Chapter 24
The Heave-Ho
First, it was the four members of the Grey Raven who hung from the palm tree, with the Tick Tock Croc slobbering below. Now, it was the four members of the Grey Raven who hung from the palm tree, with their captain balanced precariously above and the Tick Tock Croc slobbering below. While the crocodile had ceased his snapping, the cries of the crewmates did not. Gloom's missing tome burned with the same intensity as hot iron. Trig moaned at the loss of his golden tooth. Flint, who was as black as tar, coughed out a few more puffs of soot. And Animal was half in and out of consciousness. He awoken every once in a while to scream at the giant reptile below before he quickly passed out again. Captain Cronus sat on the top. With no weapons and no pixie dust, he was as stuck as the others.
The defeated captain gazed out at his captors, who stood around a campfire on Mermaid Lagoon. They were within Tock Croc's sight and reach, but the obviously hungry crocodile did not seem to notice them. During the time it took to get him up atop the tree, Jake and his crew, along with the Jolly Roger Crew, and Red Jessica, had disappeared. However, those who stood there were in themselves an odd bunch; a sand pirate, a parrot princess, a good witch, a royal pirate, and a genie. They just stood and watched in silence. Cronus could only wonder why. They already had the ability to enact whatever vengeance they had brewing. A cold breeze weaved past the stranded pirates; good thing he had his thick coat. However, the burning flames of their little fire looked so warm and comforting.
The Grey Raven's captain gazed up into the starlit sky at the countless yellow dots, like tiny eyes they were, stared down, judging him and his crew. Suddenly, after a mind numbingly long wait, the sharp clang of a bell drew everyone's eyes to the entrance of the lagoon. There, coming in from the side, was a small fleet of ships comprised of Bucky, the Jolly Roger, and the Rose. They had been gone for almost an hour, but now they had returned. Cronus squinted and made out Peter Pan's green blur and Tinker Bell's golden shine as they buzzed around the Buccaneer. The decks of the ships were packed with as much crates and sacks as they could carry. If they had anymore, then floating would have been a problem. As they entered the lagoon, a fourth ship came into view that trailed behind Captain Hook's ship. Cronus felt his soul dampen when he recognised the grey timbers of his beloved Grey Raven. The ships dropped their anchors, then dropped their ramps.
"Yo ho, mateys," Jake's voice cheered, getting the attention of everyone at the lagoon. "We're back, and we've brought you all something special."
The infernal Peter Pan zoomed up to the captain of the Grey Raven. "Ahoy again, Captain Hagfish. Look what I found." He wore Cronus's hat. "Looks pretty stylish on me, if I do say so myself."
Captain Ezekiel Cronus didn't care about the boy, nor the hat that belonged to him that currently rested on hair that was not of his shade. He was more focused on the cargo that tiny baby boat had dragged in.
Peter continued. "Hey, look what we found. It was all just lying in a cove. I wonder how it got there."
All just lying in a cove? The burly captain slumped. He already knew what it was.
Jake and the Never Land Pirates each picked something from the stock and disembarked their ship. The burlap sacks and crates jingled with every step. Next came Captain Hook and his crew, with the red-loving pirate lass, who walked off their transports, rattling containers in their possessions. They had to make several trips back and forth, but they managed to get everything off their ships and onto the shore. When everything was hauled, there was a large pile of cargo lying on the beach. They began to pick through it.
Cubby opened up the first sack he came across. The contents consisted of diamonds. "Ahh, look at this," he said, his eyes sparkled. "These are the Pirate Princess's." He heaved the sack up and handed it back to their rightful owner. "Here you go."
Jake appeared beside him. Another bag was offered to her. "And here's your jewellery as well."
The Pirate Princess smiled in relief as both the diamonds and jewels were returned. "Thank you so much, my friends," she praised.
"You're welcome," Cubby and Jake replied in unison.
Captain Cronus saw it coming from a mile away, but he was unable to deter his frustration from building. The treasure, he thought. My treasure! They're giving it back. The tree shook a little. Cronus nearly lost his balance, but he managed to rebalance himself before he could take a one-way trip down into the croc's belly, and meet the clock that ticked within.
Indeed, this had to be the first part of their punishment. From atop the nameless coconut tree, the merciless pirates of the Grey Raven must watch as the citizens of Never Land take back what was theirs. All the days they spent planning, hours spent co-ordinating, and effort put into the execution, was now going down the sinkhole.
Skully struggled to lift a sack that was half-filled with goods. Try as he might, he just barely got it off the ground for only a second. Princess Winger came to his aid.
"Skully, please don't exert yourself," the princess of parrots said. She gently took the bag away from him. "Let me take this one for you."
Skully landed on a rock nearby the fire. Its warmth felt like a godsend. "Sure thing, Princess Winger," he replied. The adrenaline had worn off, exhaustion had set in. "That stuff's for you, so whatever."
Princess Winger opened the bag to find that the treasure inside was hers. Her mirrors, jewellery, necklaces, gold and diamonds. It was all there to the exact pound in weight.
"So it is. Thanks, Skully."
Captain Hook opened another crate of treasure and finally found what he had looked for. He quickly picked out a crystal rose, a pearl necklace and a ruby heart. He smiled warmly as he presented them to their owner in perhaps the only time where he would advertently give treasure instead of taking it.
"Such beautiful treasure like these could only belong to someone of equal beauty," Hook said.
Red Jessica thankfully took them and said, "You're so thoughtful, you are." Then she leaned over and pecked the cranky crook on the cheek.
James Hook's face went as red as his love's hair. What a day today had been. He failed to secure precious treasure at the hideout, lost a fight against Cronus, got blasted into the air at Breezy Valley, witnessed Red Jessica getting punched, and received a kiss from that exact same person. This was the best day ever. Who would have thought that doing good deeds actually felt good? Maybe he should quit with his villainous, greedy, sneaky attitude and become a good and honest pirate, fighting for what is right.
"Captain Hook?" Jake's voice sent a shudder down his spine. Hook turned to find the puny pirate standing there. A plump bag hoisted up in his right hand and a big smile on his face. "These are yours, I take it?"
Captain Hook snatched the bag and opened it. The valuable ornaments stolen from his cabin, as well as the hooks from his collection. He held the bag close to his chest, joyful to have treasure that he could call his own, once more.
"Mine. Mine once again!" He said with joy, then coughed and turned away. "Well, puny pi – I mean, Jake… for this gesture, you have my…" He stopped to shudder even more. How do I say this? "…Sincere gratitude." Hook couldn't believe he had to say that to a pesky, puny pirate.
No, no, scratch that last thought. He can't do it. That's too boring. He's the infamous pirate, Captain James Bartholomew Hook, who's renowned for his ruthless personality and reckless ambition. He loved it, thrived on it. He wasn't going to change anytime soon.
Jake waved a casual salute and said, "You're welcome, Captain Hook."
"Hey, Jake," Peter Pan called out from above. Jake glanced up and saw the fairy, the legend, and the red and gold chest in his arms. "I believe this is yours." He set the Team Treasure Chest down between the kids, who were cheering at its safe return. "And also…" The legendary boy grabbed a pouch from his belt and a book and handed it to the pirate lass. "These are for you."
As the string necklace went around her neck and the book landed on her palms, Izzy felt her delight grow. "My pixie dust, and my diary. You got them back." She grabbed the pouch. It felt plump, heavier than she could remember. "It feels so full."
"That Cronus must've been such a hog," Peter explained. "There were only a few specks of it left. But the fairies were more than willing to give you a little top-up."
"That's so awesome. Thanks, Peter."
"Anytime, Izzy."
Izzy set her sights on a wide crate and flung it open, revealing Neptune's Trident. She picked it up with her bare hands – her mind free of any fear that she would get shocked – and took it over to the water where Queen Coralie awaited. She got down on one knee and offered it to her majesty.
"I, honorary mermaid Izzy, hereby return Neptune's Trident to the rightful possession of the mermaids."
Queen Coralie took the trident and showed her deepest gratitude to her honorary mermaid. Marina and Stormy did the same.
Over the course of minutes, all the treasure was sorted out. The mermaids volunteered to take the Golden Claw back to the crabs of King Crab Island. The parrots of Skybird Island were ordered to return the Never Land Ankh, the Golden Acorn, and the ice statue to their owners. Red Jessica handed Captain Flynn his box of valuables. The Staff of Prospection was missing, however, he did not mind much, considering the golden scarab was all that mattered. Now he could stop the endless locust swarm that spewed from the pyramid. When they were finished, all of the treasure had been returned.
Peter patted his hands down, Tinker Bell copied him. "There. All the treasure is returned to their rightful owners." He flew up to the palm tree that bore the bothersome weight of five, bad pirates. "See? That didn't look so hard, now did it? Had you returned all of it just like we did, and shown how deeply sorry you were, you'd have been forgiven."
Captain Cronus remained silent. He just stared back at the boy's smug face. To open his mouth and respond would be pointless, and only further Peter's satisfaction.
"Now, what to do with you…" Peter said. He faced where the croc stood. "Hey, Tick Tock. Thanks for your help, but we can take it from here."
Like a pet obeying its master, the Tick Tock Croc heeded Peter's words and waddled away. Just like that, the dangling pirates calmed down now that there wasn't a giant pair of teeth waiting for them at the bottom.
Peter Pan continued. "Jake, what do you say you be the one to dish out their punishment?"
Jake nodded, stepped forward, and cleared this throat. "Captain Cronus, and the crew of the Grey Raven. You tried to steal everyone's treasure, and you nearly destroyed Never Land. You couldn't behave, so you're not welcome here anymore. You must leave Never Land right now, and never come back."
Peter nodded. "That sounds fitting." He pulled out his knife, causing the pirates to flinch. Peter approached the strung up group and held to point to Flint's chin. "You heard him…" He brought the knife to the length of rope and cut it. The four fell and bounced on the hard ground. Shortly after they landed, Peter leaned back and drove his foot into the lanky timber. It shuddered and down tumbled the fifth, final, and most superior of the crew. A bush broke Cronus's fall.
"Okay, you lot. March back to your ship," Peter ordered and pointed towards the Grey Raven. The four crewmates shambled, still bound together by rope. Their captain tagged on behind, covered in leaves and squashed berries. Peter spoke. "Before we bid our farewells, are there any here who wish to leave any parting gifts?"
Cubby jumped to attention. "Hold on, I know a little something they might like." he said.
Izzy raised an eyebrow. "You do?"
"Sure, just give me a couple minutes while I whip it up." The chubby pirate rushed towards Bucky, up the ramp and down into the hold. The galley anticipated his arrival.
Meanwhile, the bound pirates stumbled down the beach. Their prey, now turned predators, watched them as they passed. Things would not have been as calm or peaceful if this happened elsewhere. Insults would be said, punches would be hurled, rocks thrown, and swords prodded. These people, on the other hand, just stared as they passed. To them, it was almost unreal, like a dream.
The birds – Skully and Winger – looked upon the blackened features of Flint. He had received his gift well in advance. No need to dig the dagger any deeper. The same could be said for the unfortunate Animal, who was making his final farewell with a red nose, courtesy of Captain Flynn.
As they passed Captain Hook, he suddenly swung his claw low and caught Gloom in the rear. The magical wizard's gravelly voice broke into a high-pitched yelp as he jumped, startling the rest of his mates.
The cranky captain looked the crooked conjurer in his dead eyes. "Don't act surprised. I know it was you who stung me back at the pirate ball. Consider that my going away present."
Gloom growled. He wanted nothing more than to transform Hook the cranky crook into a mayfly. If only he had his tome… it was still under the arm of the Pirate Princess.
There was tapping on Bucky's ramp again. Cubby was seen as he returned to Mermaid Lagoon. Two things had changed: one, Cubby had donned a chef's hat over his blue bandanna, and two, he carried in his little arms a silver platter that was almost as big as he was. He stopped before the crew and set the plate down on an empty crate.
"What you got cooking there, Master Cubby?" Captain Flynn asked.
"A hearty meal to see a special someone away." Cubby grabbed the handle. "Feast your eyes on this super rare, one-of-a-kind, exquisite dish." And lifted the lid. "Made from the finest seaweed, mud, and fungus in all of Never Land." The abomination that sat on the plate had both a horrible face and a horrendous smell. Shrilled shrieks echoed from around. Wild animals from the jungles fainted. Not even Captain Hook found the sustenance appetising. Buried within its gungy body were four spoons, one for each matey. Cubby picked out one of them, the bowl heaved a dripping lump. "I made this just for you… Mr. Trig."
Trig cried, "What?!" He tried to get away, but his frantic running caused the entire foundation to topple. "No, no, my tooth hurts!"
The rest of the little pirate crew – Jake, Izzy, and Skully – each pried a spoon from the gunk. Four dollops of seaweed, mud, and fungus approached on four, silver spoons, which were held in the hands of four, snickering kids.
"Come on, Trig. Don't knock it until you try it," Cubby explained. The stench made his eyes water. Four spoons poised over the first mate's lips. "Here comes the pirate ship."
They didn't wait for an opening. All four suddenly thrust forward with their spoons, slipping the bowls and the jelly into his mouth. The taste dripped onto his tongue and detonated his senses like a cannon explosion. The kids were relentless; they grabbed his beard and manually made his jaw chomp. Trig wailed out. Tiny pieces of seaweed, mud, and mushroom – all edible, thankfully – escaped through his lips, sealed shut by the disgust. The kids and their parrot smiled and laughed, enjoying every moment of it. Jake and the Never Land Pirates were never ones to seek petty revenge, but in this case, petty revenge was what's on the menu.
"Remember to chew your food. Don't want any getting stuck on the way down, don't we?" Skully smarmed. Of course, he wasn't the one who fell victim to the forced feeding session, but it felt good to see how much Trig liked it.
Everyone watched in silence, with none of them speaking up or intervening. They almost felt sorry for the one-eyed first mate, except for the Jolly Roger crew, especially Captain Hook. In his mind, the torturous meal was a five star banquet compared to what he would do to him. The only people who felt his pain were his own crewmates.
Flint squinted in horror. "You must've done something real bad to deserve this, my friend…"
Animal swallowed hard. "And I thought Mother's spinach, squirrel and custard surprise was bad…"
Trig could take it no longer. He threw his head from side to side, escaping from their grasps. A single tear swelled down from his only eye. Mush of the already mushed grub spewed out and got stuck in his facial hair.
"No more! No more," he pleaded between sobs and snorts. "No more, I beg you!"
Cubby pulled a fake frown. "You don't like it?"
"Oh… I guess he doesn't like your cooking, Cubby…" Izzy said with a pinch of softness and a heap of sarcasm.
Jake joined in. "Aww… but he must've slaved over a hot stove just to make this delicious-looking meal for you."
Cubby returned to the platter and replaced it over the gloop. "It's okay, mateys, I'll just throw the rest of this away." Before he left, he glanced back at the reeling man and winked. "I was thinking about giving some to his crewmates, but I guess I used too much salt. At least you tried it; that's what's important."
While Cubby proceeded back to the ship, he felt a lot better inside. They say that revenge is a dish best served cold. They also say that revenge is sweet. In this case, the dish was both very cold, and very sweet.
Peter Pan examined the defeated men, and had a feeling that the awful meal was the final blessing. He grabbed the men and pulled them to their feet, then escorted them straight to the grey ramp of the Grey Raven, where he let them go.
"Board your ship. You arrived here on it, you leave the same way."
The four men stumbled up the walkway. The ramp was narrow and there were those little steps – the chocks of wood – that separated it every couple of feet. Altogether, back to back, traversing the plank was as hazardous as walking a tightrope. By some miracle, Trig, Flint, Animal, and Gloom managed to reach the deck.
Then it was Captain Cronus's turn. The ramp awaited him. Aboard his ship, the endless days and weeks and months expected him. Time wasted staring at that blank sheet of paper, eating and drinking the same four supplements – bread, meat, fish, and beer – every day. He gazed down at the soft sand beneath his boots and knew that this would be the last step he would ever take on Never Land.
Peter Pan landed behind the captain. He tipped the pirate hat upwards to reveal his eyes. "Since this is your final farewell, I'd say you better make it a good one."
Captain Cronus slowly turned around and grinned ever so slightly. "…I understand now…"
"Understand what?"
"The reason why Jake was the only one who could go with you." Cronus's glare strengthened on the boy. "You lied. You orchestrated the Forever Quest from the beginning."
Peter didn't know whether to be humoured or offended. "Do you honestly think for one minute that I'd try to destroy the very place that I love? All for one person?"
"You did it for a reason, Pan. You wanted only Jake, and none of the others. You told them that only one could accomplish such a quest, and you knew that he would be the one to do it. You wanted to separate him from the rest of his crew, sever their ties and make him believe that only he was fitting of travelling with you, because you saw only one thing inside him."
Peter gestured towards the little leader. "When I look at Jake, I see the truest, most courageous person I've ever seen, and I'm proud to call him part of my pirate team. What else do you think I saw inside him?"
"Yourself," Cronus answered bluntly. "You saw yourself – another Peter Pan. It all makes sense. You needed to pull him away from the influence of his friends, just so you could mould him into your image. You already share some uncanny similarities. He resurrected the Forever Tree, just like you did. You gave him the power to fly on happy thoughts alone, just like you can. You allowed him the chance to explore the Never Sea alongside you and you alone." With every point he made, his tone got sharper. He stared at Jake who stared back with equal disdain. "And I'm willing to bet you even got this little scallywag mimicking your rooster call…"
For the briefest moment, Jake reacted. His eyes flicked. The softest of gasps whistled past his lips. Cronus picked up on those minute queues and recognised he had guessed correctly.
Cronus nodded. "I figured as much…" His cold eyes found their way back to Peter's. "I bet you were so eager to make him talk like you. Sound like you. Act like you. Fight like you."
"Stop it," Peter interjected.
Cronus didn't. "Do you think his pirate attire is too ugly? Perhaps a green tunic, a pointy hat and some pointy shoes will make him look more sophisticated. Maybe even a haircut and some red dye."
Peter's eyebrow twitched. He tipped Cronus's hat down. "Stop it," he said louder than before, through clenched teeth.
"Others only serve as liabilities, which was why it's best to cut them out of your life completely. Just like you did with your team of lost boys, and dear old Wendy—"
"I said stop it!" Peter grabbed the burly captain by the collar and felt his fist pull back.
As he stood there with his knuckle poised, ready to strike, Cronus put up no defence whatsoever. He just stood there with a small grin between his beard hairs, like he wanted the hero to do it. The balled up hand shook. Tinker Bell held it back, urging him not to do it. Peter glanced back at the others. They all looked worried, not for what was about to happen, but for Peter himself.
Jake stepped beside his hero. "Don't do it, Peter. It's what he wants," he spoke in a gentle, sympathetic manner. "Let me talk to him."
Pan gazed back at Cronus. The smile was still there. He wanted nothing more than to rub it out. Slowly, the muscles in his hand slackened, and the fingers opened up. With a calming sigh, he hovered to the side. Jake took his place.
The spiky-haired pirate pointed back in the rough direction where his crew stood. "Izzy, a little pixie dust, please?" He asked, and the pirate lass responded. She tossed a pinch of pixie dust onto Jake, and he flew up to meet Cronus's eye level.
Captain Cronus studied the boy's face. To his surprise, Jake looked sad, disheartened. He looked down to the ground and scratched the back of his head. He then rolled his eyes to the side while he pulled his hand away and held it raised beside him, the fingers wiggled. The next thing Cronus knew, his nose was sore. Jake had punched him.
"Peter Pan is my hero, my role model, my mentor, but that's where it ends. I follow his example, and I hope to do all that is right and just, but I'm not Peter Pan; I will never be Peter Pan. I am Jake, pirate of Never Land, and leader of the best crew of pirates ever." He glimpsed over his shoulder to see the smiling faces of his crew. They knew who their hero was. He faced the captain and began to prod him up the ramp. "And I'll never be Captain Cronus either, because…" He stopped, and saw Cronus's lips moving. You're not like that. "Because I believe in Never Land... unlike you."
In an instant, the captain's smile vanished. With one final prod, he stumbled over the end and landed on the flat, grey deck.
Jake hovered over him and delivered one final statement. "Those who don't believe in Never Land aren't welcome here… like you." Both he and Peter hoisted the ramp and tossed it across the floor. "All the treasure you found fair-and-square during your stay is still in your cabin. We would've happily allowed you to live here with it, if only you were five nicer pirates."
Peter pulled the pirate hat off his head and replaced it with his own. "You'll be needing this back." He tossed the hat back to its owner.
"And this!" The Pirate Princess tossed up a leather-bound tome. It rolled on the edges and came to a stop open and facedown. The sight of it made Gloom scuffle within the ropes.
"And something else as well…" Red Jessica said, and eyed the scarlet-clothed captain of the Jolly Roger. "James?"
James Hook played dumb. "I haven't the foggiest clue what you're talking about…" he insisted. The red-loving lass held her hips and slanted her grin. Hook took one look at her and turned to the stars. He yielded, moaned, "Okay, fine," reached into his pocket and pulled out a golden tooth. With a flick of the wrist, it found its way up to the deck of the Grey Raven.
Captain Cronus reached over for his hat. When he did though, a slither of a sparkly substance ebbed from his pocket. It was dust. He grabbed his hat, pulled it over his body, and secretly reached inside his inner pocket. Down in the deepest crevices, he found a small mound of it. Its mystical texture tingled his fingers. The pouch must have opened up sometime during the battle; no wonder it was so empty when Pan had took it.
Peter pulled the sails open while Jake span the wheel in the direction of the exit. The two began to guide the Grey Raven away. The green-cladded boy wandered back down towards the people and returned with one final object to hand back. "I'm reluctant to hand this back, but here's your sword – at least, one of them anyway. Your other one kind of melted in Belch Mountain. Lava has a weird knack of doing that." He ascended upward and tossed the blade into the crow's nest. If the giant captain wanted his blade back, he'd have to climb up the rope ladder and get it himself. "That's everything, now leave and never return."
The captain pulled something from his pocket. Without warning, she shouted, "On second thought, how about an extended stay?" and began to toss the pixie dust all around. Onto the deck, the masts, the sails, and even himself. The dust took effect and the Grey Raven, for the first time in its life, took flight.
Peter charged. "Not so fast!"
Before he could tackle him, Cronus glided across the length of the ship. Peter hit the deck. The airborne captain zipped up to the wheel and spun it in the opposite direction, then soared up past the sails and got to the crow's nest. He had just seized his sword by the handle when the other nuisance appeared, his pixie dust still in effect.
"I don't think so," Jake shouted, and swung at the sword with his wooden one.
Ezekiel Cronus reacted fast and grabbed Jake by the wrist, stopping his swing. Jake tried to escape, but his grasp was too tight. Even though the pirate lad was at his mercy, Cronus did not use the steel cutlass on him. Instead, he dropped it as if it were litter. The sword fell straight down – blade first – the tip pierced the decking, and the entire weapon got lodged upright, accompanied by a brief slicing noise.
The restrained crewmates below instantly noticed the appearance of a sharp edge. "To the sword! Quickly," Trig ordered. They stumbled toward it.
Down below, the crowd, both on land and in the sea, stared on in awe. The Grey Raven rotated in a cumbersome manner.
Peter Pan homed in the direction of the burly captain. Cronus counterattacked by charging straight into him, the other boy still caught in his grip. He wrapped the fingers of his large paw around Peter's twig neck. Meanwhile, it took only a couple of seconds for the blade to make short work of the rope, and turn it into a coil around the captives' feet. They were free.
Already their captain barked orders over the struggles of the two boys. "Quickly, men, grab the fishing net! Get ready to throw it overboard on my command!"
As instructed, the men rushed to the side and retrieved the net, none of them questioned the reason behind it. It was so large and wide that it required all four of them just to lift it.
Captain Cronus flung Jake toward the group stationed at Mermaid Lagoon, then grabbed Peter by the other ankle, span him around, then let go toward the pirate boy. Jake wasn't able to avoid his role model and the two crashed down onto the sandy beach, between the spectators.
"Jake! Peter! Are you okay?" Cubby asked frantically, he and Izzy helped them up.
Jake brushed some sand off him. "We're fine, but—"
"Now! Throw the net!" Cronus roared.
All eyes in the crowd shot up and the grated mesh of a gunk-slavered net landed on all of them. The net was heavier than it looked, it pinned them to the ground. They were grouped together so close and the net was so wide that everyone, including the Pirate Princess, Pip, Misty, Red Jessica, Captain Flynn, Camille, Princess Winger, and Tinker Bell, were trapped underneath. Everyone struggled, but the rope got tangled with every push and tug.
"Yay hey no way! We're trapped," Izzy shrieked.
"You slimy snakes," Hook yelled. He clawed the net only for the rope to tangle around his hook. "Wait until I get me hook on you!"
The density impeded Peter's flight. He whipped out his knife and began on the rope, but it was too thick and too stained with filth. Jake tried as well, yet the Forever Sword, which had sliced through tougher material, had difficulty with the awkward webbing.
"Come on… come on… cut!" Peter muttered through gritted teeth.
The mermaids seen it all happen, but were unable to intervene in any way. The pirate ship was in the air and their allies were on land. The most they could do was shake their fists and tails, and spout bad words.
The crew took control of their ship. Gloom reunited himself with his long lost tome while Trig picked his golden tooth off the floor and inserted it back into the gap in his gum, not even taking the time to check for dirt.
"Nice catch you made there," Cronus said as he took the wheel. "Let's reel them in, boys!" He turned left and the Grey Raven somehow steered with it. Even though he had never piloted a hovering galleon before, it felt surprisingly natural. It was just like how Animal explained it: just look and go.
He lowered the entire ship down upon the shore. His intent being to pick up everyone and transport them back to the hidden cove. It was back to the shackles for Jake and his crew, and he would prepare cells for the others of Never Land; prisons that could withstand the mightiest of blows, the most cunning of tricks and the most potent of spells. He would cut off their connection to the outside world and feed them the most boring and basic of meals. His crewmates would suggest a torture chamber, but there would be none; Captain Cronus was a gentleman like that. Over time, they would eventually see things from his perspective. If they didn't? Well then, he guessed he would need to keep them locked away forever. Peter Pan himself would definitely be a tough one to break, alongside his annoying fairy, but that was a challenge Cronus was ready to undertake.
All of a sudden, the water bubbled from beneath. The mermaids dove down under the surface then resurfaced. All their lips arched into grins.
"Oh, Captain Cronus," Marina called up. "Someone else wants to say goodbye to you."
From beneath the surface, a giant, pink sea serpent burst from the blue. Cecilia leaned over the hull and glared at the pirates with her giant eyes.
"Looks like Cecilia's just in time for her farewell present," the Pirate Princess said.
Her eyes focused on every one of them individually. The pupils narrowed into pin points the moment they recognised the bald head and jagged tattoos of the sage – the one who encapsulated her in an ice cube. Her sudden and unexpected appearance caught the Grey Raven completely by surprise. The men distanced themselves away from the serpent's massive head; her mouth could swallow any one of them whole with a single chomp.
Cronus turned to Gloom and bellowed, "Don't just stand there! Freeze it!" Gloom fumbled with his tome, attempting to find the ice spell again.
Cecilia noticed that the wizard had retreated into his book. She was about to retaliate when her nose tickled. She drew her long, limbless body back while taking several sharp breaths.
"…Uh oh…" Jake whispered. She hadn't fully recovered from her cold, it seemed. "Everyone, cover your ears!"
Gloom pointed at a page. "Arctus frozare re—"
Too late. Cecilia sneezed. A force of over a hundred miles an hour, carrying bucketloads of snot and mucus, slammed into the Grey Raven, sending it flying across Never Land. Good thing Jake warned everyone to plug their ears, because the boom was deafening. The crew held on for dear life as the mountains and trees zoomed passed down below and the wind whipped hard into them. The sneeze also must have blasted off the pixie dust, they began to drop.
"Curse you, sea serpent," Cronus yelled. His grip tight on the wheel.
He opened his eyes to find them falling towards Cannon Clearing. The abysmal mouth of the giant cannon – the one big enough to hold an entire galleon – swallowed them whole. They slammed against the end of the giant artillery weapon. It was there that the crew learned how exactly a cannon of this scale worked, and it wasn't with gunpowder. At the end of the weapon was a giant spring attached to an apparatus of many cogs, switches and levers. The moment the ship pushed against the loaded spring, it clicked. The sudden silence was filled with a ticking timer. Any second now…
Captain Cronus closed his eyes and hugged the wheel. "Curse you, Peter Pan…"
Ding!
The humungous spring unloaded. The Grey Raven rocketed into the night sky. The five passengers screamed.
Back at Mermaid Lagoon, Cecilia reached down and pulled the hefty fishing net off the crowd, who praised her for her assistance. The screams brought their eyes upward. They watched as the grey ship flew higher and higher up and out of Never Land. Like a shooting star, it was.
Between the screeches, they caught the captain's fleeting words: "Cuuuuuuurse yooooouuuuu, Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake!"
Jake raised his hand and waved. "Farewell, Captain Cronus."
"Have a nice trip," Izzy said.
"And a safe landing," Cubby added.
"Fly away, little raven," Skully worked up the energy to shout his goodbye.
As the final traces of the grey timber disappeared into the starlit sky, Peter Pan flew into the air and bellowed his rooster call.