Disclaimer; I don't own anything apart from Sarah and other minor characters.

A/N - A shorter chapter than usual I'm afraid. Gets a little bit dramatic. Here's a question. Do the twins actually have first names? What are they? I've called them the 'twins' still as I couldn't think of cool names for them but it's a shame because I think they need names! So if there sentences that seem like they don't have people speaking, that's the twins talking, or finishing off each others sentences. So on with the chapter.

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Chapter Eleven - Saying goodbye

The night drew on and the three companions stayed in the underground. The previous home felt very different compared to older times but the essence of a home still lingered. Peter's changed had occurred here as well as many fun times and emotional days. The lost tribe were a strong bunch but their tears were sometimes not hidden well and Sarah found, like Wendy, she'd be on the end of a hug willingly to comfort someone. The tribe had been bold and brash but naïve too in their younger days. Times had changed and the prospect of growing up lingered in the minds of the older members but never really stayed for long, not with Peter around. Young innocent games had turned rough and dangerous and many who thought life was all about games faced the harsh reality of being able to live; to eat and to fight. Of course everyone would try to chip in, but the sole purpose of keeping the tribe alive came onto the shoulders of the older ones.

Sarah sat on the floor near a candle. She's found and old cushion that was torn at the seams and she decided to fix it, finding some old things of Wendy's, badly damaged, but still usable. She thought it would take her mind off things but it actually made her think of the last few days. It made her think of sowing her beautiful gowns, of fine food, clean beds.of James. Again the thought of him finding her here would be dire, but finding out she was with two of the lost boys, who weren't boys any more, would be horrific.

Sarah sighed and put down the cushion. She stretched her feet and toes looking at how they were grubby already. She huffed out again and grabbed her soft leather slippers she had worn on her trek here. The underground, although spacious was quite stuffy and so Sarah decided to take a few breathes of fresh air. She stood up and saw the sleeping figures of Nibs and Curly. Curly still lay on his make shift bed on the floor. He looked more peaceful and clean now that he'd washed and was healing. Nibs lay on an old bunk, which previously belonged to him. He didn't look peaceful but he was still asleep. Sarah looked around the room and saw the large domain of what used to be where Peter slept. The area now looked cold and harsh as some form of plant surrounded it and blankets and pillows were sparse and dirty. A few candles still burnt dimly but would only last the rest of the night. The three of them would have to find more light somewhere for the next few days if they were to stay here.

Neverland outside looked as dark as in the underground, but as the clouds drifted across the moon, a few more rays beamed in the trees and by this time Sarah's eyes had adjusted to the darkness. A beautiful smell of some exotic flower breezed into the air and Sarah smiled at the pleasant smell. She didn't wander far, in fact she hardly moved from the front of the entrance but she did look around carefully at her surroundings even if it was in the dark. A large root lay by the entrance and after she had had a good snoop around she sat on it. A few minutes passed and Sarah felt her eyes become tired and heavy. A large un-lady like yawn escaped her mouth and she stood up and stretched making her way back into the underground but before she did, something caught her eye. A small bright light tried to hide itself behind a large leaf but the leaf also lit up. Sarah tried to focus her gaze on the bright light, but dismissed it when she realised it was a fairy and that sleep was calling. It wasn't until she was fully inside the underground that the small fairy laughed and that its laugh came out like the sound of bells.

* * * * * * * * *

The next morning was that of a pleasant one in Neverland. The sun shone brightly and the sky was a clear blue with not one cloud in sight.

The Indian lands were busy with preparations for some kind of celebration. If one were looking, John could be seen with his young son Michael and his wife, Tiger lily, who was watching and smiling at the sight of her husband playing with their son along with others from the Indian tribe. They were cheering the young child on as he giggled in a high pitch tone at his fathers tickling.

Across the way on another side of the island, lost boys and girls took advantage of the sun and its warmth. Young ones played their games, whispering in conversation at past events and future ones that were to come, whatever they may be. The girls of the tribe braided their hair, taking the opportunity to also bath in the warm water, unaware of lost boys' prying eyes. Lost boys were sharpening thin sticks that could be used as arrows and fixing bows, obviously wanting to do some form of hunting. The older ones, for example the twins, had yet to tell them that hunting in the hot sun was a bad idea in the jungle as animals hid away from the heat. Slightly had decided to help, Summer, Autumn and Winter with some washing as he felt sorry that Peter had lumbered a chore on them in this kind of heat. Peter on the other hand lay in the cool shade of his own place, basking on comfy blankets and cold pillows. A smirk was on his face as he looked up to the ceiling of his room and waited for the arrival of Tinkerbell.

Ravens town was busy with a market day by the port and many more ships docked, possibly for the market. In the distance, there was a grand ship that sailed quickly from the horizon towards the town. Closely, the crew looked happy and glad that they were returning to still land. The captain of the ship still lay in his dormitories, an array of female clothing spread over the floor.

* * * * * * * *

Sarah wasn't the first to wake in the underground. She noticed Curly was up and talking quietly to Nibs. Nibs sat by the fire that wasn't lit, eating some fruit and drinking some water. There wasn't much lit in the underground but Sarah's eyes adjusted quickly.

Sarah sat up and stretched emitting a closed, very loud groan as she stood up fully. Both boys sniggered at her and she joined in with them at the ridiculous noise.

"Morning." She said to both of them finding a seat by the unlit fire.

"Sleep well?" Curly asked her. "It's odd being in here isn't it."

"Yeah. I couldn't get to sleep last night, took me ages. Just this place I guess."

"It's beautiful outside Nibs says." Curly grudgingly spoke.

"Well we can go out today then." Sarah smiled offering the idea which she hoped would be taken up.

"And let people find us? I don't think so." Nibs replied to her a little negatively.

"What? You mean we're stuck in here?" Sarah asked bewildered.

"Well, only for a little, until we figure things out." Curly added trying to lighten things.

"There two things we have to worry about." Nibs indicated. "Pan and well, Hook, if he comes looking for you."

"He wouldn't be able to find me?"

"Yes he would. He knows where this place is. He has destroyed it once you know." Nibs spoke hoping his comment didn't have sarcasm in.

"I know." Sarah said defensively, trying to cover up the fact she didn't remember. She now realised that she didn't really like to remember bad things James and his crew had done in his defence.

"So what then, I'm going to hide again!? So much for thinking I was going to be free Nibs."

Nibs didn't say anything, only gave her a stern, un-amused look.

Curly noticed a slight tension and laughed nervously. "So.." He said biting his lips in concentration to think of something. "Well, what Nibs is trying to say is, we can't wander too far off that's all." He took a breath after he spoke, hoping he said the right thing.

"Do you feel better?" Sarah asked Curly, turning completely round to face him.

"Yeah, thanks." He replied.

The conversation died between the three and Sarah shuffled her feet on the floor.

"Do you want some fruit?" Nibs asked.

Sarah looked at him and was about to decline but her stomach protested and she nodded lightly.

"Thanks." She said as she took the fruit.

"Curly?" Nibs asked.

"No thanks I'm full."

After another minute of silence or so, Sarah spoke up.

"So what do we do, or, what are we going to do?"

Curly looked at Nibs for an answer but Nibs didn't look at him, he stared at Sarah who looked straight back at him.

"We'll, if you feel better Curly, then, then my work here is done." Sarah spoke up.

Curly frowned and Nibs looked startled compared to his normally cool exterior.

"W-What?" He mumbled.

Sarah was apprehensive about saying her sentence.

"I-I I'm going back." She spoke softly.

Curly frowned again at her inaudible words but Nibs looked heart broken and only Sarah could see this in his eyes.

"Why?" Nibs asked as if he'd been defeated.

"Because. I'm at risk from Peter far more here than when I'm in Ravens town. For Christ's sake its like were on Peters friggin' door step here!"

"Can you not get it into your head that we're all at risk? We know were close but where else is there to go!?" Nibs stood up and shouted aggressively.

It frightened Sarah but she pulled herself up and stood tall towards him.

"Besides..I put you in more danger from other people if I stay.." Sarah said sorrowfully.

The emotion of her voice retracted Nibs' anger and he cursed himself at his outburst. In reality she was trying to save them.

"Hook..." Curly stated.

Sarah nodded.

"So what? You feel guilty towards him for staying one night or something!?" Nibs asked a little fiery.

"I would if I had stayed longer!" Sarah barked back with the same tone of voice as his.

"Guys, please.." Curly tried to speak.

"Your not bound to him Sarah, your not a pirate, your not a whore, your not his!" Nibs spoke again.

"Your right, I'm me and I'm no ones." Sarah stated, walking out.

Sarah walked into the bright light, happy that she was outside but frightened as well. For some odd reason she felt completely exposed to the world just standing in the open.

"Sarah!" A voice called.

She wouldn't have normally stopped but the voice belonged to Curly.

"Sarah, please, wait, please."

Sarah reluctantly turned around. She didn't want to be chased and of all people she didn't want it to be Curly.

"Curly, please, let me go."

"You forgot your things." He tried to make a point for her to stay a little bit longer but it didn't really work.

"I don't need them."

"Oh." Curly said sadly.

"I have to go, it makes sense."

"But what about the three of us, starting a fresh?" Curly asked hopefully." I thought you were staying for good?"

"Maybe some other time."

"I'll be dead in some other time Sarah."

Sarah looked up to Curly, surprised at what he just said.

"Don't say such things Curly."

Curly shook his head and laughed to himself, his curly hair shaking against his boyish grin.

"Sarah, Neverland has changed. It seems the whole world is on our shoulders. This is the worst part."

"What?" Sarah asked curiously.

"The bit in between. Making the choices for your future, the bit in the middle of becoming an adult, the bit that makes you become the person you're to be. I don't think you're meant to go back to the Captain."

Sarah was surprised at his words but surprised he had mentioned 'Hook' as an actual person - a captain.

"I know he's real and that makes him a real person, a man. But I truly believe in the bottom of my heart and soul you don't belong with him. Only you can decide where you belong but I know it's not with him and I'm not just saying that. You, you could make your own tribe, join the Indians, get some money and buy a house in Ravens town and become, err I don't know, Prime Minister or something!? But not to go back and be on his side."

Sarah smirked at his accusations and Curly smiled with her, taking a few steps towards her. He was a couple of inches taller than her.

"I think I need time, I have to make time for us. If I go back to James, things won't look odd. I'd hate to think he'd come after you just because I was in your presence and I know he could, because he's like that. I'm not as naïve as people think I am, or a coward or something."

"I know." Curly smiled.

"I know I don't love James or anything, I hardly know him, but, what I have at the minute is secure, I hope."

"You're playing him for a fool, good girl." Curly jokingly winked.

"In know, I guess I am, I hope he doesn't realise."

"I think he does."

"Really? Then why hasn't he killed me or thrown me out?"

"Because he's lonely."

Sarah just looked at Curly.

"Is Nibs angry?" She said trying to change the subject.

"When isn't he? Why do you think he's silent all the time? Because he gets pissed off easily."

"Hmm, by me?" Sarah sighed.

"No. By the prospect of things turning bad, going wrong. He thinks about the future a lot. Trying to figure out an easy path I guess?"

"Aren't we all?"

Sarah smiled at Curly and hugged him tightly.

"Stay safe and well. I'll be seeing you soon. I best get back before Hook is back." She whispered leaving him and realising that she had called James 'Hook' on her own will.

* * * * * * * *

Ravens town looked quiet now that the market was over. People had their buys and others had extra money to spend, mostly in the pubs and bars. The sun was gradually getting lower in the distance and the air was considerably cooler.

The long walk from the underground was tiring especially when you kept losing your direction every now and then which added an extra hour to your journey time.

* * * * * * * *

"Nibs?" Nibs?" A voice called, echoed by another one.

Nibs sat up from his bed that he had been resting in.

At the sound of steps approaching Curly had hidden in the underground, peaking from behind a veil of material that had once been hung up.

Nibs recognized the voices belonging to the twins of the tribe.

"What do you want, how do you know I'm here?" Nibs asked quite brutally.

"Whoa, calm down." One of the twins said.

Nibs walked towards them, hand on his blade.

Both twins being much smaller then Nibs looked at each other then back to Nibs a little uneasily.

"We're not here on behalf of Peter we swear!" The other twin said.

"Prove it!" Nibs said.

"W-we can't you have to just trust us!"

"I don't think I can?"

"Wait!" A voice cried.

Curly came into view.

"Curly!" One of the twins spoke.

Nibs looked quickly to Curly who came to stand by him. In height Curly wasn't that smaller than Nibs but there was a visible difference.

"It's good to see you." One of the twins said, the other one nodded.

"Well? What do you want?" Nibs asked a little suspicious.

"We've got news for you but we don't know how late we are?"

Nibs and Curly exchanged an odd glance but quickly turned to the twins for their news.

"Peter knows you here." One of the twins stated.

"Fuck." Nibs sighed. "How long has he known?"

"Only since Sarah was here. Is she?" One of the twins said.

"Is she ok?" The other one asked.

"Yeah, she's fine. Anyway, what of Peter?" Curly asked taking over Nibs' speech as he stayed silent.

"We over heard him. He was waiting for Tinkerbell we think..."

"We found out Peter asked her to tell Hook, whose back by the way already, that Sarah was in the underground with you two...Is she still here?"

"No." Curly stated. "She's...Oh God."

"What?" One of the twins asked.

Curly turned to Nibs. "Go to Ravens town get her; you know where she'll be!!" He then turned to the twins. "What of Peter? Is he coming here!?" Curly asked desperately.

"It didn't seem like it. That was what was so odd about him this morning. He took everything so casually. It was weird."

"It didn't seem like he was coming here but you best be on you guard..."

".He's after both of you now."

" So does Peter think Sarah is here still?" Nibs asked.

"He must." One of the twins replied.

"Then he must be coming here? Why isn't he? It doesn't make sense!?" Nibs said frustrated.

"We're all in the same boat; nobody really knows what's going on." The other twin said.

"Is the rest of the tribe ok?" Curly asked.

"What sort of question is that!? Our lives are at stake here Curly!" Nibs cried.

"I want to know what is happening with the rest of the tribe. Would you please just go to Ravens town Nibs, please!?" Curly cried.

Nibs didn't need telling twice. Deep in his heart the whole of the twins' words struck him, especially if it would harm Sarah. What he didn't want was to go to Ravens town and find his friend gutted by a gleaming Hook, just because she conversed with 'lost boys'. Nibs moved out from the underground quickly after he spoke.

"Be on your guard.all of you, just in case."

"What are their plans in this? Is everybody still following Peter?" Curly asked about the rest of the tribe, turning his attention to the twins.

"Sorry Curly, we don't know about the others. We're still on his side technically. It would be too obvious to come and give you information and not go back. I think that would bring him here. He's blackmailing everyone, says he'll kill them if they betray him!"

"As long as we go back, hopefully it'll seem like everything's normal." The other twin finished looking a little worried.

"Thank you both." Curly said.

The thing about Curly was if you were in his presence or he spoke to you, everything you said to him was genuine and truthful. It was because of the person he was. He wasn't a leader so you didn't have to force information out to him. He was just a good listener and a nice guy and that made you want to like him and if so help him and others in any way you could. Everyone knew Curly liked Sarah and so if this could help Sarah it affected Curly.

"We better get back."

"Yeah. It was really great to see you Curly, we're glad your ok."

"Cheers."

"Sarah wouldn't have made it to Ravens town already would she?" One of the twins asked.

"No, it's too far away, I think.I hope." Curly finished sombrely.