Hey, guys! Sorry it's been over two weeks since I last updated! Please don't kill me! But here is my olive branch: the next chapter ;D I would also like to thank everyone who left a review, followed, faved or read my story! You guys are awesome and all of your amazing review make me feel so loved! MWAH! Please tell me what you think of this chapter also. I'll try to update a lot sooner next time!

-X-X-X-

Chapter Four

Peter

I was pissed-extremely pissed. I wasn't sure if the feelings were directed at either Wendy or myself. Maybe a bit of both. Wendy was once again in my arms and I was flying across the island. The sun had set and a splattering of stars hung above us, looking as if someone had flung a handful of glitter into the sky. The air was chilly as it whipped around us.

Looking up at me timidly, Wendy gave a small smile. I glared at her. I wished that she was back at the hideout, safely curled up in my bed. She needed her rest; she was sick, for crying out loud. This was a fact that was seemingly unbeknownst to Wendy.

When I had told her that I was going without her, she had thrown a fit, telling me that she must go as this whole mess was because of her illness. She hadn't taken no for an answer and had grown more heated with each passing minute. Finally, I had sighed in defeat and allowed her to come, only because she had looked so worked up I feared she was about to accidently hurt herself. Also, she had sworn to drag herself to the Indians' camp if she had too. She was almost stubborn enough to do it.

So here I was, flying about the trees and fighting the desire to knock some well-needed sense into the girl in my arms.

As we drew closer to the camp, an orange glow came into view and a powerful, palpitating drum beat filled the air; its rhythm could be felt vibrating through my chest. The sound was like the island's own heartbeat.

Ba-boom…Ba-boom…Ba-boom.

A nervous feeling coiled itself in my stomach as I saw the camp. The Indians' camp was situated on the edge of a large cliff, overlooking a deep valley below. Tepees formed a loose circle with the largest hut-the Chief's- backing onto the bluff. A large, crackling bonfire burned in the centre, smoke coiling up into the night sky. People danced around the flames while others sat and watched. An old woman sat on a log, the drum placed between her knees. She beat it in a steady rhythm, her movements precise and repetitive. Indian calls filled the air.

Staying hidden in the shadows, I dropped silently down through the trees on the outskirts of their camp. I was thankful that it was night and they hadn't spotted my arrival, too caught up in their dancing and celebrating.

Placing Wendy on her feet, I said quietly, "Keep your mouth shut and let me do all the talking. Chief hasn't been the…warmest towards me lately, and I'm not sure how he will react when I ask for help."

Wendy nodded, looking a little confused. "Why is he not happy with you?" she whispered back, her face only a few inches away from mine.

Shifting awkwardly from foot to foot, I rubbed the back of my neck, not wanting to get into the details.

"Tell me," she urged.

"You see," I began after a moment. "A month or two ago, Chief offered me his daughter's hand in marriage." My mouth screwed up at the idea. There was no way that I would ever want to marry Tiger Lily. The thought of marrying someone had never even crossed my mind.

"What?!" Wendy exclaimed loudly, her eyes widening. I put my hand over her mouth, muffling her voice. She shot me an apologetic look, scanning around to make sure no one had overheard us. "Tiger Lilly?" she asked once I had removed my hand. This time, she was considerably quieter. "You're engaged to Tiger Lily?" Wendy looked like I had just told her I was carrying Captain Hook's unborn child.

"No," I said quickly. "I rejected his offer. That's why he's angry at me. It is a great disrespect not to accept Tiger Lily's hand." Dragging my hands down my face, I groaned. I would be lucky to make it out alive after tonight. "He's going to kill me." But Wendy needed help and I was willing to face down a furious chief and rejected princess for her. Shit, I was screwed.

Surprising me, Wendy let out a short giggle. She silenced it quickly, covering her mouth with her hands. "Sorry," she said, a horrified look on her face.

Here I was, about to walk into an enemy camp where I would most likely be slaughtered, and Wendy was laughing. "It's not funny," I chided, but hearing her laugh again did funny things to my stomach. She looked shocked at herself, as if she couldn't believe that she was laughing. Neither could I.

"You're right," she agreed, fighting to appear serious. It didn't work and she laughed for a second time. "I'm just imagining you in a tuxedo, exchanging vowels. The famous Peter Pan settling down and starting a family. The idea is ludicrous." She chuckled under her breathe, looking directly at me. "I don't think you will ever be ready to grow up, Peter. Young forever, right?"

I tried not to be offended by the way she flippantly cast away the idea of me ever being mature enough to settle down. Although I knew it was justified, Wendy's words still kind of hurt. Giving a curt nod, I looked over at the Indian's camp, focusing on the flickering fire that I saw through the trees. "Any chance that you will wait quietly like a good girl behind the trees?" I asked, knowing it was fruitless.

"No," she said honestly.

"Fine," I grumbled. "Let's go see the chief."

"Time to meet the in-laws," Wendy mused under her breath.

I shot Wendy a sharp look but it went unnoticed by her; she was too busy looking ahead, peering through the trees. I was nervous as hell and needed her to be serious. Things could go downhill quickly with the Indians if I said the wrong thing. I needed to concentrate. My palms were sweaty. God, I was as scared as a twelve year old boy who about to kiss a girl for the first time.

Seeming to sense my unease, Wendy grabbed my hand in hers, smiling reassuringly at me. I tried to return the grin but it felt entirely too forced. "Come on, Peter," she said, tugging my hand. "You don't want to your fiancé waiting, do you?" Wendy sniggered at her own joke, ever the comedian.

In any other situation, I would have most likely laughed, but I had too much riding on this impromptu meeting with Chief. He might have information that could be vital in saving Wendy. "Would you like to high-five yourself while you're at it?" I replied dryly.

She rolled her eyes, muttering softly: "Someone is just a bundle of joys tonight."

Choosing to ignore her comment, I tugged her forward, stepping out of the safety of the trees.

-X-X-X-

Wendy's POV

As soon as I say Tiger Lily's face, I instantly regretted grabbing hold of Peter's hand. The Indian princess' eyes were alight with a murderous rage. Looking at her, one famous quote came into my mind: 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.'

She was sitting next to a robust man who was wearing a headdress made out of black, red and white feathers. I instantly recognised him as the chief. The drum beat died off and people hushed, shooting us surprised, angry looks. No one looked friendly. I felt like I was standing in front of the firing squad, ready for them to gun me down. Peter's hand was sweaty in mine. I hadn't been to the Indian camp since the first time I had been in Neverland, almost five years ago. The mood was considerably different. It felt dangerous…hostile. Peter and I walked into the center of the circle of tents and faced the chief and his daughter. The fire was hot at our backs.

Tiger Lily jumped to her feet, jabbing a hard finger in the direction of Peter's chest. Shock and disbelief coloured her face. "You," she spat, her eyes locking onto the boy beside me.

Even in the dull lighting formed by the flames reflecting off her face, it was easy to tell that she was beautiful. Her skin was dark and smooth, looking like melted chocolate. Her thick, black hair was twisted back in an incredibly long and intricate braid. Feathers and beads had been woven through the plait. A fur pelt was thrown over her shoulder. I quickly noticed the small dagger that was sheathed on her thigh. I prayed that she didn't decide to pull it on us.

Her eyes darted between our faces to our joined hands. She raked her eyes over me, her expression distasteful. I felt ugly and inadequate when compared to the princess. With each passing second, her featured became more and more furious. Wisely, Peter pulled his hand from mine before Tiger Lily chose to stab us to death.

"Chief. Princess," Peter addresses, bowing his head respectfully. He shot me a side-long look and I dropped my head also. The chief stood, his face a mixture of shock and anger, much like his daughter.

"How dare you show yourself here," yelled Tiger Lily. Her hand reached for the dagger that was strapped to her thigh. In one quick swipe, the blade was unsheathed and she was stalking towards us, murder in her eyes.

I almost screamed as Peter shoved me behind him roughly, standing between me and the dagger-wielding princess. The edge of the fire pit was only a foot away. My legs were stinging from being so close to the scorching flames. Fisting the back of his shirt tightly, I looked over his shoulder. Stopping in front of us, Tiger Lily raised the dagger, positioning it under Peter's neck. He gulped and his skin touched the blade.

Her expression was cruel and twisted in the firelight. "I should kill you where you stand," she growled. Tiger Lily looked at me and sneered as she pressed the dagger down harder on his neck, drawing thin droplets of blood. Peter flinched and Tiger Lily grinned viciously, enjoying his pain. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't." I could tell that her hand was itching to slit his throat and the thought sickened.

In front of me, Peter was as still as a statue, not moving an inch. "Because," he said as calmly as he could, although his voice wavered slightly. "We seek help."

Tiger Lily's eyes widened before she threw her head back, laughing loudly. Other member of the tribe joined in. Chief remained silent, watching on with calculating eyes.

"And why would I help you?" she asked, looking at Peter in disbelief. "You reject my father's offer then proceed to mock me by bringing your bitch of a bride into my camp. There is no chance on this earth that I would ever lend you my assistance."

Peter's jaw tightened. "Don't call Wendy a bitch." Tiger Lily's eyes hardened, turning cold and violent. I could have hit him. Now was not the time to be defending me, especially when a psychotic princess was holding a knife to his throat.

"Wendy?" Tiger Lily said, looking at me over his shoulder. Her mouth dropped open slightly and I knew that she remembered me. Keeping her hateful eyes firmly fixed on mine, she said: "So this is the reason you refused to marry me, Peter?" Her eyes roamed over my face, making me feel inferior. "I have to say, you can do so much better. Anyway, move aside, Peter. I wish to catch up with dear, old Wendy. We haven't talked in years."

My name sounded like poison in her mouth and all of her words were laced with malice. The fire was painfully hot on the back of my legs, causing me to shift anxiously.

Peter didn't move a muscle. "Over my dead body," he grit out through his teeth.

Tiger Lily's lips twisted in snarl, making even her beautiful features appear ugly and cruel. "Move or I will cut you down." It was a promise of violence.

The more she talked, the more I found myself hating the Indian princess. I wasn't a violent person but I was imagining grabbing her dagger and doing only God knows what to her.

Peter still didn't step aside. Fearing that Tiger Lily would keep true to her word, I stepped across, moving out from behind my human shield. I wouldn't let Peter get hurt because he was protecting me.

The princess grinned triumphantly. "What an obedient girl you have, Peter, coming when I call. She almost acts like a dog." Peter clamped his teeth shut tightly. His eyes were furious. Tiger Lily bent her head in close until her lips were only a few centimetres away from his. For a second, I thought she was going to kiss him. Instead she said: "Is she loyal too? Faithful? Because she looks like a whore to me."

Before anyone could react, Peter lunged, forgetting about the knife at his throat. His hand moved to wrap around her throat, squeezing tightly. Tiger Lily's eyes widened in surprise as she slashed the knife across his vulnerable skin. I screamed as Peter dropped to his knees, one of his hands clutching his throat while the other was palm down on the ground, supporting him. The princess loomed over him. She looked down in disgust, holding the dagger at her side. The edge of it was stained in blood.

Peter's blood.

My hands covered my mouth as he slowly withdrew his hand from his neck. His fingers and palm came away red. As I saw the cut, I wanted to throw up. A thin line ran along the base of his throat, weeping blood. The cut almost looked like a flat. With a shaky hand he grabbed his shirt and pressed the material against the slit. His chest was rising and falling rapidly. Sweat dripped down his forehead.

The chief watched silently, expressionless as his only daughter wiped the blood off her blade. Tiger Lily stepped back, casting a disapproving glance at her dagger. "I guess I wasn't deep enough." My stomach rolled in disgust just as Peter made a horrible gasping noise.

Dropping to his side, I placed a trembling arms around his back. "Peter?" I said frantically.

He didn't respond, his eyes staring blankly in front of him. Blood was starting to seep his shirt. In the glow of the fire, he looked white. The arm supporting most of him weight buckled, causing Peter to fall forward. His shoulder hit the ground first and he rolled onto his back. He stared vacantly up at the starry night sky, his breath coming in short, shallow gasps.

I lifted his head into my lap, being as gently as I could. He moaned softly, the sound pulling on my heart string. "Peter!" My voice cracked. I sounded frantic. Jerking my head up to look at Tiger Lily, I yelled, "Help him!"

The cruel princess scoffed. "And why would I do that."

"Please!" I begged, not caring how desperate I sounded. Below me, Peter made a strangled, chocking noise. My heart beat rapidly in my chest and my stomach dropped. This couldn't be happening. Peter couldn't be hurt. "I'll do anything, but please, just help him." Despairing tears blurred my vision and began to roll down my cheeks. "Please, just help him."

Tiger Lily looked down at me, her expression deliberating. Finally, she raised a delicate eyebrow. "Anything?" she asked slowly, drawing out the words. She was purposely taking her time, watching as I became more hysterical by the second.

"Yes! Anything!"

She blew out a gust of air as she looked over her shoulder at the chief. "What is your opinion, Father?"

"Heal him," he said, speaking for the first time. His voice was deep and rumbling-laced with authority. "The girl will be indebted to us. You never know when that can come in handy." His words sent a shiver up my back. I knew that whatever their debt would entail, it wouldn't be pretty. But it wasn't like I had any other option.

Tiger Lily nodded, turning her attention back to me. "So it shall be." Raising her hand, she beckoned for someone to come over. "Healer."

I looked in the direction that she was gesturing in and saw an elderly woman stand. She was dressed a heavy, grey cloak that had multiple pockets, both inside and out. Dozens of beaded necklaces hung around her neck in a variety of colours. Unlike Tiger Lily, her face was open and warm looking. There was no malice in her gaze. She walked over and knelt down beside me. Tiger Lily turned her back on us and walked away, heading back over to her father, disinterested.

Cupping Peter's face in one hand, I bushed his hair back off of his sweaty forehead. A tear fell off my chin and dropped onto his cheek. His eye darted to look at me but they were unfocussed and vacant. He tried to speak but the words refused to leave his lips, coming out as an indistinguishable groan. The fingers that clutched his shirt to him neck were pale and shaking. Blood had now started to stain his shirt an awful red colour. As the healer beside me began to search through her endless number of pockets, Peter tried to speak again and failed. I shook my head, more tears flying free.

"I'm so sorry, Peter," I sobbed. My throat felt so thick that I was barely able to get the words out. I stroked his cheek with trembling fingers as tears left hot trails down my face.

The elderly woman finally withdrew her hands from her pockets. Clasped in her finger was a glass jar that contained some sort of greenish paste. As she unscrewed the lid, she looked to me. "Remove his hand. I need to see the cut," the healer said.

I nodded and clasped my hand over Peter's, pulling it away. He didn't fight me, but he yelped in pain when I started to tug his shirt down. Some of the material had started to stick to the wound as the blood clotted. "I'm sorry," I said and tried to pull the material away as painlessly as possible.

Once his slash wound was visible, the woman stuck two fingers into the jar and scooped out some of the green paste. She then proceeded to rub it on the wound, covering it. Peter let out a whimpering noise as her fingers pressed down on his maimed skin. I winced, hating to see him in pain. The paste seemed to dry as soon as it came into contact with his skin. Peter closed his eyes and a heavy sigh was released from his lips. His breathing began to even out.

Once the entire length of the wound had been sealed over, the woman twisted the lid back on the jar and tucked it into one of her many pockets. "The paste is made from the Vendetta flower. It contains healing properties. Even as we speak, it had already begun to reknit his skin back together," she informed. The woman looked at me with kind, almost pitying, eyes. She bent her head in close to mine, whispering quickly: "There is a gypsy who lives in the mountains. Find her. She may offer the help you are seeking."

"Thank you," I said genuinely as she bent back. The healer nodded once and stood, returning to where she had previously sat.

I looked over to where Tiger Lily was seated next to her father. She gazed at me with a look pure hatred. "You are free to leave, whore. The next time we meet, I will be cashing in the debt you owe me."

Wanting nothing more than to get out of this horrible camp, I nodded. Peter lay motionless in my lap and I knew instantly that there was no way that I would be able to carry him. Nudging his shoulder, careful not to pull at his cut, I said: "Peter, open your eyes. We need to get out of here." His response was a small moan and a flutter of the eyelids. "Come on, Peter. I know you're in pain but you need to get up."

I could feel the eyes of the entire tribe on me. It unnerved me and I shook him again, this time a bit harder. His head rolled over the side and his eyes slowly opened, fluttering a few times. They were still foggy and unclear, but at least they were looking at me.

"I'm going to help you stand." He didn't reply as I shifted his head off of my lap. I then secured my arms under both of his armpits. "Okay, Peter, on the count of three I want you to try to stand. I'll help you. One…two…three."

I pulled upwards and Peter groaned as he helped lift himself off of the ground and into a standing position. I was shocked at how heavy he was. It was a struggle but somehow I managed to haul Peter to his feet. His legs wobbled dangerously as I quickly slipped his arm over my shoulder, supporting most of his weight. My knees nearly buckled, threatening to send us both to the ground. Peter's head fell forward in exhaustion and his eyes were barely open.

Panting, I cast one last look at Tiger Lily. She was watching us with a wicked smirk on her face. Her eyes were filled with amusement. On the inside, she was undoubtedly laughing at us.

"Okay, Peter. You have to try walk." I said. "Don't worry, I've got you."

Slowly, he was able to lift one foot in front of the other. His legs were weak and shaky underneath him. He was also incredibly heavy, almost too much weight for me to bare. Gritting my teeth, I wrapped my arm tightly around his waist, doing my best to keep him upright. Inch by painful inch, I was somehow able to drag him away from the camp.

I knew that we wouldn't be able to make it back to the hideout. It was too far away and we were both too weak. There was no way in hell that Peter would be able to fly, even just to get himself. Heck, he was lucky to be alive. My main focus was just to get up both as far away from the camp as I could before we both collapsed.

"That's it, Peter. You can do it," I panted out, tightening my grip around him when his steps faulted.

The light from the camp was just staring to disappear in the trees. The forest ground was rough and uneven, sticks and roots threatening to trip us with each step. We were both drenched in sweat, breathing heavily. My limbs left like they were made of jelly. It seemed as though we had been stumbling through the forest for miles, but if could have only been a few hundred meters.

"Just a bit further," I pleaded. Peter groaned from both pain and exhaustion, but didn't stop walking.

I wasn't sure how much longer we struggled on for. It could have been two minutes or two hours, but finally I couldn't walk one more step. Everywhere ached. I felt completely drained. No longer being able to hold Peter's weight, my knees buckled, sending us both sprawling onto the forest floor. Sticks scraped at my skin but I barely noticed. My eyes closed and I blacked out.

I seriously want to slap Tiger Lily. Wendy isn't a whore! She's a nice lady ;D

Please leave a review and tell me what you think! I love hearing back from you guys!

I also have a question. Is anyone else waiting for Wendy and Peter to get together? I know I am. If you are, then don't worry because, as of next chapter, that is what I will be working on :D Again, thanks for reading! Bye xx