"But we like taking pictures with the guests," Alf Mason complained. "It gets us more tips."
"And it makes us feel like we're famous," Whibbler added with a gleeful grin.
Slightly held his head in his hands, wondering how these pirates could be so inane. Nearly all the pirates gave daily tours to visitors on the ship, and Slightly was sitting with them now, addressing the issue of their notoriety.
"You don't have the luxury of being famous," Slightly said, rubbing his eyes, "because you're all still wanted criminals." He stood up and paced the deck of the ship. "Tink has erased your records, but the more your pictures circulate through London, the more likely it will be that someone will recognize you."
"Hm, I never thought of that," Starkey said, scratching his ear.
"That's why you need to either decline pictures, or wear your disguises."
Alf Mason groaned. "But those beards are so itchy and uncomfortable!"
"They're more comfortable than jail," Bill Jukes said, giving a meaningful look to Alf Mason.
"Exactly," Slightly said.
"Alright, boy, you've made your point," Cecco grumbled. "Now leave us alone."
Slightly happily obliged, walking down the ship's ramp and wading through the water until he arrived on the beach.
He sighed and sat on a rock, looking out at the lagoon in the moonlight. Things were going pretty well in Neverland, and everything was in place for the donor luncheon the following day, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something awful was about to happen. There were just too many variables he couldn't control. Just then he heard someone walking up behind him. He turned around and saw Jack Baker approaching.
"Hey, I have a question for you," Jack said, sitting down next to Slightly on the rock.
"Sure, what's up?"
"Have the twins been experimenting with any new animals or hybrids? Possibly ones with the ability to become invisible?"
"Not that I know of. Why?"
"I just chased something through the forest that seemed to have disappeared. I don't know if it was a human or an animal, but it was incredibly quick and agile."
Slightly sat up a little straighter. Those adjectives seemed a little too familiar. "Really? Where exactly was this?"
"In the north part of the forest. Close to a clearing of large trees."
Slightly nodded, imagining the spot in his head. "I'll take a look over there," he said, standing up.
"Okay, but be careful. I've never seen anything like it."
Slightly trekked over to the forest, wondering if his theory would be correct. If it was, he wasn't sure if he should be angry or excited. He reached the clearing that Jack had described and slowly walked around all the trees. He stopped to study one with a particularly large trunk and noticed a long crack near the base. He took a deep breath, bent down, pried open the base of the trunk, and found himself staring at a beautiful girl with long brown hair and almond shaped eyes.
"Hello Lily."
*****
"What were you thinking? I just can't imagine why you would do this!"
"Slightly, please let me explain."
After the initial shock had worn off and Slightly had urged Lily out of her hideaway, he had taken her to the Imagination Tower where they could talk privately, although he knew that Tink was probably watching.
"How long have you been staying in that tree?"
Lily sat down and stared out the expansive windows. "Four days."
"What?"
"Listen," Lily pleaded. The sincerity in her eyes made Slightly feel guilty for raising his voice. "I'm sorry. I know I should have talked to you in the first place, but I didn't want to burden you with my problems when you were already so overwhelmed."
Slightly shook his head. He knew he'd do anything for this girl, even though she was exhibiting some pretty crazy behavior. "I have been busy, but you have to know how much I care about you, Lily. I haven't exactly been hiding my feelings."
Lily allowed herself a small smile before the anxiety returned to her face. "I'm in trouble."
"What kind of trouble?"
Lily bit her lip. "The gang I used to be in, they're after me."
"What do you mean?"
"I guess I angered them when I fought back that day when you saw me, and now they want to kill me."
Slightly was speechless. He would have suggested that she report it to the police, but he knew that the situation was complicated and the law might not be the best option. He sat down and wrapped his arms around her.
"I don't want to endanger you or anyone here, but I don't know what else to do!" She cried.
He held her as she sobbed into his shirt, wishing that he could offer her a sensible solution. "We'll figure something out," he said softly. "In the meantime, you are welcome to stay in Neverland, but we need to find you some more suitable living quarters."
Lily sniffed and looked up at him. "I don't know, that tree trunk was actually quite cozy."