Title: Whither by Moonlight
Author: squeezynz
Chapter: Six - Who goes there?
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Author's Note: Thank you to all who enthusiastically welcomed me back to Still not quite up to my usual speed in getting the chapters out, but I'm sure that will not worry most of you. Thank you to all who continue to review with such lovely approbation for this story. It is the breath of life to an author to know that their story is touching a chord in so many readers, and giving them so much pleasure. Now, let us pick up the threads and read on.
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The next few days passed in a blur, the nights soaked in passion and love, the days spent exploring and discovering the island that was to be their forever after. Peter reveled in showing the islands secrets off to Wendy, flying her to the far corners to explore hidden springs where the water bubbled up sweet and pure, the edges of the pools surrounded by heavenly scented water hyacinths, flowering heads thrust above the clear water as if vying for their attention. He also took her to the flatlands beyond the mountain, their course taking them swooping low over the tall grasses, the goats scattering as they surprised the animals grazing. Peter touched down and ran after a large billy goat until the animal turned and became the chaser, Peter dodging the wicked horns, laughing all the time. Wendy watched with mingled horror and amusement as Peter kept himself just beyond the goat's reach before launching himself into the air again, unscathed and unrepentant, to join her where she sat atop a large rock.
"He nearly got you Peter....."
"Hah...I'm too fast for the old goat....he'll never catch me!"
With a twisting dive he scooped her up and they flew into the sky, wending their way back towards the mountain that dominated the center of the island, its peak glistening with snow. As they passed Wendy saw something flash, like the sun reflecting off glass, but even as she turned her head to look again it vanished, her mouth snapping shut, the words to draw Peter's attention dying on her lips as she felt Peter's hand tug at hers.
They circled the peak and dived towards the slopes below, landing on the ridge above their valley, the purple blooms surrounding them as they walked along the faint track between the low shrubs.
Wendy turned her face into the breeze, her hair lifting as she twirled, her fingertips brushing the flowers, their scent engulfing her as she passed.
"What are we doing this afternoon Peter?"
Up ahead, Peter had stopped, his hand raised to shade his eyes as he stared off into the distance. As Wendy reached him, he dropped his hand and turned to face her.
"What do you want to do? We could visit the Indian village....or go swimming?"
Feeling her dress clinging damply to her body, Wendy smiled broadly.
"Swimming....but not in the Mermaid's Lagoon if you please."
"Why not....I'm sure the Mermaid's would be happy to show you their underwater world."
Seeing the teasing glint in his eyes, Wendy slapped him on the arm.
"No thank you......somewhere less.....dangerous would be nice. Oh, what about the crocodile?"
"Keeps to itself in the swamp......hardly ever see it these days." Peter shrugged, dismissing the giant creature that had swallowed his enemy.
"Well that's a relief then. Do you have a favourite place?"
Peter swept his arm to encompass the view from the ridge.
"Everywhere is my favourite!" He laughed at Wendy's expression, before taking her hand and starting to tug her down the slope towards the grove of trees that sheltered their home.
They ran down the hill, laughing and breathless, tumbling the last few yards like children. Wendy found herself blinded by her hair, her skirts up around her knees until she rolled to a halt, her arms outspread, covered in bits of grass. As she lay there recovering her breath, the sun was blotted out when Peter leant over her, his fingers brushing the strands of hair from her face as he grinned down at her.
"Sure you want to go for a swim? We could do something else..." His voice trailed off as he wriggled his eyebrows at her and grinned suggestively. Wendy laughed and pushed him off, scrambling to her feet and carelessly brushing at the grass sticking to her dress.
"Oh no you don't.....you promised me a swim!"
"But Wendy...." Peter weedled, still kneeling on the grass.
"A swim Peter......I'm hot and sticky and itchy."
Jumping up, Peter shrugged and reached for her hand. "A swim it is.....and I know just the on."
They flew past the grove that hid their home and on over the ridge behind. In the next valley there was a canyon with another stream running through it, but this one didn't meander, it was deep and leapt over the rocky ledges creating small waterfalls that plunged into pools in a cascade before chasing itself seaward. The whole valley was scattered with huge boulders, as if thrown there by some giant child playing marbles. Behind the rocks that bordered the torrent, the jungle pressed forward, the green a sharp contrast to the rich red of the boulders.
"Oh Peter....how beautiful..."
Peter had landed them on a broad, flat rock that overlooked the cascade, a wide pool just below it, the front ledge made for diving from. Casting a quick glance at Wendy, a cheeky grin plastered to his face, Peter let out a whoop and raced to the edge, leaping off into space and disappearing from Wendy's shocked sight.
"PETER!" Wendy ran to the edge in time to see the water below ripple outward in rings of waves, Peter somewhere under the green water. She continued to look, seeing no sign of life, her eyes sweeping the pool. Just as she started to feel a frission of fear, Peter came up behind her and swept her up and over his shoulder, making her scream in mingled terror and relief.
"What are you waiting for Wendy........let's SWIM!"
Not waiting for her say no, Peter stepped off the ledge and they plunged down into the pool, Wendy finding herself hitting the water before a scream could leave her lips. Once under the surface she floated within the clear cool water before kicking for the surface, emerging spluttering and furious to find Peter waiting for her.
"Oh you......you.......beast! You scared me.....!!"
Peter only grinned at her, his wet hair plastered to his forehead as he dived away, swimming strongly for the shore. Several low rocks bordered the pool and he climbed onto one, peeling off his clothes to stand gloriously naked for a second before plunging back into the water.
Wendy floundered towards the rocks, her skirts tangling her legs as she struggled to haul herself out of the water and onto the flat ledge. As she attempted to calm herself, Peter swam lazily over and rested his bare arms on the rock edge, looking up at Wendy as she stood undecided with her back to him.
"Wendy?"
"Peter........" Wendy stopped, clamping her lips shut as she strove to swallow down her anger. She wasn't really hurt, just suffering a reaction to her fright, her clothes feeling clammy against her suddenly chilled skin. "Just give me a minute Peter....I....I just have to get this dress off."
Peter looked up at her rigid shoulders but decided to take her words at face value, his body slicing through the water as he pushed away from the rocks to swim across the pool. Glancing over her shoulder, Wendy breathed a sigh, her anger dissipating as she started to peel her sodden clothes off, a blush painting her skin pink as her skirts fell about her ankles. Still shy about baring herself, Wendy let her wet hair fall forward over her chest, her movements awkward as she slid back into the water, thankfully sinking down until only her head remained above the surface. Feeling the water swirl around her body helped calm her down, her hair floating around her like a cloud of silky seaweed, her toes digging into the slippery silt covering the rocky bottom of the pool. Feeling better she looked around, expecting to see Peter somewhere nearby. To her consternation he was missing again, the pool unruffled, only the sound of the falls evident as she twisted and turned to try and find him.
"Peter...if you're hiding, it's not funny...." Wendy called, her arms crossing over her chest as she started to back towards the edge of the pool. "Peter?"
Just as she was about to turn and pull herself out, a sound made her swing about and she saw Peter on the other side, his arms holding a bundle of something that Wendy couldn't make out. Relieved beyond belief, Wendy swam across the pool while Peter set his burden down before jumping into the water as Wendy approached. Surfacing, he shook his head to fling his wet hair out of his face then flashed Wendy a broad grin.
"I thought you might be hungry....." He indicated the pile of leaves and flowers, watching as Wendy lifted herself half out of the water to investigate. She found the bundle contained a selection of tropical fruits, some familiar, others completely unknown to her. As she stared at the colourful array, Peter reached past her and plucked a rounded fruit from the mound, his fingers digging into the skin to peel it. Wendy watched in fascination as he quickly shucked the skin from the fruit, tossing the waste back into the jungle before breaking the orangy coloured flesh in half and offering her a share. Wendy reached for the fruit and watched as Peter shoved his half into his mouth and chewed, waiting for her to try hers.
"Go on.....it's nice." Peter mumbled around his mouthful, making Wendy laugh.
Separating a segment she popped it in her mouth and chewed. It was good, the rest of her half disappearing quickly as she savoured the tangy juice that slid coolly down her throat. For the next few minutes the pattern continued, both of them chest deep in the pool eating exotic fruits while birds twittered in the trees overhanging parts of the pools. Finally they were replete and Peter ducked under the water to rinse off his face and hands, Wendy following suit.
When she surfaced she found Peter right in front of her, the heat from his body tangible in the water, his arms circling her waist as they floated in their private swimming pool.
"That was lovely Peter......thank you."
"I'm sorry I frightened you before......I didn't mean to."
"I know you didn't.....you just caught me by surprise, this is all so new to me Peter....I've forgotten so much."
"Then you're not angry with me?"
"No....not angry at all." She entwined her arms around his neck, placing her lips on his for a sweet kiss, both of them tasting the other as they deepened the embrace, dueling with tongue and lips until the coolness of the water was forgotten as their bodies heated with passion. Peter held Wendy plastered against his body, his hardness digging into her belly as they swirled lazily together, her legs wrapping around his hips to bring her softness against him in an intimate embrace below the water. Lifting her slightly, Peter freed his hardened flesh from between their bodies and lowered Wendy until she felt him enter her, filling her with heat and want, her arms tightening around his neck as he sheathed himself in her body. Slowly they moved together, the water rippling out from their joining, their bodies dancing in the pool as the sun glinted off the waves.
The only sounds that disturbed their union were the birds and the slap of water, their moans swallowed as they raced towards their completion, Peter's muscles rippling under Wendy's fingers as he held them joined together, her cries swallowed by his lips as she arched against him before flying apart in bliss, followed within seconds by his flesh pulsing inside her, setting her ablaze again.
They stood in the pool, shuddering and shaking as their bodies slowed, their heart hammering in time with their panting breaths.
"Oh Peter.......I never.....that was....."
"Yeah.....wasn't it?"
Together they giggled like children discovering something delightfully wicked and forbidden, Wendy blushing anew as Peter slipped from her body and floated on his back, his expression immensely smug, his arms outspread. Wendy drifted to the rocky bank and lifted herself up to see what was left of the fruit bounty. She turned her head to look back at Peter as she reached upwards, only to find her wrist grasped by a rough hand, a harsh voice laughing above her as she felt herself dragged upwards. Wendy screamed, her eyes barely taking in the rough garments of the man crouched on the rock ledge before a splash and a roar sounded behind her as Peter leapt from the water, a knife flashing in his hand. The man immediately let go of Wendy and she fell back into the water and under the surface, her hair blinding her to the fight taking place above her.
When she finally surfaced, spluttering after taking a mouthful of water, she saw only Peter crouched on the ledge, his hand still grasping the blade, his shoulders bunched and tense as he stared into the dense foliage. Scrambling to the side of the pool, she coughed, Peter's head jerking around as he swung on his heels, the blade ready in his hand.
"Who was that man.....Oh Peter who was he?"
Ignoring her for a moment, Peter searched the jungle once more before turning and diving into the water, surfacing almost immediately, his hand grasping her arm to pull her towards the other bank.
"We have to go on!"
"Peter?"
"Now Wendy......I'll explain when we get home."
The afternoon spoiled, numbly Wendy choked down her fright and followed him over to the other bank, taking his hand when he offered it to help her out of the water. As quickly as they could they donned their still damp clothes, Wendy struggling with the fastenings until Peter swept her up impatiently and flew them out of the canyon and back to their sheltered home. During the short journey, Peter didn't speak, his expression forbidding. Wendy felt too shaken to question him and only clung more tightly as they approached their hidden haven. Once they touched down Peter almost dragged her into the little house, not stopping until they were deep inside before releasing her.
"Get into some dry clothes, we're going to the Indian village."
"Peter I don't understand...." Wendy shivered at his tone, her clothes clinging damply as she wrapped her arms around her middle and stared at him in shock and dismay. Peter seemed to ignore her, striding into the bedroom and flinging back the lid of a square chest that held a selection of clothes. He yanked off his wet shirt and shucked his trousers, uncaring of his state of undress as he sorted through the chest, finally choosing a sleeveless shirt and soft cotton pants that were cut-off below the knees. Wendy stood in the doorway, starting to shiver in earnest as shock dulled her senses, her limbs unresponsive. Peter suddenly noticed her lack of response and stopped his hurried dressing, looking up from tucking in his shirt to see her white face staring back at him.
"Wendy we have to go.....get out of that dress......I can't leave you here alone....you'll be safe with Little Creek."
"Who was he Peter? Why do I have to go and stay with Little Creek.....and what are you going to do?"
As she spoke Peter tugged the dress off her shoulders, treating her like a doll as he undressed her, his manner impersonal as he stripped her wet clothes from her and used a spare shirt to roughly dry her off. Leaving her shivering, her arms wrapped around her middle, Peter rummaged in the chest, pulling out a crumpled dress, giving it a quick shake before throwing it over her head and redressing her. Her hair was a tangled mess but Peter ignored it, quickly lacing up the back of the dress as Wendy stood there docilely accepting his ministrations.
"Why won't you tell me....was he one of the pirates?? I don't remember seeing him on the Jolly Roger....where did he come from? Are you going to see Smee?...." Her babble was abruptly shut off when Peter clamped his hand over her mouth, her eyes huge and dark over his knuckles.
"I'll answer all your questions later....for now I need you to just accept that I'm taking you somewhere safe...and Little Creek will take care of you......"
Withdrawing his hand, Peter drew her out of the bedroom and out of the house, clamping his arm around her waist as he launched them into the air and over the tree tops, his eyes keenly watching the hillside as they flew out of the valley and veered off towards the coast and the Indian Village.
Their arrival amidst the peaceful Indians occasioned little comment, Peter taking her to a large tepee, the young brave seated outside leaping to his feet and disappearing inside as Peter and Wendy approached. Just as quickly Little Creek appeared, her button brown eyes taking in Peter's tense face and Wendy's woebegone expression. Without saying a word she enfolded Wendy into a tight embrace, the girl bursting into tears as Little Creek waited for an explanation.
"Skinner's back."
Peter's tersely spoken statement was sufficient to cause several of the Indian's gathered about to gasp out loud, Little Creek's mouth tightening even as she patted Wendy on the back.
"When will you return?"
"When its safe again.....take care of her for me, she's had a bad fright."
Wendy was trying to get herself under control, embarrassed to be crying in the middle of the village as well as trying to hear the conversation taking place over her head. Pulling out of the Indian woman's embrace, she swiped at her wet eyes, feeling heat flood her cheeks at the circle of curious faces surrounding them.
"Peter?"
Exchanging a meaningful glance with Little Creek, Peter stepped forward and placed his hands on Wendy's shoulder, lowering his head to peer into her face.
"I won't be gone for long....you'll be safe here."
"Safe from what??"
Dropping his hands, Peter moved away from her, his hand dropping to the dagger at his side as he prepared to leave her.
"Promise me you won't leave the village....stay with Little Creek, I'll be back soon."
"Peter?"
Before she could voice her bewilderment, Peter had already lifted into the air and turned his back on the Indian village, his body streaking away to disappear beyond the cliff behind the encampment.
Staring after him in shocked dismay, Wendy felt a hollowness at his casual dismissal of her, her eyes welling once more as desolation swept over her. Shooing away the curious, Little Creek once more wrapped a skinny arm around Wendy's shoulder, gently leading the girl around and towards the big tepee behind them. With a final glance at the sky where Peter had vanished, Wendy gave into the woman's urgings and ducked down to enter the tent.
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Peter was furious, his body a blur as he put on a burst of speed to take him over a ridge and down towards the huddle of buildings that constituted the small settlement populated by the surviving pirates from the Jolly Roger. The ship sat rocking slightly in the swell, out in the bay, its prow pointed towards the shore, the chain of the anchor stretched tight by the outgoing tide.
Peter landed on the broad path that lead down the slope to the beach, the ramshackle buildings on either side strangely silent as he padded down the center of the road, his head turning from side to side, listening for any sign of the usual occupants. The hamlet appeared deserted, only bird song greeting his calls for someone, anyone to come out and show themselves. On reaching the beach, he stood with his hands on his hips, his legs apart, surveying the ship, its sails furled tightly against its spars, the deck as deserted as the tiny town.
"I know you're there Mister Smee, why are the other's hiding from me?"
Slowly Peter turned to face the man approaching cautiously across the sand.
"Not hiding from you exactly Peter.....but you could say you're the cause of their need to hide."
"Skinner attacked me....attacked Wendy in the Cascade. What do you know about it?"
For a moment Smee stared blankly at Peter, his mouth opening like a fish before he recovered and flapped his hands. "Skinner? He's back?"
Peter, his hands still on his hips, stalked towards the old man, his head held arrogantly as he strutted across the sand, one hand resting on his sword hilt. "Yes Mister Smee.....it was Skinner."
"Oh dear....oh deary me....we thought, that is....he wasn't supposed to come back."
Smee wrung his hands, oblivious to Peter stalking around him until the younger man leant in and hissed in the old pirates ear, making him flinch. "Skinner was dead, that was what you told me......died of the ague or some such illness. Now I find him hale and hearty and trying to take Wendy from me...what do you know Smee?"
His face pale, Smee dropped to his knees in the sand, his hands clasped in front of him as if in prayer. "Please don't kill me, it wasn't my idea....it was the others, they said he wouldn't come back if he was sent to the end of the island, and we haven't seen him for so many years now, we thought he'd died of hunger or something!"
"He looked remarkably healthy for a dead man Smee....."
Smee now dropped to his face in the sand, his backside in the air, his whole body quivering like a jelly. Peter drew his sword and swished it in the air, Smee shaking even harder when Peter sliced the air above the pirates head.
"There's something you're not telling me Smee.....why would the other's hide......unless there's something worse than Skinner."
Immediately Smee started to wail, tucking himself more firmly in the sand so that the old man resembled a hedgehog. Peter hooked his foot in the mans ribs and rolled him onto his back, Smee covering his face as Peter loomed over him.
"You'd better tell me Smee.....or I'll start by removing some of those crabby toes you so often complain about...."
Peter lowered his sword blade and hovered it over Smee's exposed feet, the pirate curling his toes as far as their stiffening joints would allow him.
"He'll kill me....." Smee wailed again when Peter placed his blade against the skin of his little toe, the boy grinning wickedly down at the blubbering first-mate.
"Not my toes....please not my toes!!" Scrabbling, Smee tucked his feet under his legs and rose up onto his knees, effectively shielding his wrinkled toes from Peter's sword. "I'll tell you....but it will be the death of me, mark my words."
"Spit it out Smee......who else is looking to do me, and mine, harm ?"
Like a balloon pricked with a pin, Smee sagged, his face buried in his hands so that his voice became muffled.
"hook."
"Speak up man, I can't hear you when you mumble!" Peter nudged the pirate with his foot. Dropping his hands, Smee glared up at the youth standing over him.
"It's Hook, I tell you, Hook has returned....and Skinner is with him!"
For a long moment Peter froze, his blood seemingly stilled in his veins, his eyes fixed on Smee's face disbelievingly. Then suddenly he moved, throwing his head back and letting go a shout of laughter, his teeth white against his tanned skin as he grinned down at the cringing pirate on the sand.
"Is that the best you can do.......Hook? He's dead....dead and gone. There's no bringing him back to try and scare me Smee!"
"I'm telling the truth.....Hook is back.....and he means to be avenged on you Peter Pan......avenged I say...."
His laughter dying, Peter looked down on the old man at his feet.
"You must be mad to expect me to believe you. As you obviously won't or can't tell me what I need to know, I'll have to find out for myself...." Sheathing his sword, Peter swung on his heel and started to march back up the beach, leaving Smee on his knees in the sand.
"You fool! I'm telling you the truth........it's HOOK!"
Ignoring Smee's cries, Peter quickened his pace. His mind was in a whirl as he walked through the small pirate settlement, his eyes staring blankly at the disheveled huts with their nets and fishing pots strung up to dry. Soon the huts were left behind him, his feet carrying him away from the coast and into the cool depths of the forest, the cry of the gulls like echoes on the wind as the trees enfolded him into their heart.
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Ooooooh the plot thickens....still with me?? Oh good....sorry about the long gap in chapters...got alot to do in the real world, promise to try and get more time to write in the near future. Tally Ho!!
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Author's Note: Thank you to all who enthusiastically welcomed me back to Still not quite up to my usual speed in getting the chapters out, but I'm sure that will not worry most of you. Thank you to all who continue to review with such lovely approbation for this story. It is the breath of life to an author to know that their story is touching a chord in so many readers, and giving them so much pleasure. Now, let us pick up the threads and read on.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The next few days passed in a blur, the nights soaked in passion and love, the days spent exploring and discovering the island that was to be their forever after. Peter reveled in showing the islands secrets off to Wendy, flying her to the far corners to explore hidden springs where the water bubbled up sweet and pure, the edges of the pools surrounded by heavenly scented water hyacinths, flowering heads thrust above the clear water as if vying for their attention. He also took her to the flatlands beyond the mountain, their course taking them swooping low over the tall grasses, the goats scattering as they surprised the animals grazing. Peter touched down and ran after a large billy goat until the animal turned and became the chaser, Peter dodging the wicked horns, laughing all the time. Wendy watched with mingled horror and amusement as Peter kept himself just beyond the goat's reach before launching himself into the air again, unscathed and unrepentant, to join her where she sat atop a large rock.
"He nearly got you Peter....."
"Hah...I'm too fast for the old goat....he'll never catch me!"
With a twisting dive he scooped her up and they flew into the sky, wending their way back towards the mountain that dominated the center of the island, its peak glistening with snow. As they passed Wendy saw something flash, like the sun reflecting off glass, but even as she turned her head to look again it vanished, her mouth snapping shut, the words to draw Peter's attention dying on her lips as she felt Peter's hand tug at hers.
They circled the peak and dived towards the slopes below, landing on the ridge above their valley, the purple blooms surrounding them as they walked along the faint track between the low shrubs.
Wendy turned her face into the breeze, her hair lifting as she twirled, her fingertips brushing the flowers, their scent engulfing her as she passed.
"What are we doing this afternoon Peter?"
Up ahead, Peter had stopped, his hand raised to shade his eyes as he stared off into the distance. As Wendy reached him, he dropped his hand and turned to face her.
"What do you want to do? We could visit the Indian village....or go swimming?"
Feeling her dress clinging damply to her body, Wendy smiled broadly.
"Swimming....but not in the Mermaid's Lagoon if you please."
"Why not....I'm sure the Mermaid's would be happy to show you their underwater world."
Seeing the teasing glint in his eyes, Wendy slapped him on the arm.
"No thank you......somewhere less.....dangerous would be nice. Oh, what about the crocodile?"
"Keeps to itself in the swamp......hardly ever see it these days." Peter shrugged, dismissing the giant creature that had swallowed his enemy.
"Well that's a relief then. Do you have a favourite place?"
Peter swept his arm to encompass the view from the ridge.
"Everywhere is my favourite!" He laughed at Wendy's expression, before taking her hand and starting to tug her down the slope towards the grove of trees that sheltered their home.
They ran down the hill, laughing and breathless, tumbling the last few yards like children. Wendy found herself blinded by her hair, her skirts up around her knees until she rolled to a halt, her arms outspread, covered in bits of grass. As she lay there recovering her breath, the sun was blotted out when Peter leant over her, his fingers brushing the strands of hair from her face as he grinned down at her.
"Sure you want to go for a swim? We could do something else..." His voice trailed off as he wriggled his eyebrows at her and grinned suggestively. Wendy laughed and pushed him off, scrambling to her feet and carelessly brushing at the grass sticking to her dress.
"Oh no you don't.....you promised me a swim!"
"But Wendy...." Peter weedled, still kneeling on the grass.
"A swim Peter......I'm hot and sticky and itchy."
Jumping up, Peter shrugged and reached for her hand. "A swim it is.....and I know just the on."
They flew past the grove that hid their home and on over the ridge behind. In the next valley there was a canyon with another stream running through it, but this one didn't meander, it was deep and leapt over the rocky ledges creating small waterfalls that plunged into pools in a cascade before chasing itself seaward. The whole valley was scattered with huge boulders, as if thrown there by some giant child playing marbles. Behind the rocks that bordered the torrent, the jungle pressed forward, the green a sharp contrast to the rich red of the boulders.
"Oh Peter....how beautiful..."
Peter had landed them on a broad, flat rock that overlooked the cascade, a wide pool just below it, the front ledge made for diving from. Casting a quick glance at Wendy, a cheeky grin plastered to his face, Peter let out a whoop and raced to the edge, leaping off into space and disappearing from Wendy's shocked sight.
"PETER!" Wendy ran to the edge in time to see the water below ripple outward in rings of waves, Peter somewhere under the green water. She continued to look, seeing no sign of life, her eyes sweeping the pool. Just as she started to feel a frission of fear, Peter came up behind her and swept her up and over his shoulder, making her scream in mingled terror and relief.
"What are you waiting for Wendy........let's SWIM!"
Not waiting for her say no, Peter stepped off the ledge and they plunged down into the pool, Wendy finding herself hitting the water before a scream could leave her lips. Once under the surface she floated within the clear cool water before kicking for the surface, emerging spluttering and furious to find Peter waiting for her.
"Oh you......you.......beast! You scared me.....!!"
Peter only grinned at her, his wet hair plastered to his forehead as he dived away, swimming strongly for the shore. Several low rocks bordered the pool and he climbed onto one, peeling off his clothes to stand gloriously naked for a second before plunging back into the water.
Wendy floundered towards the rocks, her skirts tangling her legs as she struggled to haul herself out of the water and onto the flat ledge. As she attempted to calm herself, Peter swam lazily over and rested his bare arms on the rock edge, looking up at Wendy as she stood undecided with her back to him.
"Wendy?"
"Peter........" Wendy stopped, clamping her lips shut as she strove to swallow down her anger. She wasn't really hurt, just suffering a reaction to her fright, her clothes feeling clammy against her suddenly chilled skin. "Just give me a minute Peter....I....I just have to get this dress off."
Peter looked up at her rigid shoulders but decided to take her words at face value, his body slicing through the water as he pushed away from the rocks to swim across the pool. Glancing over her shoulder, Wendy breathed a sigh, her anger dissipating as she started to peel her sodden clothes off, a blush painting her skin pink as her skirts fell about her ankles. Still shy about baring herself, Wendy let her wet hair fall forward over her chest, her movements awkward as she slid back into the water, thankfully sinking down until only her head remained above the surface. Feeling the water swirl around her body helped calm her down, her hair floating around her like a cloud of silky seaweed, her toes digging into the slippery silt covering the rocky bottom of the pool. Feeling better she looked around, expecting to see Peter somewhere nearby. To her consternation he was missing again, the pool unruffled, only the sound of the falls evident as she twisted and turned to try and find him.
"Peter...if you're hiding, it's not funny...." Wendy called, her arms crossing over her chest as she started to back towards the edge of the pool. "Peter?"
Just as she was about to turn and pull herself out, a sound made her swing about and she saw Peter on the other side, his arms holding a bundle of something that Wendy couldn't make out. Relieved beyond belief, Wendy swam across the pool while Peter set his burden down before jumping into the water as Wendy approached. Surfacing, he shook his head to fling his wet hair out of his face then flashed Wendy a broad grin.
"I thought you might be hungry....." He indicated the pile of leaves and flowers, watching as Wendy lifted herself half out of the water to investigate. She found the bundle contained a selection of tropical fruits, some familiar, others completely unknown to her. As she stared at the colourful array, Peter reached past her and plucked a rounded fruit from the mound, his fingers digging into the skin to peel it. Wendy watched in fascination as he quickly shucked the skin from the fruit, tossing the waste back into the jungle before breaking the orangy coloured flesh in half and offering her a share. Wendy reached for the fruit and watched as Peter shoved his half into his mouth and chewed, waiting for her to try hers.
"Go on.....it's nice." Peter mumbled around his mouthful, making Wendy laugh.
Separating a segment she popped it in her mouth and chewed. It was good, the rest of her half disappearing quickly as she savoured the tangy juice that slid coolly down her throat. For the next few minutes the pattern continued, both of them chest deep in the pool eating exotic fruits while birds twittered in the trees overhanging parts of the pools. Finally they were replete and Peter ducked under the water to rinse off his face and hands, Wendy following suit.
When she surfaced she found Peter right in front of her, the heat from his body tangible in the water, his arms circling her waist as they floated in their private swimming pool.
"That was lovely Peter......thank you."
"I'm sorry I frightened you before......I didn't mean to."
"I know you didn't.....you just caught me by surprise, this is all so new to me Peter....I've forgotten so much."
"Then you're not angry with me?"
"No....not angry at all." She entwined her arms around his neck, placing her lips on his for a sweet kiss, both of them tasting the other as they deepened the embrace, dueling with tongue and lips until the coolness of the water was forgotten as their bodies heated with passion. Peter held Wendy plastered against his body, his hardness digging into her belly as they swirled lazily together, her legs wrapping around his hips to bring her softness against him in an intimate embrace below the water. Lifting her slightly, Peter freed his hardened flesh from between their bodies and lowered Wendy until she felt him enter her, filling her with heat and want, her arms tightening around his neck as he sheathed himself in her body. Slowly they moved together, the water rippling out from their joining, their bodies dancing in the pool as the sun glinted off the waves.
The only sounds that disturbed their union were the birds and the slap of water, their moans swallowed as they raced towards their completion, Peter's muscles rippling under Wendy's fingers as he held them joined together, her cries swallowed by his lips as she arched against him before flying apart in bliss, followed within seconds by his flesh pulsing inside her, setting her ablaze again.
They stood in the pool, shuddering and shaking as their bodies slowed, their heart hammering in time with their panting breaths.
"Oh Peter.......I never.....that was....."
"Yeah.....wasn't it?"
Together they giggled like children discovering something delightfully wicked and forbidden, Wendy blushing anew as Peter slipped from her body and floated on his back, his expression immensely smug, his arms outspread. Wendy drifted to the rocky bank and lifted herself up to see what was left of the fruit bounty. She turned her head to look back at Peter as she reached upwards, only to find her wrist grasped by a rough hand, a harsh voice laughing above her as she felt herself dragged upwards. Wendy screamed, her eyes barely taking in the rough garments of the man crouched on the rock ledge before a splash and a roar sounded behind her as Peter leapt from the water, a knife flashing in his hand. The man immediately let go of Wendy and she fell back into the water and under the surface, her hair blinding her to the fight taking place above her.
When she finally surfaced, spluttering after taking a mouthful of water, she saw only Peter crouched on the ledge, his hand still grasping the blade, his shoulders bunched and tense as he stared into the dense foliage. Scrambling to the side of the pool, she coughed, Peter's head jerking around as he swung on his heels, the blade ready in his hand.
"Who was that man.....Oh Peter who was he?"
Ignoring her for a moment, Peter searched the jungle once more before turning and diving into the water, surfacing almost immediately, his hand grasping her arm to pull her towards the other bank.
"We have to go on!"
"Peter?"
"Now Wendy......I'll explain when we get home."
The afternoon spoiled, numbly Wendy choked down her fright and followed him over to the other bank, taking his hand when he offered it to help her out of the water. As quickly as they could they donned their still damp clothes, Wendy struggling with the fastenings until Peter swept her up impatiently and flew them out of the canyon and back to their sheltered home. During the short journey, Peter didn't speak, his expression forbidding. Wendy felt too shaken to question him and only clung more tightly as they approached their hidden haven. Once they touched down Peter almost dragged her into the little house, not stopping until they were deep inside before releasing her.
"Get into some dry clothes, we're going to the Indian village."
"Peter I don't understand...." Wendy shivered at his tone, her clothes clinging damply as she wrapped her arms around her middle and stared at him in shock and dismay. Peter seemed to ignore her, striding into the bedroom and flinging back the lid of a square chest that held a selection of clothes. He yanked off his wet shirt and shucked his trousers, uncaring of his state of undress as he sorted through the chest, finally choosing a sleeveless shirt and soft cotton pants that were cut-off below the knees. Wendy stood in the doorway, starting to shiver in earnest as shock dulled her senses, her limbs unresponsive. Peter suddenly noticed her lack of response and stopped his hurried dressing, looking up from tucking in his shirt to see her white face staring back at him.
"Wendy we have to go.....get out of that dress......I can't leave you here alone....you'll be safe with Little Creek."
"Who was he Peter? Why do I have to go and stay with Little Creek.....and what are you going to do?"
As she spoke Peter tugged the dress off her shoulders, treating her like a doll as he undressed her, his manner impersonal as he stripped her wet clothes from her and used a spare shirt to roughly dry her off. Leaving her shivering, her arms wrapped around her middle, Peter rummaged in the chest, pulling out a crumpled dress, giving it a quick shake before throwing it over her head and redressing her. Her hair was a tangled mess but Peter ignored it, quickly lacing up the back of the dress as Wendy stood there docilely accepting his ministrations.
"Why won't you tell me....was he one of the pirates?? I don't remember seeing him on the Jolly Roger....where did he come from? Are you going to see Smee?...." Her babble was abruptly shut off when Peter clamped his hand over her mouth, her eyes huge and dark over his knuckles.
"I'll answer all your questions later....for now I need you to just accept that I'm taking you somewhere safe...and Little Creek will take care of you......"
Withdrawing his hand, Peter drew her out of the bedroom and out of the house, clamping his arm around her waist as he launched them into the air and over the tree tops, his eyes keenly watching the hillside as they flew out of the valley and veered off towards the coast and the Indian Village.
Their arrival amidst the peaceful Indians occasioned little comment, Peter taking her to a large tepee, the young brave seated outside leaping to his feet and disappearing inside as Peter and Wendy approached. Just as quickly Little Creek appeared, her button brown eyes taking in Peter's tense face and Wendy's woebegone expression. Without saying a word she enfolded Wendy into a tight embrace, the girl bursting into tears as Little Creek waited for an explanation.
"Skinner's back."
Peter's tersely spoken statement was sufficient to cause several of the Indian's gathered about to gasp out loud, Little Creek's mouth tightening even as she patted Wendy on the back.
"When will you return?"
"When its safe again.....take care of her for me, she's had a bad fright."
Wendy was trying to get herself under control, embarrassed to be crying in the middle of the village as well as trying to hear the conversation taking place over her head. Pulling out of the Indian woman's embrace, she swiped at her wet eyes, feeling heat flood her cheeks at the circle of curious faces surrounding them.
"Peter?"
Exchanging a meaningful glance with Little Creek, Peter stepped forward and placed his hands on Wendy's shoulder, lowering his head to peer into her face.
"I won't be gone for long....you'll be safe here."
"Safe from what??"
Dropping his hands, Peter moved away from her, his hand dropping to the dagger at his side as he prepared to leave her.
"Promise me you won't leave the village....stay with Little Creek, I'll be back soon."
"Peter?"
Before she could voice her bewilderment, Peter had already lifted into the air and turned his back on the Indian village, his body streaking away to disappear beyond the cliff behind the encampment.
Staring after him in shocked dismay, Wendy felt a hollowness at his casual dismissal of her, her eyes welling once more as desolation swept over her. Shooing away the curious, Little Creek once more wrapped a skinny arm around Wendy's shoulder, gently leading the girl around and towards the big tepee behind them. With a final glance at the sky where Peter had vanished, Wendy gave into the woman's urgings and ducked down to enter the tent.
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Peter was furious, his body a blur as he put on a burst of speed to take him over a ridge and down towards the huddle of buildings that constituted the small settlement populated by the surviving pirates from the Jolly Roger. The ship sat rocking slightly in the swell, out in the bay, its prow pointed towards the shore, the chain of the anchor stretched tight by the outgoing tide.
Peter landed on the broad path that lead down the slope to the beach, the ramshackle buildings on either side strangely silent as he padded down the center of the road, his head turning from side to side, listening for any sign of the usual occupants. The hamlet appeared deserted, only bird song greeting his calls for someone, anyone to come out and show themselves. On reaching the beach, he stood with his hands on his hips, his legs apart, surveying the ship, its sails furled tightly against its spars, the deck as deserted as the tiny town.
"I know you're there Mister Smee, why are the other's hiding from me?"
Slowly Peter turned to face the man approaching cautiously across the sand.
"Not hiding from you exactly Peter.....but you could say you're the cause of their need to hide."
"Skinner attacked me....attacked Wendy in the Cascade. What do you know about it?"
For a moment Smee stared blankly at Peter, his mouth opening like a fish before he recovered and flapped his hands. "Skinner? He's back?"
Peter, his hands still on his hips, stalked towards the old man, his head held arrogantly as he strutted across the sand, one hand resting on his sword hilt. "Yes Mister Smee.....it was Skinner."
"Oh dear....oh deary me....we thought, that is....he wasn't supposed to come back."
Smee wrung his hands, oblivious to Peter stalking around him until the younger man leant in and hissed in the old pirates ear, making him flinch. "Skinner was dead, that was what you told me......died of the ague or some such illness. Now I find him hale and hearty and trying to take Wendy from me...what do you know Smee?"
His face pale, Smee dropped to his knees in the sand, his hands clasped in front of him as if in prayer. "Please don't kill me, it wasn't my idea....it was the others, they said he wouldn't come back if he was sent to the end of the island, and we haven't seen him for so many years now, we thought he'd died of hunger or something!"
"He looked remarkably healthy for a dead man Smee....."
Smee now dropped to his face in the sand, his backside in the air, his whole body quivering like a jelly. Peter drew his sword and swished it in the air, Smee shaking even harder when Peter sliced the air above the pirates head.
"There's something you're not telling me Smee.....why would the other's hide......unless there's something worse than Skinner."
Immediately Smee started to wail, tucking himself more firmly in the sand so that the old man resembled a hedgehog. Peter hooked his foot in the mans ribs and rolled him onto his back, Smee covering his face as Peter loomed over him.
"You'd better tell me Smee.....or I'll start by removing some of those crabby toes you so often complain about...."
Peter lowered his sword blade and hovered it over Smee's exposed feet, the pirate curling his toes as far as their stiffening joints would allow him.
"He'll kill me....." Smee wailed again when Peter placed his blade against the skin of his little toe, the boy grinning wickedly down at the blubbering first-mate.
"Not my toes....please not my toes!!" Scrabbling, Smee tucked his feet under his legs and rose up onto his knees, effectively shielding his wrinkled toes from Peter's sword. "I'll tell you....but it will be the death of me, mark my words."
"Spit it out Smee......who else is looking to do me, and mine, harm ?"
Like a balloon pricked with a pin, Smee sagged, his face buried in his hands so that his voice became muffled.
"hook."
"Speak up man, I can't hear you when you mumble!" Peter nudged the pirate with his foot. Dropping his hands, Smee glared up at the youth standing over him.
"It's Hook, I tell you, Hook has returned....and Skinner is with him!"
For a long moment Peter froze, his blood seemingly stilled in his veins, his eyes fixed on Smee's face disbelievingly. Then suddenly he moved, throwing his head back and letting go a shout of laughter, his teeth white against his tanned skin as he grinned down at the cringing pirate on the sand.
"Is that the best you can do.......Hook? He's dead....dead and gone. There's no bringing him back to try and scare me Smee!"
"I'm telling the truth.....Hook is back.....and he means to be avenged on you Peter Pan......avenged I say...."
His laughter dying, Peter looked down on the old man at his feet.
"You must be mad to expect me to believe you. As you obviously won't or can't tell me what I need to know, I'll have to find out for myself...." Sheathing his sword, Peter swung on his heel and started to march back up the beach, leaving Smee on his knees in the sand.
"You fool! I'm telling you the truth........it's HOOK!"
Ignoring Smee's cries, Peter quickened his pace. His mind was in a whirl as he walked through the small pirate settlement, his eyes staring blankly at the disheveled huts with their nets and fishing pots strung up to dry. Soon the huts were left behind him, his feet carrying him away from the coast and into the cool depths of the forest, the cry of the gulls like echoes on the wind as the trees enfolded him into their heart.
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Ooooooh the plot thickens....still with me?? Oh good....sorry about the long gap in chapters...got alot to do in the real world, promise to try and get more time to write in the near future. Tally Ho!!