Eventually we reach a clearing where Pan announces we will set up out new camp. It's got huge trees that are hollowed out to make stair cases leading up to the treetops. Felix begins to order where the dining and training areas will be situated. Anything requiring a lot of space will be on the ground and we will set up hammocks to sleep in in the branches above. I set down my bags and walk up the stair case to inspect how safe it will actually be. To my surprise I find that a large floor has been created just below the forest roof where the branches and bundles of leaves hide the night sky. The floor is sturdy and large and as I look around I find that the whole thing has been turned into a huge tree house that's unnoticeable from the forest floor, with walls and all. Some boys start filing up the stairs to put the hammocks down and I walk with them to help. They are placed like the sleeping quarters in a ship with one high from the ground then one above and one below it. They are then reinforced with bamboo and rope to make 6 rows of the hammock columns. I inwardly moan about the close quarters everyone will now be sleeping in but decide that sleeping up high in the trees like this will be better than on the ground. I head back down the stairs and find that they've already started a fire and set up the dining table. Some of the boys who usually cook have already started on dinner and at the thought of it my stomach grumbles in realisation that I skipped breakfast and only had a couple of fruit on our break. I see Felix dragging some large fallen trees for the boys to sit on when we sit around the campfire and I walk over to him.
"So I'm guessing there's no convenient hot spring to take a bath in around here?" I ask him, leaning on one of the logs.
"No but we've got better. There's a waterfall nearby and the water is always cool." He responds, resting on a log near me.
"Won't that be a problem in the cold mornings?" I ask and before he can reply, Nick and his gang join us in sitting on the logs.
"Oh, I love that waterfall, and no the early morning don't get that cold." Nik says, taking a seat right next to me. Felix stares at him in annoyance and Nik shuffles away from me slightly, noticing his glare.
"Uh, okay cool. So, does the weather ever change?" I ask.
"Well it was originally a land for people to come in their dreams; I don't think they would have wanted a place too freezing or too hot." Flyde says, with Benny adding.
"Yeah, but it does vary sometimes, like when it rains." Once he finishes we all look up at the sky and realise that though it has gone night, the view of the sky is blocked by the treetops.
"As interesting as this is," Felix begins, standing up,
"I'm going to check on dinner. Lena, when I come back we'll do some more combat training, since you're more behind than the others." Felix says, before walking away.
"So," Nik says turning to me, the other two have gotten into an argument about some other nonsense.
"I've been thinking… " I say to Nik, placing my hand on his shoulder. He beams at me and slides my way on the log,
"Yeah?" He asks, eagerly.
"What you said last night, about us just being friends? I think that would be a good idea too." I say, with an apologetic smile.
"Oh." Nik says, his shoulders drooping. "I thought- you said you wanted me." He adds.
"I thought I did… but if we're to be peers and serving Pan together then 'us' isn't going to work." I tell him.
"What do you mean? Why not?" He asks.
"Well, if we're standing next to Pan and an arrow comes at us, I need to be able to protect him and not be worrying about you the whole time. And the same goes for you to me." I say with seriousness.
"I guess you're right." He says, sliding away from me again and leaning forward on his knees.
"You're amazing though, Lena. You know that right?" He asks me with a half-smile. I place my hand on his shoulder and smile at him once again,
"Thanks." I say. It's then that I look up to see Felix looking at us. Oh god, how long has he been there? I get up and walk over to him,
"Did- did you hear that?" I ask him. He smirks at me and begins to walk over to the training area.
"Come on, dinners almost ready." He says and I follow him with a confused look.
"Why are you smiling like that?" I ask him.
"No reason. Now try and hit me." He says; bringing his hands balled up into fists in front of his face. I smile at him before attempting to swing at him from the side, he grabs my arm before it hits him and he spins me around, holding me in a locked position so I can't swing at him.
"Well… at least I'm glad you're not carrying dead weight now." The way he says this leads me to wonder… there's no way he didn't hear my conversation with Nik. I guess he figured out what I was trying to do with Nik.
After a half hour of more combat training. Dinner is called and Felix and I take a seat next to each other. We begin to eat when Pan walks up to take a seat the other side of me and puts his arm around my waist.
"I have decided that instead of you joining in on our celebration tonight, Felix will take you for some more training." Pan says to us. Felix looks at him quizzically and before I can speak he continues,
"I am to give you your first task as a Lost Girl in ten days and you need to be fit and prepared. That is why you and Felix will work out a training schedule that you can stick to every day so you're ready. Once you complete the task, then you can join in on the fun. And the same goes for you Felix, no fun for you either until she's prepared." Felix doesn't look happy about this but he doesn't look that annoyed either. I remember that night I saw him just sitting in the middle while everyone danced around and howled and went crazy, I guess that's not his idea of fun.
"If it's going to be hot, isn't all of that a bit much? What about overexertion?" I ask, still eating the meat on skewers cooked for us.
"You'll be fine." Pan says, beginning to eat his food, though keeping an arm around me.
"So what is my task then?" I inquire.
"It's a surprise." He says with a grin, he then looks over to Felix saying,
"And we need to confer later." Felix nods his head and we go back to eating, listening to the ramblings and random conversation going on amongst the other Lost Boys. Once I finish my dinner Felix and I walk off to do some more training.
He teaches me how to block attacks and how to hold someone in a lock such as neck lock, leg lock, arm lock etc. As soon as I get to hang of it, we move into the jungle area and he shows me how to move silently and track someone or something by always watching where you step and always trying to get to the higher ground. We do some trials where I have to track him and every time he's able to tell where I am. Even though it's tiring, I'm beginning to enjoy learning this stuff and part of me is buzzing about getting to be around Felix; though every time that part surfaces, I do my best to stomp it down. Eventually a Lost Boy whose name I haven't learned yet comes to us.
"Pan says that's enough training. And he wants Lena to meet him in the Elder tree." The boy says this and walks off.
"Where's the Elder tree?" I ask Felix, my body is sore and aching from that hard work and Felix, who also looks flustered, leads me to the large, old tree that's white in colour. It's just next to the tree that holds the sleeping quarters. As soon as we get to the door, slightly hidden in the protruding large roots, Felix grabs my arm.
"Wait." He says. "This will be the schedule for the next ten days," He begins to count the list on his fingers. "1. Jog. 2. Breakfast. 3. Melee and archery training. 4. Lunch. 5. Tracking and working an obstacle course and then 6. Dinner."
"Gee, is that all?" I ask sarcastically, "Then what about after dinner?" I add.
"If you're not tired after all that then I guess I'll teach you some stuff about Neverland, basic knowledge and survival skills." He says, walking away.
"Sounds good chief!" I call after him and he waves, calling over his shoulder,
"See you in the sleeping quarters." I open the door to the elder tree and walk up the steps to where another shut door is. Just before I can knock the door swings open and Pan is on the other side with a grin.
"Took your time." He complains, stepping aside to let me in. As soon as I enter the room I regret walking up the steps. In the middle of the room is a large fancy looking king bed canopy with dark red covers and pillows, in the middle of four rich dark brown posts. There are large white curtains hanging along the corners from the top frame. Along the walls of this tree house room rests a dresser, two bedside tables either side of the bed and a chest at the end of the bed. I run my hand along the blanket on the bed to check if it really is real.
"How did you do this?" I ask, looking at him quizzically.
"Well, I closed my eyes, imagined it... put in a little magic and poof! Here it is." He walks towards me as he says this and as he does I take a few timid steps back. Too much, too soon.
"And it's meant for…?" I ask, taking a few steps out of the corner he's almost trapped me in. I hurry over to open the chest and inspect its contents while he talks.
"Us. You didn't really think I was going to let you sleep in with the others did you?" He says with a chuckle. Inside the chest are some light weapons and I shut it, avoiding him once again to look in the dresser.
"This is really sweet of you…" I say absentmindedly, looking at the similar dark cloaks and clothes. Before I have a chance to move away again Pan is at my side and he sweeps me off my feet, resulting in a yelp from me. He holds me in his arms and laughs at me for screaming.
"I'm not going to hurt you, Lena, calm down." He says with a chuckle as he carries me to the bed. Once he rests me down, I wriggle out of his arms and slide back on the bed a bit, giving myself distance from him. He looks at me with confusion then smiles a wicked grin,
"Oh. I see what's going on here…" He says, placing his hands on the bed in a lean.
"Oh good, I was hoping you would-ahh!" I begin to speak but I'm cut off with surprise as he jumps forward, landing on top of me with his arms either side of my head. He looks down at me still with his devilish smile and runs a hand through my hair.
"Yes," He begins, "If I want your kiss… I'm just going to have to steal it, aren't I?" He begins to lean forward and I quickly put my weight into pushing against his chest and rolling him to the side. At the same time I hold onto him so we're reversed and I'm on top of him with a grin. I jump back from him and quickly run behind the end post, holding onto it and waiting for his next move. I notice that my cloak has fallen on the ground, making it easier for me to move freely. In this time he jumps from the bed and leans forward slightly with his arms out by his sides, just as Felix did when he was preparing for the next move in combat training. I fake running to the right but instead run to the left, unfortunately he predicts my move and I end up running right into his arms. He picks me up once more and sets me on the bed so I sit on the side with my feet barely touching the floor (thanks to this big bed), while he stands on the ground facing me.
"I suppose you've earned it…" I say with a smile, waiting for him to kiss me. I'll kiss him for a bit but I'm not sleeping with him… I refuse. Just as he places his hand either side of my thighs and leans into kiss me, there's a knock on the door. Pan's expression changes from amused and wicked to pissed-off. He marches over to the door and I slide onto the bed fully, crossing my legs to see who exactly is going to feel Pan's wrath. Pan swings the door open and my heart skips a beat when I see Felix on the other side, looking bored and tired. It takes a moment before Pan registers who it is and as he begins speaking it starts in an angry yell,
"What. Do. You-? … oh, Felix." Pan's back loses its tension and becomes calmer. It's interesting for me to see Felix's expression as he sees me sitting on a huge bed in a small room with Pan; the bed meant for… two. I can pick out awkwardness, annoyance and a look of boredom that somehow fools Pan into thinking that he doesn't have a problem with me in here with Pan. I give him a half apologetic smile as if to say, 'Looks like I won't see you in the sleeping quarters… yeah it sucks for me too.'
"I'm busy, Felix. What do you want?" Pan says, after clearing his throat to get Felix's attention.
"You wanted to talk?" Felix asks and Pan nods, remembering. He grabs a cloak on the dresser then crosses the room to me. I'm still looking at Felix with my 'please-believe-that-I-don't-want-to-be-here' half-smile so Pan takes my chin lightly and turns me to face him.
"I'll be back shortly, do wait up." He says, before quickly and swiftly kissing me on the lips, causing Felix to turn away just as quickly to walk down the steps. Pan leaves, shutting the door behind him and I kick my shoes off and climb under the covers. My body relaxes a soon as I'm completely horizontal and even though I want to, I can't stop being swept up in sleep.
I flick open my eyes to the distant sound of a bird cawing. And immediately become aware of the body lying next to me in an embrace. I'm lying on my back next to Pan who's on his side facing me. He has an arm over my torso and his face rests an inch from mine, his breathing is soft and steady in slumber and as my eyes adjust to the light, I can determine that it's early morning. I try to slide out of the bed but Pan grips on to me and groans in displeasure.
"I have to go train." I whisper to him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. I'm not sure if he's actually awake but this seems to do the trick as when I try to get out of bed again, he lets me go. I slip on my now worn out combat boots and leave the room, opening and closing the door silently behind me. I walk down the steps and when I open the second door I see Felix sitting on a log near the burnt out fire.
"Been waiting long?" I ask as I walk over to him.
"Yes." He says, disgruntled.
"Well sorry I don't exactly have my alarm clock." I say, standing in front of him. When I get a full view of his face I see that there are dark rings under his eyes.
"What's wrong with you?" I ask, tilting my head.
"Couldn't sleep last night." He says, getting to his feet, "Come on." He utters.
He begins to job and I hurry beside him to match his pace.
"How come?" I ask as we run.
"Don't worry, just run." He says. We run for about an hour with only very short breaks. Each time I try to say something to him my chest locks up and reminds me of my want for water. Eventually we reach a stream of clear water and Felix begins to scoop the water into his hands and drink it, indicating that it's safe. I do the same and immediately feel the water hydrate my insides. When I look over at Felix he's splashing water on his face and in his hair to cool off and he still has an annoyed look on his face.
"Why won't you tell me what's wrong?" I say quietly to him, the whole run I couldn't push away this nagging feeling that I'm putting him in this mood. And if what my head is telling me is right, then I'll have a whole new problem to deal with… I might have real feelings for Felix.
"Just let it go, Lena." He stands up beginning to continue our jog. I get to my feet quickly and before I can stop the words from leaving my mouth I sputter,
"I'm ending this thing I have with Pan." I freeze once I realise I've said it out loud and so does he. He stops in his tracks and his breathing falters I can tell because his his back tenses up, the way it does when his heart is pounding.
"What?" He turns, looking at me quizzically.
"I just-" I pause and begin to regret ever opening my mouth. Of course he doesn't like me like that, what was I thinking?
"What did you say?" He says quickly, hanging onto my words.
"This thing I have with Pan, it's over. I don't like him like that…" I finish and in my head continue with, I like someone else. His face goes blank and he looks at the ground,
"Okay." He says and begins to run again. I hurry to join him with a look on confusion on my face, hoping for him to continue. But all he does is look straight ahead in a glare.
Eventually we run down a big hill to a valley-type area with large cliff faces and a clear waterfall leading into a lake which is centred in the middle of the valley. I run into the waist-deep lake to stand under the waterfall to cool off and I can't help but smile at the feeling of the heavy crashing water on my back. I turn back to see where Felix is only to see that he's disappeared.
"Felix?" I call. I see movement in the corner of my eye and I catch Felix jumping from the jagged cliff face opposite the side with the waterfall. He lands in the water in a dive and when he comes up for air he bellows and whoops.
"You're turn!" He calls to me and with a big smile; I climb the path to the peak he jumped from. Looking down at him in the water from up here I feel shaky in my legs. The cold wind whips at my wet clothes and I shout down to him,
"You're sure it's deep enough?" I ask. He laughs and splashes the water,
"Yes, now jump!" He calls. I take a deep breath and push myself off the mound, flailing to the water in a far less graceful manner than he did. When I land in the water I find that it's very deep in this part of the lake and Felix is clapping as I come up for air. I laugh when I see him and shout,
"You're right; this beats a hot spring any day." He nods with a smile and dives underwater to travel to the waterfall. I follow closely behind him and once I can feel the lake floor I stand up, letting the water run down my back. When I open my eyes I see Felix looking at me. Just as I begin to speak, my feet slip on some moss beneath my feet and I fall towards Felix, who catches me. We're being practically drowned by the waterfall in this position so Felix holds me close and quickly moves back, away from the waterfall, leaving me gripping onto his chest.
I look up at him and it feels like the moment is frozen. As he stares back at me some water drips from his face onto mine and I begin to stand on my toes to bring my lips to his. His chest tenses up and I feel his arms tighten around me. I'm close enough to his face to feel his breathing and I slide my hands up his chest to his neck. Unable to move no closer to his lips I close my eyes and whisper,
"Kiss me." I say softly. I hear his steady breathing and feel him crane his neck further. Just before I feel his kiss, his arms release me and I fall into the water with a surprised scream. I get to my feet to see him already out of the water and walking away. Not looking back, he calls over his shoulder,
"That's not going to happen, Lena."