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<span class="mu-r">“Hey, guys?”</span> you began, approaching the Lost Boys and interrupting their conversation. They all turned to stare at you, their expressions a mix of curiosity, anxiety and mild annoyance. <span class="mu-r">“I just wanted to say, thanks for saving my ass back there. I really appreciate it.”</span> you said, glancing at all the mutant kids.
Tossa gave you a respectful nod, but Croaker just turned away from you with a huff. It would seem that he was still pouting about the whole “kidnapping” thing.
<span class="mu-b">“We may not agree on everything, but we protect our own.”</span> Tossa said, gesturing towards the rest of the Lost Boys. <span class="mu-b">“And we let our ambitions get in the way of what was truly important. That was the only thing that allowed Hook and Bonne to take advantage of our absence.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“Us running into Tick Tock was pretty bad luck too.”</span> Grover put in, speaking for the first time in a while.
<span class="mu-r">“Speaking of Tick Tock, is he really gone for good?”</span> you asked, turning to Peter Pan. <span class="mu-r">“I have a feeling that we’re not done with him just yet.”</span>
Peter nodded. <span class="mu-g">“And you’d be right. Tick Tock isn’t fearsome because he’s impossible to kill. It’s because he’s just as much a part of this island as I am. And considering what you just put him through, I’d keep my wits about me if I were you.”</span> Pan advised. <span class="mu-g">“That croc has a good memory, and a vengeful streak. Hell, he’s been hunting Hook for ages now, and he’s already eaten his hand!”</span>
Everyone seemed to nod their agreement as a nervous energy passed over the children.
<span class="mu-r">“I s-sure hope we get to shore before midnight. Tick Tock’ll be coming back for seconds any moment now.”</span> Gordy said, suppressing a shudder as he rubbed at his arms nervously.
<span class="mu-r">“So everything goes back to normal at midnight?”</span> you asked. <span class="mu-r">“That sure sucks the fun out of my victory.”</span>
A small hand patted you on the back, and you glanced down to see little Squirt giving you an encouraging smile. <span class="mu-g">“Don’t worry. We’ll protect you!”</span> she declared.
Tossa nodded and gave you a dazzling grin. <span class="mu-b">“I owe you a debt for saving my brothers. My blade is yours, noble traveler.”</span>
Croaker sighed and flipped his hair out of his face. <span class="mu-g">“Yeah. What they said.”</span>
Everyone huddled around you then, asking you questions and poking fun at your hat. Apparently, they liked the pirate hat far more than the one that you’d brought to this magical land. You supposed that there was no accounting for taste.
The children bombarded you with questions, most of them being about the nature of your powers, the backgrounds of your teammates and the purpose of your visit.
That last question threw you off guard, but it really shouldn’t have. You had to know that this was coming. You had to bring these children home. It was far too dangerous for them to stay. You knew it, and even Peter Pan knew it.
(Cont.)
