Captain's Captive

Isle of Fae

The oil in the lamp had long been burned by the time the sound of leather boots echoed outside the door. Hook shoved the door open, his eyes scanning the room to find the wisp of a girl half-asleep at the piano bench, his own captain's log resting in her hands.

"Spying for your friend Pan, lass?" He questioned as she stirred awake, rubbing her eyes as Hook shrugged out of his coat and hung it on the back of the door.

"Hardly...besides I doubt he would take much interest in the happenings of a pirate ship."

"But you do?" Another chuckle escaped his lips as he moved to his desk, taking the book from her hands in the process.

Wendy moved to the chair opposite the desk, her curiosity getting the better of her as she watched him retrieve a rolled map and compass from the desk drawer. "Is that a map of Neverland?"

"Aye, and then some." He answered dismissively, his Hook unfurling the rolled page to reveal a series of hand drawn islands and outcroppings of land separated by vast oceans.

Wendy moved to look over his shoulder, studying the drawings before her. "The Isle of Fae, I've never heard of it. What is it?"

"Just what it says lass. Home of the fairies. And our next destination." He glanced at her over his shoulder, and Wendy quickly became keenly aware of how close they were standing.

Moving to create distance, she cleared her throat. "Why? I thought the fairies loathed pirates for their greed and ruthlessness."

The captain laughed with genuine amusement, leaning back to prop his boots up on the table. "Have ye ever met a fairy? They're not all dripping with kindness like your tales, girl."

"I am not a girl, and I would appreciate it if you would stop referring to me as such."

Before she could take another breath, he was on his feet hand gripping her waist as he backed her against the wall. "You're no woman, not yet...which is just what I need. You see lass, like most magical things, the fae are drawn to young maidens...pure, innocent...and that's how you'll stay, if I have to slit the throat of every man on this ship to see to it."

"Even your own?" Wendy said the words before she had even realized it, uneasiness immediately stealing over her.

"Don't tempt me, lass." Hook replied, shoving away from her to retrieve the bottle of rum from his desk. "Ye can take the bed."

She watched him for a long moment as he moved to the piano, clearly done with their conversation as he poured himself a drink and began to play. She watched him for a long moment, his long fingers fluttering gracefully over the keys as his hook and hand moved in unison.

She was surprised by his skill, and for once couldn't help but wonder who Captain Hendry Oliver Orion Killroy had been before he was Hook. The song he played was unfamiliar, a sad lilting sound that seemed to flow like water into a slowly sinking ship.

When at last his fingers stopped playing, she moved to the edge of the bed with a yawn. "You play beautifully, please don't stop on my account."

"As you wish, miss Wendy." He gave her a playful bow, his fingers returning to the black and white keys before him as she settled herself into the bed.

"Why are we going to the Isle of the Fae?" She asked with a yawn, lying on her side to face him as he played a gentle melody.

"Pan's magic comes from a fairy. Only fairy magic can defeat him." He closed his eyes, letting his fingers dance over the keys.

"Do you think they will help us?"

"Us?" He questioned with a smirk, quirking and eyebrow at her. "Have ye joined the crew then?" Hook teased with a grin.

"I'm afraid I'd make a terrible pirate. I've never held more than a butter knife in my whole life."

"A terrible pirate indeed. We'll have to remedy that." He could tell his words had surprised her, but he didn't miss the excitement written on her face either.

"Truly? You would teach me to use a sword?"

"Rapier. And aye. Another blade is always welcome when it isn't at your throat."

Wendy giggled, shaking her head at his terrible joke. "Thank you. Goodnight, Captain."

"Goodnight, mate."

Hook watched her sleep for some time before finally seizing her bottle of rum and making his way out onto the main deck. The ship was quiet, all except the sound of the waves lapping at the sides and the breeze that rustled the heavy sails.

"Can't sleep, cap'n?" Smee appeared at his elbow, the old man eyeing him wisely as the captain offered to share his drink.

"No. My mind won't allow it. Too busy thinking, I suppose." He grumbled.

"Aye, but of what, sir? A pretty little maiden perhaps?" Smee took a long drink from the bottle and handed it back to him.

"The girl is a means to an end, Smee. Nothing more. And when all is said and done, I'll return her home as promised." Hook said firmly, leaning against the side of the ship.

"Aye Cap'n, I know you'll keep your word. But will ye be able to forgive yourself for it, I wonder?" the old man patted him on the back with a sigh before turning, leaving Hook alone with the thoughts that now invaded his mind. Not of Pan or vengeance, but of the tiny little blonde with adventurous eyes that laid in his bed.

"Damn you Smee."