had grown like he - Peter and Wendy - had been five years ago.
'… Hook wanted Wendy for himself. He flirted with her, ensnared her, tried to win her over…' Ashford's voice echoed through his mind. '… He even deluded you as he tried to win Wendy behind your back…'
Peter felt a stabbing sensation as he put two and two together. "The viscount … was he right?" he whispered, looking with swimming eyes at Hook. The prospect that the captain had abused his trust and had gone behind his back almost robbed him of any breath. No, it couldn't be true!
James frowned. "What do you mean?" he asked confused.
"When I was locked up in his dungeon … he said that you went behind my back to win Wendy for yourself," Peter murmured. "Was he right?"
For a moment, Hook stared at him. "He said WHAT?" Then he closed his eyes, showing bared teeth. "That damned, sneaky, gutless bastard," he hissed. "He tormented you that way, even when he thought I was dead?"
The boy gulped. "Did he tell the truth?" Peter prompted hoarsely.
"No!" James firmly shook his head. "I didn't go behind your back. You've known for a long time now that Wendy charmed me from the first. You knew that she and I had a kind of truce even before we did. You knew – maybe you were unaware of it – that there was something special between her and me. It was no secret that I felt attached to her, you even teased us about it. But now, with her being grown, my feelings changed and grew as well. The same for her. I didn't try to lure her away from you, because no one will ever be able to do that. Like I said, she will always love you. But her feelings changed as mine did because she grew up. She grew feelings and the yearnings of a woman, just like I developed the feelings a man has for a woman he is drawn to. And we both finally acknowledged those feelings."
"I do hope you don't mean what I think you mean." George growled softly.
Hook had almost forgotten about the other man's presence, and shot him a glare, warning him to stay silent. The time to speak with each other would come later.
Peter had quickly looked over at Wendy's father and remembered what Hook had told the other man: That he wanted to marry Wendy. And the hurtful taunting during their fight among the riggings during Wendy's first stay in Neverland came back to him. "Was this your plan from the beginning?" he asked in a whisper, almost afraid to hear the answer, hands kneading each other.
Again, James was puzzled. "What plan?"
The boy took a deep breath. "When we fought in the air … back then … you said that there would be another one in my place. Someone who is called 'husband'." He swallowed a lump in his throat. "Did you … were you already planning to… to become that husband? Is this your revenge?" He looked straight into Hook's eyes, who returned his gaze unwavering.
"Wendy was a little girl then! Of course I wasn't talking about myself. She was a child, I'm a grown man! And concerning revenge – you know that I lost any desire of vengeance at the crater of that awful volcano."
Wiping the moisture out of his eyes with his sleeve, the boy only looked accusingly at him. "But now you want to be in my place," the youth breathed, "as her husband."
James sighed yet again, cursing himself for using that argument of all possible themes five years ago to defeat the boy. "Peter, I can't take your place. No one will ever be able to do that. I've told you that twice now. What you and Wendy shared – and still do – is very special. But, as you've seen, Wendy has changed. She is a woman now, and therefore needs a husband – a real one."
The boy moistened his lips. "Why?" he asked, even if deep down he knew the answer.
For a moment, James pondered how to explain to the child how adults … associated. "Peter, why did you stand up for Betty at the orphanage?"
Confused by the question, the youth replied, "Because she needed my protection."
"There you have your answer. Girls may be very strong in heart and soul – often stronger than men are – but there are situations where they need men to protect them, little girls and also women. Without a man at her side to care for her, Wendy would be alone. You were in London quite often. Have you seen what becomes of women who have no husband or lost one? Have you seen the women out in the streets selling handkerchiefs, handmade clothes or flowers to earn a little bit of money to buy something to eat, or to pay rent for a little flat? Have you seen how poor and sad they are while enduring bad jokes from others? Or how people look down on them with disdain or pity – sometimes both?"
Peter chewed his lips yet again. "Yes," he whispered. He had seen those things. "And this … could happen to Wendy without a husband?"
James returned the boy's startled gaze. "Aye. Our Wendy is strong, intelligent, well-schooled, sensible and very clever. But all this isn't enough to ensure a woman a good life. I'm not entirely sure how today's world ticks, and I realize that the young modern women are more independent than at my time, but I don't think that they can make it on their own. Not when it comes to serious situations in life. So Wendy should marry. It's expected of her – not only from her family, but also from society. And who do you think would make her happy? A strange man who doesn't know her or her past in Neverland? A man who certainly won't believe in fairies, mermaids and Little People, and who would certainly laugh at her stories? Or a man who knows exactly what moves her heart, who's shared her exotic experience and who accepts her the way she is?"
George could tell that these questions were not only directed at the boy, but also at himself. He remained silent. He would speak with the captain about this topic in private, without the troubled boy.
Peter took a deep shuddering breath, knowing only one answer was possible. "Someone who knows her and knows all about Neverland could make her happy," he whispered. "Someone she trusts." He looked at Hook. "You."
The captain nodded, blue eyes warm. "At least I will do my best to make her happy. We know that there exists a marvelous world beyond the Mainland. We both shared the same adventures, we both met all the amazing creatures, and more. And we both have the same love for the sea and for freedom. I daresay we complete each other. I know, it's hard for you to accept, but can you try – for Wendy's sake?"
It sounded so horribly final, yet Peter knew that there was nothing he could do to change what had already happened. Wendy grew up. Hook was the man at her side now. Someone he, Peter, couldn't be. Hook was right: Peter had forfeited this position long ago. It hurt. It really, really hurt, but the eternal boy was too intelligent not to accept a fact, even if he didn't like it. Yes, pretense was his way out for many problems, but not this time. "If … if she really has to marry someone who will keep her safe and happy, then … then it should be you instead of a strange man," he murmured. "At least I know that you would never allow her to get hurt. I saw you fighting for her a few times. And I know you understand her." He straightened on his pillow, and added in a whisper while the tears began to flow: "I lost her – just like the tear she gave me before we battled S'Hadh. The pearl, you remember?"
Hook nodded. "Aye, I remember her tear that turned to a pearl. But you've lost neither her nor me. Our window will always be open for you. Closed perhaps, because winter nights can be cold, but it will never be locked." He reached out and cupped the boy's healing cheek. "Whatever happens, whenever you need advice, or an ear that listens, you can come to us. Our window will always be open for you." He heard Mr. Darling clearing his throat but ignored him again. Just this moment, Peter was far more important than an overwrought father who still clung to an etiquette James had abandoned centuries ago.
Peter bit his lips, then Hook's words sunk in. "Your … window … cold nights?" He blinked. "There are no cold nights in Neverland, except when I'm not there, and then I couldn't vis -" He stopped, seeing James look away. A worse thought appeared. One worse than any so far.
Hook sighed (again). Here we go! he thought. He knew that it would be another blow for the boy, but it would be wrong to keep the truth from Peter. Taking a deep breath, James braced himself for what would come. "There is something else I have to tell you," he began slowly. "I wanted to wait until tomorrow, but seeing the turn this evening took," – he shot Mr. Darling another glare – "I think it better if you learn everything now." He felt Peter stiffening and continued, "When we've rescued the egg, you, Dark Owl and your little magical friends will … return to Neverland without us." He saw skepticism spreading over Peter's face and added, "My men and I must stay here."
Until this moment, Peter had felt as if he were walking in a cold fog. But now he had the feeling a bucket of ice water had been emptied over him. "What?" he gasped. "You … you don't want to return?" That had to be a bad joke! Wasn't it?!
"It's not a question of wanting or not wanting," the captain replied softly. "We're banned from Neverland – entrance to it is closed for us now. We cannot return."
At least the danger of losing my daughter to that infernal island forever is eliminated, George thought with some relief.
Peter's reaction was the complete opposite. He felt as if he were falling from the sky. For some moments, he fought to grasp what Hook had revealed, then he rasped, "Says who? Who banned you?"
"Queen Niam," Hook answered calmly, placing his hand on Peter's shoulder. "And before you fret, hear me out. She told me why. Neverland is a refuge for those in need. My men and I were in flight from the Royal Navy and only hours away from getting arrested and hung. I prayed with all my heart for a way out, even called out to the old gods of the Caribbean. Then, in the middle of a dying storm, I saw a star that led us out – and we ended up in Neverland. The island – or the fairies or the old gods or the great God Jehovah Himself – somehow understood and answered my plea for help. But the danger is over now. Those who pursued us are long dead, the Golden Age of pirates is no more. We're no longer in need of that safe harbor, and therefore we can't return after leaving Neverland's shores."
Peter stared with wide eyes at him – eyes, tears now filling them. "But … but you belong to Neverland," he whispered; feeling a stabbing sensation in his chest, like a shard of ice from a poisoned well. He actually glanced down at his chest, but there was nothing there. "You're a part of it!"
A sad smile tugged at Hook's mouth. "Remarkable to hear you say that – especially regarding our history. But my time in Neverland is over. There is no going back for me or my men. Once you leave a fairy realm you can't go back – at least not as a grownup. You can invade the island, as you saw with Ashford and his men, but you're no longer welcome there. And you know what that leads to."
For a few moments Peter only stared at him, his breath hitched. "Then I lose you both?" he cried. "I … I won't! It's not true!" he said. "I won't!" he repeated, hands now fists. He was suddenly very angry. Angry that Niam was banning his friend, angry that Wendy had grown up, angry at Hook for accepting his fate, angry at himself for feeling so completely and utterly lost, for missing his chance with the girl.
"I don't think there is anything you can do," James said soothingly. "Niam decided it and -"
"I'll speak with her! She has to let you come back – especially after all you did during the battle with that miserable wizard." He was breathing quickly, beginning to look frantic. "You … you saved her and her people, too. And she thanks you by banning you from Neverland? And Wendy, too?" Peter shook his head. "She can't! I won't allow it!"
"Peter …" James began, wanting to reach out to him, but the youth turned on his lap and dug his fingers into the man's arm and hard cuff; face red, eyes ablaze.
"I'm the Prince of Neverland! It's up to me to bring people to the island or not! Maybe the fairies do it, too, but Niam told me often enough that the island depends on me – that I have responsibility. And now my responsibility is with you and Wendy! She grew up, I can't change that, but she is still my friend. And you? I already lost you once and I will not do that again!" More tears shone in his eyes, cheeks flushed.
Hearing those words again touched James deeply, but he knew that he had to make Peter see reason. Knowing the boy's temper, he might do something he would regret later. "You didn't lose me, Peter -"
"I saw you die!" Peter shouted. "I watched that miserable dandified fop raise his gun and shoot you in your chest. I saw the bullet cast you to the ground! You weren't moving – you were dead! I thought I lost you – for days - that you were killed before my eyes… because of me! I didn't listen to you and got caught. You came to rescue me and … and I … was… was…" He was sobbing now as the bundle of intense emotions he had experienced over the last minutes – and days – finally spilled over. He had lost his friend – his 'father – then gotten him back, only to lose him again – this time forever? No! No! and NO, he couldn't and wouldn't accept it!
Hook not only saw but also felt the boy's anguish as if it were his own. For a moment he sat astonished, helpless facing such a deep upset, then an old memory inspired him. Following this impulse, Hook pulled Peter into a warm, fatherly embrace and to his surprise, the boy came willingly; even wrapping one arm around him and clawing his other hand in the man's ruffled shirt, weeping. Holding the boy to his chest and combing fingers through the sandy-golden locks, James gave Peter time to come to terms with everything he'd just learned. The boy was emotionally exhausted – especially seeing he'd always denied the existence of feelings. Handling this onslaught was crushing.
George Darling silently watched the two, a thoughtful frown still on his face. Despite his anger – and his concern about how far this … thing … between his daughter and the man had progressed – he admired the way the captain was handling this delicate situation. The boy was in pain and, he could tell, there was some old trauma that haunted the child. Peter Pan was terrified of losing someone dear. This was completely human. He guessed that the boy had already gone through this in the past. Watching the captain get shot was certainly part of the trauma, but Mr. Darling knew that there was more. It was an old wound about to be torn open again. And the man was trying to mend this mental injury. James Hook was more considerate and gentler towards the boy than most fathers he knew ever would have been with their own sons. Aware that he had become a witness of something very private – very special – George almost felt honored. And the anger in him diminished.
"Sh-sh, Peter," James tried to sooth the youth and leaned his cheek against the golden locks; the boy's sobs shaking him. "I'm sorry to bring you new pain, but I thought it would be wrong to keep something like this from you."
"It would have been wrong. But I won't lose you again! I won't go without you!" Peter's voice was muffled against the shirt, yet the words were clear. And they were fierce.
"Don't say that," Hook murmured. "Staying here would mean that you would grow up – your worst nightmare."
"I'll stay here if Niam won't allow you back!" he blurted. "Then she can figure out who will take care of Neverland!" the youth whispered defiantly between sobs. Who would have thought that this could happen: Peter Pan afraid of losing Captain Hook! Life certainly took some strange turns.
"We'll talk again after you've had a good sleep," James said gently. "You can only give up your childhood once."
Peter lifted his head, cheeks tear-streaked, sorrow in his gaze, jaw set in the typical stubborn fashion. "She has to allow you back! I'll give her a message, telling her that she can only have the two of us." He wiped his eyes. "I'll send Tink or Aurora to her. You'll see, she'll let you return." He sniffed loudly. "What is Neverland without Captain Hook?" He rubbed his nose with one sleeve.
"What is Neverland without Peter Pan?" James tossed out for consideration.
Chewing at his lip again, the boy murmured sadly, "Good form, Captain."
"Aye! Would you expect anything less?" The eyebrow was raised. It was meant as a tease and it was understood as such. A teary smile appeared on the youth's face, then he took another deep breath and leaned on the captain's chest.
One might assume that Peter's anger was born of a feeling of betrayal, that the man he had come to trust had won the love of the girl that Peter's boyish heart adored. But, despite his determined innocence in matters of the heart, he knew that Hook wasn't a rival, never had been. Once Wendy had been a child just like Peter, now she was a woman like Hook was a man. James was right. He, Peter, had chosen childhood instead of turning onto a new path, like he had done so often in the past. Now he had to face the consequences. Even more, now he was about to lose the two people he loved most. Love … Why everyone was so eager for it was beyond him! Sure it felt good at first – but it also could hurt like that spike of poisoned ice. Wiping one hand over his cheek, he sniffled. "Stupid feelings! I don't want them anymore."
This made Hook chuckle, and George almost smiled. "Everybody feels that way one day. To go on and to come out of it stronger, that's what makes the pain fade."
"Only to fall into the next stupid encounter," the boy mumbled.
"That's life," James replied. "And life-"
"- would be an awfully big adventure," Peter ended the sentence for him, remembering how the three Darling-siblings and the Lost Boys were welcomed into the fold of the family while he remained outside the window – a loss that had briefly brought him a longing regret.
Hook knew that Peter lived for adventure. Hell's bells, back then he had even looked forward to death as an 'awfully big adventure.' Hook was sure that the boy had only voiced his defiance, masking his fear when he was overpowered by the captain, claw raised to gut him. That Peter now thought life might be such an 'awfully big adventure' made James wonder if the boy might be referring to real life here, on the Mainland – after all Peter had already considered the possibility of remaining. But Hook didn't ask. The lad was finally calming down and he didn't want to inspire a new outburst. He exchanged a glance with Mr. Darling, who seemed to have lost some of his ire, watching Peter with sympathy. Catching the captain's gaze, he nodded at him, signaling that he would wait until Hook was done with the boy.
Peter was exhausted – emotionally and physically. It was no wonder that his eyes closed a few times, feeling safe in the man's arms despite the bad news he'd just heard. Everything was too much for him, and so he did what all children do when they have gone through a great turmoil: He slept.
James felt Peter slowly relax and waited a short time 'til the boy's breath had become steady and even. Only then he slipped his left arm beneath the child's knees and rose; pillow dropping to the floor. Carrying the boy to the settee, he gently placed him on it and covered him with the blanket and comforter again. Peter blinked up at him, eyes red from tears. He murmured something Hook didn't understand, but before he could ask, the boy dozed off. At another impulse, James combed his hand once through Peter's unruly hair, then straightened. For a moment he watched; sympathy and, oddly enough, pride moving his chest – as if Peter really were his son. And – dammit! – he was going to miss the little nuisance!
Then he remembered that a real father waited to talk to him, and, swallowing a yawn, he went to his desk, took his double cigar holder and three cigars, then his cape from the wardrobe. Throwing it around himself, he looked at Mr. Darling and then at the door. George nodded, rose and went out, the captain on his heels. The night was chilly.
"Let's not talk here," Hook murmured. "Follow me to the bow castle." Both men descended the companionway and crossed the main deck where Bollard and Robb were still at watch, nodding at their captain while warming their hands over an iron grill with a low fire. Taking one of the lamps fixed head high on the mainmast, Hook led his guest up to the bow castle to the railing at portside that faced the basin and the flood gates. George knew that here they were out of earshot of the two guards and the captain's quarters.
Hook fixed the lamp in his metal claw, opened it and then offered Mr. Darling one of the cigars; allowing him to light it on the flame. "Thanks," George murmured and accepted the cigar, but didn't use the candle in the lamp. Instead, he nipped the end toward him with a penknife, then took out a lighter he always carried with him. He saw the captain's confused gaze. "It's easier to use this than lighting a cigar at a lamp," he said quietly.
Fascinated, Hook watched the silver instrument in the other man's hand. "You carry fire in your pocket," he murmured, closing the lamp. He loaded his double-cigar-holder with his own cigars. He recognized the display of politeness as Mr. Darling wordlessly reached out with the new technology and lit the two cigars. "Thank you," James replied.
Both men remained silent for a minute or more, smoking in the dark. James' thoughts circled around the last minutes. George Darling was absorbing everything he'd witnessed in the captain's quarters – which were, he'd noticed, as elegant as Wendy had described them.
Taking a deep breath George said finally, "My compliments, Captain. The way you handled the situation with the boy …" He shook his head and sighed, "You would make a far better father than I ever was."
Surprised, James lifted both brows, then snorted, "I never imagined anyone would say that of me. I'm not particularly fond of children – never have been. But after what this rapscallion did to me, I developed a deep dislike for them." He lifted his metal claw.
Now it was George who lifted his brows. "Considering your 'deep dislike,' you showed a lot of compassion for the boy," he said wryly. "I never talked with my sons like you did with him. If a topic was unpleasant, I simply told them about it in no uncertain terms and expected acceptance and obedience. I never … explained myself or discussed anything with them. Not really." Something close to regret echoed in his voice.
"Hm, I mean no offense, Mr. Darling, but you seem to have difficulty in the general handling of your children," Hook mused. "Wendy followed Peter the first time to Neverland because you demanded that she grow up – something she wasn't ready for. Understandable, considering her age. In my time, girls of fourteen were regarded as grown enough to marry, but today young people seem to be expected to mature slower. Wendy was through and through a child when I first met her." He took a pull at his cigars, expelling smoke toward the sea. "Not that I mind that she ran away, otherwise I would never have met her. And I am certainly glad about her second visit to Neverland, when I came to know her better. We made … a sort of truce. If I remember correctly, she followed Peter the second time because of the prospect of being sent to a boarding school – initiated by you and your sister. Yes, you meant well, but well-intended is not always well-done."
"What do you mean?" George demanded.
Hook frowned. "You don't know? Smee told me that you spoke yesterday not only with your wife but also with John through this … that … device. John told you what happened in Neverland because of Ashford's 'visit' there – and he traveled to the island on the knowledge he got from Wendy's diaries. Someone must have given them to him." He looked pointedly at Mr. Darling.
"Viscount Ashford already knew about Neverland when he visited our house after Wendy and the boys accompanied Peter Pan back to his island last week," George said, explaining. "Yes, I was glad when he offered to follow my children and bring them back. I couldn't know that he would behave in such an underhanded manner. What happened on the island is certainly not my fault."
Hook had to tell him. "By giving the viscount Wendy's diaries, you not only provoked a figurative storm, but a whole hurricane. A hurricane which cost Indian and Fae lives, and now could cost Peter his eternal childhood."
"I will not take the blame for -"
"Ashford knew details about Neverland, the fairies, the mermaids, even about Peter and me he could only learn by reading Wendy's 'books' – her diaries. That's the reason why he and his men could outmaneuver us, which led the destruction on the island. And significant damage to my ship. This unfortunate outcome still affects everything! Not only my men, Peter and me, but also you and your whole family," Hook continued severely. "And, you need to realize, you abused your daughter's trust. Diaries are very private and you gave them to a stranger without permission. It's no wonder that she is quite angry with you."
"Captain Hook, surely you must realize I was worried about Wendy!" George said with some temper; feeling a stab that his sweet daughter might really be that angry with him. He knew her temper well enough. "As you said to the boy: She is a young woman now – a young woman among real dragons! And even I know a few of the old legends. And I knew that she would sooner or later visit your ship – a ship full of scoundrels. I don't mean to offend, but you ARE pirates – criminals. Of course I feared for her safety."
Hook retorted, "And endangered her, your sons, Peter and all the habitants of Neverland. The latter are still in danger. Whenever Peter isn't there, winter descends on the island. Can you imagine what will happen if he remains here too long or even cannot return? Eventually, a new Pan will be chosen, but knowing those blasted fairies it will take a while – a time when the other habitants will suffer in the cold, possibly starve. Ashford had no thought for them when he kidnapped Peter and gave him to an orphanage. He had no thought for Peter when his witch stole his blood to brew a potion for herself. He was only able to wreak such havoc in Neverland because he had the information from Wendy's diaries. Which you gave him! He had no thought for the creatures nesting and brooding in Neverland, the dragons. He stole their leader's son to obtain the dragon blood needed for a potion to cure the Ashford curse." He wasn't sure why he insisted on accusing the other man. He surely did not intend to cause such mayhem.
This was a lot for George to take, so he asked about the last point. "Ashford curse?" he asked, thinking he misheard the other man.
"That's what their family calls it. It seems all male members die before their time from a declining illness the doctors can't diagnose. Ashford followed Wendy to Neverland not from undying love, but to acquire dragon blood while posing as her rescuer. He expected you to give him Wendy's hand in marriage, and help solve his financial problems. At least this part is preventable, and I intend to thwart all of his plans. I have no other choice. He isn't done with us – not with me and not with Peter. And he can count on his witch's growing power if -"
"Wait!" Mr. Darling held up a hand. "You keep referring to 'his witch.' Of whom do you speak?" It was that moment George remembered that the viscount told him and Mary that his 'former nanny' would be able to open the portal to Neverland.
"An older woman who goes by the name Lunette," James sighed, confirming George's assumptions. And then he began to fill in the tale of the last few days to the other man, and what might lay ahead for them all …
*** PP *** PP ***
The glow on the table's surface was almost eerie, because the light was a sickly greenish-white. But what happened within this light and why was even more uncanny. As she breathlessly repeated the incantations, hundreds – thousands – of glass splinters were moving in a circle, some larger, others smaller, a few were nothing more than glittering dust. But they all moved in the same direction, like a swarm of asteroids far away from Earth was doing around the sun. They spun like a tiny hurricane, gradually growing smaller as her voice grew louder, more shrill. Then a few began to lift themselves, still circling around the same invisible core. The light grew brighter, the shape grew smaller, the speed grew faster, her voice now a screech. Then everything slowed, faded, and finally stopped – reformed into: A ball. The quiet darkness tingled.
Brynna Lunette knew the power that had filled her to the brim had left her. Trembling with exhaustion, out of breath, she braced herself on the tabletop with quivering hands. She didn't need a mirror to know that this act of magic had cost her – that her hair was streaked with more silver, and that her eyes had sunk into more wrinkles. But it was worth the effort. She looked at the crystal ball she had re-formed from the splinters carefully swept from the floor the day before, and saved in a bowl. The crystal ball wasn't flawless as before; cracks spread through it like the veins of a leaf, but it didn't matter. It could still be her 'magical eye'.
Taking it carefully with both hands, she placed it into the bowl with water. Then she took a small bag from her skirt pocket, opened it and removed a single sand-colored hair. Smiling, she held it up. It hadn't been easy to find the few hairs in the blanket and the straw he'd used in the dungeon, but she had been through every inch. Placing it into the water as she had done with Wendy's hairs, she began to invoke her power afresh. Her strength had changed – increased – and therefore the crystal ball didn't show Neverland again; this time its magic bent to Brynna's will and spread invisible fingers to locate the owner of the hair, just as she directed.
A mist rose in the crystal ball, then as it cleared it showed a room of wood. A few candles were lit, and Brynna recognized the old style of furniture, the carvings. The window facing the dock told her she was looking at a large cabin of a sailing ship. Shalford's cabin. So the boy stayed with him, she thought. Bending forward, she peered at the image in the crystal ball, the settee, the shape that rested under the comforter.
"Sleep well, boy, your days and nights are numbered."
Then she felt it – another being, not as powerful as she, but strong enough to make itself known. Blinking, she tilted her head. There! For a moment she thought she was seeing wings flying through the image within the crystal ball while yellow eyes over a hooked beak that peered into her.
Hastily, she gestured with her hands and the image vanished. It works better than I thought – but I really want to know who that intrusive owl is. She threw a critical glance at the simmering potion in a small cauldron that was almost ready to be used. Only one ingredient was still missing: The dragon blood. Looking down into the 'nest' made of bricks and stones, she grimaced. How long did this ridiculous lizard need to hatch? She was certain that it would happen soon, but until now the egg lay silent and motionless there.
And, as if the unborn dragon sensed the danger, he only shifted after the witch had left the room.
Lunette went to Dalton's study and made a call to London. A moment later she heard the viscount's voice through the line. "It works," she told him. "The boy didn't go with the Darlings but remained with Shalford aboard his ship. Make certain someone is always by your phone. As soon as the boy is somewhere out in the open and unwatched, I'll let you know. Hopefully we can snatch him without staging another race through London." She only smiled unpleasantly as she heard her former charge groan, and ended the call quickly. She would keep her promise; she would finish this potion for him and his father, but far more important was for her to get that boy back – Peter Pan. Whatever had gone wrong with the potion that gave her back her youth for a few hours, she would make certain that this time everything would run smoothly – and damn the cost!
TBC…
Ooookaaaay, that ran rather well given all the facts poor Peter had to face. But I think, Hook really showed what kind of father slumbers in him. Who had ever thought that he would be able to so much sympathy and care – and especially towards Peter Pan? Yes, those two went down a very looooong road to their current relationship.
And who wants to know how the talk between Hook and Mr. Darling will go, has to wait for the next chapter.
I really hope you liked the new update and I would be very happy to get some feedback. You know, reviews are the food of fanfiction-writers and at the moment I'm 'starving'.
Have a nice rest of the weekend,
Love
Yours Lywhn