Pan's Never-Neverland

Dinner with Peter

Chapter Nine – Dinner with Peter

"Hurry," Tiger Lily urged them, constantly looking over her shoulder as she led them through the gates and out onto the pier.

Wendy clutched Mikey in her arms, following the girl's gaze. So far, nothing had come after them, but shrieks, moans, and growls shook the air from the North of the island, bursts of light and lightning joining the symphony of odd sounds.

"Wendy, what's wrong?" Mikey whispered, his eyes scanning the air.

"I don't know," she whispered back. "Don't worry, everything will be all right." "I hope."

Latched to the dock was a pirate galleon, rocking slowly in the waves. Tiger Lily wasted no time in sending a sharp whistle and an Indian holler. At once, a face peered over the side, squinting at them. "Bloody Injun!" the pirate snapped. "I'm takin' me nap!"

"Nap when you're dead," the princess snapped. "Shade's back. We've got to get them to the mainland!"

"SHADE?!" the pirate yelped, jumping to action. "C'mon, boys! Man the sails! Get the gangplank here!"

Within moments, the plank was lowered and set, enabling the children to get on board and huddle by the mast. Tiger Lily, however, lingered on the pier.

Jon glanced back, nearly yanked away by Nana's eagerness to get off the island. "Lily!" he called to her, his brows furrowing behind his glasses. "Aren't you coming?"

"Can't," she shook her head. "My people need me. I have to check on Peter and the others, too." With a reassuring smile, she promised, "Tink will see you soon to check on you once you've reached the mainland. If you see the thick smoke headed for you, hide in the brig until help comes."

"What if help doesn't come?" Fred asked to no one in particular, voicing their fears.

"What about you?!" Jon called out as the pirates pulled up the plank and anchor.

"I'll be fine," she smiled, waving. "Good luck…until we meet again!" With that, she took off running back to the gates, the neon sign flickering as she ran below them.

Jon watched with a heavy heart, his stomach twisting. From what he understood, there was a dangerous creature attacking the island and they were running away while she stayed behind. "It's not right…what if she's hurt?!" Frowning, he returned to his sister, accepting her embrace.

"Hey, don't worry," Violet said softly. "She seems pretty tough. I'm sure they'll be fine."

Grasping the acorn button hanging from her neck, Wendy kept her gaze on the island as it back smaller and smaller. The Lost Boys were on there…Tiger Lily…Tinker Bell…Peter…

Turning away, she bit her tongue anxiously, praying that in the end, all would be well.

The ride through the murky depths seemed to endure hours until they reached the other side. The gangplank was lowered once more, and they departed, heading down the dirt path, away from the docks.

"Omigod, I'm like NEVER coming back here EVER again!" Mandy gasped, placing her hand over her heart. "Like, my hair's a total mess and my feet are like killing me!"

"Told you wearing wedges was a bad idea," Asher rolled his eyes, adjusting his glasses. "Well, at least it's over."

"Yeah, let's get outta here," Fred agreed. Turning, he stretched his arm, Mandy ready to grab it. However, he offered it to Wendy, causing the blonde girl to fume and cast the evil eye towards the other female. "C'mon, Wendy," he said, a smile on his lips.