Peter Pan and the Lost Fae of Neverland

[07] SEPTEM

"Because the Lost Boys have a new leader."

Peter Pan didn't know how to react. He found himself almost paralyzed under the gaze of the man standing in front of him. For whatever reason, it was clear that the man loathed him with an intensity that rivals that of any god. Peter's blood ran cold when he saw the tip of an arrow pointed at him, the metal glistening under the glow of the mushrooms at the Fae Sanctuary.

Nakakatawang isipin na mukhang magtatapos na agad ang kanyang kwento bago pa man ito mag-umpisa.

"TOOTLES, STOP! HE DOESN'T REMEMBER!"

Pinunit ng boses ni Jester ang kabang nararamdaman niya sa sitwasyong ito. Maging ang lalaki (Tootles, was it? Such a strange name) ay panandaliang nabaling ang atensyon sa bagong-dating. Without lowering his arrow, Tootles bared his teeth and glared at the fae who stood by the entrance.

"What the fuck are you talking about, fairy?"

Jester, who looked generally okay save from the scratches and burnt marks on his arms, stood his ground with a serious expression.

"I swear upon the blood of my ancestors, I'm telling the truth. Matapos ang mahabang panahon ng paglalagi ko sa mundo ng mga tao, I finally found Peter Pan... or what was left of his soul, at least. He doesn't recall anything from his early chilhood, past lives, or Neverland."

"That's bullshit. How can Peter Pan forget Neverland?! He never forgets!"

"He chose to forget about a lot of things, Tootles, whether you admit it or not... including you and the Lost Boys," Jester countered. "Anong saysay kung papatayin mo siya ngayon? Hindi ka niya naalala. Hindi niya naaalala ang mga naging kasalanan niya sa inyo o kung bakit ba siya umalis sa Neverland noon. If you shoot that arrow now, all you'll ever accomplish is killing an innocent man that doesn't even remember you---that's not revenge. That's murder. You have more dignity than that, or so the old Peter always told us."

With Jester's words, Tootles' hand almost faltered. Pinagmasdan ni Peter ang unti-unti nitong pagbaba ng pana, pero naroon pa rin ang galit sa mga mata nito habang nakikipag-usap sa fae.

"You don't know anything about my principles, fairy."

"I don't," Jester agreed. His eyes then travelled to Peter, a soft smile on his lips. "But Peter Pan does."

Tootles followed the fae's gaze. Nakasimangot ito, halatang hindi pa rin kumbinsido sa mga nangyayari. Hindi alam ni Peter kung namamalik-mata lang ba siya o talagang sumilay ang pag-aalala sa mga mata nito.

"Thank you," Peter mouthed, feeling the need to at least acknowledge him sparing his life. For now.

"Don't be stupid," he growled. "After Jester is done with you and Neverland doesn't need you anymore, then I'll fucking get my revenge."

Napalunok si Peter at nanghihinang tumango. Gusto na sana niyang tanungin kung ano ba talagang nangyari sa kanilang nakaraan para kamuhian siya nito, but the image of the young boy in a skunk costume suddenly flashed before his eyes again. Just when he was about to stand up, Peter's legs gave up on him. The sting of the arrow on his shoulder still hurt like hell, and the amount of blood loss was making him dizzy.

And yet, his mind was elsewhere.

'Is he the same kid in that memory? No... it seems impossible. This man... looks more corrupted...'

"Peter!"

Jester's worried voice was the last thing he heard before he passed out.

*

The Fae Sanctuary buzzed with a newfound energy, seemingly not used to having this many occupants inside it. Naalala bigla ni Jester ang mga araw kung saan punong-puno ng mga fairy ang lugar na ito. A crowd of youngsters would gather near the waterfall in the early morning, just when the sunrise coming from the hole in the Hangman's Tree hits the sparkling waters. The smell of freshly prepared walnuts, cut fruits served on golden plates, and sweet wild honey in goblets would excited him the most.

Jester remembers waking up to the trumpets and the daily rumors of what was happening in Neverland. Translucent fairy wings glowed different colors. Unlike the pixies, their colors were influenced by lineage, not by their elemental powers or houses.

The place was full of life and laughter. Well, there were misunderstandings and politics too, but that's for another story.

But now, after decades of not being able to return to the sanctuary, Jester suddenly realized how distant that old memory is.

And how the Fae Sanctuary was just as empty as when he first left it.

He stood by the edge of his old bed, where an unconsious Peter Pan was being cured by one of the Lost Boys. Unlike the other ones, Cubby was less hostile towards Peter Pan. In fact, he looked almost sympathetic while he treated Peter's wounds---under Jester's supervision, of course. He'll never let him out of his sight, especially with the Lost Boys around.

Jester doesn't trust this gang.

"Are you sure that fae isn't lying to us?"

His pointed ears perked. Napasimangot si Jester, pasimpleng hinawi ang kurtina at sumilip sa labas kung saan nag-uusap sina Tootles at Nibs. The lankly man wearing a rabbit fur vest glared at their leader, not hiding his dislike with the idea of sparing Peter's life.

"Then we'll just have to observe and uncover the truth ourselves," their leader responded. "Sa ngayon, ceasefire na muna. Walang kikilos nang hindi ko nalalaman. Ang anumang kahina-hinalang kilos o salita ni Peter at ng fairy na 'yon ay ire-report ninyo agad sa'kin."

"But Tootles---!"

"There is nothing more to discuss."

Jester frowned at their conversation and quickly returned to his spot. Nang matapos si Cubby sa pagbibigay-lunas sa sugat ni Peter, napabuntong-hininga ang fae at maingat na naupo sa paanan ng kama. Sila na lang ang nasa loob ng silid. Sa labas, rinig ni Jester ang ingay ng Lost Boys, ang grupong binuo noon ni Peter Pan.

They were invincible before.

Not so much now.

It's almost ironic, how the once famous and poweful Peter Pan back then now looked fail in his bed. Like a fragile doll that can break at any moment. And given that he even has amnesia, Jester knows Peter is also dealing with his internal struggles.

'It must be confusing and painful to not remember anyone from your past,' the fae thought and gently touched his hand.

Jester brought it to his lips, pampering his pale skin with a gentle kiss.

Because until their deal is over, Jester will never let anyone hurt Peter Pan.

Not even himself.

---

"A dead man dead for weeks
Is sickening food for lover’s eye
That seeks and ever seeks
A fair one’s beauty ardently!

Did that thing live of late?
That sodden thing of ebony head
With empty holes that gape?
Good God! will I be that, when dead?"

---Roderick Watson Kerr, "A Dead Man"