Olivia couldn't move. Her heart was beating so hard she thought it would jump out of her chest. There was a long heavy silence in the tent, everyone turned to the leader who looked at her. Somehow she felt as though everyone could hear her heartbeat in the room.
She was frozen. She had taken a huge risk and now she realised it. What were they going to do to her?
The leader suddenly started speaking but she noticed he wasn't exactly looking at her. He was talking to someone behind her.
She turned around, slowly and found herself face to face with the actual intruder. A cloaked figure with piercing dark eyes and long raven black eyes. This was the girl on the portrait ! And now they were going to kill her. She had a price on her head it would seem. If her picture was next to Felix's, she couldn't be that bad. And besides, they would be looking for her once she appeared. Without even thinking Olivia suddenly ran to the girl, letting herself appear and grabbing her hand she cried "Run!!"
Everyone freaked out at her sudden appearance. The leader watched in bewilderment as they ran through the tent towards the exit.
"CATCH THEM!!!!"He yelled in a terrible raspy voice.
Olivia and the girl sprinted as fast as they could.
Everyone suddenly seemed to wake up and with a unanimous battle cry they seathed out their swords and other weapons and chased after them. The two girls ran as fast as they could through the forest. Night was falling and they could hear everyone following their trail. It was a two against two hundred. They had no time to think.
"I WANT THEM ALIVE!!" They heard and gulped, not ready to face the man again.
The problem was neither of them knew the forest. It looked like a different place even though somehow they were still in Neverland. The wind howled around them, branches whipped their face and legs as they made their way through the thorny and difficult paths. At one point the girl running next to her cried out in pain as a woosh sound got to her ear. Olivia froze and ran back to the girl who now had an arrow in the leg.
"Come on we need to go!!!"she encouraged hastily, helping her up. When she noticed the arrow, Olivia looked around in panick and dragged her to a tree. The girl was panting and sweating but she looked down at Olivia kneeling before her pierced leg and let out "Just do it" with a crisp accent. Olivia snapped her head around as they both heard the men approaching dangerously. She nodded and after a quick breath she pulled the arrow out, the other girl letting out a grunt, and after tearing a piece of her shirt she wrapped it tight around the wound, as fast as she could.
"Now come on let's go!"she said and they ran deeper into the forest again.
Olivia suddenly had this queer feeling of déja-vu as they crossed the forest area. Suddenly she tripped and fell harshly on the ground with a grunt. This time the other girl helped her up and they went on, together.
After crossing a tree they were out of the forest and standing at the edge of a cliff. Olivia opened wide eyes.
"No no no no!! There has to be a way..."
They looked at each other with panick when realization struck Olivia's mind.
"Wait... I know this place... this... this is Neverland.! But we didn't cross the forcefield again..." They turned around and froze, now facing three fierce men with dark smiles and unsheathed weapons.
Olivia cursed when she realised she didn't bring her sword. Only a small dagger. The other girl unleashed her sword and with a yell leapt towards the men, starting a fight. She killed the first one as Olivia got to another one. Quickly the girl threw a sword in her direction and she caught it before crossing blades with the man. In less than a second she had drawn the sword through him and he collapsed at the same time as the last one.
Both panting the girls gave each other an "I'm okay" nod before sighing as the same idea crossed their minds.
They had to go back to the village if they wanted to cross the forcefield.
Running back in, Olivia wondered if they were going to make it. They had to. She wasn't dying here. They didn't have a choice...
Night had definitely fallen now.
The girls came across two other groups and scarcely pulled it off. The men were very well trained and extremely skilled.
Both girls were covered in dirt, earth and blood but kept on running.
Olivia's leg was burning and it would seem the other girl had the same problem because at one point she grunted and leant against a tree with a hand, panting and gritting her teeth to let the pain get away. When it didn't she let out "We should camp here for the rest of the night. There's no use in running if we get caught as soon as we crossed the village's borders. We should rest, they won't find us here. We need to take turns watching."
Olivia nodded and said
"You rest, I'll watch. You need to sleep. I'll wake you up."
She said nothing before laying on the ground and falling asleep. Olivia looked watched her for a moment, wondering who that was and thinking through how crazy all this was. After Nil's death she had had just one thought in mind, find out who these people were and avenge both Nil and Sam at the same time.
Soon, the voices faded away, soon replaced with forest's usual noises. Owls, wolves, the soft breeze in the trees, the crackling branches and flying leaves.
She let her friend sleep as much as she could but st one point she knew she needed to sleep as well so she woke her comrade up and fell asleep.
"Wake up! Wake up! We need to go." A hushed voice accompanied an energetic shake. Olivia moved her sore body and forced herself up. Instantly, survival instinct took over and she was all ears, ready to fight again. Her friend nodded and they ran through the forest again, with only one aim in mind , cross the forcefield.
When they got closer to the village, they stopped and checked for any guards watching. And indeed, there were five at each corner.
Hidden behind bushes then, only a few meters from the forcefield.
"What do we do?"the girl asked and Olivia stopped her hand taking her sword out. "Wait, let me." With that, her eyes turned orange and she stepped out, looking mighty and powerful.
"What are you doing?!"the girl whispered-yelled, but Olivia ignored her. She stood there and suddenly she pushed her hand forward and the force pulverized the soldiers with a yell. Others instantly came but she had already seen them and with a flock of the wrist they were violently pushed away, and knocked out the secon they hit a tree or the ground. The soldiers had their swords in hand and were running straight towards her. Olivia cleared the area holding the invisible portal and keeping the enemy away she cried "Run!"
Instantly the other girl kept out and limped-ran to the invisible wall, crossing it in a second.
Olivia smirked and with another flick of the wrist a whole group of soldiers were disarmed and restrained to a tree. Suddenly an arrow came right past her scratching her arm in the process and she cringed at the stinging pain, holding her arm with her hand, but two soldiers were now before her and fortunately she had her sword. The unfortunate part was that these men were extremely well trained and the fight took quite some time. A few times she had almost been badly wounded by their blades.
As more were coming, Olivia knew she had to act fast or she might never see Neverland again.
"Not happening"she muttered before pushing a man away with her sword. Olivia glanced at the invisible wall a few meters behind and seeing how many men were now running towards her, closing her eyes, she conjured great power, like Peter had taught her to do. When her eyes opened they were bright orange and a thick wall of flames had suddenly been traced, preventing any attempt from the soldiers to get to her. Olivia stared at the wall of flames, both impressed and a little fearful of what she could do.
Meeting with the hateful look of one of the men, she stared back and after a circular glance on all of them, she smirked, knowing she had to look victorious so they would now know she was not to be meddled with, and turning away, she walked to the wall. At the moment she crossed it she heard "I WILL FIND YOU WITCH! I WILL FIND YOU!"
What she didn't hear was the other man who had told the leader about the intruder tell him
"Seems like we found her... the witch is back here. After all this time..."
Olivia tumbled, exhausted to the floor. She was covered in dirt, scratches and blood. She quickly stood up and looked around, her eyes searching for the other girl. She was nowhere to be seen. Panting, she walked to the clearing, thinking the other girl had simply vamidhedvanished since she was safe now.
Shivering because of the cold air, she looked up to the sky and noticed a new star she had never seen before, and instantly all the events of the other day came back to her. Tears brimmed her eyes as the picture of Nil dead in the arms of his brothers appeared before her eyes.
She pushed back her tears and smiled at the star.
"You're in a better place now, Little one."
For she knew, Felix had told her, that the Lost boys were connected to the island in another way... when they died, a new star lit the sky, it was the spirit of the passed away boy, forever enlightening the night sky.
"You there!"a voice called out, with a crisp accent. Olivia turned around, and now face the girl she had saved. She smiled at her and Olivia smiled back. They suddenly hugged each other like old friends, because of their adventure of the night.
"Thank you, you saved my life.
"Barely, you're still wounded, weneed to get you cleaned up.
"Wait, What's your name?
"Olivia,"she answered with a smile
"Who are you?
"Lily. Tiger Lily.
"As to... THE Tiger Lily?!"
The Indian type girl let out a small laugh "Um pretty sure I'm the only one, but...yeah, I guess."
After that no words were exchanged and Olivia supported Lily who couldn't walk but showed her the way to her village.
It was quite some time before they spotted some light coming from a campfire.
"We're almost there Lily." Olivia encouraged and soon enough they reached the border of the camp site. There were Indians everywhere, which she found fascinating. When they got in, everyone turned to them and a woman ran towards the two girls "Lily!!" She cried out, checking on the suffering girl. Olovia explained
"Some men shot her with an arrow in the leg. The wound needs cleaning. It's not pretty, and I don't know if the arrow was poisoned or not."
The woman nodded and suddenly a young man called out her name
"LILY!!"
He ran to her, cupping her face with his hands "Are you okay??? Where were you?! I was worried sick!! Never do that again you hear?!"
She nodded and he shook his head
"You never listen to me do you?!"
He turned to Olivia and said
"I'm Hawk. Lily's brother. Thank you so much for bringing her back. Who are you?"he inquired supporting his sister and leading her to the tent, motioning for the young girl to follow.
"Olivia. Actually Lily and I were in the same mess, so we kinda helped each other get through it.
"She saved my life, Hawk."
The young man turned to her, surprised and grateful
"Thank you, Lady Olivia of the Saven.
"Oh please, just Olivia"she assured unease. He nodded and began healing Lily with herbs and other strange stuff she didn't know.
They sat around the fire and Olivia inquired "How did you know I was a witch?
"My brother has good eyes" Lily mocked nicely "He can see EVERYTHING "she added, emphasizing the last word widening her eyes on purpose making Olivia giggle and Hawk shake his head and roll his eyes
"Actually I saw the mark on your arm.
I'm quite good at these things.
"As you can see, modesty is not his greatest quality" Lily went on.
"You should be resting.
"And you should be listening.
"Listening to what?
"Other people like me or her."
Hawk turned to Olivia. She had to admit he was very handsome, with dark eyes and tanned skin. His eyebrows furrowed in concern. She snapped out of her thoughts and listened to Lily making an encounter of their adventure.
At the end the young man took her hand spontaneously "thank you, my lady. Thank you!
"Um... no problem, Hawk but please, call me Olivia.
"Thank you Olivia. You don't know how much she means to me. I owe you everything. Ask me anything I am at your service."
She smiled at him and he smiled back before turning towards Lily.
"Now you sleep."
At that moment the tent opened and a Indian soldier said something in his dialect, something she didn't understand but seemed to be about her.
Lily sighed and said with a smile
"Father wishes to see us. You especially."
Olivia nodded and got up. Hawk escorted her to the main tent in the middle of the village.
She went in after taking a deep breath.
"Here we go."she whispered and faced a tall massive man, with red warrior face-paint, holding a sort of axe in his hand. He stood up and slightly bowed his head
"My lady "he said with a strong accent
"It is a great pleasure to meet you."
Olivia bowed her head in return and answered the greeting
"The pleasure is all mine, high chief.
Satisfied he smiled and walked to her.
"I was told you save my beautiful Lily. My daughter. And that I cannot forget.
Witches are powerful but not all kind hearted. You are an honour to your kind, my lady.
"Thank you, sir. Your words go right to my heart. And I can tell you your daughter is one of the bravest warrior I have ever met. She helped me as well. We did it together.
"Tell me, my lady," he added but she cut
"Please call me Olivia. I'm not a really title kind of person.
"Well... Olivia,"he said and she smiled at his kindness
"I wonder where is your family?
She clenched her jaw, and looked bravely at him
"My family no longer walks this world. I believe they are happy where they are. It is what I wish for them.
"And I am sure your wish will be granted. When it comes from a pure heart, like yours, it cannot be otherwise.
"But here, you have a place to live?
"Actually yes. I live with the Lost boys."
At her words Hawk gasped and clenched his jaw but remain silent. The chief seemed surprised.
"So you know Peter pan then?"he asked, carefully. Olivia smiled
"Yes I do.
"And you still stay with him!?" Hawk exclaimed making her turn around, surprised. "Why, of course. Is that, a problem?"she said glancing towards the chief. Hawk walked to her and put a hand on her shoulder
"Olivia, he cannot be trusted. Ever.
"But you don't seem to have many problems with him, do you?"she asked the chief who shook his head
"We have a deal. Indians and Lost boys, not enemy. Allies. But not friends.
Hawk insisted "Olivia listen to me. You cannot stay with this person. He's evil, he always will be. You mustn't trust any of his actions. Ypu will always be deceived.
"Seems like you know a lot about him" the young girl said. "What did he do to you that you should hate him about?"
Hawk looked down with gritted teeth and then back at her
"He killed the woman I loved, ripped her heart out and crushed it right before me. Same for her sister and her brother. Without a blink. Not the slightest care or concern. Maybe joy. Because killing is what makes him happy. He cares for NO ONE. He can easily fool, but never be fooled. Which is why he is dangerous. More dangerous than you could ever imagine! Olivia you have to leave him. Leave them all. You can come here. But please don't stay with this demon."
Olivia was studying his face, in disbelief and feeling sorry for him. She was horrified about Pan's actions.
How could anyone do that!?
The chief added "Hawk is wise. You can stay here if you want. I will make another deal with Peter pan
They looked at her, she seemed to be debating with herself.
Hawk started leaving saying
"II'll go and look for him." The chief nodded but suddenly Olivia lifted her hand to stop them
"Wait!"they looked at her with wonder
"Actually, thank you very much for your most generous offer. But I'm afraid I must decline."
"What?! Olivia-" she cut him gently by putting a hand on his arm and saying
"It wouldn't be right to abandon them." After a silence, debating between persuading her and leave it be, Hawk nodded and she spent the evening there.
Sitting around a fire, Olivia stared at the flames gravely. All the Indians had been extremely kind to her and she had seen their dances and listened to their stories of adventure.
When everyone had gone to bed, she had stayed, and so had Hawk, both sitting there. Lily was much better already, her leg healing.
Completely lost in her thoughts she did not notice the young man staring intensely at her. Shaking his head he broke the silence.
"I don't understand how you can accept to live with this demon. You could be fine here. Lily and I would take care of you. You can trust us, whereas you can't EVER trust him.
Why would yu refuse such an offer, I-
"Wait, Hawk, listen."she cut. And after a deep breath she explained, slowly, looking for the right words.
"It's just that... the lost boys are my family now. They've all been so kind to me. I cannot abandon them. The reason I found Lily, was because I was fighting for them. Not against. And for what concerns Peter pan... he protects me. He's been kind to me since I arrived.
And besides, I know he has a terrible dark side, but... I want to try. I want to believe there's still good in him. And I know there is."
Hawk shook his head in disbelief, but then let it be.
"Fine. If it's what you want. I just wish you won't pay the price."
She didn't answer, somehow knowing she might. Believing in good when everyone around you sees evil, always had a price.
They left the conversation be for the moment and Olivia slept in one of the tents.
Taking out some paper she found and her pen, she started drawing again. She drew her two new friends, brothers and sisters, Hawk and Tiger Lily both looking fierce and brave as they were. They looked each at different sides, and Olivia made sure they had war-face-paint. And behind them she drew the symbol protecting their village. It was very beautiful and she was satisfied of it.
She put the drawing in her satchel and lay down to get some sleep. But she couldn't find any, too preoccupied about what Hawk.
She thought about all he had said. Never trust him.
The truth was, she knew nothing about that boy. Just that he tried to protect her.
What if she was wrong about him? What if she was wrong about all this?
She shook her head. What mattered was what she believed was right. Maybe she would pay the price if she was wrong. But you have to have at least some goals, and if they are not right, well you just learn and fix yourself new ones.
But she had one thing in mind :
She was going to learn to know
Peter pan.
______________
_______________
_______________
Hey there! So sorry for this way too long chapter! Just got really inspired!😂
Anyway love you all!
Don't forget to vote and comment!
Love love love.
El.😘😘😘