Hi, my dear readers,

Thank you for your patience with me, but I needed a little bit more time to get this chapter right and now it's ready to be published. Well, the dragon and Great Big Little Panther already realized that something is reaching for Neverland and even the (still former) enemies get nervous, so it's about time to get the two thick-heads into the same boat again – means, it's the shaman's not so easy job to make Peter see a few things he left unfished. And not only the eye-shaped clouds are reason enough to get wary. A private talk between Hook and Wendy makes it clear that the reason for the soon arriving trouble lays in the Mainland.

Thank you for the reviews you left for the last chapter; I hope, you're going to enjoy the new one.

Have fun

Yours Lywhn / Starflight

Chapter 12 – Dreams Can Be Dangerous Things

"So, what did you want to talk about?"

Peter walked along the receding waterline together with the Indian wise man, who hadn't said a word since they parted from Hook. Even now Great Big Little Panther only pointed to a few flat rocks just south of them. Sighing in acquiescence, the eternal boy remained at his side, knowing the Indian would speak when he was ready. As they finally reached the natural benches, the man gestured Peter to sit down on one of them and did the same. For a minute, he remained silent, leaving Peter to stew. He finally broke his silence.

"Does Little White Eagle know about the first test the three braves must pass to become a warrior?"

Peter frowned, remembering. If he had imagined what different topics Panther wanted to talk about, then this one hadn't occurred to him. "They go into the mountains alone, remain a few days, and have to survive."

"Yes, that is a part of it – staying alive, of course. But they have lived here from birth, so this is no great feat. They choose a camp, deny themselves food and water and wait for the Great Spirit to send them a vision that comes as a riddle they must interpret. It is usually connected with their own greatest fears." He glanced down at the youth beside him. "Tell me, Peter, what is your greatest fear?"

The fact that Panther called him by his English name and not the Indian one told the boy how serious he was. "To be captured and forced to become a man," he said immediately.

"What do you mean by that?" the shaman dug deeper.

Peter's hands curled into fists, and he frowned. "Well, I don't want to grow up – never! I want to always stay a boy and to have fun. But … when I'm on the Mainland there is the danger that someone might catch me and lock me up. When I stay too long on the Mainland, I start to grow – and if I do, the way to Neverland will be lost to me. At least that's what Tinker Bell said and why she always urges me to return the same night." He sighed, looking down.

"So the prospect of growing up holds the most dread for Little White Eagle," Panther mused. As the boy nodded, the Indian took a deep breath. "What would you say – or do – if someone would indeed capture you, lock you up, make you grow up?" Peter looked at him sharply, and he saw the fear enveloping the blue eyes of the youth; then continued slowly, "What would you say if someone – me for example – laughed about that fear? What would you feel if someone mocked you because of that fear, rightfully or not?"

Peter stared at him, blinking slowly as his quick mind made the connection. "So, you … you do refer to Hook, right? About my teasing and…"

"That was not teasing, young friend. There is a difference between teasing, mockery and ridicule. And even if Iron-Hand would not show it, you wounded him. Not his body this time, but his soul. His greatest fear was that crocodile continually hunting him …"

"But he killed it in the end!" Peter interjected.

"Yes, after he was swallowed whole. Can Little White Eagle pause, imagine being swallowed whole by a wild beast" the day seemed to darken around him, "to feel the jaws closing around you, trying to avoid the knife-sharp teeth, to be gulped down, smelling the reek of former rotting victims and know that you are the next? That you are in the belly of a creature you have run from for years, facing a slow, horrible, tortured death?" He saw Peter bite his lips, growing pale.

"I… never thought about it," the boy admitted after a long pause.

Great Big Little Panther nodded slowly, and the day brightened again. "I thought not. Iron-Hand fought. He did what certainly no one here ever dared to do before him: He sliced himself out of a beast. Just think of the writhing the animal made as it was attacked from the inside, of the blood that poured over the man, think of the darkness that surrounded him and the one thought foremost in his mind: Escaping at any price, or death, breath diminishing, strength failing are inevitable. Just like you, if someone locked you up, you would try everything to get away; despairing and fearing your attempts would fail, sealing your fate, to become a man, to grow old and face death! Iron-Hand made it. He escaped and killed his enemy, but the fears of years didn't die along with the beast. They had become a part of him and are branded in his soul – a scar he knows not how to get rid of."

And Peter began to understand. "The dragons…" he murmured.

"Yes, the dragons. They have minds similar to ours and are able to speak clearly – intelligent, as the white men say. But they are scaled creatures just like the crocodile. And they are deadlier if challenged. Can you comprehend what it had cost Iron-Hand to stand between one of them and Brave Feather, knowing that one snap, one breath of fire could kill him and her? It was like the old nightmare coming back to life, yet he fought against his own instincts and his terrible experiences to protect young Brave Feather – and you mock him for fearing what every sane man should fear: The wrath of a dragon. Furthermore, he had the courage to face his own inner demons. Not many men dare something like this and even fewer succeed."

Panther saw the boy wrap his arms around himself, demonstrating a need for consolation. Peter was not without empathy nor unable to grasp someone else's feelings. Far from it. He understood them quite well, even if he often denied it. But he had so much on his mind and was so often distracted by other adventures that he spent no time on thinking about how others felt.

But not now. He had felt Hook's troubled mind. He had wronged Hook – again. The man had not only risked his life (again) for Wendy, but had faced that deepest fear. No matter that the dragon was no danger to him or Wendy, the man couldn't have known that, yet he had stood against his own fear to protect the girl.

Lowering his eyes, Peter murmured almost ashamed, "It was …" he struggled with the confession, "… bad form."

"Great Big Little Panther has no knowledge of 'bad form', but if you want to say that it was without honour, then yes, it was 'bad form'." The almond-shaped eyes looked at him. "And I know Little White Eagle acts with true honour, but not this time."

Biting his lips again, the eternal boy glanced toward the shoreline. Hook had gone to his men who still were at the damaged longboat, and spoke with them. He looked collected and almost casual, but he was still tensed. Peter felt something rare for him: A bad conscience.

"I … I should apologise," he forced out.

"Yes, an admirable idea," the sage replied. "All make mistakes, but if we learn from them, then they benefit us later."

Glancing up at Panther, Peter squared his shoulders, nodded firmly and strode toward the pirates. He saw the rest of the children still playing in the waves of the Neversea, and Peter sighed before reaching the captain, dreading the next moment. He would so prefer to join his friends, but he knew that he first had to set things right. Experience and instinct told him that he was going to need Hook again, sooner or later. (As much as it irked him to admit to himself, from time to time it was good to have another grownup he could turn to for advice.)

He approached the group of men and cleared his throat. All but the captain turned to look at him, proving to the boy that, just maybe, he had crossed a line. Hook was obviously offended.

Hearing the sound the boy made and seeing his men turn, Hook felt the seething anger in him rising again. Yet he did nothing to acknowledge the child's arrival.

"May… may I speak with you, Captain?" came an uncharacteristically subdued voice.

The polite address and the contrite tone were different, yet Hook answered icily without turning around, "You already are." His tone was cold enough to make you freeze even in the sun of a bright summer midday.

Peter bit his lip again. Hook was really mad at him. Usually he wouldn't have cared, but this time he understood that Hook had a good reason to be furious. "I … I came to apologise," he said. No answer. The captain didn't even look into his direction. "I know it was wrong to mock you and-"

He stopped as Hook whirled around and glared at him, eyes narrowed. "Has Panther told you to apologise?" He pointed his metal claw along the waterline. "Then you can just go right back the way you came-"

"He spoke with me about old fears, that they're sometimes our biggest enemy," Peter interrupted him almost quietly. "And that you… you faced this enemy when you faced the dragon."

Well, this was a new tune coming from the usually careless child. Raising an eyebrow, Hook examined the contrite expression and downcast eyes of his young (former) nemesis. He also saw the guilt in those crystal blue eyes. The other pirates were nudging one another in major disbelief, chuckling and guffawing quietly.

"What do you understand of hidden fears, boy?" he asked slowly. "For you only the here and now counts, nothing else."

"No," Peter replied and shook his head. Taking a deep breath, he looked up at the man. "Can we talk – alone?" he asked.

For a very long moment Hook only stared at him; a sneer plastered on his face. Silence spread around them, only the shouts from the children on the beach were heard. Remembering the Panther's words about 'invisible eyes' and the warnings from two of the magical beings about something reaching for Neverland, Hook made up his mind. He didn't like it, but if something was about to threaten this island, he had to keep his anger towards the brat in check. They both made a formidable team when fighting side by side, proven during the war with the dark warlock, and Hook had to think of his men and his ship. So, if peril was truly approaching, he and Pan would need each other. Meanwhile, they had to settle their differences.

He gestured Peter to go first away from the surf, and grumbled over his shoulder, "Stay here." He followed the boy, who dropped down to sit near the tree line, pulled his knees up and wrapped his arms around them.

"I have them, too – hidden fears, I mean," Peter said quietly, looking toward the sea.

"What fears, boy? Missing an adventure? Or pulling an unsuccessful prank?" the buccaneer mocked.

"Fair enough," Peter sighed, and glanced up straight into Hook's eyes. "My biggest fear is to be captured and forced to become a man."

The pirate lifted both brows. This fear sounded … silly. But, on the other hand, Peter Pan was the eternal boy. To become a man would change not only his world but also himself for all times. "Many people fear change," he said stiffly.

"You don't understand," the boy replied. "Every time I'm on the Mainland, I risk getting caught by grownups and being locked up – 'for my own good,' they would say. After a few days I would start to age and the way back to Neverland would be closed for me. The second star to the right would fade away for me forever." He moistened his lips, frowning. "And… Neverland would sink into winter – maybe worse than the time S'Hadh was here."

Hook stood over him examining the boy's face. For once he seemed serious – and the fear that flickered in his eyes was real. Pursing his lips, he sat down next to Peter. Several beats later he murmured, "You do know that you just shared one of your most personal secrets with me?"

Pan nodded. "Yes. Great Big Little Panther told me of yours – of what you certainly went through fighting your way out of the crocodile – and that the beast somehow left scars on your soul that I tore at when I … when I mocked you back there." He tossed his head toward the woods. "I have some of my own scars – one you left on my chest, one you left at my temple and a few I got during my other adventures. I imagine that the scars on a soul – whatever that means – must hurt when they're pulled at. I didn't mean to… to hurt you. I was only … only …" He searched for the right words.

"You were only the flippant, big-mouthed, careless urchin you often are when you're not the protector and Prince of Neverland," Hook wryly finished Peter's sentence.

"Yeah, I suppose that's it," the youth winced, lowering his gaze. He looked up again. "It was bad form and I apologize." He offered the pirate his right hand; a gesture so grown up and sincere you might have expected it from a gentleman, but not from this wild boy.

Hook made a face. Not accepting a sincere apology was also bad form – and Peter Pan had just shown good form by admitting his mistake, sharing something so personal as his very worst fear, and now he offered his hand. Grumbling something beneath his breath, the captain roughly took the boy's hand in his left and shook it briefly. "Scoundrel," he growled. "I should put you over my knee, but-"

"-But that would get you in trouble with Wendy – and we both know how frightening she can be," Peter grinned; relief written on his features.

"As if I care what a mere slip of a girl thinks of me," Hook scoffed.

Peter grinned happily. "You do care – otherwise we wouldn't be having this stupid argument at all." He let himself fall backwards onto his elbows. For a long moment both were silent, then the used asked, "What do you think of Master Ayden's and Niam's warning, or what Smee saw?"

Hook was seated, and now propped his elbows on his knees; once again the picture of a man enjoying a day at the beach. "Don't know," he mused while watching the waves rolling out in the white sand; ignoring the noisy children. "You can usually trust the fairy queen's warnings. She has a fine feeling for it. It could be the same with the dragon, yet I've no experience with those beasts. But when Panther believes them and feels changes in the wind, then I think we should pay attention."

"Yes, and Master Ayden already told me a few days ago that something is changing – something in the wind, I mean."

"Yes," James murmured, annoyance dissipating. This issue was more important, because when something would happen to Neverland, it would happen to his ship, too. "Whatever it is, it's going to happen," he added with a sigh.

Nodding, Peter sat up again. "I'll talk with the mermaids. They should be able to tell me more about what's going on." He lifted his head. "And the clouds that looked like eyes… Smee saw them before he learned that Neverland is being watched, so it wasn't just his imagination."

"You think those clouds were reflecting literal eyes?" The pirate turned his head to look at the youth.

Pan shrugged. "Maybe. There are other connections remaining between the Mainland and Neverland – or other realms. Just think of Gilliath and the other Elves. They came from another realm, just like S'Hadh did. There are … doors between the worlds." He frowned. "What could happen should someone come through one of them again?"

James snorted. "After everything I've seen on this island, I'm damned sure that it will be lot of trouble. Trust Neverland for new adventures…"

Grinning, the boy looked at him. "Then we won't be at each other's throats out of boredom any time soon." He jumped up.

"'Boredom'?" Hook echoed. "I'm never bored, boy. As a captain I'm always occupied and-"

"Napping at midday?" Peter teased. "I heard you." He offered a hand to the pirate, still seated in the sand.

"How could you hear me taking a nap?" the buccaneer asked, warily accepting the hand up. The boy heaved and Hook was standing. He should have expected the answer.

"Easy!" Laughing cockily, he ran backwards towards his friends, out of range of a thumping. "You snore loud enough to scare away the bears," then he dashed off.

Hook brushed himself off. "Miserable brat has to insult me," he growled, very slightly amused.

Boy and man couldn't know how much they were about to need each other.

*** PP *** PP ***

While the viscount, his guests and the old woman were having dinner, then later secluded themselves to discuss their task, afternoon had arrived in Neverland. Chief Rain-in-the-Face agreed to lend a canoe to the pirates. Their mission was to row to the Jolly Roger, inform their shipmates that the galleon was needed by the captain. Peter, who still felt awkward after his earlier go-round with Hook, now referred to the captain's actions as his 'heroic attempt to protect Wendy against a friendly dragon.' He boldly offered to fly to the ship and deliver Hook's message, but the commander declined. "Jukes won't believe you, Pan," he had said. "That's the other side of the coin when you're known only as a prankster. No one will believe you when you're trying to tell the truth."

So Akeele and Mullins took the canoe and rowed southwards to round the island along Mermaids' Lagoon, then steered toward Pirate's Cove and the Jolly Roger on the western side of Neverland. (Accustomed to the longboat, the children got a good laugh as the sailors had to figure how to row the canoe together.) Hook knew that he and the others wouldn't be picked up before the next day. Ordinarily, he would have returned to the Black Castle. But there were two reasons he accepted the Indians' invitation for a second night. One was something he wouldn't admit: A certain storyteller. The other reason sounded more … well … reasonable: His responsibility as leader to learn more about these foretold changes.

Too late now for a hunt, Peter, Hook and Great Big Little Panther planned to use the time to learn about whatever – or whoever – was watching Neverland, why the wind had 'changed'. Easier said than done.

Niam was tight-lipped for once. Even Peter couldn't coax much out of her. She had no more to say than she already had, but promised to seek out who was 'watching.' From Niam's tree, Peter flew to the mermaids, but results were minimal. They'd felt a change in the tide and had heard the wind 'singing warnings,' seen the odd shapes of the clouds, but didn't know what could be happening. Quite frustrated by the evasive answers, the boy returned to the Indian village; scowling "Everyone talks a lot without saying much."

John had to grin. "Well, now you know the secret of how to be a politician," he deadpanned. When the new Lost Boys, Peter and Tiger-Lily asked what politicians were, Nibs answered dryly, "They are the men who try to solve the problems we wouldn't have if those men weren't causing them in the first place." The adults and older children nodded at this assessment; partly laughing.

Later they ate dinner together, then Peter, Hook, Rain-in-the-Face and Great Big Little Panther conferred by the council hogan. The men were discussing the hunt tomorrow and the pirates would participate. The Jolly Roger needed to restock, and pirates and Indians together would have a greater chance of success. Wisents – a type of miniature buffalo that lived in small herds around the forests – could be dangerous as the young men of the tribe hunted afoot. The pirates' guns would come in handy.

Peter returned to the guest tepee an hour later. The sun had set and the day had changed into the dark blue of night. Yawning, he crossed the meeting place where a fire was burning, saw John and Tiger-Lily sitting side by side on a rolled blanket in front of the chief's tepee. He grinned and vanished into the shelter provided for him and his friends.

The younger boys were already asleep, the older ones talked in hushed voices, Bumblyn was snoring in a makeshift little bed (made of a small blanket) and Wendy had already changed into her nightgown. It had been an exciting day for all of them and bed was welcome. Half an hour later, silence hung over the village. All except the few guards were asleep.

Well, almost all.

Wendy lay wide awake. Her thoughts turned in circles over the last two days. There was the return to Neverland, the feast, the reunion with her friends and with Hook, the pirate's fierce determination to protect her from the dragon, meeting the dragon, the reunion with Aurora and Kailen (now returned to their home), the warnings about someone watching Neverland … all of it danced around her mind, not letting her sleep.

Sighing she closed her eyes and forced those thoughts away, back to the prior evening. Then the memory of the dances with Hook captured her, those and the curious feelings which had risen up in her during the dances and while holding him to comfort him. The strange sensations she had felt still confused her.

It was exciting but also unnerving for her to be in such close proximity to the man as she had been yesterday evening and this morning. And that afternoon his presence seemed to overpower everyone else's, and not just because he was the tallest, or best dressed. She could hear his baritone among all the others, even when speaking quietly. She thought she could feel his eyes like an invisible touch. When not in sight, he seemed to be everywhere. Just like now. She knew him to be in the council hogan more than fifty yards away, yet she felt his nearness like a breath of wind on her skin.

Wendy didn't know what was happening to her – or what had changed between her and the captain – but somehow, she was more aware of him than ever before.

Turning to her other side, she faced toward the light of the small fire near Peter, who lay beside her and slept fitfully. The day had been demanding. Wendy had felt an easing of the tension between the buccaneer and the boy after they returned to the village, and Peter was atypically polite towards Hook. Panther was also looking rather satisfied. Then their inquiries about the impending trouble led nowhere. And now the counsel for the planned hunt tomorrow. Peter and the older Lost Boys would join, too. No wonder that the young Prince of Neverland was tired.

Wendy watched him. The firelight bathed him in orange and red, and she smiled as she watched his familiar boyish features and his wild hair. For a boy his age, his arms were muscular, hinting at the strength and suppleness he had earned in years of training with the sword, the running, flying and living in the wilderness. Yet his face was … so smooth, his shoulders so small and…

'How am I deficient?'

'You're just a boy…'

The argument they'd had during her first stay in Neverland echoed in her mind. It seemed to be truer now than ever before. At that time, she had said it to compare him with Hook, whom she had met for the first time in person. Now she couldn't help herself and compared the two again. The shocking revelation was that her affection for Peter still ran deep but … lacked something she couldn't describe. It made her uncomfortable.

Finally, after turning once again, she rose and left the tepee on silent feet, hoping that the fresh air would clear her head. Tink, who slept near Peter's head, heard a noise and watched the girl go. She sensed the turmoil in Wendy's heart and soul, and knowing that her former rival was walking a path she had to go alone, Tinker Bell snuggled back into the folds of the blanket.

It was cooler outside. Wendy wrapped her arms around herself, regretting that she hadn't brought a shawl. Walking through the tepees, she came to the clearing that was still lit by the moon. Sitting down on one of the rolled blankets, she noticed that the lingering embers burned in the remains of the fire. It was warmer here. Hugging her knees to her chest, she closed her eyes and tried to soothe the turmoil in her mind.

She heard a soft noise behind her, knowing who stood behind her; his presence once again like a burning torch. Yet seeing him towering over her, dark curls twitching in the soft wind, made her heart leap again …

*** PP ***

Hook, too, couldn't sleep. The day's events replayed through his mind. After lying down an hour ago, the effect of what he had gone through in the morning with the dragon sent new echoes of the old fear through him. 'The shadow of the crocodile' was what Wendy had called it, and she was right. The beast was still very much present in his mind.

Some might think this peculiar, for after all, James Hook was a grown man with more life experience, more violent years than even he could guess. To still be afraid of a dead animal was indeed laughable, and he found he was ashamed of himself. But you see, the croc had been more than a threat to his life. It had shown him his limits and pushed him over them – finally it had hunted him even in his own home territory. The everlasting ticking had been a constant reminder of the pain after his hand was cut off, and the passage of the time. It mercilessly exposed his vulnerability, reminding him every time that his life would end one day, for death comes to all of us. One had better be ready for it.

And now, after the beast was dead, its memory haunted him like other ghosts of his past – a past of which he had no clear memory. Those memories were locked away behind the wall of Neverland's magic in his mind, yet his heart knew that there was still a debt to pay, something he was required to do at home. But he couldn't remember 'home' beyond the deep forests, wide fields and a large building made of red stone, a hazy shape in the middle of a thick fog … with broad wings and many bedrooms. And a butler.

Pushing the memories away – the recent and the foggy ones, he turned on his blanket to his other side, directing his thoughts into a different direction: Why was Neverland being watched? Usually he anticipated conflicts, appreciating their entertainment value on this paradise of an island. But this time he would prefer a bit more peace, to allow him to get to know the girl without the insistent dangers that seemed to surround her.

There was it again, his concern over the girl. By Triton's fishtail, what was it with this particular little witch that the grim pirate in him receded while hidden nobleman, the underlying foundation of his being, grew stronger; compelling him to confront a real dragon!? Yes, she had grown into the expected beauty, but never had a pretty face caught him like Wendy Darling had. Even now, in the silence of the dark council hogan, her laughter, her sparkling eyes, her smile and her boldness controlled his thoughts.

After tossing a few more times, James finally had enough. He knew he wasn't going to sleep any time soon, so he rose and left the hogan for some fresh air. He had to 'clear his head' and he could do that best when everyone was asleep and the night was dark and silent – when he could be alone and drop the stern mask.

Without directing his feet there, he wandered to the guest tepee, where he knew Pan, his gang slept – and Wendy.

Wendy…

No, not that again! Yet a rush of warmth and heat ran through him at the thought of her, and he pictured her lying there – deeply asleep, relaxed sweet face, full lips a little bit open, begging to be kissed. He sighed deeply. Even without memories of his life before he came to Neverland, he knew that he'd had his share of women as a pirate, but he was certain that none had touched him like this beautiful, daring storyteller did.

Pressing his lips into a thin line and discarding all thoughts of peeking into the tepee, he walked towards the dim light of the clearing – only to see her sitting there all alone. Of course she had to be here – maybe that was the reason he couldn't rest. Were they somehow connected? That seemed an explanation. And even if he wanted to return to the hogan, he found himself unable to.

Approaching on silent feet, he stopped behind her; the girl's presence acting like a soothing balm on his troubled mind.

"Can't sleep, child?" he asked quietly.

She looked up at him over her shoulder, not startled nor even surprised, as if she had felt his proximity. "No, not really," she replied, her peaceful profile dimly lit in the embers of the fire.

Watching her now, he saw the thin golden chain he had noticed during their dancing, but didn't recognize the pendant, something small and dark. The nightdress had caught his interest in the morning, and now – in the dark twilight of night – he knew why. He was almost sure that this was the same nightgown he had seen her wearing in his dreams about her. Dreams or visions? He had to know. Indicating the space beside her, he asked, "May I?"

Wendy nodded slowly. He'd often been polite towards her – when they weren't bantering – but this new display of courtesy was unusual. It contrasted with his attire as he moved beside her. His feet were bare, and a loose tunic hung over his breeches. No gentleman would show himself like that to a young lady – and no young lady would accept it as Wendy now did, but … they both were familiar with each other, and for now they were two friends by a fire, nothing more.

Settling onto the grass, he watched the dying fire, then he murmured, "I wanted to ask you something this morning when those … dragons… started their racket." He lowered his voice. "Forgive me if I'm being improper, but … did you wear this nightgown before you came to Neverland?"

Wendy blinked at the unexpected inquiry. "What?" She looked at him and saw he was serious. She sighed, "Yes, I also wore it the two nights before I came here. Why?"

He frowned thoughtfully. She had worn it in that … library. Then later when that dark shadow loomed over her as she slept, and the night when she had called out to him and Pan to take her back to Neverland. Maybe they hadn't been dreams, but visions? And why now, all of a sudden? This never happened before. Had it something to do with Neverland being watched? If so, how was it connected?

More details. He had to have more details. "I know this sounds strange, but … were you wearing it in a library?" he prompted.

"A library? In a nightgown?" Her voice rose with disbelief. As he only nodded, she snorted anything but lady-like. "Captain, I do know how to dress outside of Neverl-" She stopped. Yes, she had been wearing this nightgown in a library lately! At Ashford-Manor, when she saw his painting!

He saw her eyes widen and knew the answer. "So," he murmured, "can it be that you also … called for Pan and even me some time afterward while wearing this gown?"

Wendy's jaw dropped, eyes now large as saucers. "How would you know?" she whispered; astonished.

It was true. "I saw you," he said quietly. "In dreams."

"In dreams," the girl repeated wryly. "You dream of me. I hope they're good dreams."

For a moment he leered mockingly as the man rose in the pirate-captain. "Does that surprise you, Jill? You have a way of lingering in a man's thoughts even when gone." He saw her skeptical smirk, and chuckled before turning serious again. "These were no ordinary dreams. They felt as if you were here – or I were present in England. Yet I was here," he explained, reaching out and tucking one of her long locks behind her ear. Her hair was marvelously silky, just like he knew it would be. "The first time you were in a sort of private library, carrying a candelabra, and the last time you came into a bedroom and went to a large window, begging Peter – and me – to come and to get you." He didn't speak of the second time he saw her, lying in a bed with a sinister shadow looming over her. He was sure that this shadow and the one of the man he saw behind her while she called out for Neverland, had been one and the same, probably her 'suitor'. 'If that whelp is a threat to her, I will find a way to get to London and gut him from cullions to crop!' he growled in thoughts. 'And, by the way, how dare some pasty bloke court my storyteller!?'

Wendy was glad she was seated, after hearing him describe the moment she had looked at the painting of his younger self. "You … really saw me," she whispered, incredulous, knowing she couldn't tell him much more without giving away what she had learned about his family or that the library had been in his childhood home. "I … I was with my friend Victoria in the her family's manor when you … 'saw' me in their library," she explained; avoiding the important detail. "And the other time you saw me … It was after the ball, after I got an official suitor. I felt… overwhelmed, humbugged even, forced into a ridiculous situation and yearning for Peter or you to rescue me." Her glanced up at his face. "How is this possible?" 'The painting! It must have something to do with the painting and the fact that I was at your old home,' she thought, but did not voice these thoughts. She had no proof, not even a smidge of evidence, so thought it better to conceal this one piece of the puzzle.

Hook had listened closely, and slowly shook his head. "I do not know, but this is Neverland, where impossible things happen. One thing I know for certain: It all has a purpose. There is a reason why we are suddenly connected. But what could have caused it?"

"Mayhap because I was truly … distressed to be nearly promised to a man I have no feelings for?" Wendy mused.

James narrowed his eyes, once again relieved that she felt nothing for the interloper. "Well, distress means strong emotions, and you called out for Peter and me. Yet I'm sure that you'd been unhappy enough at boarding school to scream for us, too, but it was only now I heard and saw you. And Pan got your message passed to him by the stars." He cocked his head, lost in thoughts. "That dragon said Neverland is watched by invisible eyes. Great Big Little Panther said the same. And Smee saw the clouds forming eyes. I got visions of you … more than once."

"You think this all fits together," Wendy speculated.

He nodded slowly. "I don't know what's going on, but suddenly the distance between the outer world and Neverland seems to have shrunk – like the two worlds are getting closer."

She shifted her body toward him, her thoughts were dashing in several directions. "Like the border between Neverland and our world is … is thinning and therefore the habitants can reach out to each other?" she suggested.

Hook took a deep breath. "Perhaps. Yet the questions remain: How? Why? When? And who is behind it?"

"You think someone is initiating this?" Wendy thought about it for a moment. "It might also be that it is a … a natural thing. That our world-"

"The Mainland, that's what they call it here," he threw in.

"Right, the Mainland." The girl sighed. "Maybe Neverland and the Mainland grow near each other sometimes and then apart. Like… like the northern hemisphere nears the sun during summer and turns away from it during winter. Or like the planets move and come near each other only to part again."

James smiled, recognizing basic astronomical and geographical knowledge. "Do they teach science at a this new girl's school, too?"

Wendy's face brightened in a smile. "Somewhat, but I'm interested in a few of the fields and read a lot about them at the school library. John and Nibs have books about these topics, too, and I've read them all. It's quite interesting, but I don't think they know half of what they profess to know." She pursed her lips; thinking of something else. "When Peter leads us to Neverland, we fly through stars – stars like they show in our school books. I even recognize the Saturn and its rings," she said slowly. "It's nothing like what they say in the books. Yet the stars are … more than only planets circling around the sun. They warn Peter when danger approaches, and they inform him when he is needed in the Mainland – just like they did when I reached out to him twice now."

"Niam also spoke of the 'stars' voices' and that they speak with the fairies," James pondered. "When it comes to Neverland and its … interaction with the Mainland, the usual physical laws seem to," he sighed, "… cease to exist."

Wendy rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Maybe this all is… one big celestial scheme. The stars, the Mainland, Neverland… They all work together as a well-balanced team to ensure each other's safety."

"And this balance is now somehow … disturbed," the pirate-captain followed her train of thought, following her musings. "It's an interesting theory – and I'm sure Niam wouldn't understand a word of it," he added with a grimace.

Wendy giggled. "Well, fairies see the world differently than we do and have other words for many things. I think they are more aware of the connections and life behind things than we are, but then they miss what's on the surface. Yet both – surface and what lies behind – create a unit, and I think many people – humans and the Fae – are unable to grasp the whole picture."

Hook lifted both brows, surprised. "Why, Wendy Darling, that sounds quite philosophical," he commented calmly.

She smiled again (and his heart grew warmer.) "Well … yes. And I know it's unwelcome by men to hear a feminine voice uttering esoteric thoughts."

"Hm, I prefer an intelligent woman over a pretty doll with no mind," he grumbled, winking at her and making her blush.

They simply sat for awhile in comfortable silence, then Wendy thought aloud, "Perhaps … only one thing happened … and everything else followed in a kind of domino effect – like a stone dropped into calm water creating rings that spread out to the edges of the pond. Or there a few things happened which resulted in-"

"Sweetie, someone is watching Neverland – one or more people. Consider, too, that the border between here and merrie old England has thinned enough so that I was able see you in visions. Maybe these are related, but we have no proof."

The girl bit her bottom lip. "Peter said the stars told him about my … well … distress. But you really saw me, and heard me. Why? Peter has … absorbed some of the fairies' magic. He can understand the stars' language. You don't have this advantage, yet you didn't need the stars to learn about my situation and to even see me. There must be a reason for it."

'Because my heart is attached to you – more than you can guess, and more than I like to admit', an inner voice whispered in Hook, but aloud he said, "Never attempt to understand Neverland's magic. It's a fruitless task. I've tried it a hundred times and more."

Wendy snorted and huffed, "Slightly once advised me the same, but your answer is … maddening."

'She wants to get to the truth and anything else isn't acceptable. Good God, beauty, we two are more alike than I ever thought.'

He watched her from beneath his half lowered eyelids. There she sat – bathed in the last glow of the dying fire, eyes sparkling with new thoughts, a half-pout on her lips – he yearned to take her into his arms and hold her close. This was not only a result of his fear of losing her in the morning, nor pure male desire. No, her intelligence, her wit and the depth of her musings – of her mind and soul – filled places in him he was unaware of except when she was with him.

'Careful, old boy, you're about to get tangled in that web again. And if she catches you, you won't get away – not after she grew up,' the pirate in him warned him. Well, admittedly, he was already tangled in said web, and he didn't want to be free of it at all.

He took another deep breath; the cool night air was still heavy with the scent of the night blossoms. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her shivering, and giving the pirate in him a mental kick and surrendering to the gallant gentleman he once was, James rose, walked to another roll of blankets, pulled one free, returned and wrapped it around her.

She looked at him, surprised. "Why … thank you, Captain," she whispered

He gave her a lopsided grin. "Snuffling and coughing little girls sound dreadful, so we'd better keep you warm rather than let you come down with a runny nose," he grumbled.

Wendy giggled. He couldn't fool her. He could play the uncaring cad all he wanted, she knew that he did care for her. "Then it's a good thing I'm no little girl anymore," she teased.

Hook groaned inwardly. No, she wasn't a little girl anymore, but he'd be damned if he would take the bait she'd unknowingly offered him. "Hm, the older and larger someone is, the louder the sneezing," he deadpanned.

"Sorry, no. Remember when Bumblyn caught the cold after falling from the railing of your ship? His sneezing was heard from bow to aft!"

"But you aren't a member of the Good People," he retorted, sitting down beside her again. "Even though you resemble a sprite dancing in that Elven dress," he added, before he snapped his mouth shut.

"Thank you for the compliment," Wendy smiled at him. Then she covered a huge yawn; feeling oddly at peace.

Hook's first impulse was to send her to bed, but he she would contradict him. So, to avoid the argument, he sat still. It was a companionable silence, and the quiet of the night seemed to enfold them. If they could have heard the stars, they would have heard them command the earth to "Shhhh!" He soon felt her weight leaning against him, her head on his shoulder. He never – NEVER – thought that one day someone would trust him like that.

He was reminded of the preparation for the battle against the dark warlock, both Wendy and Pan had displayed a trust around him that only children could. And now, even as good as grown up, the girl was relaxed enough to talk to him openly about everything and even fall asleep next to him.

And asleep she was. Her eyes were closed, her breath was even and her sweet face relaxed. Slipping an arm around her petite form, he waited a few more minutes until he was sure that she was sound asleep. He skilfully rose and lifted her in his arms, so light, her soft curves obvious to him as he held her close; subtle aroma of roses filling his head. He nearly kissed her forehead, but turned around – and stopped in his tracks.

He knew a few guards were positioned around the camp, keeping the tribe safe at night. In the starlight, one of the older warriors between the tents watched him with understanding and in his dark eyes – then he returned to the darkness.

James shook his head. There was surely no living being in Neverland who wasn't aware of his affection for 'the Wendy-lady' – well, except for Pan. 'The boy's ignorance knew no bounds.'

He made his way to the guest tepee and ducked through the low entrance; Wendy still in his arms, head on his chest. There was her sleeping place. He laid her there, careful to avoid her with the iron. As he pulled the blanket over her, he spotted the golden chain around her neck. The pendant had slipped away from its between her breasts and fallen alongside her neck.

He poked it with his finger, and recognized an acorn with a hole in it, threaded on the chain. 'What an odd pendant. It must hold a special meaning to her.' Instinctively he knew that it had something to do with Peter Pan.

Sighing, he remained on his knees, memorizing her peaceful face – a face imprinted on his soul for as long as he would live. He unconsciously stroked her silky hair. And smiled.

Beside her, Pan shifted in his sleep, unaware of Hook's presence. 'The boy is too trusting for his own good,' the pirate thought. But why should Pan be wary? He was among friends and an ally (whom he infuriated on regular basis, but who had lost the wish to kill the little pest.)

Sighing yet again, Hook rose, eyes scanning the boys – some small, some at the threshold of becoming men. At the edge of this peaceful scene, he felt someone looking him, and peering around one more time, he saw Bumblyn.

The little Hobgoblin had awoken when he heard someone entering the tent. He'd watched the one-handed captain carrying Wendy, placing her on the furs and covering her with a blanket, handling the pendant the girl wore on a golden chain. What came next surprised him. He saw the man gently stroke the girl's hair, his face an odd mixture of yearning, fire and tenderness.

The bogey looked closer, remembering the unicorn's warning as he rode away from the Mount of No Return with Wendy. The magical mare had warned that 'men such as he' would desire the girl's heart one day. With the fine senses of the Good People, Bumblyn knew that Wendy's growing up time had come. He saw it plain as the horn on the unicorn: The one-handed man was burning for the girl.

Meeting the pirate's annoyed glance, Bumblyn grinned at him. Then he waved at him, yawned, lay back and snuggled into the little blanket that served him as a makeshift bed; knowing that the mortal was no threat to him.

Hook sighed again. Of course that walking talking stomach had seen him, and given the bogey's smirk, the little devil knew exactly what motivated James. Grimacing, he turned and left the tepee as silently as he had entered it. The position of the moon told him that the sun would rise in a few hours, and so he returned to the council hogan to try again to sleep.

Yet, as he stretched out, the picture of a laughing, dancing young girl with the spirit of a sprite lingered in his mind – and followed him into sleep…

TBC…

Yes, both – pirate-captain and storyteller – can't deny any longer that they're drawn to each other more than thought. For Wendy it's a complete new experience and she still struggles to acknowledge that simply the woman is awaking in her, while Hook's world begins to tumble upside-down (more than it already is). He's torn between his increasing feelings and his fruitless attempt to keep some inner distance from the girl that already caught him as a child. Just wait, what will come next.

Well, Peter for once realized that some things he says and does can hurt other people, and even if he is the most time jolly and careless, he can develop sympathy. Yet to entrust Hook of all people with something so private like the own deepest fear, seems to be a little bit out of place, but first he is child who rarely thinks everything completely through. And second this new knowledge Hook gained about the eternal boy, will become very important later for both of them.

In the next chapter, the planned hunting takes place, and John shows that he got the warrior's name Three Strengths not for naught. Furthermore Wendy will meet a four-legged 'friend' from earlier times again, and the Jolly Roger arrives at the east-coast of Neverland. Like this Wendy, her brothers and the former Lost Boys will meet a few of Hook's crew again, among them the cheery Billy Jukes and the grumbling Cookson.

I hope, you enjoyed the last chapter, including the little romantic things in the end, and I would be very happy to get (again) some reviews.

Have a nice weekend,

Love

Yours Lywhn / Starflight