CHAPTER 7: The Plank

IN THE INDIAN VILLAGE:

The Lost Boys were having a grand old time with the Indians. Tiger Lily and her brother, Little Big Bear, showed them great new games. They hunted duck, and roasted acorns. Everything was perfect. They were outside singing in the night, when they heard a cry. Slightly, Nibs, Tootles, the twins, Curly, Tiger Lily, and Little Big Bear all looked towards the sky. In the moonlight was the silhouette of the Jolly Roger.

"Men! Hook is at large! We must find Peter and bring him down before he harms anyone!" called Slightly. They all gave cheers of excitement and ran towards the house. Peter was sitting with his jacket and bowtie off, head in his hands.

"Peter! Hook is at large!" Called Tootles

"And we heard a faint cry!" said Nibs. Peter looked up from his hands. Then it occurred to him.

"Lads! Hook has captured Jasmine!"

"Mother!" cried the twins.

"We shall fight that old codfish to the death! Again!" shouted Peter. The Lost Boys cheered. Peter ran into his bedroom and changed from the uncomfortable clothes he was wearing to his good old vines. He grabbed a long blade sword and gathered up a couple of daggers for the Lost Boys, not to mention the one he had in his vines.

"Come on Tink. It's time to fight and finish once and for all." Tink smiled and flew out of the room, handing sword to each of the boys, then sprinkling fairy dust upon their heads. They floated up, up, and out of the hideout.

"All right lads, to the Jolly Roger!" laughed Peter at the thought of him finally beating Hook once and for all. They all screamed battle cries as they soared higher and higher towards the ship.

ON THE JOLLY ROGER:

"Ahoy, mates! Prepare the plank!" Hook screamed as the crew prepared the plank for Jasmine to walk.

"Oh please, Hook, I know how to swim. I can find someone and flag him or her down. That's really a big torture." She said sarcastically.

"Oh yes it is dear, when you're jump 150 feet from the ground!" Hook gave a maniacal laugh, and looked at the fear in Jasmine's eyes. Hook turned to see several small objects flying towards them.

"Lads! Ready the cannons! Assume your positions!" Hook turned to fear stricken Jasmine. "Are you ready to walk the plank, m' dear?" Hook's eyes turned blood red, ready to fight.

"Hook, might I compromise with you?" Jasmine pleaded.

"A compromise? Of what sort?" Hook wondered.

"If you let me go, I promise to bring Peter to you. But you must promise not to kill him." Hook smiled, showing butter-yellow teeth. Jasmine cringed.

"Why, my dear, you already have brought him to me." Hook turned Jasmine's head towards the image of Peter flying towards the ship at incredible speed. "And thank you so much." Jasmine began to tear. This is not how she wanted to die. She wanted to die in a peaceful manner, not be falling from almost 200 feet above the ground.

"Shush, my dear. There is...one condition that I will release you."

"Anything!" bawled Jasmine "Anything, Hook!"

"Join my pirate crew. And as induction, you must cut Pan." Jasmine gasped. She did not want to die, but she didn't want to hurt Peter at all.

"I'd...rather...die" she spoke loudly. Hook laughed. "And what is so funny Hook?"

"Oh my dear, you sounded a bit like your great-grandmother just then. But now, onto business. Since you won't join me, I'm afraid you will have to walk the plank!" The crew cheered as Hook cut the rope that held Jasmine to the mast. Many of the men gathered around her as they tied her arms together, and blindfolded her. Hook pushed her towards the plank.

"Any last words miss?" asked Smee.

"Yes. I hope you all go to hell for these intolerable acts. May God strike you with the mightiest lighting bolt and send you all to the Devil's Land below!"

"Now that's not very nice is it, Jasmine?" Hook tisked.

"I really don't care right now, you horrible fiend." Hook sighed, and Smee continued to push her towards the end of the plank. Outside, Jasmine showed to fear, but inside she was terrified. Out near the boat, Peter flew at the speed of sound to get to Jasmine.

"Men!" he panted "Hurry, She's on the plank!" They zoomed incredibly forward.

"It's time to say good-bye, dear Jasmine." Hook jumped on the plank. Jasmine screeched as she shook. One by one, pirates came and jumped on the plank. Jasmine shook, but stubbornly stayed on the plank. Finally, Hook and Smee jumped together, and Jasmine could no longer keep her balance. She fell off the plank.

"No!" cried Peter, as he flew his hardest, to catch her. Peter did not want her to die. His feelings inside could no longer be hidden, though he hated to admit it. He liked her way to much to see her go. He flew as she neared to the water.