Sorry for the delay. I was updating my fanfics. :)
*.*.*
Neverland was a big island in the middle of the ocean, filled with trees, waterfalls, and a volcano. Along the bay was a ship, filled with pirates who were either awake or asleep. Winter had just passed Neverland's shores, letting in spring once more.
The tiny fairies moved to and fro about Pixie Hollow, a tiny region next to a pixie tree, where all the seasons were aligned. The fairies looked in wonder, watching Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, who accompanied Peter all the way from the mainland, and who Eretria hardly noticed, return to the island. Right away, the fairies encircled their friend, Tinkerbell, pulling her away from Peter, just for a moment.
"You let a stranger into this jungle?" Rosetta, the fairy in the red floral dress, complained. "You know what Peter Pan says about humans, particularly adults!"
"I'm sure it's not any trouble!" Tinkerbell laughed. "She's just here to find that panpipe."
"That panpipe has been lost for centuries," Iridessa, a light fairy with olive skin, shook her head. "No one's found it yet!"
"Well, I'm sure we'll find it this time!" Tinkerbell said with confidence.
"Good luck, Tink!" Fawn, the animal fairy, dressed in orange, waved to her friend.
"I will!" Tinkerbell flew off, encircling around Peter as he and Eretria landed in the jungle beyond the bay.
~o~
James Hook awoke from his sleep. His curly black wig nestled over his head, while his black mustache ticked due to the ticking green crocodile, swimming just outside his ship. Hook had a rugged, middle-aged appearance, and yet he felt youthful, thanks to Neverland. No one aged in this world, making it a blessing and a curse. His pale hand moved off his large oak desk. His red pirate's clothes, including his flashy long red jacket, made him stand out amongst other pirates, letting everyone know he was the captain.
The captain's cabin was luxurious with its long rectangular window, his wardrobe, filled with all his clothes and jackets, and his rack where his swords were stacked one on top of the other. He slammed his silver hook on the table, allowing the hook to scratch the desk's surface.
He smiled. "He's back." He was referring to Peter Pan. "Now, I can find that panpipe!"
~o~
The moment her leather boots touched the jungle's forest floor, Eretria was swept into a vision. A vision showing a cave behind a waterfall and a mysterious wooden panpipe, sitting on a stone pedestal, amidst a golden-hued light. The vision ended and Eretria was back in the jungle, close to the harbor. She took one look around in wonder and despair.
Had she been to this place before? The last time she let go of her childhood was when Cephalo, who wasn't much of a father, tried to sell her off unless she proved herself. She lost her childhood with the Rovers, humans who hunted elf ears for healing purposes – or so the rumors went. She closed her emotions off then. Wil saved her, showed her it was okay to be human again.
She was still learning the ropes, learning to regain what was once lost.
It was this place, this island. Something inside her was changing. She looked at Peter, wondering why a boy sent for her, took her away from the Four Lands. Did he buy her? If he did, then what were they doing here?
"Why did you bring me here?" Eretria asked, not wanting to play games with him. "I thought you had bought me. That was the agreement you made with Cogline," She told him, fiercely, "I'm your property now. So, do what you want with me."
"I didn't buy you," Peter said, misunderstanding.
"Then why did you send for me?" Eretria asked, ready to pull out her dagger.
"We need to talk," Peter said with confidence.
"I'm not ready to talk with you," Eretria said, walking away. "I'm going to find my way out of here. No matter what. If I'm lucky, I'll find Wil and Amberle again before the sun sets."
"You don't get it. Do you?" Peter asked, following her.
"I don't know what you mean," Eretria said, trying to hide her emotions. Peter flew in front of her, before she had the chance to walk away. "Look, whatever you want, it has nothing to do with me."
"You still don't understand," Peter said, concerned.
"Understand what?" Eretria asked, suspicious. "Enough mind tricks. Where are we?"
"We're in Neverland!" Peter smiled. "The place where no one grows up. Hook's still here and his gang of pirates. They might try to find the panpipe. We need to get it before they do! Come on!" He flew into the air, not looking back.
Eretria stopped, staring at the flying boy in amazement. "Hey! Wait up!" She prepared for the jump. "Okay. I can do this." She closed her eyes, imagining the times she spent with Wil. Those happy moments entranced her. At last, she opened her eyes, stunned that she was in the air again. There was that golden ball of light swirling around her, keeping her afloat. She looked up at Peter as he shook his head, smiling at her.
"You coming?" Peter asked her, aloud. "Let's go!"
"If it gets me back to the Four Lands faster, then fine," Eretria said, gliding with Peter through the white puffy clouds and back into the jungle. For a moment, she saw tiny dots and a red jacket move through the jungle, brandishing their cutlasses. Well, here's hoping she didn't run into those pirates. But who knew, right?