Neverland's Darkest Shadow

Chapter 8- Tink

Crystal's POV:

As I made my way back to Peter's camp, I thought about the deal I had just made with Hook. Whether or not it was a good one was to yet be seen. I could feel the break of dawn on my back as I arrived at the camp. Generally, the boys would've been awake by now; but all of them were fast asleep in their cots.

I looked around for a sign of life, but instead saw nothing but the bushes and greenery surrounding the camp. Usually Felix would be up and out of the camp by dawn to go and hunt; but even he was asleep like a baby lying on a rock.

Where's Peter? I asked myself. I weaved my way through the sleeping boys and went behind their hangout site hoping to find something that could help me. Right behind the tree that was almost like their base, there was a path I had never seen before.

Deciding to follow it, I walked along the narrow way. Almost like a fence, there were thick, leafy hedges that enclosed the path. It was difficult for me to stand up straight as I made my way through the maze that seemed to lead to absolutely nowhere. There were twigs and tree roots that lined the ground, making me trip and stumble.

I finally came to a peak where I overlooked Neverland's ocean. The blue water below me glistened underneath the remaining starlight; and it felt as though time was beginning to stand still. As I stood there, I felt the warmth of happy thoughts arrive inside my head and I smiled to myself. Beside me, I saw a small glowing figure.

I walked over to a little leaf that was aglow in the bushes. Yellow sparkles began to rise as I got closer, and when I reached the leaf, I saw a tiny fairy. She had a little green dress, small shoes with poms on the toes, and her blonde hair was pulled up into a tight bun that sat at the top of her head. She looked up and smiled at me warmly. I smiled back.

"Can you talk?" I whispered, trying not to frighten her away. Tiny tinking sounds arose from her; but she didn't say a word. Even though she couldn't talk, I somehow understood her.

I nodded, "I see. My name is Crystal! What's your name?" More sounds came. I sighed and frowned, feeling a bit sad that I couldn't understand her sounds and make them into sentences. I thought for moment for a name to give her.

Hmmm... she makes tinking sounds...

"That's it," I smiled widely, "Tink! Do you like that?" Tink clapped gleefully and nodded.

"I need your help, Tink. Do you know Peter Pan?" Tinks face stood still. She looked as though she had seen a ghost, her face was pale and she sat down on the leaf. I leaned down more and cocked my head.

"Tink?" She looked up and nodded her little head, sparkles flying off in all different directions. "I need to find him. Where's his private hideout?" Tink shook her head ferociously, as if telling me not to try and find him or I'd get hurt.

"I know he's dangerous; but I need to help him. I need to help all of you." Tink sighed and nodded. She looked at me, my eyes pleading for her desperately needed help. She began flying and grabbed hold of my dress sleeve, giving it a little tug. I followed her down a very dark path to where I found myself back at the ocean. She pointed to a little tent that sat in the trees but near the beach.

I smiled.

"Thank you, Tink. Feel free to wait for me here!" She smiled and nodded, then shooed me to go and talk with Peter. I tried my best not to stumble as I made my way down to his tent. When I reached the bottom of the hill, I had to compose myself before I walked up to his tent.

He said that he was going to kill me if I attempted to leave, and attempting to leave I did. I even twisted his words into a permission grant for me to leave. I'm assuming that he'd still be angry at me for that to say the least. The sun was already part way up Neverland's sky. I breathed in the sunlight, stood up tall, and walked to the tent flap.

"P-Peter?" I stuttered through my words. I couldn't talk. Maybe it was the fact that he could kill me as soon as I entered or even spoke. I heard nothing though. Maybe he's asleep...

"Peter?" I called out again, this time with a little bit more composure. Still nothing. I decided to take a peek inside. I move the flap to the side as I peered into the dark tent. I could barely see anything; I stuck my head in a little further. My body was almost completely inside when I saw a shadow stand over me. A hand grabbed my shoulder and spun me around.

Peter.

"WHAT are you doing here?!" He yelled so intensely that I thought I was going to cry, "I thought you were going to go home and stay home, leaving us here to die!" I breathed and stood up taller.

"I-I changed my mind, Peter," his face softened a little, "I was just thinking about the lost boys and everyone else and...you...and I began to feel bad. I can't leave, and I won't until I help." A tiny smile creeped onto his face as I spoke.

"Thank you for coming back, Crystal. We truly do need you. The boys were devastated to hear that you left; we should go back to the camp." I gave him a look of question which made him almost laugh (for once) and he shook his head.

"Wondering why I'm a little bit softer right now?" I nodded, "Well, I just like the fact that you came back. It means that you care about us after all. Not many do. Hook hates our guts, the fairies are petrified of our existence, the mermaids swim away even if we come within 20 feet of their waters, and the village people hate us."

"You know Hook?" I asked. Peter nodded as his eyebrows narrowed. He eyed me carefully.

"Why," he asked solemnly, "Have you, no, have YOU met him?" I thought about how I should answer. I couldn't tell him the truth, after all, he never told the truth, right?

"No," I shook my head, "I haven't. Should I?" Peter shook his head and gave me a serious look.

"No. You shouldn't, and you never will. I'm going to make sure that happens. He's a liar! One who goes back on his promises." I grinned to myself. That's exactly what he said about you...

"Oh, I've heard things about you too," I smile, "And people say that even you don't keep your promises." Peter was taken aback to my comment.

"Really?" I nodded. He raised his left eyebrow and shrugged.

"Don't believe all you hear, Crystal. The island holds many secrets and promises, and even it isn't known to be true. Let's get back to the camp!" I nodded as we began making our way back up the hill.

"Wait," I stopped and grabbed hold of his arm. My eyes widened as I felt muscles.

"What?" He asked, a little weirded out that I was still hanging on to him.

"Am I still going to be in a cage?" He laughed, making me smile.

"We'll see."

"Peter?"

"Yes?"

"You have a nice laugh." He grinned.

"Thanks!"