27/7/07
Title: The Care and Feeding of Flying Boys
Author: Squeezynz
Chapter: Twenty Three - No death, No glory.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
The first streaks of dawn saw figures emerge from the edge of the Silver Forest. Ahead stretched a long, gentle slope into a broad valley, a dark slash marking the ridge leading into the Scorched Valley off to the left, while the coast jungles extended down to the sea on the right. Ahead lay the territory that Ferru claimed as his own, encompassing almost two thirds of Neverland and leaving only the Indian village and coastal strip beyond the Ash Beast's domain free of his domination. Looking down into the valley, Peter could see the dark dots of wolves forming ranks like scurrying ants, the black coats of the animals stark against the close cropped green of the pasture. There was nowhere to hide, nowhere to ambush, just open grassland. He felt a hand slip into his and turned to glance at the girl at his side. On either side, animals and humans appeared from the trees, the darting lights of fairies weaving among the branches and bobbing overhead like stars let loose from the heavens. A wet nose pressed against his leg and he looked down to see Dizz looking up at him, her liquid brown eyes intent.
"What are your orders for us, Pan?"
"To keep out of the fighting Dizz. You and the females have done all and more than I can ask of you. I don't expect you to fight your own kind, your mates, your brothers."
"We have already sent our breeders and pups to safety Peter, if we fall, the pack will still live on. We want to fight!" A chorus of yips reinforced Dizz's statement, the other females crowding close to hear his reply. Peter felt Wendy squeeze his hand.
"Alright Dizz. I'll be glad to have you as my rear guard. Use your own judgment if things look to be going bad."
"As you wish Peter. Good luck to you both." Without further ado the she-wolves turned tail and melted back among the people and animals. Peter cast a glance to left and right, noting that the numbers of animals and people closely matched the number of black wolves waiting in the valley below.
"When the sun clears the ridge, we'll advance!" Peter shouted, drawing his sword and holding it above his head. A ragged cheer arose from the Lost Boys and Indians, Tiger Lily grinning and brandishing her tomahawk while Jack whooped and whirled his cutlass about his head. Between the people stood various animals including curly horned billy goats and needle sharp antlered stags. A snort from the left announced the arrival of several boars, their yellow tusks wickedly curved, black bristled backs arched and tails erect. Overhead, high in the brightening sky, hovered birds of prey – hawks, sea eagles and skuas, while off in the distance, aiding Ferru and his kin, flew black crows, rooks and a handful of buzzards. A murmuring suddenly started from down the line, heads turning to stare as an orange and black striped Tiger padded inexorably to where Peter stood.
"I thought you'd decided to pass on this one, Talon." Peter remarked, not turning his head to acknowledge the giant cat.
"I thought you should know that the bears didn't rout the pirates after all," the Tiger purred, sitting its huge body down on well muscled haunches before swiping a large pink tongue around its muzzle. "In fact, Hook approaches even as we speak. Look to the West, Peter Pan. Are you still game to throw all these foolhardy souls against Ferru and Hook?"
"Are you here to fight or to gloat?" A muscle ticked along Peter jaw, this only reaction to the Tiger's goading.
"I'm here to fight...but on which side remains to be decided," Talon growled, barring his gleaming incisors in a grin that sent shivers down Wendy's body. Peter remained unmoved and continued to watch the wolves in the valley below. A bright shaft of sunlight surged over the ridge to the east, the assembled troops raising a ragged cheer and all looking to Peter to give the signal to advance.
"Then don't get in my way Talon, or which side you're one will be decided for you. I'd hate to see you come back as a mouse next time." Still not looking at the big cat, Peter raised his sword arm and swept it down to signal the advance, his troops starting the slow march down the hill to meet Ferru and his traitorous pack. As the men and animals started down the slope, the Tiger stayed where he'd sat, the she-wolves approaching out of the shadow of the silver trees and standing either side of him.
"Not like you to miss out on a fight?" Dizz woofed, her gaze fixed on the humans and animals walking down the hillside.
"Not going to this time either," Talon hissed, "I'm just waiting for all the players to enter the field before making up my mind."
"So Hook is still your target?"
"Always has been, always will be." The tiger replied enigmatically.
While the sun rose higher in a stately climb towards the heavens, the defending forces following Peter Pan slowly made their way down to the valley floor, the black wolves forming up to meet them like a black slash against the green sward.
Wendy and Peter had flown upwards to hover only ten feet above the heads of their advancing army. The fairies crowded close as Peter relayed his last instructions.
"Keep out of their reach, do you hear me? Whatever you see, don't touch foot on the ground. Ferru will be looking for any chance to use you against me, so don't let him."
"I don't know how best to help you Peter. I'm still not entirely sure..." she shook her hands in frustration. Squaring her shoulders she gazed back at him with bright eyes. "I'll do what I can Peter."
"Don't worry sweetness, this is only a skirmish and all will be over before the sun reaches its zenith," flashing her his trademark cocky grin, he stole a kiss before swooping down to once more join the advancing line of animals and people, the black wolves starting up an unearthly howl, the advancing army bellowing in reply or banging their weapons on shields in answer to the challenge. From her vantage point above the field, Wendy tried to think only positive thoughts, her eyes closing as she summoned the energy from within to call for aid. The fairies around her swirled in watchful disarray, their bell -like chattering not distracting Wendy from her task. From the trees high up on the slope a black cloud appeared, sweeping down the grassy slop to eventually hover several feet above Wendy's head, a dull throbbing sound coming from the winged mass. Below her the two lines of protagonists started to close, the black wolves loping forward with teeth bared and tongues lolling, while the defenders surged to join. Wendy hovered with eyes open, then looked up, her arm flinging out to signal for her own insect army to attack, a million hornets forming a ragged arrow that buzzed over the heads of Peter and his supporters and dived on the flank of black furred carnivores, the wolves setting up a screaming howl as the stinging insects found ears and noses, attacking any exposed flesh with alacrity. Distracted, the wolves broke rank, several bowled off their feet by the goats and deer, trampled underfoot and effectively removed from the conflict.
Peter hadn't been able to spot Ferru, finding himself the target of several huge wolves who surrounded him and tried to bring him down. Of course he could have flown entirely above the battle, but he wasn't about to let his friends and allies fight alone. Instead he leapt over the canines heads slicing at legs and flank to inflict non-mortal wounds, to incapacitate but not kill. The wolves had no such scruples, snarling and attempting to sink fang and claw into any part of Peter they could find. A war whoop announced the Princess, Tiger Lily laying the flat of her tomahawk against the head of one dog while by her side Jack swept another off it's feet when it leapt for him, a well placed punch rendering the animal senseless. Already several wolves were slinking off the field, limping and whining from injuries sustained in the pitched battle. Some sprouted arrows stuck in flank and back, the Indian's following Peter's edict and not inflicting mortal wounds, just enough to render the animals unable to continue in the combat. Slowly but surely the fight was starting to go Peter's way and it seemed as if there would soon be an end. Then a loud booming sound put an end to such thoughts, a huge explosion erupting almost at Peter's feet and knocking him, and several others off their feet. Wendy, who had been concentrating on summoning a plague of biting black fly on the wolves, found herself blown backwards from the concussion, the fairies around her similarly blown into disarray, tumbling head over heels like thistledowns. Another blast followed in quick succession, blowing craters in the soft ground and spraying anyone nearby with a hail of grass and mud. Thick clouds of smoke followed, obscuring allies from enemies and lending a surreal pall over the field of battle. Pockets of sunshine speared the ground and created strange arena's where small fights blundered in then out to be replaced by another.
Peter lay winded on the ground, staring up at the sky above. He could taste mud in his mouth, his skin seared by the blast which had landed so close to where he'd stood. All around him lay the bodies of the wolves that had been attacking at the time, several of the creatures not moving, others struggling to their feet only to shake their heads in bewilderment. His ears were ringing with the blast, his head pounding as he struggled to get back on his feet. Smoke stung his eyes as he tried to see what was happening. His first thought was for Wendy, a quick glance at the sky showing her nowhere near. Getting shakily to his feet, Peter staggered slightly as he stepped around the prone bodies of the wolves, swallowing to clear his throat before calling out.
"Wendy! Can you hear me?!" A black shape loomed out of the dense smoke and he brought up his sword in a defensive move.
"Peter! I saw you go down...are you hurt?" Jack sounded hoarse, batting his hand to clear some of the smoke swirling past his face. "It would seem that Hook has arrived...bastard that he is. Can't see a damn thing in this mess."
"Have you seen Wendy?" Peter shouted, pushing past Jack and trying to peer into the smoke, unable to see more than a few feet in any direction.
"She was up there..." Jack started to say, only to stop and shout an inarticulate warning as a huge shaggy shape appeared to leap out of the smoke straight at Peter. Wolf and man went down, head over heels, the wolf snapping at Peter's throat and drawing blood. Heavy jaws clamped down on the young man's wrist, wrenching the sword from his grip. Jack moved to plunge his own weapon into the wolf but a cloud of smoke swept across the ground obscuring the two fighting on the grass, Jack shouting his frustration, only to have Tiger Lily answer. The Princess, and a handful of braves, appeared out of the fog, the young men looking in all directions for the next attack. A loud boom made them all flinch and duck, expecting an explosion, only to have it land some way off to the left. The sound of growling and breathless grunts drew their attention back to the struggle between Peter and the wolf taking place up ahead.
"It's Ferru, he's got Peter pinned!" Jack explained, heading off into a white wall of smoke, guided only by the sounds of the struggle. Lily followed, guarding Jack's back and fending off any other wolves that dared to venture too close. Just as Jack thought he was getting close, figures appeared out of the smoke, their grinning faces giving scant warning before a swinging cutlass tried to take Jack's head off, only quick reflexes saving the young man from decapitation. The pirates had joined the fray.
Wendy stared up at the darting lights trilling to her amid the sounds of fighting. The grass felt damp against her back and she briefly wondered what she was doing laying about in a fog. A wash of acrid smoke stung her nose and she sat up, coughing. The fairies, relieved to see her moving, spun around her in a dizzying flutter, Wendy slowly getting to her feet and peering helplessly at the veil of smoke obscuring her vision. She could hear the growls and shouts of the battle waging in front of her, but could see little. She lifted off the ground to try and get higher but only succeeded in losing herself in the dense fog. Frustrated, she settled back down to the earth, her fairy guard following her to flutter about her head. Closing her eyes, she summoned whatever the biggest winged creature existed in Neverland. For several moments nothing happened and then a distant thrum of sound reached her, the beating noise coming closer with every second. A black something appeared overhead and Wendy looked up, a massive downdraft sweeping the enveloping smoke away from where she stood. Several feet above her head flapped an enormous scaly beast, it's outstretched wings causing such a downdraft that soon she stood in a ever increasing cleared area, the smoke pushed back by the leathering wings above. Fear shivered down her limbs as she beheld the fearsome Ash Beast, its yellow eyes intent upon just her, apparently awaiting her command.
"Oh my goodness," Wendy gulped, having no real idea of how or what to do next.
"Get it to fly over the field!" Shouted a voice, Wendy whirling to see Jack and Lily burst out of the wall of smoke and come running towards her. "Hurry!"
Concentrating, Wendy did just that, sending the Ash Beast flying slowly over the battlefield, the smoke dispersing with every powerful beat of it's broad wings. Soon only small pockets of white smoke were left, man and beast staring about in consternation at the confusion all around. Indian's were battling pirates, while wolves were fighting both man and beast on all fronts. In the air, the birds of prey were making short work of the crows and rooks, the buzzards already gone from the fray. Not very far from where they stood, a figure lay on the ground, a massive black wolf standing over the body as if guarding it. Almost the same distance as Wendy from the body, strode the unmistakable figure of Captain Hook, his henchmen ranged on either side of him as they marched across the churned up grass.
"Peter!" Feeling her heart lurch into her throat, Wendy started to run, Jack and the others following. Hook saw them and started to pick up his pace so that allies and enemies reached the prone body at the same time. Ferru stood with his paws on either side of Peter, his teeth barred as he glared from one group to the other. All over the valley floor the fights started to break up, both animals and humans realizing that the real battle was taking place elsewhere. They now ranged themselves on either side of field, nearly everyone sporting an injury, some minor, others more serious.
Peter lay with his eyes closed, his hand laying open around the hilt of his sword, blood evident around his face and neck and running down his torso. Ferru stood with his jaws only inches from the young man's throat, daring anyone to make a move and force his hand.
Hook had waved his men back leaving him standing a few feet away, his left hand on the hilt of his rapier resting point down in the ground, while his hook stroked the ends of his black mustache, his blue eyes intent on the girl dressed in green leaves.
"Well, Wendy Darling," Hook drawled, his eyes flicking down to the still body at their feet. "It would seem that Ferru has the upper hand. One snap of those lethal jaws and Peter Pan is out of our lives forever. Are you ready to hear the terms of your surrender?"
Controlling the quiver that threatened to turn into a full blown quake, Wendy glared back at the pirate captain, her fingers clenching convulsively . It was all her worst visions realized, a sick feeling rising up to choke her when she looked at the blood coating Peter's skin. Seeing him like this, as if dead, forced the weak tears from her eyes and made her swallow hard. Peter wasn't dead, she was sure of it. If he was, then her nightmare vision would already be happening around her. Tossing back her head, she faced her enemy with clear eyes and a determined heart.
"Neverland will never surrender to tyrants, whether man or beast. You are surrounded Hook, with no hope of escape. Surrender or be banished from this place forever."
"To get away from Neverland was always my purpose, dear girl. Your threats are as empty as your head." Throwing back his head, Hook laughed, his henchmen joining in, their coarse merriment ringing out across the valley. Wendy waited until it had died away before giving way to a small smile of her own.
"You misheard me, Captain Hook. Banishment from Neverland is not the freedom you so violently seek." Having drawn the pirates attention, Wendy drew in a breath. She was quite taken aback by her own audacity, the words coming out of her mouth springing inside her mind seconds before she uttered them. She didn't even know if what she said was true, only that somehow, someone was using her to speak for them, making her feel detached, as if watching the whole confrontation from a distance. Amused, but not unduly alarmed, Wendy continued. "Do you honestly think that returning to the world beyond these boundaries is what you want? Or for that matter, what that world wants? You have been passed over, Captain Hook, you are an anachronism, together with your men and your aging ship. The only place you can possibly belong is here. There is no-one and nothing beyond these borders that would welcome you, or that you could survive in. The world has moved on. The alternative to Neverland is oblivion."
The smirk playing around Hook's mouth slowly died. With narrowed eyes he held up his rapier and pointed it at Wendy.
"Don't threaten me girl. You are nothing here, less than nothing. This battle is an ancient one, and you are as much a pawn as these other misguided fools. Peter Pan is not a stripling, a youth. He is older than you can imagine, older than me, older than anyone here. His life will not be reborn as others have been over the centuries, as they will be for centuries to come. If he dies, we are free. Free to choose our fate, our future. While he lives, we are all prisoners for his amusement, his entertainment." Hook swept a look around at the creatures and people listening. "I, Captain Hook, have played these games, these amusements for the last time. I want this farce to end, even if it means the destruction of everyone and everything."
"You are very free with everyone else's lives Hook. Who says it's for you to decide?" Jack shouted, the Princess and her braves agreeing with angry shouts and the waving of weapons.
Hook waited for the hubbub to die down, his eyes glittering behind their dark lashes. "This gives me the right, you ignorant children!" Lunging forward, Hook impaled Ferru on his sword, the black wolf howling with pain as the rapier skewed him through and through. Quickly withdrawing the weapons, Hook aimed a kick at the wounded animal so that Ferru landed nearly at Wendy's feet and exposed Peter to Hook's sword. Wendy and the others stared in shock as Hook now stood over Peter's insensible body, the point of the sword now pressed against the young man's throat. His men surged forward in a semicircle to protect their Captain, several hitting out at the wolves that lunged forward to avenge their leader.
Ferru lay on the grass, bright blood staining the black fur, the once black eyes glazing over in death. Wendy stared at the creature that had wrought such havoc and felt little pity. Fear warred with anger at the senseless waste, the air starting to crackle around her as her emotions started to affect her new found magic. Tiger Lily pulled on Jack's arm to give the girl some space, the braves also falling back a little, in awe at the force emanating from the Wendy Lady. The pirates sensed something happening and muttered among themselves, shifting defenselessly while watching with half an eye for the anticipated attack. The wolves, their leader apparently dead, slunk away from the field of battle, their will to fight gone. Likewise the animal allies that had stood by the humans, started to leave and return to their forests, returning to being the animals they were rather than the warriors they'd become. In a matter of moments the valley bottom was devoid of animal life leaving only the pirates, Indian's and Lost Boys to bear witness to what followed.
Hook glared at the slip of a girl daring to challenge him, his eyes taking on a red gleam as he glared at his crew to quiet their muttering. "Well brat. Are you ready now to hear the terms of your surrender? There are no animal allies now to fight on your behalf, even the fairies have abandoned you!"
Wendy ignored his taunting, something welling up inside her, fighting to break free.
"You are a vain and foolish man, James Hook. Do you truly think that Neverland would let you wreak havoc upon those it protects and loves?" Tossing her head back, Wendy held out her hand, palm upwards. "Hand me the sword, and you will be given leave to return to your ship."
Blinking his surprise, Hook laughed. "You certainly beat all, m'dear. You have no weapons, a paltry force and I hold the life of Peter Pan at the point of my sword. I say to you, surrender or see his blood flow free!"
"I give you one final warning...give me your sword, or forfeit everything." Wendy stood resolute, her hand held out, her gaze steady. "There is nothing you can change James. Accept what Neverland offers and be content. If you are unhappy with your life, then change it – now, today. It is in your hands, your decision. Your roll on this island is no longer necessary, Peter no longer has need of you. Life moves on, as does the world beyond these shores. You can never be a part of that anymore, but you can be a part of what is to come. The choice is up to you. What you most desire is unobtainable, a fantasy that could never be fulfilled. What is to come, and your place in it, is what you must decide."
A nervous tick was making Hook's waxed mustache tip quiver, his eyes losing their reddish gleam as he stared at the girl offering him an alternative to bloodshed and mayhem. He swallowed hard, the muscles in his arm aching from holding the sword at an angle for so long. He flicked a glance down at the boy at his feet, at the youthful features on the cusp of becoming a man. All his past enmity seemed to be draining out of him, his jealousy and rage, so long lodged in his soul, was starting to flake away. For the first time in his misbegotten life, Captain James Hook had a choice. All eyes were on him, his men watching for a signal that the fight was to go forward or be abandoned, the Indian's and Lost Boys tense in expectation that the pirates would attack, as they always did, without sense or reason. Staring down at the still body of Peter Pan, Hook really looked at the boy, saw the beauty that only youth can bestow, the promise of life and a future, of hope and change for the better. He saw himself before fate stepped in, saw the strength and vitality of life before the blight of poverty and circumstances decided his fate for him. He had once been this boy, he had once had a girl ready to fight for him, he had once had a life before it was snatched away and his choices were no longer his own.
He cleared his throat and stepped back, the point of his sword no longer hovering over the pulse beating in Peter's neck.
He blinked and looked up. Behind Wendy stood the imposing figures of Talagumpa and Walbassa, flanking the slight figure between them like avenging angels sent to protect her. Jack, Tiger Lily and the braves, along with the Lost boys stood back from the two men and Wendy, their expressions bordering on shock and surprise at the sudden appearance of them. Before the astonished gaze of pirate and brave alike, the two tall men suddenly merged into one, the rainbow robes of Walbassa becoming the ceremonial robes of the Indian Chief, the flowing white hair becoming the twin braids of Talagumpa until only the Chief stood in place behind Wendy, the figure of Walbassa gone completely as if it had never been. Holding out his arms, the Indian Chief brought them together above Wendy's head in a slow clap, palms flat together, three times before letting his arms drop.
As if a puppet who has had it's strings cut, Wendy's eyes rolled up into her head and she collapsed on the ground in a heap. Jack and Tiger Lily made to go to her, but Talagumpa waved them back. Then he spoke, and everyone listened.
"You have made the right choice James Hook. There is much that Neverland can offer a man of your talents, as well as your men. From this day forth, piracy will no longer be your employment, your ship no longer a weapon of war." A single clap of his hands, and all the weapons and ammunition carried by the pirates disappeared. The men gasped, taking a nervous step back, still looking to their former Captain for a signal. Hook stared down at himself, his pistols, daggers and gunpowder all gone, leaving only his velvet coat and breeches. His hook had also gone leaving one sleeve loose about the stump of his arm. Pain lanced through him and he clutched at his foreshortened limb hidden behind the material. Dropping to his knees in the grass, he ground his teeth and moaned out loud. Then one of his men gave a shout and he opened his eyes that had been squeezed shut against the pain. In front of him, his good hand still clutching what had been his truncated wrist, there was a hand, with fingers and a thumb, as pink and new with even a sprinkling of dark hairs on the back. He was whole once more. James stared at the newly formed limb in shock, his mind, so used to not having his right hand, took a moment before attempting to flex the fingers, the long digits curling into a fist, slowly but surely. His men backed away further at this evidence of magic. Climbing slowly to his feet, Hook held out his new hand, flexing is open and shut before lifting his head to stare back at Talagumpa, speechless for the first time in his sorry life.
"You are once more as you were. Go back to the Jolly Roger and think long and hard on what you are to do with your new life."
Stumbling slightly, Hook wheeled away and started back across the field, heading for the coast to the west. His men, hesitating only a moment, started off after him, chattering and casting glances back at the group of figures watching them go. Only when the former pirates were out of sight was anyone allowed to move. Talagumpa stood back from the inert figures laying on the ground and watched as Jack rushed over to Peter, while the Princess knelt by Wendy. Two female wolves appeared and dragged the body of Ferru away, the rest of the pack herded back up the valley by the remaining females, Dizz remaining behind as the last of the black males, their tails between their legs, submitted to being relegated to the lowest rank in the pack and harried back to the wolflands.
Overhead the dragon or Ash Beast, as it was known on Neverland, lazily flapped away over the ridge, somewhat confused as to why it had been called away from it's own charred valley, its thought on nothing more complicated than its next meal. Hidden among the trees, yellow eyes watching the departure of the pirates with interest, stood the big cat Talon, his long pink tongue coming out to lick over his lips and canines. Certainly he'd had his fun spoilt this day, Talagumpa giving him strict instructions to leave the departing men alone, for the time being. Licking one massive paw, he rose to his feet and turned tail on the drama below, his thoughts turning back to the hunt, his mind bringing up the image of a particularly juicy looking stag that had run past him only minutes before. Hook was not going anywhere, and there was always tomorrow.
Both Peter and Wendy were completely oblivious to any ministration from their friends. They remained unaware while litters were constructed to carry them back to the Indian village, a stately procession with curious glances sent many times Talagumpa way as he paced along beside them. The fairies returned and hovered overhead, keeping a close eye on both Peter and Wendy as they were carried along, often darting down to reassure themselves that the pair were indeed still alive. A special tepee had been prepared, the sides peeled back to reveal the interior, two raised pallets covered in furs awaiting the litters. Both green-leaf clad bodies were laid on the furs, several women appearing with wooden bowls filled with scented water and soft clothes started to wash away the blood and mud coating each of the young people laid out as if sleeping. Jack and the Lost Boy's milled around on the edge of the crowd, Tiger Lily having been whisked away and lost to Jack's sight as soon as they entered the village. Talagumpa had also disappeared, presumably to his own tent, the Chief's behavior and apparent multiple personalities unremarked by the Indians at large, much to Jack's confusion.
Disconsolate, Jack sat down beside the nearest fire and mulled over what had happened. Ranged either side of him sat the Lost Boys, Harry slipping away unseen a few minutes later. The sun was already starting to make it's slide towards late afternoon and Jack marveled at how the hours had flown. So much had happened that made no sense, and then absolute sense, depending on how he looked at it. Certainly the battle seemed to have been fought and won, but in the end, who were the winners and who were the losers.? What was the whole business with Talagumpa and Walbassa? What was Hook and his crew to do, now they weren't pirates, or leaving Neverland? What about Ferru? Had he really wanted to take over half the island, or had that been a clever ruse by Hook to bring Peter down? Looking around at the boys ranged on either side of him, Jack could see that some of them were thinking along similar lines. Squid, usually so vocal, was unusually silent, doing nothing more than picking at his fingernails with a knife, while Crate, also quieter than usual, poked at the embers of the fire, a frown marring his youthful features. Rat, Stretch and Tophat were playing with some bleached knuckle bones, the rattle of the ivory the only sound while Grub looked on with his thumb in his mouth. It was hard believe they had all been in a pitched battle only a few hours before, all of them sporting nicks and cuts, bumps and bruises over arms, legs and and other places.
As the time went on, the sky overhead flared in brilliants oranges and gold, fading to streaks of purple and pink until the sun disappeared altogether, stars popping into life against an inky backdrop. Jack stared up at the sky and resigned himself to having a long wait for all his questions to be answered.
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tbc...