Author's Note: Was Hook telling the truth about his hand? Sorry to all the Peter lovers but he will be painted as a bratty, ignorant, and selfish child in this story.

Once they were back aboard Wendy was thankful for Mr. Smee as he instructed the crew to fill her a bath. Wendy knew that he saw the incident with Evangeline and suspected that he felt sorry for her, Wendy accepted his kindness and sunk into the hot water. Having cried all she could she washed her body and hair quickly and returned to lounging in the water's warm embrace.

She did make sure to lock the door before she got in the bath and she was glad she did, because the moment the Captain was back on board she could hear his footsteps approaching her door. Mr. Smee must have intercepted him because she could hear a semblance of a conversation outside her room, and then two sets of steps retreated into the Captain's quarters.

Relaxing Wendy let sleep take her away being careful as to stay above the water. Sometime later Wendy awoke to a terrible chill, her water had gone cold but the chill must have come from the open porthole. Wendy didn't remember it being open but reluctantly she removed herself from the tub and grabbed a towel to dry herself. Padding over to the porthole she thought she saw the glimmer of a fairy but it must have been her imagination because when she blinked it was gone. Noting that it was now dark she donned her night gown and robe. Thankful she left her hair out of the bath to dry she sat down at her vanity and stared at the woman before her. Who was she kidding? To the crew, Mr. Smee, and even Hook she must still resemble a little girl of twelve.

She found that familiar jealousy creeping in again turning away from the mirror she wondered when James had stopped seeing Evangeline. More than likely right before he kidnapped you, wouldn't want his mistress in the way now would he? Wendy shook her negative thoughts away and decided to confront James, something that probably would have happened had she not been bathing earlier.

Unlocking the door and venturing out into the hallway Wendy was only thinking about how the Captain would explain Evangeline. Had Wendy's mind been clear she would have heard the small sneeze that preceded the tiny hands grabbing at her arms and legs. All at once Wendy was quickly overcome by six or seven lost boys, she presumed, and was effectively gagged. Unbeknownst to Wendy the Captain was being distracted by Peter flying over the ship calling her name, a very successful diversion for the Captain still believed Wendy was locked in her room.

Being dragged into the night air Wendy struggled to get away, why? She had no idea; did she not want to see Peter again? Wendy knew that she did want to see him again but her being kidnapped and whisked away was getting old. Wendy continued to trash her head loosening the gag allowing her to scream. This is what finally drew the Captain's attention to the true plan. Wendy saw James running towards her, his eyes wild and his sword drawn. Her vision was disrupted when she felt herself being lifted and thrown over the side of the ship. Her scream was blood curdling for she feared that she was finally going to drown, yet just before she hit the water a childish laugh filled the air and she could feel herself flying. She looked up and saw Peter holding her by her robe and flying towards the island, managing a look back she saw the other lost boys following them. Then Wendy heard it, the pained but terrifying roar of Captain James Hook splitting the air.

Wendy watched as the Jolly Roger faded out of view, trees started to come closer and closer until Wendy was falling ten some feet to the ground, darkness capturing her mind.

Hook stood trembling from rage at what had just transpired, he swung his sword wide ending the lives of two crewmen. Pan had his Wendy, Hook believing her to have been locked away was fooled by that insolent brat. The other demons in Pan's company had captured Wendy, why had she come out of her room? She was coming to see you! You blundering fool! Hook could feel his eyes turn red he was angry at himself and most importantly he was angry at Pan. A dreadful thought then entered the Captain's mind, Wendy may have not went willingly but who's to say she won't change her mind. Would she come back to him? Her promise to him never covered this, for she had not escaped. Hook swallowed and willed himself to calm down, he would never find her if he wasn't fully prepared. Hook gave orders that a land party be readied and turned his red eyes back towards the island. He would find Wendy if he had to burn down all of Neverland, of that he was certain.

Wendy woke and just as before was met with many faces blurring her vision. Sitting up she recognized some of the boys but it seemed that there were new additions. Scanning the small crowd Wendy didn't see Peter, so she cried, "Peter where are you, Peter?"

She looked at each of the boys and watched as their faces turned towards a nearby tree. Wendy seeing that she was now unbound got up and ventured towards the tree, only to see a pouting Peter hiding behind it.

"Why Peter there you are, it's me Wendy! Don't you remember?" She inquired, all her anger towards him gone.

Turning to face Wendy, Peter said "you are not Wendy."

Taken aback Wendy replied, "well I know seven years has changed the way I look but I'm still the same Wendy you knew."

"Lies, all lies the real Wendy would have never been on a pirate ship willingly. Look what growing up has done to you!" He snarled.

Wendy's anger was not subdued for long when she yelled in her motherly tone, "I was on the Jolly Roger because I was kidnapped, and I would have never been there in the first place if you had remembered me!"

Wendy's statement seemed to deflate Peter's childish argument, Wendy watched as he stood staring at the dirt.

"I'm sorry Wendy I didn't mean to forget! Tink was supposed to remind me!" Peter blurted. Wendy seeing that Peter was trying to advert guilt blamed his failure on the fairy that had tried to kill Wendy on multiple occasions.

Looking around she found the glowing harpy sitting dejectedly on a high branch in the tree above. "It that true Tinkerbelle, were you supposed to remind Peter?" She asked. At the sound of furious jingles Wendy took that as a "of course I never wanted you to come back."

Wendy was now unsure of how to act, here she was finally seeing Peter again, and yet she expected it to feel different. Her girlish dreams painted this reunion in the best light but now as a grown woman she was seeing everything for how it really was.

Still having her motherly authority she said, "well it has been a long night hasn't it? What do you say I tell a grand bedtime story before we all go to sleep?"

At the shouts and cheers of the boys Peter's face burned with excitement. "Why maybe grown up Wendy isn't too bad after all." He admitted.

After many fake sword fights and confessions of defeat all the boys were sound asleep except Peter who was only starting to nod off.

With a stifled yawn Peter said, "come on Wendy we found your old house, I even had some of the boys widen the walls a bit."

Following Peter into a small grove of trees Wendy saw her old house, still looking as cozy as ever. Walking in Wendy had to bend her head but it looked as if it would provide appropriate accommodation for the night. Wendy saw Peter walking back towards the tree, but she had yet to ask about the beginning of his feud with Hook. The thought entered her mind that he might tell the truth if he was too busy trying to sleep, so she stopped him.

"Now what kind of mother would I be if I didn't make sure all were fast asleep." She reasoned. Peter turning light pink lead Wendy back to his bed, past the other lost boys inside Hangman's tree.

Peter flopping back down on the bed started to question Wendy, trying to avoid sleep, "Wendy did Captain Hook really kidnap you?"

"Why of course he did Peter, why else would I have been on the Jolly Roger?" She said sincerely. She thought she heard Peter mumble something about her being a pirate, but it was concealed by his pillows.

Wendy not wanting to upset Peter again refrained from asking him how he had forgotten her, and instead posed a different question. "Peter why are you enemies with Hook?"

Rolling back over Wendy could see the sleep filling Peter's eyes as he said, "I can't really remember."

Wendy wanting to find out if what the Captain told her was true tried to bait Peter into confessing the truth. "Did it not have something to do with his hand?" She said keeping her voice soft.

Laughing lightly Peter said, "yes, I think."

"Peter did you cut off his hand during a sword fight?" She said almost reaching her answer.

A frown came upon Peter's mouth as his eyes closed. Wendy willing to keep him awake for a bit longer said, "Peter, I asked you a question."

"No it wasn't a sword fight. I was playing a joke on him, he didn't even know I was there." Peter said yawning. "Well goodnight mother, see you in the morning." Peter then finally fell asleep.

Wendy couldn't move she was horrified, she barley contained her outburst at Peter's last words. James had been right, Peter had done a cruel injustice to the Captain but being a child he saw it as a joke. Slowly Wendy left the tree and stumbled back to her house in the grove. Running inside Wendy threw herself on the bed of leaves. After all these years she was wrong. Captain Hook was not the villain, after all this time she realized he was a victim, a victim of Peter's childish ignorance.

Wendy had no idea how to feel or act anymore, it was as if her whole childhood was now a lie. She drew her legs to her chest and squeezed her eyes shut. Once upon a time Peter Pan cut off an innocent man's hand, and Captain Hook was the only one who remembered you. Wendy felt hot tears slip down her cheeks as she scolded herself for thinking about a scenario akin to her childish nightmares. What was she to do? Here she was right back where she longed to be many years ago and she was miserable. You can go back to Hook. Sniffing Wendy thought against such nonsense as she could not just go wandering through the jungle for days on end hoping to run into the Captain.

What if he isn't even looking for her? Rolling over Wendy thought of course he is looking for her, Peter had kidnapped her! He probably thinks you escaped, that you broke your promise. Crushing leaves in her hand Wendy was silently sobbing now, and she could feel her head pounding. How she longed to be back in the Captain's warm cabin and not out here shivering in the jungle. Wendy knew the island was vast, and from where the Jolly Roger was anchored it would take a few days for James to reach her. She just had to hold out till then and keep Peter happy.

Oh how she had romanticized Peter over these last seven years, she finally admitted to herself that she enjoyed the company of the Captain more. He had treated her like a woman. The Captain was smart, and on occasion humorous which Wendy found severely enticing. When he touched her she felt chills rake through her body at the thought that he, as a man, may desire her. Wendy started crying again at the memories of Evangeline started cutting into her head. She knew she was being weak, she knew she should have tried to escape already but she allowed herself this one moment of pity. Here she lay, Wendy Darling hopelessly in love with Captain James Hook, while her memories of Peter Pan were reduced to lies.

A few days passed in a blur as Wendy went through the motions of playing mother to the lost boys. One day was especially hectic and it was all Wendy could manage to retreat from the boys early and go to sleep. Wendy opened her eyes to the leaves covering her roof, she started squirming. Wendy felt like she was being suffocated in the thick morning heat. Tearing off her robe she sat up wincing at the soreness filling her body. She wondered how she managed to sleep on the ground seven years ago as it was terribly uncomfortable. She pushed her wild hair out of her face, sure that there was debris in it from her sleeping arrangements. Crawling out of her house she looked around, the island was truly beautiful. She watched the birds soar through the trees and looked at all the flora. Walking towards the tree Wendy gathered a sweat, it would be a very hot day unusual for Neverland's mild climate.

The heat must have awoken Wendy's mind as she remembered what she had realized a few days ago, that she was in love with James. Wanting time to really asses her feelings she stopped, thinking about why she loved him. He was smart, humorous, gentle but only with her, patient, adventurous, and very handsome. Wendy remembered that even when he was ignoring her she still received new shirts and breeches, this showed a level of caring Wendy didn't think was possible. Captain Hook was a man of feeling, her old prediction was true. Taking small steps forward towards Hangman's tree Wendy questioned if he could love her in return? Did it matter? He had kissed her like he desired her, that must count for something.

Wendy realized that her parents had been right, you will desire more things in life that fun, and playing pretend. Wendy wanted someone to value her as a person and not for the stories she could tell, she wanted to be a mother, a real mother to her own children. Having grown up Wendy desired to be wanted, to be loved, to have someone at her side for the whole adventure, and that someone was starting to take the shape of Captain Hook. Wendy could pretend that it didn't matter if the Captain loved her or not, it would be her biggest pretend but if she could have his desire and his appreciation she could endure.

Now in front of the tree Wendy was about to enter when she was stopped by the sound of soft crying. Moving towards the noise she stepped into thick bushes, to find a small boy with his head in his hands. When Wendy approached the boy started to wipe his face not wanting to be caught crying.

"What is the matter?" Wendy asked sitting down beside the boy pulling him into her arms, he looked very young.

The boy sniffed and shakily said, "noth—nothings the matter."

With the boy now sitting in her lap Wendy assured him, "you can tell me, I promise not to tell the others."

Turning his grey eyes up to hers the boy admitted, "I miss my mother. I wanna go home but Peter won't take me."

Wendy held the boy tighter and asked, "what's your name?"

"It's Charles, but my mother calls me Charlie or at least she did." He said his words causing more tears to leave his small body.

Wendy was saddened and also angered at the fact that Peter would not take this boy home. "Charlie do you know how long you have been here?" She asked hoping he had a relative time frame.

"Why I think I got here shortly before you did, because I heard Peter saying something about a woman pirate he just heard of." He said wiping his nose.

Wendy knew that there was still hope for the boy if he remembered his parents, "and may I ask how old you are Charlie?" She questioned.

"I'm four and a half, almost five in August." He said proudly.

Smiling down at him Wendy promised, "well Charlie if you want to go home then I will get you home."

"Really!" He exclaimed.

"Why yes, and we will start right now, I think I know who can help us." She said picking Charlie up and setting off to find the fairies.

Wendy somehow forgetting the fact that she should not be wandering through the island alone, thankfully remembered where the fairies resided without incident. Setting Charlie down she looked through the tree to see fairies swarming about in the morning sun. Not knowing what else to do she called out, "excuse me I need help."

Her outcry froze all the fairies, who seeing the child came closer. She knew that they recognized her as Wendy, she also knew that Tinkerbelle more than likely told them all sorts of lies about her. She turned towards a pink fairy and spoke again, "this is my friend Charlie, he wishes to return home I am looking for a fairy to guide him."

At this many fairies flew away, they were not known for their unyielding kindness after all, but the pink one she first addressed still hovered in front of her. Many jingles and hand motions later Wendy went on to explain that Peter would not take the boy home. She watched as the pink fairy, now known as Sage turned a bright red. As it turned out this fairy didn't like Peter or Tinkerbelle, calling them selfish and rude.

Sage then agreed to guide Charlie home, and requested that they meet her where they were standing when the stars came out. Smiling brightly Charlie thanked Sage, which he also called pretty earning him a blush and kiss. Waving by to their new friend Wendy picked Charlie up and set off back towards Hangman's tree. Upon their return the other boys and Peter were just starting to pile out of the tree so none of them noticed their absence.

Many hours later Wendy was mentally exhausted, how had she never remembered how bossy and selfish Peter was? A few hours ago all the boys wanted to go swimming to try and combat the heat, but Peter upset that he didn't think of the idea refused and demanded they have a sword fight. After it was over the boys looked awful, Wendy then demanded that they were going swimming with or without Peter. Her actions caused Peter to be in a foul mood for the rest of the day.

Once the sun began to set Wendy lead the boys back to the tree to settle in for the night a bit early, since she and Charlie were expected somewhere else. Peter ran in first and shut himself away still angry at Wendy, the others very tired from their day of swimming got in their beds and listened as her story carried them away.

Once everyone was asleep she walked over to Charlie and found him with his eyes closed. When Wendy lightly shook him he opened his eyes with ease, indicating that he was just pretending. Quietly making their way outside, Wendy picked up Charlie and started walking towards the meeting place.

Upon seeing Sage, Charlie was filled with excitement as he scrambled to get out of Wendy's arms. When Wendy approached Sage she bent down to Charlie, "now you remember where your house is right Charlie?" She asked. After receiving a very detailed answer from the boy Wendy turned to Sage. "Thank you for doing this." She said her voiced filled with emotion. It seemed that all it took was a day for Wendy to become attached to the child. Giving Charlie one last hug and kiss she said, "alright Charlie you be good for Sage, and remember to hold on tight."

Nodding to Sage, Wendy gave permission for Charlie's departure. She watched as Sage dusted the boy and he started to fly. Sage then gave a small wave to Wendy and took the boy by the hand, leading him away into the night. Now alone Wendy wandered back to her house resigning herself to sleep on the unforgiving ground, not knowing that she was being watched.

Wendy woke to small hands grabbing at her arms and hair, dragging her out into the sunlight. She kicked and screamed in protest, watching the boys remove her from the house and throw her to the ground in front of Peter, who held a sword under her chin. On her knees the boys made quick work binding her arms behind her back, she then screamed "Peter what is going on!"

"This is your trial Wendy, you have been found guilty of murdering Charlie how do you plead?" Peter demanded.

"I did not murder Charlie, he wanted to go home so I got a fairy to take him back." She exclaimed.

"Where is your proof?" Peter asked pushing the sword harder into her chin causing it to cut into her skin.

Wendy had no proof that would appease this foolish child, and now she knew that her actions were not secret anymore as Peter must have followed them. At her silence Peter announced, "I Peter Pan find you guilty of murder and sentence you to death."

Wendy taking no more of this nonsense yelled, "I did not murder Charlie and you know it Peter. You are just jealous that he wanted to go home instead of staying here with you."

Peter's eyes were filled with childish malice as he turned to the boys and asked, "how will she die?"

"Peter you surely don't mean to kill me, I am your mother after all." Wendy pleaded.

She could see his eyes cloud but knew that he was having a temper tantrum and would not stop until he was appeased.

"You are no mother, you are a pirate, and all pirates must die!" He announced.

She then heard suggestions from the boys concerning her execution, some saying she should be hanged and others said she should drown. All words stopped as one boy said that they should wait till dark and hunt her down, Wendy paled at his words because to her this was the cruelest idea. The same idea which of course Peter chose, Wendy was then dragged to a nearby tree and tied to it.

"At sunset you will be released and will have a head start in running for your life." Peter said almost cheerfully.

The boys started whooping and hollering excited about their upcoming game, she knew that Peter was just telling the boys these lies so he could get back at her. She watched as the boys ran off to prepare their weapons, leaving Wendy to struggle in vain.

Wendy watched with trepidation as the sun began to set, she then heard the boys moving closer. Peter as always lead the pack, each boy armed to the teeth with swords, knives, arrows, and slingshots. How she would fare in the dark against nine boys she had no idea, if there was ever a perfect time to be rescued it would be now she thought.

"Hold her and cut the ropes." Peter instructed.

At his request the boys acted, holding Wendy by the arms but cutting her free.

"You will have a 10 minute head start, if you are caught you will be killed for your crimes." Peter proclaimed. Wendy tensed knowing he was serious.

"On your mark, get set, go!" Peter yelled, at this the boys dropped Wendy's arms and she took off, flying into the trees.

For the first time in days Wendy noticed her bare feet, running through bushes and over rocks was starting to pain her but she kept going. Branches scratched at her face and snagged her hair, but she kept running for what seemed like forever. She then heard loud war cries followed by rustling, her ten minutes were up and she was being pursued. She thought she had now passed the fairy grove but doubted any would help her besides Sage, who was with Charlie. Wendy's lungs started to burn she could feel herself slowing down, but when an arrow whizzed by her head the adrenaline kicked back in. Wendy was sure that running blindly in the dark would lead to disaster, and her prediction came true when the ground disappeared and she went rolling down a hill. When she came to a stop sprawled in the dirt she was dizzy and disoriented so she started running again. She randomly chose a path before her, not knowing that it would lead to salvation.