Title: Whither By Moonlight
Author: Squeezynz
Chapter: Thirteen - Battles and Beyond.
Rating: R for sex and violence, character death.
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They broke camp after a hasty breakfast, Peter rousing Wendy from her doze to consume the meager meal and a drink before helping her to her feet. The rescue party gathered around them, reaching out tentative fingers to touch Wendy and Fly, as if to reassure themselves that it hadn't been a dream, that their efforts had not been too late. Despite her aches Wendy smiled shyly at the brown faces and endured the touches of reassurance, Peter's arm around her back, a solid warmth that kept her upright and against his side.
They hastily quenched the fires and started on the journey down the mountain, the pace slow to start with. Peter once more carried Wendy in his arms, ignoring her faint protests, too happy to have her back and alive.
They had only just left the clearing when they heard a loud boom followed by the familiar whistle of a cannonball, the explosion and impact shaking the ground. Through the screen of trees they saw a plume of smoke rise from where they'd been camped only moments before.
"Quickly...scatter and make your way back to the village!" Peter ordered, the fairy guard hovering over his and Wendy's head.
"What of you?" Little Creek hissed, Fly clutched to her side.
"Wendy and I will return to the house in the valley for now. Hurry, you must warn the others!"
Hearing the shouts of the surviving pirates invading the glade, the Indians silently melted into the forest, Fly and Little Creek surrounded by braves before disappearing into the greenery. Peter gathered Wendy to him and lifted into the air as a screaming pirate broke through the trees, his sword twirling above his head. Wendy shut her eyes as Peter carried her above the man's head and beyond his reach. Quickly surveying the area to make sure that all the braves were away and safe, Peter rose higher as the pop of musket fire rent the air around him. Looking down briefly he saw Hook's white head amidst his men, the Captain shaking his fist at the sky as Peter flew beyond their range.
Wendy had stiffened in his arms, her face buried against his shoulder, hands clutching his shirt. Almost forgotten, the Fairy Guard hovered close, weapons drawn, in a protective cloud, more than one musket ball deflected by a fairy spell as Peter flew them to safety.
Peter knew that now the pirates were out of the mountain they would quickly seek out the Indians and seek retribution for the attack on their stronghold. He also knew that he would have to be there to fight that battle and hold off the pirates until the moon once more rose into the air. He'd checked the tiny glass vial of Moon drops before they'd left the glade, but there was almost nothing left of the magical fluid. That left only the fairy sword, the strength of his arm and cunning to win against Hook and his hordes.
His arms tightening about the girl in his arms, Peter dove down and gently landed on the ground not more than a few steps from the house concealed in the grove. Wendy had remained silent through the short trip, her hands gripping his shirt tightly, her eyes squeezed shut. Carrying her through the door and into the dimly lit central room, Peter carried on to the bedroom, the Fairy Guard still hovering just behind him. Setting Wendy down on the edge of the bed, Peter found that he couldn't release her fingers from his shirt, her hands cold to the touch as faint tremors shook her body every few seconds.
"Wendy, you're safe, you can let go now."
Only a slight shake of the head still pressed to his shoulder was her reply. Sighing inwardly, Peter turned to address the Captain of the Fairy Guard.
"Return to the Queen and tell her of all you've seen and heard. It will take the pirates some time to reach the Indian village carrying a cannon, warn the Queen and your people to keep clear."
"But what of you, Pan?"
"We have twelve hours before the moon rises again. Hook won't wait that long to wreak his vengeance on the Indians, I have to defend them. Tell the Queen that the fate of Neverland will be decided today."
"As you command."
The fairies turned to go, the Captain pausing a moment before returning to Peter. "Good luck Pan." He chimed gravely before gathering his small force and flying out of the room and out of the house.
"Good luck to us all." Peter muttered.
With the departure of the fairies, Wendy relaxed the death grip she had on Peter's shirt, her heavy head lifting from his shoulder as she tilted her face up to his.
"It's not over, is it Peter?"
"No...Hook will make his way to the Indian village. I have to be there."
For a long moment, Wendy stared up into his face, her blue eyes searching over his features, her lips pressed into a thin line. Dark circles under her eyes and bruises on her cheek only highlighted the pallor of her skin. With a faint sigh, she released him completely and moved to put some space between them as they sat on the side of the bed. Her hands were trembling so she hid one of them in the folds of her ruined skirt, the other making an attempt to tidy her tangled hair off her face.
Peter watched her worriedly, not sure what to do for the best. Aware of his close scrutiny, Wendy turned to him and gave him a watery smile.
"I must look a fright."
"You look beautiful." Peter replied, returning her faint smile with one of his own. Wendy raised her hand and traced the outline of his mouth with an unsteady finger, her eyes fixed on its movement as it traveled over the bow of his upper lip, the faint creases that lined the corners of his mouth, the stubble that rasped against her finger tips as they traveled over his chin.
"I thought I'd never see you again Peter...I thought you'd never find me there, buried inside that mountain, and after what Hook said he was going to do to you, I didn't want you to find me."
Capturing her wandering hand in his own large, warm one, Peter brought it to his mouth and placed a kiss on the grubby palm, watching her bemused gaze as she followed his actions, moisture starting to pool in her eyes at his touch.
"I would never leave you Wendy...you are mine, and I never abandon what is mine..." Peter replied fiercely, his fingers pulling her hand down to rest over his heart.
Wendy felt his heart beat under her hand, her chilled fingers warmed by his skin. He felt alive and vibrant.
"I am yours..." She whispered, looking up at him.
"Yes Wendy...mine. Forever and always."
Now the tears of shock and relief fell from her eyes, spiking her lashes and sliding down her face. With a sob she closed the gap between them and threw herself against him, her arms snaking around his back to clutch him to her. Peter absorbed the impact, his own arms surrounding her and holding her as she cried out her fear and shock, soaking his shirt while releasing the knot of tension that had caused a lump to rise in his throat.
Together they stayed locked together as the sun sent shafts of light to dance over the floor. Slowly the tension left Wendy's body and she sagged against him, Peter lowering them to lay on the bed coverings, her sobs turning to hiccups, her body becoming soft and pliable as she molded herself to his long length. Carefully Peter rose from the bed, Wendy's eyes following him as he unbuckled his sword belt and dropped it to the floor, his stained and dusty shirt and trousers joining the weapons to pool on the floor at his feet. Naked, Peter climbed back on the bed and started to undo the buttons holding the ruined blue dress together. Wendy watched him mutely as he eased the torn sleeves down her arms, her body unresisting as he tugged the bodice down, easing the skirt over her hips and tossing the dress over the side of the bed. Still without a word spoken, he untied the ribbons holding her underclothes together, sliding them from her body and down her legs to join the others on the floor.
"Peter?"
"Shhhh," He held a finger to her lips, the touch turning to a caress as he repeated her former gesture and outlined her lips with his finger tip, the sensation whisper soft.
Tremors started to thread their way down Wendy's arms and legs, a heat coiling in her belly as Peter lay on his side beside her, his large hand gliding over her body as if re-learning all her curves and hollows. She felt drained after her tears, her flesh no longer chilled but coming alive under his touch, her breathing starting to hitch as his wandering hand reached down lower and spread her unresisting legs, delving into her core. Wendy gasped, her eyes slamming shut as his sure touch drove a spike of desire through her, her lips forming an oh of surprise.
A second later her lids flew up to find Peter a breath away from her, his bright gaze boring into hers, dragging her attention away from what his fingers were doing lower down.
"Why?" She asked dazedly.
"Because." He replied, lowering his head to nip at her mouth before covering it with his warm lips in a brief kiss.
"But I'm dirty and dusty and my hair..." Wendy found her protest smothered by another kiss.
"So am I." Peter murmured against her lips, rolling to cover her body with his own, his fingers leaving her moist center to be replaced by his hard length.
Drawing up her legs, Wendy wrapped them around him, his hardness still poised at her entrance, teasing her as he bent to kiss her again.
"But Hook...the pirates...oh..." Wendy arched against him as he thrust inside her, his mouth snatching away her words, his body robbing her of coherent thought as ice and fire lapped at her senses.
"Forget them Wendy...forget them all..."
For a suspended window of time Wendy did forget everything, except the feel of her lover's body worshiping hers, of his strength filling her void, of his love soothing her bruises. When it was over she lay sated and relaxed while he shuddered and spent himself inside her, her thoughts not on the battle to come, but of the man that held her heart in the palm of his hand.
"I love you Peter." Wendy whispered, her eyelids fighting a losing battle with the overwhelming desire to sink into oblivion.
"I love you too.." Peter whispered against her lips as she slid into sleep, his body still sheathed in her heat, his weight a welcome blanket that followed her into the welcoming darkness.
Peter felt her relax totally, her breathing evening out as Wendy sank into a deep sleep. Sliding out of her, Peter lifted himself off and rolled to the side, his pulse still hammering. In complete opposite to the girl slumbering at his side, Peter felt rejuvenated, his body crackling with energy as if bolts of lightning coursed through his veins, the need to be up and moving almost overwhelming. Careful not to jolt her, Peter stood and stretched, drawing air into his lungs as if he'd never breathed until that moment. Letting his arms drop he turned and looked down at Wendy, marveling at her beauty, wincing when he saw the numerous scrapes and bruises marring her fair skin. Leaning down he folded the bed cover over her long limbs, cocooning her in its silky warmth, before shifting her to lay more comfortably in the middle of the bed, her head resting on the pillows.
Assured of her comfort, Peter turned away, but not before pressing a last kiss on her downy cheek.
Leaving his soiled clothes, Peter gathered up his weapons and padded out of the bedroom. Dropping the sword onto the table he collected a wooden bowl and headed out of the house. His bare feet sank into the loamy soil as he made his way to the stream that wound its way through the valley. Wading into its shallow center, he scooped up the cool water with the bowl and sluiced it over his head, washing off the sweat and grime of the night before. Repeatedly he poured bowl after bowl of cool water over his body, the sun catching the drops and turning them to molten gold as they washed away the dirt. Clean once more he padded back to the house, the water drying on his skin. Throwing the bowl into a corner he quickly found some clean clothes and re-equipped himself, belting the fairy sword around his hips and pulling on a pair of boots.
Once more dressed for battle, Peter quietly stole into the bedroom, pleased to see that Wendy hadn't stirred from her position in the center of the bed. Smoothing her tangled hair away from her face, Peter gazed down at her for a long moment before leaning down and kissing her forehead. Her hand lay relaxed, palm upwards on the pillow, so he lifted it carefully and pressed his lips to the center before releasing it, her fingers curling reflexively around his kiss.
"I love you Wendy Darling..." He whispered in her ear before dragging himself away. Peter lingered for a moment in the doorway, gazing longingly at the sleeping figure, before resolutely turning his back and heading out of the house.
The fate of Neverland and everything he loved weighed heavily on his shoulders, their lives in the balance, future undecided, all dependant on the battle to come.
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Wendy awoke to darkness. Not the inky black of night, but the grayish green of an approaching storm. Her body stretched and rolled, her face screwing into a wince as several aches made their presence known. Flopping onto her back she lay staring up at the strange ceiling of the bedroom, her limbs boneless within the fur coverlet. Sighing, she rose up onto her elbows, the cover slipping down to her waist.
"Peter?"
Getting no reply, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and made to rise, her head swimming slightly, making her sit down abruptly.
"Oh boy...let's try that again."
This time she was able to rise to her feet without swaying, the fur cover wrapped securely around her body as she padded across the floor and peeped around the edge of the doorway.
"Peter?"
Seeing the empty living room, Wendy frowned, turning back and almost tripping over the pile of clothes left heaped on the floor. Staring at the dirty rags brought her memory rushing back to her. The escape from the mountain, the reunion with Little Creek and Fly, the whistle of the cannon ball, the flight to their home and Peter's sweet lovemaking. Wendy's lips curved into a smile as she marveled how Peter knew exactly what she needed to heal her shattered and shocked body and soul. The horror of her time spent in the mountain had left her numb and broken, the shocks piling one on top of the other until she felt as if ice encased her heart. It had all happened so fast she hadn't had time to absorb or react to everything that had happened, her body stiff with fear, her skin icy, her heart dead in her chest. Peter had brought her back to life, soaking her in his love, filling her and surrounding her so that she had no choice but to feel and react, no choice but to give in to her body's demands, their lovemaking flooding her soul and driving the fear out.
As she stood staring at the heap of clothes a bright light zipped in the rounded window and flitted around her head, making her duck.
A peal of chimes sounded loud in the bedroom, the fairy coming to a halt, hovering in front of the face.
Wendy made to raise her hands to indicate her inability to understand, but the slipping bed cover forced her to grab at the fur and hoist it higher. The fairy's light appeared to brighten, then changed a series of colours from gold to red to blue back to white. Again the chime of bells rang out and Wendy could only shake her head.
"I'm sorry I don't understand."
Frustrated, the fairy buzzed forward and grabbed several strands of Wendy's hair, tugging it towards the doorway despite its owners yelp of pain, one of Wendy's hand engaging in a tug-of-war with her fairy tormentor.
"Ouch, let go...what do you want?"
Letting go, the fairy buzzed in close again and started to enact a mime. Wendy watched the tiny sprite while rubbing her sore scalp, the fairy seeming to enact a scene involving a lot of stabbing and slashing.
Wendy stared blankly for a few seconds before her brain suddenly flashed an image of Peter standing over her and fending off pirates.
"Oh no...Peter...Hook...the pirates!"
The fairy started to nod her head vehemently as Wendy swung around, her hand to her mouth, her eyes going to the window and the stormy sky outside.
"I have to dress."
With an economy of effort, Wendy rummaged in one of the chests against the wall and pulled out a dress, discarding the fur coverlet in favor of a plain wool dress, the bodice a darker shade of green from the skirt. She didn't bother with the usual underclothes, preferring to pull on a pair of breeches under her skirt to give her the ability to move freely as the skirt only reached to just below her knees. Bundling her hair behind her head she found a length of ribbon in the same chest and hurriedly tied it back in a rough queue. Her feet were still bare and she dug into the chest, producing a pair of short boots that were a size too large but close enough for her not to worry about the difference.
During all this the fairy hung suspended, her glow constant as she watched the girl get dressed. As soon as Wendy slipped on the boots the fairy flew out of the room, beckoning her to follow.
As she crossed the room, Wendy skidded to a halt and hurried over to the corner that held a collection of weapons. Trying not to panic, she found a leather scabbard and belted it around her waist. Into that she sheathed a knife and rapier, tucking another knife in her boot for good measure. Her movements were jerky, nerves starting to gnaw at her insides leaving her feeling shaky. It had been some time since she'd wielded a weapon and she wasn't entirely sure she could do it with any skill, but she would try her best.
"Alright...I'm ready...or as ready as I'll ever be." She muttered before turning back and heading towards the front door.
Outside the sky seemed to boil, dark grey clouds tumbling over each other to blot out the sun, Wendy feeling a smattering of rain against her face as she stared upwards. The fairy was darting about the clearing outside the house, pointing excitedly at the sky and indicating for her to follow. Wendy drew in a deep breath, her nerves still jangling, before stepping out. Once she reached the center of the clearing the fairy swooped down and shook herself violently, a cloud of fairy dust showering down on Wendy, her hair glowing gold with the thick layer of shimmering substance. Almost at once her feet left the ground, the familiar sensation of weightlessness bringing a brief smile to her face.
"Of course...how clever of you..."
The fairy nodded, her bell like voice urging Wendy upwards, dancing around the girl before leading her towards the west.
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The cannon boomed out again, the whistle and crump of the cannonball making everyone duck as it fell just short of the barricade, sending a plume of dirt showering over the defenders.
"Still can't seem to get their range right, do they lad."
Peter glanced briefly over his shoulder at the former pirate first mate, the old man was as covered in dirt as the rest of the line of defenders arrayed along the rough collection of poles and canvas and earthworks that formed the barrier protecting the Indian village from the attacking pirates.
Peter had to admire Hook's strategy. He had the higher ground, raining shot from musket and cannon on the village below, only the hastily built palisade protecting the braves from the lethal volleys. Smee and the rest of the former crew of the Jolly Roger had appeared in the late morning, at first treated as cohorts of Hook, Smee had to talk fast to convince the Indian's that they had come to help protect the village. Peter's intervention had stopped the confrontation turning ugly, his cautious acceptance of Smee's offer diffusing the tension.
"'e don't 'ave a good enough range finder in 'is crew, that's the problem."
Smee turned to agree with the old pirate crouched behind him.
"You're probably right Colin...he always said you were the best."
The old pirate cackled, raising smiles from those around him. Another boom announced the next cannonball, everyone ducking down as it hit further along the defensive line, dirt rising up from the impact to form a temporary cloud before settling on those crouched behind the barrier.
"Surely they'll run out of ammunition soon." One of the other sailors muttered grimly. Peter agreed, knowing that Hook would launch his offensive before the sun passed much further across the sky.
"Not much longer to wait now...remember, we have to hold them off, keep them occupied until dusk...the other's will be back at the cave entrance to cut off any retreat should we fail. Hook cannot be allowed back into the mountain."
"We understand Peter."
Peter stared at the faces around him, their expressions a mixture of determination and hope, copper hands clutching tomahawks and bows, weather beaten sailors clutching ancient cutlass's and unpredictable blunderbuss, all aware that this might be their last chance.
All over the island the sky reflected the tension of the small army of defenders, the clouds dark and heavy, swirling and rolling and casting a gloomy pall over the hastily cleared ground around the village.
"They've stopped firing." One of the sailor stated, everyone exchanging uneasy glances before fixing their attention on the ragged bush line where the enemy were sure to appear.
"Stand ready to repel borders, men!" Smee called to his shipmates, his rheumy eyes sparkling with anticipation behind his bottle-bottom glasses.
"Stand firm warriors!" Intoned Grey Wolf from further along the line. Peter turned his head and met the man's intense stare. As if responding to a signal they both nodded their heads, turning to face the greenery again, both determined.
When Peter had returned to the village he'd found it in an uproar, Little Creek and Fly surrounded by the elders, her sons standing protectively at her back, wary of any repercussions from their releasing of Peter and dangerous rescue attempt, in direct violation of Grey Wolf's orders.
Peter's arrival only raised the level of noise as the Indians shouted at each other in surprise and fear at his appearance. Standing directly in front of the elders, Little Creek and her family at his back, Peter addressed the village, his fists resting on his hips, his legs apart.
"You do not have time to fight amongst yourselves, there is a greater enemy who will soon arrive at your village, you should be preparing to defend it and your lives."
"We have been told that Hook and his men are one the way. You have brought this horror out of the mountain, you have brought disaster to our village."
"I also brought back all of those that left to join me in the rescue of Wendy and Precious Butterfly. We defeated Hook in his lair, we can defeat him here as well."
The surrounding crowd broke into a hubbub of muttering, some perceptibly edging to the side behind Peter, swelling the ranks around Little Creek's family. Grey Wolf's eyes narrowed as he hastily reviewed his options. Peter had done what none had thought he could, changing the balance of power. Those that had not agreed with Grey Wolf and his order to stop Peter before, were now aligning themselves with the Pan, his tenuous hold over their allegiance slipping from his grasp.
"How do you plan to defeat Hook...if you have winnowed down the numbers, as you say, why should we risk our lives, why not leave it to you to defeat him again?"
"Because Neverland is more than just my home, it is yours as well. I'm prepared to risk everything I love, as well as my life to defend this island. Hook can be defeated, are you prepared to sit back and allow him to take everything from you without a fight?"
The village roared into life, braves waving weapons, women keening and children screaming defiance and denial, only Grey Wolf, his lips pressed together, kept silent. Eventually he raised a hand and the voices died down, leaving an uneasy silence.
"You speak passionately, Peter Pan...you are prepared to risk all...we can do no less."
The air filled with whoops and cries of triumph as Peter held out his hand and, after only a moments hesitation, Grey Wolf clasped that hand in his own, the two men agreeing to a temporary truce, an alliance to defeat a common foe. Immediately Peter started to issue orders, Grey Wolf remaining silent until called upon, Peter leaving the Indian leader to organize the defense of the village while he flew into the air to scout the pirates location.
Now they sheltered behind the ramparts of the hastily built defenses, Grey Wolf as grimly silent as Peter, everyone focused on the tree-line for the first glimpse of the pirate horde.
A flash of lightning made everyone glance skyward, the dark clouds brooding overhead, heavy with portent and rain. A scream drew their attention back to the cleared area in front of the lines, another cry announcing the launch of the pirate offensive.
The next few minutes were a blur of confused action. The air, so heavy with the threat of rain, exploded into a cacophony of musket fire and screams of both defenders and attackers. Hook's pirates, freed from the fear of death, launched themselves against the Indians, the air thick with the sound of swords clashing with hatchets and spears, the blows rent with grunts and screams as blades bit into flesh, both living and dead, the flood of pirates breaching the barrier and slashing their way into the heart of the village.
Peter's blade sang as it defended its owner against another pirate intent on severing Peter's head from his shoulders. Ducking, Peter was able to sweep the man's legs from under him, literally cutting his support away, so that the pirate howled in impotent rage until Peter slash again and the man's head rolled away from his body to stare in mute surprise as Peter darted away to engage another pirate. The fairy blade glowed brightly as another pirate found himself spitted on its length, Peter grabbing his long bladed stiletto and plunging it into the dead man's body, pinning the thrashing pirate to the ground before once more separating the man's head from his body, effectively retiring him from the battle. Through all this Peter constantly searched for Hook, seeking a glimpse of the white hair, or a flash of the curved hook, but he saw neither. The pirates were starting to retreat, their wounded left lying, dismembered, still screaming their defiance, in the dirt as their comrades edged out of the Indian village, the clash of blades still ringing out as they backed away towards the trees. As the Indian's made to follow, a black ball appeared in the air, flying in an arc to land amidst the defenders, Peter shouting for everyone to scatter as the fizzing fuse of the bomb shrank quickly. Throwing himself backwards, Peter landed in the churned up earth as the bomb exploded sending dirt and debris over everyone and giving the retreating pirates the time they needed to escape. His ears still ringing, Peter raised his head from under his arms and stared around, noting that everyone appeared unhurt by the unexpected explosion. As if in relief the sky's opened and warm rain drenched the village, quickly soaking the defenders as they hurried back behind the barricade to assess their losses and treat the injured.
There was only one fatality, one of the old pirates had been cornered and hacked to death before his shipmates could reach him. Smee was organizing his men to wrap the body and leave it for burial later, his gnarled fingers closing the dead man's eyes before covering the corpse completely.
Peter stood surveying the camp, mentally reviewing the fight and wondering where Hook had been during the melee. The sound of his name pulled him from his reverie, the rain blinding him for a second before he swiped it from his face with his hand to see Wendy running towards him, her green dress soaked and clinging to her form as she stumbled over the churned up mud. Peter caught her before she could fall, their bodies melded together in a tight embrace. After a minute, Wendy was running her hands over him, checking for injuries until Peter stopped her roving hands.
"I'm fine...not a scratch."
"I was so worried...I got here a quickly as I could..I thought.." Wendy broke off, biting her bottom lip and swallowing hard.
"You shouldn't be here...why aren't you safe back at the house?"
"I couldn't stay there." Wendy replied indignantly, pulling back but leaving her hands entwined with his. "I belong with you, by your side...don't send me away Peter."
Smiling ruefully Peter tugged her back into his arms. "As if I could. But this battle isn't over yet Wendy...the pirates have just retreated, not gone for good." He felt something hard against his side and looked down, noting the weapons around her waist. "I see you came prepared."
Wendy nodded. "I know its been awhile since you taught me how to fight, but I want to be by your side..together..."
"Forever..." Peter finished for her, smiling at her fierceness. The rain was starting to ease, the clouds still swirling overhead, but not so dark, the flashes of lightning and boom of thunder becoming less frequent as the storm passed.
As if on cue, the whistle of an incoming cannon ball sent everyone scrambling, Peter yanking Wendy after him as they dove for cover amongst the remains of the ramparts. The explosion sent mud and debris showering over Peter and Wendy, the noise deafening them. The cannon ball signaled that the battle was once more on, a wave of pirates launching themselves over the barricade before Peter could do more than heave himself out of the clinging mud and thrust Wendy behind him. His sword blocked the downward slash of a pirates cutlass, Peter's feet slipping on the uncertain footing as the force of the blow vibrated through his body. Wendy had managed to draw her sword in time to defend herself from a pirate that slipped past Peter and ran at her, his sword poised to run her through. With both hands holding the hilt of the rapier Wendy blocked and parried, the pirate getting more frustrated as he tried to find a way past her defenses. As her boots fought to find a grip on the slippery ground, the man lunged, knocking her blade aside. With a cry Wendy fell backwards, her hand numb as her sword spun away leaving her defenseless. As she raised her arm to shield her head the man drew his arm back to strike. The blow never landed, Peters' sword skewering the man as he prepared to slash downwards, the cutlass dropping to the ground with the man's severed arm as Peter hacked the pirates body in two. Wendy had scrabbled backwards, Peter coming to stand over her as another man launched an attack, his fairy blade parting the man's head from his shoulders, the body falling at Peters' feet to land beside Wendy. With an inarticulate cry, Wendy grabbed Peters' hand and scrabbled to her feet, the severed head mouthing obscenities as the couple stepped over the pirates headless body to find some dryer ground.
"I'm sorry Peter...I slipped." Wendy gasped as the fighting swirled around them, Peter still gripping her hand, the other holding the fairy blade which glowed brightly. The pirates seemed to be avoiding Peter now, engaging the Indians and former pirates, but avoiding the Pan where he stood, Wendy close to his side.
"Stay close behind me." Peter ordered, advancing on a fight between one of the elderly former pirates and one of Hook's cohorts, the men unevenly matched. Peter raised his blade and blocked the killing strike intended to fell the older pirate, the attacker turning his attention to Peter while Wendy helped the defender out of the way, the man glad to lean on her while Peter blocked the attackers advance.
"Just...need...to...catch...me...breath..." The old man wheezed as Wendy eased him to the ground. Suddenly the old man gasped, thrusting his battered sword into Wendy's hand. Quickly she raised the blade as she turned, blocking a blow from a pirate that had slipped past Peter. Aware of the defenseless old man at her feet, Wendy held her ground, blocking every slashing blow, her arm aching as she defended herself, the attacking pirate grinning as he toyed with her.
"Now me beauty...enough of play time!"
Seeing her death in his eyes, Wendy let out a despairing cry.
"Peter!"
Peter swung around, Wendy's cry tearing at his heart. The pirate he'd engaged took advantage of his distraction and lunged but found his intended victim not so unaware. With a sudden twist Peter blocked the blow, spinning the man around with the force of his riposte before slicing the pirate legs away to incapacitate him. By the time Peter had freed himself and turned to Wendy he saw only her still form laying on the ground, the old pirate she'd been defending bending over her in a defensive crouch as Hook's henchman prepared to deliver a killing blow.
Leaping forward Peter knocked the attacking pirate to the side, the fairy blade swinging upwards and almost severing the man in two, the body falling to the ground with a sickening thud. Hook's pirates were once more retreating, their numbers greatly reduced, back to the trees and their leaders rage.
Peter ignored all that, the fairy blade dropping from his nerveless fingers as he fell to his knees beside Wendy's body. The old pirate had straightened up from his crouch and sat back on his heels as Peter leant forward to gather Wendy into his arms and away from the cold ground. As he lifted her it became apparent that Wendy's injury was mortal, the mud soaked in her lifeblood, her dress stained scarlet from the deep gash in her side. As Peter lifted her Wendy moaned, her eyes fluttering open, the pupils wide and dilated.
"Peter?"
"I'm here love, I've got you..."
"I'm sorry...I should have blocked instead of parried..."
"Shhhh love...it'll be alright..the pirates are gone now, you're safe."
"I feel so cold...hold me Peter...why am I so cold."
"I'll warm you...don't let go Wendy...I'll keep you warm."
With the last of the pirates run off, the Indian's and Smee, along with his shipmates started to gather around the couple, the sky overhead starting to darken, the clouds lowering. Grey Wolf shouldered his way through the crowd of villagers, halting as he took in the scene, his grim visage softening as he recognized the tragedy unfolding before him.
"Is there anything we can do Pan?" He asked softly, his voice carrying across the space between them.
Peter ignored the Indian leader, his focus entirely on the girl in his arms. Wendy's blood continued to seep between Peter's fingers, her skin growing paler as her life slipped away. With a final effort Wendy raised her hand and traced the outline of his lips, her eyes focussing briefly on his.
"I love you Peter...love...you..."
"Don't leave me Wendy...I love you."
Holding her tightly against his heart, Peter willed his life into hers, his muscles tense with stress as he felt her go completely limp within his arms, her breath leaving her lips on a final sigh that sounded like his name.
Lightning suddenly flashed above them, the sky now so dark it could have been night, a wind starting to pick up, lifting dust and debris from the ground to swirl in eddies around the feet of a figure in velvet that trod delicately, if unevenly, across the muddy ground.
Hook's remaining force surrounded the silent crowd that ringed Peter, the pirate Captain parting the Indians who stood back to let him pass. At their center Peter still knelt on the ground, rocking Wendy's body in his arms, his face buried in her hair, silent sobs shaking his body.
Hook drew his sword and advanced carefully across the sodden ground. With a twisting flip the pirate Captain tossed Peter's fairy sword up from the ground and into the air to be snagged by his Hook and out of Peter's reach. Apart from the swirl of air and rumble of the sky there were no other sounds, the crowd surrounding Hook and Peter aware that one last scene had to be played before the fate of them all was decided.
"Peter Pan..." Hook drawled. "And what remains of Wendy Darling..what a shame...she was a rare one, your Wendy."
"Don't speak her name..." Peter growled, one hand hiding Wendy's face against his chest. "You're insane desire for revenge has killed her..."
"I?" Hook held his hook to his chest, eyebrows raised. "I did not bring her here, I was not the one who tried to upset the balance...it was not my sword that took her life...that was all your doing, Peter Pan."
"You would rob us all of life...even now you plot to steal mine from me, I can see it in your eyes."
"Quite correct of course...for me to succeed I must take yours, once and for all and free us all from this cursed life."
"Then do so...for I weary of your voice." Peter replied, turning away from Hook and laying Wendy back down on the ground, only now noticing the gore coating his hands and arms and soaking his shirt, stained red with her blood.
As if pulled by invisible strings, the crowd around Hook and Peter started to draw back until a wide circle left the two combatants alone at its center. Peter still knelt on the ground, unarmed, his sword hanging from Hook metal hand, the pirate Captain standing over him, an expression of gloating painting the man's disfigured features.
"So be it." Hook growled. Sheathing his own blade, Hook grasped the hilt of the fairy sword with his good hand, hefting it to test the balance and weight. Satisfied, Hook drew his arm back, his lips peeling back from his teeth as he prepared to end Peters' life.
The fairy blade gleamed brightly as Hook swept his arm down with all his force towards Peters' bowed head, the blade singing as it cleaved the air as if rejoicing in ending Peters' life.
The killing blow never landed. With a sudden twist the blade slewed off to the side before it could make contact with Peter's body, Hook pulled off balance as the hilt of the sword closed around his hand and carried the pirate off to the side, Hook catching his foot and falling to his knees in the mud. In disbelief Hook saw the blade lift, still glowing with its unearthly light, the hilt still gripping his unwilling hand, now starting to turn the blade back on itself. Hook tried to free his hand but the glowing hilt wouldn't be released, the blade turning Hook's wrist back on itself until the blade pointed towards Hook's chest, his wrist snapping audibly as the sword twisted the joint.
"Stop it...STOP IT!" Hook screamed, the blade starting to advance towards his body, slowly and inexorably. Hook tried to back away, his feet scrabbling at the mud as his own arm carried the blade closer to his body. The surrounding crowd of watchers, Indian's and pirates alike watched in horrified fascination as the fairy blade impaled Hook on its length, the man's unnaturally bent wrist and arm following the blade through Hook's body to the hilt. Hook screamed, the air rent with his cries which quickly turned to gurgles as blood filled the pirates' lungs. The enchanted blade had continued into the ground below Hook and effectively pinned the pirate there like a butterfly, the man's other arm flailing, the hook digging into the dirt as he tried to free himself. Blood spewed from Hook's mouth as he coughed and screamed, the fairy blade unmovable. As the sky rumbled overhead, the blade suddenly flared more brightly than the sun, blinding the onlookers who shielded their faces, the light fading quickly to reveal that Hook's body had been split asunder as if butchered, his limbs all separated from his body, his head from his neck, his torso split from neck to groin.
"Oh my gawd..." Smee breathed, exchanging looks with his fellows as the remnants of Hook's men fled screaming in fear back into the forest leaving only the villagers and Smee's old pirates to stare in disbelief at the remains of Hook.
Grey Wolf appeared as stunned and shocked as his people, staring in awe at what was left of Hook, his eyes blinking to clear the afterimage of the fairy blades flash of power. Peter seemed to be the only one not affected by Hook's demise, his face turned resolutely away from the gory corpse laying nearby, his eyes only on the body of Wendy laying so still beside him. With infinite care, he bent forward and gathered her into his arms, her head lolling on his shoulder as he rose unsteadily to his feet. With bleak eyes, he stared around at the circle of wary faces as if seeing them for the first time.
Above the village the sky started to weep, a gentle rain seeping down to dew the people standing below. Many of the faces bore a shared grief with the young man bearing his sad burden, the soft rain blurring the tears that streamed down silently. Peter remained silent, his eyes burning as the people parted in front of him. He walked from the scene of carnage, his back straight, his hair plastered to his head, his heart dead in his chest.
In silence the villagers watched him leave, none daring to call his name or stop him. Only when Peter passed from sight with his tragic burden did a low murmur start up, the Indians gathering once more to stare at Hook's remains, to stare one last time at the man that had caused so much grief.
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Peter didn't know how long he stumbled through the forest with his heavy burden, only that when his strength finally gave out, the sky above his head was clear with stars twinkling coldly in the velvet blackness. He had no idea how far he'd come or where he was, only that he felt empty and dead, his body functioning without a heart, that organ ripped out when his love had breathed her last. He sat now, his aching back against a broad tree, Wendy's body cradled on his legs, his arms holding her to his chest as he watched stripes of moonlight slant through the canopy of branches far above his head.
As exhaustion blurred his vision and drew him down into the darkness, he thought he saw the stars come down from the sky and dance among the trees before his eyes closed and he gave into black oblivion.
The stars that he'd seen were fairies, threading their way through the forest in search of him. They had been advised of the outcome of the battle for Neverland and had been sent by their Queen to find Peter and Wendy and bring them to her. When the first fairy found Peter, she sent a shrill call to her fellows, all of them clustering around their fallen hero and his Wendy Lady. When enough had arrived they showered the couple with fairy dust before each attached themselves to a part of the comatose bodies and lifted them into the night air, conveying their insensate burdens back into the darkest part of the forest.
In a grove of trees that formed a perfect circle, they placed Peter and Wendy on a stone platform at its heart, the surface covered in vines that cushioned the hard rock. From all sides the fairy host converged on the stone alter, their golden light painting the still figures, gilding them like carved idols slumbering for eternity. A brighter light approached and the host parted for their Queen. She stared down at Peter, noting the deep lines of grief that puckered his brow even in sleep, his lips pressed together in a tight line as if to hold in the tearing sobs that threatened to erupt if he relaxed his control. She then approached the body of Wendy, the girls face relaxed in death, her eyes not completely shut, as if she were awakening, her skin so pale as to appear luminescent. As the Queen passed over Wendy's body a prick of golden light appeared through the girls dress, pulsing more brightly as the Queen paused over Wendy's abdomen. The Queen smiled to herself, her task made more joyous with this new development.
Gathering her people around her, the Queen held herself immobile, hovering over Peter's and Wendy's heads, her light bathing their faces, lending animation where there was none. Her people gathered closely about her, their wings hardly moving as they drew on the fairy life force and directed it into the two so still below them.
Slowly at first, but gathering speed, the bright cloud of fairies started to circle the stone alter, the Queen at their center as they swirled around faster and faster. At the peak of their dance a shimmering light bathed the bodies laying on the vines, sweeping from the tops of their heads down to their toes, removing all evidence of blood and dirt, cleaning them of pain and fear, clothing them in gilt and gossamer until all was once more reborn and renewed.
As the light faded from the glade, the moon rose overhead, bathing the alter in her own cold light, rimming the bodies in silver where before they had been bathed in gold. At a signal from the Queen, the fairy host, their light greatly subdued, gathered around and lifted the sleeping forms of Peter and Wendy from the stone alter and flew with them once more into the sheltering forest.
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Peter felt deliciously comfortable, his body relaxed and warm, utterly content and calm. He had slowly regained his senses one at a time, his ears registering the sound of birds welcoming a new day, the rustle of small animals looking for breakfast among the leaf litter of the forest, the regular breathing of Wendy beside him. His nose also confirmed the dream, the rose scent of her favourite perfume tickling his memory of a bath taken long ago where he steeped himself in her scent. His body also told him that she slept against his side, her warmth bathing his skin, making him want to snuggled deeper into her body. Finally his eyes blinked open and he saw that the dream was real, her sweet face turned towards him where he lay on the pillows, her cloud of hair tickling his cheek when he turned his head.
"Don't let me awake from this dream..." He whispered, slowly reaching up a heavy hand to touch her soft cheek, almost jerking when it provoked a reaction from the sleeper, her face turning into his hand,a sigh leaving her parted lips.
Still sure that he was dreaming, Peter slowly raised himself on his elbow and gazed down at her, so real and alive beside him. Unable to bear the torment, he bent and pressed his lips to hers, his heart thumping as he kissed her, her lips warm and alive under his, not cold and dead as he expected. A hand stole up and buried itself in his hair, tugging him closer and deepening the kiss until he felt drunk with the wonder of it, wanting it never to end.
"Peter..." His name left her lips on a husky whisper and Peter drew back, his bemused gaze meeting hers as she blinked up at him, her fingers drawing patterns on his scalp that sent blood pumping through his body with a growing excitement.
"You're so beautiful...sweet torment don't let me wake up."
Dipping his head he claimed her mouth again, his passion set free by her eager response, her body opening to him like a flower to the sun. He nipped and suckled her mouth, her cries swallowed by his lips as he covered her body with his, claiming her for his own, branding her with his fingers and lips, his body enveloping her, melding her to him until he couldn't tell where he finished and she began. As she arched under him, he cried out her name and spent himself inside her, shuddering and shaking, his hands cradling her face as he pressed kisses over her eyelids and cheek.
Bathed in languor, he rolled and cradled her across his chest still intimately joined with her. As he lay, his heart thundering in his chest, he stared sightlessly upwards, wishing with all his heart that the dream not end just yet.
A faint tinkling sound drew his attention and he focused on a sprite that appeared beside the bed, the fairy coming to rest on the pillow beside his head.
"This is no dream, Peter Pan...you are alive, she is alive, and the life she carries is alive."
"But..."
"We found you in the forest and took you to the alter...the Queen renewed you both."
"Then...all this...is real?"
"Very real...and you are to become what you never thought you wanted to be..."
"I am grown up?"
"You are to become a Father, Peter... a real Father this time."
"A real Father...and Wendy?"
"She is as she was...she will have no memory of what happened, to her she never died, it is as if she has had a long sleep."
"Thank you..." Peter breathed, a shuddering breath leaving his chest along with the horror of what had happened. "Thank you..."
"Hook is no more...his pirates are gone...those that are left pose no threat to you or to Neverland. They are immured inside the mountain and will never trouble you again. Neverland is once more free and yours, Peter Pan."
Not waiting for a reply, the sprite lifted into the air and waved before fluttering out of the bedroom window and into the morning sun. Peter felt his lips curving up into a smile as he digested all the fairy had told him, one item leaping out and setting his heart jumping once more. He was going to be a real Father.
Feeling suddenly that he'd slept a lifetime, Peter's eased himself out from under Wendy's welcome weight and gently rolled her onto her back. Easing the cover's back he bared her mid-drift, her softly rounded belly drawing his hand like a magnet. He watched her full breasts rise and fall before lowering his head and resting it lightly on her abdomen, his hand splayed under his cheek, alert to the slightest movement from within. He stayed this way for several minutes until fingers threaded their way through his hair and tugged at his scalp.
"Peter...what are you doing?"
Grinning against her belly, Peter didn't move. "I'm listening."
Wendy could feel the pull of his lips against her skin and wondered what he was grinning about.
"What are you listening for?"
"Our son."
Wendy suddenly came very much awake, her fingers clenching in his hair until he winced.
"Ouch...Wendy let go...please?"
"What? Oh sorry...Peter...did you say...our son?"
"I'm going to be a Father, Wendy...a real Father...not pretend, but for real."
"Peter...I...how do you know?"
"The fairies told me...isn't it wonderful?"
"Yes...very wonderful Peter..." She threaded her fingers once more in his curls as he shifted against her belly, his lips pressing warm kisses over her skin.
Wendy submitted to his attention, her flesh warming under his caresses. She writhed as his lips worked they way back up her torso, staking his claim from the tips of her breast to the sweet spot behind her ear until he ended up back at her lips, plundering her mouth thoroughly before breaking contact to grin at her.
"Good morning Mother..."
"Oh Peter..." She stopped when he cocked an impudent eyebrow at her. "Oh alright...Good morning Father."
The absurdity struck them both and they started to giggle, the laughter peeling out and filling the small, sunlit room until they lay gasping, fingers entwined, suffused with happiness.
Wendy rolled onto her side and gazed at her handsome husband, father of her child, her champion of Neverland.
Lifting her hand, and his with it, she placed a kiss on their joined fingers, her expression serious.
"Peter...with my love, I thee wed. With my body, I thee worship, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, 'til death do us part, I pledge thee my troth."
"Wendy...forever, and for always...never to be parted, even unto death...I pledge you my love."
For a moment Wendy's eyes filled with tears. "I lost your ring..."
"No, you didn't...it's been here since we came back from the canyon that time and got changed."
Delving under the pillow, Peter pulled out his hand and revealed the pearl ring held safely in his palm. Taking the ring he seated it snugly back on her left hand, kissing the tips of her fingers when done.
"Oh Peter...I thought...oh I'm so happy!"
"Ah my own, my Wendy..."
Unheeding of the world outside their room, they renewed their vows to love, honor and cherish until the sky was streaked with pink and gold and the stars started to chase the sun to its bed.
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Epilog:
Wendy sighed as she sat outside the small house, her hand resting on her gently rounded stomach, the sun chasing the chill of the morning away as she stretched, well content. She had just bidden Peter off on his daily check of his island kingdom, her lips still swollen from his ardent farewell, her mouth curved in a smile of remembrance. She was just contemplating what she would do for the rest of the morning when she felt a presence at her side.
"Good Morning George...how are things in the mountain."
"Hah...you didn't know I was there until I got this close!" Crowed the former first lieutenant of Her Majesty's Ship Circe, George Treading.
"I knew you were there quite some time ago George...I just couldn't be bothered to say anything."
"Ah well...I'll just have to keep practicing." Assuming a more corporeal form, George seated himself next to Wendy, tilting his head as if he could actually feel the warmth of the sun on his face.
"So George...how are things?"
"Very quiet...I'm still surprised the fairies allow me to visit you like this. With the other's penned up in the mountain, I was sure I'd never see you again."
"Peter approached the Queen after I told him all that you'd done for me."
"It wasn't much." George mumbled, shifting on the bench.
"I wish there was more I could do for you..."
"Not unless its someway of turning me from a ghost into the living, and that's not very likely is it."
"I'm sorry George."
"Ah, don't worry about it...it's not so bad. I've learnt there's a lot more I can do since I followed Hook out of the mountain. It's almost as good as being alive."
"Oh George." Wendy reached for his hand, only wincing slightly as the bone chilling cold crept up her arm before she let go again.
They sat for a few moment in companionable silence before George made a fuss of getting to his feet.
"I'd better go, Little Creek will be here soon and you know how she hates to see an ancestor in the flesh, so to speak."
"Goodbye George...don't go getting lost in any rocks now."
"Ha. Ha. I get lost once and I never hear the end of it." George muttered as he faded out of her sight, his voice fading with him.
Wendy went back to her sun soaking, her fingers once more painting circles on her belly, making wrinkles in the silk of her dress.
"You should have your feet up."
Wendy jerked forward at the sound of Little Creek's voice right next to her.
"Goodness Little Creek...I never heard you coming."
"Lost none of my hunting skills then. Used to be famous for my stealthy approach. Often used to scare the pants off my boys when they thought they were unobserved in their mischief." Little Creek laughed, Wendy joining her as she pictured the Indian woman's strapping sons jumping from fright when their Mother snuck up on them.
"Still...you should have your feet up...are you eating properly?"
"Of course...that stew you made for last night was wonderful."
"Can't beat a fine rabbit stew. You need fattening up, still too skinny." Little Creek made to pinch Wendy's arm but she moved in time, laughing as she leant away.
"Oh no, I still have the bruises from yesterday."
"Then you should tell that man of yours not to be so rough!" Little Creek retorted, making Wendy blush.
Shaking her head, Little Creek bustled about, ducking into the house and coming out with a small wooden foot stool which she placed under Wendy's feet despite her faint protests.
"You'll thank me when you can't see your feet, and your ankles are the size of a melons."
"Now there's a comforting thought." Wendy shot back, giving into the Indian woman's fussing. Despite a good nights sleep, Wendy still felt tired and let her head fall back after Little Creek placed a cushion there, dozing in the morning sun as the industrious woman set about cleaning and sweeping, humming a tune under her breath as she worked. Wendy had tried in vain to stop Little Creek, but as soon as it was known that Wendy was expecting Peter's child, it was accepted that she needed someone to look after her, in loco parentis, and Little Creek was the unopposed choice. Unable to fight the determined grandmother, Wendy gave in gracefully and submitted to Little Creeks care.
She sat dozing, reflecting on her life with Peter. With the new life growing inside her, Wendy felt a contentment suffuse her, her heart full of love for the child created with him. She often thought of her Mother and Father, her brothers, her Aunt, her former life in London. Truthfully she could not wish herself back there, her heart firmly tied to Peter and his island paradise. As she sat, soaking up the sun, her fingers brushing across her stomach she felt something flutter inside her. Thinking nothing of it, she only briefly paused in her stroking, the fluttering coming again, this time directly under her fingertips.
This time she opened her eyes and stared down at herself, her hand resting flat against her rounded abdomen against the thin silk of her gown, her breath hitching as she waited. Again she felt the life inside her stir and she let out a cry which brought Little Creek running out of the house.
"What is it? What's the matter?"
"I felt her...him...the baby...it moved!"
Little Creek's frown of concern quickly changed to one of satisfaction, her face split with a wide grin. "Now you will listen to me when I tell you to put your feet up and rest, the baby agrees with me!"
The women laughed together, the Indian woman still chuckling as she went back into the house.
Wendy sat back, her hands folded protectively over her stomach, her lips curved into a sweet smile. Minutes later those same lips were covered by firm, warm ones that plundered their sweetness for several seconds before pulling away.
"You looked like you were dreaming." Said Peter, sitting back on his heels, his hand covering hers were it rested on her middle.
"Have I been asleep so long?"
"No...I came back early. All is peace in Neverland so I hurried back to spend the rest of the day with you."
Wendy smiled lovingly at him, then a hint of mischief entered her blue eyes. "Give me your hand."
Amused, Peter did just that, Wendy laying it over her rounded stomach, his much large hand almost covering the whole area.
"What am I waiting for...wha!" Peter's question dissolved into a cry of surprise as he felt the flutter of movement under his hand. Startled he looked up to find Wendy's eyes dancing with laughter.
"You're child is anxious to fly, a true Pan."
Peter found himself speechless, his hand staying on her stomach until he felt the movement twice more, his face registering awe and wonder at the evidence of new life growing inside his love.
Surging to his feet, Peter scooped Wendy into his arms and leapt into the air, Wendy squealing and clutching at his neck as they rose steadily into the sky, spiraling up to the fluffy clouds.
Below them Neverland spread herself in opulent splendor, the sea the colour of sapphires, the jungle the verdant green of emeralds. As Peter surveyed his world he thought that there was no jewel brighter or more precious than the one he held in his arms.
"He'll have your eyes and my strength."
"She'll have your charm and my hair." It was a familiar game they played since the morning after the great battle.
"Whatever our child ends up with, it'll have our love."
"Forever and always, Peter..."
Winding her arms around his neck, Wendy tilted her face up for him to kiss, the faint sound of Little Creek shouting for Peter to bring her back down intruding on their bliss. Sighing gustily, Peter grinned ruefully at Wendy before turning back to fly them home.
"I don't suppose I could ban her back to the Indian village." He suggested jokingly as they slowly floated downwards, Little Creek clearly visible, her hands on her hips as she waited for them.
Wendy giggled. "Not unless you wanted an outright war on your hands."
"I didn't think so...of course, I could kidnap you and take you to the other side of the island, where even Little Creek couldn't find us."
"Maybe tomorrow...right now Father, I do believe your child and I need feeding." As if to punctuate her statement her stomach growled loudly making them burst out laughing just as they touched down in the clearing outside their home.
Little Creek had disappeared inside the house when it became apparent that they were returning. Now she appeared carrying a heaped tray of food, smiling smugly at Wendy's surprised expression at the Indian woman anticipating her need. Instead of putting her down, Peter kept Wendy in his arms and sat down, placing her on his lap, his arm firmly around her waist to keep her there.
As they ate their lunch, Peter fed small morsels to Wendy, and she to him, making the meal into a game until they almost choked from laughing at their own silliness, behaving like children once more.
When they had quieted, Wendy lay her head on Peter's shoulder.
"I've thought of a name."
"Have you?"
Wendy nodded, snuggling further into his body, full and relaxed after her meal.
"I was thinking of George, for a boy or Georgina for a girl."
"For your Father?"
"And for George Treading...he really did all he could, considering his limitations."
"Hmmmmm."
"What do you think?"
"I think...that now that Little Creek has left, we have the house to ourselves and I want to see if he, she or it are still doing somersaults down there."
"Little Creek left?"
"I might not have to ban her after all...time we followed her advise and got those feet of yours up."
Not waiting for a reply, Peter once more scooped Wendy into his arms and carried her into the house.
"At this rate, Peter Pan, I'm going to lose all use of my legs!"
"Then I'll just have to keep you in bed all the time!" Peter replied wickedly before tossing her lightly onto the bed and following her down.
Divested of clothes, Peter lay with his head on her belly, stroking lazy circles across her warm flesh, his curls tickling the underside of her breasts when she breathed in and out. After feeling the flutter that reconfirmed the life growing within her, Peter scooted up the bed and took her in his arms.
"Are you happy Wendy?"
Wendy looked at him for a long moment, drinking in his sea-green eyes and golden features, marveling that such a magical man could love her so deeply.
"I am as happy as a woman can be living in paradise with the love of her life and carrying the child of that love...I am very happy Peter."
"Good...because I can't imagine my life now without you in it...does this mean the adventure is over, that I've grown up Wendy?"
"Oh I think there's a lot more adventures for you to enjoy yet, Peter. Adventures you've never dreamed of..being grown up can be quite the biggest adventure anyone can ever have."
"Ah Wendy...the cleverness of you."
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The End.
(hope you enjoyed the ride-cheers all,and thanks for your company)