The pirate flinched at the scream and readied him sword. After many moments of silence, he smirked at me once more.

"No Pan come to save you now, ay love?"

"Oh no?" a voice growled from the leaves behind him.

He spun around but was far too late. Peter burst forth from the foliage, dagger at ready. He swung at the pirate furiously, giving the man only seconds to recover from each blow. He returned them with equal vigor, obviously a talented swordsman. He aimed an attack at Peter, but missed purposely, instead directing his power towards me. The blade grazed my cheek, immediately provoking a thin line of blood. Peter fell to my side instantly, ensuring I was uninjured. The pirate cast a single backwards glance before fleeing the scene, knowing he was outgunned,

"STARKEY YOU COWARD!" Peter shouted, but the man didn't turn. In seconds he had disappeared into the brush.

Helping me to my feet, Peter cried, "Lost boys! Assemble!"

The six lads tumbled from various hidden passageways, scrambling into a line dictated by height. They stood like little soldiers, awaiting Peter's command.

"The pirates have insulted our dignity!" Peter huffed, "All who wish rebuttal say "ay"!"

"AY!" they all chorused, not one turning down the opportunity of battle. Unbridled excitement swarmed the air.

"FORWARD MEN!" he screamed.

The pack began to run, either not bothering to fly or out of pixie dust, I did not know. Peter winked at me before tossing to me his sword. He levitated a few feet before shooting off, after his boys. I, caught in the enthusiasm, too began to run. We became a solid band, united by a sole purpose. We exploded through the tree line, emerging onto the sandy shore. The pirate ship was fairly close, about seventy yards out. Peter did a three sixty, looking for something.

"Has anyone seen Tink?" he squinted, as if it would help, "Heck, we can just swim. Is that alright lads?"

We all nodded agreement, stomping into the salty water. Between strokes we splashed at each other playfully, sending moon beams scattering across glittering drops.

As we came to the ship, Peter froze, gesturing us to do the same. Casting a single finger to his lips, he slowly floated out of the water. Grasping Fox's hand into his own, he lifted each boy in turn onto the ship's deck, out of sight behind the main cabin. He finally came to me, gripping my arm. I returned the movement, and he raised me onto the ship. We crept forward, sneaking behind masts and crates. We peeked out from behind a few barrels, and froze.

Hook was now clearly visible, his back facing us. He looked out to the water. Peter began to inch forward, motioning us to stay. Preparing to pounce, he steeled himself and-

"Pan, wonderful for you to join us," Hook hadn't turned around, but he spoke as if they were face to face. Peter froze, shock etched into his face.

"I see you brought your wretched boys. No matter," he spoke calmly, as if discussing the weather. It had been a trap. Hook snapped his fingers, finally turning to face us, "And the girl? I was fully prepared to collect her after dealing with you lot. You've saved me loads of trouble," a wicked grin spread across his face.

Pirates materialized around us, appearing from behind our band. They advanced, and everyone readied their weapons, awaiting the others movement. The tension peaked and I tightened my grip on Peter's sword.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Peter released an epic war cry and dove at Hook.

What happened next was blocked from my vision, for everyone exploded into battle, boy versus man. Swords rang, amplified by the water. A blade rushed by my ear and I immediately fell into action, using this weapon for the first time. I clutched the sword with both hands and swung at my attacker. The man dodged it easily, gripping my wrist. I looked up to Starkey's grinning face. He wrenched me towards him, forcing me to drop the sword.

Now he held both of my wrists, and though I struggled he was much stronger.

"Captain's orders," he leered, tugging me towards the hatch, which if my memory served, led to the brig. I cried out, but it was drowned out by the fighting. This only incited a laugh from Starkey, whose nails dug painfully into my arm. The thought of spending countless hours in that dreaded cell again brought about a panic, which did not help my state. I called for Peter, but he was preoccupied by Hook. A flash of grey filled my peripheral vision, and Starkey immediately fell to the ground. Gabriel stood, utterly soaked, holding nothing but a jagged rock.

"Gabriel!" delight enveloped me.

"I did promise to help fight, didn't I?" his eyes danced under that raven hair.

I laughed with him, to relieved for anything else.

"HRAHH!" a pirate tackled Gabriel, not stopping until they rammed into the ships other side. I watched wide eyed as the pirate overtook him, Gabriel only trying to get back to his feet.

He finally managed to straighten, but his adversary used the force to shove him over the edge of the ship. I alone noticed, for everyone remained in combat. My breath caught as I willed him to be okay. To my relief he heaved himself over the edge, drenched once again. Panting from effort and injuries, he tumbled onto the deck. Unfortunately, he rolled directly at Hook's feet. Everyone froze instantaneously, heads turning to the pair. Hook looked down with a single raised eyebrow, glancing down at Gabriel. Gabriel lay on his back, looking up at Hook. His gaze was cold and unwavering. Without hesitation Hook lifted his sword, and plunged it deep into Gabriel's chest. Every boy's breath caught, but I unleashed a piercing scream. Gabriel's eyes instantly clouded over, and a trickle of blood slipped out of his mouth. I ran towards him, but someone caught me around the waist. I swung around, fully ready to attack, but was met by Fox's worried gaze.

"Stop it. STOP IT!" Fox held me by the shoulders, "He's gone."