Forever Land

Part 10

Early the next morning they met at the steam. Bella didn't know what excuse Wendi gave Peter, but as long as it worked she didn't care. She led them on a somewhat roundabout route to avoid an early morning game of coconut ball.

"Are we going to Mermaid Lagoon?" Wendi asked. "Peter took me yesterday."

Bella gritted her teeth. Of course he did, she thought. Out loud she said, "No we're just taking the scenic route. I have no intention of being roped into playing coconut ball."

"So where are we going?" Wendi pressed. She was starting to look like she was having second thoughts.

"You wanna know about Rufio don't you?" She challenged, "To understand what really happened your going to have to see where it happened."

"Pirate Cove? But Peter said..."

"It'll be fine. It's not like we're going to stand on the beach waving at the pirate ship. They won't even know we're there."

They continued along, Bella hurrying Wendi along as much as she could. Did the girl have no speed faster than Sunday stroll. By the time they skirted the Indian village, the village was well into their day. It took a lot of ducking and sneaking to get by unseen. Bella wasn't entirely certain that they succeeded but no one stopped them, and the tribe wasn't likely to care enough to say anything to Peter. The whole plan would be ruined if he found out she was involved.

They finally approached the hardest part, getting through the dark trees without getting caught by the nightmare shadows. Wendi would never enter if she knew about them first, but if she didn't know and wasn't careful enough they might get eaten. After a moment's internal debate Bella decided to keep quiet and tell her only when it was necessary. Wendi wasn't exactly quick on her feet, but with the right motivation Bella was sure she'd do fine. At least she hoped so. Bella might have wanted Wendi gone, but even she wouldn't wish the kind of ending those monster's would bring.

Quietly she slipped through the tree line and cast a cursory look around. All clear. She motioned to Wendi who followed reluctantly. Fortunately Wendi seemed to have the sense to keep quiet as they waded deeper into the woods. Whether it was fear or common sense that was taking over, Bella was grateful.

Somehow, by sheer luck, they managed to make it most of the way through the trees without incident. Bella was just starting to relax when some branched to her left snapped. Instantly, she grabbed Wendi by the arm and shoved her at the nearest climbable tree.

"Up."

"What?"

"Climb!" She snapped practically throwing Wendi into the branches.

The snapping branches were getting louder and more frequent. The beast knew they were there. The girls scrambled quickly into the higher branches. Moments later a shadow passed below then snorting angrily. It may have passed on by, following their scent, had Wendi not gasped. Bella slapped a hand over her mouth but it had already heard. The thing turned back growling. It sniffed about and circled the tree a few; times: the girls above sat motionless. I let out and angry screech causing them both to flinch slightly, but they remained still. When nothing revealed itself it stomped off grumbling to itself. When the sound of it could no longer be heard the girls climbed down, Wendi somewhat more shakily.

"What was that thing?" She gasped.

"Just a nightmare shadow. An ancient creature of the island. They're confined to the dark woods though, so don't worry." Bella attempted nonchalant. "And they're only dangerous if they catch you, but luckily also stupid. It never occurs to them to look up. Come on, we're almost there."

Wendi was a lot more hesitant following her this time, jumping at every sound or movement. Bella suspected the only reason she continued was because she was to afraid to turn back. When they broke through the treeline Bella wanted to sigh with relief. Wendi seemed even more afraid.

"We can't climb these tree's," she whimpered, gazing at the charred trunks.

"Don't worry, they won't come out hear. To much light."

Wendi visibly relaxed, looking around with more interest. Bella casually led them over to some rocks to sit down. There was no sign of Hook. She'd have to stall until he deemed to show up.

"This place is so strange." Wendi murmured analyzing the dead trees. "Why did you think I needed to see it so much?"

"How better to understand a battle than to see the battleground?" Bella quipped.

"Fine then, talk." Wendi was definitely growing tired of the running around.

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I know it's short but I wanted to update.  I will likely be editing later.

~Michelle B.