Good news-I briefly have internet so I'm posting a long one! I've also written the ending and hope you all enjoy. Thanks SO much for your patience and support! Review and Enjoy!
It took a moment for the words to sink in. Peter stared at Nan, his eyes popping and his mouth wide open.
"You WHAT?!"
"I'm so sorry! I'll…I'll send someone to…I just—"
"Nan. How could you?!"
"You knew it would happen, Peter! That's why you insisted on corronating her as Princess so quickly. You suspected that I would banish her because she was an adult. But my jealousy got the best of me and I banished her anyway."
"I just…I didn't think you'd actually DO it! Why not send her home? Why not send her back to the mortal world? Why the Outlands?!" Nan looked up at him, her face full of anguish.
"Peter, I am so sorry. I'll do everything I can to help you rescue her—"
"Nan! The OUTLANDS! A barren wasteland filled with the most dangerous creatures ever known, just waiting for their next victim. No one lasts a day there. What were you thinking?!" Peter spun on his heel and stomped from the room but was blocked by Nan at the door.
"Peter, listen to me. You're going to need my help if you hope to rescue her. And you still don't know who kidnapped her in the first place."
"I don't even care about that anymore, now I have to travel to the Outlands and bring her back myself!" Nan's eyes widened.
"Peter you can't! You wouldn't survive-"
"You think I'd just sit back and hope that Wendy can find her way out of there by herself? Come on Nan, you knew I would go after her. Guess you wanted to get rid of me for good, huh?"
"Peter, no! If anything I hoped that you would see how dangerous the girl is for you. That you would never guess where she was and would give up on searching for her." Peter stared at her, not believing what he was hearing.
"I don't know you anymore, Nan. My Neverland would never banish my WIFE to the OUTLANDS!"
"You've been such a stranger for years, Peter. Ever since you said goodbye to that girl. She destroyed you. So how do you know what Neverland would and wouldn't do anymore?" Peter shook his head and flung the doors open.
"Alright Nan. You made your choice. Now I make mine. If you don't help me save Wendy, I'm leaving you for good. I'll grow up so you never see me again. And without me to care for you, you'll waste away and die."
"Peter!" Nan's eyes were streaming and Peter slammed the door behind him, flying as fast as he could from the palace.
"Peter, she's right though," Tink chimed from his mess of hair, holding on with a death grip as Peter was flying at breakneck speed. "You can't possibly travel to the Outlands! You'd die in three seconds!"
"I'm hoping it doesn't come to that. Nan has powers, she can bring Wendy back as easily as she sent her there. At least I think she can. But if she can't, I'm going Tink. I won't leave Wendy to die there."
"All this for a girl," Tink muttered but luckily it was low enough so Peter did not hear. He flew over the island and paused.
"Who is left to help me? Elphame wants me locked up, the mermaids can't do anything more, and the Lost Boys and Tiger Lily all made their opinions clear last night. So who will help me, Tink?"
"I'll help you Peter," she said, flying in front of his face. He smiled at her courage; he knew one little fairy couldn't help him do anything but he loved her for it all the same.
"Let's get back to the Hideout and let them know what we've found out. They still want to help you." Peter agreed and raced back to the forest but stopped in mid air as he zoomed over Mermaid Lagoon. Ace was at the water's edge, leaning far over, talking to something. As Peter flew closer, he saw Ace was talking to not a mermaid, but a merman! Frowning, Peter flew lower so he could stay hidden and hear what they were saying.
"…want out of this! Just bring her back, please."
"I have not collected my share of the treasure, boy, and I do not back out of agreements. You made the deal. There is nothing you can do."
"Please," Ace said desperately. "I never wanted to hurt her! And Peter has gone mad trying to get her back. They say he is ready to destroy Neverland to find her. Isn't there some other way for him to come back? That doesn't involve her?"
"You knew the terms of the agreement and you gave your word. He will be furious if I tell him you have failed."
"I didn't fail! I brought her to you, just like he ordered. So you can tell him I kept up my end of the bargain!"
"If you tell a single soul about this, he will murder you in your sleep." Ace gasped as the merman slowly lowered back under the water. Letting out a frustrated groan, Ace turned away from the water and found himself being shoved against a tree with strong hands grasping his throat. Peter's enraged face was inches from his.
"Alright Ace. Start talking. Because you have a lot of explaining to do."
"Peter," the boy gasped and Peter loosened his hold only slightly.
"It was you," he growled. "The whole time you pretended to be happy for me, you were the one who kidnapped Wendy. Whose orders are you following?"
"…he'll…kill…me…"
"Well he'll have to get in line because I'm pretty close to doing that myself!" Tink had zoomed off to get help and was back in moments with the Indian Princess, Elphame, and the Lost Boys. They all gasped in horror as they encountered Peter with his hands around Ace's throat.
"Peter, stop!"
"Stay out of this, Tiger Lily. This is between Ace and me. He made a deal with someone and he was the one who kidnapped Wendy. Now I want to know who he's working for." Teddy turned to Ace, his jaw dropping.
"Ace, is it true? It's your fault Mother is missing?"
"Peter, let him go now," Elphame said firmly. Tiger Lily snuck up behind Peter and grabbed him from behind, pinning his arms to his side. Peter thrashed around in her arms but found that she was quite strong…for a girl.
"Alright! I won't kill the little traitor. Let go of me." Tiger Lily slowly released him and he stormed away, throwing his hands up in the air. Elphame turned to Ace, who was massaging his throat.
"Tell us everything, Ace."
"I'm afraid I don't know everything. The night that Peter left to go to London, I was swimming in the Lagoon and this giant merman swam up to me. I was amazed he could speak my language and he asked where Peter had gone. I told him he was going to London to see a girl. He went on and on about how it was wrong that Peter had grown so much, and wouldn't it be better if he was a boy again. He tricked me, made me think that Peter was unhappy as a grown up. He said that the girl was to blame and if we got rid of the girl, Peter could be a boy again and be happy. Then he said he knew of someone who wanted to take the girl for his own. That he would be happy to take her off our hands and if Peter never saw her again, he would forget about her, like he had with all the others." Peter started forward but Tiger Lily shot him a look and he crossed his arms over his chest, a frown marring his handsome face.
"So me and the merman, we met a few more times and developed a plan. When Peter came to us and said he was getting married, I went to the Lagoon and said forget the whole thing. He seemed happy and all I wanted was for him to be happy. But the merman said no, his Master ordered that the girl be brought to him tomorrow. And then he threatened to kill Peter and the Lost Boys if I didn't do it. So I went to Peter's house while they were dancing. I hid and I followed them to the Cave that Peter took Wendy. When he left in the morning, I tied her up but kept my face hidden so that she didn't know who I was. She put up a fight and I had a hard time getting her down the rocks. She got scratched up pretty badly, I'm afraid. At the Lagoon I tried to bandage her wounds but she tried to run away and the mermen appeared and made her fall asleep somehow. They dragged her under the water and I was screaming for them to let her go, until they came up and hit me and told me she was safe. They said I should return home and never tell anyone what had happened. If Peter thought that she was dead, he might turn back into a boy and forget her. But I knew that wasn't true; I knew how much he loves her and that he'd do anything for her. So I tried one more time to get her back. I jumped into the lagoon and tried to swim after them. But I nearly drowned and one of the mermaids saved me. Oona, I think her name was. I couldn't really understand her but she took me back to the surface and left. And a few moments ago, when Peter saw me, I was trying to get her back again. The merman refused and said his Master would murder me if I told. But Peter had heard everything already… and that's…what happened," he finished somewhat lamely. Everyone was staring at him in horror; Peter was running his hands through his curls constantly, making them stand on end.
"Why did you destroy the house?" Tink jingled. Ace looked at Peter for a translation. He found he couldn't speak so Elphame repeated the question.
"The merman told me to bring something of Wendy's to him for his Master. A necklace of some kind. He said it had some sort of magic that he wanted but I never found it. I think she had it on when I took her though, because something around her neck kept glowing. I mentioned it to the mermen but they waved it off and still took her. I'm…I'm so sorry Peter." He glanced at Peter, then at the ground. Peter was shaking his head, his hands covering his face. Elphame took a deep breath.
"Alright. Clearly we need the mermaids' help. Peter, why don't you—"
"It's too late, Elphame. She's not there anymore." Elphame stared at Peter, who was hiding his face in his hands. She had never seen him acting like this and she flew closer to him.
"What do you mean?" Peter lowered his hands and his face was red and tearstained.
"Neverland has banished her to the Outlands. I went to see her this afternoon and she told me. The mermaids took me down to the sea caves and I saw Wendy there. But whoever took her lost her too, because she's gone." Tiger Lily looked very pale and the two of the Lost Boys started to cry. Tink rested on Peter's shoulder and nuzzled up to him gently. Elphame watched him, pity and sorrow in her bright eyes.
"Do you think she will help you get her back?"
"Not anymore. I lost my temper and gave her a choice. Help me or I leave. She won't want to see me again." Elphame lowered her head, feeling that all hope was lost now. Wendy would never survive the Outlands. It had been created by mistake when Neverland had come into existence and try as they might, no one could erase the horrid place. It was known as a purgatory of torment and no one was ever heard of again once they had gone over there. Elphame couldn't believe Neverland had actually sent the girl there but she knew Peter would want to travel there to search for her and they couldn't take that chance.
"Peter-" she started but she broke off with a gasp, as everyone was dropping to their knees around her. Frowning around him, Peter turned and his eyes widened. Nan was walking toward him, the ground turning to frost wherever she stepped. Tink hid in Peter's hair again and Elphame lowered to the ground and bowed her head.
"Nan," Peter whispered. Nan gave him a sad smile as her hand went to his cheek.
"Forgive me, Peter. Seeing you in pain is the worst punishment of all. I love you so very much and can't stand lying to you. So I've come to tell you the truth. I did not send Wendy to the Outlands." Peter felt like his knees would give out. Nan held up a hand so she could continue.
"But she is still in danger. Someone has her, someone far more evil than the creatures in the Outlands."
"Hook," Peter said softly. He didn't know how or why, he didn't know how he knew, but the moment Ace had started talking about someone wanting Wendy for himself, he knew it had to be his enemy. Nan lowered her head.
"James Hook intends to make Wendy his wife." Peter's eyes widened in horror.
"What?"
"How is that possible," Tink chimed above Peter. "He's dead!"
"Yes, he is. He is a Ghost, trapped in the sea cave where the crocodile rests. It is also the home of a Sea Witch, who told him of a spell that could bring him back, only more powerful this time. He must have two things: the blood of his enemy and a woman to marry. He killed the sea witch and took her powers so that he was able to survive in a corporeal state but in order to be revived, he would need those things. So he developed a plan. He sent mermen, once the sea witch's guards, to find someone to help him obtain a woman to marry. But the mermen came back to him, telling him that Peter Pan was in love and Hook knew who the girl was. So he decided he would get both things he needed with one swoop. He developed the plan that Ace has just told you about, and knew when you discovered it was he who had her, you would come flying to her side and he would have your blood as well as his wife. But he encountered a flaw in the plan: me. When I heard about your love for her, I grew angry and jealous. I planned to banish her to the Outlands but Hook sent an emissary, pleading to spare her. So we made a deal. Hook had many enemies, he didn't need your blood. He would take Wendy away and marry her and I would tell you that I sent her to the Outlands, so that you would think you had no chance of saving her. Hook would leave you alone and leave the island for good. As soon as you left my Palace, however, I knew you were going to try to go to the Outlands and I knew you'd be killed. So I came here to tell you the truth and beg for your forgiveness. We're so alike, you and I. Quick tempers, jealous tendencies, and passion flowing through our veins. I beg of you to understand why I did it and forgive me for my love for you. I'll help you get her back, Peter. I know you love her deeply and I cannot bear to see you in pain."
Peter had fallen to his knees and was covering his face with his hands. With a sob, Nan pulled him into her arms and was stroking his hair, as mother would do her son. Elphame, the Boys, and Tink all watched with their heads hanging low. Suddenly, Peter shrugged Nan off and jumped to his feet. His face was etched with a furious determination.
"He can't have her. She's given herself to me and she'll always be mine. Where is he?"
"Peter…you can't be brash—"
"WHERE is he?!" Nan sighed deeply.
"He can't leave the Sea Cave until the ceremony is complete. He must drink the blood of his enemy, his wife must drink his blood, and then they shall be joined for eternity." Peter felt sick to his stomach.
"I thought Mother was Father's wife. How can someone else marry her if she belongs to someone already," Binky spoke up, looking confused. Peter turned to Elphame.
"Binky's right! How can he do that if she's already my wife?"
"The rules of Neverland are not the same as everywhere else, I'm afraid. Hook need only take what he wants and there is not a law to stop it."
"That's a pretty stupid rule you know," Peter said, wrinkling his nose in disgust. Nan shrugged.
"The Prince of Neverland has never loved before so why would there be a law about love and marriage?"
"Alright Nan, I get it. You're angry that I fell in love. With someone from the outside world. Point taken. Now can we get a move on? There is no way I'm going to let that codfish touch my wife." The thought of Hook trying to do what he and Wendy had done made his blood boil and his fists clenched. Nan lay a hand on his shoulder and he did not shrug away.
"I'll try to contact Hook and speak with him. You all go back to your Hideout and wait for me there. I shan't be long."
"I want to go with you."
"No, Peter. If Hook sees you, all could be ruined. Trust me, I'll get your wife back. You must have faith." Sighing, Peter turned to leave with the Boys and Nan closed her eyes, imagining herself elsewhere and that is how she traveled.
The creatures of the sea sensed the presence of the goddess herself and they literally parted the way for her. She traveled as a wave through the ocean and made her way down the caves where she had last known Hook to be residing. Simply blowing the sharks and mermen aside, she entered the cave, resuming her beautiful human self.
A transparent apparition was hovering over the deceased crocodile while he held a ticking clock on his hook and was studying the hands very intently. He started when he noticed someone had entered and he dropped the clock to the ground.
"My Lady Neverland," he swept into a low bow. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Have you everything ready yet?"
"The girl is being stubborn. And my foolish servants did not bring me everything I need for the ceremony. There is something of Pan's I still require."
"And what would that be?" Hook held up an acorn that was on a silver chain. Nan frowned.
"An acorn?"
"Ah, tis just a thimble. A token of their love. He wears one similar, except I believe it is an actual thimble around his neck. Be a darling and bring it to me." Nan's brow raised as her lovely hair wafted around her in the water.
"Do you think me your slave, Hook?" Hook's lip trembled for just a moment.
"My dear lady, of course not! I however have no means of leaving here and I'm afraid my little traitor has told Pan everything now. He'll be coming to look for me soon. The sooner I can complete this ceremony, the sooner I can take my wife away from here. And away from Peter." He winked at Nan and she raised her chin, looking past Hook.
"Is she in there?"
"Aye, she wouldn't stop panicking so I put her to sleep again, just until we have everything ready."
"I should like to see the girl. I have heard of her rare beauty."
"A beautiful one she is, Majesty, though she is nothing compared to you." Nan swept aside and entered the alcove in the cave, making sure to seal it back behind her. Her eyes traveled the room until they rested on a slender figure bound to a rock, her blonde curls floating around her and a stream of bubbles coming from her mouth as she slept. Nan crossed the room and waved her hand over the girl. Wendy's eyes slowly opened and she immediately panicked. Nan waved her hand again and Wendy was encased in a giant bubble.
"What…what's happening?" Wendy looked amazed that she was speaking as she touched her hand to her throat.
"We haven't much time, Wendy. Hook has taken your prisoner and intends to marry you as soon as he is able."
"Hook? Marry?" Wendy repeated faintly.
"Peter is developing a plan to rescue you but you must be patient and above all, you must have faith. You need to play the role well. You must pretend that Peter has abandoned you and that you agree to Hook's demands."
"What?!"
"Wendy, yours and Peter's lives are at stake. Among others. Believe me when I say, this is the only way. You must play your role well if we hope to trick him. Hook is cunning and will see through our deceit if you do not. I have just told you that Peter has abandoned you, no longer wishing to be a grown up. You believe all hope is lost and in order to preserve your virtue, you will marry him so you do not have to return home in disgrace." Wendy gaped at the woman in horror. Nan moved closer.
"You will go through with the ceremony and marry Hook. When he is able to leave here, he will try to take you away from the island. At which time Peter will attack and rescue you and you will be together once more." Nan turned to leave but she stopped and turned back to Wendy, who was still staring at the strange woman.
"You have a certain light about you. I can see why Peter loves you so."
"Who are you," Wendy asked softly. Nan only smiled before she waved her hand and Wendy's eyes felt very heavy once more. Nan sealed the alcove behind her and crossed over to Hook. He watched her suspiciously.
"And what news of Pan? How did he take it?"
"As well as you'd expect. But he knows there is no chance of her surviving the Outlands. He believes she's gone forever. And I have just told the girl that he no longer wishes to be a grown up, that he has left her to her fate."
"And she believes that?"
"I am a very good actress, James Hook," Nan said slyly. Hook bowed low.
"If someone will bring me Pan's necklace, I will conduct the ceremony at midnight."
"You shall have it then." And she was gone. Hook blinked several times, staring at the spot the woman had just been and then he glanced down at the acorn in his hands, which was starting to grow brown and wilt.
"I'll have you, Pan. Mark my words, I'll destroy your heart right before I destroy you."