*********Heeeeelllllllllllloooooo! I'm back and I'm 16!! YEEEEEEHHHHHH!!!! And I'm gonna get a tattoo!!! HEEEEEELLLLLL YYYEEEEEHHHHH!!!!! *Ahem* ok I'm done, heh.
Chapter Two
"So, what should we do?"
"To be quite honest, I'm not sure anymore my friend."
The voices of two beings in the middle of a conversation echoed through the darkness of the night. Aside from the full and waning moons above the island, the only light visible on the shore of the cove was the small light that was emitting from their small bodies. One light was a brilliant shade of violet, while the other was a lively gold. The one that was illuminated in the gold sheen spoke only to be interrupted by the other.
"Why can't we just tell…"
"No. We mustn't let him know yet. Not until we know exactly what's happening." the obviously older and wiser one spoke.
"But he's gonna find out eventually Tanya! The island won't keep a secret from Peter for long!" the younger one argued back. "Besides…if the island is being affected by, whatever this is…then won't it start affecting him too?" she finished with a distant look in her teal eyes.
Over the past few weeks the island of Neverland had been growing weaker and weaker. So far, only the fairies of the land had noticed. But Tanya feared that things would become worse.
"That's not for certain yet Tinkerbell. Nothing is for certain anymore." she tuned and began making her way back to the dense forest, but not before calling over her shoulder.
"Gather the council and have them meet in the Tidal Cave at sun up." Tinkerbell nodded and also headed into the forest. Then Tanya spoke again before the other pixie was out of hearing range.
"And please make sure none of the boys find out about this until we're ready. The last thing we need is an uproar of those boys and Peter's temper." she finished and slowly glided into the depths of the Neverland jungle.
It had been many, many years since Liluye left them, and the whole island had grown used to and attached to their new protector. At first the Pan was seen by many as a bother, those people where who still wished for Liluye to be with them. Others gave him a chance, and in the end everyone learned to respect him and they learned that he was a decent replacement. Though nothing could fully replace the green eyed girl.
Soon after Peter had gown to his limit, a threat that the island had never had to face emerged. The dark and sinister Captain Hook and his band of pirates were far different then the blood thirsty dragons and such that Liluye used to face. Unlike many of the former beasts, Hook used strategies and planned attacks when going against the Pan. After several battles with Neverlands savior, Hook realized he had terribly underestimated the boy. Then when Peter started bringing in new recruits, that were soon named the Lost Boys, Hook paid for his foolishness when Peter swiftly chopped off his hand in a battle and tossed it to the croc that inhabited the waters of the cove. All the island laughed when Hook gained his hook.
Many say that, that day was when the islanders really came to accept Peter and depended on him faithfully. It came to be know that not only had Peter just won over the island, but he also won the hearts of the Indian princess and a certain fairy, although he hadn't realized it. Though he wasn't as naive about the obvious attraction the mermaids had for him.
Years flew by, and more and more Lost Boys found their way to the island, and were of course taken in by Peter. Unlike the leader before him, Peters group consisted only of boys. Although that changed briefly when a young girl and her two brothers were brought to the island.
Everyone had thought for sure that Peter had found a female companion when he brought her to their world. Everyone including Tiger Lily and Tinkerbell, seeing it how they treated her a little less then friendly. But in the end, all the life threatening dangers that had occurred wore poor Wendy down, and she went home along with her brothers. Peter had told everyone that he was fine with her decision, even though everyone could tell he was a bit heart broken. So, over the years Peter went back several times to see his Wendy, even though in doing so he grew a tiny bit older each time. In the end, when he came back to Neverland for the last time, Peter had gained two years beyond his time, and now looked like a boy of fifteen.
Tanya thought back on many of these things as she made her way through the forest. It had grown almost painful for her to take paths through the forest anymore. The feelings she was getting from every being around her, if it was a tree or that crocodile, everything that had been living on the island as long as it had existed, felt the affects of whatever was happening.
She couldn't figure it out. And it almost frightened her to be so clueless about what was happening. Being the oldest mystical creature on the island, she felt responsible for telling all what was happening. But how could she tell them if she didn't even know herself?
"Oh dear. What has happened?" she asked the island quietly lightly placing her small hand on a tree. She didn't really expect an answer, so when a group of pictures flashed in her mind, she was a bit surprised. Moving her hand away from the tree, she stood back for a moment before touching the rough bark again, hoping to get another glance at the images.
This time the images went my much more slowly. But the images in her mind were not in Neverland. This was a world she did not know, so why did she see these images? Though it did resemble her island to an extent, this one had many more waterfalls and small lakes then Neverland. A small mountain range ran down the south coast and curled through the center about half way. None of the coves had ships resting in them, they were only inhabited by mermaids and different marine life.
It seemed so much more peaceful then the island she was accustomed to. A smile graced across her features when she heard the sound of laughter make its way into the image. But wait…she knew this laughter. Behind the images, Tanya's memories searched for where she had heard this laughter before. Searching back years and years, Tanya's heart clenched with bitter sweetness when she remembered that laughter.
The image changed to show her the source of the laughter. It was what she had thought. Three of the children that had lived on the island with Liluye swam in the murky waters of a muddy stream. The two girls were swimming around trying to avoid the boy that was trying to throw chunks of mud in their hair.
Before Tanya could stop to reminisce, the images faded again and morphed into a new one. This time it showed a tree that was very large, and again resembled that of Neverlands trees. Up the side of the thick trunk various ladders, ropes and vines hung down, leading up to the most extensive tree house she'd seen beside the Lost Boys home. Boys and girls of all races walked through the rooms and over the bridges. Some doing work, and some just passing time.
As the image moved over the tree house, it came to the very top where a balcony over looked the island. On the balcony a door led into a room that was carved from the giant tree trunk. The walls of the room were covered in all different kinds of weapons, ranging from swords to bows and arrows. The walls were also layered in animal pelts that Tanya had never seen before. As the image continued on, it rested on a large hammock hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the small room. As it swung back and forth, the old pixies vision was moved so she could see who was currently resting in the hammock. When she did, her breath caught in her throat.
Liluye. This mysterious island must be the world that she and the Never Kids retired to. Tanya's already closed eyes tightened at the sight of her old friend. She had the same bright green eyes, and the same berry stained clothing. She had a pipe instrument to her lips and was playing a soft tune. A closer look proved that the instrument was the same kind she left behind for Peter. She watched as Lil took the pipes away from her lips, let her arm fall over the side of the hammock and let out a sigh.
Slowly the images faded into black, and Tanya's eyes almost watered in protest. She had missed that girl so much, but what did any of this have to do with the island's slow torture?
That's where the images stopped and Tanya opened her eyes. What was Neverland trying to tell her? What did Liluye have to do with any of this? She wasn't the guardian anymore, she left everything to Peter. Didn't she? Of course Liluye was the first child to be brought to Neverland, so she was of some significance, but what could she have to do with this?
Tanya shook her head in confusion of what the island had shown her. Continuing to think, she went on her way through the forest, trying to block out the painful cries of the trees.
***Sun rise in Tide Cave***
"What's going on Tanya? The trees wail, the rocks cry, and the flowers no longer sing! Tell us, what is happening to our island?" a male fairy demanded at the council meeting.
"Well…I'm still not entirely sure…" she started before the large group of pixies all burst out at once, all desperately wanting to find out some answers. Tanya rose up a hand to silence them.
"But, I suspect it has something to do with Liluye." at the mention of the girls name the cavern grew deafly silent. The elder went on to explain what the island has shown her the day before, and also to ask if any had an idea as to what it meant. All the response she received were a few shakes of their heads.
Tanya sighed and rested her hands on the small table in front of her. All through the night she had been pondering the images. She went through all the old scrolls and books for any clues. She found all but what she needed for hours and hours. Then finally she found something that sounded a bit like what was happening to Neverland. The large book took another few hours just to scan through it, but it was all worth it. Tanya thought she had found the answer, though she didn't want to admit that was it. The first part of the explanation raised her spirits, but the rest brought them crashing back down. Tanya looked up at the council then stood, preparing to tell them what she found.
"Do any of you recall hearing about the heart of this world?" she questioned them all. They all stopped chattering and looked toward her, giving their silence as an answer.
"The heart of the world is what keeps us all alive. Now don't be mistaken, its not what keeps us young, it's our magic that does that. The heart is what keeps us alive, and in turn we keep everyone young. If that heart dies, we fairies die. Then Neverland slowly decays, leaving every other living being stranded, and forced to go back to the other world. Which to many would be worse then death." she explained. A series of gasps went through the room at the news.
"But aren't there other fairies that can give the island more magic?" the man questioned again.
"There are other fairies, but they are not born of this world. Their magic would have effect on Neverland, only ours does." she answered with a heavy heart. Few had noticed, but over the decades that past by the island the choice fairies evolved to suit it. Therefore fairies from the island that Lil was on, or fairies from earth could be no use.
"Is there anything we can do to stop this Tanya?" Tinkerbell suddenly asked from her side. She could see that the thought of Peter going back to the other world didn't set well with the young fairy.
"I…think so. That part is where Liluye comes in. You see…" she turned back toward the crowd. "Liluye was the first. She is the…soul, of this island you could say. And I think that her absence for such an extended amount of time has triggered this occurrence."
"So, if we bring her back…Neverland would be okay again?" a female fairy asked.
"I'm afraid that wouldn't be enough. The heart of this world hasn't stopped entirely, not yet anyway. To get it back to its natural state, Liluye, and only Liluye has to find it. Neverland will only reveal the heart to the first protector, the first child. It will not even show the heart to me."
"Where is the heart Tanya?" Tink asked quietly. Inside she was exploding with happiness to hear that she would see her friend again, but on the outside she was still shaken by the new of what was really going on.
"Once again, I'm not entirely sure. That's the part of it I'm…not particularly happy about." she cleared her throat before continuing. "Lil has to find the heart, Neverland will not just point her in the direction. Its only when she does find the heart the island will reveal it to her, but the heart…could be literally anywhere. It could be here, on the island Liluye is currently residing, or even in the other world." the relived feeling was sucked out of the cavern by that, and many of the pixies dropped their heads, almost in defeat.
"But…but how could the heart be in the other world if its this island heart?!" one fairy cried out from the back. Tanya shook her head and looked down.
"If I knew I would tell you. I only tell you what I read from the books. The creators of this world wrote them, so I'm sure they know what their talking about. No matter how much we may hate it." the old fairy let out a tired sigh and sat down in her chair letting the others talk amongst themselves. Bringing a pale hand up to her face, she closed her eyes in thought.
"Are you worried that Lil might not come back Tanya?" Tinkerbell asked while looking at the fairy glowing violet through the corner of her eye.
"No, not at all. Besides all of this obviously…the only other thing I'm worried about is how Peter will take it. After all, this will be the first time he's not been able to save us. I'm not sure how he'll take the fact that he's not the first child nor the first protector. Especially since Liluye is, well…a girl. You know how Peter is." she explained motioning with her hand. Tink smiled a little and nodded in agreement. Peter was not going to take any of this well.
************Blah, this chapter was boring I know. And if your wondering, I kinda got the idea for the heart of the world from the one and only Kingdom Hearts, the BEST game in the universe. There will be Peter in the next chapter, so be patient. Okay, I have to say this one last time…I'M 16!!!!!!! Heh, pretty pitiful that I'm all excited but don't even have a permit yet, huh? Anyhoo, REVIEW!!!!
Chapter Two
"So, what should we do?"
"To be quite honest, I'm not sure anymore my friend."
The voices of two beings in the middle of a conversation echoed through the darkness of the night. Aside from the full and waning moons above the island, the only light visible on the shore of the cove was the small light that was emitting from their small bodies. One light was a brilliant shade of violet, while the other was a lively gold. The one that was illuminated in the gold sheen spoke only to be interrupted by the other.
"Why can't we just tell…"
"No. We mustn't let him know yet. Not until we know exactly what's happening." the obviously older and wiser one spoke.
"But he's gonna find out eventually Tanya! The island won't keep a secret from Peter for long!" the younger one argued back. "Besides…if the island is being affected by, whatever this is…then won't it start affecting him too?" she finished with a distant look in her teal eyes.
Over the past few weeks the island of Neverland had been growing weaker and weaker. So far, only the fairies of the land had noticed. But Tanya feared that things would become worse.
"That's not for certain yet Tinkerbell. Nothing is for certain anymore." she tuned and began making her way back to the dense forest, but not before calling over her shoulder.
"Gather the council and have them meet in the Tidal Cave at sun up." Tinkerbell nodded and also headed into the forest. Then Tanya spoke again before the other pixie was out of hearing range.
"And please make sure none of the boys find out about this until we're ready. The last thing we need is an uproar of those boys and Peter's temper." she finished and slowly glided into the depths of the Neverland jungle.
It had been many, many years since Liluye left them, and the whole island had grown used to and attached to their new protector. At first the Pan was seen by many as a bother, those people where who still wished for Liluye to be with them. Others gave him a chance, and in the end everyone learned to respect him and they learned that he was a decent replacement. Though nothing could fully replace the green eyed girl.
Soon after Peter had gown to his limit, a threat that the island had never had to face emerged. The dark and sinister Captain Hook and his band of pirates were far different then the blood thirsty dragons and such that Liluye used to face. Unlike many of the former beasts, Hook used strategies and planned attacks when going against the Pan. After several battles with Neverlands savior, Hook realized he had terribly underestimated the boy. Then when Peter started bringing in new recruits, that were soon named the Lost Boys, Hook paid for his foolishness when Peter swiftly chopped off his hand in a battle and tossed it to the croc that inhabited the waters of the cove. All the island laughed when Hook gained his hook.
Many say that, that day was when the islanders really came to accept Peter and depended on him faithfully. It came to be know that not only had Peter just won over the island, but he also won the hearts of the Indian princess and a certain fairy, although he hadn't realized it. Though he wasn't as naive about the obvious attraction the mermaids had for him.
Years flew by, and more and more Lost Boys found their way to the island, and were of course taken in by Peter. Unlike the leader before him, Peters group consisted only of boys. Although that changed briefly when a young girl and her two brothers were brought to the island.
Everyone had thought for sure that Peter had found a female companion when he brought her to their world. Everyone including Tiger Lily and Tinkerbell, seeing it how they treated her a little less then friendly. But in the end, all the life threatening dangers that had occurred wore poor Wendy down, and she went home along with her brothers. Peter had told everyone that he was fine with her decision, even though everyone could tell he was a bit heart broken. So, over the years Peter went back several times to see his Wendy, even though in doing so he grew a tiny bit older each time. In the end, when he came back to Neverland for the last time, Peter had gained two years beyond his time, and now looked like a boy of fifteen.
Tanya thought back on many of these things as she made her way through the forest. It had grown almost painful for her to take paths through the forest anymore. The feelings she was getting from every being around her, if it was a tree or that crocodile, everything that had been living on the island as long as it had existed, felt the affects of whatever was happening.
She couldn't figure it out. And it almost frightened her to be so clueless about what was happening. Being the oldest mystical creature on the island, she felt responsible for telling all what was happening. But how could she tell them if she didn't even know herself?
"Oh dear. What has happened?" she asked the island quietly lightly placing her small hand on a tree. She didn't really expect an answer, so when a group of pictures flashed in her mind, she was a bit surprised. Moving her hand away from the tree, she stood back for a moment before touching the rough bark again, hoping to get another glance at the images.
This time the images went my much more slowly. But the images in her mind were not in Neverland. This was a world she did not know, so why did she see these images? Though it did resemble her island to an extent, this one had many more waterfalls and small lakes then Neverland. A small mountain range ran down the south coast and curled through the center about half way. None of the coves had ships resting in them, they were only inhabited by mermaids and different marine life.
It seemed so much more peaceful then the island she was accustomed to. A smile graced across her features when she heard the sound of laughter make its way into the image. But wait…she knew this laughter. Behind the images, Tanya's memories searched for where she had heard this laughter before. Searching back years and years, Tanya's heart clenched with bitter sweetness when she remembered that laughter.
The image changed to show her the source of the laughter. It was what she had thought. Three of the children that had lived on the island with Liluye swam in the murky waters of a muddy stream. The two girls were swimming around trying to avoid the boy that was trying to throw chunks of mud in their hair.
Before Tanya could stop to reminisce, the images faded again and morphed into a new one. This time it showed a tree that was very large, and again resembled that of Neverlands trees. Up the side of the thick trunk various ladders, ropes and vines hung down, leading up to the most extensive tree house she'd seen beside the Lost Boys home. Boys and girls of all races walked through the rooms and over the bridges. Some doing work, and some just passing time.
As the image moved over the tree house, it came to the very top where a balcony over looked the island. On the balcony a door led into a room that was carved from the giant tree trunk. The walls of the room were covered in all different kinds of weapons, ranging from swords to bows and arrows. The walls were also layered in animal pelts that Tanya had never seen before. As the image continued on, it rested on a large hammock hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the small room. As it swung back and forth, the old pixies vision was moved so she could see who was currently resting in the hammock. When she did, her breath caught in her throat.
Liluye. This mysterious island must be the world that she and the Never Kids retired to. Tanya's already closed eyes tightened at the sight of her old friend. She had the same bright green eyes, and the same berry stained clothing. She had a pipe instrument to her lips and was playing a soft tune. A closer look proved that the instrument was the same kind she left behind for Peter. She watched as Lil took the pipes away from her lips, let her arm fall over the side of the hammock and let out a sigh.
Slowly the images faded into black, and Tanya's eyes almost watered in protest. She had missed that girl so much, but what did any of this have to do with the island's slow torture?
That's where the images stopped and Tanya opened her eyes. What was Neverland trying to tell her? What did Liluye have to do with any of this? She wasn't the guardian anymore, she left everything to Peter. Didn't she? Of course Liluye was the first child to be brought to Neverland, so she was of some significance, but what could she have to do with this?
Tanya shook her head in confusion of what the island had shown her. Continuing to think, she went on her way through the forest, trying to block out the painful cries of the trees.
***Sun rise in Tide Cave***
"What's going on Tanya? The trees wail, the rocks cry, and the flowers no longer sing! Tell us, what is happening to our island?" a male fairy demanded at the council meeting.
"Well…I'm still not entirely sure…" she started before the large group of pixies all burst out at once, all desperately wanting to find out some answers. Tanya rose up a hand to silence them.
"But, I suspect it has something to do with Liluye." at the mention of the girls name the cavern grew deafly silent. The elder went on to explain what the island has shown her the day before, and also to ask if any had an idea as to what it meant. All the response she received were a few shakes of their heads.
Tanya sighed and rested her hands on the small table in front of her. All through the night she had been pondering the images. She went through all the old scrolls and books for any clues. She found all but what she needed for hours and hours. Then finally she found something that sounded a bit like what was happening to Neverland. The large book took another few hours just to scan through it, but it was all worth it. Tanya thought she had found the answer, though she didn't want to admit that was it. The first part of the explanation raised her spirits, but the rest brought them crashing back down. Tanya looked up at the council then stood, preparing to tell them what she found.
"Do any of you recall hearing about the heart of this world?" she questioned them all. They all stopped chattering and looked toward her, giving their silence as an answer.
"The heart of the world is what keeps us all alive. Now don't be mistaken, its not what keeps us young, it's our magic that does that. The heart is what keeps us alive, and in turn we keep everyone young. If that heart dies, we fairies die. Then Neverland slowly decays, leaving every other living being stranded, and forced to go back to the other world. Which to many would be worse then death." she explained. A series of gasps went through the room at the news.
"But aren't there other fairies that can give the island more magic?" the man questioned again.
"There are other fairies, but they are not born of this world. Their magic would have effect on Neverland, only ours does." she answered with a heavy heart. Few had noticed, but over the decades that past by the island the choice fairies evolved to suit it. Therefore fairies from the island that Lil was on, or fairies from earth could be no use.
"Is there anything we can do to stop this Tanya?" Tinkerbell suddenly asked from her side. She could see that the thought of Peter going back to the other world didn't set well with the young fairy.
"I…think so. That part is where Liluye comes in. You see…" she turned back toward the crowd. "Liluye was the first. She is the…soul, of this island you could say. And I think that her absence for such an extended amount of time has triggered this occurrence."
"So, if we bring her back…Neverland would be okay again?" a female fairy asked.
"I'm afraid that wouldn't be enough. The heart of this world hasn't stopped entirely, not yet anyway. To get it back to its natural state, Liluye, and only Liluye has to find it. Neverland will only reveal the heart to the first protector, the first child. It will not even show the heart to me."
"Where is the heart Tanya?" Tink asked quietly. Inside she was exploding with happiness to hear that she would see her friend again, but on the outside she was still shaken by the new of what was really going on.
"Once again, I'm not entirely sure. That's the part of it I'm…not particularly happy about." she cleared her throat before continuing. "Lil has to find the heart, Neverland will not just point her in the direction. Its only when she does find the heart the island will reveal it to her, but the heart…could be literally anywhere. It could be here, on the island Liluye is currently residing, or even in the other world." the relived feeling was sucked out of the cavern by that, and many of the pixies dropped their heads, almost in defeat.
"But…but how could the heart be in the other world if its this island heart?!" one fairy cried out from the back. Tanya shook her head and looked down.
"If I knew I would tell you. I only tell you what I read from the books. The creators of this world wrote them, so I'm sure they know what their talking about. No matter how much we may hate it." the old fairy let out a tired sigh and sat down in her chair letting the others talk amongst themselves. Bringing a pale hand up to her face, she closed her eyes in thought.
"Are you worried that Lil might not come back Tanya?" Tinkerbell asked while looking at the fairy glowing violet through the corner of her eye.
"No, not at all. Besides all of this obviously…the only other thing I'm worried about is how Peter will take it. After all, this will be the first time he's not been able to save us. I'm not sure how he'll take the fact that he's not the first child nor the first protector. Especially since Liluye is, well…a girl. You know how Peter is." she explained motioning with her hand. Tink smiled a little and nodded in agreement. Peter was not going to take any of this well.
************Blah, this chapter was boring I know. And if your wondering, I kinda got the idea for the heart of the world from the one and only Kingdom Hearts, the BEST game in the universe. There will be Peter in the next chapter, so be patient. Okay, I have to say this one last time…I'M 16!!!!!!! Heh, pretty pitiful that I'm all excited but don't even have a permit yet, huh? Anyhoo, REVIEW!!!!