"Goodness, have you heard?"
"Of course I have! Why it's all I hear now!"
"A boy, that's what I heard,"
"With such red hair and such freckles!"
Such remarks and conversations took place in Scaveland following the incident stated previously. Wendy walked briskly through the market, trying her best to ignore these comments she heard.
"He's come to challenge her!"
This remark had almost the entire market shushed. Everyone trained their eyes on Wendy, who was only trying to get some bread for her tea.
"Is something the matter?" asked Wendy rather stiffly.
"Why he's here to challenge you! One would think you would be training or practicing instead of dilly-dallying about like so!" said a rather elderly woman, sniffing in contempt.
At this Wendy was forced to laugh out loud. Everyone stared at her in surprise.
"Oh, Miss Meddy," (for this was the old lady's name) "you do make such jokes. That boy is but a child. I wouldn't need to practice to beat him, even if he was a challenger."
"But he can control elements," said Miss Meddy stoutly.
"Perhaps he is from another island and is simply visiting," said Wendy.
"But he can control elements," repeated Miss Meddy, though in a lower voice, as she shuffled away.
Wendy straightened her back, patted her hat, and walked on towards the baker. She held her head high and her chin jutted out. She knew for a fact that the people of the island didn't particularly rejoice when she became the Blessed One. Scaveland would surely look forward to another challenge and, dare she think it, a new Blessed One.
Consumed in her thoughts, Wendy made her way to the baker's shop and opened the door harder than she meant to. The door slammed against the wall and Wendy jumped, her eyes wide.
"Goodness, I just replaced the glass. I will not have someone breaking it again,", cried the baker, but he had a gleam in his soft blue eyes which indicated that he really didn't mean it. Wendy brightened up at the sight of him. Mr. Tiddles was the one adult she genuinely loved. He was kind to her and didn't make her seem like a burden.
"What can I get for you, lass?" he asked, indicating the baskets of loaves of bread, cakes, and scones.
"Just one loaf. thank you," smiled Wendy. He handed her a crisp warm loaf which smelled heavenly.
"I suppose you've heard of the new boy," said Mr. Tiddles.
"I've got the unlikely pleasure to meet him, too," sniffed Wendy, straightening her spine. Her blood seemed to boil at the mention of the red-headed boy.
"They say his name's Peter. Peter Pan,"
"I know,"
"Aw, don't think too much of it. Here, take this cake. Your brothers and you can share it," said Mr. Tiddles, handing Wendy a tin.
"Oh, no! I couldn't possibly," said Wendy, though her brain told her to snatch it away.
"Take it!" he said, shooing it away, "It's from yesterday anyway,"
Wendy knew this wasn't true, but she took it anyway. Taking a few pennies from her basket, she placed them on the counter. Giving Mr. Tiddles a big smile, she turned to go and almost immediately bumped into a large figure.
Staggering back a little, Wendy looked up scornfully and almost gasped. A man in his thirties glared down at her. He had greasy black hair and a thin mustache complete with light stubble. He had on a bandana with a feather stuck in it. His thin white shirt was stained and soiled. Woolen pants were being held up by a light brown sash which was even more soiled and dirty. What really nauseated Wendy was the fact that his left hand was replaced by an old rusty hook.
"Step outta the way lassy," he said, his voice slurry indicating that he was drunk.
Pushing Wendy out of the way, he leaned against the counter and let out a horrifying burp.
"Goodness," said Wendy, her eyes wide and her nose scrunched up in disgust.
"Whasa matta, lass? Never seen a pirate before," said the man, leaning forward towards her.
"None as disgusting as you," she replied stepping back.
"Thank you," he said, sweeping into an awkward bow.
The shop door opened and in came the last person she wanted to see.
"There you are, capn'" said the red-headed boy, grinning impishly.
"Ah! Peter, ma boy. I was just gettin' acquainted with this beautiful lassy," said the man, grinning wildly.
"Oh, hello!" said Peter, noticing Wendy.
"I would appreciate if you take this drunkard out of my respectable shop, young man,", said Mr. Tiddles sternly.
"Right away, sir!" said Peter brightly. Taking the man's arm and putting it around his own shoulders, he dragged him out.
"Good day, Mr. Tiddles," said Wendy before walking out herself.
Wendy walked back towards her house, pondering over the scene she just witnessed. Captain? Who in the world was this boy.
Wendy raised her eyes from her boots to see Peter and the odd man leaning against a shop.
"Speak of the devil," she muttered to herself.
"Hello," grinned Peter.
"Why are you always smiling?" Wendy blurted out.
Peter looked confused for a second but flashed yet another smile.
"Why not?"
"Ah, this beautiful maiden yet again," said the man. His face was dripping wet indicating that water had been splashed on him.
"Sorry about that," muttered Peter.
"Who are you?" asked Wendy, turning to the man.
"Captain James Hook at your service," smirked the man, sweeping into yet another awkward bow. Wendy could smell the alcohol on him and it disgusted her.
"I assume that you are my apprentice's challenger," he continued.
Wendy's heart dropped, but only a little. It was confirmed that she would soon duel this freckled boy.
"Captain," said Peter in a low warning tone.
"Quiet Pan!" Hook turned to me, "You're not much. We'll defeat you in a jiffy. My, aren't ye a homely figure. Peter, ma boy, tell me if she can land even a single punch? she doesn't look like she could do anything cept maybe cook. Go back to the kitchen, eh lass?" at this Hook leaned forward and patted Wendy's head.
Wendy had become redder by each word until she was as red as Peter's hair.
"You, sir, are not very nice," she said in a low voice. Dropping her basket, she grabbed Hook's arm and twisted behind him. Slamming him against the wall, she held his arm. Her other arm pressed against his neck.
"Perhaps you do have a little fire in you," laughed Hook. Wendy's eyes flashed with anger and her nostrils flared. She let go of his arm and kicked his shins.
"Get on!" screamed Wendy at the passers-by who were staring. They immediately obeyed.
"Mr. Hook, you will do well to watch your tongue. I could kill you in the blink of an eye and I'm not afraid of such things. As for cooking, I'm terrible at it, but I can throw a mean punch if you care to find out," Wendy straightened her hat, picked her basket up, and walked away.
Peter stared at the fiery girl storm off in awe. He didn't notice Hook smirk and say "Phase one, complete,"
