The little band started out early the next morning for the summit of Neverland's highest mountain. It seemed unlikely that the pirates would be able to overtake them, now that they could no longer fly, but Peter Pan wanted to take no chances. The heart of the Neverland was simply too valuable.
"All right, men, form up ! This is an important mission, so look sharp, now," the urchin bossed. Will couldn't help but grin. Tinkerbell rode on Pan's shoulder. The little pixie appeared to be fully recovered. "We'll march to the summit, saving Tink's pixie dust for the trip home. Lady 'Lizbeth and Will have to get back to their own island, you know," he said importantly. Will suspected that Pan would be glad to be rid of the adults. No matter. Will had actually grown fond of the annoying child, but he was eager to return to his own home as well.
The Lost Boys began to march, singing merrily, though off-key. It might be his imagination, but they seemed a little younger since last night. In any case, their youthful high spirits had been restored.
Elizabeth had worked out a scheme where each boy would carry the diamond in turn. She and Tinkerbell had held a long conversation about it. Will, of course, hadn't understood a word. Once, Elizabeth had looked over at him. Tink chimed several notes, and Elizabeth collapsed into hysterical giggles. "What ?" asked Will. Still giggling, Elizabeth did not reply. Pan smirked.
Will strode ahead and fell into step with Slightly. The boy was taking his turn carrying the gem. He definitely looked younger. His acne had totally cleared up. Will grinned. The trail rose steeply. Mist swirled around them as they climbed. The trees thinned, giving way to brush, which gave way to bare rock. The sun rose higher in the blue morning sky.
Eventually the little band reached a spot where the trail was blocked by a huge rock slide. Half the mountain's summit had fallen away. "Hm, the diamond must have been dislodged," Peter speculated. "That must be how Hook managed to find and steal it."
Chiming joyfully, Tinkerbell launched from his shoulder. The pixie swooped over their heads, executing a barrel roll followed by a loop-di-loop. Pixie dust sprinkled down. The tiny woman hovered just above Will's head. Green eyes, immense in her miniature face, smiled down at him. Will smiled back and felt his feet leave the ground.
Will, Elizabeth, and the Lost Boys followed Pan and Tink into the sky above Neverland. From this vantage point, the top of the mountain could clearly be seen. A crater had formed. Lava flowed sluggishly down the far side of the slope. "Peter Pan, this island is an active volcano !" cried Elizabeth.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," said the boy, smiling brightly. Will rolled his eyes. Tinkerbell chimed instructions. "We can drop the diamond into the crater," Pan translated, inspiration dawning in his eyes. "Hook will never be able to get his hands on it again !" The boy smirked. "Hand, I mean."
The Lost Boys laughed and turned somersaults in the air. Will was not surprised to see that they all appeared to be a good three or four years younger than when he had first met them. Nibs was holding the gem. He passed it to Pan, saluting smartly.
Peter closed his eyes for a moment, then rose in the air, holding the diamond high. For an instant, it caught the light, shooting rainbow beams of radiance over the island and the rapt faces of the onlookers below. With a crow of triumph, Peter Pan dropped the heart of Neverland into the molten lava bubbling in the crater.
Elizabeth flew to Will. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her tenderly. The Lost Boys whooped and whistled. Will rolled his eyes, then grinned at Pan's rowdy gang in spite of himself. "Boys, it's been an adventure," he said. "But I think it's time for Mrs. Turner and me to go home now."
"Nibs, you're in charge here," ordered Pan. "I have to get Lady 'Lizbeth back to her home."
"Bye, Lady," the Lost Boys chorused. Elizabeth hugged each of them in turn. Slightly blushed furiously and grinned from ear to ear.
The twins swooped in from either side and hugged Will. Surprised, he hugged them back. "Bye, Will," they said in unison. He shook his head and tousled their blond hair, smiling at them.
Pan and Tinkerbell led the way, rising high above the island. The Lost Boys waved. In the distance, Will could see half a dozen canoes approaching Neverland from the east. The Indian tribe was returning. He took Elizabeth by the hand and smiled. "Let's go home."
It was dark when they reached Port Royal. Elizabeth touched down lightly in the alley next to the blacksmith's shop. Will started to follow, but felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned in the air. "It's been fun, Will," said Pan, holding out his hand.
Will shook it firmly. "Yes, yes it has," he admitted.
"You take things too seriously, Will." the boy chided gently. "You work too hard. You should consider taking on an apprentice." Will frowned, bemused. Tinkerbell fluttered up and kissed him on the cheek. Despite himself, Will's heart skipped a beat. Pan winked at him as the pair soared into the night sky.
Will sank slowly to the ground and took his wife in his arms. It was good to be home.
Epilogue:
Will Turner sat in his shop, idly polishing yet another beautifully crafted sword. It was late; his wife Elizabeth was asleep in the little bedroom upstairs. Will had spent the past day installing iron bars over the bedroom window. Nothing against Peter Pan; Will just felt more secure that way. He had had enough of adventure to last him for a long time.
As he sat in the darkened blacksmith's shop, Will's keen hearing picked out the sound of footsteps in the street outside. A knock sounded at the door. Will crossed the shop, placing the sword on a work bench. He unlocked the door and swung it open.
A boy of about fifteen stood there. He was dressed in what appeared to be ragged, cast-off sailor's clothing. His wrists protruded from the sleeves of his shirt. His feet were bare. The youth had the gawky look of one who has recently had a rapid growth spurt. A thin mustache clung to his upper lip.
"Mr. Turner ?" he inquired. "My name is Too- uh, I mean, Thomas. I heard you were looking for an apprentice ?" His voice cracked and he winced in embarrassment.
"No, I," Will started, confused. Suddenly, he remembered Pan's strange parting words. He smiled warmly at Thomas, realization dawning.
"Come in, boy," he said, "You must have come a long way." Thomas stepped forward hesitantly. Will gave him his best pirate glare. "Mind you," he warned, "Blacksmithing is hard work. You'll put in a long day if you apprentice with me. And, I insist that my apprentices become handy with a sword. You'll have to practice, in addition to your work at the forge. Three hours a day. At least," he added, thinking of his beautiful young wife and her effect on the teenaged Lost Boys.
Thomas met his eyes boldly. "I can do it, Mr. Turner." The boy paused, then smiled. "I'm ready to be a man."
Will grinned. He stood back and gestured to the young man to enter the shop. "In that case, welcome aboard, Thomas." Will paused on the threshold, looking up into the night. Two stars off to the right stood a little apart from the others sprinkling the Caribbean sky. One seemed to twinkle a bit brighter than the other. Will saluted it. Then the blacksmith turned and followed his new apprentice into his home.
