Author's Note: Hello, everyone! Wow, I'm sorry I haven't updated in SO LONG! This week has been so busy and I've been working on my other story, Of Pan and Iris. I appreciate those who continued to read this story, despite my laziness in updating. With that, I hope you enjoy chapter 9!
Chapter 9
The Pirate Ship
For a stage production, Wendy felt that the Jolly Roger set was very well constructed and far better than the house under the ground set. Although it consisted only of a raised platform that served as the deck (which also held Hook's 'cabin'), a mast and a very large sail, the entire set gave off a very nautical air and Wendy was pleased with it.
The actors playing John, Michael and the Lost Boys were seated against the back wall of the ship, facing the audience. Each actor had their hands tied behind their backs and watched in fear as the crew members moved about the ship.
Then, Captain Hook appeared from his cabin, wearing his familiar scarlet coat and yelled out. "Have all the children been chained?"
"Ay, Cap'n!" They answered in unison.
"Then, hoist them to their feet!" Hook ordered.
All at once the boys were hauled to their feet while Wendy was brought out onto the stage with her hands tied as well. When she was standing beside the boys, Hook said, "Now, six of you will walk the plank tonight, but I have room on my ship for two cabin boys. Who will it be?"
As soon as he finished, Tootles said, "You see, sir, I don't think my mother would like it if I became a pirate. Would your mother like it, Slightly?"
"I don't think so," said Slightly. "Would your mother like it if you became a pirate, Twin?"
"Not at all," said First Twin. "Nibs, would--''
"Silence!" Hook yelled. "You, boy," he said, pointing to John. "Didst thou ever want to be a pirate?"
"I don't know," said John. "After all, I could never think of a proper pirate name for myself."
"Well, then we shall choose for you!" exclaimed Hook.
"Oh, Captain, how 'bout James Barrie?" suggested Mullins.
"Ha! Never 'eard of 'im!" Hook laughed. Turning back to John, he said, "So, boy, dost thou wish to be a member of my crew?"
"I don't know," said John again. "Will we remain loyal subjects to the king?"
"As a member of my crew, you would have to swear 'Down with the king!" said Hook.
"Then I refuse!" cried John.
"Rule Britannia!" Michael squeaked.
"Then, you have sealed your doom!" Hook snarled. "Ready the plank!" He barked to his crew.
As the crew scurried about the ship, Hook turned to Wendy and said, "So, my beauty, you best prepare yourself to see your little children walk the plank!"
"Are they to die?" asked Wendy. This question made the real Wendy roll her eyes. Really, the actress was making out to be very stupid indeed! Of course, the boys would die when they walked the plank! How truly daft could one be?
"Yes," said Hook on stage, "they are." He paused and then shouted, "Silence, all! For a mother's last words to her children!"
Wendy looked at the subdued boys and said solemnly, "Dear boys, these are my last words to you. I feel that I must send a message to you from your real mothers and that is 'We hope that our sons would die like English gentlemen'."
Once again, Wendy rolled her eyes. It was an awfully naïve thing to say. None of the real Lost Boys remembered their real mothers (however much they had desired one on Neverland) and they had become lost at such a young age that they had no idea how an English gentleman was supposed to act. Nevertheless, Wendy thought it was a very noble thing to say…for a play.
As Hook and the pirates began dragging the boys to the plank and tying Wendy to the mast, a noise was heard that steadily grew louder and louder as it drew nearer. Wendy watched in delight as Hook's face melted into sheer terror.
Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock.
"The crocodile!" Hook yelled. "It's coming aboard the ship!"
Abandoning his prisoners, he ran to the farthest corner of the deck and croaked to his crew to hide him from the beast. It was only when Hook was hidden that Peter Pan flew onto the deck, clicking his tongue in an imitation of the monster's clock. He signaled to the boys that he had arrived and to not give him away. Then, he slipped into the captain's cabin, clicking all the while.
The scene continued with Hook sending three pirates into the cabin to kill the crocodile, only to learn that all three had been slain inside. The remaining pirates and Hook agreed that the ship was haunted that they would sacrifice the boys to appease the phantom.
When this was done and a loud crow signaled the death of the children, the pirates advanced on the captured Wend, not noticing Peter as he flew stealthily out of the cabin, his sword at the ready.
"There's no one to save you now, missy," snickered Mullins.
"There is one!" yelled a voice.
"Who?" cried the pirates in surprise.
"Peter Pan the avenger!" And with that, Peter flew down to Wendy and swiftly cut her bonds. Leaping into the air again, he cried, "Down, boys and at them!" And the very much alive Lost Boys burst from the cabin, waving their swords threateningly.
As the battle began, Peter whispered to Wendy, "That's not how it happened at all, Wendy! Please, let me go down there and make it right!"
"Absolutely not!" Wendy whispered back. "After your trick during the lagoon scene, you're lucky that you're still watching the play!"
"I thought you forgave me, Wendy," said Peter, frowning slightly. "It was a very harmless trick, you know."
"I did, Peter, but that doesn't mean I'm about to let you go and interrupt the performance again!"
"But, it's not right at all!" Peter protested.
"I know, Peter," Wendy sighed. "But, there's nothing you can do about it."
"Yes, there is!" Peter whispered loudly as he made it get out of his seat.
"Oh, no, you don't!" Wendy hissed. She grabbed him by his collar and yanked him back down. "I am not letting you get away again, Peter!"
Rather than thinking of something to retort back, Peter simply scowled at her. When Wendy's focus had turned back to the stage, Peter slid down into his seat and sulked.
The action on stage had reached its climax with the battle between Peter Pan and Captain Hook. The swords whistled through the air and the audience gasped as Peter narrowly avoided Hook's blade. In the real Peter's opinion, the swordplay was mediocre and did not accurately portray his professionalism with a sword or his good form.
"Oh, Pan!" Hook groaned when there was a break in the fighting. "Who and what art thou?"
"I am youth, I am joy and I am freedom!" Peter called from where he stood from atop the roof of the cabin, his sword held high above his head. Then, he flew towards Hook and the pirate, announcing that he had shown bad form, threw himself over the side and was seen no more.
Cheers rose up from the Lost Boys and Wendy as Peter landed, crowing gloriously. The audience exploded into applause as the curtain fell on the joyful scene, happy to know that once again good had conquered evil.
Author's Note: Well, hopefully everyone is now satisfied! Please review!
