Losing Neverland

Prologue

"Happy Birthday to you. Make a wish kid." My brothers sang. It was off pitch and out of tune, but the gesture was sweet. As I blew out the candles Killian asked the question he asked me every year, it was kind of our tradition. "What did you wish for, this year kid?"

"Killian, if I tell you it won't come true. You know that." I explained. I had two older brothers, Liam and Killian. Our parents recently passed away, so my brothers are responsible for me. Right now we're traveling on behalf of the king. Normally I would stay home when my brothers would travel, but I decided why not explore the world, travel the seas. One relm at a time, "anyway, I'm almost too old for birthday wishes."

Suddenly the crew started shouting, "Land ho!" A trample of feet followed. Damn, we had been traveling for such a short time, it seemed to be too soon.

I rushed up to the deck, to be met with the sight of an island in the distance. It was green and filled with forests. It was beautiful and light, but at the same time dark and mysterious. The island looked untouched by humans, the perfect place to explore. Maybe I could convince Liam and Killian to allow me to join their adventure.

As if Liam knew I was going to ask him, he spoke up. "Not today, girlie, Neverland is no place for you, at least not until I know what roams that jungle." My ears perked up at the name of the island. I had heard about Peter Pan and about Neverland, but I thought they were folk tales. Liam dragged me back into the captain's cabin, "While we're gone, why don't you read a book, I know you have been wanting a new one for a while." I was handed a rather large book titled, Rare Artifacts of the World. My brother is great and all, and I do love books, but I don't think that he knows how much I long for adventure. "How does that sound, Indie?"

I shook my head, "really, you guys are going to Neverland and I have to stay back while you have all the fun. It's my birthday, why can't I come?"

"It's not safe for you, I'm sorry." Liam responded. Why can't he be fun just for once. It's not like I'm going to die if I go.

"Come on big brother, let the kid go. It is her birthday after all. What do you say? Indiana Jones, adventurer extraordinaire." Okay, let me explain Killian's nickname. When I was younger I couldn't say my full name, India-Ann, kind of a mouthful for a 2 year old. So I would go around saying that my name was Indiana Jones. The 'adventurer extraordinaire' part came when I was a little older. I got lost in the woods for almost a week, until I found my way back home. After that day I became 'Indiana Jones, adventurer extraordinaire'.

Eventually, Liam gave in, "fine, but, you're responsible if she gets eaten." The looks on my face said it all. "I'm kidding, what can I not joke too. I don't always have to be the older, more responsible brother. I can be fun!"

"And I can fly." I retorted. "Let's get a move on boys, Neverland's awaiting."

"Not so fast young lady." Liam states matter of factly, grabbing my shoulder.

I mentally groan, "what now?" He just said I could go. He better not say 'whoops to bad.' That would be just my luck.

"You don't think that I'm going to let my dearest little sister into an unknown place without a weapon, now do you?" Where was he going with this? Liam gestured to a table in the middle of the room with a few different things on it, "take your pick lass."

I carefully studied the table, there were a few different weapons. Some knives, a few pistols, a sword kind of thing, and a...rope? It almost called to me, but I don't know why. It was just a rope. I made my decision and grabbed two of the knives and the rope and started back up to the deck.

I could hear my brothers following behind, "She does love the idea of an adventure. That's for sure. I knew she would pick the whip, guns are too loud and noisy, and to master a sword would take a great amount of time. That whip on the other hand seems to fit her perfectly. What do ya say Liam?"

"I still can't believe you two were able to talk me into this, this. This ridiculousness. If she dies, I would never forgive myself." Oh Liam, always such a pessimist.

"I'll be fine," I shout over towards them. "Let's go boys, we're losing daylight." I jumped into one of the rowboats and peered down into the water. It was a dark, navy blue, and there was something swimming in it. I was amazed by the creatures that resided in the waters.

I felt the back of my shirt be pulled on. "Careful Indie, you don't want to go swim with the mermaids."

"Mermaids? Liam, you didn't tell me there were mermaids!" I was astonished. I had read about mermaids in fairy tales, but I never dreamt that they actually existed. "Oh I do hope to see one, that would be so magical."

Killian then jumped in the boat with a loud 'thud', "Those mermaids are not like the ones in your books. You definitely do not want to come into contact with them. I've heard of the creatures that infest these waters, they lure you down to the ocean's bottom and drown you."

"Well shit, there goes my plans." I don't normally curse, but I'm also not a walking saint.

"Language young lady, it's not too late for you to skip out on this adventure." Ah Liam, always the fun killer. "Speaking of, lower the boat! We'll be back, crew!"

With that we were lowered down to the water. Both of my brothers grabbed an oar, while I kept my attention on the island we were growing closer towards. One thought raced through my mind, Neverland, here I come.