14.
A battle
Wendy was pulled rudely, both from sleep, and from the bed. She landed with a soft thump on the plush rug, where Hook was crouched. He motioned for her to pull on her boots, and as she did, she could hear the crew yelling and firing pistols.
She flinched a little at the thought that they might actually be shooting the children. She did not have time to comment on this, before Hook was giving her orders.
" Hide your hair under your hat." he said. " And try to stay away from the fighting. I do not want you getting in the way or becoming injured..."
She opened her mouth to protest, but he caught her words in a kiss, that stole the breath from her for a second. Enough time for him to continue.
" Don't make me bolt you in here, my beauty. Just stay behind the other men, whatever happens. If all are captured, stay behind the other men...and if worse comes to worse...'' he paused as if trying to imagine the worst actually happening.
" If the worst happens...if I am killed, the crew captured, and the boat seized...then you must surrender. "
" Surrender!" she hissed. " But then what will I do? I can't get home, and I couldn't stay here! I'd...I'd rather die fighting."
He sighed. Outside the sound of an attack was now un-mistakeable.
" Very well, but promise me that you will not die until it is absolutely necessary." he said sarcastically. " No premature heroics."
" I will only fight if it is necessary. " She said. " I don't think that I could kill one of the children. "
He snorted, but did not taunt her on her fragile femininity. He knew too well, that she would strike to kill, if she felt the need to.
He drew from the floor where he had laid it earlier, a small, light sword. It was strong enough to protect a lady.
" Try to remember the proper way to use it, Wendy." he said. He had no reason to stall, any longer, so with a nod, he stood to leave.
She caught him and pulled him back down. She had an excited look on her face.
" And you, try to remember how to fly!" she said.
He blinked a moment in confusion. Then frowned.
" I am sure that folly has long ago faded away."
" Oh, no it hasn't! Folly never leaves. And neither does magic! You only have to think happy thoughts, and remember how good it feels to fly." she nodded hurriedly, her eyes sparkling.
" I am not going to leap from the rigging only to find that I can no longer recall the proper memory! " he hissed.
" I never forgot. All you need is something that makes you happy." A crash sounded from outside. " Go! But remember...you may need it. And this..." she raised up and kissed him.
" For luck." she whispered, as she watched him slip gracefully from the room.
She quickly tucked her hair up and under her hat, and rose to follow him. She was at least going to witness the event!
Perhaps she could see to it that the children were only captured, and then released later...as for Peter, she doubted she would be able to intervene on his behalf. She knew that even if her were released, he would only return, again and again, fiercely defending his reputation.
By the time Wendy arrived at a place where she could safely watch what was transpiring, the lost boys were just filing over the rail of the ship. Perhaps it was only the dim light, but Wendy was certain there were nearly forty or more figures advancing on the pirate crew.
Standing at the head of the men, back straight, and hook raised, was her Captain. He ignored the flood of boys as they passed him. He knew that they were forbidden to touch him: just as his own men were forbidden to touch Pan.
His head was thrown back, she noticed, and she followed the direction of his gaze. There above them, arms crossed defiantly was Pan, hovering.
Suddenly, Wendy was furious with Peter. He was no better than a spoiled child, refusing to respect other peoples feelings.Refusing to admit that people might actually have feelings.
She remembered back to his insistence in always having things his own way, and no other. He was the leader, and every one else was expendable, or forgettable. This time, his attack, was truly unforgivable. Not Hook, nor any of his crew had instigated a fight.
This thought, and the maddeningly smug look on Peter's face, gave Wendy an idea. She had suddenly discovered the most awful, most cruel way of having revenge upon Peter Pan! She clapped a hand over her mouth to hide a laugh. Yes...she had devised a grand punishment. Now all she had to do was keep near enough to the Captain, that should Peter fall, she could prevent Hook from killing him.
She thought her new plan was wicked enough to make even James Hook proud of her.
She began to creep along the wall, to get a better view of Hook, while trying to remain unseen by the boys. She didn't want to be captured. Especially not while it seemed as though she were attempting to sneak away from the excitement in a cowardly fashion.
Crouching down behind a stack of boxes, ( supplies newly loaded yesterday) she looked up just in time to see Peter unsheathe his sword. She caught her breath as he feigned an attack, before flying backwards, laughing.
" Why don't you come down here, and fight like a real man?" asked Hook, his tone one of false politeness.
Peter scoffed. " Hah! Why would I want to be an old man like you. Hook?"
" Leave, or you'll never have the chance to change your mind, Pan!" called Hook.
Wendy could see that the Captain Hook who had walked from her side only a few minutes ago, was hidden, and the vicious and ruthless pirate was resurfaced. It sent a thrill of excitement tingling through her, when he raised his hooked hand, and slashed at the air, missing Peters bare foot by only inches.
She had to duck down though, and missed Peter's response, because a boy and a pirate had fought their way in front of her hiding place.
The pirate was one called Blue McGill. He was old and had a peg leg. The boy had an obvious advantage on him, being more limber, and very fast. Wendy bit her lip, trying to convince herself to just stay put. But McGill was weakening, and since he was always polite, and one of Smee's close friends, Wendy felt she had to help.
She waited until the Captain had his back turned fully to her. She did not want him distracted by the sight of her crawling across the deck. when the opportunity was right, she crawled rapidly, coming up behind the boy. He was almost as big as she.
McGill doubled his efforts at deflecting the young rogue's blows, but hesitated a second too long and was rewarded with a gash on the cheek. The boy drew back his sword, prepared for the kill, and Wendy raised her own.
McGill never took his eyes from the boy's face, not wanting to give Wendy away. The boy's sword fell with a clatter and his eyes glazed in surprise when Wendy struck her blow.
As soon as the boy hit the deck, she turned her sword back around, and smiled at McGill. She had only struck the boy with the handle. Together, they dragged his body back behind the boxes, and McGill trussed him.
He mouthed the word of thanks to her, wanting to ask whether or not the captain knew his woman was here amid the chaos. He brushed away her attempt to see to his wound, motioned for her to stay down, and returned, after a wink, back into the fray.
She had lost sight of the captain during this little episode, and with her heart beating wildly, she searched among the figures. Already the deck was covered in wounded, and smoke from a few pistols. No! Not from pistols! One of the boys had set fire to the ship!
A few pirates were fighting both lost boys, and the spreading flames.
But where was Hook?
She craned her neck, trying to find him. At last she saw Peter, still in the air, but now engaged in rigorous swordplay. she stood, and could see the Captain. He had shed the great velvet coat, and was fighting now in just his shirt sleeves. Even in such a dangerous situation, Wendy felt herself admiring him.
There was something terrifically ancient and beautiful, in his poise, as he fought. His back was straight, his knee bent at the perfect angle to allow him to move freely across the ground, whether advancing, or retreating from his adversary. At the moment, he was forced to retreat, as Peter's attack was very youthful and vigorous. There was an anger driving Peter's blows, that Hook could not match.
As Hook backed toward her, she could see the muscles and sinew rippling, in places where the shirt clung to his damp skin. She could see the light reflecting on his steel hand, see the cords of his hand as it held the gilded hilt of his sword.
" Just what is it that brings you here, Pan?" Hook taunted.
The sound of his voice reminded Wendy that she still standing. She ducked back behind her cover, chiding herself on staring like a foolish girl.
' However,' she thought, to herself. ' There really is no reason to be in love with a dashing pirate, if you never have the chance to see them fight! '
" To kill you Hook!" cried Peter Pan.
" Oh, really? whatever for?" asked Hook, in a snide tone. He was beginning to sound a little out of breath, under Peter's vicious assault.
They circled back around and were again fighting away from her. She could see that Hook had a slice in his left sleeve, and a small amount of blood. She also noticed that he had managed to inflict a quite ugly cut on one of Peter's ankles.
'' Because. You are a dirty old pirate." laughed Peter. " Why would anyone want you to live?" he flew up out of Hook's reach again.
" Come on...fly up there and fight him! " she whispered to herself, her fists clenched. She winced as Peter's blade managed to nick the captain's shoulder.
The wind shifted suddenly and blew the smoke around Wendy. It completely obscured her vision, and made her eyes water. In a panic, she covered her mouth to keep from coughing.
" And you, are just an ordinary boy. In fact, I believe you are quite boring. No doubt you are already growing up on the inside..." she heard Hook's voice, as it continued to taunt Pan.
" NEVER!" Peter practically screamed, and she heard a hard clashing of blades.
" That is most likely the reason your guest did not remain with you." said Hook.
" What guest?" demanded Peter.
" Why that young lady friend of yours. The one who thought it would be more exciting to find death at the hands of a real man, rather than waste her life away in the company of an eternal infant! "
" Don't talk in riddles!" cried Peter.
" Riddles? I speak in no riddles! I am talking about Wendy!" Hook yelled.
Wendy held her breath, when the sound of swordplay ceased. She did not know what she was expecting, perhaps some grief at her supposed death. After all, Peter would not be here to fight for revenge, if it had not been for her courage so long ago.
A small, little girl part of her still believed that he would defend her and her choice to leave him.
That thought was crushed swiftly and permanently by his one single uttered word.
" Who?"
He honestly did not remember...
Again anger flared up in Wendy's breast. He had forgotten her! After she had, to his knowledge really died for him! She was suddenly very glad that she had not actually died. It would have been a terrific waste, on such a shallow child!
She was very tempted to stand up and scream at him herself, but Hook was nearer to him.
" I think it is time Neverland is rid of you...Mr. Pan." he said. The words were so poisonous, that even Peter felt a thread of cold fear course through his heart.
" You will have to catch me first, Hook!" he called, shooting upwards to stand on the mast.
The smoke cleared just in time for Wendy to see Hook, with sword arm out stretched, follow Peter up into the air. Peter's face fell, and he tottered unsteadily a moment before regaining his composure. The pause gave Hook a chance to inflict a minor cut to Peter's hand, before Peter spun off and across to the next boom.
" It is no use flying away from me now. " called Hook, following.
Wendy almost cheered, as she watched them tangle about the ropes and sails. She was so intent on the mid air battle, that she forgot to pay closer attention to her surroundings.
She was surprised enough to give a little cry out loud when a large heavy object crashed into the cartons, and on to her. She struggled to sit up, realizing that it was the body of a dead or un-conscious boy. She rolled him over, and gasped.
It was Stutter, the impish boy who had escorted her back to Neverland. He began to move at her touch and she cast around for something to tie him with, but there was nothing near at hand. She raised her hand, intending to deal him a blow that would put him back to sleep for a few extra minutes.
Before she could do it, he opened his eyes, and blinked at her. Then he grinned.
She lowered her sword.
" S-s-s-o you have n-n-ot b-ben k-k-killed!" He chuckled.
" Ssshhh! If the pirates find you here, you will be killed."
" B-b-but you b--became a p-p-irate." he said, lowering his voice.
" Yes. And I want all of this nonsense to stop! Are you going to lie here, and be quiet, or am I going to have to kill you?" she asked in her sternest mother/pirate tone.
Stutter grinned, and folded his arms under his head.
" I always did want to be a pirate myself." he said, without a single stutter. " If Pan falls, p-please don't let them kill m-me. I'll be your k-kid, I c-can work. " He looked at her with a pleading expression.
She nodded.
" I'll do what I can.''
She returned her attention to the captain and Peter.
The next few seconds seemed to unfold as if written from a dream.They were too rapid to be poetic. Wendy was in a confusion as things happened, both above and around her...seemingly at the same time.
At first, Peter was on his knees weakly deflecting the Captains blows. The sky was again grey and overcast, reflecting Peter's spirit, and soul. A coldness seemed to be in the air now...
The Captain kicked suddenly , and Peter's blade went flying overboard, and into the sea. Without his weapon, he did not seem so arrogant, and he began inching away, along the narrow wooden boom.
Peter looked down, and back at the Captain's triumphant form. Suddenly Peter rolled over, and plummeted towards the ship, followed closely by the Captain. Peter landed and rolled to the left, coming to rest on his stomach.
The Captain strode over to him, and rested a booted foot in the middle of Peter's back.
" And one last thing, that fairy...I am afraid she will be shedding no more light in this universe. And no amount of singing or clapping will revive her. "
The Captain raised his sword, to strike the final blow.
Wendy stood suddenly.
" No wait, I-" she began, but suddenly she was knocked to the ground. She turned, prepared to face Stutter, only to find him un-conscious again. Two boys were tying his hands, and three more were standing, looking down on her.
These were not simply lost boys, she realized. These were young ruffians, like any thick fisted youth that you might see thieving or brawling on a London street. Had Peter been recruiting these young criminals ?
She didn't have time to wonder. The biggest boy yanked her to her feet, roughly then prodded her with his sword tip.
" Over there! " He hissed, pushing her towards a group of captured pirates. " You filthy pirate!' he jabbed her in the leg with the sword, causing her to yelp.
The sound of her voice reached Hook's ears this time and he turned, whipping his head around. When he did, Peter squirmed out from beneath his boot, and rose back up into the air. Hook turned and followed, swiftly, so that they were again facing each other, six feet above the ground.
As soon as Wendy was shoved into the group of men, they swallowed her into the middle, so that she was hidden from the boys. She felt a hand on her shoulder, and turned to see McGill, smiling down at her. Also, Smee, was there.
The boys unceremoniously heaved the bound, limp form of Stutter into the circle with them. They must have heard his words to Wendy.
Wendy tried to see what was transpiring, but the men wouldn't let her.
They could see.
They saw Peter pull from behind his back, a pistol. He must have rolled onto it, hiding it from the captain's view. He aimed it at the Captain, suddenly, and with tears of rage in his eyes, he fired.
Wendy could not see. But she felt the entire ship go silent, in awe.
She struggled to see, fearing the very worst had happened.
" What has happened ?'' she pleaded.
" Peter Pan has failed again to kill the infamous Captain Hook!" rang James' voice, and Wendy sighed in small relief.
The next sound was a sickening crunch, and the sound of a body hitting the deck.
" Men! All hands on deck!" cried the captain, and suddenly from below, Wendy heard the welcome sound of more men stampeding to get above deck, and fight! They were only awaiting his word!
She pushed through to the front of the men, stepped over Stutter who was again awake, and being untied by McGill.
" James!" she called.
The Captain searched through the faces until he found hers.When their eyes met, he bowed arrogantly. At his feet, Pan was being tightly tied by three strong pirates Wendy had never seen before. She grinned up at Hook.
Suddenly the Captain staggered just a little and still looking into her eyes, he sank to the floor.
" No!" Wendy elbowed her way passed the two men who tried to hold her back. She ran through the remainder of men and boys still fighting, and fell beside the captain. She put her hand over his shirt front, where a red stain was blossoming.
Two boys, stepped over to her...these were two that she would have recognized, if she had turned. They were identical, one twin's expression of confusion, mirroring that of the other. Just the same, they began to inform her she was captured.
" N-No! L-leave her b-be! That's W-W-Wendy! " Stutter cried. The twins fell back, gaping. Wendy had flung her hat off so that she could lean farther over him and her hair had unbound itself in the wind.
" James? "she touched his face. " Please...?" she sobbed. He opened his eyes.
" So sad for my sake, beauty?" he murmured.
" James? Please...do not die..."
" Perhaps death is my last great adventure?" he reached up to cup her face. She seized his hand, holding it against her skin.
" No! I have yet to show you the greatest adventures. " she said. " You have to live. You have to!" her tears fell onto his face, as she leaned over to kiss him.
"This isn't how the ending goes! " she murmured against his lips.
" How does it go, my Lady? " he winced as she pressed down, hoping that if she could hold back the blood, she could somehow keep his life inside of his body
" The dashing...dashing pirate...captain..." she tried, between sobs. He squeezed her hand.
" Say it bravely Wendy, or keep your quiet." he reprimanded.
She took a calming breath.
" The dashing pirate Captain promises his lady that he will live...forever, so that together they can seek new adventures!"
She became aware then that Smee was there as well. He informed her they had sent for a doctor...the battle was over. She didn't even turn to look. What lay behind her was not important. Who lay in front of her was. His eyes fluttered, and he struggled to keep them open.
" James! " she shook him a little, and he opened his eyes.
" What is it, my beauty?" he asked.
" You have not yet promised. Promise me that you won't die..." again, she was crying.
He smiled. " I promise to try, my love." and with those words, he fainted. She gave a loud sob and lay her head against his.
Smee patted her hand.
" Don't you cry just yet. There is work to do. The captain said that you were to see how everyone is punished."
" I can't leave him!" she cried.
" Just turn around and give the orders, Miss. I have seen him through wounds...just trust me." Smee said, firmly, but gently.
Wendy sniffed and nodded, laying Hook's hand gently on the deck, she stood. After composing herself, she turned to face the offenders.
Wendy may have been but a young woman, and not very brave, nor very fierce under normal conditions. But at that moment, both the lost boys, and the pirates of the Jolly Roger could see that in this world there was no fiercer thing than a woman in love.