The Lost Boy

Chapter 14

"What?" 

"What if we were the Lost Boy? All of us?" 

Nevermore's golden eyes were stunned, taken aback, still scared, but almost considerate. 

"Seven?" Nevermore whispered. "Seven humans?" 

The wizard began to pace, tapping his chin, his golden eyes searching the ground for a way to tell them no. 

"It could work," Tink said, smiling at Rooster. 

"But it would still be risking so much," Nevermore countered, pausing to stare at each of their faces individually, searching their eyes for any sign of hesitation, of dishonesty, of uncertainty. The anguish in his eyes proved that he found none. 

As Nevermore buried his face in his hands, the boys grinned and a few began to bounce on their heels, trembling with excitement. The twins threw their arms around each other's shoulders, while Nibs and Curly each held one of Tootles' hands, and they all looked up at Rooster, who nodded at them. 

"Can we, Nevermore?" Rooster asked, peering at the frustrated young man. He held out his hand and allowed Tink to perch on his palm, her glow illuminating his face, as he watched Nevermore's pacing slowdown. The wizard finally looked up at him, his golden eyes guarded again, and he gave a deep, defeated sigh. 

"If that is what you truly want," Nevermore answered. He straightened as the boys began to bounce in excitement, his almost-regal posture recovered. Rooster held his golden gaze as the young man continued, "But you must know that it is a dangerous risk." 

"It's a risk we're willin' to take," Rooster said as the boys nodded. He dropped his hand as Tink fluttered to his shoulder and he dropped his gaze, closing his fist as though trying to grab something in the air. "We got no home, but this island...Neverland could be our home. And we wanna help you protect it." 

"Yeah, Nevermore," Slightly agreed. "Let us be the Lost Boy!" 

Nevermore took a deep breath, looked at his feet, then said, "You will not like this duty. Every Never Moon, I hate my role, hate my duty. Most days I want to wish it away. I cannot ask you to take on such a burden..." 

"We want this," Rooster assured him. The other boys nodded. "We won't fail you." 

Nevermore's gaze softened, and he whispered, "You could not. I promise...I will not fail you." 

"I know," Rooster said, unable to restrain the grin pulling at his lips. He could never control those muscles. His mouth was made to smile. 

Nevermore dipped his head, his gaze on the North Star, and the younger boys erupted into shouts of excitement. They were going to stay! They would finally have a home! 

Tink giggled and zipped around Rooster's head, then perched on his bandaged hand as he offered his palm. She planted her hands on her hips and grinned. 

"I can't believe you're gonna stay!" she said, her bell-like laugh filling his chest with warmth. 

"Me neither," Rooster agreed. "You'll be there with me, though, yeah?" 

"Of course!" Tink reached forward and, careful to not inflict pain, gently touched his broken nose. "You're my friend, Rooster, and I can't wait to show you around! We're gonna have so much fun!" 

She laughed again and leaped from his palm before she raced circles around him. The air disturbed by her flight tickled his skin and ruffled his hair, and he laughed with her. In the way she always did, Tink seemed to glow brighter when he laughed.