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Peter was glowering at her now. <span class="mu-g">“Hey! My memory’s not <span class="mu-i">that</span> bad!”</span> he protested. <span class="mu-g">“I just…get a bit mixed up sometimes, is all.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Uh-huh.”</span> Hill said in a dry tone, clearly unsympathetic towards the Boy Eternal. <span class="mu-b">“In short, he doesn’t remember how many mutants or kids he brought over, or what their powers were. That’s why our intel has been shaky from the start. You’ll have to gather information as you go along.”</span>
You glanced back at Pan, who was now leaning even further back in his chair with his hands folded behind his head, silently pouting. It would’ve been adorable if it were coming from literally any other kid.
Were you really supposed to entrust your life to this guy?
<span class="mu-r">“I can assume you have a reliable method of getting into Neverland, but what about getting out?”</span> you said.
He fixed his gaze on you and sniffed. <span class="mu-g">“Of course. I can bring people in and out as I please. No problem.”</span> he said, waving the question away. It didn’t sound like he intended to tell you anything further.
You glanced at Hill, who nodded her agreement, before continuing. <span class="mu-r">“Alright…I’m just gonna put this out there,”</span> you began. <span class="mu-r">“But do you care what happens to Tick-Tock? Because I could use a new pair of crocodile-skin boots.”</span> you said, pointing to your feet.
Both Hill and Pan stared at you in silence for a few moments. Peter was giving you an appraising look. Eventually, he shrugged, an amused grin spreading across his face.
<span class="mu-g">"Do ya know the one sound that makes every animal in any environment on Neverland flee with their tails between their legs?"</span> he asked. <span class="mu-g">"Tick-Tock. Tick-Tock. Tick-Tock."</span> he said in a sing-song voice.
You were about to respond, but you were promptly silenced by the sound of an actual ticking clock! And it was coming from…
No! Was Peter making that noise with his mouth? How!? It sounded like an honest to God's mechanical clock!
<span class="mu-g">"Tick-Tock's the king of his domain. And his domain is…wherever he feels like it is at that time of day, really. No one fights him on it or argues the point, lest they end up as his lunch."</span> Pan declared with a cocky grin. There was no fear or trepidation in his tone. You thought it was something approaching respect or reverence, but you couldn’t be entirely certain. <span class="mu-g">"But if you really want to press your luck and do something as stupid as taking him on, be my guest. I’m sure it’ll be a great show for the rest of the Lost Boys."</span> he concluded.
You narrowed your eyes at him. That sounded like a challenge. And with Anastasia and Callisto at your side, you liked your chances against the freakishly overgrown fairytale croc.
You turned to Hill, who was just watching the exchange with a mild look of disinterest on her face.
<span class="mu-r">"Is this expedition gonna be entirely on foot, or are we bringing vehicles to transport the kids safely?”</span> you asked.
(Cont.)
