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A brisk night brought a comforting atmosphere for the idle pirate ship that sat gently just in the middle of the Pirate’s Cove as the crew of pirates were well asleep in their hammocks down below the deck. A shadow carefully climbed over the edge of the ship and over the railing with the help of his grappling hook, keeping it there to be able to slide down once he was finished. The shadowy figure carefully scanned the deck before spotting the hatch leading down into the ship as he hurried over, stepping lightly to stay undetected, before opening the hatch and slipping down into the lower deck with ease.
The figure spotted the hammocks just off in the corner as he carefully and swiftly hurried over to them before standing over the smallest crewmate and his hammock as the boy slept peacefully, unaware of the trespassing intruder standing over him. “A little gift for you and your mateys, little Seth.” The shadow whispered, pulling out a rolled up paper from his belt, kneeling down, and slipping the paper into one of the boy’s boots, standing back up with a small smirk under his hat, “Sweet dreams for the rest of the night, Seth.” He said before swiftly rushing back to the hatch, making his quick escape off the ship.
~
Morning soon came as the sun peered through the small windows of the ship, signaling for the crew to wake up and start their day today. Seth yawned, waking up as he pulled the blanket off of himself, hearing the snores of his dads and uncle around him as he swung his legs out from his hammock and hopped out of it, kneeling down to get his boots on before spotting the strange item in one of them. “What’s this?” He whispered as the boy sat on his knees and pulled out the paper, unrolling it, gasping at seeing what it was, “Papa Bones! Papa Sharky! Uncle Smee! Wake up!” He shouted, jumping back to his feet as the three snoring men snapped awake, falling out of their hammocks as Seth moved out of the way to avoid getting crushed by his uncle and dads.
“Sethy! What’s the matter?!” Bones asked, getting up with the help of Sharky. “Look at this!” Seth said excitedly as Mr.Smee grabbed his glasses and carefully took the paper, examining it before looking at the others. “Oh ho! Boys, Seth’s found a treasure map!” Mr.Smee told them as Seth was suddenly scooped up by Sharky and Bones. “Haha! Our boy found his first treasure map!” Sharky cheered. “What in blundering blazes is going on down here?!” A fifth voice asked as Hook appeared in his night clothes. “Seth found his first treasure map!” Bones answered. “A treasure map?! Oh, glory be!” Hook said, “Quickly, men. Get dressed, have breakfast, and then it’s off to the shore! We’re going treasure hunting!” Hook told them. “Aye aye, captain!” The crew answered before scrambling to get dressed and ready.
Seth was about to do the same, but was stopped when Hook placed a hand on his shoulder. “Seth, may I ask a question?” Hook asked. “Sure, Uncle Hook.” He answered. “Where did you find the map?” Hook asked curiously. “I found it in my boot. Do you think it was Peter who left it there? I know you two have been rekindling your friendship.” Seth suggested as Hook looked at the map and then back at the boot. “Hmm. It could be. Peter has always left little maps for Jake and his crew. Maybe he probably decided to do the same for us today.” Hook said, smiling a little bit as he didn’t want to diminish his nephew’s joy from having sudden suspicions. “Alright. You do have a point. Now, go and get yourself dressed and get something to eat. We don’t want to dilly-dally now, do we?” Hook replied as Seth nodded and went to get dressed while Hook went to get back up the deck to get dressed himself.
The shadowy figure watched from the shore’s treeline, smirking to himself once he saw the ship’s dingy lowering into the water for the crew to head for the shore at last as he chuckled. “Time to prepare.” He told himself before vanishing into the shadows with the wave of his cape and a deep laugh under his breath.
The dingy landed onshore as the crew hopped off while Seth unrolled the map and looked at it. “How about you take the lead, Seth? You found the map after all.” Mr.Smee suggested. “Splendid idea, Mr.Smee. Let the boy lead his first hunt.” Hook replied with an agreeing nod. “Um, I can try.” Seth answered. “Don’t worry, Sethy. We’re still here if you need any help.” Bones reassured as Seth nodded, feeling a little better at his dad’s reassurance before looking at the map. “So, we need to go to Tiki Tree Forest and find the rock in the shape of a diamond below the Tiki Tree with golden leaves.” Seth started as the crew walked down into the trees, beginning their treasure hunt, not noticing a shadowy figure watching them from a safe yet close distance to keep his eyes on them, stealthily racing ahead of them.
Seth walked down the path once they entered Tiki Tree Forest. “Alright, men. Keep an eye out for a diamond shaped rock beneath the Tiki Tree with golden leaves.” Hook advised as Seth rolled up the map to look around real quick, walking down the path before beaming a little at spotting the landmark, pulling out the map to double-check, then putting it down. “Mateys, over here!” Seth hollered, running over to the rock and resting a hand on it. “What’s next on the map, sea cub?” Mr.Smee asked as the boy pulled out the map, checking the next thing to do. “The map says that once you find the diamond shaped rock beneath the golden leaf Tiki Tree, take the left path until you find the Dragon Stone.” Seth said.
“What’s the Dragon Stone?” Sharky asked. “Judging by the map, it’s basically a stone in the shape of a dragon.” Seth answered. “Lots of stone landmarks.” Hook murmured under his breath a little. “What was that?” The boy asked curiously, looking over at his uncle. “Nothing, Seth! Just making note of what we pass so we can find our way back.” Hook lied in reassurance as Seth nodded before leading the crew quickly down the left path, tucking the map into his vest.
It wasn’t long before the crew came up to the Dragon Stone as Bones chuckled. “That really does look like a dragon.” He commented. “This is actually the first time I’ve seen it.” Sharky added as Seth pulled out his sword and then nudged away some of the overgrowth that rested at the bottom of it. “I’m guessing it’s because it was covered in overgrowth. Maybe Peter uncovered it?” Seth suggested, putting away his sword into its sheath. “Could be possible. Sometimes if something is so covered by foliage and overgrowth, it can be trickier to find.” Mr.Smee explained as Hook’s senses really were wanting to go over a cliff. ’Maybe it is Peter and he just wanted to make it easier for little Seth. We haven’t had very many successful treasure hunts, especially with him.’ Hook thought to himself, trying to ease his senses and suspicions.
“And now we need to go to Dreadful Forest where we need to find a tree with glass shards tied to its branches where the light of the sun creates an ‘X’ shape with the glass shards and that will be where the treasure is buried!” Seth said, growing excited at the thought of how close they were getting as Hook smiled at the thought of that. “You heard the lad, boys! To the Dreadful Forest!” Hook told the crew. “Aye aye, captain!” The crew responded as the crew ran down the path that led to the Dreadful Forest, unaware of the shadowy figure right behind them without any of them noticing.
Seth led his family down the path into the Dreadful Forest as they all looked around. “The Dreadful Forest definitely be looking, well, dreadful.” Sharky said. “And a little spooky.” Bones added. “Maybe that’s why there’s a tree in the middle of the forest that has glass shards on it. Even the most dreadful and dreary places can have their hidden beauty. Izzy taught me that once.” Seth explained. “Good point, Seth.” Mr.Smee commented as Hook stepped over a tree root to avoid tripping. “I honestly wonder what the treasure is.” Hook said. “Gold?” Sharky guessed. “Jewels?” Bones questioned. “Or both!” Seth replied before pulling out the map, raising it up to look at it and then at the place where they were at. “Um...There’s no tree with hanging glass shards.” Seth said, trying to hide his nerves. “Did we maybe go in the wrong direction?” Mr.Smee suggested, walking over to stand beside the boy, looking at the map with him.
“Something isn’t right.” Hook finally spoke up, “None of this feels right.” He said before the crew froze up at hearing a deep chuckle that seemed to echo through the forest of trees and vines. “T-That sounded like-” Bones stammered. “The Grim Buccaneer!” The crew exclaimed altogether before a thud alerted the family to look behind them, spotting the shadowy figure right behind them a couple of meters away. “Indeed, Hook and crew.” He chuckled darkly. “Crew, run! Quickly, we can lose him in the forest!” Hook ordered as the crew immediately made a run for it, racing down the path as Grim quickly used his grappling hook, shooting up into the trees and vanishing once again.
The crew raced down the path before pausing when they found themselves in a clearing as they looked around, panting nervously. “Did we lose him?” Mr.Smee asked. “I don’t see him.” Sharky answered. “Or hear him.” Bones added. “Keep your eyes open and sharp, crew. Remember, Grim can be a sneaky one.” Hook warned firmly as the crew nodded in silent agreement, being wary and careful of their surroundings. Seth felt a surge of anxiety hit him. He hadn’t seen or heard of Grim since the time when his uncle met and teamed up with Grim Buccaneer, Shiverjack, and Doctor Undergear and became the Legion of Pirate Villains.
Bones took a step back before his foot stepped on a rock that sank down from his weight as the ground shook beneath the crew, swallowing them down and landing in a tangle of vines. Seth managed to grab hold of the edge before he could fall as the boy carefully found his grip with his feet, pushing himself up and out as he got to his feet, looking down quickly. “Papa Sharky, Papa Bones! Uncle Smee, Uncle Hook!” He called down. “We’re okay, Seth!” Mr.Smee called back. “W-What should I do?” Seth asked. “Nothing.” A voice answered behind him as Seth’s heart nearly stopped, about to look back only to be grabbed and pulled away from the edge of the pit.
“SETH!” The crew shouted in horror. “Release him this instant, Grim!” Hook demanded. “Don’t worry, Captain Hook. Your precious boy will be spared any harm.” Grim reassured when he came to the edge, keeping a grip on the struggling boy, “But your boy truly seems to be as smart as I hoped he would be. He’ll be quite useful for what I need him for.” He explained. “What?!” The crew exclaimed. “Enjoy your trap of vines, men!” Grim laughed before shooting his grappling hook and swinging away. “PAPAS! UNCLES!” Seth screamed at the top of his lungs as his voice faded away from the trap.
“Captain, what do we do?! We’re stuck!” Smee said, pulling on his entangled arm. “And that Buccaneer’s got Seth!” Sharky added. “Nobody traps the great and glorious Captain Hook and takes one of his crew away, let alone my nephew! Men, I have a plan. First, struggling isn’t going to help.” Hook said as the three men stopped and looked at their captain immediately. “What’s the plan, Captain?” Bones asked. “I’ll use my hook to cut the vines. And once I’m freed, I’m fetching Jake and his crew. I can’t pull you out on my own. And we need Jake’s help.” Hook explained. “Good idea, Captain!” Sharky exclaimed.
Hook, quickly and carefully, pulled his arm just enough to cut the vine entangling the latter with his hook before cutting himself free once his hook and arm was freed. “Okay. You have my word, I will be back for you.” He said. “We believe you, Captain Hook.” Smee reassured as Hook swapped his hook for his whirly hook, carefully flying himself out before flying his way back to the Jolly Roger, praying that his crew would be all right.
~
On Pirate Island, the crew was playing football on the beach as the large feline held the football up, keeping a loose grip as Izzy took a few steps back. “Izzy’s taking position, ready to run and perform her twirling kick!” Skully commentated while Cubby and Jake were on the sidelines. “Come on, Iz!” Jake cheered. “You can do it!” Cubby hollered as Izzy looked at Savaa. “Ready?” She asked. “Let her rip, Izzy!” Savaa answered as the girl picked up in a run before jumping, performing a twirl in the air, and then landing with a swift kick into the ball. “Going...Going...!” Skully said before spotting something out on the water, redirecting his attention, “The Jolly Roger?” The bird questioned.
The ball soared through the two trees as Savaa laughed. “The Jolly Roger? More like a goal!” The Never-leopard said excitedly. “No! The Jolly Roger! Coming this way!” Skully explained, landing on Cubby’s arm as Jake looked over quickly and spotted the familiar red and black sails. “Is Hook bringing Seth for a visit?” Izzy asked. “I don’t know.” Jake replied before The Jolly Roger came up to the shore, letting the captain quickly run to the railing. “Ahoy, Captain Hook! What brings you here?” Jake greeted while coming forward with the crew. “Captain Jake, I need help! It’s an emergency!” Hook replied. “What’s wrong?” Savaa asked. “Grim trapped me and me crew and kidnapped Seth!” The captain answered.
“Crackers! Grim’s returned?!” Skully asked. “And he’s taken Seth!” Izzy added. “Don’t worry, Hook. We’ll help get your crew out and get Seth back from Grim.” Jake reassured him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Hook sighed in relief. “Yo ho, let’s go, mateys! To Neverland!” Jake said, turning back to his crew. “Aye, aye, Captain Jake!” The crew answered before rushing to Bucky’s grotto to get to Bucky and head back to Neverland.
~
Elsewhere on Neverland, Grim landed after escaping the Dreadful Forest as he kept an arm around Seth, who had stopped struggling after becoming worn out from trying to get Grim to let go of him and also just to avoid looking down wherever Grim used his grappling hook to travel faster. “Now, Seth, are you going to behave?” The man asked as Seth looked over and spotted a cave opening not that far in between the trees and bushes. “Well?” Grim repeated impatiently. “I’d rather drown than listen to a knave like you!” Seth finally answered before opening his mouth and biting down hard onto Grim’s arm as hard as he possibly could.
Grim yelled in pain, his grip loosening as Seth pulled free, falling onto the ground as the boy made a run for it while the buccaneer was distracted from the pain. Grim looked up, holding his arm as he growled. “Come back here, boy!” He ordered before going after Seth. The small pirate ran through the bushes and trees, using his fear and adrenaline to keep going before hiding behind a tree after he ducked into a bush, holding his breath when hearing Grim’s footsteps quicken and stop nearby. “You can’t hide forever, Seth. Nobody escapes the Grim Buccaneer. Or haven’t you learned that yet after the first time?” Grim called out.
Seth bit his lip, hearing his own heart beating just from the deafening silence. He heard the footsteps move again, but moved away as the boy waited a few more seconds before peeking out through the bush’s leaves, no longer hearing Grim’s footsteps and voice. He then looked over, spotting the cave as Seth slowly got up, moving through the foliage. He stayed as light as he could on his feet, avoiding anything as much as possible that could make even one little sound. The pirate slowly slipped out before rushing over to the cave, stopping just outside the entrance.
“Where are you, you little menace?!” Grim’s voice shouted from nearby as Seth started running, but stopped at suddenly realizing something. ‘Nobody will know I ran in here. What if Uncle Hook and my family are trying to find me too? I need to leave my family a clue!’ Seth thought to himself before taking out his pennywhistle, kneeling down by some rocks, quickly starting to dig a small enough hole as he placed his instrument in the ground, but at an angle before burying the bottom of it. “Seth!” Grim’s voice shouted again, this time closer. Seth scrambled up to his feet, rushing into the cave right as Grim came out of the bushes, smirking at seeing the boy run into the cave. “Wrong move, little pirate.” He whispered before rushing into the cave right behind the boy’s trail.
~
Back at the shoreline, Hook led the crew of kids down the same path followed by the map that his own crew took earlier as they entered the Dreadful Forest, following the trail. “This is the place.” Hook said. “Keep your eyes open, crew. Grim may have set up any other traps.” Jake warned. “Aye aye, Jake.” The crew replied. Hook bit down on his hook anxiously as Savaa nudged him while walking with the captain. “Easy there, Captain Hook. We’ll get to your crew.” Savaa reassured him. “It’s not only them I’m worried about, I’m also worried about Seth and what that Grim would want with him.” Hook replied.
“Seth is a smart boy. He’ll do his best to keep himself safe.” Jake reassured him. “Jake?! Is that be you I hear, Sea pup?!” Sharky’s voice shouted from up ahead. “That was Sharky!” Cubby said. “This way, crew!” Jake urged as the crew rushed forward immediately down the path. Cubby stopped at a sudden edge as Skully flew down, grabbing the boy’s shirt and pulling back. “I got ya!” Skully grunted as Izzy ran over and helped pull Cubby back away from the edge. “Ahoy up there!” Smee greeted them. “I told ye I’d be back with help!” Hook said when he joined the others.
“But what about Sethy?!” Bones asked. “We’ll worry about him once we get you three out of there. Izzy, you and I are going to help cut them free. Savaa, Cubby, you two find a couple of vines to help pull them out. Skully, you keep a lookout in case Grim’s still around.” Jake directed to his crewmates. “Aye aye, Captain Jake!” The crew answered. “What about me?” Hook asked. “You standby until Savaa and Cubby come back with the vines. You’ll be helping pull them out.” Jake explained. “Alright, Jake.” Hook nodded in understanding as Savaa and Cubby hurried off to find some strong vines as Jake carefully took a look. “Jump down here. The vines below should cushion our fall.” He instructed his first mate before climbing over the edge, hanging on as he jumped down, landing on the vines while using the dirt wall to steady his balance.
Jake moved out of the way as Izzy jumped down after him, landing the same way as Jake took out his sword. “Hold still and we’ll have you free in no time.” The boy said, kneeling next to Smee first. “Izzy!” Hook called as Izzy looked up before catching Hook’s hook when he tossed it down to her, “It should be sharp enough to cut through the vines. That’s how I got myself freed.” He explained. “Thanks, Captain Hook!” Izzy replied before going over to Sharky to work on him as Jake helped Smee up to his feet. “Are all of you okay?” Jake asked. “We’re okay. We’re just worried about Seth. Grim nabbed him!” Smee answered.
“We know. Don’t worry. We’ll find them both and get Seth back, you have my word. Pirate’s Honor.” Jake reassured them. “We should have known that something was fishy! We just got so caught up in the excitement.” Sharky said. “It’s nobody's fault. There was no way any of you could have predicted this to happen.” Izzy replied, cutting the last of the vines before helping Sharky up while Jake was working on Bones and getting the vines off of him. “Found some vines and wove them into one big vine!” Cubby said as Savaa laid down, letting the boy pull the vine off and toss it down into the hole.
“Izzy, you help Sharky and Smee with getting out. I’ll finish getting Bones loose.” Jake said. “Aye aye, Jake.” Izzy nodded before hurrying over to the large vine to help the pair get out. Jake cut the last few vines off Bones, helping him up as Sharky helped his partner up as well. “We were so happy thinking we were having our first successful hunt with our son. And now Grim’s got him. But why? Why would he want Seth?” Bones asked. “Probably for no good reason. But we’ll find them before Grim can do anything to hurt Seth.” Izzy said as Hook helped Smee out of the hole when he got to the edge. “Did Grim say anything?” Jake asked them. “He said that Seth wouldn’t be harmed and that he proved himself to be as smart as Grim hoped he would be, saying he would be quite useful for what Grim needed.” Sharky answered.
“Sounds like Grim alright.” Skully replied when he landed, “I scoured the whole area. No sign of Grim or Seth.” He reported. “I might be able to pick up his scent.” Savaa suggested. “Are you able to do that, Savs?” Jake asked. “I’m an animal with a nose. I have a sense of smell that’s five times stronger than a human’s sense of smell.” Savaa smirked. “Can ye get the scent though?” Sharky asked. “I can try.” She nodded, “Where was Grim standing when he showed himself to you?” Savaa asked as the crew pointed to a spot just towards the other side of her, making her quickly rush over and sniffing the ground diligently.
“How long will this take?” Hook whispered anxiously. “Hopefully not long.” Jake answered, trying to hold his own anxiety down for the sake of the crew. Savaa huffed. “Got him.” She smirked. “Yo ho, lead the way, Savaa!” Cubby encouraged as Savaa ran off into the trail before the two crews quickly followed right behind her.
~
Seth ran down the cave as quickly as he could, not daring to look back or behind him even once the whole time as his chest tightened from running out of air. He slowed down, tears coming to his eyes from the pain in his chest once he finally stopped to regain his breath. “I...I can’t...keep running...But I can’t let Grim catch me.” He whispered painfully while walking, almost stumbling a little from his tired legs, over to the wall of the cave and leaning against the latter. His thoughts went back to his uncles and dads, which only made the pain heighten a little in his chest at the thought of his family stuck in the bottom of a pit, tangled in vines, and unable to get out probably while Grim had grabbed Seth before he could even find a way to help them.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are, Seth.” Grim’s voice suddenly echoed as Seth broke out of his thoughts, getting up and was about to run until the rock beneath his hand gave way, creating a sudden hole in the wall and swallowing the boy whole as Seth screamed in horror and terror. He rolled and tumbled down the passage until a dip happened and Seth fell straight down, feeling a sharp pain scratching the side of his body before he landed on solid ground. ’I want my dads...’ He thought from the pain that erupted through his body. He didn’t want to open his eyes, hoping it was a nightmare, but he reluctantly opened his eyes, squinting at the sudden light around him.
Surrounding him were crystals of different colors and sizes, some as tall as the trees in Neverland and some as small as pebbles on the ground. Seth was amazed at the crystals and almost felt a sense of comfort from them, moving to get up only to feel the same sharp pain in his side again as he looked down and the sight nearly made him nauseous. His shirt had been cut open and revealed his side was cut just as well and bleeding. He glanced up, spotting one of the crystals just above him having a piece of his shirt and a hint of blood on it too, making him realize how far down he fell.
Seth sat up, removing the bandana from his waist and then moving it to where his cut was at, taking a deep breath before wrapping his torso as tightly as possible to stem the bleeding which nearly made him want to scream in pain a little, but Seth bit his tongue to keep himself silent. He stayed still for a few seconds, seeing that the bandana was holding as the boy got up, wishing he hadn’t forgotten his sword back at the Jolly Roger. “Seth!” Grim’s voice echoed above him, scaring him as Seth scrambled his feet a little, but managed to rush off down the path that was just in front of him, turning just as the buccaneer slid down and landed on his feet with ease right where Seth had been not even a few seconds ago.
Grim looked up and noticed the torn and slightly bloody cloth hanging off the crystal before looking around at his surroundings. “Ah, I see you found the Crystal Labyrinth, little pirate. And not to mention, you seem to have injured yourself. No problem. I’ll eventually find you, Seth. No matter how hard you can try, you’ll never escape from the Grim Buccaneer.” Grim declared firmly, making sure his voice echoed through the crystals to make sure that Seth heard him.
~
The crew followed behind the Never-leopard, who had her head and nose close to the ground and worked hard to follow the scent of Grim and Seth as she stopped and looked back at the group as they slowed down behind her. “What’s wrong, Savaa?” Jake asked. “Nothing. Just trying to make sure that I’m not going too fast. Plus, the trail seems to end here briefly.” She explained. “Did ye lose the scent?” Sharky asked. “For now. Give me a few minutes.” Savaa answered before sniffing the area of where the trail had briefly ended.
“What if she did? What if we’ll never find Sethy?!” Bones panicked. “Easy, Bonesy. I’m sure Savaa will find Grim or Seth’s scent again.” Sharky reassured his partner, patting him on the back. “Sharky’s right. Seth’s counting on us to find him. And I’m sure he’s doing everything possible to make sure that he stays safe.” Izzy added. “Remember when we were all being hunted down and picked off one by one by Grim? Seth was adamant to stay brave for your sakes. Especially when he knew he needed to find you both.” Jake explained to the parents as Sharky and Bones looked at each other, smiling just a little bit.
“Jake’s right. I’m sorry. I’m just really worried about him.” Bones said. “It’s not your fault, Bones. We’re all pretty worried about Seth. He’s practically me and Hook’s nephew, Jake and crew’s cousin. He’s family to all of us.” Smee pointed out, adjusting his glasses. “Guys, I have a dilemma!” Savaa called as Jake hurried over when Savaa came out of the bushes. “What’s wrong?” Jake asked. “I got two different scent trails - Grim and Seth. I think Seth got away from Grim.” Savaa answered. “How do you know?” Cubby asked. “I found blood. It’s Grim’s. I can tell by the scent of it. I think Seth wounded Grim and ran, but Grim ran in the same direction, but in a different way to maybe cut Seth off to get him again.” The feline explained.
“That’s our boy!” Hook cheered. “Follow Seth’s trail.” Jake said as Savaa nodded, turning and running in a direction again. “Yo ho, follow that trail!” Jake’s crew shouted, following their matey as Hook and his crew followed after just as well. Savaa moved quickly, using her own tail to make sure that she didn’t lose the crews in the bushes. She slowed down and leapt out of the bushes, looking around sharply as the others soon came out with her. “Grim’s scent returns to this spot. It’s covering Seth’s scent.” Savaa said. “Spread out, look for any signs of Seth being able to stay away from Grim!” Jake advised. “Aye aye, Jake!” Everyone said, spreading out in the area.
“Savaa, can you stay on Grim’s trail just in case?” Jake asked. “I can, Captain.” Savaa confirmed before heading towards the cave as she sniffed the ground, staying aware of her surroundings and then looking at the cave, “Hook!” She called as the captain stopped and ran over quickly. “Yes?” He asked. “Would Seth be brave enough to run into a cave with little to no light?” Savaa questioned. “Maybe. But if I were him, I’d get rid of every ounce of fear and just run in there if it meant getting away from someone who poses a threat to me.” Hook explained. Jake came over, but stopped when something caught his attention at the corner of his eye, looking towards the rocks and spotting the small instrument that was sticking out of the ground.
“Sharky, Bones!” Jake called, hurrying over and kneeling down, starting to dig out the penny whistle as the two musician pirates ran over to the boy, who lifted up the small woodwind for them to see. “That’s Seth’s penny whistle!” Sharky said. “He was here!” Bones cheered in joy. “It was partially buried here by the rocks. I almost didn’t notice it.” Jake explained. “Why would it be buried? Seth loves his penny whistle!” Hook said. “Maybe he left it behind on purpose.” Izzy suggested, returning with Cubby and Skully. “I think you might be right, Iz. I found it buried at an angle.” Jake said, kneeling down and laying the penny whistle back in the hole, letting it be shown how it was found.
Cubby then looked at the penny whistle and then at the cave, suddenly realizing the answer. “It’s a clue! The penny whistle is pointing in the direction of the cave!” He said, running over and pointing into the cave. “Seth must have had enough time to escape, find the cave, and bury the penny whistle to say ‘I went this way’. He knew we would go looking for him!” Smee added. “Hook, crew, your boy is a genius!” Savaa complimented. “He learned from the best!” Hook gave an ear to ear grin, happy that his nephew and his keen knowledge helped them to find him. “Then let’s go, mateys! We haven’t got a moment to lose!” Jake said before running inside as everyone else immediately ran after Jake into the cave.
~
Seth just ran as much as his lungs and body would let him. He finally slowed down to hold his wounded side and catch his breath. He carefully leaned on a crystal, panting heavily. He looked at his disheveled reflection, getting a good look at his tearstained face and the bloody spot on his side. Seth gritted his teeth. ’Everything hurts so much…’ He thought to himself. His eyes then saw movement as he gasped at the large shadow suddenly appearing behind him as Seth turned around, accidentally hitting against the crystal only to see nobody behind him. Seth’s eyes wandered as some of the crystals had his reflection, no reflection, or Grim’s reflection before a cackling chuckle echoed around him.
“Round and round we spin, only one little Seth left for Grim.” The voice taunted. Seth then balled up his fists and grit his teeth, trying to muster up any courage he had left in him. “You don’t scare me, you skinny asparagus!” Seth shouted. “Once I catch you, I’ll make sure that you regret taunting the Grim Buccaneer.” The man said as Seth turned and ran again without thinking, hoping to find a way to escape. Seth slowed down again from a shot of pain as he held his side before feeling his foot trip over a crystal, crying out loudly from the pain. The boy sat up, taking deep breaths. “Come out, come out, wherever you are.” Grim’s voice shouted, suddenly sounding closer. Seth’s breath hitched as he looked around desperately. His eyes caught sight of some crystals forming a small cave-like hole.
Seth got up and rushed over, getting down and sliding down into the hole before pushing himself into the furthest corner, covering his mouth to stifle his breathing and quiet it down. His heart lurched when the sound of footsteps right outside of the hole alerted him that Grim was right outside, forcing himself to close his eyes and sending mental prayers and pleas for Grim not to find him.
Grim looked around, his gaze dark with anger and frustration. “We can make this easy, Seth! You come with me and I give you my word, no further harm will come to you and you will be able to return back to your family, safe and relatively sound.” The man called out, looking around and trying to find any sign of the boy, but was met with vague echoes of his own voice. He growled in ignorance. “You won’t be able to hide forever, boy.” He said, walking off without even realizing that there was a hidden hole not far from where he had stood.
Seth waited until he heard the footsteps completely leave as he sighed in relief, slowly laying down on the ground to be able to catch his breath and let everything inside of him come down from the adrenaline. “Too close...Too close...for comfort…” He whispered. Seth started to close his eyes, exhaustion and pain overwhelming him, “I just need...to rest…” He muttered and before he knew it, he found himself slowly slipping into the comfort of darkness.
~
The crew ran down the cave as Savaa had paused to sniff the ground a few times before lifting up her head. “Grim’s scent is mixed with Seth’s. Grim must be on Seth’s trail just like us.” Savaa reported. “I still don’t understand. Why would Grim want Seth?” Sharky asked. “I don’t know. But whatever the reason is, it’s probably not good. Which is why we need to find Seth before Grim and fast.” Jake said before turning back to Savaa, “Think you can try and focus on Seth’s scent trail?” He asked. Savaa nodded, turning and sniffing the cave floor carefully. “Got it” She said before picking up into a trot.
“Try to keep your voices low. We don’t want to alert Grim that we’re here. Caves create echoes so we need to be wary of how loud we’re being. If Grim finds out we’re onto him, he’ll probably try and pick up his own pace on finding Seth.” Izzy advised. “You heard the lass, men. Keep your voices low, but your ears open.” Hook repeated. “Aye aye, Cap’n.” The three replied, giving a quick salute.
Savaa paused in her walk as her nostrils picked up the scent of iron, her predatory instincts immediately ringing ship bells in her head. “Jake, Hook.” She said, beckoning them forward. Both pirate captains immediately hurried forward, joining the Never-leopard as Jake knelt down to her head level. “What is it?” Jake asked quietly. “I smell blood.” She answered. Jake’s heart dropped. “A-Are you sure?” Hook questioned, wanting to make sure that she wasn’t smelling something different as Savaa looked at him. “Hook, I am a predator. I eat and hunt things that literally have blood in them. So I know what blood not only tastes like, but smells like too.” She explained to him.
“I know that, I just want to be sure!” Hook replied. Jake looked at him. “Captain Hook, I know you’re scared for Seth. We all are. But we just have to hope that Seth is okay and not hurt. But if he is hurt, then we need to pick up the pace.” Jake explained while getting back up. “Seth’s-?!” Cubby started as Izzy covered his mouth quickly, shushing him before removing her hand. “Sorry. Seth’s possibly hurt?!” Cubby repeated, but in a quiet tone of voice. Sharky and Bones both covered each other’s mouths to suppress a gasp. “Come on. Follow me.” Savaa said before hurrying forward. The crews immediately raced after her, picking up their pace.
Savaa slowed down again, sniffing before diving to one side of the cave as Smee looked at her in confusion. “Uh, Miss Savaa? Why are you heading towards the wall? Shouldn’t we be going forward?” Smee asked. “I know, but the smell veers off towards the wall. Both scents. And the smell is stronger over here.” She explained before using a paw to swipe away some rocks, revealing a small hole in the wall. “It’s a tunnel!” Sharky exclaimed. “And Seth would be small enough to fit down there!” Bones added. “Let’s go, mateys!” Jake said before putting away his sword and sliding down the hole with the others starting to follow after him.
Jake landed at the bottom first, standing back up as he was caught off guard by the sight of the crystals in front of him only to suddenly find himself crashed on top of by his mateys one after another just as they all came down. “Ow...” Izzy groaned. “That hurt.” Bones said. “Savaa, get your butt out of my face.” Hook added. “Sorry!” Savaa cringed as the mateys quickly helped each other get up from squishing each other by accident. Jake got up before shaking his head to fix his hair and then put his hat back on. “Maybe we should have thought that one through a little better.” Skully said, landing on a crystal by the group. “I agree.” Hook replied, fixing his hook and hat real quick.
“Where are we?” Sharky asked as the crew soon looked around at all of the crystals around them. “This must be the ancient Crystal Labyrinth! I remember reading about this in a book of ancient hidden places in Neverland.” Cubby explained. “It’s like that Labyrinth from within Flynn’s pyramid.” Bones added. “Meaning this place is a maze. So we need to stay together and keep our eyes peeled and our ears open for Seth or Grim.” Jake said. “Jake!” Izzy suddenly gasped as Jake spun around, seeing Izzy looking up at something only to spot the piece of golden and green fabric with the tip of crystal covered in a bit of blood. “Skully?” Jake looked at the parrot. “I’m on it!” Skully said, flying up and grabbing the two pieces of cloth, flying them back down and then laying them in Jake’s hands.
Jake examined them as he clutched both of the pieces of cloth in his hand. “They’re from Seth.” He said, trying not to sound scared or horrified at the discovery. “Our son’s hurt!” Bones cried, covering his mouth. “It’s alright, Bonesy. It’s alright.” Sharky said, trying to soothe his partner. Jake looked at Savaa, who quickly was at her captain’s side in a heartbeat. “Think you can track his scent with this?” He asked. Savaa nodded before sniffing the cloth. “Got him.” She said before trotting forward as the others followed behind them.
~
Seth didn’t know how long he had been out, but he woke up to vague noises as he raised his head just enough to look towards the small hole when a shadow grew over it. “Come out, little Seth.” Grim’s voice suddenly called as Seth’s spine grew cold, quickly covering his mouth to suppress his breathing and doing everything possible to remain as quiet as he possibly could. ’Don’t let him find me. Please, don’t let him find me.’ The boy mentally pleaded.
Grim walked across the small area, looking behind him as he growled at seeing his vague footprints that he left behind from earlier, realizing he had been going in circles. “I hate labyrinths.” He muttered angrily, “Come out, boy. And I give you my word. No harm will come to you any more than you already have been hurt trying to escape from me.” The buccaneer called out again.
Seth carefully went to sit up and scoot against the wall before feeling his injury flare up from the movement, biting his own hand to suppress a cry with tears springing from his eyes. ‘Blundering bilgewater, I hate this wound!’ He mentally cursed.
Grim looked over as he spotted a small hole, thinking for a moment as he walked towards the latter to inspect it.
Seth found himself holding his breath and holding his side when the shadow grew closer.
”This way!”
Seth’s eyes snapped open while the shadow above the hole was suddenly moving away, shaking in pure relief as he leaned back against the wall behind him.
Grim had moved away as he looked towards where the sound came from as he seethed a little from realizing that he and Seth were no longer the only ones in the Crystal Labyrinth. “How did they-?!” He started before taking a deep breath, “No matter. The Grim Buccaneer always has a few tricks up his sleeve.” He smirked, taking out his crossbow and shooting it up at one of the taller crystals before zipping himself up and over the crystals.
Seth waited long enough to be able to no longer hear Grim as he let out a few quiet sobs, both from relief and from fear. He was relieved that Grim was gone, but also he was so scared at how close Grim came to finding him. But then another thought crossed his mind as he thought back to the vague voice. His eyes widened as he sat up again. “Savaa?” He whispered before feeling extra relief hit him, “They...They found my clue...They’re here. And they’re coming.” Seth told himself. A part of him wanted to leave the hole and rush to find them, but another part of him suddenly realized that if he did, he would risk making it harder to find him, “Jake and the others are smart. They’ll find me. I just need to stay put. I just need to stay put for a little longer.” Seth said, closing his eyes to give a small prayer.
~
“This way!” Savaa said while trotting forward, leading the way while keeping her nose in the air or close to the ground to avoid losing Seth’s scent. Skully flew overhead while everyone was behind the Never-leopard’s tail. Jake looked around. Something felt off, felt wrong. He struggled to keep his mind on the task at hand since they were probably so close to finding Seth and bringing him home and to safety. Savaa slowed down and stopped to let everyone be able to catch up to her.
“How strong is the scent now?” Sharky asked. “Still the same unfortunately. But he’s here somewhere. I know he is.” Savaa answered. “What if we never find him?!” Bones gasped. “Now, now. Let’s not think like that.” Smee said. “Smee’s right. We will find him. Even if it means I have to give up another limb to bring him home.” Hook replied, turning to look at his crew. “The Captain’s right. Seth hasn’t once given up on us. So we aren’t going to give up on him.” Smee nodded. “They’re both right. Don’t worry, we're going to find him. I know it.” Izzy spoke up.
”Not unless I find him first.” A voice spoke as the whole group gasped, looking around while Bones screamed, jumping into his partner’s arms and holding onto him. “The Grim Buccaneer!” They said at the same time. Jake whipped out his sword while everyone quickly started to look around, desperately trying to find any sign of Grim. A shadow landed on a crystal above before a grappling hook shot into the air and the shadow rushed past, pushing the crystal with him to force it towards them.
“Everyone, look out!” Jake shouted as everyone quickly sprinted from different angles until Hook picked up Cubby, rolling out of the way when the crystal slammed into the ground. Jake stood up, glaring towards the way the shadow went. “Where’s our matey, Grim?!” Jake demanded. “I’m searching for him just as well, young Jake. But don’t you worry. I won’t harm him when I find him. I need him for something very important. And depending on if he proves himself useful to me…” Grim’s voice echoed around them. “YOU’RE NOT TAKING ME NEPHEW AND CREWMATE FOR YOURSELF, GRIM!” Hook shouted, cutting him off. “How about a little game then? If you find Seth before I do, then I’ll let you have the boy back. But if I find Seth before you all, I’ll make sure that you never see your precious boy again.” Grim said from his hiding position.
“Seth is not something to be ‘won’! He has a family!” Izzy said. “And a crew that loves him! You don’t deserve our matey!” Cubby added. “Then let the game begin.” Grim said before laughing as the shadow leapt away. Jake then turned to everyone around him. “Is everyone okay?” He asked, looking at each crewmate. “We’re okay.” Some of the rest nodded. “I am thanks to Hook.” Cubby said, “I almost got flattened like a pancake!” He added. Savaa rushed over, nuzzling Cubby in relief before looking at the older captain. “Thank you, Hook.” She nodded. “You’re welcome. Both of you. Now, we better hurry. We can’t let Grim find Seth first.” Hook urged.
“Savaa, do you need the cloth?” Jake asked. Savaa nodded. “Yes, please. That encounter threw me off my trail.” She answered. Jake nodded, reaching into his jacket to pull out the cloth from earlier only to gasp and look in his jacket. “Jake? What’s wrong?” Hook asked. “Grim! He swiped the cloth from my jacket! I-I don’t have the piece of cloth anymore!” Jake explained. “That slippery fiend!” Sharky cursed. “Now how are we going to find Seth before Grim?” Izzy asked. “I’m not going to give up.” Savaa said, leaping over the crystal in her way and starting to sniff the ground furiously. She then perked up her head, grinning. “I got it!” She chimed up. “Let’s go!” Jake urged as everyone raced after Savaa, knowing that now they were on a time crunch to find their matey.
~
Seth had sat in silence for who knew how long. The faint echoes of voices made him both scared, but hopeful. He knew that Grim was no longer the only one in the labyrinth. His family was here too. And his friends. They were here. With that thought, he finally made his choice. Seth slowly crawled over to the hole and pulled himself out, standing up while still keeping his ears and eyes alert for any sign that Grim might be nearby. His eyes had to adjust to the bright crystals after a few moments before looking around. He remembered the way he came, but he didn’t know which way Grim went.
After a moment of hesitation, Seth started to go the way he came from. “If my friends and family came in, then they must have come in the way I did. If I can backtrack my way there, then maybe I can find them and meet them in the middle.” He whispered to himself. He stopped when his side flared up again as he looked down, taking a deep breath and adjusting his makeshift bandage real quick to make sure that if it was still bleeding, then his bandana would stem it. A chuckle echoed in the air as Seth quickly ran to the side, getting against a couple of crystals and kneeling down.
“I know you’re here, Seth! You can’t hide forever! You’re wounded. You won’t be able to get far.” Grim’s voice echoed as Seth jumped when Grim’s reflection showed up in the large crystal beside him and he fell backwards just a little, startled by the latter as he did his best not to scream. He got up and ran without hesitation, not even caring if his wound protested at the sudden movement. Seth ran as fast as he could before stopping, hiding behind a couple of more crystals to try and get the pain to subside. Grim’s shadow flew overhead, but didn’t spot him right away. “I just saw you. Come on out!” Grim shouted again, “I’m done playing this cat and mouse game!”
Seth then got an idea when he heard the man say that. “You wanna call this a game? Fine then! I’ll play your game!” He called back before grabbing a rock and then tossing it as far as he could, covering his ears right as it hit a crystal and made a reverberating noise against the other crystals. Seth saw Grim leap towards the noise as once he saw Grim have his back turned away from him, the boy bolted the opposite way again as quickly and quietly as he could. He wasn’t going to go down that easy. ’If this buccaneer wants to call this a game, then I’ll play along and beat you!’ He thought to himself.
That’s when he heard rushing footsteps. Seth started to run harder, determined to keep a distance between him and Grim. He felt his chest and side burn with pain once again, trying to push himself. Seth felt like his body was ready to give out when he ran into something as hands held onto him. “NO! NO, LET ME GO, YOU...YOU-!”
“Seth!”
Seth stopped struggling, looking up as his eyes were met with a familiar face.
“Seth, it’s okay. It’s-”
“UNCLE HOOK!” The boy immediately leapt up, wrapping his arms around him as tightly as he could and sobbing into his shoulder. Hook held the boy close, rubbing his back as Hook’s eyes welled with tears, relieved to finally have found his crewmate and nephew. “Oh, thank the Never Seas...Seth...” Hook whispered. “Grim...H-He...I-I did my best...I didn’t let him...” Seth struggled to speak clearly in between his sobs. “Shh. You’re safe. You’re safe now.” The Captain assured him quietly. “Captain!” Sharky suddenly shouted from nearby. “Over here! I got him!” Hook shouted back before looking back down at Seth, “We got you. We got you.” He assured him.
“How touching.”
Hook’s head shot up, spotting Grim standing a meter or two away from them as he stood up, letting go of Seth and letting the boy hide behind him. “Stay. The Hell. Away.” Hook demanded. “Now, now. Captain Hook. You found Seth first. But I’m afraid I do need Seth as just him outsmarting me has proved him useful for what I need.” Grim began. “You’re not getting him. What do you want him for anyways?! Can’t you get it yourself?! Or are ya just as lazy and cowardly as you were when you created the Legion of Pirate Villains?” Hook suddenly asked. Grim growled as he pulled out his crossbow. “I’d watch what you say, Hook.” He warned. “Try me.” The Captain challenged.
“And us!”
Grim’s eyes widened and he spun around when he saw the rest of the two crews standing behind him. Jake with his sword out while some of the others looked furious or ticked off with the buccaneer as Savaa was lashing her tail behind her, standing beside the crews. “I suggest you surrender, Grim. You’re not touching Seth and we’re not letting you take him either.” Jake added. “And if you want him, then you’ll have to go through all of us!” Sharky said. “Yeah! What Sharky said!” Bones told him. Grim growled before turning around quickly only to suddenly find a fist to his face, forcing him to stumble back.
“You come near me or my crew again and I’ll do more than just a punch.” Hook said, glaring at Grim while keeping his balled up fist at his side. The buccaneer took a step back before shooting his grappling hook, grabbing hold of a rock from above. “This isn’t the last time you’ll see me, pirates!” He shouted before shooting upwards and disappearing over the crystals. Hook then knelt down as Seth ran over and hugged him again. “I thought I wasn’t going to find you...” Seth whispered. “It’s okay. You’re safe now.” Hook assured.
“SETHY!” Sharky and Bones rushed over. Hook let Seth go as the boy bolted over to his parents, both of them scooping up the boy and hugging him. “Papas…” Seth sobbed, crying into Bones’ shoulder. “Oh, Sethy. We were so scared.” Bones said quietly, holding their son close. “We’re proud of ya, Seth.” Sharky added, placing a hand on Seth’s back. Seth reached over as Bones knelt down, letting the three hug each other.
Jake walked over to Hook before nudging him in the side. “I don’t think you had that in you, Captain Hook.” He chuckled. “Well, he messed with my crewmate and my nephew. I had to teach him not to mess with me, my crew, or my family again.” Hook replied with a small grin. “Come on. Let’s get Seth out of here.” Izzy suggested, “His wound needs to be looked at.” She said. “Think that classifies as an emergency, Iz?” Jake asked. “I think it does. Pixie dust away!” Izzy reached into her pouch before throwing it over everyone, who floated upwards and then heading towards the hole they came through earlier.
The group led one another out, flying out and heading back towards the ships on the beach as they landed on the deck of the Jolly Roger with ease, Seth still in Bones’ arms. “Here. Let’s get him below deck.” Smee said. “Wait, can I be put down real quick?” Seth asked. Bones nodded, setting Seth down as the boy ran over to Jake and his crew before hugging his friend tightly. “Thank you so much, Jake.” He said. Jake smiled, hugging him back. “You’re welcome, Seth. We’re just glad that you’re back home with your crew and your family.” He replied before pulling back a little, “Maybe when your wound is healed up, we can hang out.” Jake added. Seth nodded in agreement. “I-I’d like that. A lot.” He answered.
“Also, we found this.” Jake pulled out the penny whistle, handing it over to Seth, whose eyes lit up a little. “You got my clue!” He said. “That was smart of you to bury it by the cave and have it lean in the direction of it.” Cubby commented. “Thanks. I just...I knew you guys were going to hopefully find it and eventually find me.” Seth said, gladly taking back the small instrument and holding it close, “The dirt didn’t damage it, did it?” He asked. “Nope. Just needs a little cleaning and it’ll be good to play again.” Izzy answered. Seth sighed in relief.
“Now, go on. Get that wound treated, alright? We’ll stick around to make sure that Grim doesn’t try and come back.” Jake said. Seth nodded before walking back over to his parents, taking Sharky’s hand gently before heading below deck with them and Smee. Hook then walked over to Jake and his crew. “Thank you again, Jake. For helping us.” He said. “Just like I said to Seth. You’re welcome, Hook.” Jake nodded. “We’re just glad Seth’s safe and sound.” Cubby added. “And hopefully, Grim isn’t going to try something like that again.” Izzy said. “Ha! Don’t think he will when Hook managed to actually punch the Grim Buccaneer.” Savaa scoffed. “True. But you never know.” Hook replied, walking over to the railing as he took a deep breath. Seth was safe. Home. And Grim was gone.
~
Somewhere else, Grim sat in his room of his small ship as he iced his nose before looking down at the pages of a book that had the pages of a gem with the colors of blue and green in a swirl like pattern with each other. “No matter. I don’t need that boy. I will find that gem eventually...” He said before standing up, setting down the makeshift ice pack, “And when I do... I’ll become the most feared pirate in all of the seas.” He walked over to a photo covered in darts as he instead grabbed a dagger, “Stay on your toes, Captain Jake. Because soon enough, you’ll be nothing, but a thing of the past!” Grim tossed the weapon as it landed directly on the picture of Jake.