Caroline was grateful that the group outnumbered the pirates but it was still clear they could present a challenge. Luckily so long as they were kept locked in close combat they were unable to use their revolvers as they had to focus on not getting caught by any of the boys' blades. Hesitating briefly Caroline was able to take in the group before her. In her haste to warn the boys she had simply registered that the group was present. Now however she realized that the group was not entirely whole. Tootles and both the twins were missing making the battle four pirates against five boys. Tinkerbell flitted about, mostly around Peter, though she helped the other boys as well, providing a moment's distraction that left the pirates open to a boy's attack or prevented the pirate from landing a dangerous blow. The numbers were in their favor but it seemed the pirates were still formidable opponents even with the odds against them.
Taking a deep breath, Caroline tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword, still a little frightened but determined to help her friends. The nearest fight was between one pirate and Jaunty so she took a position beside Jaunty, swinging her sword as the boys had taught her to fend off the pirate's blows and trying to strike at him herself. He was pushed back a little ways being taken off guard by the second opponent but still managed to block or dodge most of their attacks. Luckily, it did result in his own attacks on either of the children becoming less frequent.
After a few seconds gunshots began to sound in the clearing. A quick glance to the side revealed that Peter had taken to the air, allowing the pirate he had been fighting to utilize the firearm since the distance between them no longer required his full attention on blocking Peter's attacks with his sword. Instead, Peter alternated between diving low, forcing the man to still be ready to use his sword, and hovering high above shouting taunts or simply laughing. The best explanation Caroline could think of was that he might be trying to make the man use up all of his shots. And the fact that he seemed to grow hesitant to shoot after Caroline counted four shots she suspected the pirate had come to the same conclusion. However, even being partnered with Jaunty, Caroline decided it was wisest to focus on her own fight and trust Peter's judgment of how to deal with his foe. He usually did manage quite well after all.
As she parried the a strike from the pirate Caroline heard a loud thump and noticed Slightly slide across the ground looking a bit dazed. Remembering that he had been fighting the stockiest pirate in the group it was easy enough to guess what had happened. Slightly was quick on his feet and so had probably been relying on agility to avoid his opponent and strike before the man could react. However, considering the broad shoulders and muscled arms of the pirate all he needed was one hit to land to do considerable damage. As Caroline circled around her own opponent, the large pirate came into view, but he wasn't facing towards Slightly. Instead she watched him draw his revolver from his belt and point it directly at…
"Peter!" Caroline gasped in alarm. Peter was high in the air again, teasing his own opponent who held his revolver at the ready but seemed determined not to use it unless he was confident Peter would not dart out of the way at the last moment. The large pirate on, on the other hand, had no such concerns as Peter had his back to him and showed no sign of being concerned about any attack save from the man he was taunting and carefully watching.
Without thinking, Caroline broke from her own battle, swinging her sword wildly at the large pirate. Startled by this he jumped backwards to get beyond the reach of her blade just as he pulled the trigger, sending the bullet flying harmlessly a foot to Peter's left. In the next moment a cry of pain was heard from the pirate who had been fighting Peter. The little boy had evidently made use of his bow and arrow, though the arrow seemed only to have grazed the pirate's leg and the child's pout suggested he had been aiming for something more effective, it still served to draw the pirate's attention to him. Peter dove down between the enraged pirate and the boy fighting in close with his sword once again.
Just then the Twins appeared, one with a bird they had apparently downed and went to look for hanging from his hand while the other carried a bow with an arrow ready to fire. Apparently deciding the numbers were now too much out of their favor the pirates began retreating, slashing their swords or firing their revolvers only if one of the boys appeared to pursue them.
Once the pirates were gone, the boys seemed to actually notice the Indian boy who had not moved from where Caroline had put him down. "And where did the little lad come from?" Jaunty asked cheerfully.
"I saw him while I was collecting fruits and noticed those pirates headed straight for him." Caroline replied, trying to make her tone match his casualness despite the lingering rush of adrenaline and fear of being involved so directly in battle. If the boys caught the slight tremble in her voice they were gallant enough to ignore it. "Is it normal for someone his age to be in the jungle alone?" She added, remembering the lack of any others nearby. The Lost Boys proudly roamed Neverland without any adult looking after them and, though they were all considerably older than this boy, Caroline knew some of them had come here when they were young enough to still be in prams. Still, Caroline had imagined the natives living in Neverland to be somewhat more like the communities she knew where adults were protective of their children.
Jaunty shook his head with a thoughtful frown. "No, they usually keep the very young children in their village." After a moment he walked over to the boy, kneeling to be at eye level to try and coax the wide eyed child to explain how he came to be where Caroline found him.
Glancing around at the group Caroline was reminded that the group was still not complete. "Where is Tootles?" She asked.
"Some of our hunting sacks were getting full and he volunteered to bring them to the house," Peter shrugged. "Too bad he missed all the fun."
"That's always Tootles' luck though, isn't it," Slightly spoke up. "Poor chap."
Just then Jaunty stood up, turning to the rest of the group. "Seems he left without his family knowing after his older brother was allowed to join a hunting party and he wasn't," Jaunty said, nodding towards the boy who was shyly now fiddling with his bow.
"Didn't want to let the grown up's rules keep you from an adventure?" Peter asked the boy and giving him a bright smile.
"Well, he's had an adventure now, so I think we best help him back home before a search party comes along." Jaunty spoke up before the boy could respond. Caroline was a little surprised at the Lost Boy's words, Peter's disregard for danger in any situation was quite normal for him but Caroline had expected the others to share his view. However, Jaunty's insistence on getting the boy home rather than commending his running away suggested he, like Caroline, was more focused on how the child had narrowly missed being confronted by four pirates on his own.
"Very well," Peter replied, rising off the ground. "It has been awhile since we visited the village. Now you'll get a chance to meet the Indians of Neverland." He added, turning to Caroline.
With that Jaunty turned to the little boy, "ready to head home?" He asked, holding his hand out to the child.
The boy glanced down at the bow in his hand, pausing for a moment. "I wanted to show I could hunt, too," he murmured.
"Well, you may not have a trophy for it," Caroline spoke up. "But you've still got quite a story to tell. I'm sure you'll have plenty of other chances to go hunting in the future."
With a furtive glance towards the trampled underbrush that marked the pirates' retreat the boy nodded and took Jaunty's hand. With that the group made their way towards the Indian village, detouring slightly towards the home under the ground to meet up with Tootles. The group regaled him with the events of the fight along the way until they spotted a few thin wisps of smoke rising above the tree line.
As soon as they entered the village the group was swarmed by people chatting excitedly and calling to one another. A man and woman burst from the crowd, followed by a teenage boy and as soon as they appeared the little boy released Jaunty's hand to meet them. The woman promptly swept him up into her arms holding him tightly. "Thank you for finding him," she said, turning to the group before returning her attention to the boy. Caroline just caught the beginnings of a scolding before a tall man stepped forward. Judging by how the crowd parted for him, and the intricately made feathered headdress he wore Caroline guessed he was the chief.
"Many were concerned for the little one when he ventured off," the chief spoke, his voice deep and resonant. "We offer Lost Boys a feast in celebration of his safe return."
This was met by loud cheers from both the boys and the rest of the crowd. "Fighting pirates isn't any trouble at all," Peter declared proudly. "But celebrations are always good fun!"
"It seems Peter Pan is not just followed by Lost Boys," the chief replied, his gaze falling on Caroline as they moved towards the center of the village.
"Oh, yes," Peter said as if he had forgotten that Caroline's presence might raise some curiosity. "This is my sister, Caroline. She's come to stay in Neverland as well."
"It was Caroline who found the boy and met up with us while trying to get him to safety," Jaunty added.
"Then we are all very thankful to you," the chief said turning to Caroline with a nod.
Caroline simply gave a polite nod of her head, feeling a slight blush forming on her cheeks. She was not really sure what the proper response would be and could not help feeling a little shy after being thanked by a chief, especially for something she had done purely instinctively.
With that the chief gestured for them to follow as he moved towards the center of the village. Having heard his announcement of a feast a number of villagers were already beginning to appear with baskets of food and what looked like decorations. Caroline could see the excitement building among the villagers as well as the Lost Boys, even she could not help smiling at the idea of getting to not only see but be a part of a big celebratory feast. Neverland truly never ceased to offer new adventures and fun.
Twins will show up soon, having just gone off to collect a bird they shot down earlier, pirates decide they are now too outnumbered and flee…Tinkerbell should do something, maybe should even add her helping somehow earlier? Then they can get the boy back to the village and continue with planned plot of Caroline remembering/worrying about parents etc. Not sure where to end the chapter though so will just have to see how long things go/where a good break appears