I don't own Peter Pan!

Live or Swim

Chapter 8

Once on the other side, TJ began to use every curse word that she knew at Shiaris. Shiaris politely ignored her raving friend, and helped Jay wring out the water from his hair, which was longer than anyone had realized. It was a deep brown color and was down to his shoulders. TJ's hair was a dirty-blonde color and it was plastered to her forehead once again, even though it was only to her earlobes. Peter was happily conversing with Tinkerbell, who was only too happy to find that he was back and safe.

"Jay wet!" Jay laughed.

"Shh," Shiaris whispered. "Pirates might be near."

"Stupid girl! The pirates have the Lost Boys captive and the red-men's princess!" Tinkerbell let loose a tinkle of sounds.

"Oh, stupid am I? Who is it that can understand you perfectly clear Ms. Bell?" Shiaris sent a glare at Tinkerbell.

Peter blinked in surprise, "You can understand her, too?"

"Annoyingly, yes," Shiaris grumped. "TJ, knock it off, we need your mind to come up with a brilliant plan to save the Lost Boys and the princess."

"Oh. So, why don't we have Peter be the distraction? I mean, he attracts the most attention. Then we come in, free the prisoners while he's battling Hook and turn the pirates on their ear. Peter of course beats Hook," TJ smirked.

"That reminds me, Tinkerbell," Shiaris stopped glaring at the fairy. "Is there anything you can do to help Jay? He's not completely right in the head, and well… we were hoping you could try to make him well."

"The large boy is ill?" Tinkerbell frowned. "What type of illness is it?"

"A mind illness," Shiaris whispered. "He's had it since he was little."

"Well, I'll give it a try!" Tinkerbell cracked her tiny knuckles and sent a bunch of dust Jay's way.

"Um, Ari, why does Jay seem to feel light headed?" Jay asked as he rocked slightly as if he was about to fall.

"Tink! What did you do to him!" Shiaris gasped as she ran towards the large boy and managed to hold him up until TJ came over to help her lay him down on the dry floor of the cave.

"I didn't hurt him, if that's what you mean! I'm not quite sure, but I believe that he's healing a little, but I don't think he'll get any better than he just did."

"Thank you for the verdict, Doc Bell," Shiaris sighed tiredly.

"What did she say?" TJ asked worriedly.

"Ya know how his speaking problem is almost gone? Well, that's as good as it gets," Shiaris' shoulders were slumped in disappointment.

"Well, maybe the Injuns can do something for him!" Peter stated optimistically.

"If not, they can at least give us some weapons," TJ cast a glance at Shiaris and frowned deeply.

"What'd I do now, TJ?" Shiaris growled slightly.

"You made my brother experience pain!" TJ glared angrily at Shiaris as they walked towards the Injun camp.

"Shh!" Peter cautioned the girls, whom both quickly restricted their verbal battle of wits to a glaring contest. They walked right into the Injun camp and were welcomed by Princess Tigerlily and her father, the Chief. Each girl was given a set of weapons. For TJ, she was given a hunting dagger and a few pieces of flint. Shiaris received a bow and a fletch full of arrows. The Injuns could do nothing to help Jay, but they gave him some herbal remedies to help people if they were ill.

Peter yawned, "Well, it's time to head home!"

"Ter, where is home?" Jay questioned.

"Well, we live in…" Peter was interrupted by Hook and a group of pirates who began to chase them.

They were split up into two groups. Peter with TJ and Jay with Shiaris. The main group of pirates and Hook went after Peter and TJ. Jay was full of energy, while Shiaris was beginning to tire, "Jay, we need to find a hiding place…"

"Jay! Ari!" Peter hissed from above them. It seems that Peter and TJ had gotten away safely from Hook and his nasty crew. "Climb on up here!" Peter led them to a small island that he and the lost boys had moved their home to. It was stunning, a large tree that housed over fifty boys! And now that tree would house yet another boy and two girls!

It was like a dream come true, but like all dreams, you will inevitably wake from them…