Before Pan (OUAT fanfiction)

20: Solace on the Sea

"Well if it isn't Jessica Mallory?" the voice of Captain Hook greeted, "It is the catch of the day."

The pirate captain was drenched. His men were racing all over the ship to keep it steady in the storm. 

"I don't have time to trade insults," my eyes flash warningly, "I need to get back to the island!"

"Hold on," Hook crossed his arms, "That means sailing head first into danger. I don't want my men to be affected by the Blight."

"You know about it?" I asked him.

Hook nodded his head, "I do. While I wasn't around for the first one, I was there throughout the second with Wendy Darling. It was horrendous. Luckily my men and I were able to hide out to survive it. That is where we are heading now if we can make it."

"If it means taking me back to some kind of shore, then do what you need to do," I raise my hands in surrender.

"Glad you are starting to see things my way," Hook grinned then ordered his men, "Keep those sails strong!"

"Aye Captain!" His crew shouted. 

"Just where is this hidden location?" I asked while holding onto a rope.

"It wouldn't be a secret if I told you."

"Fair enough," I had the faintest of grins on my face. 

In no time, the ship pulled into a hidden cove. The seas were still rough, but compared to the open waters it was much calmer. Hook's men decided to rest in shifts while I found myself sitting on a crate. Beside me was the captain himself. He took a swig of his rum and passed me the bottle. I mirrored his actions and tossed it back to him. 

"You drink like your father," the pirate laughed.

I froze and glanced at him. I wasn't surprised that he knew of my father. What I was more surprised about was how casual his tone was. 

Noticing this, Hook elaborated, "Cayden was a man who was heavily invested in the lives of those inhabiting the island. Whether they were endemic or visiting, he made sure to visit each one. Even the dangerous entities. It was shocking to me that he wasn't killed while doing so. Nope, every denizen on the island had a mutual respect for him."

"I never got to meet him, but he seems nice," I say dryly, "Unfortunately he met Wendy Darling."

Sensing my irritation, the pirate stared into the trees, "Did you know I held her and her brothers hostage on my ship when they first came here?"

"Really?" I couldn't hide my smile.

"I never liked the girl," Hook continued, "She always seemed to have a trick up her sleeve. I managed to outsmart her once and make her walk the plank. Unfortunately, the demon was there to catch her before she plummeted into the ocean depths. It would've done us all a huge favour. Then again, you wouldn't be here if that succeeded."

I cracked a dry smile, "Well, thanks for the courtesy. I never knew the witch. If I ever see her step foot back on this island, I won't let her leave."

"That's cutthroat lass," Hook glanced over towards me.

I shrugged my shoulders, "It's just survival. Now tell me how exactly you got that hook?"

The pirate's face became crestfallen as he recalled the bitter memory, "I fell in love with a brave young woman at a tavern. Unlike previous Lasses, this one was interested in my adventures across the different realms. She had been trapped in a disastrous marriage and sought out an escape. We even faked her death to allow her to escape her lack-lustered life. However, our happily ever after was not to be. Her husband eventually stumbled upon our ship to look for her. He was nothing more than the village coward. Little did I know the darkness that lurked within. He returned one day more powerful than ever. He killed her right in front of me. Crushed her heart and she died in my arms. He then proceeded to cut my hand off and escape. Since then I vowed to kill the crocodile. I vowed to kill the Dark One."