The Neverland

Archive One







It took only a couple of hours more aboard the DreamCatcher before something began to happen. The clouds seemed to get thicker, though they stayed light and fluffy. The ship was rising higher into the atmosphere until the air was thin and cold, and nothing lay below them but a sea of white and blue. They floated through the clouds for a few moments, then the clouds began to clear as if they were entering the eye of a storm. At the center of it, was a magnificent sight: a floating city. But not just a city, it was a complete ecosystem. An island in the sky. It had mountains, waterfalls that poured off of the edges and down into the blue below, and the earth on the underside tapered to several cone-shaped points. There were hundreds of docks for flying ships exactly like the DreamCatcher. The nearer they drew to the floating Neverland, the clearer it was to see people walking around. There was a marketplace, houses, grassy fields where children played, and even crop fields and farms of healthy animals. The mountain peaks were misted by fog and snow.

Aarin was in awe. His blue eyes could have fallen out of his head with how wide they were, and his jaw could have hit the floor. The sight of Neverland was breathtaking, and he felt his heart in his throat. Then a thought struck him. He pulled out his book from under his shirt and turned it over, studying the mark engraved in the leather, then holding it up, comparing the shape of it with the massive shape of Neverland. He gasped. That's what it meant! "Aveda! R.T. is here! He's in Neverland!" he said, grabbing her arm excitedly.

Anaita smiled widely as she watched the floating city approaching. She looked over her shoulder and up at the helm where Odi stood. She was steering the wheel, but she was also controlling the wind around them to direct them to the docks with expert ease. Anaita then looked ahead again and sighed happily. "Hello again, Neverland." she whispered.

Dyllin wrapped his arm tighter around Samiya's shoulders, holding her closer and watching as they approached the city. "Wow... This is... magnificent." he whispered, just as awed as his son was. He glanced around to make sure the three sprites were all nearby, then looked ahead again. The first thing they would need to do was find a place to stay. He wondered if there was a king on this city that he could speak to, and appeal to; perhaps even ally with.

Aveda jumped slightly in surprise when Aarin grabbed her arm having been lost in wonderment at the sight of Neverland before them. She had expected a simple island amidst the ocean waves below, not a great floating utopia. She looked down at the book in Aarin's hand then looked at him with an encouraging smile. "Thats wonderful! Now at least we have a somewhere we can begin looking for this person." She wrapped her arm round his then turned back to looking at the quickly approaching Neverland. There's even mountains! She thought in disbelief as her eyes took everything in.

"Its incredible." Samiya agreed as she rested her head on Dylin's shoulder as she looked out at the new world before them. "I can't believe we never knew about it. I think we would have definitely came to visit if we did." She joked with a tired chuckle. "I just hope the people there are welcoming.."

Hook frowned from where he was standing at the wheel of the ship, his hands on the wood, working with Odi to land the ship and watching Neverland as it got near. He frowned at everyone's awe'd faces in front of him at the island. He really didnt want to be here, even if he was in his best clothes. He frowned again and tried to ignore them, staying focused ad quiet.

Odi noted Hook's tense body language and she watched him a moment before reaching out a putting a hand on his shoulder. She squeezed it lightly, then stepped to the top of the stairs and looked down at the crew. Not only Aarin and his friends and family were watching the approaching city, but everyone on the ship had paused in their duties to admire the sight. "PREPARE TO DOCK!" she shouted and it seemed to jolt the crew back to life. Everyone rushed to their posts and got everything ready, deckhands grabbing the ropes for the sails, ready to pull them up as soon as the ship got close enough. Once it was pulled in against a dock, the sails were drawn, and Odi ceased the wind that pushed them. The ship came to a slow stop, the oars pulled up and inside before they could hit the wood of the dock, and the plank was lowered. One by one, chores on the ship were finished and crew members began to gather their bags and possessions for their short leave on Neverland, disembarking the ship.

Aarin watched the men file off of the ship in a rush of excitement and laughter, bags hoisted over their shoulders and he felt a warmth in his chest at their smiles. They all had families and lives here on Neverland. He looked at Aveda and grinned. "Do you want to wait for your brother before we get off?" he asked softly.

Dyllin waited until all of the crew were off of the ship before he took Samiya's hand and led her towards the plank. Anaita was close on their heels, as were Iswe and Idre, with Ihara on Iswe's shoulder. They followed Dyllin and Samiya off of the ship, and Idre couldn't help but peer over the side of the dock and down at the blue sky below. She gulped. She'd never been so high off the ground before, and it made her nervous.

Aveda watched the crew depart quickly followed by Aarin's family, the sprites and finally Raina and her mother. She turned to Aarin as he spoke to her then gave a small nod. "Yes I should see him before I disappear to explore." She chuckled then grabbed his hand and pulled him to the stairs that led to the wheel of the ship. She smiled up at Hook and Odi then motioned to Neverland with her free hand. "You two could have said something about how incredible this place is." She called to them.

"If thats the word you wanna use" Hook said with a small shrug and locked the wheel. He grabbed up his satchel and then looked to his sister, "I rather wished we didnt have to come here at all" he sighed before he stepped down the steps to her, "I dont want you walking around this place on your own, you dont know it. You need to stay with me"

Aveda glanced at Aarin, a little confused at her brothers words. She gave him a small smile then released his hand before stepping towards Hook. "I don't understand. Growing up you would usually encourage me to explore new places..to have fun. Why is this place different? What aren't you telling me?"

Aarin gave Aveda an understanding smile, and looked at Odi. Odi nodded at Aarin and turned to Hook. "I am going to take Aarin and his family to my parents' house. They will stay there." she whispered to him, watching his face. "I hope you will both join us for dinner tonight." She looked at Aveda, knowing that Aveda would probably convince Hook to come. She looked at Hook one more time, then turned and led Aarin off of the ship to meet with his family on the dock, then motioned for them to follow her into the city.

Hook sighed and rubbed his brow with his hook, "If you want to go with them you can, just dont be alone, okay? Promise me?" he asked, leaning against the banister of the stars, "You dont need to be with me if you wanna stay with your new boyfriend"

"Titus.." Aveda sighed then moved to his side and placed her hand on his arm. "Its not that I don't want to be with you, its just I find it odd that after all these years and all the places we used to travel through..its now that you're telling me not to wander off alone." She tilted her head slightly at him then frowned a little. "Even if I did want to go with them, what about you? Are you just going to stay on the ship all alone? No. I'm not going to allow that. You're my brother Titus and I care about you and so you're coming with me to Odi's parents. Get a nice hot meal, get cleaned up and relax a little..maybe even spend some time with Odi." She mumbled the last part but couldn't help but smile slightly at Hook. "Anyway..you don't really have a choice, do you? Everyone else has gone on..and you seem to really not want me wandering around alone. So you're going to have to show me the way to Odi's parents house right? Don't want me getting lost now do you?" She grinned triumphantly at him.

Hook groaned and shook his head, "There are showers here, Aveda, I odnt need to go to someones house to clean up or get a hot meal" he mumbled, folding his arms roughly. "Fine. Ii will walk you to catch up or until we get to there house and then I am coming back here, Im not staying there, her parents dont like me" he frowned, walking across the deck and down the wooden plank then waiting on her.

"You have one advantage this time to make her parents like you. You have me." Aveda told him as she moved after him but stopped at the top of the plank and looked down at him on the docks of Neverland. "You are meant to be a ferocious Pirate Captain..and you're afraid of Odi's parents?" She shook her head then quickly moved to pull the plank back on the ship to stop him getting back on. "I won't put it back until you agree to go with me!" She shouted stubbornly.

"I am not scared of them, Aveda! I just dont see a point in wasting my time with people who do not like me. Now get down here before I leave without you. Stop playing games, you are not a kid anymore" Hook frowned, folding his arms again and looking up at her, "They dont like me, and they are going to like me less when she tells them of..the news. I like having at least one hand"

Aveda frowned down at Hook. "I'll only lower the plank if you at least agree to stay and have dinner at Odi's parents. You can then return to the ship if you wish..but i'll be coming with you. I'm not allowing you to stay here alone. Who knows what trouble you could get yourself into if you're not supervised." She couldn't help but smile slightly at her joke before looking back at Hook. "So do we have a deal?"

"I am going to kill you when you get down here" Hook frowned, rubbing his head and giving an irritated growl, "For Hades sake, Fine!" he shouted, shaking his head, "But if there is blood, its on your hands, not mine" he said, turning from her and walking a little way.

The plank quickly dropped back down onto the dock and Aveda almost skipped down it, a happy grin on her face. "I guess all those years apart from me have made you forget how stubborn I actually am Titus." She told him as she hurried to catch up with him before matching his stride and wandering along beside him, hands clasped behind her back. "But really..Odi's parents can't be that bad. I mean..why would they hate you? What could you have possibly done?" She asked as she glanced at him sideways, hoping he wasn't actually that mad at her. She had only done what she had because she didn't like the thought of him being alone.

"Oh I dunno, taking their daughter away from them for eight years, rarely bringing her home. Impregnating her" Hook shrugged and frowned, walking down the path and weaving in and out of the people who were walking happily, moving to grab her hand just incase they got lost. Hhe led her through the parks and streets and then into a ice housing area and houses that had beautiful gardens, "Everything here is a bit grand"

"I like it. Everything seems so peaceful..plus it looks like there would be a lot of things I could steal here." Aveda whispered jokingly as she glanced at her brother momentarily before looking down at his hand wrapped round hers. He says i'm not a kid but here he is leading me round like he did when I was little. She smiled at the memories then looked back up at Hook's face. "Odi's parents can't be mad at you for her joining you on the dreamcatcher. I'm sure you didn't force her. She made the decision herself and so they need to respect that. Just try to relax okay? And don't worry, if they try to take your other hand i'll fight them off, you can count on me." She chuckled lightly.

"Yeah yeah, just you be polite. If they say anything to me, I want you to ignore it. This is where your little boyfriend and his family are staying, I dont wanna get them kicked out" Hook said as they got near the house. Hhe walked into the garden and figured since he didnt see the others on their way that they would be here already, so he knocked the door with the blunt edge of his hook and then stood back.

The door opened wide, and Odi was the one on the other side of it. She looked at Aveda, then at Hook before stepping aside to let them in. Aarin and his family had already been shown to a room, and the sprites were all exploring the garden behind the house. Odi moved back into the house and to the kitchen, where her parents were seated and laughing with Anaita. They looked up when they saw Hook and Aveda come in.

"Ah. More visitors, Odi? We're not a bed and breakfast." her father grumbled.

"Eh'stani, punda." Odi scowled at her father, then turned back to Hook. "Would you like some tea?" she asked, then glanced at Aveda. "Water? Anything?"

"Just water please." Aveda replied after she had followed Odi into the house, allowing her hand to slip free from Hook's as she did. "And please don't worry about needing to find us space to stay." She said politely as she turned to look at Odi's father. "My brother and I shall be staying elsewhere. We don't wish to cause anymore disruption to you than what has already been placed upon you." She smiled lightly then held her hand out to him. "I'm Aveda. It's nice to meet you."

Odi's father narrowed his eyes at Aveda from beneath bushy eyebrows. He had a bald head, but his face was covered in a thick, curly black beard and mustache. His deep brown eyes studied Aveda. "You are a thief, just like your brother?" he asked, his accent thick, but unable to be placed.

"Oh, Jurel, don't be so mean." Odi's mother scolded, then stood up and took Aveda's hand and shook it lightly, smiling at her with a mouthful of pearly, white teeth. "I'm Shahane, Odi's mother. Well... adoptive mother." she said and smiled knowingly at Anaita, who nodded back. "Any friend of Anaita's is a friend of ours." she said and motioned to the table. "Please, sit and stay a while. We have room for everyone."

"Thank you, that is most kind." Aveda said then after glancing at Hook and making a small motion for him to move forward and include himself slid into a chair at the table. She looked back at Odi's father deciding she would answer his question. "Yes..I am a thief but I only take from those who wouldn't even notice it was gone. And the wealth I take, I give to the poor. I keep none of it for myself sir."

Hook sighed and moved to sit down, keeping his eyes focused on the table and trying his hardest not to say anything. When he spoke to her parents he usually offended them. He crossed his arms and sat back in his chair, sighing a little to himself. He wanted to leave.

Shahane smiled and nodded Aveda, glancing at Hook as well before mouthing the words, "Be nice," to her husband. She moved to the wood-burning stove and put on a kettle of water to boil. Jurel, however, tilted his head and crossed his arms over his chest as he studied Aveda further. He then looked at Anaita. "You can speak for this girl?"

Anaita nodded warmly and smiled at him. "I can. She speaks the truth. She is noble, Jurel, I assure you." she said softly, then looked at Hook as well. "As is her brother." She smiled at him knowingly. "Trust me, no one in this house means to harm you or your family, Jurel."

"Noble? I like that." Aveda whispered as she smiled at Anaita. "We're not here to cause any trouble sir. Just to take care of a few matters and let the crew rest and see their families, thats all. I can assure you we're good people, me and my brother." She continued to speak as she looked back at Jurel. "You just need to give us a chance." She smiled politely at him then looked over at Hook, willing him to say something to Jurel and Shahane. Just smile and say hello Titus. She gave an encouraging nod to him then turned back to Odi's parents. "This is a very beautiful home you have here and Neverland..i've never seen anything so incredible. I look forward to going out and seeing it properly."

Hook raised his eyebrow at his sister before he sighed and rested back in his chair, arms still folded, but he gave Shahane a small smile, not bothering to look at Jurel. There was no point anyway. He didnt say anything, figuring that if he did it would only start a row.

Shahane smiled back at Hook gently before returning to the table with a tray of tea mugs for everyone, setting them in front of people, including one for Hook. "Thank you," she said to Aveda with a warm smile. "We have lived in this same house for many years." She then retook her seat, and sipped at her own tea with a sigh and a glance at Odi. "And yes, you should all take the time to explore Neverland. It's not everyday that we get newcomers who dont intend to stay." she smiled.

Aveda sighed a little at her brothers continued silence but decided she would not push him any further. If he didn't wish to talk then she wasn't going to force him. She thanked Shahane for the tea then sipped at it lightly, giving a small sigh of appreciation at its sweet taste. "I was thinking about going out soon to explore actually, perhaps before dinner. I'm sure you all have a lot of catching up to do and i'd only get in the way." She smiled at those seated around her.

"Oh, honey, I wouldn't call it getting in the way!" Shahane laughed. "We adore guests! We hardly have any company over anymore."

"For a reason," Jurel grumbled and Odi punched him hard in the arm. He grunted at her. He was a large man, and her punch did very little to phase him, but he took the hint anyways. "You should stay for dinner." He said this pointedly at Hook and Aveda.

"Well thank you. We'd love to stay for dinner. Wouldn't we Hook?" Aveda asked as she turned her head to look at her brother, an eyebrow raised pointedly.

Hook gave a small sigh and scratched his eyebrow with the tip of his hook, "For the love of hades" he mumbled to himself, "Yeah sure, why not? What the hell? Do you have anything really strong to drink?" he asked in a mumble.

Jurel gave a gruff sound at Hook's request, but Odi quickly stood up and moved to find him something strong. She brought a green bottle to the table and set it down with a clear glass. "Absinthe." she explained to Aveda. "You probably shouldn't have any." She frowned at Hook, then excused herself from the room and headed up the stairs to check on Aarin and his family.

Aveda was a little alarmed at her brothers request for a stronger drink and she had to stop herself quickly pulling the bottle away from him when Odi set it down. She glanced at Anaita then took another small sip of her tea, unsure of what to do. Finally she picked up the bottle of absinthe and slowly poured it into the glass that had been left with it before sliding it in front of Hook. She wanted him to know that she wasn't trying to oppose him and make him angry. She just wanted to help him. Maybe I should take him back to the ship. I shouldn't have pushed him to come. She frowned lightly feeling a little guilty now at her brothers obvious discomfort. Gulping lightly she looked back up at Jurel and Shahane making herself smile at them once more. "So tell me..what sights do you recommend I see whilst here on Neverland?" She asked conversationally as if to try and distract them.

Shahane and Jurel exchanged a small glance and a few hushed words in a different language whilst Anaita sipped aloofly at her tea, her eyes closed patiently. Finally, Shahane turned back to Aveda and smiled widely. "You should see the Vanishing Falls." she smiled. "It's up in the mountains. Odi knows where it is, she can take you. Jurel and I were married there... and we visit there for our anniversary every year." She reached to take her husband's hand, and it was perhaps the first time he'd smiled since they arrived. His smile was full of admiration for his wife. "You should also see the Ocean Fields." she beamed.

"What are those?" came Aarin's voice from the bottom of the stairs. He was freshly washed, and in a clean pair of clothes, and he smiled at them as he kept the book tucked under his arm. He moved to sit beside Aveda and smiled at her before turning back to Shahane and Jurel.

"The Ocean Fields are... beautiful." Shahane said with a wistful sigh.

Anaita chuckled and took over. "They're fields of tall stalks of grass that grow blue." she explained. "Even their flowers are a beautiful shade of dark blue. And when the wind blows, it causes waves, making the fields look like an ocean." she explained, moving her hands in a wave-like motion to emphasize. "They're on the other side of the mountains."

"I think we should visit them then and the Vanishing Falls. I want to see everything." Aveda replied after she had returned the smile to Aarin. She slipped her hand into his and gripped it lightly under the table whilst her other one remained around her teacup. "Is there anywhere we shouldn't go? Or at least be cautious of?" She continued to ask. She knew even if there were certain places that were forbidden from going she wouldn't be able to stop herself. She loved the thrill of facing something dangerous. But at least with a warning she could try and prepare herself. Not that I believe there could be anywhere dangerous on Neverland..its so idyllic.

Shahane shook her head and Anaita spoke up, "There isnt really anywhere off limits from the people here... though I can say that farmers and ranchers dont like trespassers and ship captains wouldnt appreciate it if you just waltzed onto their ships." she chuckled. "Just think before you go absolutely anywhere." she smiled.

Aarin nodded, and smiled at Aveda excitedly. He then seemed to remember what had been on his mind since they first saw the floating city. He looked at Shahane and Jurel and put his book on the table, sliding it towards them. "Do either of you know who could have possibly made this book?" He watched as Shahane and Jurel both examined the initials, and then sat back, shaking their heads. Aarin looked disheartened. "There isnt anyone in Neverland with the initials R.T.?" he pressed.

"Well, yes, actually there are dozens." Shahane shrugged. "But none of them are writers of such a text."

"Maybe it is a pen name. Like my name isnt actually Captain Hook, for Hades sake" Hook shrugged, rubbing his head before he grabbed the shot glass and gulped it back setting the glass aside, and looking to Aveda, "Dont let him fall off the side of Neverland, will you? I know I have trained you, but not him, he might need some guidance" he smirked

Aveda's eyes widened at Hook's words about the pen name and a wide grin spread across her face. Why didn't I think of that! She thought then looked back at him when he continued to speak. She raised an eyebrow at him and her smile softened. "The only person I shall have to keep my eye on and make sure they don't fall is you if you drink any more." She joked. "But don't worry, I will make sure the prince does not wander to far over the edge." She chuckled lightly then suddenly looked apologetically at Aarin. "Sorry, we're only kidding. But Hook's right. R.T. could be an alias. We should definitely consider that as a possibility." She gave him an encouraging smile before looking back at Hook. "Do you want a glass of water?"

"What? No. I took a shot of it, Aveda, not the whole bottle. Im not that much of a lightweight" Hook said, blinking at her and relaxing back a little further in his chair, studying her so he wouldnt have to look at Odi's parents for too long.

"I know you're not. I just wanted to make sure you aren't thirsty is all." Aveda remarked with a smirk. "I know that between the two of us you were gifted with the ability to drink vast quantities of anything with no effect whilst I..I got the gift of fighting, stealth and general thievery." She joked as she counted each of the things of on her fingers. "Though I suppose some of that came down to your training when I was a child so I should give you a little credit." She poked him lightly on the arm then chuckled before looking at Aarin, a wide grin on her face before suddenly looking embarrassed at how distracted she had become. "So maybe we should start asking around about this R.T. fellow?" She said trying to draw it back to the topic that was being discussed.

Aarin gave her a crooked smile, rather jealous of the relationship she shared with her brother. He hoped that someday he had that same relationship with his sister, or something similar to it. He nodded at her and stood up, thanking Shahane for the tea and Jerule for the room for his family. "I suppose we'll go out and explore a bit now." he said and smiled. "We'll be back by dinner."

"We're going with you!" Piped up Idre from the doorway. She filed in with Iswe and Sein behind her, and she tilted her head, her hands on her hips. "We're not letting you out of our sight again." She moved to him and hugged him gently, but Aarin shook his head.

"At least two of you should stay here with my mother. The other two can come with Aveda and I." he said firmly. "One of those should be Odi, since she knows the city."

Idre and Iswe both frowned, then sighed and nodded in agreement. After all, what would happen if Samiya suddenly went into labor? Though Anaita was there, there was no such thing as too much help. "Fine. I'll stay. But three sprites can go with you, and they will. No arguement. I'm not good with heights anyway." Idre smiled, patting his back. "Sein, Iswe and Odi will go with you." She kissed his head, then moved with Anaita back up the stairs.

"And on that note, I think I am going to head back to my ship" Hook said, standing quickly, "I will walk you till then" he nodded. He couldnt image being stuck with Odi's parents alone. "Shahane, Jerule, have a good day" he nodded, looking back to his sister and nodding to the door.

"Are you sure? You could come with us if you like?" Aveda told him as she stood up after politely thanking Odi's parents for the tea and assuring them they would be back in time for dinner. "I mean..I can handle taking care of the prince, but to include three sprites, I might need a little back up." She joked and had to stifle a giggle when Sein looked at her and rolled her eyes from where she was standing beside Aarin.

"Yeah, I am sure. My ship needs guarded, and I cannot leave for too long. I am sure you will be just fine" Hook nodded, walking to the door and opening it, waiting on them with his arms folded.

"Alright if you're sure." Aveda replied as she followed him after motioning for Aarin and the others to follow. "Just be careful okay? I still don't like the thought of you being alone on the ship. I'll come and see you once we're finished." She smiled then fell silent as she waited for the others.

---

The ship was quiet. Very quiet. Everyone had gone off-board to find their families and friends and be away. A small scratching sound as paws walked across the hard boards of the ship's storage deck thudded. Eon panted, his ears flicking every way, his bright red eyes taking in his surroundings. He'd hidden in the storage deck for the last three days since the fight in the Kingdom of Cuole. Scabbar had been an excellent distraction for him to sneak on. He padded through the crates and barrels of supplies and up the stairs to the personal quarters, then further up onto the deck. He looked around slowly before coming out into the sunlight and shaking out his fur. He sniffed the air, then headed for the plank to get off board. As he did, he stopped. A thief was coming up the deck at the same time he'd been going down. Their eyes connected, then Eon gave a small, gruff sound.

"Come aboard... There is a prize for you." he told him cryptically.

The thief was wide-eyed. A wolf that could speak? And one that was beckoning him aboard to find treasures? This had to be some form of destiny, or witchcraft, or something. He inched up the plank, and watched as Eon backed off and turned, heading back onto the ship. He followed him reluctantly, looking around.

"There is no one here." Eon told him over his shoulder, leading him to the stairs that led up to Hook's private quarters. He put a paw to the door and scratched his claws down in the wood, leaving deep cuts in the boards. He looked up to the thief. "In there."

The thief gulped. He felt compelled to trust this wolf. He knelt in front of the door, tried the knob, then started to pick the door lock with some small tools. He smiled when the door clicked and swung open, and he stood again as Eon slid passed him into the room. He bypassed the meeting room with all of the cased trophies and treasures on the walls, and the thief followed, though not without letting his eyes wander. He gasped and gaped, examining everything.

But Eon's voice broke his awe. "This is what you seek." He was sitting beside the locked chest where Scabbar's cursed axe was locked away.

The thief could feel something pulsing inside... calling to him. He dropped to his knees in front of the simple-looking chest, and pulled his pick-locking tools out again and set the work. The chest's lock was far more troublesome than the lock on Hook's door, but he managed to get it open. He smiled and pulled the lock, unlatched the lid and lifted it open with a complaining creak of the hinges. He peered inside at the item, wrapped in the cloth still and with a small piece of the blade peeking out of it. The pulsing was stronger now that the chest was open. He reached in, his fingers itching to hold it. He wrapped his hand around it inside the cloth, pulling it out as the cloth slipped away from it. It was then that he noticed the wolf was no longer in the room with him.

There was a noise, just in the distance, a soft noise, like the noise of the wind. It was getting louder and louder in the man's ears, as his hands held that axe, the sound of wind started to fill him up from the inside. Something was coming, something powerful and unstoppable and relentless was coming for him. It turned out to be the ground. In some form at least. The thief was taken from his feet by an invisible force, throwing him with a nasty crunch into Hook's wall. Scabbar had entered his body with all the force of that mighty fall behind him, driving into the thief who now held his axe. "Uhhnnn..." Scabbar muttered, the hood forming over the thief's bloody face as the deranged axe man hauled himself from the wreckage he'd landed in "It's about time I got out of that damn box."

Eon slowly trotted back into the room, watching Scabbar rise in his new form with his ears back. This new body was thinner than the last one, but it would work. He inched inside a little closer and watched him. "We are in a place called Neverland. It is a city floating above the world. Reise is not here with us... he is preparing his army." he explained.

Scabbar grunted at Eon, shifting and popping his arms, feeling them locate again after that mighty crash had popped them from his sockets. "Mmmm... right... Army... that'll come in handy I'm sure." he muttered gently, reaching up and popping his jaw carefully "Where are the people? I want to pay them back for locking me in a box."

"They are all off the ship. They are taking leave." Eon explained briefly, but could not continue. He didnt know where anyone was now, and he would have to sniff them out. He turned and stepped out of the room, heading down the steps and towards the plank. He wanted to get off this ship as well.

Scabbar let out a little grunt. "Resting up..." he muttered as he rubbed his neck slowly, heading out of the door and looking around, seeing if they'd left anyone on guard. Probably not, or this dumb thief would have had trouble. "I should stop this ship from ever leaving dock..." He went over to the main mast slowly, walking with care because of a limp in his left leg. He paused at the mast, grunting and kneeing the mast hard. His leg gave a crunch, and he shook it out so it was a bit straighter. "There..." he muttered to himself, before starting to take several powerful swings at the mast pole. Ship can't sail without a mast. Or so he hoped. Flying ships might be different.

Eon paused at the top of the docking plank to look back at Scabbar as he mutilated the mast with his axe. It splintered as chunks were taken out of it, then it began to buckle. His ears laid back, then he turned and headed down the plank, figuring he would leave Scabbar to have his fun destroying the ship. The only question was, once the ship was destroyed, how did Scabbar intend to return to the Earth's surface to help Reise? He trusted that Scabbar might have some kind of plan. Hopefully.

Scabbar was rather content with his work. It had been a long time going really, after the mast he'd decided to attack a few other ship parts. He'd hacked in doors, sliced up sails, attacked the main wheel, sliced up a few maps with the blade of his axe, and hacked off the rudder. That should just about do it. With the ship well and truly attacked, he made his way off it, heading down into this new... floating city.

Eon loped away from the docks and through crowds of people, ignoring the looks he got. He slunk between the buildings, and once he was safely hidden in an alleyway, changed into his human form. He stood up straight, his black hair messy on his head and his red eyes searching the passersby. Finally, he spotted someone coming close enough, and he grabbed him, knocking him out easily and starting to strip him of his clothes. It would be easier for him to roam the city in his human form than as a wolf. Once he was dressed, and had the man's money--though he let him keep everything else--he headed back out into the streets. He sniffed at the air, trying to get Aarin's scent, or even Sein's. He had Sein's scent memorized, and where she was, Aarin was sure to be. He finally managed to find it, and moved swiftly through the crowds to its source.

Aarin looked around happily, his eyes taking in everything around him. The city of Neverland was bustling with people. They were all different races and colors, and spoke several different languages. He even saw a couple of Cha'Najiit, which reminded him of Ziane, and he had to ask them if they knew her. They said they did, and the group had a good laugh about her. They were walking through the marketplace now, surrounded by stalls and carts selling all sorts of things. There were a few things Aarin had never seen before. He moved to a cart with a strange, blue fruit, and he tilted his head.

"What are these?" he asked Odi.

Odi looked back at him over her shoulder and gave a small sigh. "Pirrap." she said and passed the vendor a few gold coins, taking a few of the palm-sized fruits. She used her knife to cut them in half, then offered halves to Aarin, Aveda, Sein and Iswe, and keeping one for herself. "Do not eat the seeds or the skin, they are poisonous. Eat only the meat." she said seriously and used her knife to scoop the inside out of the skin, slurping it up messily.

Aarin studied the strange fruit. Even the inside was a lovely shade of blue, lighter than the skin. He watched Odi as she ate hers, and then glanced at Iswe as she experimentally dug in with her fingers. Aarin looked down into his half and used his fingers as well, scooping out a fingerful. It was slimy, and he could feel the seeds. They were small and white. He carefully plucked the seeds out and slurped up some of the slimy blue pulp, his brows furrowed as he studied the taste. It was sweet. Really sweet. He smiled at Odi. "It's delicious!" he said and ate some more. He looked at Sein and motioned to her half. "Try it!"

Sein looked cautiously at the fruit as Odi passed it to her then gave it a tentative sniff. "It looks revolting.." She mouthed silently but when Aarin encouraged her to try it she gave a small sigh and scooped a small amount of the fleshy meat from the centre and popped it in her mouth. Chewing it slowly, the smallest hint of a smile passed her lips before her expression became sad again, the same sad expression that she had had since the disappearance on Eon. "You're right. It's delicious." She said silently as she patted Aarin's shoulder. "Do you wish to get some to have for later?"

Aarin frowned slightly at Sein's expression, and he nodded. "Yes... but I think we'll wait until we're on our way back to buy some." he said and gave her a reassuring smile. He finished his half quickly, offering the skin and seeds back to Odi, as did Iswe, and Odi disposed of them properly. He turned back to Aveda and gave a small smile, taking her hand, and Iswe gave Sein a comforting pat on the shoulder and a hug.

"I'm fine, stop worrying." Sein told Iswe as she patted her hand that was on her shoulder before shrugging it off and turning to follow after Aarin, making sure that he was always in her sights. Aveda squeezed Aarin's hand lightly when he took it and glanced at him with a small smile. "So where to now?"

"We have to find this person." Aarin said, holding up his book for her to see. He was determined to find the author of the blank book. He looked around slowly, and gradually began asking people if they knew anyone with the initials R.T. No one did. After over an hour of asking countless people, he sighed in defeat and studied the leather-bound book again. "I don't get it... he has to be here. What else would that symbol mean?" he insisted impatiently.

Odi watched him with a raised eyebrow, then sighed deeply and spoke up. "I know who created the book."

Aarin's ears twitched and he looked back at Odi with wide eyes. "You do?!" he asked, rather angrily. "Why didn't you say anything? Why would you let me waste time like this, looking like a fool?" he insisted irritably.

"Because I wanted to see just how badly you wanted it. Apparently, you do." Odi said stubbornly, folding her arms over her chest. "So do you want to meet him or not?"

Aarin opened his mouth to retort again, but Iswe put her hand on his shoulder and he closed his mouth, just staring at Odi firmly. "Yes, please." he grumbled.

"Okay then. Follow me." Odi said back and turned, heading on through the people quickly. Aarin hesitated, then followed after her quickly, his hand once again wrapped around Aveda's and the sprites on his heels. They sifted through the crowds quickly, and then eventually seemed to get away from the throngs of bodies and into a secluded street. There were very few houses and shops here, and it was quiet and still. Odi led them between the houses and to a small door painted green in a white wall. She looked back at Aarin and the others and said seriously, "Do not speak until I tell you."

"I've got that covered." Sein responded causing Aveda to chuckle then quickly cover her mouth to try and stifle the noise. "Sorry.." She whispered then fell silent as she stood next to Aarin, watching the door expectantly. She wondered who this mysterious man could be.

Odi looked at them all, waiting until she got a confirming nod from Iswe and Aarin as well, before she turned and knocked loudly on the door a few times. There was a call from inside and Odi opened the door slowly, peering inside to a dark room. The only light inside was that of a smelting crook in the corner and a blazing fire at the back wall. Other than that, the room was rather dim. She moved into the room and called out, "Rafe, você é bom para a empresa?"

A small figure huddled against the fire shifted, then grunted and sat up a little straighter. He turned to look over his shoulder towards the sound of her voice. His skin was dark like Odi's, and his head was covered in stark white hair that curled tightly to his head, and white scruff dotted his chin. His eyes were blank and cloudy... blind, Aarin suspected. She waved them into the room and motioned for them to stand against the far wall in a line. She then turned back towards the man and moved to his side, sliding her hand onto his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her when she stood in front of him, and he pulled her in to himself in a hug, his face nuzzled in against her stomach. She smiled and rested her hand on his fuzzy head.

"Como você sabia?" Odi whispered.

The man grunted again, then in a very deeply baritone voice responded, "Você nunca pode esconder nada de mim." He nuzzled her stomach a little more, then pulled back and ran his hand over her dress, smiling and then turning his eyes upwards towards her face, but not looking at her. "Quem está aqui?"

Odi dropped her hands from his head and looked towards the group at the back wall. "You may introduce yourselves now. Say only your names." she instructed.

Aarin was a little confused. This man was blind. How could he have created this book? He frowned, then called out, "Prince Aarin of Lay--"

"I said only your name." Odi corrected sternly.

Aarin shifted on his feet, frowning at Odi, then said, "Aarin."

Iswe called out next after him, "Iswe."

Aveda frowned slightly at Odi but knew better than to say anything just yet in Aarin's defence. "Aveda." She said swiftly as she watched the strange man before them.

Sein listened to them all give their names then gave a small silent sigh of frustration. Nudging Iswe she pointed to herself then towards the man. "Can you say my name please." She asked her silently.

Iswe nodded and opened her mouth to speak, but Odi stopped her by raising a hand. "Let her say it." she insisted. She then looked at Sein expectantly and gave her a sort of reassuring smile. "Just say it."

She knows Reise took my voice. Sein thought angrily, not liking the idea of being humiliated when she failed at being able to say her own name. But when she saw Odi's small reassuring smile she sighed in defeat. Taking a deep breath she opened her mouth to say her name. "Sein."

As if on cue, the old, blind man shifted. "Sein?" he repeated with a thick accent, as if he'd heard it clear as day. "Sein the Fire?" Odi nodded and he released her from his grip, moving to stand from his seat. He grabbed a cane and leaned on it heavily, his other hand wrapped around Odi's as she led him to the group. He seemed to know the way though, as if he could see where they were. He stood in front of Sein and his white eyes looked right through her. He sniffed at her. "Sein..." he breathed, his breath smelling of soot. "I've dreamed of you. I am destined to give you something." He turned and moved away from the group then, this time without Odi, and headed to a large chest at the end of his bed in the corner of the room. He unlocked it with fumbling fingers, and opened it with a loud creak of the hinges. He coughed loudly, waving at the air, then dug around inside. Aarin watched with confused interest as this old man dug around for something important. He wondered what this man--whom none of them had ever met--could possibly have to give to Sein. He also wondered what his true role in the creation of his book had been.

Sein was taken aback when the man repeated her name as if he had heard her clearly then watched with slight unease when he slowly moved towards her. Her eyes widened when he suddenly spoke of dreaming of her and having something he had to give to her. She had never seen or heard of this man but he seemed to know about her. She glanced at Iswe and Aarin when he turned and moved to the chest, looking at them both with a puzzled expression before shrugging and looking back at him. "Can you tell me what the dream was?"

"I saw you." the man answered, still rummaging around in the chest. "You were haloed in fire... but there was a dark shadow looming over you, in the shape of a wolf. He had red eyes." He gruffed as he finally grabbed what he had been looking for and pulled it out. It was a deep shade of crimson, and shimmered like heavy velvet. It was bundled, tied together in a parcel with a piece of silver sinew, and he carried it carefully against his chest as he walked with his cane back towards her. He held it out to her. "This is for you." he whispered. "It will help you and the wolf. It will not restore your voice... but it will restore your love."

Aarin stared at the beautiful designs in the deep red fabric, and he had to resist the urge to reach out and touch it. He wondered what it was... what it did. This man had knowledge and possession of enchanted objects, clearly. Maybe he did have something to do with the book after all.

Sein's heart jumped when the old man spoke of his dream, knowing instantly that he was speaking of Eon. She gulped lightly then watched as he moved slowly back towards her, carrying the strange bundle. "Thank you.." She said, and for the first time was thankful she had no voice for she knew her tone would have been weak. She carefully took it from him then with one last final glance at the man, slowly pulled the silvery sinew away to allow the item to fall free and reveal itself to the group.

AS it unraveled, it was revealed to be a heavy cloak, made of very fine velvet and cotton. It was soft both inside and out, and glimmered in the flickering firelight. It touched the floor, even as Sein held it up, and there was a large hood attached to it between her hands. It had a single tie of gold that met across the chest, and the inside of the cloak seemed to shimmer with life. Or magic. Aarin stared. "W-what... is it..?" he asked, though he knew quite obviously that it was a cloak. "What does it do?"

The old man motioned to the cloak. "Wear this, and it will lead your wolf to you. Put it on him, and it will give him back to you in his purest form. It will eradicate any and all darkness from his being." he instructed in a raspy voice that was thick with accent. "He has been cursed. This will break it. He is not an evil wolf."

"This will bring Eon back?" Sein replied and had to stop herself hugging the man. But Eon isn't on Neverland.. She thought then shook her head, knowing it was worth a try to help Eon. She gripped the cloak tightly in her hands as she looked at it then suddenly swept it round until it rested on her shoulders. She tied it neatly then looked back up. "Thank you. If there is anything I can do to repay you for this gift then please just ask."

"You do not need to repay me for destiny." the man mumbled, waving his hand at her in refusal. He then turned towards Aarin and narrowed his eyes a little. "Prince." he sniffed at him. "You have something to ask me. Several things."

Aarin jumped a little as he was suddenly addressed, then nodded and pulled out the book. He held it out to him. "Did you create this book?" he asked seriously. "And if you did... how did it come to me?"

He leaned in and sniffed at the leather binding of the book in Aarin's hands, his blind eyes unseeing. He stood up straighter and hummed, then grabbed for the book and felt the covers. His fingers graced the engraved title, then the symbol of Neverland on the back. He coughed a small laugh. "This is my book." he nodded, his finger gracing the initials. "I made this long ago... this is the only copy and I gave it to one person."

"My grandmother." Aarin whispered.

"No. Her sister." He sighed and offered the book back to him. "Your grandmother acquired it after Jollel died." he explained.

Aarin was wide-eyed now. "How did you know? How did you know any of that?"

The old man laughed roughly. "It is my job to know." He patted Aarin's shoulder, then started to lead him back towards the fire, motioning for him to sit down. "What do you want to know about the book?"

Aarin gulped and stuttered a moment as he took his seat, almost shaking in awe of this man. "Why are the pages blank?"

He leaned back in his chair and breathed deeply, closing his blind eyes. "Because they have not been filled yet." he explained. "I made the book for Jollel to fill with the things she learned when she left Neverland."

"My great aunt lived here?"

"For a long time, yes. Before your father and uncle were born."

"I had no idea..."

"There are a lot of things about your great aunt that you do not know." the man laughed. "What else?"

Aarin considered this, then looked at the man and pressed, "Do you know anything about enchanted swords?"

He opened his eyes again and sat forward before looking at Aarin. "I do. I used to create them before my eyes failed me. It was another item I made for Jollel. I also made her a bow and arrows... an enchanted canteen and some seeds... and I gave her a piece of enchanted volcanic rock that would set fire to literally anything."

"Those are the gifts my aunt gave to the sprites who are now my guardians. They still have them." Aarin explained, his eyes wide. "So that's where they came from..."

"Jollel was my apprentice for a while and she wanted to know what kinds of things she could create. So I gave her those items for her to learn from. I'm glad they helped your sprites in the war against your uncle."

"The first war, yes. We're not entirely sure they'll be adequate enough this time."

There was a long silence. "So Reise is back." he grumbled. He sighed and stood up again slowly, moving to poke at the fire and add another log to it. "So what do you want from me, prince?"

Aveda had followed silently after Aarin, standing behind him as he sat down. She listened quietly as he spoke with the man then placed a hand on his shoulder and nodded slightly with her head to encourage him to carry on talking. "Go on." She whispered as she smiled lightly at him.

Aarin looked up at Aveda and swallowed hard, then glanced back at the old man who was leaning on his cane, Odi near him. "I had my suspicions that whomever made this book was the same person who created my grandmother's sword. It's enchanted somehow, my grandmother used it to encase my uncle in crystal at the end of the first battle." he explained, moving to pull the sword from his sheath. She glanced at Aveda apologetically. "I swiped it from your brother before we got off the ship. I hope you're not mad." He then looked back at the older man and held the sword out. "Did you forge this sword?"

He shifted on his legs, then moved towards them, limping on his cane until he was right in front of them. His blind eyes stared ahead blankly as he reached out and graced his fingers over the hilt and handle, then down the blade's flat surface. He brushed his hand back up until his fingers graced the four augment slots, and he smiled. "Yes... I remember this sword." he whispered fondly. "I crafted it with the utmost care for your grandmother. Jollel requested it and paid me very well for it. She even helped me create it." he explained.

"What are the augment slots for? What can this sword really do?" Aarin asked seriously, watching the man.

He breathed deeply and moved to sit back down again, leaning towards Aarin. "It can harness the power of the sprites." he whispered. "It is why your great aunt requested it so. She had already given the four sprites life, and wanted a way that they could be even more powerful together. This sword can possess them, and use their powers in unison."

Aveda smiled and shrugged at Aarin. "I'm not mad. Impressed actually. Shows you've got the makings to be a great thief." She chuckled lightly then fell silent when the man continued to talk and couldn't help but lean in slightly to hear what he was whispering to the prince.

Aarin gaped and glanced at Odi, who was watching him with a less-than-pleased expression, and then looked at Iswe and Sein, who were still at the back of the room and couldn't hear what they were discussing. He turned back to the man and whispered, "How?"

"They merely have to touch it," he explained, "and you have to be the one holding it. They will be absorbed into the sword and then you can use their talents yourself."

Aveda glanced at Odi and noticed her expression then looked back at the man with a worried frown. "Pardon me for interrupting but..that sounds a little dangerous. I mean how do we know that when the sprites touch this sword that they won't get trapped there or even destroy them?" She asked a little nervously.

He shook his head. "That's not how the sword was forged. It was forged with light magic, not dark. Dark magic would have destroyed them, or corrupted them, or trapped them, but this sword merely borrows their talents. Then, when they're no longer needed, a few words can set them free." he explained. "It's a very simple and painless process."

"Oh..okay then." Aveda replied feeling embarrassed. "So then if this sword absorbs the sprites and their powers then it will be powerful enough to defeat Reise? For good?"

"We can hope." Aarin whispered, as if stealing the words from the man's mouth. He chuckled gruffly and Aarin leaned forward. "Please... what is your name? How do you know so much about my family?"

He paused, then smiled. "My name is Rafe Triannas. As I said before... I was Jollel's mentor for a while when she lived here on Neverland. I felt her when she passed. She sacrificed herself for your father." he explained. "And soon I will join her. My purpose was to remain here and wait for you to come to me with these questions so that I could guide you. My time is short now." he smiled weakly, making Odi watch him with wide eyes.

"But you cannot go!" Odi insisted. "You created Neverland! You cannot abandon it!" she said rather emotionally. "What will happen to the city?!"

"Nothing, Odi. Nothing will happen."

"You created Neverland?" Aveda gasped as her eyes widened at the old man. How does one go about creating something like this? She thought. "Is there anything you don't make?" She smiled lightly at him.

Rafe gave a small, rough chuckle. "It is what I do." he shrugged.

"You created Neverland, and yet you're living here in the darkness like a hermit... why? Didnt anyone recognize you for your greatness?" Aarin asked, shaking his head. "You're a genius... you should be awarded a medal and recognition." he insisted.

But Rafe held up his hand to stop him. "That is not why I created Neverland, child." he sighed. "No one ever does something they love simply for the recognition."

Aarin frowned, seeming confused by this concept. He sighed, then paused. "So wait... does this mean that Neverland is actually a fairly young society?" he asked, shaking his head. "How are there so many people and creatures here? The mountains and plant life..." he said, shaking his head.

"I never said that." Rafe shook his head. "Neverland is well over two hundred years old... as am I."

"You're over 200 hundred years old?!" Aveda exclaimed then suddenly looked embarrassed. How could someone grow to be that kind of age? She thought before something suddenly struck her. You could possibly grow to that age Aveda if you allowed Hook to keep his wish over you. You would never grow older than 16 if he remained on the dreamcatcher.. She glanced at Aarin then over at Rafe. Could I grow to be as wise and powerful as this man if I allowed that to happen? Imagine the good I could do. She looked distant for a moment before suddenly blinking and bringing herself back to reality. She moved to stand next to Aarin now, her arms folded lightly over her chest.

"Two hundred, forty-seven, to be exact." Rafe chuckled. "Ah, Aveda... I remember you. Your brother has told me so many stories."

"You know Hook?" Aarin asked, now feeling angry. Hook had lied about knowing anything about the book. Aarin was getting really irritated with people keeping things from him.

"Son, I know everyone. But I know Captain Hook especially because I made the amulet around his neck that grants the wishes of his crew. I'm the one who granted his." Rafe explained.

"You granted his wish for us to share everlasting life?" Aveda gasped then looked suddenly towards Odi. "How long does one normally remain Captain of the Dreamcatcher? 40 or 50 years maybe?" She asked a little naively.

Odi's eyebrows raised critically at Aveda and she shook her head. "The captain stays the captain until he or she decides to give up the title, or dies." she explained firmly. "That can be hundreds of years, if one chooses." She glanced at Rafe. "In his case, it was."

Hundreds of years! Aveda thought with wide eyes as she glanced at Aarin before looking back at Rafe. "So you were captain before my brother? Was it you that decided to bring my brother aboard the DreamCatcher?"

Rafe once again shook his head and turned his eyes in the general direction of where Aveda's voice was coming from. "Fate decided that long before he was even born, child. He merely chose to fulfill it." he explained, resting both hands on his cane's head. "I was captain for one hundred, five years before he came along. Unbeknownst to him, I was looking for a replacement and he fit the title more than perfectly... plus, he made me an offer I could not refuse." he chuckled. "At the time that I was captain, Neverland was still in its infancy and I was a mere thirty years of age. It took me up until that point to build both Neverland and the DreamCatcher. Neverland wasn't really finished until I turned one hundred, five." he explained. "Your brother came to me on my two hundred, tenth birthday." He sighed wistfully, turning his blind eyes to the ceiling as he remembered. "I was no longer captain, but the DreamCatcher still belonged to me. Hook came to me because he knew I had more power over the ship's future than the captain at the time." he explained. "He swore to me that he would travel the world to find me as many unknown enchanted artifacts as he could for me to study if he could be captain. He has held up his end of the bargain thus far."

Aveda nodded in understanding. "Yes..I have seen his collection. The things he has collected are quite magnificent. I am still trying to decide how I am going to steal a few things for myself." She chuckled lightly. "What exactly did my brother tell you about myself?"

"He told me of the wonderful, selfless soul that you have. How you steal from the rich and give back to those less fortunate." Rafe said with a warm smile in her direction. "His description of how humble and compassionate you are is what made me agree to break the wish rule. You see, wishes are usually only applied to those working aboard the ship. His wish changed everything. Now there are very few rules about wishes."

"That's how he was able to set my family free for me..." Aarin assumed aloud. He then gave a small frown at the ground and decided he would owe Hook a very sincere thank you. He sighed and looked at Rafe again. "Would you happen to have anything that could help our friend, Prince Ihara? He was changed into a frog by my uncle..."

Rafe's brows furrowed a little, then he grunted as he stood up. Odi grabbed his outstretched hand and led him towards a cupboard beside his bed, and he felt for the handles of the cabinets before opening one and reaching for a box inside. He opened it, revealing a large collection of pearls that were all colors and sizes. He reached in, dug around a moment with his fingers without spilling any onto the floor, before pulling one out. He carried it in his palm back to Aarin. "Where is the frog prince?" he asked.

Iswe gulped and slowly stepped forward, pulling Ihara from her shoulder and holding him in her palms. "Here." she said, moving to Aarin's side. "Say something, Ihara."

Is he going to be able to make me an elf again? Ihara said as he sat patiently in Iswe's hands, whilst he continued to look up at the man Rafe. I would like that. I want to be able to help in the fight against Reise..

Rafe nodded at Ihara in Iswe's hands. "This is for you..." he said and held out the pearl. "The spell over you is dark and strong, so this will only be temporary. Use it wisely." he explained. "The reversal will only last a few hours. The only way to undo what Reise has done to you is to kill him. That will undoubtedly undo everything and everyone that he has cursed."

Ihara looked at the pearl that was being offered, hoping Iswe would take it for him. What exactly am I meant to do with it? He asked curiously as he looked back at Rafe. His heart had sunk slightly when he heard the effects from the pearl would not be permanent but he remained hopeful that Reise would meet his end soon and he would return to his true form.

Rafe set the pearl in Iswe's palm beside Ihara and then said softly, "You must swallow it. It will not take effect right away, you may have to wait. But it will change you back just long enough for your opportunity to do something drastic." he said with a small, blind smile. "Is that everyone then? Sein the fire acquired her cloak.... the frog prince has his pearl... the prince has his answers, and the princess of thieves has her plans...." he listed aloud, then paused and turned back to Odi. "You." Odi paused, shifted, then moved to him. He whispered something in her ear, and tears came to her eyes, but she nodded and gave him a smile.

Ihara thanked Rafe for the pearl then carefully clambered back up on Iswe's shoulder. Will you keep the pearl safe for me Iswe until the right time? I just hope I know when that is. He said to her as Sein proudly readjusted the cloak round her neck and Aveda straightened up, sensing that they would soon be on their way.

Iswe nodded and very carefully tucked the pearl into a pouch on her belt. She made sure Ihara was snug and safe on her shoulder again, giving him a small nuzzle. "I'm sure you will." she said softly.

Finally, Rafe turned to the group and cleared his throat. "If you'll excuse me... I have preparations to make." he said softly. "Aveda, please tell your brother to come visit me as soon as he is able. Tell him I have a new gift for him in exchange for everything he's done for me." He then turned and limped back towards the spot where he'd been huddled in front of the smithing fire when they'd entered his home.

Aarin nodded in thanks to the old man, and Odi motioned for them to follow her out of the room. She opened the door and stepped outside, Aarin close on her heels, and it was only when they stepped out into the thin, cool air that he realized how uncomfortably hot and humid it had been in that old man's house. He breathed deeply of the thinner air and looked around. It was midday now, the streets warmed by the high sun, and he smiled. "Well. What now?" he asked, his hands on his hips. "Should we explore a bit, or report back to our family about the news we've received?"

"Well I personally would like to explore a little more." Aveda replied after she had stepped out of Rafe's home and stopped beside Aarin. "Though Rafe did wish me to pass a message to my brother to see him as soon as possible.." She looked thoughtful for a moment before smiling. "Well why don't you, Odi and Sein carry on exploring and i'll go back with Iswe and talk to Hook. That why no one is going to be alone. Then when we're done we'll come and track you down." She said as she looked at Aarin. "Unless you can think of another way."

Aarin gave a small frown. He didn't want to be separated from Aveda. But he also wanted to keep exploring. He sighed and glanced back at Iswe and Ihara, and then at Sein and Odi. "Well... what do you all want to do?" he asked with a shrug.

"I think I should take Ihara back to your mother and father and explain to them about the pearl." Iswe insisted with a nod, watching him. "This is very important. And you will want to tell your family and Raina about what you've discovered about your sword. It will be very detrimental to your training to defeat Reise."

Odi nodded slowly. "Yes... and I must return to speak with Anaita." she said softly, but seriously. "We should all head back now. There will be plenty of time for exploring later."

"Oh alright then." Aveda replied with a slight pout. She had been really looking forward to exploring Neverland some more and had only intended on going to see her brother for a moment or two but she supposed the others were right. They should all attend to the more important matters at hand. She suddenly smiled though and made to move past Aarin pausing for a split second to whisper to him. "We shall sneak out tonight and explore while the others sleep." She said then carried on a few steps before turning and looking back at the group. "My brother should be aboard the DreamCatcher so once we reach it I shall take my leave to deliver my message and allow you all to carry onto Odi's parents home to complete your own tasks. Depending on how Hook feels we may or may not join you for dinner."

Aarin smiled at Aveda and nodded, blushing a little. Sneaking out? Just the two of them? He felt excited. He nodded to Odi, Sein and Iswe, and then started to head back through the streets towards the marketplace they'd come through.

As they were walking, with Sein tailing the group, a whisper suddenly reached her ears. Eon had seen her from a mile away. It was like he was drawn to her. Suddenly, he didn't care about finding and killing Aarin. He wanted Sein. That red cloak... It was hypnotizing. It looked like it was rippling with energy, even from the distance between them. His red eyes locked on it as he hugged the corner of a building, and watched the group. "Sein." he called softly, watching her with an unwavering gaze.

Sein had been walking slowly behind the group, unable to stop herself admiring the fabric of the cloak around her shoulders. She smiled proudly down at it as she ran her fingers down its edge before suddenly stopping when she heard her name whispered through the air. She recognised that voice no matter how soft it was. Her eyes searched frantically forgetting about the others who were continuing to move on. I just imagined it..

Eon's red eyes stayed locked on her, even as he shifted between the bodies around them in the marketplace, drawing him closer to her and that red cloak. "Sein," he whispered again, almost upon her now, his hand outstretched towards her.

Sein spun round again at the sound of the second whisper and finally her eyes locked with Eon's. She gasped silently and couldn't help but wonder how he had come to be on Neverland. Is Reise here too? She thought but didn't ponder on it too long. Glancing briefly at Aarin and the others she wondered if she should try and alert them but knew that if she tried to move after them there was a chance Eon could disappear. Turning back to look at Eon she took a small step towards him then stopped. The cloak! "Eon.." She mouthed as she slowly moved to untie the knot from under her neck.

Eon didn't even seem to be paying anyone else any attention. His eyes were locked solely on Sein and that magnificent cloak. Something about it was drawing him in. He moved closer to her and reached towards her between the people. Aarin and the rest of the group had kept walking, oblivious to Sein's absence, leaving her alone with Eon in the crowd of the busy marketplace.

I need to do this quickly..if he suspects anything he might run. Sein thought as the cord tying the cloak round her neck fell loose between her fingers until finally it dangled freely. She smiled weakly at him as he neared her, her own hand reaching out towards his, hoping that if she had a grip on him he wouldn't be able to run. "What are you doing here?" She asked him silently as she tried to decide the best way to get the cloak around his shoulders.

Eon moved closer, watching her like a cornered animal. "I stowed away." he explained briefly, taking another step. Their hands were so close. He could almost feel the warmth coming off of her skin. He stopped there though, something holding him back from inside. He wanted that cloak, but something was keeping him pinned now. Something dark. His hand slowly dropped to his side.

"So I guess you're here under Reise's wishes then?" Sein replied with a frown, both for what she had said and because he dropped his hand away from hers. "You look tired." She said suddenly as a thought struck her and decided she would give it a go first. "I bet he hasn't been letting you stop to rest or anything. Well we may be enemies at the moment but that doesn't mean I can't help you when you need it. Lets get you something to eat and find somewhere that you can sit and rest a while." She pulled the cloak from round her shoulders then and held it up towards Eon. "Here put this on..you look like you need this more than I do to keep out the cold." She said hoping that Eon wouldn't grow suspicious. She took a step towards him and moved to drape the cloak round his shoulders.

Eon flinched away from the cloak a little, his eyes still locked with hers. They were wide, almost scared, and bright red. He inched back a little more, away from the cloak. Suddenly, someone shouted, "THAT'S THE THIEF THAT STOLE MY CLOTHES!" Eon looked up, then suddenly changed into his wolf form, the man's stolen clothes falling off of his body into a heap. He glanced at Sein, shook out his fur, then broke off into a run through the crowd, making people scream and swat at him. He slipped away into the darkness of a nearby ally.

Sein glared in the direction of the shout from the unknown man then turned back to look at Eon just in time to see him disappearing down the ally. Great. She thought with a small sigh then followed after him quickly, the cloak clamped tightly in one of her hands. As she stepped into the darkness she raised her free hand as it was engulfed in flames hoping it would give enough light for her to hopefully locate Eon again.

The alley wasn't just dark. It smelt. It smelt as if it was the most stereotypical back alley in existence. This alley was where drunks spilled their bladders across the walls and murderers left their bodies to be found days later in a state beyond recognition. This alley smelt of the worse refuse the world had to offer. As the fire flickered into life around Sein's hand, she could see it probably wasn't the alley causing that smell. Scabbar's expressionless mask stared at her, his mask barely a foot away from her face, illuminated in the soft light she was putting out. His axe was shimmering with the flames as he held it, ready to swing. "Boo." he said flatly to Sein as his body tensed up to strike.

Sein's nose had wrinkled in disgust at the foul stench that had invaded her nostrils. As she ignited the fire around her hand and came face to face with Scabbar she gave a silent yelp in surprise. "You!" She mouthed after quickly regaining her composure and narrowing her eyes dangerously at him. She noticed his body tense ready to strike and for a second she considered turning and running back from the alley but she realised that he would probably follow her out and straight into the path of innocent Neverland citizens. I cannot risk the safety of these people.. she thought then looked back at Scabbar as she raised her fiery fist, ready to strike him if needed. "I have beat you once before.."

Scabbar cocked his head as he saw her actually NOT run away, she was brave for someone he almost murdered last time. "I come back. You don't." he said with a little chuckle before thrusting his axe out at her, blade first, holding it vertical in order to both attempt to hit her in the head with the blade or knock her hard with the wooden handle. The last time he'd sat on her and choked her while he burnt to death, and she'd only just escaped thanks to someone else. Even if she did win this fight, the ship was ruined. They couldn't escape him, he'd kill them eventually, if he had to go through every person on this damned floating island.

But instead of the blade connecting with Sein, something jumped between them. Eon let out a pained yelp as the blade cut into his ribs, and immediately proceeding that was an angered growl as he spun on his legs the instant they touched the ground again, and leapt at Scabbar, his jaws locking on the hooded face. It tasted and smelled foul, like rot and decay, but he kept his teeth sunk into Scabbar's head. "She's not our concern! We're here for the prince!" he growled.

"GET OFF ME MUTT!" Scabbar's head... just kinda squidged. In a horrible way. It compressed beneath Eon's teeth, and blood soaked through the cloth. "We..." he lunged his knee upwards, trying to knock the mutt off him "Are here... to kill!" Why should they let this stupid silent fire woman go? He could kill her right here and now.

Sein had pulled her hand back ready to throw a fireball as Scabbar swung his blade but stopped with only seconds to spare when Eon suddenly sprang between them. Her eyes widened in surprise when she watched him attack Scabbar and try to stop him attacking her and for a moment she prepared to run and help him fight off the mad axeman. But then she remembered the cloak. Eon had his back to her so she could easily place it over him. Glancing round she spied a small pile of debris which she threw a small fireball at, allowing it to catch fire and keep the alley lit up. With that done the hand that had been on fire extinguished allowing her to grip the cloak with two hands. Please work.. She thought before suddenly pouncing forward and placing the cloak over Eon's back, hoping she could quickly tie the cord beneath his chin before he tried to shake her off or Scabbar attempted another attack.

Eon let out a pained yelp with every hard connection that Scabbar's knee made to his ribs and stomach, tightening his jaws further until black ooze started to leak through the mask with the blood. Finally, Scabbar's knee connected hard enough to send Eon flying back and off of him, and into the cloak as Sein draped it over him. He tumbled and rolled off to the side in the alley, wrapped in the cloak and unnervingly still.

Sein was knocked back as Eon was threw off Scabbar, her back hitting the stone wall behind her hard. She quickly straightened up and turned to locate Eon, her eyes widening when she saw his unmoving covered form. "Eon!" She mouthed frantically before looking at Scabbar and narrowing her eyes. "You'll pay for that." She said as she stepped between the axeman and the wolf, both hands erupting in flames. "I suggest you run." Raising both hands she suddenly launched a large fireball at him, directed straight at his chest.

well, he was in a thief's body. He might as well take it for a test run. Scabbar was having trouble seeing because of all the blood, but at the same time, he didn't seem to be having any trouble at all. It was rather confusing to view really, but he'd get used to this new mangled face. Not if he was burnt to death however. He slammed his axe head into the ground, pushing up on the handle and practically flipping directly upwards off the springy wooden handle. He landed again with a thud and a small crack of strained bones, grabbing the axe handle and chuckling "I like this body Eon got me. So... spritely..."

"There is nothing spritely about you." Sein replied as her eyes remained narrowed on Scabbar. She really needed to get to Eon but she couldn't turn her back on the axeman, knowing he would take any chance given to attack her. "What must I do to get you to leave?"

"I'm not a force to be reasoned with." Scabbar laughed, taking a step closer, axe tense in his arms, before he dashed forward at her at surprising speed. He would only be satisfied when he was kicking her disembodied head in the gutter, and even then it would only be one of many.

The next thing that hit Scabbar was like a train: large, strong, and fast. Eon was five times his normal wolf size, and he'd tackled Scabbar from the side, his jaws locking around the handle of the axe and the hand choked highest on it. He and Scabbar both collided with the brick wall of a building, and crashed right through it, tumbling in a mess of brick dust and wood framing. He snarled, keeping his mouth locked on Scabbar with the axe immobilized. His eyes were back to their lustrous blue, and his fur had return to the beautiful chestnut brown and white underbelly.

Scabbar yelled as he was thrust through the wall, blood seeping from his clothes as he fought for the axe with Eon. "Damn beast!" he howled at the wolf, wrestling back and forth, grunting as brick dust was shaken from him as they struggled. This body was getting worn down rather quickly, he would need a new one soon. "Just can't get the help around here!" he snarled as he tried to slam his knee into Eon's nose.

Sein's eyes had widened at the sudden speed she had found Scabbar running at her with and she knew that there was a chance she wouldn't have time to respond. As she raised her hands though, something hurtled past her and straight into the approaching axeman. Quickly she shielded her head as they both went crashing through the wall next to her sending dust and rubble flying everywhere. What was that?! she thought as she slowly straightened up, trying to see what had come to her aid. Wait! Eon! She spun round to locate him but froze when she could not find him. "Eon?..." She mouthed looking both worried and confused before suddenly a wide grin split across her face and she turned and ran quickly to the hole in the wall that had been created. Peering through her smile widened even further when she saw the great wolf with its jaws locked tightly on Scabbar's axe and arm, noticing that he looked completely normal. It worked! She thought as she quickly stepped towards the pair, rolling up her sleeves as she did and allowing her entire arms to erupt in flames. "I suggest you drop that axe willingly unless you wish him to take it by force." She mouthed with a small smirk as she watched Scabbar. Just maybe if they could restrain this man and take the axe from him then they could try and make him talk. He must know something of what Reise may have planned.

Eon snarled around Scabbar's arm, his jaws dripping with the blood and black sludge that he was made of, but he didnt budge no matter how hard Scabbar kneed or hit at him this time. He tightened his jaws on the appendage, threatening to break it off altogether. He even gave a small shake of his head and tugged, like a puppy playing tug of war with a ragdoll.

"ARRRRGHH! I'll-" Scabbar paused, barely seemingly resisting Eon as he shook him about, staring up at the ceiling for a moment as he just... lost himself. It was strange, seeing him go silent and thoughtful in the middle of all this violence. Then his neck clicked, and his gaze slipped back down to Eon. "YES!" he said, letting out a gargled laugh and suddenly pushing forward, pressing all of his weight into the axe handle and almost trying to force it onto Eon "Take it! Take the axe! Oh, PLEASE take the axe!" He was laughing, forcing it at the wolf, pushing it on him "Oh, oh, please! This'll be... oh! TAKE THE BLOODY AXE!"

"What are you doi..." Sein suddenly gasped and rushed forward when she realised what Scabbar was trying to do. "Eon let go of the axe!" She mouthed frantically before suddenly launching a fireball between the pair to try split them. Without thinking she raced towards them then suddenly leapt at Scabbar, wrapping her hand around his on the axe to stop him letting go. "Don't even think about it." She warned then looked at Eon. "Let go and step back.."

Eon let out a deep-throated growl, baring his teeth as they dripped with ooze and blood, his sharp blue eyes never leaving Scabbar's hood and the black holes where eyes should be. He wasnt resisting Scabbar's pushes too much, but he wasnt abiding them either. He was just holding him in place. With another crunch of his jaws, he felt Scabbar's hand break in his mouth, and growled again. The things Scabbar had done... the things that he'd said... it made Eon's blood boil. His icy blue eyes narrowed and his ears flattened against his head before he suddenly yanked his entire body up and back, throwing Scabbar over him and releasing him to collide with the wall, and letting him take his axe with him. He spit out the mouthful of blood and black, shaking out his thick coat, and looking at Sein. "Grab your cloak," he grunted, "I'm getting that axe, and when I do, you're going to wrap it in that cloak." He then went after Scabbar again.

Sein had quickly released her grip on Scabbar's hand when she realised that Eon was going to throw him and watched as the man flew through the air and hit the wall behind them. When Eon spoke to her she looked ready to protest, not happy at the thought of him touching the axe again but stopped after a moment and gave a small nod. "Just be careful, you understand." She told him with a quick point of her finger before turning and running to grab the cloak.

Scabbar let out a yell, screaming as the fireball hit him, then he was thrown over Eon's back with a sickening crunch of a dismembering hand. He scrabbled up quickly still, swaying slightly, but standing in the alley now. "You killed this boy Eon..." Scabbar grunted as he stood there, watching Eon race towards his crippled and mangled frame "In every way..." With that he lifted his axe, one handed, and threw it down the alley. He couldn't throw far, but it sailed to the mouth of the alley, clashing down loudly on the pavement, practically ringing out like a bell when the blade struck off the stone. Then Scabbar charged at Eon, single working hand bunched tight as he threw himself at the wolf.

Eon paid no attention to the axe flying off into the alley. He knew Sein would find it and wrap it in the cloak like he'd told her to. Instead, he continued on towards Scabbar as he was coming at him. He let out a mighty roar of a bark, his jaws open and claws out as he raced at him like a locomotive. Finally, they collided, and Eon easily overpowered the smaller body, tackling him to the ground and locking his jaws around Scabbar's neck--or what he hoped was his neck--under the hood, crunching down as hard as he could.

Noises, what could have been laughter, bubbled up from the bloody throat that Eon was crunching down on. Slowly, the hood was fading from the mangled face beneath. It was barely human any more, cut and pinched and bitten, squashed and crushed and chewed by Eon in their fights, and by Scabbar's own cruelty to his body. Eon, as the body gave up the ghost and went limp beneath him, could watch the young thief's face as he bit through his neck cleanly with a wicked crunch.

As soon as the axe had been thrown Sein turned and sprinted after it, the cloak gripped tightly in her hands. Skidding to a halt in the dusty and debris filled alley she turned this way and that searching frantically for the cursed weapon. Finally she found it, lying almost hidden amongst rocks. Swiftly she moved to it carefully placing the cloak over it then picking it up and wrapping it securely in the fabric. When she was satisfied that it was properly covered Sein picked it up and wrapped her arms round it almost protectively before turning and moving back to where Eon was. "I've got it.."

Eon said a small prayer for the soul of the thief that Scabbar had taken. He opened his jaws as he lowered his head, letting the body fall to the ground gently. It was only then that he noticed a crowd had gathered at the mouth of the alleyway. Gasps and whispers of shock, and finally a scream, filled his ears and he looked at them as his body shrank back down to normal size. He looked at Sein with wide eyes, his maw covered in blood. Suddenly, their audience came rushing into the alley with ropes, nets, and weapons, screaming in anger at Eon. He didnt want to kill or hurt anyone else, and so backed down with his tail between his legs. "Sein! Go back to the others! Tell them what happened, and tell them the DreamCatcher has been destroyed!" he yelled, pushing her away with his nose and paws just before a net came down on him and he was dragged from his feet.

As if by magic, and it just might have been, the blade of the axe silently cut through the cloak wrapped around it, the ever sharp edge slicing through the cloth with ease. Sein was buffeted by the people, charging for the wolf who had just mauled a young boy in an alley. It didn't take long for a gruff voice from a passing mob member to say "Give us the axe girly, you'll only hurt yourself with it." and reach out to grasp at the cloth covered handle. An angry crowd was not an easy place to hide a cursed axe.

Sein had been smiling brightly at Eon, thinking it was over and that finally she would get to embrace him. But when she noticed his wide scared eyes she spun round quickly and gasped when she saw the crowds. She took a protective step backwards towards Eon but quickly found herself being pushed forward by him before suddenly being engulfed by the crowds and pulled away from him. "Stop it! He's done nothing wrong!" She mouthed angrily but no one was watching her. When she suddenly felt the hands grabbing for the axe and the gruff voice telling her to hand it over she looked up with an angry glare before quickly shoving them away, her eyes blazing red with anger. With all these people around she couldn't risk losing the axe so with a heavy heart and one last glance in Eons direction, she turned and pushed her way through the crowd until finally she could break into a run. "I'll come back for you..I promise." She thought before disappearing from the alley in search of Aarin and the others, her eyes brimming with hot tears.

---

---

It wasn't long before Aarin, Aveda and the remaining sprites came to the road that split and trailed off towards the docks. "I'm not sure if my brother will want to join everyone for dinner and I don't feel right leaving him alone, so if we don't appear in a little while will you please apologise to your parents Odi. Just tell them I fell ill or something." She explained and gave a small apologetic shrug to the sprite before turning to Aarin and smiling lightly. "I'll see you later." She kissed his cheek then after bidding farewell to the group turned and began to wander down the opposite path, humming a soft tune to herself. As she rounded a corner she looked up towards where she knew the Dreamcatcher had been left moored and froze when she saw its damaged state, her happy smile quickly fading. From where she stood Aveda could see the mast was no longer vertical but lying at an angle and the sails were torn to ribbons. "Titus.." She breathed with wide eyes then suddenly took off, sprinting as fast as she could towards the ship. As she ran up the plank she could see the rest of the damage and her heart rate quickened in fear. Its a wreck! She thought as her feet finally found the deck and she looked round at the mess of splintered wood that littered the place. "Titus!" She called in a shaking voice as she pulled her small dagger from her belt, fearful that whoever or whatever had done this could still be on board the vessel. "Brother!" She moved around in search of Hook, hoping to find him unscathed.

Hook gulped from where he was sitting on the deck near the broken wheel, pieces of wood in his hand and just staring at his feet. This was all his fault. He knew he shouldnt have left the ship, it was his job to keep watch. He was supposed to be captain. He sighed when he heard Aveda call on him, and he stood, looking out across the deck to her, "Im here."

Aveda spun round at the sound of Hook's voice and a wave of relief washed over her when she saw that he was okay. After dropping her dagger she hurried up the steps to the wheel before suddenly throwing her arms round his waist and hugged him tightly. "I was so frightened when I saw the ship. You're not hurt are you?" She asked after finally releasing him and looking over him, checking more closely for injuries. When she was satisfied that he seemed unharmed her thoughts then turned to the destruction of the ship. "What happened? Why would anyone do this?"

"Im fine" Hook frowned, moving to rub his head, "I wasnt here when this..I mean...For Hades sake, I should have been here. I shouldnt have left this ship" he gulped, looking around, "I dunno who did this, but when I find out, I will have their blood on my hands" he grumbled.

"I'm glad you weren't here Titus. You could have got hurt or worse." Aveda replied as she watched him closely. "We can fix this, the ship will look as good as new. Just don't go looking for trouble..please. It was probably someone who was just jealous of the ship..the main thing is no one got hurt." She smiled reassuringly at him then stooped and began to pick up pieces of splintered wood. "Oh I met Rafe by the way. He wishes to see you as soon as possible. He says he has a new gift for you. Isn't that exciting?" She said hoping to distract her brother from his bad feelings. "If you'd like to go now i'll stay here and watch over the ship."

Hook tilted his head back with a groan, "Ugh. Rafe. He is gunneh kill me for this" he sighed, looking back to her, "Im not leaving you alone. It can wait until later." he said, walking to her, "How do you know Rafe? How did you meet him?" he asked, studying her.

"Odi took us to him." Aveda replied as she briefly glanced at Hook before returning to the task of picking up debris. "He explained a lot to us. He told me all about how you came to be captain." She stood up finally and dumped an armful of wood to the side before turning back to look at her brother. "You should go and see him as soon as possible, he said his time is short."

"I told you, im not leaving you here alone, not after this ship was just attacked, they could come back" Hook said, starting to help lift it, "Rafe can wait. Where are the others?Did they go back to Odi's?" he asked, frowning a little to himself.

"Yeah..everyone had their own business they needed to attend to." Aveda said with a small shrug. "Odi wanted to speak with Aarin's grandmother, Iswe was going to talk to the King and Queen and tell them how Rafe has given the Elven frog prince a magical pearl which will transform him back to his true form but only for a few hours and Aarin also wished to speak to his parents and the elven princess about what he has learnt about his sword." She suddenly gave a small nervous smile as she turned properly to look at Hook. "I guess I should tell you before you think it has been stolen..Aarin took his sword back before he got off the ship." She said hoping her brother wouldn't be too mad. "And..now Rafe has told him what exactly it is he's meant to do with it, its pretty cool actually."

"You think I didnt know that? Aveda, give me more credit, that boy isnt as good of a thief as he thinks he is, you need to teach him more" Hook said with a raised eyebrow, "I made a deal with his grandmother. He keeps the sword until he defeats this nutcase they are after and then its mine again" he nodded, "You should go be with him, I know that is where you would like to be"

"I'm not leaving you here on your own. Whatever did this could come back, that's what you said and no matter how good a fighter you are, I doubt you could take them on your own." Aveda said as she continued to watch Hook before smiling. "So you're just going to have to accept that you're stuck with me. Anyway I already told Odi and the others that there was a chance we wouldn't be back so they know to expect it. Now i'll try and rustle us up something to eat that hopefully won't kill us. Does that sound good to you?"

Hook frowned and then nodded slowly, shrugging "Okay." he said, turning from her to continue piling the broken wood up, trying to assess the damage, "Did Odi say anything? Is she pissed at me?" he asked tilting his head.

"She never said anything about it..but then again she never really says much at any time." Aveda replied with a small frown. "Wouldn't you rather be with her right now? I mean I know you're worried that whoever did this to the ship could come back but really, what more damage could they actually do?"

"I cant go back to Odi's" Hook frowned, "I need to stay with my ship, I should never have left it in the first place, and if I go, and her father knows about..that...news..then I might not come back alive. He is gunneh kill me" he sighed, folding his arms and biting his lip.

Aveda frowned then shook her head. "You don't know that for sure." She said then sighed and turned away, wandering down into the ships kitchen. She gathered up a platter of some stale bread and cheese and what she hoped was edible fruit before grabbing a bottle of ale and moving back up onto the deck. "I will tell Odi to come and see you later then, she can keep you company whilst I go exploring with Aarin." She said as she set the plate down on the railing along with the bottle.

"Alright. Just..be careful when you are out. I know Neverland is usually peaceful, but..wel atleast one person on this island is against me. So be careful. Take weapons." Hook said, sitting down, "Im not hungry, but you should eat up.

"I'll leave you something to eat just in case.." Aveda replied as she hopped up to sit cross legged on the railing beside the plate, seemingly unafraid of the long drop to the earth below behind her. "If it will make you feel better if I take a weapon with me when we go out then I will." She added as she picked up a chunk of bread and tore a piece from it before popping it in her mouth. "But i'm sure there's nothing for you to worry about. Aarin and I aren't exactly suspicious looking." She chuckled lightly then took a swig of ale. "And I doubt anyone will recognise him as the prince of Layfette." She took a bite of the questionable fruit then scrunched her nose up and threw it overboard, deciding it was definitely not edible. Wiping her mouth she looked at Hook then tilted her head. "Do you really want me to go? Leave you here alone?"

"No. But I know you, and I know you are only staying with me here because you feel you have to. You dont. I know you would rather explore the place you havnt been before. Do it. I wont hold you back" Hook said, taking his sword from his belt and handing it to her, "Just be careful. I am okay here alone, ,I am a big boy" he smirked.

Aveda shook her head in dismay but couldn't help but smile as she took the sword from Hook. "And that's why you're too frightened to go and see Odi's parents.." She commented with a raised eyebrow. "Just be careful. You don't need to act the hero if anyone does come back here." She continued then hugged him lightly. "Now make sure you eat something." She gave his chest a small poke then turned and wandered towards the plank that led down on the docks but paused and locked back at him. "Stay safe Titus." She gave one last wave then wandered quickly down the plank and off along the dock, hoping she could remember the way back to Odi's parents.

Hook sighed as he watched her leave. He sat down with his head in his hands for a while, staring at the damage to his ship before he stood again, kicking some of the broken wood angrily. He didnt want to leave the ship, but he needed to see Rafe. Maybe he would have a way to quickly restore the ship? He walked down the plank and quickly made his way across the streets that he had memorized until he got to Rafe's house. He sighed, leaning forward and knocking before he folded his arms.

The door slowly opened, creaking loudly as it did, and the fire inside flickered lowly from the smelting pot. Rafe was sitting, hunched in front of it, and his blind eyes stared into it. "Ah... If it isn't the captain of the DreamCatcher." he said in a low, raspy grumble. "I was wondering just when you were going to come visit during your brief time in Neverland."

"You know I wouldnt come here without seeing you, Rafe" Hook sighed as he closed the door and walked to him, siting down on an empty stool in front of him. "Ii am not sure if the visit will be fleeting, though, the ship is damaged. Someone knocked her up pretty bad while I was guiding my sister to Odi's parents house. I am sorry, I shouldnt have step foot off her"

Rafe stared blankly ahead at Hook, and yet seeing right through him. He listened to the grave news about the DreamCatcher, his expression grim, then he couldn't help but give a small smirk. "And you thought I would be angry." he assumed. He then reached out and put his hand heavily on Hook's shoulder, before his white eyes finally seemed to find him. "Hook, how long have we known one another now?"

"Eight years or so, I guess?" Hook asked with a frown of confusion as he watched him, "I figured you would be angry, yes. I would be. The Dreamcatcher was like your child, you created it, and my negligence put it into harm. I am sorry, I should never have left her alone. I will fix her up, I promise"

Rafe chuckled lowly. "There is no need for that." he said and pulled himself to stand with help from his cane. "Titus, I dreamed of the DreamCatcher's demise many years ago," he whispered as he moved to dig around in his chest at the foot of his bed, "And I was prepared for it. During the eight years or so that you've been away, I've been working on a little project." He turned and limped back on his cane to where Hook was sitting, offering a rolled up parchment. "I think you would be most interested in it."

Hook studied him a little before he nodded and took the parchment. He was surprised that he was being so lenient with him. "I am always interested in your projects, Rafe, you know that" he said, moving to open it and holding it by the edges, "What is this?"

While one would find it amazing that a blind man had managed to sketch such an elaborate set of plans, he was sure Hook would be more impressed and excited by the fact that the plans were for a new ship. One better than the DreamCatcher. "That, my dear boy, is the blueprint for your new ship... Sky Rider. Rider, for short. It has everything that the DreamCatcher has and more. Much more. Increased defenses both magical and scientific... more offensive measures, and it's faster. Far faster." he explained with a grunt as he moved to sit again, his cane standing between his knees and his hands folded on its head. "My dream, while at the time I found it unlikely, told me the deep truth that the DreamCatcher wouldn't be around forever. Even if someone hadn't hacked it to pieces for you, the wood would have molded and splintered and fallen apart, and the sails would have become frail and moth-eaten. It was only a matter of time until she reached her doom." He took a slow, rattling breath, and leaned back in his chair a little, closing his eyes as he let Hook study the picture.

Hook blinked a little at the sketches of the ship before he sat down, letting out a small breath, "Rafe, this is amazing but..Is there no way we can just convert the Dreamcatcher into this? Can we not salvage her? I have spent the last eight years of my life on that ship, she is my home, I cant just abandon her" he frowned, rubbing his head in stress, "And how long do you think it will take to build?" he asked, not wanting to be on Neverland too long.

Rafe blinked, then began to laugh, his entire body rocking forward with the motion as he leaned on his cane. He shook his head, his laughs deep from his belly and rattling in his chest, raspy with his cough. He then took a breaeth and looked towards Hook again, tapping his cane against Hook's shin. "It's already done, boy!" he said and stood up. He tapped the blueprints with his finger. "That ship is moored in a hidden place. But if you wish to salvage what you can of the DreamCatcher... Then I will give her to you. She is yours. She can be your own personal project." he nodded with a smile. "Give everything you have to her. But it will take time."

Hook watched Rafe for a moment with wide eyes before he smirked at him, "I should have known better than to think it wasnt done, you work fast" he chuckled, "I can really have the Dreamcatcher? I can dock her here and work on her?" he asked, smiling a little. If he ever did retire, he would like to have his own ship to travel in. He didnt ant to let her go. "So. Where is Sky Rider Docked?"

Rafe nodded. "She's yours. True as I breathe. No payment required. After all of the enchanted items you've brought to me... You deserve two of her." He then leaned on his cane and smirked. "Sky Rider is moored behind one of the waterfalls in the Vanishing Falls." he explained. "Go looking for her and you'll find her." He then moved towards his bed, closing his chest and sighing heavily as he sat on the tattered-looking sheets and laid back on the pillow, leaning the cane against the wall. "Titus... I hope you are aware of how short my time is in this realm. I can feel my end approaching." he breathed.

"Well I hope you are wrong. I am not sure how Myself, my crew and Neverland will cope without you" Hook said as he walked to his bed at sat on the edge of it, "How long is short? Is there anything I can do for you? You know I am here for whatever you need"

With a shake of his head, Rafe looked up at him and breathed slightly. "Short as in... a few days, Titus. I will die." he explained sadly. "But I'm ready. I have lived long enough as it is... I have so many accomplishments to be proud of... including you." He looked towards him and smiled a little. "I've always considered you a bit like a son. You were so excited to join the DreamCatcher... The look on your face was like a child, innocent and full of wonder." He chuckled gruffly. "Because of this... I'm leaving everything of mine, to you. This house... and everything in it." He motioned towards the walls, covered in enchanted items, many of which Hook had brought himself. "Everything is yours and your sister's."

Hook frowned sadly at him, moving to take his hand and squeezing it gently, "I am going to miss you, Rafe. You are the only reason I come to Neverland." he said, sighing a little, "I will take care of everything, I promise you" he nodded, leaning to kiss his hand respectivly, "I never really had a father, but you were the closest I ever got. I just wanted to make you proud". He kept a hold of his hand and held it in his lap, unwilling to leave yet, "I am going to stay with you for these few days. My sister wants to explore and Odi will want to spend time with her family, I am sure" he nodded, "Speaking of my sister, I am glad you got to meet her. I never thought you would get the chance. She came here with Odi, didnt she?"

"Yes, I told Odi to bring her here." Rafe said softly and smiled up at Hook. "She is definitely your sister. I can hear it in her voice, and feel it in the air around her. It's good that you've found each other." He squeezed Hook's hand gently. "I am proud of you, Titus. Very proud." He breathed a deep sigh and closed his eyes. "I believe I'll sleep for a bit now... You should go find Sky Rider. Get yourself familiar with her. I will be fine here."

"I am not leaving you unless you promise me that when Ii get back here you will be here. You need to promise me I will see you again" Hook said, raising his eyebrow at him and giving him a small smirk, "I need to give you my review of it afterall"

Rafe grunted a laugh and closed his eyes. "I told you, Titus... I'm not going for a few more days. I'll still be here." he whispered tiredly. "I promise." He squeezed his hand again, then pulled the blankets up higher on his body and rolled onto his side, away from Hook. "Go on then."

"Alright, old man, alright" Hook said, standing and tucking the blankets into him before he pet his head and then silently walked out. He sighed, scroll in his hand and then started to walk the streets all the way back to Odi's parents house. This was the last place on Neverland he wanted to be, and eve stepping onto the path made his stomach bubble. He groaned to himself, knocking on the door firmly and then waiting.

Odi was the one that opened the door, and she blinked at Hook before frowning slightly. "You do not need to knock, Titus." she said softly, then tilted her head and stepped aside to let him in. "Are you joining us for dinner?" Lovely smells wafted out from inside the house, warm and sweet, and Shahane and Anaita could be heard laughing inside.

"No..Im not hungry" Hook lied as he stepped inside awkwardly. In truth he was starving, but he had too much to do, and he didnt like being here. "I cant stay here, Odi, your father hates me, and im not going to make your parents uncomfortable in their own home" he whispered to her, "I just came from Rafe, he wants me to go and find something that I think you will want to see. I can wait for you outside till you are finished dinner. Did my sister get back here okay?"

Odi nodded. "Yes, she is inside with Aarin." she explained, tilting her head towards the doorway. She frowned a little at his words, then seemed to think for a moment. "Wait here." She turned and headed back through her parents' home to the kitchen, where some hushed voices could be heard between her and her father. She whispered something, he grunted in response, and Shahane joined in with a small peep of her own. Finally, after a good few minutes, Odi returned to the doorway with a satchel of hot food over her shoulder, and she nodded at Hook. "Let's go."

"What happened to dinner? Wont your parents be even more pissed?" Hook said as he opened the door, "You know I do not mind waiting on you, Odi.." he shrugged, watching her and putting the scroll into his belt for safe keeping, "Let me carry that.."

Odi didn't let him have the satchel, nor did she acknowledge his worries about her parents. Instead, she stepped into him, leaning up on her toes and kissing his lips firmly with a fistful of his shirt in one hand to hold him in place. She let it linger, then broke it and gave him a firm look before bypassing him and heading down the path towards the market, knowing he'd follow and eventually lead the way.

Hook blinked, staring at the hall in front of him where she was before she left. "Well. That settles that then" he said, giving a small smirk and the following her out, closing the door. "So. Did Rafe tell you what this was?" he asked when he caught up, hoping he didnt. He wanted to surprise her.

"No. You know Rafe doesn't reveal the destinies of others." Odi said with a shrug. "He just told me you would seek me out tonight." She looked at Hook over her shoulder and raised her brows. "What is this about?"

"And ruin the surprise? Odi, please" Hook smirked, walking beside her and then reaching to take her hand, "We are heading to vanishing falls" he nodded, rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb as they walked, "So. Did Rafe know about the..um..News?" he asked, "Did you tell your parents?"

Odi looked surprised. "Vanishing Falls?" she asked softly, almost blushing. This late at night, Vanishing Falls was quite the romantic spectacle. She wondered why Hook would be taking her there, and why he was holding her hand. She tucked those inquiries away in her mind though, and decided to instead address his questions. "Yes, Rafe knew. He always knows, Hook, you should know better than to question the extent of his knowledge," she chuckled. "As for my parents... No, I haven't told them. I probably won't tell them..."

"You are not going to tell them? Why?" Hook asked, looking sideways at her as they walked. "I mean...I am no fan of your parents, that hate me, but...I mean its their grandkid. They should know. I dont exactly wanna get shot, but they should know" he nodded, biting his lip, "I traded that kids sword. I told Anaita that I would loan it to Aarin until the madman is defeated, and then I will get it back if she looked into that ball of yours and told me some things" he said, looking to the ground as they walked.

Odi shook her head. "I wont tell them unless you're there holding my hand when I do. I'm not ashamed of this, Titus, and I'm not ashamed of you." She then looked at him seriously and tilted her head. "What did she show you? What did you ask to see?"

Hook groaned, letting out a small sigh, "Im not...ashamed, Odi, I just..They hate me enough as it is, your father is gunneh murder me" he said, rolling his eyes as they walked. "I asked if she could tell me if I could somehow keep it safe, what with the kind of lives we live." he said, glancing at her, "She showed me. Boy. she showed me him when he was about..eleven I think. Your eyes, my smirk, all that" he nodded, "Atleast I know I can keep him safe until then. And after, I hope" he nodded, sighing a little. He was still losing his mind with nerves.

Odi frowned as she stopped walking, turning to look at him and holding his hand. She stayed silent a moment, then whispered, "Were we still on the ship? All of us?" she asked softly, her eyes deep with emotion.

"Yeah. We were still on a ship. Im not sure which ship, but I was captain still and you both were there. He likes to climb the roped. And he is good. Like monkey good." Hook nodded, watching her, "Why? Is that not good?"

"No, that's... that's wonderful. It's exactly what I wanted, what I hoped for." Odi admitted with a small smile. She gave his hand a squeeze and turned, leading him on through the crowds and out of the marketplace. "We can fly on the wind from here, if you want to? It would be faster."

"If you would like to, I will be honored. You know I enjoy that" Hook chuckled,"I think you are going to love the surprise" he grinned. He led her away to a clearing where no one would bother them and then tilted his head, "I will leave the rest to you" he winked.

Odi nodded and smiled at him, wrapping her hand around his and closing her eyes, clutching the satchel to her side tightly with her free hand. A gust of wind blew over them, soft like a breeze at first, then increasing until it was a torrent. Finally, they lifted off of the ground and set to the sky, Odi holding their hands out as they flew towards the Vanishing Falls. From up here, they could see everything, and Vanishing Falls was not too far away when they traveled like this. Below, the city was warm with late evening twilight, and the moon was starting to shine on the other side of them. Little by little, stars were emerging. The view of Neverland from the sky was amazing.

"Its not often you get to see it like this when you are not on the ship" Hook said with a small smile, clutching to her hand gently. He wasnt scared of this anymore. It made him nervous at the start, but the more he did it, the easier it became to enjoy, "You will know exactly what it is we are looking for when you see it." he winked.

Odi smiled. She loved seeing the city like this when the citizens below were just starting to light their lanterns for the night. It was like a trail of stars below. Eventually, the city faded from view, and they were flying over acres of farmland, heading towards the mountain that sat in the center of the suspended piece of land. She carried them on the wind around towards the right of the mountain, where several waterfalls were cascading over the edge of the mountain, through a large gorge, and finally off of Neverland itself. There were even holes directly through Neverland where the waterfalls emptied to the earth below. She frowned in confusion as she narrowed her eyes, trying to see what it was he was talking about. "I don't see anything!" she called over the wind and the roar of the waterfalls as they flew a little closer.

"Behind the falls, he said, Odi" Hook smiled, slipping his hand around her waist, his hook pointing to a flat rock beside the waterfalls, "Land us, we can walk behind from here." he nodded, looking around and trying to see through the crashing water. He wanted to see her.

Odi nodded and brought them down until their feet landed on the flat rock's surface with a small stumble. She looked around, then looked at him. "What are we looking for that's hidden behind a waterfall?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "What did Rafe want you to find?"

"You are determined to get me to ruin this surprise, arent you?" Hook smirked, taking her hand and leading her carefully over the rocks. He sliped in behind one waterfall and frowned when he saw nothing, "Maybe the next one" he said, walking out the other side and across the slippy rocks, making sure to keep Odi as steady as he could. When he slipped behind the next, getting a little soaked from the water spray, he stumbled into the hollowed out cave. It was massive. Big enough to harbor the Sky Rider. "There she is. Excatly like the sketches" he mumbled, his eyes wide as he lead her along the cave, looking up at her tall masts.

Odi was still frowning in confusion when they fell through to the hallowed out cave behind the falls, but his words made her look up and she gasped, her eyes going wide. Even in the dimness of the moon-lit cave, she could see the sheer size of the ship before them. The masts alone were beyond her comprehension. The Sky Rider was definitely larger than the DreamCatcher--in fact, it made their ship look like a dinghy. She gulped, then looked at Hook. "W-what is this?"

"This is the Sky Rider. Our new ship. We have upgraded" Hook smiled, tilting his head at her and leading her forward, "Rafe wanted to make a new ship, its faster, can withstand more that the Dreamcatcher. He gave me the Dreamcatcher, so I can restore her and have her as a personal ship. Oh..yeah...The Dreamcatcher has been damaged, someone took a real disliking to her" he frowned, "But regardless, this is our new ship." he said, moving to the ladder that hung down, "Rafe says he doesnt have long. In fact, he said he ants to leave everything to me. Im gunneh miss that old sod" he sighed, climbing up the ladder and onto the deck, "Come on, lets explore"

Odi blinked, her eyes wide as she watched him climb the ladder. She shook her head like she was trying to break herself of a daze, and she followed him up the ladder quickly. "Titus!" she called when she got to the top. "The DreamCatcher was destroyed?! And you didn't tell me?!" she growled. The DreamCatcher had been her home for a long time. She had been on it even before Titus had joined the crew. She shoved him a little. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?!" She then sighed and stepped back, putting her hands on her bald head, not caring if she smudged her paint. "I knew that Rafe didn't have much longer, he told me that as well, but... He's leaving absolutely everything to you? Are you sure?"

Hook stumbled a little when she pushed him and he steadied, turning to smirk at her, "I am sure. Well, that's what he said to me, anyway. He said he saw me like a son and wanted to leave me what he had. His house, the treasures I have been collecting for him, all that stuff" he said, shrugging and turning to her, "And you know what ever I gain will be your gain also, right? I told you about that ball thingy, you are still my right hand even then, and we are bound whether you like it or not" he said, smirking a little at her, "So yes. The dreamcatcher was destroyed, the sails were slashed and the masts were turned to rubble. i am heartbroken that she is damaged too, Odi, but we have this now, for business. The dreamcather is ours. I will fix her up, get her running again and we can have it. Just us, for pleasure more than business. I mean, that's good, right?"

Odi looked back at him, her eyes looking sad. She sniffed, then nodded. "Yes... that's good. The DreamCatcher can be like our home away from Neverland... and the Sky Rider can be for adventures." she said, straightening up and sighing, looking around. She then looked back at Hook and bit her lip. "Do you promise..? That we're bound... We'll always be a pair, no matter what?"

Hook watched her before he nodded slowly, "I promise. For as long as I can keep it that way, that is. I mean, your dad might shoot me in the face later tonight, so.." he said, giving her a smirk and shrugging, "Come on, Odi, Smile for Hades sake! This is supposed to be exciting. Lets find our quarters." he said, walking straight to the staircase and walking up it before he turned to look down at her again, "Well..I mean..I figured now that..." he said before he shrugged, "You can have your own quarters like on the Dreamcatcher if you want, I dont mind. We can arrange that" he nodded. All this still made his very bones nervous, but he was trying.

Odi looked up at him from the bottom of the stairs, then gave him a slow, knowing smile. She climbed the stairs to him and slid her hand into his, lacing their fingers together and kissing his cheek. "Let's find our quarters." she said softly and smiled at him. She then pulled him through the ship and to a set of doors behind the steering column. She pushed them open and stepped inside, gaping at the large room inside. "Wow..."

"Damn, Rafe knows me well" Hook grinned, looking around at the empty glass cabinates for the treasures they would find, the long office desk and the fireplace. "Classy" he smirked, dragging her to a set of double doors and opening it, smiling at the bedroom. There was a large fourposter bed, a couch beside the large window, wardrobes and dressers. He let her hand go and walked to the single door to the right, opening it and stepping inside. "We have a pretty nice tub. This is a step up from my other quarters" he chuckled when he walked out and moved to the other single door at the left of the bed, pausing at it and holding the doorframe when he opened it, "Seems he knows us very well" he mumbled, nodding to the simple crib in the middle of the room.

Odi moved to his side quickly, curious as to what he meant before she stopped and saw the crib inside the adjoining nursery. She gaped, blushing lightly, then suddenly tears came to her eyes. She sniffed and looked up at Hook with a shaky smile, before wrapping her arms around him and kissing him firmly. She owed Rafe everything for this.

Hook kissed her back, holding her head with his hand and giving a small sigh through his nose. When he broke it, he nuzzled her nose a little with his, "Its gunneh be okay. I will make it be okay." He leaned to pull her into a hug, rubbing her back and leaning to kiss her shoulder. "We should head back soon." he mumbled.

"Soon," Odi agreed, before adding, "But not right now. I want you to myself." She kissed his neck, then kissed his lips again before pulling him backwards towards the large bed. She smiled at him cheekily, pulling him until they landed on the bed with him over her, and she captured his mouth again.



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