Restoration

Peter's head throbbed. Or was that his heartbeat? Either way everything on his body was hurting. His chest hurt every breath he struggled to take it, only for his chest to hurt even worse when he began to cough violently. Dust particles shot down his throat and the thick air made it hard for him to breathe properly.

Am I actually dying this time? The thought shot through his mind as he wheezed and hacked. He wouldn't mind if he died at the moment. Then he wouldn't have to suffer at the hands of Miraz anymore. He wouldn't have to deal with the guilt of not being able to lead his friends, his family, his kingdom into victory. He wouldn't have to be bestowed with a name from Aslan that he didn't deserve. All around, he wouldn't have to suffer.

He bit down on his lower lipa and brought in a slow breath through his nose. But then he'd still leave everyone in danger. He got up and left them alone, with only Edmund and Caspian to lead. They were tough fighters. Edmund was, arguably, a much better swordsman than Peter would ever be, but that wouldn't be enough, he knew. They were smart men, but it just wouldn't be enough.

Narnia would fall and it would be his entire fault. Another reason to just end it all. But since when did Peter Pevensie give up easily? Peter struggled to force his eyes open. Sunlight poured in every space between his eyelids as he tried to lift them, but they were heavy with fatigue and a lack of energy. When he tried to move his hands it was then that he felt the fire in his sockets come roaring to life once more. The dirty floor started to swim and swirl from the tears that gathered in his eyes, a combination from the dust and the strong sunlight. A particularly large cut underneath his eye began to sting when the tears slipped down his face.

Oh what a particularly grueling night he had. A night filled with Miraz's soldiers taking their turn with him, kicking him, hitting him, striking him across the face. All because he had done what he thought was right and turned himself back into Miraz to keep them all safe while he suffered at the evil man's hands. That was it, Peter wanted to keep them safe the only way he knew how, the only way it would work. But it still backfired against him.

Peter spat at the ground. A small dark spot formed on the ground. Peter lifted his head, the muscles in his neck straining as he looked around the, unfortunately, familiar cell that he was holed in. He couldn't help but wonder what the others were doing without him. If they had sent anyone out to look for him. He hoped that they didn't, he didn't want them to end up there with him as well. He hoped…they'd understand why he left. He didn't want to be a pawn in anyone's plans, he didn't want to lead anyone towards his family and risk them getting hurt.

But no one would understand that. Save for Lucy. A small smile tugged on Peter's lips. Lucy was always his number one fan. She has always looked up to him with so much admiration it made him uncomfortable sometimes. She had him on a high pedestal that he knew, if he ever fell off of it, it would be a long way down and it would hurt worse. After seeing her so worried, so heartbroken over how different he was he just couldn't be around it anymore. Couldn't live with the fact that he wasn't the same Peter that she wanted him to be.

Who would be the same after being put through the torture and pain at the hand of Miraz?

"Aslan," Peter uttered through his dry, cracked lips. He coughed a little, the dry air still making it hard to breathe. He licked his lips and winced at the stinging sensation that burst through. The really did a number on him this time. Miraz definitely was as strong as he looked. As ruthless and cold as well. He took care of Peter personally once the King came to in the night. Miraz didn't take too kindly when he was betrayed.

"Aslan," Peter tried again, his voice a little bit stronger this time.

He didn't know if Aslan would be able to hear him, wherever he was. Or if he could heard the High King. But Peter had nothing else to do, no other plan to come up with. This was it. The last resort. He knew Aslan never came when he was called, only when he was needed and had a time to present himself. But this was a good time as any, right? Peter still had to try.

"Please…you need to come. You need to help us. Please don't leave us here alone. We can't do this without you. We need you. I need you. I don't know what to do anymore. I don't know what to do. I don't know what's right. Please, Aslan, guide me. I've made such a mistake. I don't know how to fix it. It's all my fault."

Peter waited on baited breath, for something to happen. He didn't know what but he was waiting for something. The large lion to come bursting through the window. For him to appear on the other side of the door and let him know that everything would be alright.

But nothing happened.

Peter was still locked up. He hung his head and let out a shuddering breath. In the corner of his eye something shiny grabbed his attention. He lifted his head once more and caught a hold of…his heart started to beat rapidly.

Rhindon!

Peter's facial muscles contorted to reflect the confusion that was moving through his mind. Surely Miraz and the rest of his soldiers weren't stupid enough to leave Rhindon in the same room as him, were they? But Peter didn't want to stray on the subject for too long. He knew the only way he could get out was if he had Rhindon.

Sucking in a breath Peter shifted so his arms rolled in his sockets. Gritting his teeth he stretched himself as far forward as possible before swinging his leg out, stretching for the strap on his sword. If he could get his foot in the loop…

Suddenly adrenaline rushed through his veins and every doubt that previously shot around in his mind was gone and replaced with a single thought: You are High King. You must protect Narnia no matter the cost.

With renewed faith Peter struggled and strained against his restraints. The pull on his wrists steadily got worse the more he pulled but he had to get to Rhindon, even if he lost his hands. Even if he lost his arms, he would not give up. He would not let Narnia fall because of him.

Peter stretched out as much as he could. His heart pounded hard against his ribcage. Blood rushed in his ears and his face took on a red hue from straining so hard. He shifted his foot this way and that to try and catch it on the strap of his sheath. He close. But no matter which way he turned and twisted his foot it wouldn't catch on.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

Please, I need to protect Narnia!

…And then he heard a scraping sound.

Peter's eyes shot open. His foot had caught the loop in the strap of the sheath and dragged the sword a few inches. His heart leapt and he let out a little laugh of disbelief. Shifting his foot he managed to get the loop up to his ankle. Settling back he bent his knee and brought his leg in as close as possible, dragging the sword along with it. A few tricky movements coupled with pain shooting down his arms was all it took for Peter to get his sword into his hands, holding it above his head.

He swore he could feel power moving through the blade, down to the handle, and seeped through his skin. All at once he felt as if he had gotten a good night's rest, his body being filled with energy as if it were being poured through his head. It began to fill his body from his toes up to the top of his head and was soon replaced by a feeling of renewed vengeance.

"For Narnia," he whispered to himself as he gripped his sword. He closed his eyes, twisted his wrists, and swung. A loud clang echoed off of the walls as Peter's hands fell down. He rubbed his sore wrists and smiled to himself before picking up his sword and ran out of the room.

A/N: Guess who's back! I know it's been over a year with no update but I've finally gotten the motivation/inspiration/time to continue this story once more. I want to thank those who have messaged me asking to continue this story. I just want you all to know that, even if a story hasn't been updated for a while, I haven't abandoned it. I will make an announcement saying so if it ever comes to that point but that will not be the fate of this story. If any of you are still around I would appreciate it if you read and review. Thanks for being so patient with me. It means so much to me to know that you enjoy the story so much you're willing to wait around for me to update. I love you all!

~C.M.