Second Date

Chapter 22: Walk the Plank

Chapter 22: Walk the Plank

There is a legend that Walt Disney World sits over underground tunnels. Some believe this legend, others do not. Skeptics dismiss it as a conspiracy theory. Rationalists call it the 'Disney Utilidor System' and explain that the tunnels are "backstage" areas that allow characters to travel between Disney parks without spoiling the magical illusion.

Dreamers, however, know the truth. Dreamers know that the underground tunnels are infested with villains. Dreamers know that the underground tunnels below Walt Disney World are the villains' lair.

It was here that Captain Hook brought Wendy and Peter Pan. Deep into the underground tunnels where the light was dim, the air was humid, and hysterical laugher echoed through the halls.

Tinkerbell wished to accompany them but Captain Hook refused. Despite her vengeful attributes, Tinkerbell was a still a heroine. The tunnels were filthy with villains - Tinkerbell might not survive.

Tonight was especially dangerous; the villains very much resented Mickey Mouse's ban from the dates. Albeit, few villains were romantically involved. However, wreaking havoc in the 'real world' was a missed opportunity that they would not forgive.

The villains were offended. The villains were mad.

And they were spiteful. Very, very spiteful.

"And I know the two perfect Disney starlets..." Captain Hook threw Wendy and Peter into the tunnels. He rubbed his hook as the children stumbled into members of his pirate crew.

"...to ease their spite. Fear not Miss Bell - I shall describe our revenge in utmost detail. Perhaps over crumpets and tea. Smee! Turk! Starkey! Jukes! Avast ye scrogs! Hold those brats fast, but do not spoil them!"

Captain Hook ducked into the tunnels.

"At least...not yet."

They proceeded so far down and through so many twisted corridors, Wendy lost her bearings. Despite the improbability of escape, she struggled every step of the way. But the pirates merely laughed. In fact, they seemed to be enjoying themselves - especially with Peter.

"He can't fly!" Delighted, Starkey hung Peter upside-down. "Jukes! Take a look! The boy can't fly!"

"He's a noodle!" Jukes slapped Peter's head. "A bloody limp noodle! C'm Starkey! Swing 'im like a piñata! Lemmie crack his skull for candy!"

"Stop it!" Wendy shouted. "Sto-" Turk covered her mouth as Captain Hook spoke.

"Belay Mr. Jukes. T'will be plenty of time for festivities but we mustn't be selfish. After all..."

Captain Hook patted Peter's cheek "...we must share our toys with the other children. Mustn't we?"

Peter punched, but missed as Starkey jounced him up and down. Smugly, Captain Hook waved them into a chamber.

The chamber was dark, too dark to see. But as they entered Wendy could feel that it was crowded; bodies bumped against her and voices screamed in her ears. Wendy called for Peter, but her voice was lost in the surrounding raucous.

"They can't see!" someone screeched. "They can't see in the dark! Facilier! Light!"

Foosh! Psychedelic colors erupted from Facilier's hand. Neon lights fumed across the chamber and glowed over the smiles of every single Disney villain.

Wendy was too scared to cry. Her imagination exploded, extrapolating every possible wicked deed the villains could commit. Villains hated heroes, she and Peter were trapped underground, Mickey Mouse didn't know they were here, Peter could not fly...