Disclaimer: I do not own anybody who is from the show. The upcoming OC's are a different story though.

Chapter One

Jake soared through the sky, his breath coming in heavy pants as the big scaly wyvern chased him, its fiery breath searing the air behind him. The dragon had strayed from its volcanic home on the Island of Bell and was now wreaking havoc on a small island of innocent creatures. His job right now was to keep the beast distracted while Peter Pan finished hiding all the little mythical creatures and animals. It was strange that Peter volunteered for the less action filled task, that was not a very Peter Pan thing to do. But Jake didn't question.

"Peter!" the young lad yelled, glancing over his shoulder at the dragon, which was getting uncomfortably close. "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up!"

Below, Peter Pan darted between tree hollows and enchanted burrows, ushering the last of the creatures into their homes.

"Just hang in there a little longer!" he called back, his tone as light and teasing as ever. "You're doing great! Think of it as a high-stakes game of tag!"

Jake rolled his eyes but couldn't help a small smile. Trust Peter to find humor in a life-threatening situation. His shaggy jet-black hair would have been all over the place if it weren't for the bright red bandana wrapped around his forehead, keeping the sweat and hair out of his big olive eyes. He wore a navy blue vest with golden rims and buttons, over a white pirate shirt, its sleeves ripped and cupping his scrawny arms. Even though he didn't even look like he was old enough to get promoted into middle school, Jake was as fearless as they came. Being chased by a fire-breathing dragon seven times his size was more than enough proof of that.

Back in Neverland, he was one of the bravest pirates, second only to Peter Pan himself. That's why Peter had requested the young lads help for a series of important missions beyond the Neverseas.

Initially, Jake had been hesitant, recalling the last time he left with Peter after completing the legendary Forever Quest. Despite being Peter's unofficial first mate, Jake had his own crew back in Neverland. His friends assured him they could handle themselves, even with Captain Codfish Hook lurking around. The young leader had expected to be back on Pirate Island as soon as possible, but what he hadn't expected was for Peter's missions to stretch on for so long. They were going on five months now!

While he and Peter made a formidable team, it could never replace the bond he shared with his own crew. At night, when all was peaceful, when he and Peter hovered over the glowing sea, Jake often wondered about his friends. Often worried about his friends was more like it. Yet, without any alerts from the lunar lantern and not a single "cock-a-doodle-doo, Peter Pan we need you!" he assumed they were managing fine.

Jake snapped out of his thoughts, realizing now was not the time to reminisce. He was not back on Pirate Island but flying beyond the Neverseas with his hero, Peter Pan, while being chased by a fire-breathing dragon. He needed to act, not lament.

"Okay, Jake, time to get your head in the game," he muttered to himself. He took a deep breath, veered sharply to the left, and shouted, "Alright Mr. Dragon catch me if you can!" The dragon roared in fury, its fiery breath narrowly missing the young pirate as he flew in daring loops and spins. Below, Peter Pan gave a thumbs up, then disappeared into the forest to finish hiding the last of the creatures. Jake grinned despite himself. He might miss his crew, but with Peter by his side, there was never a dull moment. And right now, he had a dragon to outsmart.

He soared through the skies, zigzagging and looping to keep the dragon's attention while avoiding becoming dragon barbecue. He was getting tired, and his muscles ached from the constant maneuvering. Just when he thought he couldn't keep this up any longer, Peter swooped in beside him, grinning like he'd just won a game of tag.

"What took you so long!?" Jake panted, trying to keep his tone light despite his exhaustion.

Peter chuckled.

"Oh, you knowI had to make sure every single one of those little critters had their bedtime stories. Didn't want any nightmares about big, scary dragons!"

Jake huffed but couldn't help but grin.

"Well, now that storytime's over, what's the plan!?"

Peter gave him a thumbs-up.

"Well good job keeping him busy! Now, let's guide this oversized lizard back to his playpen! Ready!?"

Jake cringed at the thought of the long flight ahead but nodded.

"Aye, aye, Captain!"

Together, they led the dragon on a high-speed chase across the skies. As they approached the Island of Bell, the dragon's eyes lit up at the sight of the familiar volcanic landscape. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the island, highlighting its fiery volcanic mysteriousness.

Peter made a grand gesture towards the island.

"Welcome home, scales-for-brains! Aren't you glad we showed you the way?" The dragon responded by spitting a stream of fire at Peter, as if yelling for the redhead to get off his lawn. After barely managing to dodge the flying flame, Peter flew back to Jake, his eyes wide. "Let's get outta here before he decides to give us a warmer thank you!" the teen in green exclaims, shooting past Jake.

"Sounds like a plan to me!" the younger boy replies, before following after Peter who was already fifty yards ahead.

As night fell, they hovered above the glowing sea together, everything quiet. Jake trailed a finger through the water, his expression somber. Peter had seen this look too many times, for this had become a nightly ritual for his friend over the past few weeks, and Peter knew exactly what was on his mind: his friends back in Neverland. The feathered hat boy sighed, hating to see his protege so upset. He had tried to erase Jake's homesickness with thrilling adventures, but while it worked during the day, by nightfall, the sadness always crept back in.

Peter floated closer, his usual cheerfulness dimming a bit.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothin's wrong, Peter," Jake said, his voice unconvincingly upbeat as he looked up from the sea. "I just... you know..."

"Miss my mateys..." they said in unison, Peter's voice cocky and predicting, Jake's quiet and sad.

Jake gasped, looking at Peter in surprise.

The redhead grinned, though his eyes were softer now.

"I know, Jake. You've been a real trooper, but I think it's time we head back to Neverland."

Jake's eyes widened.

"Really?"

"Really. It's been five months buddy. And I don't want them thinking I've run off with you for good, so let's get you back to Pirate Island where you belong."

Jake's face lit up with a mix of relief and joy.

"Oh thanks Peter! I can't wait to see them again!"

Peter clapped him on the back.

"Well then, what are we waiting for? To Neverland we go!"

Peter let out his famous rooster crow, echoing through the skies before he and Jake took off towards what lay beyond the horizon: Neverland. The distance they'd traveled meant they probably wouldn't get there until morning, but that didn't dampen their spirits.

As they soared through the night sky, Jake's excitement was palpable.

"Gee, I can't wait to see Izzy, Cubby, and Skully again!" he exclaimed, his face lighting up. "They're gonna flip when they see us!"

Peter chuckled, watching Jake's enthusiasm with a fond smile.

"I'm sure they're thinking about you as much as you are, them."

"I just hope they're doing okay without me," Jake continued, his voice tinged with a hint of worry. "What if Captain Hook has captured them again!? A-and locked them in a cage while he tries to break open our treasure chest again! Or what if—"

"What if you'd just relax?" Peter said before letting out a laugh. "They're probably fine. They may not be as 'brave as you', but they're still a hearty crew."

Jake nodded, visibly calming down.

"Yeah…yeah you're right. They can handle themselves."

As they flew on through the night, Peter felt a surprising sensation: one of his eyelids starting to droop. He couldn't believe it—he, Peter Pan, was actually tired! Thai began to stir up the panic in him. Jake wasn't the only one who was having troubling thoughts. Lately, Peter had noticed that his energy and excitement levels were starting to go a tad bit down hill. He didn't know what was wrong with him, but he just didn't have the urge to have dangerous adventures anymore or go on rescue missions, in fact he did it just for the sake of the fate of those living in the Islands beyond the Neversea. That was why he assigned Jake to distract the dragon while he took on the easier, more low speed task. He had been doing that alot lately, and it was breaking his heart. Maybe he just needed a restful trip back to Neverland to get his strength and determination back and then he'd have the urge for exploration again. And as that was all rushing through his head, he found it hard to keep both eyes open.

Meanwhile, Jake was wide awake, flying ahead with boundless energy.

The sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the horizon.

"Look alive Peter!" Jake called out, pointing at the horizon, snapping Peter back to full alertness.

Far in the distance, barely visible but unmistakable, was the familiar outline of their home. The sight filled them both with renewed energy.

"Home sweet home." Peter said with a grin, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"I can't believe I'm really gonna to see my mates again," Jake whispered. "I wonder what they're up to right now."

To Be Continued..

might possibly get renamed like my first story only because it's pretty basic.