Happily Ever After

Chapter Twenty-Two-The Light of Day

Hook unlocked the cell door and stood there and watched as I awkwardly got up and exited. He took the lead and we walked down the corridor of the cells toward the opening of light at the end.

As we walked, Hook said, "Don't worry, love, I will try and get you some better clothes, but due to the fact that there's no women on board, we don't have some at the moment."

I frowned. The rags that were this dress were horrible and didn't cover enough to make me feel comfortable, the idea of training in them wasn't pleasing.

Hook continued on. "Now here are some rules so you don't get yourself killed on my ship. For starters, don't speak to anyone unless spoken to. The crew isn't used to you and will more than likely see any interruption by you as offending. You can talk to me only because you're technically a guest, just know that if you get yourself punched, I won't help.

"Secondly, do what you're told. Whether you're training or just relaxing, if someone ask you to do something, be obedient.

"Thirdly, this crew hates Peter Pan. They also hate the Queen. Do yourself a favor and don't mention either. They know Peter took you to Neverland and they know the Queen wants you dead. But they don't really understand who you are, so be careful. They're my crew, but that doesn't mean they believe you can help us like I do.

"And lastly, don't insult the cooking. Jerry will probably slit your throat if you say one bad thing against his precious meals."

He turned to face me just as we approached the stairway up. "You'll be staying in a little lodge next to my room and I'll make sure nothing serious happens to you. But still be careful and be alert, you hear me?"

I nodded.

"Any questions?"

I bit my lip, thinking. "Do you think the Queen will come after us?"

He shrugged. "If she finds out, definitely. That's why we must get your gem as soon as possible. Anything else?"

"Nope."

"Alright, lets go. Stay close." He said.

He lead me up the stairs into something that I haven't seen in a long time it feels: sunlight. It was the first thing I took in once I reached the top, the gorgeous heat that immediately rushed into my senses and caused me to feel so refreshed. Just for one moment I felt relaxed, like a flower that was about to bloom in the evening sun. The next thing I took in ruined the moment: the silence. I looked around and immediately saw a hug group of at least 20 to 30 men staring at me. The variety of the crew was shocking, from tall to short, stout to stick-like, dark to white, muscular to skinny, the list goes on. It's like they were all waiting for me, as Hook led me to the middle of the deck next to the mast, where I immediately saw my blue bird sitting on one of the ropes. I haven't seen it as often due to constantly being with Peter in the last couple weeks...or months, so seeing it now was quite a shock. I smiled slightly at it, since it was a comfort to see an old friend, but then my gaze returned the crew.

They all gathered around us, forming a circle. I gulped as I look at all of them, with their swords and guns that didn't exactly look like guns. I leaned towards Hook almost instinctively as he started speaking. "Men!" He shouted, luring everyone in that wasn't already.

"This is Wendy. She is going to become one of us and will aid us in our attempts to dethrone the Queen. So she is a part of our crew, treat her as you will." Then he creased his eyebrows and his eyes became a fiery green that I can only describe as rage. "And if any of you attempt to kill her, I will make sure your death is so slow that you will wish the Crocodile got you first. Understood?" He explained.