B2. Peter Pan: Part 5

Chapter 9: The Never Bird

Night came, and Peter was alone and cold.

Then, in the distance he saw something on the water.

It was the great Neverbird, one of Neverland's mythical creatures. She was pushing her nest across the water towards him.

As the Neverbird neared Peter, she looked at him curiously. Peter wondered if she'd help him.

Finally, she pushed her nest to Peter.

Peter swam towards it, despite the strong current. There was a great pain in his shoulder with every stroke.

He climbed into her nest, careful not to break the eggs.

She pushed him to the shore.

"Thank you, friend," said Peter. After he exited the nest, the Neverbird transformed into water and disappeared into the waves.

Peter walked through the quiet forest, until he saw the warm lights of home.

Upon opening the door, everyone cheered and hugged him.

Wendy gave him medicine and bandaged his shoulder, while the others reminisced on the day's events.

Chapter 10: The Happy Home

After Peter saved Tiger Lily, the natives and Lost Boys became close friends. Tiger Lily promised to protect them. The natives set up teepees in a circle around the boys' home and guarded it.

Next to their campfire stood their large sacred drum. The natives only beat it after winning in battle. The drum's deep sound was well-known across Neverland.

That evening, Peter went outside to check the time by looking at the moon.

Inside, the Lost Boys were having a tea party. Wendy disliked their behaviour, as they threw food at each other and argued.

"Stop that!" Wendy said. "Slightly, have you finished your milk?"

Slightly looked at his cup. "Not yet, Mother."

"He hasn't even started," said Nibs. The boys kept arguing.

The front door opened. "It's your father," said Wendy. "You must meet him at the door." The children rushed to the door.

Peter brought nuts for the boys and told Wendy the correct time.

"You spoil them," Wendy smiled.

"Ah, old lady," said Peter.

Peter sat by the fire while Wendy sewed. "Isn't this nice, Wendy? Us, resting by the fire after a hard day, with the children all around." Peter relaxed and leaned back in his chair. "I do believe I could stay here forever."

"It's sweet, Peter. And look, I think Curly has your nose!"

Peter looked worried. "Wendy, it's only pretend that I'm their father, right?"

"Oh yes," Wendy said sadly.

"Because it would make me seem old to be a real father." he said.

"But they are ours - yours and mine."

"Not really, right Wendy?" he asked.

"Not if you don't want them to be," Wendy said.

Wendy felt an ache in her heart. She loved being a mother to the Lost Boys. For her, it was more than just a game.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She stood up and sat alone on the other side of the room. She looked out the window and thought, I wonder if my mother is looking at the same stars. A tear rolled down her cheek.

Peter didn't understand. "You and Tiger Lily confuse me. Tiger Lily wants to be something to me, but not my mother."

"No, she definitely doesn't," Wendy said firmly.

Tinkerbell had listened to their conversation, and cried quietly on her miniature bed. Her light had turned a deep red. She flew out the window to clear her head.

She sat on a branch and looked across Neverland. It was beautiful at night. Suddenly, a net dropped over her. She heard men laughing, and everything went dark.

Tink woke up in a cage on Captain Hook's ship. She buzzed around angrily, trying to escape.

"Tinkerbell, you seem upset. Is it because of Wendy?" said Hook.

Tinkerbell stopped buzzing and looked at him. She nodded.

"I can make Wendy go away," Hook said softly. "Tell me where Peter lives, and Wendy will be gone."

Tinkerbell's wings fluttered nervously. She didn't trust Hook, but her jealousy was too strong. She flew to the edge of the cage and whispered, "It's in Hangman's Tree."

Tinkerbell regretted it instantly. She watched in horror as Hook gave orders to his men, "Get ready men! Hangman's Tree before dawn!"

Meanwhile, in the boy's underground home, they were singing, dancing, and telling stories as usual.

But these carefree days would not last much longer.