A/N: Yaaaaaahhhhhh update! Update! I know you are excited about this. Okay, so you could at least try to act like it a little. Please? FOR THE LOVE OF NEVERLAND PEOPLE DON'T MAKE ME CRY! ehh..

Yes, well.. Hey! A ka-trillion-billion-million and a 1/2 thanks to EVERYONE who reviewed! You people are AWESOME beyond words!

Also, Major- read the above for exact amount- thanks to my beta Tally- who fixes my horrible grammar problems. Mucho thanks!

Just for your info.. I haven't had much time to work on the next chapter of the Another Day's Sun, but it's coming along. I actually have all of it but the end done. So as soon as I get some time.. or inspiration of where the heck I should go with the story.. lol It'll be done. Hopefully it'll be up soon. Sorry it takes me so frickin' long to update each time. I know how frustrating it gets when someone never finishes a story. Ah! I shall try my hardest to finish it for you all!

Anywho, I'll stop blabbing. Again. I'm rather good at it you know. - If you haven't noticed. I hope you enjoy this chappie as much or even more than the first! And ... as always.. PLEASE REVIEW!

Chapter Two

A Brush With Death. About Ten Times

Riley opened her eyes and groaned.

"Where am I?" she mumbled, clutching her throbbing head which only worsened as she rose up to a sitting position.

Then, slowly, the memory of the night before flooded her mind, and the headache was forgotten.

"Oh shit!" The girl shot to her feet. What am I going to do?

She looked around the dark room in which she was kept; its ancient wood creaking as feet made their way across the floor above. Her hand traced the walls of her cell, searching through the darkness for anything the resembled a door.

Finally, her land landed on seemed to be a handle and she twisted..

Nothing happened. Maybe it's stuck..

Forcefully, she slammed her shoulder into the moth-eaten wood, hoping that the impact would open the door.

But there was no budge. It was locked.

Riley's head sank in defeat. NOW what?

She didn't have to wait long for an answer, as suddenly, with a big bang, the door flew open, causing dust to fly up in all directions. The largest man she had ever seen stepped through the doorway, every inch of his body covered in tattoos.

"Wh-who are you?" she questioned, stumbling backwards in alarm.

"Jukes' the name," the man answered gruffly.

"What do you want?"

"Come t' get ye. Captain's orders," he growled once more.

"Who?"

"James Hook a'course."

Riley rolled her eyes, her fear temporarily forgotten, and replaced with frustration.

"Oh him again." Her eyes lingered upon the man's attire before continuing sarcastically, "And I suppose you expect me to believe you're a pirate as well, hm?"

The man ignored her, pulling off a bundle of ropes from his belt.

The girl sighed. "Well, what does he want with me then?" she inquired irately.

The pirate shrugged. "I s'pect the usual.. bait."

Riley froze.

"Bait? What do you mean bait? For what!?" she shrieked hysterically.

Oh my gosh I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die...

"Peter Pan, of course!"

The teenage girl threw up her hands in exasperation, and growled, "Oh not that again!" Poking the man sharply in the chest, she continued fiercely, "Look, buddy, why don't you just give this whole twisted 'I'm-a-wannabe-pirate' act up and just tell me what the hell is going on here because frankly, I'm getting a wee bit pissed."

Snarling, the man roughly snatched her hand and bent it backwards, making her howl in pain.

"Quit yer barkin' and 'old still," the man hissed. "I got t' tie ye up!"

He loosened his grip and brought up the rope, ignoring the look of loathing the girl sent his way.

As he wrapped the length of rope around her hand she squirmed uncomfortably, yelping as he pulled it tight.

"You don't have to make it so tight, you know!" she exclaimed, shifting her arms around behind her. In reply to her remark, the man only pulled tighter on her bonds.

She rounded on him glaring.

"I really don't like you."

The man smirked, then took a rough hold on her shoulder and pulled her through the doorway. "Move it!" he yelled.

"I really don't have a choice now, do I?" she quipped furiously, as he dragged her up the stairs to face yet another door.

Letting go of her shoulder, Riley watched as he then placed his ear against the door, apparently listening for some kind of sound from the other side.

After a few moments he drew back, smiling wickedly, "Ah, Peter Pan, arrived right on time. Now when Captain gives the signal, we go out."

"Can't wait," she replied sardonically.

The pirate sneered at her. "Shut up girl. Ye want t' give us away?"

Riley considered this.

"Well ya, actu-"

"Speak another word and I'll break yer bones and feed 'em to the dogs!" he threatened.

"I didn't see any d-"

"Shut it!"

"Yes sir!" she mocked, saluting him.

In reply he growled.

Riley sniggered, then stood quietly, listening. As much as she hated to be acting like a "good" prisoner, she was actually somewhat curious herself as to what was going on outside the door.

Voices from outside reached her ears. From the sound of it, it was the man "Captain James Hook" as he had called himself, and someone else she did not know, bickering back and forth.

"Ah, Pan, you've come," she heard the Captain say.

"Of course Captain Codfish," the other voice started with a mock. "As you know, it's always a pleasure seeing you."

"I have something you might be interested in," the Pirate went on, ignoring the boy's sarcasm. "And I might give it back if you if surrender yourself. "

The boy rolled his eyes. " Oh, comeon Hook, what could you possibly have that would make me turn myself in!"

Suddenly, the cabin door burst open, and Riley felt two large hands, push her forward through the opening.

The girl cried out as she smacked against the hard wooded deck.

Peter blinked.

"That'll work..." he replied stupidly, only half aware of what he was saying, as he stared down at the girl in surprise.

Letting out a groan, Riley spit of the mouth full or hair and pushed the rest from her face, as it obstructed her view. Gazing up at her surroundings, she gasped.

In front of her stood two people, one being the so-called "Hook", and another being a boy.

A boy? What was he doing here? Had he been kidnaped too?

She studied him. He sure didn't look like he was kidnaped. In fact, the boy looked like he had sprung right from nature itself. He appeared to be around the same age as her, his wild reddish-brown hair, blowing slightly in the breeze, and playful green eyes sparkling on his pleasant, but at the moment, surprised face.

His slim torso was clad in what could be described best as the forest itself, and his legs in green...

Riley raised an eyebrow.

Panty hose?

The girl snorted, then quickly flung a hand to her mouth. Whoops..

Getting over her amusement, she noticed something else. Both males were staring down as her, intently.

Awkwardly, she grinned. "…Hi?"

Her thoughts were quickly shook from her head and she was pulled up from the ground harshly by two large hands, a dagger then held to her neck.

Hook shook his head and began speaking again. "So as I was saying, her for you. Sound fair enough, Pan?"

"Look, just give it up Hook. She's just a helpless girl. Just give her to me and.." he paused, his forehead crinkling in thought, "I might not hurt you as much," he finished with a smirk.

Riley's mouth dropped open.

"Helpless? HELPLESS? I am not helple-" she was cut off when the dagger pressed in closer on her neck. The girl stood silent, but kept her glare firmly fixed.

Hook turned back to his enemy.

"Just come here!" the Captain demanded sharply. "Then she walks free!"

"How about she comes here, and you walk free!" Pan rephrased and spat out, equally as sharp

"NO!"

"YES!"

"NO!"

"YES!"

"NO!"

"YES!"

Riley watched them bicker back and forth with an eye brow raised. This is pathetic..

"NO!" Hook continued, folding his arms.

"YES!" Peter went on, stomping his foot.

Riley let out a frustrated sigh. Men..

That's it. I can't take this anymore!

"Ahem.." Both looked over at the girl. "I don't mean to butt in or anything, but I have a suggestion to this tinsy winsy problem."

Hook's eyes flared up. "And just what would that be?"

"Well, I will show you if you let me loose for just two seconds! Geez!" She rolled her eyes. "So bossy.." she mumbled out, feeling the pirate's grasp on her reluctantly loosen, as ordered from a nod of the Captain.

"Thank you, Now I.." she drifted off. Now I what.. She blinked. She had gotten them to let her go, and she had not one clue what to do next. She mentally smacked herself. Oh, this was smart..

Mental note: Next time I don't think of a plan, don't put the plan I don't have into action.

"Well?" Hook spat out impatiently. Riley jumped from her thoughts.

"Oh, well, right..I..uh…" Think, think, think, think, "Well now I-"THHHIIIIIIIINNNNNNKKKKKKK! "I...run.." RUN! The girl's eyes widened. "I RUN!"

Soooooo would someone -please- tell me why I'm still standing here.

Hook growled. "GRAB HER!"

Ooooooooooooooh crraaaaaaaaapppppppp..

Riley's feet kicked into motion.

Oh now they work.

She cursed, looking behind her to see a group of not-so-happy looking pirates hot on her tail.

Picking up her speed, she raced onward. Stumbling occasionally from the awkward, unbalanced feeling of having her hands being tied behind her back. Dodging around a barrels and a pile of rope, she came to face the end of the ship.

Ship? WHY AM I ON A SHIP?

The girl whipped around, coming face to face with the rabid looking pirates.

Not good..

She peered over her shoulder as she leaned against the edge of the ship, to the dark, murky water crashing around violently, very, very, very far down below.

Riley gulped. There was no way she could jump with her hands tied behind her like that. She would drown for sure, but was being killed by pirates any better?

She paled. I'm dead.

"You appear to be in quite a pickle here..." Her head shot upward toward the sound of the voice- eyes landing on the form of a familiar looking boy, legs folded, floating happily above her.

WAIT. ...Above me?

Here eyes grew.

FLOATING? Oh dear Lord..

She shook her head. NO! She had more important things to worry about the floating boys at the moment. Like, for one, keeping herself alive. But for some unknown reason, she just couldn't tear her eyes away from the hovering boy.

Peter Pan cocked an eye bow at the girl as she remained silent, mouth gaping open, staring wide-eyed up at him.

"Helllooooo," he began, flipping upside down in the air to wave a hand in front of her face. "Did you hear me? HEY!" He sighed. "Geez, girls are deaf. I said you appear to b-"

Riley glared, shaking from her daze at the insult. "I heard what you said!" she snapped, beginning to dislike the boy more and more every second. "Just tell me something I don't know."

The boy shrugged. "Okay, there is a sword flying toward your head."

She turned her head in confusion. "Wha-" she stopped, letting out a squeak, and ducking down as a sword flew past where her head had been seconds before.

Riley growled from her spot crouched down on the deck. Stupid boy.. "Look," she snarled, "not to be rude, but if you can't tell, I'm kind of busy here at the moment. Mind if we have this little chat some another time, hm?" She ducked as another sharp object was hurled at her head.

The boy sighed once more. "Fine, fine, I just thought you needed my help..." he began to fly off.

Help? Did he say help?

"WAIT!" the girl cried, making the flying boy stop in place.

"You bellowed?" the boy asked innocently with a grin.

She let out a frustrated sigh. "Look, just undo my hands will you?"

"I knew you needed my help," he stated, lowering himself beside her and pulling out a dagger.

"Listen up buddy," Riley growled over her shoulder to the boy as he cut away at the rope binding her hands. "Let me set you straight. I don't need your help. I just could use it."

… A lot.

"I'm sure, you're a girl, all girls need my help. That's why they all come to me going, 'Oh, Peter, save me, save me' " He mocked in a high girly tone, as he cut through the last rope freeing her hands.

Riley seethed, rubbing her wrists "I beg your pardon, not all girls are li-"

"GET THEM YOU FOOLS, THEY ARE GETTING AWAY!" came the booming voice of Captain James Hook from across the deck, cutting off her rant.

Uh oh.. Time to go, Rye...

The girl let out a puff of annoyance and glared up at the tall boy.

"We'll continue this discussion later."

She paused.

"On second thought, hopefully not."

With that, she ran along the edge of the ship to where her bag was lying and quickly grabbed it up slinging it over her shoulder. Her eyes lingered on a bundle of black lying beside where her bag had been seconds before. She quickly slung it over her shoulder as well, figuring it could come in handy somehow.

Riley took a quick glance behind her, to see a group of people racing toward her all yelling.

Eep! Go, go, go!

Without a second thought, she flung herself over the side of the ship and into the cold water below.

Her head burst out from the water, and she cursed. There had been a slight misestimating of the temperature of the water. It was not just cold. It was frickin' FREEZING.

Nonetheless, shivering, she hugged her pack closer and began to swim towards shore.

"YOU LET HER GET AWAY YOU MANGY DOGS! I SHOULD KILL YOU ALL! EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!" The Captain raged from above.

Peter, who was looking over the edge at the girl, just smiled. "I can't believe you let her get away so easily. You really are a stupid codfish," the boy commented.

Hook lashed out toward the boy, his sword slashing down where the flying boy had been seconds before. Peter, hovering just above the captain, stuck out his tongue. "Too slow," he declared with a smirk.

The man growled and swung his sword round again, but missed once more.

Grinning, the boy rose higher. "Till we meet again, Captain Codfish." He tipped his cap, then flew off toward the spot where the girl had swam off, laughing as he went.

Crawling out of the water, Riley laid herself down on the warm sand, breathing deeply. She had never been so exhausted in her life, but the girl knew she had to keep moving. What if the pirates were still looking for her?

She froze.

Pirates? This had to be a dream...

Letting out a groan, she pulled herself once more to her feet, and scanned the area. The girl cut herself short of breath in surprise. Before her lay what had to be a jungle! It was monstrous! Trees stretching as far as the eye could see. She had never seen anything like it in her entire life.

Riley took a step backwards. I can't go in there! I'll get lost for sure!

As the thought registered though, she couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Lost? How could she get lost if she didn't know where she was in the first place?

She shook her head, a grin still lingering on her lips. Then, bent down and picked up her bag which rested beside her. She stared at the black bundle, which had been taken from the ship that lay stretched out on top of her bag. Picking it up she pulled the material apart to its full extend to reveal it's true form. She grinned as she looked upon it. It was a cloak!

Come in handy indeed!

Dropping her bag, she swung the cloak around her, pulling up its hood to hide her face, then picked up her bag once more, hanging it over a shoulder.

Feeling a bit more protected under the folds of the cloak, she took a deep breath and set off toward the forest.

It couldn't be that bad, could it?

Peter Pan glanced in every direction as he flew over the island, his home, Neverland.

But no matter where he looked, he saw not one sign of the girl he had helped escape.

The boy let out a sigh. Finally, something interesting was going on once more in Neverland, and he had managed too lose the someone who caused it. She was the first person in some time that had come to Neverland, even if it wasn't he who brought her. He had reasons to be excited.

Yet, he had still somehow managed to lose her trail. With a shake of his head, he decided to give up the search for now and head back. Shifting directions, the boy started heading downward till his feet hit ground, landed without a sound.

Surrounding him, enormous trees with hundreds of branches each held two to three small huts. It was like one gigantic tree house. Wooden bridges and stairs connected everything and ended at the ground. Long vines dangled and twisted around everything, bringing it all together. Peter was home. "Lost Boys!" he belted out. "LOST BOYS!"

Within seconds, heads popped out one by one from inside their own little hut doors, quickly followed by the rest of their bodies. Their eyes shone brightly as they lay upon their fearless leader.

"Peter!" they exclaimed together.

"It's Peter!"

"He's back!"

"Pan!"

Voices echoed around the area, and it didn't take long before dozens of boys all surrounded the flying boy.

"What happened with Hook?" they asked anxiously, jumping up and down in excitement. "Did you fight him? Did you call him a Codfish? Did you ge-"

"One at a time!" the boy cut it, silencing their endless babbling. "I'll tell you everything," he continued. "But first, let me put something away." A smile broke out on his face.

"What is it Peter? What is it?"

He pulled out a shiny silver hook, and the boys' faces instantly lit up in amazement. "Is that..? I mean it's...Hook's hook! Tell us how you got it!" Peter started to walk away laughing.

"I'll tell you in a second," he yelled back over his shoulder. "Just let me put it away."

And with that, he disappeared into the blackness of the small hut.

Riley pushed away the bushes in front of her, cursing as she missed a few branches and they snapped backwards hitting her in the face.

Growling, the girl spit out leafs.

The last hour of walking through the forest had not been one of her favorites.

Addition to the hundreds of scratches and scrapes she had acquired from walking through the brush, she also managed to step in some form of animal excretion, almost getting her hair pecked off by some exotic-looking bird, and to end it all, she nearly accomplished to do herself in after falling into a killer shrub.

All and all, things weren't going very well.

"I'm starting to think I never should have left home," she mumbled to herself, plucking a twig from her hair with one hand and moving aside more branches with the other.

Finally, making her way through another cluster of bushes, she entered a clearing.

Thaaaaaaaaankkkk yooou. Nooo more treeess!

Standing up straight, she began to glance at her surroundings, and became shocked by the sight she took in. Everywhere she looked there were little wooded huts scattered among the trees.

What shocked her the most, however, was when her eyes lowered from the trees to the ground, and she met the gaze of dozens of boys looking just as shocked.

Oh boy..

And to make matters worse it didn't take long before they were over their surprise and were racing toward her.

"Get him!" someone screamed.

Riley screamed, turning to run but only to be stopped by more wild looking boys.

She was trapped.

They were all closing in, each drawing their swords in turn and pointing them toward her.

"KILL HIM!" another voice rang out, signaling them all to move forward.

Out of options, Riley did the only thing she could. Ducking down, she placed her hands over her head in defense, closed her eyes, and waited for her end...