Hook and Tinkerbell: A Wish Realm/Hyperion Heights Love Story

Chapter 25: Pride is a Dangerous Thing

In the tower, Alice tosses and turns in her sleep dreaming, while her papa sleeps nearby.

Dream Hook says, "That painting is gorgeous, Alice. The calm before the storm."

Dream Alice replies, "I don't think I like it."

"How is that possible? It might be your best one yet," Dream Hook asks.

"It's... I mean, it's beautiful. It's just... it makes me want to see the real ocean. I'm done painting for a while," Dream Alice replies, sadly.

Dream Hook says, his heart breaking for his little girl, "I'm sorry you're trapped in here, Starfish. I know it's not fair. But you know what? I might have something that'll make you smile. I was saving it for your birthday, but today is better." He hands her a small box, hoping it makes her smile again.

"Is it sand?" Dream Alice asks, touching the contents.

Dream Hook, smiles and says, "Well, I figured if I couldn't take you to the sea, then I'd bring a piece of the sea to you."

"Thank you, Papa. I love you," Dream Alice says smiling.

Dream Hook replies, "I love you, too." He begins gasping and choking for his breath.

Dream Alice cries, "Papa! What's wrong? Papa! What's happening to you?! Papa!"

Dream Gothel says coldly, "I am," as she's holding out her hand using her magic to squeeze his throat.

Dream Alice screams, "No!" as Hook goes flying out of the window.

Alice wakes up screaming and panting, frantic from her nightmare.

Hook wakes up and rushes over to his daughter, "Hey. Don't worry. It was just a bad dream."

Alice, still trying to catch her breath, says, "I saw the witch again. She's coming for me."

"It was just a nightmare," her papa reassures her.

Alice argues, "It's not! It's real! You have to believe me."

Hook says, "You do see the world in a special way, Alice. If you say the dream means something, then I believe you." He gets up and puts on his boots and straps on his sword.

Alice looks at him and asks, "What are you doing?"

Hook tells her, "Making sure the dream doesn't come true. I'm getting you out of this tower, once and for all."

Alice asks, "But how? You've tried everything. Will we go find Tinkerbell once I'm free?"

Hook says, "Almost everything. The truth is... there is one more thing I can try. It's a dark path that I always feared to take, but I don't have any other choice. Keep this close by (hands her the black knight chess piece) to remember me. And yes, we will go find Tinkerbell once I've freed you."

Alice says fearfully, "Okay, but I'm scared, Papa. What if something happens to you? What happens to me?"

Hook says, "Come on. I'll be fine. And I swear... I will return as soon as I can."

Alice says, "Then take this to remember me." She hands him the black rook chess piece.

Hook smiles at her, "My little rook. You are the bravest girl I know. Look, soon all of this will be over, and all the chess pieces will be together again." He gives her a hug and kiss and climbs out the window.

A short time later, Hook enters a dark cave and walks toward the prison cell. He can hear the prisoner giggling.

Hook calls out, as he nears the prison cell, "Come out where I can see you."