Chapter 10- A Challenge for Pan; The race against the clock
The sun rose steadily over the horizon, bringing Neverland its first glimpses of light. Peter, having awoken at dawn, was walking through a nearby jungle, gathering nuts and berries for Wendy and Hope, their new baby. He had gathered about as much as his arms could handle, and was going to start heading back when he heard a sound underfoot. Caught completely by surprise, he was immediately hoisted into the air and was caught in a strong hunting net. The berries and nuts had left his grasp almost instantaneously, and he had no sword with which to cut his bonds. Peter fought against the ropes, attempting to break them; but they proved too strong for him to handle.
Wendy woke slowly, stretching her entire body as the first rays of light hit her face. She noticed that Peter was not in bed, and was shocked, but controlled her emotions, holding back the panic. She tried to get up, but was seized by an excruciating pain in her midsection; whimpering, she had no choice but to lay back against the soft pillows and hoped that someone would come and help her. The small little infant, Hope, as they had named her, was sleeping silently at the foot of the bed; with each passing second, Wendy's pain worsened, and tears escaped her eyes.
James Hook straightened the hat on his head before heading out of his house to see what his friends were up to. His first thought was to go and visit Marco, to see if he had come up with a strategy for when their enemies returned. He approached Marco's house, and was about to knock, when a whimper reached his ear. James, recognizing the voice from which the whimper came, ran toward Peter's house. He immediately found Wendy on the bed, writing in pain. "Easy Wendy, you're going to be fine, my dear; don't worry." He said.
"Where is Peter?" James asked, noting his absence. "I don't know. When I woke up he was gone." Wendy said softly. "Listen Wendy, you stay right here; I'm going to go get help to search for Peter. He'll be back here in no time." James said. "Thank you James." Wendy said, the pain causing her to fall into sleep once more.
James knocked on Marco's door, but had to wait a few minutes. When Marco finally did answer, he was topless; "Hello James, what can I do for you?" He asked. James looked over at the bed, and saw Marco's wife, who was completely unclothed. "Well, it would appear that your brother has gone missing; according to Wendy, he left sometime this morning." James said. Marco came back a moment later wearing a short-sleeved shirt. "Well, then let's move out, he can't have gotten far." He said.
"Well, this sucks." Peter thought as he hung in the net. He couldn't believe how naïve he had been; his senses had warned him of the trap, but he was in such a hurry to get back, that he hadn't taken it seriously. Now, he was paying the price for it; what a miserable existence. He fought against the ropes, putting more of his strength into each strain; surprisingly, they came loose, but just barely. He suddenly hit the ground with a crash; springing to his feet, he was about to gather to food again, when he felt something hard press against his spine. "One false move and you'll be all over this forest." The voice said.
He was surrounded by pirates? Peter thought that James' pirate crew were all dead thanks to Marco, but apparently he had been wrong in that assumption. "You're coming with us, Pan. Our mistress wants your head on a platter so that she can take your title as Prince of Neverland, and we're going to bring it to her." The leader of the gang hissed. "And if I refuse? If you think I'm just going to hand that title over, then you're even dumber than I thought. Back off or else." Peter said, standing his ground. "Or else what, Pan? It looks to us like you're in no position to make demands." The leader replied.
"First off all, explain yourselves; why are you after me?" Peter asked. "We don't have to answer any of your questions, because soon Pan, you won't be around to know them. Now get on your knees or we'll force you." The leader said. Suddenly, two of the pirates shrieked as they were yanked into the trees. Peter looked up to see Marco and James descending down on them. "Get out of here now, unless you want to meet the same fate as your two comrades." Marco said.
"Very well; men, retreat!" The leader yelled after a long pause. "Peter, you have to be more careful; we could've lost you." Marco said. "Ok, I'll be more careful next time. Thanks for coming to help, you guys." Peter said, smiling in appreciation.
Together, they walked back to the village. Wendy was alarmed by the food that Peter was carrying. Their baby was clinging to her shoulder, gazing at him. "I'm sorry I wasn't here when you woke up, but I brought you and the baby some food to eat." Peter said. Wendy simply smiled, pecked him on the cheek, and lead him back into the house.
Marco and James smiled, both men feeling accomplished and proud at their good deed. "Nice job." Marco said, giving James a thumbs up. "Same to you, my boy. Well done indeed." James said, smiling at him.
That evening, Marco slept restlessly, a painfully violent vision disturbing his peaceful dreams. "I am coming…. And when I arrive… you will bear witness to your greatest enemy… the greatest evil the world will ever know; and when it arrives, you will be destroyed. For you will be struck down by your own comrade, and Neverland will be mine for all eternity. The end is near…."
Authors Note: Sorry I've been away for so long, guys; I had to complete my first semester of college, which I did, thankfully; the second semester begins Monday, and its going to be tough, but I know I can do it. Anyway, good cliffhanger ending, right? Anyway, don't forget to review this chapter; next one will be up soon hopefully. Thanks for your patience.