Chapter Fourteen – Flying High
When the fairy dust had been sprinkled on them, Wendy immediately felt a tingling warmth spread through her body. She felt elated, as though she were five years old again.
"Think a lovely thought," Peter instructed them. "Wriggle your shoulders a bit, and then let go!"
Mikey was the first, shooting into the air like a rocket. Wendy yelped in surprise and fear for her baby brother when he came back and landed with a gleeful smile on a nearby tree branch. "I flewed! I flewed!" he cried, hopping up and down with ecstatic delight.
"That's grammatically incorrect," Jon grimaced. "But yes, we noticed."
Violet was next, hopping off the balcony and accepting Peter's hand in assistance, enabling her to fly over and sit beside Mikey. "High-five!" she grinned, the two of them slapping their palms together.
Wendy could feel her feet lifting off the ground at the sight of her brother smiling. Looking down she gasped as she noticed she was at least two inches off the ground. "Oh!" she gasped, a smile stretching on her lips. The moment she noticed the edge of the balcony, however, she paled. She felt her courage waver until a warm, calloused hand grip hers. Her eyes locked with Peter's, seeing a grin on his face. "You can do it, Wendy," he nodded, wrapping his other arm around her waist. Guiding her from behind, he helped her to drift to the others in the tree, much to Tinker Bell's annoyance. Slowly, he let his grip on her slide, until she didn't realize he'd let go of her. She was so enthralled in the act of floating in midair that she gave a giddy little twirl, her braid whipping around and resting upon her shoulder once more. She giggled, then gasped, realizing what she'd done and how far she'd made it. Looking back, she saw Peter a few feet away, his eyes shining with happiness. Blushing, she grabbed Violet's hand and sat beside her friend.
Jon and Nana remained. Jon had to grip the leash in order for him not to float away. "C'mon, girl!" he urged the Newfoundland, tugging the leash. She refused to respond, whining in uncertainty.
Tinker Bell chimed something with a look of frustration at Peter. Smirking, the boy looked back and said, "Oh, yeah? Watch this!" Giving a sharp whistle, he grinned at the dog and said in the most friendly voice, "Here, Nana! C'mon, girl! You're a pretty girl, yes you are! C'mon, you can do it!"
Jon rolled his eyes at Peter. "Honestly, you think that's going to wo-oooooooooork?!" The final word drew out as he was unexpectedly yanked through the air with the large canine. Panting, she bounded over the balcony's edge and leapt at Peter, colliding with him. Her tail wagged wildly as he laughed, seeing how she remained afloat with him.
"Funny," Tink noted in the fairy language. "Not too long ago, you would've spat at a dog. You used to hate them. Especially this one's ancestor."
"Hush up, Tink," Peter laughed as Nana coated his face in her slobber. "Ok, girl, ok! Good Nana." Patting her head, he released her, satisfied seeing her dog-paddle in the air with Jon floating nearby with the leash, looking like a human balloon. "Ready everyone?" the Eternal Youth asked, checking the group. When they nodded their consent, he led them saying, "All right – come away!"
Together, they flew through the night sky, a strange flock of birds on their way to a strange place. Tinker Bell led them all, leaving a trail of sparkling dust as she went along, with Peter close behind her.
"This is so cool!" Violet squealed, doing a loop-de-loop, causing the others to laugh.
"I wish I could fly all the time!" Mikey exclaimed. "Peter, how long does the dust last?"
"All night," Peter smiled, ruffling the boy's hair as they flew over the docks. "If you lived in Neverland, all you'd need is one time for the dust and you're good to go. But here, it wears off when the sun comes up. Then you'd need another helping. The real world weighs you down."
"How come it doesn't weigh you down?" Wendy asked, blinking her enchanting blue eyes at him.
"I've lived with fairies since I was born," he shrugged. "It's almost like I'm half-Fae and half-human, if you want to think of it that way."
"Hybrid?" Jon muttered, stroking his chin in contemplation.
Peter laughed at his musing, clutching his stomach and spinning about. "Sure, why not?"
"Um, shouldn't we be concerned that we're flying over a pirate ship with that Hook guy on it?" Violet asked, pointing to the vessel below, the captain in sight. As if to voice her agreement, Nana bared her teeth and growled at the ship.
"Hush, girl," Jon whispered, praying to God she wouldn't head off to the ship, dragging him along for the ride.
"Nah, he won't bug us for now," Peter waved it off. Wendy couldn't help but notice that he'd said "for now." Looking down at Hook, Peter grinned and gave a salute before motioning the others to follow. Darting through the air, they flew over the island's entrance, past the neon sign, over the rides and booths, beyond the Indian Village and Broken Road…
"Where are we going? Wendy asked, seeing nothing but jungle area beneath them. Up ahead was the artificial volcano.
"My home," Peter responded, beaming as he took them down into the greenery. Weaving through the treetops, the children struggled to stay close. Nana almost bolted at one point because she saw a squirrel.
"How much farther?" Jon asked, panting as he dragged Nana along.
"We're here," he replied, pausing before a humongous sycamore. Placing his pinky fingers into the corners of his mouth, he gave a sharp, shrill whistle. Seconds later, the Lost Boys came tumbling and swinging out.
They gave a great cry when they saw him, tackling his frame and piling onto him. Laughing and cheering, they lined up mid-air before him and saluted.
"Welcome back, Pan," Ruff grinned, his eyes lighting up upon seeing Violet amongst the others. "Looks like you brought company."
"Boys, Wendy and the others are visiting tonight," Peter informed them. "Remember, first impressions are awfully important, so behave!"
"Aye, aye!" they chimed.
"Oh, where's Gip, Ruff?" Peter asked, noting how the infant wasn't among the ranks.
"Blue Falls is watching him," his second-in command answered, motioning towards the tree.
"You live in there?!" Mikey gasped, his eyes wide with amazement.
"Yup," Peter chuckled. "Wanna have a looksy?"
"Yes!" the brothers smiled. They had always wanted a treehouse, but their father never had the time, especially now that he was wrapped up with work.
"Follow me, then," Peter said, shooting up to the far-reaching branches. The Lost Boys and Darlings trailed behind closely, watching as he stepped onto a branch and squeezed his way in through a nook. "Just find an opening you fit in and you're in," he said before vanishing.
The Lost Boys immediately split, going to their usual spots. Mikey followed Mouse and easily fit in through the same hole. Nana sniffed for a moment, found a nook to her liking, dug a little bit, then squeezed inside. Jon, Wendy, and Violet took a bit more time, struggling with different openings. Peter popped out once more and worked with Ruff to find them all their own entrances.
"What happens once we're inside?" Wendy asked, nudging her way in after Peter into his usual cranny. It was rather dark, and she was anxious about what to expect.
Feeling his arms encircle her, she held her breath as darkness surrounded them. "Just hold on," he whispered in her ear, causing her to shiver even closer into his hold. Squeezing her eyes shut, she felt the ground give way underneath them and held her breath. Seconds later she was laughing hysterically as she and Peter shot through an indoor slide, taking twists, turns, and loops suddenly. As they shot out through an opening into a warmly lit area, she collapsed onto Peter's chest, giggling as though she were five again. "That was fun," she said at last, looking down to see Peter's face. He, too, was breathless, his eyes gleaming in the torch and candlelight at her, a blissful smile on his lips.
"Yes, it was," he agreed, loving her flushed cheeks and glistening eyes, her lips parted just so as she caught her breath.
"Ahem."
Looking up, Wendy felt her face burn as she realized how everyone was staring at them, especially Tinker Bell. Now human-sized, she crossed her arms over her chest and gave an un-amused "hmph."
"Lay off, Tink," Peter rolled his eyes at his fairy. He pouted when Wendy got off of him, biting her lip in embarrassment.
"Sorry, Peter," said the fairy man from the carousal, stepping forward with the baby in his hands. "He's been whining for the past fifteen minutes."
"I'll take the little possum," Peter sighed, though his face betrayed him as he smiled when he took Gip. "Thanks, Blue Falls."
The fairy nodded, glancing over at Tinker Bell, who blushed and quickly looked away. "I'll be off. It's my shift again at the carousal." Walking off, Tinker Bell watched him go. Making a face of frustration, she trailed after him.
"…what's with her?" asked Violet, raising an eyebrow.
"She won't admit she likes him," Ruff chuckled.
"At the same time, she's frustrated he won't make a move on her," one of the Lost Boys, Len, informed them.
"Poor Tinker Bell," Wendy murmured.
"This is so cool!" Mikey cried, running from corner to corner in the tree. "I wanna live here!" Nana went after him like his shadow, taking the opportunity to sniff everything about the place.
The den was a large but cozy nook. Animal skin throws and blankets lay on the floor and cots they'd set up. Barrels sawed in half served as seats and a stem for a table. The table surface itself was a cabin door from a shipwreck. Ivy and vines twirled and dangled around the room and ceiling, flowers blooming upon them. An opaque hole in the center of the ceiling allowed for smoke from their fire to exit. The holes from which the children slid out of from the nooks outside of the tree were scattered around the room. Miscellaneous articles like pirates' hats, swords and bows, broken arrows and feathers, shells and half-eaten items cluttered the floors and corners. Off to one side trickled a steady stream of drinking water, the excess escaping through crack in the floor. Torches lined the walls with tomahawks and daggers. Candles dripped and extinguished on the table.
"…total man-cave," Violet said at last, taking it all in.
"I guess it could use a…woman's touch," Peter shrugged sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck as he cradled Gip.
Wendy smiled at this, kneeling down next to him. She watched as Gip blinked at Peter, cooing contentedly as Peter cautiously held him.
"Boys, why don't you take Mikey and Jon for a spin around the island?" Peter suggested.
"Sounds good to us!" the Twins chimed, grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey, uh, Violet…want a special tour of the forest?" Ruff asked, nonchalantly fixing his collar as he avoided making eye contact.
"Sure," she shrugged, though inside she was ready to burst.
"What about the Wendy lady?" Skipper asked, his eyes on his leader.
"Oh, um, I don't mind staying," she said with a polite smile. "I'd like to help with Gip."
"Wow, she really is a mother," Lump nodded.
"Huddle!" Partly called them.
The boys gathered into a group, looking like a football team discussing their game plan. Jon and Mikey exchanged confused glances while Ruff smacked his forehead. "Aw, man. Don't tell me…"
"Please be our mother!" the boys cried in unison, falling to their knees before their leader and Wendy.
She gawked at them, stunned. Violet bit back a laugh. It was just too ridiculous and cute!
"I…I…don't know what to say," Wendy stammered, looking to Peter for answers.
She was stunned to see Peter Pan's cheeks actually go pink for a moment before he cheerily explained, "Oh, well…see, the Lost Boys want a mother…it's sort of a tradition, they want a mother to-"
"Tuck them in at night, make pockets, and tell stories," Wendy finished for him, startling him.
"And make meals," Violet muttered, noting the half-eaten fruit and coconut shells that littered the place, causing Ruff to cover up his laugh with a cough.
"Peter says you make yummy mac 'n cheese!" Partly said.
"Yeah! And that you're really nice," the Twins nodded.
"And pretty!" Lump grinned from ear to ear.
"Ho-KAY! I think it's time to take Jon and Mikey out!" Peter laughed a bit too loudly, his grin looking more like a grimace, his neck red. Mikey giggled at this while Jon raised an eyebrow at Pan. Even Nana rolled her eyes at him.
"Busted," smirked Violet.
Wendy watched him with huge eyes, a feeling of pride and happiness filling her. She couldn't believe he'd said such things about her in front of the boys, and the fact that he was acting so awkwardly was making it obvious that he truly liked her. She'd never seen this side of him – he was always so cool and mysterious…right now, he seemed like a normal teenaged boy. "…well, I'm only just a girl, still a child, really," she said, gently protesting the boys' request.
"But Peter tells us you tell the best stories," Skipper quipped back, doing nothing to help Peter's growing blush. "And if you can tell stories, then you're perfect."
Seeing the hope and innocence in their eyes, Wendy felt the same motherly instinct within her that she got whenever her own brothers were upset, sick, or in trouble. "…well…I suppose I could give it a shot," she surrendered. A cheer filled the room, the boys jumping up and down with delight.
"A mommy! Mommy!" Mouse shouted, his face lighting up. Wendy smiled at them, her heart soaring.
"Does this mean we can go now?" asked Mikey, looking up to his big brother.
Ruff laughed, going over and grabbing the boy, tossing him over his shoulder. "Hey!" Mikey laughed, kicking as he struggled to be free of the boy's grasp.
"C'mon, guys! They don't have all night," Ruff urged them.
"Actually…we could technically sleepover, couldn't we?" Violet asked, looking back to Wendy. "Your dad's out for the weekend, and my aunt doesn't expect me back 'til late in the afternoon."
"Well, we are already here…" Looking to Peter, Wendy started, "Peter, could we-?"
"You're welcome to stay as long as you like, Wendy lady," he grinned, bowing his head to her before bouncing Gip on his knee (much to the baby's approval).
"YAY!" the boys cried.
"Last one to the fairy's haven is Hook's cabin boy!" Len shouted, running for one of the openings in the wall. After a great scramble, the boys had vanished, leaving Peter, Gip, Wendy, Violet, and Ruff alone.
"I'd better at least stay close and watch them," Ruff sighed, making his way out.
"Then I'll keep you company," Violet said, keeping up with him.
The two slid out of the room, and once more, all was silent. Gip gurgled happily, then looked to Wendy, stretching his tiny fingers to her.
"Wanna hold him?" Peter asked, noting what the baby wanted.
"Thank you," she said with a smile, taking the infant in her arms and holding him to her chest. She nuzzled his warm little forehead with her nose, kissing his chubby cheek. He squealed with glee, clapping his hands at this.
"Thanks for coming, Wendy," Peter said, breaking the silence between them. "And for agreeing with the boys. I know they put you on the spot-"
"Oh, I don't mind," she cut in, cradling Gip as she glanced over to him. "They all seem very sweet."
"They're good boys," Peter nodded. Biting his tongue in anticipation, he heaved a sigh and said, "I know you have a lot of questions about all this…and there's a lot to tell. So, what do you want to know first?"
She was taken off guard by this, having completely forgotten about all the problems of the real world and the oddities that came with Peter and Neverland. What to ask about first? Shade? Peter and the others coming to Neverland? How did Peter get to be a teenager? Why could the fairies become human-sized? Where did these lost boys come from? Why and how did Hook tag along if they were mortal enemies?
All these came to mind, all muddled and blurred. But above all this, there was something more that nagged at her, something that made her wonder each time she went to bed. The familiarity of all this, the vague uncertainty that she'd seen and met him before…
Raising her eyes to him, she could see that he was just as anxious as she was about this. Taking a deep breath, she clutched the baby to her chest, as if for support, and opened her mouth.
"Peter…have we ever met before?"