Saving Peter

Chapter 37: Hook

I carefully climb out of the dingy after tying it up. I had requested that my brother and two crew members who were the best fighters to accompany me but stay in the boat unless absolutely necessary. I might have to face her with honor, but I am still a pirate and do not have to abide by the typical rules of combat. I can have back up. I can bring some others to help me. Not that I need their help, but it's nice to know that they're there if I need them. 

For this little show down I decided to do everything I could to stack the odds in my favor. I have on my captain's coat but this time I have it closed up tight and even fastened the belt with my cutlass on it over my coat to be sure that it won't get in my way. I also have on my hat, normally I wouldn't wear my hat if I know I'll be fighting, but it will help keep my wild curls in check since I didn't want to waste time trying to tame them. Even the blade I took with me is a special choice. It isn't the normal cutlass I have with me, but the one my father gave to me before I came to the island. 

I step into the main cavern of the large rocky island. In the center is a large raised platform. A spiral staircase like rock formation that leads up to it, each step varying in width and size. The walls are covered in intricate carvings. It's actually a surprising sight to find in a place that looks so different on the outside. The contrast is surprising to anyone that doesn't already know this is what the small rocky island is like. 

I only manage to take a few steps before I hear her call down to me from where she is on the main platform in the center. Apparently she's been expecting me. Not that much of a surprise. But being able to surprise her would have given me another advantage. "It's time to end this Darling!" I declare with confidence. I start to make my way towards her. 

I can see her smirk from here. "I agree. Though I don't know how you plan on beating me now. I'm gaining the magic of the island. Growing in power by the second. You don't have a chance." Her tone is overly confident. 

I resist the urge to roll my eyes and maintain my stony expression. I can feel my fury boiling just below the surface though. I push it down and focus. This is no time to let my guard down and not take the situation absolutely seriously. I draw my cutlass and continue my slow but steady march towards her. "Power doesn't guarantee victory. I've fought magical beings before and won. Don't consider yourself special." 

"I doubt you've met one like me." Her confidence is so strong in her voice I would seriously argue that she is getting overconfident. 

I narrow my eyes at her and point my blade at her in challenge. "Enough taunting. Let's get started." 

I watch as she looks me over carefully, her gaze settling on the blade in my hand. She turns her gaze down to her own hand, a look on concentration crossing her face. Moments later a blade with an intricate handle appears in her hand. She swings it experimentally, probably testing the weight. But her inexperience is apparent in the gesture as well. Now the urge to roll my eyes is getting hard. She follows my example and points her own blade at me in challenge. "What are you waiting for, Pirate? An invitation?" 

She gets into a ready stance and I follow her lead. My blade a comforting weight in my hand. It's like having my father with me in this fight. And I know that if he's with me, there is no way I can lose. 

Once again I am not disappointed or surprised when she strikes first. This time it isn't out of impatience but out of overconfidence. I do not sidestep her this time. I match her blow for blow, watching her closely. She was not lying when she said that she was more powerful than last time. I can feel her strength with every connection of our blades. But I have dueled with both Peter and a Fae. Without even knowing it, I have been training for this my entire life. Or is it afterlife? It doesn't matter. 

I have learned from my many years of dueling with my father, Peter, and Tink that it is never about power. It is about outthinking your opponent. It is about experience. And I have over a century of experience over her. 

With Wendy being so over confident it is only a matter of time before she slips up. I watch her very closely as we exchange blows. And my patience pays off. Even though we have been moving all around the cave. The sounds of our blades meeting echoing around the space. But as much confidence as she has, she isn't focusing on her surroundings. She misses a step between levels and stumbles. 

I take this opportunity to pull my hook from my belt with my free hand. I swipe my leg to throw her balance off even more. This doesn't have the desired affect though as she takes to the air. So, she likes to cheat like Peter. That's fine. I know how to handle that. I continue the duel with her, this time pushing her towards the wall. I make sure to hit our blades especially hard not only against each other but also against the wall near her head. The resounding echo is louder than any of the previous ones. This distracts her and she falls back to the ground. 

I feel a sense of satisfaction and a thrill fill me as I know that my victory is in hand. I raise my leg and kick her in the chest as hard as possible. I watch as her eyes widen and she stumbles and falls back. 

I kneel next to her quickly and drive my blade up under her ribs and my hook deep into her neck for good measure. I do all of this as quickly as possible, knowing that I have to finish the job before she recovers. I wait for a few moments, panting. 

After I catch my breath I look at her and know that she's dead. I pull my hook and cutlass back and sigh. Both of them and my hands are soaked in her blood. I knew this would be the outcome. But I still hoped there was another way to resolve the situation. This is not a responsibility I want. I look down at her in distaste and wipe my blade and hook with her dress before I turn and leave the cave. I might not enjoy this responsibility, but I know I am the only one who can do it. I know my father would be proud of me. And I take that thought and cherish is as I exit the cave without a second glance.