The Gathering of the Ten Nations:
(1911 A.D., The Table of the Ten Nations, The Mermaid Lagoon, the Realm of Ishrakie)
The leaders of the Ten-Nations of the Neverlands once again find themselves gathered in council at the Table of the Ten Nations to discuss the dark turn of current events and formulate a response. For countless decades, the bloodthirst of Neverland's pirates has been a mostly manageable threat but now things have changed and a new Neverlandian dark age looms just beyond the horizon.
"This act of aggression is unacceptable. The Pirates have seized our lands, enslaved our men, sold our women and stolen our children. WE DEMAND ACTION! Zurokashi herself has taken my own daughter… my precious little girl as her soon-to-be bride," Chief Frost-Blade rages as his muscles tremble with righteous fury.
"Agreed. This blatant act of brutality cannot be tolerated. This must be taken as a declaration of war. Our scouts have informed us Hook's forces are already gathered at the edge of our borders. It is clear they intend to conquer the whole of the Neverwoods," Chief Great Big Little Panther replies firmly.
"We face much the same. Pirate raids on our lands have increased dramatically," Chief Red-Moon agrees.
"What do you have to say on this matter?" Peadar Pan asks, turning his attention to Queen Zerseph Blood-Song of the Siren-Sea Mermaids.
"Hook's strength has grown dramatically, some unknown force empowers him… something from far beyond our sight," Queen Zerseph answers softly.
"My children have been searching the Neverlands from the air looking for any clues as to the source of Hook's new power, but so far their efforts have been fruitless. However, we will keep monitoring the movements of Hook's forces as best we can as instructed by Lord Pan," the ever-radiant Sun-Queen Amatsu of the Never-Birds responds, taking a long sip of her jade-green tea.
"Well, according to Oz, King Clexxy and the rest of the White-Cavern Gnomes are making a real difference in helping the Emerald City improve its defences and fortifications. So, that's at least some good news," Peadar explains.
"And what of Queen Grendel and her Dwarves of the Under-Deep?" Sun-Queen Amatsu asks.
"According to Queen Ozma, the Realm of Oz has been able to reach full military industrialization levels in all three of their major cities thanks to the efforts and expertise of Queen Grendel and her people," Tinker Bell answers.
"Great, more good news. At least, things in the Realm of Oz are going well," Chief Frost-Blade replies as he takes a deep swig from his canteen.
"Agreed. However, we need to form a plan of how best to stop Hook's new advances here in our realm," Chief Great Big Little Panther responds, dancing his dagger between his fingers.
"Tink and I have already been giving that a lot of thought and we think we have a plan," Peadar starts, standing up and activating the Arcano-Graphic Carto-Display of the Neverland.
"According to the precognitive insights of Queen Zerseph and her sisters, Hook is planning to unleash a massive wildfire across the whole of the Neverwoods. Therefore, Tink and I suggest that Chief Great Big Little Panther transport all his people and as much resources as they can carry to sanctuary inside the now empty White-Caverns where they will be safe from the wildfires," continues Peader, guiding the gathered assembly through his plan using the magical map projected out of the Table of the Ten Nations.
"A wise suggestion, it will be done," Chief Great Big Little Panther nods in agreement.
"Perfect. Now, once the fires are over and Hook's forces begin to wash through the Neverwoods from their bases on the southern coastal port-cities, we suggest you leave all your civilians inside the safety of the White-Caverns under the command of your daughter Princess Tiger Lily. At the same time, you lead all your military forces out of the caverns and gather yourselves to whatever remains of the Great Nevertree. With any luck you will get there before Hook's forces do, giving your soldiers time to dig deep," Peader proceeds as he continues to explain his and Tink's plan.
"I understand. We will make our stand at the Nevertree," Chief Great Big Little Panther declares sternly.
"AND YOU SHAN'T BE ALONE!" bellows a powerful yet somehow small voice as a stranger garbed in green linen clothes with shimmering metallic armour and a sturdy leather cloak lands in full hero-pose a few feet away from the gathered group of leaders. From the stranger's shoulder leaps a small teddy bear in glistening silver knight's armour. The bear lands on the table sword drawn.
"My name is Sir Teddels of the Shadowed Wood, and I pledge my sword and my life to hold the line against evil alongside you mighty chief," Sir Teddels says to Chief Great Big Little Panther, and the bear bows low in respect and admiration to the assembled leaders.
"And you are?" Peader asks gesturing to the green-garbed individual with Sir Teddels.
"My name is Sir Alias but most know me as the Phantom of the Neverwoods."
"So the legends are true. There really is a phantom haunting the Neverwoods." Sun-Queen Amatsu undresses Sir Alias with her eyes and more than a little lustful longing.
"Was… like Peader said, soon the Neverwoods will be nothing but a vast field of ash and dust, therefore I will fight alongside you just like my friend here…" He gestures to Sir Teddels, "to hold back Hook's forces as long as possible."
"We will gladly fight beside you in this darkest hour," Sir Alias walks over to Chief Great Big Little Panther and clasps his hand in comradery.
"My children will provide you with whatever air support they can as well," Sun-Queen Amatsu chimes as she finishes her tea.
"Well, sounds like we have a plan," Peader replies, bringing the meeting to a close.