The rug felt like it was suddenly yanked out from under Jillian's feet. Everything she thought she had under control was stripped away before she could even blink. "But that doesn't make any sense!" she spluttered. "Hansel said we could leave. Why would he-."

"Lie?" Jackson interrupted, sounding angry she couldn't figure it out. "Hansel is a liar. He would have told you anything to keep you calm until he told his sister. They were always good at lying when we were growing up. That's how they escaped the witch with their lives. Trickery."

Jillian swallowed hard. Hansel's fear in his eyes when he looked at her now made sense. "I can't believe I fell for it," she muttered, feeling foolish. How could she have trusted him?

"Well now you know," her brother said, inching towards the tent flap to see if anyone right outside. She watched, in awe, as if he was something unreal. Finding her brother seemed like an impossible task and now that it was true, Jillian could hardly believe it. She had been alone for so long that it was strange to think she had family. Like a shirt that wouldn't fit, but she'd grow into it over time.

Jackson came back, eyes dark. "Hansel is still out there. He's watching us."

"What do we do?"

"We need to find who you're traveling with. You couldn't of possibly come here yourself."

She bristled slightly, but let it slide. "I'm with Robinson and the Jolly Roger crew."

"A bunch of kids!?" Jackson exclaimed.

Jillian shushed him, eyes on the tent flap. "They're really good at fighting and in case you missed it, we're kids too."

"I haven't felt like a kid in a long time," Jackson said quietly. Jillian gently put a hand on his shoulder. She had only heard stories of the adventures with the giants and if any were true, well, Jillian didn't want to think about what he had seen.

Quietly, the twins hurried out the back of the tent. Jillian led the way to where the pirates were still finishing breakfast.

Robinson didn't even blink when he caught sight of Jackson. "Now can I tell you what I found out?"

Jillian had forgotten all about that. "Yes, of course," she panted slightly. She sat down next to him but Jackson remained standing, eyes scanning the group and their surroundings.

"Gretel wants to keep kids here," Robinson said. "And she'll go to any length to make sure they never leave. That includes Smalls, Al, and Goose. When we leave, she won't let them leave with us."

"We're not leaving without them," Jillian growled. "We already left someone behind and I'm not doing it again."

The memory of Eye-Eye's absence descended on the group like a heavy fog.

"Impossible," Jackson cut in. "If you want to leave, Jillian, you'll have to leave them behind."

"I thought you said we couldn't leave," Jillian said, confused.

"I said Hansel and Gretel wouldn't let us leave, but that's not going to stop us."

Jillian nodded. "If they try, we have magic."

"Hold on. You both have magic?" Robinson looked worried. When they nodded he threw his hands up in the air. "The universe hates me."

"Hang in there, Captain," Sparky said reasuringly, smirking. "You'll be alright."

Jillian felt as if she was racing agianst time. "We have to move. Hansel already told Gretel about our magic. We have to leave before they do anything."

"Don't worry about that." Robinson stood and stretched. "I already threatened him and if he knows what's good for him, he'll stay quiet."

"No, but-."

"Let's just get going."

We're already in danger, Jillian thought as she followed the rest of the group. Robinson didn't get it. As they hurried through the camp, she caught sight of other kids watching and whisphering. "We look like we're up to something," she hissed to the group.

"Astounding observation," Robinson muttered. "As a matter of fact, I'm looking for the remaining members of our crew so be grateful."

"No!" Jackson snapped, hurrying to the front. "We have to leave now!" He looked almost angry.

"Who are you again?"

"Someone who knows this camp better than you!" he retorted. "If you want to find those brats so badly, follow me." Jackson spun on his heel and the crew followed him in the opposite direction.

Jillian was embarrassed. She had put so much importance into finding Jackson and he was rubbing her the wrong way. She was surprised he wanted to leave the camp but didn't bother to ask where they were headed. Strange.

When they reached the tent of the youngest kids, they all thundered inside, scattering five-year-olds like mice as they searched.

Smalls spotted them first. "Thank Hook!" he cried. "Are we leaving? These kids are about to make me lose my-."

"Where are Goose and Al?" Jillian interrupted. At first glance she didn't see them.

"Over there." Smalls pointed to the back of the tent. Goose and Al were playing with some toys made out of cloth.

Jillian ran over. "Goose! Al! We have to go."

Goose shook her head. "No, we're staying."

That was the last thing she expected her to say. "What are you talking about? Al? Come on!"

The little boy also shook his head. "I like it here. She says we will be safe and happy."

"Who?" Jillian asked, though she had a very good idea who.

"Gretel," the two kids chorused.