Chapter Three

"Why, only what every adventure-seeking person needs. A map."

I couldn't believe that somehow I'd managed to get swept up into this magical world with the Lost Boys and infamous Peter Pan. It seemed entirely unlikely that during my time here in Neverland I'd get the opportunity to participate in one of their iconic schemes. Alas, here I was, little Ari finally getting a taste of the big world.

Peter allowed me to stay in the Hideout with him and the boys. My room was next to Peter's and a little larger than the others. The decorations were similar to the rest of the home, with animal hides used for blankets and pillows and little jars of dust decorating the rock shelves. It was charming with soft lighting from the torches on the make-shift ceiling, straight out of a fairy tale. I was also given a change of clothes since my brightly colored dress wouldn't exactly fare well for running or sneaking onto a pirates ship.

I was given a simple pair of legging style pants in a dark green color which fit surprisingly well. Peter explained that they tended to ransack the ships occasionally and never missed the chance to steal clothes since none of them knew how to sew very well. Whatever didn't fit they kept for emergencies. Paired with it was a loose tunic top that may have once been a bright white but seemed dyed to a light beige. I would have insisted on bare feet but I was advised that the shorelines had sharp rocks and it wasn't the wisest idea. So I sported a pair of brown boots that were oddly similar to a pirates. But they were comfortable and I wasn't going to question their hospitality.

Three days had passed since my arrival here and I had to say, I was fitting in quite well despite the circumstances. I wasn't allowed to leave for risk of exposure which didn't bother me. I wasn't much use unless I was running and I didn't know how to fight. I spent my time with Tinkerbell, tracking her healing progress with Nibs. She was a very sassy fairy I soon learned, quick to tell everyone how she felt and when she felt it.

"Do you want to learn how to fight?" I was in the middle of lacing up my boots when a voice suddenly pulled me out of my own head. I glanced up to see Peter grinning in my doorway.

I quirked an eyebrow. "I'm not exactly sure I'd be of any help as a novice."

He shrugged, making his way to sit casually beside me. I became acutely aware of the space between us or lack thereof. It was intimidating to be in the presence of a legend. "Perhaps but it might help in case something goes wrong. I can show you how to at least defend yourself so you can get away."

The idea was tempting and it wouldn't hurt to pick up a few survival skills from the champion of living in Neverland. "Why not?"

Some of the Lost Boys were out scouting for food and other goods while the others were lounging around. The plan was to wait a few days before attacking to prepare accordingly with dust and whatnot. I wasn't going to question that. Most of the time this left us with nothing to do but stare at the walls. I'd already seen several brawls completely brought on by sheer boredom.

"I'll show you how to use a sword since we all tend to carry one. Once you get the hang of using it, fighting without it is easy enough." Peter explained as he handed me one of the silver swords. It was surprisingly light yet easy to grip onto.

The first thing Peter taught me was positioning and the proper way to hold a sword. I'd still been in a habit of having proper posture from living in England my whole life so it wasn't too terrible to pick up on. It was also the most boring part of the lesson. We then moved onto moving around and some basic moves which once more, seem juvenile. The Lost Boys seemed partially intrigued in what we were doing and were watching us intently.

"Alright, you seem to have a basic understanding. But, as you should know, fights can be unpredictable not to mention have environmental changes. We could practice a few rounds if you'd like?" Peter offered politely but I could see the challenging glint in those brown orbs. I smirked at the idea; he knew fully well that I was no match for him. I'd be firmly planted on the ground within seconds and embarrassed.

Which was why it only made me want to go more. It made me want to prove myself to be able to handle myself alone. Oh how this Peter Pan had an infectious charm to him. I gave him my answer by moving into a starting position and he raised his eyebrows, not saying a word in reply. At least now no one could call me a chicken.

In London, I never fought. I was always the shy and timid child in the back of the classroom with all the answers. I spent my free time reading book after book instead of playing with the other kids. I was an outcast but in the best way possible. No one made fun of me or teased the fact that I had a deceased mother and absent father. I faded slowly into the background, nothing more than just a body taking up a desk space. It was lonely, but at least I never had to be placed in a confrontational environment. I suppose though that something like that would have come in handy for a day like this but oh well.

Our little dance of swords was rough at least on my end. Peter was in all aspects lithe and graceful whereas I felt slightly unsure in my movements. Our first round ended as quickly as it had begun and I didn't even have a sword in my hand anymore. The second round was a little easier...until Peter pulled some fancy flying maneuver and knocked the sword from my grasp. I groaned, cursing myself internally. I couldn't have expected to get it right away but it was still frustrating to think that I wouldn't be able to stand a chance against a pirate.

"Hey! Don't look so down! Part of the tactic to win is confidence. If you always look like you have the upper hand, it shakes up your opponent. Not to mention, you're tiny. Use that to your advantage." Peter spoke encouragingly. I looked to our miniature audience who nodded their heads in agreement. I felt sweat starting to form on my brow as I sighed.

"Very well. Let's try this one more time."

I did my best to follow the advice given and it did help somewhat. I lasted longer than a minute this time, anticipating that Peter would use his flying against me and planned ahead. I was pretty proud of myself when I managed to slightly knock him off his game but he still ended up winning in the end. It was still satisfying to know that I was improving and might not turn out to be entirely useless.

"That's more like it!" Peter raised a hand and we high-fived. I couldn't help but chuckle a little at the ordeal as the Twins and Slightly entered through the secret doors. They didn't have much to bring back but a few rabbits and berries. But they did have some information on Hook and his crew. Apparently they'd anchored down to shore and were currently backtracking to try and find the Hideout. Slightly was eagerly talking about how if we were going to infiltrate their ships, now was the time.

Peter listened carefully, looking around at everyone. "Alright, if we're going to do this, we're going to do it right. I know Tootles original plan involved fighting but instead myself, Cubby and the Twins will stand guard and alert you if there are any changes. Besides that, everything else is the same." He turned to me, a serious look on his boyish face. "Hook's cabin will be on the upper level near the wheel. It'll probably be locked so you'll have to use something to unlock it."

Slightly came forward and extended a hand, winking at me. I repressed the urge to blush as I peered into his open palm. He was holding a bobby pin that had been completely transformed into a fake key. "This isn't the first time we've done this and it won't be the last. As long as you don't move too much, he'll never know we were in there!" Slightly seemed excited by the idea of someone else stealing something from the dastardly Hook. "Whenever any of us go in there we usually steal boring stuff. Maybe you'll actually find something worthwhile."

I took the key with minor hesitation. It was still tough to believe just a few days ago I was living a peaceful and honest life by the Mermaid Cove. Now I was about to trespass and rob the greatest band of pirates legends have ever known.

"If you insist. Now, what happens if we get caught? We'll be in the middle of the ocean." I asked. Peter and the Lost Boys looked at one another mischievously.

"Why that's simple. We'll think happy thoughts and that will get us out of there." He then laughed, as if this was common knowledge.

It clicked in my mind then. The stories did talk about how Peter Pan was known for his flying. I was unaware that the Lost Boys knew how to fly as well. That explained the many bottles of fairy dust lying around.

"One small problem Pan, I don't know how to fly. And I have a fear of heights." I crossed my arms indignantly over my chest. The Lost Boys seemed a little perplexed that I'd never flown before. I quickly added, "I may have been close with the fairies but that didn't mean I ever asked them to help me fly. It wasn't as if I ever had a reason to before now."

Cubby snorted. "Do you really need a reason?"

He made a solid point.

Peter suddenly looped his arm over my shoulders, pulling me closer to him. The years on the island had done him justice and kept all the boys well-toned. He was neither muscular nor scrawny, but perfectly in between. "Don't worry. If the time comes, I'll make sure you get out of there. Once our little operation is done for, I'll make sure you get exclusive lessons in flying a la the Lost Boys." Everyone nodded rapidly and I sighed, shaking my head. It was apparent I was not returning to my previous life anytime soon.

"Alright. When do we head out?"

*Later in the evening*

I didn't explore much of Neverland once the sun went down. I found the idea a little more than terrifying and I was usually exhausted by the end of the day anyways. It was different when you camped with the Lost Boys. Due to their remaining in hiding, most days were spent napping. I found myself zoning out occasionally in the comfort of my bed. So you could say I was eager to explore.

We exited through a tunnel system the boys had built after their last grand adventure, whatever that was. It led under most of the ground and stopped a mile or so after the Hideout. We had to remain silent as he climbed out and trekked through, avoiding branches and the like. The moon was concealed by the clouds, providing us with ample cover.

You could sense the electricity of excitement practically radiating off the boys. I, myself, was more nervous than anything else. I did my best to keep up and not seem so anxious. Once we were along the beaches, Peter instructed the boys to split up and stay close to the water. I watched as each of them pulled out a bottle of dust, it's power sparkling like fireflies in the darkness. They each only took a pinch and sprinkled it atop their heads. It was amazing to see as their feet left the ground and they floated so easily like a bird. Peter was the only one who didn't need the dust; it was apart of his mysterious abilities I assumed.

Without a second thought, his arm latched tightly around my waist and my heart rate spiked. Even in the darkness I could see how close his face was as he gave me a more genuine smile. No playfulness detected. "We won't be going too high off the ground so it shouldn't be too terrible. It'll be over before you know it. Ready?"

I nodded my head, giving my best team playing smile. That seemed to suffice as he quickly jetted across the water. I was able to prepare myself, not squealing like a child like I was sure I did last time around. The wind was cool, little droplets of water kissing my skin. I tore my eyes away from the water to study the massive ship we were about to land on.

It was truly a masterpiece. The sides were decorated in carvings, possibly detailing the endless adventures of the Captain himself. On the hull was a mermaid figure whose face was stern and cold. Red and gold lined the ship and the woods seemed to be freshly waxed. Everything about it was clean and elegant, clearly a man of refined taste. I felt so small in comparison as our feet touched the ground. Peter released me, following my eyes as I looked around, awestruck.

"It really is something isn't it?" He then looked to me, loosening a strap on his belt. "This is for you, just in case our plan is compromised." He held out the sword I had practiced with earlier. I took it, lacing it into my own belt as the Lost Boys walked to us.

Peter addressed them as a leader, his tone commanding. "Alright you know the plan. Twins, Cubby, follow me and we'll split up the deck. Tootles, Slightly and Nibs, you know where they keep their supplies. And of course my lady, you have the most fun task." I nodded and soon we divided up.

Looking around, I carefully trudged up the stairs where Peter told me the cabin was supposed to be. There were a few doors and my eyes caught a glint of gold. I assumed the Captain would have the most lavish cabin so I walked up to it and examined the door for it's lock. The darkness made it tough and I wished for a moment I had asked Peter to bring Tinkerbell. Oh well. I used my hands to navigate and eventually found what I was looking for.

Retrieving the make-shift kept from my blouse, I inserted it and twisted. Click. I was in.

The door swung open and I was surprised to see some of the lamps still slightly aflame. Hook must have anticipating to come back soon. I shut the door behind me and was amazed to find that this looked very similar to the offices I saw back in London. My father used to work in a bank and whenever I went to visit him, the desk was always right by the window and had as many paintings on the wall as possible. All the offices were set up that way. Hook was no different but his taste was more expensive and in red and gold hues rather than black and brown. He even had a grand piano set up on the side with music sheets lining the top in a haphazard manner, as if someone had been working on composing a piece.

On the other side was a lavish bed made impeccably. You'd expect to find a pirate ship and their cabins to be messy but it appeared Hook had higher standards for his men. The sheets and blankets were of expensive silk I only dreamed of having. I was so caught up in the details and wonder of everything, I almost forgot my purpose for being in here.

I moved to the desk, examining the top. Slightly's words popped into my head from earlier. They clearly wanted something different, so I wanted to look elsewhere. I bite my lip as I scoured around his desk.

I crouched down, noticing the glint of silver from the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a little cupboard next to the desk which I had assumed was some sort of side table. There were two drawers and one of them had a lock. I debated on even attempting to considering that was something that Hook would certainly notice. But on the other hand, it was different. I pulled a pin from my dark hair, which I had pulled back into a braid and started experimenting with various shapes and sizes. I had only ever picked a lock once in my life and that was to get back into my own home after my father drunkenly locked me out. I prayed I could remember what I was doing.

I heard some of the boys shouting victoriously and I knew I needed to wrap this up. I shook the pin around in the lock as it finally clicked open, a breath escaping my lips. I pulled the drawer open and was not disappointed in the results.

There was indeed a scroll of some kind and it looked like a map. I grabbed it without hesitation, noting some of the other documents hidden in there. They didn't seem that interesting. I was about to shut the drawer again when something else caught my eye; it was a piece of jewelry.

Specifically, a necklace. The chain was silver, not something you'd expect Hook to have given his fascination for gold. There was a circular gem right in the center, a sapphire surrounded by smaller diamonds. I picked it up, noting the weight in my hands. I flipped it around and my heart nearly stopped beating.

Arieta Marie Jones was engraved onto the back portion.

Why did Hook have a necklace with my name on it? I don't remember owning something like this and if we had, my father would have sold it a long time ago. A sudden knock at the door and Peter's voice snapped me out of my daze as I pocketed the necklace and shut the drawer, securing the lock back into place.

I opened the cabin door just as Peter went to knock at it again. He noted the map in my hand, grinning. "Mission accomplished?"

I nodded. "Yeah. But um, I have something I need to show you later-"

"Right, right. Look, the pirates are heading back to the boat. One of the Twins spotted them so we have to get going and then we can talk about your treasure hunt okay?" Without giving me the chance to answer, he pulled me close again and took to the skies. The Boys and Peter made sure to stick within the clouds as we headed back to dry land. I looked down, ignoring the fear and anxiety bubbling in my chest to see smaller boats heading to where we just left. Close call.

Once we made it safely back to the Hideout, everyone was buzzing with the good news. I allowed them their few minutes before all eyes fell on me. I could tell the build-up was practically killing them as I unlaced my boots and took a seat next to Tootles.

"Well Ari? Care to share with the rest of us what you found?"

I cleared my throat, feeling my nerves build up. I held up the map. "Well I found this-" I then went into my pocket and extracted the necklace, "-and I found this. There was a locked drawer next to Hook's desk and I was sort of curious."

Slightly found this amusing and laughed joyfully. "You broke into one of Hook's safes? Risky move."

I shrugged. "Well you said earlier all the stuff you've found before was dull! I wanted to see if I could find something new." I inhaled deeply. "Anyways. I'm not really sure where this map leads but um, there's something odd about the necklace." I flipped it around and read the back to them.

"Arieta Marie Jones? What, does Hook have a girlfriend or something?" The Twins spoke in unison, their arms raised in question.

I shook my head. "No. Actually, that's my full name. From the time before I came to Neverland."

Peter spoke up. "I thought you didn't remember anything?"

"No, I don't remember how I got here. My memories from living in London are still decently clear. Some of the earlier stuff is starting to get fuzzy but I definitely remember my name."

Tootles poked my side and pointed to a small piece of paper he'd been scratching on. He was asking why Hook would have something like that. "I'm not really sure. Everything else in there was just sketches of the ship besides this." I held up the map. "Maybe it'll have some answers."

"Well, let's open it then. I wonder what secrets our one-handed pirate is hiding."

I smiled briefly at that as I unlaced the thin string that kept the scroll wound up. It opened easily but I had to use two hands to keep it from rolling back together. It was old, probably older than Hook itself but the pictures and words were clear. It confused me at first because I had assumed this was a map. "This isn't a map. It's a...document of some sort."

The Lost Boys seemed as confused as I was. I kept reading, the language used seemed older, like someone from long ago had written it. It seemed...oddly cryptic.

"It kind of...sounds like a prophecy." I mumbled. Peter looked quickly in my direction, standing and looking at the parchment with me. He shook his head. "There's no way. The last time I heard about a prophecy was about me. The Indians never spoke of a second one."

"It's clear that there is." I looked at the drawings that surrounded the text and my eye only caught onto one of them. I held up the necklace in comparison, reality sinking in.

"And it looks like this prophecy is about...me."