10/7/07

Title: The Care and Feeding of Flying Boys

Author: Squeezynz

Chapter: Twenty Two – Convergence and Conflict

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Firelight flickered off the tree trunks, bending it's light out to the edges of the shadows, illuminating faces, fur and fluttering wings. People and animals had been drifting into the camp for hours, another fire springing up to accommodate the latest arrivals, the ghostly forest alive with the sounds of leaping flames and crackling embers. The battle plans had been talked over and everyone knew where they had to be and what they had to do. Now, an hour before dawn, Wendy curled up under the thick Indian blanket handed to her by Tiger Lily sometime earlier, and tried to sleep. It had been an eventful few hours starting with their arrival among those already gathered among the trunks of the Silver Forest.

earlier that night...

Jack, Tiger Lily and the Lost Boys surrounded them when they touched down, the two girls embracing warmly while Jack hung back, watchful and wary. Here was the girl, encased from neck to knee in Neverleaves, that Peter had chosen as his other half, the girl he, Jack, had stolen away for what purpose, he still had to find out. As the girls parted, their eyes met, the girl, Wendy, looking both wary and curious, Tiger Lily whispering something into her ear that made her smile briefly.

"Hello Jack,"

"Um...yeah...hello, er, Wendy?"

"Apparently you don't remember me, so Peter says. Lily just said you were back the way you used to be, before you became a pirate."

"I don't know. As far as I'm aware, nothing has changed. I don't remember being or becoming a pirate, it's just a blank."

"So you don't remember why you abducted me and took us both to the Cave of Dreams?"

"No. Nobody does...except maybe, you?"

"I only know what you told me Jack. That, and dragging me halfway across Neverland."

"Yeah...I'm sorry about that," Shrugging, Jack held out his hand in apology. "Friends?"

Wendy exchanged a quick glance with Tiger Lily before slowly reaching out her own hand, finding it clasped in Jacks for a quick shake before they both let go. Wendy had a brief vision of the Jack inside the church, while Jack had a disconcerting image of Wendy, dressed in wedding finery, running away from him. They both stepped back and glanced self consciously about to avoid eye contact. Wendy felt the press of a cold nose against the palm of her hand, looking down to see Diz at her side, the she-wolf looking up at her expectantly.

"Oh Diz, you're here safe." She made a fuss of the tan and white wolf to cover her confusion with meeting Jack again. Peter had disappeared shortly after they arrived and Wendy supposed he was catching up with the Lost Boys and the other people and creatures starting to arrive from out of the shadows. Fairies darted overhead, their lights sending odd shadows dancing over the silvery tree branches and along the ground, confusing the eye until Wendy almost felt dizzy. Tiger Lily touched her arm and the two girls found a log to sit on beside a blazing fire, while Jack hovered behind them, unsure of his place and unsettled by Wendy. If truth be told, Jack was feeling a whole host of emotions, a pang of jealousy worming its way in at the thought of Peter's time being taken up by this honey haired girl in green leaves. Hard on it's heels came an unforeseen feeling of shame at his apparent treatment of this fragile looking girl, despite his inability to remember either the incident or his motives. That was what really niggled at him, that this girl knew all of what had happened between them, and he knew nothing. She even knew why he'd done, what he'd done, while he remained in complete ignorance of his own reasoning and actions. It both angered and upset him that he'd somehow lost a part of his past, the only person able to tell him now the one person he couldn't really have anything to do with. If Peter felt even a fraction of what Jack felt for Lily, it was a sure bet that Peter wouldn't take kindly to his friend monopolizing his Wendy for any length of time. Certainly Wendy didn't seem to feel the need to reacquaint herself with Jack any time soon, the two girls talking quietly together, obviously catching up on what had happened to each of them over the past few days. A deep growl behind him made his swing about to face a dark figure emerging into the flickering firelight.

"Hallo Ben, so you're fighting on our side, this time?"

The bear that appeared between the silver tree trunks rose up on its hind legs to tower over the young man, it's black lips peeling back from gleaming white fangs.

"Any fight against the wolves is a fight I want in on," the bear growled, dropping back on to all fours and head butting Jack, almost knocking him to the ground. "Who's the girl?"

"The next Queen of Neverland. Her name's Wendy."

"I heard she conjures bugs."

"You did?" Jack's eyebrows climbed to his hairline as he turned to give Wendy a quizzical look. "That's a new one on me."

"I brought the clan,"the bear growled again, hulking shadows resolving into half a dozen adult grizzlies, the creatures all rising up onto their hind legs behind their leader. Jack took a step back, grinning weakly at the wall of bear fur and wicked claws facing him. He pointed to a fire off in the distance.

"Peter is convening a war council...er...over there,"

The bears all lowered themselves back on to their four massive paws, padding past Jack in the direction he indicated. Despite knowing that the hulking animals were on their side, the sheer power exuded by the shaggy animals was enough to make him break out in a sweat. Fortunately, in the normal run of things, the creatures were solitary and only encountered in the Black Forests of the Deep Shadow. To see them massed together was an event Jack had never seen before in his time on Neverland, and he was sure not many others had seen either, Peter included.

"The bear totem is one of the most powerful spirits a warrior can have," Lily's voice washed over him, a shiver dispelling his fears as he turned to her.

"I'm just glad their fighting on our side," he huffed out a breath, smiling crookedly at the Indian Princess. "I've only heard of them, only ever known Ben, and that infrequently. I wouldn't want to make one angry or meet them on a dark night."

"Then lucky for you they stay on their side of the island...usually." Tiger Lily grinned at his obvious discomfort before turning back to her friend still hunched beside the fire. "I admit that Ben is the only one I've ever met as well, but I knew there were more."

"Next we'll be seeing Tigers and Lion's marching through the camp. The wolves don't know what they're getting into."

"They know. I think their leader must be mad to set Neverland against itself. The pack is certainly great in number, but up against all this?" Lily swept her hand to encompass the camp. Jack folded his arms across his head and nodded in agreement.

"I almost expect 'ol Hook to walk in and announce he's on our side as well. I wouldn't like to be in his shoes."

"I wonder if Hook himself knows what side he's on. One of the fairies reported seeing the Jolly Roger rounding Dagger Heads and sailing up the coast. It's presumed he's going to land as close to the wolves' territory and cut inland from there. Probably anchor off Seal Point."

Jack gave the Indian princess a quizzical look. "You certainly know a great deal about everyone's plans and movements, shouldn't you be sitting in with the others planning the battle?"

"I was going to ask you the same Jack. I'm looking out for Wendy, in Peter's absence, as are the Lost Boys."

"And I'm looking out for you," Jack replied shortly, winking.

"As if I need it," the Princess scoffed, turning so quickly her braid caught Jack across the face before she marched back to the fire where Wendy sat. Jack remained where he was, a smile lifting his lips. Making up his mind, he left the girls sitting beside the fire and made his way through the gathering throng to stand behind Peter who was sitting cross legged on the mossy ground, discussing the coming battle with the leaders of the Indian's and various representatives of the fairy folk and enchanted creatures. Several deer skin maps lay spread out on the ground, Peter using an arrow to point out several features and where he wanted people and creatures to be positioned the following morning. All the while fairies darted back and forth overhead, some of them obviously returning from a scouting trip, relaying their information in a cascade of high pitched trills which Peter listened to before passing the information on. He held up his hand for quiet before speaking.

"It would seem that Ferru is aware of our gathering. The crows are acting as his eyes and ears, so be wary and shoot any of the birds you see on sight. It is also reported that the Jolly Roger has anchored off the coast at Seal Point, the closest landing beach to the wolves domain. Even working through the night, Hook will be hard pressed to reach Ferru before we do. He may be hoping to outflank us here," Peter pointed to a place on one of the maps. "So I'm sending Ben to sort out the pirates, along with the hawks. They'll keep them occupied while we take on the wolves." Peter suddenly stood up, the firelight flickering off his features making him look older than his years. "I say again, I want as little bloodshed as possible.

Ferru and his pack are to be rounded up and taken prisoner. This is not a slaughter, I want few casualties on either side. I realize that Ferru and his pack are unlikely to think the same way, but where possible, aim to wound, not kill." Giving every creature and man in the wide circle a hard look, Peter turned to leave. Seeing Jack, he smiled.

"Jack. Come to get your orders too?"

"Don't expect much, do you Peter. You want them captured but not killed, surrounded but not slaughtered. Is Ferru privy to this plan? Because I don't think he's going to be holding back, or as lenient as you appear to be."

"I intend to face Ferru myself, Jack. We have all lived reasonably peaceably within Neverlands' shores..."

"If you ignore Hook's frequent attempts to slit your throat," Jack muttered. Peter ignored him.

"Even Ferru will realize the futility of his demands when he sees who and what is ranged against him."

"Let's hope you're right. I don't fancy the idea of coming back as a beetle or a goat."

Peter laughed, several others around the circle also raising a smile. "I'd have thought you'd rather come back as a hound and follow the Princess around as her lap-dog."

"Hah!" Jack snorted, grinning back at his friend.

After that the meeting broke up and everyone drifted away to make what they could of the rest of the night. Peter and Jack sauntered back to the fire where the Lost Boy, Wendy and Tiger lily waited for them. Ignoring what Jack was saying, Peter walked right up to his Wendy and wrapped her in his arms, kissing her enthusiastically in front of anyone who cared to look. Jack caught the Indian Princess giving him an arch look before turning away herself to find a bedroll and blanket. Left to his own devices, Jack accepted a colorful rug thrown to him by Rat, wrapping the warm wool around him before finding a spot to settle down.

Peter and Wendy lay similarly wrapped in a cocoon of blankets. The dying firelight highlighted glints in Peter's tousled hair, Wendy's fingers combing softly through the curls.

"Where am I to stand Peter? What are your plans for me?"

"Where you will always be, by my side." Peter replied, kissing her nose, then her cheek and finally her lips.

"And when do you expect me to use my special talents?" Wendy asked, a trifle breathless from his attentions.

"I thought you already were," Peter murmured, nuzzling her neck.

"Peter!"

"You'll know the right time. I don't expect there to be any serious bloodshed, this is Neverland after all and we all live within its rules and boundaries. There'll be some dust kicked up and some noses bloodied, but in the end Ferru will be forced to submit and everyone will go home, honor appeased."

"I sincerely hope it goes so easily Peter. Will Hook be there?" Remembering the penetrating looks of the Pirate Captain sent shivers down Wendy's spine. Peter hugged her closer.

"I've sent the bears to keep the pirates out of the way. I expect Hook and his crew to be kept pinned on their ship for the duration. He'll be no threat." Giving up on his seduction, Peter curled himself about her and settled down to sleep away what was left of the night.

"I hope you're right," Wendy muttered, giving in to the pull of sleep and allowing Peter to envelope her in his arms and heat. Some hours later, with dawn just breaking over the silver tree tops around them, Wendy awoke to find Peter gone.

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The faintest streaks of pink were just starting to color the sky when Hook stepped out of the long boat and on to the cool sand of Seal Beach. A skeleton crew were left to guard the ship while the rest milled about the foreshore, equipment and weapons carried on litters and across shoulders in readiness for the march ahead. A black shadow detached itself from beneath a palm tree and trotted across the grey sand to where Hook stood.

"You are late," the Wolf growled, barring it's teeth, eyes gleaming.

"If you say so. We're here now, so lead on and let's get this campaign underway." Waving his men forward, Hook started up the beach, his boots sinking into the soft sand until they reached the tree line. A bright yellow ball of light whizzed overhead, circling the pirates before turning to head back into the jungle. Before it had a chance to disappear Hook shouted.

"I don't believe in fairies!" Immediately the bright light started to dim, spiraling downwards until the light faded completely, the creature dead before it hit the ground. Hook smiled and gestured his men onwards, several muttering under their breath as they tramped over the lifeless remains of the fairy. Hook dug his heel in particularly hard as he passed, a grim smile curling under his neatly trimmed mustache. "Nasty, treacherous little vermin."

The pirates tramped through the forest, following the black wolf leading them to Ferru and a battle for supremacy over Neverland and all it's denizens. As the morning progressed and light filtered through the thick undergrowth, the pirates kept a watchful eye, their scouts reporting that something was shadowing them. When pressed to report they couldn't name the creatures, only that they were big. Hook called a halt an hour into the march. He too had felt unseen eyes watching him from behind the veil of greenery on either side of the trail.

"Draw close men!" he ordered, drawing his sword and pistol while his men did the same, everyone now watching the enclosing jungle for any sign of the silent enemy. They stayed that way for long, drawn out minutes until a scream from one of the sentries made everyone jump and look off to the right. At the same time, from all directions, huge bodies crashed through the concealing screen and leapt on the pirates, the air rent with deafening roars and shrill screams. The grizzlies were making their attack, sweeping pirates off their feet and trampling the men underfoot before a shot could be fired. Hook neatly sidestepped just such an attack, aiming his pistol at one huge bear that tried to run him over, the creature receiving a bullet in it's rump before it could turn and lunge at the pirate Captain again. This time there was Hook and two others to face the bear, the creature rearing up on it's back legs to tower over the men, Hook's henchman almost running at the sight, but held in place by their Captain's curses and threat of disembowelment if they turned coward. While chaos scattered the pirates, Hook stood firm, the three men using their swords to inflict wounds on the bear until it backed off, still roaring it's defiance before slinking off once more into the jungle. With one animal routed, Hook turned to the others, rallying his men to drive off the animals, his crew and equipment all damaged by the Grizzlies attack.

"Get me a report," Hook shouted, "I want to know how many dead and wounded. And where is that blasted black wolf?"

His men scurried off to carry out his orders, while Smee ran forward, puffing and red faced. "Beggin' ya pardon sir, but are we to carry on?"

"Damn your eyes, of course we carry on!" Hook roared, raising his hook as if to deal his first mate a mortal blow. Smee cowered but stood his ground, one arm raised to fend off the strike. "Get out of my sight Smee. If you be such a coward, I'll put you in charge of those too wounded to carry on and you can take your chances with those damn carrion eating bears!"

"I only meant..." Smee started to say then thought better of it, ducking to avoid the hilt of the sword aimed at his head. "I'll go see about the wounded."

Another crewman came forward and gave Hook the report he wanted. Despite the chaos and the screaming, only three men had received life threatening injuries, and of those, two were treatable, with the third unconscious from being trampled.

"We also lost some black powder, on account 'cos one of the barrels was dropped and split open. Two muskets is wrecked beyond repair and there be numerous cuts and gashes from teeth and claw."

"And the wolf?" Hook asked, his eyes lit with a strange red glow. The sailor swallowed hard.

"It be gone Captain. None saw where to, but it ain't here now."

"Be gone yourself and get the wounded patched up, we're losing time hanging about here." Hook ordered, turning away and used a cloth held by his hook to clean his sword. With that done he picked up his discarded pistol and reloaded it, a complicated procedure with only one hand. At length order was restored and the crew once more ready to set off. Those that were unable to continue were left in the care of Mister Smee, Hook telling his first mate to make way back to the Jolly Roger and await the outcome.

"If we win, I'll decide then whether to hang you from the yardarm. If we lose...you'll have to beg that flying brat for mercy instead, or maybe hang y'self!" Hook laughed cruelly, Mister Smee turning to leave with his small party of wounded while the rest formed up to march onwards. Several men were positioned as guards with loaded muskets in case of another attack, the wolf reappearing after the pirates had been tramping for half an hour. Hook hadn't noticed the exact time the creature arrived, only realizing it was back when one of his men gave an inarticulate squawk behind him.

"So you're back," Hook snarled. "Give me a good reason why I shouldn't just shoot you now!"

"I don't owe my life to you, Captain. Only to Ferru," the Wolf growled, padding beside the pirate without any indication of fear of injury. "If you want to spend the rest of this day wandering these jungles, to be picked off by bear or worse, by Peter Pan, then I'll go now..." The beast made to leave.

"Come now, let's not be hasty," Hook soothed, giving the Wolf a feral smile. "I pledged to support Ferru in his bid to rid us of Peter Pan, and I'll stand by that." Visions of having the Wendy girl cowering at his feet, the bleeding body of Peter Pan thrown to the wolves, brought a scarlet gleam to Hook's eye.

"Good." Answered the Wolf shortly. "Then follow me." Almost at once the wolf veered off the track they'd been following, Hook and his men following suit, the jungle swallowing them up until no trace could be found that they'd ever passed that way in a hundred years.

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TBC...