Melody's back!

Chapter 3
"I'll Protect Her, Don't Worry"

At the offer, Melody almost glowed.

"I'd love too!"

Peter gave her a strange look. Why was she happy about swimming? He noticed her turn to him and the look disappeared, replaced with an awkward smile at his staring once again. Melody hardly seemed to notice.

"Do you go swimming often, Peter?" She asked him, curiously.

He shook his head, cocky once more. He lay on his back in the air, arms crossed behind his head. "Nah, I prefer flying. Its more in my element."

Melody dawned a mischievous and calculating expression, touching her hand to her chin. "Oh really?"

"I could if I wanted to though." He added, arrogantly, his hat over his eyes. "Its no big deal."

Melody was just about to jump, which would result in forcing him into the water, if she got her aim right, when he added another sentence.

"I mean, you gotta be a good swimmer when Captain Hook is always on everyone's tail, trying to drown them and dropping people into the ocean all the time."

Melody froze, straightening. "Whose Captain Hook?"

Had Peter been drinking water, he would have spat it all out. "Are you serious?" Immediately he was hovering, two inches in front of Melody's face, staring right at her. Startled, she stepped backwards. Peter, realizing his mistake, frowned. "Oh that's right, you aren't from here." He gave her an apologetic look. "Sorry."

Melody, her hand on her heart, gave a weak smile in turn. "Its fine. Now who is he?"

Peter grinned at the opportunity. "He's captain of the only pirate ship in Neverland. They're always trying to kill me, cause I'm the only one who can beat him on the island."

Granted, Jane had sort of beat him, but she wasn't on the island anymore.

Melody frowned. "He doesn't sound very nice."

"He's not."

"And it doesn't bother you that his only purpose in life at the moment is to murder you?"

"Uh, not really, no."

She gave him an odd look.

"What?"

Melody shook her head. "Nothing. Where is this Captain Hook anyways?"

Peter stole the expression she wore before he'd mentioned Hook, sly as a fox. He held his hand out to her. "Wanna go see him?"

Melody bit her lip, looking hesitantly at the water that seemed to be calling for her. Then, the thought of the murderous man Peter had no fear of flashed in her head and she turned back to the mermaids.

"Uh, how about I get a rain-check on the swimming?"

They bowed their heads. "Of course, Melody."

Satisfied, Melody turned back to Peter. "I'm ready."

Peter gripped her hand, throwing her easily over his back. The two had both quickly adapted to this and they flew off, the mermaids calling their goodbyes to them as they faded into the clouds, passing right through them.

It didn't take long. Not even a minute. Within thirty seconds, Peter hovered on a cloud, looking down at the pirate ship floating on the surface of the ocean. Peter took her off her back, letting her stand on the unnaturally sturdy Neverland clouds. Melody took a moment to be amazed by this before peering over the edge.

"Can we get closer?"

"Only if you want to be attacked." He paused, "Wait, do you?"

Melody smiled at him over her shoulder, eyes sparkling with the chance of discovering something else knew. "I want to see as much as possible today. Why not mess with some pirates."

"It'll be dangerous," He warned.

Melody stood, dusting some of the lingering clouds residue off of her pants. "Is that a threat or a promise?"

Peter laughed, rolling his eyes. "Well, I guess I'll just have to watch out for you. Hop on."

Melody shook her head, stepping backwards. Peter's eyes widened in alarm, taking a step forward towards her, which she matched, except back once again.

Peter gave her a glare, which wasn't often for him. His tone was warning, confused, "What are you doing?"

"I'm going to jump."

"Why?"

"Because I already know how to fly, how else would I have got here with Tinkerbelle and without you carrying me?"

Truthfully, the thought had never occurred to him. But now that he thought about it, it did only make sense that she knew how to fly. He protested this anyways.

"But its safer if I carry you."

"But its more surprising if I fly." Peter said nothing at Melody's statement. Seeing she was winning, she continued with more enthusiasm, "If the pirates see you, and then I show up, it'll be more entertaining to see their reactions. Any why not have the Lost Boys come with us? An ambush, just for kicks!"

Peter scowled. Unfortunately, Melody's idea sounded too fun to resist. "Well . . . fine. But wait here while I go get the Lost Boys, and practice your reaction time." He talked to her over his shoulder as he prepared to fly off, to find the Lost Boys. "You're going to need to be fast if you're going to play with pirates."

At that, he flew off, leaving her on a cloud. Melody, watching him until he was out of sight, slowly felt the confidence begin to fade from her chest. When most of it was gone she realized what she had done and her face was a mask of horror. She stood, remembering Peter's words.

"You're going to need to be fast if you're going to play with pirates."

Melody stood, thinking of her happy thoughts. Mainly it consisted of images of her family, but towards the end, a few images of Peter began to slip in to her thoughts. Though she hadn't known him long, him and the Lost Boys were easily the most pleasant people she'd ever met. Their presence was comforting and warm, especially Peter's. Before she realized it herself, she was soaring through the air, and laughter was heard from below. Opening her eyes in surprise, she looked down to see the source.

The Lost Boys, including Peter and Tinkerbelle, were watching her with joy, clapping their hands as she gracefully dove through the air, not paying attention. Peter was obviously trying to shush them, but it was too late. He'd been keeping them quiet so they could keep watching but that plan had failed. Tinkerbelle even seemed slightly interested at how quick of a learner she was becoming.

Melody let herself descend slowly, back to the cloud they were on. "Hey, guys."

"Ready to go?" Peter asked, arms crossed.

"Sure," Melody nodded, feeling her excitement coming back.

"We've got to be very quiet," Peter said, in hushed tones, as if they were already by the pirate ship. "I go in first. Then the Lost Boys, and Melody, you stick with Tinkerbelle. And you all know the rules, but since Melody is new, I'll go over them again." He cleared his throat, counting the rules off on his fingers. "Rule number one, nobody goes after Hook except me. Any of you get cornered, just run. No one is to face him but me, got it. You can taunt him, but when it comes to fighting, that's all me. I don't want anyone getting hurt, got it?" Melody nodded, for her was looking right at her. "Rule number two, we stay until I say so, when the tables start to turn on us or the fight gets boring. And rule number three, stick with your partners. Are you clear on those rules Melody?"

"I understand, let's just go!"

Peter laughed, the serious attitude fading from his face. Tinkerbelle flitted in front of Melody's face, giving her a good-luck-thumbs-up. Melody gave her an appreciative look as they followed behind Peter and the Lost Boys, staying close to the water to keep from being seen. Peter and the Lost Boys split, as soon as they neared the pirate ship, which confused Melody greatly. Tinkerbelle was in front of her instantly, pulling her finger towards where the Peter had gone. Melody followed behind, keeping quiet as Tinkerbelle was. Soon enough they were right next to Peter, holding on to the side of the ship and listening.

Melody began to feel her stomach churn in fear when she felt Peter touch her shoulder, reassuringly. She turned and saw his charming smile, which reassured her completely. Tinkerbelle once again smirked at this, knowing her plan was working.

It was then Melody jumped in surprise, for out of nowhere a loud cry of, "Blast that Peter Pan!" was heard. Peter gave her a wink before bolting upwards, knife in hand. She heard him respond to the name cursing.

"Aw come on Captain!" She heard him shout, laughing. From her vantage point, she could see him rip through the sail with his knife. Tinkerbelle gave another tug at her hand, and Melody looked away, following her. "Don't pretend you didn't miss me!"

"Pan! Where did you come from? And where is your little fairy? Whats the matter, she caught the flu?"

Melody rolled her eyes at his mockery. It pretty much sucked, though gruff laughter was heard aboard the ship. Melody noticed this man had a thick accent, worthy of a pirate. Not worthy of a pirate you should fear, but a pirate nonetheless.

"I've got a question of my own for you, you old codfish!" Peter shouted back, laughing.

"Tell me, I'm so fascinated," The man said sarcastically. More laughter.

Peter jumped into the air, a foot above the ship. "Are you scared?"

The Lost Boys flooded the ship, their cheers of happiness swarming the deck. Tinkerbelle led Melody to a spot on the outer part of the ship, where they could see the chaos without the pirates seeing them. They were too busy in a panic to pay attention to a couple of faces peeking over at them. It was loud, and so Melody dared to speak quietly.

"Can we get closer?" Melody asked her. Tinkerbelle looked hesitant. "Please?"

After a reluctant look, Tinkerbelle zipped forward, and Melody could hardly follow quick enough before they were on the lookout spot, near where Peter had been. The pirate up there was long gone, off to help his crew mates. Melody laughed, watching Peter as he messed with pirates, getting them to attack one another. Even the Lost Boys, young and unskilled, were besting them in off-handed tricks that each led a pirate to their painful doom.

"Tink, which ones Captain Hook?" Melody heard no response. "Tink, I said-." Melody froze. A small portly man held a struggling Tinkerbelle in his grasp, white hairs sticking out from under his red cap and he was in obvious need of a longer shirt that covered his Santa-worthy stomach. That was only part of what worried her.

A man stood next to him, examining a deadly looking sword with ease. Melody back against the wood, staring at him. He wore a red coat and had black fuzz on his face. He wore a feather hat and was very obviously prideful.

"That would be me, my dear." He said, with his thick accent. He even went as far as to bow, "Captain Hook," as a last thought, irritated, he pointed his sword at the man holding Tinkerbelle. "And this is my assistant, Smee."

"Hello!" He said happily. Melody gave him an odd look. The man looked disheartened towards the floor.

Melody glanced at Tinkerbelle, swallowing hard. Tinkerbelle gave a last shove at the man's hands before nudging her head, gesturing for her to go. Fearfully, Melody stood on the fencing, crouched down.

Captain Hook sighed, "And I thought we could be friends. Too bad."

Suddenly his sword swiped at her, and as instinct, she grabbed a rope nearby, swinging around so she was behind Smee. He jumped in surprise as she kicked him in the back, making him release Tinkerbelle. The fairy immediately grabbed Melody, though she was distracted at the outcome of her kick. Smee had fallen onto Hook, knocking them both onto the floor and the sword getting flung in front of Melody. Despite Tink's desperate urges, Melody darted back, grabbing the sword before flying and following her.

"Give that back, girl!" Hook shoved Smee off him, his face turning red with anger. But Melody was much too far away to be grabbed though, and she laughed, looking for Peter so she could give him the sword. It would be like Hot Potato!

She turned to Hook, after seeing Peter. "Don't have it anymore!" Melody cupped her hand, holding the sword with the other. "Hey, Peter!" He looked up, narrowly dodging a blow from a henchman. Peter looked like he was having fun, even more excited to see her happy. "Catch!"

Peter was not expecting that, flying up to grab the sharp object. He was right next to Melody now, looking at it in confusion. "Melody, where'd you get this?"

"Blast your little friend Peter, and you!" Hook's voice called from above, shaking his fists at them.

Peter gave Melody a stern look. "Melody! I told you he was dangerous!"

"Hey!" She held her hands up in defense. "I didn't attack him! Smee grabbed Tinkerbelle, and then Hook tried to stab me and I kicked Smee and he let go and then he fell on Hook so I grabbed his sword and now we're here!" She inhaled deeply, for that all had been said in one hurried sentence and one breath.

Peter shook his head, rolling his eyes before that cheery smile was back on his face. "Fine. Since you saved Tink, you're off the Hook." Melody laughed at his cheesy joke when she turned, on instinct. Hook was flying at them, on a rope, and they both barely had time to dodge. They watched him crash, screaming the whole while, into a wooden pole. He released the rope, sliding to the floor. Everyone winced at the sight.

Eventually, when he fell to the floor, Smee waddled over. "Cap'n? Are you alright?"

He raised his hand before it thumped to the ground, followed up by a loud groan. From their view, Peter, Melody, and Tinkerbelle began laughing uproariously, all of them holding their stomachs. When Hook had finally recovered enough to be angry (though he looked rather smeared) he rolled onto his hands, glaring up at them and the Lost Boys that had come to join in on their laughter. All of them hovered above, looking down at them with pride.

"Boy, come down here and fight like a man?"

Normally, Peter would've responded to that, but Melody came up with a much better come back then he ever had thought of before.

"That make's no sense," she said, sitting on the air on her stomach, hands propping her chin up. "How can he be a boy and then come down there and fight like a man? You can't be a boy and a man, you have to pick one."

Hook's eyes widened as she back-talked him, an inquiring look on her face all the while. He rendered his own sweet smile and looked up at her, much to her disgust. Melody's brow rose automatically.

"And who might this little jewel be?"

Melody's face screwed up in revoltion at the pet-name he'd given her, darting behind Peter to hide from his creepy look. Some of the crew members began to whistle at her, also making cat noises. Melody's face turned bright red, blushing. She was creeped out, embarrassed, and sort of scared at the same time. Peter looked over his shoulder, noticing the expression she had on her. His own protectiveness washed over him and he turned to whisper to her. Captain Hook was unable to hear, for obvious reasons, but Melody's expression turned to nervous, then confused, and then a smirk. She nodded, pulling away.

"And what was that all about, little jewel?" Hook asked her, batting his eyes to piss her off.

This time she showed no reaction to it whatsoever, looking at Peter. "I've got a game I want to play."

More cat-calls were heard.

She smirked at Peter, who returned the expression. "Duck!"

Peter tossed Melody the sword, which she caught before flying right of the Captain, slicing his hat in half with it. She flew up to the pirate flag, holding on and looking down at him. Captain Hook shouted his disdain at the ruining of a perfectly good hat when Melody gave another call.

"Oh, seems you weren't fast enough Captain!" She giggled, trying to keep her expression straight. "Here, lets try at a new game. This one is called Dodge!"

Hook glanced upwards, his eyes becoming the size of saucers as the sword Melody dropped descended towards him. He rolled away, and when he fell on his stomach, the sword stuck one centimeter away from his hand.

The crew was in a tizzy.

Members were already trying to climb the mast, to get to her and Melody looked down at them, surprised. She clearly hadn't expected this, but just as quickly as they had started, the Lost Boys were knocking them off, with Peter antagonizing them. Though, his part of the plan was to make sure Melody didn't actually get hurt, with Captain Hook chasing after her. Tinkerbelle was helping the Lost Boys.

"Melody, look out!"

She dropped, just in time as Captain Hook soared past her, once again on a rope.

You think he'd learn the first time, she thought, watching him head straight towards another pole.

To her surprise, he swung back around, using the pole to kick his feet off before she flew off, landing in a spot Peter knew all too well. He felt frozen as the memory rushed through him, images flickering.

"Jane, look out!"

"Give up, girl!"

Peter shook his head. This time he wasn't handcuffed to any anchor and the Lost Boys were free of rope. Melody stood expertly on the wooden pole, her feet sliding backwards as Hook continued to near her with the sword. He flew behind her, but before he could grab her and run, whooping to the Lost Boys to make a run for it, Melody fell.

Right off the edge of the boat. Shock plastered everyone's face. Once again Peter had a flash of two other girls, falling off this part of the ship and the plank. Both had been fine, he reminded himself, watching Melody and heading towards her quickly. It was then he saw she was diving, not falling. This was on purpose. Peter simply peered down at her while Hook looked on, in absolute awe.

He looked from Peter, to Melody, and back again in a second. "Boy, are you insane? Aren't you going to catch her?"

Peter looked at Hook, shrugging. "She knows what she's doing." He then smirked. "Most Mermaid Princesses know how to swim pretty well and dive from larger drops."

"W-What?"

The crash of waves from below meant Melody had hit the water, expertly of course. She soon resurfaced, jumping up. People, including the pirates, began cheering at the sheer amazing quality that she hadn't died. She bowed her head in recognition, and Peter flew down. He rooster called everyone, which was the signal to leave.

Peter held his hands out to Melody, which she took gratefully.

"Was that fun or what?" He asked, as he hauled her onto his back.

Melody smiled at him. "Most definitely the most fun I've had in a long time."

Chapter 3! This isn't probably going to be a very long story, but it most definitely will be one I hope you like.