Chapter Text
There are only two things that could make a Pirate Captain shake with fear out on the open water. The idea of losing their home to those black depths; watching everything they had worked for disappear in minutes, and the dreaded Sirens. As it were, a visit from the second usually lead to the first. All it took was a few of those beautiful voices drifting up from the sea and everything was over. The crew would perish first, pulled under by the vixens after falling under their spell. Then down went the ship when there was no one left for them to take. Pirates avoided waters known to be infested with the sea creatures. There were far too many stories of drowned seamen who had hoped they could win over the creatures in the end. It always ended in death.
Captain Hook however, feared neither of these things. The man was a ruthless Captain, taking whatever he wanted without fear of consequences. There was no being in the realm who had not heard of the infamous Hook and his ship, The Jolly Roger. He was undefeated among Pirates and Noblemen. Watching him swing his sword was like watching a dance. He had the grace and movement of a man who had practiced with his weapon many, many times. It was a sight to see if you weren't on the other end of his blade. Many had taken to fleeing at just the sight of his ship. Alas, there was no vessel that could match the speed of his own. He would come upon them with ease, his crew firing the cannons and swinging over to take what treasures they could find before it all went down.
No, Captain Hook did not fear losing his ship to any man.
One of the most famous stories that traveled from person to person about Hook was that he constantly braved mermaid infested waters to save time on journeys, or to avoid the King’s ships after a fight. No Captain could fathom the idea; risking their crew and their ship just to save some time. And yet, Hook did it on almost every voyage. He did not fear the water vixens and it only made him more ruthless in people’s eyes. Many watched in awe as he disembarked after making port, the tail of one of the dreaded creatures slung over his shoulder. He didn’t bring them back often, but everyone knew what sort of price something so rare would have fetched. And then they would drink away the night in the town’s tavern, spending their riches on ale and women.
One man found himself brave enough to approach the Captain’s First Mate, Smee, a man who was rarely seen apart from his Captain and without his red hat. The man wasn't sure why, but the pirate had chosen to sit on his own for a moment during one night of celebration. No one dared to ask the Captain himself, so he was a wise second choice. The unknown sailor dropped himself down across from Smee, setting a new glass of ale in front of the pirate. There was silence for a moment between the two, and Smee made no movement to pick up the glass.
Finally the sailor blurted out, “Your Captain does not fear mermaid waters. Do you not fear sailing under his command?” Smee sat still for a few moments, watching the man. He reached out for the drink sitting between them, sliding it over to himself in silence. He picked it up and sipped at the amber liquid. Just as the sailor debated picking himself up and returning to his own crew without an answer Smee set the glass down and cleared his throat. “I do not fear sailing under my Captain’s command.” He started, his fingers tightening around the handle on the glass. “He does not fear Sirens because their songs do not affect him. He is def to their songs.” He grinned at the man’s shocked face and picked up his drink before walking back to where the rest of his crew were enjoying themselves, their loud voices carrying across the entire tavern.
Let the sailor think over that. He thought as he rejoined the familiar men. He would allow no man to insinuate that sailing under Captain Hook was anything other than rewarding.
And by morning, there were new stories circulating around. Captain Hook did not feel the pull that all men felt from a Siren’s song. What sort of man was he?
Killian Jones stood behind the wheel of his ship, watching the horizon as The Jolly Roger sailed perfectly on course. It had been a fine day of sailing with a breeze that had pushed them along at a comfortable pace. It was rare to find a day where things went so well. Of course, because things had been in their favour all morning the night was going to be a bit more difficult. Slowly the sun was dropping lower and lower. Though the men trusted their Captain, there was always a strain between them at this time. Their good fortune had put them well ahead of schedule, meaning they were entering Mermaid waters at night instead of during the early morning hours as had originally been planned. The crew knew that the creatures attacked at any time of day, but there was something so much worse about facing them when the sun was gone.
“Have the lanterns lit up Smee.” Killian ordered from his position. His First Mate gave a quick nod and an, “Aye Captain.” Before scurrying off to get the task done. While his crew may have been worried about their coming evening, he was not. This was nothing new or special. They would sail through as they always did and not a single man would be lost to the dangerous creatures now lurking somewhere below his ship.
The crew continued their work as Killian sailed them on, his eyes constantly scanning the water for the first sign of life. It was rare to experience a Mermaid attack in regular waters, but it was guaranteed in areas like this. As they continued on the light slowly faded until sunset had passed. The only light came from the stars above them and the lanterns lit all around the wooden deck. Smee double-checked each one again, ensuring they were securely latched and wouldn’t start a fire aboard the vessel. He then returned to his Captain’s side and joined him in the watch.
Killian had no idea how much time had passed when it happened. It could have been mere minutes, or it could have been hours. He didn’t worry about such things when on watch in waters like this. Smee began to sway at his side, a glazed look coming over his eyes. The smaller man muttered a low, “Captain.” Before his eyes lost all focus. The songs had started and finally the attack was upon them. Without pause Killian set into his routine. He unwound a length of rope from around the wheel and wrapped it around his First Mate’s wrist before the man could take a single step. He watched Smee lean as far as the rope would allow him, but it held strong and the man was stuck there, listening to the song that couldn’t reach Killian’s ears. One down, only the rest of his crew to take care of.
He pulled his sword from the sheath at his hip and hopped down to his main deck. “Alright ladies, put on a good show for me tonight.” He taunted, starting his work.
Killian had first heard about Sirens from his brother Liam on their very first voyage together. He had always thought they were a myth to scare men away from the sea and keep a handle on piracy. His brother assured him the creatures were very, very real and would not think twice about drowning a man. The Captain of the vessel they sailed on had added a few extra days to their voyage just to avoid waters they knew to house mermaids.
“It’s their songs.” His brother had said, a relaxed tone to his voice despite the dark topic they were on. They had settled down for the night below deck, Killian sleeping in the net hammock hanging above his brother’s. “They are more beautiful than any woman on land, but that’s what helps trap you under their spell. While you’re captivated by their beauty, the creatures sing. And then you’re done for. There is no way to escape a Siren’s song. You’ll want her and only her. And when you’re begging for their attention they reach up and drag you under.”
It had scared him, the idea that there was no way to stop himself once he heard their songs. How could he avoid such a fate if there was no way to block out the songs if the Sirens chose to sing? Liam had assured them they were all safe. That was why the Captain had planned their route so carefully. And yet, it sat with Killian for the rest of that voyage.
Fate, it seemed, was on his side. Not once did he come across the dreaded creatures as he continued to sail with his brother. They made countless voyages for their king, delivering cargo and carrying important passengers across the land. And though he feared each trip would be the one where he would lose himself to the Mermaids, each time they made port with ease.
Killian didn’t experience his first mermaid attack until after the very last voyage he would ever take with his brother. Their king had lied and his brother had been so sure the dreamshade couldn't be poison that the fool had tried to prove it, killing himself in the process. He had lost everything, and so he had taken something back from the king. He had made the loyal crew into pirates and now they sailed the seas doing as they pleased. Already stories were being told about him, the great Pirate Captain Jones, and Killian felt a great pleasure at causing trouble on every Navy Vessel he could find.
They were sailing after a night of enjoying themselves a bit too much on land. The drinks had come non-stop and the tavern wenches had been beautiful. Killian had taken one back to his ship to enjoy her company for the evening, and enjoy her he did. But as the sun broke over his ship he had sent her away, ready for another day of sailing. Captain Jones did not get attached. The crew had heard stories of a Navy Vessel sailing in this area carrying a great treasure. Killian knew he had to have it simply so the king could not. It didn’t matter what was on the ship, it was going to be his.
The crew scurried around deck, coaxing as much speed from the sails as they possibly could. Killian stood at the helm, his eyes scanning the waters with his telescope. The day was grey, and he feared it would storm soon. Still, he would not give up on this quest just yet. And just as he was tucking his telescope away, he heard it; the sound of a woman calling out to him. She did not use his name, and yet he knew she called only for him. His crew was hearing similar voices, but he was already too far-gone to notice their distracted state.
Never has he heard such a beautiful voice. And when his eyes finally landed on the dark-haired creature, he knew he was in love. This was the woman he had to be with. The creature reached out from the water, her smooth pale skin glittering even without the bright sun beating down on her. She was reaching for him. She wanted him too. The Captain stretched himself out, leaning over the rail of his deck to try and grab her hand. If he could just grab it then he could pull her up and sail away with her. There would be no other happiness than with this woman. Slowly he leaned further and further, his own tanned hands almost reaching her white fingers. And just as he was reaching the point of no return where he would surely tumble into the water, a loud crack was heard as thunder broke after a lightning strike not too far away. The creature hissed, breaking her own spell, and dived under the water.
Killian quickly pulled himself back up and looked out at his crew. The men were staring at him, wide-eyed as they realized what had just happened. They had almost fallen to the sirens. Killian counted quickly and found that three of his men were missing, pulled to the depths by the evil women. He growled and started barking his orders. “I want us on the move now!” He yelled as the men began to scurry around again. There was a feeling of general panic that had settled over him and the crew. It wasn’t safe to sail in a storm such as this, but there was no way he was allowing them to stay here. And luckily, it seemed the men agreed. It didn’t take them long to get going again and they sailed straight through the downpour.
Killian pulled them into the first port in the area, unworried about who else might be docked there. He would deal with the Navy on land over those devil creatures. To no one’s surprise, all the men left the ship that evening. It had been far too close for Killian’s taste. He would be wary of the vixens and he would not allow this to happen to his crew again.
Killian still had no idea how many of the damn creatures were in the water calling out to his crew. He had seen a few heads here and there as he ran around, but there wasn’t enough time to actually stop and count them. Already he had pulled four men back from just about falling over the edge of the ship. They struggled, unwilling to leave the creatures they believed to be their true loves, but this was something Killian had gotten used to. He tugged and tugged on each man until they were close enough to a rope to tie them down. He only had so many set up though, and had to pull a few men back multiple times as he ran out of spots to tie them down.
Now and again one of the wenches fought back, reaching out to grab his crewmen as he tried to take them back. He swung his sword through the air, making them drop their hold. He hadn’t lost a man yet and he wasn’t about to start tonight.
Slowly the attempts diminished as the sirens realized he was not going to fall under their spell, nor was he going to let them take anyone into the sea. Still, he was on guard. Putting his weapon away too early could spell death for any one of his men. So instead he let it rest on his shoulder, blunt side down, the tip behind him. It was a more relaxed stance, but allowed him to jump in and fight if needed. He could see some of his men’s eyes starting to clear, the haze disappearing as their focus returned. The singing has stopped then. And soon they would all swim off, returning to wherever it was they spent their time waiting for ships.
A triumphant grin spread across Killian’s face, a dark chuckle escaping this throat. Once again he had proven himself to be better than the creatures men feared most. As his eyes roamed over the dark sea, watching for any Sirens that had been brave enough to stay behind, they came to land on a golden spot out in the water. One was still wading in the water, watching his ship. What did she hope to accomplish on her own? Clearly he had been more than enough to deal with a whole group of them. She would be no issue at all.
Killian sneered and stepped towards the edge to get a better look at the demon. There, at the edge of his ship with sword still in hand, Killian froze. The siren was looking up at him, her hazel eyes piercing into his. There was a light smile on her face, but her lips stayed closed, no song coming from her. And yet the pirate found himself unable to look away. There was no fog in his mind like with the siren that had gotten a hold of him ages ago, but there was something there; something holding his attention.
Her blonde hair fell in wet curls around her face and fanned out in the water around her. That was as far as he could see beneath the waves, the sea far too dark to show her body. Only one thought ran through Killian’s head as he stared out at her. She was beautiful.
They all were stunning creatures, but there was something different about this one. Something so captivating and he couldn’t even point out exactly what it was. He had the strongest desire to run his hands through those wet strands. He was sure they would be softer than any woman’s, even while wet. The siren’s smile stretched out even further, showing off her white teeth, before she dived beneath the water and disappeared. Killian continued to stand at the edge of his deck, frozen in his spot. She had…affected him? But she hadn’t sung, nor had she beckoned for him in any way. But he couldn’t deny that something about her made it impossible to look away. And she must have known it was affecting him, yet she simply dived away, leaving him on his ship. This was impossible. No siren ever captured his attention, let alone made him freeze up.
The pirate growled and shoved his sword into its sheath before stomping back up to his wheel. The crew would be fully awake soon and he wanted to be on his way as soon as possible.
This was wrong. This was impossible. There was no way that the siren had managed to capture his attention and make him forget. Captain Hook did not have a heart left to be captured.