AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story is picking up where Kimberly Appelcline's "The
First Kiss" fanfic leaves off (you can find the fic on this very site),
somewhere halfway through the epilogue. Kimberly's story, in turn, is a
continuation of P.J. Hogan's movie Peter Pan, which is of course a version
of J.M. Barrie's novel Peter Pan, which is in itself a sequel (of sorts) to
Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens (also by Barrie - which can be read at
gutenberg.net). Confused yet?
After a long break (couldn't work on it over the weekend – long story!), here's Chapter V......Keep the comments coming! Enjoy!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
V. TRAINING AND ANTICIPATION
Anthony drew back the bow steadily and licked away a bead of sweat that had accumulated above his upper lip. He had boasted so heartily that he could reach the target from such a ludicrous distance that if he were to miss, surely he would be laughed at called a fool. And this was not an option.
The fairies sat still in anxious silence, some quietly hoping the arrogant boy would miss and therefore have to take his slice of humble pie for a change. But there were still a few who secretly wished he would hit it – if only because it was of most importance that he develop his skill to the fullest.
With a final lowering of his brow, Anthony released the bow and watched with glee as it sailed 100 meters through the air, across the Serpentine, and straight into the old pram-boat waiting on the other side.
All spectators cheered, even the little monsters who had wished him to miss. High up in a tree above the action, Xavier Caw sat and watched next to his frail grandfather, Old Solomon Caw. They exchanged approving glances.
"You certainly do have the knack, Young Anthony," Xavier Caw called out.
Anthony bowed gallantly. "Thank you, kind sir."
The boy had grown somewhat indeed in the last few years, almost at an alarming rate, but currently he had reached somewhat of a plateau, standing not nearly five feet tall but for sure no longer big enough to fit in his pram-boat. Now he had to move about the waters of Kensington Gardens in a brand new boat built by the fairies for him from scratch, and presented to him on the most recent anniversary of his arrival to their lair (in actuality, they have no concept of real time as humans do, so this yearly celebration was more or less *assumed* – and in fact, they once celebrated it twice in three days!) He had also grown out of his tam o'shanters, which now served as a proper sail for his new boat. And with the help of the lady fairies, he was quickly outfitted with a suit made of the finest leaves, vines, and cobwebs in the Gardens. They had very nearly discarded the withered Stargazer Lily they had found around the boy's neck, but he insisted he be able to keep it. He couldn't explain why when they asked, so he shrugged and declared that it quite matched his new ensemble. And so, around his neck it remained, although tucked under his garments as always, should it ever get lost or caught on something.
Now, you may be asking yourself at this point, But what of Anthony's flying, which Old Solomon Caw had promised to teach him? Can he not get around in this fashion? Alas, I am sad to say that he cannot...yet. Of all the skills he had mastered in his stay under the care of the birds and fairies, this was the one accomplishment that still eluded him. For, you see, he still doubted he ever had this ability, and only those who have the purest faith are able to fly.
That night, a glorious feast was held for Anthony to honor his newest achievement. It was a most merry affair, attended by every creature in the park – including the swans, who normally found themselves quite above such carousing.
But Anthony himself was too tired to attend for the duration of the party this time and soon stole away quietly towards the Bridge. He stood at the apex and looked out over the dark, peaceful Serpentine, and a touch Northeast towards Bloomsbury did his face turn, though he knew not precisely why. He could not decipher how long he had been in the birds' and fairies' care. In fact, he still did not understand why he was there, and what it was they were training him for. He had spent the better part of his first days there always trying to entice Old Solomon Caw into telling him what he had meant by "We have been waiting for you," but always would the old bird just smile and wink, and then say nothing. Eventually, Anthony just stopped asking. Or rather, he started to forget to ask. Recollections were but a dime a dozen to the boy these days.
But none of these thoughts came to the Younger Pan as he stared over the silent waters. Instead of thinking, he just watched. And wondered. What was beyond these Gardens anyhow? And if he could fly, would he finally be able to touch those deliciously twinkling lights above him in the sky? That would be most thrilling of all! Especially *that* one – do you see it? The second one, to the right...
"You have many questions, don't you?" came a familiar voice from behind him, quickly jolting Anthony out of his contemplations. It was Old Solomon Caw, who had managed to make his way up the bridge with the help of his walking stick (he was too old to fly anymore, you see).
"I suppose I do, Old Solomon," Anthony confirmed, "but I forget them now."
Solomon Caw nodded with an expectant grin. "That is of no great surprise. Come, take me on your shoulder, my little half-and-half."
Anthony took the fragile old bird in his hands and propped him upon his shoulder as requested.
"Thank you. Now, let us stroll."
They came off the bridge and, at Solomon Caw's urging, headed Northwest up along the edge of the Serpentine.
"How have you been feeling these days, Anthony?" Solomon Caw inquired.
"'Feeling'?" Anthony's brow furrowed. "I am not sure I understand what you mean."
"Are you happy?"
"What's 'happy'?"
Solomon Caw grinned widely. "Yes, yes, you are indeed quite heartless, aren't you?"
"I suppose, if you say so, Solomon," came Anthony's reply with a shrug.
"Indeed, it is this carelessness that you must hold onto steadfastly, my boy, if you are going to be of any use."
"Use to what? Oh please, Old Solomon, please tell me what it is you wish of me!"
"In good time," said the old bird. "You still have one more trial to carry out, and then all will be made clear to you. But first, there is something you must see..."
It was at this point that Anthony realized the two of them had walked quite far north – much further north than Old Solomon Caw had previously ever allowed him. From the first day of Anthony's arrival, the Elder Caw had strictly forbade the boy to venture up too far towards the North on the West side of the Serpentine.
"I have allowed you many liberties here, child," he had said, "but it is this one request of which I ask you must pay heed. Can you do this for me?"
And Anthony had replied that he could. And he did. Until this night.
"Oh, Solomon, I am too far North!" he exclaimed, frightened.
"Tut, tut, it is perfectly alright," Solomon Caw assured him. "Look up ahead. What do you see?"
It was so dark in this part of the Gardens that Anthony had to squint his eyes to make out anything at all. But the more he looked, the more his eyes adjusted upon the outline of a large, shiny monolith but just a few yards in front of them. He walked towards it warily, Solomon Caw urging him on. Anthony was so focused on this object that he did not even notice that a large band of fairies had crept up upon him as he moved forward.
Soon, they found themselves standing before a grand statue. And on that statue stood the likeness of a small boy – a boy who looked so incredibly familiar...
Anthony stood frozen.
"Do you know who that is?" asked Solomon Caw.
Anthony could scarcely believe it. "Me!"
Solomon Caw smiled triumphantly and watched as the boy continued to stare in wonder, not noticing at all the tickling of several fairies upon his shoulders.
Anthony gasped in delight. "Oh! I *am* a wonder, aren't I?"
"That you are," Solomon Caw agreed, relishing in Anthony's sudden conceit.
"I must be the cleverest boy of all!" he squealed.
Suddenly, Anthony noticed that the statue seemed to be getting shorter...or rather, was *he* getting bigger? He looked down at his feet, and by jove! They were not touching the ground at all. He was flying!
Again, the boy gasped and looked at Solomon Caw, still upon his shoulder. The old bird laughed heartily. "Congratulations, my boy! You have passed the final trial!"
With this news, Anthony became as joyous as ever, and then, brimming to the core with Happy Thoughts, he let out an ear-piercing "WA-HOOOOOO!" and soared straight up into the air.
Such a sudden burst caused Old Solomon Caw to topple off the boy's shoulder, but he was instantly caught and settled to the ground by the fairies. He wiped his brow with his wing. "That boy is indeed heartless, isn't he?" The fairies smiled and laughed.
The whole park was now upon them, stopping and watching Anthony Pan fly as if he had never lost his ability to do so. Solomon Caw took a deep breath and nodded his old head.
"It is time."
The fairy guide stood erect outside of Xavier Caw's chamber and waited for the signal. Her name was Sixem, because she had six wings instead of the standard four. She was quite a young fairy and was anxiously awaiting her very first call of duty. She came from a long line of fairy guides, so it was only natural that she would one day be called upon for an important mission such as this – but she had scarcely expected the mission to be quite so significant! She imagined it must have been because of her extra wings.
Although she tried very hard not to, Sixem craned her long, fuchsia neck towards the chamber door so she could hear what was being said. But she could barely make out a thing, so she knew Old Solomon Caw must be talking. And he had all the most interesting things to say too! Finally, little Sixem could not resist any longer, and she completely abandoned her post so she could eavesdrop through the tiniest crack in the chamber door.
Inside, Anthony Pan was sitting before Xavier Caw and his grandfather Old Solomon Caw. Whatever the elder Caw had been saying, it held Anthony completely rapt.
"I understand this is a lot to heap upon your tiny shoulders all at once," Solomon Caw continued, "so I must ask if *you* feel ready."
"Oh, it sounds positively marvelous, Solomon!" Anthony exclaimed. "It appears that it may be the greatest adventure of them all!"
"That it is, young one, that it is," Solomon Caw affirmed. "And it has been calling for you for some time. It is, as they say, your destiny."
Anthony's brow furrowed a little. "So, it is something I *have* to do? I am not sure I like the idea of that."
"You mustn't think of it that way, Anthony," Xavier Caw chimed in. "It is the one place where you will not ever answer to anyone again. You will experience complete, unadulterated freedom."
"Oh!" Anthony's eyes lit up. "That does sound much better!"
"So then, are you ready?" Solomon Caw inquired again.
"I think I should like it very much, sir," Anthony replied, wringing his hands as if about to be served a great feast. "Yes, I am ready!"
Sixem very nearly tripped over her own feet attempting to scramble back to her post whence she saw the trio approaching the door. Thank Heavens she made it back in time as Xavier Caw stepped outside.
"Sixem will lead you on your journey," Xavier Caw told Anthony. And then, with a trusting wink at the fairy: "You are in good hands."
"How do you do, Sixem," Anthony greeted.
"Oh, come on then!" Sixem exclaimed, tugging on Anthony's clothing. In no time, they were floating in the air.
Anthony turned around quickly, before they were out of sight: "Goodbye, Solomon & Xavier!" The regal birds waved him off proudly.
"Don't drag your feet, Pan! Here we go!" Sixem called out behind her. "Next stop: NEVERLAND!"
After a long break (couldn't work on it over the weekend – long story!), here's Chapter V......Keep the comments coming! Enjoy!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
V. TRAINING AND ANTICIPATION
Anthony drew back the bow steadily and licked away a bead of sweat that had accumulated above his upper lip. He had boasted so heartily that he could reach the target from such a ludicrous distance that if he were to miss, surely he would be laughed at called a fool. And this was not an option.
The fairies sat still in anxious silence, some quietly hoping the arrogant boy would miss and therefore have to take his slice of humble pie for a change. But there were still a few who secretly wished he would hit it – if only because it was of most importance that he develop his skill to the fullest.
With a final lowering of his brow, Anthony released the bow and watched with glee as it sailed 100 meters through the air, across the Serpentine, and straight into the old pram-boat waiting on the other side.
All spectators cheered, even the little monsters who had wished him to miss. High up in a tree above the action, Xavier Caw sat and watched next to his frail grandfather, Old Solomon Caw. They exchanged approving glances.
"You certainly do have the knack, Young Anthony," Xavier Caw called out.
Anthony bowed gallantly. "Thank you, kind sir."
The boy had grown somewhat indeed in the last few years, almost at an alarming rate, but currently he had reached somewhat of a plateau, standing not nearly five feet tall but for sure no longer big enough to fit in his pram-boat. Now he had to move about the waters of Kensington Gardens in a brand new boat built by the fairies for him from scratch, and presented to him on the most recent anniversary of his arrival to their lair (in actuality, they have no concept of real time as humans do, so this yearly celebration was more or less *assumed* – and in fact, they once celebrated it twice in three days!) He had also grown out of his tam o'shanters, which now served as a proper sail for his new boat. And with the help of the lady fairies, he was quickly outfitted with a suit made of the finest leaves, vines, and cobwebs in the Gardens. They had very nearly discarded the withered Stargazer Lily they had found around the boy's neck, but he insisted he be able to keep it. He couldn't explain why when they asked, so he shrugged and declared that it quite matched his new ensemble. And so, around his neck it remained, although tucked under his garments as always, should it ever get lost or caught on something.
Now, you may be asking yourself at this point, But what of Anthony's flying, which Old Solomon Caw had promised to teach him? Can he not get around in this fashion? Alas, I am sad to say that he cannot...yet. Of all the skills he had mastered in his stay under the care of the birds and fairies, this was the one accomplishment that still eluded him. For, you see, he still doubted he ever had this ability, and only those who have the purest faith are able to fly.
That night, a glorious feast was held for Anthony to honor his newest achievement. It was a most merry affair, attended by every creature in the park – including the swans, who normally found themselves quite above such carousing.
But Anthony himself was too tired to attend for the duration of the party this time and soon stole away quietly towards the Bridge. He stood at the apex and looked out over the dark, peaceful Serpentine, and a touch Northeast towards Bloomsbury did his face turn, though he knew not precisely why. He could not decipher how long he had been in the birds' and fairies' care. In fact, he still did not understand why he was there, and what it was they were training him for. He had spent the better part of his first days there always trying to entice Old Solomon Caw into telling him what he had meant by "We have been waiting for you," but always would the old bird just smile and wink, and then say nothing. Eventually, Anthony just stopped asking. Or rather, he started to forget to ask. Recollections were but a dime a dozen to the boy these days.
But none of these thoughts came to the Younger Pan as he stared over the silent waters. Instead of thinking, he just watched. And wondered. What was beyond these Gardens anyhow? And if he could fly, would he finally be able to touch those deliciously twinkling lights above him in the sky? That would be most thrilling of all! Especially *that* one – do you see it? The second one, to the right...
"You have many questions, don't you?" came a familiar voice from behind him, quickly jolting Anthony out of his contemplations. It was Old Solomon Caw, who had managed to make his way up the bridge with the help of his walking stick (he was too old to fly anymore, you see).
"I suppose I do, Old Solomon," Anthony confirmed, "but I forget them now."
Solomon Caw nodded with an expectant grin. "That is of no great surprise. Come, take me on your shoulder, my little half-and-half."
Anthony took the fragile old bird in his hands and propped him upon his shoulder as requested.
"Thank you. Now, let us stroll."
They came off the bridge and, at Solomon Caw's urging, headed Northwest up along the edge of the Serpentine.
"How have you been feeling these days, Anthony?" Solomon Caw inquired.
"'Feeling'?" Anthony's brow furrowed. "I am not sure I understand what you mean."
"Are you happy?"
"What's 'happy'?"
Solomon Caw grinned widely. "Yes, yes, you are indeed quite heartless, aren't you?"
"I suppose, if you say so, Solomon," came Anthony's reply with a shrug.
"Indeed, it is this carelessness that you must hold onto steadfastly, my boy, if you are going to be of any use."
"Use to what? Oh please, Old Solomon, please tell me what it is you wish of me!"
"In good time," said the old bird. "You still have one more trial to carry out, and then all will be made clear to you. But first, there is something you must see..."
It was at this point that Anthony realized the two of them had walked quite far north – much further north than Old Solomon Caw had previously ever allowed him. From the first day of Anthony's arrival, the Elder Caw had strictly forbade the boy to venture up too far towards the North on the West side of the Serpentine.
"I have allowed you many liberties here, child," he had said, "but it is this one request of which I ask you must pay heed. Can you do this for me?"
And Anthony had replied that he could. And he did. Until this night.
"Oh, Solomon, I am too far North!" he exclaimed, frightened.
"Tut, tut, it is perfectly alright," Solomon Caw assured him. "Look up ahead. What do you see?"
It was so dark in this part of the Gardens that Anthony had to squint his eyes to make out anything at all. But the more he looked, the more his eyes adjusted upon the outline of a large, shiny monolith but just a few yards in front of them. He walked towards it warily, Solomon Caw urging him on. Anthony was so focused on this object that he did not even notice that a large band of fairies had crept up upon him as he moved forward.
Soon, they found themselves standing before a grand statue. And on that statue stood the likeness of a small boy – a boy who looked so incredibly familiar...
Anthony stood frozen.
"Do you know who that is?" asked Solomon Caw.
Anthony could scarcely believe it. "Me!"
Solomon Caw smiled triumphantly and watched as the boy continued to stare in wonder, not noticing at all the tickling of several fairies upon his shoulders.
Anthony gasped in delight. "Oh! I *am* a wonder, aren't I?"
"That you are," Solomon Caw agreed, relishing in Anthony's sudden conceit.
"I must be the cleverest boy of all!" he squealed.
Suddenly, Anthony noticed that the statue seemed to be getting shorter...or rather, was *he* getting bigger? He looked down at his feet, and by jove! They were not touching the ground at all. He was flying!
Again, the boy gasped and looked at Solomon Caw, still upon his shoulder. The old bird laughed heartily. "Congratulations, my boy! You have passed the final trial!"
With this news, Anthony became as joyous as ever, and then, brimming to the core with Happy Thoughts, he let out an ear-piercing "WA-HOOOOOO!" and soared straight up into the air.
Such a sudden burst caused Old Solomon Caw to topple off the boy's shoulder, but he was instantly caught and settled to the ground by the fairies. He wiped his brow with his wing. "That boy is indeed heartless, isn't he?" The fairies smiled and laughed.
The whole park was now upon them, stopping and watching Anthony Pan fly as if he had never lost his ability to do so. Solomon Caw took a deep breath and nodded his old head.
"It is time."
The fairy guide stood erect outside of Xavier Caw's chamber and waited for the signal. Her name was Sixem, because she had six wings instead of the standard four. She was quite a young fairy and was anxiously awaiting her very first call of duty. She came from a long line of fairy guides, so it was only natural that she would one day be called upon for an important mission such as this – but she had scarcely expected the mission to be quite so significant! She imagined it must have been because of her extra wings.
Although she tried very hard not to, Sixem craned her long, fuchsia neck towards the chamber door so she could hear what was being said. But she could barely make out a thing, so she knew Old Solomon Caw must be talking. And he had all the most interesting things to say too! Finally, little Sixem could not resist any longer, and she completely abandoned her post so she could eavesdrop through the tiniest crack in the chamber door.
Inside, Anthony Pan was sitting before Xavier Caw and his grandfather Old Solomon Caw. Whatever the elder Caw had been saying, it held Anthony completely rapt.
"I understand this is a lot to heap upon your tiny shoulders all at once," Solomon Caw continued, "so I must ask if *you* feel ready."
"Oh, it sounds positively marvelous, Solomon!" Anthony exclaimed. "It appears that it may be the greatest adventure of them all!"
"That it is, young one, that it is," Solomon Caw affirmed. "And it has been calling for you for some time. It is, as they say, your destiny."
Anthony's brow furrowed a little. "So, it is something I *have* to do? I am not sure I like the idea of that."
"You mustn't think of it that way, Anthony," Xavier Caw chimed in. "It is the one place where you will not ever answer to anyone again. You will experience complete, unadulterated freedom."
"Oh!" Anthony's eyes lit up. "That does sound much better!"
"So then, are you ready?" Solomon Caw inquired again.
"I think I should like it very much, sir," Anthony replied, wringing his hands as if about to be served a great feast. "Yes, I am ready!"
Sixem very nearly tripped over her own feet attempting to scramble back to her post whence she saw the trio approaching the door. Thank Heavens she made it back in time as Xavier Caw stepped outside.
"Sixem will lead you on your journey," Xavier Caw told Anthony. And then, with a trusting wink at the fairy: "You are in good hands."
"How do you do, Sixem," Anthony greeted.
"Oh, come on then!" Sixem exclaimed, tugging on Anthony's clothing. In no time, they were floating in the air.
Anthony turned around quickly, before they were out of sight: "Goodbye, Solomon & Xavier!" The regal birds waved him off proudly.
"Don't drag your feet, Pan! Here we go!" Sixem called out behind her. "Next stop: NEVERLAND!"