Chapter One

It was just a year ago I found myself in the strangest place, so unlike the crowded city life I had known my whole life. Instead of tall buildings in small spaces, I found myself in a gorgeous clearing filled with trees and all sorts of colorful flowers I had never seen before. The grass was softer than the kind back home as it graced my skin. It seemed like yesterday when I had awoken in Neverland instead of my twin bed back in London.

Now who am I exactly? Under my birth certificate I am listed as Arieta Marie Jones but here I simply go by Ari. It's easier for the fairies to remember.

Oh yes, fairies exist here. So do mermaids and all sorts of wonderful creatures. Most of them coexist peacefully with one another in their own natural ecosystem. Shortly after my arrival here, the fairies discovered me sleeping near one of their small towns close to a spring. At first they were less than kind but I eventually earned their trust when I rescued a group from drowning. They helped me build a cottage of sorts in the woods, disguised from the greedy pirates I had quickly learned enjoyed roaming about the area.

Of course I tried to return to London. But even after learning fairy dust could allow me to fly I just didn't have the heart to. My mother passed away when I was a young girl and my father was not exactly pleasant company to be around. He never had a kind word to say to me, even if I managed to do something good. Secretly, I saw this as a blessing, no matter the manner in which I had been brought here. So I stayed and made this place my home.

I spent much of my time exploring, learning more and more about the wonders of Neverland. I saw firsthand the pirate ship Captain Hook so famously lived upon. He was a terrifying looking fellow, with his iron hook poised to kill. I had heard he was in search of a boy named Peter Pan, whose name I'm sure speaks for itself. No need to get into any backstory there. I had never seen Peter myself nor his Lost Boys but I knew they lived somewhere on the island. Rumors spread in the fairy lands that Peter had gone into hiding after a huge fight the previous year when another group of children from London visited and helped them overthrow Hook. I remembered faintly reading something about a group of missing children in the newspaper, but I hardly paid attention as my father drank himself away.

Anyways, I explored other places too, like the Mermaid Cove where they didn't try to kill me. In fact, they all seemed to love my singing voice so much that whenever I came down they offered me seashells and starfish in exchange for a song. I also managed to meet all kinds of amazing creatures I had only read about in stories but would take far too long to list.

The past year was interesting to say the least. I had found my own place here in this wondrous world. However, I couldn't help but feel just a little...ordinary. Here was this incredible place filled with mystical beings capable of anything and here I was just a human who happened to wake up here on a whim. I couldn't even remember how I got here.

I tried not to focus too much on that as I made my usual rounds. Besides a spring I lived near a small garden patch where all sorts of fruits and vegetables grew. The fairies taught me which were good for eating, others for medicine and which ones were dangerous. I collected some every couple of weeks, exchanging half of whatever I'd collected for things like fairy dust, blankets and little trinkets the fairies made for me. I sometimes even stopped by the Mermaid Cove where they always had something to trade from whatever they found (or stole) near Hook's ship.

As I walked down the path to the Cove I couldn't help but hear a strange noise. It sounded oddly like bells shrilling loudly, like they hadn't been oiled in years. Pushing my dark hair behind an ear, I peeked through some bushes to try and get a better listen. The noise got louder, and I could see a fairy struggling just a few feet in front of me. She was small and blonde, wearing a leaf green dress. Her leg seemed to be caught in some fairy trap and I could tell she was in a great deal of pain.
I knew that if there was a fairy trap that meant bad news. But I owed it to them to help whenever I could after everything they had done for me. Carefully moving so as not to startle her I pushed myself into view.

"Hello?" I called gently. The fairy jumped in surprise, looking at me with fear before recognition filled her face. She must have seen me before. I smiled, "I'm going to try and get you out of that trap alright?"

Instantly she protested, shrilling some kind of warning and pointing at the opposite end of the clearing. Just above the trees I could see the white of the sails. Hook and his cronies were close and she didn't want me to be caught.

I shook my head, "I can't let you be taken by them. Just try to remain quiet while I get you out of there. Shrill loudly if you see something." I moved in front of her, studying the trap. It was set up similar to a bear trap and I could see small droplets of blood. She would need medical care as soon as she was free. Her wings looked bruised as well, probably from a fall and landing in the trap. I sighed, "I'm going to have to pry the trap open. Then you'll have to quickly fly out into my hand. I can take you back to my cottage and patch you up alright?" She nodded her head in understanding, bracing herself.

I gripped the two sides of the trap, counting to three. I could hear the sound of horns, signaling that someone had just made it to dry land. I took a deep breath before prying the ends of the trap open. I wasn't very strong but thankfully what strength I had in me was enough to work. With a loud cranking sound, the trap freed her leg as the fairy flew out and landed on my hand, wincing and whimpering in pain. I let go, cupping the fairy into my open palm and running just as shuffling could be made out from the other end.

Running softly, thankful for my bare feet, I dashed back to my cottage. It was hidden in the natural landscape in the forest, as long as I kept my lanterns off and remained silent. Luckily it was still daylight out as I made my way inside, placing the fairy on my bed. I proceeded to shut my curtains and lock the doors (minor precaution), turning my attentions back to the fairy.

"My apologies. I just wanted to make sure I got you back here before Hook's gang found us." The fairy chirped and nodded; she looked exhausted. I gathered some medical supplies and took a closer look at her leg.
Luckily, it was a minor scraping wound. I disinfected it and patched it up within minutes, sprinkling some fairy dust onto her wings to help with the bruising. I brought her some tea and snacks as I sat in front of her on the bed.

"Now what was a fairy like you doing so close to the main shore where Hook keeps his ship? If they had caught you, they could've used you for God knows what." I wasn't fluent in fairy language considering I had only practiced for a year, but I had gotten fairly good. Mostly I could gather a general idea.

The fairy spoke excitedly, gesturing widely with her hands and facial expressions. She spoke of some grand adventure where someone asked her to gather a few things for their home. One of those things happened to include a little something straight from Hook's ship.

"Wait, you went in there knowing the risks?" I exclaimed, astonished she managed to make it out of there in one piece. She nodded and continued her story. However, she spoke so fast this time I barely managed to gather anything. That is, until she mentioned Peter Pan.

I shook my head, trying to understand. "Wait, wait. Peter Pan? Are you saying you got something from Hook's ship, knowing the risks, for Peter Pan? Hasn't he been in hiding for the past year?" No one has heard anything from the free spirit himself in awhile; I haven't even managed to get a decent look at him.

The fairy said yes, it was all for him. Peter had been pretty badly wounded after his last run in with Hook. When he brought those missing children home he had to come back and rest immediately. Apparently she was just looking around for other fairy camps when she accidentally stumbled upon a small entrance to the Lost Boy's home. It was there she found Peter in pretty rough shape and befriended him. This had all happened months ago but just recently he asked her to gather something for him, since he wasn't quite ready to come back out yet.

But then, on her way back to the Lost Boy's house she wasn't paying attention. She misjudged how much fairy dust she would need to fly and bumped into a tree, setting off the trap and bruising her wings. She would have been caught otherwise unless I had showed up.

I sighed, "Thank goodness I came along when I did. I usually head to the Cove around now." I paused, thinking. "So what exactly did Peter Pan need so badly he enlisted the help of a fairy?"

The fairy stopped at this, unsure whether or not she could trust me. I could sense the apprehension as she judged what her next move would be. However, after a few moments, her mind seemed made up. She explained that Peter wanted information regarding Hook's next move on the territory near the docks where he set up a base. If he was going to come out of hiding, he certainly didn't want to do it clueless.

"But you're injured. Your wings won't work for at least a couple of days." I stated. Even with the dust, her wings would be extremely painful to use. She needed to rest until she was one hundred percent healed. The fairy chirped in protest, claiming she needed to see Peter Pan as soon as possible to give him the information. He planned to come out of hiding in just a few days and he needed to know. She seemed so desperate.

"Can't you ask another fairy to deliver the news?" The fairy said no. She wasn't even supposed to tell me, and no one knew she had gone off on her own. As far as everyone here was concerned, she was in another fairy camp fulfilling her obligations in her society.

It was silent for a few moments as she looked downcast. I felt terrible for her, I truly did. I can't imagine feeling like I failed a task given to me by someone as important as Peter Pan. I set my tea cup down on a nearby table, sighing. I shouldn't be doing this, but I couldn't just let her fail.

"How about this: I'll take you to the Lost Boy's home. I won't come inside but bring you. It might take some time to get there but it'll allow your wings and leg to heal and you can explain the whole situation to Peter." The fairy looked up at me, surprised.

She asked me if I was serious, if I would really do that for her. I nodded. "Of course. Your people have helped me for the past year to just survive. And I could use the adventure." The fairy jumped around happily in her seat, clearly relieved.

I stood up, starting to gather supplies for our journey, asking her how long it would take to get there. She estimated that it only took a few hours by wings so on foot it should take about a day. I nodded, packing some extra supplies in case we were caught in some unlikely situation.

"Oh and pardon my manners but I never got your name. I'm Ari, short for Arieta." The fairy responded, as I struggled to make sense of what she said.

"Tinkerbell? Did I get that right?" She nodded. Tinkerbell. That was actually a pretty cute name. "I like it."

I walked to my window, opening my curtain just slightly so that I could peer out into the clearing. I almost cried out when I noticed that the pirates were significantly closer to the fairy lands than any other time before. Normally they passed right by us on their usual expeditions.

I remained silent, motioning for Tinkerbell to do the same. She gazed at me in fear as I tried to listen for some conversation.

"Captain says we should be looking for an injured fairy. Says it could be that blasted Tinkerbell. We find her, we find Peter Pan and the captain is happy." How did they find the trap that fast? There's no way unless...

I moved away from the window, whispering so only Tinkerbell could hear me. "Hook knew you were there the whole time. They were hoping to trap you somehow and have you lead them to the Lost Boy's cavern. We have to leave. Now." I scooped her up in my hands, moving swiftly to my back window. Luckily, I prepared in case something like this happened. I had another window installed in the very back that opened to a small path you wouldn't be able to find easily. It went right to the Mermaid Cove and from there you could find your way anyplace else.

Opening the hatch I jumped out, carefully assessing my surroundings. When I was sure no one was around I ran with Tinkerbell to the Cove, no mermaids in sight. They must have heard the horns and were hiding away. Anything within the radius would. I looked down at Tink.

"Okay, so which way do we go?" Tinkerbell looked around before pointing to a more sheltered part of the forest. Of course. I pushed my way through the initial bushes, the forest filled with thick trees. It wasn't as colorful as I expected but nonetheless breathtaking. I allowed Tinkerbell to point me in the right direction, carefully trudging along to make sure I didn't trip on the roots.

As we walked, I asked her questions about the infamous Peter Pan and what he was like. She seemed to harbor deep feelings of respect and their friendship was important to her.

I smiled as I listened but I couldn't help but feel a little sad. Besides mermaids and fairies, I hadn't really made any close friends. It must be nice to have someone close to you whom you can trust. I figured I must have had friends back in London, but those memories were starting to turn foggy. It was a side effect of being in Neverland, your identity here allowed yourself to let go of anything in your past life and live peacefully here. Eventually, all my memories of home would be unclear and some forgotten forever. Unless I ever decided to return home, which wasn't likely.

We continued walking for a couple of hours before I had to rest. We stayed closer to a patch of bushes in case someone came around. Hook and his crew could be anywhere.

"I'm actually surprised. You'd think after all this time Hook would have found where he's hiding." I semi-joked. He seemed like a bit of a fool to me.

Tinkerbell stated that Hook had found their hideout twice before, but each time he did it was always trailing someone else. And each time the Boy's learned new ways of keeping the place concealed. Now, Tinkerbell assured me that it was completely hidden.

We resumed our journey, the trees fading out just as night was approaching. Even with my lantern, the darkness was too much for me. We had to stop and set up camp in one of the thicker trees. Tinkerbell wanted to keep going but I assured her that we would move along as soon as the sun returned.

"I'm sure Peter Pan doesn't mind waiting a little bit longer for this news." I made myself comfortable on the rough branch, Tinkerbell perched on a smaller branch beside me. Luckily it wasn't too chilly out so my simple, long lilac dress was enough. I did a bit of star gazing before falling asleep, the brightness of the moon easing my mind as Tinkerbell's snores put me right to sleep.

-A few hours later-
A snap of a twig woke me right out of my sleep. I noticed that the sun was just starting to rise in the distance. Looking to my right, Tinkerbell was still sound asleep, allowing me to be comforted in just the slightest.

I stayed still, listening carefully for more movement. It wasn't too long before another branch snapped just below me. I looked down, expecting to see someone but was only met with an empty forest ground.

"Tinkerbell." I whispered. She didn't respond, only stubbornly remained asleep. I tapped her. "Tinkerbell, wake up! I think someone is here with us." This caused her to wake up, looking around. I saw her nose perk up slightly and her roll her eyes.

With a calm shrill, she assured me that it was nothing. She recognized the scent of the Lost Boys who had apparently made their way through here not too long ago. It was a scour for supplies mainly and clearly they hadn't even noticed us. She explained that this was normal and the Boys would be gone until midday, giving us plenty of time to find the hideout and talk to Peter.

We didn't spend too much time in the tree after that, moving briskly through the forest. Another hour or two passed with the trees dwindling. I assumed we were making our way to a clearing of sorts probably where the hideout was. I hummed as we went, a lullaby that I could never forget. Funny how memories from home faded from my mind so fast and yet the songs remained, as if they would be a part of me forever. Tinkerbell stayed quiet to listen, a small smile on her features.

Eventually, she asked me if I sang. "Of course I do." She asked if I would sing a song or two for her. I glanced around, making sure no one was around. I raised a brow, "Someone could hear me."

Tinkerbell assured me that nothing would happen, the worst thing was one of the Boys would find us. I sighed, giving in. It shouldn't hurt.
I sang softly at first, my voice a little rough since I hadn't had the chance to warm up yet. But as I continued on my voice grew stronger until the melody came as easily to me as breathing. When one song faded I went on into another one, Tinkerbell chiming in only to those that were familiar to Neverland.

We passed the time that way, soon the sun was decently high in the sky signaling that it was later in the morning. We took a break by a lake where Tinkerbell informed me that the hiding place was only another fifteen minutes away.

We talked for a little while before I heard footsteps. I glanced at Tinkerbell, asking her if it could possibly be the Lost Boys. When she shook her head I felt my stomach drop; this was not a good sign.

"Tinkerbell, you need to go. Now. You're the one with the information Peter needs." The fairy just stared at me, shouting words in jumbled phrases as she stood against what I had just said.

"Please. I'll be fine, just go." With that, I threw a sprinkle of dust on her and pushed her into the forest. She was still bruised, but she should be able to make it to Peter Pan in time before any other damage was made. I, on the other hand, got to deal with two men who came barreling into the forest. They were both brutes, with dark hair and eyes.

Laughing sheepishly I started walking backwards. "Hello gentlemen. Don't mind me, just taking a stroll through the forest. Seemed to have gotten off the path a little."
The one on the right unsheathed his sword, pointing it in my direction. "Don't mistake us for fools. We saw you running back near the shores. Where's the fairy?"
Darn. I really thought that path was concealed. The trees and branches must not have been enough to cover me in my bright dress. But none of that mattered right now. What mattered was me ensuring that they got off Tinkerbell's trail.

"Sorry lads, these lips are sealed! Now if you don't mind-" I didn't finish my sentence before running off in the opposite direction Tinkerbell had gone. And just as I expected, the two men followed me though their movements were not as fast as mine. I may be small after all but I loved running. I didn't really pay attention to where I was going, just making sure to confuse them enough to provide a decent distraction.

Unfortunately, I hadn't been paying close enough attention as I came across a cliff. Muttering things that were inappropriate for children to hear I snapped my head around once the pirates had caught up with me. They chuckled at my predicament, moving closer as I moved farther.

"Seems as though you're at the end of the line little missy. We'll ask you one more time: Where is the fairy?" Both had their swords out, ready to swing at any moment. I glanced down over the cliff face, the drop considerable. I wouldn't make it unless I could fly, which I could do with the dust. But to be honest, I had never flown before and heights didn't exactly make me comfortable.

I opened my mouth, ready with a snide comment that would hopefully buy me some more time when the howls of a young man could be heard not too far. My eyes scattered around, looking for the source of the noise. But after a moment, all that could be heard was faint rustling of the leaves as the wind blew on by.
The men turned their attention to me again, moving in closer. But just as I took another step back, another yell could be heard, this one even closer. But just the same as before, nothing appeared to be amiss as far as my eyes could see. This time, we all waited as the silence followed. One pirate kept his eyes steady on the forest as the other inched closer to me. So much for a diversion.

"Whatever game you and your little runts are playing, it isn't going to work. We don't care who Peter's got working for him now. We'll eliminate any possible threat for Captain Hook." With that, he raised his sword, prepared to strike. I looked around with no where to go, thinking in my head that this could possibly be it.
I braced myself, eyes shut as I awaited the final blow. With a grunt the man lowered his sword just as I heard something zip past and wrap their strong arms around my waist. I opened my eyes, shocked. The men with swords seemed so much smaller now.

"Sorry for the wait ma'am. Tinkerbell alerted me that you were in danger and I had to track you through the forest." The voice speaking to me belonged to someone with a deep baritone. I glanced up, met with a handsome face of a young man roughly my age. He had wavy ginger hair that fell into his face, skin kissed by the sun. His eyes were deep pools of brown, filled with mischief and a world of knowledge. His smile indicated that he had something up his sleeve and always would no matter the trouble.

A small chirp pulled my attention away from this man who had saved me from my impending doom to face Tinkerbell. She was perched delicately on his shoulder, smiling and waving at me. It was then everything clicked in my head.

"Wait, are you...Peter Pan?"

"The one and only. Tink tells me your name is Ari, and that you helped her travel to meet me."

I nodded, gulping just a little. "That I am."

I was a fool then and decided to look down. Bad idea. The height we were at was unlike anything before. Sure I had climbed up some pretty steep hills but this was nothing. Although the view of Neverland would be spectacular to anyone else, it was only terrifying to me.

"Whoa, are you alright?" Peter's voice called, laced with concern. I must have gone pale.

"Yes, of course. I just have a slight aversion to hei-" I didn't finish my sentence as I completely blacked out, fear consuming me.

The last thing I saw before my eyes shut was Peter telling me to hold on.