The Next Adventure (2003 Peter Pan fanfiction)

"Never say goodbye...means going away...means forgetting."

THE NEXT ADVENTURE: CHAPTER TEN

My eye's still hooked on the sky, it felt like forever before anything happened. A faint golden light began to appear through the clouds. I stood up in hopes of it being Tinkerbell. Smiling with joy, I waved my arms in the air after discovering it was Tinkerbell's light. A boy appeared in the clouds behind her. He was short in length so I knew it wasn't Robin and behind that boy appeared several other short boys. "It's Wendy!" I heard one of the visible four boys shout. Another short boy came into view and all approached the island. Some then landed on their feet and others nearly fell to their knees in exhaustion, specifically Popper and Snaps, dropping their swords. The remaining three boys released their grip on their swords as well and sat down. All boys patted with light injuries, there was some relief nothing looked too serious. "Quite a battle," started Twig.
        "Not easy as well, if I do say so myself," finished Woody. Birdie remained hushed and began staring up at the sky. Tinkerbell came up to my ear.
        "Where's Robin?" I asked, slightly concerned. Tinkerbell's tiny face looked scared and worried.
        "It's was all a bit fast. Hook had come up onto the deck while the lost boys were fighting and grabbed Birdie. He was about to drag him back under deck but Robin was able to stop him. Hook released Birdie but took a hold of Robin. Robin then shouted to me to gather everyone and fly away and that he'd catch up with us. I didn't want to, but things were getting out of control, so, I listened. But I haven't seen Robin since then." My eyes widened.
        "Did you see Hook take Robin under deck?" I asked.
        "No, I just saw Hook grab him. If I should remind you, it was awfully fast," Tink responded. 
        "Where's Robin? I don't see him?" I heard Birdie ask with a sniffle. 
        "I'm going to go back," Tink mumbled. I nodded. "Try to keep Birdie's mind elsewhere, will you Wendy?" I nodded again.

Tink's little body flew off just then and I met Birdie's side and sat down next to him. "I say, is Tink going back?" I heard Twig ask. 
        "Yes," I responded.
        "Does she want us to follow?" I heard Popper ask. Quickly looking at him, I shook my head. Birdie then looked at me with tears in his eyes.
        "What if he doesn't come back, Wendy?" He asked. 
        "He will, don't worry."
        "Are you sure? Hook is quite fearsome taking Robin the way he did," I heard Birdie say.
        "Now, now, if Peter Pan can cut off Hook's hand, so can Robin," I said enthusiastically. Birdie smiled.
        "Was that Peter, the boy you carried away?" Birdie asked.
        "Yes."
        "Did he remember you?" I nodded with a smile. "Was it because you never said goodbye?" Birdie asked. I looked at him a little stunned and in contemplation.
        "Why do you ask?" I asked Birdie. His eyes met mine.
        "Well, Tink said Peter always said to never say goodbye because goodbye would mean going away and going away would mean forgetting." My eyes widened in surprise.
        "I suppose that is why then," I finally said. 
        "So then it's true?" I heard Birdie ask again. "The quote?" 
        "Well, I'd think so, Birdie--"
        "Good, then I'll never say goodbye," Birdie suddenly said. I then took it upon myself to never say goodbye either.

After a while, Tink suddenly appeared through the clouds again with Robin by her side. I heard Birdie gasp along with the other lost boys. All of us, especially Birdie, stood up. "Robin!" Birdie called. Instantly after touching the sand, Robin came to his knees and pulled Birdie into a hug. "I was so scared, but I say, Wendy told me not to worry and that you'd come back and you did." Robin smiled.        
        "Shouldn't you know to listen to girls?" Robin asked playfully looking at Birdie with a smile.
        "Now, I do." Robin smiled again and patted Birdie on the head before standing up and overlooking the rest of the four boys who stood in pure excitement. Popper went to shake Robin's hand along with Snaps. 
        "I was never worried, I knew you'd come back," admitted Popper.
        "Indeed, you are now a true hero," said Snaps. Robin smiled again.
        "Thanks." Looking over at me, Robin took my hand and pulled me some feet away from everyone. Taking off his Indian headdress, his bangs lifted from his forehead a little and I witnessed a cut. There was also a cut on his chest. 
        "You're bleeding," I admitted. Robin ignored me and spoke up.
        "I assume the medicine woman is taking care of Peter right now?" He asked. I nodded. "How bad was he?"
        "Awfully weak, and very bony, though he was able to walk a little. He also had several dried up cuts and such."
        "Did he remember you?" I nodded. "What about any signs of a broken bone?"
        "Well, he kept holding his ribs."
        "That's all?" Robin asked. 
        "I think so," I said. Robin looked towards the forest and his eyes widened.
        "Wow," He breathed. 
        "Indeed, it is," I admitted. Robin looked back at me.
        "Did he say anything? Was he able to even talk at all?" 
        "Yes," I responded.
        "What'd he say?" 
        "He kind of refused to believe I was there a few times, but I think that is just because he's been captivated for so long."
        "Possibly, so Peter is basically okay?" Robin asked. 
        "Well, I'd think so, he just needs to gain alot of weight again. I tell you, Robin, he was terribly skinny. I could see his ribs and spine," I admitted.
        "No worries," Robin said with a soothing look in his eyes. Looking out now, his attention died away from me.
        "What about you?" I asked. Robin looked back at me.
        "What about me? I'm fine."
        "Well, you're bleeding..." I started.        
        "The Indians will take care of that, nothing but a quick healing method will do the trick, what about you?" Robin asked.        
        "I'm fine, as well, I suppose. I don't remember getting hurt or anything," I admitted.
        "Have you checked?" Robin asked. I paused a moment.        
        "There's truly no need..."
        "You sure?" He asked. I nodded. "Okay then."

Walking through the forest, Robin led the way the to Piccaninny tribe. With all the lost boys behind me, Tinkerbell flew along side of them. We eventually came upon another load of tepees and music along with Indians. While Birdie was taken into a tepee with Tink, Popper and Snaps went to another. And as well as the others, Twig and Woody went inside a tepee as well. I followed Robin to another tepee and a moment after getting there, the same woman that took Peter from me came out and nodded towards Robin. "How is he doing?"
        "Fine now, part of his rib cage is broke. I've healed most of the damage but he still needs to be treated with medicine. And his cuts and bruises are almost gone as well. Nothing can be done about his lack of weight at the moment, that'll take a matter of a few days to normalize once more and he will need to work to get his muscle back. I assume you knew that?" Robin nodded. "And as for walking, that'll take a little bit of time too to also normalize."
        "Is there anything wrong with his ankles?" Asked Robin.
        "Well, they arn't broke, but just terribly weak from his lack of use with them and his lack of nutrition as well."
        "And his mental state?" Asked Robin once more.
        "It's most likely stable. Now, as for nursing him, he'll need to take medicine every day until his ribs are fully healed."         
        "How will we know?" I asked.
        "Come to me when you are convinced they are healed. The boy will know. If he no longer feels them cramping. After they are healed, there's a chance they will be sore, but when the time comes, I'll give you the medicine. Here's the medicine you'll need now," The medicine woman reached inside a sack she had over her shoulder and pulled out a small bottle with flowers wrapped around it and a cork keeping it closed. Inside it was glowing purple liquid. Handing it to me, I took it from her. "It is a mixture of lavender petals along with the tears from the stars as well as a hint of firefly juice, the fireflies of the north." I looked at Robin confused. He leaned in to whisper in my ear.
        "Raindrops and firefly blood. Here, they're fairies mixed with the genes of a firefly and their blood is what makes them glow. The ones of the north are the ones shes talking about." I looked at him and nodded.
        "I am also going to tell you, the boy shouldn't fly until the broken part of his rib cage is healed. I should also tell you, he will need alot of rest and alot of food."
        "Any suggestions on the food?" Asked Robin.
        "Alot of meat. And fruit can serve as quite a benefit also, but mainly meat." Robin nodded.        
        "Okay," He said.
        "That is all," The medicine woman said as she began to turn away. But then I stopped her.        
        "Is he awake?" I asked.
        "I don't think so," she said. There was then a sudden calling of my name.
        "Wendy?" It was Peter's voice. The medicine woman's eyes widened.
        "Looks as if I'm mistaken, I apologize," The medicine woman said. 
        "Might I see him?" I asked. But before the medicine woman could nod, Peter's head popped out of the tepee. I smiled glossy eyed at him as he limped outside. A walker rested under his hand. Coming to his side, I helped him back into the tepee. The medicine woman held the skin open for me while I set Peter on a stool made of thick dark wood and leaves. On my knees now while I had my hands on Peter, I looked back at Robin. He was socializing with the medicine woman a quick moment. Finally looking back at me, the medicine woman still holding the skin of the tepee, Robin spoke up.
        "The medicine woman is going to take me into another tepee and take care of my cuts. then after, I'll get the lost boys and well head back to the tree house, okay?" I nodded.
        "Okay," I responded. The medicine women looking at me once more, she smiled gently at me then let go of the skin doorway. The outside world was now shut away and I looked back at Peter. The tepee was lit by lantern at which hung on a stick. Noticing there were only little scars on Peter's face, his skin was clean again and I could finally see the life in him again. His face was still sunken in but I could already see the green begin to fade back into his eyes. His fluffy blonde hair was curly as well as clean along with soft and slightly golden, not as golden as it used to be but I could feel it getting there like his eyes were already starting to do. A fuzzy brown blanket lay over his shoulders and covered them as well as his chest along with his back and entire upper body. Only his feet were out of the blanket and they were captivated by freshly made moccasins. Gripping the blanket tightly closed with his hands, I felt a huge smile spread across my face. "You look better already," I said. Peter smiled sleepily.
        "I feel a little better. I still can't believe this is real," He said with a smile.
        "Well, it is. Thanks to Tink," I admitted.
        "She did all of this? Where is she?"        
        "In one of the tepees with one of the lost boys."
        "Was that one of them? The boy you were talking to a minute ago?" I nodded.
        "Robin, he is quite brave, as well as smart, and so very much a leader to the lost boys, especially to Birdie I think--"
        "Birdie?" Peter asked.
        "He's one of the lost boys," I said.
        "Was Robin the boy that kept asking all those questions about me to Rainah?"
        "Rainah is the medicine woman's name?" I asked.
        "Yes. Was he?" Peter asked again. I nodded. "A bit talkative don't you think?"
        "I suppose, but he is also very smart, you know. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't of been able to get you so easily."
        "I thought you said Tink did everything?" Peter asked.
        "Well, she did most of it, but Robin kept everyone in check and prepared." Peter looked to the side uncomfortably. "But, it doesn't matter, you're here now and that's all that matters," I finally admitted. Peter looked back at me smiling.
        "I really meant it when I said I missed you, Wendy. Did you miss me?" I stared at Peter's eyes with a smile.
        "Oh, so much, Peter." Peter smiled wide at me.
        "What about Slightly, Nibs, Tootles, Curly, and the twins, do they miss me?" 
        "All the time, and John and Michael. They miss you too." Peter's eyes were welling with tears though he kept on smiling. He then opened his arms revealing his skin and bandaged ribs. Leaning down to hug me now, I scooted closer to make it easier for him. Wrapping his arms around mine, he latched onto me. Feeling his head rest on my shoulder, I felt the urge to cry but held back smiling and held him.

Feeling him gently squeeze me, he let go a moment later. His eyes suddenly widened at the sight of my chest. Looking down, I noticed his thimble hanging freely from my neck. "You kept it," Peter suddenly spoke. I looked up at him and smiled proudly.
        "Of coarse I did."

~~~~~~~~~~~
a while later
~~~~~~~~~~~

After cleaning off my Indian makeup in a creek close by our tree house, I was beginning to stand up when I was suddenly startled by the nearby crashing of tree leaves. Looking up, Robin came walking back with some things in both of his arms. I stood up to meet him. "The lost boys things," he addressed. Looking at his face, I noticed his Indian makeup to be cleaned off. Wearing the outfit he had on when I first saw him, I witnessed him gather everything in one arm then take his right arm and push his coon hat onto his head with his right hand. The end of his tongue stuck out between his lips as he concentrated getting the headdress on perfect.

After he relaxed his arm again, he smiled then looked at me. "Much better," he admitted. I smiled lightly at him. Beginning to walk off now, I trailed along side of him.
        "Need help?" I asked. He shook his head.
        "Nope, I'm fine thanks," he said still walking.
        "Okay," I responded.

As the tree house came into view, Robin began to whisper to me. "Is everyone sleeping?"         
        "When I last checked," I responded. 
        "That's good," Robin mumbled as he followed me up the stairway to the tree house. Entering, I saw the lost boys cuddled up on animal skins close by one another in the far left corner. Smiling, I watched as Robin placed the lost boys things down and walk over to the five sleeping boys. Quietly escaping to the other room at which Peter slept, in the doorway, my eyes found a centered bed made of tree wood and animal furs and on it was a sleeping Peter covering up with the blanket Rainah gave him. The light from a small circular window lit Peter's face. He looked so peaceful. 

I couldn't help but smile again. Tip toeing for the bed, I sat down on a close by seat and leaned forward. My elbow now placed on the animal fur, I propped my head to look at Peter. Absolutely fond of the pallid moonlight resting on his cheek, I remembered then when Peter and I danced in front of the moon itself and I got a good look at his blue eyes. Coarse, they weren't always blue, sometimes they were green as well.

Suddenly feeling the urge to touch Peter's face and hair, I held back. It was important he slept, no matter how soft everything looked, I had to let him alone. So after a moment or two, I finally got up and exited the room. Finding Robin no longer in the place I last saw him, I searched every room in the tree house. He was no where. Leaving the tree house now, I rushed down the stairway. My feet on the ground, I looked up and around me.

"Up here!" I suddenly heard. Jumping a little, I followed the voice. On the right side of the tree house, there was another tree and in that tree was a little shelter open to the direction the tree house was facing. There looked to be a roof with a huge hole in it. Robin's head was popped out of it. "Would you like to join me?" He called. I smiled a little.
        "Okay." Flying up to the tree, I was hovering over the hole of the shelter roof when suddenly felt my ankle get pulled down inside the shelter. "Woah!" I yelped as my bum fell onto the floor of the shelter. Robin waited on the right side of me smiling wildly. Looking forward, my eyes found the top view of a forest that led to the wide open ocean. Gasping at the beautiful sight, I collected the simple fact that this shelter was alot higher then the tree house. 
        "So, what do you think?" I heard Robin asked.
        "What more beautiful things are there to show me?" I asked happily still staring at the view and mesmerized.
        "Ah, this is nothing," Robin started as I watched him rest his back against the back wall of the shelter and cross his arms.
        "I don't think you can show me anything better," I admitted breathless still taken by the sight.
        "And that is where you are wrong, Ms. Wendy Darling," Robin said. I looked at him and laughed a little.
        "Why did you come up here?" I asked.
        "To keep watch. I built this just to keep watch. And especially after what happened tonight," Robin admitted. "And then you were looking for me, so I allowed you to find me."