Their Hearts' Desire

by Starflight1701

SEQUEL to "BATTLE FOR NEVERLAND" - (I changed the pen-name from Lywhn to Starflight). Five years after 'Battle...', an almost grownup Wendy returns to Neverland. As her suitor follows her for reasons other than 'rescuing' her, it threats Peter and his world. Hook is forced to act - not only to save the day but also 'his' storyteller for whom his heart burns. Full summary inside.

70. Unexpected Friends

Hi, my dear readers,

At least this time I managed to update the next chapter a week after the last installment. I know, you're all curious what happens next and how Peter, Wendy and the boys will get to Surrey – or what Smee has in mind to take the dozen members of the crew and more with him to rescue Hook. So, off to London…

Thank you for the feedback and I hope you're going to enjoy the new chapter.

Yours Lywhn / Starflight

Chapter 68 – Unexpected Friends

Professor Archibald Hutchings wasn't angry. He was furious. It was rare that the old scholar gave in to his emotions, but by jings and crivvens! He felt the rare need to … to punch someone! Preferably Ashford and his whole gang! He'd sat in this miserable cell in the manor's old dungeon on a heap of straw for hours – the very same place the boy had been held. It was cold. It was damp. It was … boring! He had begun writing his memoir in his head about the last couple of weeks, and wished he could make notes. The two pathetic torches by the wall barely gave any light. Only twice now had he been taken from this dark hellhole – both times to consult about the egg.

To his great surprise, the beastie remained curled inside its shell. The shell had cracked, and if you listened closely, you could hear the little serpent breathing, but apart from that, there was no indication of movement. "He sleeps," Archibald had said, not knowing what to tell the impatient Brynna otherwise. It could be true, but both times he had touched the scaly egg, he was sure he felt a question at the edge of his mind. Thoughts from the bairn inside? Did it feel the danger around it? Hutchings wasn't sure, but could tell dragons were quite perceptive. Maybe the unhatched dragonling missed his mother's presence and was, therefore, wary.

Archibald had immediately responded, both hands on the shell, by thinking hard about the danger, hoping to project a warning. It seemed to work. There had been no further progress in its emergence.

But now, as evening rolled through, Hutchings became impatient, testing each of the bars, pacing in the small area. Where was that rescue? Their needed salvation? Was anyone coming? He was certain that the boy he spoke with on the telephone understood his message; surely he informed his sister. And he was equally sure that the young lady had informed the pirate captain. And that boy – that is if Hook had found the youth and rescued him. Archibald realized that he wasn't even sure of that detail. So how dare he now hope for some sort of pirate-style rescue?

Before his thoughts could spiral into the gloom of pessimism, he heard the door opening that led from the cellars down to the dungeon. Someone was working their way down the stairs. There was a moan and a voice sneered, "You fool! Annoying someone like Brynna is just stupid!"

Hutchings stood, peering through the dim light, watching. He recognized Jackson and Alister, now dragging someone between them. Archibald suppressed a gasp when he recognized the curly black mane and the hint of the claw in place of a right hand. "Hook!" he whispered and felt his mouth going dry. "Ach no, they got 'im."

The two hunters pulled the stunned pirate into the adjoining cell, throwing him to the floor. They slammed the door shut with a clang of finality. Jackson grinned mockingly at him. "We brought you some company, bookworm. You'll have so much to discuss – that's that if he comes around soon." The two men turned to leave, but the professor called out to them.

"Why have y' done this?" he demanded. "First y' lock me up an' noo y' … y' kidnapped the capt'n? 'As tha' young pretender lost th' rest of 'is ever-lovin' mind?"

Alister, whose nose now appeared broken, turned to him with his blackening eyes. "Don't get yer boxers in a knot, Study! His Lordship knows what t' do with th' two of you."

The scholar stood to his full height. "Y' know y' can't jus' make me vanish. I've a job, colleagues, students, all askin' questions when I don' show up nex' week."

Reuben Jackson chuckled unpleasantly. "All they'll learn is that you left by train for a ship travelling to Egypt. But you never boarded, yet you were clearly seen boarding the train in Godalming. Isn't that strange? We at the manor suspect you just cleared out after the viscount paid you. After all, it was a goodly sum." He saw Hutchings grow pale. "A good plan, don't you agree?" Turning on his heel, he left, Alister on his heels. Upstairs the door banged closed, lock clicking in place.

Professor Archibald Hutchings' stomach felt like he'd swallowed a large rock. They had planned his death – a good plan! - he had to give them that. With a bitter taste in his mouth, he turned towards the neighboring cell, where James Hook lay sprawled. The blue captain's coat was different, but the long curls and the hook were the same - different wrappings, but definitely the pirate. "Hook?" he called quietly, but the commander didn't move. Groaning, Hutchings sat again. It seemed the prospect of imminent rescue was shrinking.

And not far away, well hidden in the shadows, Nissa stared at the motionless figure in the second cell; her little heart torn with joy and anguish …

*** PP ***

No one knew of the little green prankster now darting around outside the manor. Kailen flew from window to window, trying to figure out the layout of the manor. At one window he saw Edgar Russell, now barely recognizable. The 'man' lay there, shifting over and over again in his sleep and strange waking dreams, sweat on his silver forehead. Kailen peered closely, seeing a human transforming into a merman, and wrinkled his upturned nose. Usually the good people stood for one another, especially when they found themselves in a strange place, but here the pixie felt a vengeful satisfaction seeing one of the humans in such distress. The viscount and his men had damaged so much in Neverland, and if you can say one thing about Little People, then it was that they knew how to hold a grudge. He knew the man-merman was suffering haunting dreams and a deep yearning for the singer's voice he heard in those dreams.

Leaving Russell's window, Kailen continued exploring. During the war with the dark wizard in Neverland, he had learned how useful a thorough reconnoiter was. Though there was no volcano ready to erupt, for the tiny pixie everything was a 'giant labyrinth' if it was bigger than a tree trunk.

Finally having circled the house and peeking in every uncurtained window, Kailen sat on a window sill wondering about what to do next, noticing the humans' locations (including the wee lass in the kitchen.) He had overheard the captain mentioning a secret passage that ended somewhere in the woods up the hill. A backdoor you might say – one that could certainly be useful. Peter Pan and his friends could use it as soon as they showed up. Kailen was convinced that Peter the rescuer would come soon, saving his friend and the young dragon. And an unknown access to the manor could be a game changer.

Carefully, the pixie darted through the garden. It had grown dark; he wouldn't be seen from a window. As quickly as he dared, he raced over the ground, and reached the border of the manor's landscaped property. Taking to the air, above roof and treetop level where he would not be noticed, he flew over the wall, he dived into the woods behind it. The entrance was somewhere back here! Seeking through bushes and fern, he landed on a moss-covered tree trunk, looking about. Maybe -

"Who would be you, brother?" a voice squeaked from behind him. Kailen turned and found himself face to face with another pixie. Then, from all sides, additional pixies showed themselves …

*** PP *** PP ***

All sat down for the soup at the Darling house, but no one was hungry (except, of course, for Bumblyn, who was now drinking the dregs of his third bowl). Wendy forced a few spoonfuls, as did the boys. Even Tootles seemed to have lost his appetite. And Peter? He stared at his bowl full of delicious stew (so much better than the dross at the orphanage,) unable to eat any of it. He kept looking at Wendy – captured by guilt, brimming with impatience because every fiber of him yearned to act. But the sun had barely touched the horizon, and it wasn't yet dark enough to use the fairy dust to fly – a plan both he and Wendy had come up with.

While Liza had changed the table setting, and Millicent and Mary were in the kitchen, Peter told Wendy and the boys everything that happened that day – including a few details of his talk with Mab. Wendy did not appreciate that Peter was making plans for her and James. But she only sniffed, and moved on.

She understood Peter far better than he knew. She knew that he longed for his parents – especially his mother, even though denying it. She remembered holding him during his nightmares in which he called out to the mother he was sure had forgotten him, betrayed him. That he would ever bind himself to a grownup – like he did to Hook now – was some kind of a miracle. It became obvious to her on their second visit that there had always been a strong link between the two. And when she thought back to her first stay and how fiercely man and boy had tried everything they could to kill each other, it was a wonder to see how close they had grown. And facing the possibility that he might lose the one Peter regarded as a parent was driving the boy to the brink.

Now they sat around the table, even though no one was hungry. Millicent, who now watched the Hobgoblin warily, made valiant attempts at conversation, but even Mary's replies were only monosyllabic, and the boys remained silent. Wendy could feel her insides churning for James and her growing determination to get him out, and Peter looked the same.

Finally, when she thought she would jump out of her skin, she put the spoon aside. "Mother, may the boys and I go upstairs? I really can't eat anything." She glanced at Liza. "Nothing against your cooking, delicious as always -"

Nana, lying nearby, suddenly lifted her head and growled. The next moment the doorbell rang, and Liza jumped up. "I'll get the door," she said, glad to leave the tense atmosphere in the dining room. It was almost unbearable, even though she was taken with the 'sweet little bogey' and the 'beautiful fairy.' Holding Nana's collar, she opened the front door and greeted an older woman wearing a driving coat, a hat fixed on her head with a shawl and a scarf around her neck.

"Good evening. Is this the Darling residence?" she asked. An animated, cultured voice.

"Yes, Mum," Liza answered. Before she could ask any more, the cry came from the dining room "CORA!" Millicent dropped her spoon, startled at Peter's outburst, as he burst out of the room, overturning his chair.

"It's that woman he met," Wendy gasped, throwing her own napkin aside and jumping up, as did all the boys.

"But we're still eating dinner!" Millicent protested. Sadly, she was ignored by all, including Mary. She shook her head. "They're like a bunch of low-lifes!"

Mary only said, "I think we have a guest," following the boys and Wendy into the hallway. She saw an older graying woman standing on the threshold. Peter paused before her. "You came!" he exclaimed and then wrapped both arms around her in a bear hug. The woman began to laugh and returned the embrace.

"I promised, didn't I?" she said, patting his back. She looked up at Mary, now coming closer. Gently, Cora disentangled Peter, and looked at the beautiful young mother before her. "I apologize for coming unannounced, Mrs. Darling," she said and offered her hand. "Cora Bailey, pleased to meet you."

Mary accepted the hand warmly. "A pleasure to meet you, and welcome to our home." She glanced at the boy. "Peter told us about you. I'm glad that you came. I think our little hero here needs someone to prop his hopes up." Addressing the maid: "Liza, please set another place at the table." She then introduced her daughter and the boys before asking, "We had to cancel the formal dinner after we learned that Captain Hook was captured, but the soup is still warm. May I offer you a bowl?"

Cora, who had placed a hand on Peter's shoulder, lifted both brows. "I'd love some soup, Mrs. Darling, but I promised Peter I would take him and the boys to the docks."

"My husband, Mr. Kempton and Lady Ashford are already there and hope to take a few of … the captain's crew with them to Surrey. My husband wants to speak with the viscount and … well … I think he has some strong arguments which will convince the viscount to release him."

"The man who kidnapped the captain is a viscount?" Cora shook her head. "Scandalous!"

"Wendy's father found out that the viscount is a crook and cheated the banks. Also, he can't pay his gambling debts." Peter shrugged. Then he rolled his eyes as from behind Millicent's voice sounded:

"Good evening, Madame," Millicent added, coming up behind the group. Then she glanced sternly at the boys. "All right, boys, back to the table! We will not waste what Liza made for us all, so don't offend her by not eating it."

"I did most of the work," Wendy murmured, but quietly enough not to be heard. She watched Mrs. Bailey, fascinated. She immediately saw that she had Peter's eyes, and her features resembled his. And somehow knowing at least one blood relative of Peter's family was still alive warmed her.

Liza curtseyed to the woman. "May I take your coat and hat, Mrs. Bailey?"

Cora hesitated a moment, looked at Peter (who nodded at her) and she gave them to Liza. She followed the others to the dining room; only Wendy and Peter remained behind. Wendy's bright mind was galloping as she whispered, "You know, it's fortunate that Mrs. Bailey came. When it's darker outside, maybe she'll remain with mother and Aunt Millicent. In the meantime, the boys and I can change. After a few minutes you excuse yourself to join us upstairs and then we're on our way to the manor,"

A smile tugged at Peter's mouth. "Clever!"

Wendy cocked her head. "What about you? Can you fly? You're sad and nervous. I know you too well, so don't even say you're not," she added quietly.

The youth sighed. "I'll be able to fly again with Tink's help. I must, because Hook needs me."

There was an uncertainness in his voice – something she had rarely heard. Bending toward him, she looked at him with those large, dove-blue eyes. "I know you'll fly again, Peter Pan. It's who you are – and what you do: Winning against the villains and rescuing all captives because nothing can really bring you down. You see light even in the deepest darkness – and that's your true happy thought. Remember, you're the best there ever was!"

"Wendy, your soup is getting cold!" Aunt Millicent called from the dining room.

Wendy sighed, looking heavenward. "Sometimes I hate her." Then she bent down (was she really taller than he?) and pressed a kiss on his cheek. She giggled as she saw him blushing, and his eyes shone. Taking his hand she sighed, "Come on – or we'll never get upstairs to prepare to leave."

Suddenly feeling very much lighter, Peter Pan of Neverland followed her; throwing adoring gazes at her. She really was clever and brave – a true Lost Girl!

*** PP *** PP ***

Bryan Smee, bosun of the Joly Roger, was usually a patient, cautious man. Surviving a commander whose quick temper was legendary (as well as deadly) was excellent training. But his patience was thinning by the minute. And not because the bar of The Trout was so crowded with workers at the end of their shift. Many of the men were enjoying a beer or two and some gossip before they went home. And they were all thirsty.

Smee watched Cony O'Sullivan filling pints and ha'pints from the beer jar on the counter; his companion, Lugh Hayes, was serving a tray at a table nearby. Placing three pints in front of Smee, Daniel, and a tense George Darling (who felt completely out of place here) he leaned on the bar and fixed the Irish sailor in front of him with a wary gaze. "So, ye wanna borry me lorry?" he asked.

Smee nodded. "Aye! Th' lad 'ere promised a few of th' crew a trip t'rough London, but -"

"But the lorry I was hoping to use was involved in an accident this afternoon, and now I'm standing here empty handed, with promises to keep," Daniel added, looking forlorn and innocent.

O'Sullivan scratched his bristly neck. "Hm, ye know I need tha' vehicle fer th' groceries I buy at th' markets for th' inn."

"Aye, but not until tomorrow morning," Kempton replied. "'Twould be back before then."

"Ye'd do us a big favor," Smee added. "Th' crew's been two months a-sea an' we been stuck aboard. Me capt'n's a' dinner wif 'is future bride, so it wouldn't be noticed if th' boys an' me get back a bit late." He gave his country fellowman a cunning smile. "Me capt'n is a fine man, but a bit, uh, strict, ye unnerstand?" He winked at Cony, who grimaced.

"And what if me lorry gets in a wee bit too close to anodder vehicle?" he asked.

"No problem," Daniel answered quickly. "Then you get a new one."

O'Sullivan stared at him. "Y' introduced yerself as a reporter from Th' Times. Do ye earn tha' much dere?"

"My banker would provide me with the credit," Kempton said cheerfully, nodding at Mr. Darling, who choked on a sip of the beer. What?!

"Ye're 'is banker?" the innkeeper asked George, who could only nod mutely. "And ye're a part of dis 'ere trip why zactly? Ye dinna strike me as th' type t' hang out wit' sailors."

'He's got that right!' George thought wryly and took a deep breath, covering up the choking. 'Good God, it stank in here! Someone should have warned him that adventures could hold more unpleasantries than performing illegalities and risking the own health.' Then he sighed. How would Wendy put it? 'In for a penny, in for a pound …'

Wendy … She would have a story at the tip of her tongue. And he guessed, Hook would have excuses and enough little white lies up his sleeve to make stuff them full, but -

That was the answer! Hook!

"Captain Andrews contacted me for some financing concerning the damages on his ship from the onboard fire. I visited him aboard to get a better understanding scope of the repairs, and I agreed to show a few of his staff around. Mr. Kempton here got the privilege of telling the crew's story, and because I know Mr. Kempton as an acquaintance of my daughter's closest friend, I agreed to accompany him." He attempted a reassuring smile. "And, as you noticed, I'm not often in establishments such as yours. So you can be sure that I keep a wary eye on everyone should they be … uh … carried away in their enthusiasm." Behind them two dock workers began to sing a popular song, others joining them quickly. Off-key. George had to work to keep a pleasant look on his face. What else might one expect from a crowd like this? He flipped a thumb toward the singers. "Perhaps something like that."

O'Sullivan looked skeptical. "Hm, an' you borryin' me lorry got nothin' ter do wit' th' incident yestiddy after?" he asked Smee. "I 'eard tha' yer capt'n an' his lad was chased by some young noblem'n, screamin' bloody murder a' th' two. Even threat'n'd yer capt'n t' make 'im pay, so I been told."

Smee's skill with a poker-face (though unaware of poker) became obvious. "Na," he said with a snort, waving off the whole idea. "Th' capt'n be with his future bride jus' now, 'is son wit' 'im. Tha' blue-blooded bloke couldna b'leev tha' 'e lost in loov, 'cuz th' pretty lass loves th' capt'n, not 'im. But after th' two got engaged yestiddy evenin', th' arrogant upstart will 'ave t' accept tha' 'e must find anodder lass t' woo." He chuckled.

"Huh, he sicced th' law on ye I saw," Cony said and straightened. "Bad form, if ye ask me." He signaled his companion to continue drawing the beer. Running his gaze over the three men before him, he sighed deeply. "Aye, I dinna trust Englishmen on principle," he grumbled, looking at Daniel, "but ye seem an honest bloke." Then to Mr. Darling. "An' a banker wouldn't give credit so quick if 'e werena convinced tha' th' money were comin' back. So, no danger fer me lorry." His eyes found Smee's. "And ye're a countryman. If we Irish dinna stay terget'er, den t' be sure, we're beat'n." He nodded, more to himself than the others. "I'll get me keys."

Smee's eyes widened. "Aye?"

"Aye!" O'Sullivan turned at the door in the rear with a pointed look. "I want me lorry back in one piece wit' a full tank, a'right?"

And all four grinned as three of them answered in unison: "Aye!"

*** PP *** PP ***

Wendy stared out of her window. Darkness had finally arrived. She had changed into her Elven clothes, then bound her hair out of her face. The girl she glimpsed in the mirror reminded her vividly of the girl that fought together with Peter Pan and Captain Hook against a wicked wizard, rode on a unicorn, defeated harpies, used bow and arrow. And yet she had changed – more than she was willing to admit. The girl from the past was now a young woman, not only in body, but also in her soul. She could see it in her eyes and her proud stance. Still Red-Handed Jill, but better.

Bumblyn had rolled up on her pillow, appetite satisfied temporarily, snoring softly. The plentiful food and the turmoil in the afternoon had tired him out.

A soft knock was at her door. Someone entered, closing the door just as softly. Turning, Wendy wasn't surprised to see Peter, standing by the door. "Um … may I come in?" he asked, remembering how particular she was about the boys asking permission, even under the Nevertree.

"Indeed you may," Wendy replied quietly.

He looked around. He'd only been to this room once – ten days ago when he responded to Wendy's desperate plea for his coming. Then he had found her lying on the floor, asleep, eyes still red with tears. She was clinging to a shirt then – the same shirt she wore now: Hook's shirt. Well, he couldn't have known then what lay ahead – that his friend would fall in love with the pirate captain. He knew there was something special between the two. Peter didn't want to see it, just like he refused to see how much Wendy had grown. But now he didn't mind anymore. The image of those two being something like … well… parents to him was something that sounded strange and appealing in one. Hadn't he once told Wendy that he thought of himself as a "loyal and devoted son"? But - first they had to free Hook or his deepest wish for them both to return with him to Neverland would never be fulfilled.

Peter looked at Wendy and smiled at her Elvish clothes with the dagger at her left hip. "It's good that your aunt can't see you like this," he smirked. "They're talking downstairs – your mother, your aunt and Cora. They seem to like each other."

Nodding, Wendy asked, "Does your relative know that James is -"

"- is a true pirate?" Peter shook his head. "No. I forgot to mention it." He shrugged with a sheepish smile, then grew serious. This nagging feeling of guilt was weighing him down. "Wendy?" he began quietly. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" she asked, surprised.

"For … for not staying with Hook. Maybe I could have helped him to escape – or both of us might have chased Ashford and his men away. But James ordered me to run …" He shook his head, but glanced up as he felt Wendy's hands on his shoulders.

"Peter, don't regret something you couldn't change. You did the only right thing when you ran. If you hadn't, you wouldn't be here now. You would have been captured as well, and we would be left wondering where you both were. I would be even more worried than I'm now."

The boy only nodded and chewed at his lip. Wendy knew that he only did this when he was uncertain – not that he would ever admit to being uncertain. After all, he was Peter Pan, 'the best that ever was.' Yet the girl could read him like an open book. Something was heavy on his shoulders – maybe even weighed him down more than anything else. "What is it, Peter?" she asked softly.

Giving her a sidelong glance, the teen took a deep breath. He had come to Wendy's room to speak with her about something that had been occupying his mind since yesterday, so talk! "There … is something I need to ask you."

'Uh-uh, here we go,' Wendy thought.

A moment longer, then he whispered, "Hook and I talked a lot yesterday evening – especially after your father showed up and I found out about … Hook and you. At first I was hurt, and mad, but …" He searched for the right words. "James is a good listener and he seems to understand so much. He talked with me like … like a father, and I learned things I never thought about before. He told me a-a-a-about the different ways people care about each other, and that … that … that love has many faces. I saw that… that I don't want to lose him – or you."

"The reason why you spoke with Mab," she said softly.

"Aye," Peter sighed, braced himself and looked straight at his friend. "Wendy, if I'm not able to return home to Neverland or … or don't want to, then … then Hook … offered to take me in – as … as a kind of son." He moistened his suddenly dry lips. "I know that you two will … will marry soon, so … you would become something like … like a mother to me. Alright, you already are – and you're my friend. But … this would be bigger. It wouldn't be … a pretend. It would be for real." His eyes darted about the room, but did not look at her. "Would you … could you … maybe … agree to that?"

Wendy stared at him. Peter Pan – not returning to Neverland? By choice? What in the Name of God … "You might not want to go back to Neverland," she asked, staggered, "because you don't want to lose James and me?"

Peter's mouth had grown dry. "James is banished – and so neither he nor you can … can go back there. And I don't know if Mab can convince her mother to change her mind. But … but … but Neverland won't be Neverland without him! Without James Hook? He's not the big bad villain anymore but … but he's a part of … of everything I know about myself. He's the only grownup I ever trusted, who I could turn to when … when I have questions." He gulped. That admission hadn't been easy.

Wendy's thoughts were whirling. Peter had made it very clear that he wanted to 'always stay a boy and have fun.' She knew he had been tempted to remain with her in London the first time he brought her and the boys home, but he'd turned away. Now would he choose to leave Neverland – for James Hook? No, Wendy wasn't disappointed or jealous, she was only baffled. With Hook becoming first Peter's ally and then friend, more things had changed than she'd thought. Hook filled an empty spot in Peter's life which the boy ignored for so long. Hadn't she been thinking about his nightmares only half an hour ago? Now he had something like a father, someone who took care of him, comforted him when needed. And he didn't want to lose it.

"James offered to take you in? To adopt you?" She wanted to be certain. As Peter nodded slowly, not looking at her, she realized that this was the reason for his inner turmoil. All those new and strange feelings he was going through were the different faces of love, the prospect of possibly not returning to Neverland, James' offer … this had shaken him. And now he was not only afraid that he would lose Hook, but also that she – Wendy – wouldn't want to become his true mother.

For a moment she didn't know what to say. For James obviously loved Peter enough to regard him as a son and take him 'under his wing,' and they would be a family even before they had their own children. What did she think about it? A wide grin spread across her face and her eyes danced. Wendy was thrilled!

But the boy in front of her didn't see this.

Closing the distance to him, she cupped his face with both hands – a gesture she had never dared before. But since his kidnapping, he didn't seem to mind, because he looked up – searchingly, uncertain but also hopeful.

"Peter," she began very softly, "if you can't return home – or don't want to – then you're more than welcome to live with James and me. I'd be honored to be not only your friend, but also a mother you can turn to any time you want."

His eyes widened. "Really?" he asked; the smile beginning on his young face.

"Really!" Wendy confirmed. The next moment she had her arms full of him as he hurled himself at her with the lavish force of a child.

"I KNEW IT!" he shouted happily; rousing Bumblyn awake. "I knew you'd let me!" Yet his deep relief showed that he hadn't known it at all!

Giggling, Wendy returned the embrace. "But don't call me 'Mother'. That would really be -"

"- ugh!" both said in unison and began to laugh. And then Wendy realized Peter was a few inches off the carpet. She laughed again. "Welcome back, Peter Pan!"

He looked at her, puzzled, but as she looked down and he did too, he realized that he was flying, he began to whoop. "Oh, the cleverness of me!" Wendy burst out laughing. So typical! When things turned out right, it was his doing – no matter who ironed out the wrinkles! She then saw Bumblyn rubbing his eyes, staring at the boy.

There was a quick knock, and Nibs stuck his head in the door. He opened his mouth to speak, but grinned when he saw the Pan turning in the air. "Hey, I knew you'd fly again!"

Peter only laughed aloud and rose higher, until he bumped against the ceiling. Hands on his hips, he grinned. "Well?" he asked, and all three – Wendy, Nibs and Bumblyn – applauded. In the blink of an eye, Tink was at his side, hugging his ear. This made him grin even wider. Looking closely at Nibs, he saw that his strategist had a plan. Peter addressed him from the air, "What's next?"

"The boys are ready – except for John. He has something to do before he changes into … uh … suitable clothes."

"Do what?" Wendy and Peter asked together.

Nibs still grinned as he rolled his eyes. "Have you children ever planned a rescue? How are we supposed to find that manor without a map?"

"It's south of here," Wendy said, pointing in the general direction.

"On a wooded hill," Peter added.

Nibs shook his head. "Hmm. So, we fly – in the dark – in a southerly direction looking for a manor on a wooded hill." He chuckled. "We need a map."

"But we don't have a map of London and the area to the south," Wendy told him.

Nibs sighed. "Really? John knows where to get one. But, as a lover of books, you might be a tad distressed."

*** PP ***

Downstairs, the three women sat together in the living room near the fireplace as Liza removed the dishes from the table. They had a small 'afters' when the soup was finished, and now sipped their tea. Mary was pleased that Mrs. Bailey remained; she was charming and amusing, and her presence distracted Mary from her worries.

John appeared, going to the bookshelf. Mary asked, "Do you need something special?".

Her son smiled at her innocently. "I need our atlas."

"And why would you need that?" Millicent demanded.

"Peter doesn't know much about England itself, and so we thought we could show him a few things, like where the largest towns are located, where is Scotland, Ireland, and so forth." Yes, it was a lie, but this was a rescue mission – a real one – no time for dissembling.

"Well, I'm glad the boy will learn something useful," Millicent commented. "His table manners certainly need some tutelage."

John took the large, heavy book from the shelf. "I'm sure he knows everything he needs to live and survive in Neverland. England is an entirely different culture, you know." He turned to leave. "I'm glad we found something to distract Peter. He really is worried."

"Of course, dear," Mary said gently and gave him a smile full of understanding. "If he needs something – perhaps warm milk or food – let me know."

John had a momentary crisis of conscience, but was able to cover it completely. "Thank you, Mother," he answered and quickly left before he broke down and confessed their plans.

***PP***

Entering the old nursery, the other boys were done changing. Dropping the heavy atlas on his bed, he told Curly: "Find the double page with London and the surrounding area. Search for Godalming and Guildford. The manor has to be above a small village nearby, west of there." The boy with the red-gold curls nodded, skimming through the atlas, while John changed. A soft knock at the door and Wendy, Peter and Nibs entered; Tink with them, Wendy with Bumblyn who looked unhappy, but determined to be a help.

"My backpack is over there," Nibs said, the empty haversack on the bed. Wendy nodded and opened the little bag. "In with you," she ordered Bumblyn, who obeyed with a string of grumbles.

Before the girl could close the backpack, he warned her one last time, "But not to let Bumblyn fall!"

Wendy smirked, shaking her head. "No, of course not, Bumblyn. Nibs will carry you on his back safe and sound."

"Happily," the boy said, smirking. The bogey wasn't heavy but flying with someone strapped to his back would be a new experience. There was a sound of heavy paper being torn.

"Curly!" Tootles gasped. "You can't rip out-" – "- a page from a book!" the Twins added horrified.

Wendy suddenly turned and saw Curly folding the double page from the atlas. "Do you have a better idea?" Curly asked. "If you want to carry that tome to the manor, have at it. But this should be enough."

Peter laughed. "Well done, Curly," he said, ignoring Wendy's pending outburst.

"Sometimes, the end justifies the means," Curly shrugged and pocketed the map. "Now we know where to go."

Tootles opened the window. Slightly closed his own backpack and slipped it on his back. At Peter's raised brow, he explained: "Things we might need: Three oil lamps we got from Uncle George for holiday, a rope and two hammers in case that we have to break open a lock. Our slingshots, some ammunition, a few knives … you know I love to be prepared."

"I know," Peter smiled, then to the fairy: "Tink, would you dust the others?" he asked politely.

Fluttering from boy to boy and finally to Wendy, she dusted everyone, and watched with a smile as Michael and the Twins instantly rose from the floor. Curly and Tootles were next, then Nibs and Slightly. John closed his eyes and imagined Tiger Lily's sweet face. Opening his eyes, he was inches from the ceiling. John knew that the Indian princess was his 'happy thought.' Peter glanced at Wendy, who hadn't risen. Had she no happy thought? But she must, otherwise … then he heard Hook's name being whispered, and she was in the air. Peter had to tease her: "You really have it bad for him, eh?"

Wendy only smiled, and pulled out two gold chains from under her clothes. On the shorter one hung the acorn Peter had given her with the hole from Tootles' arrow, on the longer one hung the large gold ring he recognized instantly. "Isn't that Hook's?" he asked.

"Aye. He gave it to me as his promise of marriage."

Peter whistled. "The codfish gave that to you?" He snickered. "I'll have to be careful not to fall in love myself, or I might become just as unbalanced."

Wendy laughed and slapped him playfully, then she flew out the window and vanished into the evening sky, delighted to feel herself flying again. Peter instantly followed with Tink, then the other boys after them.

***PP**

Downstairs, Nana began to bark, looking up at the ceiling. The three women paused their conversation, watching the old dog. Nana continued to bark, then ran out of the room and up the stairs. "What has gotten into her?" Millicent asked in surprise.

Then Mary remembered, and rose, too. "Oh NO!" she gasped in alarm, clutching her skirts and following Nana. "No, Wendy, boys, come back!" she shouted, while hastening up the stairs.

George's sister also realized what was probably happening. "No, not on their way to Surrey!" She followed Mary, and Cora, more curious than anything else, came after. Upstairs, Mary exited a door, "Wendy isn't in her room!"

"They were going to the nursery," Millicent said, keeping up with Mary who raced up the second stair. Moments later (but far too late) they entered the nursery. The night lights were lit, the window was open, there was no trace of the boys or Wendy. Nana sniffed the carpets and barked again. The two women then saw the glistening dust, and knew what it was – and what it meant!

"No, this is … crazy!" Mary whispered. "This is not a game!" She moved to the open window and looked out. Millicent and Cora followed her, and awestruck, Mrs. Bailey saw children's shapes near the waxing moon and a golden trail around them before they vanished into the dark.

"He really can fly!" Cora murmured in wonder.

"Yes – and when his fairy dusts the others, they can fly, too," Mary said forlornly.

Millicent had pressed a hand against her throat and gulped. "What now? Wendy and the boys are off to the manor, so is George and -"

Mary whirled around; determination on her face. "Mrs. Bailey, you came with a motorcar, am I right?" As her guest nodded, she asked: "Is there the any chance that you could provide a trip to Surrey for me and my sister-in-law?"

While Millicent beheld her brother's wife in surprise, Cora smiled. It was a smile so like the one Mary had seen on Peter Pan's face, it was almost uncanny. "So, I too will have an adventure!" she replied, very pleased. "Of course! We will drive to the manor of this unconscionable viscount and rescue Captain Andrews – or Hook!" She went to the wall where the two crossed swords hung that Nibs and Tootles had brought with them from their adventure with the evil wizard. "And I think we're going to need these!"

Millicent closed her eyes. "Sweet Lord have mercy, she is just like the boy!"

TBC…

Yes, the Peter Pan we know is back. Wendy's belief in him, her kiss, the prospect of maybe becoming her 'devoted son' and the determination to safe Hook – his chosen father – gave him back his 'wings'. And now he, his old gang and Wendy together with Tink and Bumblyn are off to the rescue. Well, Mary should have seen this coming. Of course none of the boys and above all Wendy would stay back in such a situation.

And now they're all on their way to Surrey – the three ladies (imagine Millicent meeting the hunters), George, Daniel and a lot of the pirates (that Smee met O'Sulivan was really kismet) and Peter Pan with his friends… A storm will break loose, believe me.

In the next chapter you will learn more about the pixies Kailen met, Cora (and the pirates a few miles away) will learn the truth about the captain, and Hook has the overdue confrontation with Ashford.

I hope, you liked the new chapter, and I really would appreciate some feedback.

Have a nice rest of the weekend,

Love

Yours Lywhn / Starflight