all this has happened before

[lost_boy]

We were running. Running from Peter. Running toward the pirates.

It hadn't been difficult to convince the others this was our best option, not after all Peter had done. They knew now, they had seen what he was like, they'd been viewed under the cold, dismissive gaze of Peter Pan and understood he thought nothing of them. Of us. Because I may have been his favourite once, but it was clear I was too grown up, too close to being a man to be loved by him any longer.

I knew that had upset me once, but now, surrounded by my friends, running toward other friends, I didn't feel that same sense of loss that I had before. As with Charlie and Sal and Nod, I was choosing these good people, people I loved, and I was turning my back on Peter.

We crossed the Island, skirting the plans with the Many-Eyed, taking the path up into the mountains, toward Bear Cave, and then beyond. I paused at the cave, remembering Harry and his death here, but only for a moment. I had learned long ago how to mourn my friends while on the move and today was no different. My other friends needed me now, they needed me to lead them to safety away from Peter.

Leading the way down the mountain path, past the Marking Rock, I could see the camp and the cove in the distance, the shipped docked where it usually was when the pirates weren't away, raiding whatever places they were able to find. And I could see people. Pirates, yes, but familiar faces, too, and I picked up my pace, hurrying the others toward them.

[Coming together post! Gathering, as usual, Jamie and everyone who was with him at the tree is going to come to the pirate camp/the Jolly Roger, so feel free to have threads that take place on the ship or on the shore at the camp. Also feel free to employ fairies if you like, they'll be spying for Peter, who'll be coming soon enough. In a few days I'll post a second top level for Jamie and Peter's big final fight where Jamie will be losing his right hand.]

Comments

[shieldmaiden_rohan]

Eowyn nodded. It was a sound plan, and used the advantages that they had.

"I agree with this strategy. It was one that was employed by my people when they were threatened in battle and served us well. All who wish to fight with us against Peter will be welcome."

She scanned the hills and the beach, then pointed.

"That rock and that one are large enough to be lookout points but also to be used as cover."

[lost_boy]

"And there," I said and pointed to the Marking Rock. It was where Peter and I used to spy from when we wanted to watch the pirates without being seen. It stood there at the mouth of the trail that led into the mountains. "He'll probably come from there. He always does. We always did."

Knowing my enemy helped, but only to a certain extent. Peter could be unpredictable and now he was angry.

I looked at Eowyn again and said, "I'm so sorry you have to be here because of me."

[shieldmaiden_rohan]

"Dryhtbearn, I will hear nothing of this," she told him firmly but kindly. "Whatever strange gods brought me here knew that I was needed, and so I am here. I am glad to be."

In truth, she had felt more at home here than she had in the city. Here her skills as a shieldmaiden were needed. Here she did not spar against the air. Here she could do good.

[lost_boy]

"But Peter..." I said, then could only shake my head. I knew no one else could really understand what it was like for me to be back here, just as I knew I would never understand their homes. I was just afraid. He was dangerous and cruel and he could hurt people even without touching them himself.

"I am glad to see you," I admitted with a small smile. "It makes me feel a lot better, not being here all alone."

I hadn't been alone before either, I had Sal and Nod and Charlie, but four against one -- especially when one of the four was so little -- weren't as good odds as fourteen against one. And now we had the pirates, too. At least, I thought we would, once I talked to them. Talked to the men who used to be boys who used to be my friends.

[shieldmaiden_rohan]

"Peter will try to hurt you or hurt us to hurt you," she replied. "This is the action of an unhappy person and I am sorry for him. We will fight him, because I do not think he can be reasoned with, from what you have said."

The pirates, she thought, would be willing to fight, or at least some of them would be so.

"When he comes, we will be ready. Worry not of this."

[lost_boy]

"Thank you," I said and I meant it to the bottom of my heart. There was nothing to say Peter couldn't still hurt me, I was sure he would find a way, but it made the world of difference, having all these people who cared about me. Without them, I was afraid of what I might become, but they loved me properly, like Peter never had.

"Have you seen Eddie?" I asked, finally allowing myself a smile. "He's grown up. He's... he's very handsome."

I couldn't hold his hand or kiss him or even really hug him without it feeling kind of weird, but I could still think he was handsome. I was nearly grown up, too, after all.

[shieldmaiden_rohan]

She had not the feelings for Eddie that Jamie did, which was well for all, but she accepted the change of subject readily.

"He seems disturbed by his state, and I do not blame him. I once woke up in Darrow and bore the face of my brother. It was most disconcerting, and I do not think I fully relaxed until I returned to my own shape."