Neverwhere
By Cassandra Lynne
neverland_is_forever@yahoo.com
Rating: PG-13. Well, this does get a little dark. Okay, so it's dark in the first chapter. Sue me. I don't DO rainbows and sunshine. Except on demand. ;)
Disclaimer: Though I did not invent most of these characters, I highly doubt anyone will sue me, considering that I have absolutely no money and the copyright has expired on Barrie's work. My characters are mine, please don't use them without permission. This means any characters not historically extant or part of the original storyline. Thanks so much for reading, and please review me if you want me to post more. Thanks!
Chapter One: Birthdays
The night air hummed, pulsing with life and humidity. It was unusual for the temperate climate to bring forth such a heated and clammy atmosphere, especially this late in the evening. A chorus of crickets filled the spaces between the trees with a chorus of a thousand tiny voices. A great white owl leaped into the sky at the sight of its prey, spreading its gargantuan wings, cutting through the fervid mists in its silent, deadly mission. Somewhere far away, a wolf loosed its piercing cry into the dark. The forest was alive, a heart with a beat all its own.
Somewhere below the tree line, a boy was gazing up at the stars. Although the ground was saturated with fog, he still had a magnificent view. The clouds had parted, revealing the vault of the sky in crystalline perfection, a vast painting of infinite space. Beautiful, he mused. He had never seen so many stars. I should look up more often.
He silently vowed that he would. If he ever got down from there.
He tested the ropes of the net again, desperately trying to free his boots of the knotted cords that twisted into a remarkably tight double entendre at his feet. He cursed and tried to maneuver his body around into an upright position and only succeeded in pulling one of his legs into a new and far more uncomfortable position. He cursed again, louder.
Then he heard the rustle of low-lying brush and settled for cursing silently.
It was not Pan. Peter was not the ambulant type, or taking to casual strolls in the forest alone at midnight. He would fly. The steps were light and uneven, almost hesitant. But those mere facts did not relieve him from danger.
The boy tensed, every muscle in his body cringing as the sound grew louder, the footsteps much closer now. He prayed they would pass him by, were just the noises of a random exploration that just happened to cross his path.
The treading stopped. Whoever it was paused suddenly, as if sensing that another person was nearby. The boy lay perfectly still, save for the hand that reached backwards for his slingshot. Only to realize he had lost it in the thickets two days ago.
Stupid idiot.
The sounds reached the edge of the clearing. A figure stepped out of the shadows, and he recognized the person at once. The boy grinned. Interesting evening.
Yes, it is.
They stared at each other in silence for several seconds, eyes hardened and sharply focused. Slowly, the boy hanging in the tree pointed to the ground and an upturned basket. I brought you never-berries. He paused. I really hate these booby traps of yours.
The second youth finally broke into a grin, white teeth flashing in the dark. I guess you'll just have to get smarter, then.
They both laughed. Billy Jukes reached up along the sides of the tree, fingers tracing the grooves in the bark for handholds. He began to climb, swiftly and easily as the second watched him. Slightly thought he looked like a lynx hunting squirrels.
I'm glad you found me, he said, as Jukes fumbled with the ropes above his head. If it was any other pirate, I'd be slightly screwed over.
No, I'm glad I found you, Jukes grunted. Do you really think I'd be letting anyone else but you escape? There. Suddenly, Slightly felt the knots beneath him loosen, and the net collapsed, unraveling from a secret knot that he never knew was there.
Good point. He swooped down and picked up the basket, handing it to the youthful pirate gunner. They grinned at each other. This just gets more fun every time, Jukes commented, his eyes sparkling.
I agree, Slightly laughed. So, where is the rest of Hook's, um, cheery crew?
Bill snickered. "On the beach, less than a league away, making their own form of sunshine. And maybe a little moonshine too, if they have time. Yours?
Slightly big news, the flaxen-haired boy answered, hopping onto a nearby log. Wendy, John and Michael have left Neverland.
Jukes' face took on the look of astonishment for one of the few times in his life. He sat down slowly. You're just yanking me around.
Slightly shook his head. No, really. It's true. They left with Peter and Tinkerbell this morning, as soon as they could see the dawn on the horizon. I know, he yawned. We all got up to say goodbye one last time.
Billy just sat there, staring at him. That's so He gazed off into the distance, searching for the right words. I've known Peter and Wendy to do everything together for so long, it's hard to remember when that rapscallion was by himself.
He's hardly ever been by himself, Slightly protested emphatically. He rounded up the Lost Boys right after he discovered Neverland!
Yeah, yeah, ok, Jukes replied distractedly. He sat there for a few seconds lost in his own thoughts. Suddenly, he jumped up, momentarily startling Slightly as he began to pace. But—why? It just doesn't make sense. Everyone else seems to stay forever, whether they want to or not!
Slightly began, I guess the problem started when Wendy got angry at Peter for letting Tink act obnoxious towards her last Mardi Gras. You know, telling her to stay away from Peter, that he didn't belong to her. He adjusted his cap. They argued, and she called him immature, naïve, and irresponsible. Slightly shrugged. I didn't really see what the problem was.
Jukes rolled his eyes. I bet Peter didn't, either. No wonder Wendy blew up. Go on.
So it turns out that Wendy kept track of how many days she and her brothers had been on the island. Just counting the time after Peter brought Jane for a visit, they had spent over three years here.
Jukes whistled. That was pretty recently.
Not if her figures are correct, and I'm more than slightly sure that they are. Which means that the Darlings spent about ten years here.
Jukes spit out the berries he was tasting. Excuse me? he sputtered, choking.
Slightly pounded him on the back. You okay?
Billy coughed. You gotta stop scaring me like that. He hacked a bit more. By the way, thanks for the food. Cookson's meals get worse every day.
Slightly slapped his head.
Oh, no! he groaned.
What's wrong?
The food! he wailed. Wendy used to cook all our meals for us! Who's going to do that now that we're gone? Slightly stamped his foot. This is turning into a slightly catastrophic mess! Peter's going to be grouchy, Tink will throw a fit now because she won't have Wendy anymore, and we'll have to barter with the Indians again!
Jukes enunciated slowly, maybe Peter will find you a new mother.
Don't be a moron, Billy.
I was being sarcastic.
The pirate turned excitedly to Slightly. I have interesting news, too.
What's that? Slightly asked skeptically.
The Jolly Roger's taking a voyage.
Now it was Slightly's turn to gasp. You must be joking. Or think I'm a dolt, one or the other. He spat. Hook will never leave without killing Peter Pan.
Jukes smirked. Oh, I think he will. To keep his crew from mutiny, a cap'n will do just about anything.
Slightly raised an eyebrow.
Mutiny, is it?
That's right. Most of the crew, Mullins in particular, is damn sick and tired of waiting around on an enchanted isle for a final battle that in all likelihood will never happen. Even Hook knows better than to risk ten years of loyalty over a break.
This piqued Slightly's curiosity. What—where will you go? He gulped, his heart skipping a beat. He didn't want to ask, but he had to know. Will you be coming back?
Oh, yeah, sure, Billy dismissed his fears with a wave of the hand. Hook was concerned, naturally, so he went to this fairy and asked how to return to Neverland. She laughed and him and told him he'd be back almost as soon as he left, whether he wanted to or not. He snorted. The Jolly Roger is cursed, she said, and that if we sailed away from Neverland, it would only be a matter of time before the spell would overcome us again. Naturally, he was suspicious. So he made her ensure his return by casting another spell.
I thought fish would sprout wings before the fairies helped a pirate, Slightly frowned.
The Cap'n made her an offer she couldn't refuse, Jukes muttered.
What will you do while you're back in the other world?
Oh, I don't know, Billy smiled lazily, pulling out his sword from its well-oiled scabbard to inspect the blade. What pirates usually do—steal treasure, slit throats and terrorize the general population. He slashed his sword at imaginary foes, brandishing it high in the air for effect.
Oh, to be a villain once more, just like the old days! Jukes thought happily. It filled him with a giddy pleasure, though seeing Mullins in good spirits was far better than the violence that went with it. I'm sure Hook will have us tour the shore. Ravish, pillage, plunder, ya know, that sort of thing. The pirate lay back, imagining all the adventures they would have.
Inwardly, Slightly suppressed a shudder. Did he really know his friend as well as he thought he did? It's his way of life, he reminded himself. How could he know anything else? But it disturbed him.
Jukes sheathed his sword and tossed some berries at Slightly. Catch. I have to go back soon, or they're going to suspect something's up.
Slightly scratched his head. Just a thoughtwouldn't they suspect something already?
Now you're being generous and giving them too much credit, Billy chortled. No, it's actually my party. I can do whatever I want.
Come again?
I'm not positive about this, if you must know, Jukes lowered his voice, so don't get me in more trouble and have Pan chasing me for treason. But according to the fairy holidays, I think it's my birthday.
Slightly smiled. Neat! Congratulations, sir! He stood up formally, bowed to the pirate, and honored him in mock salute as Billy tried not to crack up. How young, may I ask, dear Jukes? spoke Slightly in a high-pitched and rather poor colonel's imitation.
Or, shall we say, how old should you be?
I was almost twenty when the Jolly Roger first arrived in Neverland, Billy answered. But it's been forever, and I don't look any older.
Actually, you're mistaken, the lost boy corrected. You look older since the last time I saw you. Which is slightly strange, he added, scratching his head. In fact, that's not supposed to happen here.
You know, Jukes responded cautiously, I was going to say the exact same thing—"
Then both looked at each other for a moment. Then they raced to the edge of the river.
I don't get it! Slightly squeaked, putting his hands to his face in shock. I must be at least three years older, maybe more! What am I gonna do? Peter will kick me out of Neverland! This is slightly terrible!
Jukes started, distracted by his own reflection in the rippling waters, it happened to everyone. I'm a pirate, and I look older as well. It could be all of us.
Slightly slumped to the ground. I don't feel any more like a grownup than before, thank goodness. He tore his eyes from the image of a teenager and buried his face in his hands. What's going on, Billy? Why is this happening to us?
Jukes turned away from the riverbank, hiding from the youth of three and twenty years that stared back at him in the current. I don't know, he whispered. But whatever this is, it's changing Neverland.
Slightly commented quietly, at least we don't look the worse for wear yet. He tilted his head to stare up at his secret friend, and smiled at him. Happy birthday, Jukes.
Billy lifted his face, sensing the breeze pick up around them, stirring something in the air. He moved his eyes back down and met Slightly's gaze with his own. Back at ya, kid, he said softly.
¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,¸,ø¤º°`°
New York, USA. The Present.
And Lancelot held her, clinging to Guinevere as if God would rip open the earth and tear them apart at any moment. She was sobbing. He whispered words of endearment in her ear that would never have an equal, moaning, crying in her hair for what was lost to them forever.
Yet even as Guinevere knew her heart to be breaking, she could only sense the aura, the magic that chose that moment to come alive again. She had not felt it in over ten years, not since a foggy midnight so long ago, but its presence was undeniable. So we were as we will be, steps in the sand, shadows of the past. She remembered what Merlin had said. All roads lead home. No beginning exists without an end that was born first. Why does nothing else live in this moment but us? It is as if we are joined together, once and again, inseparable before time, from the dawn of the world
Words. Only words.
She sighed and closed the book. If pain were a revelation, she would have been enlightened long ago. All the words in the world can't make things better now. I wish I could just disappear
It was the fourth fight they'd had in a week. She couldn't have a conversation that lasted longer than two seconds without starting an argument. She didn't even try to remember what they were about anymore.
The girl was home for summer vacation. Her parents counted the minutes until college started again so that they could ship her off to college. She couldn't wait, either. It was a miracle they weren't making her pay for it. After all, what would they have left to dote on their adorable son whom they cherished so dearly?
Poor little spoiled brat, she muttered. She didn't know whether she was referring to Rich or herself.
Did it matter? She had failed them, and to make matters worse, she had failed herself.
On the floor, near the bed sheets dragged carelessly onto the floor, a stack of grade reports lay on the carpet. The first several had A's, A+'s and glowing praise covering the pages. The latest sat shoved to the side, crumpled up so that the B's and C-s didn't show.
A trail of a sticky liquid wandered aimlessly around the room, the spots shining in the late evening sun. It traveled back to the opposite side of the bed, into a small opal bottle marked Nevis' Red Rum.
The girl sighed, smearing the tears on her face with the back of her hand and closing the book that lay in her lap. She had stained her blouse. She took another swig from the bottle.
Here's to nothing, she thought. I'm selfish and this is my fault. I blame myself. She turned her face away and brought her hand quickly across her wrist, cutting it with the Swiss Army knife she had stolen from her father's bureau.
The blood spurted out instead of dripping. Her expression changed from calm satisfaction to alarm, and she gasped in pain. She'd read about it before, how people did it to punish themselves. But the wound looked awfully deep
She dropped the knife and clasped her right hand over the gash. When it didn't stop the flow, she reached for the dishtowel tossed at her feet and tried to bind the wound. But it proved difficult to knot with only one hand, and slipped off too easily. The blood was making a growing puddle on the floor.
Panicking, she started to cry out for help, then realized the family had gone to the movies without her. She looked around and dove for the phone, trying not to jerk her wrist around.
The blood had soaked the rag. She froze. I'm going to die. Damn, this wasn't supposed to happen! Then it hit her. It would look like a suicide. No! I have to get help!
she screamed as she doubled over in pain. Get the phone. She grasped for the receiver with her good hand, releasing the pressure on the wound.
Hello, 911, a calm female voice answered on the other end of the line. She was feeling dizzy, weaker than a few moments ago.
Hello, I injured myself, the girl answered, grimacing. My wrist—it's cut pretty badly.
Ok, what is your location? the voice asked.
I'm bleeding—a lot
I understand. What is your address?
224 Evergreen Lane, Chelmsford, she answered seeing flashes of color dart across your vision.
And how did this injury occur? She was having a hard time breathing. So much blood
Hello? Did you hear me? How did this happen? The girl tried to answer and started slipping to the floor. she groaned, wincing.
Hello? Hello? Can you hear me? Listen, keep talking to me. Stay right there and talk to me. Hello?
I made a mistake. She tried to speak but only succeeded to mouth the words. It wasn't pain that pulled at her anymore, but sleep. A restful darkness that took hold of her, and guided her away.
¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,¸,ø¤º°`°
Peter, for crying out loud! If you don't even know where you're going, at least let me try to navigate us and avoid certain death!
Peter Pan laughed and swerved to avoid hitting a gargantuan oak tree that had suddenly appeared directly in their path. A branch caught his cape, ripping a section of cloth away. Tink turned back, saw the obstacle and screamed bloody murder as she tried desperately to swing below the boughs, ducking just in time to miss a branch jutting out in her way.
After spinning out of control for several seconds, the terrified pixie righted herself and caught up to boy, who was flying on as if nothing had happened. He started to smile, glancing at Tink. The look she gave him could have burned a city to the ground.
It—you saw it, right? It just popped right up out of nowhere! he stammered. She didn't answer, only glowered at him. he protested sheepishly, lifting his hands in a gesture as if to say, What did I ever do?' Tink shook her head furiously.
I almost became a permanent addition to the bark of that tree, Peter.
Aw, Tink, he pouted. But you're fine now, right? He paused. No answer.
Kettles and hobgoblins, Peter! she finally screamed. When I say to be organized, I mean it! Returning the Darlings was trouble enough. But simply dropping into a different time for no reason without a plan or a map is pure nonsense! It's positively insane!
I do have a plan, Peter retorted. It's like Great Big Little Panther said: find the girl who lives in the dark, and bring the future to light. I have to find the Lost Boys a new mother.
Tink rolled her eyes. How about that one, down there on the street corner?
Silly! That's not even a girl! Peter giggled, spinning around, his eyes alight. Keep alert. We may find her at any moment.
Listen, you dunderhead, Tinkerbell grated her teeth. I can't even tell where we are, much less WHEN we are. What's more, you're changing! Haven't you noticed? You've grown older!
This got Peter's attention. he yelped in astonishment, swiveling back to his flying acquaintance. The look quickly changed to that of fury. What precisely do you mean, older? I don't get any older, in case you've forgotten! I'm Peter Pan, and Peter Pan NEVER grows up!
Not Captain Hook older. Tink thought fast. It's more like a few years. Three or four, maybe. She topped sympathizing and frowned at him. But it's your own fault, do you hear me? You need to stop playing games, or you'll end up—Peter? Did you even hear what I just said?
Peter wasn't listening. Did you hear that? he said quickly, putting a hand to his ear. It sounded like someone was calling for help.
Tink said, exasperated.
I'm going to investigate. Peter was yards away before Tink even realized what was happening.
They hovered in the window, staring in shock at the scene inside the room. Oh, good heavens, Tink murmured.
Peter stared hard at the glass. He began to pound against the second-story window, desperately trying to break the locks. Let me in! he yelled at no one in particular. Help! Somebody!
Tink shuddered as she threw fairy dust on the grating. Don't get your hopes up, Peter, she sighed despondently. I think she may already be dead.
Don't say that, he shot back bitterly at her, and then he was inside.
Tink had a bad feeling about this one. Sadness was not something she could cure in Peter, and if the mortal was dead, there was nothing she could do.
Blood stained the carpet all around the body. Peter knelt down, listening near her mouth for signs of life. He picked up her wrist, staining his hand as the dark liquid poured across it. She's still bleeding, he murmured. Tink, is that good or bad?
I don't know. Tink flew up to the girl's mouth.
She's not moving, Peter said frantically.
Hold your horses, the fairy shouted. I don't hear any breathing. She sighed again. Well, there's only one way to be sure. Holding her breath, she gently touched the girl's forehead.
It was as if lightning had shot through her small body. Tink saw flashes of light and darkness, pain and suffering, nightmares she didn't ever want to see again. The girl suddenly took in a huge shaky breath. She was breathing, Tink whispered.
She's alive! Peter cried happily.
Listen, Peter, Tink hovered in front of him, noticing the frantic sounds emanating from the end of a strange-looking device on the floor. You have a choice to make. We can leave her here, and her own people can try to save her life. She stopped, meeting his green eyes. But they may not get here in time.
Then it's obvious! Peter cried. You have to use your magic to save her! He moved to sit the girl up.
Tink continued sternly, putting a hand on his shoulder to stop him, if I do this, if I save her, she has to come with us. Humans won't understand how she miraculously healed. It would cause complications that you cannot attempt to comprehend. She would never be able to return. She lowered her voice. she said slowly, she would have to remain in Neverland. Forever.
Peter looked torn. Is she supposed to come with us? In shadow, in light—" He looked at the sunlight, the line on the carpet sloping across to meet her still form, separating night and day. Is she the one we came for?
I don't know, Peter, Tink answered sadly. But you have to make a decision, and you have to do it now.
Peter was lost in thought. He looked out the window, searching for a sign of adventure. He thought of the Darlings. He thought of the good-byes. Finally, he thought of the present, and turned his gaze to her pale face, so peaceful in sleep, her life slipping away second by second
Tink cried. You have to decide, right now!
I can't he cried. I can't think like this!
Peter—"
I don't know! I don't know! he yelled, looking around, eyes mad, cheeks flushed with anxiety, his mind about to explode.
JUST DO IT! he screamed, clenching his teeth. Peter lowered his voice. Do it now, Tink.
They were flying, soaring above the rooftops. She had the sensation of floating on air, weightless. Is this death? she thought. I feel so cold
She opened her eyes, and saw the clouds ahead. Then she realized that she was lying sideways, and rotated her head the other direction. She looked down.
The ground was a hundred feet below her, and falling further away by the second.
She screamed and curled into a ball. Except that she was already resting against someone else who was holding her. She raised her eyes. Her gaze met a face with sky-blue irises, ragged chestnut hair and an impish smile.
Oh, good, you're awake, the teenage boy said, grinning. I'm Peter. This is Tinkerbell. He motioned with a hand, and the girl screamed again as his grip became half as strong. She saw the ground, hundreds of feet below.
Don't look down, Peter said calmly. Never look down.
Tink touched her forehead before she could scream a third time, and the girl immediately fell asleep.
They always look down, Peter remarked, puzzled. He shrugged.
Tink rolled her eyes again.
What now? he asked.
I cast a little spell, Tink replied pulling out a generous handful of fairy dust. The wound on the left wrist was only a small white scar, the blood having dried up in the bedroom when Tink had saved her life.
What will it do?
I'm taking away the memories of her family, friends, the people in her life, Tink answered matter-of-factly. All the events that caused her pain and sadness will be erased, so that she won't know what happened or how she met us. Otherwise, she'll miss her world too much and go mad.
Why didn't you have to do that with Wendy? Peter demanded, worried about his new fosterling.
Tink enunciated slowly, Wendy knew she was going to go back. The words hung suspended in the air between them, and the slience grew heavier.
At last, Peter found his voice. He swallowed. I don't even know her name, Tink.
For once, Tink couldn't think of anything to say.
Somewhere in a pleasantly crowded suburb, the twilight crept between the houses in noiseless surrender, and the sun set on the open windows of a lonely room for the last time.
To be continued...
Current and Upcoming Plot: When Slightly and Billy Jukes realise that everyone in Neverland is mysteriously growing up, Great Big Little Panther reveals an old warning he gave to Peter Pan: attachments to outsiders like Wendy, who has left the island, will eventually cause him to lose his childhood if they do not remain with him. With this new predicament, Peter and Tink set off into the Neverwhere mists, and discover an unexpected boon when they rescue and save the life of a melancholy girl from the future. Unfortunately, centuries collide, and the past and present meet in a violent collision of blades and loyalties. The Jolly Roger's interference throws a faction of pirates aboard the Sphynx into the Neverwhere void, including the cunning and malicious Francis Wittingthorn. A rakish and devious sociopath, Wittingthorn's cool demeanor and acridity of speech are only surpassed by his deadly aptitude with the blade. Even Hook appears impressed, and this "devil in fop's clothing" wastes no time in giving the original pirates a run for their money. Someone had better think of a plan - fast - because Wittingthorn wants nothing less than control over the heart of Neverland, and all the lives that come with it...