Jody in Neverland

Chapter 17 - Facing Pirates

Jody stood precariously on the end of the plank. Her hands were tied behind her back. The ropes were wrapped so tightly around her wrists that they cut into her flesh and her arms ached. She tried to be brave but every time she looked down at the water, she was reminded of the times she'd been held under the bath water when she was little. Kicking and thrashing, feeling like her lungs would burst. But at home in the bath, she was always eventually let go and resurfaced coughing and spluttering. If she went in the sea here, her arms tied behind her, she wouldn't stand a chance.

I'm sure the old croc is ready for his tea mocked Hook and the other pirates laughed and jeered

But you know, I'm not all evil, I could spare you if only you told me where Peters house is and how to get in. After all its not you I'm interested in, it's Pan

Never shouted Jody defiantly

Really, what a shame said Hook as he came up behind her and jabbed his sword against her back to force her towards the end of the plank. Looks like the old croc is getting a meal after all. There's enough kiddies here to keep him full for weeks.

Hook jabbed Jody in the back again. She was now teetering on the edge. There was no plank left to move forward on. One more step and she would plunge into the ocean below.

Memories of being held under the water in the bath flashed through her mind again

Alright, I'll tell you Jody cried out in desperation

Atta girl, I knew you'd see sense

Jody told Hook about the tree house and the way in through the smaller tree nearby. The lost children looked on in horror.

How very informative, young lady. That's everything I needed to know. You can now wait with your little friends.

Hook shoved her to the ground by the lost children. They were sat with their backs to the mast, hands tied behind their backs and a large rope wrapped around their middles tying them to the mast. They all turned their heads and refused to speak to her, furious that she had given in to Hook. She cried bitterly. After several hours the silence became unbearable.

I'm sorry, I really am. I'm not brave like you guys

Too right you coward cried Slightly

Coward!

Traitor!

The others all joined in, geering and shouting. Jody looked around at their faces, a lump growing in her throat. She felt so small and stupid and cowardly. Maybe they were right. She was just a coward, prepared to put Peter in danger rather than face her fears.

Stop it. That's not fair. You would have all done the same as Jody. I know I would cried Tootles

Pff course not scoffed Slightly scornfully

I would admitted Nibs

And me

Me too

Me three

Jody deserves a second chance.

I suppose so 

Everyone slowly accepted that Jody had done exactly what they would have if faced with the same situation.  The anger slowly seeped away replaced by a feeling of utter despair and defeat. 

Meanwhile Hook and his crew were plotting an attack on the tree house.

Hook made two fatal mistakes in his excitement. He hadn't tied jody to the mast with the other kids. Just shoved her to the ground next to them. The second was that he told the children his plan. Hook was so self conceited and cocky, that he boasted of his plans to the children.

You can't save Pan now. His time is up. Finally I can get my revenge on him. No-one feeds my hand to a crocodile and gets away with it. The question is how to kill the little brat.

Aren't you going to have a duel. Fight to the death sir? Asked Smee

No, last time he cut off my hand. Can't risk that again. Children are vermin. Pan deserves to die like one. I shall poison him. Quick and simple.

Oh yes, very clever captain! But captain how will you poison him? Asked Starkey

Well it's simple really. Whilst pan sleeps I'll enter his tree house and poison his food or drink, whatever I can find. He shall wake one final time and a couple of bites or a few sips will be all thats necessary.

The children watched in silence as Hook and a few of his cronies climbed into a rowing boat and were lowered down to the sea. The pirates still on board were cheering and singing as they watched the boat head towards the shore. The lost children sat in silence, dreading Hook's return.