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Chapter 5
"Fear of a Color"

She'd lost track of time. After their talk, things had just proceeded to speed up between them, much to Tinkerbelle's approval, but she wasn't with them at the moment. It was after the Lost Boys bedtime, and someone had to watch them, because they surely weren't able to do so at the moment.

Melody jumped into the water, and Peter was about to follow her when a loud whooping called to him. Not expecting it, he turned with a small look of surprise on his face. Melody was underwater, and hadn't heard it.

"Little Flying Eagle, it is pleasant to see you!" One of the older men from the camp said, clearly coming back from a hunt. Some of them had the large prey Neverland held over their shoulders. "Come, we have a feast tonight, to celebrate the Day Of Silver. You will come, yes?"

Peter hesitated, about to mention he needed to get Melody when a haunting yet extravagant song echoed to him, from towards Dead Man's Cave, where Melody enjoyed being, for some reason. Something about when you sang in it, it echoed, like it was doing now, that made her love the place so much.

He shot a look to the Indians, who looked terrified but curious at the same time.

"Uh-," Peter began, about to explain, when the Indians dropped their prey in a safe spot and began creeping towards the cave, in perfect synchronization. "Guys, wait-!"

"Ssh!" They insisted, warningly.

"But-!"

"SSH!"

Peter rolled his eyes, unable to dart ahead, for the Indians would consider it treason (or something) in their minds and never trust him again for that. He knew they wouldn't hurt Melody because she was a girl, but if he got the feeling they would . . . Peter's thoughts swirled around the possibility and his hand twitched to his knife, pulling out and giving the Indians suspicious looks.

Soon enough they'd entered the cave, the moonlight filtering into the room. Peter looked around for Melody and saw her, first. The singing had paused momentarily as her head flipped from the water, her hair arching over her head, water spraying around her, before falling back into its normal position on her back. It was down for once, and he admitted (to himself, never her) that he liked it better like that.

The disruption caught the attention of the Indians while Peter flew towards her, waiting on a nearby rock but out of view to her. Melody started singing that odd little tune, stepping out of the water, and all of the men and Peter's jaws dropped.

The moonlight hit her still wet form perfectly, giving her the appearance of being silver and ethereal, and though Melody's figure was normally hidden under her clothes, the water clung to it, showing off every curve she owned. Melody's eyes finally opened, having been stroking her hair and singing with her eyes closed. She froze, ceasing to sing, and staring back at the people staring at her.

Peter snapped out of it first, thankful she'd only noticed the Indians staring and not his. He zipped to her side, "This is-."

They fell to their knees, bowing. Confused, the children looked at each other, not sure what was happening.

"Silver Siren, do not harm us!" They begged.

Melody glared down at them, not understanding. "What?"

"We know you by your coloring, silver, like the waves when they are kissed my moonlight." Another said. "We celebrate you today, that is why you have come to reveal yourself, yes?"

Melody, understanding, shook her head quickly. "No, you've mistaken me for the wrong person. I'm Melody, not . . . the Silver Siren or whoever you just said."

Peter watched the leader of the hunting party stand, "Then she has blessed your unknowing person with her beauty." Peter saw Melody's still illuminated face start to blush, with embarrassment, at the compliment. "You, as her link to Neverland, must come to her celebration out of respect for her."

Peter nodded, taking her hand with a smile. "It'll be fun, I promise. We'll go." He told the Indians, who were raising their brows at the hand contact.

Melody bit her lip, unsure, but eventually said. "Uh, why not, I guess."

And they were soon very quickly ushered into the camp, after grabbing their killed prey. Melody felt her stomach churning in fear at what they thought she was, though, truth be told, she wasn't sure what the Silver Siren was.

When she reached the camp though, the Indian men exchanged a few words with the women before handing Melody over to them, despite her protests. Peter gave her a reassuring look, but she still looked terrified as the women took her away. Peter was given his headdress of feathers as usual, and seated next to the chief and his daughter, who was older now. For some reason, people born on the island grew older, but those like himself and Melody and the Lost Boys never showed even the slightest bit of aging.

Unlike most of the Indians, Tiger Lily spoke perfect English. "So father tells me you have a friend?" She was in her twenties now, no longer a young girl. The Indians aged slower then other humans, but still, they aged.

Peter couldn't help blush a little. "Her name is Melody."

"From what I've been told, they've given her a different name."

"What name?"

"Its-!"

"Tiger Lily!" A woman snapped, irritated. "Come!"

She rolled her eyes, which Peter laughed at before following the same way Melody had been taken. People were dancing around the fire when the chief stood.

"How?" He called out, and immediately all were silent, looking in the direction he was. Peter remained seated, but attempted to peer over the heads of the others. He heard gasps and the crowds parted as a figure approached.

The women were shouting their cries, dancing as they came in a procession and girls of all ages were performing tricks, others with instruments and it only grew louder as they came closer. People parted for them, and once a girl approached Peter and the Chief, they either cut to the left or the right. Peter was starting to become impatient when he finally saw the end of procession, Tiger Lily and two other girls stopping to bow to Peter and her dad.

"People of the tribe!" The women blocked any hope of seeing what they were hiding, there arms raised, cloth falling from their sleeves and proving as a curtain. Peter resisted the urge to squirm. "I present to you the Silver Siren's apprentice, Mini Moon!"

Peter was amused by this name, but when their arms dropped, nothing but shock prevailed to show on his face. Melody had been covered in sparkling glitter, her face, arms, and legs (and any other part of her skin visible) had been painted a shimmering blue color, trying to create the image of her glowing. It worked well and her hair had been left down, but combed carefully, a silver band going around her head to serve as a crown of some sort. Her clothes had been changed to a gray-blue dress, which clung to her form and had a large slit up the sides, reaching her upper thighs. The dress barely reached her knees and she still wore no shoes. Around her waist a dark blue scarf had been tied, for whatever reason. Peter stood, gawking at her, staring.

Melody was clearly blushing.

"Mini Moon," the chief started. "You named after water your master shine on. Do you approve name?"

Melody nodded, and Peter knew that Tiger Lily had told her what to say. "I accept it as worthy of a name." She spoke timidly, but loud enough for everyone to hear. "The Silver Siren approves."

"Rejoice!" Many cheered before stopping, in unison, as soon as the chief felt that was enough. "Will you honor us with voice of Silver Siren, Mini Moon?"

Melody seemed nervous, but nodded. "If you wish."

"Sing, oh heavenly child who holds beauty and voice of Silver Siren!"

Melody closed her eyes and parted her lips, that same tune floating through the air. Peter gave nasty expressions to some of the teenage boys who were practically drooling at the mouth as she sang. But Melody opened her eyes and immediately his face was one of encouragement and helpfulness. Melody got a glimmer of mischief in his eyes, and he had a feeling he was going to enjoy this and hate it at the same time.

She stopped singing, and the cheers stopped. Tiger Lily was the only one suppressing a giggle, and he knew she knew what was about to happen and had a feeling they'd planned it together.

"Why you no sing, Mini Moon? Something trouble you?" The chief questioned.

Her eyes focused on Peter and his brow rose, questioningly, but she continued to speak with certainty. "I will only continue to sing with a dance partner."

"Of no trouble at all! Any of my tribe would-."

Peter once again did not like the looks some of the excited boys were giving her. He froze at her next words.

"I wish to dance with a certain boy." She said, eyes now focused on the chief with a commanding smirk. Peter had to admire the forceful and calm way she spoke, like she really was the apprentice of the Silver Siren. But for all they knew, she could be.

"Any you wish, Mini Moon."

Melody's eyes went back to Peter, who could do nothing but stare. Eventually her tiny smile curved into a smirk. But Peter could hardly focus as Tiger Lily lifted her arms, as did the other girls, and they disappeared in a puff of smoke. Some people gasped in amazement before they reappeared and were in the performer area. It was an area of flat stone, which did not hurt your feat. It was created of the smoothest rocks because performers with intent to entertain deserved nothing but the best.

Tiger Lily was behind Peter though, and he jumped as she touched his shoulder. She seemed amused and impatient at the same time, her arms crossed. "Can't you take a hint? She wants to dance with you! Up! Up!"

Peter was forced up by her, and ushered along toward the stage, people howling with approval, since he had been the one to find her. Tiger Lily gave a last shove to him, and he stumbled, falling to his hands and knees. He shot her an irritated look over his shoulder, but she simply giggled at him, pointing in front of him. He ignored her, turning to look at his hand until he saw what she'd been pointing at.

Melody squatted, on one knee, hiding her laughter in her palm. Everyone around them, including the Indians, were also joining in on the joy at laughing at clumsy Little Flying Eagle. But most were shouting teasing whoops, because it was clear by the way he stared that something else besides fear or desire was hidden there. There was genuine attraction, and it was in her face too.

"Are you planning on getting up any time soon?" Melody asked, giggling again. Peter continued to stare. Rolling her eyes, Melody held her hand out and he stood, without much help from her.

Drums, and other various instruments started, and the fire flamed as someone threw more timber in it. The thought here was the bigger the fire the better the celebration, and the flare caught some of the sparkles on Melody's body. People stopped paying attention to Melody and they themselves began dancing with a partner, whether it be a friend or love, or husband or wife or sibling.

Melody and Peter stood still until Peter whooped loudly, grinning and grabbing her hand and spinning her. Soon enough the two were dancing rather quickly together, and Peter couldn't help but be impressed at how graceful she was.

"You seem surprised," She called to him, over the deafening noises the Indians were making. "Didn't think I knew how to dance?"

"Pretty much," he admitted. "Where'd you learn?"

She was pulled into him, the adrenaline in her face. "I'm a princess. Its in the job description to learn how to dance."

The two continued to dance until they grew tired and Melody paused, panting happily. Peter was very much in the same predicament and few people noticed. The two approached them, warily.

"You require rest?" One asked.

Peter and Melody nodded, standing up straight. "What did you have in mind?"

Melody sat on a throne, next to Peter, who was next to a happily clapping chief.

"Having fun?" Peter asked her.

She nodded. "Even watching, its amazing. They all move in time with another, like its choreographed. Its beautiful."

Peter nodded, but as Melody stared at the crowd, he stared at her. "Yeah . . . beautiful."

Melody turned her head to meet his eyes. They continued to watch each other before the chief declared silence, which was, Melody had come to notice, immediate.

"Rise, please, Little Flying Eagle."

Peter did.

"Rise, please, Mini Moon."

Melody did.

The chief moved to stand behind them, taking the hand on Peter's right and Melody's left and raising them. "I declare them joined!" And with that he connected their hands.

Melody and Peter were shocked, not sure what had just happened.

"Joined?" She whispered to Peter, who shrugged in his own confusion.

Meanwhile, Tiger Lily looked on in amusement. "I suggest I walk them home. Mini Moon and Little Flying Eagle seem worn, and seems to need to bathe in her waters." She shot them a look. "Am I correct?"

Melody nodded, "Yes, of course. Thank you for the celebration, my Master is very pleased with you." She curtsied, as did Peter, before Tiger Lily escorted them out of the camp grounds."

They remained silent until they were sure they were out of the earshot.

"Alright, what's bonded?" Melody demanded, as they sat by the calm water, in Dead Man's Cave.

Tiger Lily appraised her, "With that sparkly stuff you're really pale right now."

Melody looked down to see herself shining, glowing, and sparkling. She frowned, starting to wash the paint and glitter off of her normally just plain self. Unfortunately, she was reminded of something. "I left my normal clothes."

Tiger Lily shrugged, "You look better in those ones, and your old ones are probably being kept as 'sacred'."

"So I'm stuck in these?" Tiger Lily nodded and Melody sighed. "Great."

"Now whats bonded?" Peter said, bringing them back to the original subject.

Tiger Lily giggled. "It means that in the tribes eyes, you, little Mini Moon, have claimed Little Flying Eagle as yours."

Both of their eyes widened. Peter gaped. "You mean . . . were like . . . I'm her . . ."

Melody swallowed, "So, in the tribes eyes, he's basically untouchable because he's my property?"

"Property is a very good word to use," The chief's daughter said, sitting comfortably on a rock. "They believe you're a link to the Silver Siren because of your voice and how pretty you are, so therefor, you're almost like a goddess. Therefor, even the flying Peter Pan couldn't be considered as great as you are."

Melody started laughing at this, and he frowned. "So, in other words, she's out of my league?"

"Pretty much. That means, since you are together, its more of an ownership kind of thing then an actual relationship."

"Well doesn't that just suck for you," Melody said, nudging him. Her arms now rid of the makeup, she pushed herself closer to the water, starting to get the crud off of her legs. She snorted in disbelief. "I'm a princess, not some god's apprentice." Then she paused, looking up at Tiger Lily in confusion. "Who is the Silver Siren, anyways?"

Tiger Lily shrugged. "Some girl who was a mermaid and now a human. I forgot her-."

"Ariel?"

"Yeah! How'd you know her name?"

Peter laughed, "Looks like you are the Siren's apprentice, Mel!"

Tiger Lily's eyes widened, "Really?"

"Why is she called the Silver Siren?" Melody pressed, ignoring her question.

"Its said that as she walked out of the water on her legs, her dress was blue," she jerked her chin to Melody's blue ensemble. "But her skin shone bright, like silver, and the dress sparkled like it. And her voice saved a man, luring him to her, like a siren. They celebrate the day she came to shore every year." She paused. "What do you mean, Peter?"

"Ariel is Melody's mom."

"Oh."

Tiger Lily didn't seem surprised, just nodded. "Well, at least they got it right."

When Melody was washed, Tiger Lily bade them farewell and heading back to her camp, no different then usual. She and Peter had been friends her whole life. She'd gotten used to anything out of the ordinary, and unlike most girls he hung around with, she'd come to accept the fact she was growing and her and Peter would never be together, and so she felt no jealousy whatsoever to those he had affections for.

Melody snorted in disbelief. "So, I guess we can check meeting the Indians off of your list of things you still wanted me to do."

Peter laughed. "Guess so."

After a while they went home, taking a well deserved sleep. Melody, when the others had woken up the next day, was forced to explain the events of last night.

She'd forgotten about the dress.

Haha, Mini Moon. It was the only thing that I liked, and that had a certain ring to it.

I must admit, while thinking of the dancing scene, I was inspired by two things. The video for Paralyzer by Finger Eleven and the very popular (in my mind) mashup of Crushcrushcrush by Paramore and Faint by Linkin Park. I love the dancing done in Paralyzer and the mashup. If you wanna check em out, go ahead, although few people have the mashup up.

Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter! Next is last, sorry, another more important story is bothering me, and I have no more inspiration for this tale! :-(

LATER!