Dark Connection

Chapter Thirty-Two

The heavy feeling lingered in her chest as she sat still for the rest of the night, the silence broken by Jim's quiet breathing as he slept nearby. The sound eased the pain a bit.

I've never felt this way before.. What's wrong with me..? she wondered. Everyone's safe. And we have a plan for fighting the Queen. The final battle is coming near. The battle that will finally free everyone. So why do I feel so torn up inside? Almost.. heartbroken.

Soft footsteps below alerted her, and she stood up silently to peer though the forest.

Someone's coming. Robyn thought, her eyes narrowing as she drew her rapier and waited patiently as the figure drew near.

As they emerged from the bushes, Robyn stepped out of her hiding place, and the figure froze as they looked up and their eyes met.

A woman..? Robyn thought, tilting her head to one side as she studied her curiously. I was expecting one of the Queen's shadows.

She had long, dark blue hair with braids in the front. Her darker skin and make up reminded her of the Shaman's. Feathers hung from her dark brown skirt and top.

"..."

Silence stretched between them as they stared each other down. Finally, the girl spoke.

"..So you must be Robyn. The spirit of the World of Dreams told me about you."

"You know the spirit?" Robyn inquired as the girl climbed the tree easily to stand in front of her.

"I do. We have a connection." she replied, then held out her hand. "I'm Tiger Lily. The Winx said you needed more allies against the Queen."

"Yes. We'd be glad to have you." Robyn replied, returning the handshake.

Tiger Lily glanced curiously behind her, and surprise lit her gaze when she spotted Jim.

"Is that.. Captain Hook?"

Robyn looked over at Jim, who was still sleeping.

He really was exhausted. I thought the noise would have woke him.

"Yes." she replied, lowering her voice as she sat back down. "I took over watch for the night. The war is really taking a toll on everyone.. especially him."

"He looks so peaceful." Tiger Lily said, sounding a bit amused as she settled down next to her. "He's usually always on edge."

Robyn nodded.

"He's been fully focused on the war. I'm surprised I even convinced him to rest."

"I admire his dedication." she agreed.

"So.. the Winx wanted you to train Matt? How did that go?"

Tiger Lily chuckled.

"Even I wouldn't be able to train him. If he wants even the slightest chance at fulfilling the prophecy as the "Hero of Neverland," he'll need to find his father's sword."

She talks to me like I'm an old friend of hers. She reminds me a bit of someone.. Robyn thought, feeling at ease.

"What do you mean by prophecy?"

Tiger Lily leaned back, her amber gaze fixed on the stars as she replied.

"The spirit told me there would be a great hero who would save the World of Dreams with his courage and bravery. I saw him when he was training with Aisha too."

So the Spirit talks to her as well.. she's like a more serious version of Asuka.

"Interesting." a familiar voice spoke behind them, and Robyn turned to see that Jim was sitting up, listening in on their conversation.