Neverland's Key

by R. V. Bowman

  She shrugged and put a finger over her lips. Tinkerbell smirked and flew after Rommy. Silently, Rommy flew over the ground and up to the top of the tree. She hovered where Francie slept, nestled into the base of a large branch. Rommy looked at her friend. Francie’s eyes were closed and her breathing was even. Her black curls looked tangled and a bit matted, and there was a smudge of dark blue on the side of her temple. A braided length of vine was tied around one of Francie’s ankles. It drooped off into the leaves below. Despite Francie’s stillness, the vine periodically moved as if it was attached to something alive.

  Rommy glanced around, but she didn’t see Pan anywhere in the branches. A tingle of unease slid up her spine, but she worked her way between the leaves, trying not to make them rustle. She perched next to Francie, and with one hand she covered Francie’s mouth while simultaneously touching her shoulder.

  Francie came up swinging, her eyes wide until they alighted on Rommy’s face. A smile broke across Francie’s face, and pushing Rommy’s hand away, she flung her arms around her friend. The girls squeezed each other tightly.

  Finally, Rommy pulled back and put a finger over her mouth. Gesturing with her hand, she motioned for Francie to follow her. Francie pointed to her ankle, where the vine was tied. Then she pointed below her and mimed someone sleeping. Rommy’s eyes widened when she realized what Francie was trying to tell her—the vine was attached to someone.

  Rommy carefully slipped her dagger between the vine and Francie’s ankle while Francie grasped the vine further down so it didn’t wiggle too much. It seemed to take forever to get through the tough fibers. She made to drop the vine, but Francie grabbed her wrist. She took the vine from Rommy and tied it around a small branch. Then she gave Rommy a big grin.

  It wasn’t until they both were sliding back through the branches that Rommy realized Tinkerbell wasn’t with her anymore. She clenched her fists. Where had that crazy fairy gotten off to now?

  She spotted the tarnished glow flitting among the branches. What was Tinkerbell doing? She was going to ruin everything if she woke up any of the Lost Boys or Pan. Rommy dared not call out to the fairy. She grimaced. She’d get Francie out of here, and then she’d go back for Tinkerbell, if she had to.

  “What’s wrong?” whispered Francie.

  Rommy just shook her head, and grasping Francie’s hand, she flew out from the branches of the tree. Balo was waiting for them.

  “Where’s Tinkerbell?” he asked as soon as they got close enough. He craned his neck to look behind them and let out a loud huff. “What is she doing?” He shook his head. “I would ask what’s wrong with her, but I already know!” He twirled a finger around the side of his head.

  Francie looked between them, her eyes wide. “Who’s Tinkerbell? And is that a fairy?”

  “I don’t know what she’s up to,” said Rommy to Balo, “but I thought we’d better get Francie out of there before I worry about it.” Then she turned to Francie. “I’ll explain things more later, but right now, we need to get further away. Pan’s more likely to catch us than Tinkerbell. In fact, I’d say, if Pan had any smarts at all, he’d stay away from her.”

  Balo rolled his eyes. “I think he’s as crazy as she is.” Whirling in the air, he gestured at Francie, who was still staring at him, wide-eyed. “Stop gaping and follow me,” he said.

  Francie looked at Rommy, who smiled. “He’s a bit grumpy, but yes, he’s a fairy and we should follow him.”

  “I can’t wait to hear this,” Francie said, shaking her head.

  “Later,” said Rommy. “We need to get you to someplace safer before...”

  The hair on the back of Rommy’s neck stood up, and she whirled to find Pan not a foot away. He smiled at her, and a shiver snaked up her spine. She felt Francie’s hand tighten on hers.

  “Miss me, did you?” he said.

  Pulling on Francie’s arm, Rommy said, “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”

  She whirled away from Pan, and, towing Francie behind her, headed into the forest.

  Pan’s crowing laughter floated after them. “Am I supposed to catch you if I can?” he called. “Okay, then, ready or not, here I come.”

  Rommy zigged and zagged between tree trunks, trying to gain some distance from Pan but not lose him all together. She wanted to get Pan far enough away that Finn could talk to the Lost Boys without Pan overhearing and trying to stop him. She didn’t know how many would listen to Finn, but she wanted to give him the chance.

  “Hey!” yelled Francie as a branch full of leaves smacked her in the face.

  “Sorry,” said Rommy, continuing to weave between the trees and branches. She didn’t let go of Francie’s hand but kept dragging the other girl along behind her.

  She glanced over her shoulder but didn’t see Pan. She swerved around a silver-colored birch, only to almost run into him.

  “Found you!” he said.

  Rommy peddled backwards and shoved Francie behind her. She heard the other girl gasp but ignored it, keeping her focus on Pan.

  “You’re going to wish you hadn’t,” Rommy said, pulling her dagger from the sheath at her waist.

  Pan winked at Francie. “Your friend here is always ready for a fight,” he said, putting both his hands up. “Do I look like a threat to you?”

  “You’re about as trustworthy as a clergyman with an offering plate,” Francie said, crossing her arms.

  Pan let out a chuckle. “And you’re always ready with a joke,” he said. His eyes turned to Rommy who held her dagger at the ready. “I knew you’d come.” His eyes glittered.

  “I only came to get my friend,” said Rommy.

  He slid closer. “You just can’t stay away, can you?”

  Rommy shifted away from him. “I would gladly never see you again, if you’d just leave my friends alone.”

  Pan shook his head. “No, it’s just an excuse. You know you want to join me, but you’re just stubborn and don’t want to admit it.”

  Francie blew out a laugh. “Your balmy in the crumpet, for sure,” she said, tossing her curls over her shoulder.

  Pan ignored her, all of his concentration on Rommy. She drifted backward again, trying to stay out of Pan’s reach, but he slid closer.

  His hand snaked out and grabbed her dagger arm. Rommy tried to twist away from him, but he reeled her in closer until they were nose to nose.

  Pan smiled. “Why won’t you listen to me?” he said, his voice soft. “Why do you want to seal all the magic away here? They need me. I rescue them.” His face slid next to hers until his mouth was by her ear. “I could rescue you, too.”

  Rommy jerked her head away just as a shriek echoed through the forest. All of them turned toward the sound. A ball of green-tinged silver light was shooting toward them.

  “Liar!” The voice was so high-pitched Rommy and Pan both winced.

  Pan’s grip on her arm loosened and his face lit up. “Tink? Is that you?”

  “Don’t. Call. Me. That,” the fairy gritted out between clenched teeth. The deep red had bled up her legs and arms, and she vibrated so hard she looked blurry.

  Pan let go of Rommy and held up both of his hands. “I’ve missed you, Tink,” he said. “Where’ve you been all this time?” His smile looked genuine, and he didn’t seem to understand the danger he was in from the tiny fairy.

  Tinkerbell held up both her hands. They were glowing deep red. Taking advantage of Pan’s distraction, Rommy edged away from Pan toward Francie.

  Beams of light shot toward Pan. He dodged away, laughing. One left a singed mark along the side of his tunic. He looked down at it, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “Come on now, Tink, you know you’re happy to see me. I’m sure happy to see you.”

  Rommy grasped Francie’s hand. She hesitated. Tinkerbell looked determined to kill Pan, and they needed that key. But this was a good chance for them to get away, too.

  Pan, meanwhile, was trying to get closer to Tinkerbell. Rommy had to agree with Francie. He was balmy on
the crumpet if he didn’t realize the fairy wasn’t interested in a happy reunion. More beams of light shot from the fairy’s hands. This time, one found its mark. Pan yelped and clapped a hand over his upper arm.

  “Hey! What’s wrong with you?” he said, his voice turning sulky.

  Instead of answering, Tinkerbell let out a guttural growl and rocketed toward the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Rommy was afraid that he wouldn’t be breathing pretty soon.

  Francie tugged at her hand. “Let’s get out of here,” she said.

  Rommy shook her head, mesmerized by the scene unfolding before her.

  It wasn’t until Tinkerbell was almost on top of Pan that she saw the small dagger clenched in the fairy’s hand. It was aimed right at Pan’s heart, and he was oblivious.

  Letting go of Francie’s hand, Rommy shouted, “No!” and pushed toward the two. She was too late. Tinkerbell plunged the metal object into Pan’s chest. His eyes opened wide with surprise. Fortunately, Rommy’s shout had surprised the fairy enough that instead of his heart, the weapon was sticking out near his shoulder.

  Pan’s mouth formed a circle, and he grabbed at the dagger as he slowly spiraled down toward the ground and collapsed in a crumpled heap.

  The fury from a moment before drained from the small fairy. She hung limp in the air, gasping. When Rommy got closer, she saw tears running down the tiny face. Tinkerbell let out a low moan, both of her hands gripping the sides of her head.

  “I killed him,” she muttered over and over as she backed away.

  Rommy looked back and forth between the fairy and Pan who was lying still on the ground. She couldn’t let Tinkerbell disappear. There was no telling what the fairy would do or where she’d go, but Rommy had to help Pan, too. Even if he wasn’t as near to death as he seemed, something would surely finish him off if she left him here unconscious. She looked between Francie, whose mouth was hanging open, and Tinkerbell.

  Rommy blew out a breath. She couldn’t let Tinkerbell leave with that key. She called to the fairy softly and then more sharply when Tinkerbell didn’t respond. The fairy raised glassy eyes toward her.

  “He’s not dead, not yet,” Rommy said.

  The fairy shook her head, her glow dimming to a sickly greenish-gray. “I don’t want him to die,” she said, cocking her head, “but I don’t want him to live either.”

  “I know,” said Rommy. “He hurt you, but don’t you think you’ve punished him enough?”

  “I...I...don’t know,” said Tinkerbell. She slowly drifted down onto a low branch.

  Turning to Francie, Rommy said, “You need to go back to Finn and the others; tell them what’s happened. I need some help here.” She nodded her head toward Tinkerbell, who was slumped unmoving on the branch, staring blankly at her hands.

  Francie blinked at Rommy and then glanced down at Pan. “It doesn’t look fatal. Can’t you just leave him here?” she asked.

  Rommy shook her head. “No, we really can’t. He’d be helpless, and there are too many things that could finish him off.” She nodded toward Pan who still had not moved. She was relieved to see his chest rise and fall. At least he was still breathing.

  Francie squared her shoulders. “Okay, but I have no idea where I’m at. You’re going to have to point me in the right direction.”

  Rommy came to stand next to France and pointed to a sliver of the cliff visible between the trees. “See that?” When Francie nodded, Rommy continued. “You need to keep going toward that piece of cliff. It’ll take you in the right direction at least.”

  Francie took a deep breath and nodded. “I’ll be back as quick as I can.”

  Rommy squeezed Francie’s hand. “Just keep going toward that bit of cliff and after a few minutes, call for Finn. He won’t let you get too far off course.”

  Francie gave her a grin. “You can count on me,” she said, and with a last glance, she pushed off and flew off in the direction of the cliffs.

  Rommy watched her for a moment before turning her attention back to the situation in front of her. Tinkerbell was still sitting on the branch and seemed almost lifeless herself. At least she wasn’t running away.

  Rommy turned to Pan. Now to keep him from dying.

  Chapter 15:

  Pan’s Brush With Death

  With a last glance at Tinkerbell, Rommy knelt next to Pan. His breathing seemed shallow, and all the color had leached from his face. His lashes made a dark fan on his pale cheeks. He looked incredibly young.

  Rommy looked closer at the tiny weapon Tinkerbell had used. Only the handle was visible. Blood seeped out around the wound. Gingerly, Rommy reached out to touch the weapon.

  “You shouldn’t do that,” said a dull voice. Rommy twisted around. Tinkerbell had straightened up and was regarding her with clouded eyes.

  “I think I need to pull it out,” Rommy said.

  Tinkerbell shook her head. “I poisoned it.”

  ‘What?”

  Tinkerbell shrugged. “I wanted to be sure he’d die.”

  “Well, you touched it. Why aren’t you poisoned?”

  “It’s just the blade that I poisoned,” said Tinkerbell. “It shouldn’t be on the handle, but you never know.”

  Rommy looked around and pulled a leaf off a nearby plant. Carefully, using it like an oven mitt, she gripped the handle of the weapon. Drawing in a deep breath, she pulled it out. It made a slight sucking sound, and Rommy fought a gag.

  Peering at the small object, Rommy realized it was actually a tiny sword. It glistened with Pan’s blood and something dark. She grimaced and chucked it into the undergrowth.

  Blood formed a damp circle around the hole in Pan’s tunic. Pulling out her own dagger, Rommy carefully cut away the fabric. She looked around for something to clean the wound so she could get a better look at it. Her own shirt was filthy, and she knew that using something dirty could cause an infection.

  Tinkerbell fluttered down with a handful of pale green leaves. She thrust them at Rommy. “Here,” she said. “These are safe to use.”

  Rommy waved away the fairy. Then she hesitated. She looked back at Pan. His face had taken on a grey-blue tinge. Quickly, before she could change her mind, she dug one of the silver leaves out of her pocket. She glanced over her shoulder. Tinkerbell was still hovering, but her gaze was on the pale green leaves still in her hands. Rommy looked at the leaf in her own hand and then at the wound on Pan’s shoulder. She wasn’t sure how this worked. How did you use a leaf to make a wish? Finally, she gripped it in her hand and muttered, “I wish for Pan to be okay.”

  Nothing happened.

  She heard a faint buzz and realized Tinkerbell was hovering next to her ear. The small fairy had her head cocked. Rommy quickly closed her hand over the leaf, hoping to hide it from the fairy’s inquisitive gaze.

  “It doesn’t work like that,” Tinkerbell said after a moment.

  “I don’t know what you mean,” said Rommy.

  Tinkerbell shook the pale green leaves at her again. “Here,” she said. “Take them. You have to clean off the blood before you can get rid of the poison. Then you can use the wish leaf.”

  So much for hiding anything from the fairy. Fear made Rommy’s scalp tingle. Tinkerbell was so unpredictable, Rommy knew it was pointless to ask her not to say anything about the wish leaves.

  Sighing, Rommy reached out, took the cluster of vegetation from the fairy, and carefully cleaned around the wound. Once she was done, blood continued to leak out, but it was a small trickle. More worrisome were the dark lines that spread from the wound across Pan’s pale skin. She also noted his boney chest barely moving up and down as his breath had grown more shallow, and sweat beaded across his forehead.

  She looked up at Tinkerbell. “What do I do now? If the wish leaf won’t work, how do I get the poison out”

  Tinkerbell’s eyes were flat when they met Rommy’s. “The swamp leech is good for removing the poison.” She shrugged. “But you’ll never find one in time.” She nodded at Pan, and Rommy
was alarmed to see the dark lines were spreading quickly, especially the one toward his heart.

  Panic welled up in her. She wanted to stop Pan, but the idea of him dying right in front of her sent a swell of sorrow through her. He had seemed invincible.

  “Well, what do I do?” She rose up on her knees to get closer to the fairy. “How do I save him?”

  Tinkerbell paused for so long, Rommy didn’t think she was going to answer. Finally, she said, “You have to use the wish leaf, of course.”

  Rommy clenched her hands. “But, you just said it wouldn’t work. Are you trying to confuse me?” She stared down at Pan. If anything, he was even paler.

  “If that line gets to his heart, he’ll die,” said Tinkerbell. She pointed with a small finger toward the dark line that was spreading relentlessly toward the center of Pan’s chest.

  Frustration and panic tangled into a tight lump in Rommy’s throat. “How do I use this?” She flapped the silvery leaf in the fairy’s face.

  Tinkerbell pointed again. “Wish leaves only work if you say exactly what you want.”

  At Rommy’s blank look, the fairy huffed. “Put the wish leaf on the wound, and then say just what you want to happen.”

  Rommy gently laid the leaf onto the wound. Feeling slightly ridiculous, she said, “I wish for the poison to leave.”

  She waited, but nothing happened.

  Tinkerbell shook her head and stomped a tiny foot. “No, no, no,” she said, her voice starting climb. “Say what you want to happen exactly as you want it to happen.”

  Rommy stared at the leaf lying on Pan’s shoulder. A tiny trickle of blood leaked from around its edges.

  “I wish for the poison...in Pan’s body...to leave his body...immediately,” she said.

  At first nothing happened, and then light began to shine through and around the leaf. As the light got brighter, the leaf got darker.

  Rommy could see the dark lines receding until they disappeared under the edges of the leaf. When the last one disappeared Pan jerked and then moaned. Then, with a final brilliant pulsing glow, the leaf dissolved into tiny motes of sparkling light which drifted away.