Pirate King

Chapter 2: A Pirate in the Making

As the darkness began to consume Peter and his Lost Boys, another story was unfolding outside of Neverland. James Callum Jones, known to most as Captain Hook, begins long before he set foot on the shores of Neverland.

As a young boy growing up in a small coastal village, where the sea was his constant companion. For you see, James had a different childhood than Peter, one of discipline and structure. His father was a naval officer and James followed in his footsteps, joining the navy at a young age. He quickly rose through the ranks, known for his bravery and strategic thinking in battles.

With each new promotion came a new level of responsibility, and James began to feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. Despite his successes, James was never content. He longed for something more, something that would give his life purpose and meaning. And then, one fateful day, he received a letter that would change everything.

The letter was from an old acquaintance, a man by the name of Smee, who had heard of James's exploits and wanted to recruit him for a new venture. Smee promised adventure, riches, and the chance to make a name for himself like never before.

James was skeptical at first, but as he read on, he felt a flicker of excitement stir within him. And so, against his better judgment, he set sail with Smee and a band of fellow adventurers, determined to make his mark on the world.

Reading the letter from Smee with a furrowed brow, he could hardly believe what his crazy friend wanted to do. Smee had gotten some intel about where the dreaded pirate Black Beard was going to be, and Smee swore he had a plan on how they could capture him once and for all. James had always been ambitious and daring, and this was the chance he had been waiting for, though risky it may be. He quickly gathered his belongings and set out to meet Smee, his trusted right-hand man.

James and Smee had met years before in a chance encounter that had turned into a lifelong friendship. Smee had been working in a tavern when James, then a young sailor in the navy, had stumbled in looking for a drink. They had hit it off immediately, bonding over their shared love of adventure and danger.

Now, as James approached the meeting spot, he saw Smee waiting for him. Smee had aged since they had last met, but his eyes still sparkled with the same mischievousness that James remembered. They exchanged greetings and quickly got down to business, planning their strategy for taking down Black Beard and his crew.

As they set sail on their adventure, James felt a thrill of excitement that he had never experienced before. He knew that this was the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one filled with danger, adventure, and the possibility of great riches.

James and Smee were aboard the ship as it sailed towards Black Beard's territory. James was pacing back and forth, muttering under his breath, while Smee watched him with concern.

"You seem nervous, Captain," Smee said finally.

James shot him a sharp look. "Of course I'm nervous," he replied. "Black Beard is the most feared pirate on the seas. He's killed more men than I care to count."

Smee chuckled nervously. "Yes, well, that's true enough. But we have the element of surprise on our side. And with your skills and leadership, I'm sure we can take him down."

James stopped pacing and glared at Smee. "You think I'm crazy for doing this, don't you?"

Smee hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Aye, I do. But I also think you're brave for facing your fears head-on."

James snorted. "Brave or foolish, I suppose it doesn't matter. We're here now, and we're going to see this through."

Smee nodded in agreement, and they continued to make their way toward Black Beard's ship. James couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement mixed with fear as they got closer and closer. He knew that this battle could very well be his last, but he was determined to give it his all.