Chereads / Mystic tales : Neverland's Myth / Chapter 3 - "Jolly Roger's Call"

Chapter 3 - "Jolly Roger's Call"

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange-pink hue across the sky, the waters near Neverland stirred with anticipation. On the dark silhouette of a menacing pirate ship, the Jolly Roger, sails fluttered ominously in the evening breeze. Aboard the deck, Captain Hook stood tall, his sharp features illuminated by the faint glow of lanterns.

Hook, with his thin, finely groomed beard and a sleek eyepatch concealing one of his piercing heterochromatic eyes, surveyed the horizon with a blend of disdain and determination. Beside him, Mr. Smee, a stout and affable figure, furrowed his brow as he oversaw the crew preparing the cannons.

"Ready the cannons, you scallywags!" Hook barked, his voice carrying authority mixed with a touch of refined menace. The crew, a mix of rough-looking pirates and now with Mullins and Jukes as two female pirates among them, scurried to their tasks, their shadows dancing against the flickering lantern light.

"Captain," Mr. Smee interjected cautiously, "What be our next move? The boys been spot you outside that Neverland while it's nighttime now?"

Captain Hook's sharp gaze followed the direction of Mr. Smee's pointing finger. His hook gleamed menacingly in the lantern light as he tapped it thoughtfully against the wooden railing.

"Garr!!! It seems we fail to apprehend Peter Pan once again!!!" Hook growled. "But wait—those other kids with him aren't the Lost Boys, are they?"

Mr. Smee, ever the observant second-in-command, gasped and nodded. "Ohh my, Captain! One of us did detect it. It's three children, yet one of them looks closest to Peter Pan's physical age."

Hook's eyes narrowed with curiosity and suspicion. "Hmm, that's intriguing. A new ally, perhaps? Or another meddlesome child to whisk away into Peter Pan's delusions of grandeur?"

Jukes, one of the female pirates, stepped forward with a smirk. "Maybe it's time we pay those brats a proper visit, Captain. Give 'em a real taste of pirate hospitality."

Captain Hook's face twisted into a sinister grin. "Aye, Jukes. But we shan't act hastily. We must learn more about these newcomers. Mullins, Jukes, you're to keep watch and report back anything unusual."

Mullins nodded, her eyes glinting with excitement. "Aye, Captain. We won't let you down."

As the pirates dispersed to their tasks, Hook turned back to Mr. Smee. "Prepare the men, Smee. We may soon have the upper hand if we play this right. Peter Pan's games are about to come to an end."

Mr. Smee saluted with a mix of loyalty and apprehension. "Aye, Captain Hook. I'll see to it."

As the Jolly Roger swayed gently in the waves, Captain Hook's mind churned with plans and schemes, his eyes never leaving the horizon where Peter Pan and the new children had vanished. The hunt was on, and Hook was determined to claim his prize.

Mr. Smee gulped nervously as one of the other pirates, a burly man with a thick beard, nudged him with an elbow. "Aye, Smee matey! It seems the Captain is extra feisty today, doesn't he?"

Smee nodded, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. "Aye, he does indeed. Extra feisty."

Internally, Smee sighed. (I hope this is a sure-fire chance he can do something against that eternal boy.)

His mind drifted back to a time long ago, a flashback that played vividly in his memory. The Jolly Roger had a smaller crew then, and he was one of the first members. Captain Hook, younger and without an eyepatch, stood tall and commanding. His right hand was still intact, and he didn't yet bear the scars of his many battles with Peter Pan.

It was a fateful day when Hook, in a fit of overconfidence, had devised a plan to kidnap one of the Lost Boys—the elf one, with his keen senses and agile movements. Hook believed that by capturing the elf, he could lure Peter Pan into a duel and finally rid himself of the boy who never grew up.

The plan had been set in motion with precision. The crew, though smaller, was determined and loyal. They ambushed the Lost Boys, capturing the elf while the others were distracted. Smee, ever the dutiful first mate, had followed Hook's orders to the letter.

But when the duel finally occurred, it didn't go as planned. Peter Pan, with his boundless energy and cunning, outmaneuvered Hook at every turn. In a final, desperate move, Peter had disarmed Hook, and in the ensuing struggle, the crocodile appeared, taking Hook's hand as its prize.

The memory faded, and Smee found himself back on the deck of the Jolly Roger. He shuddered, remembering the screams and the look of horror on Hook's face as he lost his hand. Since then, Hook's obsession with Peter Pan had only grown, and so had his ruthlessness.

As Mr. Smee glanced over at Captain Hook, he couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. (The Captain's more determined than ever, and that could mean trouble for all of us. Especially with those new children in the mix.)

Hook's voice snapped him out of his reverie. "Smee! Focus! We have work to do."

"Aye, Captain," Smee replied, straightening up. He hurried to carry out Hook's orders, the flashback lingering in his mind as a stark reminder of the lengths Hook would go to in his quest for revenge against Peter Pan.

Meanwhile, back at the hangout, the Lost Boys gathered around Wendy London and her brothers, their eyes wide with curiosity and awe. The Lost Boys, each with their own unique appearance and attire, marveled at the London siblings' clothing, so different from their own.

Wendy, ever the storyteller, began to share tales of Mythlandia. "In Mythlandia, magic works differently," she explained, her voice filled with excitement. "Especially in a large nation called Pierras Platas, where all sorts of steampunk inventions have revolutionized how people live."

The Lost Boys listened intently, their imaginations running wild as Wendy described the wondrous machines and magical phenomena of her homeland. John and Michael chimed in with their own observations, adding to the vivid picture of a world so different from Neverland.

Peter Pan, standing off to the side, noticed Tinkerbell hovering in a corner, her usual sparkle dimmed by a pouty expression. He whispered to her softly, "Tink, what's bothering you? You've done a great job helping our new guests feel welcomed."

Tinkerbell jingled a series of bell-like sounds, her tiny arms crossed over her chest. Peter leaned in closer, trying to understand her.

"I know," he murmured, "I know it's different having Wendy and her brothers here. But it's exciting, isn't it? New adventures, new stories?"

Tinkerbell's bells tinkled again, and Peter sighed, a sympathetic smile on his face. "Oh, Tink. You're worried things will change too much, aren't you?"

She nodded, her tiny wings fluttering. Peter reached out and gently touched her hand. "Change isn't always bad. Think of it as a new chapter in our story. And besides," he added with a wink, "I'm still your Peter Pan, no matter what."

Tinkerbell's pout softened into a small smile, and she gave a tinkling laugh, her light brightening once more. Peter grinned and turned back to the group, feeling a renewed sense of excitement for the adventures that lay ahead.

Peter Pan and Tinkerbell made their way back to the center of the hangout, the Lost Boys turning to face them with eager expressions. They asked in unison, "Why did you invite them here? Are they 'orphans' like us or not?"

Peter Pan looked at the Lost Boys, his green eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well, they're not exactly like us," he began, his voice carrying a note of mystery. "They're from a place called Mythlandia, and they have amazing stories to share."

Wendy stepped forward, her smile warm and reassuring. "We have parents back in Mythlandia," she explained. "But Peter Pan invited us here to Neverland to experience a world filled with adventure and magic."

The Lost Boys exchanged glances, a mix of curiosity and excitement on their faces. One of them, the elf boy, spoke up. "So, you're not orphans? But you still want to stay with us?"

John nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! We've heard so much about Peter Pan and Neverland. We couldn't pass up the chance to see it for ourselves."

Michael chimed in, "And we want to be friends with all of you! Peter told us so many stories about your adventures."

Peter Pan grinned, spreading his arms wide. "See? They're here to have fun and go on adventures with us. And who knows? Maybe they'll teach us a thing or two about their world."

The Lost Boys' faces lit up with excitement, their initial hesitation melting away. "Alright!" one of the avian twins exclaimed. "Let's show them what it's like to be a Lost Boy!"

Tinkerbell, now feeling more at ease, fluttered around the group, sprinkling a bit of pixie dust to add to the festive atmosphere. The Lost Boys cheered, welcoming the London siblings with open arms, ready to share in the wonders of Neverland together.

Wendy sat down, allowing the dwarven boy and the Bestialkin boy, who had foxlike features, to nuzzle close to her. She gently patted their heads, her nurturing nature shining through as she spoke to them softly. One of the Avian twins, with an inquisitive look, turned to the group and asked, "Hey! What is Wendy the girl doing?"

Peter Pan chuckled and shrugged. "Looks like she's being a mother to them," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "It's something she's really good at."

Wendy glanced up, smiling warmly at the Avian twin who had asked the question. "In Mythlandia, I often take care of my brothers, John and Michael," she explained. "I guess you could say I have a bit of a motherly side."

The Avian twin tilted his head, looking between Wendy and his fellow Lost Boys. "A mother? But we've never had one of those here."

John, standing beside Wendy, chimed in. "She's really good at telling stories and making sure everyone feels safe and happy. You'll see, having Wendy around will be great for all of us."

The Bestialkin boy, snuggling closer to Wendy, nodded in agreement. "She's really nice and smells like home," he said, his foxlike ears twitching with contentment.

The other Lost Boys began to gather around Wendy, intrigued by the idea of having someone who could bring a touch of home and care to their wild adventures. Tinkerbell, now feeling more at ease, fluttered over to Wendy and landed on her shoulder, her tiny bells chiming in approval.

Peter Pan, watching the scene unfold, felt a warmth in his heart. This new dynamic was different, but it felt right. Wendy's presence was already making a positive impact, and he knew that their adventures in Neverland would be even more magical with her by their side.

Peter Pan felt a slight flutter in his heart, a feeling he couldn't quite place, as he watched Wendy and the Lost Boys interact. His ears twitched slightly as he instinctively reached for his panpipe necklace and the sheathed dagger at his waist. With a gleam in his green, sparkly eyes, he spoke up in his Scottish accent, "Atta boys! Shall we first inform our three guests—Wendy London, John London, and Michael London—about the house rules of the hideout? Before we can try to play games and set out on an adventure?"

The Lost Boys cheered in unison, their excitement palpable. Wendy, John, and Michael looked around, eager to learn more about their new surroundings.

"Alright then," Peter continued, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "First rule of the hideout: No growing up allowed! This is a place for fun and adventure, and we leave all worries at the door."

One of the Lost Boys, the elf child, stepped forward. "Second rule: Respect Tinkerbell and her fairy dust. She helps us fly and keeps the magic alive here."

Tinkerbell fluttered her wings and jingled in agreement, looking pleased with the acknowledgment.

The fox-like Bestialkin boy chimed in, "Third rule: Always stick together. We're a family here, and we look out for one another."

John and Michael nodded, absorbing the rules. Wendy smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie forming between them and the Lost Boys.

Peter Pan looked at Wendy, a twinkle in his eyes. "And now that you know the rules, what do you say we have a bit of fun? How about a game of hide-and-seek, or maybe we can explore the forest for hidden treasures?"

Wendy, feeling the contagious excitement of the Lost Boys, nodded eagerly. "That sounds wonderful, Peter. Let's see what adventures await us!"

The Lost Boys cheered again, scattering in different directions to prepare for the game. Peter Pan watched them go, feeling a mix of pride and excitement. This was his world, and now he had new friends to share it with.

Meanwhile, back at Never-camp, the place where the Natives lived somewhere in Neverland, Tiger Lily, the sole princess and daughter of the Native chief, was practicing her dance. Tiger Lily stood out among the Natives with her striking appearance. She had long, flowing black hair adorned with intricate braids and beads that shimmered in the sunlight. Her birthmarks, unique spirals and curves in white, decorated her arms and legs, symbolizing her lineage and status. A distinct red gemstone on her forehead marked her as a member of the royal family, its glow adding to her aura of mystery and grace. She wore traditional fantasy tribal clothes, woven from the finest materials and adorned with feathers and beads, enhancing her natural elegance.

Tiger Lily paused her dance and approached her father, her movements graceful and fluid. "Oh, Appa (Father)," she said, her voice respectful yet eager, "may I venture outside our abode to collect more firewood for our people? Besides, it could help maintain the strength of my body for the dance later..."

Her father, the chief, looked at her with a mixture of pride and concern. His own birthmarks and red gemstone mirrored those of his daughter, though his were more worn and etched with the lines of age and wisdom. "Tiger Lily, my daughter," he began, his voice deep and resonant, "you are our tribe's pride and joy. The forest can be dangerous, especially with the presence of Captain Hook and his pirates. Are you sure you want to go alone?"

Tiger Lily nodded confidently. "Yes, Appa. I will be careful. I have my skills and the knowledge you and the elders have imparted to me. Besides, I won't venture too far. Just enough to gather what we need and return before nightfall."

The chief sighed, knowing his daughter's determination. "Very well, but take caution. The forest holds many secrets, and not all of them are friendly. Return quickly and safely, my child."

Tiger Lily bowed in gratitude, her eyes shining with determination. "Thank you, Appa. I will return soon." With that, she gracefully turned and made her way out of the camp, her steps light and purposeful, ready to face whatever challenges awaited her in the forest.

Captain Hook stood at the helm of the Jolly Roger, his keen eyes scanning the horizon. He raised his eyepatch to get a better view through his binoculars, revealing his heterochromatic eyes, one harrowing Hazel and the other a deep, mysterious brown. He spotted a lone figure moving through the forest, unmistakably one of the Natives of Neverland.

"Aye, Mr. Smee, and all hands on deck," he called out, his refined pirate accent carrying across the ship. "Take heed and maintain silence on this route. I've devised a better scheme, given we're unaware of Peter Pan's whereabouts and those mysterious new kids with him." His voice was a mix of frustration and cunning, reflecting his relentless pursuit of Peter Pan.

Mr. Smee, the chubby young adult with a height reminiscent of a midget and a round, friendly face, nodded eagerly, though his usual nervousness showed in his wide eyes. "Aye, Captain Hook, we'll be as silent as the grave."

The rest of the crew, including the female pirates Jukes and Mullins, and the cross-dressing Cecco, all moved quietly, understanding the importance of stealth. They knew their captain was at his most dangerous when he was scheming.

Hook's mystical parrot, perched on his shoulder, cawed in agreement. The parrot, with its iridescent feathers and an uncanny intelligence in its eyes, had been a loyal companion to Hook, often aiding in his plans with its sharp senses.

Hook continued, his gaze fixed on the distant figure. "Prepare to capture one of the Natives. I've spotted one of those rats alone." His voice dripped with anticipation. "This one could provide the information we need or serve as a bait to lure Peter Pan and his brats into a trap."

The crew moved swiftly and silently, the Jolly Roger cutting through the waters with hardly a sound. As they neared the shore, Hook's eyes gleamed with the prospect of finally gaining the upper hand in his endless battle with Peter Pan.

During the Neverland ,

Tiger Lily moved gracefully along the shore, her strong arms carefully collecting firewood and seashells. The moonlight reflected off her unique spiral and curvy white birthmarks, which adorned her body like natural tattoos. The distinct red gemstone on her forehead glowed softly, a genetic trait of the Natives that allowed them to perceive their world in ways others could not.

Her attire was a blend of traditional and fantasy, with tribal elements that spoke of her heritage. She wore a garment made of woven leaves and feathers, intricately decorated with beads and small, colorful stones. Her long, dark hair was braided, adorned with small shells and feathers that clinked softly as she moved.

Unaware of the approaching danger, Tiger Lily focused on her task, humming a gentle tune. She found solace in these moments, away from the pressures of her role as the sole princess and daughter of the Native chief. The rhythmic sound of the waves and the cool night air brought her a sense of peace.

But as she bent to pick up another piece of firewood, a sudden rustling in the nearby bushes made her pause. She looked around, her sharp senses on high alert, but saw nothing unusual. Dismissing it as a small animal, she continued her work, moving a bit closer to the water's edge to gather some of the more beautiful shells.

Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, Captain Hook and his crew crept closer, their movements silent and calculated. Hook's eyes gleamed with malice as he watched Tiger Lily, his mind already formulating his next move. The mystical parrot on his shoulder remained quiet, understanding the need for stealth.

"Steady now, mates," Hook whispered, his voice barely audible. "We don't want to scare her off. This one could be our key to finally cornering Peter Pan."

The pirates fanned out, creating a semicircle to trap Tiger Lily without her noticing. Mr. Smee, though nervous, followed Hook's lead, his eyes darting between the captain and the princess. Jukes and Mullins, the female pirates, moved with practiced stealth, their eyes fixed on their target.

Tiger Lily continued her work, oblivious to the danger creeping closer with every passing second.

Suddenly ,

The moonlight shimmered off Captain Hook's hook hand, signaling the moment to strike. Without hesitation, he motioned to his crew, who sprang into action. Tiger Lily, however, was not one to be easily taken by surprise.

As soon as she sensed the movement, her instincts kicked in. She dropped the firewood and seashells and spun around, her eyes narrowing at the sight of the approaching pirates. With a swift, practiced motion, she grabbed a sturdy branch from the ground, ready to defend herself.

"Get her!" Hook commanded, his voice a low growl.

Jukes and Mullins were the first to reach her, but Tiger Lily was quicker. She swung the branch with surprising strength, catching Mullins across the arm and sending her staggering back. Jukes lunged at her, but Tiger Lily ducked and kicked out, striking Jukes in the stomach.

Mr. Smee and a few other pirates tried to close in, but Tiger Lily's agility and combat skills kept them at bay. She moved with the grace and precision of a dancer, using the branch to block and strike in a fluid, relentless motion.

"Stay back!" she shouted, her voice firm and unwavering.

Captain Hook watched the struggle with a mixture of frustration and admiration. This girl was no ordinary opponent. He stepped forward, his hook gleaming menacingly in the moonlight.

"Enough of this!" he snarled, advancing with a menacing glare.

Tiger Lily's eyes flicked to Hook, recognizing the real threat. She backed toward the water, her mind racing for a way to escape. Just as Hook was about to close in, she spotted a narrow path through the rocks along the shore.

With a final, powerful swing of the branch, she knocked Smee to the ground and dashed toward the rocky path. The pirates hesitated, unsure whether to pursue her into the difficult terrain.

"After her, you fools!" Hook bellowed, but Tiger Lily was already slipping through

the rocks, her quick reflexes and knowledge of the area giving her an edge.

As she disappeared into the shadows, Hook's frustration boiled over. "We won't let her get away. Spread out and find her. She won't escape me that easily."

The pirates scattered, searching the shore and the surrounding area, but Tiger Lily had the advantage. She moved swiftly and silently, determined to warn her people and thwart whatever sinister plan Hook had in mind.

The night air crackled with tension as Captain Hook's orders echoed through the stillness. His crew on the Jolly Roger, hearing the whistle, sprang into action. One of the pirates manned a large net shooter, a formidable weapon designed to capture prey without fail.

The net shooter was loaded with special stones that magnetized upon impact, anchoring anything caught in its web to the ground. It was a last resort, reserved for elusive targets like Tiger Lily.

As Hook's parrot squawked in agreement, the crew on the ship aimed the net shooter toward the shore where Tiger Lily had vanished. They scanned the rocky path and the beach, waiting for any sign of movement.

Meanwhile, Tiger Lily moved swiftly through the shadows, her heart pounding with adrenaline. She knew the pirates wouldn't give up easily, especially with Hook's relentless determination. She pressed on, her senses alert for any sign of pursuit.

Back on the Jolly Roger, the tension mounted. The crew tensed, their eyes trained on the net shooter's sights. The pirate in charge adjusted the aim, readying for the moment Tiger Lily would emerge from her hiding place.

Suddenly, a rustle in the bushes caught their attention. A shadow darted between the rocks along the shore. Without hesitation, the pirate pulled the trigger.

The net shot out with a whoosh, spreading wide as it sailed through the air. The magnetic stones embedded themselves in the ground around the rocky path, creating a powerful attraction.

But Tiger Lily was quicker than they anticipated. Just as the net shot toward her, she leaped sideways, narrowly avoiding the entangling threads. The net slammed into the rocks with a thud, its magnetic stones clamping down hard.

Hook cursed under his breath, frustration evident in his steely gaze. "Find her!" he ordered, his voice carrying across the night air.

The pirates scrambled, searching the shoreline and the surrounding area once more. But Tiger Lily had evaded their trap, slipping deeper into the darkness.

As Hook surveyed the scene, he knew this encounter was far from over. Tiger Lily had proven herself a formidable adversary, and he was determined not to let her slip through his grasp again.

"We'll find her," he growled to his crew. "She can't hide forever."

With renewed determination, Captain Hook and his pirates resumed their hunt, their eyes peeled for any trace of the elusive Native princess in the moonlit night of Neverland.

As Tiger Lily dashed through the dense foliage, her heart racing with adrenaline, she suddenly stumbled upon a group of pirates lying in wait. Before she could react, rough hands grabbed her from behind, dragging her down to the ground with surprising force.

She struggled fiercely, kicking and twisting to break free, but the pirates were relentless. They quickly bound her wrists with the sturdy, knotted ropes from the leftover net shooter's failed shot. The magnetic stones embedded in the ground added weight and resistance, making it nearly impossible for her to escape.

The mystical parrot's triumphant squawk echoed through the night air, announcing their success to Captain Hook and the crew aboard the Jolly Roger.

"Caw!!! Caught target, Crew caught target!!!!" the parrot called out, its voice carrying across the moonlit shore.

Captain Hook's grin widened with satisfaction as he approached, his hook gleaming ominously in the moonlight. "Well done, lads," he praised his crew, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Secure her tightly. We can't afford any more slip-ups."

Tiger Lily glared defiantly at Hook, her chest heaving with exertion. Despite being outnumbered and captured, her spirit remained unbroken. She knew the dangers of falling into Hook's clutches, but she also understood the resilience and courage she needed to endure.

"You'll regret this, Hook," she spat, her voice filled with determination. "The Natives won't stand for your tyranny forever."

Hook chuckled darkly, circling her with predatory grace. "Oh, but they will, my dear princess," he taunted, his gaze piercing. "Especially once they realize their beloved leader is at my mercy."

With a flick of his hand, he gestured for his crew to carry her aboard the Jolly Roger. As they dragged her away, Tiger Lily cast a defiant glance over her shoulder, her eyes locking briefly with the mystical parrot perched on Hook's shoulder.

The parrot cawed loudly, as if mocking her plight. But Tiger Lily remained steadfast, her resolve unshaken even in captivity. She knew her people would not rest until she was freed, and she silently vowed to endure whatever trials lay ahead.

As the pirates disappeared into the shadows of the ship, the night air grew still once more, the only sound the distant cawing of the mystical parrot fading into the darkness. Tiger Lily's fate now lay in the hands of Captain Hook, her future uncertain in the heart of Neverland.

With Tiger Lily captured and taken aboard the Jolly Roger, the night in Neverland settled into an uneasy quiet. The distant calls of nocturnal creatures mingled with the soft lapping of waves against the shore, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had just unfolded.

On the deck of the pirate ship, Captain Hook stood with an air of satisfaction, his hook glinting in the moonlight as he surveyed his prize. Tiger Lily, bound but unbowed, gazed defiantly back at him, her determination a stark reminder of the resilience that flowed through her veins.

As the mystical parrot perched on Hook's shoulder cawed triumphantly, the pirates secured Tiger Lily below deck, leaving her alone with her thoughts and her unwavering resolve.

Meanwhile, back at the hideout, Peter Pan and the Lost Boys were unaware of the unfolding events. They laughed and played games with Wendy, John, and Michael, unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows of Neverland.

Far away, in the heart of Neverland's dense forests, the Natives stirred with unease, sensing a disturbance in the natural order. The abduction of their princess would not go unanswered, for the bonds that tied them to their land ran deeper than the roots of the ancient trees.

And so, as the moon cast its silvery glow over the tranquil waters of Neverland, the stage was set for a clash that would test the courage and resolve of all who called this mystical realm their home.