She took the vines and leaves and sowed them together. The Lost Boys watched in awe. Then, she took the twigs bending them in a certain shape and sowing it together to hold the shape. Dani Ann grabbed the string and circled it around to create a hair thing. In the end, Dani Ann had her complete outfit; she put it on. She had the leaf/vine dress that was spaghetti-strapped and went down almost to her knees. She put her curly hair into a ponytail with the string. She wore the twig headband. Dani Ann finished her outfit with using the belt around her waist for looks.
"How do I look?" Dani Ann asked.
They were awestruck.
"Wow," Slightly said.
"You look beautiful," Nibs said.
"Dazzling," Cubby said.
"Thank you," Dani Ann said.
Peter Pan flew in. He had his hands behind his back.
"Hello Boys, Dani Ann," Peter Pan said.
He looked at Dani Ann and blushed.
"You look beautiful," Peter Pan said.
"Thank you. Did you bring me a gift too?" Dani Ann asked.
Peter Pan nodded. He opened his hands in front of him. It was the most beautiful flower.
"It's beautiful," Dani Ann said.
"It's a rare flower that only grows in Never Land. It has a magic power to live forever. Even if it is cut from the root, it stays alive and keeps its beauty forever," Peter Pan said.
He handed her the flower. She took it in her hand.
"Thank you, I know what to do with it," Dani Ann said.
She walked to the table and took off her headband. When she turned around, the headband was back on her head only with the flower sowed onto it.
"That looks perfect," Peter Pan said.
"So who won?" Slightly asked.
"Yes who wins the prize?" Tootles asked.
"Well I think Peter wins," Dani said.
"No fair!" they all complained.
"So what do I win?" Peter Pan asked excitedly.
"The best gift a mother can give," Dani Ann said.
She walked over to him and slowly placed a kiss on his cheek. Peter Pan blushed. Then she hugged him.
"Thank you," Dani Ann said.
Peter Pan hugged back.
"You're welcome," Peter Pan said.
The Lost Boys "awed" and giggled.
"So what shall we do now?" Dani Ann asked.
"We can play tag!" Slightly suggested.
"Or treasure hunt!" Nibs said.
"We played that yesterday! Let's play hide-and-seek," Tootles said.
"What should we play mother?" Cubby asked.
"Those all sound wonderful, I think we should play hide-and-seek. I haven't played that in so long," Dani Ann said.
"Who will be it?" Peter Pan asked.
"I will be it!" Nibs said.
"All right, Nibs you be it," Peter Pan said. "Count to a hundred, then come looking for us."
Nibs closed his eyes.
"One. Two. Three," he began.
Everyone ran out of the tree and into the forest as he counted. Peter Pan and Dani Ann flew.
"Have any suggestions?" Dani Ann asked.
"Hide somewhere low, Nibs will expect us to fly somewhere high and hid," Peter Pan said.
"Okay," Dani Ann said.
She looked around on the ground when she lightened up.
"I see a spot. See you later," Dani Ann said.
"Good luck," Peter Pan said.
"Same to you," Dani Ann said.
She landed on the ground. Dani walked a few feet.
"Where shall I…" Dani Ann started.
The ground below her broke and she fell. It was a trap. She landed in a pit. Dani Ann lay on the ground coughing from the dust.
"I think something fell through the trap," a pirate said.
"Pirates!" Dani Ann said.
She quickly buried herself underneath all the leaves and dirt except a hole to see out of. She saw the pirates approach and looks into the hole.
"I don't see anything," one pirate said.
"Me neither. Do you suppose it escaped?" the other pirate said.
"I guess. Captain won't be happy. We have to catch one of those kids. He will surely lead us to Peter Pan," the first pirate said.
"Let's check the other traps," the second pirate said.
Dani Ann watched them leave. Soon, she couldn't hear them anymore. She uncovered herself, but she couldn't get up. A giant beam that held the middle landed on her leg. She tried to push it off, but it caused much pain.
"What am I to do? I can't yell or the pirates might hear me and come back. I can't get this board off myself. I'll just have to wait and hope someone comes and finds me," Dani Ann said.
She sat up almost crying. Meanwhile, Nibs was searching the whole forest for the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, and Dani Ann. He had the twins, Tootles, and Slightly following him. They came to a tree with a bear butt hanging out.
"Found you Cubby," Nibs said.
"Aw. Could you guys help me out?" Cubby asked.
They grabbed a leg and pulled him out. He fell on top of them.
"Who's left?" Cubby asked.
"Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, and Dani Ann," Nibs said.
"Ah, the hardest ones to find," Cubby said.
"Indeed," Slightly said.
"Let's search some more before giving up," Nibs said.
They walked near the hole where Dani Ann was. She was crying from pain. She could hear their voices.
"They have to be around here somewhere," Nibs said.
"They can fly, they could be anywhere," Slightly said.
"We can fin them," Cubby said.
"Even if it takes…" Forest said.
"…All night," Sky said.
Dani Ann dried her tears.
"Nibs! Slightly! Cubby! Tootles! Forest! Sky!" Dani Ann called.
"Do you hear that?" Nibs asked.
"It sounded like mother. Is she taunting us?" Slightly asked.
"No! I fell into the hole!" Dani Ann said.
"The hole?" Cubby asked.
They saw the giant hole in the ground.
"Mother!" they all screamed and ran to the hole.
They looked down to see Dani Ann sitting on the ground with the giant beam crushing her leg.
"Mother, how did you get down there?" Cubby asked.
"I will tell you everything, but I need help getting out," Dani Ann said.
"Fly mother," Nibs said.
"I can't this beam is on my leg and I can't lift it," Dani Ann said.
"We'll come down there and lift…" Slightly said.
"No, if you come down here, you'll get stuck down here and won't be able to get out," Dani Ann said.
"Oh, what should we do?" Nibs asked.
"We'll get father! He'll save mother!" Slightly said.
"Yeah!" they al cheered.
"We'll be back mother," Tootles said.
"We're going to get Peter," the twins said.
"Okay, please hurry," Dani Ann said.
They all ran screaming Peter's name throughout the forest. Suddenly, Peter Pan jumped in front of them scaring them. They screamed.
"Did you guys give up?" Peter Pan asked.
"Oh no, mother is in trouble," Nibs said.
"Trouble? What kind of trouble? Where is she?" Peter Pan asked.
"She fell into a hole and has a beam on top of her," Slightly said.
"Where?" Peter Pan asked.
"Over in the…" Forest said.
"…Opening by the strange trees," Sky said.
"Go back home. I'll get Dani Ann," Peter Pan said flying away.
When he landed on the ground at the top of the hole, he saw Dani Ann holding her one knee crying softly.
"Dani Ann? Are you okay?" Peter Pan asked.
Dani looked up.
"Peter, thank goodness," Dani Ann said.
"You know when I said to hid low, I didn't mean in a hole," Peter Pan smiled.
Dani Ann giggled. Peter Pan flew down into the hole and lifted the beam, so Dani Ann could slide out.
"Does it look bad?" Dani Ann asked not looking at it.
"No too bad. I don't think you can fly though," Peter Pan said.
"What am I going to do?" Dani Ann asked.
Peter Pan picked her bridal style.
"Hang on," Peter Pan said flying into the air.
Dani Ann rested her head on Peter Pan's chest. Peter Pan looked down at her. They reached home and everyone was worried. Tinker Bell was there too, only a little concerned.
"Are you okay mother?" Slightly asked.
"Yes, I'm all right. Thank you," Dani Ann said.
"What happened? How did you get into the hole?" Nibs asked.
"It was a trap," Dani Ann said.
"A trap!" they all gasped.
"The pirates made it. They're trying to catch one of the Lost Boys, so they can capture Peter Pan," Dani Ann said.
"Those dreadful pirates!" Peter Pan said.
"They said they made more all over the island," Dani Ann said.
"We'll have to be careful," Slightly said.
"Exactly," Nibs said.
All the Lost Boys looked scared and worried.
"I think its time for bed, it's getting late after all," Dani Ann said.
"Ahhhh," they all said sadly.
"But I could tell you a bedtime story," Dani Ann said. "That is if you all get in bed ready."
They all ran to their bed and into their covers. Peter and Dani giggled. Even Tinker Bell slept on her bed waiting to hear a story.
"What story should I tell?" Dani Ann asked.
"Tell us a new story," Slightly said.
"Yeah," everyone agreed.
Dani Ann cleared her throat.
"There once was a little boy. He loved adventure and wanted more in life than what he had. He lived on a farm with his mother. His only friend was a cow that he talked to everyday. But this cow wouldn't produce milk, so the family had to sell her. The boy sold the cow for magic beans," Dani began.
The boys were intrigued. Peter Pan sat in his chair listening.
"The mother thought the boy was crazy and threw the beans on the ground. The next day, the boy woke up early and saw that the beans had grown into a giant beanstalk that reached the top of the clouds," Dani said.
The boys gasped.
"The boy climbed the beanstalk to the top and found giants living on the clouds," Dani said.
Time had elapsed and the boys and Tinker Bell grew tired.
"The giant followed the boy down the beanstalk, but the boy was quicker and cut down the beanstalk. The giant fell to the ground and was killed. The boy came home safely with the goose that laid golden eggs and the magical harp. The end," Dani Ann said.
When she looked around, everyone was asleep except Peter Pan.
"That was a great story," Peter Pan said.
"Thank you," Dani Ann said.
"Who told you that story?" Peter Pan asked.
"My mother had this book full of fairy tales that she would read to me every night," Dani Ann said.
"Do you miss her?" Peter Pan asked.
"All the time," Dani Ann said.
"I want to show you something," Peter Pan said.
He grabbed her hand and they flew to the beach. The moon was almost full and it shined on the top of the calm water. The stars shined brightly across the sky.
"It is beautiful," Dani Ann said.
"Care to dance?" Peter Pan asked.
"I don't know how," Dani Ann said.
"That's okay, I don't know how to dance that well either," Peter Pan said.
Dani Ann nodded. Peter Pan stepped on the water's surface and held out his hand. Dani Ann took it as they stood on the water. Peter put Dani's hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand. He put his other hand on her waist. They twirled in a circle. Dani watched their feet as they glided along the water. She finally looked up into his eyes smiling. Her eyes sparkled. Peter Pan smiled. Tinker Bell had followed them. She watched before flying away. She came back with all the fairies.
They flew around Peter and Dani. Dani gasped in amazement. Peter Pan spun Dani and they did various simple tricks. They started dancing higher and higher in the air. When they were high enough Dani allowed her to fall. She felt like time was going by slowly. Peter caught her at the last second. Their dance ended with Peter leaning forward holding Dani Ann back. They gazed into each other's eyes. Peter Pan stood up and took Dani up with him.
"Thank you," Dani said.
Peter Pan nodded. It was silent for a few seconds. Suddenly, a few pirates watched from behind some plants on the shore. They smiled before running away.
"We should probably get back home," Peter Pan said.
"I'll be there in a second. I want to do something first," Dani Ann said.
"Can you find your way back?" Peter Pan asked.
"I'm sure I can," Dani Ann said.
"Don't take too long and don't fall in anymore holes," Peter Pan said flying away.
As soon as he was out of sight, Dani Ann's smile faded to a sigh. She walked along the beach.
"What am I doing? I can't do this, not to Peter," Dani Ann said.
She felt her pocket; she still had the coin in her pocket.
"What am I doing with this, I must return it," Dani Ann said. "But if I do, what if they capture me? I will leave it somewhere that they will find it."
She flew into the air and saw the Jolly Rodger not too far away. She flew beside it. She overheard the captain talking.
"Mr. Smee what do you mean you lost the gold coin?" Captain Hook asked angrily.
"I'm sorry Captain, I don't know what I did with it," Mr. Smee said.
"You better find out fast! That coin is not just any other coin. It can find the lost treasure! A treasure more valuable than gold!" Captain Hook said.
Dani Ann looked at her coin and flew away deciding to keep it.
"I remember! I think I accidentally gave it to the girl when I was on the main land," Mr. Smee said.
"She must still have it. We need that girl," Captain Hook said. "We will search the whole island if we must."
Dani Ann flew as fast as she could home. Her leg started hurting so she crash-landed.
"Oww, well that hurt," she said.
She was next to the tree. She lifted the trunk and fell in. She slid down the slide to the bottom and fell onto the floor. Everyone was still asleep, but Peter Pan who saw her fell on the ground. Dani Ann didn't get up. Peter Pan flew over to her.
"Are you hurt?" Peter Pan asked.
"Only a little. I was flying home when my leg was hurting so I crash-landed into the tree. I'm fine though now," Dani Ann said.
"Why were you in such a hurry?" Peter Pan asked.
"The pirates were talking about a treasure. Something to do with this coin," Dani Ann said showing him the coin.
His eyes grew wide and he was speechless.
"Where did you get that?" Peter Pan asked.
"Mr. Smee gave it to me on the main land by accident. Do you know what its for?" Dani Ann said.
"Only a little. Hook always talked about a treasure greater than gold could be found with this coin. I don't know how or what it is," Peter Pan said.
Dani Ann looked at the writing that circled the edge.
"Doesn't make sense. It says, "Enihs ni eht lluf noom dna wollof eht thgil ot dnif eht erusaert erom elbaulav naht dlog," Dani Ann said.
"Let me see," Peter Pan said taking the coin. "Shine in the full moon and follow the light to find the treasure more valuable than gold."
"How do you know it says that?" Dani Ann asked.
"When you look in the mirror," Peter Pan said.
Dani Ann looked in the mirror.
"Smart," Dani Ann said.
"I have my moments," Peter Pan said.
"I'm guessing tomorrow is a full moon," Dani Ann said.
"So tomorrow night, we'll shine the coin in the moonlight," Peter Pan said.
"And follow the light to find the treasure more valuable than gold," Dani Ann said.
"What do you want to do tomorrow in the meantime?" Peter Pan asked.
"I don't know, whatever you guys are doing I guess," Dani Ann said.
"We're not sure. There's lots to do," Peter Pan said.
"Don't sweat it, we'll figure it out tomorrow," Dani Ann said.
Peter Pan smiled. The scene changed to the next morning. The Lost Boys just woke up stretching. Peter Pan was awake, watching Dani Ann sleep. Peter hushed the Lost Boys.
"Don't wake her up," Peter Pan said.
"We should get her breakfast," Slightly said.
"Yeah," the Lost Boys agreed.
"Okay everyone go out and find mother breakfast," Peter Pan said.
They all scrambled out of the room to find breakfast. Peter Pan sat back down and watched Dani Ann sleep. Dani Ann finally stirred and was surprised to see the Lost Boys hovering over her.
"What's going on?" Dani Ann asked.
"We made you breakfast," Slightly said.
She looked at the tray on her lap. There were eggs on the "plate."
"Do you like it?" Tootles asked.
"Like it? I love it," Dani Ann said.
The Lost Boys cheered. She grabbed the wooden craved fork and took a bite of the eggs. She stopped, and the Lost Boys were worried.
"Does it taste awful?" Nibs asked.
"Its, It's, It's… the best eggs I've ever had," Dani Ann said.
"Really?" Cubby asked.
"Yes. I'm not just saying that. I have eggs almost everyday if I was lucky," Dani Ann said.
"Tell us about…" Sky started.
"…Your life before you came here," Forest ended.
"Well…" Dani Ann said.
They all simultaneously sat to listen.
"Now you have to tell them," Peter Pan said smiling.
He floated up to sit on the table.
"Alright then. Shortly after I was born, my dad left my mom and me. My mom told me that he was always drinking and partying. My mom and I were inseparable, but one day she got sick. They told her she didn't have much time before she died. She never told me that though until she almost died. She spent the next few months with me. I wondered why she never went to work and why I didn't go to school most days," Dani Ann said before talking a long moment to think. "I loved my mom. I remember the day she died like it was yesterday. I was eight. She couldn't get out of bed. I called the doctor and he said her time was nearly up. She told me everything and I finally understood. I was going to lose my mother. We spent the rest of the day reading from the fairytale book. Her favorite story of all time though was Peter Pan. I became very tired and she sang to me. I didn't want to fall asleep, afraid she wouldn't be there when I woke up, but I fell asleep. I stayed there as she held me. I woke up early the next morning and… made her breakfast. It was the last meal she ate. I don't know if it was any good, but she ate most of it. Hours later, she died."
All the Lost Boys were in tears.
"After the funeral I went to the Orphanage. My father was the only other family member I had still alive. I stayed there weeks before they find out my dad had died from overdose a few days before. I went from foster family to foster family, but none wanted to adopt me. The last foster family I was out kicked me out the night before I came here. They never like me at all. After all these years, I never found a place where I belong to call home," Dani Ann said.
Everyone was silently sobbing. Tootles came up to Dani Ann and hugged her.
"You belong here mom. This is your home," Tootles said.
Dani Ann hugged him back shedding a tear.
"Thank you," Dani Ann said.
All the Lost Boys hugged Dani Ann silently sobbing. Even Tinker Bell gently hugged her. Dani Ann looked up at Peter Pan. He had a sad expression. Dani Ann freed a hand and held it up to Peter Pan. He smiled and joined in the hug. They all separated.
"Did your mom give you that necklace?" Nibs asked.
Dani Ann looked down at her necklace and took it in her hand.
"Kind of. I gave it to her for mother's day a couple years before. My teacher helped me pick it up. I saved all my money from the tooth fairy, birthday cards, off the streets, and anywhere I got it. The morning she died, she took it off placing it around my neck. She said she would always be with me," Dani Ann said.
"Your mother sounds…" Sky started.
"…Like a great person," Forest said.
"She was the kindest, most beautiful person I ever knew and will ever meet," Dani Ann said.
"You know I never brought your mother here, but I once did see her," Peter Pan said.
"You did? When?" Dani Ann asked excitedly.
"When she was younger. I stopped by Jane's house to hear the stories. Margaret was sitting there listening intently. She was a beautiful little girl. She was kind, smart, and brave. She reminds me of you," Peter Pan said.
"That may be the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me," Dani Ann said.
She hugged him. Peter Pan hugged back.
"Now that we're all feeling sad, why don't we do something fun? I'll play any game you want. I haven't played games in a long time," Dani Ann said.
"What should we play? Follow the leader?" Slightly asked.
"Indians or Pirates?" Nibs asked.
"Tag?" Cubby asked.
"Scavenger…" Sky started.
"…Hunt?" Forest ended.
"They all sound great. What should we play Peter?" Dani Ann asked.
"Since you haven't seen much of the island, I say we play scavenger hunt," Peter Pan said.
They all cheered.
"How do you play?" Dani Ann asked.
"Well, we get a list of items, that we can carry, and find them all over the island. We bring them back here as proof," Peter Pan said.
"We get into teams," Slightly said.
"I want to be with mother!" Cubby said.
"I want to be with mother!" Nibs said.
"No I want to be with mother!" Slightly said.
All the Lost Boys were arguing.
"Boys!" Dani Ann said.
They stopped and looked at her.
"I will make the teams. The Lost Boys versus mother and father," Dani Ann said.
They all sighed.
"What about Tink?" Cubby asked.
"What team would you like to be on Tinker Bell?" Dani Ann asked.
She jingled.
"Tink says she'll be on our team," Peter Pan said.
"Alright then. The teams are the Lost Boys versus Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, and me," Dani Ann said.
"That doesn't seem fair," Tootles said.
"Would you guys like a head start?" Dani Ann asked.
"How about you guys can't fly… besides Tinker Bell," Slightly said.
"Deal," Dani Ann said.
They cheered.
"Not fly! I don't know if I can do that," Peter Pan said.
"It's easy I'll teach you… or help you," Dani Ann said.
Peter Pan nodded.
