Chapter Text
If you’re one of the poor souls who’s never experienced the joy of Neverland, you’ve only heard tales that capture a fraction of the beauty and mystery of the lagoon that is nestled in the island. Although it may appear to be innocent and empty at first glance when only gentle rolling waves cover the surface, a depth of beauty lurks underneath.
A world of fascinating colors and creatures lived in the lagoon. And among them were the mermaids that people were so often fascinated with. But these mermaids didn’t enjoy being disturbed by others and preferred their own company when they could have it. And as such, whenever Barbara came close to them, they would splash her with their tales or fling nasty words since most of the other Lost Boys preferred to keep their distance even when Barbara was desperate to be friends with them.
The only one lucky enough to get close and who was gifted with calm conversations with them was of course, Dick. He seemed to have the best luck with all the creatures on the island and the mermaids were no exception.
One afternoon, while the group was lazing on the rock near the lake, Damian was trying to draw on a large leaf he’d found and Tim was giggling with Jason in hushed voices. A dark change came over the water that silenced them all. They shifted close together and huddled against the chill that stole down their spines.
A soft noise reached their ears that was not easy to discern at first but soon it grew louder and the sensations tingling in their ears separated themselves so they could make out the soft splash of water against boat oars as they entered and exited the water, pulling the boat along the smooth surface.
“Pirates!” Dick cried springing to his feet. “Everyone dive! Quickly now!”
None of them dared to hesitate or go against Dick’s wishes or commands. They dove from the water, plunging underneath as the boat drew closer. Damian mourned the loss of his leaf as it crumpled from the force of the water and Jason pulled Tim close, keeping him at his side as they dove under the waves.
A small dingy broke through the darkness and approached the rock that now look properly abandoned. Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy were in the boat with none other than a bound and gagged Cassandra Cain.
She knew they had every intention of leaving her to perish on the rock, suffering from the sweep of the ocean currents once the tide rose enough to wash her from the sanctuary of the rock. But she had no intention of going easily to her death.
Ivy hoisted Cass onto the rock, but rather than having her land in a heap, she sank gracefully to her knees.
“This is what you get for trying to hurt our dear old Captain Joker,” Harley said, voice high and sweet. “And if you weren’t going to be dead I’d say you should warn the rest of your tribe not to try such things again.”
In the dark several feet from the rock lurked Dick and Barbara. Babs was distraught over the possible death of Cass who was so beautiful and skilled but Dick wasn’t willing to let anyone die. And he certainly wasn’t going to let the opportunity for a fight with the pirates pass him by.
“What’s taking you so long?” Dick cried, imitating the dark and slimy nature of The Joker’s voice.
“It’s the captain!” Harley cried. “Captain! We’re putting the Native on the rock, just like you asked.”
“You misunderstand,” Dick sneered. “I don’t want her on the rock, I want you to set her free.”
“Free?” Poison Ivy scoffed. “Why would we do that when we went to all this trouble?”
“Don’t question me,” he snarled. “Do as I say and I won’t burn your precious plants.”
Ivy glowered but pulled a knife from the strap around her thigh and cut the bindings holding Cass tightly.
Cass slipped from the rock and disappeared in the water.
“We best get back then,” Harley said, swinging her hands at her sides.
“Boat ahoy!” a voice cried.
Dick sucked in a breath, eyes filling with glee once again as the voice repeated its call.
“Boat ahoy! What keeps you quiet you deckhands?”
Barbara stilled, for she understood the newcomer’s voice belonged to none other than The Joker.