Saving Peter

Chapter 29: Hook

I'm lounging on the railing of the upper deck of my ship, enjoying the wind in my face. It's days like this with the fair weather and the waves aren't too rough that I really enjoy. Not that I mind it when the waves are rough. My father taught me how to weather out a storm and rough waves on the Jolly Roger. And when to use them to my advantage. So I am just as calm and confident captaining in a storm as I am on these fair weather days. 

I had planned to take us out onto the waters again today. Nothing helps me think in stressful times than sailing through familiar waters. Feeling the sea air on my face. Watching the wind power our sails. That is my happy place. That is home. 

I glance at the helm when I hear the voice of one of my crew. "You got a destination in mind, Cap'n?" The crew member who is at the wheel asks. I smile seeing that their gaze doesn't stray from the horizon, a good habit to have when you're the one steering the ship. Clearly I have taught my crew well. 

I shrug with a content smile. "Surprise me kid." I turn my gaze out over the horizon as well. 

I don't have to be looking at him to know he is smiling in response to my reply. "You got it!" He turns the wheel and the ship turns. 

There is a commotion that catches our attention and causes us to pause our progress. I look over the deck to see that my brother is arguing with someone. I can't be sure but it looks like the older Darling boy. I sigh. I better get down there before it escalates beyond just an argument. I push off the railing in a jump off the upper deck to land lightly on the lower deck with a surprising amount of grace. Without missing a beat I stroll my way towards the two. 

"I have to talk to her!" John insists. 

"The Captain is busy. If you have something important to say, I can relay a message." My first mate tries to respond calmly, but I know him well enough to know that he is struggling to keep his frustration and anger in check. 

I come up right behind my brother and put a gentle calming hand on his shoulder. "It's alright. I can take it from here." I step around him and turn my attention to the boy who boarded my ship. I'm going to ignore the fact that he somehow got out here without us knowing, and that he boarded my ship without permission. "You said you need to talk to me?" 

He nods his head insistently. "Yes. It's Wendy. She's loosing it. She came to me yesterday asking me to help her solve some riddle or map or something." 

This catches my attention instantly. "She asked you for help? So she hasn't figured it out yet?" 

He scrunches his face in confusion. "No. Does that mean something to you?" 

I nod without thinking. After all, I have no way of knowing that he is really trying to help me, or if he is actually here to get information for his sister. "Yeah. But it's nothing you need to worry about right now. Thank you for telling me. Did she say anything else?" 

He shakes his head. "Not that I can think of. She's obsessed. She's been talking for a while about wanting to get eternal life. Like in the stories of Neverland that our mother used to tell us. I always thought it was just talk or she was just saying things, you know? But now, she's insane. She's doing things I never thought she would to get what she wants. She said if I get in her way she won't think twice just because I'm her brother." 

I think on his words for a moment. This new information gives us a better idea of what she is after and why she is doing the things she is doing. Which is helpful. It could help us prepare, strategize. Win. 

I look up at the boy. "Thanks for the information." 

He nods and looks around the ship a little unsure what to do now. 

I glance around too.  "We're a little far out for you to head back to shore. So I guess you'll have to join us today. You'll have to pull your weight though." He nods in his understanding and agreement to my words. I glance around the crew before calling one of them over. "Ray, come over here!" 

The crew member, a boy who looks about twelve with sun bleached blond hair and caramel colored eyes, comes over to us. "You called?" 

I nod. "Yeah. He's going to be tagging along with us today. I want you to keep an eye on him. Show him the ropes. Think you can handle that?" 

The boy smiles mischievously at me. "Course I can." He turns to the Darling boy and offers a hand in greeting. "My name's Ray. Rascal Ray. I'm going to be showing you what to do today." 

John shakes his hand and introduces himself and they go off to do their work around the ship. I feel my brother looking at me and I roll my eyes. "What is it now?"

"Are you sure that was a good idea? Pairing him up with Rascal Ray?" 

I hold in the laugh that threatens to spill out at his words. "Ray's come a long way since he first came here. He'll be fine." 

There's a moment of silence that passes between us. But, as is the norm these days the quiet doesn't last and my brother breaks the peace once again. "What are you going to do?" 

I act like I don't know what he's talking about. "About what?" 

He rolls his eyes at me. "About what he told you. You know she's out there. You know she has the map. You know what she wants now. What are you going to do?" 

I shrug, because I honestly don't know at the moment. At least not at this exact moment. But I will think of something, I always do. "Let's just try to have a nice day. Without worrying about someone trying to destroy us or take over the island or endanger the Fae. Let's just take a day. Let's just have today. Okay?" 

He nods, "Okay. I'll give you today." He knows better than to push the issue right now. He wanders away from me, joining the rest of the crew in taking us out to sea. 

I go back to where I was lounging on the railing of the upper deck and watch the crew. I take special note of my brother, Ray, and John as I watch them all do daily duties on the ship. With most of the chores finished for now a lot of the crew is either lounging, waiting for their next job, or they practice their sword work. I notice John watching those who are practicing with a sort of fascination. 

I smile and pull myself down from my perch. I make my way towards where John and Ray are watching some of the others. I glance between the practicing crew members and John. "Do you want to try?" I offer, giving him a knowing look. 

John looks at me, startled. He clearly didn't see me approach. "I- what?" 

I tilt my head towards the practicing crew members. "Do you want to try?" 

He shakes his head hesitantly. "I don't know how." 

I laugh. "That's fine. I was the only one who knew how before coming here. We'll teach you." 

Ray seems to be catching on to what I'm thinking since he grabbed one of the spare blades and is holding it out to me. I take it and offer it to John. "Take it." He does so, if a little hesitantly. I smile encouragingly. "Now, we teach you."