Ok guys I need to ask a favor. I get discouraged cause no one reviews anymore and I go a long time before I post again, then I receive private messages asking me why I have abandoned this fic. I haven't and I'm still writing but I need you guys to let me know you are still reading! :) Here's a shorter chapter. Let me know what you think of this whole plot twist ;)
Love and pixie dust!
The next morning, Tink jingled in his ear until he woke up.
"What the hell," he said as he rubbed his eyes.
"Get UP you lazy ass! The Glen is on fire!" Peter sat straight up, his eyes wide.
"What?"
"Up!" she screeched. Peter jumped to his feet and pulled on his clothes. He shoved his knife into its sheath and he ran through the house yelling for the boys to wake up. They all appeared, looking groggy and rubbing their eyes.
"Neverland is in danger! Everyone to the Fairy Glen!" Peter flew alongside Tink, while the boys followed on foot as fast as they could. They saw smoke drifting into the sky and he landed on the edge of the forest, covering his mouth with his arm.
"Damn," he said weakly. "What are we going to-"
"Peter! Peter put it out!" He turned, frowning at the boy who stood by his side, frantically waving his arms at the growing flames.
"What makes you think I have that power?"
"I've seen what you can do! You have power over the weather! Put it out! Before the island burns!"
"I…I can't! Tell the boys to bring water!"
"Peter! Stop being a coward! Use your magic!"
"Don't call me a coward," Peter spat. "I don't have magic!"
"Fine then! I'll save Neverland on my own. And you had better step down and allow me to take the throne." Peter's frown deepened as he watched the boy step forward and close his eyes. Of course, nothing happened.
"Prince Peter, save our island," a tiny voice squeaked and he winced. He raised his arms in the air and closed his eyes, summoning whatever power he possessed to save them all. Angry storm clouds appeared overhead and rain showered them all. The flames dissipated and there were joyous cheers from all around. Peter lowered his hands, panting.
"Well done Prince Peter," his friend snarled. Peter glared at him.
"Don't use that tone with me. I stopped the fire didn't I?"
"Yeah after half of the South side burned!"
"Boys, boys. No more fighting. We have much to restore on the island. Well, done, Peter, for saving the rest of it. You are brothers for goodness sake, do you hear me?"
"Sorry James." James crossed his arms and gave Evan a reproachful look.
"Evan, what are you doing here? I told you I needed your help on the ship this morning."
"I'm sorry, sir, but I saw the smoke and wanted to investigate."
'Then you come fetch me. Do not wander off alone again, understood?"
"Yes sir." Peter was panting, feeling weak and lightheaded. James clapped him on the back and he jumped.
"Well done, lad. I told you, pace yourself and take control."
"I still let the fires destroy this side-"
"You did it, Peter," the captain said firmly. "You saved your island. And look at how many you saved," he gestured around at all the creatures who had assembled. The Fairy Queen flew over to Peter and kissed his cheek.
"Peter Pan, you have saved us all."
"Majesty," Peter lowered his head and James swept into a low bow.
"Thank you, Peter. Our faith in you was not misplaced." He bowed his head.
"Thank you, Majesty. I'm just glad you are safe and unharmed."
"Thank the second star no one was harmed. Much of the Glen and the South side were destroyed but it can be repaired. Lives cannot be. You have done well and should be proud of yourself." Peter nodded and the Queen rushed off to converse with the other fairies. He glanced at James and saw him gazing off into the distance, looking pensive.
"What are you thinking of?"
"I'd like to know how the fire was started. Fires don't just start themselves, you know."
"You think someone deliberately set it off?" James raised a brow and smoothed his mustache.
"I'd bet my ship on it. Is there anyone here who would have a grudge against the Fairies?"
"What? Why would it be the fairies they'd be after?"
"It is just an assumption. The Fairy Glen is where the fire was started. It is where the fairies live. Naturally, you should assume someone was going after them first." Peter's jaw dropped and he found it difficult to speak.
"It…it can't be." James watched him carefully.
"Peter?" Peter whirled around and stomped up to Evan. Evan had no time to block Peter's blow as he found himself on the ground, cradling his jaw.
"What the bloody-"
"You!" Peter yelled, bearing down on him. "It was you! You were after Her Majesty, the Fairy Queen!" Everyone around them gasped and the Fairy Queen froze in mid-air. Peter yanked Evan to his feet and held him by his shirt.
"Peter! Peter what are you doing? That fire was an accident!"
"It was no accident! You tried to destroy Neverland! My home! It was you all along! You told me James wanted to be in charge. But it was you!" Evan shoved Peter back and straightened his shirt, as he glared at the boy.
"I'd make a better prince than you ever would! You're not worthy of the powers that you have!"
"Well guess what? I have them. And with them, I banish you from Neverland!" Evan went pale and he looked from James (who was watching the whole exhange calmly with his arms folded across his chest) to Peter.
"Where am I going to go? What will I do?"
"That's not my concern. I'll give you a day to get your things and get out. If I see you again, you're dead."
"You'll regret this, Peter! Mark me, I will be back one day to make you pay!" Peter's eyes narrowed and his hand moved so quickly, no one even saw. But Evan glared at Peter as the blood dripped down his cheek, Peter's dagger held out in front of him ready to deliver another blow.
"I won't say it again. Get off my island." Evan whipped around and stomped off. James lowered his arms and approached Peter.
"You just made a grave mistake, lad."
"I'm not afraid of him. And I dare him to return. I mean it James, I don't want to see his face ever again. He's no longer in your employ. If you take him aboard your ship again, you are no longer welcome here. Do you understand?"
"Understood, Peter. The boy has committed treason against you and against Neverland and I will not harbor a traitor. But be warned. He will be seeking revenge against you. You will be looking over your shoulder for his next move."
"He doesn't scare me," Peter scoffed. "I'm the Prince of Neverland. Let him try to return to the island." James bowed his head.
"Then, My Prince, I take my leave as well. I will return him to his home in England and will make sure he is provided for. He has been under my care for too long for me to just simply walk away." Peter's face softened and he nodded.
"You are a good man, James. And I'm sorry it has come to this." With a brisk nod, James walked away from the group and out of the forest. Peter watched from the sky while the ship that was now known as the Jolly Roger sailed away from the island. When he saw it was completely gone, he returned to the ground where he helped the boys and the fairies repair what they could.
Peter's eyes shot open, his hand clutching his heart. Lily watched him anxiously, rising to her feet.
"Peter-"
"I remember everything, Lily," he panted. "And we have to find him. Now!"
"Find who?"
"Addy's beau, Ethan. He's actually Evan, Hook's cabin boy I befriended long ago. I don't know how he is still alive after all this time but he has come back to Neverland to seek his revenge. I must find him and…Lily, warn my family! Find Wendy and tell her what has happened. I have to go." Lily started to speak but Peter was yanking the flap aside and was running from the tent when he crashed into Bear Claw and went sprawling to the ground.
"King Peter! My deepest apologies," the brave dropped to his knee.
"It's fine, Bear Claw. No harm done. If you'll excuse me,"
"Your son is looking for you." Peter spun around, his eyes wide.
"What? Where is he?"
"He says to find him near the lagoon. He and Princess Farrah are searching for Princess Addy. He says to tell you that your wife…" Peter paled and his hands clenched and unclenched by his side.
"Yes?"
"She, er, she disappeared with the English boy. Prince Wyatt asks for you to find her." Peter closed his eyes and swore loudly. Lily rushed up to him and her hands rested on his shoulders.
"Peter, you must calm down."
"Damn her for trusting him!"
"Do not damn your wife," she said sharply. "She has no idea what he really is. How could she? You have to find her. Keep her safe."
"Bear Claw, take some Braves and search for the English boy. Be careful if you encounter him. He might have some sort of dark magic about him." Bear Claw bowed his head and rushed off.
"Lily, find John and tell him what is going on. I have to go."
"I'm going too."
"No. You watch over your daughter. If Evan is coming back for revenge, he will go after the ones I care about. You are all my family, even before my marriage. Keep each other safe. I will find him." She lowered her head, admitting that her king was right.
"Be careful, Peter." Peter nodded and leaped into the sky. He could search for Wendy faster by air anyway. He closed his eyes and focused his thoughts on his wife.
Wendy. Where are you, love?
He waited for an answer but received none. He sighed and tried again.
Wendy, if you are with Ethan, you need to leave immediately. He's dangerous. Please, answer me.