J. Hook - Prince of Eton - Sun End

J. Hook - Prince of Eton - Sun End

Chapter 7 - Looking at Each Other Again...

Along with hearing the distant sounds of the waves, I sensed that we were floating...

(This place is...?) 

When I came to my senses, I got up from a bed in an unfamiliar room. 

(Somehow, it feels like the floor is moving. ...I wonder how I got in this room.) 

As I held my head from feeling a little dizzy, I remembered what happened before I fell asleep...

-Flashback-

Hook: I can't let you go. 

-Flashback-

(That's right. I met with Hook-san in the forest and...) 

What I told him ended up making him pretty mad. 

(It feels like I didn't properly tell Hook-san how I felt. ...But, I wonder how I got here.) 

Wanting to know, I opened the door of what I think is a guest cabin... 

(Wow...!)

On the other side of the door was the vast blue sky... A white sail was fluttering on the deck of the ship and the wind was making the pirate flag dance. 

(This place is Hook-san's ship...?) 

As the sky and the ocean filled my vision, I immediately forgot about my situation from gazing at it. Then, at that moment, there was a faint sound coming from the front of the ship.

(It looks like someone is there.) 

When my body stiffened up from nervousness, I looked from the shadow of the cargo and... Sitting at the deck of the ship was Hook-san as he was petting the wildcat. Despite looking majestic as usual, he was making a bit of a depressed look right now. 

Hook: Haa... It seems like I used too much force. 

I heard Hook-san speaking to himself as the wind blew. 

Hook: It was her fault. Only talking about Peter Pan! Is there nothing else to talk about?

Wildcat: Meow? 

The wildcat looked at Hook-san and tilted it's head to the side in confusion. When it did that cute gesture in front of Hook-san, he was unable to beat it and used his hand to cover it's face. 

Hook: You... Don't look at me like that!

Wildcat: ...

Hook: ...Still, as a proper man, I should've done better instead of bringing her here by force. 

As Hook-san hung his head down, the wildcat wagged it's tail as if it was agreeing with him. 

Hook: Yeah... Anyways, I should apologize once she wakes up. 

When Hook-san made an unusually childish expression, I instantly felt affection... 

MC: Um... Good morning. 

With courage, I called out to him. 

Hook: Huh!? 

The moment he became flustered, his expression instantly went back to looking sullen as usual. 

(Why must he make that kind of face.) 

Feeling sad, I looked at Hook-san. 

Hook: Y-You... You're always showing up unexpectedly. 

After saying that deeply, Hook-san can't seem to speculate his state of mind somehow, but... 

Hook: Come. I want to take you someplace nice. 

When he extended his large hand, he took me along with him...

Chapter 8 - An Unexpected Answer

-Flashback-

Hook: Come. I want to take you someplace nice. 

-Flashback-

MC: Someplace nice...? 

When Hook-san pulled my hand, he silently pointed towards the watch tower that was set up on top of the ship. My body froze from how tall it was, but he somehow helped me as we went up the ladder. 

MC: ...!

The far-out everlasting ocean shined like a jewel as the sunlight was reflected on it. The view from the watch tower made me gasp. 

Hook: Not a bad view, right? This is my special spot. 

MC: It's really pretty. Thank you. 

Hook: Hmph, it's not a bad view. You know, it's like that. Uh...

When I got caught by Hook-san's gaze, his prideful expression became a little stiff. 

MC: Yes? 

Hook: That's why, I...

The sound of the ocean breeze blowing strongly drowned out Hook-san's voice as he was being unusually uneasy. To hear him somehow, I got closer to him.

Hook: Yesterday, I acted so hastily. This... This is my apology to you. 

MC: Eh!

I ended up saying that loudly from him apologizing so honestly. 

Hook: Hey! There's no need to be so surprised!

MC: I-I'm sorry... But, I'm happy. 

Hook: You're happy? 

MC: Yes. From seeing such a nice view. 

Hook: Huh, you got some nerve. 

MC: I'm not your enemy, Captain Hook. 

Just as I said that, Hook-san let's out a laugh softly. 

Hook: It's James. 

MC: Eh? 

Hook: You're not my crew. Being called captain by you feels really weird. Call me by my name, MC. 

(! Just now, he called me by...) 

That was the first time Hook-san has called me by my name. With the bright sun behind him, Hook-san looked at me with anticipation. 

MC: ...James. 

Hook: Good. 

He gently petted me with his large hand as if he was praising me. As I was being touched like this by James for the first time... My heart slightly increased it's speed.

Hook: MC, do you like the ocean? 

MC: ...What about you, James? 

Hook: Me? Of course, I like it. If I didn't, I wouldn't be going out on adventures by ship. 

After he said that, he showed a very gentle expression on his face for the first time... 

MC: Could it be that you hate Neverland? 

When I asked that question, I regretted it for being somewhat rude. Although, he didn't lose his temper like before and just slowly shook his head. 

Hook: No, it's just that... To me, Neverland is just too small. I'm looking for an even bigger world. The ocean is whimsy and can put you in danger at any time, but... There's an overwhelming charm to it. I want to be the wealthiest man that has been able to conquest this vast ocean out of anyone. 

His eyes that had an enthusiastic look in them brightened up lively like an innocent boy's. 

(To think that James can make that kind of face.) 

Hook: It's strange... Talking about this sort of thing with you... Aside from Peter Pan and Tick-Tock, you're the only one who was interested in this sort of thing. 

MC: Peter Pan...? 

Hook: Yeah, that's right. Peter Pan and I were friends when we were kids. Are you surprised? 

As James made a complicated smile, the breeze that had the scent of the sea made his hair flutter...

Chapter 9 - Fragments of the Past

-Flashback-

James: Peter Pan and I were friends when we were kids. Are you surprised? 

-Flashback-

James' words echoed within my mind... 

MC: Of course, I am... I thought that the two of you were longtime enemies.

Hook: Yeah, it became that way before I knew it. Even so, that guy was the first friend that I've made in Neverland. Despite the time that we've spent together was short. 

The nostalgia expression that James was making looked gentle. 

MC: I'm sure that you two had all sorts of adventures during that time. 

Hook: Yeah. That guy has been carefree ever since then. He does whatever he likes and doesn't think about people's feelings. He would constantly show off... It was troubling. 

(Knowing James, he must've seen Peter Pan as a fair rival.) 

As I imagined him showing off, I tilted my head to the side. Then, while I was thinking, James made a pained smile. 

Hook: Out of anyone else, I wouldn't want to see him once or twice again. That's how I remember Peter Pan. 

(...What does he mean?) 

Forgetting to speak back, I listened carefully to James as he talked about the past. 

Hook: Peter Pan was like that ever since then. He would say mocking words and get too carried away. I hated how weak I was. Because of that reason, I would do whatever I can to get stronger. 

MC: ...Is that why you went out to sea? 

Hook: Yeah. Whether or not my smaller self wanted to face it, I left my hometown and took on the vast ocean. During that time, I experienced all sorts of things. As a result, I gained my own ship and some trustworthy friends. In this vast ocean, the name, James Hook, became well-known. While that was a sign of my growth, there was no mentioning of my past self anymore at the same time. 

When James' words ended there, he sighed deeply. 

Hook: But... That guy didn't care about that sort of thing. He was carefree as usual and was showing off. Even though I wasn't the same as I was from back then, he didn't think so. 

James deeply furrowed his brow as he made a frustrated expression. 

MC: James...

Hook: I said too much. 

James lightly poked my forehead with his finger. 

Hook: You should just forget about it. You guys do get along after all. 

He already returned to his usual strong self. 

MC: ...What you just told me, is that the reason why you see Peter Pan as an enemy? 

Hook: Pretty much.

When James lightly nodded, I carefully chose my next words to say. 

MC: It's true that Peter Pan still likes to play pranks, but... Despite that, I don't think he doesn't realize your growth the way you mentioned it. 

Hook: ...What are you trying to say? 

MC: You said that Peter Pan is always showing off, right? I don't think he's doing that for that reason. 

Hook: Are you making fun of me too? Don't think that I won't raise a hand on you just because you're a woman!

James made a distorted look as he held up his hook in a threatening way. Although, that overbearing attitude didn't frighten me like before. 

MC: Peter Pan probably knows that you're different from before. Since he hasn't changed, have you realized how much stronger that you have become? I can't explain it well, but... I think it's good that you have gained more self-confidence. 

Hook: ... 

While James was silent, I couldn't tell how he was feeling from his expression. 

(Even though he always gets mad... Just this once, it'd be nice if I got through to him properly.) 

With that wishful thinking, I looked at him and...

Hook: Hahahahaha!

Suddenly, James started laughing heartily. 

Hook: Phew, you sure are amusing. Well... Thanks. 

His soft voice blended with the wind, but it sounded strangely clear when it reached my ears. 

Hook: Now then, let's go!

MC: Go...? Where to? 

Hook: To Kensington. 

Just as James said that, he held me in his robust arm at the same time. 

Hook: If the princess gets taken away by the devil, the hero will confront him soon after. I will win. I'll grandly take my win and steal you away. 

James' whisper in my ear warmed up my cheeks like fragrant alcohol. 

Hook: Beautiful Princess MC. Look at me properly. 

MC: ...Okay. 

As I became affected by what he said, my heart became noisier than the ocean waves...

Last Chapter - A Valuable Treasure

In the perfectly clear ocean, white waves were rising... As we were approaching the coast of Kensington, James ordered me to stay in the ship's hold until he has gained victory. 

MC: But...!

Hook: If you're around, I won't be able to concentrate on the duel with Peter Pan. 

Just as James interrupted me, he told me that with a serious expression. 

Hook: Don't you want us to use all our strength? 

MC: ...Yes. 

(It's too bad that I can't come along, but I should do as he says. Today is surely an important chance for them to show how they feel towards each other.) 

I followed his orders and went into the ship's hold, but...

-Flashback-

Hook: If the princess gets taken away by the devil, the hero will confront him soon after. I will win. I'll grandly take my win and steal you away. 

-Flashback-

(I never thought that James would say something like that. Was he only teasing me? Or maybe...) 

At that moment, I heard James laughing determinedly. 

Hook: Peter Pan! You finally arrived! I won't let you escape, let's duel!

(...! The fight has started.) 

I ran over to the window to watch the duel between them... 

......

At the deck of the ship, James and Peter Pan's fierce duel was being shown. Due to feeling the high tension on the ship, I was clenching my hand without realizing it.

(James is surely strong. But, Peter Pan is too...) 

While hearing the sounds of gunshots and the sword fight, my body trembled greatly. As I was feeling pain from watching, I suddenly looked away. 

(James... Don't lose.) 

I wanted the former friends to face each other with their chests puffed out with pride. I don't want the past to imprison them anymore. Just as I thought of that at that moment... The door to the ship's hold opened greatly. Standing there was James with a bold smile... 

MC: Welcome back...

Hook: ...Yeah. 

When James approached me gallantly, he hugged me strongly. 

MC: James...? 

Hook: That guy was smiling. 

MC: Eh? 

Hook: When I got him... Peter Pan was smiling happily instead of me. At that moment, I finally realized it. That guy will never change. That's how our friendship is. 

As I raised my head, he sounded cheerful... 

(...That's good.) 

The strong reassurance was spreading throughout my heart. 

Hook: MC. If it weren't for you, I don't think I would've continued moving forward. 

James placed his large hand against my cheek. As I felt warmth from the palm of his hand, the same dizzy sensation was rising. 

Hook: Until today, I've been searching for a long time. I finally found it, my one and only valuable treasure... I'll say it again. Stay with me... Become my woman. 

Even though he said it jokingly before, James' true feelings got through to me clearly now. 

MC: James... 

With these indescribable feelings filling me up, a teardrop was made in the corner of my eye. 

Hook: ...That's unfair of you. 

Just as his affectionate voice made my eardrum tremble... James softly placed his lips over mine. 

(...)

His heated gaze was only looking at me as my cheeks were turning red. 

Hook: Your answer? 

Along with that seductive whisper, James made a captivating look. 

MC: ...Yes. 

Hook: Good, correct answer. 

When James nodded satisfied, he picked me up... 

In just a short moment as my vision went around, I fell on top of the bed before I knew it. 

MC: Ah...

As I was unsure on how to respond, my body instantly became stiff. Then, James gently caressed my hair as if he noticed my nervousness. 

Hook: MC, tell me your wish. No matter what it is, I'll make it come true. 

(My wish... I already know what it is.) 

I looked straight up at James. 

(Even though he has a violent tone and temper, he's a really kind prince...)

MC: I want to stay by your side forever.

Hook: ...!

HIs eyes widened greatly as his cheeks slightly turned red. 

Hook: ...To think that you would make that kind of wish. You better not regret it. 

MC: Of course, I won't regret it. 

While feeling the swaying waves from the inside of the ship, James gently embraced me... As if we were making an eternal vow with each other, we placed out lips together... 

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Moon End