Neverland

Chapter 34

Peter held me tightly as we flew back to Neverland. I looked out over the sea crashing below us, and rested my head against his chest.

"Kate..." Peter said, "how... How long was it for you?"

"A little over a week... Why? How long was it for you?"

"Eight Months."

"Eight Months?!" It took him eight months to finally decide it was time for me to come back? "Why did you change your mind, anyways? You seemed pretty determined about my leaving."

Peter was silent for a moment, "Actually, it was Socks who convinced me... There's something strange about that kid. He knows something, but he won't tell me. I mean he's always been a strange one. Did you know he still can't hear the music?"

I didn't.

"I've been telling him since he came to us that we're his family now, but he still can't hear it. He can't even remember where he came from, but he still feels loved. I don't even know how he got on the bloody island in the first place with a heart like that."
"I always did feel like Socks was different," I said quietly, thinking about the quiet boy. He always seemed to have a joy that the others didn't, and he didn't have that mean streak that was so common on the island.
"I've been looking into it." He said, but he seemed distracted.

"I can't believe you went to see my son." He finally said. It was only then that I realized how upset he really was about that. "God, Kate do you realize how dangerous that was? You are the only thing that can be used against me, and now he knows about you. I was keeping you secret for a fucking reason."
"I'm sorry I said, quietly. "I didn't think of it like that."
"Obviously."

We were silent for the rest of the trip. I knew he was upset with me, but it still felt so good to be in his arms again. I didn't even mind the height, which once would have rendered me terrified. I wanted this moment to last forever.

It wasn't until we were nearing the island that I began to notice the storm clouds forming overhead.
The familiar form of the island began to take shape on the horizon, and the storm clouds grew thicker and darker.
"Land ho." I muttered to myself.

We landed on the white sand of the beach and began walking the rest of the way to the camp.
I breathed in the scent of the forest.
It was good to be back

Several of the boys ran to meet us, leading the group was Socks. He hugged me tightly, and I laughed, "Hey, buddy!"
"I'm so glad you came back!" He said, "I was worried that you weren't going to."
"I missed you too, kid," I said, smiling.
My smile disappeared as I looked up at Peter, who was staring at the child with the cold look only he could master. Socks was an enigma, and if there was one thing Pan couldn't stand, it was not being in the know.

We reached the camp, and I was thoroughly taken aback. The space had been transformed into a war base. A giant table of daggers, bows, and even a few swords sat in the middle of the clearing. Lost boys were scattered about, making arrows and sparring, preparing for the battle that everyone knew was inevitable.

I followed Pan into his tent. "So," I said, "Eight months... what did I miss?" "Not much," he sighed. we've all been preparing for the war, but none of us have seen hide or tail of Sloane, except for the storm clouds, of course."

"I noticed those.  What's up with that?"

"They've been growing overhead since you left. All I know is that when they finally break, that's when the battle will begin.

Peter sat down on his bed, "There will come a day when the light shall be made dark, and the darkness shall spread till she is more wide and powerful than ever imagined. A threat like none before her, she shall be brought down by only a weapon like none before. When dark and light combine with the magic gifted by the ancients, the witch will fall, and the evil will be purged."

I stared at him blankly, "What?"

He shook his head, "It's a prophecy. Socks told it to me before I sent you away, and I can't get it out of my head. I can't help but go over it over and over again, and there's only one explanation to it that makes sense to me." He pulled me down next to him, and took my hands in his. I was shocked by this gesture. It was so uncharacteristically gentle. "Kate, obviously the witch is Sloane, she must have turned evil at some point, hence the light shall be made dark. But the Dark and Light combining. That's us, I know it is. You and  I, combining with the power of the ancients, which can only mean one thing. Kate. You have magic."

I continued to stare at him, "What?"

"I don't know how, and  I don't know how it's hidden from me, but that's the only explanation."

I laughed, pulling my hands from his, and running them through my hair, "Peter that's absolutely ridiculous. I think I'd know if I had magic."

"No, you wouldn't, not necessarily. Lots of people never know they have magic. But now that we know we just have to find a way to tap into your powers."

"Peter, I'm telling you. I am not magical. Ok? I come from a world without magic. It doesn't make sense!"

"Then what's your explanation? What could the prophecy possibly mean?"

"I don't know, Pan. Why try to figure it out, anyways? Just let things play out. We don't need to worry about the prophecy now, we need to worry about how to deal with Sloane."

"If we can figure out this prophecy, we'll learn the secret to defeating her."

I rolled my eyes. "What ever happened to 'I don't need anyone, I can deal with Sloane all by myself'?"

Pan took my hand, more forcefully this time, forcing me to look at him, "Maybe I don't want to deal with her by myself. Kate you and I have to beat her together. I see that now."

I sighed, "I want to help you beat her, Pan, but I don't have magic. I'm sorry." 

He shook his head, "We'll see."

Together we stood up, and walked out of the tent.

It had started to rain.