Peter's POV
I pace back and forth silently in my hiding place within the trunk of Hangman's Tree. Its the only place on the entire island where I can go to think without being bothered. Little Catey's words continue to repeat over and over again inside my head.
"The answers you seek can only be found in the past. Only you can unlock the memories that lie within."
The memory of her soft voice whispering those cursed words into my ear and the smirk she had thrown my way afterwards causes my blood to boil.
I try to reign in my temper, knowing that, even though the thought is extremely tempting, killing the girl is not an option. I need her powers and after her little attempt at using them tonight, I realize that I have my work cut out for me. Thankfully she won't need training with a weapon. Gives her more time to grow and develop her magical abilities.
I sigh. That still doesn't answer the question as to why she already knows so much about my island.
And I hate not knowing things.
When I return to camp, I can see that the boys have already begun the celebration of our little Catey's recapture. I smirk. They always know how to brighten my mood even if they don't know I'm it. A huge bonfire has been lit and boisterous laughter can be heard throughout camp. Drums can be heard and boys can be seen dancing around the flames.
As I near them, some of the boys jump up and plead with me to play my pipe along with their music. Because my mood has considerably brightened, I comply. I situate myself on a log on the far side of the fire and begin to play. Whoops and hollers of glee can be heard from each individual boy. I smile as I watch them dance but notice that someone is missing. I look around for a minute and spot Curly on the other side of the flames.
And he's sitting next to her.
I could have sworn I told him to deal with her and my anger begins to rise again. He was supposed to put her in the cage, not invite her to dinner!
I begin to study the siblings and after a moment, my anger subsides. I can see the look that Curly gets when he's feeling protective of one of his brothers here as he gazes at the girl. She looks worried, almost tense, and he keeps saying things to her, as if trying to make her smile. I can't hear exactly what he says from where I am, but eventually something he says works because her mouth slightly curves upward.
My attention is then drawn to their hands. Her knuckles are nearly white as she grasps Curly's hand. It looks as though she's afraid to let go of him, almost as if she does, he might disappear.
This causes me to become curious. If she had missed her brother that much, how come she never tried to follow him here? She had the ability to but never did. Her words from earlier echo once again through my subconscious.
"The answers you seek can only be found in the past. Only you can unlock the memories that lie within."
Just as I think this, her gaze lifts and locks with mine. The act surprises me enough to cause me to miss a note while I'm playing. I quickly turn my attention elsewhere, but can still feel her eyes on me.
At around midnight, I stop playing and tell the boys its time for bed. After much protesting, they finally begin to trudge sleepily towards their individual tents. I'm about to enter my own tent as well when a voice clears itself behind me.
"Whatever it is, the answer is no," I say tiredly, turning around to face whoever it is.
It's then I see Curly with his sister standing closely behind him. I sigh. "Well out with it then," I say.
"I was wondering, Pan, if you'd be alright with Catey staying in my tent with me?" he questions, making eye contact with me.
"Fine. So long as you don't let her out of your sight," I answer.
"Thanks, sir. I will take full responsibility for any of her actions," he assures.
"I'll hold you to that," I reply, smirking.
"Night, Pan."
"Good night, Curly," I say, ducking into my tent.
Its not long after my head hits the pillow that I am dragged into the black abyss of sleep, and all the worries of the day begin to fade away.
Before I completely lose consciousness, however, I think to myself, Tomorrow, I'm gonna have some fun teaching our little Catey a few lessons.
I rise with the sun as I always do. Normally, I'd wake up the boys as well, but after all the fun we had last night, I decide to let them sleep in. I decide to take a walk through the rare quite of the forest.
As I walk, I can hear a lark singing in a nearby tree and the sound calms me. I use this as a time to think and process the events of the previous day. After a little while, I realize that someone else had the same idea.
I can feel her aura before I see her. She, like all the other boys, gives off a distinct pulse of magic that is unique to each person. I've learned through the years that each person has a certain amount of magic in them and each person's individual aura is so unique that it almost acts as a fingerprint if you are like me and can sense auras. Most people who can only use them to find certain people. The amount of magic within an individual tends to vary from person to person. Some only have enough to cause a fire to stay burning a little longer than its supposed to and never realize that they have magic inside them. Others have powers that are more prevalent. Like hers.
I stand there for a while, just leaning against a tree, watching her to see what she'll do. She could run if she wanted to. It would have been the perfect opportunity to do so. And yet, all she does is sit there, listening to the forest surrounding her.
"I know you're there, Pan," she states, not moving an inch.
She could probably sense my aura, but still, her skill at identifying that the person was me leaves me somewhat impressed.
I leave my spot next to the tree and stride towards her. "You'd be correct, love," I say, sitting down next to her. I see her body stiffen from where she sits and I chuckle. "You don't have to fear me, love. I have no intention of harming you," I assure.
"At least not yet," she mumbles.
I pretend not to hear her and continue. "So, what's a little girl like you doing out here all alone?" I ask.
"What's it to you?" she counters.
"Oh, nothing. Just trying to make conversation," I reply.
The silence afterwards stretches on for a while before I speak again. "I can teach you to use them, you know? How to strengthen them and use them properly," I say.
"Strengthen what?" she asks.
"Your powers. You could do great things with them if only you learned how to use them," I answer.
"What makes you think I'd want to learn? Especially of you're the one teaching me?" she questions, turning to look at me.
"Because," I say, looking into her piercing blue eyes, "its your only option if you ever want to leave."
"What's the catch?"
I grin. I like this girl. She catches on quick. "You, love, just have to perform one simple task for me once I deem you strong enough to do so," I explain.
She turns away and thinks on my offer for a few minutes. I know my offer is too good for her to pass up, so I wait for her answer patiently.
When she turns back to face me again, she has her hand outstretched towards mine. "Deal," she says and we shake on it.
"Perfect!" I say standing up. "Our first lesson will be held here sometime after breakfast." I turn to walk away when her voice stops me.
"I do have one condition though," she says.
"Oh? And what's that, love?"
"Don't call me 'love.' That's not my name."
"Then what would you like me to call you?" I ask.
"Catherine."
"Not Catey then?"
"Nope. At least not for you, Pan. Catherine will do just fine."
I smirk at her. "Darn. I had really hoped to be able to call you Catey," I say.
I catch the small smile that plays across her lips and I gesture for her to precede me into the forest. She complies and we return to camp in silence.