Peter Pan: The Next Generation
Chapter 23
AN – Hey everyone! I've missed writing and I hope you all forgive me for my lateness.
Anyway, here is chapter 23. I hope you all find it to your liking.
He flew through the forest at top speed; branches cut as his exposed skin and its leaves whipped in his face. He expertly swerved around the trees, increasing his speed until at last he unexpectedly shot out of the jungle. Sunlight hit his eyes and he winced at the sudden brightness. The sun was sinking into the horizon and its warm colours illuminated the ocean. A delicate breeze blew through his disheveled blonde hair, and there, maybe twenty feet below him, he could make out a silhouette of a girl standing on the beach. Her back was to him so he couldn't tell who it was right away.
He let himself descend to the ground slowly, landing next to her. She didn't face him immediately, but instead kept her gaze fixed on the lowering sun. The wind swept through them both, harder this time, making their hair ruffle and her badly torn dress flutter. He recognized that dress, even with all the holes and torn seams, to know it to be Wendy.
"So I suppose this is it then." she said quietly. He stared at her profile before she finally turned to him. Her blue eyes shined with tears, yet she forced a small grin. His eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement.
"What do you mean?" he asked. Her tears finally released and her watery smile grew as he reached out to gently wipe away her tears with a thumb. She took his hand and held it close to her cheek. He took a step forward so that they touched nose to nose.
"I'm sorry, Peter," she whispered. "I seem to have made a habit of breaking promises." He didn't answer right away because he saw she had more to say, but seemed to have trouble doing so. "I'm afraid I can't stay." He knew exactly what she meant.
"Why?" he closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers, his hand lingering upon her face.
"I've got to clear some things up in London." she said quietly.
"And then you'll come back, right?" She hesitated and he opened his eyes. "Right, Wendy?"
"I…," she sighed. "I don't know." His hand now left her cheek and he lifted his head.
"You've got to come back!" he pleaded. She fidgeted nervously with a piece of her dress, tearing up again. "Wendy, please…I-I love you."
She gave a small sob. "Please don't. That's hard enough already." her voice quivered.
"Why would you stay there? You said yourself that you felt like you didn't belong," he reminded, sweeping a strand of hair behind her ear. "So why stay in a place where you'll be miserable?"
"It just seems right." she answered shortly, looking away. He placed a finger under her chin and tilted it up, forcing her to look him in the eyes.
"Nothing is right if you're not happy."
"I'll be fine. Really." she insisted.
"You know what I think?" he asked, a touch of accusation in his tone. "I think you're afraid to be happy. I mean, really happy. That's why you break so many promises. You can't just let yourself fall into happiness."
He expected her to be shocked, to retort in denial. Instead, to his surprise, she grinned and said, "Why, Peter, I believe that's the most grown up thing you've ever said."
He sighed because he knew it was true. "If that's what it takes you to stay…" he trailed away. She grabbed his hand lightly and pulled it away from her chin. She laced her fingers with his and they stood there, studying each other. All the while the sun sank slower and slower into the world, the sky still scattered with last minute clouds, the light casting dark blue shadows on their faces. The tide was crawling in and waves crashed against their bare legs.
"I don't want you to grow up," she said quietly, breaking their heavy silence. "And if I'm here…Well…," she grinned, her vision suddenly going blurry. "We can't let that happen." She gave a small sniff and he could tell she was holding back. He, however, did not as he let his tears fall, hating that she should see him this way.
"You can't," he said. "I…I need you."
She smiled, but it wasn't genuine. It didn't reach her eyes. "Since when has brave Peter Pan ever needed me?" She shook her head. "I'm sorry." She let go of his hands, stood on tiptoe and gave him a parting kiss. "That belongs to you…and always will."
He held his head high as she turned, and for the second time in his youth, he watched as the girl he loved walk away from him and out of his life…
Peter's eyes opened slowly, his vision curiously blurry. His cheeks felt wet, so he raised a hand to feel them and wiped away tearstains. He had been crying in his sleep, and as the dream came rushing back, he didn't blame himself.
Suddenly, a new face appeared above his. Fox beamed back at him, his messy red hair falling in his eyes.
"Good, you're awake!" he said happily. Obviously, Fox had not noticed his friend's tears, which he was silently grateful for. He was still the leader after all, no matter what. Peter tried to sit up from his position on something soft, but a striking pain on the side of his head made him fall back down. He winced.
"Ow! What happened?" he asked, rubbing his sore spot.
"A piece of ceiling fell on your head." Fox said bluntly.
Peter frowned. "What?"
"You mean you don't remember?" Fox asked.
"Obviously not." Peter rolled his eyes.
Fox sighed. "After your fight with Hook, he let off a bomb, we all took cover, and you got knocked out."
Peter's mind spun. It was all starting to come back to him. The pirates, the ball, Hook, Wendy…His heartbeat quickened and he frantically looked to Fox.
"Wendy! Where's Wendy? Is she all right?" he asked, panic-stricken. Here, Fox lost his playful grin, his head drooping.
"When the dust cleared from the bomb, Hook was gone…along with Smee and Wendy." he retold quietly. Peter's eyes widened and once again he attempted to sit up.
"I have to save her! God only knows what Hook is doing to her!" he said, ignoring the pain and dizziness.
"Whoa, hold on there cowboy!" Fox said, putting a hand on Peter's chest to stop him. "You can't just go charging in there, not with that thing on your head."
Peter scoffed. "I'm fine, Fox. You've seen me in worse conditions than this and I've always bounced back."
"I know, I know. Then you're off being the hero again," Fox said sarcastically, smirking. "Look, just lay there until Trinity comes back." Fox attempted to push Peter down, but he shoved his hand aside.
"Don't you understand? Wendy is in danger and she needs help!" Peter said angrily. All friendly tones aside, Fox sighed impatiently.
"Yes, Peter, I do. But right now we need to focus on your head and on that cut, too," Fox indicated Peter's right arm that was currently wrapped in a white cloth, acting as a bandage. "If you don't lie down I'll give you a bruise to add to your collection of injuries."
Peter studied his friend, caught the seriousness in his eyes, and sighed in defeat. Fox packed a pretty good punch if he got angry enough. Peter settled back down and only just noticed the familiarity of pillows and feathers. He looked around, taking into account that the two of them were in a bedroom. His bedroom.
"Are we in the Underground?" he asked. Fox nodded, his usual lopsided grin reappearing.
"Yeah. When everything settled down we got King Mercer to carry you back. Boy did you look like a rag doll, swinging in his arms!" Fox laughed. Peter glared, but smiled anyway as a mental image came to his mind.
"Where is he now?"
"He and the girls went back to the forest. Rose knew you'd want to go after Wendy so she offered to help." Peter's smile grew. At least he has more back up when the time came to attack the Jolly Roger, where, from years of clichéd experience, he knew Wendy would be. He felt awful for letting her get captured, and his recent dream only made him feel worse. It felt so real, especially when he was flying through the forest. Maybe he dreamt that part when King Mercer was carrying him. It would make sense why his arms had miniscule cuts.
"So where is Trinity supposed to be coming back from?" Peter asked, steering the subject away from the dream.
"She went to the forest to find different herbs and stuff for your arm. I don't know how she learned what plant does what, but I'm thankful we have her around."
Peter nodded in agreement. "It's because she treats all the little ones cuts and bruises when they get hurt. I guess over time she's memorized what works best."
"She's a walking medicine cabinet, I tell you!" Fox said, and he and Peter laughed.
"You're not talking about me, I hope." said a voice from the doorway. The boys turned to the direction of the voice and saw Trinity leaning casually against the wall. She held a gigantic bowl in her arms.
"We were, actually. Care to join us, medicine cabinet?" Fox teased. Trinity smiled sarcastically at him, and walked over to the duo. She sat next to Peter on the edge of the bed, placing the bowl beside her. The bowl was filled with two large jars, both containing multicolored paste, a rock and a variety of green plants. "What is all that?" Fox jerked his head at the contents.
"The solution to Peter's problem." Trinity answered, reaching down and pulling out her dagger from her waistband.
"Does that include how to save Wendy?" Peter asked quietly. Trinity looked up, giving him a sad smile.
"No, sorry. Just medical problems I'm afraid," she responded slowly. They exchanged sad gazes, then she sighed. "Well, let's get you fixed up."
"Good idea." Fix agreed quickly. Trinity took Peter's injured arm and gave it a light squeeze. He sucked in a breath.
"Does that hurt?" she asked. Peter raised an eyebrow.
"No that feels wonderful. Do it again." he said sarcastically. She ignored his snide comment and continued.
"How bad?"
"Let's put it this way. If I burned your arm with a candle repeatedly, then proceeded to poke and prod at it, how would you feel?" Peter asked simply. Fox snorted, holding a hand over his mouth to restrain his laughter. Trinity pursed her lips and let his arm go.
"Look, if you don't want my help then just say so." she said with forced calmness.
"I do, but you're asking me really dumb questions!" Peter laughed as he said it. Her eyebrow twitched, as if she silently agreed, and took everything out of the bowl.
She then proceeded to cut up the plants while Peter and Fox talked amongst themselves. When the plants were cut, she tossed the chunks in the bowl and ground them together with the rock so that they broke into even tinier pieces. She soon lay the rock aside and opened one of the two jars. The boys stopped talking to sniff the air. They almost gagged.
"What is that?" Peter said, putting a hand over his nose. Fox did likewise. Trinity, however, only wrinkled her nose, but other than that the substance has no effect on her.
"It smells like rotten eggs and dead fish." Fox said, his voice muffled.
"Not to mention it looks like it, too!" Peter exclaimed. The paste was indeed a hideous mixture of gray and yellow.
She sighed. "You two are such babies. This is getting mixed in with the herbs, which will act as a kind of healing thing when spread on your arm," she explained. Fox opened his mouth, but Trinity beat him to it. "Don't ask me how or why, I just know it works." Fox's mouth closed. She scooped a good handful out of the jar and let it drop into the bowl.
"Are you sure you have to use that?" Peter asked, eyeing the goop warily. Trinity nodded. She wiped away the rest from her hand, picked up the rock, and started mixing everything together. Peter and Fox exchanged nervous glances, Peter wondering just what exactly he'd gotten himself into.
"There, done." Trinity said when she was satisfied. She then leaned over to Peter, took his arm again, this time taking off the bandage. It unraveled quickly and she laid it to rest in her lap. She did a quick survey of Peter's gash and scooped a hefty amount of medicine from the container. With her free hand she started to spread it carefully, making sure to cover every inch. Peter was surprised to find that the paste was icy cold, despite the warm temperature of the room.
Trinity continued to distribute the herbal muck evenly down his arm until there was none left. That's when she picked up the second jar, which held more of the same type of material, only it was a pleasant pink.
"What's that?" Peter asked curiously, afraid it would smell even worse than the first.
"This," Trinity said, opening the jar. Now a more pleasing aroma filled the air. The boys sniffed and breathed in deep; they liked it. "Is what goes over that." She pointed to Peter's newly acquired medicine. "It's to mask the odor, but have no effect upon its job. What do you smell, Peter?"
Peter raised his head, his nose inching toward the jar, and breathed in deeply once again. He closed his eyes. "I smell cinnamon, nutmeg and gingerbread."
Fox blinked. "Really? That's not what I smell."
Trinity smiled. "What then?"
Fox copied Peter and after a minute or so, said, "Lavender and," he sniffed again in assurance. "Trees? I'm not sure if trees have a scent."
"That's weird. Why do we smell two different things?" Peter inquired.
"I don't know how this stuff is made, I got it from the Indians, but it's a kind of distraction paste. Whoever smells it will each smell a different thing they love the most. Peter, I'm assuming yours is Wendy."
Peter blinked. "Yeah, that is Wendy!"
"And Fox," Trinity frowned. "I have no idea what yours is."
He blushed. "What do you smell?"
"Oh that's easy. Rain, oranges, fresh cut clove-" Trinity stopped midsentence, blushing furiously.
"I'm uhm…going to check on the kids." Fox said, his face still red, then quickly walked out of the room. Trinity sighed and picked out more paste.
Peter's mouth slowly grew into a smile. "I know who you smell." he taunted in a singsong voice. Trinity made a point of avoiding eye contact with Peter.
"It's not a person, it's a thing."
"Okay, I'll play along," Peter chuckled. "Why is this stuff a distraction?"
"Whoever smells it can instantly forget what they're doing," she said, dabbing more on his arm. "I've smelled this before so I'm not distracted. You didn't get distracted because…well let's face it," she grinned. "You're just distracting anyway." Peter frowned, but said nothing, and she laughed. "Anyway, I thought if Hook were to notice it, he might temporarily daydream about whatever he smells, giving you enough time to get Wendy."
Peter nodded, impressed. "Smart idea."
"Thanks. Plus, if Wendy's scent is in your mind, you'd focus on what you're there to do."
"You seem awfully keen to-" Peter suddenly yawned, his eyes drooping a bit. "Get Wendy back."
Trinity shrugged. "She's grown on me. This stuff also works if you want the wearer to-" she was cut off by a loud snore. She looked up to find Peter in a deep sleep. "Fall asleep. Well I'll be damned, it worked." She grinned as she wrapped his arm in the bandage. Then she gathered her belongings and exited the room as quietly as she could.
Through the forest, across the lagoon, and over the sea a ship floated peacefully, its flags flying against the wind. A bright full moon shone, the light shimmering on every plank, piece of wood and even on the lone figure standing on the deck. If anyone were to casually glance by, they'd think it were an ordinary ship, with its captain gazing out across the water. But the wiser occupants of Neverland knew better. The ship may be ordinary, but its captain was not.
After the bomb was set off in the ballroom, Hook made his escape with Smee and the girl. During their journey up the stair tunnel and emerging into the jungle, the infernal girl would not stop kicking and thrashing against her bonds. Hook didn't bother with her, nor did Smee. They both knew she was weak, though the more she squirmed the less convinced they were of her strength.
They finally reached the dory that was left on the beach and Smee diligently rowed them to the ship and the remaining pirates that were ordered to stay behind. Hook dragged the girl on board, across the deck and down the stairs to the underside of the ship. There, he threw her into one of the single cells.
Hook easily recalled the look on her face when he slammed the cell door. She didn't need to say anything to know what she was thinking; he could see it on her face. Those familiar blue eyes blazed back at him with such fierceness; the memory of it made him shudder. The man had never seen a fiery spirit like hers and he admired her courage.
If only she weren't so attached to Pan.
That same soft wind blew calmly into his face and salt filled his senses. He breathed in deep, then stepped away from the railing. He picked his way across the deck, over his sleeping men, guided only by moonlight. Reaching his cabin door he pulled it open and glided in wearily. He was exhausted; he could hardly keep his eyes open. Yet the old captain took a few steps and leaned over his desk, his eyes downcast at a yellowed piece of parchment.
"Come on, boy. I know you want to save her. And when you do I'll shoot you. Right through your," Hook chuckled deeply at the irony. "Noble intentions."
How marvelous this was all turning out to be.
Wendy sat, knees pulled to her chest, on the damp floor of the dungeon. Her arms were wrapped around her knees to keep away the cold. She was grateful that her dress covered her legs and chest, but left her arms bare and wished for a jacket. Or a strong pair of arms.
It had only been a few hours and Wendy already missed Peter. She knew it was silly, that maybe her love for him was just a passionate crush, and not true love. She was, after all, only thirteen.
Then it hit her.
She was becoming the girl that she hated. She's reduced herself to wearing a dress, her responsibilities have skyrocketed, and she's gained feelings for a boy that only grownups get. Neverland was having the opposite effect on her. Instead of staying young forever, she was growing up faster than ever. True, her body wouldn't change and she wouldn't age, but that didn't stop the true meaning of growing up.
Wendy suddenly stood up and ran to the bars. She shook the door, hoping that the loud banging would attract anyone.
"Hey! Let me out! Someone help me!" she shouted. But even as she did so, she knew it was hopeless. She was too far underneath the ship and nowhere near the island.
"Quiet down over there. You're giving me a headache." An irritated voice cut through Wendy's cries.
"You think you've got problems? I just realized that my dream has been shattered." Wendy retorted.
"What dream would that be?" Now the voice sounded rather bored.
"That what I hoped Neverland would give me is eternal youth…" her voice slowed. She sighed heavily. "And let me let go of my old life of worries and regrets. Instead this island is throwing it back in my face." Wendy sank to the ground, her cheeks and nose squished against the bars. Her stomach tightened and her eyes blurred. She held back a sob. "It's just…I figured my life was going to be so perfect. It seems like I've waited all my life to be here. And now…" she trailed off, the tears finally escaping.
Something sparkled in the torchlight. Wendy looked up and saw, in the second cell across the way, a figure moving. It shimmered and glittered and Wendy smelled violets, lilacs, lilies, roses; almost every kind of flower known, all rolled into one scent. Yet it wasn't unpleasant, it had a distinctness unlike anything Wendy had smelled before. It was intoxicating.
The figure finally came into full view and for the first time, Wendy recognized an oversized jar sitting in the middle of the cell. And in that jar was-
"Queen Mab." Wendy whispered in disbelief. The legendary fairy Queen smiled half-heartedly, while Wendy's eyes bugged out of their sockets. She was dressed in what was once an elegant red gown, but now had holes and smudges of dirt. Her feet were bare like every other guest at the ball, and her luxuriate mahogany hair was falling out of its neat updo. Her large wings glimmered in the light and even though she was a mess, there was still this sophisticated aura about her that Wendy had read in many stories.
"Hello, Wendy," the Queen sighed. "I had hoped we would meet on better terms but," she rolled her eyes. "Those bloody pirates always ruin everything."
"Y-you know…w-who I am?" Wendy spluttered.
Queen Mab grinned. "Of course I do. Everyone on the island has been talking about you ever since you got here."
"They have?"
"You're a legend."
"I am?" Wendy's head spun. This was all too much. The real live fairy Queen herself was here, talking to her, in person. That was enough to make anyone go crazy, but for Wendy they might as well just lock her up and declare her mentally unstable. Ever since she could remember, she had a secret obsession with the stories of Queen Mab. Once when she was eight she checked out every single book the library offered on the Queen and read them over and over again. When she was a bit older, she saved up and bought any book and drawing she could find in San Francisco. Wendy drew sketches everywhere; homework, study notes, her notebooks were filled. There was something about Mab that intrigued Wendy, and now that she was getting to talk to her favourite fictional (well, not so fictional anymore) hero… "I think I'm going to pass out."
Queen Mab only laughed. It wasn't in a taunting way; it was more of a giggle, really.
"Your majesty, you have no idea how long I've wanted to meet you." Wendy said when she finally found her voice.
"Likewise."
"No, you don't understand-"
"I do, Wendy."
"But – But why me?" Wendy asked, dumbfounded. Queen Mab merely shrugged.
"Oh, I don't know. I think it's mainly because I wanted to meet the girl that's gotten Peter so…What's the phrase you humans use? 'Head over heels'."
Wendy frowned. "Are you sure that's me? I mean, my great-grandmother Wendy did the same thing, from what I can tell."
Queen Mab shook her head. "Nope, it's definitely you. Everyone has been saying how much you resemble her, that you both have a lasting, classic beauty that could charm the heart of any young man on the island. You're personalities, however, are so different. You are strong, independent, a fighter, a leader and opinionated. While the legendary Wendy was shy, patient, calm, and let's face it…A better mother."
Wendy's jaw dropped. "Hey!"
Mab merely shrugged, a very un-Queenly grin appearing on her face. "I'm only stating the truth."
Wendy cast around in her mind for memories and sighed. "I guess you're right. I wasn't that bad, though."
Queen Mab giggled again in delightful amusement. "It's all right, Wendy. No one expects you to be the greatest mother on the island at thirteen. Anyway," she sighed, her laughter dieing away. "Got any ideas on how to get out of here?"
Wendy groaned, her body flopping to the ground in defeat. She rolled on her back, her eyes glancing at the black, cobwebbed ceiling. "I wish." she said.
"Well we can't just sit here feeling sorry for ourselves. Time to take action!" Queen Mab stated boldly. She attempted to stand in her glass confinement, although her large wings kept getting in the way. Suddenly, a loud gunshot rang out above them, the thundering of feet pounded away, followed by more shots. Startled, Wendy and the Queen looked at one another.
"Did you do that?" Wendy asked. Queen Mab slowly shook her head.
"No, but whoever did had better get down here and release me so I can join them."
AN: FINALLY! I'm so glad I got this out. I've been writing the last few paragraphs little by little and I was so tired of it. I needed to move on, and so…yeah. Hope you guys liked it! Shout out time!!
Princess Aralee – Thank you very much! (is flattered) I hope this was fast enough for you, haha.
Dreamers Prodogy – Wow…I'm pretty much shocked. An entire day? Why thank you:) I'm so glad to know you're a reader that stands behind me, motivating me to write more. Thanks again!!
Samalamadingdong – LOL! I love your name!! Could your name be "Sam" that was made into a quirky Grease lyric? Anyway, thank you! I'm glad you like it!
Italian Charms 587 – I shall be continuing, no matter how slow I may put out chapters, haha. Thanks!
Jasmine aka Jazzy – What sort of a writer would I be if I didn't have a cliffhanger? I seem to be leaving a lot of them lately. OMG! Newsies is my life…in fact, it's my anti-drug. My myspace name says so, haha. Thank you so much for the awesome review. Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
shot to pieces – OMG! RENT! OMG!!! (ahem) Anyway, you were kick freakin' ass at the volleyball thing 5 months ago, lol! Weren't you like the tallest one? Or was I just assuming because it's volleyball? I dunno, people always, ALWAYS ask me if I play volleyball. I answer meekly, "No, I swam in high school…" Fortunately, they think that's cool too. So….you need to update too. If I can do it, so can you! I promise to call you as soon as I get enough money together so we can buy tickets. I had to pay for Phoenix Rising first which cost half my paycheck. Oy! But it's a refreshing feeling paying for these kind of things myself, you know? Okay, enough rambling. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Talk at you later, love ya!
LegallyRed – Hey I updated a few weeks after you! Haha. Yeah I read Lord of the Flies my sophomore year. It creeped me out. Like for real. Jack was freakin' CRAZY! I honestly didn't expect it to be so…violent. (looks to Cowboy, wondering how he became so obsessed with pigs) Yeah, yeah Miss Know It All. I didn't research the rules of sword play before I wrote it…I probably should have but I was lazy, lol. Oh by the way…I bought the Princess Bride last week : ) Score. Anyway, your turn to update! Hah, tag you're it! Love you!
Dimonah Tralon – You forgot about this? I'm hurt…LoL, just kidding. I know how that goes. It's like, "Oh! So you weren't dead after all!" It happens to me all the time. You must have forgotten about this again, then, haha. Anyway, thanks so much for all of your reviews. They really brighten my day.
So that's all. No more. All done. Finished….I mean with the shout outs, not with the story (rolls eyes) Just kidding ; ) Anyway, thanks to everyone in advance who reviews this chapter. They mean the world to me. Seriously, guys. Really. (ahem) See you in chapter 24!
DreamlessMermaid