Title: The Forever Dance
Author: Squeezynz
Chapter: Seven - Rescue and Recovery
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Author's Note: thank you again for all that reviews, I don't write my stories in the hopes of getting reviews, but it makes it all the more satisfying to know that my small talent is entertaining someone other than just myself. This fluff piece has, as usual, turned into another of my epic adventure yarns. I promise to provide P/W fluff and stuff soon, but for the moment.....I'm just having too much fun with everything else....so enjoy.
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Paolo watched in horror as the cage, with Wendy still inside, disappeared under the waves her outstretched hand the last thing to be seen before she was gone.
"N-n-n-o-o-o." A sound, alien to his ears for the last seven years, issued from his lips, the word strangled and rough as if run over barnacles, but still a word, one his lips had last uttered when he'd seen his father fall to the deck of his fishing boat, dead from a pistol ball through the heart.
Smoke from the fire he'd set in the cabin above his head billowed out, masking his position by the anchor chain in the water below the prow. He'd snatched a bolt cutter from the tools stored in the cabin before firing the jib sails with the flint from Peter. Now, with the bolt cutter secure in his belt, Paolo dived under the water, swimming strongly towards where he'd last seen the cage sink under the sea.
His eyes stung as he kicked down, the clear water aiding his efforts as he saw something struggling in the depths. With a final kick he reached out and snagged one of the bars of the cage. Beside him he saw Peter, also gripping a bar, trying to haul the entire cage up to the surface. Inside, Wendy hung suspended, her eyes closed, her hair floating around her like seaweed. Paolo, his lungs screaming for air, twisted around the cage to the door, the padlock glinting. Pulling the bolt cutters from his belt he fumbled for a second before getting them into position, then he applied pressure and the padlock snapped. Blackness was starting to fog his vision as he tugged the cage door open, Peter helping. Together they managed to open it, Peter slipping through to grab hold of Wendy. She was as limp as a ragdoll, not resisting as Peter eased her through the gap and headed for the surface, Paolo close behind him.
They broke through the surface, both Peter and Paolo gasping open mouthed at the sweet air, Wendy silent between them.
A boat was being lowered from the ship which the current had pushed further away from them. Captain Moon was screaming at her men to hurry up and get the boat in the water and recapture them. As she looked towards the water, she saw the boys and their burden surface, her face a picture when she recognised her former cabin boy.
"Traitor.....you'll hang for this!"
Exhorting her men to go faster, Lilliana took aim with her own pistol at the blond head bobbing in the sea, the report loud as she squeezed the trigger. The shot just missed Paolo, water spurting up into his face from the ball.
Peter was gasping, Wendy a dead weight in his arms.
"We have....to get....out of....here....grab hold...."
Peter held out his hand to Paolo, his other arm around Wendy. As Paolo gripped his hand, Peter started to rise out of the sea, water streaming off them as they cleared the waves. As they rose higher, more guns fired from the Moonshadow, the balls whizzing past them as Peter drew them out of the reach of the shooters, his face a mask of concentration. Once they were high enough he turned towards the shore, flying slowly so as not to lose his grip on either of his friends.
Paolo glanced back and saw that all the boats were being lowered from the ship, the first already rowing strongly for the beach, loaded with sailors, some still aiming with long muskets at the escapee's.
Peter seemed to be flagging as they flew slowly over the jungle, until they were brushing the tree tops and finally sinking below.
Looking across, Paolo saw that Peter seemed to be having difficulty keeping awake, his head slumping as his eyes blinked to stay open.
Fearful, Paolo tugged on Peter's hand, drawing his attention. Pointing down, he indicated for them to land. Nodding his head, Peter flew down to the ground, his legs buckling as he landed. Paolo stumbled as Peter released his hand, both boys falling to the leaf strewn ground, Wendy still and white between them.
"I have to....Wendy....." Peter managed to gasp, raising himself up on his hands before his eyes rolled up in his head and he passed out, falling face first back onto the leaves.
Panting, Paolo stared in shock at the blood spreading across Peter's back from a bullet wound in his shoulder. Beside him, Wendy lay still and silent. Putting his face to her chest he could faintly hear the sound of a heartbeat but he felt no movement from her chest. Working frantically, he rolled her onto her back and bent over her, pinching her nose and pulling her mouth open before sealing his lips over hers and breathing into her mouth. He saw her chest rise with his breath, but she remained unresponsive, repeating the action he breathed for her again, saying her name in his head over and over. With the sixth breath he heard a rattle and quickly rolled her over onto her side as water streamed out of her nose and mouth, Wendy jerking as she coughed and threw up sea water onto the ground, her eyes still closed.
Once all the water appeared to be expelled, Paolo lifted Wendy and placed her to the side of the glade before returning to Peter. With gentle fingers he probed the wound, feeling the hardness of the ball still lodged under the skin. Blood still seeped from the hole and Paolo felt for Peter's pulse, finding it in his neck, strong and steady.
He knew they hadn't come far enough into the jungle to be safe from the crew of the Moonshadow, which left it up to Paolo to hide his new friends and protect them from the rage of Captain Moon.
As luck would have it, Captain Moon wasn't the only one looking for Peter Pan. Smee had sent one of the former pirates to spy on the Moonshadow, the man seeing the arrival of the sailors with Wendy in their midst, watched them row out to the ship, then later seen the two boys swim out to the vessel in the gathering dusk. He'd witnessed Peter's rescue of Wendy, and Paolo slipping from the ship to aid him, before all three lifted into the air and flew inland before dropping down below the treeline. He'd already climbed down from his vantage point when the boats were filled and setting out from the Moonshadow in pursuit of Peter Pan and the others. As fast as his less than agile legs could carry him, the pirate raced back to the Indian village, panting out his tale to his shipmates.
"I can't be sure, but I think Peter was injured. Certainly the girl was a gonna, all limp and lifeless. The other boy was still alive, but for how long if that Captain Moon gets her hands on them...." he trailed off, the implications obvious to his listeners.
"Then we have to find them first," said Smee, his expression grim as he rose and started to check the pistols lodged in his belt.
"Why?" One of the men asked, several others making similar noises.
Smee rounded on the men, his eyes like flint.
"Have you forgotten......this place, this island is Peter Pan. If he's killed, then I dread to think what will happen to this place. He's already shown how he controls the weather, remember when we used to sink into a mini ice-age every time he left to visit that girl? I for one don't want to feel that cold again......and if he dies.....I have a strong feeling we will be plunged into a winter like no other before. Without a ship to take us off this rock, we'll be stuck here in perpetual winter.....is that what you want?"
"Well....when you put it like that.....where did you see him land Hopkins?"
To a man, the pirates got to their feet and followed Smee from the Indian camp, Hopkins leading the way to where he'd last seen the flying boy and his companions disappear below the trees.
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With the light failing, Paolo tried to find a safe haven for his friends. The only place he could find was a cave formed by the trunk of a fallen tree, its base filled with leaves, accumulated from many seasons which, when scooped out, created a shallow hole big enough to hold them all. He placed Wendy there first, her eyes still tightly closed, her breathing labored. Peter was next, Paolo careful not to let his back come into contact with the ground, laying him on his side, his back to Wendy's front. Finally Paolo climbed into the depression himself, pulling leaves in over himself, his back to Peter's front, like sardines packed in a tin. As he pulled the last of the leaves over his body, he heard a sound and froze.
"They must be around here somewhere.......search everywhere!"
Paolo started to shake, the voice of his Captain sending shivers down his spine as he hunkered down deeper into the leaves, praying that his unconscious companions wouldn't regain their senses and give their position away. Through the thin layer of leaves, Paolo watched as first one, then another of his former crewmates slunk into the small glade, their eyes dark, searching the bushes and trees for any sign of the fugitives, their weapons at the ready.
As the men passed by, Paolo saw Captain Moon enter, flanked by Mister Trent and Surry, the men treading lightly so as not to alert their quarry. In the dark under the trees, the task of finding tracks became that much harder and Paolo prayed that they hadn't brought lanterns. He watched as the woman he feared most stepped across the glade, her head turning, listening for any sign of them, her eyes glowing like coals as she stared into the shadows. She passed within six feet of Paolo's hiding place, his eyes following her as she disappeared amongst the trees, her men behind her.
Letting out a breath, Paolo relaxed slightly, his eyes closing as he tried to calm his thundering heart, his hands still shaking.
When he opened them again he saw a bright light darting among the trees. He watched it as it dipped and flitted as if searching for something. He knew it was a fairy, having met Peter's friend earlier, by the cascade, but he was wary of making his presence known, in case not all the fairies were Peter's friends. As he watched the ball of light came closer, darting down to the leafy ground, pausing before flying up again and coming directly towards where Paolo lay. The tiny creature alighted just in front of the fallen tree, her wings opening and closing slowly as she approached. Paolo stayed as still as he could, barely breathing as the fairy came right up to where he lay, her hands lifting off the leaf concealing his face.
He recognised the fairy as the one Peter had introduced, Tink he remembered. Swallowing hard, he opened his mouth, his lips working to produce the creatures name as she stood undecided, her head canted to one side.
"T-t-t-ink ?"
Delighted, Tink started to clap her hands, her voice ringing out in the quiet of the glade. Paolo brought his finger up to his lips to shush her, which she did at once. She leant forward and spoke more quietly, but to Paolo it just sounded like the far away chimes of tiny bells.
Shaking his head, he tried to speak again, using his thumb to indicate the people behind him.
"P-p-et-er...w-w-we-wen-dy.."
Tink flitted up and hovered over the mounds concealed under the leaves before coming back to stand on his palm as he held it out for her. Her tinkling voice rose up to him as she chattered but he had to shake his head, frowning in frustration at the language barrier.
Finally he uttered one more word.
"H-he-he-lp."
Tink instantly rose into the air, darting away into the dark before Paolo could utter another sound. Exhausted, he slumped back to the leaves, pulling several more over himself before shutting his eyes, hoping against hope that the fairy would find someone to help them.
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Smee and his men were crouched in a dense thicket, their ears straining to hear the crew of the Moonshadow as they searched the woods. In the darkness, sound was their best ally, the wily pirates used to moving with stealth in their many attempts to capture the Lost Boys, and particularly their leader, Peter Pan. Now they were putting those skills to good use, playing cat and mouse with Captain Moon and her cutthroats.
"Are you sure this is where he went down?"
"As sure as a body can be.....I reckon he's gone to ground."
"More than likely, which will make our job even harder," Smee muttered, fingering the handle of his sword uneasily.
As they sat waiting for an opportunity to move forward, a bright light darted down from above, alighting on Smee's hand before the old man could do more than squeak his surprise. The other men crowded round, staring at the creature, her light illuminating their careworn faces.
"It's that bloomin' fairy of 'is.....what's she doing here?"
"If she don't put that light out, we'll be found by that bunch of murderers for sure!"
"Be quiet the lot of ya.....it is his fairy, so she might know where to find him.." Smee saw TinkerBell nodding her head, almost bouncing on his hand. "You do know where he is, dontcha?"
Again Tink nodded, clapping her hands. She then pantomimed Peter's stance, and held up one finger. She then minced across Smee's hand and flipped imaginary hair behind her head, before holding up two fingers.
"I think she's telling us Peter and Wendy are together,"
Tink then mimed another strutting boy and held up three fingers. Smee frowned slightly, but then shrugged. "Look's like there's three as you said, Hopkins."
Nodding her head, Tink flew into the air and gestured for Smee to follow her.
"Now 'ang on...the woods are full of the Moonshadow's men...we can't go charging about willy-nilly."
Stamping her foot in the air, Tink flew down and tugged Smee's beard.
"I think she wants us to follow her......and to hurry!"
With Tink leading the way, the pirates quietly threaded they way through the trees, careful not to step on dry branches and keeping to the dense shadows as much as possible. Eventually they reached a small glade with a large tree fallen on its side. Tink flew over to the tree and pointed below it. Smee waved his companions back while he carefully approached. He could vaguely see something under the leaves, but without Tink pointing he would have normally not noticed. As he stepped closer the leaves suddenly erupted and a figure launched itself at him, knocking him over. The surprise attack lasted only a few seconds, the figure pummelling Smee, making inarticulate noises while Smee fought to contain his hands as his shipmates ran up, grabbing the youth and holding him as he struggled.
Tink was buzzing around the boys' head, chittering hurriedly to him, but the boy still struggled.
"Easy lad.....we're here to help.....where's Peter and his lass?"
As Smee's low voiced question, Paolo slumped and gave up the fight. He shrugged off the men, who released him when Smee signalled them to, then turned to start brushing the leaves away from under the tree. In the gloom, Smee saw the pale oval of Peter's face and behind him, the white of Wendy's dress. Pushing Paolo to the side, the men hurriedly pulled the two bodies out of the hidey-hole, as Smee stood by.
"We have to get them to safety, follow us boy...and keep as quiet as possible, these woods are full of Captain Moon's men."
With the fugitives found, the pirates quickly left the area, travelling as fast as they could, ever alert, back towards the Indian village, Paolo in their midst.
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The medicine woman extracted the ball that night, working on Peter while he remained unconscious. With the bullet removed, his shoulder was swathed in bandages and a poultice, but even with their excellent care, he fell into a fevered rest, crying out for Wendy while he sweated and fought battles in his sleep. She was only in a slightly better state, her lungs taking an infection from the sea water and making her ill, her body racked with coughs as she fought a chill.
Because of the ever present danger of discovery by Captain Moon, the sick were moved out of the Indian village together with the medicine woman and her entourage to a safe place, until her charges were out of danger. Smee and the pirates also decamped from the Indian village, not wanting to put their hosts in danger if the Moonshadow men arrived. They took up residence in some caves not far from the camp. They moved just in time.
Captain Moon and her men arrived two days later, having exhaustively searched the wood where Peter and the others went down. As she stalked into the peaceful village, she peered suspiciously at everyone and everything, her face showing the ravages of the past few days in deep lines around her mouth and a permanent frown between her eyes. The Chief had been expecting the visit and had prepared for it, his many braves quickly surrounding the party from the Moonshadow, their presence a warning if the Captain thought the Indians easy prey.
"I've come in search of Peter Pan and his slut, also a runaway slave who was with him."
Ignoring the woman's rudeness, The Chief waved for her to sit beside the fire with him, his wife at his side to act as interpreter.
With ill-concealed disgust, Lilliana sat crosslegged on the mat laid down for her, her eyes still darting around the camp, looking for anything out of place.
Choking down the urge to lash out and destroy something, she pinned a thin smile on her lips and faced her host.
Her men were ranged behind her in a show of force, but behind them stood the ranks of Indians, all as alert as the sailors. In all, the atmosphere was uneasy at best, downright dangerous at worst.
Lilliana forced herself to relax, realising that attempting to force the information from the savages would only result in a bloodbath. She had seen nothing to indicate that the flying brat and his friends were in the camp, but she was sure they would know where they were.
"The Chief asks why you seek Peter Pan?"
"He has something I want...." Lilliana replied silkily.
"What would that be?"
"His head....on a pole!"
The Chief only raised on eyebrow at her reply, lifting his head to eye Lilliana with a knowing look. He spoke again.
"The Chief asks why you continue this pointless pursuit. Already one man has lost his life in the pursuit of Peter Pan."
"If you are referring to James Hook.....that is the reason I want his head on a pole.....in revenge for the death of my brother!"
"The Chief says that many have tried to capture the child, but most have died in the attempt. What makes you think that you will succeed where many have failed?"
"Let's cut the waffle, Chief. Do you know where the brat is?"
"If you are asking does the Chief know where Peter Pan lives? The answer is no. If you are asking have we seen Peter Pan in the last few days....again the answer is.....no. If you are asking if you think you will succeed in capturing him....but we think you know the answer to that already."
Grinding her teeth, Lilliana glared at the impassive face across the fire. Her fingers itched to give the signal for her men to attack, but the loses against the Indians would be more than she could spare. She'd get her chance to avenge herself against the arrogant redskins, but not today. Obviously they were hiding the flying boy and his companions, but without proof, she was powerless. Rising to her feet, she stared haughtily down at the Chief who puffed contentedly on his pipe, his wife beside him.
"Thank the Chief for his hospitality.......I look forward to our next meeting.......and if he should see Peter Pan, or any of his.......friends," the Chief looked up at her, an eyebrow raised. "Tell him his days are numbered on this island......."
Turning on her heel, Lilliana stalked off, her men closing around her as she left the village.
Watching her go, the Chief rolled his shoulders to ease the tension, his wife turning to regard her husband with an inquiring look.
"That will not be the end of it......she will not give up her quest for vengeance so easily....we will have to be on our guard if we are not to become her next target."
Nodding his head, the Chief smiled grimly, in complete accord with his wife's observations.
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Paolo was helping the Medicine Woman with a herbal infusion when Peter finally awoke clear eyed, if confused. As he gazed up at the roof of the cave that was their haven, Peter blinked slowly, his head still feeing fuzzy, an ache radiating from his shoulder, his fingers encountering a bulky bandage when he reached up to touch it.
"Wh-a-t happened?"
Hearing Peter's voice, Paolo filled a beaker with water and carried over to his pallet, crouching down to hold it to Peter's mouth for him to drink. Grinning in relief to see Peter awake, Paolo waited for him to drain the beaker before attempting to speak.
"H-ow are you feeling?" Paolo asked, his eyes twinkling when Peter's rounded in surprise on hearing his voice.
"You can talk!"
"I've been practising, Scratching Bird has been making me."
Lifting his head, Peter saw the Medicine Woman by the fire, the woman's face wreathed in smiles to see her patient on the mend.
"Wendy?"
"She's just over there.....she's been sick too....all that sea water didn't help." Paolo gestured to the other side of Peter and he turned his head, seeing Wendy laying on her side, sleeping peacefully. Relief at seeing her alive and apparently well, made Peter feel a lump come into his throat, his eyes welling up. Blinking he swallowed hard before turning back to face the still grinning Paolo.
"Were you alright?" Peter asked, bringing up his free hand to scratch his nose.
"I slept for a whole day, but otherwise fine." His face fell a little. "Captain Moon is still searching for us, she was at the Indian village yesterday."
Feeling a need to get up, Peter raised himself on his good elbow, groaning when he pulled his injured shoulder. Scratching Bird clucked at him to lay still, but Peter was determined and managed to get himself sitting up, his face screwed up with the effort while Paolo placed a cushion behind his back to support him. Panting, Peter looked around, not recognising the cave.
"How long have we been here?"
"A few days....only Scratching Bird and I stay here, Tiger Lily brings supplies every day, and I fetch water from the stream outside. You'll have a fine new scar to add to your collection."
Peter glanced down at the bandages covering his shoulder and chest, reaching up to scratch at a healing scab from his fight with Paolo on the beach. He felt sticky with sweat and longed to be able to dive into one of the cool pools at the cascade. As if reading his mind, Scratching Bird carried over a bucket of warm water and a wash cloth, indicating for him to clean himself up before returning to her steaming cauldron of sweet smelling herbs. Paolo also left him, picking up another bucket and heading out of the cave. Glancing over at Wendy, Peter saw that she was still sound asleep. Pushing away the blanket, he carefully climbed to his feet, nursing his injured arm against his chest to avoid jolting it. Once on his feet he stepped off his sleeping mat and carried the wash cloth and bucket to the side of the cave where it sloped away from the rest of the room.
His leaf-clothes had been cut off when Scratching Bird operated on him, so he was quite naked when he started to awkwardly wash himself with the soft cloth and warm water. When he's washed all the bits he could reach, Scratching Bird came over and wiped his back, cleaning away any remaining blood from his wound. Finally he leant against the wall, bent right over, as the Medicine Woman poured the remaining water over his head, washing his hair but careful to keep the bandage dry. Using a rough towel, he dried himself, wrapping it around his hips before returning to the pallet by the wall and sitting crosslegged, exhausted by even that small amount of effort. Scratching Bird brought him a bowl of stew and he swallowed it down, not realising until the appetising smell reached him, just how hungry he was.
With his stomach full and his body clean, Peter felt a wave of weariness wash over him, his eyes closing as he lay on his good side, facing Wendy, his long limbs stretched out as he succumbed to a healing sleep.
Paolo returned soon after with the bucket of water and placed it near the fire, exchanging a smile with Scratching Bird before walking to the pallet to check on Peter. Finding him asleep, he picked up the blanket and covered the boy before sitting beside the pallet, keeping watch over his friends.
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(aaaaaaah all safe and sound....for the time being. Onward, me hearty's, onward........)
Author: Squeezynz
Chapter: Seven - Rescue and Recovery
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Author's Note: thank you again for all that reviews, I don't write my stories in the hopes of getting reviews, but it makes it all the more satisfying to know that my small talent is entertaining someone other than just myself. This fluff piece has, as usual, turned into another of my epic adventure yarns. I promise to provide P/W fluff and stuff soon, but for the moment.....I'm just having too much fun with everything else....so enjoy.
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Paolo watched in horror as the cage, with Wendy still inside, disappeared under the waves her outstretched hand the last thing to be seen before she was gone.
"N-n-n-o-o-o." A sound, alien to his ears for the last seven years, issued from his lips, the word strangled and rough as if run over barnacles, but still a word, one his lips had last uttered when he'd seen his father fall to the deck of his fishing boat, dead from a pistol ball through the heart.
Smoke from the fire he'd set in the cabin above his head billowed out, masking his position by the anchor chain in the water below the prow. He'd snatched a bolt cutter from the tools stored in the cabin before firing the jib sails with the flint from Peter. Now, with the bolt cutter secure in his belt, Paolo dived under the water, swimming strongly towards where he'd last seen the cage sink under the sea.
His eyes stung as he kicked down, the clear water aiding his efforts as he saw something struggling in the depths. With a final kick he reached out and snagged one of the bars of the cage. Beside him he saw Peter, also gripping a bar, trying to haul the entire cage up to the surface. Inside, Wendy hung suspended, her eyes closed, her hair floating around her like seaweed. Paolo, his lungs screaming for air, twisted around the cage to the door, the padlock glinting. Pulling the bolt cutters from his belt he fumbled for a second before getting them into position, then he applied pressure and the padlock snapped. Blackness was starting to fog his vision as he tugged the cage door open, Peter helping. Together they managed to open it, Peter slipping through to grab hold of Wendy. She was as limp as a ragdoll, not resisting as Peter eased her through the gap and headed for the surface, Paolo close behind him.
They broke through the surface, both Peter and Paolo gasping open mouthed at the sweet air, Wendy silent between them.
A boat was being lowered from the ship which the current had pushed further away from them. Captain Moon was screaming at her men to hurry up and get the boat in the water and recapture them. As she looked towards the water, she saw the boys and their burden surface, her face a picture when she recognised her former cabin boy.
"Traitor.....you'll hang for this!"
Exhorting her men to go faster, Lilliana took aim with her own pistol at the blond head bobbing in the sea, the report loud as she squeezed the trigger. The shot just missed Paolo, water spurting up into his face from the ball.
Peter was gasping, Wendy a dead weight in his arms.
"We have....to get....out of....here....grab hold...."
Peter held out his hand to Paolo, his other arm around Wendy. As Paolo gripped his hand, Peter started to rise out of the sea, water streaming off them as they cleared the waves. As they rose higher, more guns fired from the Moonshadow, the balls whizzing past them as Peter drew them out of the reach of the shooters, his face a mask of concentration. Once they were high enough he turned towards the shore, flying slowly so as not to lose his grip on either of his friends.
Paolo glanced back and saw that all the boats were being lowered from the ship, the first already rowing strongly for the beach, loaded with sailors, some still aiming with long muskets at the escapee's.
Peter seemed to be flagging as they flew slowly over the jungle, until they were brushing the tree tops and finally sinking below.
Looking across, Paolo saw that Peter seemed to be having difficulty keeping awake, his head slumping as his eyes blinked to stay open.
Fearful, Paolo tugged on Peter's hand, drawing his attention. Pointing down, he indicated for them to land. Nodding his head, Peter flew down to the ground, his legs buckling as he landed. Paolo stumbled as Peter released his hand, both boys falling to the leaf strewn ground, Wendy still and white between them.
"I have to....Wendy....." Peter managed to gasp, raising himself up on his hands before his eyes rolled up in his head and he passed out, falling face first back onto the leaves.
Panting, Paolo stared in shock at the blood spreading across Peter's back from a bullet wound in his shoulder. Beside him, Wendy lay still and silent. Putting his face to her chest he could faintly hear the sound of a heartbeat but he felt no movement from her chest. Working frantically, he rolled her onto her back and bent over her, pinching her nose and pulling her mouth open before sealing his lips over hers and breathing into her mouth. He saw her chest rise with his breath, but she remained unresponsive, repeating the action he breathed for her again, saying her name in his head over and over. With the sixth breath he heard a rattle and quickly rolled her over onto her side as water streamed out of her nose and mouth, Wendy jerking as she coughed and threw up sea water onto the ground, her eyes still closed.
Once all the water appeared to be expelled, Paolo lifted Wendy and placed her to the side of the glade before returning to Peter. With gentle fingers he probed the wound, feeling the hardness of the ball still lodged under the skin. Blood still seeped from the hole and Paolo felt for Peter's pulse, finding it in his neck, strong and steady.
He knew they hadn't come far enough into the jungle to be safe from the crew of the Moonshadow, which left it up to Paolo to hide his new friends and protect them from the rage of Captain Moon.
As luck would have it, Captain Moon wasn't the only one looking for Peter Pan. Smee had sent one of the former pirates to spy on the Moonshadow, the man seeing the arrival of the sailors with Wendy in their midst, watched them row out to the ship, then later seen the two boys swim out to the vessel in the gathering dusk. He'd witnessed Peter's rescue of Wendy, and Paolo slipping from the ship to aid him, before all three lifted into the air and flew inland before dropping down below the treeline. He'd already climbed down from his vantage point when the boats were filled and setting out from the Moonshadow in pursuit of Peter Pan and the others. As fast as his less than agile legs could carry him, the pirate raced back to the Indian village, panting out his tale to his shipmates.
"I can't be sure, but I think Peter was injured. Certainly the girl was a gonna, all limp and lifeless. The other boy was still alive, but for how long if that Captain Moon gets her hands on them...." he trailed off, the implications obvious to his listeners.
"Then we have to find them first," said Smee, his expression grim as he rose and started to check the pistols lodged in his belt.
"Why?" One of the men asked, several others making similar noises.
Smee rounded on the men, his eyes like flint.
"Have you forgotten......this place, this island is Peter Pan. If he's killed, then I dread to think what will happen to this place. He's already shown how he controls the weather, remember when we used to sink into a mini ice-age every time he left to visit that girl? I for one don't want to feel that cold again......and if he dies.....I have a strong feeling we will be plunged into a winter like no other before. Without a ship to take us off this rock, we'll be stuck here in perpetual winter.....is that what you want?"
"Well....when you put it like that.....where did you see him land Hopkins?"
To a man, the pirates got to their feet and followed Smee from the Indian camp, Hopkins leading the way to where he'd last seen the flying boy and his companions disappear below the trees.
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With the light failing, Paolo tried to find a safe haven for his friends. The only place he could find was a cave formed by the trunk of a fallen tree, its base filled with leaves, accumulated from many seasons which, when scooped out, created a shallow hole big enough to hold them all. He placed Wendy there first, her eyes still tightly closed, her breathing labored. Peter was next, Paolo careful not to let his back come into contact with the ground, laying him on his side, his back to Wendy's front. Finally Paolo climbed into the depression himself, pulling leaves in over himself, his back to Peter's front, like sardines packed in a tin. As he pulled the last of the leaves over his body, he heard a sound and froze.
"They must be around here somewhere.......search everywhere!"
Paolo started to shake, the voice of his Captain sending shivers down his spine as he hunkered down deeper into the leaves, praying that his unconscious companions wouldn't regain their senses and give their position away. Through the thin layer of leaves, Paolo watched as first one, then another of his former crewmates slunk into the small glade, their eyes dark, searching the bushes and trees for any sign of the fugitives, their weapons at the ready.
As the men passed by, Paolo saw Captain Moon enter, flanked by Mister Trent and Surry, the men treading lightly so as not to alert their quarry. In the dark under the trees, the task of finding tracks became that much harder and Paolo prayed that they hadn't brought lanterns. He watched as the woman he feared most stepped across the glade, her head turning, listening for any sign of them, her eyes glowing like coals as she stared into the shadows. She passed within six feet of Paolo's hiding place, his eyes following her as she disappeared amongst the trees, her men behind her.
Letting out a breath, Paolo relaxed slightly, his eyes closing as he tried to calm his thundering heart, his hands still shaking.
When he opened them again he saw a bright light darting among the trees. He watched it as it dipped and flitted as if searching for something. He knew it was a fairy, having met Peter's friend earlier, by the cascade, but he was wary of making his presence known, in case not all the fairies were Peter's friends. As he watched the ball of light came closer, darting down to the leafy ground, pausing before flying up again and coming directly towards where Paolo lay. The tiny creature alighted just in front of the fallen tree, her wings opening and closing slowly as she approached. Paolo stayed as still as he could, barely breathing as the fairy came right up to where he lay, her hands lifting off the leaf concealing his face.
He recognised the fairy as the one Peter had introduced, Tink he remembered. Swallowing hard, he opened his mouth, his lips working to produce the creatures name as she stood undecided, her head canted to one side.
"T-t-t-ink ?"
Delighted, Tink started to clap her hands, her voice ringing out in the quiet of the glade. Paolo brought his finger up to his lips to shush her, which she did at once. She leant forward and spoke more quietly, but to Paolo it just sounded like the far away chimes of tiny bells.
Shaking his head, he tried to speak again, using his thumb to indicate the people behind him.
"P-p-et-er...w-w-we-wen-dy.."
Tink flitted up and hovered over the mounds concealed under the leaves before coming back to stand on his palm as he held it out for her. Her tinkling voice rose up to him as she chattered but he had to shake his head, frowning in frustration at the language barrier.
Finally he uttered one more word.
"H-he-he-lp."
Tink instantly rose into the air, darting away into the dark before Paolo could utter another sound. Exhausted, he slumped back to the leaves, pulling several more over himself before shutting his eyes, hoping against hope that the fairy would find someone to help them.
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Smee and his men were crouched in a dense thicket, their ears straining to hear the crew of the Moonshadow as they searched the woods. In the darkness, sound was their best ally, the wily pirates used to moving with stealth in their many attempts to capture the Lost Boys, and particularly their leader, Peter Pan. Now they were putting those skills to good use, playing cat and mouse with Captain Moon and her cutthroats.
"Are you sure this is where he went down?"
"As sure as a body can be.....I reckon he's gone to ground."
"More than likely, which will make our job even harder," Smee muttered, fingering the handle of his sword uneasily.
As they sat waiting for an opportunity to move forward, a bright light darted down from above, alighting on Smee's hand before the old man could do more than squeak his surprise. The other men crowded round, staring at the creature, her light illuminating their careworn faces.
"It's that bloomin' fairy of 'is.....what's she doing here?"
"If she don't put that light out, we'll be found by that bunch of murderers for sure!"
"Be quiet the lot of ya.....it is his fairy, so she might know where to find him.." Smee saw TinkerBell nodding her head, almost bouncing on his hand. "You do know where he is, dontcha?"
Again Tink nodded, clapping her hands. She then pantomimed Peter's stance, and held up one finger. She then minced across Smee's hand and flipped imaginary hair behind her head, before holding up two fingers.
"I think she's telling us Peter and Wendy are together,"
Tink then mimed another strutting boy and held up three fingers. Smee frowned slightly, but then shrugged. "Look's like there's three as you said, Hopkins."
Nodding her head, Tink flew into the air and gestured for Smee to follow her.
"Now 'ang on...the woods are full of the Moonshadow's men...we can't go charging about willy-nilly."
Stamping her foot in the air, Tink flew down and tugged Smee's beard.
"I think she wants us to follow her......and to hurry!"
With Tink leading the way, the pirates quietly threaded they way through the trees, careful not to step on dry branches and keeping to the dense shadows as much as possible. Eventually they reached a small glade with a large tree fallen on its side. Tink flew over to the tree and pointed below it. Smee waved his companions back while he carefully approached. He could vaguely see something under the leaves, but without Tink pointing he would have normally not noticed. As he stepped closer the leaves suddenly erupted and a figure launched itself at him, knocking him over. The surprise attack lasted only a few seconds, the figure pummelling Smee, making inarticulate noises while Smee fought to contain his hands as his shipmates ran up, grabbing the youth and holding him as he struggled.
Tink was buzzing around the boys' head, chittering hurriedly to him, but the boy still struggled.
"Easy lad.....we're here to help.....where's Peter and his lass?"
As Smee's low voiced question, Paolo slumped and gave up the fight. He shrugged off the men, who released him when Smee signalled them to, then turned to start brushing the leaves away from under the tree. In the gloom, Smee saw the pale oval of Peter's face and behind him, the white of Wendy's dress. Pushing Paolo to the side, the men hurriedly pulled the two bodies out of the hidey-hole, as Smee stood by.
"We have to get them to safety, follow us boy...and keep as quiet as possible, these woods are full of Captain Moon's men."
With the fugitives found, the pirates quickly left the area, travelling as fast as they could, ever alert, back towards the Indian village, Paolo in their midst.
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The medicine woman extracted the ball that night, working on Peter while he remained unconscious. With the bullet removed, his shoulder was swathed in bandages and a poultice, but even with their excellent care, he fell into a fevered rest, crying out for Wendy while he sweated and fought battles in his sleep. She was only in a slightly better state, her lungs taking an infection from the sea water and making her ill, her body racked with coughs as she fought a chill.
Because of the ever present danger of discovery by Captain Moon, the sick were moved out of the Indian village together with the medicine woman and her entourage to a safe place, until her charges were out of danger. Smee and the pirates also decamped from the Indian village, not wanting to put their hosts in danger if the Moonshadow men arrived. They took up residence in some caves not far from the camp. They moved just in time.
Captain Moon and her men arrived two days later, having exhaustively searched the wood where Peter and the others went down. As she stalked into the peaceful village, she peered suspiciously at everyone and everything, her face showing the ravages of the past few days in deep lines around her mouth and a permanent frown between her eyes. The Chief had been expecting the visit and had prepared for it, his many braves quickly surrounding the party from the Moonshadow, their presence a warning if the Captain thought the Indians easy prey.
"I've come in search of Peter Pan and his slut, also a runaway slave who was with him."
Ignoring the woman's rudeness, The Chief waved for her to sit beside the fire with him, his wife at his side to act as interpreter.
With ill-concealed disgust, Lilliana sat crosslegged on the mat laid down for her, her eyes still darting around the camp, looking for anything out of place.
Choking down the urge to lash out and destroy something, she pinned a thin smile on her lips and faced her host.
Her men were ranged behind her in a show of force, but behind them stood the ranks of Indians, all as alert as the sailors. In all, the atmosphere was uneasy at best, downright dangerous at worst.
Lilliana forced herself to relax, realising that attempting to force the information from the savages would only result in a bloodbath. She had seen nothing to indicate that the flying brat and his friends were in the camp, but she was sure they would know where they were.
"The Chief asks why you seek Peter Pan?"
"He has something I want...." Lilliana replied silkily.
"What would that be?"
"His head....on a pole!"
The Chief only raised on eyebrow at her reply, lifting his head to eye Lilliana with a knowing look. He spoke again.
"The Chief asks why you continue this pointless pursuit. Already one man has lost his life in the pursuit of Peter Pan."
"If you are referring to James Hook.....that is the reason I want his head on a pole.....in revenge for the death of my brother!"
"The Chief says that many have tried to capture the child, but most have died in the attempt. What makes you think that you will succeed where many have failed?"
"Let's cut the waffle, Chief. Do you know where the brat is?"
"If you are asking does the Chief know where Peter Pan lives? The answer is no. If you are asking have we seen Peter Pan in the last few days....again the answer is.....no. If you are asking if you think you will succeed in capturing him....but we think you know the answer to that already."
Grinding her teeth, Lilliana glared at the impassive face across the fire. Her fingers itched to give the signal for her men to attack, but the loses against the Indians would be more than she could spare. She'd get her chance to avenge herself against the arrogant redskins, but not today. Obviously they were hiding the flying boy and his companions, but without proof, she was powerless. Rising to her feet, she stared haughtily down at the Chief who puffed contentedly on his pipe, his wife beside him.
"Thank the Chief for his hospitality.......I look forward to our next meeting.......and if he should see Peter Pan, or any of his.......friends," the Chief looked up at her, an eyebrow raised. "Tell him his days are numbered on this island......."
Turning on her heel, Lilliana stalked off, her men closing around her as she left the village.
Watching her go, the Chief rolled his shoulders to ease the tension, his wife turning to regard her husband with an inquiring look.
"That will not be the end of it......she will not give up her quest for vengeance so easily....we will have to be on our guard if we are not to become her next target."
Nodding his head, the Chief smiled grimly, in complete accord with his wife's observations.
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Paolo was helping the Medicine Woman with a herbal infusion when Peter finally awoke clear eyed, if confused. As he gazed up at the roof of the cave that was their haven, Peter blinked slowly, his head still feeing fuzzy, an ache radiating from his shoulder, his fingers encountering a bulky bandage when he reached up to touch it.
"Wh-a-t happened?"
Hearing Peter's voice, Paolo filled a beaker with water and carried over to his pallet, crouching down to hold it to Peter's mouth for him to drink. Grinning in relief to see Peter awake, Paolo waited for him to drain the beaker before attempting to speak.
"H-ow are you feeling?" Paolo asked, his eyes twinkling when Peter's rounded in surprise on hearing his voice.
"You can talk!"
"I've been practising, Scratching Bird has been making me."
Lifting his head, Peter saw the Medicine Woman by the fire, the woman's face wreathed in smiles to see her patient on the mend.
"Wendy?"
"She's just over there.....she's been sick too....all that sea water didn't help." Paolo gestured to the other side of Peter and he turned his head, seeing Wendy laying on her side, sleeping peacefully. Relief at seeing her alive and apparently well, made Peter feel a lump come into his throat, his eyes welling up. Blinking he swallowed hard before turning back to face the still grinning Paolo.
"Were you alright?" Peter asked, bringing up his free hand to scratch his nose.
"I slept for a whole day, but otherwise fine." His face fell a little. "Captain Moon is still searching for us, she was at the Indian village yesterday."
Feeling a need to get up, Peter raised himself on his good elbow, groaning when he pulled his injured shoulder. Scratching Bird clucked at him to lay still, but Peter was determined and managed to get himself sitting up, his face screwed up with the effort while Paolo placed a cushion behind his back to support him. Panting, Peter looked around, not recognising the cave.
"How long have we been here?"
"A few days....only Scratching Bird and I stay here, Tiger Lily brings supplies every day, and I fetch water from the stream outside. You'll have a fine new scar to add to your collection."
Peter glanced down at the bandages covering his shoulder and chest, reaching up to scratch at a healing scab from his fight with Paolo on the beach. He felt sticky with sweat and longed to be able to dive into one of the cool pools at the cascade. As if reading his mind, Scratching Bird carried over a bucket of warm water and a wash cloth, indicating for him to clean himself up before returning to her steaming cauldron of sweet smelling herbs. Paolo also left him, picking up another bucket and heading out of the cave. Glancing over at Wendy, Peter saw that she was still sound asleep. Pushing away the blanket, he carefully climbed to his feet, nursing his injured arm against his chest to avoid jolting it. Once on his feet he stepped off his sleeping mat and carried the wash cloth and bucket to the side of the cave where it sloped away from the rest of the room.
His leaf-clothes had been cut off when Scratching Bird operated on him, so he was quite naked when he started to awkwardly wash himself with the soft cloth and warm water. When he's washed all the bits he could reach, Scratching Bird came over and wiped his back, cleaning away any remaining blood from his wound. Finally he leant against the wall, bent right over, as the Medicine Woman poured the remaining water over his head, washing his hair but careful to keep the bandage dry. Using a rough towel, he dried himself, wrapping it around his hips before returning to the pallet by the wall and sitting crosslegged, exhausted by even that small amount of effort. Scratching Bird brought him a bowl of stew and he swallowed it down, not realising until the appetising smell reached him, just how hungry he was.
With his stomach full and his body clean, Peter felt a wave of weariness wash over him, his eyes closing as he lay on his good side, facing Wendy, his long limbs stretched out as he succumbed to a healing sleep.
Paolo returned soon after with the bucket of water and placed it near the fire, exchanging a smile with Scratching Bird before walking to the pallet to check on Peter. Finding him asleep, he picked up the blanket and covered the boy before sitting beside the pallet, keeping watch over his friends.
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(aaaaaaah all safe and sound....for the time being. Onward, me hearty's, onward........)